doc_text
stringlengths 157
16.7k
| summary_text
stringlengths 26
11.1k
| highlight_spans
stringlengths 9
3.7k
|
|---|---|---|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- No one can deny that these are difficult days . Ireland this week became the second Eurozone nation in six months to be bailed out by the International Monetary Fund . The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development predicted a slowing down of economic recovery through 2011 , with more turbulence ahead if `` global imbalances '' and high levels of sovereign debt are not brought under control . As currency speculators hover in search of easy pickings , Western nations rush to impose self-styled `` austerity measures . '' No one wants to be the next economic basket case . Let 's cross our fingers and pray to the gods that we escape the luck of the Irish . The temptation for national governments to panic and retrench is powerful . But the instinct is misguided and damagingly regressive . Even the language of austerity , with its overtones of punishment , is painfully wrong . And the pain is inflicted first and foremost on the public sector -- where spending cuts abound and job losses are rife -- and on the poorest in society . Frontline services evaporate and the most deprived communities are left hanging out to dry . Austerity comes from the Greek verb `` to dry . '' It is sour and astringent . Self-flagellation is the order of the day . TED.com : Bjorn Lomborg sets global priorities . Some at least of this new austerity is a form of ideological revenge . The UK is a striking case in point . Britain 's Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne smiled all the way to the dispatches box as he delivered plans to cut the UK deficit to nothing in the space of five years . His was the moral high ground . The finger of blame was pointed clearly at his predecessors who had been `` profligate '' with the nation 's resources and built an `` overblown '' public sector . It 's a tempting and convenient narrative . But it 's also profoundly inaccurate and a damaging basis for economic renewal . The first casualty in party warfare is a sense of perspective . For all his failings , one of Gordon Brown 's most significant achievements as chancellor from 1997 to 2007 was to bring the national debt down below 40 percent of the gross domestic product and keep it there consistently for the longest period in UK history since World War I . That is , until the crisis struck -- and then all hell broke loose . Public sector spending , having been stable in relative terms for decades , leapt from 40 percent to 50 percent of the GDP . The public deficit approached 12 percent of the GDP and the sovereign debt is set to double -- all in the space of a few short years . Amidst the ideological bloodletting , the architecture of the crisis has been conveniently forgotten . This was not a crisis born from rampant socialism , but from unbridled capitalism . What collapsed was not the internal viability of the social economy but the structural integrity of capital markets . And the biggest casualty of all has been our ability to invest meaningfully in the future . When the language is all about spending cuts , the mere mention of investment in public goods is seen as heretical . And one of the most vital tenets of economics -- that our future welfare depends on the services provided by capital assets -- is left waving in the ideological wind . For one brief moment during early 2009 , the political rhetoric around stimulus lingered tantalizingly on the need to invest in transition -- away from a carbon-intensive , fossil-fueled economy and toward a sustainable , green society . We missed the chance to take that opportunity seriously . TED.com : John Hardy 's green school dream . What we can not afford to do now is to erase the lessons of the global financial crash from our minds in our desire to avoid a visit from the IMF . In fact , it is we who should pay a visit to the IMF . A global institution which has failed to protect global capitalism from itself is no longer fit for its purpose . Imposing austerity as a means to revive business as usual is a moribund strategy . If institutional reform is the order of the day , then the transformation of the IMF may not be a bad starting point . But beyond such reform , where should we turn for inspiration and renewal ? This is where frugality comes in . Austerity is all about cutting back the public sector in an attempt to reinvigorate the private sector . Frugality is about shifting our attention , and our income , away from restless consumption and toward long-term saving . Spending less , yes , but investing more -- both in the public and the private sphere . And in our rush to rebuild financial markets , we need to pause long enough to make them fit for the purpose . Investing responsibly in social and ecological assets is the key design criterion . Creating robust vehicles to direct public and private savings toward long-term investment in low carbon technologies and infrastructures , in resource productivity , in social goods and public spaces , in land and water and ecosystem services -- here is the cornerstone for economic renewal . TED.com : Saving the ocean one island at a time . Government must guide and lead this transition . This is not a time to dismantle the state . By all means let 's question again the boundaries between the private and the public sectors . Let 's explore new models of ownership and enterprise . Let 's question the role of productivity and the meaning of welfare . Let 's revisit the concept and function of public goods . But for goodness ' sake , let 's leave sufficient governance in place to have a decent chance at a new prosperity . Frugality comes from the Latin . It speaks of bearing fruit . Of our ability to flourish , not through relentless material profligacy , but through a due attention to season and cycle and the processes of maturation . Austerity presents us with an arid world , stripped bare of meaning , devoid of hope . Frugality offers us a way to re-enchant the future . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Tim Jackson .
|
Tim Jackson : Nations are hoping to avoid bailouts like those of Greece , Ireland . He says there 's a rush to embrace austerity measures that inflict pain on the poor . Jackson says we need to adopt frugal policies , spending less but investing more . Government must lead ; this is not a time to dismantle the state , he says .
|
[[485, 551], [2960, 2963], [2972, 3010], [4494, 4534], [5120, 5168], [5120, 5130], [5146, 5168], [5169, 5212]]
|
Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The sham marriage trial of Mexican actress Fernanda Romero , under way in a Los Angeles federal court , offered more drama this week than the soap operas she is famous for . The courtroom cast included celebrity photographer and reality TV star Markus Klinko , whom defense lawyers tried to paint as a revengeful ex-boyfriend who turned her in to immigrations agents . Romero sat directly in front of jurors , holding hands with co-defendant Kent Ross , the Los Angeles musician she allegedly paid $ 5,000 to marry her so she could get a U.S. work visa . The couple had an `` unconventional relationship , '' but their marriage was real , a defense lawyer said in opening statements . The 28-year-old actress-model began sobbing as Klinko testified against her Wednesday , outlining his romantic relationship with Romero that he said began after she married Ross . The judge scowled several times as the lead defense attorney questioned Klinko about areas already ruled irrelevant to the case . `` Please , do n't do that , '' U.S. District Judge Manuel Real warned defense lawyer Michael Nasatir . Real 's rulings frustrated defense efforts to press Klinko about why he hired the private investigator who dug up the evidence that prompted immigration agents to begin their probe of Romero 's marriage . Klinko testified that it was `` completely incorrect '' that his motivation was to get his former girlfriend deported . Instead , the investigator was gathering evidence to be used in a lawsuit against Michael Ball , the founder and owner of the Rock & Republic fashion company , Klinko said . The criminal complaint named Ball as a target of the federal investigation , alleging that he helped arrange the sham marriage while Romero was modeling for his company . Klinko said his lawyer turned the evidence over to the government only because he feared Klinko might by extorted by Ball . `` My case has never been against Fernanda , '' Klinko said after his testimony . `` I wish her the best . '' The judge also rejected the defense attempt to allege that Klinko , a Swiss native , was himself involved in a sham marriage in 1987 -- a charge he denied outside court . `` The defense attempted over and over again to taint Mr. Klinko with malicious and false smears , '' said Klinko 's lawyer , Lisa Bloom . `` The judge repeatedly blocked them from doing so by sustaining multiple objections to their improper questions . We thank the judge . '' The prosecutor in the case , Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Left , said Romero could get between 15 and 21 months in prison if convicted , though such cases usually produce shorter sentences . The case is unusual because marriage fraud charges are usually litigated by immigration authorities rather than prosecuted as criminal cases . The federal complaint accuses Romero of paying Ross , 28 , to marry her June 12 , 2005 , but alleges that they never lived together as a couple . Romero began dating Klinko a month later , and they lived together for several months , the complaint says . According to a sworn affidavit by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Senior Special Agent Bonita Canterberry filed in the case , Klinko and Romero 's relationship ended in 2007 , about the same time Klinko filed a lawsuit against Rock & Republic and Ball , alleging breach of contract in relation to a photo shoot . Klinko also accused Ball of extortion . Romero 's show business career began in Mexico at age 16 when she joined the ensemble Frizzby , her Internet Movie Database biography says . The group toured Mexico and Central America , releasing two top-10 singles , it says . She started hosting television shows and appearing on commercials in Mexico when she was 18 , it says . Romero has appeared in print and TV ad campaigns for Rock and Republic , Clean and Clear , Pepsi , Apple and JC Penney , it says . `` She was cast in Telemundo 's original production ` Wounded Soul , ' where she was not only a lead actress , but also a lead singer , performing two songs in the soap opera 's soundtrack , '' her online biography says .
|
Defense : Fernanda Romero 's marriage was `` unconventional '' but real . The Mexican actress is accused of using a fake marriage to get a U.S. green card . Photographer Markus Klinko was the key prosecution witness . Klinko says his goal was not to get his ex-girlfriend deported .
|
[[650, 680], [218, 302], [1348, 1456]]
|
-LRB- CNET -RRB- -- For Stanford University student Feross Aboukhadijeh , what started off as a bet fueled by youthful ambition and technical bravado , ended up an Internet hit and quite possibly a job . Last week , Aboukhadijeh , 19 , was just an ordinary , albeit talented , college student as he tested out Google Instant , the Web giant 's new predictive search results feature . He was immediately impressed on its debut Wednesday but also inspired . To his roommate , he said , `` I bet you I can build YouTube Instant in an hour . '' And his roommate took him up on the bet . Aboukhadijeh did n't quite make the hour deadline , but three hours later , YouTube Instant was born . The site lets people search the enormous YouTube video database in real time . He spent a couple more hours Thursday sprucing up the user interface . And before going to sleep that night , he posted his work to his Facebook page . `` When I woke up Friday morning there was craziness , '' he said . By `` craziness , '' Aboukhadijeh means countless e-mails congratulating him , a bevy of interview requests , a server flooded with Web traffic , the creation of a Wikipedia entry in his name , and -- perhaps most notably -- a job offer from YouTube CEO Chad Hurley via Twitter . Unsure just how seriously to take the tweeted job offer , Aboukhadijeh replied along the lines of `` Is this a for-real offer ? '' Hurley then e-mailed him to set up a meeting , which is scheduled for Monday at YouTube 's San Bruno , Calif. , headquarters , Aboukhadijeh said . YouTube officials did n't respond to an e-mail request sent Friday from CNET seeking confirmation of the job offer or meeting . Aboukhadijeh is just finishing up a summer internship with Facebook , but he does n't see how that would prohibit his taking a job at YouTube , which is owned by Google . `` I 'd like to finish college , '' he added , which he agreed could pose the bigger problem . Much like Google Instant , YouTube Instant lets people type in what they 're looking for , and the engine guesses what that video is . By design , it plays the video immediately . However , based on feedback , Aboukhadijeh said he 's working on play and pause features , among other improvements . `` It 's not as useful as Google Instant if you know exactly what you 're looking for , since you 're shown distracting YouTube videos on the way to your destination , '' Aboukhadijeh told All Thing Digital 's Peter Kafka . `` But I think this is perfect for many Internet users . '' He built the site using the YouTube API but scraped YouTube search suggestions after Google blocked his server for making too many repeated requests to the search suggestion endpoint . Aboukhadijeh ended up re-writing the site to instead query YouTube directly for search suggestions , `` eliminating the round-trip to my server , '' he said . Aboukhadijeh , who is from Sacramento , California , said he 's been blown away by how quickly his tool went viral and is grateful for all the supportive feedback . `` I 'm amazed and humbled by all the attention it 's received . So thank you , '' he said . But imitation is the highest form of flattery , and it appears he 's got that , too . TechCrunch on Saturday pointed to Alabama-based developer Michael Hart , who , inspired by Aboukhadijeh , used jQuery and the Google Maps API to build Google Maps Instant . And the same blogger later pointed to an all-encompassing Instantise page that gives a home to the evidently quickly growing number of sites with instant , predictive search results . Instantise was reportedly designed by Scottish engineer Tam Denholm , TechCrunch said . Aboukhadijeh is a majoring in computer science , but his technical expertise has been developing over many years . Around age 5 , when his parents bought a new microwave oven , he took the manual and learned how to turn on the child lock , something his parents never learned to do . That knowledge came in handy when he was old enough to get grounded -- he would lock it up and use it as a bargaining chip . © 2010 CBS Interactive Inc. . All rights reserved . CNET , CNET.com and the CNET logo are registered trademarks of CBS Interactive Inc. . Used by permission .
|
Stanford University student creates YouTube Instant in three hours . The site lets people search enormous YouTube video database in real time . Student says he 's been blown away by how quickly his tool went viral .
|
[[639, 656], [659, 685], [686, 764], [700, 764], [2863, 2875], [2916, 3027]]
|
-LRB- RealSimple.com -RRB- -- Readers share the uncustomary customs they celebrate year after year . Since we moved to Virginia four years ago , my husband and I have attended the annual National Menorah Lighting on the Ellipse , in Washington , D.C. . A military band accompanies three cantors while they give the blessing and sing , and latkes and sufganiyot -LRB- a type of doughnut often enjoyed on Hanukkah -RRB- are served . Afterward we go to our favorite Mediterranean restaurant . I am pregnant with twins due this month , and I ca n't wait to share this tradition with them . -- Cyndi Alderson , Oak Hill , Virginia . RealSimple.com : Holiday celebrations around the world . When my two siblings and I were very young , our nana started the tradition of hiding a small plastic bird in our Christmas tree -LRB- it was notable for the Band-Aid on its left leg , courtesy of a run-in with the family dog -RRB- . The three of us would search high and low to find the bird , which was supposed to bring the finder luck in the coming year . Once we were adults , our mom wanted us to continue the ritual with our own families , so she gave each of us a replica of a red cardinal . And ever since we 've enjoyed watching the next generation search for these birds . -- Beth Britton , New York , New York . A marshmallow fight . It always happens after dinner on Christmas Eve , and usually one of my cousins starts it . Everyone joins in , from the toddlers to the grandparents , until someone waves the white flag . -- Jessica P. Sanchez , La Mirada , California . During Hanukkah , we do a Yankee swap , a gift exchange . It has always been great fun , but a few years ago my husband and I decided to make it even more interesting by sneaking decoy gifts into the mix . They look like normal presents from the outside -- we wrap up things like CD cases , gift-card envelopes , and wine bottles -- but once you look inside , you see that the original item has been replaced with a note card bearing an instruction , such as `` Switch gifts with a person of the opposite gender '' or `` Choose a new gift -- and no one can take it from you . '' This little twist was a surprise to everyone the first year , but now it is our favorite part of the ritual . -- Christine Gritmon , Pearl River , New York . Every December , my friends and I visit a nearby resort that hosts a holiday gnome hunt . Twenty of these white-bearded men , which range from 6 to 12 inches tall , are hidden throughout a giant atrium . Our group of 12 splits into teams of three , and we give ourselves a two-hour time limit to scavenge for the gnomes . The folks who find the largest number of them win free ice cream or hot chocolate , depending on the weather that night . -- Alicia Carby , Orlando , Florida . RealSimple.com : Readers ' recipes from their family ktchens . While we decorate the tree , our family devours a spread of doughnuts and Champagne . We always save the wire cage from the top of the bottle , write the year underneath the cap with a permanent marker , then affix the cage to a high branch . My husband and I have done this since we got married , nearly three decades ago , so this year there will be 27 Champagne cages adorning our tree . They are unusual , to say the least , and add a fun pop of color . -- Evelyn Cucchiara , Madison , New Jersey . One tradition that my clan adopted from our hometown of Maracaibo , Venezuela -- in fact , it 's common in several Latin American countries -- is to wear a new pair of yellow underpants on New Year 's Eve and into the following day . It 's supposed to bring good luck . My husband , who is American , was amused to hear of this custom when I told him about it back in 2006 . Later that same day , he came home with two pairs of underwear : Mine were simply yellow , but he could find only a pair of SpongeBob Square-pants boxers for himself . Two pairs of lucky underwear now top our holiday shopping lists every year . -- Natalia Gustafson , Baton Rouge , Louisiana . After a few glasses of wine on Christmas Eve , my family and friends play Name That Tune using my late mother 's collection of wooden nutcrackers . The rules are simple : You `` crack '' out the song using the jaw 's lever , and the group has to guess what it is . Christmas carols are typically easy to identify -- I can pull off a mean version of `` Jingle Bell Rock '' -- but opera , which was my mom 's favorite , and blues , my uncle 's music of choice , are nearly impossible to recognize . -- Marybeth Kass , Holyoke , Massachusetts . Our tree is covered with mementos instead of ornaments . We have key chains from trips -LRB- Germany , the Grand Canyon -RRB- ; my grandmother 's credit cards from high-end stores , like Harrods in London ; and the hook my brother wore when he played Captain Hook in second grade -- all of which are hung with green ribbon . During the year , we keep the more fragile items -LRB- origami swans , napkins with funny quotes scribbled on them , business cards -RRB- pressed between the pages of a Life magazine from the 1960s , which is when my parents started this tradition . Flipping through that magazine is a beloved part of the occasion now , too . -- Genna Hinkle , Saratoga Springs , New York . Our New Year 's Eve would not be complete without bagna cauda , a southern Italian dip . Its literal translation is `` hot bath . '' To make it , you combine anchovies , tuna , garlic , and heavy cream in a sizzling skillet . -LRB- A word of warning : The overpowering smell may ward off some guests . -RRB- Still , we believe , as the Italians of Calabria do , that you must consume at least one cabbage leaf soaked in it or your luck in the coming year may be jeopardized . -- Anne Johnson , Prior Lake , Minnesota . RealSimple.com : How do you make holiday entertaining less stressful ? I trace my kids ' hands on our red flannel tree skirt with fabric-paint pens and also include their ages . I have been doing this for the past seven years . My boys , ages 13 and 11 , have loved witnessing how their hands have grown . The skirt is now half-full . Someday we 'll add their spouses ' handprints , or just wait for their children to be born . -- Rebecca Wheat Townsend , Abilene , Texas . We collect dry milkweed pods in the fall . Then we open them during the holidays and blow the fluffy white seeds all over our tree . It looks like snow on the branches . -- Vicki Ann Shannon , Marshall , Missouri . At midnight on New Year 's Eve , our family and friends join us to bang on the light post in front of our home . Using hammers and wrenches , we hit the post for about two minutes straight while shouting , `` Happy New Year ! '' Hopefully , we do n't drive the neighbors crazy . -- Lorrie Kellerman-Fullmer , Anthem , Arizona . Our tradition is eating plum pudding and hard sauce , which is a topping made of butter , sugar , and alcohol . While my sisters and I were growing up , my Irish mother always bought a particular brand of pudding . When the company stopped making it , we tried other versions , but nothing tasted right to us . Mom experimented until she came up with a recipe that was reminiscent of the original . Nowadays , we live far apart from one another , but one thing we all do during the holidays is whip up her matchless holiday treat . -- Maura Diehl , Orefield , Pennsylvania . Every January , my family cuts the base off the Christmas tree in order to display it in a glass-topped coffee table . It 's a long process : To keep the wood from rotting , we dry it out for several months , then coat the entire thing in polyurethane . We then use rub-on numbers to mark the year . There is the base of the tree my brother pulled down as a toddler , and one from the tiny tree my dad had when he was serving in Saudi Arabia . The nearly three dozen bases make up a family time line like no other . -- Marley Cassels , Columbia , Missouri . Get a FREE TRIAL issue of Real Simple - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2010 Time Inc. . All rights reserved .
|
Hiding an item in your Christmas tree is an easy tradition to pass down . One reader 's family participates in a marshmallow fight every Christmas Eve . Many families participate in a Yankee swap -- a trick gift exchange . People wear a pair of yellow underpants in Latin American countries on New Year 's Eve .
|
[[3354, 3419], [3445, 3493], [3497, 3587]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Following in the footsteps of many other celebrities , the miners who spent more than two months trapped underground in a Chilean mine are `` going to Disney World . '' `` The amazing story of these miners captured the attention of the world for demonstrating the true power and resilience of the human spirit , '' Disney President and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement . `` We are proud to welcome these courageous men and their families to the Walt Disney World Resort . '' Disney is picking up the tab for the miners , their rescuers and their immediate families during a six-night stay -- January 27 to February 2 . Each family will get a $ 500 gift card . The group will serve as honorary Grand Marshals of a Main Street U.S.A. parade . The story of the miners , known simply as `` the 33 '' in Chile , transfixed much of the world during their 69 day ordeal about half a mile below ground . They have been popular on the American talk show circuit since their rescue in October and have been honored by Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and on the `` CNN Heroes '' show .
|
Disney is hosting miners and rescuers next month . The group is going to be Grand Marshals at a Disney World parade .
|
[[74, 184], [494, 602], [74, 184]]
|
Kabul , Afghanistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Afghan and NATO troops killed 10 insurgents during separate sweeps in southern and eastern Afghanistan , NATO 's International Security Assistance Force said Monday . ISAF said coalition troops spotted insurgents placing an improvised explosive device in the Musa Qal ` ah district of Helmand province and killed several with small arms fire . In the Tagab district of Kapisa province , ISAF said a combined patrol of coalition and Afghan forces came under fire from insurgents . The patrol returned fire , killing and wounding what ISAF described as `` numerous '' insurgents . ISAF also said separate patrols found a number of weapons , ammunition and explosive components in caches located in eastern and southern Afghanistan . Meanwhile , one person died and 26 were injured when a car bomb exploded Monday as police were picking up their paychecks in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar , authorities said . The bomb detonated in a Toyota Corolla about 500 meters -LRB- 1,640 feet -RRB- from Kabul Bank , a police security director there said . The Kandahar Government Media and Information Center said the injured included 16 police and 10 civilians . CNN 's Matiullah Mati and Arwa Damon contributed to this report .
|
NEW : NATO and Afghan troops kill 10 insurgents . Car bomb explodes in Kandahar as police picked up their paychecks . 1 person died and 26 others were injured in the bombing .
|
[[8, 141], [770, 779], [782, 792], [802, 931], [770, 779], [782, 797], [770, 779], [782, 792], [802, 931]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Thirty-six people in northern India are dead and another 28 are injured following a collision between a bus and a vehicle carrying mourners from a funeral , an official news agency reported Sunday , citing local officials . The crash occurred late Saturday outside Badaun , in Uttar Pradesh state , District Magistrate Amit Gupta told the official Press Trust of India agency . The state government bus collided with a vehicle , known as a matador , that was transporting people back from a ceremony marking the last rites of a relative , Badaun police Superintendent D.K. Chaudhary said . The bus driver , Bahm Swaroop , was among those killed , according to Chaudhary . Thirty-four people were pronounced dead soon after the crash , while five of the 30 hurt were seriously wounded , officials said . Two people died of their injuries early Sunday , according to Gupta . Details of the accident were not available . The provincial government has announced that it will give payments of 2 lakhs -LRB- about $ 4,500 in U.S. currency -RRB- to the families of those killed , with 50,000 rupees -LRB- about $ 1,100 -RRB- going to the injured , the Press Trust of India reported .
|
Crash occurs late Saturday near Badaun , an official tells Indian state-run news agency . In addition to the 36 killed , 28 needed treatment . One vehicle was bringing people back from a ceremony marking the last rites of a relative . Provincial government giving payments to those hurt and relatives of those killed .
|
[[176, 215], [176, 199], [218, 242], [243, 290], [293, 315], [318, 396], [68, 173], [68, 173], [457, 466], [474, 555], [937, 1136]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The disputed head of the Ivory Coast will not step down , one of his key ministers said Saturday , despite the threat by West African leaders to use military force to force him out . A day earlier , a statement from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States said its 15 members would not hesitate to use `` legitimate force '' if necessary to defuse an escalating crisis in the Ivory Coast . But Alcide Djedje , the foreign affairs minister for incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo , on Saturday dismissed the threat as part of a Western plot spearheaded by France . He said that his regime views the prospect of outside military action unlikely , claiming that the West African group 's members would be reluctant to send soldiers into the Ivory Coast . The organization 's move was the latest to isolate Gbagbo , amid sweeping international sentiment that he is not the Ivory Coast 's rightfully elected leader and that his forces have perpetrated human rights abuses against his opponents . The United Nations , African Union , European Union and numerous individual nations have called for Gbagbo to step down , with many also calling out his regime for its actions against political foes in the past week that have reportedly killed scores of people . Still , the call from the Economic Community was especially significant , given that the Ivory Coast is a member and its mention of possible military action . `` In the event that Mr. Gbagbo fails to heed this immutable demand of ECOWAS , the Community would be left with no alternative but to take other measures , including the use of legitimate force , to achieve the goals of the Ivorian people , '' the group said in a statement following an emergency meeting Friday in Abuja , Nigeria . Under the leadership of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan , the regional bloc will coordinate , `` without delay , '' a meeting of defense ministers from member countries `` to plan future actions , including the provision of security along the Cote d'Ivoire-Liberia border , '' the statement said . This back-and-forth comes as the security situation in the Ivory Coast continues to deteriorate . The United Nations refugee agency said Saturday that about 14,000 Ivory Coast residents escaping that country have fled to eastern Liberia , some walking hours if not days before boarding barges on rivers bordering the West African nation . A few deaths have been reported among the refugees , including a child who drowned while crossing the Cestos River into Butuo . In some locales without ambulances , U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees vehicles are being used to take people out to get medical care . `` Some are arriving with severely swollen feet , ... some families said they had walked three to four days through the bush with little food , '' the U.N. agency said in a statement . A spokesman for Alassane Ouattara , widely recognized as the Ivory Coast 's legitimate leader following a November 28 run-off election , accused Gbagbo of defying democratic ideals and instead embarking on new era of violence . Spokesman Patrick Achi said Friday that Ouattara hopes the West African leaders will be able to help end the turmoil . Meanwhile , the Dutch Defense Ministry said on Friday that at the request of France , it had dispatched one of its ships to the Ivory Coast to help evacuate European citizens in case the situation worsens . And U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said earlier this week that the United States and other countries were discussing with African nations the possibility of augmenting the existing U.N. force in the Ivory Coast . However , he said it was unclear what a U.S. contribution could look like -- forces of logistical support or something more indirect were among the options . The African Union has suspended the Ivory Coast from the organization `` until such a time the democratically elected president effectively assumes state power . '' The World Bank has halted lending and disbursing funds to Ivory Coast and has closed its office in the country . On Friday , U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the decision of the U.N. General Assembly to recognize Ouattara as the winner of the disputed Ivory Coast election . `` This important decision reflects the united position of the international community with respect to the legitimacy of the new government led by President Ouattara , '' a spokesman for the secretary-general said in a written statement . Kyung-wha Kang , the U.N. deputy high commissioner for human rights , has said that between December 16 and Tuesday , human rights officers had `` substantiated allegations of 173 killings , 90 instances of torture and ill treatment , 471 arrests and detentions and 24 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances . '' She added that the actual numbers may be much higher because `` it has been impossible to investigate all the allegations of serious human rights violations , including reports of mass graves , due to restrictions on movement by U.N. personnel . '' While acknowledging `` the situation is very , very difficult to live '' in , Charles Ble Goude -- the nation 's youth minister under Gbagbo -- said Thursday the government is `` dealing with that . '' He said `` the U.N. report is not correct , '' especially in its fingering fellow Gbagbo backers as being to blame for the recent violence . Instead , he accused Ouattara 's supporters of using weapons at what had been billed as peaceful rallies to attack soldiers . After last month 's election , the country 's Independent Electoral Commission named Ouattara the winner . But its Constitutional Council invalidated those results and declared that Gbagbo won . Goude said that he and others in Gbagbo 's circle could n't accept the electoral commission picking Ouattara , noting that it announced its decision in a hotel that was also being used as Ouattara 's headquarters . While stressing a desire for talks on the issue , he said there is no intention for Gbagbo to forfeit a seat that he believes is rightfully his . `` Why do you want someone who won an election to step down ? '' Goude asked . `` The president has been elected . ''
|
The Ivory Coast 's Laurent Gbagbo will not step down , his foreign minister says . The official dismisses as unlikely a threat by West African leaders to use force against Gbagbo . On Friday , that group said it may have `` no alternative '' but to use `` legitimate force '' The international community has called Gbagbo illegitimate and accused his forces of abuses .
|
[[0, 15], [56, 74], [5953, 6000], [6003, 6061], [429, 442], [527, 573], [598, 785], [202, 215], [218, 424], [786, 883], [846, 914], [889, 1024], [1025, 1144], [4264, 4403]]
|
Atlanta , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The cholera epidemic already blamed for more than 1,100 deaths in Haiti could worsen because of poor sanitation in the earthquake-ravaged country , U.S. medical researchers reported Thursday . A lack of treated drinking water , coupled with poor hand hygiene and food-preparation practices , make the 1.3 million people still living in camps particularly vulnerable , according to a new study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . `` The course of the cholera outbreak in Haiti is difficult to predict , '' the report states . `` The Haitian population has no pre-existing immunity to cholera , and environmental conditions in Haiti are favorable for its continued spread . '' Jordan Tappero , a CDC epidemiologist in Haiti , said Haitian authorities and aid agencies are working to limit the epidemic by emphasizing clean water and sanitation . But he added , `` We expect we will be working very hard for many months to come . '' Haiti has not reported a cholera outbreak in more than a century . The current epidemic was first reported in October and has now spread to eight of the Caribbean nation 's 10 provinces , the CDC found . Reports linking the outbreak to Nepalese troops from the U.N. peacekeeping mission MINUSTAH sparked riots in the northern port city of Cap-Haitien on Tuesday . A new round of violent protests erupted Thursday in the capital Port-au-Prince , eyewitnesses told CNN . U.N. officials have denied the Nepalese were to blame for the outbreak . The CDC has said the strain of the cholera bacteria responsible is `` indistinguishable '' from one found in other parts of the world , including south Asia , but researchers are unlikely to be able to pinpoint how it arrived in Haiti . `` The reality is that we have a serious problem here , '' CDC spokeswoman Lola Russell said . The emphasis is on controlling the outbreak , `` so that more people do not become ill and potentially die from cholera . '' The epidemic comes as Haiti -- already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere -- struggles to recover from the January earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people . Even before the quake , only 12 percent of the Haitian population of 9.8 million received treated tap water and only 17 percent had access to adequate sanitation , the CDC noted . `` The water safety and sanitation systems in Haiti were weak be before the earthquake and made weaker by the earthquake , so conditions are ripe for the further spread of cholera , '' Tappero told CNN . Some symptoms of cholera , an acute , bacterial illness caused by drinking tainted water , can be mild or even nonexistent . But the disease can cause profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting , leading to death by rapid dehydration . The heart of the outbreak is the Haitian province of Artibonite , north of Port-au-Prince . Interviews with victims hospitalized in the first days of the outbreak found that two-thirds of them had been drinking untreated water from rivers or canals , the same percentage did not routinely use chlorine to sanitize drinking water and nearly four out of five defecated in the open . And as the current outbreak spreads , infected people could spread the disease further by preparing food without proper hygiene , the CDC reported . `` The way to prevent acquiring cholera when sanitation is poor is to take your water from a clean water source or treat water yourself in the home , and use good sanitary practices with clean water when preparing and cooking food , '' Tappero said . CNN 's Miriam Falco and Matt Smith contributed to this report .
|
U.S. report says the cholera outbreak 's course is `` difficult to predict '' Haiti has n't seen a cholera outbreak in more than a century . The epidemic has killed more than 1,100 in the earthquake-ravaged nation .
|
[[497, 576], [998, 1064], [37, 108]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris was rebounding Saturday after hundreds of flights were canceled because of a shortage of de-icing fluid during snow and ice that snarled air traffic across Europe , authorities said . Flight delays at de Gaulle were expected to decrease as the day went on . Officials could not give an exact number of flight cancellations . The weather improved Saturday and shipments of de-icing fluid from Charlotte , North Carolina , and Germany , will help alleviate future problems , officials said . Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet , minister for transportation and ecology , said she wants more information on the fluid shortage . About 300 people who spent the night at the airport were provided with food and blankets , officials said . Transport ministry official Thierry Mariani paid them a visit and volunteers provided stuff animals for children and gifts of chocolate . Some passengers and others were critical of what happened at de Gaulle , but officials blamed the situation largely on the weather . Air France CEO Pierre-Henri Gourgeoan told the news agency AFP the airline had not been informed of the problems . `` It is surprising and somewhat -LSB- impermissible -RSB- that an airport such as Roissy Charles de Gaulle could experience such a supply problem . It is an isolated case in Europe , '' said Gourgeoan . Meanwhile , the Brussels , Belgium , airport reported that operations were nearly back to normal Saturday , with two of three runways operational . Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports in London said airlines were operating , but some delays or cancellations were possible . Airports across Europe are still struggling to get passengers to their destinations after they were snarled by unexpected snow over the weekend . Nearly 2,000 passengers at de Gaulle were moved from Terminal 2E to other parts of the airport on Friday because of the weight of snow on a roof , French authorities said , calling the measure `` preventative . '' Part of the roof of that terminal collapsed in 2004 , shortly after the state-of-the-art building was inaugurated . Four people were killed , media reports at the time said . About a foot of snow had fallen on the roof Friday by the time authorities decided to close the terminal , French media reports said . French authorities earlier Friday asked airlines to cancel half their morning flights to and from the airport because the de-icing fluid was running low . That led to the cancellation of 400 flights Friday morning -- 200 arrivals and 200 departures . Then , early in the afternoon , authorities asked airlines to scrap a third of their flights for the rest of the day . Charles de Gaulle is the second busiest airport in Europe , after Heathrow in London . Paris ' second airport , Orly , has not had to cancel flights because it is not running out of glycol , which is using for de-icing , authorities said . CNN 's Niki Cook and Per Nyberg contributed to this report .
|
NEW : Officials will investigate de-icing fluid shortage . Christmas Day brings smoother operations at Charles de Gaulle Airport . About a foot of snow falls on the de Gaulle roof , forcing a partial evacuation . European airports are recovering from long delays .
|
[[2433, 2469], [1791, 1935], [2180, 2242]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ecuador is the latest country to recognize an independent Palestinian state . The government said on Friday that President Rafael Correa recognized `` the Palestine State as free and independent within its borders since 1967 . '' Others countries -- such as Brazil , Argentina and Uruguay -- recently made the same move . These diplomatic initiatives come after the breakdown of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians . Palestinians have been seeking international recognition of an independent state , a strategy to achieve statehood outside the framework of talks with Israel . `` Sadly , the Middle East continues to face wars and violent events that have led to the death of many innocent people , a situation contrary to the humane and pacifist position established by the Ecuadorian Constitution . This recognition is meant to reinforce the valid and legitimate wish of the Palestine people to have their own free and independent state , '' the Ecuadorian government said . Ecuador said the acknowledgment of such a state has been legitimized by U.N. Security Council resolutions , numbers 242 and 338 , and an Arab peace initiative adopted in the 2002 Beirut Summit . The recognition of an independent Palestine , the government said , `` will be fundamental to achieve the peaceful co-existence of the nations in the region through dialogue and mediation . ''
|
Other South American nations recognized a Palestinian state . Palestinians have recently requested state recognition . This comes amid a breakdown in talks with Israel .
|
[[19, 96], [455, 535], [341, 454]]
|
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday congratulated President Barack Obama on the Senate 's approval of a new nuclear arms control treaty between the countries , the White House said . According to a White House statement , the two presidents spoke by phone on the first day of Obama 's Hawaiian holiday after Congress adjourned Wednesday in a flurry of legislative action , including the Senate vote to pass the treaty -- a major foreign policy objective of the Obama administration . `` President Obama and President Medvedev spoke by phone this morning to discuss the new START Treaty and their continued close cooperation on a range of critical issues , '' the White House statement said . `` President Medvedev congratulated President Obama on the Senate 's approval of the new START Treaty , and the two leaders agreed that this was an historic event for both countries and for U.S.-Russia relations . '' Obama cited issues of cooperation with Russia including Afghanistan , sanctions on Iran and World Trade Organization developments , the statement said . Obama added it was important for the two countries to work together `` to support a peaceful referendum in Sudan and a resolution to the impasse in Cote D'Ivoire -LRB- Ivory Coast -RRB- that respects the results of the recent democratic election , '' according to the statement . The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty , or New START , was passed on a 71-26 Senate vote , with several Republicans joining a unified Democratic caucus in support of the accord . The treaty will bring resumed inspections of each country 's nuclear arsenal while limiting both the United States and Russia to 1,550 warheads and 700 launchers . It still needs to be approved by the Russian parliament . Signed by Obama and Medvedev in April , the treaty is considered a critical component of nuclear non-proliferation efforts and the administration 's attempt to `` reset '' Washington 's relationship with Moscow . `` This is the most significant arms control agreement in nearly two decades , '' Obama said Wednesday after the Senate vote . It `` will enhance our leadership to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and seek the peace of a world without them . '' Several senators were reassured by the last-minute passage of an amendment stating that the accord should not be interpreted in a way that would hamper U.S. missile defense plans . The amendment was sponsored by Republican senators John McCain of Arizona and Bob Corker of Tennessee , among others . Others said they had been assured of an administration commitment to modernize America 's aging nuclear arsenal . `` The people of the world are watching us , because they rely on our leadership , '' said Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry , D-Massachusetts . It is time to `` move the world a little more out of the dark shadow of nuclear nightmare . '' `` We are the leading nuclear power on this earth . It is our responsibility to lead , '' said Sen. Byron Dorgan , D-North Dakota . This treaty is `` a step in the right direction . '' Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar , the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee , called it a step forward in terms of constraining `` expensive arms competition with Russia '' and frustrating `` rogue nations who would prefer as much distance as possible between the United States and Russia . '' Not all Republicans were convinced of the treaty 's merits , however . Sen. Jim DeMint , R-South Carolina , argued on the Senate floor that the basic premise of the treaty -- that America 's nuclear arsenal should be at parity with Russia 's -- is flawed . `` Russia is a protector of none and a threat to many . America is a protector of many and a threat to none , '' DeMint said . DeMint also voiced an ongoing conservative complaint in the lame-duck session -- that Democrats were ramming the treaty through as part of a long list of partisan priorities rejected by the public in the midterm elections . `` We should not be passing major legislation at this time of year with this Congress , '' he said . The arms pact is part of `` a continued effort of accommodation and appeasement '' that makes a `` mockery of the debate and ratification process . '' Sen. Mark Kirk , R-Illinois , called the treaty `` an echo from the 20th century '' that fails to account for new and emerging threats . Kirk and several other senators expressed a fear that the treaty would weaken America 's ability to prevent potential nuclear attacks from countries such as Iran and North Korea . McCain himself , despite passage of the amendment he sponsored , ultimately voted against the accord . He argued that it `` re-establishes an old and outdated linkage between nuclear arms and missile defense , which is no longer suited to the threats of today 's world . '' Passage of the treaty appeared to be in doubt for weeks . A late burst of support came Tuesday , however , after treaty supporters voted down or tabled several Republican amendments , saying they were unnecessary and would imperil the pact by reopening negotiated language or understandings with Russia . The defeated amendments included adding a reference to tactical nuclear weapons and a bid to remove from the preamble language recognizing a relationship between offensive and defensive weapons . An overwhelming majority of Americans support ratification of the treaty , according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released Tuesday : 73 percent of people questioned in the national poll said the Senate should approve the accord , while 24 percent said senators should reject it . CNN 's Alan Silverleib , Tom Cohen , Dana Bash , Ted Barrett and Lesa Jansen contributed to this report .
|
The two presidents spoke by phone on Thursday . Medvedev congratulates Obama on Senate approval of the nuclear treaty . The Senate passes the New START on a 71-26 vote . The treaty will bring back inspections and limit each nation 's warheads and launchers .
|
[[262, 376], [527, 625], [735, 833], [1382, 1436], [1439, 1472], [1563, 1688], [1563, 1573], [1646, 1726]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The votes are in , the numbers tallied and icon can now reveal that Santiago Sierra is the artist you find most controversial . The Spanish artist 's unapologetic art frequently scandalizes audiences , with some of his more controversial works including the transformation a former synagogue in Germany into a gas chamber . In second place you picked dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei , famous for destroying historic Chinese urns and coming in at number three was American artist Jeff Koons . Also making the top five were Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic and Richard Prince , best known for his provocative image of a 10-year-old Brooke Shields . Last month , CNN 's arts and culture program , icon , asked you to vote for your top five controversial artists . This month , we want to know your thoughts on the greatest dancers of the past century . Our top 20 list features prima ballerina Anna Pavlova , Hollywood star Fred Astaire and Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta . We 'll reveal your top five on January 27 when the next show airs .
|
Santiago Sierra is your number one choice of controversial artists . Also in the top five were Ai Weiwei and Jeff Koons . This month , vote for your five favorite dancers of the 20th century .
|
[[87, 146], [794, 804], [807, 882]]
|
Port-Au-Prince , Haiti -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Like cholera itself , Haiti 's protests against the United Nations spread Thursday to the capital , Port-au-Prince , as angry people took to the streets demanding the global body get out of their country . Similar demonstrations erupted earlier this week in the northern coastal city of Cap-Haitien after assertions that U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal were responsible for starting the cholera outbreak that has claimed more than 1,100 lives and spread to eight of the nation 's 10 departments . The United Nations has denied that its forces were responsible for the outbreak . In Port-au-Prince on Thursday , a planned protest began peacefully in the center of the city but turned violent as it moved toward the presidential palace , with one woman overcome by tear gas , witnesses said . At the central square , Champs de Mars Plaza , several hundred young men moving in a pack blocked traffic by setting fire to tires in the street and overturning Dumpsters . Several threw rocks at a campaign poster for presidential candidate Jude Celestin , whose candidacy has been endorsed by outgoing president Rene Preval . Others threw Molotov cocktails at the poster . Some Haitians have said Celestin is a symbol of what is not working in the country , and that Preval 's endorsement of him means the election -- set for November 28 -- will not be fair . Near the presidential palace , which was destroyed in the January 12 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people and left more than 1 million homeless , stores were closed and few cars were in the streets , though pedestrians were moving about freely . A sprawling makeshift tent city that is home to thousands of people who lost their homes in the quake is located in the area . `` The Haitian government is never do nothing for us , '' said Pierre Aliodor , a protester who lives in the camp . `` And we know the international government is still spending a lot of money for the Haitian people . But Preval , with his government , he still keeps their money to take back to the United States to buy some house . '' Since the earthquake struck , neither he nor his wife had received any help from the government or from any of the many nongovernmental organizations that are in Haiti , Aliodor said . Aliodor called for elections to be delayed . `` This is not election time , '' he said , adding that both Preval and the U.N. forces should depart , `` because they are not good for the Haitian people . '' In another part of town , dozens of Haitians -- most of them young and male -- attacked a government tractor that was being used to clear barricades blocking the streets . In addition to the 1,110 reported cholera deaths , another 18,382 people have been hospitalized with the disease , the health ministry reported . The hospital death rate was 4.0 percent , far above the none to 1.0 percent that infectious disease experts said they expect in developed countries . In Washington , Mark Ward , the acting director of the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance at the U.S. Agency for International Development , said U.S. authorities have `` a lot of confidence '' in the Haitian government 's response to the outbreak . The U.S. government strategy for aid in Haiti is to focus on prevention , he said , citing the need for clean drinking water , the addition of chlorine to the water supply , the ready availability of oral rehydration salts , education of the populace about how to protect themselves from getting the disease , and money to expand treatment centers . `` We 're going to invest a lot of money in their health system in the next five years , '' said Thomas C. Adams , special coordinator for Haiti . `` Every hour that the efforts of medical and relief workers are obstructed means more deaths of Haitians from cholera , '' said Dr. Mirta Roses , director of the Pan American Health Organization -LRB- PAHO -RRB- . `` We understand the frustration of many Haitians with the tragic situation that has developed as a result of systemic poverty , the January earthquake and now the cholera epidemic . But relief and medical workers are as critical to saving lives as rescue teams were after the earthquake . '' In Cap-Haitien , a cholera treatment center at the main stadium is being operated by Medecins Sans Frontieres , also known as Doctors without Borders . Before the recent unrest , the organization was planning to open another center in a different part of town , said Dr. Lea Guido , PAHO representative in Port-au-Prince . On Wednesday alone , the center took in 100 patients . PAHO said the unrest had led it and other United Nations agencies to discontinue much of their work supporting cholera treatment centers , training health personnel , and delivering supplies to affected communities . `` The last shipment of medical supplies was delivered over the weekend , and we had to postpone distribution planned for Monday , '' said Guido . `` The airport was closed , and many roads remain blocked . We have not been able to ship new supplies to the area at all this week . '' Beginning Monday , residents of Cap-Haitien , which has been hard hit by the outbreak , began demonstrations against U.N. peacekeepers . The northern port city is in the North Department , the Haitian province that has the highest fatality rate from cholera , 7.5 percent . `` Experience shows that without access to health care , the rate could rise to as much as five times that figure , '' PAHO said in a statement . Health workers at Hopital Universitaire , the city 's main hospital , treated at least six patients with gunshot wounds . `` MINUSTAH shot them , '' said a man pushing a wheelbarrow holding one of the wounded . He was referring to the U.N. forces in Haiti by their acronym . At Cap-Haitien 's Justinien Hospital , Dr. Wilton Cheruben told CNN that 37 people with bullet wounds had been treated between Monday and Wednesday night . The victims included a 9-year-old and a 14-year-old who were shot in the mouth ; a 6-year-old was shot in the back and an 11-year-old was shot in the arm , he said . `` Right now , we do n't have any anesthetics , and the people really need some help , '' he said . In Cap-Haitien , PAHO staff members have been confined to their living quarters since Monday . Roses said Thursday it was impossible to identify the origins of the epidemic in Haiti `` with currently available data . '' Rita Colwell , a cholera expert at the University of Maryland in College Park and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore , said the reported links between the outbreak and peacekeepers is not based on evidence . `` The evidence is not clear at all to be making any charge whatsoever for importing the disease , '' she said . `` We 've been jumping to conclusions without evidence , without facts . '' U.N. officials said the demonstrations have disrupted logistical operations , including the supply of clean water and proper sanitation . The U.N. 's World Food Programme reported that one of its warehouses had been looted and that food supplies were burned . The private charity Oxfam suspended water chlorination projects and other private charities pulled out of the Cap Haitien area . U.N. staffers have suggested the violence is politically motivated and said it 's especially troubling just ahead of Haiti 's presidential elections . Journalists Dmitri Foucard and Osman Jean Junior contributed to this story from Port-au-Prince .
|
Demonstrators blame U.N. peacekeepers for the cholera outbreak . Protests have been ongoing in the northern city of Cap-Haitien . Aid agencies say the protests are hampering treatment .
|
[[363, 442], [363, 391], [409, 535], [571, 617], [248, 357], [5113, 5129], [5132, 5149], [5201, 5249], [4612, 4828], [6877, 7014]]
|
Baghdad , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After eight months of bickering and political paralysis , Iraqi leaders were thought to have finally reached a power-sharing agreement Thursday for a new government , but that deal appeared to fall apart late in the day as members of the Sunni-backed Iraqiya List walked out of the parliamentary session . Jalal Talabani , sworn in late Thursday for a second term as president , delegated Shiite Prime Minister Nuril al-Maliki to form a government within 30 days , as mandated by the constitution . Thursday 's session then adjourned until Saturday . Quarreling that has typified Iraq 's gridlock re-emerged during the parliamentary session , from which most members of the Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc walked out saying that the other political blocs were not adhering to their promise to vote on the tentative power-sharing agreement , which had been reached late Wednesday . The Iraqiya List had wanted parliament to vote on that agreement before voting for a president in order to ensure guarantees that had been promised to the Sunnis were in fact delivered . In the past , politicians have made promises to Sunnis that have not materialized , resulting in a widespread lack of trust . Politicians had cobbled out a compromise Wednesday that would have left Maliki in power and created a powerful new office that was expected to be headed by his rival , former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi , lawmakers said Thursday . Under the proposed deal , the three major governmental positions were to have been filled by three members of the country 's largest ethnic groups -- the Shiites , the Kurds and the Sunni Arabs . Al-Maliki is Shia . Jalal Talabani , who was to remain as president , is Kurdish . Lawmakers on Thursday elected Osama al-Nujaifi , a Sunni Arab from the Iraqiya bloc , to be the parliament speaker . They also chose Qusay al-Suhail , a lawmaker from the hard-line Shiite Sadrists , to be first deputy speaker and Aref Tayfoor , who is Kurdish , as the second deputy . But Sunnis did not consider Nujaifi to be adequate representation , and many members of the Iraqiya bloc walked out when parliament did n't accept its demand for a vote on the actual power-sharing agreement . Shiite lawmakers said the vote could n't be taken because it was not on the agenda , but Allawi disputed this . Even al-Nujaifi walked out , saying he had reservations over continuing the session marked by distrust . But , shortly afterward , he returned without explanation . Still , politicians were hopeful that a deal could emerge . Prior to the walkout , Mahmoud Othman , a Kurdish lawmaker , said , `` We reached a power-sharing deal but it is like assembling a car with different parts and hoping it will work . '' Iraq 's government had been in a stalemate since the March 7 parliamentary elections , in which al-Maliki won 89 seats but lost to Allawi 's bloc , which won 91 seats . The political vacuum that followed has stoked fears that political instability would fester . In Washington , a senior administration official who did not want to be identified called the agreement `` a big step for Iraq . '' `` We 've worked very hard in recent months with the Iraqis to achieve one basic result , and that 's a government that 's inclusive , that reflects the results of the elections , that includes all the major blocs representing Iraq 's ethnic and sectarian groups , and that does not exclude or marginalize anyone , '' the official said . `` And that 's exactly what the Iraqis seem to have agreed to do . '' Another senior administration official who asked not to be identified told reporters , `` This really is an Iraqi victory because this was an Iraqi decision that was made by Iraqis in Iraq . '' The first senior administration official said U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden had spoken `` to virtually all of the major Iraqi leaders '' in recent days . In the calls , Obama `` reiterated our strong desire to see an inclusive government in Iraq , and welcomed the steps that have been taken toward reaching that goal , '' said Ben Rhodes , deputy National Security Council adviser for strategic communications . `` He also stressed the need for Dr. Allawi , other members of Iraqiyya , and representatives from all of the winning blocs to hold leadership positions in the new national partnership government . '' The move comes as the United States has been drawing down its seven-year military presence to a noncombat force . Overall levels of violence have decreased since 2006 and 2007 , but the country has endured eruptions of attacks lately that resemble the Sunni-Shiite sectarian violence during the height of the war . The incumbent al-Maliki , whose State of Law coalition is Shiite , has backing in Iran and from many Iraqi Shiites , including the influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr . The choice of a Sadrist as a deputy parliament speaker reflects the movement 's clout , and al-Maliki 's alliance with Sadrists has stoked concern among U.S. officials because of anti-Americanism in the group . Allawi , who served as prime minister in the early years of the new post-Saddam Hussein Iraqi government , is from a Shiite background but is a secular figure who is well regarded by many American officials . His bloc , regarded as secular and cross-sectarian , has won a great deal of support from Sunni Arabs and he has consistently opposed al-Maliki for another term as prime minister . The two leaders had been jockeying for enough votes for a coalition government , but neither had been able to garner the 163-seat majority needed in the Council of Representatives to form a government . Earlier this week , Iraq 's top political leaders met in the Kurdish north to break the more than eight-month deadlock , a development sponsored by Kurdistan Regional Government . There had been fears that Allawi 's bloc would boycott any government led by al-Maliki , but the creation of an entity called The National Council for the Strategic Policies appeared to have helped ease the way for compromise . The body was created in an effort to reduce the power of the prime minister , Othman said , and the committee was to be headed by Allawi . Iraqiya was demanding that legislators pass a law within 30 days forming the national council and forming a committee to review the files of people illegally detained , a great concern for Sunni Arabs who have accused Iraq 's Shiite-dominated government of persecuting them . It was calling for a final agreement on outstanding legislation and for canceling a ban on three top Sunni Arab politicians from running in elections . Those three have been accused of ties to Saddam Hussein 's outlawed Baathist movement . If a power-sharing agreement is not reached in which Iraq 's Sunnis feel fairly represented , sectarian violence could re-erupt in Iraq , a country where politics and violence tend to go hand in hand . Many Iraqis told CNN that they blame a recent rise in violence on the political vacuum of the last eight months .
|
Eight months of bickering and paralysis had appeared to end in a power-sharing agreement . But that agreement appeared to fall apart late Thursday when the Sunni-backed bloc walked out . `` It is like assembling a car with different parts and hoping it will work , '' a legislator says .
|
[[34, 79], [92, 121], [92, 105], [119, 134], [143, 198], [92, 105], [127, 198], [826, 866], [869, 908], [2630, 2664], [5679, 5696], [5699, 5797], [205, 253], [257, 339], [649, 666], [688, 866], [2562, 2582], [2585, 2599], [2623, 2627], [2631, 2743]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is set to arrive in Iran on Monday to discuss the expansion of relations between the two countries , according to Iran 's semiofficial Fars News Agency . Chavez will stay for two days in Tehran , and will be accompanied by a Venezuelan delegation , Fars said . He will meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other officials . Chavez and Ahmadinejad are also expected to discuss regional and international issues , Fars said .
|
Hugo Chavez is expected to arrive in Tehran , Iran , on Monday for a two-day trip . He and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will talk about expanding relations .
|
[[0, 15], [40, 86], [0, 15], [59, 150], [0, 15], [59, 150]]
|
Jerusalem -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Israeli archaeologists have discovered an ancient Roman bathhouse that was probably used by the soldiers who destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem , the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Monday . The surprise discovery includes the mark of Rome 's Tenth Legion -- as well as the paw print of a dog . The animal probably belonged to one of the soldiers , excavation director Ofer Sion said . The print `` could have happened accidentally or have been intended as a joke , '' he said . Archaeologists were not expecting to find the Roman structure in the Jewish Quarter , where a mikvah , or Jewish ritual bath , was being constructed . `` The mark of the soldiers of the Tenth Legion , in the form of the stamped impressions on the roof tiles and the in situ mud bricks , bears witness to the fact that they were the builders of the structure , '' he said . `` It seems that the bathhouse was used by these soldiers who were garrisoned there after suppressing the Bar Kokhba uprising in 135 CE -LRB- A.D. -RRB- , when the pagan city Aelia Capitolina was established , '' he explained . The structure includes a number of plastered bathtubs in the side of a pool , a pipe used to fill it with water , and a white industrial mosaic pavement on the floor . Hundreds of terra cotta roof tiles were found on the floors of the pool , indicating it was a covered structure , he added . The bathhouse tiles are stamped with the symbols of the Tenth Legion `` Fretensis '' -- LEG X FR , he said . The discovery shows that the Roman encampment established to help keep Israel under Roman domination was larger than previously thought , another expert said . `` Despite the very extensive archaeological excavations that were carried out in the Jewish Quarter , so far not even one building has been discovered there that belonged to the Roman legion , '' Jerusalem district archaeologist Yuval Baruch said . `` The absence of such a find led to the conclusion that Aelia Capitolina , the Roman city which was established after the destruction of Jerusalem , was small and limited in area , '' he said . But the discovery of the 1,800-year-old bathhouse `` together with other discoveries of recent years , shows that the city was considerably larger than what we previously estimated , '' he said . Understanding the ancient Roman city of Aelia Capitolina is `` extremely valuable , '' he said , because it determined the shape of Jerusalem 's historic walls `` and the location of the gates to this very day . ''
|
The surprise discovery shows the ancient Roman encampment was bigger than thought . It includes tiles stamped with the mark of the legion that destroyed the Second Temple . Archeaologists found a dog 's paw print . The Roman city helped determine the shape of Jerusalem to the present day .
|
[[1524, 1659], [2133, 2180], [2232, 2309], [121, 133], [138, 178], [1415, 1485], [233, 336]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Martin has long been passionate about helping others , serving as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and working with Habitat for Humanity . But his main charitable focus is the Ricky Martin Foundation , which he founded to advocate for children around the world . This year , Martin served on the Blue Ribbon Panel that selected the Top 10 CNN Heroes of the Year . He recently spoke to CNN about the Heroes campaign and his philanthropy . Below are excerpts from that interview . CNN : What 's the mission of the Ricky Martin Foundation ? Ricky Martin : It 's about children . It 's about being their voice . Our mission is to advocate on behalf of children 's rights and their well-being in three crucial areas : education , health and social justice . Through our principal project , People for Children , we combat child exploitation that results from human trafficking -- modern-day slavery . Children are n't just our future . They 're our present . Unfortunately , there are children around the world that are being forced into slavery . I 've heard those testimonies , and if we do n't do something about it , we 're allowing it to happen at this point . So it 's been almost 10 years of intense work educating the world about this . Little by little , we 're trying to create awareness that this goes on . CNN : Do you have any anecdotes about your work with your foundation ? Maybe someone your organization has helped that you 're particularly proud of ? Martin : I have many , but rescuing three girls from the impoverished streets of India in 2002 ... was a rude awakening into the reality of human trafficking . It gave me the courage to establish People for Children , and drew the route to my path as an activist . And just recently listening to a boy who has been empowered by our anti-trafficking and leadership seminars , saying he wants to be a teacher for other children , was uplifting . These are moments of grand simplicity and profound awareness . CNN : Why is philanthropic work important to you , and how has it changed your life ? Martin : I am convinced that music , like philanthropy , bridges hope . Once you learn about this heinous crime , you can not turn a blind eye . Knowing that we have prevented children from falling prey to modern-day slavery or that a life was saved by our awareness efforts is invaluable to our mission and human spirit . CNN : What was it like being on the Blue Ribbon Panel that selected the Top 10 CNN Heroes ? Martin : It was a very humbling experience . Their stories served as inspiration , and they also weave a canvas that -LSB- shows that -RSB- in spite of injustices , there are many warriors of light that make our world a better place . CNN : The CNN Heroes campaign honors everyday people doing extraordinary things . Why do you think it 's important to honor the work that these individuals are doing ? Martin : Kudos to CNN for honoring the work that human beings are doing around the world , because -LSB- these Heroes -RSB- are `` little gods , '' as I call them . They are making miracles with nothing . They are creating such a beautiful impact on different lives . CNN : What is a hero to you ? What are the qualities of a hero ? Martin : Heroes represent the best of ourselves , respecting that we are human beings . A hero can be anyone from Gandhi to your classroom teacher , anyone who can show courage when faced with a problem . A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity . It can be someone teaching another to write , saving someone in danger or giving up your life for another . Amongst the qualities a hero should have , I would include determination , loyalty , courage , perseverance , patience , focus , intrepidity and selflessness . CNN : Why is important for people to give back ? Martin : It nourishes your soul and enhances the meaning of life .
|
Ricky Martin started his foundation to advocate for children around the world . In 2004 , he started focusing his efforts on human trafficking . Martin : `` You can not turn a blind eye '' to children being forced into slavery . Martin was on the Blue Ribbon Panel that chose this year 's Top 10 CNN Heroes .
|
[[192, 248], [221, 248], [260, 311], [2178, 2217], [2220, 2250], [312, 321], [324, 362], [341, 362], [368, 412], [2461, 2482], [2488, 2520]]
|
New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United States and China could play a crucial role in helping finally to resolve the conflict that plagues the Korean Peninsula , says analyst Fareed Zakaria . In one of the most violent incidents in decades , North Korea shelled a South Korean island Tuesday , killing four people . North Korea accused the South of provoking the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island by holding a military exercise in the Yellow Sea . And South Korea responded by charging that the North 's actions were a `` definite military provocation . '' In an interview with CNN , Zakaria said a long-term solution to the Korean conflict would require high-level secret talks aimed at assuring the government of China that if the two Koreas were reunified , it would not be faced with a nuclear-armed U.S. ally on its border . He said China `` has the power to make the North Koreans pay a very , very high price were they not to listen to the Chinese , because the Chinese provide the vital food and fuel that keeps the country alive . Remember , this is a country with almost no indigenous economic activity , and so it would be very difficult for them to meet their most vital supply needs . '' `` The Chinese have a lot of influence . They have so far been very careful to apply some pressure , but they have almost never cut off food or fuel -- except for a day or two when they have really wanted to send a strong signal , and , by the way when they have done that , it 's worked , it gets the North Koreans ' attention . '' The author and host of CNN 's `` Fareed Zakaria GPS '' spoke to CNN on Tuesday . Here is an edited transcript : . CNN : What 's the significance of North Korea 's actions ? Fareed Zakaria : I think it 's very worrying , very troubling . Combined with the sinking of that South Korean ship , it is the most provocative thing the North Koreans have done in years in terms of instigating hostilities . The regime is unpredictable but ruthless , and we know that the South Koreans are feeling some substantial pressure to respond in some way , and then you have all the other great powers in the region watching anxiously . The whole thing has the potential to spiral out of control . CNN : Do you think it 's connected to the succession process in North Korea ? Zakaria : I think that 's probably the most plausible theory that I 've heard . They 're clearly going through a succession process . It appears to be one that is fairly complex -- there are different factions that are being accommodated or tussled with . Sometimes it feels like something out of a Shakespearean play where the aging king is appointing his dauphin as the successor , but there will be a regent who will actually administer , and by the way his sister has just been made a four-star general in the army . But outside that kind of theatrics what it suggests is that the family is trying to consolidate power , that there is perhaps some opposition in some quarters , perhaps in the military , perhaps in other quarters . And by creating an external diversion , the regime is trying to consolidate power and unify the various parts of the government . But one has to admit , this is just a theory . The regime is a black box ; we have so little contact that nobody really knows . CNN : There 's been a suggestion by some that North Korea is really hoping to force the issue about getting direct talks with the United States rather than be part of a six-nation diplomatic process . Zakaria : I do n't buy the idea that people send you these signals by killing soldiers , sinking warships , sinking ships . If the North Koreans want to talk to the Americans , they can ask to talk to the Americans , and they could ask to do it within the six-party talks ; they could ask outside the framework ; they could bring that up -- the issue of bilateral talks with the Americans in the six-party talks . Do they really have to kill the South Koreans to make that point ? I think this idea of brutal violence as some kind of sophisticated signaling device strikes me as highly unlikely . Far more likely is that this is a pretty thuggish regime that is consolidating power by creating external threats and enemies , but we probably should be open to any signs that they do want to have negotiation . I myself doubt that this is the moment that they want to do anything . They know that that door is open ; the president has a very capable emissary , Stephen Bosworth , who is his envoy on this topic , very well-versed in this issue , former ambassador to South Korea , and my sense is that the North Koreans have not reached out to him . CNN : Bosworth made a statement that he talked to the Chinese about this , but it did n't seem like there was any special progress on that front . Zakaria : The Chinese have been pretty helpful on managing the situation , making sure that it does n't spiral out of control , but we have n't been able to get to the next level with the Chinese , which is to say that the Chinese sustain this regime . The Chinese provide about 90 percent of their energy and about 40 percent of their food aid . It 's pretty reasonable to say that without Chinese support their regime would collapse , but the Chinese have legitimate concerns about what the future of the Korean Peninsula would look like if there were a North Korean implosion . There is in their minds the kind of scenario in which Korea unifies on the South 's terms and becomes a unified much larger nation sitting on China 's border with American troops in the unified Korea , with an American security alliance , and by the way with nuclear weapons . They would view it as a kind of threatening or destabilizing presence . And so I think that is what makes the Chinese very reluctant to do anything that would cause the regime to implode or cause the regime to start a downward spiral . I think what needs to happen at some point , is that the United States and Beijing need to engage in a very high-level and very secret conversation about the future of the Korean Peninsula -- a conversation in which the United States should make certain informal or perhaps even formal guarantees regarding the role of nuclear weapons on the peninsula and the nature of American troop deployments . ... We should make clear that we would denuclearize Korea or we would encourage the South Koreans to denuclearize Korea , and then we would not move the troops that we have north of the North/South border . CNN : This is all in the event of a unification ? Zakaria : Right , so we make clear that in the event of a unification we understand the Chinese concern , and we would try to respond to it , without obviously in any way jeopardizing the historical relationship with South Korea . Unless we have some kind of long-term strategic conversation with the Chinese about what the future of the Korean Peninsula would look like , they do n't have an incentive to in any way push the North Koreans . So we 've got to get into a conversation with them to say , `` We understand your problem . We should talk about those concerns now , and would you be willing to get tough on North Korean nukes and North Korean behavior ? '' CNN : Here 's a different view , which some have raised -- what is the United States doing in Korea decades and decades after the end of the hostilities , and should the U.S. stay indefinitely ? Zakaria : Well , I think that 's very shortsighted . Look , I am in general someone who believes the United States is overcommitted around the world . I believe we have to draw down and pare back many of our commitments , but I think maintaining a stabilizing role in Korea is absolutely crucial . The center of power is shifting to Asia , and Korea is probably the single place in Asia where there 's the greatest potential for a war between the great powers -- Russia , China , South Korea , North Korea , Japan , all get involved in this . So for the United States to be able to play a constructive role will be absolutely vital to its ability to be a Pacific power , to be in what is now the new geo-economic cockpit of the world . I think there is a perfectly reasonable case to be made to have us draw down in places like Germany , where the threat to American security is nonexistent , to draw down from Iraq and the Middle East to where we have an overly large military presence , but Korea is a vital national interest of the United States , and I think that the major players in the region , particularly South Korea , strongly want an American presence there .
|
Fareed Zakaria : China has tremendous influence over North Korea . He says China supplies much of the North 's vital supplies and can play a positive role . Zakaria says U.S. needs to work secretly with China to bring an end to conflict . He says U.S. assurances could go long way toward gaining Chinese OK for reunification .
|
[[1199, 1236], [895, 949], [952, 1003], [960, 1034], [1148, 1192], [0, 124], [579, 586], [592, 715], [5872, 5873], [5917, 6060]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Under heavy pressure from the United States and allied governments , WikiLeaks appealed to supporters worldwide to mirror its website Sunday as it continued the process of releasing thousands of sensitive U.S. diplomatic cables . `` Wikileaks is currently under heavy attack . In order to make it impossible to ever fully remove Wikileaks from the Internet , we need your help , '' the site told followers Sunday . The message was followed by instructions on how website operators could set up mirror sites that would distribute the documents as WikiLeaks released them . On the microblogging site Twitter , supporters have rallied by offering their sites or by posting links to other mirrors . In an echo of `` Spartacus , '' the 1960 film classic about a slave revolt against ancient Rome , many adopted the hashtag #imwikileaks . `` All the censoring of WikiLeaks is more alarming than the actual content of the leaks . It only further justifies WL 's actions , '' read one widely distributed comment . WikiLeaks , which facilitates the anonymous leaking of secret information , began posting the first of more than 250,000 U.S. State Department documents last week . Since then , the site has been hit with denial-of-service attacks , been kicked off servers in the United States and France , and lost a major revenue source on Friday when the U.S.-based PayPal cut off its account . PayPal said WikiLeaks violated its policy against activities that `` encourage , promote , facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activity . '' And a U.S.-based domain name provider shut down WikiLeaks early Friday , but the controversial website announced hours later that it had employed a company in Switzerland and was back up . In addition , Swedish authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the site 's founder , Julian Assange , on unrelated allegations of sex crimes , including rape . Assange has denied the accusations , calling them a smear campaign . The Obama administration has condemned the disclosures , arguing that they harm U.S. diplomacy by exposing confidential communications . A variety of U.S. and Western figures have called for Assange to be prosecuted or even killed . `` I think the man is a high-tech terrorist , '' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Kentucky , told CBS ' `` Face the Nation '' on Sunday . `` He has done enormous damage to our country . And I think he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law . '' But Secretary of State Hillary Clinton managed to make a joke about it at a Washington event Saturday night . Speaking at a dinner for the Kennedy Center Honors , Clinton praised the `` full breadth and depth of American artistry and diversity , '' adding , `` I am writing a cable about it , which I 'm sure you 'll find soon on your closest website . '' Richard Haass , president of the Council on Foreign Relations , told CNN 's `` Fareed Zakaria GPS '' that the WikiLeaks disclosures were `` a gaffe on a large , global scale . '' But he added , `` This is not a crisis . It 's not a disaster . '' `` Where I think it creates problems is process-wise , in terms of what people in the future will put down on paper , what people in the future will say , '' he said . The documents released so far have featured sharp U.S. criticism of the government of Afghanistan , where an American-led coalition has been fighting al Qaeda and the Taliban since 2001 ; intense mistrust between the United States and Pakistan , a nuclear-armed state where top al Qaeda and Taliban figures are believed to be in hiding ; blunt assessments of the extent of corruption in Russia ; and unflattering descriptions of allied leaders like Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi , whom one 2009 cable described as `` a complete mess . '' The prime suspect in the disclosure is Bradley Manning , a U.S. soldier now awaiting trial in a Virginia stockade . Manning , a private first class who served as an Army intelligence analyst in Iraq , is charged with leaking video of a 2007 helicopter attack in Iraq to WikiLeaks and with illegally transferring classified data . U.S. officials have said Manning was able to access a wide variety of documents through a computer system that was set up to promote information-sharing after the September 11 , 2001 , attacks on New York and Washington . But Haass warned against an `` overreaction '' that will cause American agencies to share too little intelligence . CNN 's Elise Labott contributed to this report .
|
`` We need your help , '' site tells supporters . Clinton joked about WikiLeaks at a Saturday night event . Senate Republican leader calls Assange `` a high-tech terrorist ''
|
[[88, 120], [378, 395], [398, 433], [2495, 2600], [2222, 2262]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Looking for fine wine or a luxurious spa visit without a top-drawer price tag ? Visit one of these nine destinations where lavish experiences and affordability intersect . Whether it 's an off-season value , a cost-of-living advantage , a favorable exchange rate or simply a less-traveled locale , resourceful travelers looking for the finer things will find great bang for their buck in these spots . Argentina . Known for its art , wine , food and fashion , those visiting Argentina can expect a rich cultural experience at a fraction of the cost of many European destinations . Travel specialist Vanessa Guibert Heitner of Limitless Argentina , based in Buenos Aires , says the vibrant capital city and wine-soaked Mendoza are must-see destinations for luxury travelers . Salta in the northwestern tip of the country should also not be overlooked . Heitner estimates a couple could have an exquisite , multicourse meal in Argentina for $ 60 , - not including wine or drinks . `` Dinner for two at a high-end restaurant is much more accessible than in the United States , '' she says . Sydney , Australia . Getting to Sydney , Australia will be the most expensive part about your vacation , but once you 're there , the prices are completely reasonable , says Arabella Bowen , editorial director of Fodor 's Travel . `` One of the great advantages is you get to stay at a major luxury grand hotel for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere , '' Bowen says . In October , the Four Seasons in Sydney runs about $ 280 a night , while the same chain in New York City would cost about $ 1,000 , she says . Sydney offers a great mix of city life and outdoor experiences , including visiting the beaches . October is also the middle of spring in Sydney , so temperatures will hover around 72 degrees , Bowen says . `` There 's a great vibe to the place , '' she says , `` and the quality of life is absolutely incredible . '' Cambodia . Steeped in cultural heritage dating back to the 8th century , the Ruins at Angkor are a huge draw for visitors . `` It 's an interesting collision of backpacker travel and luxury , '' Bowen says . Cambodia is high-end in terms of hotel experiences , but extremely cheap in terms of getting around and eating good meals , she says . `` It 's hard to get there , but once you 're there , it 's so incredibly affordable , '' Bowen says . Cambodia travel specialist Sandy Ferguson of Asia Desk , based in Duluth , Georgia , estimates an excellent meal could cost as little as $ 20 , before wine . Ferguson suggests staying in Siem Reap for its proximity to the ruins and selection of high-end hotels . Curacao . Curacao , located in the far south of the Caribbean , has a Latino flavor and plenty of attractions , Bowen says . `` It 's an absolutely stunning place to walk around , '' she says . There 's also great diving , excellent hiking , golfing and cool cultural nightlife . It 's off-season in the Caribbean , and through October , the four-star Hyatt Regency is running its grand opening rate of $ 149 a night . The hotel has its own golf course , a private beach and tennis courts . Bowen says the Dutch architecture around the island looks a lot like wedding cakes . Add that in with the South American influences , and you 've got a `` really interesting cultural mix , '' she says . This extends to the food choices , which are extremely cosmopolitan . Berlin , Germany . `` Berlin is a mercurial city , '' Bowen says . Visitors can enjoy an incredible art scene , cutting-edge shopping , remarkable architecture and unlimited history . `` What 's more , Berlin remains more affordable than Paris , London and Rome , '' Bowen says . In October , travelers will get shoulder-season prices . Bowen recommends the Lux 11 hotel for about 140 euros -LRB- about $ 182 -RRB- per night or the Adlon Kempinski for 270 euros -LRB- $ 351 -RRB- . Similar hotels in Paris would cost an additional 100 euros -LRB- $ 130 -RRB- or more per night . Bowen says taking a scenic boat cruise on the Spree River can be a great way to start exploring in Berlin . Iceland . For a beautiful outdoors experience married with vibrant nightlife , Iceland is a great choice for the budget-conscious traveler , Bowen says . Reykjavik , the capital of Iceland , has a cool vibe , Bowen says . `` It 's more about nightlife and restaurants than it is about cultural activities . '' With its lunar-like landscapes and mysterious natural wonders , Iceland 's backdrop is a combination of Yellowstone National Park and Montreal , Bowen says . She recommends the Blue Lagoon natural spa and a tour of the unusual scenery . Bowen says autumn is shoulder season in Iceland , so rates are affordable . For example , about $ 650 will cover some package deals including round-trip airfare and three nights in a four-star hotel . India . With countless resorts , relaxing yoga retreats and shopping galore , India is becoming well-known in luxury travel circles . `` India is a paradise for shoppers , '' says India travel specialist Victor Biswas of International Ventures and Travel , based in New York City . He recommends visiting Jaipur , Mumbai or Delhi for great deals on fabrics and silks . For the best value , Biswas suggests traveling in the off-season -- - April through September - -- and focusing on the southern part of the country . `` The south of India has better deals all around , '' he says . Biswas suggests visiting the southern city of Chennai , formerly known as Madras , for the best hotels and spas in the area . Indonesia . Known for its many luxury options , Indonesia is a relaxation-seeker 's paradise . Recently spotlighted in author Elizabeth Gilbert 's best-seller , `` Eat Pray Love , '' the country offers numerous first-class hotels , spas and dining options . `` Spa prices are very reasonable , even at luxury hotels , '' says Indonesia travel specialist Diane Embree of Michael 's Travel Centre , based in Westlake Village , California . `` And , if you go to day spas , rather than hotel spas , the prices are extremely reasonable . '' Dinner for two at a luxury hotel could cost you from $ 50 to $ 70 , and half that at a top local restaurant . Embree says that many of her clients stay in multiple hotels during a trip , just to experience the different kinds of luxury accommodations in Indonesia . `` Though spas , and to some degree , food , play a part , I think that the number one attraction for luxury clients is the accommodations , '' Embree says . Oregon wine country . It 's peak harvest season in Oregon wine country , but you 'll still pay less for hotels and other pleasures than you would in California 's Napa Valley , Bowen says . `` Oregon offers more flexibility and a lower price point , '' Bowen says . `` You 'll pay $ 40 to $ 50 per bottle of Pinot Noir , but it 's worth it because you 're saving money on your hotel and everything else . '' Plus , Oregon is n't as much of a tourist destination as Napa , so you wo n't likely see a big tour bus of people going around to vineyards , she says . Bowen recommends staying at the Allison Inn & Spa in Willamette Valley , the best-known wine region in the state . Rooms start at $ 295 a night . `` It starts with where you stay , '' Bowen says . `` It 's really important since you 're going to be driving out from there every day . ''
|
Favorable exchange rates and off-season values help travelers get the most for their money . Visiting less-traveled destinations can often ensure lower prices and fewer people . For great values , fall is the right time to visit places such as Curacao , Cambodia , Iceland .
|
[[317, 420], [317, 420], [3702, 3712], [3715, 3758], [4188, 4247]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When she saw a Dayton , Ohio , police officer tangled up with a man , Angela Pierce could have kept on driving . Instead , she got out of the car to team up with the officer and join the fight . While the danger was real -- especially with the suspect in arm 's reach of the officer 's gun -- Pierce told HLN 's Jane Velez-Mitchell that her thought process Saturday night was simple : The police officer needed help , and she was in a position to give it . `` I did n't even think about what -LRB- the suspect -RRB- could have had , I did n't think about what he could have done to me , '' Pierce said Thursday . `` I just went and tried to help . '' A camera mounted to the officer 's car showed the police officer -- identified by CNN affiliate WHIO as Officer Jonathan Seiter -- pulling over 64-year-old Otto Coleman on what appeared to be a routine traffic stop . But then Coleman attacked the officer , leading to a full-on scuffle . `` It was hands on , and it was a boxing match , '' Seiter told WHIO . Around that time , Pierce said she was driving by with her aunt , heading to a birthday party . She asked her aunt to pull over , then got out of the car and ran toward the scene to help . For less than a minute , Pierce pounded Coleman repeatedly on his head to help subdue him until more help arrived . `` That could have been my father or grandfather , '' Pierce said of her decision to help Seiter . `` I just kept on swinging , because I did n't want -LRB- Coleman -RRB- to get me or anything . '' Pierce said that police initially handcuffed her , before soon realizing her part in the battle and releasing her . Subsequently , with Coleman by then under arrest , she and the other police officers exchanged high fives before she headed off to her party . Dayton police Sgt. Larry Tolpin warned that people could get seriously hurt when they jump into the fray -- even if it 's on law enforcement 's side . Still , he told CNN affiliate WDTN that Pierce deserved thanks for her effort . `` Do n't get me wrong , I 'm not endorsing that citizens participate in this manner , '' Tolpin said . `` But under this particular circumstance , it was very commendable of her . ''
|
Angela Pierce was driving by when she saw a Dayton police officer and suspect scuffling . She got out of the car , helping out the officer by repeatedly pounding on the suspect 's head . Pierce says , `` I did n't even think about what he could have done to me ''
|
[[24, 72], [43, 47], [50, 86], [896, 903], [927, 957], [142, 213], [1125, 1128], [1159, 1182], [552, 603]]
|
Paris , France -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Last week Reporters Without Borders released a letter calling on WikiLeaks to take down the names of civilians identified as having collaborated with the International Security Assistance Force and with NATO forces . In our view making the names of Afghan civilians public could put them at risk of reprisals from the Taliban or other insurgent forces in Afghanistan . Some news reports and some pundits portrayed our statement as an unequivocal condemnation of WikiLeaks , but this is not the case . Reporters Without Borders supports the continued existence and work of WikiLeaks , and we are ready to take part in any discussion about the problems inherent in managing and disclosing vast amounts of critical information . But we also believe that to continue their work , WikiLeaks and other websites likely to publish documents from whistle-blowers need to ensure that the information disclosed does not pose an avoidable threat to the security of civilians . Pointing that out does not amount to , for example , support for the Pentagon 's request that WikiLeaks remove all documents from its website or a call for outright censorship . In fact , WikiLeaks has published useful information , and we hope it can continue to serve journalists and the wider public . We have spoken out strongly against the Pentagon 's request that WikiLeaks remove all documents from its website and against the detention of the alleged source of the leaks , Pfc. Bradley Manning . We 've also criticized proposed amendments to the federal shield law that would exclude whistle-blowing sites such as WikiLeaks from any legal protection of sources . We are not disputing the importance of the Afghan War Diary . Indeed , it is more important than ever that there be an outlet for information governments want to keep secret . Too often , government departments and agencies resort without justification to declaring documents classified or secret to conceal information that is of public interest . Exaggerated and at times unsubstantiated safety concerns have been used to block important information from being made public in the past . The Pentagon , the Bush and Obama administrations are no strangers to these tactics . Whistle-blowing sites deserve , and have , our support . However , the case of the war logs illustrates the difficulties that will arise when dealing with the sheer mass of information that may become available . Even the largest news organizations in the world would be overwhelmed , and -- for the moment at least -- WikiLeaks does not command resources of that scope . Julian Assange , the WikiLeaks editor-in-chief , has said that by reviewing the document classification system and certain parts of the material , his organization was able to identify and withhold 15,000 documents that possibly contain the names of innocent informers , and that is commendable . It does not change the fact that releasing so many documents without being able go through the large majority of them is problematic . Whistle-blowing websites need to deal with this issue if they want to avoid giving the authorities an excuse to muzzle them . We should note though , that through the good offices of The New York Times , WikiLeaks requested the help of the Obama White House in vetting the material , a request the White House denied . It is not beyond imagining that rather than cooperate in an attempt to protect its informers and collaborators , the U.S. government chose instead to keep all its tactical options open in its campaign against WikiLeaks . Indeed , Adm. Mike Mullen , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , was quick to say WikiLeaks would have blood on its hands , although he brought no evidence of that . WikiLeaks staff is under considerable pressure from Western governments , and alleged surveillance and rumors of extraditions have exacerbated a climate of apprehension within its day-to-day operations . It can not be easy working under such conditions . But if the media is to demand a high level of transparency in public affairs , they must also demonstrate a high level of responsibility . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jean-François Julliard .
|
Jean-François Julliard says Reporters Without Borders supports whistle-blower sites . Julliard says WikiLeaks ' indiscriminate document release can put civilians at risk . Press group has spoken against government censorship of WikiLeaks , he says . Julliard : WikLeaks must act responsibly to avoid giving authorities excuse to muzzle it .
|
[[2245, 2266], [2281, 2285], [2288, 2301], [251, 262], [270, 402], [810, 838], [872, 998], [1304, 1363], [3106, 3174], [4092, 4151]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An Arlington , Texas , police officer was among three people killed in a shooting at an apartment complex Tuesday night , officials said . It was at least the second fatal shooting in two days of a law enforcement officer in the United States . On Monday , a Georgia state trooper was fatally shot after a traffic stop in northwest Atlanta . In the Arlington incident , the officer had been dispatched to an apartment complex to check out a report of domestic assault , city spokeswoman Tiara Richard told reporters . `` Shortly afterwards , officers received a call of a shooting at the same location . When officers arrived , they found three people deceased here in an apartment at the complex . One of those people was an officer , '' she said . Authorities did not immediately release the name of the victims . `` It 's a tragic situation . Our hearts are broken tonight , '' Mayor Robert Cluck said in a statement . In January , another Arlington police officer died in the line of duty , Richard said . Officer Craig Story was killed when his motorcycle struck a school bus about a mile away from Tuesday 's shooting scene , CNN affiliate WFAA reported . `` Any time you lose an officer who is working in the line of duty -- or not in the line of duty -- it 's hard on the department , '' Richard told reporters . `` It 's hard on the city as a whole . These are people who day in and day out , they go out and do their job and they are doing it to protect the citizens here . It 's a hard loss for anyone ... especially during this time of year . '' Meanwhile , Georgia officials have arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting of the state trooper late Monday . Trooper Chadwick LeCroy , 38 was shot twice in the face following the traffic stop and he died en route to a hospital , a state patrol spokesman said . The suspect escaped in the trooper 's patrol car , which was found abandoned about half a mile away . Shortly afterward , he was taken into custody , the spokesman said . CNN 's Samuel Gardner contributed to this report .
|
The officer was dispatched to the apartments on a domestic assualt report . He is the second Arlington officer to die in the line of duty this year . On Monday , a Georgia state trooper was killed after a traffic stop .
|
[[361, 386], [389, 486], [941, 951], [954, 1011], [264, 273], [276, 311], [317, 360], [264, 273], [276, 299], [312, 360]]
|
San Francisco , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg favors the little guy , but that attitude can pose obstacles for popular websites that want to work with his company . Apple and Google , which are among the biggest technology businesses in the world , find themselves stonewalled at times by Zuckerberg and company . That sometimes results in less functional applications . Apple launched its music-centric social network , called Ping , as part of an iTunes update that contained a Facebook component . But Apple had to remove integration with the world 's largest social network hours after Ping launched . Last week Twitter announced an agreement with Apple 's Ping . Steve Jobs , Apple 's CEO , spurned Facebook for what he considered were `` onerous terms . '' When questioned about this in an interview onstage at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco on Tuesday , Zuckerberg said with a shrug , `` It 's fine . '' Then Zuckerberg pointed out that the two work together in many ways . For example , Facebook 's app `` is on the vast majority of iPhones , '' he said at an event earlier this month at Facebook 's Palo Alto , California , headquarters . As for Facebook 's relationship with Google , the two are in the midst of a public spat about letting users import and export personal data between the social network and Gmail . Facebook , which launched an email service on Monday , does n't let users easily migrate addresses to other apps . Zuckerberg said at the conference on Tuesday that this move was meant to protect the private contact information of a user 's friends . He backtracked near the end of that fireside chat and highlighted the data export issue as a potential mistake . `` I 've made so many mistakes in running the company so far , '' he said . `` We still make mistakes all of the time . '' The trouble , he said , is figuring out which of the company 's myriad problems `` really matter . '' Zuckerberg also seemed to distance himself from Google , the undisputed leader in search , last month when Facebook announced a deal with Microsoft 's Bing . `` They 're just trying to rapidly gain -LSB- market -RSB- share by doing awesome stuff , '' Zuckerberg said of Microsoft at the Bing event . `` They 're really the underdog here . '' But Microsoft was n't spared from criticisms during Tuesday 's event . Microsoft , a massive computer software company and an investor in Facebook , has thousands of engineers , Zuckerberg pointed out ; Facebook has fewer , and is therefore seen by developers as a more effective and attractive employer , he said . Zuckerberg makes it known that he has a soft spot for budding entrepreneurs . When asked about `` The Social Network '' -- the film based on the founding of Facebook -- Zuckerberg boasted of fan mail from people who say his story inspired them to become entrepreneurs . His mission is to `` enable others to build '' social networking services , which can be accomplished using Facebook 's platform , he said . Small-time developers can freely make use of Facebook 's offerings , but larger companies must work directly or be locked out . Despite amassing 500 million people actively using the service , Zuckerberg still does n't consider Facebook a giant company . `` In some ways , I actually think we 're only now entering the zone where a lot of entrepreneurs will consider working with us , '' he said . But during Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz 's onstage interview earlier Tuesday , she described Facebook as Yahoo 's `` competition . '' This sentiment could create even greater disconnects between Facebook 's service and popular apps , as is the case with Gmail and Ping . Without being specific , Zuckerberg derided some large internet companies , saying they wo n't make it past a social networking revolution . `` Some are n't going to make it , '' he said on Tuesday . `` I think there 's an exciting opportunity for some entrepreneurs . '' Zuckerberg 's advice to `` incumbents , '' as he calls technology giants : `` Get on the bus . '' But that does n't mean he 's going to make it easy for them to board .
|
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg favors `` underdogs '' and entrepreneurs . Apple and Google have struggled to make apps that work well with Facebook . Small companies can freely build apps that work with Facebook .
|
[[0, 13], [16, 96], [2608, 2685], [2625, 2685], [3019, 3085]]
|
Harare , Zimbabwe -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The wife of Zimbabwe 's president has sued a Zimbabwean newspaper for $ 15 million following its publication of allegations that she was linked to and profited from illegal diamond sales in the southern African country . According to papers filed at the High Court in Harare Wednesday , Grace Mugabe , the wife of President Robert Mugabe , is suing The Standard for defamation after its report based on diplomatic cables released by the website WikiLeaks . The cables in question , from the U.S. Embassy in Harare , claimed that Zimbabwe 's first lady was among the senior Zanu-PF and government officials who were gaining huge profits from the smuggling of diamonds in the eastern part of Zimbabwe . `` The diamonds that are sold to regime members and elites are sold for freshly printed Zimbabwean notes issued by the RBZ -LRB- Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe -RRB- , '' the paper quoted a 2008 cable as saying . `` The cables suggested that -LRB- the head of the bank , Gideon -RRB- Gono kept the money printing press running to finance the purchase of diamonds and this could have accelerated hyperinflation , which eventually rendered the Zimbabwe dollar worthless , '' the newspaper charged . Grace Mugabe said in the suit that the report published Sunday by The Standard was `` false , scandalous , malicious and bent on damaging -LRB- her -RRB- reputation . '' The documents said the newspaper wrongly suggested that Grace Mugabe had `` used her position as the First Lady to access diamonds clandestinely , enriching herself in circumstances in which the country was facing serious foreign currency shortages , which amounts should have been channeled to the fiscus . `` The imputation of such conduct on a person of such high standing , the mother of the nation , is to lower the respect with which she is held by all right thinking persons , to a point of disappearance , '' the lawsuit said . Chris Mhike , an attorney for the newspaper , said the summons is being studied `` and in due course we shall respond . `` But looking at most of the claims , so far , I can say they are just meant to harass the press , '' he said . Foster Dongozi , a spokesman for the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists , said the group was `` concerned '' about the lawsuit . `` We condemn suing newspapers for merely reproducing something which is in the public domain . It is one way of trying to frustrate access to information , and to squeeze newspapers out of existence . As a union , we are really concerned that a crackdown on journalists may resurface , '' he said .
|
The cables say Grace Mugabe and others profited from illegal diamond sales . The Standard said the sales accelerated hyperinflation in the country . A journalist group voices concern about potential fallout of the suit .
|
[[107, 257], [622, 642], [647, 737], [1099, 1143], [2168, 2182], [2237, 2291]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Mexico 's war against the drug cartels is frustrated by a risk-averse army and interagency rivalries , according to U.S. diplomatic cables obtained by WikiLeaks . But amid some downbeat assessments of the challenges faced by President Felipe Calderon , some of the cables celebrate outstanding successes against the cartel `` capos . '' One such success came almost exactly a year ago , when a Mexican naval unit killed one of Mexico 's leading cartel figures , Arturo Beltran Leyva -- with plenty of assistance from the United States . `` The arrest operation targeting ABL began about a week prior to his death when the Embassy relayed detailed information on his location to SEMAR -LSB- Mexican Navy -RSB- , '' according to a cable sent soon after the operation . The naval unit `` raided an identified location , where they killed several ABL bodyguards and arrested over 23 associates , while ABL and Hector -LSB- his brother -RSB- escaped . '' But time was running out for Beltran Leyva -LRB- also known as El Fantasma and El Elegante -RRB- , thanks to U.S. surveillance . The cable continues : `` the Embassy interagency linked ABL to an apartment building located in Cuernavaca -LRB- about an hour south of Mexico City -RRB- , where ABL was in hiding ... . ABL 's forces fired on the SEMAR operatives and engaged in a sustained firefight that wounded three SEMAR marines and possibly killed one . '' Besides Beltran Leyva , at least three other cartel operatives were killed during the Dec. 16 , 2009 , raid , with a fourth committing suicide . The success of the operation was especially pleasing to the United States because its military had spent years training Mexican naval units . Some might question why the navy was involved in a land operation . This and other cables provide the answer : The army had declined to act quickly on information about Beltran Leyva 's whereabouts and is described as `` risk averse . '' After the Beltran Leyva operation , there was glowing praise from U.S. diplomats for Mexican navy units . `` SEMAR is well-trained , well-equipped , and has shown itself capable of responding quickly to actionable intelligence , '' a cable read . `` Success puts the Army in the difficult position of explaining why it has been reluctant to act on good intelligence and conduct operations against high-level targets . '' There is no euphoria about Beltran Leyva 's demise , but the embassy hopes it will mark a new beginning . `` His death will not solve Mexico 's drug problem , but it will hopefully generate the momentum necessary to make sustained progress against other drug trafficking organizations . '' Since Beltran Leyva 's death , Mexican security forces have scored some significant successes in arresting or killing leading cartel members , and often SEMAR units have been in the vanguard . Last month the Navy Ministry confirmed its forces shot and killed Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen , alias `` Tony Tormenta , '' one of the top members of the Gulf cartel . And , in January this year , there seemed to be optimism that some of the institutional challenges were at last being tackled . `` A truly joint effort to implement a new U.S.-Mexico strategy is yielding stronger organizational structures and interagency cooperation on both sides and a deeper understanding of the threat posed by the drug trafficking organizations , '' reads one cable . The same cable noted that the Mexican Army -LSB- SEDENA -RSB- had for the first time asked the United States for special forces training . `` We need to capitalize on these cracks in the door . Any retreat on engagement on our side will only reinforce SEDENA 's instincts to revert to a closed and unaccountable institution . ''
|
Diplomatic cables spell out successes against Mexican cartels . Americans praise actions of Mexican naval units . Cables detail operation against Arturo Beltran Leyva .
|
[[0, 15], [122, 157], [186, 234], [272, 343], [1952, 1985], [1988, 2057]]
|
Dublin , Republic of Ireland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Europe and the International Monetary Fund are in the process of finalizing a rescue package worth up to 100 billion euros to bail out Ireland 's banking sector . What are the implications of the bailout for Irish people and the rest of the world ? When will we know the full details of the rescue package ? Over the next few weeks , the exact size of the bailout will be revealed and include details of when it will take effect , and what changes to Ireland 's austerity measures the IMF will insist on in exchange for the facility . On Wednesday , Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen announced a tough four-year austerity plan , which included a huge cut in welfare spending , a rise in the Value Added Tax -LRB- VAT -RRB- rate , and thousands of redundancies in the country 's public sector . However Dublin stopped short of changing Ireland 's low corporate tax rate . Why does Ireland need the money ? Ireland needs funds to shore up balance sheets after its government pumped billions of euros into Irish banks to keep them afloat , effectively nationalizing most of them . The European Central Bank is lending money to Irish banks because other banks wo n't . And lately people and companies have been pulling funds out of the banks . This could n't have continued . What would the dangers have been if the crisis continued ? A run on Irish banks -- mass withdrawals by customers worried their bank will go bust -- would have been bad for the eurozone , as it could have forced the EU and IMF to scramble to provide emergency funds within days , rather than in the more orderly , considered way now being organized . Also if yields -LRB- interest rates -RRB- on Irish government bonds kept rising , the same would probably happen to bonds issued by countries such as Spain and Portugal -- this weakens the finances of banks in those countries -LRB- because their large holdings of Spanish and Portuguese bonds are growing less valuable -RRB- , which will make them inclined to lend less -- which is damaging for the economy . What does the bailout mean for Irish citizens ? Analysts say a bailout is not likely to affect Irish citizens directly but will have beneficial effects nonetheless . `` All it 's going to do is keep the banks going , '' said Peter Morici of the University of Maryland . `` It 's not going to change the objective conditions for the average Irish people . '' But Allan Timmermann , who holds an endowed chair of finance at the University of California San Diego , says a bailout will make life easier for ordinary folks because the aid might lessen the severity of service cuts the government will need to make . `` If you imagine that there 's no bailout , the measures that Ireland would have to take in terms of cutbacks would have to be much more drastic . '' What will the bailout mean for people across Europe ? It means their tax dollars going to pay for yet another bank bailout plan , after the European Union bailed out Greece to the tune of 110 billion euros -LRB- currently $ 150 billion -RRB- in May . But it also means the markets might calm down , taking pressure off Spain and Portugal , which are also facing budget problems . Bringing the yield on Portuguese and Spanish government bonds back to normal levels would mean they pay less on interest and more , hopefully , toward reducing their own deficits . Would it mean anything for Americans ? The stock market might regain what it has lost in the past two weeks over `` fears of European recovery . '' It could also mean the dollar starts to fall against the euro , which might boost American exports to Europe , since American good would be cheaper for euro-spenders to buy . Who would pay for an Irish bailout ? After Greece took European and International Monetary Fund loans , European Union countries pledged nearly $ 1 trillion for any country that ca n't pay its bills by raising funds through normal debt markets . Ireland does not have that problem , but it 's clear the EU will allow Ireland to pump loans into its banks -LRB- given the government controls them now anyway -RRB- . EU countries and their taxpayers pay according to their size : Germany the most and Malta the least . The United Kingdom and Sweden , neither of which use the euro currency , have also said they will lend about 8 billion euros and 1 billion euros respectively , to Ireland . What strings will be attached to the rescue package ? The extra banking injection will take Ireland 's fiscal deficit from the planned 11.75 percent of gross domestic product in 2010 to as high as 32 percent . That 's 10 times higher than the three percent allowed under the Maastricht Treaty agreed by the EU when it laid out the foundations of its single currency in 1992 . The big question was whether the EU and the IMF would demand that Ireland 's low level of corporation tax of 12.5 percent -- one of the lowest in the EU -- which helps keep the country competitive , be raised . Ireland has said it alone decides taxes , and decided against any change in its four-year austerity plan . The IMF and financial markets will be analyzing the details of the plan to reassure themselves that Finance Minister Brian Lenihan can deliver on his pledge to shrink the fiscal deficit back down to three percent of GDP in 2014 . So how did Ireland get into this mess ? Ireland recorded stunning economic growth during what is known as the `` Celtic Tiger '' era from around 1993 to 2007 when the global financial crisis hit . Irish banks , like others around the world , loaned money to people who in some cases could n't pay it back . Cheap loans created extra demand for housing and as prices surged the construction industry raced to build more . House prices multiplied during the period , making many homeowners impressive profits and generating fat tax receipts for the government . However , when the housing bubble burst , consumer spending slowed sharply . Unemployment tripled from around four percent in 2005 to 11.8 percent in 2009 . The most recent figure , for September , puts it even higher at 13.7 percent . What has been the reaction of Irish people towards the bailout ? One of Monday 's papers carries the word `` humiliation '' as part of its headline , and many people are unhappy that the IMF has come to town . The government is unpopular and it is hard to see how the bailout will help . But what people do n't want to see is the IMF dictating terms of the budget over the next couple of years . The government is trying to reassure voters that will not be the case , but it remains to be seen . CNN 's Jim Boulden contributed to this report .
|
Europe and IMF discussing 100 billion euro bailout for Ireland 's banking sector . Irish PM announced swingeing four-year austerity plan . No change to Ireland 's low corporation tax of 12.5 percent . Media express anger of Irish people over mess it is in ; government is unpopular .
|
[[0, 6], [9, 140], [9, 90], [113, 210], [583, 595], [598, 840], [849, 917]]
|
Princeton , New Jersey -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- There is at present a profound uncertainty about currencies . That is why the president of the World Bank , Robert Zoellick , created such a stir with a brief reference to an enhanced role for gold in the course of a plea for a more sustainable international exchange rate system . The revival of interest in a golden measure of value derives from two fundamental sources . First , there is a question about our personal sense of worth . The aftermath of the economic crisis has destroyed our confidence in the reliability of conventional paper money . We need money as a store of value , but in the course of the crisis it has also become a tool of government policy . Looser monetary policy or `` quantitative easing '' can help to get the economy moving again . But the purposes of money may conflict and collide . When money becomes too much of a policy tool , the function of reliably measuring value gets chipped away . We look at gold when we are really upset about big price changes . Over the past two years , market sentiment has shifted abruptly from fear of deflation to fear of inflation . The crisis has produced a profound shock , in which some prices -LRB- especially housing -RRB- have moved sharply lower while others -LRB- notably foodstuffs and some raw materials -RRB- have increased . The movement of prices is actually an important part of the adjustment process : that is , Americans should devote less of their resources to building and filling mega-size houses . But the price changes involved are deeply discomforting : The prices that are falling represent a major store of wealth , because people viewed their house as a sort of source of cash ; and the prices that are rising are a major part of daily expenditure . More opinion on topics in the news . The appeal of gold would be that it might be a better way of storing value . But it would not avoid the harsh task of adjustment at a personal level . Secondly , there is an international dimension to the concern with gold . The crisis has intensified international conflict . It has pushed countries to compete much more aggressively for markets , and to worry that other countries are using unfair means to push their exports . Americans think that China has maintained an artificially undervalued exchange rate , while Mediterranean countries accuse Germany of having devised the Euro as a monetary unit that gives Germany permanent cost advantages . Even former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan now says that U.S. monetary policy is aimed at the weakening of the dollar . As a consequence , the victims start to retaliate . Both the rhetoric and the consequences in terms of exchange rate actions seem to recall the currency wars of the 1930s , when the world spiraled down into protectionism . Can the countries of the world sit down at a table and hammer out an agreement on what exchange rates can be ? No previous attempt at such an exercise has been successful . The exchange rates adopted at Bretton Woods in 1944 needed to be extensively modified in the late 1940s , and the Smithsonian conference of 1971 , which tried to work out a new system , broke down within a year and a half as countries ignored any need for monetary constraint . The appeal of gold is that it sets a clear limit on the extent to which policy actions can manipulate exchange rates . But for nations and individuals , it does not in any way remove the pain from living in altered circumstances . The gold standard worked reasonably well in the 19th century , but even then it did not produce complete price stability . In the absence of new sources of gold , it exerted a downward influence on prices ; then , in the 1890s , new gold started to flow from South Africa , Australia and Alaska , and the result was mild inflation . A real effort at the monetization of gold today would produce a much more dramatic version of the same sort of logic . First , there would be a major scramble for gold and the current gold bubble would swell to even greater proportions . That would provide very large incentives to existing producers of gold in South Africa and Russia to intensify extraction , but also to others to look for nonconventional sources , such as the bulk processing of seawater to extract the very small gold content . The result would be an initial deflation and then a colossal inflation that would make the 19th century experience look trivial . The late-19th century critics who thought that there must be a better way of storing value than gold were right . But such a search demands sustained attention to methods of limiting the tendency of both individuals and governments to behave in a way that produces short-term gains while sacrificing the longer term good of stability . Self-limitation , rather than the magic fix of a new precious metal-based currency , should be the real golden rule . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Harold James .
|
People are profoundly uncertain about currencies , says Harold James . He says sharp drops in housing prices and increases in commodities are causing fear . James : Gold appeals to people because it limits governments ' monetary policies . Basing currencies on gold would result in deflation , then colossal inflation , says James .
|
[[0, 9], [12, 103], [1145, 1336], [3279, 3341], [4343, 4383], [4388, 4413], [4419, 4472]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Uruguay 's controversial World Cup star Luis Suarez has been given a seven-match suspension after being found guilty of biting an opposition player in a Dutch league match . The striker will miss six Eredivisie games as well as a Dutch Cup tie , ruling him out until his club Ajax 's next league match at home to De Graafschap on February 4 . The Amsterdam side 's captain was punished by the Royal Netherlands Football Association following an incident in Sunday 's 0-0 draw with PSV Eindhoven . The 23-year-old -- who was infamously sent off during the World Cup quarterfinal against Ghana in July after saving a goal-bound attempt with his hands -- was investigated after biting PSV player Otman Bakkal . `` Ajax and Luis Suarez have accepted the KNVB 's settlement proposal of a seven-match suspension , '' said a statement on the club 's website on Wednesday . Ajax had already fined Suarez and banned him for the club 's next two domestic matches . `` The fine will go towards a charitable cause , '' Ajax said . Suarez , who played in Ajax 's 4-0 defeat by Real Madrid on Tuesday night , will be available for the final Champions League Group G match at AC Milan on December 8 . He was named the 2010 Dutch footballer of the year after scoring 49 goals in all competitions last season , and has now netted more than 100 times for Ajax since joining the club in 2007 . Meanwhile , European football 's ruling body UEFA will look at the red cards incurred by Real 's Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso late in the Amsterdam match , the UK Press Association reported on Wednesday . Both players received second yellow cards for time-wasting late in the match , meaning they will miss the final group game against French club Auxerre . The Spanish club have already earned a place in the second round , and the duo 's disciplinary is effectively wiped clean ahead of the two-legged last-16 tie in February and March . PA reported that if the players were ruled to have been purposefully booked , they could be charged and have their suspensions extended . Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho denied that he had given such instructions to the duo . `` I spoke with many players throughout the game , not only with Ramos and Alonso , '' he told reporters . `` The two red cards were the result of strange referee bookings in an easy game to monitor . `` I did n't like them one bit , but if Ramos or Alonso ca n't face Auxerre , others will take their place . We will not give our game against the French away . We want to win all our matches . ''
|
Ajax captain Luis Suarez punished following incident in Dutch Eredivisie match . Uruguay striker ruled out until early February after being found guilty of biting opponent . He will miss seven domestic matches but can still play in the Champions League . UEFA to investigate red cards given to Real Madrid players for time-wasting .
|
[[0, 15], [59, 192], [362, 515], [0, 15], [59, 192], [193, 204], [265, 361], [0, 15], [59, 192], [193, 262], [727, 824], [1038, 1044], [1114, 1188], [1394, 1403], [1406, 1470]]
|
New Delhi , India -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- U.S. President Barack Obama started his second day in India on a lighter note : pulling a few dance moves and celebrating a major religious festival with local students . Obama and first lady Michelle Obama spent Sunday morning at a local school , where students were celebrating Diwali . Youngsters performed dances in colorful saris to mark the festival of lights . The president bobbed his head to the music and clapped . Young girls danced with baskets on their heads as the room erupted in cheers . At one point , students pulled the first lady on stage and taught her how to twirl . `` Notice they did n't ask me , '' the president said . Students later extended the offer to the president , who joined them and towered over the youngsters as he danced . Obama also visited students at Holy Name High School , where students in school uniforms explained their projects to the president . One girl described her `` eco-friendly village '' with a large windmill . `` Did you guys get that -- a tree a day keeps global warming away , '' Obama told journalists . Obama also attended an agriculture exposition and took part in a town hall-style meeting with students at St. Xavier 's College in Mumbai . He and the first lady then visited Humayun 's Tomb , a magnificent architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal , before heading to New Delhi for a private dinner Sunday night with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh . At the meeting with the students , Obama faced some difficult questions including his thoughts about jihad and why the United States does n't consider Pakistan -- India 's neighbor and rival -- a terrorist state . The president said it was necessary to isolate those who distort religion as a means for war , and said young people have a role in rejecting violence as a way to mediate differences . On Pakistan , Obama called it a country of enormous potential that had extremist elements . He acknowledged that progress against militants there was `` not as quick as we 'd like , '' particularly in the difficult terrain of the northwest territories along the border with Afghanistan . Obama also said that India has the biggest stake in its neighbor 's success , and that he hoped over time that the two nations develop further trust and cooperation . `` The United States stands to be a partner in that process , but ca n't impose that , '' Obama said . The relatively light agenda on the second day of Obama 's 10-day , four-nation Asian trip followed the president 's unveiling Saturday of about $ 10 billion in contracts for U.S. exports to India . `` The United States sees Asia , and especially India , as a market of the future , '' Obama said at a meeting with business leaders from both countries . `` For America , this is a jobs strategy . '' Promoting broader trade relations with India is a delicate balancing act for Obama , given American frustration with the outsourcing of jobs to call centers in the country . But Obama said the notion of Indian outsourcing being a net drain on the U.S. economy is part of a `` caricature of India as a land of call centers and back offices that cost American jobs . '' Obama 's three-day visit to India , Asia 's third largest economy and one of the world 's few growth markets , also will include bilateral talks with Singh and an address to the the nation 's parliament . After India , Obama will travel to Indonesia , then on to the G-20 meeting in South Korea and APEC -LRB- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation -RRB- summit in Japan .
|
NEW : The Obamas tour Humayun 's Tomb . The president celebrates Diwali with local students . Diwali is a festival of lights . A day earlier , the president unveiled about $ 10 billion in contracts for U.S. exports to India .
|
[[1242, 1292], [0, 3], [125, 136], [147, 207], [2415, 2460], [2482, 2612]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The sweater you would n't be caught dead in . The knicknack that does n't match your decor . The Walkman -LRB- they still make those ? -RRB- you 'll never use . And it 's always that same great-aunt/wacky uncle/out-of-touch grandparent that gives it to you . The holidays are great when you get gifts that you want . Yet there 's always something that does n't fit you or your style . And while we love to pretend that we love it , we 're really just silently searching for the gift receipt . If there is n't one , we wonder : Can I ask to return this ? Our experts answer that question : . Jodi Newbern , author of `` Regifting Revival : A Guide to Reusing Gifts Graciously '' I have a relative that returns or exchanges every gift they are given , even if it is something that they asked for . I just include the gift receipt and let it go . -LRB- Surprisingly , they hate gift cards and think they are tacky ... go figure !! -RRB- . For most of us , unless the gift giver tells you that it 's OK for you to return it -- wrong size , for example -- then returning or exchanging the gift should not be an option -LRB- unless you are a cad , or a relative , or both -RRB- . Let 's assume the gift giver thought you would really like what they chose for you . If you do n't really want , need or like the gift , then after you 've expressed appropriate gratitude , put it in your regift closet and do something else with it later . -LRB- Like use it for a `` spare '' ... ! -RRB- . Peggy Post , great-granddaughter-in-law of Emily Post . Usually it 's OK to ask to return a gift , unless , let 's say , it 's something monogrammed . Most people wo n't be hurt , especially if it just does n't fit you . Show your gratitude and say , `` I love it , but unfortunately that does n't fit/it 's way too small/isn ' t my style . '' Just do n't say : `` I really hate it so would you mind if I exchange it ? '' Sherri Athay , author of `` Present Perfect : Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion '' If there is a compelling and inoffensive reason to return the gift -LRB- wrong size , duplicate gift , damaged item , missing part -RRB- , you might mention it to the giver and see if he/she offers to give you the receipt . In such cases , the giver might even offer to make the exchange for you . On the other hand , if there is any potential that making known your intentions to return the gift might hurt the giver 's feelings , do n't ask . Try making the exchange/return without a receipt -LRB- most stores will at least give store credit -RRB- , or regift the item to someone you know is a better fit . From our readers . Share your gift return advice , and it could end up here later today .
|
Author Jodi Newbern : Try to include gift receipts in whatever you 're giving . It 's usually OK to ask to return it unless it 's monogrammed , Peggy Post says . Author Sherri Athay says exchanging is OK if the gift does n't fit you .
|
[[815, 846], [2455, 2458], [2494, 2521], [2565, 2595], [979, 1052], [1564, 1618], [1556, 1596], [1608, 1618], [1621, 1650], [1694, 1720]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Snow fell in parts of the southeast Saturday , the leading edge of a powerful storm system that has prompted blizzard warnings in New York City and Boston and threatened to cause major travel headaches at the tail end of the holiday week . The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the New York City metropolitan area , from northeast New Jersey through Newark and New York , and including the entirety of both the Long Island and Connecticut coasts of the Long Island Sound . That warning is in effect between 6 a.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Monday . Forecasters predict between 11 to 16 inches of blowing snow in much of that region , bringing visibility to near zero at times . Sustained winds as strong as 30 miles per hour could hit Sunday night , with gusts up to 55 mph in parts of central and eastern Long Island . And , starting at noon Sunday and extending through 6 p.m. Monday , a similar warning is out for all of Rhode Island and most of eastern Massachusetts . Parts of that region could see as much as 20 inches of snow , with strong winds contributing to near blinding travel conditions and likely significant power outages . The weather service also put out a blizzard watch from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon for coastal New Hampshire and Maine , up to the Canadian border . All this could put a wrench in thousands of travel plans . Continental Airlines , which is partnered with United Airlines , has canceled about 250 domestic mainline and regional departures for Sunday , spokesman Andrew J. Ferraro said . American Airlines spokeswoman Mary Sanderson said that the airline expected minimal delays through Sunday morning , but that it plans to cancel flights in and out of several key East Coast airports starting in the afternoon . `` Customers will be contacted through the automated re-accommodation system ... as early as tonight , '' Sanderson said . `` We 'll have a better idea tomorrow morning . '' Delta Air Lines , too , has begun cancelling some flights , though it expects to have a better handle of how many cancellations will be needed on Sunday morning `` once we 've worked through the schedule , '' spokesman Kent Landers said . Earlier , the carrier cancelled approximately 500 Christmas Day flights -- including roughly 300 in and out of Atlanta -- in an attempt to get ahead of the storm , Delta spokesman Morgan Durrant said . Delta has joined Continental , United , American , AirTran Airways and other carriers in waiving penalties for travelers who have to reschedule their trips over the weekend . While specific information varies by carrier , most are offering penalty waivers for passengers traveling on December 26 and 27 at airports from North Carolina to Boston and beyond . Affected customers are being urged to contact the relevant airline either by phone or online . Winter storm warnings were in effect late Saturday afternoon and into Sunday in parts of Georgia north to Virginia , with the rest of the East Coast set to follow as the weekend progresses . A band of light snowfall was moving across the Tennessee Valley and the southern Appalachians , according to the National Weather Service . Madison , Alabama , had received 2.2 inches of snow since Thursday . Snowfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches were possible across North Carolina , and Atlanta was receiving afternoon precipitation . Picturesque Asheville in western North Carolina was well on its way Saturday to notching up to 8 inches of snow . Light flakes were falling in Washington on Saturday , a precurso to heavier snowfall expected to arrive midday Sunday . Accumulations are expected to be between 2 and 4 inches . Forecasters , too , warned of icy driving conditions across much of the East . Much of the precipitation will fall along the Interstate 95 corridor and near the Atlantic coast . CNN meteorologist Bonnie Schneider explained that the system is a Nor'easter , which gets its name from the continuously strong northeasterly winds blowing in from the ocean ahead of the storm and over the coastal areas . CNN 's Nick Valencia contributed to this report .
|
NEW : Delta joins other carriers in cancelling flights , with more likely to come Sunday . NEW : A blizzard watch is in effect for coastal New Hampshire and Maine . Southern New England and metro NYC have a blizzard warning for Sunday and Monday . It 's all part of a storm system that 's causing travel headaches along the East Coast .
|
[[1974, 1989], [1992, 2031], [2990, 2993], [3002, 3058], [1176, 1195], [1201, 1270], [86, 109], [115, 173], [259, 357], [1176, 1195], [1201, 1270], [3684, 3695], [3704, 3762], [0, 15], [178, 258], [1337, 1395], [3684, 3695], [3704, 3762]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Dutch authorities have arrested 12 men of Somali origin they believe were about to carry out a terrorist attack , authorities said Saturday . The country 's intelligence service provided information that led to the arrests in Rotterdam , Public Prosecution Service spokesman Wim de Bruin told CNN . No weapons or explosives were found , he said . The suspects are in police custody . `` The attack was said to be imminent so the national police started an investigation which led to the arrest of 12 Somalis later on Friday in Rotterdam , '' de Bruin said . `` We are not sure about what the target was , how they were going to carry out the attack or when . '' A Dutch counterterrorism office spokeswoman said the immediate threat to the country has been removed and the terror alert level will remain `` limited , '' or relatively low . `` We are now following the information that comes out of the interrogations with these 12 individuals to see if there still remains a threat from this plot , '' said Judith Sluiter of the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism . The men , between ages 19 and 48 , were arrested in various locations . Police have searched a pawn shop , four homes and two hotel rooms , de Bruin said . Six of the suspects live in Rotterdam and one is from Denmark . Some are Dutch citizens . They all are of Somali origin , de Bruin said . A spokesman for the Danish Security Service said authorities are in `` close contact '' with Dutch police . War-torn Somalia has a virtually powerless central government and is home to several militant groups , including Al-Shabaab , which controls much of the country . Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for several attacks , including a series of bombs that tore through an Ethiopian restaurant and a rugby center in the Ugandan capital of Kampala . Officials said the July 11 blasts , which killed 79 people , were probably set off by suicide bombers . The United States this year charged several people with trying to funnel money or otherwise assist Somali extremists . Al-Shabaab has been linked to al Qaeda . Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in September asked other countries to train Somalia 's forces to help counter militant groups . The Netherlands is concerned about threats to Western countries , including itself , said Sluiter . She made a reference to the recent suicide bombing in Stockholm , Sweden . A 2009 Dutch intelligence report indicated a decreased threat from domestic militant networks . Domestic militants were becoming more focused on jihad outside the Netherlands , the report said . But it did say the country was seeing more jihadist threats from Somalia and Yemen . The report noted several cases of Dutch citizens trying to travel to Somalia to join Al-Shabaab , including four arrested in 2009 in Kenya . The arrests in the Netherlands followed an unrelated sweep a few days before in the United Kingdom . An operation Monday led by the British intelligence service , MI5 , resulted in arrests of 12 suspects ranging in age from 17 to 28 in the cities of London , Stoke and Birmingham , England , as well as Cardiff , Wales . A senior British official not authorized to speak on the record said the suspects were arrested on suspicion of `` preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism in the UK , '' but he also said the suspects were `` aspirational '' rather than equipped and `` ready to go . '' CNN terror analyst Paul Cruickshank contributed to this report .
|
NEW : Dutch intelligence report said more citizens wanted to join Al-Shabaab . 12 men of Somali origin arrested in Rotterdam . They are in custody on suspicion of terrorism . No weapons or explosives were found .
|
[[0, 15], [19, 74], [444, 555], [1337, 1341], [1346, 1366], [2942, 3001], [3010, 3044], [366, 402], [3226, 3336], [318, 353]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- This world is a busy place with billions of people and billions of things to achieve and experience . It 's easy to live a lifetime without knowing the feeling of helping others . But can you really blame people for making a way for themselves and not others ? That 's the message you get from birth : `` Go after your dreams and do n't let anything or anyone keep you from it . '' I hear people ask : `` What 's in it for me ? '' or `` Why should I help you , or them ? '' Could it be that they were never taught the importance of helping others or know how much they could gain from it themselves ? For me it was n't someone , but more something , that made me realize the importance of helping others . It was simply visiting a place that some have never visited before -- and fighting for my life . After sustaining burn injuries while serving in the Army in Iraq in 2003 at 19 years old , I asked myself a notebook full of questions . The main one was : `` Why did this happen to me , and what am I going to do with it ? '' As I carried on with my recovery , I waited for that answer . About six months after I was burned , I was asked to visit a young man in the same position as me . He was in the early stages of his recovery and had n't been as physically injured as I was . Growing up , I was n't as connected to helping other people because too much was catching my attention , typical teenage things like football and girls . Needless to say , walking into that young man 's room when I was 20 and visiting him gave me more than any other experience ever gave me . It opened my eyes to a true purpose . I learned that I was able to have an impact on others and help them avoid the difficulties and challenges I faced in order to learn the many things I have learned . I do not regret what happened to me on April 5 , 2003 , because it has brought me to a special place and has given me so much from which to grow . I know I have so much more to experience and learn . I am living the America Dream , and that is being able to dream and make it a reality . Others do not have this opportunity because of a disruptive childhood , abusive relationships or limited resources . I went from fighting for my life to helping inspire others to fight for their own . I have had the honor of sharing my own life experiences with audiences throughout the world , and it has been a whirlwind . However , being able to hear others ' stories and meet people who share the name `` Hero '' with me is even more amazing . I had the unbelievable honor to meet great people over the years , and most recently , at the CNN Hero Awards show in Los Angeles . I attended the show to support my friend Dan Wallrath , founder of Operation Finally Home , which provides custom-made homes to wounded and disabled veterans and the widows of the fallen in an effort to get their lives back on track and become productive members of their communities . He is a hero to many people . He did n't know much about the troops , but he knew how to build homes and wanted to give the troops what had been given to him and his family : hope , life , respect , acknowledgement and opportunity . Witnessing him being honored and also meeting nine other heroes that night motivated me to continue the fight to give to others . So , ask yourself this question : Will you be someone 's hero ? If you reply yes , but do n't know where to start , do as my friend Paul Rieckhoff , the executive director and founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America , suggests . `` Instead of asking the question , ` What can I can do ? ' The real question is , ` What do you do best ? ' '' The more heroes we have , the better off our world will be . All of us can have an unimaginable effect on one person with the simple concept of making him or her feel cared for , appreciated and that they matter . Most important , you will learn far more than you ever expected , and that is what 's in it for you . The opinions in this commentary are solely those of J.R. Martinez .
|
J.R. Martinez was severely burned while serving as a soldier in Iraq at 19 . During recovery , he helped another young man in the same situation , which changed his life . People do n't understand that the feeling of helping others is `` what 's in it for them '' To start helping others , do what you do best , make them feel appreciated , Martinez says .
|
[[822, 894], [853, 910], [822, 889], [913, 958], [3730, 3882], [3820, 3882]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- LeBron James led the much-vaunted Miami Heat to a morale-boosting Christmas Day victory over two-time defending NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers . James notched 27 points with 10 assists and 11 rebounds for the 31st triple-double of his career in the 96-80 win in the heavyweight clash on the Lakers ' home court . Chris Bosh added 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Heat and Dwyane Wade chipped in 18 points despite a knee problem . Would you pay $ 500,000 to attend LeBron 's birthday bash ? It was another chastening experience for the slumping Lakers and their talisman Kobe Bryant , after a 19-point home reverse to the Milwaukee Bucks four days previously . James , who moved to the star-studded Heat from Cleveland in a free agent summer move , was delighted by their performance , with stifling defense the key . `` That 's Miami Heat basketball , '' James told AFP . `` We just try to go out and defend . We know that 's going to give us the best chance to win . When we 're in tune like that defensively -- five guys on a string , we 're all helping each other out -- we 're a pretty good team . '' It was the first meeting between the two teams since James , Wade and Bosh joined up with Miami , making them one of the favorites for the NBA championship . A disgruntled Bryant was kept to 17 points , clearly losing is battle with fellow superstar James and the tension was evident at the end as they exchanged words . `` We 're just two competitors , two guys just trying to will their team to victory , '' James said . Bryant 's take : `` I just asked him what he got for Christmas . '' Spain 's Paul Gasol also scored 17 for the Lakers with Lamar Odom adding 14 points and nine rebounds , but they were well beaten .
|
Miami Heat beat two-time defending champions Los Angeles Lakers 96-80 . LeBron James leads Heat with 31st triple-double of his career . Kobe Bryant restricted to 17 points for disappointing Lakers .
|
[[19, 144], [112, 165], [19, 144], [512, 603], [1285, 1327]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Missouri police are investigating the death of a 27-year-old woman whose body was found at the home of beer tycoon August Busch IV . Frontenac , Missouri , police officers got a 911 call just before 1:15 p.m. on Sunday , December 19 , about an unresponsive woman at a residence later identified as belonging to Busch , the town 's police chief , Thomas Becker , said in a press release . Paramedics and police officers arrived eight minutes later to find Adrienne Nicole Martin dead , `` with no apparent signs of trauma or other indications of cause of death , '' Becker said . Busch 's lawyer , Art Margulis , described Martin as a friend of his client . `` There 's absolutely nothing here that would indicate that this occurred under any suspicious circumstances , '' said Margulis . `` It 's a tragic death of a ... very nice young lady . '' Frontenac police said they are investigating the death with help from the St. Louis County medical examiner . The community of about 3,500 people is 11 miles west of St. Louis . Martin was a model and aspiring art therapist , described as Native American on her page on iStudio.com , a service that says it serves `` the modeling , photography , and associated industries . '' In the About Me section of her page , she writes that she had been in beauty pageants for years and `` would really like to do beer advertising . '' Busch , 46 , became chief executive officer of Anheuser-Busch in December 2006 , after years of working in the company 's brewing , operations and marketing divisions . He was in charge in 2008 when Belgian brewer InBev engineered a $ 52 billion takeover of the then-St . Louis , Missouri , company . With that move , the combined Anheuser-Busch InBev became the world 's largest brewer . `` It was a very difficult time , when August Busch IV took over , '' said Julie MacIntosh , author of the book `` Dethroning the King , '' which focuses on the last decade of Anheuser-Busch . `` On a personal level , it was difficult for -LRB- August Busch IV -RRB- when the company was taken over . '' He and several other members of his family , including his father and fellow former CEO August Busch III , took home tens of millions of dollars from the move , said MacIntosh . That also largely ended the Busch family 's long legacy in brewing , namely heading the legendary eastern Missouri institution known for its Budweiser and other brands . The story started with Adolphus Busch , the company founder and August Busch IV 's great-great-grandfather . August Busch IV is the only representative of the family -- and its former namesake company -- on the Anheuser-Busch InBev board of directors .
|
August Busch IV is the only member of his family on Anheuser-Busch InBev 's board . The body of Adrienne Nicole Martin , 27 , is found in a Missouri home , police say . The Frontenac home belongs to Busch , a former CEO of Anheuser-Busch . Busch 's lawyer says there 's nothing suspicious in the `` tragic death ... of a nice young lady ''
|
[[2542, 2633], [0, 15], [19, 85], [63, 151], [285, 335], [808, 862]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko have sent Britain 's WBA world heavyweight champion David Haye a New Year message , saying they are both ready to fight him in 2011 . Wladimir holds three of the current world heavyweight belts , Vitali has the prestigious WBC title , and Haye the other . Match-ups between Haye and the Ukrainian pair would help unify the heavyweight crown as well as being a money-spinner . Haye , who has made two successful defenses of his title , was due to fight Wladimir in 2009 , but pulled out with a back injury . Meanwhile , Wladimir 's bout with another Briton , Dereck Chisora , was called off earlier this month , with the triple champion citing injury , paving the way for an early clash with Haye . `` We promise that in 2011 the fight against Haye will come , '' read the statement , released through Bild.de . `` We want this fight at all costs . He may choose against which of us he wants us to step into the ring to lose his world title . '' Haye 's manager Adam Booth told the Press Association . `` We are now perfectly positioned to get together and make this fight with Wladimir Klitschko . `` Despite the fact we know we bring more UK television money to the table , David and I are happy to split the entire pot 50-50 and grant Wladimir the deal he has wanted since day one . '' Vitali Klitschko said on Tuesday that his brother would be the first to take on the 30-year-old Haye , with him waiting in the wings . Chisora , upset when his fight with Wladimir Klitschko was pulled , has been promised another opportunity , but they may now have to wait . In world title action Sunday , Japan 's Koki Kameda won the vacant World Boxing Association -LRB- WBA -RRB- bantamweight title by beating Alexander Munoz of Venezuela by a unanimous decision . The three judges scored it 115-111 , 116-109 and 117-109 , all in favor of Kameda . Kameda is the first Japanese boxer to win three world titles , following the WBA light flyweight title and the World Boxing Council -LRB- WBC -RRB- flyweight crown .
|
Klitschko brothers issue statement saying they want to fight Dave Haye in 2011 . Wladimir Klitschko likely to fight Britain 's WBA title holder first . Vitali Klitschko holds WBC version of the heavyweight crown . Koki Kameda wins the vacant World Boxing Association -LRB- WBA -RRB- bantamweight title .
|
[[0, 57], [142, 191], [577, 613], [710, 755], [756, 839], [577, 613], [710, 755], [1346, 1480], [254, 290], [1621, 1649], [1652, 1747]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A part of Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris was evacuated Friday due to the accumulation of snow on the roof and hundreds of flights were canceled because of a shortage of de-icing fluid , authorities said , as blustery winter weather snarled travel across Europe . Nearly 2,000 passengers were moved from Terminal 2E to other parts of the airport , French authorities said , calling the measure `` preventative . '' Part of the roof of that terminal collapsed in 2004 , shortly after the state-of-the-art building was inaugurated . Four people were killed , media reports at the time said . About a foot of snow had fallen on the roof Friday by the time authorities decided to close the terminal , French media reports said . Authorities were working to clear it and reopen the terminal . French authorities earlier Friday asked airlines to cancel half their morning flights to and from the airport because de-icing fluid was running low , they said . That led to the cancellation of 400 flights Friday morning -- 200 arrivals and 200 departures . Then , early in the afternoon , authorities asked airlines to scrap a third of their flights for the rest of the day . Charles de Gaulle is the second busiest airport in Europe , after Heathrow in London . By Friday evening , conditions there were improving , and flights on Christmas Day were predicted to depart as scheduled . Authorities have said that as many as 200 passengers may spend the night at the airport , where some 800 mattresses were set up in a makeshift dormitory . Elsewhere at Charles de Gaulle Friday , a chartered plane arrived safely carrying 84 Haitian children , who are to be adopted by French families , the government said . Medical and logistical supplies met the flight . Paris ' second airport , Orly , has not had to cancel flights because it is not running out of glycol , which is using for de-icing , authorities said . Despite the winter weather , Air France said it intended to operate all of its flights between the Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports . It also said it intended to operate all of its long-haul flights . Airports across Europe are still struggling to get passengers to their destinations after they were snarled by unexpected snow over the weekend . In Brussels , heavy snowfall forced the closure of all but one runway , the airport said in a statement . It was only accepting a few flights , as the airport said it did not have sufficient capacity to handle incoming traffic . Heathrow , in London , said in a statement that it was open and that most flights would operate on Friday . London 's Gatwick Airport similarly said it was open and that flights were operating , but it warned there may be some delays and cancellations because of snowfall across Northern Europe . Dublin , Ireland 's airport was experiencing delays Friday because of de-icing and because airplanes were in the wrong places after the week 's disruptions , the airport said in a statement . At the Frankfurt airport in Germany , most flights were operating as scheduled but some were scratched and others were delayed , said duty officer Heinz Fass . About 45 landings and 35 starts were canceled , he said , because of winter weather at other European airports . Meanwhile , the Swedish Transport Administration wrote on its website that the traffic situation was `` extremely alarming '' and that there were major problems with both road and rail traffic , especially in the southern parts of the country . The problems there are expected to continue through Christmas Day . CNN 's Niki Cook and Per Nyberg contributed to this report .
|
Brussels airport says all but one runway shut because of heavy snowfall . Airports in London are operating , with some delays and cancellations possible . Charles de Gaulle airport cancels a third of afternoon and evening flights . About a foot of snow falls on the roof , forcing a partial evacuation .
|
[[2274, 2285], [2288, 2343], [2611, 2695], [2698, 2799], [973, 1068], [1069, 1073], [1076, 1098], [1101, 1187], [0, 15], [64, 128], [612, 674]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- He earns millions of dollars every year , but basketball star LeBron James wants investors to splash out up to $ 500,000 each to sponsor his lavish 26th birthday celebrations . The Miami Heat player has hired a marketing firm to find backers willing to help fund his December 30 party , dubbed the `` Full Court Birthday Celebration . '' James , who earned a reported $ 14.5 million in salary this year , enlisted SA Global Plus -- whose website shows slides from a presentation given to potential investors . The sponsorship opportunities range from $ 10,000 for a single event on his 11-stop `` LeBron James Dinner Party Tour '' to $ 500,000 for a season package . Next week 's A-list party will take place at the Coco De Ville Lounge in Miami Beach 's Gansevoort Hotel , and the presentation promises an array of stars including athletes , musicians and political figures who `` reinvent and set the tone for a chic lifestyle . '' The celebrity bash `` is royal themed fitting for a birthday celebration of a king , channeling an ambience of extravagant court life . '' Click here to see SA Global Plus ' 12-slide presentation . Potential sponsors will have further chances to catch a glimpse of the self-styled `` King '' as his celebrations -- which started in New York this month -- keep going until the final date in Atlanta on April 10 . But for someone who pays so much attention to the finer details , his name is spelled `` Lebron '' throughout the presentation -- at odds with his own website 's preference . It is not the first time the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard , who calls himself `` King James '' on his Twitter account , has attracted attention away from the basketball court . The six-time NBA All-Star ended months of speculation about his future in July , when he announced he would be joining the Heat on a live television special called `` The Decision . '' The broadcast , which led to James becoming a pariah among Cavaliers fans , attracted a reported 10 million viewers . The Heat will take on two-time defending NBA champions the Lakers in Los Angeles in Saturday 's high-profile Christmas clash .
|
Miami Heat 's LeBron James is looking for sponsors for his 26th birthday party . Investment opportunities are available for between $ 10,000 - $ 500,000 . The Miami bash will boast A-list celebrities according to marketing firm he hired . James is participating in an 11-stop dinner party tour , set to run until April .
|
[[100, 195], [196, 303], [196, 303], [686, 790], [797, 893], [1308, 1364]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Antonio Margarito has apologized for mocking Manny Pacquiao 's Parkinson 's disease-afflicted boxing trainer Freddie Roach in a video that has spread like wildfire across the Internet . The Mexican-American boxer made a surprise appearance at Thursday 's press conference for the undercard bout between Brandon Rios -- who was also in the video -- and Omri Rowther in a bid to make peace ahead of Saturday 's fight in Arlington , Texas . `` I want to apologize to everyone , Freddie Roach if he will accept my apologies , '' said Margarito , who was filmed shaking his hands in mock horror when a journalist told him Roach said Pacquiao would win by a knockout . `` To everyone with that disease ... I want to tell you , never , ever in my life would I make fun of anyone like that . I just want to let you know that I 'm not the kind of person who would do anything like that , and make fun of anyone . '' Rios also said sorry to the 50-year-old for his part in the viral clip , which was posted on video sharing website YouTube on Wednesday and showed the American boxer violently shaking his head and stammering . `` It was a bad video from my behalf . Things got heated up in the moment . And I 'm sorry . I feel bad for saying it . Nothing personal . I feel bad , '' he said . Robert Garcia , who trains both Maragarito and Rios , told reporters at the conference that he had spoken to Roach and his opposite number had accepted the apology . `` I told him , ` Freddie Roach , I want to tell you that I 'm very sorry for what happened . Now that I am talking to you , I feel much better , ' '' Garcia said , adding that Roach replied : `` I accept your apology . And best of luck this weekend . '' Roach said he had been angry about the video , but was prepared to move on , the Sweet Science boxing site reported on Thursday . `` I wanted to fight them at first , of course I 'm a little too old , '' he said . `` I was very upset at first , I had trouble sleeping , thinking what to do about it . I thought it 's best to take the high road , chalk it up to experience . `` They made a mistake , went too far -- but I think they should apologize to world and not just me . They went a little bit too far , tried to get under my skin but they 're attacking a group of people -- not just me has Parkinson 's . `` They apologized , they made a mistake , I accept it , let 's get to the fight . I will not let it get to me or my fighter -- my fighter is smart and will stick to the game plan . They went a little bit too far , but we can all do that at times . I do n't think they meant any harm in it . '' Pacquiao and Margarito are fighting for the vacant WBC junior middleweight title at Cowboys Stadium , with Filipino fighter seeking to claim a belt in an unprecedented eighth class . It is Pacquiao 's second visit to the venue , having retained his WBO welterweight title there against Nigeria 's Joshua Clottey in March . Margarito comes into the fight with a record of 38 wins from 45 bouts , having won both the WBO and IBF welterweight titles . However , the 32-year-old was mired in controversy after he was found to have used illegal handwraps during his WBA title defeat by Shane Mosley in January 2009 , leading to him being banned by the California State Athletic Commission . He returned in May to win the vacant WBC International light middleweight title from Roberto Garcia before being signed up by promoter Bob Arum , with Pacquiao still unable to seal a deal for his dream clash with Floyd Mayweather Junior .
|
Boxing trainer Freddie Roach angry after being mocked in a video posted on Internet . His Parkinson 's disease was lampooned by fighters Antonio Margarito and Brandon Rios . Roach 's charge Manny Pacquiao will take on Margarito in a title bout on Saturday . Mexican-American apologizes at a press conference for his part in video .
|
[[0, 15], [19, 152], [142, 152], [158, 204], [979, 998], [1005, 1040], [1722, 1766], [2628, 2727], [0, 15], [19, 152], [926, 930], [936, 996]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Queen of Talk 's influence is reaching new heights with the unveiling of a plane marking the 25th and final season of the `` Oprah Winfrey Show . '' United Airlines debuted a 757 Thursday newly painted from nose to tail with the logo for the show 's farewell season . During its inaugural flight from Chicago , Illinois , one ticketed passenger will receive enough United miles for a trip around the world . `` As Chicago 's hometown airline , United is proud to celebrate The Oprah Winfrey Show 's Farewell Season with our customers , employees and ` Oprah ' show fans , '' said Mark Bergsrud , senior vice president of marketing for United , in a statement . `` This unique plane represents the global reach of two great Chicago icons . '' The Oprah plane will fly United customers between cities in the airline 's domestic network through May 2011 . An onboard video featuring Oprah Winfrey will greet customers . United is also launching a sweepstakes that will award 1 million United Mileage Plus miles to one passenger each month through May 2011 . Passengers on the inaugural flight to Los Angeles , California , will take home `` Oprah 25 '' fleece blankets .
|
United Airlines debuted a 757 painted with the logo for the show 's farewell season . The Oprah plane will fly United domestic routes through May 2011 . One customer on the inaugural flight will receive enough United miles for a trip around the world .
|
[[96, 146], [172, 281], [196, 290], [765, 856], [291, 331], [334, 430]]
|
Beijing , China -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- China 's Foreign Ministry has confirmed for the first time that President Hu Jintao will visit the United States early next year . The trip will be `` profound and far-reaching for bilateral ties , '' state-run media reported , saying that preparations have begun for the visit . `` China and the United States have maintained close communications about the visit , which will be very important and will bring far-reaching influence for bilateral relations in new era , '' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said Thursday , according to China Daily . U.S. President Barack Obama referred to Hu 's visit last month , while China 's Premier Wen Jiabao was in New York to address the U.N. General Assembly . The countries `` have to work cooperatively together in order to achieve regional peace and stability , because the world looks to the relationship between China and the United States as a critical ingredient on a whole range of security issues around the world , '' Obama also said at the time . Relations between the two countries have hit rough patches in the past year . Washington has been pressing Beijing to allow its currency to appreciate more freely . Some critics in the United States have accused China of manipulating the yuan , giving its exports an edge in the global marketplace . China also broke off military ties early this year over the U.S. sale of arms to Taiwan , which Beijing regards as a breakaway province . The defense chiefs for China and the United States met last week , signaling a warming of relations between the countries . Chinese Defense Minister General Liang Guanglie and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates talked in Vietnam , while they attended a security forum of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations . Hu 's last state visit to the United States was in April 2006 , during the Bush administration .
|
Hu Jintao will travel to the United States early next year . The trip will be `` profound and far-reaching for bilateral ties , '' state-run media says . The world needs strong ties between Beijing and Washington , President Barack Obama says . Relations between the two countries have hit rough patches in the past year .
|
[[79, 88], [94, 165], [166, 230], [383, 400], [407, 429], [389, 398], [434, 502], [750, 765], [812, 851], [854, 1011], [1047, 1124]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The worst might be over on Indonesia 's Mount Merapi volcano , disaster officials said Thursday . They urged calm in the aftermath of recent eruptions , which started on October 26 and have killed 191 people . `` Generally speaking , Mount Merapi has passed its dangerous phase , '' the National Agency for Disaster Management said . It cited recent eruptions versus historic ones . Merapi 's recent eruptions have released about 140 million cubic meters of magma , the disaster agency said . The previous record flow occurred in 1872 , at 100 million cubic meters . The information was released in an attempt to reassure Indonesians , especially those in the Yogyakarta and Central Java area . Despite that , government volcanology experts have kept Merapi 's alert level at 4 , the highest . On Wednesday , the Merapi Disaster Health Team said that the recent eruptions have seriously injured 145 people , and left scores of others less severely hurt . The eruptions have displaced nearly 344,000 residents , many who are now living in refugee camps , the National Agency for Disaster Management said . To restore a sense of normalcy for displaced students , classes have started at the camps , disaster officials said Thursday . President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called the volcano eruptions a crisis situation . Over the weekend , he and several of his ministers visited Yogyakarta to oversee relief efforts . On Thursday , disaster officials said dredging has begun . The work is being done to limit further destruction . `` We 've taken steps to anticipate possible lava floods from upstream , '' said Syamsul Maarif , the head of the National Agency for Disaster Management . The 3,000-meter -LRB- 9,800-foot -RRB- Merapi , in Central Java , is famously unpredictable . About 1,300 people died when it erupted in 1930 . Many people continue to live in the shadow of the volcano , raising food and livestock . The president has announced that residents will receive compensation for livelihoods and animals lost to the eruptions . The government will buy endangered cows on the volcano , Yudhoyono said . Many of those who live on its slopes risked their lives by staying or returning to feed their cows during lulls of volcanic activity . CNN 's Kathy Quiano contributed to this report .
|
Generally speaking , Mount Merapi has passed its dangerous phase , '' the government says . It cited recent eruptions vs. historic ones and compared magma flow . Eruptions that started on October 26 and have killed 191 people . Nearly 344,000 residents have been displaced .
|
[[19, 79], [253, 296], [353, 401], [153, 169], [178, 199], [153, 169], [197, 228], [974, 1027]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Keisuke Honda is the rising star of Japanese football . The 24-year-old has been likened to a Japanese David Beckham , both as an attacking midfielder with devastating free-kick skills , and as a pin-up with a distinctive off-the-pitch style . But the CSKA Moscow player would rather be known for his own achievements . `` I 'm not -LSB- Beckham -RSB- and I do n't think I can ever become him . I want to create something by myself , out of my own individuality . I want to show the world myself , not copying other people , '' he told CNN . `` Like any other football player I want to be number one , professionally . But on the other hand , I want to work on my appearance while I 'm working on my football skills , pointing out that a best football player can be the most handsome one , too . These are probably the two ideas which help me express myself . '' By plying his trade in Europe he 's already achieved more than most Asian footballers . A large part of his drive to succeed comes from a disciplined upbringing -- '' -LSB- my father -RSB- would always get mad at me if I was n't the best '' -- that fostered in Honda a competitive instinct and strong work ethic . He first played for J-League team Nagoya Grampus 8 before spending two seasons with Dutch side VVV-Venlo ; he moved to Moscow in December 2009 . Despite joining the Russian side for a fee of around $ 13 million less than a year ago there is speculation that Honda will move to a top club possibly in Italy , Spain or England later this winter . If the footballer had his wish there would only be one destination : `` When I was a little kid I loved Real Madrid . If I could play for that club , it would be a huge personal achievement for me . I think my dreams would come true then . To achieve that , I need to work really hard . Today is what matters . So , day after day , I concentrate and I work hard . And maybe in the future Real Madrid will invite me to join the club , '' he said . Honda has made his mark during his time in Moscow , helping the team make the group stages of the UEFA Champions League last season . His good form continued through the summer with Japan in the World Cup , scoring the winning goal against Cameroon . Honda however is candid about the national team 's chances of greater success in the future . `` There are several problems . I think our main problem is ... there are no really strong strikers . We do n't know very well how to score . If the Japanese team can work on that weakness , we will become a country with a football team that deserves respect on the highest level , '' he said . And Honda is determined to do whatever it takes to play consistently at the highest level . `` A constant pressure is something that this sport wo n't exist without . I will keep on feeling this pressure as long as I am playing . Without it , it would n't be exciting . I 'm planning on following a principle of high risk and high return , aiming only at the highest goals . '' Keisuke Honda talked to CNN at the Ritz-Carlton , Moscow .
|
Keisuke Honda is the star of the Japanese football team . Has played for CSKA Moscow since December 2009 . Rumors of move to a bigger European team this winter . Dream move would be the play for Real Madrid .
|
[[0, 15], [19, 74], [1303, 1340], [1341, 1520]]
|
London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An employee at London 's Heathrow Airport has been given a police warning after allegedly making a lewd remark about a female colleague as she stood in a full body scanner by mistake . The woman reported the incident to airport bosses and to police , according to the UK 's Press Association . `` Police received an allegation regarding an incident that happened at Heathrow Terminal 5 on March 10 , '' a Metropolitan Police spokesman told PA. `` A first instance harassment warning has been issued to a 25-year-old male . '' A spokeswoman for BAA , which runs the airport , said that the allegations were being investigated and that `` appropriate action '' would be taken if the claims were substantiated . `` We treat any allegations of inappropriate behavior or misuse of security equipment very seriously and these claims are investigated thoroughly , '' she told PA. . Heathrow and other British airports introduced full body scanners earlier this year as part of tougher security measures introduced following an attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner from Amsterdam on December 25 last year . British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that scanners were necessary to combat `` a new type of threat . '' But critics say the scanners breach people 's privacy rights . `` This incident highlights the risks to privacy and respect for human dignity that are posed by the use of full body scanners , '' said Susie Uppal of the UK 's Equality and Human Rights Commission . `` The Government needs to take urgent and decisive action to ensure that incidents of this kind are not repeated . There needs to be a lawful system of training and conduct that is applied consistently across all airports , rather than the current haphazard and rushed approach which is already showing its flaws . '' Matthew Knowles of the aerospace trade organization ADS told PA body scanners were vital tools to protect travelers from possible terror attack and said safeguards had been put in place to protect passengers ' privacy . `` The development and deployment of this technology by industry and the authorities have been carried out with safeguards in place to prevent such alleged abuses happening when in use with passengers at airports . `` For example , in actual use the person operating the scanner is in a separate location to the passengers to prevent any such situation occurring . '' In a report issued Wednesday British lawmakers said that privacy concerns regarding body scanners had been `` overstated . '' `` Air passengers already tolerate a large invasion of their privacy and we do not feel that full body scanners add greatly to this situation . Privacy concerns should not prevent the deployment of scanners , '' said the House of Commons ' Home Affairs Committee .
|
Employee made lewd remark about female colleague in body scanner . Critics of full body scanners say they are an abuse of privacy rights . Police issued harassment warning over incident at Heathrow Airport . Scanners introduced in aftermath of Dec. 25 attempt to blow up airliner .
|
[[0, 6], [9, 32], [61, 171], [1255, 1313], [2479, 2523], [2479, 2519], [2524, 2530], [0, 6], [9, 32], [61, 171], [349, 433], [436, 558], [1006, 1063], [1006, 1031], [1043, 1141]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A leading spokesman for WikiLeaks has said he is stepping down , citing organizational shortcomings and clashes with the group 's founder . Daniel Domscheit-Berg , who was known as Daniel Schmitt while acting as spokesman , said the whistle-blower website has structural problems stemming from its rapid growth , the German magazine Der Spiegel reported Monday . WikiLeaks was thrust into the international spotlight earlier this year when it released some 76,000 pages of U.S. documents related to the war in Afghanistan . `` Because of the high pressure we have all been under following the publication of the American military documents , we have not been able to restructure our organization accordingly . This has created a situation in which not all of the work is being done correctly , and that is overwhelming the project , '' Domscheit-Berg said , according to Der Spiegel . `` WikiLeaks has a structural problem . I no longer want to take responsibility for it , and that 's why I am leaving the project , '' he said . Domscheit-Berg is one of a handful of people to have spoken on behalf of WikiLeaks , as the task typically falls to the website 's founder , Julian Assange . Domscheit-Berg told Der Spiegel he had clashed with Assange over what he saw as the founder 's increasing concentration of resources on fewer and larger leaks , and over whether Assange should take a more back-seat role following the rape and molestation allegations made against him in Sweden last month . `` In my opinion it would have been best if he -LRB- Assange -RRB- had pulled back a bit so that he could quietly deal with these problems . It would have been fine if he had continued his normal work out of the spotlight . But he clearly saw my internal proposal as an attack on his role , '' Der Spiegel reported Domscheit-Berg said . According to the account , and a posting on Wikileaks ' Twitter page , Domscheit-Berg was suspended from the organization about a month ago . `` Julian Assange reacted to any criticism with the allegation that I was disobedient to him and disloyal to the project . Four weeks ago , he suspended me -- acting as the prosecutor , judge and hangman in one person , '' Domscheit-Berg told Der Spiegel . WikiLeaks has previously said it plans to publish another 15,000 documents related to the war in Afghanistan soon , while Domscheit-Berg told the German magazine the group has additional leaks in the works . `` Through our rising recognition in the last six months , we have again received a lot of material that urgently needs to be processed and published , '' he said .
|
Daniel Domscheit-Berg says WikiLeaks has a structural problem . He repeatedly clashed with the website 's founder , Julian Assange . The whistle-blower website has leaked thousands of classified documents .
|
[[159, 180], [243, 329], [904, 943], [0, 15], [84, 158], [382, 506]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A German citizen of Afghan descent was the source of much of the information on a potential `` Mumbai-style '' terror plot in Europe , a German counterterrorism official said Wednesday . The man , Ahmed Sidiqi , was detained in Kabul in July and transferred to U.S. custody where he has `` revealed details about the terror plot , '' said the official , who did not want to be named because he is not authorized to talk to the media . The man and several other Germans traveled from Hamburg to the Afghan-Pakistan border area in 2009 , where he joined the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan , an extremist group allied with al Qaeda , German intelligence officials said . Sidiqi , once captured , `` started to talk a lot , '' and detailed a `` Mumbai-style '' attack in Europe , the German official said . Eiffel Tower evacuated after bomb threat . Ten men launched a carefully planned attack on buildings in Mumbai , India , on November 26 , 2008 . The attack on such prominent sites -- such as the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel , the Oberoi-Trident hotels , the historic Victoria Terminus train station and a Jewish cultural center -- lasted three days and killed 164 people . Sidiqi is from Hamburg where he worked for a cleaning company at the Hamburg international airport , the German official said . He attended the Masjid Taiba mosque , formerly known as the Al-Quds mosque , in Hamburg , which became known as the meeting place of those behind the September 11 , 2001 , attacks on New York and Washington . Among those who prayed there was Mohammad Atta , one of the hijackers who commandeered the first plane that crashed into New York 's World Trade Center . Sidiqi was part of Atta 's circle , the official said . Hamburg shut down the mosque this year , not long after Sidiqi 's capture . National Intelligence Director James Clapper would not talk about a plot Tuesday evening . `` We are not going to comment on specific intelligence , as doing so threatens to undermine intelligence operations that are critical to protecting the U.S. and our allies , '' he said . `` As we have repeatedly said , we know al Qaeda wants to attack Europe and the United States . '' Meanwhile , a federal law enforcement official in the United States , said `` the volume seems to be turned up '' on the threat information coming out of Europe . The intelligence indicates there is interest in using people with Western passports in an attack , that official said . This source says the potential operatives may be a mix of Europeans and others possibly including North Africans , Pakistanis , Turks , Uzbeks , and Tajiks . There is concern about an `` active shooter '' scenario that would create as many casualties and as much chaos as possible in a short period of time . The Mumbai attacks showed how effective this kind of an attack can be in drawing attention . According to this source , economic targets in Europe could be possible targets , including institutions such as banks and stock exchanges . A separate law enforcement source said `` the belief is '' that Osama bin Laden signed off on a European attack plan , and that source confirmed the intelligence related to a Mumbai-style attack . The German government is increasingly concerned about the number of Germans becoming jihadists . According to a senior German counterterrorism source , some 200 individuals have traveled to train with Jihadist groups in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region since the 9/11 attacks . The potential plot against Europe was one factor contributing to the uptick this month in missile strikes by unmanned drones against terrorist targets in Pakistan , according to a U.S. official . `` We would be remiss not to try to take action to thwart what might be under way in Europe , '' said the official . The official emphasized that the potential plot was not the sole factor . U.S. officials say they are taking advantage of what they call `` precise intelligence . '' Most of the drone attacks this year have been focused on North Waziristan , a mountainous area bordering Afghanistan where Pakistani security forces have little control . That has continued to be the pattern this month . Based on information from Pakistani officials , CNN estimates there have been 20 drone attacks in the area in September alone , a higher number than in any previous month , and more than twice the monthly average . Acknowledging the spike , one U.S. official told CNN : `` Our operational tempo has been up for a while now , we have good information driving it , and given the stakes involved , we hope to keep the pressure on as long as we can . '' According to the official , the mix of threats remains the same . It comes from groups like the Haqqani network , al Qaeda , the Afghan Taliban and the Pakistan Taliban . The threats they pose are `` all deadly , '' said the official . Pakistani officials say many recent strikes have been aimed at compounds in or around the town of Miramshah , a stronghold of the Haqqani network . Western intelligence officials have long regarded the Haqqanis as one of the most dangerous terror groups and have linked them to several attacks in Kabul . Intelligence analysts point to other reasons for the escalated drone attacks . They include better information from sources in the border area and better surveillance technology -- including the growing use of spy balloons fitted with high-powered cameras . In addition , the rising number of drone strikes is designed to deprive the Afghan Taliban of `` strategic depth '' as the Obama administration 's campaign to defeat the insurgency enters a crucial phase and tighten the noose on the senior al Qaeda leadership . Pakistani officials say one strike last weekend killed Sheikh Mohammad Fateh al Masri , described as the group 's senior operational commander . CNN 's Pam Benson , Tim Lister and Jeanne Meserve contributed to this report .
|
NEW : Clapper : We 're not going to comment on specific intelligence . Man talks about a `` Mumbai-style '' attack in Europe , official says . He attended the same mosque in Hamburg as 9/11 hijacker Atta . Europe plot is one factor in the increase in drone attacks in Pakistan .
|
[[1821, 1911], [1912, 1917], [1932, 1967], [687, 693], [696, 709], [713, 775], [687, 693], [712, 792], [2461, 2481], [3506, 3539], [3671, 3701], [1326, 1361], [3506, 3668]]
|
Moscow , Russia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Russian lawmaker is calling for a special investigation into a top intelligence official 's alleged release of information on a Russian spy ring in the United States . The deputy chairman of the Russian parliament 's security committee wants a special commission to analyze how information on the Russian agent got out , said Alyona Zhukova , a spokeswoman for lawmaker Gennady Gudkov 's office . Zhukova said the lawmaker had confirmed a newspaper report identifying a colonel in Russia 's Foreign Intelligence Service as the source who tipped off U.S. officials . And the lawmaker sees the information as a significant blow to the image of Russia 's intelligence network , she said . The article , published in the respected Russian newspaper Kommersant Thursday , said `` the betrayer , '' known as `` Colonel Shcherbakov , '' fled Russia three days before Russia 's president arrived in the U.S. for meetings with President Barack Obama -- just days before ring was broken up . Neither the U.S. State Department nor the Central Intelligence Agency would comment on the report . The paper quotes a source who says the U.S. , fearing that the Russian intelligence agency would pull its agents from the U.S. , rounded them up and arrested them . In July , 10 Russian agents were handed over by the United States in exchange for four Russian prisoners . The article in Kommersant says Shcherbakov , who was identified only by last name , headed up the branch of the Foreign Intelligence Service that oversees agents working abroad undercover but without diplomatic credentials . `` We know who he is and where he is . He betrayed either for the money or he was caught for something . And there 's no doubt that there is a Mercader has been sent for him , '' an unidentified source was quoted as telling Kommersant . Mercader was an assassin sent by Stalin to Mexico to kill Leon Trotsky in 1940 . `` He does n't have an enviable fate , '' the source tells the paper . `` He will drag this with him for the rest of his life and every day he will fear vindication . '' The paper says that Shcherbakov was present in the facility in the U.S. where one of the spies arrested this summer was held . It claims he also took the files on one of those spies with him to the United States . The colonel 's son also fled Russia for the United States not long before the spies were arrested , according to the paper . CNN 's Arkady Irshenko , Jill Dougherty and Anastasia Anashkina contributed to this report .
|
A Russian lawmaker wants a commission to analyze how a top official leaked the information . The lawmaker confirms a report naming a top intelligence officer as the U.S. source . The officer gave the U.S. information on the spy ring , and fled Russia , the newspaper says . The newspaper article alleges the colonel 's information is what led to the spy ring bust .
|
[[0, 6], [9, 31], [35, 204], [205, 347], [279, 355], [434, 570], [560, 570], [575, 602], [434, 570]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A cargo ship seized by Somali pirates off the coast of Kenya was freed Monday after one day under siege , and the German-based Beluga Shipping company said its crew of 16 was unharmed . The pirates were thwarted after the crew of the MV Beluga Fortune locked themselves in a panic room and switched off the main engine , cut off the fuel supply , blocked the bridge and reported the Indian Ocean attack to military forces , said Niels Stolberg , president and CEO of Beluga Shipping GmbH . The pirates , seeking a million-dollar ransom , were unable to maintain control of the vessel , and naval forces were able to come to the rescue , Stolberg said in a statement . The vessel continued its journey to Richards Bay , South Africa . `` The excellent behavior of our colleagues on board made such a swift and happy ending of the capture possible , '' Stolberg said .
|
The vessel MV Beluga Fortune was held captive for one day . Crew locked themselves in a panic room , shipping firm CEO says . Naval forces come to rescue as crew of 16 unharmed .
|
[[249, 304], [443, 508], [129, 204], [609, 653]]
|
Mexico City , Mexico -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Mexican officials have identified 13 people killed Sunday night in a Tijuana drug rehabilitation center , the state-run news agency said Monday . Four heavily armed men stormed into the Centro de Rehabilitacion El Camino and opened fire , the Notimex news agency said . The reported ages of those killed ranged from 19 to 56 years old . The assailants escaped in a vehicle , the news agency said . The dead were identified as : Irineo Godinez Garcia , 47 ; Antonio Mesa Contreras , 56 ; Bernabe Alvarez Piceno , 35 ; Jose Lopez Sauceda , 28 ; Fabian Gonzalez Zea , 19 ; Juan Daniel Casi Esquer , 32 ; Wilson Ramírez Pena , 42 ; Joaquin García Hernandez , 39 ; Jorge Palacio Goya , 37 ; Pedro Villegas , 30 ; Juan Roberto Sanchez Ortega , 30 ; Edwin Vargas Avila , 33 ; and Salvador Bustos , 30 . The slayings occurred one day after armed men burst into a house party in Ciudad Juarez and opened fire , killing 14 people and wounding 14 , Notimex said . The ages of those killed in Juarez ranged from 14 to 30 , Notimex said . Children as young as 7 and 11 were among the injured , the agency reported . The attack in Juarez was reminiscent of an incident in January , when drug cartel gunmen stormed a house party and killed 15 people . Most of the victims were youths who had no ties to organized crime . Investigators said the January shooting was a case of mistaken identity caused by bad intelligence . It sparked widespread outrage in the violent border city , including calls for Mexican President Felipe Calderon to resign . The Tijuana slayings also were similar to previous attacks carried out at drug rehab centers . A massacre at a Juarez rehab facility in early June left 19 dead . Twenty-seven people were killed in September 2009 in two attacks at separate drug facilities in Ciudad Juarez , the bloodiest city in the nation . Officials said the previous attacks were done by drug gangs killing members of other gangs . At least 2,500 people have been reported killed in drug violence this year in Ciudad Juarez . Nationwide , more than 28,000 people have died in drug-related violence since December 2006 , when Calderon took office and stepped up efforts to fight organized crime and narcotrafficking cartels . Much of the violence in Ciudad Juarez and other areas of northern Mexico is due to the drug cartels fighting for control of lucrative routes into the United States , authorities have said .
|
NEW : The attack is similar to previous killings at drug rehab centers . Victims in Tijuana shootings ranged in age from 19 to 56 years old . Four men opened fire inside a rehab center , fled in a vehicle , state-run news agency reports . Sunday night 's killings in Tijuana came one day after 14 people were killed at a Juarez party .
|
[[1143, 1205], [1572, 1592], [1598, 1630], [1614, 1666], [310, 376], [310, 336], [344, 376], [146, 185], [186, 190], [199, 260], [186, 208], [265, 276], [377, 412], [836, 923], [836, 848], [942, 975]]
|
Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Volunteers flocked to a southern California community to help residents mop up last week 's flood damage ahead of what meteorologists are predicting will be more rain . Five homes were destroyed and nearly 75 damaged in the San Bernardino County community of Highland when water and mud rushed through the foothill town last week , authorities said . Total damage , including the cost of cleanup and lost property value , could hit $ 17.2 million , according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff 's Department . `` We feel very fortunate to have all these volunteers just help out , without even getting paid . They 're just trying to do something good for the community , '' Cesar Garcia told CNN affiliate KABC . Garcia spoke inside his home , still steeped in mud . Outside , unstable hillsides were covered in plastic while as many as 600 volunteers worked to clear the debris . They laid sandbags in a bid to divert future water flows in preparation for more rainfall , which is expected soon . The National Weather Service has forecast a storm moving into the area late Tuesday night into Wednesday . CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said the storm should be much smaller than the one last week , but that it could dump as much as two inches of rain or two feet of snow in the mountains of California . Because the ground is already wet , the storm could cause problems , he said . Last week , monsoon-like conditions overwhelmed southern California , creating flash floods that kept workers at home and businesses and streets knee deep in mud and water .
|
The community of Highland was flooded last week . Officials say total damage could hit $ 17.2 million . As many as 600 volunteers help in the cleanup effort . Two inches of rain or two feet of snow in the mountains is expected , says CNN meteorologist .
|
[[44, 212], [317, 373], [1428, 1437], [1440, 1463], [1498, 1601], [395, 443], [458, 463], [466, 490], [44, 212], [823, 926], [44, 212], [1151, 1348], [1247, 1348]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said Monday that he has `` no interest '' in government service in response to a recently televised suggestion by Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell that President Obama name Powell as White House chief of staff . `` I have n't been asked , and I do n't expect to be asked , '' Powell told CNN 's `` Larry King Live '' in an interview set to air Monday night . '' ... I do n't expect to be asked because I 've had 40 years of government service ... I have no interest in government service . '' Instead , the retired Army general suggested Rendell would be a better pick . `` He 's been running around throwing my name around , '' Powell said . `` This is the first chance I 've had to suggest that Ed Rendell is an accomplished politician , accomplished governor , mayor of a great city . I think he 'd be a terrific chief of staff . '' Pete Rouse has been serving as interim White House chief of staff since Rahm Emanuel exited the post October 1 to run for mayor of Chicago , Illinois . An increasing number of senior Democrats inside and outside the White House say it 's looking more likely that Rouse will stay on . Powell , who served as secretary of state from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush , also reflected on the results of this month 's midterm elections , calling them `` more than a shellacking '' against Obama . `` The American people are losing some focus on President Obama , what he 's trying to do , '' he said . `` And when you look at the election results , as he said , I mean he got shellacked . But I think it was more than a shellacking , I think it was a real body blow that he now has to reflect on and figure out how to come back . '' Powell also addressed the controversial waterboarding interrogation technique that gained a level of infamy during the Bush administration , saying he would n't support the practice now . `` The president of the United States , who has a responsibility to protect the American citizens , felt that , in that circumstance , waterboarding was appropriate , and as he clearly said , approved it and takes responsibility for the approval of it , '' Powell said . `` I think subsequently , as you kind of go down the years and take a look at what has happened over the years , I think it could now be called torture . '' Powell noted that the FBI and other intelligence agencies have downplayed the quality of information the technique elicits , saying authorities can get better tips `` through more vigorous and professional interrogation . '' `` But the president of the United States is the one that is responsible for our safety and at that time the one thing we were most concerned about is to make sure we get everything we need to prevent another 9/11 attack , '' he said . Bush recently took responsibility for the go-ahead for waterboarding terror suspects in his memoir `` Decision Points , '' released earlier this month .
|
Colin Powell responds to suggestion he be named White House chief of staff . `` I have n't been asked , and I do n't expect to be asked , '' he says . He calls midterm election results `` a body blow '' for President Obama .
|
[[269, 290], [297, 324], [1485, 1497], [2793, 2805], [1174, 1180], [1272, 1331], [1174, 1180], [1334, 1392], [1630, 1661]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A 2009 helicopter crash in which eight people died was due to a bird striking the chopper 's windshield , the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday . `` Contributing to the accident , the board said , were the lack of -LSB- Federal Aviation Administration -RSB- regulations and guidance requiring helicopter windshields to be resistant to bird strikes , '' among other factors , the NTSB said in a news release . On January 4 , 2009 , a dual-engine Sikorsky S-76C helicopter crashed into marshy terrain near Morgan City , Louisiana , about seven minutes after takeoff from Amelie , Louisiana . The copter was on a charter flight to a Gulf of Mexico oil rig . Both pilots were killed , along with six of the seven passengers , according to the NTSB . Heard on the helicopter 's cockpit voice recorder was a `` loud bang , followed by sounds consistent with rushing wind and a power reduction on both engines , '' according to the statement . `` The aircraft crashed several seconds later . '' Feathers and other debris , identified as belonging to a red-tailed hawk , were collected from the helicopter 's canopy and windshield , the NTSB said . Investigators believe the bird 's impact jarred the fire extinguisher T-handles loose and moved them aft , which pushed both engine control levers into the flight idle position , reducing fuel to both engines , the statement said . `` The pilots were probably disoriented from the broken windshield and rushing air and were unable to react in time to maintain control of the helicopter . '' The helicopter was registered to and operated by PHI Inc. , the board said . The helicopter initially was equipped with laminated glass windshields that complied with European bird-strike resistance standards , but PHI had replaced them with lighter-weight acrylic windshields without bird-strike resistance . The crash occurred just days before pilot Chesley Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles landed a US Airways flight in the Hudson River at New York City after a bird strike to the engines . Only a few minor injuries were reported . The January 15 landing made heroes of Sullenberger and his crew .
|
Eight people died in the January 2009 crash in Louisiana . The chopper 's windshields were not bird-strike resistant , the board says . The crash occurred days before a Hudson River landing following a bird strike .
|
[[52, 73], [52, 64], [70, 122], [52, 64], [70, 122], [1879, 1969], [1946, 2070]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Emergency crews in the Philippines were on standby Monday morning as the island nation braced for a `` super typhoon '' that could trigger flooding and landslides . Super Typhoon Megi , also known as Juan , is expected to make landfall midday Monday at or near super-typhoon strength , with winds possibly in excess of 200 kph -LRB- 124 mph -RRB- , according to Mario Montejo , secretary of the Philippines ' science and technology . On Monday morning , Megi carried sustained winds of 287 kph -LRB- 178 mph -RRB- with gusts up to 350 kph -LRB- 217 mph -RRB- as it headed toward the Philippines , the Joint Typhoon Warning Center said . `` Tropical storm force winds and heavy rain squalls are already affecting areas along the coast , '' CNN meteorologist Taylor Ward said . `` From this point forward the weather conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate . '' CNN meteorologist Ivan Cabrera called Megi a `` monster storm . '' Beyond high winds , large swaths of the northern island of Luzon will see 300 mm -LRB- 12 inches -RRB- of rain , while more isolated pockets may see up to 500 mm -LRB- 20 inches -RRB- , Ward said . A typhoon of this intensity could cause storm surge as high as 6 to 8 meters , threatening population centers along the coast . As of 5 p.m. -LRB- 5 a.m. ET -RRB- Sunday , the typhoon was about 390 kilometers east of Aparri , Cagayan , according to the state-run Philippines News Agency . It was moving west at about 22 kph . Montejo said the government is alarmed by the speed and strength of the typhoon . He warned of potentially devastating effects the storm may wreak on Luzon . `` The winds have been steadily increasing , '' James Reynolds , a storm chaser who is on Luzon , told CNN Monday morning . `` Unfortunately , this is a part of the world where the infrastructure is quite fragile , the power grid is quite fragile and a lot of people live in quite basic houses , '' he said . Residents in low-lying and coastal areas are advised to head for safer locations , and authorities are discussing the possibility of forced evacuations . As the storm moves across the rugged terrain of Luzon , it is expected to decrease in intensity before moving out over the South China Sea . Megi is expected to dump large amounts of rainfall over the mountains , which could potentially trigger mudslides and localized flooding . The typhoon could also damage large amounts of agricultural land along its path . `` Thousands of hectares are in danger of being ruined , '' Cabrera said . On Sunday , Philippine navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement that disaster response personnel equipped with rubber boats and other life-saving equipment are on standby in several areas .
|
NEW : Super Typhoon Megi carries sustained winds of about 287 kph -LRB- 178 mph -RRB- . Super Typhoon Megi , also known as Juan , is expected to make landfall Monday . Winds could be in excess of 200 kph as it hits northern Luzon .
|
[[453, 470], [473, 532], [184, 202], [210, 223], [184, 202], [226, 302]]
|
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. Senate approved a $ 1.15 billion measure Friday to fund a settlement initially reached between the Agriculture Department and minority farmers more than a decade ago . The 1997 Pigford v. Glickman case against the U.S. Agriculture Department was settled out of court 11 years ago . Under a federal judge 's terms dating to 1999 , qualified farmers could receive $ 50,000 each to settle claims of racial bias . `` This is much long overdue justice for black farmers , '' said John Boyd , founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association . President Barack Obama issued a statement applauding the Senate 's decision and urging the House to follow-up on its efforts earlier this year , so he can sign the settlements into law . Officials are still working to resolve similar discrimination lawsuits filed against the U.S. Department of Agriculture by women and Latino farmers , according to Obama . `` While these legislative achievements reflect important progress , they also serve to remind us that much work remains to be done , '' Obama said . In another statement , Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the settlements `` a major milestone in the U.S. Department of Agriculture 's efforts to turn the page on a sad chapter . '' Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nevada , also said the vote gives `` long-suffering Americans ... the closure that they deserve . '' `` The agreement that we reached shows what can happen when Democrats and Republicans come together to do the right thing , '' he said . The measure was approved by unanimous consent . The Senate also cleared -- in the same piece of legislation -- $ 3.4 billion to fund a separate settlement reached with the Department of Interior for mishandling of a trust fund managed for Native Americans . The bill also includes settlements for four water-right lawsuits filed by Native American tribes . In July , the House approved a war supplemental bill that included money to pay for the settlements . At the time , however , the Senate failed to approve the measure . Sen. Tom Coburn , R-Oklahoma , dropped an objection to the package this week after Senate leaders agreed not to finance it through additional deficit spending . Prominent members of both parties have voiced support for paying out the settlements . The measure will now have to be approved by the lame duck House before moving to Obama 's desk to be signed into law . CNN 's Ted Barrett and Alan Silverleib contributed to this report .
|
NEW : Obama administration lauds step to settle discrimination claims by blacks , Indians . NEW : Officials are working to resolve similar lawsuits by women and Hispanics . The Senate approved a roughly $ 1.15 billion settlement for minority farmers , sources say . Black Farmers Association president calls the Senate action `` long overdue justice ''
|
[[592, 688], [779, 788], [793, 849], [779, 788], [807, 926], [0, 20], [30, 107], [55, 79], [87, 206], [449, 503]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Justin Lemire-Elmore would be the first to admit he 's a bit of a revolutionary . This is a guy whose teen years included teaching himself how to build bombs in his parents ' basement . At 14 , while trying to be the first on his block to make explosives , Lemire-Elmore accidentally burned the skin off half his face . `` My sister took me to the clinic and I was all bandaged up for two weeks , '' he says on the phone from his business in Vancouver , British Columbia . `` My parents just figured I would take that lesson to heart and be more careful . '' Now a 29-year-old engineer and business owner , Lemire-Elmore has found himself among the vanguard of a thriving online counterculture . This group rejects traditional bicycles , and chooses to make their own bikes propelled by battery-powered electric motors . Many of them believe they 're helping to create future communities that will have fewer polluting vehicles and less traffic congestion . See e-bikes `` hacked '' by CNN iReporters . The e-bike revolution is starting on the Web as people `` hack together their own electric-assist bike projects , '' Lemire-Elmore said . Within the next 20 years , he believes , e-bikes will change the way most city-dwellers commute to work . At online group sites like Yahoo 's power-assist and e-motor assist or elsewhere at endless-sphere . com , parents , students , teens , tinkerers and other e-bike enthusiasts share tips on how to motorize their bicycles to achieve speeds up to 35 mph without pedaling . Some of them , for example , ask how to soup up their recumbent bikes so they can tow their children in makeshift trailers . The underground e-bike movement is fueled by people from all backgrounds , with many different motivations behind their e-bike interests . Some of them , says Lemire-Elmore , have rejected cars after losing loved ones in deadly accidents . Others are driven by environmental concerns and have strong anti-oil sentiments . `` But for me , it comes from a sense of embarrassment in this society -- this is really the best we can do ? '' Lemire-Elmore rails against the status quo of cities jammed with thousands of people in cars , trapped in traffic gridlock , wasting untold amounts of energy . In China , an estimated 22 million e-bikes will be sold in 2010 alone , according to Electric Bikes Worldwide Reports . Europe will see a million e-bikes sold . Compare that to 300,000 e-bikes in the U.S. `` Gas at $ 10 per gallon would really spark the industry in the United States , '' says EBWR publisher Frank Jamerson . `` Gas prices are closer to that number in China and in Europe and that 's where all the sales momentum is in the e-bike area . '' `` Chinese citizens embraced electric bikes and changed China 's plan to focus their infrastructure on autos , '' says Lemire-Elmore , whose buoyant demeanor belies his tenacity about asserting electric bikers ' rights . `` A large percentage of the people doing home-built conversions are running things that blatantly violate regulations for electric bicycles , '' says Lemire-Elmore . `` I 'm fine with that , in the sense that I 'm somebody who believes very strongly in doing what you think is right rather than what is the law . '' Like Lemire-Elmore , e-bikers in the relatively bike-friendly state of Colorado are butting heads with tradition . In city halls , e-bikers are lobbying to gain access to bike lanes , bike paths and bike parks -- where motorized vehicles including e-bikes are often banned . Residents acknowledge occasional roadway confrontations between e-bikers and non-motorized bicyclists -- ranging from friendly teasing to outright animosity . Dean Keyek-Franssen , co-owner of Pete 's eBikes stores in the Colorado towns of Boulder , Aspen and Frisco , describes bicyclists with skintight bike clothing as `` Lycra-bound . '' `` You will have a Lycra-bound person passing an electric bike rider , telling her to get out of the bike lane , '' says Keyek-Franssen . `` And it 's just this elitist biking community that we have here in Boulder -- and that 's great , it 's a biking community -- as is Portland and Minneapolis -- and it comes with the territory . '' Turned off by showroom price tags on factory-made bikes -- some as high as $ 3,500 -- many e-bike hackers are turned on by building their own rigs that are often faster and more powerful . Gallery : e-trikes , motor kits and enclosed vehicles . Hackers are actually beneficial to the e-bike industry , says Keyek-Franssen , because they 're helping to get more electric bikes into the marketplace . `` At the same time it 's a problem because typically those bikes are n't engineered well where some component may fail , '' he says . `` And that can be dangerous if they 're going too fast on a bike path . '' About a mile down Pearl Street from Keyek-Franssen 's shop is University Bicycles , Boulder 's oldest and largest bike store . General manager Lester Binegar -- whose job used to be selling e-bikes -- is no fan . `` The technology has come a long way and I do think they 're better than using a car -- but I just think it 's lazy Americanism , '' Binegar says . `` It 's like we 're still trying to avoid doing some work that is n't that hard -- work that will make you feel great . '' Lemire-Elmore believes the culture at traditional bike stores can be closed-minded -- which has contributed to a widespread attitude against e-bikes . `` People with electric bicycles are often shunned whenever they go to bike stores for parts or for repairs . '' Experts who design community bike plans for roadway bike traffic and off-road bike paths generally do n't factor in e-bikes , says Jennifer Toole of Toole Design Group . `` It 's kind of a wait-and-see approach to electric bikes , '' says Toole , whose firm designed Seattle 's Bicycle Master Plan and has projects in 15 states . `` If electric bikes become really popular , cities will start dealing with them . '' If that happens , she says , the result will likely be more bike lanes and a re-evaluation of whether bikes should be allowed on sidewalks . Lemire-Elmore demonstrated the viability of e-bikes in 2008 , when he rode one 4,350 miles coast to coast from Vancouver to Halifax , Nova Scotia , in just two months . During the entire journey , his super-efficient battery-powered motor used a scant $ 8.57 worth of electricity . For other revolutionaries who think two electric-assisted wheels are too many , Lemire-Elmore has developed an electric unicycle . See CNN iReport video of his electric unicycle . Unicycles are harder to ride than bikes , but more portable and easier to carry onto trains or buses . By 2011 , Lemire-Elmore is hoping to produce an electric-assist conversion kit for unicycles . What 's next ? How about an electric skateboard ? `` It 's illegal to ride a skateboard to work in almost every city in North America , '' Lemire-Elmore says . `` And yet somebody riding a skateboard to work is using a fraction of the resources of somebody driving an SUV , which is fully sanctioned by the law . '' `` I think there would be a strong underground culture of people that would totally embrace it regardless of whether it 's legal . I want to be one of the people who champions that . '' CNN 's Cody McCloy contributed to this report .
|
Web counterculture of tinkerers `` hacks '' bikes into faster electric bikes . Engineer Justin Lemire-Elmore predicts a `` bicycle revolution '' within 20 years . In China , 22 million e-bikes sold this year ; 300,000 in the U.S. Both sides acknowledge animosity between e-bikers and traditional bicyclists .
|
[[1022, 1133], [4291, 4310], [4325, 4393], [2256, 2264], [2267, 2325], [2256, 2264], [2267, 2298], [2328, 2375], [2417, 2460], [3251, 3269], [3272, 3365]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- He has entered the record books with his 600th round of golf this year , but retiree Richard Lewis is not finished yet . The 64-year-old American has walked some 2,500 miles and hit over 50,000 shots after reaching the milestone at the Four Seasons Resort in the Las Colinas region of Dallas , Texas on Sunday . The DeSoto , Dallas native has played as many as 54 holes in a day in 2010 , but made do with a regulation 18 to extend his world record for the number of rounds played in a year by an amateur . `` I thought 400 was tough and 500 was a stretch , but 600 was what I had in mind all the time , '' he told the PGA Tour website after shooting an 86 . `` It 's a huge relief and sense of accomplishment . I ca n't remember the last time I did only 18 in a day . '' Lewis ' feat has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records , which lists him as the world 's `` most avid golfer . '' He had already beaten the previous record of 586 rounds in a year set in Ohio in 1998 , and hopes to reach 611 by New Years ' Eve . Lewis next wants to be recognized for playing 11,000 holes in a year , walking the same course 611 times in a year and playing 285 days consecutively to close out 2010 . Four Seasons ' members paid for the privilege of accompanying Lewis for his landmark round , with the $ 8,800 raised benefiting the First Tee of Dallas program -- a charity that helps young people through golf-related initiatives . Among them was the club 's men 's association president Frank Broyles , who thought it especially fitting that Lewis broke the record at the home of the Byron Nelson Championship , an annual tournament on the PGA Tour . `` To think this could have happened at any course in America and it happened here is just incredible , '' he said . `` Byron -LRB- Nelson -RRB- always said , ` Be good to the game and give back ' and that 's what we 've done here today . '' Lewis , the former president of an insurance company , set his sights on the record after retiring in 2009 , and claims to have lost 35 pounds and dropped four trouser sizes in making it a reality . His girlfriend Debbie Shaw has played some of 600 rounds alongside him , and spent others riding a cart as a spectator and acting as a photographer to document his achievement . `` One thing , he 's certainly found out what persistence is , '' she said .
|
Richard Lewis listed as `` world 's most avid golfer '' by Guinness World Records . Texan has played up to 54 holes in a day this year on his way to world record . The 64-year-old aims to complete 611 rounds by the end of 2010 at Four Seasons resort . Members of his club paid to accompany Lewis on record-breaking 600th round on Sunday .
|
[[791, 861], [848, 861], [870, 917], [19, 89], [331, 341], [344, 405], [921, 923], [1013, 1052], [1053, 1058], [1124, 1171], [19, 89], [1053, 1058], [1124, 1171], [1223, 1313]]
|
London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When Nadya Suleman gave birth to octuplets in January 2009 the news was greeted with amazement around the world . But astonishment soon gave way to criticism directed at her -- it was revealed that she was already a mother to six children -- and over the ethics of fertility treatment . So far she has weathered the storm and soon her eight babies will be celebrating their first birthday . But how on earth does she cope ? `` The children sleep all night , '' she told CNN 's Max Foster . `` They sleep maybe from 7.30 pm to 5am , but there are not enough hours in the day . '' Caring for octuplets -- six boys and two girls -- poses a unique economic challenge for the 34-year-old mother of 14 who has also been criticized for being jobless . `` It 's a challenge . It 's a double-edged sword . I 'm damned if I work and I 'm damned if I do n't . I ca n't work a nine-to-five job because that 's not going to be enough income to support the kids . I 'm trying to secure what I can . '' Suleman says trying to manage the domestic budget is like `` a revolving door of expenses . Every dollar that comes in goes on the kids . '' `` Octomom '' -- as she has been dubbed by the media -- does have some help with the child-rearing from three helpers , one of which is dedicated to looking after her child who has autism . Inevitably , it is impossible for her to give each child the attention they deserve . `` It would be impossible for a couple . You just try and do the best you can . You try and have special time with each child -- putting them to bed , telling them a story , asking them about their day -- as long as they get alone time and it 's quality . I 'd love to give them quantity but that 's virtually impossible . '' Despite her experience with fertility treatment Suleman is reluctant for across the board limits on the number of embryos that can be implanted during IVF treatment . `` Every case is subjective , every woman responds differently , '' Suleman said . `` Given my past reproductive history my doctor did n't make any kind of mistake , he was guided by what was successful in the past . So only a certain amount of embryos were transferred -- the same amount when I had my twins . The last thing anyone imagined was more than one or two growing . '' Although the burden of raising 14 children is obvious , Suleman is reluctant to jump into a relationship . She is n't in a rush to find a male role model for her children . `` I believe I do not have to put myself out there . I do not have to date . I feel the missing piece of the puzzle will be placed naturally when the time is right . I do n't see the point in going out and wasting precious time and energy that I need for my kids . '' Suleman is currently documenting the experiences of the past year in a book and despite the constant sniping from the media she still manages to reflect positively on the past 12 months . I 've definitely grown more in the past eleven months than I have in the past 34 years . I personally believe everything happens for a reason and I 've learnt how strong I am . It 's a choice who you let into your life and who you are going to allow to affect you psychologically or emotionally . I 've learned how to maintain boundaries and how to grow as a result of some extraordinarily challenging situations . ''
|
Nadya Suleman , mother of ocpuplets speaks to CNN about her amazing year . `` Octomom '' -- as she has been dubbed -- says shes damned if she does or does n't work . Single mother says shes grown more in past 11 months than in her whole life .
|
[[210, 322], [2943, 2996]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Frustrated Australia captain Ricky Ponting was fined for arguing with the umpires as England took complete control of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne on Monday thanks to Jonathan Trott 's century . Ponting , who faces the prospect of becoming the first skipper from his country to loses three Ashes series since 1890 , was furious after having a video replay decision turned down . The 36-year-old called for a referral after England batsman Kevin Pietersen was ruled not to have edged a delivery from Ryan Harris to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin . Video replays and sound technology showed no contact with the bat , but Ponting nonetheless remonstrated with umpires Aleem Dar and Tony Hill . Will Australia 's one-day cricket reign end in 2011 ? Match referee Ranjan Madugalle subsequently fined Ponting 40 % of his match fee . He could have been banned for the final Test in Sydney , but received a lesser punishment . `` Ricky 's actions as captain of his country were unacceptable , '' the Sri Lanka said in a statement . `` A captain is expected to set the example and not get involved in a prolonged discussion with the on-field umpires and question their decision . `` While pleading guilty to the charge , Ricky understood that the discussion went far too long . He apologized for his action and stated that he has nothing but respect for the umpires and his on-field actions were not intended to show disrespect to Aleem Dar or Tony Hill . '' It was the latest setback for Ponting , who went into the match nursing a fractured finger which has hampered his fielding , and he failed again with the bat as Australia made just 98 in Sunday 's opening sessions . England in total command as Australia collapse at MCG . England resumed on 157-0 but soon lost Alastair Cook as the left-hander added just two runs to his overnight 80 to become the first of Peter Siddle 's three victims . Siddle then dismissed captain Andrew Strauss for 69 , but Trott and Pietersen added 92 for the third wicket . Pietersen was on 49 when the controversy struck , but although he survived to make his 21st half-century in 70 Tests the South Africa-born player did not last much longer as Siddle trapped him leg before wicket for 51 with a low delivery . Trott also had some luck before reaching 50 , having apparently been run out from Ponting 's throw before video replays gave him the benefit of the doubt . Australia level Ashes series with emphatic Perth win . Mitchell Johnson continued his revival of form which saw Australia level the series at 1-1 with victory in the last match in Perth , as the left-arm paceman had Paul Collingwood -LRB- 8 -RRB- and the in-form Ian Bell -LRB- 1 -RRB- caught hooking at short deliveries . Johnson thought he had Matt Prior out as well when the batsman was on just six , but a replay called for by Dar showed that he had bowled a no-ball . Prior then helped Trott add an unbroken 158 for the sixth wicket as England reached stumps on 444-5 for a lead of 346 runs with three days still to play . Trott scored his third century in five Ashes appearances and his fifth in 17 Tests overall as he ended the day on 141 , having hit 12 fours off 278 balls faced . Prior , like Trott also born in South Africa , took toll on the Australian bowlers as he smashed 10 fours in his 75 from just 105 deliveries . Victory in Melbourne will mean that England retain the Ashes urn no matter the result in the Sydney finale starting on January 3 .
|
England lead Australia by 346 runs with five first-innings wickets remaining . Australia captain Ricky Ponting fined after arguing with umpires over decision . He faces the prospect of an embarrassing third Ashes series defeat as skipper . Jonathan Trott ends second day unbeaten on 141 after adding 158 with Matt Prior .
|
[[0, 15], [48, 111], [72, 219], [638, 709], [220, 227], [300, 338], [2887, 2951], [2887, 2897], [2905, 2977], [3042, 3118], [3133, 3159]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Search crews found a second body in the ruins of a furniture store destroyed by a gas explosion in Wayne , Michigan , the city 's fire chief said early Thursday . The body of a 54-year-old woman , a store employee , was pulled from the rubble of Franks Furniture around 10:45 p.m. Wednesday , according to Wayne Fire Chief Mel Moore . Earlier in the day , the body of a 64-year-old man was also recovered . He was identified only as a male employee of the store , who lived in Westland , Michigan . The store 's owner , Paul Franks , 64 , was pulled from the wreckage shortly after the explosion , which occurred at about 9 a.m. , City Manager John Zech said . He was in serious but stable condition at the University of Michigan Hospital 's burn unit . Search and rescue crews , aided by heavy equipment , continued to remove huge amounts of rubble from the scene of the blast , which damaged several buildings in addition to the furniture store . Moore said the process was made more difficult by the removal of `` thousands of pounds of concrete '' from the store 's roof trusses . As many as 300 people were evacuated after the explosion and a second reported leak in a neighborhood adjoining the furniture store in the suburban Detroit city . As of Wednesday night , residents of all but nine homes were able to return , and were being offered lodging elsewhere for the night , said Debra Dodd , a spokeswoman for the gas utility , Consumers Energy . Mayor Abdul `` Al '' Haidous described Frank 's Furniture as one of the `` jewels '' of the city , and said Franks has been a leader in civic life . `` He has served this city with a great deal of integrity , '' the mayor said . Before the explosion , a Consumers Energy gas worker was two blocks away investigating the reported gas leak , Dodd said . `` We do n't know at this time what caused the incident this morning , '' Dodd said Wednesday night , but added that the utility will work with the state Public Service Commission in investigating .
|
Second body is found in the rubble of a furniture store , official says . Store owner is in serious but stable condition . Search and rescue crews removing rubble from the scene of the blast .
|
[[19, 85], [680, 772], [773, 796], [826, 896]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A right-wing paramilitary leader in Colombia was killed in a police operation on Christmas Day , Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos confirmed Wednesday . Pedro Guerrero , also known as `` The Knife , '' was a ruthless killer and a major drug trafficker , the president said . On December 24 , national police forces dropped in from helicopters to raid a building where Guerrero was thought to be . The operation carried on into the early morning , the president said , and Guerrero -- the leader of the Popular Revolutionary Anti-terrorist Army of Colombia , or ERPAC by its Spanish initials -- managed to escape the building . However , Santos said , police were ready with a perimeter around the area . His body was found shortly afterwards . Two police were also killed in the confrontation . ERPAC is known for its large cocaine production and distribution activities . The group emerged from the fighting between leftist rebels and right-wing paramilitary groups . `` This individual caused much damage to our country . That 's why this strike is so important , '' Santos said , calling Guerrero `` the killer of killers . '' He is believed to be responsible for more than 2,000 killings in southern Colombia and earned the nickname `` The Knife '' for his alleged penchant for slashing throats . On Guerrero 's body , they found a handgun plated with gold and diamonds , and a knife was in his hand , Santos said . A reward will be paid to `` several '' people who helped authorities find Guerrero , the president said . `` This is a warning to all the other criminals : You will fall , '' Santos said . The operation is evidence that the government goes after not only the left-wing rebels but also the paramilitary criminals , the president said .
|
President Santos praises the national police operation . Paramilitary leader Pedro Guerrero was killed in the raid . The operation took place on Christmas . Two police officers were killed in the confrontation .
|
[[0, 15], [55, 113], [768, 818]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- This holiday season , many people received e-book readers as gifts -- but what about the books ? It has been surprisingly difficult to give someone an e-book as a gift . You could buy them a gift card for the e-book service of their choice , and maybe suggest which book to purchase , but you could n't actually purchase it for them . In November , Amazon changed that . You can now buy a Kindle book as a gift . Recently I tested this by purchasing a holiday gift for a friend . She reported that obtaining my gift was easy -- she got an e-mail notification of the gift , clicked a link in the e-mail , clicked a link on the Amazon site to accept the gift , and then was able to download the book to her Kindle . This process also works for people who use the free Kindle smartphone or tablet apps , rather than the Kindle device . However if someone you know uses one of the other popular brand-name e-readers , they 're probably out of luck for direct e-book gifting . So far , you can not give a Barnes & Noble NookBook directly as a gift . Nor can you give an iBook , or a Sony e-book . You can , of course , buy or obtain e-books in other formats -- there are many : plain text , HTML , PDF , MobiPocket , ePub , and more . But you 'd need to check first whether your recipient would be able to use these book formats , and that would probably ruin the surprise . As a Kindle user who has many friends who also use the Kindle , I 'm glad that Amazon finally began offering this option . Obviously it can be done , and the experiences can be user-friendly for the buyer and recipient . But I 'm surprised Apple , Barnes & Noble and Sony have n't followed Amazon 's lead on this . They 're just leaving money on the table -- and in the current tight economy , what retailer can afford to do that ? The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Amy Gahran .
|
Amazon changed its policy to allow customers to give e-books as gifts . But you can not directly give a NookBook , an iBook or a Sony e-book as a gift . E-book users can , of course , buy or obtain e-books in other formats .
|
[[116, 118], [151, 188], [390, 401], [406, 431], [1000, 1042], [1052, 1063], [1064, 1110], [1111, 1114], [1140, 1171]]
|
-LRB- Rolling Stone -RRB- -- Merle Haggard is no stranger to the White House : He was a guest of both Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan , who -- when he was governor of California -- had granted the singer a full pardon for the felonies and misdemeanors that led to three years at San Quentin Prison . Earlier this month , the 73-year-old singer returned to Washington , this time alongside Paul McCartney , Oprah Winfrey , composer Jerry Herman and dancer/choreographer Bill T. Jones to receive the Kennedy Center Honors , a lifetime achievement for the performing arts . In this interview , Haggard reflects on the three-day whirlwind gala , his life after lung cancer , and future plans to record and tour in a new supergroup with Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson . The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time : Merle Haggard . What was the highlight for the whole thing for you ? I probably enjoyed meeting the presidents , especially Bill -LSB- Clinton -RSB- . Is he a big fan of yours ? Well he said he was , and he never lied to me -LSB- laughs -RSB- . It was also nice to meet Obama and find him very different from the media makeout . It 's really almost criminal what they do with our President . There seems to be no shame or anything . They call him all kinds of names all day long , saying he 's doing certain things that he 's not . It 's just a big old political game that I do n't want to be part of . There are people spending their lives putting him down . I 'm sure some of it 's true and some of it 's not . I was very surprised to find the man very humble and he had a nice handshake . His wife was very cordial to the guests and especially me . They made a special effort to make me feel welcome . It was not at all the way the media described him to be . What 's the biggest lie out there about Obama ? He 's not conceited . He 's very humble about being the President of the United States , especially in comparison to some presidents we 've had who come across like they do n't need anybody 's help . I think he knows he 's in over his head . Anybody with any sense who takes that job and thinks they can handle it must be an idiot . Did you talk to the President much ? I told him , `` You and I have something in common : our wives are both taller than we are . '' And he said `` No ! She 's got on 3-inch heels ! And she is not that tall ! '' He was like me . He grabbed that real quick . Merle Haggard Looks Back in New Documentary . Did you spend much time mingling with the other honorees ? We had quite a bit of time . There were three events that I attended . Paul was there the whole time . But `` Ope '' -- we got to call Oprah `` Ope '' -- was completely beside herself . I do n't think she 'd ever been a recipient of much in her life . She reached over to me , leaned over and said , ` You know , we 've come the farthest . ' Some people wrote about how they did n't think Oprah should be in there because she did n't write music or is n't an artist . Some people I think are too critical and do n't have not enough intelligence to make that kind of a comment . Who is to say ? There 's a hundred people , including all of the ex-presidents ' wives , that have a say on who is nominated . It 's not about who wrote the best song or who the best songwriter was , but who was the best in their field . And television is certainly a modern method of communication that you ca n't overlook and she 's probably the mother figure of that right now . I do n't know how anybody can say she was n't deserving of it . What was it like hanging out with Paul McCartney ? He 's Paul McCartney , man . You ca n't forget that he wrote those songs . That kept going through my mind : I 'm an aspiring songwriter and sat beside the guy that wrote `` Yesterday . '' I recorded that . Some guys are famous for some songs you do n't remember , but that 's not the case there . When they started `` Hey Jude , '' with this wonderful orchestra , the building came apart . Everybody in the audience was singing it . It was a chiller . Quite a few people showed up to honor you . Kris Kristofferson sang `` Silver Wings '' Willie and Sheryl Crow sang `` Today I Started Loving You Again , '' Vince Gill and Brad Paisley sang `` Workin ' Man 's Blues . '' Jamey Johnson did `` Ramblin ' Fever . '' What was it like to sit there and just watch these people play your songs that you wrote over the years ? Well , it 's the ultimate . You 're hittin ' around the right spot , it 's great , and probably could n't be topped . And I enjoyed watching Vince Gill give Brad Paisley a lesson - -- he took a course on `` Workin ' Man Blues . '' But Brad is so hot and so good . Did you have a good chance to catch up with old friends Willie and Kris ? We got to eat a little something together . We did n't know what the hell this food was , but we thought it was funny . Last summer you told us you and Willie are planning to record an album of new material together . I 'm glad you brought that up . We talked about doing that together , but with the presence of Kris , we talked about the three of us doing it . I 'm sure if we 're healthy and live to do it , we 'll do it . We thought about the title : the Musketeers . You know , because there 's the three of us . We 'll come up with some little way of describing ourselves I guess and put it together into a show . You had part of your lung removed in 2008 due to cancer and had to cancel a few shows back in September for health reasons . How are you feeling now ? Well , it took a long time to get over that surgery . It took the best part of two years and I 'm just now feeling like I might be able to reach over and pick up a garbage can with the right arm . They removed an upper lobe of my right lung , and they had to go in underneath my arm . It 's quite painful and irritating to have that . You know how tender that is underneath your arm . To have that heal up , it takes a couple of good years . I think I 'm all right now . I went down and had a checkup just prior to going back for this little gig and I was clear . I did n't have anything , and that 's an awful good sign . See the full article at RollingStone.com . Copyright © 2010 Rolling Stone .
|
Merle Haggard says highlight was meeting the presidents , especially Bill Clinton . '' -LRB- Obama 's -RRB- very humble about being the President of the United States , '' says Haggard . Haggard : `` I do n't think she 'd -LRB- Oprah -RRB- ever been a recipient of much in her life ''
|
[[879, 920], [1843, 1907], [2703, 2768], [2718, 2729], [2735, 2768]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Andy Roddick has told the official ATP Tour website that he is fit and raring to go as he prepares to defend his Brisbane International title next week . The world number eight feels he was never in tip-top shape throughout 2010 , but he now believes he is over the illness and injury problems that prevented him from performing to the best of his ability . `` For me , it 's just a matter of getting healthy . I battled mononucleosis for a big part of 2010 and from there I just felt like I was playing catch-up , '' the American told atpworldtour.com . `` I think it 's the first time I 've felt right since last May so when you are fit it takes a lot of the mental pressure off . You feel like you can play anyway you want so I feel fresh , enthused and ready to go . '' Roddick , who beat Czech Radek Stepanek in last year 's final , added : `` I came in last year and had n't been playing much so this was a really good springboard into the year for me . `` I like playing in this event and my wife enjoys coming here too , so let us not pretend I make any decisions ! '' Roddick 's words were echoed by his physical trainer Lance Hooten , who told the ATP Tour website : `` I have n't seen him this motivated for some time . `` Andy 's always been a grinder , a hard worker , but you have to put reins on him all the time because he 's always going to work too hard , too long and too much , '' Hooten added . The Brisbane International tournament begins on Sunday with Roddick seeded second behind world No. 4 Robin Soderling .
|
Andy Roddick is fit and ready to defend his Brisbane International title . The world number eight felt his 2010 season was affected by injury and illness . Roddick is seeded second for the tournament behind world number four Robin Soderling .
|
[[0, 15], [19, 96], [90, 172], [202, 247], [297, 312], [318, 376], [1435, 1509], [1495, 1533]]
|
Jerusalem -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A letter from about 30 prominent rabbis ' wives was causing a stir in Israel Wednesday because it urges Israeli girls not to date Arabs . The open letter comes three weeks after the uproar caused by another letter , which was written by 50 state-appointed rabbis and told Jews not to rent or sell property to non-Jews . The latest missive , which was published by some websites and news outlets , says Arab men act polite around Jewish girls and `` act as if they really care about you , '' but it says that 's a ruse . The men , it says , even change their Arab names to Hebrew forms like Yossi and Ami in order to get close to the girls . `` This behavior is temporary , '' the letter says . `` As soon as you are in their hands , in their villages under their control , everything becomes different . You can ask dozens of girls who have been there . They will tell you it is all an act . `` As soon as you arrive at the village , your life will never be the same . The attention will be replaced with curses , beatings , and humiliations . Even if you want to leave the village it will be much harder . They wo n't let you , they will chase you , they wo n't let you come back . '' It urges Jewish girls not to go out with non-Jews or work in places that employ non-Jews . `` Your grandmothers never dreamt that their descendants would do something that will take the next generations of her family out of the Jewish people , '' it says . The letter was initiated by the head of Lehava , an extreme right-wing group that says it aims to prevent the `` assimilation of the Jewish people '' and works at `` saving Jewish girls from Arab villages . '' `` It 's known that girls who go out with Arabs are beaten , these girls are in danger . ... There is a violent social trend and everyone ignores it , '' said the head of the group , Anat Gopstein , in a radio interview Wednesday morning . The head of Israel 's Reform movement , Rabbi Gilad Kariv , harshly condemned the letter and said , `` Israeli society is falling into a deep , dark pit of racism and xenophobia , '' according to spokeswoman Yuli Goren . More than 30 female rabbis from the Reform movement published a counter-letter harshly condemning the one released Wednesday , Goren said . Kariv also called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Justice Minister Yaacov Neeman to speak out against it . Among the rabbis ' wives who signed the letter is Nitzchia Yossef , the daughter-in-law of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef , the spiritual leader of the ultra-orthodox Shas political party . Esther Lior , the wife of extreme right-wing Rabbi Dov Lior , was another signatory . Rabbi Yosef was one of the authors of the letter written earlier this month that urged Jews not to sell or rent property to non-Jews . It prompted widespread condemnation from politicians , human rights groups and leading rabbis in both Israel and the United States . The letter , which was distributed to synagogues and published in some religious newspapers , had warned that those who defied the religious ruling should be ostracized . It said if one apartment is taken by a non-Jew , it devalues all the neighbors ' apartments . More than 800 rabbis from around the world signed a petition against the letter , saying `` statements like these do great damage to our efforts to encourage people to love and support Israel . '' The petition said `` the attempt to root discriminatory policies based on religion or ethnicity in Torah is a painful distortion of our tradition . Am Yisrael -LRB- the Jewish people -RRB- knows the sting of discrimination , and we still bear the scars of hatred . When those who represent the official rabbinic leadership of the state of Israel express such positions , we are distressed by this ... desecration of God 's name . '' Nearly 1.5 million Arab residents live inside Israel , making up 23 % of the population . A poll published Tuesday by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem showed that 48 % of Israelis oppose the call to avoid renting or selling property to Arabs .
|
The letter is written by prominent rabbis ' wives . It says girls should not date or work with Arab men . It follows another letter urging Jews not to sell or rent property to Arabs .
|
[[2405, 2423], [2428, 2445], [0, 25], [77, 166], [1215, 1282], [167, 170], [296, 348], [2728, 2738], [2744, 2797]]
|
Baghdad , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iraqi security forces stormed a Catholic church Sunday where gunmen suspected of having ties to al Qaeda were holding worshippers hostage , ending an hours-long standoff , police officials said Sunday . Thirty-seven people were killed in the operation , including hostages , kidnappers and security workers , they said . At least seven of the victims were hostages , police officials said , while another 57 were wounded . Eight suspects were arrested . `` All the marks point out that this incident carries the fingerprints of al Qaeda , '' Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul Qader Obeidi said on state television Sunday . He said that most of the hostages were killed or wounded when the kidnappers set off explosives inside the church . The Islamic State of Iraq later claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement posted on a radical Islamic website . The umbrella group includes a number of Sunni extremist organizations and has ties to al Qaeda in Iraq . An American military spokesman said that as many as 10 hostages died and that between 20 and 30 people were injured in the operation . Seven Iraqi security workers and between five and seven suspected insurgents were also killed , said Lt. Col. Eric Bloom . Survivors of the ordeal said they were about to begin Sunday night services when the gunmen entered the church , according to Martin Chulov , a journalist for the U.K.-based Guardian newspaper who was on the scene . About 50 people were inside the church at the time , and a priest ushered them into a back room , Chulov reported survivors said . The U.S. military spokesman said that as many as 120 people were taken hostage . At one point , one of the gunmen entered the room and threw an unidentified explosive device inside , causing casualties , Chulov said . The gunmen seized the hostages after attacking the Baghdad Stock Market in the central part of the Iraqi capital , earlier Sunday , police said . Four armed men entered the nearby Sayidat al-Nejat church after clashing with Iraqi security forces trying to repel the stock market attack . The gunmen were demanding that the Iraqi government release a number of detainees and prisoners inside Iraqi prisons , saying the Christian hostages would be freed in return , according to the police officials . Iraq 's defense minister later said on state television that the kidnappers had demanded the release of a number of prisoners in both Iraq and Egypt . Iraqi security forces sealed off the area surrounding the church , the officials said , and buildings were evacuated of civilians as a precautionary measure . At least 13 hostages , including two children , managed to escape ahead of the security operation , police said . The Iraqi authorities ordered the attackers to release the hostages and to turn themselves in , warning that they would storm the church if they do not comply . A few hours passed quietly as military units took up positions outside the church , including several American units , said Chulov . `` Then all hell broke loose , '' he said . A firefight erupted and Chulov said he heard three to four large explosions . Later , he saw about 20 ambulances race away from the scene . The American military spokesman minimized the role U.S. troops played in the operation . `` The U.S. only provided UAV -LRB- unmanned aerial vehicle -RRB- support with video imagery . As always we have advisers with the ISF -LRB- Iraqi security forces -RRB- command teams , '' said Bloom . While the U.S. combat mission in Iraq officially ended earlier this year , some 50,000 American troops are expected to remain in the country until the end of 2011 to train , assist and advise Iraqi troops . Two guards were killed and four others were wounded in the earlier attack on the stock market , according to the police officials . The attackers also remotely detonated two car bombs outside the stock exchange , they said . CNN 's Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this story .
|
NEW : The Islamic State of Iraq claims responsibility for the attack . 57 people were wounded , police officials say . 8 suspects have been arrested . Gunmen attacked stock exchange earlier , killing 2 guards .
|
[[768, 857], [206, 236], [355, 398], [401, 422], [425, 456], [457, 487], [3750, 3816]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Substitute Didier Drogba missed a last minute penalty as Premier League champions Chelsea drew 1-1 at rivals Tottenham in a thrilling London derby on Sunday . Drogba , who had earlier scored the equalizing goal for the visitors , saw his spot-kick superbly saved by Heurelho Gomes -- after the Brazilian goalkeeper had clattered into compatriot Ramires in the penalty area . Chelsea had come into the match in poor form , with a run of just one win in six league games seeing them slide down the table from top to fourth position . And another defeat looked on the cards for Carlo Ancelotti 's side when Roman Pavlyuchenko gave Tottenham a 15th-minute lead . Strike partner Jermain Defoe looked just offside when collecting a long ball , but play was allowed to continue and his ball into the box was well controlled in one touch by Russian Pavlyuchenko , before his second touch found the bottom corner of Peter Cech 's net . Drogba , who was relegated to the bench by manager Ancelotti after a run of just two goals in 11 games in all competitions , was brought on in the second half and he made his mark in the 70th minute when his snapshot proved much too hot for Gomes to handle . Both sides had chances to claim all three points in an end-to-end contest but Drogba 's last-gasp miss ensured the points were eventually shared . The result means Arsenal stay top of the table ahead of their crunch visit to Manchester United on Monday . The Gunners lead Manchester City on goal difference , with Manchester United and Chelsea just a point behind in third and fourth -- in the closest title race in recent seasons . Tottenham remain in fifth place after the draw , a further four points behind , with Bolton in sixth after defeating Blackburn 2-1 on Sunday despite the second-half dismissal of midfielder Mark Davies . The other match on Sunday saw second-from-bottom Wolverhampton improve their chances of avoiding the drop , as Stephen Hunt 's goal gave them a 1-0 victory over West Midlands rivals Birmingham .
|
Didier Drogba misses a late penalty as Chelsea draw 1-1 at Tottenham on Sunday . Drogba 's injury time spot-kick was saved by Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes . Drogba had equalized for the visitors after Roman Pavlyuchenko scored for Spurs .
|
[[0, 15], [19, 108], [76, 177], [1283, 1351], [0, 15], [19, 108], [178, 184], [249, 299], [178, 184], [203, 246], [623, 677]]
|
London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Bomb attacks by dissidents in Northern Ireland nearly quadrupled over the past six months from the period before , a report from the Independent Monitoring Commission said Thursday . Dissident republicans have steadily increased the number of improvised explosive devices they have deployed and detonated over the past two and a half years , the commission said . Since May , the number of devices deployed was roughly double that of the previous six months -- and the number detonated went up nearly fourfold , it said . The findings by the commission , set up nearly seven years ago by the British and Irish governments , are in the latest and last of its biannual reports on the paramilitary and security situation in Northern Ireland . While the number of bombings has gone up , there have been no deaths from bomb attacks and no one has suffered life-threatening injuries . Still , the commission said , `` the high level of dissident activity would undoubtedly have led to many more deaths , injuries , and destruction had it not been for the operations of the law enforcement and security agencies north and south -LRB- in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland -RRB- and their ever closer cross-border co-operation . '' It said that in both Northern Ireland and the Republic , about three times the number of dissidents have been charged with terrorist offenses in all of 2010 than in 2009 , and the number of arrests has nearly doubled . Dissident republicans are those who refused to accept the 1998 Good Friday peace settlement and power-sharing deal negotiated and signed by mainstream republican leaders such as Sinn Fein 's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness . Groups like the Real IRA and Continuity IRA broke away from the Irish Republican Army , also called the IRA , which fought for decades against British rule in Northern Ireland . The IRA agreed to a process of decommissioning under the Good Friday deal , something the dissident republicans do not accept . The report also said the two factions of the Real IRA have been the the most active and dangerous of all such groups , conducting 18 attacks on members of the security forces and those associated with them . Each faction has its own structure and `` army council , '' the report said . `` Together , the two were responsible for a very major campaign of violence directed particularly at members of the security forces , '' the report said . `` It was the most serious paramilitary threat over the six months under review . '' The attacks included an improvised mortar , pipe bombs , and shots fired at army and police targets . In August , a device in a hijacked taxi exploded outside a police station in Derry , causing substantial damage to property . `` During the six months under review , the two factions of -LRB- the Real IRA -RRB- remained a very dangerous and potentially lethal terrorist threat , '' the report said . `` We are convinced that they would have taken the lives of members of the security forces if they had been able to do so in several of the attacks . '' Amid the rise in the number of bomb attacks , the number of casualties from shootings and assaults over the six-month period was `` considerably lower '' than in the recent past , something the Independent Monitoring Commission attributed to a reduction in the amount of violence inflicted on people for anti-social behavior like dealing drugs . `` At a time when attention is rightly directed to the dissident threat , this trend should also be borne in mind , '' the report said . CNN 's Melissa Gray in London , England , and Journalist Peter Taggart in Belfast , Northern Ireland , contributed to this report .
|
The number of detonated bombs went up fourfold in the past six months . Deployed devices have roughly doubled from the previous period . The findings are in a report from the Independent Monitoring Commission .
|
[[9, 32], [83, 141], [400, 409], [412, 493], [501, 545], [9, 32], [83, 141], [400, 409], [412, 493], [501, 545], [151, 218], [558, 588], [591, 657]]
|
Paris , France -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Three French hostages kidnapped in Nigeria have been released , the French government said Wednesday . French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner announced their release `` with great joy and deep relief , '' saying the Nigerian authorities had told him the news . The three French nationals were taken hostage in Nigeria September 22 while on a boat belonging to the oil services company Bourbon . They all appear to be in good health `` despite difficult conditions while in captivity , '' Bourbon said Wednesday . They are undergoing medical and psychological tests under the company 's care in Nigeria before returning to France , the company said . Kouchner expressed his `` gratitude to the Nigerian authorities for the constant mobilization that led to the release of these three hostages . '' They were captured in an attack on their ship , the Bourbon Alexandre , Bourbon said at the time . It 's not clear who captured them , but rebels said the following day that they had located them . `` The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta can confirm that it has located the three abducted French nationals and another individual abducted in a separate incident on the same night , '' the group said in a statement September 23 . `` We are in negotiations with the abductors towards effecting a transfer of the men to the custody of MEND . '' The statement by the group 's spokesman Jomo Gbono did not give details on who the kidnappers were . MEND did not issue a statement Wednesday when the French nationals were released . It is not clear who the fourth hostage was . Sixteen crew members were on the Alexandre when it was attacked by speedboats , Bourbon said . Thirteen remained on the ship and were unhurt , the company said . The company provides ship and underwater services to oil and gas clients worldwide . MEND , the key militant group in the oil-rich Niger Delta , is an umbrella organization of several rebel groups . It has been battling the government for years over a more even distribution of the country 's oil wealth . CNN 's Christian Purefoy in Lagos , Nigeria , contributed to this report .
|
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner greets the news with `` great joy '' They were kidnapped September 22 while working for an oil services company . It is not clear who kidnapped them , but a rebel group said it found them .
|
[[137, 235], [297, 382], [932, 965], [972, 1030], [1031, 1177]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Temporary calm returned to Rio de Janeiro on Saturday as anxious residents remained locked in their homes , awaiting developments in the week-long conflict that has turned their picturesque city into a de facto war zone . Dozens of armored military vehicles combed the streets of Rio on Saturday , video from CNN 's Brazilian affiliate TV Record showed , as authorities prepare for another incursion into some of the city 's notoriously dangerous shanty towns , including the Alemao favela complex -- a virtually impenetrable labyrinth of slums in the city 's north . Police spokesman Mario Sergio Duarte declared an ultimatum Saturday against drug gangs in the complex , stating that a military attack is imminent . `` We will not retreat in our decision to bring peace to Rio , '' Duarte said . `` We are in our final stages of reaching the traffickers in the Alemao complex . '' `` Whoever wants to turn himself in , do it now , '' he said . At least 35 people have died , 174 arrested and 123 detained since violence broke out Sunday as a response by drug gangs to an increased police presence in the crime-ridden slums , known as favelas , police said , according to the official Agencia Brasil . More than 96 vehicles have been burned . Gangs continued to torch buses and exchange fire with police Friday throughout the city 's northern neighborhoods as more than 800 federal troops arrived to support Rio 's civil authorities who are often outnumbered and outgunned by the powerful criminal groups . Freedom of movement also has been curtailed in the conflict zones as police put up blockades in an effort to prevent fugitive criminal gang members from finding protection in neighboring slums . Residents trapped in the crossfire and unable to go to their jobs have waved white flags outside their homes asking drug gangs to spare them , as criminals spray police with semi-automatic weapon fire and military artillery . On Friday , police detained the wife of Marcinho V.P , a renowned drug lord who allegedly ordered the coordinated attacks from a prison in the state of Parana . According to local reports , the conflict began November 21 when disgruntled drug traffickers decided to launch an attack against Rio residents to protest the government 's crackdown on their organizations . TV Record showed two letters allegedly written by drug lords from maximum-security prisons , protesting the government 's crackdown on drug trafficking and vowing to avenge the arrest of their members . Ocimar Santos , president of Rocinha.org , the website for Rio 's largest favela , said that for people who live in Rio 's slums , this is business as usual . `` They are listening to the rumors and laying low , '' Santos said . If the conflict spills over to Rocinha , residents there are ready for violence , he said . But for the first time , Santos said , they will side with the police . `` We now perceive that our population feels more protected and respected by the police with the creation of these ... peace units , '' he said . Another development in the conflict is the direct involvement of the federal government . Brazil 's Defense Minister Nelson Jobim said that in addition to the 800 federal troops , other reinforcements in support of local police are being directed to Rio amid fears that the crisis could spill over to neighboring states . `` This is not a time to bypass risks , it is the moment to face them , '' Jobim said Friday . Brazil 's President Luiz Inacio da Silva said his government will do all it can to support the government of Rio de Janeiro in its fight against drug gangs . Antonio C. Costa , president of Rio de Paz , a local NGO , drew attention to the civilian victims of the clashes and blamed Rio 's state government for creating a so-called `` urban Vietnam '' in the city -- the future site of the 2016 Summer Olympics . `` The world 's eyes are on Rio de Janeiro , praying that we find a solution to the security crisis , but also intent on knowing whether we are handling this as civilized people , '' Costa said .
|
Police spokesman says a military attack on notorious slum is imminent . `` Whoever wants to turn himself in , do it now , '' he says . Civilians are trapped in the crossfire . The violence is a response by drug gangs to an increased police presence in slums .
|
[[587, 654], [699, 735], [587, 623], [691, 735], [904, 936], [901, 911], [939, 948], [951, 963], [2830, 2839], [3045, 3057], [1721, 1829], [3633, 3649], [3692, 3780], [1031, 1142]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As rescue efforts continue Tuesday , Colombia 's president will visit the mountainside neighborhood where a massive landslide buried dozens of homes . By Monday night , search crews had uncovered 23 dead bodies there , the Red Cross said , and more than 120 people could still be trapped underground . `` We are still hoping to find people alive , '' Red Cross National Deputy Director Jorge Ivan Nova said Monday . But he said survival becomes less likely as time passes . Rescuers had pulled at least seven injured people from the rubble after Sunday 's landslide in Bello , Colombia , which buried between 30 and 50 homes , Nova said . Officials believe the neighborhood was particularly packed Sunday afternoon -- a time when families commonly get together for meals , he said . `` I hope they can be rescued . You could hear screams below the homes . I ask that they not stop the search . Thank God I could save my son and my husband also is alive . But I lost many loved ones , '' resident Maria Garcia told CNN affiliate Caracol TV . More than 700 people were working in shifts on search teams at the site Monday , Caracol reported . Amid the chaos of the rescue effort , a young boy tugged firefighter Carlos Garcia 's belt . `` He asked me , ` firefighter , where are we going to sleep tonight ? ' And what most impacted me was seeing his little face . I also have a 6-year-old boy , '' Garcia told Caracol . About 150 people from the neighborhood were in nearby shelters , Caracol reported , and government officials said they were evacuating other neighborhoods in the area . `` The zone , geologically , is very unstable , '' Diego Munoz , Bello 's government secretary , told Caracol . At least 194 people have been killed and 248 injured after torrential rains throughout Colombia that have affected nearly 1.6 million people , according to the country 's interior ministry . The downpours have caused landslides and overflowing rivers , destroying at least 2,040 houses and damaging nearly 270,000 more nationwide , the ministry said . Colombia is considering declaring a state of emergency to devote more resources to response and rescue efforts , Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said Sunday , describing the rains and flooding as `` a tragedy that has no precedent in the history of our country . '' The president said he plans to travel Tuesday to Bello -- a suburb of Medellin , Colombia . `` My heart is with the victims of this terrible tragedy ... In a few hours we will go directly to Medellin to be with the victims ' families and tell them , ` Whatever the government can do to mitigate this pain and suffering , we will be there , ' '' Santos said in a statement Monday . CNN 's Esprit Smith contributed to this report .
|
Search crews have uncovered 23 dead bodies and seven injured survivors . Red Cross rescuers are still hoping to find survivors in the rubble . Officials are evacuating others in the area , which is considered unstable geologically . Colombia 's president says rains have caused devastating floods throughout the country .
|
[[170, 185], [188, 235], [493, 593], [321, 364], [1525, 1605], [1606, 1617], [1635, 1651], [1759, 1813], [2183, 2233], [2183, 2221], [2236, 2285]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Japanese man accused of operating a drug trafficking ring between Mexico and Japan was arrested in Mexico last week , the Ministry of Public Security said Saturday . Phanor Eriko Kuratomi , known as `` El Casio , '' was arrested Friday in Mexico City , according to a ministry news release . The arrest was the result of an investigation that revealed that Eriko Kuratomi , a Japanese citizen , used women to transport drugs in their bodies . Also arrested were three women , including 30-year-old Zaira Apodaca Vera , who is believed to have transported drugs in her body , and Isabel Alamilla Roa , 40 , who had served time in prison for being part of a group of women who smuggled drugs into Mexican jails . Also arrested was Juan Ignacio Angeles Reyes , accused of recruiting the women to travel to Japan and driving them to the airport . The police secured one and a half kilos of cocaine and plane tickets to Tokyo .
|
Phanor Eriko Kuratomi was arrested in Mexico City on Friday . He is accused of using women to smuggle drugs . Also arrested were three women accused of smuggling the drugs .
|
[[0, 15], [94, 136], [234, 271], [342, 358], [364, 463], [686, 691], [696, 731], [469, 537], [732, 749]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The African Union has suspended the Ivory Coast from the organization amid the country 's political chaos following a November runoff election , it said in a statement . The group suspended the Ivory Coast `` in all AU activities , until such a time the democratically-elected president effectively assumes state power , '' the statement said . The move came after West African leaders Tuesday called on President Laurent Gbago to acknowledge the results of the runoff and hand over power to his challenger , Alassane Ouattara . Both Gbagbo and Ouattara claimed victory after the November 28 voting . On Tuesday , the 15-member Economic Community of West African States -LRB- ECOWAS -RRB- said it was suspending the Ivory Coast from all of its decision-making bodies until further notice . The suspension came following a meeting including the presidents of seven member states . Ivory Coast 's Constitutional Council invalidated earlier results from the Independent Electoral Commission that named opposition candidate Ouattara the winner , and Gbagbo was sworn in for a new term on Saturday . The AU said it endorses the ECOWAS decision to recognize the results from the Independent Electoral Commission as certified by the U.N. mission in Ivory Coast . It said it `` strongly urges Mr. Laurent Gbagbo to respect the results of the election and to facilitate , without delay , the transfer of power to the president-elect . '' The political chaos has heightened fears that the Ivory Coast would once again plunge into the unrest and bloodshed suffered after a civil war broke out in 2002 . The European Union has warned that Ivory Coast could face sanctions if the dispute is not resolved swiftly , and France has urged military and civilian authorities in its former colony to respect the will of the people . The AU , in its statement Thursday , called upon Ivory Coast residents , `` at this delicate stage in the history of their country , to exercise utmost restraint and to refrain from any action that could jeopardize peace and the process for a way out of the crisis . '' The organization is concerned about the `` humanitarian consequences , '' and condemns the loss of life and destruction of property that have occurred in some parts of the country , it said . In Washington , State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said earlier the United States is concerned about the `` risk of violence '' if Gbagbo fails to recognize the results . `` There are two paths that he can take : one that leads to continued progress for his country and its people , preservation of the institution of democracy ; and one that maintains Cote d'Ivoire 's role as a leader in Africa , '' Crowley said , using the French name for the country . `` The other path is one that leads to isolation from the global community and most particularly from the African neighbors of Cote d'Ivoire . We hope that President Gbagbo in the coming days will make the right choice . '' Once a prosperous nation and a driving force in West Africa , the Ivory Coast spiraled downward into instability after fighting erupted between the government-held south and discontented Muslim rebels living in the north . Thousands of people died in the conflict . Ouattara , a former economist for the International Monetary Fund who served as prime minister , had been banned from previous races . He enjoys popular support in the rebel-held north , and Gbagbo has accused Ouattara of masterminding the civil war -- an allegation the challenger has denied . CNN 's Christian Purefoy contributed to this report .
|
The nation is suspended until the elected president takes office , AU says . It calls on President Laurent Gbagbo to hand over power to his challenger . Gbagbo and opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara both declared victory .
|
[[384, 525], [1275, 1437], [548, 619]]
|
Conakry , Guinea -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Guinea 's Supreme Court has ruled Alpha Conde the winner of a November 7 presidential runoff election , the court 's president announced Friday in the country 's capital city . The ruling wraps up a two-year transition to civilian rule after a military junta took power in December 2008 . Provisional results that had been released by the west African country 's electoral commission on November 15 put Conde ahead of his rival , Cellou Dalein Diallo , with 52.5 percent of the vote . The Supreme Court took two weeks deliberating fraud charges from both sides before upholding the provisional results of what has been viewed as Guinea 's most democratic and transparent election in its 52-year history . `` Mister Alpha Conde , having obtained 52.52 percent of ballots cast , is elected President of the Republic of Guinea , '' Mamadou Sylla , president of the Supreme Court announced to reporters at the Supreme Court office in Conakry shortly after midnight . Upon announcement , representatives from Conde 's party rejoiced and cheered their victory but expressed their desire to repair the damages of a polarizing campaign marred by violence and intimidation . `` We ask all Guineans to lend a hand so that together ... we can participate in the moral , physical , institutional and political reconstruction of our country , '' Kiridi Bangoura , Conde 's campaign director told reporters . Diallo , who had previously rejected the results -- alleging the election was riddled with fraud that prevented his victory -- took on a more conciliatory tone after the verdict . `` Since the Supreme Court decision allows for no appeals , we can only accept the verdict given by the highest judiciary institution of the republic , '' Diallo told reporters at his home on Friday . The provisional results were met by riots and violence around the country . The prime minister subsequently declared a national state of emergency to deal with the violence . Analysts are worried about the potential of violence in Guinea spreading to neighboring Sierra Leone , Liberia and Ivory Coast , all of which are recovering from civil wars . Fighting broke out in the eastern Sierra Leone town of Kenema between Peul and Malinke after the Guinea election results were announced . `` Sierra Leone and Guinea are only divided by what you call colonial boundaries between us . Most of the major ethnic tribes here you find in Sierra Leone also , '' Adikalie Foday Sumah , ambassador of Sierra Leone to Guinea told CNN recently , adding that ethnic tensions can easily spread across porous borders . The court decision on the election -- which was deemed `` credible and transparent '' by European Union representatives -- surprised few in Guinea 's sprawling seaside capital . The new president -- a 72-year old former lecturer at Sorbonne University in Paris -- will face immense challenges ranging from creating employment to reforming the notoriously corrupt and abusive army in a country sharply divided along ethnic lines .
|
The decision ends a contentious post-election period that was marked with violence ' The Supreme Court in Guinea takes two weeks to make its decision . Cellou Dalein Diallo , the challenger , concedes defeat .
|
[[1139, 1201], [1812, 1887], [2162, 2282], [521, 637]]
|
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Coalition troops in Afghanistan have been issued revised guidelines for conducting night raids , an official from NATO 's International Security Assistance Force said Friday . The raids are considered effective tools to rout insurgents , but they have angered Afghan civilians and government officials . The new directive is meant to underscore the need to coordinate raids with the Afghan government and inform civilians about the reasons for the operation , the ISAF official said . The guidelines stem from the repeated concerns of President Hamid Karzai . Such raids have been considered major intrusions into Afghan lives . The new directive underscores the `` importance of prior coordination with the Afghan government , '' the source said . `` The Afghan government has long had input into operations , but they have expanded the coordination in recent months through the establishment of a command center located within the Presidential Palace grounds in Kabul , '' the source said . Family and village elders need to know where they can get information about detained people and there must be accurate accounting for items seized in night raids . `` Under the previous night raid directive , Afghans military officials were involved in the coordination and approval of night raids , but Gen. David Petraeus has made clear that his intent is to have night raids conducted with even greater care and preparation throughout the country , '' the source said , referring to the top coalition military official in Afghanistan . The source said it has been policy to have the participation of Afghan troops as the norm . Afghan forces have been the first to enter a compound or residence . `` Whenever possible , Afghan forces conduct the callout with a loudspeaker in either Dari or Pashtu in an attempt to capture targeted individuals without violence . These efforts have been very successful -- the overwhelming majority of these operations -LRB- 80 + % of the time recently -RRB- are conducted with no shots fired , '' the source said . The source said all of the measures have been devised `` to reduce the possibility of unnecessary violence , create more transparency , and minimize the impact on people who are not involved in insurgent activity . ''
|
Such operations have angered Afghans . The directive calls for better coordination with Afghans , an ISAF official says . This is a sensitive cultural issue in Afghanistan .
|
[[127, 205], [334, 487], [490, 514], [659, 755]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pregnant again after two miscarriages , Molly Gray was desperate for answers that could help prevent losing a third baby . When she heard about a small study to test the blood of pregnant women for chemicals , she signed up . The result was shocking : Gray 's blood tested high for mercury , a heavy metal that can cause brain damage to a developing fetus . A Senate subcommittee Tuesday will examine how chemicals that Americans are exposed to in daily life might be harming the health of children , including those developing in the womb . Witnesses scheduled to appear at the Senate Subcommittee on Superfund , Toxics and Environmental Health hearing include Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta . Gupta examined the topic in the CNN special `` Toxic America '' first broadcast in June , which focused on the impact of exposure to chemicals in daily life . The first hour was `` Toxic Towns USA , '' which looked at a once-rural town in Louisiana now surrounded by chemical plants , and the second hour was `` Toxic Childhood , '' which examined chemicals in everyday life and their possible health effects . Gupta : Chemicals around us -- we must know more . The special exposed stories such as Gray 's situation , which she called `` scary and disheartening . '' `` Somehow my son was being exposed to mercury , and that 's a weight to carry because I feel like our job as parents is to protect them , to care for them , to nurture them and to keep them out of harm 's way , '' Gray told CNN earlier this year . Toxic chemicals finding their way into the womb . A growing number of studies are finding hundreds of toxic chemicals in the bodies of mothers , and subsequently , in their babies after birth . While there is no science that demonstrates a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship between chemicals children are born with and particular health problems , studies are finding associations between elevated levels of chemicals in a baby 's body and their development . Tuesday 's hearing , called by Sen. Frank Lautenberg , D-New Jersey , will take place at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark , New Jersey . Lautenberg has called for updating the federal regulations to require manufacturers to show chemicals are safe before introducing them on the market . Other planned witnesses include Lisa Huguenin , a New Jersey mother of a child with autism and an immune system disorder ; Dr. Steven Marcus , executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System ; and Dr. Frederica Perera , director of the Columbia Center for Children 's Environmental Health . Perera 's center has been following hundreds of pregnant women over the past 12 years to measure chemicals entering the womb during pregnancy . The women trudge through New York City for 48 hours wearing special backpacks , each with a long tube that is slung over the shoulder . The tube , resting inches below the pregnant mom 's mouth , sucks air into a special filter , giving an approximate measurement of the air that she is breathing . The backpack is designed to measure ambient toxics spewed by vehicles and pesticides , along with chemicals from common household products . 5 toxic chemicals : Protect yourself . `` It surprised me when we analyzed the air samples -LSB- from the backpacks -RSB- and found 100 percent of them had detectable levels of at least one pesticide and the air pollutants we were interested in , '' Perera , who also is a professor at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health , told CNN earlier this year . `` Every single one . '' So far , the toxics measured in the backpacks match what scientists are finding in the cord blood of the babies once they are born . Small studies by other groups also are finding common household chemicals in babies . `` We 've measured hundreds and hundreds of toxic chemicals in the blood of babies that are still in the womb , '' said Ken Cook , president of the Environmental Working Group , a non-profit environmental advocacy organization . `` Flame retardants , the chemicals in consumer products like personal care products , makeup , shampoos . It 's a very long list . '' The organization 's study found an average of 232 chemicals in the cord blood of 10 babies born in late 2009 . They are chemicals found in a wide array of common household products , including shampoos and conditioners , cosmetics , plastics , shower curtains , mattresses , and electronics like computers and cell phones . Everyday plastic , toxic fears . Perera and her colleagues are following the children in their study from the uterus , through birth , and up to their first several years of life . They recently published a study in the journal Pediatrics demonstrating an association between the chemicals they found in babies ' cord blood and later problems on intelligence tests and development . `` Fifteen percent of children -LSB- in our study -RSB- have at least one developmental problem , '' Perera said . The amount of chemicals measured in the cord blood of the babies seems to matter . The higher the concentration , the more the IQ among children seems to dip . The study is also being conducted among pregnant women in Poland and China , and finding similar results . Gray still struggles with the idea that mercury from her blood may have been passed to her baby . `` There 's plastics , there 's mercury , there 's pesticides , '' said Gray , who also is a practicing midwife . `` The things that we 're cleaning our homes with , the things we 're building our houses with . I think the sheer volume of the things we have to worry about is a little overwhelming . '' Even when her son , Paxton , now more than a year old , was born healthy , Gray and her husband remained vigilant . They steer clear of any products with potentially toxic chemicals . `` Knowing that he got these chemicals from my blood , it 's really scary , '' Gray said , adding : `` Paxton and all of our future generations are carrying around this burden that we do n't know what it means yet . It 's the huge sea of unknown . '' CNN Medical News Producer Stephanie Smith contributed to this story .
|
CNN 's Dr. Sanjay Gupta will be a witness at Tuesday 's hearing . The issue was the focus of the CNN special `` Toxic America '' Sen. Lautenberg of New Jersey is holding the hearing in his home state .
|
[[633, 794], [795, 838], [2078, 2096], [2099, 2130]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Prosecutors in Ukraine have opened a corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko , she said Wednesday , accusing them of a `` political witch hunt . '' Authorities are looking into whether she diverted environmental funds toward pensions , she said . She was questioned at the General Prosecutor 's Office , she said in a statement on her website . Tymoshenko was one of the leaders of Ukraine 's `` Orange Revolution '' in 2005 . She ran for president this year but lost to Viktor Yanukovych , one of her Orange Revolution opponents . The two traded accusations -- and their supporters in parliament traded punches -- in April , when Yanukovych signed a deal allowing Russian military bases to remain in the country through 2042 . She 's now leader of the opposition . `` The authorities continue to systematically terrorize the opposition without any respect for the law or Constitution , '' she said Wednesday . `` Criminal charges have been filed against me personally for allegedly spending environmental funds on pensions ... for committing a serious crime and paying pensions when the country was in a serious crisis , '' she said after being questioned , according to her website . `` Yanukovych ... will have to take responsibility for each act of repression against the genuine opposition , as well as for what he is doing today to all Ukrainian citizens , '' Tymoshenko added , according to the Russian news agency RIA-Novosti . She was ordered to return for more questioning Monday , the agency said .
|
The leader of the opposition accuses prosecutors of a political witch hunt . She 's accused of misusing funds when she was prime minister . She helped lead the Orange Revolution in 2005 but lost a presidential election this year .
|
[[136, 145], [148, 192], [776, 813], [393, 474], [475, 506]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In what is being called a `` milestone '' for Iraq 's future , the U.N. Security Council voted Wednesday to free the Baghdad government from sanctions that started during the Saddam Hussein era . `` The adoptions of these important resolutions marks the beginning of the end of the sanctions regime and restrictions on Iraq 's sovereignty , independence and recovery , '' Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told the council . `` Our people will rejoice for having turned a chapter on the aggressive , belligerent and defiant behavior of the previous regime toward international law and legitimacy . '' One resolution ends the oil-for-food program and another ends sanctions relating to weapons of mass destruction . A third ends the Iraqi Development Fund as of June 30 . The move is a major step for Iraq toward regaining full sovereignty and improving its standing in the international community . The country will be able to have free and unrestricted international financial and trade dealings and to handle its own oil revenues . And it will be able to start a civilian nuclear power program if it is interested . U.S. Vice President Joe Biden , who chaired the Security Council meeting Wednesday , praised Iraq 's progress toward democracy and meeting its international obligations . Biden issued a statement saying the `` Security Council welcomes the positive developments in Iraq , '' including its forging of democracy , its development , and the performance of security forces . `` Politics has emerged as the dominant means for settling differences and advancing interests , '' Biden said . U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the development a `` milestone . '' `` Its people have known tremendous hardship , '' he said . `` They continue to struggle with insecurity and appalling violence . They lack jobs and basic services . But today we recognize how far the country has come in key aspects of its journey to normalize its status in the community of nations . '' Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990 , triggering the Gulf War . In 2003 , the United States led an invasion of Iraq , citing Saddam Hussein 's weapons of mass destruction activities as one of the reasons . But , none of those weapons were discovered . While Wednesday 's vote ends sanctions imposed on Iraq from the days of the Hussein regime , other differences remain between Iraq and Kuwait . Zebari said Iraq is committed to settling those unresolved issues bilaterally with Kuwait and his country is `` committed to fulfill its remaining obligations '' under Chapter 7 of the U.N. sanctions . `` Iraq still has some way to go to resolve all outstanding issues with brotherly , neighborly Kuwait , '' he said . `` There has been positive cooperation and exchange between our two governments to resolve and settle all pending issues between our two countries , emanating from Saddam Hussein 's aggression and invasion of Kuwait in 1990 . '' Unresolved issues include demarcation of the Iraqi-Kuwait border and efforts to locate missing Kuwaitis and third-party nationals , and continuing to pay war reparations .
|
The sanctions were imposed during the Saddam Hussein era . The oil-for-food program ends , as does the Iraqi Development Fund . Joe Biden chaired the U.N. Security Council meeting .
|
[[160, 169], [175, 214], [2258, 2342], [1141, 1170], [1177, 1223]]
|
Jerusalem -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two 16-year-old Palestinian boys were killed and three other teens were injured in Gaza on Friday from an unexploded Israeli ordnance , Palestinian medical and security officials said . Hamas security sources say the explosive device was left over from Israel 's 22-day Gaza offensive that began two years ago . There was no immediate Israeli response to this incident . The Palestinian sources also reported the wounding of two people in Gaza , one a worker collecting gravel near the Erez Crossing and another a farmer east of Khan Younis . An Israel Defense Forces spokesman said Israeli forces fired shots when suspicious people approached the fence between Gaza and Israel in two separate locations . One incident occurred in northern Gaza and the other took place near Khan Younis . Troops first fired warning shots in the air but the people continued moving . Then , they fired at their legs , the IDF said .
|
The device was left over from the Gaza offensive . In other incidents , two people were wounded .
|
[[215, 313], [400, 423], [429, 472]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two South African rugby players were sent home from their national team 's tour of Europe on Monday after testing positive for a banned drug . Mahlatse `` Chiliboy '' Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson were provisionally suspended from all rugby after the South African Rugby Union was informed of the results late on Sunday . Winger Basson and forward Ralepelle were found to have used the stimulant methylhexaneamine after being randomly tested following the Springboks ' 23-21 win over Ireland on November 6 . `` The players have the right to request that their ` B ' sample be tested , '' the SARU said on its website . `` The pair returned an adverse analytical finding for methylhexaneamine , a `` non-specified stimulant '' on the prohibited substances list of the World Anti-Doping Agency . It is scheduled to be re-classified as a `` specified stimulant '' from January 1 , 2011 . '' Basson missed Saturday 's 34-12 win over Wales with an ankle injury suffered in Dublin and was due to leave the tour anyway . Ralepelle , who became the first black player to captain South Africa in a warm-up match earlier in the tour , came on the field as a substitute in Cardiff after not being used against Ireland . They became the latest in a growing list of athletes to test positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine , which is used in nasal decongestants but has also been an ingredient in now-illegal recreational drugs . Last year , five Jamaican runners were ruled out of the World Athletics Championships and the World Anti-Doping Agency subsequently added the drug to its 2010 prohibited list . Two Nigerian sprinters tested positive for it at October 's Commonwealth Games in India , with Damola Osayemi losing her gold medal in the women 's 100 meters . Portuguese cyclists Rui Costa and his brother Mario also tested positive that month , while Australia 's Daily Telegraph reported that nine sportspeople from that country had done likewise . South Africa coach Peter de Villiers said his staff were trying to find out what lay behind the positive tests . `` We have to look at what might have caused this and we do n't want to put the players at risk . If there is something that we are taking as a squad that might have caused this then we must find that out now , '' he told the website of South African television channel SuperSport . `` When I informed the two players that they had been tested positive they were both extremely shocked and disappointed . The rest of the team were also gutted when they heard . I was informed of this at 2 a.m. this morning , and now we must follow the correct processes as laid down by the International Rugby Board . '' SuperSport reported that Springboks team doctor Craig Roberts said both Ralepelle and Basson had been taking medication for illnesses . It also said that young South African rugby player Johan Goosen was recently banned for three months after his urine test showed up methylhexaneamine , while .
|
Rugby players become the latest in a growing list of athletes to test positive for drug . Methylhexaneamine is used in nasal decongestants but is a banned stimulant . Mahlatse `` Chiliboy '' Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson sent home from tour of Europe . South Africa coach Peter De Villiers hoping to find the cause of the positive tests .
|
[[0, 15], [37, 161], [1225, 1277], [1269, 1330], [1295, 1332], [1339, 1369], [0, 15], [37, 161], [1967, 2079], [2009, 2079]]
|
Remedios , Cuba -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- For 200 years , folks in Remedios , a small town in the Cuban countryside , have shared the legendary tale of Father Francisco Vigil de Quiñones . As the story goes , Father Vigil was annoyed that so few of his parishioners were attending his church 's Christmas Eve midnight Mass. . So the Catholic priest had an idea . He employed a few of the town 's children to create a ruckus that would get people out of bed and into the pews . They threw rocks , beat sticks and awoke the town , prompting them to fill the church . Two centuries later , on Christmas Eve 2010 , the ruckus remains , but the worshippers have disappeared . The town 's current priest , Father Agustin Ibarra Diaz , stood overlooking the same house of worship -- gazing at a sanctuary completely empty of parishioners . Outside the colonial-era church , salsa music blared . The actions of his predecessor have had disastrous results for Ibarra . The type of pre-midnight Mass disturbances evolved over the centuries . Brass instruments were played . Large colorful floats with flashing lights were built . And then , of course , there were the fireworks . It 's the fireworks that have Ibarra worried . And they are not just any pyrotechnic rockets but a homemade strain -- with names like morteros , voladores and palomas -- designed to create the biggest bangs and brightest flashes and most smoke possible . They do n't always fly straight up . `` Its tough to be a priest and give Mass when there are rockets going off . People ca n't really enjoy the Eucharist , the birth of Jesus , '' Ibarra said , regret in his voice . `` We 're afraid that rockets will fly into the church and kill someone . '' Ibarra said he appreciates the effort that goes into the celebration and festivities . But this year , for safety reasons , he decided to cancel the Mass. . If Remedios misses the evening services , it does n't show . Outside the church , the town 's small plaza is nearly full of residents and visitors . At each corner of the town square , a large float rises three stories into the air . One float has an arctic theme , with carved wolves and penguins standing in fake snow . Thousands of colored lights dot the float and illuminate the square at nightfall . Dotting the square are food stands offering lechon , slow-cooked whole pig , its skin crunchy and colored a deep amber from hours over the coals . For less than a U.S. dollar , vendors will carve off a few slices of the meat . Although it 's still early , the square 's one bar is close to being sold out of Havana Club rum . About 5 p.m. , the first fireworks are being set up , and eagerness is growing for the party to begin . The pyrotechnics are the work of so-called artilleros , or artillery men . `` We 've been doing this for generations and generations , '' artillero Pablo Torres said . `` My dad did it ; my son does ; everyone does . '' Wearing a bright orange construction helmet , Torres said he 's not afraid of getting hurt by the explosives . He offers a bottle of yellow liquid : `` Drink some rum , and you will be all set . '' The first barrage of fireworks shakes the town . Thousands of skyrockets scream into the sky , which is soon dark from smoke . The explosives called palomas , or doves , fly up with a stream of sparks . The artilleros fill lead pipes with homemade bombs that then blast forth . Some of the firework specialists use Cuban cigars to ignite the fireworks . For safety , many of them wear thick olive-green canvas shirts and small straw hats that are usually the uniform of sugar cane cutters . Others wear only T-shirts and shorts while they play with fire . The fireworks shoot off in every direction , and flaming shrapnel comes falling back down to the square . Someone ends up getting burned every year , say the locals , but there are few serious injuries . The only death anyone can remember was a woman killed years ago after an errant rocket flew into a building where gunpowder was stored . That there are no worse injuries amid the hours of explosions seems miraculous . But so are the festivals themselves . While the entire country faces crippling shortages and economic challenges , Remedios still cobbles together everything it needs for the big spectacle . The parrandas bring in tourists despite the fact that the town has only one 10-room hotel . Andres Carrillo has come home to Remedios from New Jersey . His mother is renting out every bedroom in her house to foreign tourists . Carrillo said the festivals may bring in badly needed funds , but they are still put on to honor tradition . `` We are addicted to the fire and the smoke , '' Carrillo said while dodging a rocket . `` You see that people are not from here because they cover their nose . We do n't . We love this . ''
|
Huge 200 year-old Christmas Eve fireworks fest ignites joy in Remedios , Cuba . Originally , event attracted worshippers , but now church closes for safety . `` We 're afraid that rockets will fly into the church and kill someone . '' Someone gets burned every year , say locals , but there are few serious injuries .
|
[[1638, 1708], [3952, 3989], [3784, 3825], [3849, 3881]]
|
Atlanta , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- `` Tell someone '' : It 's the phrase most often modeled as the first step in stopping bullying . Experts on the news , researchers and authors repeatedly suggest that victims or witnesses speak to someone about it -- whether it 's a classmate , a teacher , parent or friend -- the moment bullying becomes a concern . But at November 's International Bullying Prevention Association -LRB- IBPA -RRB- conference , I received some pushback when I voiced the `` tell someone '' maxim . A teacher raised her hand and discussed a study that found that kids who do tell someone do n't think adults take the right action afterward . And for a moment , I asked myself , `` Then what ? '' Bullying has been around as long as schools have ; it 's far older than Facebook , designer jeans and lunch money . There 's not a public school in the country where all the kids are nice in the eighth grade . -LRB- In fact , one student who commented on our blog at CNNStudentNews.com wrote that whoever said sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me `` has obviously never been to middle school . '' -RRB- At that age level , we were all insulted or called names ; some were shoved into lockers or tripped in the hallway ; others were n't welcome at certain lunch tables . Things are different today . Because of technology , bullies are no longer stopped at the front door ; they can follow students to their rooms on their cell phones or online . Video games have come a long way since Super Mario Bros. , evolving from cartoonish characters to -LRB- in one popular case -RRB- a simulator of terrorism . Family dynamics are constantly changing . To be fair , I clearly remember fights at my suburban Atlanta high school , but they did n't result from random targeting . We had tears , but they did n't lead to any suicides . Wherever the blame for it lies , today 's bullying is n't always a temporary condition to endure . It can be something that , for some kids , does n't get better and does n't go away , despite what graduates tell them . This is why it is crucial , according to educators and counselors at the IBPA , that students themselves are involved in finding solutions to bullying . It 's their school , after all ; they represent the majority . It is the students who can speak to a schoolwide survey , for example , that asks what teachers and administrators have done to make the school better -- and what the students themselves have done to make the school better . It is the students who can suggest ideas for reducing the problem , and even if they 're not feasible , they can lead to discussions about solutions that are . So this is n't simply about kids seeing someone get bullied , telling an adult , and then stepping back and waiting for the problem to be fixed overnight . It takes time and student involvement . Kids who witness bullying need to know that they have some power to determine the tide of it : It lies in how they respond . First , bystanders should n't support bullies with attention , laughter or anything that could make them proud of what they 've done . Bullies are n't usually bullying out of anger ; they 're trying to get something they want , like approval or social status . And in general , they need witnesses for that . So bystanders who see bullying should respond in such a way that the bully feels isolated afterward -- not more powerful or popular , not encouraged . Taking away the reward for the behavior can take away the inspiration for it . Second , witnesses should support the targeted students . Another takeaway from the IBPA conference : Victims who 've had someone defend them -- even if was just a single peer -- are better adjusted than undefended victims of bullying . So whether it 's through kindness to the victim , discouragement to the bully or alerting a teacher , if a bystander stands up for a victim , the latter will probably have more strength to cope . We already know what does n't work when trying to stop bullying . Telling kids not to tattle does nothing to help them work through the problem ; telling them that the bully will grow out of it or that people get nicer in high school and in college -- even if that 's what we remember happening -- also falls on deaf ears . But empowering bystanders to take action can help alleviate the severity of bullying throughout the school . The bullies miss their rewards ; the victims feel someone 's on their side ; the witnesses , who make up most of the student body anyway , have a better learning environment . Should targeted kids and witnesses still report the problem ? Of course . But knowing how they can have a hand in its solution can inspire them to be part of it . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Carl Azuz .
|
Carl Azuz : The most common remedy for bullying is `` tell someone '' He says that advice does n't go far enough . Students need to become involved in efforts to stop bullying , he says . Azuz : Bystanders should n't support bullies or make them proud of what they 've done .
|
[[58, 134], [3020, 3083]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- One of the diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks reveals that North Korean officials suggested the U.S. government make arrangements for rock icon Eric Clapton to perform in Pyongyang as a way of building `` good will '' between the countries . The suggestion was relayed to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul , South Korea , through an intermediary whose name was redacted from the document . `` Arranging an Eric Clapton concert in Pyongyang could also be useful , -LSB- the intermediary -RSB- said , given Kim Jong-Il 's second son 's devotion to the rock legend , '' the cable begins . `` As Kim Jong-Il 's second son , Kim Jong-chol , is reported to be a great fan , the performance could be an opportunity to build good will . '' Representatives for Clapton did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sunday . But one analyst cautioned Sunday that the 2007 cable 's contents could say more about an intermediary 's interest in trying to promote himself by arranging a high-profile performance than North Korea 's leadership . `` At that point , given the generally positive diplomatic atmosphere , I doubt the U.S. government would have objected . But this may be more the fantasy of a self-promoting intermediary than a reflection of the desire of the Dear Leader and his sons to rock 'n' roll in Pyongyang , '' said Mike Chinoy , author of `` Meltdown : The Inside Story of the North Korean Nuclear Crisis . '' However , Chinoy -- formerly CNN 's Senior Asia Correspondent -- noted that the cable is not the first time a story has surfaced about the Kim family 's admiration for the British rock legend . `` One of the stories about Kim Jong Chol and his brother Kim Jong Un is that one , or both , supposedly went to a Clapton concert somewhere in Europe while they were attending boarding school in Switzerland , '' he said . The cable , titled '' -LSB- Redacted -RSB- Shares Ideas on DPRK Interaction , '' deals with North Korean relations with South Korea , the United States , and Korean-Americans wishing to meet with their relatives still in the country . It makes no reference to the North Korean nuclear program . The intermediary advocated for greater U.S. government involvement in `` facilitating the reunification of Korean-American families divided by the Korean War . '' The cable mentions two groups -- Compatriots United and the Los Angeles-based Pyongtong -- that arrange such reunions but often have difficulties dealing with the North Korean bureaucracy . The document says Compatriots United has arranged `` thousands of reunions , '' but it is under the control of North Korea 's Overseas Compatriots Committee . That committee , the cable claims , `` extorts a tremendous amount of money from desperate families to arrange the visits . '' According to the cable , the intermediary told U.S. diplomats that `` North Korea would not run such an exploitative system if the United States government were involved in the process . There is a reluctance , he said , for Korean-Americans to pursue family reunions because they do not want to divulge their personal information to the DPRK and they do not want the North Koreans to milk them for money before , during and after the reunion . '' `` The -LSB- United States government -RSB- could at least volunteer to serve as a conduit for correspondence between these families and North Korea to prevent the DPRK from learning the home addresses and bank accounts of participants . The DPRK might be willing to accept this structure because it badly wants a relationship with Washington , '' the cable reads . The intermediary also described the frustrating process for any outsiders to get things done in North Korea . `` It is necessary to get the DPRK 's various institutions to cooperate . Each institution seems to have veto power , but none has the power to push anything forward . ... The only organizations that can really deliver are the military , which does not talk to anybody , or the Red Cross . ''
|
NEW : An analyst says another story suggests Kim Jong Il 's son is a fan of Clapton . A performance by the rock icon was called `` an opportunity to build good will '' The suggestion was relayed to the U.S. embassy in South Korea via an intermediary . The cable is one of thousands being released by the WikiLeaks website .
|
[[637, 640], [646, 682], [1454, 1486], [1509, 1637], [117, 205], [159, 234], [407, 477], [683, 745], [267, 322]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Norway leads the 2010 list ranking the prosperity of 110 of the world 's nations by the London analytical center Legatum Institute . Norway also topped the 2009 rankings . `` The Prosperity Index seeks to understand how economic fundamentals , health , freedom , governance , safety , education , entrepreneurial opportunity , and social capital influence a country 's economic growth and the happiness of its citizens , '' the group says . Europe dominates the Top 10 , taking six of the spots . The United States and Canada represent North America , while Australia and New Zealand check in from the Pacific-Asia nations . Eight of the Bottom 10 nations are from Africa , with Zimbabwe coming in last . The Top 10 : . 1 . Norway . 2 . Denmark . 3 . Finland . 4 . Australia . 5 . New Zealand . 6 . Sweden . 7 . Canada . 8 . Switzerland . 9 . Netherlands . 10 . United States .
|
Index is based on economy , government , educator and other factors . Norway tops the rankings for the 2nd straight year . The United States is No. 10 , down one spot from 2009 .
|
[[194, 437], [19, 151], [152, 158], [164, 190]]
|
Istanbul -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The president of Turkey 's Besiktas basketball team says he has a verbal agreement to sign a $ 2 million contract with former NBA most valuable player Allen Iverson . `` I 'm going to New York on Friday , '' said Seref Yalcin , the president of the Besiktas basketball team . `` I talked to Allan and his manager yesterday , Gary Moore . He said there 's no problem ; he 's able to sign . Friday , I 'll be there , and we 'll probably sign Sunday . And Monday , I 'll bring him with me . '' Yalcin said he was offering the former NBA star $ 1.5 million in addition to a half-million dollar signing bonus for a two-year contract . `` This is a major advertisement for Turkish basketball . Besiktas ' value as a brand has increased . Everyone is talking about this and Besiktas , '' Yalcin said . The Besiktas president predicted that Iverson would take his team to the top of Turkey 's Champions League . `` He 's going to bring lots of fans into our arena , '' Yalcin said . `` If he plays with even 50 percent of his NBA capacity , that will be enough . This will also be good for Turkish basketball in general since he will inspire the youngsters here . '' Yalcin said he has offered Iverson housing , transport , school for his five children and an assistant/translator who will be on call 24 hours a day to help the American athlete operate in Turkey 's sprawling commercial capital . Yalcin predicted that Iverson would be able to play with Besiktas in a game scheduled for November 7 . The Turkish basketball season has just begun , and Besiktas has a record of one win and one loss . Iverson joined the NBA in 1996 and played 10 seasons in Philadelphia before moving among Denver , Detroit , Memphis and Philadelphia again .
|
The president of the Besiktas basketball team says he expects a Sunday signing . Iverson will get $ 2 million for a two-year contract , Seref Yalcin says . Yalcin : `` He 's going to bring lots of fans into our arena ''
|
[[447, 476], [85, 178], [935, 937], [941, 983]]
|
Seoul , South Korea -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- South Korea and the United States began assembling ships for joint war exercises Sunday off the west coast of the Korean peninsula in the Yellow Sea , a source at the South Korean Joint Chiefs told CNN . The exercises are set to begin as diplomats worked to ease tensions in the Koreas after North Korea warned of unpredictable `` consequences '' if the United States fulfills its vow of deploying an aircraft carrier to the Yellow Sea for joint military maneuvers with South Korea . The exercises are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Sunday -LRB- 1 a.m. ET -RRB- . China 's foreign minister spoke with his Russian , U.S. , and Japanese counterparts , and a Chinese representative visited Seoul as envoys underscored the need to lower the temperature in the longtime flash-point region , days after four South Koreans died when North Korea shelled Yeonpyeong Island . North Korea said the South provoked the Tuesday attack because shells from a South Korean military drill landed in the North 's waters . South Korea was holding its annual Hoguk military drill when the North started its shelling , and the South returned fire . North Korea 's official Korean Central News Agency on Saturday slammed South Korea and the United States for provoking the crisis . It called reports of civilian casualties part of South Korea 's `` propaganda campaign '' and accused the `` enemy '' of creating `` a human shield by deploying civilians around artillery positions and inside military facilities before the launch of the provocation . '' `` If the U.S. brings its carrier to the West Sea of Korea at last , no one can predict the ensuing consequences , '' said KCNA , referring to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington , which is set to join South Korea 's forces near the coasts of China and North Korea for the four-day military drill scheduled to start Sunday . U.S. State Department spokeswoman Nicole Thompson called the claims `` outrageous . '' `` This is just another example of North Korea 's own internal propaganda . The North Koreans for many years , including the Cheonan warship incident , have taken provocative action . This did n't have anything to do with U.S. actions , '' Thompson told CNN , referring to the sinking of a South Korean ship in March that left 46 people on board dead . The United States and South Korea blame the sinking on the North , which has consistently denied responsibility . Diplomats , seeking a lessening of tensions and a return to the six-party talks with North Korea over the country 's nuclear aspirations , busily labored to avert more hostilities . The United States , China , Japan , Russia , South Korea and North Korea are the six countries that have been involved in the talks , which were put on hold in 2008 . `` These parties should call on the DPRK and South Korea to exercise calmness and restraint and hold dialogue and make contacts , and not to take actions that would escalate the conflict , '' China 's official Xinhua news agency quoted Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi as saying . China is North Korea 's largest trading partner . Yang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov `` stressed the need to prevent the situation from exacerbating and to work toward relieving the tensions , '' according to the Russian Foreign Ministry . Xinhua reported that Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said his country `` is willing to work together with China to joint safeguard peace and stability on the Korean peninsula . '' And a Twitter message from U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke with Yang on Friday and `` encouraged Beijing to make clear that North Korea 's behavior is unacceptable . '' Meanwhile , Dai Bingguo , a Chinese state councilor , sat down with South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan in Seoul to discuss the tensions . The violence has sparked anger and political turmoil in South Korea . The country 's defense minister , Kim Tae-young resigned after the exchange of fire , and veterans of the South Korean military protested Saturday on the streets of Seoul , stating they were angry that their country 's government had not done enough to respond to the North 's shelling . One group of protesters gathered near the defense ministry building Saturday , clashing with police officers with some charging and kicking officers . Two South Korean marines were among the four killed in the shelling . Hundreds of mourners attended their nationally televised funeral Saturday , weeping before photos of the two men set among an array of flowers . As for Sunday 's joint military exercises , China appeared to criticize them Friday and Chinese analysts warned against the United States and South Korea embarking on `` sensitive and provocative military actions . '' `` We oppose any party to take any military acts in our exclusive economic zone without permission , '' Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a statement , Xinhua reported . But the United States has described the drill as defensive in nature . The exercises were planned months ago , and are meant to underscore strong ties between South Korea and the United States , defense officials from both countries have said . There will be no live firing element in the drills ; live firing exercises can only take place in a designated training range or in a closed-off area at sea , Cmdr. Jeff Davis , public affairs officer for the U.S. 7th Fleet , and such firing exercises are not possible given the amount of traffic in the area . The drills will include anti-air attack and anti-surface-attack exercises , communications and data drills , expert exchanges , logistical support , and replenishment drills . For example , a Korean oil tanker will refuel a U.S. ship , Davis said . But the prospect of more violence has prompted alarm across the region . Japan 's Kyodo news agency reported that Japanese `` Cabinet members have been ordered to stay in Tokyo until Wednesday and be at their ministry offices within an hour in the event emergency situations develop . '' South Korea said Thursday that it will strengthen its rules of engagement in the Yellow Sea . South Korean marine forces based in five islands near North Korea and the disputed Northern Limit Line also will be reinforced , a government spokesman said . The tense maritime border between the two Koreas has become the major military flash point on the Korean peninsula in recent years . The Yeonpyeong attack was the first direct artillery assault on South Korea since 1953 , when an armistice ended fighting , though both Koreas are still technically at war . Journalist Andrew Salmon and CNN 's Stan Grant and Tim Schwarz contributed to this report .
|
NEW : South Korea , U.S. begin assembling ships for war exercises . China , other nations urge an avoidance of hostilities . A Chinese official visits Seoul to discuss rising tensions . The U.S. calls North Korean claims `` outrageous ''
|
[[8, 126], [691, 820], [691, 820], [3768, 3779], [3877, 3902], [1899, 1982]]
|
-LRB- Health.com -RRB- -- Caffeinated alcoholic beverages such as Four Loko have come under fire from lawmakers and public health officials in recent weeks , following reports of hospitalizations and even some deaths tied to the potent drinks . Now , a new study suggests that combining caffeine and alcohol can pose a risk to young people even when the substances are n't mixed in the same can or cup . College students who consume nonalcoholic energy drinks such as Red Bull at least once a week are more than twice as likely as their peers to show signs of alcohol dependence , including withdrawal symptoms and an inability to cut back on drinking , according to the study . Health.com : Do you have a drinking problem ? `` The odds were fairly strong , especially when you look at the dose of energy drink used , '' says the lead researcher , Amelia Arria , PhD , director of the Center on Young Adult Health and Development at the University of Maryland School of Public Health , in College Park . The study , which appears in the journal Alcoholism : Clinical & Experimental Research , was based on interviews with about 1,100 college seniors . The findings do not show cause and effect , and it 's unclear whether energy-drink consumption is directly linked to alcohol problems . For instance , students who spend a lot of time partying may simply be more likely to resort to energy drinks to help them pull all-nighters and cram for tests , the researchers say . On the other hand , energy-drink consumption could be a more immediate symptom of alcohol problems -- if a student often drinks Red Bull in the morning to shake off hangovers , say . Health.com : Being choosy about booze helps avoid hangover -LRB- to a point -RRB- . Another possibility is that energy drinks actively contribute to problem drinking . If mixed with alcohol -- a common practice among college students -- caffeine-laden energy drinks can prolong drinking sessions and mask the feeling of drunkenness , potentially raising the risk for dangerous binges and behavior . -LRB- This has been the main concern with caffeinated alcoholic beverages , including Four Loko . -RRB- . `` Caffeine keeps you awake but just as impaired , '' Arria says . `` You may feel as if you can get into a car or play a risky game . That 's why this feeling of wide awake drunkenness is more dangerous . '' A similar dynamic can exacerbate alcohol problems over the long term , says Jeffrey Parsons , PhD , a professor of psychology and public health at Hunter College , in New York City . Consuming energy drinks `` masks the extent of the drinking in such a way that it can sneak up on people , '' he says . `` They do n't realize that they 're developing the problematic patterns that are characteristic of alcohol abuse and dependence . '' Health.com : Can a bigger booze tax reduce disease , crime ? Nearly two-thirds of the students in the study reported having an energy drink in the past year , and just over half said they consumed the drinks about once a month or less . About 10 percent of the students consumed the drinks weekly , and roughly 3 percent did so daily , or almost daily . Red Bull was the most popular drink . Compared to those who consumed energy drinks rarely or not at all , students who consumed them at least once a week drank alcohol more frequently and in greater amounts , on average . They were also more likely to experience blackouts , skip class or other activities due to hangovers , be involved in a fraternity or sorority , and meet the criteria for alcohol dependence . The researchers took into account a number of other student characteristics , including sex , race , socioeconomic status , depression symptoms , and total alcohol consumption . Factors such as depression were associated with alcohol problems , as expected , but energy-drink consumption was independently linked to alcohol dependence even after controlling for all risk factors . Health.com : Family , friends are big influence on drinking . Energy drinks -- which include brands such as Monster , Rockstar , and Amp , in addition to Red Bull -LRB- by far the market leader -RRB- -- generated about $ 5 billion in U.S. sales in 2008 and have skyrocketed in popularity . Although the economic downturn appears to have somewhat slowed their growth , sales of the beverages in the U.S. increased by 136 percent between 2005 and 2009 , according to the market research firm Mintel . The American Beverage Association , a trade group that represents the makers and distributors of nonalcoholic beverages -LRB- including Red Bull , Monster , Rockstar , and Amp -RRB- , emphasized in a statement that the study did not prove a direct link between energy-drink consumption and alcohol problems . The findings `` do not show that energy drinks encourage misuse of alcohol in any way and state that further research is warranted , '' the association said . The association also said that the amount of caffeine in most energy drinks is comparable to that in 1 to 2 cups of coffee . -LRB- In the study , Arria and her colleagues did control for caffeine intake from sources other than energy drinks . -RRB- . Energy drinks contain anywhere from 50 to 500 milligrams of caffeine per can , but the caffeine content is largely unregulated and is n't required to be listed on the label , Arria says . Health.com : 12 surprising sources of caffeine . In 2009 , Arria joined a group of scientists in asking the FDA to review the safety of premixed caffeinated alcoholic drinks . Although the new study did not look specifically at these products , the risk of alcohol dependence associated with drinks such as Four Loko may be even greater , Parsons says . People with alcohol problems who are determined to mix caffeine and alcohol `` do n't need help from the manufacturer , '' he explains . `` But for those who have n't developed a problem , the ease with which they can get drinks that have the combination in them makes it more likely they 're going to try these out in a way that can potentially have negative consequences . '' The Food and Drug Administration is expected to make an announcement about caffeinated alcoholic beverages on Wednesday , according to news reports . In a press release , Senator Charles Schumer -LRB- D -- N.Y. -RRB- said Tuesday that the FDA `` will rule that caffeine is an unsafe food additive to alcohol beverages , '' effectively banning the sale of the beverages in the U.S. Copyright Health Magazine 2010 .
|
The amount of caffeine in most energy drinks is comparable to that in 1 to 2 cups of coffee . It 's unclear whether energy-drink consumption is directly linked to alcohol problems . Energy drinks generated about $ 5 billion in U.S. sales in 2008 .
|
[[4922, 4937], [4943, 5046], [1200, 1258], [4131, 4154], [4158, 4207]]
|
-LRB- Health.com -RRB- -- The number of infants and toddlers under age 2 who landed in emergency rooms after ingesting too much over-the-counter cold medicine dropped by more than half following the discontinuation of medicines targeted to that age group , a new study has found . In 2007 , drug manufacturers voluntarily pulled infant cough-and-cold medicines from store shelves amid concerns about the products ' effectiveness and side effects , including a risk of rapid heart rate , convulsions , loss of consciousness , and even death . At the time , experts worried that parents would start dosing their toddlers with other , stronger medications , which would potentially cause even worse problems . Health.com : 9 ways to stay sniffle-free . `` There was some controversy , '' says Daniel Budnitz , M.D. , a medical officer in the Medication Safety Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , in Atlanta , Georgia . `` Some folks suggested that it would be a bad thing because parents would use adult-strength formulas for infants and not know how to dose them . '' But that does n't seem to have happened . The new study , which was co-authored by Budnitz and appears in the journal Pediatrics , found that cold medicine-related ER visits by children under the age of 2 dropped by 55 percent in the 14-month period after the product withdrawal , compared with the 14 months immediately before . Using data collected from a representative sample of 63 hospitals across the U.S. , the researchers estimated that there were about 2,800 ER visits before the product withdrawal and about 1,250 after . Health.com : How to sick-proof your winter . And there did not appear to be any uptick in problems related to other medications , such as antibiotics , that parents might have been giving their children instead of cough-and-cold medicine . Both before and after the product withdrawal , the vast majority of ER visits resulted from overdoses . More than half of the children under age 2 who landed in the ER had found and ingested the medicines on their own . The remaining visits were caused by caregiver errors -- such as a parent mixing up two siblings ' medicines or confusing the abbreviations for teaspoon and tablespoon , for instance . -LRB- Many of the discontinued products were liquids . -RRB- . Although Budnitz and his co-authors ca n't say with absolute certainty that the sharp drop in ER visits was caused by the product withdrawal , it does seem likely . The overall number of ER visits among kids under 12 remained the same in the pre - and post-withdrawal periods , which suggests that the decline was limited to infants and toddlers . Health.com : 5 most common myths about the common cold . Even after the 2007 withdrawal , doctors and public-health officials have continued to question the use of cough-and-cold medicines in young children . Aside from the safety risk , research has consistently shown that pediatric products are largely ineffective at relieving symptoms . In response to the safety concerns , medicine manufacturers have taken steps to standardize their dosing devices . And in 2008 , after conferring with the Food and Drug Administration -LRB- FDA -RRB- , they voluntarily changed their product labels to say the medicines should not be used in children under age 4 . The study findings support that change , says Budnitz . Neil Herendeen , M.D. , a pediatrician at the University of Rochester Medical Center , in New York , says the study provides a compelling reason to withdraw all pediatric cough-and-cold medicines for kids under 12 from the market , a policy he supports . `` This shows that if you take it off the market , it will reduce the adverse events , '' Herendeen says . Health.com : Top 7 natural cold remedies : do they work ? Difficult as it is for parents to stand by and do nothing while their infants suffer with runny noses and hacking coughs , there really is n't any way to make a cold go away , only to ease some of the symptoms , experts say . `` You 're left with doing all the things your grandmother used to tell you : lots of fluids ; vaporizers , but do n't put any menthol medications in it , just plain water ; blow your nose ; and salt water drops , '' Dr. Herendeen says . Jeff Sleeth , M.D. , an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison , says that it 's important to keep a sick infant 's environment as well humidified as possible . That `` allows the mucous and secretions that are in the nose and back of the throat to stay nice and thin so , -LSB- so -RSB- when the child does cough , it 's easier to clear the secretions out , '' Sleeth says . Copyright Health Magazine 2010 .
|
In 2007 , drug manufacturers voluntarily pulled infant cough-and-cold medicines from stores . Many of the children under 2 who came to the ER had ingested the meds on their own . Medicine manufacturers have taken steps to standardize their dosing devices .
|
[[281, 288], [291, 360], [67, 72], [77, 158], [2003, 2008], [2013, 2029], [1966, 2008], [2044, 2081], [3056, 3133]]
|
Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Amarynth Sichel grills cheese sandwiches and sells them to Columbia University students five nights a week . But Sichel 's not just a cook ; she 's also a college student and social entrepreneur-in-training . Sichel is the president of one of 23 `` FeelGood World '' chapters on U.S. college campuses , where students donate time and cooking skills to raise money for charity . Social entrepreneurship has surged on American campuses in the past few years , according to Melanie Edwards , who lectures on the subject at Stanford University . `` I believe the rise in ` Social E ' publicity , coupled with the heightened social problems in our U.S. economy and the world , speaks to the millenials , '' Edwards said . A growing number of college applicants ask about Stanford 's social entrepreneurship program before applying , and freshman enrollment in `` Social E '' classes has increased , she said . `` I was a devout grilled cheese-maker in high school , so for me , joining FeelGood was a must , '' said Sichel . `` I have always been committed to groups that are dedicated to uplifting the world . When you know you 're working for your global family , that 's a powerful motivator . '' Sandwich sales help sustainable village programs , including CHOICE Humanitarian and The Hunger Project . The social entrepreneurship trend has many schools rethinking curriculum and recruiting strategies . Harvard recently introduced courses in social entrepreneurship and rewards students ' social startups in its annual Innovation Challenge . Columbia joined the `` College Challenge '' -- a competition among 17 colleges to determine which academic institution has the greatest commitment to civic engagements . At Babson College , all freshmen take a two-semester course that includes 20 hours of community service . Students are required to create an idea and launch a venture funded by the college . They pay back their seed funding with money from sales at the end of the course . Babson now offers 17 courses in social entrepreneurship , up from five classes in 2005 . Stanford 's alternative spring break has students visiting social enterprises ranging from education to criminal rehabilitation . Students can also apply for grants to help build their own social enterprises . Sophomore Nishant Jacob said he chose Stanford because of its `` Social E '' opportunities . `` Coming to Stanford was an amazing way to get immersed in the world of ` Social E ' , '' said Jacob , who ran a small startup in Bangalore before being admitted to Stanford . New York University sponsors an annual competition that provides $ 1,000 seed grants and a prize of $ 20,000 for teams that develop organizations with a positive , sustainable and measurable impact on their communities . The level of enthusiasm and participation has increased among students worldwide , according to Gabriel Brodbar , director of NYU 's Reynolds Program in Social Entrepreneurship . `` There is a greater recognition today among young people that regardless of sector or profession , they have an active responsibility to meaningfully address some of the intractable social challenges that we are facing , '' said Brodbar , who is developing a university-wide `` Social E '' concentration . As for Sichel , she 's addressing those social challenges by making one grilled cheese at a time .
|
`` FeelGood World '' has 23 chapters on U.S. campuses . Students learn how to start social enterprises . `` Social entrepreneurship '' grows as a subject of study for U.S. college students . Harvard , Columbia and Stanford are among the universities offering `` Social E '' courses .
|
[[253, 344], [422, 499], [1446, 1512]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Second-placed Mainz closed to within four points of German Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund with a 3-0 victory at home to Nuremberg on Friday night . Andre Schurrle struck in the first half before Nikolce Noveski and substitute Sami Allagui added second-half goals to give Mainz a 10th win from 14 matches . Dortmund , who have 34 points , host bottom club Borussia Monchengladbach in Saturday 's late match . Nuremberg could have moved up to seventh place with victory , but slumped to a sixth league defeat this season -- and third in a row -- to remain on 18 points . Striker Schurrle scored his sixth of the season in the 27th minute , pouncing from close range after Malik Fathi guided Christian Fuchs ' corner towards the visiting goal . Captain Noveski doubled the lead nine minutes after halftime , with the Macedonia defender on hand to finish when Schurrle flicked on Fuchs ' free-kick . Nuremberg 's on-loan midfielder Jens Hegeler then headed against the crossbar before Allagui sealed the victory with a superb solo effort with four minutes to play . The Tunisia international received a long throw from goalkeeper Christian Wetklo on the halfway line , flicked the ball into space and then beat onrushing custodian Raphael Schafer to make it 3-0 . In Saturday 's other games , eighth-placed defending champions Bayern Munich host Eintracht Frankfurt , third-placed Bayer Leverkusen travel to fellow Champions League hopefuls Hoffenheim and fourth-placed Hannover are at home to Freiburg in another top-end clash . Schalke will seek to continue the club 's recent revival and leapfrog 13th-placed hosts Kaiserslautern , while fellow strugglers Stuttgart are at home to mid-table Hamburg . On Sunday , Wolfsburg travel to second-bottom Cologne and out-of-form Werder Bremen host St. Pauli .
|
Mainz consolidate second place with a 3-0 victory at home to Nuremberg . The club close the gap on Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund to four points . Dortmund host bottom club Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday . Nuremberg suffer third successive defeat to remain in 10th place in the table .
|
[[19, 25], [26, 38], [1190, 1197], [1222, 1284], [0, 15], [39, 114], [433, 442], [499, 543]]
|
AMSTETTEN , Austria -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Three children freed from a cellar in which their mother had been imprisoned and raped by her own father for 24 years had never seen daylight , police in Austria have confirmed . A hidden , narrow bedroom found in the cellar of the house where Josef Fritzl held his daughter captive . Police spokesman Franz Polzer told CNN that 73-year-old Josef Fritzl admitted holding his daughter , Elisabeth Fritzl , 42 , hostage in the windowless cell and fathering seven children by her . `` The mother had memories -LSB- of the outside world -RSB- and got used to the situation , '' Polzer told a press conference Monday afternoon . `` The others knew nothing else . '' The main question reverberating from the small Austrian town : How could a man keep his daughter locked in his basement for 24 years , where she gave birth to seven of his children while her mother and three of those children lived upstairs without an inkling of the horrors in the cellar ? Fritzl explained Elisabeth 's disappearance by saying she had run away from home , a story backed up by letters he forced Elisabeth to write , including one that begged her parents not to look for her . Other letters made it seem the missing daughter had left the three children on the parents ' doorstep -- when in fact they had been born in captivity in the family 's basement . Elisabeth told police that she and her three children Kerstin , 19 ; Stefan , 18 ; and Felix , 5 , did not see the light of day during their entire time in captivity underneath the building in Amstetten , a rural town about 150 km -LRB- 93 miles -RRB- west of Vienna . Elisabeth is described as `` very disturbed '' and having trouble talking to police about her ordeal , reports CNN correspondent Fred Pleitgen . She went missing in 1984 , when she was 18 years old , police have said . More details also emerged at the news conference about the basement dungeon in which the daughter and her children were kept -- and how her father managed to keep them captive for more than two decades . See inside the cellar prison '' The authorities have revealed that the prison , constructed in the basement of the 1960s building , ran underneath both the building itself and the garden outside . The entrance was via a small door , hidden behind cupboards in the basement , controlled by an electronic keyless-entry system . Polzer said that the prison was hard to find , even if someone was looking for it , and had been soundproofed . `` Even though they shouted and called they were not in a position to let anyone hear them , '' Polzer told the press conference . Polzer said that Fritzl made clear to his wife and other children that the area was out of bounds and they were not to go into the basement . He bought food and took it to his captives in the evening . Watch a report on details of the case '' Detectives made the grim discovery about the cellar earlier this month after Kerstin was hospitalized in Amstetten after falling unconscious and taken to a hospital in Amstetten by her grandfather with a SOS note from her mother hidden on her . A DNA test was later carried out which revealed her grandfather , Josef Fritzl , was also her father , according to ORF , Austria 's state-run news agency . That sparked a police investigation , which revealed that Fritzl fathered at least six children with his daughter , forcing her and three of the surviving children to live in the cellar of his house , according to ORF 's Peter Schmitzberger . Watch police describe the captives ' jail '' On Sunday , police searched the hidden rooms where Fritzl admitted he kept his daughter and their children , including sleeping quarters , a kitchen and a bathroom , which Fritzl told police he built , Polzer said . Amstetten police say they were put on Fritzl 's trail following an anonymous tip off . They apprehended the pair on Saturday near the hospital and once police assured the daughter that she would never have contact with her father again , `` she was able to tell the whole story , '' Schmitzberger said . Elisabeth said her father began sexually abusing her at age 11 . On August 8 , 1984 -- weeks before she was reported missing -- her father enticed her into the basement , where he drugged her , put her in handcuffs and locked her in a room , she told police . For the next 24 years , she was constantly raped by her father , resulting in the six surviving children , she said , according to the police statement . She also told police she gave birth to twins in 1996 , but one of the babies died a few days later as a result of neglect , and Fritzl removed the infant 's body and burned it in an oven . She told police that only her father supplied her and her children with food and clothing , and that she did not think his wife knew anything about their situation . Fritzl lived upstairs with his wife , Rosemarie , who police said had no idea about her husband 's other family living in the cellar . The couple adopted three of the children that Fritzl had with his daughter , according to police . He told his wife that his missing daughter had dropped the unwanted children off at the house because she could not take care of them , police said . When Kerstin fell ill , Fritzl apparently told his wife and the hospital that his `` missing '' daughter had dropped off the sick girl on his doorstep . In an effort to find out about Kerstin 's condition , the hospital and police asked the media to put out a bulletin requesting any information about the girl or her missing mother , attorney general Gerhard Sedlacek told NTV . Sometime later , Fritzl brought Elisabeth out of the cellar , telling his wife that she had returned home with her two children after a 24-year absence , police said . He took Elisabeth to the hospital to talk with doctors about Kerstin 's condition , and at that point , authorities became aware of her situation , Sedlacek said . E-mail to a friend . CNN 's Fred Pleitgen , Ben Brumfield and Nadine Schmidt contributed to this report . Copyright 2008 CNN . All rights reserved.This material may not be published , broadcast , rewritten , or redistributed . Associated Press contributed to this report .
|
Father says he held daughter prisoner for nearly 24 years , fathered 7 children NEW : Police say Josef Fritzl forced her to write letter saying she had run away . The daughter , now 42 , has been missing since 1984 , when she was 18 Three children fathered by Fritzl imprisoned with daughter had never seen daylight .
|
[[65, 66], [83, 95], [120, 156], [267, 276], [283, 323], [324, 517], [368, 493], [484, 517], [763, 826], [773, 832], [824, 826], [841, 880], [991, 1071], [1996, 2063], [3278, 3391], [4370, 4373], [4411, 4450], [324, 517], [484, 517], [1459, 1464], [1471, 1548], [1786, 1810], [1813, 1838], [1841, 1859], [3278, 3391]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The search for an American -- whose wife says he was shot on a lake that straddles the U.S.-Mexican border -- has been suspended , a Mexican official said Friday . David Hartley was reportedly shot to death September 30 by gunmen investigators believe are linked to a Mexican drug gang . At present , there are no Mexican agencies actively searching Falcon Lake for Hartley . But the mother of Tiffany Hartley -- the woman who says her husband was shot -- says she 's `` hopeful that they 'll restart on Monday , '' after meeting with Mexican officials on Friday . Cynthia Young , Tiffany 's mother , said said that she , her daughter and Tiffany 's dad met with Mexican and American officials for about 8 hours on Friday . Young would not specify which officials attended the meeting but said the family was told that the Mexican government was `` restrategizing '' how it is handling the search for Hartley 's body . Young said that the day mostly entailed Tiffany refiling a witness statement with Mexican officials , recounting what happened on the day she said he was killed . Young said the meeting occurred in McAllen , Texas , where Tiffany and her husband had recently relocated . Earlier in the day , Tamaulipas state attorney general spokesman Ruben Dario Rios explained the decision to halt the search . `` Our investigators have taken a temporary recess so that we can better assess the strategies we are using to find the body . We are currently considering other approaches to our search , '' he said . The search was suspended on Thursday . Responding to local reports that it may have been threats of imminent gun battles by the Los Zetas cartel that led to Mexican officials to suspend the search , Dario Rios said , `` Negative . '' `` We have no official information of threats on our investigators . '' Tiffany 's mother said that `` we 're very disappointed '' in the development . `` The longer this goes the less chance there is of finding David , '' she said . Tiffany Hartley told authorities the couple was on a sightseeing trip on Falcon Lake , a reservoir on the Rio Grande . She believes the attackers may still have her husband 's body . Dario Rios said earlier Friday taht Tiffany Hartley has not responded to the attorney general 's formal request for more information about the incident . `` We still have not spoken to her , '' he said . Young had said her daughter is willing to meet with Mexican authorities on her terms and on U.S. soil , not in Mexico . Tamaulipas state governor Eugenio Hernandez Flores , in Washington for annual meetings on Mexican-U.S. partnerships , was scheduled to meet with FBI officials during his visit Friday to pledge cooperation as authorities look into the matter . He told CNN that Mexican police had deployed dozens of searchers but have found neither a body nor a jet ski . Tiffany said she met with the lead Mexican investigator in the death of her husband days before the police officer was killed and his severed head delivered to authorities in a suitcase . U.S. and Mexican authorities vowed the search for Hartley 's husband would continue despite the investigator 's slaying on Tuesday . `` I met him . He sat right next to me , '' Hartley said , referring to Mexican state official Rolando Armando Flores Villegas . Her remarks aired on CNN 's `` American Morning '' Thursday . `` We talked through a translator and he just seemed like a really good guy who really wanted to just do good for -- you know , his country , '' Hartley said . Hartley said she wonders if the death of the lead Mexican investigator will hamper the search for her husband . `` It definitely makes me worried that nobody is going to want to take over , '' she said . On Thursday , Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States is doing everything it can to find Hartley and told ABC 's `` Good Morning America '' that she is `` sickened '' by the case . `` I hope that we can -LSB- find him -RSB- , '' said Clinton . `` I mean , the beheaded body of the brave Mexican investigator that just showed up shows what we 're dealing with . '' She said the United States is `` supporting local law enforcement , supporting the authorities on the border , doing everything that we know to do to try to assist in helping to find the body and helping to find the perpetrators . '' A report issued by a Texas-based think tank suggested Thursday that Hartley 's death may have stemmed from a case of mistaken identity in the ongoing war between two Mexican drug cartels . The Stratfor report , which cites anonymous sources , noted that Hartley worked for an oil and gas company with operations in Reynosa , Mexico . The couple had lived there for two years and had only moved to McAllen within the past few months , the report said . The truck they drove to Falcon Lake on September 30 still had a license plate from Mexico 's Tamaulipas state . The couple drove their personal watercraft to the Old Guerrero area of the lake , which the report said is a `` known battleground in the ongoing war in the Los Zetas and Gulf cartels . '' The sources told Stratfor both cartels have been known to conduct surveillance and countersurveillance operations on personal watercraft , so Zetas scouts identified them as possible Gulf spies , because of their license plate and their method and direction of travel on Falcon Lake . They were then apparently confronted by `` Zetas enforcers , '' Stratfor said . The sources told Stratfor the attack was unauthorized by senior Los Zetas members and `` a damage control campaign is currently under way ... to identify and eliminate those who engaged the Hartleys without proper authorization . '' Protocol involves prompt disposition of a body to ensure no evidence can be brought against the group , the report said . Sources said that `` once Hartley was identified as an American , his body was destroyed the same day as the incident to prevent a backlash from the U.S. government against the group , '' Stratfor said . `` With the heavy diplomatic and public pressure on both U.S. and Mexican authorities to find David Hartley 's remains in the investigation , the decapitation of Flores Villegas was a stern signal to both the United States and Mexico that no body will be produced and to leave the situation alone . '' Falcon Lake is about 70 miles west of the Hartleys ' home in McAllen . CNN 's Ed Lavandera , Eric Fiegel and Nick Valencia contributed to this report .
|
Tiffany Hartley meets with Mexican authorities in Texas . Mother is hopeful the search will resume Monday . No Mexican agencies are actively searching for David Hartley . Hartley 's wife says he was shot on Falcon Lake on September 30 .
|
[[532, 583], [2866, 2984], [475, 529], [307, 317], [320, 394], [34, 45], [60, 86], [183, 262], [1068, 1100]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iran has hanged a man convicted of spying for Israel and also executed another man who was a member of a government opposition group , state-run media reported Tuesday . The executions took place at Tehran 's Evin Prison at dawn Tuesday . Ali-Akbar Siadat was sentenced to death for working as a spy for Israeli intelligence . The Islamic Republic News Agency said Siadat admitted to transferring information to Israel over several years in exchange for $ 60,000 . He was arrested in 2008 while trying to leave Iran along with his wife , the news agency said . A second man , Ali Saremi , was hanged for `` fighting against the sacred Islamic Republic of Iran system and launching antagonist propagations , '' the agency reported . He was a member of People 's Mujahedeen of Iran , also known as the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization , which has opposed the Iranian government for decades . Tehran considers the group to be a terrorist outfit , as does the United States . The European Union does not . Members of a European Parliament group , Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup , condemned Saremi 's execution Tuesday , calling it `` another crime for which the mullahs will be held to account when freedom is finally restored to that beleaguered nation . '' The group also demanded that Iranian leaders `` be tried in the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity . '' CNN 's Mitra Mobasherat contributed to this report .
|
The executions took place at Tehran 's Evin Prison . One man is executed for spying for Israel . Another man is hanged as member of a government opposition group .
|
[[189, 257], [16, 71], [258, 345], [258, 274], [298, 345], [0, 15], [81, 169], [580, 592], [599, 723]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More than two years after undergoing a landmark , near-total face transplant at the Cleveland Clinic , Connie Culp said Monday she was happy with the transformation . `` I can smell now , '' the grandmother told CNN . `` I can eat steak , I can eat almost any solid foods -- so it 's all getting better . '' Culp recently met with the family of the donor , Anna Kasper of Lakewood , Ohio , who had worked in a nursing home and whose donated body parts helped 50 people . `` It was scary at first , but we had a really good time and they explained to me what happened to -LRB- the donor -RRB- and they were just so sweet , '' Culp said . `` I mean , she was a nurse in a rest home and she was a donor from the beginning so it was easy for them to make the decision . '' Culp said Kasper 's family told her the two do not look much like each other . `` They said the only resemblance is my nose , '' she said . Instead , her face reflects a combination of Kasper 's and her own before it was disfigured in 2004 by a shotgun blast that shattered her nose , cheeks and upper lip . `` I think my face is actually starting to come back a little bit , '' Culp said Monday . She received Kasper 's nose , upper lip and cheekbones in a 22-hour operation on December 10 , 2008 -- the first of 30 surgical procedures . Though her sense of feeling has gotten stronger in her face , her sense of humor has remained intact . Asked how she is feeling , she answered , `` Like everybody else is -- I 'm trying to stay warm . '' But Culp 's medical odyssey is not over . Her continuing recuperative regimen includes taking anti-rejection medication and doing exercises to strengthen her facial muscles , she said . `` I pronounce the vowels really strongly , like AHHHHHH , '' she said . Culp expressed gratitude to the many people who have written her expressing their support and to whom she is trying to respond with notes of her own . `` It 's awesome and I 'm still signing them , '' she said . `` I just have n't sent them all out yet , but I 'm working on it . ''
|
`` I can smell now ; I can eat steak , '' transplant recipient exults . Culp met with the family of the woman whose face was transplanted . How 's she doing ? `` Like everybody else , I 'm trying to stay warm , '' she says .
|
[[122, 185], [189, 204], [240, 255], [327, 373], [1472, 1497], [1501, 1527], [1457, 1469], [1473, 1505]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Heavy snowfall in Germany has caused part of the roof to collapse at the Veltins Arena , which hosts Bundesliga soccer team Schalke 04 . The stadium , in Gelsenkirchen , stages all Schalke 's home games and was also due to hold the annual biathlon World Team Challenge later this week . But the event has been cancelled after a deluge of snow over Christmas created a hole measuring 1,000 square meters in the roof . Three fibre glass strips that hold the roof in place were destroyed . `` The holes are not going to be closed in time , '' Schalke 's chairman Peter Peters said of the biathlon on the club 's official website . `` The safety of the spectators is the utmost priority . '' Football 's heroes and villains of 2010 . The Bundesliga is currently on its winter break , with Schalke not scheduled to play at the Veltins Arena until the January 15 clash with Hamburg . But that match is not thought to be in danger , as it can be played with the roof open . `` I am optimistic that we will be able to start the second half of the season according to schedule , '' Peters said . Staff had cleared an earlier downfall prior to Christmas but were unable to get onto the roof after that due to harsh weather conditions . The stadium was opened in 2001 and can hold 61,482 spectators . It played host to the 2004 UEFA Champions League final and staged five games in the 2006 World Cup .
|
Heavy snow causes part of the roof at Schalke 's Veltins Arena to collapse . A yearly biathlon , the World Team Challenge , scheduled for this week has been cancelled . Schalke 's next home game with Hamburg on January 15 not thought to be in danger .
|
[[0, 15], [19, 72], [64, 105], [88, 105], [114, 155], [156, 167], [226, 305], [804, 896], [901, 942]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Thinking about death can be frightening , no matter your age or medical condition . As we get older , the reality of our own mortality tends to come into clearer focus ; this does n't make talking about death or life-sustaining treatments any less frightening though . It was fear -- stoked by certain politicians -- that led to the inaccurate and misguided `` death panel '' rumors that surrounded health care reform proposals last year . Beginning January 1 , Medicare will reimburse physicians who advise patients , in voluntary discussions , about their preferences for end-of-life care treatment during their annual Medicare `` wellness visit . '' This is advance care planning , and it is a good thing for seniors , their families and health care professionals . It 's not new . A law passed in 2008 allowed end-of-life planning to be part of a patient 's `` welcome to Medicare '' exam . Health care reform turned the welcome visit into an annual wellness visit . And now regulations clarify that these important discussions will be covered should the Medicare beneficiary wish to take advantage of this opportunity . Advance care planning allows a person to make his or her wishes and care preferences known before being faced with a medical crisis . Advance care planning is simply smart life-planning . Another way to think about advance care planning is that it 's like planning a trip to an unfamiliar destination . If you 're like many people , once you have your destination in mind , you begin mapping the route you will take to get there . Some people consult AAA or Google Maps to help them chart their course . Other people talk to friends and family members about their experiences on their trips . While people approach mapping their route in differing ways , few would expect to arrive at their destination safely and comfortably without having a well-thought out map in hand before hitting the road . Yet only 30 % of Americans have a living will , a map detailing where they want their health care to go should they become unable to voice their wishes . An individual 's personal wishes , beliefs and values are among the most important factors when making care decisions brought about by a serious or life-limiting illness . Such wishes and preferences can be known only if they are discussed openly . Research has shown that patient-physician discussions result in a higher quality of life for patients and their family caregivers facing the end of a life . By having Medicare cover these voluntary consultations , beneficiaries will be able to get information that will help them make their own decisions about their care and what they would or would not want at life 's end . And it 's only appropriate that patients should be able to have these discussions with the very physicians who have been caring for them and that these doctors be compensated for this valuable service . An advance care planning consultation is not about limiting or rationing care . It 's not about hastening death . It 's not about having choices made for the patient . It 's not about saving money . Advance care planning is about examining options , planning and communicating the choices that the individual wants -- either to limit treatments , accept all treatments or something in between . The course charted is decided by individual patients , not their doctors , and certainly not the government . Advance care planning includes completing a living will and appointing a health care proxy . A living will charts the course for your health care , letting your family and health care providers know what procedures and treatments you would want provided to you and under what conditions . A health care proxy or health care power of attorney form allows you to choose someone you trust to take charge of your health care decisions in case you are unable to make those decisions yourself . Advance directives , as these documents are also known , can be changed as an individual 's situation or wishes change . Based on my 35 years of experience running hospice programs and caring for people at life 's end , I know firsthand that frank , open discussions with one 's health care providers can relieve anxiety about a situation that we all will one day face . It makes sense that Medicare help facilitate this important planning . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of J. Donald Schumacher .
|
Donald Schumacher says many fear talking about how they want end-of-life care handled . Some politicians stoked fear with misinformation to try to derail health reform , he says . But advanced care planning gives people a say over their care before a crisis , he says . Writer : Health care professionals agree Medicare should pay for this sensible planning .
|
[[288, 332], [313, 332], [341, 391], [380, 401], [407, 458], [1144, 1228], [1212, 1277], [4290, 4360]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A three-goal blitz in nine minutes sent Arsenal second in the English Premier League as they finally ended their hoodoo against champions Chelsea by winning 3-1 at Emirates Stadium on Monday night . Goals from Alex Song , Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott put Arsene Wenger 's side two points behind leaders Manchester United , and ended a run of five successive defeats to Chelsea . Branislav Ivanovic pulled a goal back for the visitors , but it was n't enough to end their miserable run of form as they continue to search for their first win since early November . The Gunners were handed a boost before kickoff as Spain midfielder Fabregas was restored to the starting lineup , as well as Dutch striker Robin Van Persie , but Chelsea 's French forward Nicolas Anelka was absent with a knee injury . Football 's heroes and villains of 2010 . The first half was a scrappy affair as Chelsea sat back and invited their opponents to attack them , with neither side creating much in the way of goalscoring opportunities . But that all changed five minutes before the break as Samir Nasri forced Chelsea keeper Petr Cech into a fine save with an effort that was curling towards the top corner . And just four minutes later Arsenal were ahead . Song exchanged passes with Wilshere , before picking up a loose ball in the area and driving it into the corner of the net . The home side came roaring out of the traps in the second half , as Walcott latched onto a loose pass from Michael Essien and drew Cech before squaring to Fabregas , who stroked the ball into an empty net on 51 minutes . Little more than a minute later the roles were reversed as Fabregas clipped a ball through to Walcott , who fired low past Cech from the edge of the area . Chelsea gave themselves a glimmer of hope on 57 minutes as Ivanovic glanced Didier Drogba 's curling freekick into the net , but despite committing plenty of men forward the champions could n't fashion a way back into the match . Nasri and Abou Diaby had chances to compound Chelsea 's misery , but both squandered late opportunities . Chelsea 's defeat is bound to heap more pressure on their Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti , who has presided over a wretched run of just one win in eight games . `` We have to wake up because we are asleep , '' he told Sky Sports after the game . `` We did not play well but Arsenal did and they deserved to win . We must stay focused and continue to work hard . '' Arsenal boss Wenger said : `` We were disciplined , played for each other and were less nervous and perhaps less adventurous at some stages . `` Let 's hope the game has strengthened our belief and that we can challenge for the championship . ''
|
Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-1 in the English Premier League on Monday . Goals from Alex Song , Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott see off reigning champions . Chelsea managed a consolation through Branislav Ivanovic but their poor run continues . Arsenal move into second place , two points behind leaders Manchester United .
|
[[165, 217], [218, 238], [241, 341], [241, 271], [348, 399], [400, 454], [461, 513], [1759, 1868], [218, 238], [241, 341]]
|
Jakarta , Indonesia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Indonesian officials have gone on high alert and have started evacuations as they warily monitor Mount Merapi , a volatile volcano in central Java that might erupt at any time . `` The local government is coordinating to evacuate around 40,000 villagers to the pre-assigned shelters , '' Neulis Auliasari of the national disaster coordination board said Monday . Seismic activity has intensified , signaling that an eruption is imminent , according to Indonesian volcanologists . The 3,000-meter Merapi is famously unpredictable , though . A pyroclastic flow -- a fast-moving burst of blistering gases and rock fragments -- is a key concern . One killed two people in 2006 and another killed more than 60 villagers in 1994 . About 1,300 people died when Merapi erupted in 1930 .
|
About 40,000 nearby villagers have started evacuating . Seismic activity has intensified , signaling an imminent eruption . Merapi is famously unpredictable , though .
|
[[220, 321], [402, 434], [447, 518], [402, 418], [437, 518], [519, 567]]
|
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- It 's New Year 's Eve , and you 're parked in front of your television with a bottle of stale champagne , watching the ball drop ... again . Would n't you rather be cruising the open seas or riding a roller coaster ? We thought so . Start the New Year off right doing something extraordinary . Sure , you might have already exceeded your holiday budget , but plan ahead so next year is n't so predictable . Relaxing cruise . Standing around in the freezing cold waiting for the ball to drop is so last year . Book a cruise and start the year feeling warm , cheerful and relaxed . Holland America Line books holiday cruises to the Caribbean , Mexico and Hawaii , among other destinations . Trips can range anywhere from a few days to a few weeks , and you wo n't have to worry about finding a ride home or navigating the crowds in Times Square . If you 're on a Royal Caribbean cruise for the holiday , there is a themed party for adults and separate New Year 's Eve parties for teens and kids . You 'll miss out on fireworks , but the all-you-can-eat appetizers will more than make up for it . Amusement park . If you 're going to be cheering or shouting at midnight anyway , you might as well be at the top of a roller coaster . Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is open from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year 's Eve , with the park transformed into a winter wonderland for the Holiday in the Park event . While surrounded by thousands of colorful holiday lights , patrons can enjoy live entertainment and festive treats , in between riding roller coasters . Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in the San Francisco Bay Area will also be open late on New Year 's Eve , from 4 p.m. to midnight , though rides close at 11:30 p.m. . The celebration will feature family sledding , dance parties , live music and fireworks . And like Fiesta Texas , Discovery Kingdom will also be hosting Holiday in the Park . Peaceful meditation . Want a little more `` om '' in the New Year ? Meditating your way to 2011 might be the way to do it . To enter January feeling fully renewed , embark on a four-day yoga retreat to Sedona , Arizona . On New Year 's Eve , participants journal about the year 's gains and losses , share intimacies with one another and partake in silent group meditation . For those in New York who have seen the ball drop one too many times , the Chakrasambara Kadampa Meditation Center and the Vishwa Dharma Mandalam will offer guided meditation and devotional mantra chanting , respectively , at the end of 2010 . Winter fun . Though known best for its immaculate skiing , Vail , Colorado , has many options for other winter fun on New Year 's Eve . Start the day off skiing at Vail Mountain , which has 31 lifts , three terrain parks and 193 trails . The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and has chic lodges for hot drinks and snacks après-ski . Ice skating at Vail Square in Lionshead Village is another way to enjoy winter weather . The space is surrounded by fire pits , boutiques , galleries and cafes . Move over to Golden Peak Village at 6:15 p.m. for the torchlight parade , holiday music and fireworks on the mountains -- a snowy way to ring in the New Year . Swanky gala . If you 're set on getting all decked out for the New Year , Washington D.C. 's Gala is the place to be . The event is held at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel and offers eight different cultural celebrations spanning seven ballrooms . Featured cultures are New York City , Russia , Cuba , Ireland , China , New Orleans , Jamaica and Italy . Tickets range from $ 109 to $ 239 , depending on the package you select . To really go all out , the Imperial Ball at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna is selling tickets for 570 Euros -LRB- about $ 750 -RRB- that include a four-course dinner , a welcome cocktail , red and white wines , champagne and seat reservation . Plus , you 'll be ringing in the New Year with the imperial court .
|
Try an alternative New Year 's Eve destination to start the year off right . Some cruise lines offer holiday cruise packages . Attending a gala or ball will give your celebration a glamorous feel . A yoga retreat or guided meditation at midnight will keep your mind at peace .
|
[[528, 560]]
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.