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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The future of around 2,000 Dutch soldiers serving in Afghanistan has been thrown into doubt by the collapse Saturday of the Netherlands ' coalition government . Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende 's office said in a statement that the Labor Party had withdrawn from the government following days of talks over whether the troops should be brought home . Balkenende 's center-right Christian Democratic Alliance had hoped to keep the country 's troops in Afghanistan as part of NATO 's International Security and Assistance Force beyond an August deadline for their return . NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen asked the Netherlands to extend its mission in Afghanistan earlier this month . The Netherlands currently has 1,950 troops serving in Afghanistan 's Uruzgan province as part of NATO 's International Security and Assistance Force , according to the ISAF Web site . The Dutch government extended the military mission by two years back in 2007 . But the Labor Party , led by Deputy Prime Minister Wouter Bos , opposed fulfilling NATO 's request to extend the mission again . Bos said that the current Afghanistan policy was not sustainable , according to the official ANP news agency . In a statement to reporters , Balkenende said there was no longer a `` fruitful path '' for the near-three-year-old coalition between the CDA , Labor and the Christian Union to go forward . He said he would meet Queen Beatrix , the country 's head of state , later Saturday to offer the resignations of the 12 Labor members of his cabinet and `` make available '' the 12 cabinet positions held by his own party and three held by the Christian Union . The move is expected to trigger early general elections in the country . Balkenende has led a succession of coalitions since becoming prime minister in 2002 . The CDA , Labor and Christian Union entered into a coalition agreement in February 2007 following elections in November 2006 . But the three parties have disagreed on several issues including Afghanistan .
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Labor Party members quit the coalition government after talks fail . Speculation that the political squabble over Afghanistan could not be settled . The Netherlands has roughly 2,000 troops serving in Afghanistan 's Uruzgan province .
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Los Angeles -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- While Charlie Sheen works to `` conquer the medical issues '' in rehab and his hit sitcom is on `` production hiatus , '' a porn actress is talking about a two-day party she claims led to his collapse last week . Kacey Jordan appeared on ABC 's `` Good Morning America '' Monday morning and she later tweeted `` the rest of the story '' will air on `` Nightline '' Monday evening . Sheen 's lawyer Yale Galanter responded with a written statement Monday . `` It is a shame that during this time , while Mr. Sheen has sought treatment on his own , opportunistic women are trying to take advantage of his celebrity status , '' Galanter said . The actress described what she said was a nonstop party at Sheen 's Los Angeles home , including a large amount of cocaine use by Sheen . `` It was all over the bathroom counter , '' Jordan said . `` You could see him like chiseling it off , putting it in there repeatedly . '' Sheen proposed that she and several other porn actresses move into a mansion at his expense , Jordan said . `` He wanted us all to live in this huge house he was going to rent out and he 's like , ` You can have anything you want . Anything you want , you name it . It will be done within an hour , '' Jordan told ABC . But the sex and drug allegations were n't the only revelations from Jordan . She claims Sheen wanted her to baby-sit his children . `` I think maybe the baby-sitting part was important to him , so that maybe when he was , you know , doing his drinking , you know , maybe that he did n't have to have his kids see him be like that and then have one of us girls watch them , '' Jordan said . Denise Richards , an ex-wife who shares two young daughters with Sheen , apparently saw the ABC interview . Richards posted this message on her Twitter account soon after : . `` If you caught GMA today . . FYI . . No ` adult film star ' will be babysitting our kids ! '' Sheen voluntarily entered an undisclosed rehabilitation center for treatment Friday , Sheen representative Stan Rosenfield said . The announcement came a day after Sheen was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , where Rosenfield said he was treated for severe pain related to a hernia . He checked out of the Los Angeles hospital Thursday night , he said . `` Charlie has had a hernia condition for some time , '' Rosenfield said . `` I was told by the person who made the 911 call that it was hernia-related . '' Sheen 's hit CBS sitcom `` Two and a Half Men '' has been placed on `` production hiatus , '' CBS and Warner Bros. . Television said Friday . `` We are profoundly concerned for his health and well-being , and support his decision , '' their joint statement said . It was the second emergency trip to a hospital for Sheen in three months . He spent several hours in a New York hospital in October after police responded to an early morning call about `` an emotionally disturbed person '' at the Plaza Hotel , a law enforcement source said at the time . Sheen 's representative blamed an `` adverse allergic reaction '' to a medication . Sheen , the son of actor Martin Sheen , spent at least a month last year at a Malibu , California , rehab center , but it was never disclosed what he was treated for there . He was arrested in December 2009 after his wife , Brooke Mueller , told Aspen , Colorado , police that he threatened her with a knife at their holiday home . A Colorado judge allowed the actor to count his time at Promises of Malibu toward a 30-day jail sentence after he entered a guilty plea in August in that case . The plea deal reduced the charges from felony domestic violence to a misdemeanor third-degree assault count .
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Kacey Jordan details what she says was actor 's two-day binge . Sheen wanted to set up a house for porn stars to party , Jordan says . The porn actress says Sheen wanted her to watch his children . Sheen entered rehab last Friday .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Police opened , and then dropped , an investigation of physical abuse involving a Florida mother against her teen daughter , closing the case weeks before the woman admitted killing the girl and her brother because they were `` mouthy . '' Julie K. Schenecker , 50 , is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her 13-year-old son , Beau Powers Schenecker , and her 16-year-old daughter , Calyx Powers Schenecker . She was denied bond at a court appearance Monday , a court spokesman said . `` Our belief was that she did n't snap -- she planned this , '' Tampa , Florida , police spokesperson Laura McElroy told HLN 's Vinnie Politan on Monday . New details emerged about the alleged murder as well as a run-in Schenecker had with police months earlier , regarding her treatment of her children . In November , police opened a child abuse investigation into allegations Schenecker had abused Calyx , according to a report from the Tampa Police . A responding officer , Julie Becker , wrote that she did n't see any `` visible injuries '' on Calyx , nor did the girl complain of any . `` She seemed cautious of what was saying , and at times began to cry , '' Becker said in her report . Calyx told police that days earlier her mother repeatedly hit her while they were driving home , before she was able to run to a safe spot in her room . The girl said that a month and a half earlier , her mother had hit her so hard in the face it caused her lip to bleed . Julie Schenecker told police she had hit the girl three times in the first incident after the girl told her , `` You 're disgusting , '' and `` You 're not my parent , '' according to the police report . She said Calyx was not bruised or bleeding afterward . The mother also admitted hitting the girl once more than a month earlier , according to her police statement , but she again denied that Calyx had bled . Becker noted , `` There is no prior history -LRB- related to -RRB- this location and the family . '' On December 21 , having found `` no evidence of a criminal offense , '' authorities ended their investigation of the case . McElroy , the Tampa police spokeswoman , said Monday that the daughter 's seeming `` regret '' over her comments and the fact no wounds could be seen prompted the investigators ' decision . `` Parents can discipline their children using physical force , as long as there 's no injury , '' said McElroy . `` That 's why there was no criminal offense at that time . '' But McElroy said police determined on January 28 after they arrived at the family home that Schenecker had plotted to kill the teens . Authorities went to the house after getting a call from the suspect 's mother who , after e-mail communications the previous night , was worried her daughter was depressed . Officers arrived at 7:45 a.m. to find Julie Schenecker on her home 's back porch , `` a little combative '' and her clothing soaked in blood , McElroy said . Police then found Calyx 's body in an upstairs bedroom . She had been shot twice in the head , police said . Beau 's body was later found in the front seat of an SUV inside the home 's garage , police said . They said he was shot while he was being driven to soccer practice . A preliminary investigation indicates the teens were killed Thursday night , the police statement said , but the county medical examiner will determine their time of death . Schenecker confessed to killing the children , according to a police statement , eventually recounting her rationale and thought process `` in detail , '' according to a press release . `` She did tell us that they talked back , that they were mouthy , '' McElroy told CNN affiliate WTSP late last week . `` But I do n't think that will ever serve as an explanation to the rest of us of how you could take a child 's life . '' Schenecker had initially planned what she called the `` massacre '' -- killing the children and then herself , McElroy said on Monday -- for January 22 , but she put it off after learning there would be a three-day check before she could buy a gun . Police later found writings in the house , thought to be from Schenecker , in which she spelled out her intentions in detail . `` There are definitely indications that she planned this , '' McElroy said . '' -LRB- The writing -RRB- was devoid of emotion . '' Schenecker 's husband , Parker , is a colonel in the U.S. Army . He is a member of U.S. Central Command and police told CNN affiliate WFTS that he was in Qatar when his children were killed . Schenecker appeared in court Monday via video link from jail , WFTS reported . She held a tissue and wept softly during the two-minute appearance . Judge Walter Heinrich said at the hearing that Schenecker likely will undergo a psychiatric evaluation , according to CNN affiliates WTSP and WFTS . She did not enter a plea because of that likelihood , according to Hillsborough County Court spokesman Calvin Green . No new court dates are set in the case , Green said . Prosecutors have 21 days to present the case to a grand jury . The mourning for the young victims continues in West Florida , where a vigil was held Friday night . On Monday -- their first day back since the shootings became public -- students at Liberty Middle School in Tampa , wore blue and black in memory of Beau , an eighth-grader at the school . `` We wanted to show him that we miss him and he did n't deserve this , '' Jae Shim , the boy 's classmate and friend , told CNN affiliate WFTS . Those students had responded to postings on Facebook , where a page had been set up to honor the boy and his sister , a sophomore and cross-country standout at King High School . `` Heaven is now home to two new angels , '' read one post , from Ron Taskey . `` May you both rest in peace ! '' In Session 's Aletse Mellado contributed to this report . Watch Nancy Grace Monday through Sunday starting at 8 p.m. ET on HLN . For the latest from Nancy Grace click here .
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NEW : Classmates and others in Tampa are mourning the two teens killed . Police probed alleged abuse involving Julie Schenecker in fall , records show . A police spokeswoman says Schenecker detailed a plan to kill her kids in writing . Police say Schenecker admitted killing her two kids because they were `` mouthy ''
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LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two titans of showbusiness have come together in a perfect pairing : The Rolling Stones , the world 's greatest band , play two nights at New York 's intimate Beacon Theatre ; capturing the night on camera is celebrated film director , Martin Scorsese . Shared history , mutual respect : The Stones and Scorsese . The result is `` Shine a Light , '' which records Jagger , Richards , Watts and Wood 's performance at the end of `` Bigger Bang , '' their monumental two-year , record-breaking , $ 558 million , 144-date global tour that saw 4.6 million ticket holders watch the rock giants . The Stones/Scorsese combo is backed by a team of Oscar-winning cinematographers , more than 18 cameras , duets with the White Stripes ' Jack White , pop starlet Christina Aguilera and blues granddaddy Buddy Guy , plus a cameo from a former U.S. president : the Stones juggernaut is well and truly in town . Scorsese is no stranger to the world of rock music . He cut his teeth as an editor on seminal 1970 documentary `` Woodstock '' and aside from making some of the silver screen 's finest movies -LRB- `` Goodfellas , '' `` Mean Streets , '' `` Raging Bull , '' `` The Departed '' -RRB- , he is also the master behind definitive rockumentaries `` The Last Waltz , '' which captured The Band 's final performance , and Bob Dylan epic , `` No Direction Home . '' But apart from his musical collaborations , rock has underpinned many of the master 's greatest moments -- and his relationship with the Stones goes way back . The Stones themselves have provided the backing track for classic Scorsese scenes : notably , Jack Nicholson 's Irish mobster 's entrance in `` The Departed '' to the thumping sound of `` Gim me Shelter '' and `` Jumpin ' Jack Flash '' behind De Niro 's introduction in `` Mean Streets '' ; while `` Goodfellas '' features `` Monkey Man '' and , again , `` Gim me Shelter . '' Scorsese , who pioneered the use of rock music on `` Mean Streets , '' has said that his use of eclectic soundtracks stems from New York , where all genres of music would blast from the brownstones around his neighborhood . And for him , the Stones provide the sound of the city , the sound of the streets : cool , dangerous , absolutely self-assured , suffused with menace and gangster swagger . He says , `` The Stones were key ... I was creating scenarios in my head as I listened to their music . '' `` There is a drive and an authority to their music , and also an edge to it , '' he continues . `` I 've used Gim me Shelter twice now in my pictures . '' -LRB- It 's left to Jagger to joke that Shine a Light is the first Scorsese film not to feature the track . -RRB- . So when Jagger decided he wanted a film of their live performance , who better to call . `` It 's good to start at the top , '' he says . Initially , guitarist Keith Richards was reluctant to go ahead with the film . He told CNN , `` I would n't have done this . They said , ` We wan na shoot a show , ' and I said , ` Yeah , so ? ' '' But Richards , a film buff and longtime fan of Scorsese 's work , could n't resist the chance to be shot by the director . `` You go , whoah , '' he said . `` You ca n't f *** around with him . I wanted to see what Marty saw in the Stones . '' And Scorsese 's response ? One word : `` Absolutely . '' But Jagger 's idea for the movie centered around the Stones ' biggest ever concert , in Rio de Janeiro . Scorsese was n't convinced that the Brazilian beach extravaganza would hit the right note . `` I wanted to capture the music and their interaction on stage , I wanted people to feel like they were with them in the real film , '' he explains . Eventually he persuaded Jagger to forego the Rio beach gig for a double date at New York 's Beacon Theatre . On the night of the performance , we see Scorsese 's painstaking preparation come up against the monster of spontaneity that is the Rolling Stones live . As the clock ticks towards curtain time , the filmmaker still does n't have the final set-list , and is getting jittery . `` It felt like the last minute . It may actually have been an hour or so , '' he recalls . But as the song goes , you ca n't always get what you want : Scorsese had to place his faith in his meticulous planning , and the hope that he would be able to respond to the performers -- Jagger especially -- on the night . Scorsese believes that the band 's live performances are the key to their long-lived success . `` The way they work off of each other and off of the audience ... It 's fascinating to see that kind of power , '' he explains . `` They cast a spell , something primal but very orchestrated . '' When it came to the edit , Scorsese ditched any thought of talking-head interviews , choosing instead to splice vintage TV/archive footage between the live shots . That puts the focus firmly on the music , while underlining the Stones ' longevity . So where does `` Shine a Light '' stand in relation to other rockumentary greats ? Sure enough , it 's not The Stones : The Spectacle , Mick Jagger 's original concept . This is an intimate and illuminating look at the relationships in rock 'n' roll 's greatest band . It pays tribute to their longevity , highlights their rich repertoire and shows how , forty years on , their live shows still crackle with energy . And while fans will decide whether Scorsese has fulfilled his aim to make `` something that 's as close as possible to a live performance , '' Keith Richards believes Scorsese got the gold . `` He captured what we do , '' he told CNN . `` We are what we are . We 're a rock 'n' roll band . ''
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The Rolling Stones and Martin Scorsese team up for `` Shine A Light '' Rockumentary shows their performance at New York 's Beacon Theatre . Director says the Stones ' music has been a key influence in his films . Scorsese aimed to give an intimate view of the band onstage .
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Tokyo -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Japanese volcano was erupting for a second day on Thursday , spewing smoke and ash up to 9,800 feet -LRB- 3,000 meters -RRB- into the air , officials said . The smoke from the Mt. Shinmoe volcano , on the boundary between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures , is rising and falling from the volcano crater , said the Kagoshima Meteorological Observatory . Some people in Miyazaki voluntarily evacuated Thursday morning , but all have returned home , and the government has issued no evacuation advice , according to the Miyazaki disaster prevention office . However , the alert level was raised Wednesday to 3 . That prevents people from entering the mountain area . The eruption began Wednesday . Smoke was drifting southeast , the observatory said . Ash was seen in Miyakonojo city in Kagoshima prefecture . The last Mt. Shinmoe eruption was in July . A large-scale eruption such as this one , however , was last observed about 52 years ago , the meteorological observatory said .
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Mt. Shinmoe 's last eruption was in July . Some residents evacuated voluntarily , but have returned .
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MOGADISHU , Somalia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Fresh fighting between Ethiopian-backed government forces and Islamic insurgents in Somalia 's capital city of Mogadishu reportedly killed at least 10 people Sunday , eyewitnesses said . A man walks past the rubble of a building destroyed in Sunday 's fighting . The two sides pounded each other with artillery , sending children scurrying and bringing business at the city 's main market to a standstill . `` The fighting is so heavy and a barrage of mortar bombs is hitting many parts in Bakara market , killing people and causing heavy damages of buildings '' said Ali Abdulkadir , a cloth trader at the city 's main Bakara Market . Hawo Abdi Oman , another eyewitness at the market , said a shell landed in an area crowded with people , killing nine civilians . Among the dead , she said , were two children and four women . The market , a rebel stronghold , has been the site of numerous clashes since early last year . In a nearby neighborhood , Geed Jaceyl , a shell landed on a house , crushing it . A woman who was inside was killed , witnesses said . A second shell landed near a religious school , sending children running for cover . No one was injured in that incident . The presence of Ethiopian troops trying to help defend a transitional government 's hold on Mogadishu has united Islamic militant groups seeking to gain control of the city . In 2006 , the Islamic Courts Union -- a militia group -- ousted Somalia 's transitional government from power . But the ICU was deposed in December of that year following Ethiopia 's military invasion . Since then , insurgent groups have been trying to destabilize the government . Somalia 's current transitional government is trying to maintain control of the capital , with the help of the better-equipped Ethiopian forces . The violence has displaced more than 40,000 civilians who have taken shelter in dozens of makeshift settlements west of Mogadishu . Somalia has been mired in chaos since 1991 , when warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre and sparked brutal clan infighting . Sunday 's fighting came a day after suspected insurgents killed a local reporter , who freelanced for the BBC and Reuters news agency . The national union of journalists in Somalia called the death of Nasteh Dahir Farah a `` targeted assassination . '' He was the 10th reporter killed in the war-torn nation since last year . Farah , 36 , was gunned down on his way home from work in the southern city of Kismayu , according to the National Union of Somali Journalists . -- Journalist Mohamed Amiin Adow contributed to this report .
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Fighting between government forces and insurgents in Mogadishu kills at least 10 . Shell lands in an area crowded with people , killing a group of civilians . Women and children among the dead , according to witnesses .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ingrid Betancourt has been reunited with her children for the first time in six years since her abduction by FARC rebels in Colombia . Ingrid Betancourt , center , with her daughter Melanie and son Lorenzo . Betancourt , 46 , who was rescued Wednesday in a daring operation by the Colombian Army , met with her daughter , Melanie Delloye , and son , Lorenzo Delloye-Betancourt , on the steps of a plane that had just arrived from France at a Colombian airport . The three tearfully clung together , hugging and kissing each other fervently before disappearing inside the plane . `` They look so different , but they look so much the same at the same time ; they are so beautiful , '' Betancourt told reporters . `` The last time I saw my children , Lorenzo was very small ... I could lift him up , he looked like my nephew who is right here , '' Betancourt said later , as she stood between her children , both now taller than she . There are `` many dreams I want to share with them ... I have so many things that I want to say to them , '' she added . Her children , now adults , were accompanied on the plane by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner . Betancourt , a dual French national who grew up in Paris , is a cause celebre across Europe , where scores of cities had adopted her since her abduction in February 2002 . She will travel to Paris Thursday night , said Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos . Her release dominated the pages and broadcasts of French newspapers , Web sites and television stations . French President Nicolas Sarkozy had made her rescue a priority and in a televised address after her release expressed his happiness and thanks to the Colombian government , while urging FARC members to `` stop this absurd combat , this fight . '' `` There were a lot of deceptions , but they always believed and they always had confidence , '' Sarkozy said . `` There is always a small glimmer of hope and today the joy is huge . All of France is happy to welcome back Ingrid Betancourt . '' Watch Sarkozy thank the Colombian government '' Dominique Paille , a leading political figure in France , told the newspaper Le Monde her release was `` extraordinary news '' and a `` grand day '' for France , humanitarian works , and the government . Segolene Royal , Sarkozy 's opponent in last year 's presidential election , said it was a joyous moment , particularly for Betancourt 's children . `` They have never lost hope . They have always believed the liberation of their mother was possible , '' she told Le Monde . Watch Betancourt talk about her release '' The French newspaper Liberation hailed Betancourt as a `` national symbol , '' saying her long imprisonment had become a tragic example of the effects of the war between FARC and the Colombian government . Le Figaro praised the `` coup '' of the Colombian Army 's bluff in freeing Betancourt and the 14 other hostages , saying it was also a personal victory for Sarkozy . Read more about the rescue operation . French Justice Minister Rachida Dati told the newspaper the result was without precedent . Former French President Jacques Chirac told Le Figaro it was a `` true relief '' for all of Betancourt 's family and those close to her .
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NEW : Ingrid Betancourt reunited with her children for the first time in six years . French President Nicolas Sarkozy leads celebrations with TV address . Sarkozy calls on FARC to lay down their weapons and end `` absurd combat '' Betancourt to visit France after meeting with children in Colombia .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An Indiana judge Monday froze the assets of Marcus Schrenker , a suburban Indianapolis financial manager who authorities say tried to fake his own death by crashing his private plane into a Florida swamp . Marcus Schrenker exited his small plane before it crashed , and investigators are looking for him , police say . Investigators looking into his business dealings for possible securities violations requested the temporary restraining order in Hamilton County Superior Court , said Jim Gavin , spokesman for the Indiana Secretary of State . He said the order , which also applies to Schrenker 's wife , Michelle , and to his three companies , is aimed at protecting investors , and is related to a receivership filing . He did n't elaborate . Heritage Wealth Management , Heritage Insurance Services and Icon Wealth Management are `` the subjects of an active investigation by the Indiana Securities Division , '' Gavin said . Public documents list Schrenker as president of Heritage Wealth Management in Fishers , Indiana . A search warrant related to the inquiry was served December 31 , Gavin said . According to The Herald Bulletin in Anderson , Indiana , Michelle Schrenker filed for divorce in Hamilton Superior Court on December 30 . A hearing was set for February 5 . Schrenker , 38 , took off alone Sunday night in a corporate plane , a Piper PA-46 , from Anderson , Indiana , en route to Destin , Florida . Authorities said the Fisher , Indiana , businessman parachuted to the ground before letting the plane crash in the Florida panhandle . The craft came down near the Blackwater River , only 50 to 75 yards from homes , said Sgt. Scott Haines of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff 's Office . Watch more about the mysterious flight '' `` It is a neighborhood -- some very nice waterfront property , '' he said . Military aircraft from Whiting Field , which were dispatched to intercept the plane after Schrenker reported an emergency , witnessed the crash about 9:15 p.m. CT. . The crews fired flares and noticed the plane 's door was open and the cockpit was dark , Haines said in a news release . They got no response . Haines said the plane appeared to have been put on autopilot at around 2,000 feet , over the Birmingham , Alabama , area , before the pilot parachuted to the ground . Schrenker had contacted air traffic controllers , saying that the windshield imploded . `` The pilot stated that he was bleeding profusely , '' the news release said . `` Radio contact with the plane was not able to be established after that point . When deputies located the plane at the crash site , no blood was present and the door to the plane was open . '' The Childersburg , Alabama , Police Department reported that Schrenker approached one of its officers shortly before 2:30 a.m. , `` and said that he had been in a canoeing accident with some friends , '' a news release said . Childersburg is about 35 miles southeast of Birmingham . Childersburg officers , unaware of the plane crash , took Schrenker to a hotel in nearby Harpersville . After hearing about the crash , they went back to the hotel , where they found that Schrenker had checked into the hotel under a fictitious name . `` When authorities entered Schrenker 's room , he was not there , '' the release said . Authorities said Schrenker checked in under a fake name , put on a black cap and fled into a wooded area . Hotel manager Yogi Patel , who identified Schrenker on surveillance video , told CNN that Schrenker was the only guest overnight . He signed in as Jason Galouzs of Bolingbrook , Illinois , Patel said . A hotel employee said Schrenker went up to his room , but did n't enter before leaving the building . iReport.com : Are you near the crash site ? Tell us about it . Steve Darlington , manager of Anderson Municipal Airport , told CNN the plane was in fine condition at takeoff , and said Schrenker is `` an accomplished pilot '' who owns `` a couple of airplanes '' and flies regularly . No agency has come forward to lead the probe . `` The FBI is looking into the matter , along with other agencies , '' said Paul Draymond , of the Birmingham FBI office . Kathleen Bergen , spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration , said several factors indicated the pilot likely left the plane before the crash : a `` detailed review of radar data , '' the fact that the plane was switched to autopilot before it crashed , the sighting by military jet crews and the fact that the cockpit was found mostly intact with no one inside . After the pilot alerted air traffic controllers about the alleged problems with his plane , authorities tried to persuade him to land in Pell City , Alabama , east of Birmingham , Haines said . Schrenker also flew an acrobatic plane , and made a video featured on a YouTube site . A message preceding the video warns , `` No pilot should attempt this stunt . You will get yourself killed . Pilot specially trained to fly unlimited acrobatics and shows . '' CNN 's Josh Levs contributed to this report .
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Authorities say pilot tried to fake his own death by crashing his private plane . Officials searching for Marcus Schrenker , who they say parachuted out of plane . Investigators looking into possible securities violations request the restraining order . Manager in Alabama says Schrenker was his only guest at hotel overnight .
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ISLAMABAD , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Barack Obama 's election as president of the United States wo n't see a change in American relations with the Taliban , a senior Taliban leader in Pakistan says . A Taliban leader says Barack Obama 's election will bring little change . `` For us , the change of America 's president -- we do n't have any good faith in him , '' said Muslim Khan , a grizzled Taliban spokesman who is one of the most wanted men in Pakistan , in a rare interview with CNN . `` If he does anything good , it will be for himself . '' With an assault rifle on his lap , Khan answered 10 written questions , sharing his view on a range of topics from slavery to Obama 's middle name -- Hussein . He spoke in the remote Swat Valley of northwestern Pakistan , the site of frequent and fierce clashes between Pakistani troops and Taliban and al Qaeda militants . There was no opportunity for follow-up questions . Khan said Obama 's election may change conditions for black Americans . `` The black one knows how much the black people are discriminated against in America and Europe and other countries , '' he said . `` For America 's black people , it could be that there will be a change . That era is coming . '' He said he doubted Obama 's victory would lead to changes in relations between the United States and the Taliban . Watch the Taliban spokesman on Barack Obama '' U.S. forces dislodged the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan shortly after the September 11 , 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington . America and its allies have battled the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan ever since , with fighting spreading across the border into Pakistan . `` American should take its army out of the country , '' Khan said . `` They are considered terrorists . '' Obama has minced no words in describing how he would administer U.S. policy toward the Islamic extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan . When he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination in August , Obama pledged to `` finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban . '' And the president-elect included a blunt warning in remarks on the evening of his election victory : `` To those who would tear the world down , '' he said , `` we will defeat you . '' Khan noted that Obama 's middle name was fairly common in the Muslim world , referring to him at times as `` Hussein Barack Obama . '' `` If he behaves in the way of a real Hussein , then he has become our brother , '' he said . `` If Barack Obama pursues the same policies as Bush and behaves like Bush ... then he can not be Hussein . He can only be Obama . ''
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Taliban leader : We have no faith in Barack Obama . Taliban not expecting change in relationship with U.S. Obama has committed himself to defeating the Taliban and al Qaeda .
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MADRID , Spain -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- One of Osama bin Laden 's sons has left Spain after he was denied asylum in the country , an Interior Ministry spokeswoman told CNN Saturday . Omar bin Laden pictured earlier this year during a television interview in Rome , Italy . Omar bin Laden left Madrid Saturday afternoon en route to Cairo , Egypt , she said . The ministry did not divulge why his request was denied . Spain 's decision came after bin Laden appealed the country 's initial decision Wednesday to deny him asylum . The man , who is married to a British citizen , previously was denied asylum in Britain . He holds a Saudi passport . Bin Laden , who is in his late 20s , stepped off a plane from Cairo at Madrid 's Barajas International Airport during a stopover late Monday and informed authorities that he planned to request asylum , the spokeswoman said . He was taken to a secure area of the airport for asylum seekers while his request was processed . He prepared his formal asylum request Tuesday at the airport with the help of a translator , the spokeswoman said . It was not known on what grounds bin Laden based his request . He has publicly called on his father -- who is the leader of al Qaeda and the world 's most-wanted man -- to abandon terrorism . Last year , 7,664 people requested asylum in Spain . The government granted that status to only 570 , the spokeswoman said .
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Osama bin Laden 's son leaves Spain after he was denied asylum . Omar bin Laden , who is married to British citizen , was denied asylum in UK . He has publicly called on his father to abandon terrorism .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Borussia Dortmund opened up a massive 10-point lead in the German Bundesliga with a 2-0 win at Nuremberg on Sunday , their 13th win from 15 games . It gives Dortmund an excellent chance of claiming their first title in nine years , particularly with defending champions Bayern Munich struggling in seventh spot , fully 17 points behind the pacesetters . Dortmund made light of a snow blizzard and a hard pitch as goals either side of halftime by Germany defender Mats Hummels and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski were enough for a comfortable victory . It leaves them on 40 points with second-placed Mainz on 30 points . Mainz lost 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday . Coach Jurgen Klopp is trying to keep his young team grounded despite their big lead . `` I have never been able to , or even had to , consider the fight for the championship , so I do n't think it is relevant with so much of the season left to play , '' he told AFP . `` It is more important we keep playing well . Every game is like a final for us , the next game is always the most important for me . '' But even Bayern coach Louis van Gaal has all but conceded the championship . `` Lots might still happen but I think -LRB- Dortmund -RRB- are too far ahead , '' van Gaal told AFP after his side 's disappointing 2-0 defeat at Schalke 04 on Saturday . Bayer Leverkusen stay third after a 3-2 win over Cologne earlier Sunday to take them to 29 points . Goals by Patrick Helmes , Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta and defender Stefan Reinartz sealed the win which leaves them just a point behind Mainz , who lost 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday . With two rounds to go before the midwinter break , Leverkusen will welcome the return of Germany star Michael Ballack from injury when the Bundesliga resumes in January . In Spain 's La Liga , Villarreal reclaimed third place with a 1-0 home win over Champions League rivals Sevilla . Brazilian striker Nilmar scored his ninth league goal of the season after 29 minutes to leave his side seven points adrift of leaders Barcelona . Slumping Sevilla are 10 points further back after a third straight defeat .
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Borussia Dortmund beat Nuremberg 2-0 to lead Bundesliga by 10 points . Mats Hummels and Poland star Robert Lewandowski score the goals in each half . Bayern boss Louis van Gaal all but concedes title to Dortmund . Villarreal cement third place in Spain 's La Liga with 1-0 win over Sevilla .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Bayer Leverkusen moved within eight points of German Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund after a 2-0 victory over Hannover . First half goals from Arturo Vidal and Simon Rolfes settled the outcome and saw Leverkusen go five points clear of Hannover who sit third . But Dortmund can extend the gap at the top to 11 points if they win at Wolfsburg on Saturday . The home side nearly fell behind inside two minutes when Norwegian striker Mohamed Abdellaoui was denied by Leverkusen keeper Rene Adler . But after that early scare Leverkusen took control of the match and Vidal put them in front on 21 minutes . The Chilean midfielder pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area after Hannover failed to clear from Stefan Kiessling 's blocked shot and his volley flew into the net . German international and former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack should have doubled Leverkusen 's advantage moments later but he headed wide of the target . Adler was called upon to preserve the home side 's lead after a rare breakaway from Hannover as Lars Stindi capitalized on former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia 's mistake but his shot was right at the keeper . But just before the interval Rolfes made it 2-0 . He collected Gonzalo Castro 's pass and curled his effort into the net . Hannover piled on the pressure in the second half but could n't cut the deficit .
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Bayer Leverkusen beat Hannover 2-0 in the German Bundesliga . Goals from Arturo Vidal and Simon Rolfes cut the gap on leaders Dortmund to eight points . Leverkusen move five points clear of Hannover who stay third .
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LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- China executed at least 470 people last year -- more than any other country in the world , according to an annual report on the death penalty by the human rights group Amnesty International . A woman is shown being taken to her execution in Beijing , China , in 2001 . The group said that five countries carried out 88 percent of all known executions worldwide : China -LRB- 470 people -RRB- , Iran -LRB- 317 -RRB- , Saudi Arabia -LRB- 143 -RRB- , Pakistan -LRB- 135 -RRB- and the United States -LRB- 42 -RRB- . Exact figures for how many people were put to death in China are difficult to come by because the country considers the death penalty a `` state secret , '' Amnesty said . `` As the world and Olympic guests are left guessing , only the Chinese authorities know exactly how many people have been killed with state authorization , '' the group said . Last year , China reformed the way capital cases are handled , with the Supreme Court deciding all cases . This led to a drop in the number of executions , with `` half of the cases changed to a reprieve in the end , '' according to an article last week in China 's state-run news agency , Xinhua . In December , the United Nations General Assembly called for a global end to the death penalty . But for now , the Amnesty report said , many countries continued to execute people for offenses that trigger much less severe sentences in other countries . In Iran , for example , a father of two was stoned to death for adultery . An Egyptian national was beheaded in Saudi Arabia for practicing sorcery . And a factory manager in North Korea was shot by a firing squad because he appointed his children as managers and made international phone calls . E-mail to a friend .
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China executed at least 470 people in the last year , says human rights group . Iran had second-highest level of executions in 2007 , Amnesty says . United States recorded fifth-highest number of executions , report finds .
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[[36, 80]]
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Los Angeles -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- `` Desperate Housewives '' star Eva Longoria 's divorce from NBA star Tony Parker was finalized by a Texas court , according to her publicist . Anderson Group Public Relations issued a short statement confirming the divorce Monday . The couple filed for divorce in November after reports surfaced that she found evidence he was cheating with the wife of a fellow San Antonio Spurs player . She filed in Los Angeles and he filed in Bexar County , Texas . `` It is with great sadness that after seven years together , Eva and I have decided to divorce , '' Parker said in a statement at the time . `` We love each other deeply and pray for each other 's happiness . '' Longoria issued a similarly worded statement a day later . CNN 's Brittany Kaplan contributed to this report .
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Longoria and Tony Parker both filed for divorce in November . Both issued a statement at the time saying they still loved the other .
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LONDON , England -- Steve Forbes has fired Floyd Mayweather Jr. 's uncle ahead of his May 3 clash with Oscar de la Hoya -- and replaced him as trainer with another member of the flamboyant World Boxing Council welterweight champion 's family . Floyd Mayweather Jr. was furious that his uncle was training his former sparring partner Steve Forbes . Mayweather was furious that his father Roger was training Forbes for a fight which could scupper his own hopes of a lucrative rematch with De La Hoya , who he beat by a split decision last May in the richest fight in boxing history . Forbes moved quickly to hire Jeff Mayweather , Roger 's younger brother , after hearing Floyd air his grievances in the media . `` I asked Roger not to train Forbes , '' Mayweather said during a conference call to promote his foray into wrestling at WWE 's Wrestlemania 24 on March 30 . `` I 'm upset with my Uncle Roger . I disapprove of Roger . If he continues to train Forbes , I have to get another trainer . `` It 's taking money out of my pocket . I told him on numerous occasions not to train Steve Forbes and he 's training him at my gym . `` He 's taking money out his own mouth . Forbes is making $ 1 million , so he 's jeopardizing -LRB- the trainer 's share of -RRB- $ 80,000 for millions . I could get him that a ton of times over again . Hopefully it will be worth it . '' Forbes had been working with Mayweather for only three weeks . `` I thought it was funny . Trainers should be able to train anyone they want . But it did n't really surprise me . I just wondered why it did n't happen three or four weeks ago when my fight with Oscar was announced . '' `` Steve 's a pro , and it does n't bother him , '' Jeff Wald , Forbes ' promoter , told The Associated Press . `` He respects the Mayweather family , and he 's trained with all three brothers , so it 's not going to be a problem . '' Forbes has previously been trained by Roger , Jeff and Floyd Mayweather Sr , who has been estranged from his world champion son for years , and sparred with Mayweather Jr. . `` It 's more -LRB- a problem -RRB- with Floyd because he is Roger 's boss . He pays him a nice salary , '' Forbes said . `` I 'm not upset with Roger . This is just another little story to my story . It does n't affect me one bit . But it 's just bizarre . '' Floyd Sr. has trained De la Hoya for all of his recent fights -- except the bout against his son last year -- but has said he might cross that line for the rematch . `` I may have to pay my dad more than Oscar is paying him , '' Floyd Jr. said . The 31-year-old Mayweather , considered pound for pound the best boxer in the world , has not fought since knocking out Britain 's previously unbeaten Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas in December . E-mail to a friend .
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Steve Forbes fires Floyd Mayweather Jr. 's uncle ahead of Oscar de la Hoya bout . WBC welterweight champion angry that Roger Mayweather was training Forbes . If Forbes wins , Mayweather 's own scheduled rematch with De la Hoya in doubt . Forbes hires another Mayweather , Floyd 's uncle Jeff , as his new trainer .
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LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A number of filmmakers have looked to golf for inspiration for their movies -- but it is not often a professional golfer does the reverse . Padraig Harrington defends his British Open Championship title at Turnberry , Scotland in July . Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has broken the mould after experimenting with a devastating ice-hockey swing as used in the cult U.S. comedy sports film Happy Gilmore . The film 's plot centers of the fortunes of failed ice-hockey player Happy Gilmore , played by Adam Sandler , who masters a powerful and dangerous slap shot which he converts to golf with devastating effect . The result is that Gilmore is able to whack a golf ball over 400 yards , and now Irishman Harrington has copied Gilmore 's breathtaking run-and-smash technique - and amazingly has added an extra 30 yards to his drive ! But is the spectacular swing legal ? The Royal and Ancient -LRB- R&A -RRB- , who along with the United States Golf Association -LRB- USGA -RRB- , produce and revise the rules of golf , can see no problems with the method . A spokesperson at the rules department of the R&A told CNN : `` There is nothing in the rules as such to prevent the swing as performed in the film Happy Gilmore from being used by golfers . You do not have to be standing still over the ball when playing a shot , so striking the ball with a run-up is okay . `` The major concern we do have is regarding the whether it fits in with the etiquette of the game as defined in the rules . Players must have respect for the course itself and perhaps this shot lends itself to increased likelihood of damage to the course . '' While Harrington may not necessarily be ready to unleash the eye-catching swing when he goes in search of his third consecutive British Open Championship title at Turnberry , Scotland next month , the technique may still have a place in the game . Dr Mark Smith , who is part of the Golf Education and Research Group at the University of Lincoln , England , believes that , with development , the swing could become part of the range of shots used by the modern golfer . `` Golfers are always looking for ways to improve their game which might give them an edge on their rivals so it would n't surprise me if some professionals start to experiment with the swing used by Happy Gilmore , '' Smith told CNN . `` One of the obvious benefits of the swing is that it allows you to generate more power and subsequently more distance on the shot as Padraig Harrington has shown . `` Certainly the scientific principles behind the swing and the technology used are credible as well , although golf is just as much about accuracy as power . '' Dr Smith does have some reservations about the possible risk of injury with the swing -- particularly if it is not executed properly . `` The main drawback of the ` Happy Gilmore technique ' from a physiological point of view is that it does place much more stress on the spine , lower back and the shoulders , '' he added . `` Therefore the likelihood of injury is increased so certainly I would be cautious of amateur players rushing down to their local club and trying to copy him thinking it might drastically improve their game . `` Perhaps a player might use when he feels has nothing to lose in a match , but when it comes to pressure situations players tend to fall back on tried and trusted methods . '' Certainly Harrington 's use of the ` Happy Gilmore technique ' has got golf talking , but perhaps a copy of the film will not be found on the shelves next to coaching manuals just yet .
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Padraig Harrington experiments with swing used in movie Happy Gilmore . R&A confirms devastating technique is legal under the rules of golf . Golf science expert Dr Mark Smith believes method could catch on .
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[[2327, 2358], [1922, 1935], [2032, 2116]]
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WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When a grenade bounced off his chest and fell to the floor near his fellow troops , Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor acted out of instinct . His actions did n't stem from a lack of training . His instant reaction was to protect his comrades . The Navy says he committed a selfless act : jumping on the grenade and taking the full force of the blast . President Bush presented Monsoor 's parents with a posthumous Medal of Honor for their son at an emotional White House ceremony on Tuesday . Watch Monsoor 's sister share her memories '' Bush quoted one of the SEALS saved by Monsoor as saying , `` Mikey looked death in the face that day and said , ` You can not take my brothers . I will go in their stead . ' '' Watch the president bestow the award '' Monsoor was one of the U.S. military 's most highly trained combatants , a Navy SEAL . He 's the first SEAL to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq . On September 29 , 2006 , Monsoor was part of a major clearing and isolating operation to root out enemy fighters holding parts of Ramadi , the Sunni insurgent stronghold west of Baghdad . Monsoor was in a sniper position on a rooftop along with two other SEALs when a grenade flew into his location from out of nowhere . It bounced off his chest and landed in an area where it probably would have killed or seriously wounded all three of them . Monsoor was in a position to escape before the explosion but instead leapt on the grenade . `` He recognized immediately the threat , yelled ` grenade ' and due to the fact that two other SEAL snipers , our brothers , could not possibly escape the blast , he chose to smother it with his body , absorbed the impact and lost his life in the process , '' said Lt. Cmdr. Seth Stone , Mansoor 's platoon commander . The blast did not kill him right away ; he hung on for 30 minutes . His two comrades were wounded but survived the shrapnel that ripped through their bodies . Stone said : `` He essentially saved -LSB- the -RSB- Navy SEALS on the rooftop and three Iraqi soldiers who were there . '' Until this month , when the White House announced that Monsoor would receive the Medal of Honor posthumously , few people knew of his story . Born in 1981 in Long Beach , California , Monsoor excelled as a high school athlete . He joined the Navy before the September 11 attacks . In 2004 , Monsoor graduated from the basic SEAL training course as one of the top members of his class . By March 2005 , he had completed his training and was assigned to SEAL Team 3 , Delta Platoon . In April 2006 , that unit deployed to Iraq 's troubled and violent western provincial capital of Ramadi . Monsoor would not return home alive . His five-month stay in Ramadi was marked by constant attacks . As a heavy machine gunner , Monsoor had to stay behind the point man on foot patrols and protect the unit from attacks . Delta Platoon was involved in attacks on 75 percent of its missions in a highly contested part of Ramadi called the Ma ` laab district , according to the Navy . On a patrol less than a month after arriving in Iraq , Monsoor showed some of his selfless instinct when gunfire hit a fellow SEAL in the leg . Monsoor `` ran out into the street with another SEAL , shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet , '' according to Navy documents . He received the Silver Star , the third highest award for valor in combat . His unit continued to endure the constant barrage of attacks and some 35 firefights with insurgent forces over the scorching Iraqi summer . Monsoor also was saddled with carrying heavy radio equipment on his back as the `` SEAL communicator '' who called in tank and other support during firefights . He received the Bronze Star for his work as an adviser for Iraqi troops . `` His leadership , guidance and decisive actions during 11 different combat operations saved the lives of his teammates , other -LSB- U.S.-led -RSB- coalition forces and Iraqi army soldiers , '' according to Navy documents . But it was his instinct on his last operation on that Ramadi roof that solidified Monsoor 's standing as a hero . E-mail to a friend .
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Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor awarded posthumous Medal of Honor for heroism . President Bush gave medal to Monsoor 's parents at a White House ceremony . Monsoor died in Iraq after falling on a grenade to protect his comrades . He 's the first Navy SEAL to win Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq .
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CNN Senior Producer Sasha Johnson traveled to Coaldale , Pennsylvania , to talk to voters , including some members of her extended family , about how a typical small town like Coaldale might vote in 2008 and what issues are on their minds . Coaldale Mayor Claire Remington and her husband , Otis , talk politics in their kitchen . COALDALE , Pennsylvania -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Coaldale is a borough of 2,200 , nestled in the anthracite-rich mountains in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania . It 's exactly the type of place Sen. Barack Obama referenced last week when he said some Pennsylvanians were `` bitter '' over their poor economic situation . Obama said he regretted the word choice but continued to argue that some voters feel desperate . After spending a day talking with Coaldale voters , it seems to me the anger Obama described in his now controversial comments might not have been too far off the mark . `` It 's time for the politicians to come down to our level , '' said Ruth Weiss during the lunch hour at Tommy 's , Coaldale 's only casual eatery among a row of shuttered shops and next to a 60-year-old movie theater that has survived . `` People ca n't afford food . I 'm paying for oil for the restaurant out of my own Social Security check . '' Ruth and her husband , Tommy , describe their small pizza and sub restaurant on East Phillips Street as a `` country store , '' a place where the regulars can gather to talk , share a meal or -- as is the case lately -- sip a cup of coffee . `` This is my business , but people ca n't afford it , '' said Ruth . She detailed the myriad of problems she and others are facing -- rising gas prices , increased taxes , out of control food and prescription costs . It is no wonder , she said , people ca n't afford lunch or dinner at the restaurant they 've owned for 25 years . Coaldale 's history . I did not find Coaldale 's quiet streets by accident . My Russian Orthodox grandmother was born here and some family still lives in and around the house on Fisher Avenue where she and her nine siblings grew up while their father worked the mines . Coaldale , like many other small Pennsylvania communities , has seen better times . Back in the 1930s , when the surrounding hills were bustling with anthracite mining , around 7,000 people lived here . By the 1950s , the mines were closing . In the 30 years that followed , the garment factories in and around town shut down . Today , many of Coaldale 's residents are elderly and on fixed incomes . The cost of living is low , so there is the occasional new neighbor , but the shrinking population and tough economic times could force the closure of several churches , forcing people to worship elsewhere . Without a grocery store or a single stoplight , my great-uncle John Zenzel frequently jokes , `` Coaldale is more boring than Mayberry . '' Coaldale and the '08 election . Claire Remington , Coaldale 's mayor since 2001 and lifelong resident , said her constituents are `` tightlipped '' about who will get their vote in the primary . On a drive through town , only a `` Ron Paul for President '' yard sign could be found . Remington says the town is roughly split between Democrats and Republicans , a change from past elections . Historically , Coaldale -- like Schuylkill County at-large -- has leaned Republican . This election season , however , the county has mirrored trends across the state -- more voters switching to the Democratic Party and more new voters registering as Democrats . `` I 'm a die-hard Republican , but I have to say this year things are going to be a little different for me , '' said Remington , who is part of the town 's tight-knit Russian Orthodox community . `` The party is going to be upset with me , but I feel that we need a change . '' At this point Remington plans to cast a write-in vote for Obama in the primary . She joins her husband , Otis , in supporting Obama . `` This time around I 'm dead set against voting for Hillary Clinton , '' said Otis , a longtime Democrat and retired Navy reservist . `` As far as Barack goes , he 's young , he 's inexperienced , he 's new , but I think given a chance he could be a good president . '' Claire said she is reluctant to advertise her support for Obama in the form of a yard sign because she fears her neighbors would think she is supporting him because Otis is African-American . Claire is white . The two conceded race is an underlying factor in voters ' decisions , and both cited the state 's rainbow of immigrant ethnic groups and Gov. Ed Rendell 's comment that an African-American might have trouble winning statewide . `` I do think he 's right , '' she said . `` I hope he 's wrong , though . '' Both Otis and Claire describe a visceral reaction to Clinton . They say they ca n't shake the memories of Whitewater or the belief that President Bill Clinton could have done more for the military during his time in the White House . Back down the hill at Tommy 's , Ruth and Tommy Weiss will gladly cast their primary ballot for Clinton . Tommy says Obama is an unknown and believes Clinton will be a `` good start , although we do n't expect her to do everything . '' They are both comforted by the fact that Bill Clinton would play some role in his wife 's administration -- but they want her to have the final say . `` She 'll hold him at bay when she needs to , '' said Tommy . Neither of the Weisses could say for sure they would vote for Obama if he were their party 's nominee in November . John Zenzel , a World War II Navy veteran , has been waiting `` a long time '' to vote for Clinton . He believes she deserves `` another chance '' to revamp health care , something he is banking on as his yearly health insurance costs approach $ 3,000 . Zenzel , 82 , still lives in the house where he was born and raised . As the April 22 primary approaches , he is not banking on any of the candidates paying a visit to his sleepy town but that does n't diminish his excitement or hope that a new president will ease the daily hardships that he and his neighbors face . The last time Zenzel remembers a White House aspirant coming anywhere near the borough was in 1960 when John F. Kennedy drove through nearby Hometown and Tamaqua . Zenzel remembers waiting on the street and jumping through the crowd to shake Kennedy 's hand . E-mail to a friend .
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Coaldale is the type of town Barack Obama described last week . Obama offended some by saying small-town Pennsylvanians were `` bitter '' Coaldale faces shrinking population , tough economic times . Local residents give a glimpse into the minds of small-town voters .
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WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear an appeal from a female death row inmate who said fetal alcohol syndrome should have been considered by the state court that reviewed her sentence . The U.S. Supreme Court has closely monitored Louisiana 's capital punishment system in recent years . The justices gave no reason for rejecting the appeal , which challenged the constitutionality of Louisiana 's capital sentencing procedures and argued that Brandy Holmes ' alleged developmental disabilities should disqualify her from execution . Holmes , 29 , is one of two women scheduled to be executed in Louisiana . She and a male co-defendant were convicted of murder in the New Year 's Day 2003 death of Julian Brandon , a retired minister near Shreveport . Holmes is being held at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women at St. Gabriel . Experts on fetal alcohol syndrome call it the nation 's leading preventable cause of mental retardation . As many as 40,000 newborns in the United States are affected each year by their mother 's alcohol use , according to an advocacy group . The syndrome can lead to brain damage , behavioral problems and intellectual disabilities . Holmes ' attorneys said she functions like a 10 - to 12-year-old . `` Brandy has a hallmark case of FAS , '' said Tom Donaldson , president of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome , which supported the defendant in her high court appeal . `` Her mother testified that she drank throughout her pregnancy , and in fact named her daughter after her favorite drink . Brandy 's capacity to appreciate the criminality of her actions or to conform to the law is very seriously impaired . '' Donaldson and others argue the medical and legal system is unprepared to recognize , intervene and educate when presented with the majority of FAS-related cases , especially those involving younger defendants . In a petition to the justices , Holmes ' attorney , Charles Ogletree , argued the Louisiana Supreme Court did not `` review the extensive mitigating circumstances that limited Ms. Holmes 's moral culpability and compare them to the mitigating circumstances presented in similar cases . The -LSB- state -RSB- court also failed to consider that petitioner 's co-defendant received a death sentence and that the prosecutor stated at the co-defendant 's trial that he -LRB- and not the petitioner -RRB- was the more culpable party . '' That co-defendant , Robert Coleman , remains on death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola . Ogletree is a noted Harvard Law School professor who taught President Obama when he was a law student . The state in its reply brief noted the violent nature of the robbery-murder . The victim 's wife also suffered gunshot wounds in the attack . She lived in a severely impaired state for years and passed away in October 2008 . Investigators said Holmes tried to use the victims ' ATM card and destroyed evidence of the crime . Detectives said she even stole a videotape of her confession that was left unattended at the police station . `` Holmes destroyed this tape by sneaking it into the ladies ' room and flushing the magnetic tape down the toilet , after substituting a blank tape in the stack of taped statements that had been left unsecured on a detective 's desk , '' according the the state 's brief . Police also suspect she flushed jewelry she had been wearing , which they suggested may have been stolen from the Brandons . The Supreme Court previously had banned execution of the mentally retarded , though the justices established no clear benchmark on IQ test results to guide criminal courts . The justices also have closely monitored Louisiana 's capital punishment system in recent years , criticizing in some cases the role of some prosecutors and the procedural guarantees required in such cases . The justices last year ordered a new trial for an African-American capital defendant after finding problems with how prosecutors excluded blacks from an all-white jury . That same year , the high court blocked use of the death penalty for a New Orleans-area man convicted of child rape . Louisiana was one of the few states that had actively pushed execution for nonhomicide crimes . Fifty-three women remain on death row around the country . Forty women have been executed in the past century -- 11 since 1976 when the Supreme Court restored capital punishment , according the Death Penalty Information Center . The other woman on death row in Louisiana is Antoinette Frank , a former New Orleans policewoman convicted of three murders , including that of her former partner on the police force . Her scheduled execution last year was delayed indefinitely by appeal . The high court also announced Monday that it will not hear appeals in the following cases : .
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Defense argued alleged disabilities should disqualify Brandy Holmes from execution . Justices cite no reason in rejecting appeal of Louisiana death row inmate . Holmes and a co-defendant were convicted in the 2003 killing of a retired minister . Holmes ' attorneys says she functions like a 10 - to 12-year-old .
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HAVANA , Cuba -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United States and Cuba should show some flexibility and take steps to improve relations , New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said Friday during a weeklong trade mission to the island nation . New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson calls for `` concrete steps '' to improve ties between the United States and Cuba . `` There is a good atmosphere -LSB- between the two countries -RSB- , '' he said at a news conference in Havana on Friday . `` It is the best atmosphere I 've seen in many years . '' Richardson called for `` concrete steps from both sides , '' but noted a `` lack of flexibility in their positions '' and reciprocity from the Cuban government . He also called on the United States to `` pay more attention to the Cuba issue , though acknowledged more urgent U.S. priorities like health-care reform have drawn attention away from normalizing relations . In his first trip to Cuba in 13 years , when he negotiated the release of three political prisoners in 1996 , Richardson said he is not in Cuba as a special U.S. envoy . `` My main objective is trade and to improve commercial ties with Cuba , '' he said , though he acknowledged plans to report recommendations to the Obama administration early next week . Watch Richardson discuss goals for Cuba trip '' Despite the near half-century trade embargo , the U.S. Treasury Department allows U.S. states to sell agricultural , medical and IT products in Cuba on a cash basis . The governor also called on the Obama administration to ease restrictions of biotechnology products , allow Cubans to travel to the United States for academic and cultural exchanges , and implement the changes to Cuban-American travel and remittances announced in April . He mentioned a proposal to allow diplomats in either country to move more freely and offered to broker a dialogue between the Cuban government and Cuban-Americans . `` If there 's going to be a solution for the normalization of relationship between Cuba and the United States , Cuban-Americans must play a role , '' he said , noting that any such dialogue would not substitute government-to-government talks . Richardson -- known for his diplomatic resume , including high-level talks with North Korea , Sudan and Iraq -- met with Cuba 's National Assembly president , Ricardo Alarcon , and received a personal letter from former President Fidel Castro . `` It was a positive message that I got , '' he said of the letter . The former presidential candidate was nominated for Commerce Secretary in the Obama administration , but withdrew amid an investigation over whether CDR Financial Products inappropriately won $ 1.4 million in state work for New Mexico .
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New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson cites `` good atmosphere '' between U.S. , Cuba . Trade embargo has been source of contention between both countries . Richardson offers to broker talks between Cuban government , Cuban-Americans .
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-LRB- Wired -RRB- -- Few games live up to 11 years of anticipation , but `` StarCraft II 's '' slick upgrades mean the sequel 's got a shot . At midnight July 27 , Blizzard switched on the servers for `` StarCraft II : Wings of LIberty . '' The original `` StarCraft , '' released in 1998 , became an overnight success , selling 1.5 million copies in its first year on the way to more than 11 million copies sold in its lifetime . A decade on , the sci-fi game -- which pits human Terrans against alien Zerg and Protoss races in a real-time strategy war that spans the galaxy -- is still revered for its precise balance and easy-to-learn , hard-to-master game mechanics . `` StarCraft '' became especially popular in South Korea , where professional players can earn upward of $ 100,000 a year and expert matches get televised nationwide . At first glance , it seems Blizzard has taken an if-it-ain ` t-broke approach to `` StarCraft II 's '' gameplay . The biggest improvements to the single-player campaign have been in the presentation . In the original game , you were simply flung from one mission to the next with nothing but a short mission briefing , or perhaps a brief cinematic scene once in a blue moon . In the sequel , you spend your downtime hanging out inside the spaceship owned by series protagonist Jim Raynor . Inside Raynor 's ship , you can spend the money you make from missions on upgrades for your army . Many upgrades consist of simple stat enhancements , but some unlock new abilities for your units . It 's a fun way of introducing RPG elements that provides a tangible feeling of progression . Another change from the original `` StarCraft '' : You can now choose the order in which you tackle certain missions . It 's not as if you have complete freedom : You will usually be presented with two missions to choose from . This means the game follows a branching storyline of sorts , although so far I have always been able to go back and complete missions I skipped . Optional objectives within the missions themselves range from rescuing oppressed villagers to collecting a number of doodads strewn across the map . This idea is very similar to Blizzard 's 2002 game `` Warcraft III '' -LRB- the last real-time strategy game the company released -RRB- . The rewards are usually worth the trouble . If you rescue hapless villagers , they 'll join your ranks . If you collect doodads , you 'll be given more money with which to upgrade your units . Eleven years of technological progress means `` StarCraft II 's '' storytelling methods are n't as primitive as they were in 1998 . The first `` StarCraft '' employed mid-mission dialogue , but the animation was limited to a few pictures of talking heads . `` StarCraft II , '' on the other hand , benefits from the fully rendered cinematic scenes we 've come to expect of modern gaming . These scenes are excellent : The facial expressions , character movement , sound direction and art design all come together to make a gripping plot , at least from what I 've seen so far . It helps that Blizzard boasts some of the best artists in the business . `` StarCraft II '' might be somewhat low-tech compared to graphics juggernauts like Crysis or Metro 2033 , but because of its excellent art direction , it is arguably more visually appealing than either of those games . `` StarCraft II '' uses a wide range of colors , and the attention to detail on things like marines ' mechanized moving parts or the fluorescent glow of laser beams is spectacular as well . I have n't yet played `` StarCraft II 's '' final multiplayer mode , but I did play a great deal of the multiplayer beta and came away impressed . Blizzard 's overhaul of its classic Battle.net service is geared toward helping strategy newbies become competent , offering an array of challenges designed to teach important multiplayer skills . `` StarCraft II '' is a long time coming , and with fans currently caught in the throes of launch ecstasy , it 's still too early to tell if it will ultimately prove to be worth the wait . But based on my first impressions , it would have to screw up pretty hard to not be . Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $ 1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT ! Click here ! Copyright 2010 Wired.com .
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Original `` StarCraft '' sold 1.5 million copies in first year and over 11 million in its lifetime . Biggest improvements to single-player campaign have been in the presentation . `` StarCraft II '' uses wide range of colors and the attention to detail is spectacular .
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JERUSALEM -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Israeli officials are seeking a meeting with Turkey 's ambassador to protest a show on Turkish television that reportedly depicts Israeli soldiers murdering Palestinian children . Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman says the Turkish TV show `` is being done with state sponsorship . '' Turkey has been Israel 's strongest Muslim ally in the Middle East , and the move comes as relations between the countries have soured in recent days over the latter 's decision to exclude Israel from scheduled military exercises . The Turkish TV show `` constitutes the most serious level of incitement , and it is being done with state sponsorship , '' Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a statement . The show aired this week on Turkey 's state-run TRT-1 network . It shows an actor dressed as an Israeli soldier shooting what appears to be an unarmed Palestinian girl . In another sequence , an Israeli soldier opens fire on an infant being held by what appears to be a family member . `` Such a series which bears no connection whatsoever to reality , presenting IDF -LSB- Israel Defense Forces -RSB- soldiers as murderers of innocent children , should not be broadcast even in hostile states -- and certainly not in a state that maintains full diplomatic relations with Israel , '' Lieberman said . The show called `` Ayrilik '' is billed on the TRT Web site as the `` first time a TV series shows the ongoing , bleeding wound of the world which is taking place on Palestinian lands . It shows the painful stories of the people who lived on invaded Palestinian lands in 1948 , especially women and children . '' Israel and Turkey have enjoyed close military and economic ties for more than a decade . But relations have grown testy at times in recent years over Israel 's activities in the Palestinian territories and over its Gaza offensive in December and January . On Tuesday , a senior U.S. military official said Turkey 's decision this week to postpone a NATO war exercise appears to have been a political decision intended to exclude the Israelis . The official , who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to discuss the issue publicly , said U.S. officials were uncomfortable about excluding Israel and so welcomed postponing the maneuvers in which U.S. military units were scheduled to participate . The exercises were to start Monday and run through October 23 . Turkish lawmaker Suat Kiniklioglu , deputy chairman of the external affairs committee for the ruling Justice and Development Party , said that it is n't `` state policy for Turkish television to portray Israel badly . '' He said the television network contracts with private producers . `` It 's probably some producer who is trying to tap into popular reaction against israel , trying to make money off it , '' said Kiniklioglu , who has not seen the program . Kiniklioglu said it `` would not be wrong to say Turkish-Israeli relations have become much more fragile '' after Gaza , commenting on the exclusion of Israel from military exercises . `` This is basically all about Gaza . ... The humanitarian crisis is continuing and Prime Minister -LSB- Recep Tayyip -RSB- Erdogan is upset about it . '' Alon Liel , Israel 's top diplomat in Turkey during the 1980s , said he believes the relations between the two countries are in crisis . `` This unbelievable attack on the Israeli army is in the country that in the last 15 years was probably the closest to our army , so it 's a major surprise , a major change , '' Liel said . CNN 's Ivan Watson and Yesim Comert contributed to this report .
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Turkish TV show reportedly shows Israeli soliders killing young Palestinians . Israeli official says show `` constitutes the most serious level of incitement '' Israeli officials seek a meeting with Turkey 's ambassador to protest show . Ties between nations strained after Turkey excludes Israel from military exercises .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Mychal Bell , a black teenager accused of beating a white classmate and who was the last of the `` Jena 6 '' behind bars , was released from custody Thursday after a juvenile court judge set his bail at $ 45,000 . Supporters surround Mychal Bell on Thursday after his release at the LaSalle Parish courthouse . Bell 's release followed an announcement from LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters , who said he would not appeal a higher court 's decision moving Bell 's case to juvenile court . Wearing a blue striped golf shirt and jeans , Bell walked out of the LaSalle Parish courthouse a week after an estimated 15,000-plus demonstrators marched through Jena -- a town of about 3,000 -- to protest local authorities ' handling of the teens ' case . `` We do not condone violence of any kind , but we ask that people be given a fair and even chance at the bar of justice , '' the Rev. Al Sharpton said outside the courthouse . `` Tonight , Mychal can go home , but Mychal is not out of the juvenile process . He goes home because a lot of people left their home and stood up for him , '' he said . `` Let America know -- we are not fighting for the right to fight in school . We 're not fighting for the right for kids to beat each other . We 're fighting to say that there must be one level of justice for everybody . And you can not have adult attempted murder for some , and a fine for others , and call that equal protection under the law . Two wrongs do n't make one civil right . '' Demonstrators at last week 's march were protesting how authorities handled the cases of Bell and five other teens accused of beating fellow student Justin Barker . Many said they were angry that the students , dubbed the Jena 6 , were being treated more harshly than three white students who hung nooses from an oak tree on Jena High School property . The white students were suspended from school but did not face criminal charges . The protesters said they should have been charged with a hate crime . Bell 's attorney Lewis Scott said the teen was moved from jail to a juvenile facility earlier Thursday . Walters said his decision not to appeal was based on what he believed was best for the victim in the case . `` While I believe that a review would have merit ... I believe it is in the best interest of the victim and his family not to delay this matter any further and move it to its conclusion , '' Walters told reporters . Watch the Rev. Al Sharpton discuss the teen 's release '' He said last week 's march , which included Sharpton and Martin Luther King III , did not influence his decision . Bell , now 17 , was the only one of the Jena 6 behind bars . His bond previously was set at $ 90,000 . A district judge earlier this month tossed out Bell 's conviction for conspiracy to commit second-degree battery , saying the matter should have been handled in juvenile court . The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal in Lake Charles , Louisiana , did the same with Bell 's battery conviction in mid-September . Prosecutors originally charged all six black students accused of being involved in beating Barker with second-degree attempted murder and conspiracy . Walters reduced charges against at least four of them -- Bell , Robert Bailey Jr. , Carwin Jones and Theo Shaw -- to battery and conspiracy . Bryant Purvis awaits arraignment . Charges against Jesse Ray Beard , who was 14 at the time of the alleged crime , are unavailable because he 's a juvenile . Wednesday , Gov. Kathleen Blanco announced that Louisiana State Police officers will protect the families of the Jena 6 and investigate any threats they have received . A white supremacist Web site posted the names and addresses of the six black teens after last week 's march , calling on followers to `` let them know justice is coming . '' Thursday , the FBI said it had been made aware of allegations of threats . `` Threats are taken seriously , and as these investigations are ongoing we can not comment further , '' said Sheila Thorne of the FBI 's office in New Orleans , Louisiana . The December 4 attack on Barker came after months of racial tension , including at least two instances of fighting in the town , sparked originally when three white teens hung the nooses . Walters has said there was no direct link between the hanging of the nooses and the schoolyard attack , and defended the prosecutions ahead of last Thursday 's peaceful march . Blanco defended the prosecutor Wednesday , saying , `` He has a solid record and is highly respected among his peers . '' Walters also addressed the stress and notoriety the town has been subjected to , saying the only way he and other residents `` have been able to endure the trauma that has been thrust upon us is through the prayers of the Christian people who have sent them up in this community . '' He also suggested that some kind of `` disaster '' was averted when thousands of marchers came to Jena last week . `` I firmly believe and am confident of the fact that had it not been for the direct intervention of the Lord Jesus Christ last Thursday , a disaster would have happened , '' Walters said . `` The Lord Jesus Christ put his influence on those people , and they responded accordingly , '' he said , without explaining exactly what he meant . Soon after the district attorney spoke , a local reverend took issue with his comments . `` Obviously , we are serving two different gods here , '' the Rev. Donald Sidley said . `` My Bible says that we should do -- we should be loving , love your neighbor as yourself . `` For him to try and separate the community like he is and then using Christ Jesus to influence the people that Jesus is working on their side , well , that 's -- that 's absurd . ... God is god of the human race , '' said Sidley , of the New Evergreen Church . E-mail to a friend .
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Bell released from custody after juvenile court judge sets bail at $ 45,000 . Prosecutor wo n't appeal ruling in Bell case . Bell and five other black teens are accused of beating white student Justin Barker . Beating followed white students hanging nooses from a tree on school grounds .
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London , Engand -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The experience of minority and coalition governments worldwide shows the advantages and risks for the UK as the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties build an alliance that can command a parliamentary majority following an election that produced no clear winner . Some people in Britain , including Conservative leader David Cameron , had feared that a hung parliament would leave the country with a government too weak to be able to cut its massive deficit , potentially sparking panic on financial markets . Cameron 's party have been most vocal on the need to slash public spending quickly to help reduce the deficit , while Labour strategists argue huge cuts in spending over a short period would slow recovery . William Hague , the new foreign secretary , told reporters after the weekend talks with the Lib Dems that `` the central part of any agreement will be economic stability and a reduction of the budget deficit . '' But many countries where voting systems regularly produce minority or coalition governments seem to manage their economies perfectly adequately . And some calmer Westminster and City voices have pointed out that Britain managed to run its affairs during World War II with a coalition government . Germany , Europe 's largest economy , is perhaps the best example of a country with a long tradition of stable coalition administrations . Chancellor Angela Merkel currently leads a coalition between the conservative Christian Democrats -LRB- CDU -RRB- , its Bavarian sister party , the Christian Social Union -LRB- CSU -RRB- and the liberal Free Democrats -LRB- FDP -RRB- -- though this has come under strain recently as a result of Merkel 's support for a huge financial rescue plan for Greece . Grand coalitions between the two largest parties also occur , but these are relatively rare . Discussions between parties often take place prior to an election because of a general acceptance that no one party is capable of an outright majority . This is seen as a key factor in helping to make a coalition stable . Coalition and minority governments are also the norm in much of Scandinavia where elections nearly always result in protracted discussions between two or more parties over the composition of the next government . Canada has had a Conservative minority government led by PM Stephen Harper since 2006 , and is opposed by center-left Liberals and left-wing New Democrats . Harper 's Conservative Party was formed following a merger of the center-right Progressive Conservative and right-wing Canadian Alliance parties . In a 2008 election , he increased his party 's representation but must still govern as a minority administration , with just 143 out of 308 seats . In Ireland , no single party has ruled since 1989 . Coalitions are typically formed by one of the two biggest parties , Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael , and one or more of the smaller parties . The current ruling alliance between Brian Cowen 's Fianna Fáil and the Greens has endured despite the country 's ailing economy . Belgium 's experience has been less positive . Its political system is organized around the need to represent the main cultural communities : Flemish or Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north , French-speaking Wallonia in the south and the German-speaking cantons in the east . This has often resulted in a weak coalition government , with a number of parties vying for control . Last month Prime Minister Yves Leterme was forced to resign after a Flemish liberal party withdrew from the five-party coalition government after a dispute over electoral boundaries around the nation 's capital , Brussels . Bizarrely Brussels is the only electoral district where votes are not cast purely on linguistic lines . Belgium 's political system insists that you ca n't vote for a French-speaking party in Flanders and vice versa . Italy also has a history of fractious coalitions , with 61 governments taking office since 1945 . Its political landscape has been characterized by chronic squabbling between numerous parties across the political spectrum , which has thwarted attempts to form stable governments and reform its political system . Elsewhere in the world , Israel has always been governed by alliances between its various parties , with power traditionally alternating between a center-right-led Likud government in coalition with several right-wing and religious parties and periods of rule by the center-left Labor in coalition with several left-wing parties .
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Fears in Britain that a hung parliament will leave the country with a weak government . Labour and Conservatives have been negotiating with Liberal Democrats to form coalition . Economic stability key to any agreement , according to senior Conservative lawmaker . Germany has a history of successful and stable coalition governments .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A rash of inclement weather shut down Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Tuesday morning , raising questions as to whether Super Bowl fans will face travel problems ahead of Sunday 's big game . Icy road conditions on Tuesday forced schools and some government offices to close , while 60 municipal trucks salted and scraped their way through Dallas , Texas , said mayoral spokesman Frank Librio . But forecasters expect the blustery winter weather to leave the region -- and much of the country -- by Thursday , just as the first wave of pigskin enthusiasts are due to arrive . `` We have been planning for this for a whole year , '' Librio said of Sunday 's match-up between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers . `` We 'll be ready . '' Both teams and their fans are cold weather clubs , accustomed to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in Green Bay , Wisconsin , and Heinz Field in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania . iReport : Planning for a Super Bowl road trip ? But as a massive winter storm sweeps across the nation 's heartland , up to 500 Dallas flights are expected to be canceled , said airport spokesman David Magana , making re-bookings difficult for those with early travel plans . With more than 30 states under winter storm warnings or blizzard warnings , air traffic came to a halt in some places . Dallas and Houston in Texas and Chicago , Illinois , are feeling the most impact , said FAA spokeswoman Tammy Jones . Transport personnel had reopened one runway at Dallas-Fort Worth airport by Tuesday afternoon , authorities said . Meanwhile , Dallas Love Field Airport was down to one open runway , according to the FAA . Forecasters say the sub-freezing temperatures will let up Friday , reaching highs of 42 degrees . But Super Bowl XLV , scheduled to begin Sunday at 6:30 pm ET , is expected to draw thousands of fans to the Texan gridiron in search of warmer weather . Forecasters say Dallas temperatures will bump up to a high of 61 degrees by game day . While not exactly balmy conditions , the warm weather Super Bowl tradition could more abruptly end three years from now . The New Meadowlands Stadium , co-owned by the New York Giants and Jets , won the bid to host Super Bowl XLVIII in East Rutherford , New Jersey . Fans may be forced to don winter gloves underneath their foam fingers in what could be the nation 's first true cold-weather classic in 2014 . The big game is customarily played in either domed stadiums or warm weather states . The 1967 `` Ice-Bowl , '' in which the Packers edged out a 21-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys , was played in frigid temperatures at Lambeau Field in the 35th National Football League championship game . Green Bay then traveled to Los Angeles to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 in the very first Super Bowl .
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Icy weather in Dallas is raising questions over whether Super Bowl fans will face travel problems . Forecasters expect the blustery winter weather to leave the region by Thursday . Up to 500 Dallas flights are expected to be canceled Tuesday , airport officials said . Forecasters say Dallas temperatures will bump up to a high of 61 degrees by game day .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A trial date has been set for May for an Alabama man accused of killing his new bride during their honeymoon in Australia . David Gabriel `` Gabe '' Watson is scheduled to face murder and kidnapping charges on May 23 in an Alabama courtroom , court officials said . He has pleaded not guilty to the charges . Australian media dubbed Watson `` The Honeymoon Killer '' after his 26-year-old wife , Tina , died October 22 , 2003 , while the two were diving at a historic shipwreck off the Great Barrier Reef . The incident occurred about 9,000 miles from Birmingham , Alabama , where the couple had married 11 days earlier . Watson returned to the United States after his wife 's death and , five years later , remarried . In that same year , 2008 , he pleaded guilty in Australia to criminally negligent manslaughter . He finished his sentence there in early November and was subsequently held in immigration detention . Then , in late November , Watson was arrested in Los Angeles after a grand jury in Alabama indicted Watson on two counts -- murder for pecuniary gain and kidnapping where a felony occurred , authorities said . Those charges are based on the premise that Watson hatched the plot to kill his wife while in Alabama . Watson 's lawyers have contended that authorities in Alabama manipulated a grand jury to get an indictment against their client . The lawyers have claimed that authorities based the indictment on testimony from Tina Watson 's immediate family and a sole Helena , Alabama , investigator , saying of the witnesses `` none could offer more than emotional testimony and hearsay . '' The doctrine of double jeopardy -- which says that a person can not be tried or punished twice for the same crime -- does not apply in Watson 's case , according to established legal precedent , legal experts have said . Double jeopardy does not apply because two separate sovereigns , a state government and a foreign government , were seeking to prosecute , said John Lentine , a Birmingham criminal defense attorney and law school professor . Australian authorities investigated Tina Watson 's death for years , according to inquest findings in June 2008 . Townsville , Queensland , Coroner David Glascow pressed for charges after determining that the drowning could n't be deemed accidental . According to the inquest , Watson told Glascow that his new bride appeared to panic while 45 feet underwater in the reef , 42 miles off the coast of Townsville . But Glascow cited inconsistencies in Watson 's statements , saying that investigators found that `` some of Gabe 's explanations lacked credibility . '' Glascow noted that Tina Watson 's father , in a sworn statement , said Watson asked her to maximize her life insurance and make him a beneficiary shortly before their wedding . The insurance company confirmed Watson asked about his wife 's insurance policy after her death , according to the coroner . Watson 's attorneys have said that their client pleaded guilty in Australia only `` for failing to rescue his wife -LRB- because -RRB- he merely did not do enough to save her . ''
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David Gabriel `` Gabe '' Watson faces murder and kidnapping charges . His then-wife , Tina , died in 2003 while the two were diving near the Great Barrier Reef . Watson 's attorneys have said Alabama authorities `` manipulated a grand jury ''
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tiger Woods battled to three-under-69 on the north course at Torrey Pines as he made a solid start to his 2011 PGA Tour campaign . Woods , who has slipped to number three in the world rankings behind European pair Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer , carded three birdies without a bogey to leave himself well-placed in the Farmers Insurance Open at tied for 22nd . He was five shots behind leader Sunghoon Kang after the South Korean rookie claimed a one-stroke first-round advantage from Americans Rickie Fowler and Alex Prugh . `` I played alright today , '' Woods told the Golf Channel . `` These are some of the narrowest fairways we 've seen on tour , it was tough . '' Woods has won seven times at his favorite venue in La Jolla in California , the last victory in 2008 at the U.S. Open . That left him on 14 major wins , the run halted by first injury and then the damaging revelations of marital infidelities which led to a self-imposed exile from tournament golf . Woods was paired with Rocco Mediate , who he beat in the famous playoff to win the 2008 U.S. Open despite being hampered by leg injuries . A third American , Anthony Kim , made up the group and shot 68 . Starting on the 10th in perfect playing conditions , Woods picked up birdies on the 12th , second and sixth . A further birdie chance came at the seventh , but his putt slid by and a rare errant tee shot on the next left him in trouble in a fairway bunker . His second shot failed to find the green , Woods hammering his club to the ground in frustration , but he showed his old powers of recovery with a pitch and single putt to save par . He was also left frustrated after failing to gain his birdie on the par-five ninth after another indifferent drive , but has happy with his overall display . Crowd favorite John Daly , who played the south course , was among the early clubhouse pacesetters with a superb five-under 67 and ended the day tied for fifth along with Woods ' great rival Phil Mickelson and 2009 U.S. PGA champion Y.E. Yang of South Korea . But it was Yang 's 24-year-old compatriot Kang who took the first-day plaudits after a fine 64 . Also playing the north course and starting on the 10th , he carded three birdies and an eagle on his front nine and closed with three birdies in his last four holes for a flawless round . On the same course , Prugh closed with four successive birdies after starting on the front nine , while last season 's rookie of the year Fowler picked up a shot at the last playing from 10 . The 22-year-old 's 65 featured one dropped shot but he still finished one ahead of 25-year-old American rookie Chris Kirk . Last weekend 's Bob Hope Classic winner , Venezuelan rookie Jhonattan Vegas , was one of 13 players on 69 along with Woods , U.S. Ryder Cup player Hunter Mahan and Colombian Camilo Villegas . Mediate was tied for 54th in an even bigger group on 71 along with rookie Joseph Bramlett , the first African American golfer to earn a tour card through qualifying school in 25 years .
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Tiger Woods shoots a solid 69 in his first round at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines . The former world No. 1 is playing his first event of this year after winless 2010 . He is five shots off the leading pace set by Korean rookie Sunghoon Kang . John Daly in contention after a five-under 67 on south course .
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-LRB- CNET -RRB- -- Three state attorneys general were scheduled to meet with Craigslist representatives to begin negotiations toward eliminating advertisements from the site for prostitution and other suspected illegal sexual activities . Philip H. Markoff is suspected of killing a 25-year-old masseuse he met through Craigslist at a Boston hotel . State attorneys general from Missouri , Illinois , and Connecticut were to represent a group of state attorneys general in a meeting Tuesday in New York City with representatives of the Web site . Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said his office found several ads offering and seeking prostitution on Craigslist pages for the Kansas City , St. Louis , Columbia/Jefferson City , and Springfield areas . `` Craigslist is allowing advertisements for illegal activities like prostitution on its site , '' Koster said a statement . `` It is blatant . It is irresponsible . It is illegal . '' Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster expressed optimism toward the goal of reducing illegal activity on the site but stopped short of discussing the removal of the `` erotic services '' section . `` Craigslist looks forward to meeting with the attorneys general , and anticipates making further progress toward the common goal of eliminating illegal activity from Craigslist , while preserving its full utility and benefit for tens of millions of law-abiding Americans who value and depend on Craigslist 's free local community services in their everyday lives , '' Buckmaster said in a statement . The site 's erotic services section was thrust into the national spotlight following the arrest last month of Philip H. Markoff , who is suspected of killing a 25-year-old masseuse he met through Craigslist at a Boston hotel . Markoff , a 22-year-old medical student at Boston University , was charged with murder , unlawful possession of a firearm , and kidnapping . He is also suspected of attacks on two other escorts at hotels . However , even before the so-called `` Craigslist killing , '' the site had worked with a group of 40 attorneys general to create new measures on the site designed to thwart ads for prostitution and other illegal sexual activities . Craigslist requires anyone posting ads to the erotic services section to submit an operational phone number and credit card , the site announced last year . But those measures do n't do enough to stem prostitution , according to a federal lawsuit filed in March against Craigslist by the sheriff of Illinois ' Cook County , alleging that the Web 's largest classifieds publication is `` facilitating prostitution . '' Sheriff Tom Dart asked the court to force Craigslist to remove the erotic services section and for $ 100,000 in compensation for the man-hours the county paid police to investigate alleged criminal services being advertised on the site . Buckmaster suggested at the time that the suit was a waste of time , saying that `` Craigslist can not be held liable , as a matter of clear federal law , for content submitted to the site by our users . '' Craigslist announced later that month that ads for such services were down 90 percent to 95 percent during the past 12 months on Craigslist sites that serve five major U.S. cities . However , many CNET News readers suggested that the reduction was due to the ads being relabeled and moved to another section . While some portray Craigslist as the world 's largest bordello , workers in the sex trade say the site helps reduce the risk of violence prostitutes often face . `` Craigslist is important to helping us avoid violence , '' a 35-year-old sex worker in San Francisco told CNET News last month before the murder in Boston occurred . `` Craigslist is a way to filter out that kind of person ... and with Craigslist there is no need for pimps . '' © 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. . All rights reserved . CNET , CNET.com and the CNET logo are registered trademarks of CBS Interactive Inc. . Used by permission .
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Craigslist has been under fire over its listings for suspected illegal sexual activities . Three state attorneys general plan to meet with Craigslist representatives Tuesday . Two sides are expected to discuss eliminating ads for prostitution from the site . Philip Markoff is suspected of killing a masseuse he met through Craigslist .
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LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rory McIlroy may be tipped for great things but according to the `` CNN Living Golf '' producer , Chris Eldergill , his home course is on the road to success as well . The CNN crew with Rory McIlroy at the Lough Erne Golf Resort , Northern Ireland . In these troubled times , you 're hard pushed to find a golf development which either has n't been put on hold or canceled altogether . That coupled with the fact that golf tourism in Northern Ireland has been in steep decline , it 's a testament to the people of Lough Erne Golf Resort that they 're opening their brand new championship course this summer . We have just returned from Lough Erne , which is situated about two hours west of Belfast in Northern Ireland , after spending some time with golf 's biggest teenage sensation , Lough Erne 's attached professional Rory McIlroy . Watch a preview of the show '' Whilst it was impressive to see such maturity from a 19 year old who has achieved so much so young , it was also impressive to see the surroundings he is blessed with . Created by six-time major champion Nick Faldo , The Faldo Course will be a par-72 layout set on a breath-taking peninsula -- if the photos do n't help visualize this for you , think Loch Lomond . And like the venue for the annual Scottish Open , do n't bet against this being a regular stop on the European Tour in the near future . During our stay , we were itching to get out and experience some of the course for ourselves but with gusting winds and with water on 14 of the 18 holes , only the brave or very talented would have survived ... and neither applied to us ! But with such a rich tradition of superb golf courses in Northern Ireland like Royal Portrush , Castlerock and Royal County Down , how will Lough Erne compete ? Simple ... their resident professional . Just days after this year 's Open Championship at Turnberry in Scotland , McIlroy will take on Ireland 's greatest ever golfer , three times Major Champion , Padraig Harrington , in the inaugural Lough Erne Challenge , a one-day event scheduled for Wednesday , July 22 . Harrington is gunning for a third consecutive Open championship whilst McIlroy is aiming to be the youngest Major winner in history -- not bad publicity for a course which would have been open for a mere three weeks . Only 4,000 tickets have been set aside for the event so if you ca n't make it to Turnberry , you could do worse than to see these two fight it out . CNN Living Golf airs at the times below : . ALL TIMES GMT Thursday , April 2 : 1230 , 1730 Saturday , April 4 : 0700 , 1730 Sunday , April 5 : 0300 , 0730 , 1500 .
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Teenager Rory McIlroy is resident pro at Lough Erne Golf Resort near Belfast . The resort plans to open its new championship course this summer . `` The Faldo Course '' was created by six-time major champion Nick Faldo . Rory McIlroy will take on Padraig Harrington in its inaugural event on July 22 .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- World number two Phil Mickelson has indefinitely suspended his PGA Tour schedule after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer . Phil and Amy Mickelson have been married for 13 years and have three children . Three-time major winner Mickelson was due to play at the Byron Nelson Championship starting on Thursday and defend his title at Colonial next week -- but has withdrawn to be alongside his wife , Amy . `` After undergoing an extensive battery of tests Phil Mickelsons 's wife , Amy , has been diagnosed with breast cancer , '' said a statement on the American 's official Web site . `` More tests are scheduled but the treatment process is expected to begin with major surgery , possibly within the next two weeks . '' Mickelson met his wife , a former cheerleader for the Phoenix Suns National Basketball Association team , in 1992 and they were married in 1996 . They have three children -- nine-year-old Amanda , seven-year-old Sophia and Evan who is six . PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said on the official PGA Web site : `` We are saddened by the news of Amy Mickelson 's diagnosis , but are hopeful that with the support of Phil and her family and friends , she will come through this difficult tim . `` The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with the PGA Tour are with the Mickelson family . '' World number one Tiger Woods added : `` Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy . Our thoughts and prayers are with her , Phil , the children and the entire Mickelson family . ''
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World number two Phil Mickelson has suspended his PGA Tour schedule . Mickelson has withdrawn to be alongside his wife Amy who has breast cancer . The pair have been married for 13 years and have two daughters and one son .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The world 's best female golfer , Lorena Ochoa of Mexico , has exclusively revealed to CNN that a meeting with Tiger Woods in her youth inspired her to become the player she is today . Tiger Woods and Lorena Ochoa pose at the Golf Writer 's Association of America Awards in 2007 . The pair first met at Tory Pines when both competing in the Junior World Championships , an event that Woods won a record six times and Ochoa has won five . The two then met again 15 years later at the Golf Writer 's Association of America Awards where both were named players of the year . Ochoa , 27 , told CNN 's Living Golf program the meeting had a big impact on her : `` You do n't realize the importance of things until you 're older and look back . I 'm just glad it worked out the way it did for us . `` He was boy and I was a girl , we were both young and we did n't know what we were doing . I did n't see him for another 15 years , but I reminded him and showed him the pictures and he was like `` wow '' . '' Ochoa , who started playing golf aged just five-years-old , has now won 26 LPGA Tour titles but said despite the success it has been harder to sustain her number one spot than it was to attain it . `` It 's harder to stay number one than getting there - if you get distracted or stop practicing you can very easily lose your position . Ochoa overtook Annika Sörenstam to become the world number one ranked golfer in 2007 and since has won two majors , including the Women 's British Open and the Kraft Nabisco Championship . The Mexican also picked up the Honda LPGA Thailand recently but says her drive to win more remains the same : `` My life has changed a lot . I 've been preparing myself to get to that position so it did n't take me by surprise . It took me five years from turning professional to becoming the number on in the world . It 's not easy but it 's been a lot of fun and I want to stay here . '' The next major championship for Ochoa to set her sights on will be the McDonald 's LPGA Championship on June 11-14 .
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Lorena Ochoa and Tiger Woods first met at the Junior World Championships . Ochoa has won 26 LPGA titles since turning professional . The Mexican started playing the game aged five .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- She 's been compared to the Dalai Lama , the Chinese Tibetan Buddhist leader , but the name Rebiya Kadeer does n't ring a bell to many people outside of China . Rebiya Kadeer has been dubbed `` the Mother of All Uyghurs . '' Nevertheless , the world-famous man and the relatively obscure woman share similarities that chime with political relevance . A diminutive northern Virginia resident , Kadeer has emerged as the voice of the restive but relatively unknown Uyghur Muslims , a Turkic-speaking ethnic minority in China , and the group 's far-flung diaspora . And like the Dalai Lama , she 's revered by supporters and reviled by the Chinese government . `` Even though one is a man , and the other is a woman , they have one thing in common , and that is they engage in activities to split the motherland and damage national unity , '' said Qin Gang , a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry . Kadeer , 62 , emerged in the world media spotlight after China blamed her for stoking July 's unrest in China 's remote Xinjiang Autonomous Region , an area four times the size of California in the northwestern part of the country . Reports vary on the number of people killed , ranging from around 200 to many more . The problems began in late June , after two Uyghur migrant workers at a toy factory in Guangdong province were killed after a brawl between Uyghurs and ethnic Han Chinese -- the majority group in China . Uyghurs protested in Urumqi , the Xinjiang capital , hundreds of miles from the toy factory . Uyghurs and Han reportedly attacked each other . Nur Bekri , the Chinese government 's top official in Xinjiang , accused Kadeer and the World Uyghur Congress she leads of instigating the unrest via the Internet . `` The violence is premeditated , organized violent crime , '' Bekri said . `` It was instigated and directed from abroad and carried out by outlaws in the country . '' China 's constitution guarantees ethnic minorities equal rights and limited autonomy . And the Chinese government has implemented several programs designed to help ethnic minorities , but Kadeer says China still treats Uyghurs as second-class citizens -- and she blames China for most of the recent unrest . Since the violence erupted , Kadeer has worked the media with a mission , drumming up support for the Uyghur cause and shining a light on what she says are China 's `` unjust policies '' toward her people . The estimated size of Uyghur population in China ranges from 8 million to 11 million people , making them a distinct minority in a country of 1.5 billion people . Uyghurs have long complained of being treated as a lesser class , but China has dismissed that charge and touted its commitment to ethnic unity . `` Let them hear our voice and raise public awareness about our situation , '' Kadeer told CNN . `` That 's the main thing that I wish to do right now . '' Dubbed `` the Mother of All Uyghurs , '' Kadeer does n't quite fit the profile of a political firebrand . Born in modest circumstances , Kadeer fell into dire poverty amid the late Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong 's forced relocation programs . She worked her way up from laundry worker to become a millionaire businesswoman as China opened to free enterprise . She amassed an empire with department stores , real estate , lumber , scrap iron , factories and other enterprises . She was also chosen as a member of a Chinese National Congress and other posts . However , the mother of 11 children -- some of whom are in jail in China -- was n't shy about speaking out about the conditions faced by Uyghurs , such as political imprisonment . Her activism landed her in jail in 1999 , an incarceration that attracted international attention and condemnation from rights groups and Western political officials . China released her on medical grounds in 2005 amid pressure from the U.S. government . She was granted political asylum in the United States , reunited with her husband , and embarked on activist work . Along with her role as president of the World Uyghur Congress , Kadeer is the president of the board of the Uyghur American Association and the full-time director of the International Uyghur Human Rights and Democracy Foundation . Those groups receive money from U.S. taxpayers through the National Endowment for Democracy , a private , nonprofit organization created `` to strengthen democratic institutions '' around the world . Hugh Pope , author of the `` Sons of the Conquerors : The Rise of the Turkic World , '' describes Kadeer as a skillful and hard-working activist who has done a lot for the Uyghurs . He said she is well-situated in the Washington area , where she has easy access to media outlets , and is a `` natural focal point '' for the Uyghur rights cause . `` She has a canny sense on how to get on top of the situation . As long as she can maintain the Dalai Lama-like profile , she will persist in being a spokeswoman for the Uyghurs , '' Pope said . Dru Gladney , an expert on China and its ethnic groups , described Kadeer as a significant leader who is a charismatic , determined and maternal figure who can move easily among the elites and the common people . She has a message that can unite Uyghurs , and China 's criticism of her in some ways has enhanced her stature , said Gladney , president of Pacific Basin Institute at Pomona College in California . `` She seems like somebody all Uyghurs can look up to , '' he said . He noted that her following is `` quite remarkable '' since she is a woman and both Muslim and Chinese cultures are patriarchal . She abhors violence and favors peaceful resolution of conflicts , Gladney said . In that respect , she mirrors the non-violent sentiment espoused by the Dalai Lama , who wrote an introduction to Kadeer 's autobiography `` Dragon Fighter , '' recently published in English . `` The Uyghur and the Tibetan people have a history of relationship and in modern times have shared somewhat similar experiences . I therefore hope that this book by Mrs. Kadeer will enable the readers to comprehend the experience of the Uyghur people , '' the Dalai Lama wrote . Kadeer told CNN she has had `` close communication '' with the Dalai Lama . She said `` our philosophy in peace is the same '' and said the movements of both peoples for justice are connected . `` If the Chinese have the authority to destroy one of them , they have the authority to destroy the other , '' she said . China 's state-run Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday that Chinese President Hu Jintao , in a visit to Yunnan province this week , urged all people to show mutual respect and concern . He also said all ethnic minorities are important members of the Chinese family , the news agency reported in a story that did not specifically mention Uyghurs . The Communist Party of China and the government plan to emphasize more strongly developing areas inhabited by ethnic minorities and strengthen support to improve their livelihood , according to Xinhua 's paraphrasing of Hu 's remarks . In a recent Wall Street Journal essay , `` China 's Ethnic Fault Lines , '' Gladney wrote that by the mid-1980s `` official minorities were beginning to receive real benefits from the implementation of several affirmative action programs . '' They include `` permission to have more children -LRB- except in urban areas , minorities are generally not bound by the one-child policy -RRB- , '' paying fewer taxes , getting `` greater access to public office , '' and better education for children -- in Mandarin Chinese rather than native tongues . Kadeer has spent much of the last few weeks plowing through media interviews and chatting about how she juggles being the `` Mother of All Uyghurs '' with being a mother to her flesh-and-blood children . `` My family is very supportive of my activity , '' she said through a translator . Yet she has spent time apart from her husband , also a Uyghur activist , and children because of political ferment and imprisonment . Kadeer says this is a `` very dark time for the Uyghur people . '' She condemned Chinese security forces for killing and injuring Uyghur demonstrators this month in Urumqi . Unrest also took place in the cities of Kashgar and Hotan , she said . While she focuses on what she says is the Chinese crackdown against Uyghurs in `` East Turkestan '' -- the name Uyghurs use for the region -- she also condemned reported violence by `` a number of Uyghur demonstrators . '' `` Uyghur demonstrators were doubtless expressing discontent over the severe and comprehensive repression they have suffered for years in East Turkestan , '' she said . She cited `` arbitrary detention , torture , and execution '' the repression of their religion , `` forced abortion and discrimination in several spheres , including health care and employment . '' In her talks , Kadeer -- who sports braids and a traditional Uyghur dopa cap -- urges China to `` stop the cultural genocide '' and `` address the legitimate grievances of the Uyghur people . '' `` I do believe that even our enemy would come dine at our table , '' she said , `` because what we have been doing is in a peaceful way . So I do believe that they would come to our table and resolve this . '' CNN 's Jim Clancy contributed to this report .
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Rebiya Kadeer emerges as leader of minority Uyghur Muslims in China . Chinese government reviles Kadeer , blames her for stoking unrest . Kadeer mirrors the non-violent sentiment espoused by the Dalai Lama . This is a `` very dark time for the Uyghur people , '' Kadeer says .
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MEXICO CITY , Mexico -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A vicious turf war between drug cartels and Mexican authorities that has left as many as 4,300 dead so far this year may have caused a breach in the internal security systems of Interpol , the international police organization . A member of the Federal Investigative Agency participates in an narcotics operation . Interpol , which is based in France , announced Wednesday it is sending a team of investigators to Mexico to investigate the possibility that its communications systems and databases are not being used for legitimate law enforcement purposes . The prospect was raised after the arrest of the top official working with the agency in the country . Ricardo Gutierrez Vargas , director for International Police Affairs at Mexico 's Federal Investigative Agency and the head of Mexico 's Interpol office , was placed under house arrest Sunday , the attorney general 's office said Tuesday . More than 30 officials have been arrested since July in connection with the anti-corruption Operation Limpieza , an ongoing investigation into information leaks by law enforcement officials to drug traffickers , said Niverda Amado , a government press secretary in Mexico City . Gutierrez can be held for up to 40 days while authorities `` obtain sufficient evidence to determine his probable responsibility , '' the attorney general 's office said in a news release . Rodolfo de la Guardia Garcia , a former top official at the Federal Investigative Agency , also is under 40-day house arrest . He was arrested October 29 . Mexico 's Interpol office , or National Central Bureau , is staffed and run by the Federal Investigative Agency . Mexican officials did not offer specifics on their investigation other than to say that Operation Limpieza , which means `` Operation Cleanup , '' is aimed `` against public servants who give reserved information to people not authorized to have it . '' Interpol said in a news release Wednesday it needs to make sure the agency 's information remains secure . `` As Mexico 's attorney general 's office has a duty to ensure that Interpol 's communications system and databases are being used for legitimate law enforcement purposes and in compliance with Interpol 's rules , Interpol is immediately dispatching a team of general secretariat staff to Mexico , '' Interpol said . `` The purpose of their mission is to meet with relevant Mexican authorities in order to establish if there are any allegations of improper use of Interpol 's systems by any Mexican law enforcement official . '' After the investigation , Interpol said , the agency will determine whether proper security steps have been taken . `` An assessment can then be made of the procedures put in place by the attorney general 's office , which is responsible for the Interpol office in Mexico , to ensure that Interpol 's rules and regulations are being followed , '' the agency said . The arrests came amid `` a war of master proportions '' between authorities and narcotics traffickers that has left more than 4,300 dead so far this year , according to the Council on Hemispheric Affairs , an independent research and information organization . By comparison , the council said in a report Tuesday , there were 2,700 drug-related deaths in 2007 . `` Homegrown drug cartels operating from both within and outside the country are engaging in a vicious turf war to seize control of major trafficking corridors while engaging in almost open warfare against the mobilized forces of the state , '' the council says about what it calls `` narco-fueled crime . '' Mexican leaders have been trying to tamp down the violence by tightening controls on money-laundering and cracking down on corruption among local and municipal police forces infiltrated by drug traffickers . It may not be enough . `` Due to pervasive corruption at the highest levels of the Mexican government , and the almost effortless infiltration of the porous security forces by the cartel , an ultimate victory by the state is far from certain , '' the Hemispheric Council concludes . Drug trafficking in Mexico is a $ 20 billion - to $ 50 billion-a-year industry , as much as the nation earns from tourism or remittances from Mexicans living in the United States , said Robert Pastor , a former national security adviser to President Jimmy Carter and now a professor of international relations at American University in Washington . He has been studying Latin America for more than four decades . `` This is a huge industry with an extraordinary capacity to corrupt and intimidate the country . And they 're doing both right now , '' said Pastor , also a former director of the Carter Center 's Latin American and Caribbean Program . The drug cartels are paying some Mexican officials bribes of $ 150,000 to $ 450,000 a month , authorities have said . The payment is far beyond the per capita income of $ 12,500 a year in Mexico , where one of every seven Mexicans lives in poverty , according to the CIA World Factbook . Pastor believes that Mexican President Felipe Calderon , who took office in December 2006 , made a correct assessment that he needs to fight the drug cartels as hard as he can . `` You have to obviously escalate the cost of violating the law , '' he said . The United States also could help more , he said . `` There are 7,600 gun shops within 50 miles of the Mexican border , and they 're selling primarily to drug lords , '' Pastor said . `` We are part of this problem and we have n't been significantly supportive . '' And while the war may never be completely won , the government can make vast gains , as happened in Colombia , he said . Pastor was in Mexico giving a speech last week when Colombian President Alvaro Uribe met with Mexico 's Calderon . Mexicans were quite taken with Uribe 's message on how to fight drug traffickers , Pastor said . The first step that Uribe took , he said , was to take the fight to the paramilitary forces , the drug traffickers and the leftist guerrillas known as FARC , who often work in collaboration with the traffickers . Also , Pastor said , Colombian officials `` used money the same way that the narcotraffickers do -- to bribe people . And there 's a lot more security on the streets and everywhere else , so people feel safer . '' Despite the gains , he said , the ultimate answer may have to come from the political arena , not from law enforcement . `` There 's no easy solution to it unless you put an end to the criminalization drugs , and that 's not going to happen , '' Pastor said . CNN 's Arthur Brice contributed to this report .
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NEW : Interpol sending team to Mexico to check if sensitive info compromised . Ricardo Gutierrez Vargas detained under Mexico 's `` Operation Cleanup '' Gutierrez Vargas is head of Interpol operation in Mexico . Previous `` Cleanup '' arrests have involved charges of selling info to drug cartels .
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WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. military 's `` do n't ask-don ' t tell '' policy could be overturned in the first year of President-elect Barack Obama 's administration , according to the lead sponsor of a bill that would repeal the law . A bill that would repeal the U.S. military 's `` do n't ask-don ' t tell '' policy has 149 co-sponsors in the House . Obama has pledged to lift the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military . A spokesman for Obama 's transition office would not comment for this story , but two months ago , Obama suggested he would move cautiously , telling the Philadelphia Gay News he would first get the military on board . `` Although I have consistently said I would repeal ` do n't ask-don ' t tell , ' I believe that the way to do it is to make sure that we are working through processes , getting the Joint Chiefs of Staff clear in terms of what our priorities are going to be , '' Obama told the newspaper . Instituted in 1993 , the policy ended the military 's practice of asking potential service members if they are gay , but requires the dismissal of openly gay service members . A bill to replace the law with a policy that would allow gays to openly serve has 149 co-sponsors in the U.S. House , including Ellen Tauscher , D-California . Tauscher said that with a new administration , the timing is right to try to pass the bill . `` The key here is to get bills that pass the House and the Senate , that we can get to President-elect Obama to sign , and I think that we can do that , certainly , the first year of the administration , '' Tauscher told CNN . Gay rights advocates say it 's important for Obama to avoid the approach used by the Clinton administration . President Clinton initially promised to repeal the military 's then-complete ban on gays with an executive order . But the plan roiled Pentagon brass -- including then-Joint Chiefs Chairman Colin Powell -- and provoked a fierce backlash from conservatives in Congress . Congress stripped Clinton of his power to change the policy and forced him to accept the `` do n't ask-don ' t tell '' compromise -- a law that can be repealed only by Congress . But after 15 years and four wars , attitudes in the Pentagon -- and among the public -- have changed . A Washington Post/ABC News poll this summer found 75 percent of Americans support allowing gays to serve openly , compared to only 45 percent in 1993 . Retired Adm. Charles Larson , the former head of the Naval Academy , heads a list of more than 100 retired U.S. military leaders who have signed a statement calling for an end the policy , according to the Palm Center at the University of California-Santa Barbara . The think tank has studied issues involving gays in the military for the past decade . CNN 's Laurie Ure contributed to this report .
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Bill would allow gays to openly serve in the U.S. military . During run for presidency , Barack Obama said he would repeal `` do n't ask-don ' t tell '' Bill sponsor : New policy could pass in first year of Obama administration .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Norwegian shipping firm has ordered its vessels to avoid the waters off the Horn of Africa and criticized governments for failing to curb a wave of piracy after Somalia-based hijackers seized their largest prize to date . Image taken by the U.S. Navy of pirates leaving a captured merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden . The decision by the maritime company Odfjell SE means its 90-plus ships will take the additional time and expense to sail around the southern tip of Africa instead of going through the Suez Canal , a shortcut for mariners for nearly a century and a half . `` It is a huge step , but what we have seen is that the piracy activity in the area has increased , '' the company 's president , Terje Storeng , told CNN . `` We have thought about the crew on board the ships and we do n't want them to be exposed to this risk of being hijacked any longer . '' Storeng said in a statement the company will still sail through the Gulf of Aden only if explicitly committed to doing so by existing contracts . The Gulf of Aden , which lies between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian peninsula , is the gateway to the southern Red Sea , which is linked to the Mediterranean by the Suez Canal . Going around the Cape of Good Hope would add thousands of kilometers to a voyage from the Middle East to Europe or North America . Map of the new route '' The announcement followed Monday 's news that the 300,000-metric-ton oil tanker Sirius Star was captured by pirates in the Indian Ocean over the weekend . The hijacking took place more than 720 km -LRB- 450 miles -RRB- off the Kenyan port of Mombasa , well south of the zone patrolled by international warships in an effort to clamp down on the pirates . Watch more about the tanker hijacking '' `` This is the furthest out to sea that we 've seen any attack , so it 's concerning to us , '' Lt. Nathan Christensen , a U.S. Navy spokesman in Bahrain , told CNN . `` The pirates are certainly expanding their ability to attack ships out to sea . '' The 330-meter -LRB- 1,080-foot -RRB- ship , owned by a subsidiary of the Saudi Aramco oil company , was headed for an anchorage off the Somali coast early Tuesday . The pirates typically hold the crews hostage and attempt to extract a ransom from the owners of the vessels . The hijacking of the Sirius Star , which launched earlier this year , is part of a recent upsurge of attacks off east Africa , according to the International Maritime Bureau . The attacks are spreading farther north to the Gulf of Aden and farther south off the Kenyan coast , said Noel Choong , who heads the bureau 's Piracy Reporting Center , which monitors attacks around the world from its base in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia . `` The risks are low and the returns are extremely high for these pirates , '' Choong told CNN . Pirates know that their chances of getting killed or captured during a hijacking are very low , he said . The IMB issued a warning November 14 about the possibility of attacks south of Somalia , Choong said . The next day , pirates hijacked the Sirius Star . The oil tanker , known in the industry as a `` very large crude carrier , '' was following the route around the Cape of Good Hope when it was attacked because it was too big to go through the Suez with a full load , said Arthur Bowring , managing director of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association . `` These pirates seem to be incredibly well-equipped and very well armed and very well informed about shipping , '' Bowring told CNN . `` They would appear to be able to go anywhere to get these tankers . '' The Sirius Star is the largest vessel ever to be attacked by pirates , Choong said . It is carrying a crew of 25 , from Croatia , Britain , the Philippines , Poland , and Saudi Arabia . Odfjell 's president said the detour around the cape will take between six and 12 days longer than going through the Suez . Storeng would not say how much extra the deviation would cost , though he said Odfjell would ask its customers to contribute to the extra cost . `` On the other hand , we will not pay the duties to pass the Suez Canal , '' he said . `` That 's quite an expensive canal passage . The duties there are quite heavy . '' Odfjell operates a fleet of chemical carriers , and similar ships have been among those hijacked in recent months . In its statement , the Norwegian company said it was `` frustrated '' by what it called the `` limited interest '' shown in securing the high seas . `` The efforts that are being made do not seem to put an effective end to what can best be described as ruthless , high-level organized crime , '' Storeng said . Storeng said the company has suffered one attack , about a month ago in the same area , but the captain and crew managed to deflect the pirates by using the ship 's firefighting system . He said Odfjell prefers to travel with escort vessels instead of hiring private on-board security . `` We feel that taking on board a ship armed people , and having the risk of shooting at the chemical tankers with explosive cargos on board , is not a good idea , '' he told CNN . `` We do n't want to have a big blow-up . We prefer to have escort of naval ships as compared to having people on board to protect us with guns . We do n't feel that is a good option . '' But the U.S.-led naval mission that patrols the Horn of Africa said successful attacks have decreased in recent weeks . Russian and British warships have fended off pirate attacks on commercial shipping in the past week , authorities in those countries have reported . Some experts say the area is too vast to be successfully patrolled by government or military ships , and that pirates take advantage of it . -- CNN 's David McKenzie in Nairobi , Kenya , and Caroline Faraj in Dubai , United Arab Emirates , contributed to this report .
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Odfjell : Ships will take additional time , expense to sail around south of Africa . Company to sail through Gulf of Aden only if contractually obliged to . Pirate attacks have increased sharply in perilous Gulf of Aden region this year . Multinational naval force has been patrolling the area to provide protection .
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BANGKOK , Thailand -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Flights into Thailand have been thrown into chaos Wednesday after explosions at two Bangkok airports wounded four people and triggered the closure of its main international gateway -- a major hub in the region for travelers , authorities said . Passengers face a long wait inside Suvarnabhumi airport with most flights canceled . The blasts come a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the airports to protest the return of Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from the APEC summit in Peru . One blast occurred at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 5 a.m. -LRB- 2200 Tuesday GMT -RRB- , an airport official said . One person was wounded in that attack . Continued protests caused authorities to cancel all incoming and outgoing flights there , an assistant to airport director Serirat Prasutanond told CNN . Three protesters also entered the airport 's control tower , demanding the prime minister 's flight schedule , The Associated Press quoted Group Capt. Chokchai Saranon , a control tower official , as saying . As the airport had been shut down , there were no controllers in the tower , AP reported . Watch what 's behind protesters ' demands '' The other blast occurred at 6:40 a.m. Wednesday -LRB- 2340 Tuesday GMT -RRB- at the Don Muang International Airport , wounding three people , police said . Suvarnabhumi Airport later canceled all flights , AP reported . On Tuesday thousands of anti-government protesters partially shut down Suvarnabhumi Airport , the country 's main airport , an airport spokesman said . Watch fists fly in the terminal '' Pro- and anti-government protesters also exchanged gunfire , a Thai police official said . Protesters with golf clubs and long wooden sticks also clashed with airport taxi drivers , with each side throwing things at the other . The clash started when the anti-government group People 's Alliance for Democracy -LRB- PAD -RRB- was mobilizing supporters near the Don Muang airport , which the government is using as its temporary office . iReport.com : Are you there ? Send pics , video . The PAD ran into a pro-government group , resulting in an exchange of abusive words , and the pro-government group threw rocks into the PAD crowd prompting an exchange of gunfire , the police official said . The PAD has been leading protests against the government since May , accusing the government of being a front for ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra . Protesters surrounded the parliament building on Monday , forcing lawmakers to postpone their session . Thaksin was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006 , only to return after the People Power Party won elections in December 2007 . He left again in August of this year , shortly before he was to face trial on corruption charges . In October Thailand 's Supreme Court ruled that Thaksin had abused his powers while in office and sentenced the absent former leader to two years in prison . The case was one of several lodged against Thaksin , who protesters want to return to Thailand to face trial . Thaksin stayed in the United Kingdom for much of this year before British authorities revoked his visa . CNN 's Kocha Olarn 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 .
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NEW : Authorities cancel all flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport after blast ; one wounded . Three people wounded at blast at Don Muang International Airport . Pro- and anti-government protesters exchange gunfire . People 's Alliance for Democracy has been leading protests since May .
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NAIROBI , Kenya -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A high-level Kenyan delegation has agreed with the International Criminal Court to set up a tribunal by July 2010 to prosecute those who instigated last year 's devastating post-election violence . Residents of a Nairobi slum shout during clashes between two rival groups in January 2008 . Failing that , the government in Kenya will refer the case to the court 's prosecutor to take over . The delegation , in a signed agreement with chief prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo , also agreed to provide the court with a report on the current status of investigations and prosecutions so it can carry out `` preliminary examinations '' of the case . The violence that erupted in Kenya following a disputed election in December 2007 nearly tore apart an African country once considered an island of peace in an otherwise troubled region that includes Somalia . Nearly 1,500 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced after the re-election of Mwai Kibaki . The opposition , led by Raila Odinga , and many independent observers , said the vote had been rigged . Under pressure from abroad and the region , former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan helped hammer out an agreement that led to a coalition government of all major political parties . A key part of the deal was the forming of a tribunal to investigate and prosecute the leaders responsible for the violence . Annan promised to hand over a list of suspects to the court , should the Kenyan government not form a tribunal . He gave August as a deadline . The court 's agreement with Kenya now gives the government breathing room . A U.N. special investigator , in a report issued in June , called for the resignation of top Kenyan officials and sweeping changes in the country 's security forces to end reported unlawful killings by police nationwide . The report called for the resignation of Kenya 's attorney general and the immediate replacement of the police commissioner . It also said Kibaki should publicly acknowledge his commitment to ending unlawful killings by police . The Kenya government expressed its `` deep displeasure '' and `` grave concern '' with the report , saying it impinged on the country 's sovereignty . The U.N. investigator also advocated creating an independent civilian police oversight body , and said the International Criminal Court should investigate violence after the 2007 election . He urged the government to create a witness protection program as well . Many analysts who follow Kenya think the next general election in 2012 has a significant chance of descending into violence , should key government reforms not be put in place .
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Violence after December 2007 elections nearly tore Kenya apart . Nearly 1,500 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced . Tribunal was part of deal to end ethnic violence .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Louisiana appeals court ruled it was too early to consider a motion to release a black teenager who allegedly took part in beating up a white classmate in Jena , Louisiana , last year . Mychal Bell , 17 , is accused with five others of severely beating Justin Barker in a school fight . The Tuesday ruling is the latest turn in the racially charged saga of a group known as the Jena 6 -- six black teens initially charged with attempted murder after they allegedly knocked out classmate Justin Barker and stomped him during a school fight . Five of the teens were charged as adults . Civil rights groups and other organizations have marshaled thousands of people to march on Jena on Thursday , a day originally slated for 17-year-old Mychal Bell 's sentencing hearing on battery and conspiracy convictions . However , a district judge earlier this month tossed out Bell 's conviction for conspiracy to commit second-degree battery , saying the matter should have been handled in the juvenile court . On Friday , the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Lake Charles , Louisiana , did the same with Bell 's battery conviction . A three-judge panel ruled Tuesday , however , that it would not consider a motion to free Bell from prison . `` The motion for release from custody , filed by the defendant in this court , is premature , '' the panel ruled without setting a date for considering the motion . The future of Bell 's case is up to the district attorney , who must decide whether to refile the charges in juvenile court , Bell 's attorney Bob Noel said last week . Charges against four of the teens -- Bell , Carwin Jones , Theodore Shaw and Robert Bailey -- have been reduced to battery and conspiracy . Shaw and Jones have not gone to trial . Bailey has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his trial is scheduled for November 26 . Bryant Purvis and an unidentified juvenile remain charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder . Advocates of the Jena 6 say the story began well before the December 4 beating . They say it began in September when three white students decided to hang nooses from a tree on campus . In September 2006 , a black student asked the vice principal if he and some friends could sit under an oak tree where white students typically congregated . Told by the vice principal they could sit wherever they pleased , the student and his pals sat under the sprawling branches of the shade tree in the campus courtyard . The next day , students arrived at school to find three nooses hanging from those branches . According to The Town Talk in nearby Alexandria , the school 's principal recommended expulsion for those behind the nooses . Instead , the newspaper reported , a school district committee suspended three white students for three days for hanging the nooses , a gesture written off as a `` prank . '' Racial tensions flared . The district attorney was summoned to address the student body . Off-campus fights were reported . On November 30 , someone torched the school 's main academic building . The arson remains unsolved , but many suspect it was linked to the discord . Four days after the arson , several students jumped Barker , knocking him unconscious before stomping and kicking him . Parents of the Jena 6 say they heard Barker was hurling racial epithets . Barker 's parents insist he did nothing to provoke the beating . Barker was taken to a hospital with injuries to both eyes and ears as well as cuts . His right eye had blood clots , said his mother , Kelli Barker . He was treated and released that day . Bails for the Jena 6 were set at between $ 70,000 and $ 138,000 . All but Bell posted bond . The judge has refused to lower his $ 90,000 bail , citing Bell 's criminal record , which includes four juvenile offenses -- two simple battery charges among them . E-mail to a friend .
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Thousands expected to march in Jena on Thursday to protest charges . Appeals court does not set a date for hearing a motion to release Mychal Bell . Bell one of six teens charged with beating up a white classmate . Tension at Jena High flared when white students hung nooses from campus tree .
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WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Private military contractor Blackwater USA `` delayed and impeded '' a congressional probe into the 2004 killings of four of its employees in Falluja , Iraq , the House Oversight Committee said Thursday in a report . Family members of the slain Blackwater employees listen during a congressional hearing earlier this year . Blackwater contractors Jerry Zovko , Scott Helvenston , Mike Teague and Wesley Batalona were ambushed , dragged from their vehicles and killed on March 31 , 2004 . The burned and mutilated remains of two of the men were hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River , an image that fueled American outrage and triggered the first of two attempts to retake the city from Sunni Arab insurgents . The company stalled the committee 's investigation into the incident by `` erroneously claiming '' documents related to the incident were classified , trying to get the Defense Department to make previously unclassified documents classified and `` asserting questionable legal privileges , '' according to a report from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee 's Democratic staff . According to Blackwater 's reports on the killings , the men killed in Falluja had been sent into the area without proper crew , equipment or even maps . One company document found a `` complete lack of support '' for its Baghdad , Iraq , office from executives at the company 's headquarters in North Carolina , the committee report states . `` According to these documents , Blackwater took on the Falluja mission before its contract officially began , and after being warned by its predecessor that it was too dangerous . It sent its team on the mission without properly armored vehicles and machine guns . And it cut the standard mission team by two members , thus depriving them of rear gunners , '' the report states . In a written response to the report , Blackwater called it `` a one-sided version of this tragic incident . '' `` What the report fails to acknowledge is that the terrorists determined what happened that fateful day in 2004 , '' the company said . `` The terrorists were intent on killing Americans and desecrating their bodies . Documents that the committee has in its possession point out that the Blackwater team was betrayed and directed into a well-planned ambush . '' The report notes that members of the now-defunct Iraqi Civil Defense Corps `` led the team into the ambush , facilitated blocking positions to prevent the team 's escape , and then disappeared . '' Blackwater did not discuss details of the report 's findings , noting the incident is still the subject of a lawsuit by the slain contractors ' families . The committee 's chairman , California Democrat Henry Waxman , has scheduled a hearing Tuesday on Blackwater 's operations in Iraq . The company 's chairman , Erik Prince , is scheduled to testify at that hearing . The committee previously disclosed that the day before the fatal mission , the manager of Blackwater 's Baghdad office warned his bosses he lacked armored vehicles , radio gear and ammunition . During February 's hearing and in a subsequent written response , Blackwater general counsel Andrew Howell told the committee that documents on the attack had been classified by the U.S. government . But the Pentagon later told the committee the documents had not been classified . In addition , Blackwater made `` multiple attempts '' to get the Defense Department to declare company and Coalition Provisional Authority reports on the incident classified , the report states . The Pentagon refused . The families of the slain men have sued Blackwater Security Consulting , one of the most familiar of hundreds of private military contractors operating in Iraq . The families allege the company failed to provide their relatives with adequate gear and weaponry . Blackwater has denied the allegations and argued the men agreed to assume the risks of working in a war zone . Thursday 's report adds to the intense scrutiny the company has faced since it was involved in shootings September 16 in western Baghdad . Iraqi authorities said Blackwater guards protecting a U.S. Embassy convoy opened fire indiscriminately , killing as many as 20 civilians . Blackwater said its employees responded properly to an insurgent attack on the convoy . Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte on Thursday told a Senate committee that `` something went tragically wrong '' in the Baghdad incident , and that the State Department and Iraqi authorities are conducting a thorough investigation . He said Blackwater guards had fired their weapons on 56 of the 1,873 escort missions they have conducted in Iraq in 2007 , `` And each such incident is reviewed by management officials to ensure that procedures were followed . '' `` I personally was grateful for the presence of my Blackwater security detail , largely comprised of ex-Special Forces and other military , when I served as ambassador to Iraq , '' Negroponte told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday in response to questions . `` Their alert and controlled posture kept me safe -- to get my job done . '' E-mail to a friend .
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House probe : Blackwater tried to delay , impede investigation into 2004 killings . Four Blackwater employees ambushed , killed in Falluja in 2004 incident . Company said unclassified documents were classified , report says . Blackwater calls report `` a one-sided version of this tragic incident ''
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Airlines canceled thousands of flights for a second day and began to regroup as a historic winter storm pushed through the upper Midwest and into the Northeast on Wednesday . O'Hare International Airport was expected to have limited or no flight operations as up to two feet of snow was forecast to fall on the Windy City , said Karen Pride , a spokeswoman for the Chicago Department of Aviation . More than 1,300 flights were canceled on Tuesday . At Chicago 's Midway Airport , airlines canceled flight operations on Tuesday . The carriers expect to begin operating again on Wednesday afternoon , although most were n't likely to resume before evening , Pride said . Both Chicago airports remained open despite the grounding of flights . Hundreds of cots were made available to passengers stranded by the storm , according to Pride . Some concessions were to remain open to accommodate them . Airlines canceled more than 4,000 flights on Tuesday as the massive storm surged out of the southern Plains , spreading snow and ice from Texas into the Ohio Valley . `` It 's going to take days to clear out this storm , '' said CNN meteorologist Jacqui Jeras . `` This is a monster . '' It was also slow going at other airports . Dallas-Fort Worth International reopened late Tuesday morning after shutting down for several hours because of ice , spokesman David Magana said . American Airlines canceled about 1,900 flights for Tuesday , 800 of those at Dallas-Forth Worth alone . The carrier is also scrubbing more than 1,000 flights for Wednesday . American Airlines is allowing travelers who are scheduled to fly on Monday through Thursday from more than 30 airports in the Midwest -- including those in Chicago , Detroit and Milwaukee , Wisconsin -- to change their plans without penalty . Southwest Airlines canceled more than 900 flights on Tuesday , according to spokeswoman Marilee McInnis , who said hundreds of flights will likely be grounded for Wednesday . Passengers with reservations for travel through Chicago , St. Louis , Detroit and other cities are eligible to reschedule their flights . AirTran Airways scrubbed 185 flights for Tuesday and has canceled another 75 flights on Wednesday , spokesman Christopher White said . AirTran passengers traveling through two dozen cities in the region -- including Chicago , St. Louis and Boston -- can change their reservation without penalty . Delta Air Lines canceled 625 flights for Tuesday and was grounding at least 800 more for Wednesday . Ahead of the storm , Delta issued a winter weather advisory for the northern United States . Passengers traveling to airports in 20 states through Friday can reschedule their itineraries without a fee or get a refund if their flights are canceled or significantly delayed . Continental Airlines , which canceled 650 flights , will allow changes for travel to , through and from nearly three dozen airports , including the airline 's hubs in Newark in New Jersey and Cleveland for travelers scheduled to fly through Thursday . Continental said operations at Newark airport would be suspended through noon Wednesday . US Airways has also relaxed its change-fee policies for passengers scheduled to fly through Thursday to or from 27 cities from Portland , Maine , to Akron , Ohio . Travelers on JetBlue flights to and from six cities and metropolitan areas in the Northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday will also be able to change their plans with no fees . United Airlines , which canceled 800 flights , has issued travel waivers for passengers traveling to , from or through 19 states in the Midwest and Northeast as well as five Canadian cities . Travelers will be able to alter their plans without fees or get a full refund if their flight is canceled .
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Airlines cancel thousands of flights for Wednesday . Air traffic comes to a halt in some places . More than a thousand flights canceled at Chicago 's O'Hare International .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- U.S. President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced Wednesday that their countries will soon begin negotiations on reducing their nuclear arsenals , according to a joint statement from the two leaders . Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and President Obama talk Wednesday in London ahead of the G-20 . The announcement came after Obama and Medvedev met in London ahead of Thursday 's G-20 summit . The statement said the two leaders agreed that the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms -- which expires in December -- `` has completely fulfilled its intended purpose and that the maximum levels for strategic offensive arms recorded in the treaty were reached long ago . '' `` They have therefore decided to move further along the path of reducing and limiting strategic offensive arms in accordance with U.S. and Russian obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons , '' the joint statement said . Watch Obama and Medvedev meet '' Negotiators from both countries will soon begin talks `` to work out a new , comprehensive , legally binding agreement on reducing and limiting strategic offensive arms to replace the START Treaty , '' the statement said . Earlier , two senior Obama administration officials said another goal of the president 's meeting with Medvedev was to set a date for a U.S.-Russian summit in Moscow , Russia , this summer . The joint statement said negotiators from both countries would report their progress on working out the new nuclear arsenal reduction agreement by July . `` The new agreement will mutually enhance the security of the parties and predictability and stability in strategic offensive forces , and will include effective verification measures drawn from the experience of the parties in implementing the START Treaty , '' the statement said . In a joint news conference Wednesday with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown -- ahead of his talks with Medvedev -- Obama emphasized that Russia and the United States also have a common interest in `` reducing nuclear stockpiles and promoting nuclear non-proliferation '' across the world . Watch Obama , Brown statement ahead of world stage '' `` One of the things I have always believed strongly is that both the United States and Russia and other nuclear powers will be in a much stronger position to strengthen what has become a somewhat fragile thread-bare nonproliferation treaty if we are leading by example and if we can take serious steps to reduce the nuclear arsenal , '' Obama said . `` I think people on both sides of the Atlantic understand that as much as the constant cloud , the threat of nuclear warfare has receded since the Cold War , that the presence of these deadly weapons , their proliferation , the possibility of them finding their way into the hands of terrorists , continues to be the gravest threat to humanity . What better project to start off than seeing if we can make progress on that front . I think we can . '' The U.S. president said there 's been a rift in the past several years in the U.S.-Russian relationship . `` There are very real differences between the United States and Russia , and I have no interest in papering those over . But there are also a broad set of common interests that we can pursue '' and `` great potential for concerted action , '' Obama said . Watch how U.S. and Russia plan to reset relations '' Along with the nuclear issue , Obama said , the countries `` have an interest in stabilizing the world economy . Both countries have an interest in finding a sustainable path for energy and dealing with some of the threats climate change that we discussed . '' Also on Wednesday , the White House released a statement saying that Obama will visit China this year . Obama met Chinese President Hu Jintao as world leaders gathered in London for Thursday 's G-20 summit . Watch an assessment of Obama 's first G-20 summit '' The two agreed to set up a high-level strategic and economic dialogue chaired by Cabinet-level representatives -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner for the United States , and State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Vice Premier Wang Qishan for China . Obama and Hu appear to have deferred the question of human rights , one of the greatest points of friction between the two sides . `` The two sides agreed to resume the human rights dialogue as soon as possible , '' the White House statement said . China did not immediately confirm the details of the U.S. announcement . CNN 's Suzanne Malveaux contributed to this report .
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Nuclear talks announcement with Russia comes ahead of G-20 summit . Joint statement : `` New agreement will mutually enhance security of the parties '' Presidential meeting also aimed to set up U.S.-Russian summit in Moscow . White House : Obama will visit China and `` resume the human rights dialogue ''
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The mother of a 25-year-old woman killed in a Boston hotel more than a week ago said Friday that she will remain haunted by her daughter 's death for the rest of her life . The mother of Julissa Brisman says she remains haunted by her daughter 's death . `` Our family has been devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter , Julissa , '' Carmen Guzman said in a statement released Friday , which would have been Julissa Brisman 's 26th birthday . `` The feeling of losing my daughter in this way and the pain she must have felt will haunt me for the rest of my life , '' Guzman said . `` She wo n't live to see her dreams . We will hold Julissa in our hearts every day . '' Philip Markoff , 23 , a second-year student at Boston University 's School of Medicine , is charged with killing Brisman on April 14 at Boston 's Copley Marriott Hotel . Police have said that Brisman , a model from New York , advertised as a masseuse on the online classifieds Web site Craigslist . They say Markoff may have met her through the online site . Prosecutors say Brisman sustained blunt head trauma , and said she was shot three times at close range . One of the bullets passed through her heart , killing her , prosecutors said . Markoff , who was arraigned Tuesday , is being held without bail . His attorney , John Salsberg , told reporters after the hearing that Markoff is `` not guilty of the charges . He has his family 's support . I have not received any document or report or piece of evidence other than what I heard in the courtroom . All I have at the moment are words -- no proof of anything . '' A procedural not-guilty plea was entered on Markoff 's behalf , according to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley . Markoff is also charged in connection with the April 10 robbery of Trisha Leffler , 29 , at a Westin Hotel in Boston . Leffler was robbed of $ 800 in cash and $ 250 in American Express giftcards , according to police reports . She was held at gunpoint and bound , prosecutors said . Megan McAllister , who identified herself as Markoff 's fiancee , maintained his innocence in an e-mail sent to ABC News . McAllister said Markoff `` is the wrong man '' and `` was set up . '' `` Unfortunately , you were given wrong information as was the public , '' she wrote . `` All I have to say to you is Philip is a beautiful person inside and out and could not hurt a fly ! '' Authorities believe the motive in Brisman 's death was robbery , Conley told reporters . In executing a search warrant at Markoff 's home , police found a firearm , along with restraints and duct tape , he said . Authorities in Boston are working with police in Warwick , Rhode Island , on what could be a related case . On April 16 at a Holiday Inn Express in Warwick , a man tied up and demanded money from a 26-year-old dancer who had posted a Craigslist advertisement , Warwick Police Chief Col. Stephen McCartney said . The robbery was interrupted when the woman 's husband entered the room . After pointing his gun at the husband , the suspect fled , McCartney said . He said the incident `` may be related to similar crimes occurring in the Boston area '' but that had not been determined .
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Mother of Craigslist victim Julissa Brisman says family ` devastated ' by loss . Philip Markoff , 23 , charged in Brisman 's death . Police say Markoff met Brisman on popular online classifieds Web site . Markoff 's family , fiance maintains his innocence of charges .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Alvaro Quiros triumphed at the Qatar Masters on Sunday when the Spaniard finished three shots clear of former champion Henrik Stenson and Louis Oosthuizen . Spaniard Quiros clinched his third European Tour title and now looks set for a first appearance at the Masters . The 26-year-old survived a late scare to card a final-round of three-under-par 69 and finish at 19-under 269 -- a showing that sends him into the world top 30 and opens the door for his Masters debut at Augusta in April . Swede Stenson 's three-putt bogey at the last for a 68 allowed South African overnight leader Oosthuizen to share second with the 2006 champion after a final round of 71 . Stenson , last year 's runner-up to Adam Scott , snatched the lead at 16 under with an eagle at the 10th , but Quiros and Oosthuizen -- playing a group behind -- responded with birdies of their own to leave all three tied through 11 . The momentum swung Quiros ' way as he birdied the 12th and Oosthuizen dropped a shot to fall two off the pace before the Spaniard extended his lead as he converted from eight feet a hole later . Stenson put pressure on with birdie of his own at 15 to move within one at 17 under before Quiros wobbled as he sent his three-wood approach from the rough into the water . Quiros eventually holed from 15-foot putt for bogey , but then birdied 16 and 17 to take a two-stroke lead down the last and claim a third European Tour title . Oosthuizen had birdied the last to record a second successive runner-up finish , which sees him move up to fifth on the season money list -- a place ahead of Stenson . Ireland 's Damien McGrane carded a bogey-free 67 for fourth at 13 under , while Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez 's three birdies earned him a 69 and a share of fifth with Dutchman Maarten Lafeber -LRB- 72 -RRB- . World number two Sergio Garcia -LRB- 70 -RRB- had a share of seventh place at 11 under .
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Spaniard Alvaro Quiros triumphed by three strokes at the Qatar Masters . Former champion Henrik Stenson and Louis Oosthuizen shared second . Quiros is in line for his Masters debut after climbing into the world top 30 .
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JOHANNESBURG , South Africa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- South Africans voted Wednesday in elections that the ruling African National Congress is expected to win in a landslide . A woman votes in a church in Soweto during Wednesday 's elections . But the ANC , led by Jacob Zuma , could see its two-thirds parliamentary majority reduced by the country 's numerous opposition parties . The ANC has increased its share of the vote in every election since the end of apartheid in 1994 . Leading the opposition challenge is Congress of the People , or Cope ; a breakaway faction of the ANC which has capitalized as the ANC has been dogged by corruption and accused of failing to deliver services to the poor . `` People are taking this election very seriously , '' said CNN 's Robyn Curnow . `` It 's a pivotal election and the political landscape in this country has changed because of the emergence of the Cope party . '' Voter shares feelings about ANC and new rival '' Voters stood in line for hours after a slow start , blamed partly on cold weather . Polling stations closed at 1900 GMT but anyone in line at the time was allowed to vote . The Independent Electoral Commission said the sheer number of people voting created long lines and a shortage of ballot boxes and papers in some districts and voting stations . The ANC 's prospects have not been helped by the controversial election of Zuma to the party leadership last year . Until early this month , Zuma , who is practically the country 's president-in-waiting , was facing fraud and corruption charges . The charges were dropped two weeks before the elections because of alleged political interference in his case . That decision by the country 's prosecuting authority sparked widespread outrage , with opposition parties accusing prosecutors of buckling under political pressure . But the ANC continues to command widespread respect and support among ordinary South Africans for its role in the struggle against apartheid and most consider the party of Nelson Mandela their political home . In an effort to shore up support for the ANC , the 90-year-old Mandela shared the stage with Zuma at the party 's final pre-election rally in Johannesburg on Sunday . Mandela was also photographed as he voted Wednesday . Watch Mandela vote with old activists and first-time voters '' First-time voter Lucas Nomblelani , a young black South African sporting the purple ink on his thumb that proved he had cast his ballot , said he found it hard not consider what the ANC had done for the country . `` Those people -- they fight for us , '' he told CNN . `` I 'm here , I can vote . I do n't have the soldiers here to force me to do something . '' He adds , `` Now we are free , all of us , to do what we want to do . It 's my choice to vote today . '' Still , the emergence of Cope has unnerved the ANC . Learn more about some of South Africa 's political parties . Launched in December , Cope is made up of former ANC members who quit following ANC 's sacking of Thabo Mbeki as the country 's president . `` It is a baby with teeth . We can bite and I do believe the people of South Africa have heard our message , '' Cope presidential candidate Mvume Dandala said Wednesday , according to Reuters.com . Zuma , who is widely expected to be the country 's next president , has already pledged his party will use its predicted majority responsibly and maintains he is innocent of corruption allegations . `` When I grew up , I did know that this day would come , '' he said as he voted in his village birthplace of Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal , Reuters.com reported . Watch more about ANC leader Jacob Zuma '' In the past 15 years , the ANC has built 2.8 million houses and provided running water , sanitation and electricity to the poor . South Africa boasts a robust constitution and the strongest economy on the continent . Yet more than 1 million people still live in shacks , and the newly constructed homes have been found to be substandard , with many falling apart even before being handed over to beneficiaries . Queuing up to vote in Soweto , Lulu Makapela said many people were disappointed by the ANC 's failure to deliver on promises to deliver better housing , education and jobs . `` People have been giving us promises and there is a wide gap between rich and poor , '' Makapela told CNN . Watch a voter in line discuss the election '' Although the country 's economy has grown under the ANC , it has not produced significant job opportunities . One in four adults is unemployed . At the same time , many senior members of the ANC have created wealth for themselves while majority of the country 's citizens wallow in poverty . Watch criticism of the ruling ANC '' Violent crime has also escalated . Last year , nearly 50 people were killed daily , according to police . And though South Africa won the bid to host the Football World Cup in 2010 , many say that the billions that are being spent on the tournament could be better used to lift the lives of the needy . CNN 's Nkepile Mabuse in Johannesburg and Robyn Curnow in Soweto contributed to this report .
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South Africans vote in election African National Congress expected to win . Opposition parties hoping to slash ANC 's parliamentary majority . Poverty , rising crime among top issues South Africans face . Controversial Jacob Zuma expected to become president .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Southeast is among the areas of the United States with the highest concentration of cases of HIV and AIDS , according to a new online tool called the National HIV/AIDS Atlas . In this map of AIDS prevalence rates in the Southeast , red represents the highest -LRB- 0.593 percent or greater -RRB- . AIDS experts in the region say that access to health care , especially when it comes to screening , is a major problem in rural communities . In the Southeast , people with HIV tend to get tested late , after they have become sick , partly because of stigma , said Kathie Hiers , executive director of AIDS Alabama in Birmingham . `` If you look at access to health care and almost any kind of health care report card , the South is the worst , '' she said . With little or no public transportation , people in non-metropolitan areas are at a disadvantage when they need to see a particular kind of doctor , experts say . There is also a shortage of doctors who deal with HIV in the region , Hiers said . These problems also resonate with Georgia 's rural communities , which represent 39 percent of the HIV/AIDS burden in the state , said Raphael Holloway , director of the HIV Unit at the Georgia Division of Public Health . The remaining 61 percent of people living with HIV or AIDS are in the metro Atlanta area . `` In some districts , for example , there may be 10 counties within that health district but only one infectious disease doctor that people can access for care and services , '' he said . It is also difficult to get HIV education to people in rural areas , he said . Of the 29 states reporting county-level data for the National HIV/AIDS Atlas , Georgia had more counties than any other state with the highest levels of HIV and AIDS prevalence . Although this does not represent a comprehensive national assessment , Georgia ranked fifth in reporting of new AIDS cases in 2007 , behind Texas -LRB- fourth -RRB- , Florida -LRB- third -RRB- , New York -LRB- second -RRB- and California -LRB- first -RRB- , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The Northeast also has a heavy burden of HIV/AIDS cases nationally , atlas collaborators said . Other states with high numbers of counties with high HIV prevalence included Florida , New York and South Carolina . The atlas , the first of its kind to map out HIV and AIDS at the level of counties , launched in time for Saturday 's HIV/AIDS Testing Day . The National Institutes of Health is encouraging everyone age 13 to 64 to get tested for HIV as part of routine health care . `` Not knowing one 's HIV status endangers one 's health and the health of one 's sexual partners . By getting tested for the virus and learning one 's HIV status soon after infection , treatment can begin early , substantially delaying the development of HIV-related illness and prolonging life , '' said Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health . The National HIV/AIDS Atlas allows users to explore the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in any region of the United States . The map , a project of the National Minority Quality Forum , encompasses all 50 states , the District of Columbia , Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands . The more red a region appears , the greater the prevalence , which is the ratio of the number of people living with the disease at a given time to the total number of people living there at that time . Users can look at rates of disease by gender , race/ethnicity and age group in regions where this information is available . The map also has different settings for HIV and AIDS , the more severe illness caused by the HIV virus . They can also zoom into counties and , for New York City only , ZIP codes . About 33 million people have HIV/AIDS worldwide as of 2007 , according to the World Health Organization . The CDC estimates that 1.1 million Americans have HIV and that 56,300 new infections occurred in the United States in 2006 . Nearly 75 percent of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among adolescents and adults in that year were for males . People who worked on the atlas project were surprised at how concentrated HIV and AIDS are in certain U.S. counties . `` Being able to look at all the data in this way reminds us that the HIV epidemic is not uniformly distributed throughout the U.S. , '' said Patrick Sullivan , associate professor of epidemiology at Emory University , who collaborated on the atlas . The atlas also reflects the disproportionate number of African-Americans who have HIV and AIDS . `` You can see at the level of the national map that there 's so much variation in the U.S. about which groups have been impacted , '' Sullivan said . Demographics and county-level data are not available for some states , or parts of some states , because of the way these places report data by region , researchers said . These areas appear as gray when users zoom in . Some places also appear gray because the disease case count is so low . The atlas is based on data from public health departments from 2006 , the most recent available . Collaborators say they hope to update the maps when new data become available . The atlas , which launched Monday morning , had about 100,000 visitors by Tuesday afternoon , and more than 10,000 people completed the free registration in that time , said Gary Puckrein , executive director of the atlas project . To find an HIV testing facility near you , visit www.hivtest.org .
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HIV epidemic is not uniformly distributed throughout the U.S. Disproportionate number of African-Americans have HIV/AIDS . Atlas is based on data from public health departments from 2006 .
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WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As absentee ballots pour in from U.S. troops overseas , officials are voicing concerns that many of those votes wo n't be counted . An absentee ballot from Arlington County in Virginia shows the names of the general election candidates . `` It 's dismal , '' said Rosemary Rodriguez , who works for the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission , a non-partisan group . `` These are the voters that are in some cases preserving our liberties and out there with their lives on the line . '' Rodriguez estimates that in the last general election , only about 30 percent of overseas military ballots were actually returned and counted . `` It 's disenfranchising our military and frankly I think it 's very unpatriotic , '' said retired Navy Lt. Melissa Cox Boss . A part of the problem is that each state has its own rules for absentee voting , and those rules can change in the middle of an election season . In Virginia , for example , the federal write-in ballot required a witness ' signature and address . That proved confusing for soldiers overseas because there was no box provided for a witness address . Rokey Suleman , the Fairfax County registrar , initially said he would have to discard 63 votes because voters neglected to provide a witness address . `` These ballots that are n't being met -- I ca n't accept as valid ballots at this point . If the law changes , I welcome a review of the law . I think the law is horrible , '' he said . Late Monday , Virginia 's attorney general agreed , saying all county registrars could ignore that part of the law . Other areas , like Arlington County , refused to disqualify the absentee ballots that were filled out improperly , contributing to the the AG 's decision to intervene . Another part of the problem is that delivering mail from a battlefield can be challenging , according to Rep. Kevin McCarthy . McCarthy , R-California , says absentee ballots mailed from war zones are not getting to county registrars fast enough to be legally counted . `` With all the modernization that we have , we should be able to move these ballots , track them at the same time , bring the modernization and technology we have today to make sure our heroes across this world get treated fairly , '' he said . McCarthy said he is pushing a bill through Congress that would address these issues , but not in time for this election . Overseas absentee ballots were at the center of the Florida recount during the 2000 presidential election between George Bush and Al Gore . Bush aides and Republican surrogates blasted their Democratic rivals for having overseas absentee ballots disqualified in Florida counties , many for lack of postmarks . Many of those ballots were presumed to have been from service members supporting Bush . Joe Lieberman , the Democratic vice presidential candidate , denied that charge and said that the disputed votes deserve the `` benefit of doubt . '' '' -LSB- Gore -RSB- and I would never authorize and would not tolerate a campaign that was aimed specifically at invalidating ballots from members of our armed services , and I 've been assured that there were more absentee ballots from non-military voters that were ultimately disqualified , '' he said during an interview on NBC 's `` Meet the Press . '' More than a month after the election , the Florida Supreme Court upheld two state court rulings that cleared the way to count thousands of ballots in predominantly Republican Seminole and Martin counties .
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States ' rules for absentee ballots vary ; rules can change during election season . 30 percent of overseas military ballots returned , counted in 2004 , official estimates . Mail from war zones sometimes does not get to county registrars in time . Military ballots were a focus in the 2000 recount in Florida .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- World champion Valentino Rossi pipped Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo on the finish line in a thrilling finale to the Catalunya MotoGP . Rossi shows his delight after clinching a thrilling victory over Jorge Lorenzo in Barcelona on Sunday . With Lorenzo starting on pole , the two riders dominated the race throughout before exchanging the lead several times on the final lap . But Italian Rossi eventually sealed victory by just 0.095 seconds in front of 90,000 fans in Barcelona -- the 99th win of his remarkable career . Casey Stoner finished third , meaning that he , Rossi and Lorenzo are now all level at the top of the championship standings on 106 points . Stoner 's Ducati managed to hold off the challenge from Repsol Honda 's Andrea Dovizioso , who finished fourth , while Loris Capirossi came fifth . Daniel Pedrosa , Colin Edwards , Randy De Puniet , Mika Kallio and Nicky Hayden completed the top 10 on Sunday . `` It was a great battle , the two Yamahas were flying on this track , '' Rossi told BBC Sport . `` After some laps I knew I had to fight and it was a great fight to the end , I was n't sure of the result until the end . '' Stoner revealed afterwards that he had not been fully fit . `` I 've been slowly getting a little more sore and sick each day , and I was cramping after the warm-up , '' he said . `` I was really afraid about finishing the the race -- halfway through I just gave up , I had nothing left , and I decided to just run for the points . ''
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World champion Valentino Rossi claims thrilling victory in Catalunya MotoGP . The Italian pips pole-sitter Jorge Lorenzo on final lap in Barcelona on Sunday . Rossi , Lorenzo and third-placed Casey Stoner level at the top of the standings .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Architecture buffs savor Chicago 's buildings , but you do n't have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the city 's masonry and steel marvels . Some of America 's most influential architects worked in the Windy City . The Chicago Architecture Foundation conducts more than 70 different kinds of tours and expects to lead more than 200,000 people through various corners of the city this year . Chicago 's reputation for world-class architecture took root during an 1880s building boom , spurred by the city 's rapid growth as a transportation hub . The Great Fire of 1871 destroyed much of the city 's original construction and set the stage for innovation . CNN asked Jason Neises , the foundation 's director of tours , to give us some highlights of Chicago 's rich architectural history : . THE CHICAGO RIVER : BIRTH OF A CITY . `` The Chicago River is really the centerpiece of the whole city , and it 's the reason why Chicago is here -- this transportation network that allowed Chicago to grow into a world-class city , '' Neises said . Much of the city 's best architecture -- both historic and modern -- can be seen along the river , making river cruises a top draw for tourists . See a gallery of Chicago 's architectural highlights '' Do n't miss : . The Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower -LRB- at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive -RRB- were built in the 1920s to house the Wrigley chewing gum company and the Chicago Tribune . 333 West Wacker Drive , completed in 1983 , features a wall of green glass that curves to follow a bend in the Chicago River . DANIEL BURNHAM -LRB- 1846-1912 -RRB- : CITY PLANNER . Burnham was an influential early Chicago architect but is most notable for his 1909 Plan for Chicago and its lasting influence on urban planning . `` Even in modern Chicago in 2007 , people think about his plan when looking to do new things in the city , '' Neises said . Early in his career , Burnham worked with William Le Baron Jenney , who is known as the `` father of the skyscraper '' for his work with metal-frame construction . Later , Burnham and his partner , John Wellborn Root , built a number of buildings in what became known as the Chicago commercial style , which used metal framework to allow for taller buildings with larger windows and more open floor plans . Do n't miss : . The Rookery -LRB- 1885-88 -RRB- , 209 S. LaSalle St. This building , designed by Burnham and Root , uses both load-bearing masonry and metal-frame construction , tracing the evolution of commercial architecture . Santa Fe Building -LRB- 1904 -RRB- , 224 S. Michigan Ave. Designed by D.H. Burnham and Co. , the building is the former home of Burnham 's own offices and now houses the Chicago Architecture Foundation . It 's a mature version of the Chicago commercial style that developed in the 1880s . LAKEFRONT PARKS : TESTAMENT TO FORESIGHT . The lakefront parks were protected from commercial development from the city 's earliest days and incorporated by Daniel Burnham into his 1909 city plan , creating one of the most unique and enjoyable aspects of Chicago 's urban landscape . Do n't miss : . Grant Park , south of the Chicago River , is the centerpiece of the park system . The expanse is home to the 1927 Buckingham Fountain and several of Chicago 's top museums , and it hosts many of the city 's popular festivals . LOUIS SULLIVAN -LRB- 1856-1924 -RRB- : AMERICAN VISION . Sullivan , one of America 's most influential architects , rejected the tradition of copying historic European styles and worked instead to develop uniquely American buildings . Sullivan believed that buildings should look organic and in harmony with their environment , and he developed the `` form follows function '' philosophy . Do n't miss : . The Auditorium Building -LRB- 1886-1890 -RRB- , 430 S. Michigan Ave. , was designed to house a theater , a hotel and offices , and is widely recognized as Sullivan and his partner Dankmar Adler 's masterpiece . FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT -LRB- 1867-1959 -RRB- : DESIGN REVOLUTION . Wright , widely considered to be the greatest architect of the 20th century , started his career in Chicago working first for Joseph Lyman Silsbee and soon after for Adler and Sullivan . Louis Sullivan was Wright 's mentor . Slide show : Learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright '' Wright developed the Prairie style in the Chicago area , revolutionizing residential architecture . The style is characterized by accentuated horizontal lines and a fluid relationship between a structure and its environment . Do n't miss : . Frank Lloyd Wright 's home and studio -LRB- 1889-1898 -RRB- at 951 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park , Illinois , is open for tours and accessible via public transportation . The Robie House -LRB- 1909 -RRB- , 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave. , is a masterpiece of the Prairie style . ART DECO : JAZZ-AGE AESTHETICS . Chicago 's rapid growth in the 1920s and '30s created a need for new office buildings reflective of the jazz-age style . `` This is the era of steam ship travel across the Atlantic and some of the first airplanes and these wonderful , long , streamlined automobiles . And that same design sensibility was translated into architecture , '' Neises said . The resulting buildings were smooth , with little applied ornamentation and an emphasis on unbroken vertical lines . Do n't miss : . The Chicago Board of Trade Building -LRB- 1930 -RRB- , 141 W. Jackson Blvd. , designed by Holabird and Root , exemplifies art deco 's emphasis on verticality . LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE -LRB- 1886-1969 -RRB- : EMERGING MODERNISM Mies van der Rohe 's innovation brought Chicago 's architecture to the world stage again in the 1940s with his glass and steel highrises . He designed some of the first modernist buildings in the city , embracing modern materials and technology . `` If you 're building a steel building , why would you disguise that as a stone building ? Celebrate the steel , celebrate modern technology , put materials together artistically in a modern way , '' Neises said , explaining Mies van der Rohe 's style . Do n't miss : . 860-880 Lake Shore Drive -LRB- 1949-1951 -RRB- . These glass and steel apartment towers are among the city 's most famous post-World War II buildings . CHICAGO MODERNISM : GROWING INFLUENCE . Pioneered by Mies van der Rohe , modernism in Chicago was proliferated in the '50s and '60s by his students and followers . Modernist architects believed that the form , shape and volume of a building , rather than its ornamentation , should express its beauty . These ideas came to dominate commercial and institutional architecture for decades . `` It 's a very kind of ` thinky ' way of trying to design buildings , which is what 's a little bit off-putting for some people , '' Neises said . But this is the reason he enjoys giving the foundation 's Modern Skyscrapers tour . `` I ca n't always get people to like this stuff , but I can get them to appreciate it . '' Do n't miss : . The Inland Steel Building -LRB- 1956-57 -RRB- , 30 W. Monroe St. Designed by Skidmore , Owings and Merrill -LRB- the same firm that designed the Sears Tower -RRB- , this dramatic skyscraper clad in stainless steel was the first skyscraper to be built in the Loop after the Great Depression . MILLENNIUM PARK : A NEW ERA . Millennium Park , which opened several years late in 2004 , combines art , architecture , music and landscape design to great effect . At Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street , the park has quickly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago . Do n't miss : . The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an undulating outdoor concert venue designed by Frank Gehry . `` Cloud Gate , '' British artist Anish Kapoor 's reflective elliptical sculpture , invites visitors to see themselves in its surfaces from every angle . Chicagoans affectionately refer to it as the `` Bean . ''
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The Chicago Architecture Foundation conducts more than 70 different tours . Some of America 's most influential architects worked in the Windy City . Chicago 's reputation for world-class architecture took root in the 1880s .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The legacy of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy , who died on Tuesday , spreads far and wide , and across the ocean to now-independent Bangladesh . There , he is still revered for calling attention to what many deemed an unfolding genocide . Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy , known as the `` Lion of the Senate , '' died Tuesday at 77 . It may have started as a politically prudent move by a Democratic senator eyeing the White House during a Republican regime . But Kennedy stood up to the Nixon administration in 1971 and alerted the world to the bloodshed that was engulfing then-East Pakistan . `` In 1971 , there were very few leaders from the so-called free world who were paying any attention to what was going on in Bangladesh . And for Ted Kennedy to come forward and to personally visit , the impact was huge , '' said Akku Chowdhury , founder and director of Bangladesh 's Liberation War Museum . `` And that 's one thing Bangladeshis have always remembered . '' At the time , the U.S. policy -- directed by President Richard Nixon and his National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger -- was to resolutely support Pakistan , from which Bangladesh was trying to secede . The administration 's reasons : The Soviet Union and India had just signed a treaty of friendship , and Nixon was concerned about the expansion of Soviet influence in the region . Thus , it made strategic sense for the United States to align itself with India 's neighbor , Pakistan . The United States turned a blind eye to reports of atrocities committed by the Pakistani army to suppress the independence movement -- even as U.S. diplomats urged the administration to speak up . `` Our government has failed to denounce the suppression of democracy . Our government has failed to denounce atrocities , '' Consul General Archer Blood wrote in one of many telegrams from Dhaka to the U.S. State Department questioning American policy . `` But we have chosen not to intervene , even morally , on the grounds that the ... conflict , in which unfortunately the overworked term ` genocide ' is applicable , is purely an internal matter of a sovereign state . '' The `` Blood Telegram , '' as it came to be known , was reclassified as secret , and Blood transferred out of Dhaka . Soon after , Kennedy traveled to east India to gauge the plight of displaced Bangladeshis -- more than 10 million of whom had sought refuge there . On his return , he issued a scathing report to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Refugees . The report , `` Crisis in South Asia , '' spoke of `` one of the most appalling tides of human misery in modern times . '' `` Nothing is more clear , or more easily documented , than the systematic campaign of terror -- and its genocidal consequences -- launched by the Pakistani army on the night of March 25th , '' he wrote . `` All of this has been officially sanctioned , ordered and implemented under martial law from Islamabad . America 's heavy support of Islamabad is nothing short of complicity in the human and political tragedy of East Bengal . '' The Nixon administration maintained its stance . But Kennedy 's focus on the mass killings came as everyday Americans began to share in the outrage . For instance , Beatle George Harrison 's Concert for Bangladesh , the first benefit event of its kind , was staged to further highlight the plight of Bangladeshi refugees . Besieged , the U.S. Congress pushed through a bill to ban arms sales to Pakistan . On December 16 , 1971 , Bangladesh gained independence after a 10-month struggle , in which 1 million to 3 million Bengalis were killed . `` When the fighting was over , there were vultures almost too fat to fly , and Bangladesh was a land with few of the sinews of nationhood left unsevered , '' the National Geographic said in a piece about the birth of the country . Two months later -- in February 1972 -- Kennedy flew to Bangladesh and delivered a speech at Dhaka University , where the killing rampage had begun a year earlier . About 8,000 jubilant students crowded into the university courtyard and jammed lecture hall balconies and roofs , greeting him with chants of `` Joi Kennedy '' -- a variation on the independence slogan of `` Joi Bangla . '' In his speech , Kennedy drew parallels between the liberation of Bangladesh and the American Revolution . He said America had prospered despite predictions that it would collapse following independence , and so would Bangladesh . `` Even though the United States government does not recognize you , the people of the world do recognize you , '' Kennedy told the crowd . On the university campus stood a banyan tree where Bengalis student leaders had planted the seeds for the independence movement -- and which the Pakistani army had destroyed as a symbolic gesture . During his visit , Kennedy planted a new tree there . It still stands today -- a testament to a country that overcame long odds to survive and one man who helped champion it .
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Kennedy spoke out about Bangladesh when U.S. policy was supporting Pakistan . Kennedy visited east India , then wrote report on displaced Bangladeshis . In report , he accused Pakistani army of `` systematic campaign of terror '' Beatle George Harrison also highlighted refugees ' plight with benefit concert .
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WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey , the acting commander of U.S. Central Command , spent Wednesday in Beirut , Lebanon , to discuss the security crisis with officials there and assure them that U.S. military aid will continue , a U.S. military official said . The Lebanese army has been out in force in Beirut following battles between pro- and anti-government forces . He met Defense Minister Elias Murr and Lt. Gen. Michel Suleiman , the commander of the Lebanese armed forces in the wake of the Lebanese government losing control of part of its capital to the militant group Hezbollah . The trip had not previously been scheduled . It is not clear when it was added to the agenda of the top U.S. military commander for the region . Discussions centered on continued U.S. military assistance to the Lebanese armed forces in light of the ongoing crisis . `` The U.S. government will continue to support the legitimate institutions of the Lebanese government and the Lebanese people as they seek to preserve their independence and security , '' the military official said . For the last several years , the Defense Department has supplied Lebanese armed forces with ammunition , armored vehicles and weapons . The Lebanese army said Tuesday that it will use force if necessary against armed groups , acting after at least 62 people were killed as anti-government Hezbollah militants battled supporters of Lebanon 's pro-Western government while the military largely stayed on the sidelines , declining to intervene . The army reversed its stance Tuesday , saying it would take steps up to and including the use of force in response to `` security activity and military presence , '' an apparent reference to public activity by armed groups . The violence is the worst to hit Lebanon since the end of its civil war in 1991 . It started in Beirut , but quickly spread to nearby mountain villages in the Mount Lebanon area and to Tripoli . Pro- and anti-government political parties in Tripoli announced a cease-fire Monday night that seemed to be holding -- at least in the hours immediately after the announcement . Meanwhile , several Western and Middle East nations have lined up to support an Arab League effort to intervene in the political crisis . An Arab League delegation is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon this week in hope of negotiating an agreement between the Lebanese government and the Shiite Hezbollah movement .
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Acting commander of U.S. Central Command in Lebanon to discuss security crisis . At least 62 died last week after battles between govt . forces , anti-govt . militants . Discussions centered on continued U.S. military assistance to Lebanese army . The violence is the worst to hit Lebanon since the end of its civil war in 1991 .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- World MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi cruised to the 100th victory of his illustrious motorcycling career with a comfortable win at the Alice TT Assen race in the Netherlands on Saturday . Valentino Rossi dominated the Dutch race to move clear at the top of the championship standings . The Italian took sole ownership of top spot in the overall standings after finishing 5.638 seconds ahead of Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo and 23.113 in front of 2007 world champion Casey Stoner . The trio had been tied on 106 points ahead of the seventh of 18 races this season . Rossi started in pole position but briefly lost his lead to Stoner 's Ducati before moving out in front again , and the Italian steadily increased his advantage throughout the 26-lap race . `` I am so happy . I felt good on the first lap and knowing that Lorenzo is difficult to beat I put my foot down to establish as big an advantage as possible over him , '' Rossi told reporters . `` It gives me great pleasure to record this victory . This is a great moment for me . '' Rossi , now five points ahead of Lorenzo and nine clear of Stoner , is still 22 victories behind the all-time record held by 15-time world motorcycling champion Giacomo Agostini , who raced from 1964-77 . Stoner , who started from fourth on the grid , revealed after the race that he had been struggling with ill health . `` I felt fine until Friday , but today I felt tired after the first couple of laps , '' the frail-Australian said . `` I have been taking any amount of supplements to keep my body up to scratch , but it has been a tough battle . '' Lorenzo recovered from a poor start , which saw him drop to sixth after the first lap , to become Rossi 's closest challenger with seven laps remaining . `` I want to congratulate Valentino . It is quite some achievement to win 100 Grand Prix , '' he said . Dani Pedrosa had begun the race from second ahead of fellow Spaniard Lorenzo , but crashed out at a corner after only four laps to dent his hopes of overtaking fellow Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso to claim fourth in the overall standings . Dovizioso also spun off in a similar situation on the same lap , and remains two points ahead of Pedrosa . Top-10 finishers : 1 . V Rossi -LRB- Ita -RRB- Yamaha 42 minutes 14.611 seconds 2 . J Lorenzo -LRB- Spa -RRB- Yamaha 42:19.979 3 . C Stoner -LRB- Aus -RRB- Ducati 42:37.724 4 . C Edwards -LRB- USA -RRB- Yamaha 42:43.725 5 . C Vermeulen -LRB- Aus -RRB- Suzuki 42:48.216 6 . J Toseland -LRB- Gbr -RRB- Yamaha 42:53.958 7 . R De Puniet -LRB- Fra -RRB- Honda 42:54.154 8 . T Elias -LRB- Spa -RRB- Honda 42:54.385 9 . N Hayden -LRB- USA -RRB- Ducati 42:54.434 10 . L Capirossi -LRB- Ita -RRB- Suzuki 42:55.284 .
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World MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi cruises to 100th victory of his career . Italian wins Alice TT Assen race in Netherlands by more than five seconds . Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo claims second place , Casey Stoner third . Rossi takes outright lead in the championships standings .
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CANKIRI , Turkey -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In the searing heat of an Anatolian afternoon , work continues busily on the vast building site that fills an entire block of Cankiri 's otherwise quiet town center . Polls suggest the Erdogan 's AKP is heading for another victory . A massive Western-style shopping complex is rising from the ground . Next the local mayor , Irfan Dinc , has plans for a smart new bus terminal on the outskirts of this small regional capital a couple of hours north of Ankara . Designated a `` preferential province , '' investors in Cankiri already receive lucrative tax breaks . Now Dinc hopes to tap into European Union funds as part of his efforts to put the town on the map . `` Cankiri is generally known for being a rural , modest province , '' Dinc tells CNN . `` But we are becoming more integrated . We are connecting Cankiri to the rest of the world . '' Cankiri is typical of the Turkish provincial towns and regions that are beginning to emerge from the shadow of Istanbul and Ankara driven by surging economic growth -- and the sort of place where campaigning ahead of Sunday 's parliamentary elections is at its most fierce . Yet the issue that forced Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan into early elections showed how fragile Turkey 's young democracy can still be -- and how a dispute in Ankara 's corridors of power can still tip the entire country into political crisis . Erdogan 's critics in Turkey 's traditional establishment accuse his Justice and Development Party -LRB- AKP -RRB- of Islamist tendencies and of plotting to dilute the secularist principles of the modern Turkish republic , as laid down by the country 's revered founder , Mustafa Kemal Ataturk . That came to a head in April when the government nominated the country 's foreign minister , Abdullah Gul , for the presidency . The fact that Gul 's wife chooses to wear a headscarf prompted a secularist outcry , with opposition lawmakers backed by the constitutional court blocking the nomination , millions protesting in Ankara , Istanbul and Izmir and even the leaders of the army -- the traditional defenders of secularism -- issuing an e-mail in which they stated their readiness to intervene in the event of the election of a president not to their tastes . In Cankiri , it is hard to see how the headscarf could have become such a potent political symbol . Many women here chose to wear them , but plenty of others do n't and life continues harmoniously as it has done for decades in this culturally conservative country . Suat Kiniklioglu , a local AKP parliamentary candidate and one of a new breed of technocratic young politicians attracted by the party 's modernizing instincts , told CNN the real divide in Turkey was between `` those who want the old order to continue and those who want the old order to change . '' He argues it has been the AKP -- rather than the main opposition Republican Party -LRB- CHP -RRB- led by veteran politician Deniz Baykal , the self-styled defenders of Ataturk 's legacy -- that has argued for closer integration with the European Union and for a globalizing drive that has brought visible benefits to places like Cankiri . `` We represent the people who believe Turkey should open up and that the old ways of doing things no longer work for us . We do not reject secularism -- we just argue for a more user-friendly secularism . We do not think it should matter if a woman chooses to wear a headscarf . '' Final polls ahead of Sunday 's vote suggest the AKP is heading for another victory , but this is not a straightforward election . The party still faces the job of electing a president and has vowed to press ahead with constitutional changes to prevent a similar crisis occurring again . But without securing an unlikely two-thirds majority , it could find itself blocked by its parliamentary opponents just as easily after the elections as before them . And while the CHP is not expected to get the votes it needs to form a government , the secular establishment remains a dominating presence in Turkish politics , notably through its close ties to the army , which has acted four times since 1960 to bring down governments of which it disapproved . Also damaging for the AKP has been a surge in Turkish nationalism , largely on the back of reaction against regular terrorist attacks by the PKK which have led military chiefs to call for action against Kurdish Northern Iraq . That feeling has been capitalized on effectively by the Nationalist Party -LRB- MHP -RRB- , which may well achieve the 10 percent share of the vote necessary to enter parliament , further shifting the political balance of power . Particularly successful in rural areas , the MHP is challenging strongly in Cankiri -- an AKP stronghold -- to win a place on the list of three MPs the province will send to parliament . For Ibrahim Kalin , an Ankara-based political analyst and newspaper columnist , the main question surrounding Sunday 's vote is not who will win , but whether Turkey can return to anything approaching normal politics after a bitterly polarized campaign . `` Politicians are ruining Turkish democracy , they are ruining people 's trust in politics , they are ruining people 's faith in politicians , '' Kalin told CNN . `` There needs to be a little more calmness , a little bit more of a sense of responsibility for the immediate future . I 'm talking two weeks down the road when they come back to parliament and you have a country to run . They have to make some compromises and compromises I think have to begin now . '' E-mail to a friend .
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PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan was forced into early elections ; new poll on Sunday . Many parts of Turkey are seeing impressive economic progress . Erdogan 's critics argue his AKP party has Islamist tendencies . Final polls suggest the AKP is heading for another victory .
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JOHANNESBURG , South Africa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Prosecutors dropped corruption charges Monday against South Africa 's ruling party president Jacob Zuma , who is expected to win the presidential race later this month . Jacob Zuma is expected to win the country 's upcoming presidential election . The leader of the African National Congress had been charged with more than 700 counts of corruption and fraud . The charges , which were linked to a multibillion dollar arms deal in the country , were dropped after eight years of investigations . Zuma , who was named one of Time 's Most Influential People in 2008 , is favored to win the country 's next presidential elections scheduled for April 22 . He served as deputy president of South Africa from 1999 until he was fired in 2005 by President Thabo Mbeki over his alleged involvement in a bribery scandal . Opposition parties are accusing prosecutors of buckling under pressure from the ruling party . Mokotedi Mpshe , head of the National Prosecuting Authority , disagreed . `` An intolerable abuse has occurred , '' Mpshe said after reading transcripts of telephone conversations between two prosecution chiefs who appear to be planning to charge Zuma before ANC party elections . CNN 's Nkepile Mabuse contributed to this report .
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Jacob Zuma is president of the ANC , the most powerful party in South Africa . He is widely predicted to win the presidential vote , expected to take place in April . Zuma has denied claims of accepting bribes , money laundering , among others . Opposition parties accuse prosecutors of buckling under pressure .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Saturday saw protests across the United States , held to express solidarity with the anti-government demonstrations currently roiling Egypt . Whether on the East Coast or the West Coast , crowds carried banners , flags and signs as they chanted , hoping their support could be felt thousands of miles away in Cairo , Alexandria and other Egyptian cities . In San Francisco , demonstrators gathered at a corner on Market Street and quickly packed the sidewalk , waving Egyptian and American flags . Participants seemed to represent a rainbow of backgrounds and ages . There were elderly couples , teenagers and children with Egypt 's colors painted on their faces . Many Egyptian-Americans were there , enlivening the chants with Arabic phrases . But plenty of people of Latin , Caucasian and Asian descent also turned out to march , support Egyptian demonstrators and demand the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak . Among the call-and-response chants came a reference to recent protests in Tunisia : `` Oh Mubarak , ca n't you see ? Time to join Ben Ali . '' In Seattle , traditional Egyptian melodies were heard among the chants and slogans . One man who led the chorus of old songs was impressed by the Egyptian movement 's use of social media . `` Thanks to new technology and new communications , the people from Facebook and Twitter , we are able to come together and make this happen . All the young people ... they feel like sometimes there is no chance . But you see this and think ... there is a chance . '' There was a small demonstration in Texas outside the Egyptian Consulate building in Houston . It seemed to be a family affair , with small children flashing peace signs as their families waved flags and signs . `` They need everyone to hear them , '' one demonstrator told CNN affiliate KIAH . `` That 's the only way we can get change . It 's not going to come from within , it 's going to come from outside . That 's why we 're out here now . '' Egyptian-Americans gathered in Toledo , Ohio , too . They waved Egyptian flags and carried signs that read `` Defend Democracy '' and `` Defend Human Rights . '' Although only a handful of people braved the cold , nearly every passing car honked in support . On the East Coast , hundreds gathered outside the United Nations in New York . They held up signs that read : `` Mubarak Regime MUST GO , '' `` Egypt 's Struggle Is Our Struggle ! '' and `` Egypt -- We Hear You ! '' Meanwhile , they yelled out in unison , `` Hey ! Hey ! Ho ! Ho ! Mubarak must go ! '' Sharif Sadek , a young Egyptian-American filmmaker in the New York crowd , said the ouster of the Egyptian leader is the only acceptable outcome . He urged U.S. leaders to make this happen . `` The United States can urge Mubarak to step down and leave the country . Go to Switzerland . Go to South Africa . Go to the moon . We do not want President Mubarak , '' Sadek said . In Washington , protesters assembled outside the Egyptian Embassy before heading to the White House . One protester held up a cardboard sign that read : `` Pharaoh ! Let the people go ! '' Sam Abouissa , a protest organizer who said his brothers were arrested in Egypt while protesting , said he walked door-to-door in the capital to solicit support from fellow Egyptians . `` We need freedom . We need freedom on the Internet . Freedom of communications . Freedom of expressing our opinion . Freedom of life . Freedom of choice , '' Abouissa said . `` We have to choose . We have to be free to choose . '' Anti-Mubarak demonstrations were scheduled to take place in locations across the United States on Sunday too . CNN 's Mia Aquino , Ross Levitt and Susan Candiotti contributed to this report .
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NEW : Solidarity demonstrations are held in cities large and small . NEW : Many ethnic groups and ages are represented among the demonstrators . Hundreds attend a protest outside the U.N. in New York , chanting `` Mubarak must go ''
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LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Legendary pinup queen Bettie Page died of pneumonia at the age of 85 in a Los Angeles , California , hospital Thursday , a week after suffering a heart attack , according to her agent . Pinup queen Bettie Page was credited with helping to usher in the sexual revolution . `` She captured the imagination of a generation of men and women with her free spirit and unabashed sensuality , '' said agent Mark Roesler in a written statement . `` She is the embodiment of beauty . '' Page , said to be one of the most photographed people of the past century , became a recluse in recent decades . Yet , her images continued to be used around the world to market Bettie Page action figures , clothing lines and other merchandise . `` Her popularity as an underground , guilty pleasures phenomenon has continued to soar despite the fact that the reclusive Page disappeared almost a half century ago , leading many to believe that one of the most photographed individuals of the 20th century was already dead . '' Roesler said . The Web site , BettiePage.com , logs about 20 million hits a month , Roesler said . A TVGuide.com poll recently placed Bettie Page as the `` ultimate sex goddess , '' outscoring others such as Marilyn Monroe . iReport.com : Share your trubutes to Bettie Page . Page was born to a poor family in Tennessee on April 22 , 1923 . While her birth certificate spelled her name `` Betty , '' she changed the spelling later in life to `` Bettie . '' At a time when few women pursued a college education , Page earned a bachelor of arts degree in education from Peabody College in Tennessee in 1944 , according to her official biography . Her teaching career , however , was hampered by her looks , she said . `` I could n't control my students , especially the boys , '' she is quoted as saying . After her modeling career ended , Page returned to Peabody College to work on a master 's degree , the bio said . Her Southern drawl and a refusal to sleep with a Hollywood producer hampered her acting career , according to her bio . `` I did n't like his looks , '' Page said . `` I would n't have gone to bed with him anyway . He was a creep . He drove off in his big car and scolded me , ` You 'll be sorry . ' I was n't . '' Page said she regretted not accepting studio boss Jack Warner 's offer of another screen-test , but it came while she was trying to save her marriage to her first husband , Billy Neal . Her modeling breakthrough began after she divorced Neal in 1947 when she met a police officer whose hobby was photography . He suggested the black bangs , which became her trademark , her bio said . Not long after , her images were everywhere , gracing magazine covers and locker pin-ups . Page wore nothing but a Santa hat in Playboy 's January 1955 centerfold . Playboy founder Hugh Hefner said her appearance in his magazine 's first year was a milestone . `` She became , in time , an American icon , her winning smile and effervescent personality apparent in every pose , '' Hefner said . `` A kinky connection was added by Irving Klaw 's spanking , fetish and bondage photos , which became part of the Bettie Page mystique , '' Hefner said . `` They were playful parodies that are now perceived as the early inspiration for Madonna 's excursions into the realm of sexual perversion . '' Perhaps the most memorable photos of Page were her bondage poses , which she said were all pretend . `` I never understood how anyone believed those poses were sexy , '' she later said . `` To be tied up ? I do n't get it . '' `` She was a remarkable woman , truly someone that changed the social norms , not only here in this country , but also around the world , '' Roesler said . `` While Jackie Robinson was changing the racial attitudes , Bettie Page was changing our attitudes on sex . She became a James Dean type of ` rebel ' figure as she allowed people to be less inhibited and look at sex in a different way . '' Saucy photos of Paige in skimpy clothing or none at all helped to lead the way for the sexual revolution of the 1960s . Page suddenly disappeared from the scene in 1958 . It was only decades later revealed that she re-emerged to explain that she underwent a religious conversion and moved to Florida . Her life took a dark turn starting in 1978 after her third marriage failed , Roesler said . Page went through `` some mental instability , violent mood swings , and serious trouble with the law '' and was eventually diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic , according to her bio . Page reappeared in public in December 2003 for Playboy 's 50th anniversary party , where she made a grand entrance with Anna Nicole Smith . It was the only time in the past 50 years that Page allowed her photograph to be taken , Roesler said . A private funeral service is planned for Tuesday . Page will buried at Westwood Cemetery in Los Angeles , just a few feet away from Monroe .
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Pinup beauty Bettie Page dies at hospital a week after suffering heart attack . Page graced magazine covers in 1950s , helped to usher in sexual revolution . Page became recluse in recent years , reappeared in public in December 2003 .
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TEHRAN , Iran -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iran said the gunman who killed Neda Agha-Soltan may have mistaken her for the sister of an Iranian `` terrorist , '' the Islamic Republic News Agency reported Wednesday . In death , Neda Agha-Soltan has emerged as a powerful symbol of opposition to the Iranian government . Iran blamed the death of the woman known to the world simply as Neda squarely on `` those groups who want to create division in the nation , '' saying they planned the woman 's killing `` to accuse the Islamic republic of ruthlessly dealing with the opposition , '' according to IRNA , Iran 's state-run news agency . The report said the investigation into her death is ongoing , `` but according to the evidence so far , it could be said that she was killed by mistake . The marksmen had mistaken her for the sister of one of the Monafeghin who had been executed in the province of Mazandaran some time ago . '' Monafeghin refers to the People 's Mujahedin Organization of Iran , or PMOI , which promotes a secular , Marxist government for Iran , and has waged a violent campaign against the fundamentalist Islamic regime , including bombings that killed politicians , judges and Cabinet members . Also known as Mujahedin-e-Khalq , the group initially was formed to oppose the Shah of Iran but fell out of favor with the Islamic Revolution of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after 1979 . The European Union removed the group from its list of terrorist organizations this year , prompting outrage from Tehran . The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the European Union of `` making friends and cooperating with terrorists '' by removing the group from its list . Neda , 26 , rose to prominence within hours after a crudely shot video documenting her final moments was uploaded to the Web . Shortly after she died Saturday from a single gunshot wound to the chest , she emerged as a powerful symbol of opposition to the Iranian government . See images of Neda and the impact of her death '' `` It 's heartbreaking , '' President Obama said Tuesday , referring to the video of Neda , which means `` divine calling '' in Farsi . `` And I think anyone who sees it knows there 's something fundamentally unjust about it . '' The Iranian government has sought to minimize the impact of her death . Watch how Neda 's death has attracted world attention '' IRNA reported Wednesday that the killer , or killers , may have `` thought that they were targeting one of the government opposition people and that is why they immediately distributed the video of the aftermath of the killing through the official and unofficial media in order to reach their murderous objectives against the Iranian government and revolution . ''
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Iran blames Neda Agha-Soltan 's death on `` groups who want to create division '' Neda may have been mistaken for `` terrorist 's '' sister , state-run news agency says . Woman has emerged as powerful symbol of opposition to Iranian government . Iranian regime has sought to minimize the impact of Neda 's death .
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BAGHDAD , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iraq 's prime minister wants the American military to hand over `` Chemical Ali '' and two other convicted officials from Saddam Hussein 's regime for execution , an Iraqi official said Tuesday , but the move could widen the divide between Iraq 's Sunni and Shiite Muslim communities . Ali Hassan al-Majeed , aka `` Chemical Ali , '' was sentenced to death in June for his role in the 1988 Anfal campaign . Ali Hassan al-Majeed -LRB- aka `` Chemical Ali '' -RRB- , Sultan Hashem Ahmed and Hussein Rashid were sentenced to death in June for their roles in the 1988 Anfal campaign , an Iraqi army operation in Kurdish-dominated northern Iraq that killed tens of thousands of people . The three were to be executed in October , 30 days after their appeals were exhausted , but the three members of Iraq 's presidency council have not signed the execution orders , as Iraqi law requires . Many Sunni Arabs and U.S. officials do n't think Ahmed and Rashid should be executed because such a move could anger Sunnis . Only recently have U.S. efforts to bring Sunni Arabs into the Iraqi political fold paid off . After the toppling of Hussein 's Sunni-dominated government and the emergence of the Shiite-dominated power structure , Sunni Arabs began supporting the insurgency . The United States since has made it a political priority to include Sunnis in the Iraqi power structure . At the same time , Iraq 's Shiites might be angry if the three men are n't executed . Shiites were persecuted under Hussein , and they want to punish convicted members of the former regime . Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki wrote a letter to President Bush last week asking him to order the military to hand over the three men , but it was unclear if Bush replied , the official in al-Maliki 's office said . Though the Iraqi High Tribunal sentenced the men to death in June , the three remain in U.S. custody . The delay in their executions has been attributed to legal and procedural issues . U.S. officials said the men will be handed over when those issues are resolved . On Sunday , U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte told reporters in Baghdad that there are disagreements on what to do about the situation . `` Once the government of Iraq has reached a consensus on what they wish to do about these detainees , we will then take action , but at the moment the government of Iraq itself has not reached its own consensus as to what to do about this situation . So we await that , '' Negroponte said . Iraqi law requires the three members of Iraq 's presidency council sign the execution warrants , but the law does n't explain what happens if leaders do n't sign the warrants . Jalal Talabani , the Kurdish president , and Tariq al-Hashimi , the Sunni vice president , are unwilling to sign an execution order . The third member of the council is the Shiite vice president , Adel Abdul Mahdi . A Western official close to the case said last month that Iraqi courts have not addressed whether the council 's inaction constitutes a de facto pardon or a stay of execution , but al-Maliki has said the ruling was upheld by an appellate court and should be carried out regardless of the signatures . Al-Maliki 's letter to Bush and public statements by the prime minister and others misrepresent `` the Iraqi law applicable in this particular case as well as with respect to the procedure governing executions more generally , '' the official said . Iraqi legal advisers have informed the government of their `` unambiguous opinions '' regarding the law and executing the three men without approval of the presidency council `` would violate Iraqi law and , arguably , international law binding upon individual Iraqi officials , '' the official said . The Western official further said Rashid was not `` criminally culpable for anything that happened during Anfal '' and that Ahmed and is `` extremely popular '' among military officials . Ahmed 's constituency `` cuts across Sunni-Shia lines , '' the official said . `` At the end of the day , what I think that we shall see is a compromise : The life of Ali Hassan al-Majeed will be traded for the savings of the lives '' of Ahmed and Rashid , the Western official said . Other developments . • A man appearing in a video shown by an Arabic-language TV network Tuesday is believed to be one of five Britons kidnapped in Baghdad this year , said a Canadian-based security firm that employs the man . A spokesman for Garda World Security Corp. said company officials believe that the video is authentic . The video , which included a demand for Britain to pull out of Iraq , shows two armed militants pointing machine guns toward the hostage but not to his head . It aired on the Dubai-based network Al-Arabiya . • A suicide bomber blew himself up Tuesday near a police station north of Baghdad , killing eight people and wounding 30 , police in Baquba said . The bomb detonated outside a main gate of a police station in Jalula . Among the dead were four police officers and two Iraqi Kurdish troops . The troops had been deployed to the area as part of a security crackdown . • A U.S. soldier was killed `` as a result of injuries sustained from a vehicle explosion during a vehicle recovery operation '' in western Iraq , the U.S. military said Tuesday . Two troops were wounded in the Monday incident in Anbar province . The number of troops killed in the Iraq war stands at 3,876 . Seven civilian contractors also have been killed . • A freeze in activity by the Mehdi Army -- the militia of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr -- that began more than three months ago has had `` very significant '' effects in Baghdad , a U.S. military commander said . Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner cited security improvements , including potent military operations , the development of `` concerned local citizen '' security volunteers and the development of grass-roots support for the Iraqi government . These have occurred amid a drop in attacks and a decline in civilian and military deaths since the U.S. troop escalation called the `` surge '' began this year . • Commercial airline travel from the largest city in northern Iraq has resumed for the first time in 14 years , a development called a `` significant step for the revitalization of the economy '' in the northern region , according to a U.S. military news release . A flight carrying 152 Muslim pilgrims for the annual hajj pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca left the Mosul airport Sunday , the military said . The airport , built in 1992 , has n't had commercial airline traffic since a `` no-fly '' zone was declared in 1993 by American troops during the Hussein era . • The U.S. military said Tuesday it had killed a high-ranking al Qaeda in Iraq operative who had been an adviser to the group 's leader , Abu Ayyub al-Masri , and to its former leader , Abu Musab al-Zarqawi , who was killed in a U.S.-led coalition raid last year . Abu Maysara , aka Abu Basha'ir , was killed northeast of Samarra on November 17 during a coalition operation . He was identified using DNA , the military said . E-mail to a friend . CNN 's Mohammed Tawfeeq and Jomana Karadsheh contributed to this report .
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Western official : Executing trio without council 's approval would violate law . Three men were slated to be executed in October , but orders still await signatures . Delays blamed on legal issues , but officials say sectarian issues at play . Western official predicts compromise : Only `` Chemical Ali '' will be executed .
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[[4217, 4244], [1920, 2002]]
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WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. Marine commander on Wednesday warned of a `` growing '' insurgent threat in Afghanistan , but he said forces would have to be cut in Iraq to send more Marines to Afghanistan . Marines could be pulled from Iraq 's Anbar province , Gen. James Conway said Wednesday . `` To do more in Afghanistan , our Marines have got to see relief elsewhere , '' said Gen. James Conway in a briefing for Pentagon reporters . Conway said the Corps ' two regimental combat teams -- about 10,000 Marines -- in Iraq 's Anbar province could be removed as there are only two or three insurgent attacks a day in what was once the hotbed of the Iraqi insurgency . The U.S.-led coalition is scheduled to hand over security control in Anbar to Iraqi troops next week . Despite the progress , Conway said , he does n't expect any decisions on troop withdrawals until Gen. David Petraeus -- the head of the U.S. military in Iraq -- makes his recommendations on troop deployment in Iraq to President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates . There are more than 3,000 Marines in Afghanistan , and Conway said that the Marine Corps would be willing to help bolster the fight against the Taliban in that country . `` I think that a battalion of Marines in Afghanistan count for more than a battalion of Marines in Iraq , if you will , just in terms of the impact that they can have , '' he said .
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Marines in Iraq 's once-volatile Anbar province could leave , general says . Anbar attacks down to a few a day , Gen. James Conway says . Marines could have greater effect in Afghanistan , Conway says .
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MADRID , Spain -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Suspected Islamic extremists arrested last week in Barcelona were planning al Qaeda-style attacks in Spain , Germany , France , Britain and Portugal , according to an informant who `` infiltrated '' the group , Spain 's El Pais newspaper reports . `` If we attack the metro -LSB- subway system in Barcelona -RSB- , the emergency services ca n't get there , '' one of the suspected suicide bombers told the informant , El Pais reported on Saturday . `` Our preference is public transport , especially the metro . '' El Pais reported that it had access to the informant 's testimony to Spanish officials . CNN has confirmed that authorities have given high importance to an informant 's testimony . The judge who ordered 10 suspects held for allegedly plotting a suicide attack in Barcelona , cited in his rulings the testimony of an informant . CNN has viewed the rulings . Spain 's Interior Minister last Friday said an informant warned of a planned suicide attack against Barcelona 's metro on the weekend of January 18 to 20 . But he added that , for now , `` there is only the testimony of an informant '' regarding the timing . The informant told authorities the cell comprised six suicide bombers , including himself , El Pais reported on Saturday . Spain 's attorney general , Candido Conde-Pumpido , said last week that the cell could have contained six suicide bombers , two explosives experts and two ideologues . Judge Ismael Moreno , in rulings last Wednesday , wrote that the informant had named three suspected suicide bombers and an explosives expert , all of whom had traveled from Pakistan to Barcelona since last summer . The judge ordered these four men held , out the total of 10 jailed suspects who are from South Asia . They include nine Pakistani nationals and a man from India , who is Muslim . A court-appointed translator told CNN that all 10 suspects testified during their arraignments that they were innocent . The cell planned three attacks in Spain , one in Germany and others in France , Britain and Portugal , according to the informant , El Pais reported . On Sunday , another El Pais story added that the `` wave of attacks '' was to have been carried out by the Barcelona group and other extremist Pakistani cells were to attack elsewhere in Europe . The informant told authorities about potential links between the Barcelona group and suspected extremists in other countries , the interior minister said Friday . The informant had traveled by train from France to Barcelona on January 16 , a few days before police made arrests in Barcelona , El Pais reported Saturday . A day earlier , the newspaper reported that the informant worked for French intelligence . Al Qaeda was planning to take responsibility for the first attack in Barcelona through Baitullah Mehsud , a Taliban commander whom the Pakistani government blames for last month 's assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto , El Pais reported . `` Only the leadership of the organization knows what requests the emir -LRB- Baitullah -RRB- will make after the first attack , but if they are not carried out , there will be a second attack in Spain , and a third , '' a cell leader told the informant , El Pais reported . `` And then in Germany , France , Portugal and the United Kingdom . There are many people prepared there . '' In Barcelona , two pairs of suicide bombers were to attack in separate metro stations , the paper said , citing the informant 's testimony . One of the cell leaders said the bombs were supposed to be hidden in backpacks or bags and that other cell members were to detonate them by remote control , the paper added . Two other pairs of suicide bombers were to strike elsewhere in Spain , while another suicide bomber was to attack in Germany , although the informant said he did not know where or when those attacks were to occur , El Pais reported . Three other terrorists were assigned to attack in France and two in Portugal , El Pais reported , although it did not mention locations or times for those attacks either . Civil Guards initially detained 14 people in Barcelona , but released two before arraignments last Wednesday . The judge then released two more , leaving 10 in jail for further investigation . It was not immediately known if the alleged informant may have been among those arrested and released . `` This cell was preparing to attack , '' Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said Friday in an interview with Spanish radio network SER . `` It 's clear they were going to try , whether last weekend -LRB- January 18 to 20 -RRB- or within 15 days . '' But he said police have not found explosives `` in sufficient quantity '' to have carried out the assault . `` We have found a modest quantity of explosives , '' Rubalcaba said , adding that they may have been intended for use in training the suspects . The judge in his rulings wrote that the group `` had achieved human operational capacity and were very close to achieving full technical capacity with explosives , with the aim of using those explosives for a jihadi terrorist attack . '' Rubalcaba said that , for any such suspected terrorist cell , `` the time from getting explosives to carrying out the attack can be very short . '' The judge wrote that police had found nitrocellulose and mechanical and electrical elements that could have been used to make one or more bombs . More than 300 suspected Islamic extremists have been arrested in Spain since the Madrid train bombings killed 191 people and wounded more than 1,800 on March 11 , 2004 , Rubalcaba said . Last October , more than a dozen Islamic extremists were convicted in Madrid for their roles in the train bombings . The 2004 bombings came just three days before general elections , in which Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero won an upset victory . The latest arrests in Barcelona come less than two months before the next general elections , to be held March 9 , when Zapatero seeks re-election . Spain remains on `` permanent alert '' against Islamic terrorism . Al Qaeda communiques regularly make specific references to Spain . E-mail to a friend .
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Informant : Terrorists planned to attack public transport systems in Europe . El Pais said it had access to informant 's testimony to Spanish officials . 10 suspects were arrested for allegedly plotting attacks . Informant : Cell consisted of six suicide bombers .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chelsea target Fernando Torres has submitted a transfer request at Liverpool , but the English Premier League club still insist he is staying with them . With the hours ticking down until the end of the January transfer window , Liverpool signaled their intent to hold on to their star striker , who signed a new five-year contract with them in 2009 . `` Fernando Torres tonight submitted a written transfer request , which has been rejected by Liverpool , '' said a club statement Friday night . `` Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honor the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement . '' Earlier , the Merseyside club confirmed on its website that a bid had been received -- reported in British newspaper the Daily Telegraph to be around $ 63 million -- but it is expected reigning Premier League champions Chelsea will increase their offer ahead of Monday 's deadline day . The 26-year-old striker , who was part of Spain 's World Cup winning squad in South Africa , has scored nine goals this season and under new manager Kenny Dalglish looks to be returning to his best form . Liverpool , up to a season 's best seventh after a midweek win over Fulham , have strengthened their squad with the signing of Uruguay striker Luis Suarez from Ajax to play up front with Torres . But Chelsea , trailing leaders Manchester United in this season 's title race , are also keen to augment their aging squad , particularly in attack . Spanish club Atletico Madrid said they had turned down Chelsea 's $ 82 million bid for Argentina striker Sergio Aguero earlier this week .
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Liverpool reject transfer request from striker Fernando Torres . Premier League champions Chelsea want to sign Spain World Cup star . Torres signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool in 2009 .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A controversial Kansas church says members will picket before the memorial service Wednesday evening for two Florida teenagers allegedly killed by their mother . In a press release , Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka , Kansas , said it will demonstrate outside the service in Tampa because the mother is a military wife and `` the doomed American military declared war on God & His church . '' The controversial church and its pastor , Fred Phelps , have made their name picketing near funerals of people who died of AIDS , gay people and soldiers . The church plans to picket beginning at 5:15 p.m.and ending at 6 p.m. , when the service is scheduled to start , according to CNN affiliate WFTS-TV in Tampa . Julie K. Schenecker , 50 , is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths Friday of her 16-year-old daughter , Calyx , and her 13-year-old son , Beau . She was denied bail at a court appearance Monday , a court spokesman said . Her husband , Army Col. Parker Schenecker , is with the U.S. Central Command , which is headquartered in Tampa . Police told WFTS that he was in the Persian Gulf emirate of Qatar when his children were killed . King High School , which Calyx attended , and Liberty Middle School , where Beau was a student , are sponsoring the service at First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace in Tampa , the church said . Josh Saliba , director of creative ministries , told CNN he would not comment on Westboro Baptist 's plans to protest . On Monday -- their first day back since the shootings became public -- students at Liberty Middle School wore blue and black in memory of Beau , who was an eighth-grader there . CNN affiliate Bay News 9 posted a statement Monday from the Schenecker family : . `` Colonel Parker Schenecker has returned from his deployment and is grieving with family and friends . He is devoted first and foremost to honoring the lives and memory of his beautiful children , Calyx and Beau , '' the statement said . `` Parker and his family have been touched by the overwhelming support from the community both near and abroad . Arrangements and details are still being finalized with regard to the services to be held for Calyx and Beau . '' A search warrant filed Tuesday said Julie Schenecker was unconscious and wearing a bloody robe , and her slain children were covered in blankets when police arrived . Julie Schenecker was awakened and taken from a screened-in pool area to inside the home , where evidence was recovered , according to the warrant filed in Circuit Court in Hillsborough County . The search warrant was posted on the website of CNN affiliate WTSP . The warrant provides new details in the case : Five bullets , along with a Smith & Wesson box and instruction manual , were found in the master bedroom ; 15 live rounds and five spent shell casings were in the master bath . Also indicated in the search warrant -- both inside and outside the house -- were cigarette butts , note pads , undisclosed medication and paperwork . Police found Calyx 's body in an upstairs bedroom . She had been shot twice in the head , police said . Beau 's body was later found in the front seat of an SUV inside the home 's garage , police said . They said he was shot while he was being driven to soccer practice . Schenecker confessed to killing the children , according to a police statement , eventually recounting her rationale and thought process `` in detail , '' according to a news release . `` She did tell us that they talked back , that they were mouthy , '' Tampa police spokeswoman Laura McElroy told CNN affiliate WTSP last week . `` But I do n't think that will ever serve as an explanation to the rest of us of how you could take a child 's life . '' Schenecker had initially planned what she called the `` massacre '' -- killing the children and then herself , McElroy said on Monday -- for January 22 , but she put it off after learning there would be a three-day check before she could buy a gun . Police later found writings in the house , thought to be from Schenecker , in which she spelled out her intentions in detail . `` There are definitely indications that she planned this , '' McElroy said . '' -LRB- The writing -RRB- was devoid of emotion . '' CNN 's Phil Gast contributed to this report .
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Westboro Baptist Church says it will picket service because mother is a military wife . Tampa schools sponsoring service for brother and sister , who were slain last Friday . Julie K. Schenecker , 50 , is charged with murder in the deaths of her children . Her husband is with the U.S. Central Command .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Florida corrections officer assisting in a manhunt died Wednesday in an exchange of gunfire with a murder suspect , who also died , authorities said . Col. Greg Malloy , 44 , was mortally wounded , the Florida Department of Corrections said in a statement . Malloy was working as part of the Holmes Correctional Institution 's K-9 tracking team , which was assisting the Holmes County Sheriff 's Office in the search for Wade Williams . Williams , wanted in the double homicide of his parents , was also killed during the exchange , according to the statement . The incident occurred about 13 miles from Bonifay in the Florida Panhandle . `` Words can never express our emotions when an officer falls in the line of duty , '' said Department of Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil . `` Tragedies such as today 's underscore the dangers inherent in our profession , both inside and outside the prison walls . We extend our condolences to Greg 's family and his co-workers . '' Malloy began his career with the Department of Corrections in 1988 . The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting the shooting investigation . The Holmes County sheriff had not yet responded to a message left by CNN Wednesday afternoon .
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Florida officer killed during manhunt in Panhandle . Col. Greg Malloy and homicide suspect Wade Williams died . Malloy was working with prison 's K-9 tracking team .
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Sanaa , Yemen -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- What seemed like hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered near Sanaa University in Yemen 's capital early Thursday morning , a clear indication that many in the country were not satisfied with President Ali Abdullah Saleh 's recent announcement that he would not seek re-election . Demonstrators had said they would continue Thursday with a planned `` Day of Rage '' march in Yemen despite Saleh 's concession Saleh on Wednesday . Trying to quell a growing discontent in the country , Saleh said he will not seek re-election once his current term ends in 2013 , after more than three decades in office . He wo n't install his son to replace him also , he said . He also has asked his political opponents `` to re-engage in dialogue in hopes of reaching a sustainable and reconcilable political agreement , '' the Yemeni government said . Thursday 's protest come amidst a similiar ongoing unrest in Egypt and a revolt in Tunisia that forced that nation 's longtime strongman to flee to Saudi Arabia in mid-January . CNN 's Mohammed Jamjoom contributed to this report .
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Saleh has been in office for 32 years . He has said he will not seek re-election . The protests in Yemen come amid a string of uprisings in the region .
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Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A speaker claiming to be terrorism mastermind Osama bin Laden warned in an audiotape aired Friday that the release of two French journalists abducted by militants hinges on France 's military role in Afghanistan . `` We repeat the same message to you , '' said the speaker in an audiotape played on the Al-Jazeera satellite news network . `` The release of your prisoners from the hands of our brethren depends on the withdrawal of your soldiers from our countries . '' One U.S. counterterrorism official told CNN that the tape `` sends a chill up your spine , '' as it refers to `` a couple of human beings whose lives are at stake . '' However , the official said it is unclear how much influence bin Laden might have over the fate of the hostages . Another counterterrorism official said he would not discuss whether it was in fact bin Laden on the latest tape other than to say , `` there has never been a recording that has been false '' about its claim to be him . On the tape , the speaker , believed to be al Qaeda chief bin Laden , warns the French government that its alliance with the United States will prove costly . `` The dismissal of your President -LRB- Nicholas -RRB- Sarkozy to get out of Afghanistan is the result of his subservience to the United States and this -LRB- dismissal -RRB- is considered to be the green signal to kill your prisoners without delay , '' the speaker said . He goes on to say that `` we will not do that at the time that suits him -LRB- Sarkozy -RRB- and this position will cost you dearly on all fronts , in France and abroad . '' France , however , said the message would not deter it from its Afghanistan strategy . `` We are determined to stay in Afghanistan with our allies for the Afghan people , '' said French Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero . The first U.S. counterterrorism official told CNN that bin Laden 's continuing messages serve as a `` reminder '' and an `` in your face '' signal that he is still out there . But , that official said , `` the relevance -LRB- of the tapes -RRB- are on the wane . ... His message does n't resonate as well . '' The second U.S. official said the tape is an effort by bin Laden to prove `` he is present , that he is engaging . '' It 's a `` morale factor to remind the people who follow him that he 's still out there , '' the second official said . But this official said bin Laden 's message is more `` inspirational '' than operational . Some could take his message as `` a directive , '' but there is no indication he is `` leading '' an operation , the official said . The official said there has been no change in the U.S. belief that bin Laden is hiding in Pakistan somewhere along the border with Afghanistan . Taliban militants captured the journalists -- Herve Ghesquiere and Stephane Taponier from France 3 Television -- in December 2009 and threatened to kill them if their demands were not met , including the release of some detainees held by France . France has 3,750 troops in Afghanistan , according to NATO 's International Security Assistance Force . Al Qaeda 's North African wing has made the same withdrawal demands pertaining to the safety of five French nationals abducted in Niger . CNN 's Saad Abedine and Pam Benson contributed to this report .
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NEW : U.S. counterterrorism official : The message 's effect on the hostages ' fate is unclear . NEW : The message is an `` in your face '' signal that bin Laden is still out there , the official says . The audiotape believed to be from Osama bin Laden was aired on Al-Jazeera television . The speaker says the release of two journalists hinges on a French troop withdrawal .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistani Taliban leader Qari Hussain Mehsud , whose notoriety includes allegedly recruiting children as suicide bombers , is being targeted by the United States , the State Department announced Thursday . `` Widely considered to be the deadliest of all TTP 's commanders , Hussain and the TTP -LRB- Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan -RRB- have taken responsibility for many lethal suicide bombings throughout Pakistan , '' the State Department said in a news release on Qari Hussain . The released cited a string of such attacks , including a blast last September that killed at least 54 people at a rally in Quetta and a car bombing the same month that killed at least 17 people -- including four children -- in Lakki Marwat . Even among militant groups known for brutal violence , Qari Hussain Mehsud has a notorious reputation . He is alleged to have recruited dozens of Pakistani children as suicide bombers -LRB- a form of attack in which he reportedly is an expert trainer -RRB- and has boasted of personally beheading enemies . After the abortive Times Square bombing in New York last year , his voice was purportedly on the audio tape that claimed responsibility for the attack on behalf of the TTP . On several occasions , Pakistani officials have claimed that he has been killed . No evidence has ever been presented , and it seems that Qari Hussain is still somewhere in the rugged mountains along the Afghan-Pakistan border -- most likely in North Waziristan . He is well connected in jihadist circles . He is a cousin of the current leader of the TTP , Hakimullah Mehsud -LRB- himself a target of US drone attacks -RRB- , and terrorism analysts believe he has good contacts with other groups active in the region . Not that those contacts have always been cordial -- Pakistani media reported in 2008 a feud over the fate of a Polish geologist who was being held by Qari Hussain 's group . Rather than hand him over to another faction , they slit his throat . Qari Hussein comes from the Mehsud tribe , which is prominent in Waziristan and includes several other leading figures in the Pakistan Taliban . But he also spent time as a boy in Karachi , attending a hard-line Sunni `` madrassa '' or religious school . A Pakistani journalist , Tahir Ali , wrote last year of a meeting with Qari Hussain , who claimed to have been active in militant groups since boyhood . Ali quoted him as saying : `` I was very young when I joined Lashkar i Jhangvi and actively took part in anti-Shia activities ; I also remained for a short time with Ilyas Kashmiri group ... later on I focused on jihad in Waziristan . '' Both Lashkar and the Ilyas Kashmiri group are militant anti-Shia groups involved in terrorism in Pakistan and Indian Kashmir . Ilyas Kashmiri has repeatedly threatened to export terror attacks to Europe . According to Ali , he also claimed to be just 22 years of age . Others who have met him say that Qari Hussein appears to be in his early 40s . In January 2008 , the Pakistani army launched `` Operation Zalzala '' against a Mehsud stronghold in South Waziristan . While many Taliban fighters were killed and his house was destroyed , Qari Hussain escaped . But Pakistani forces uncovered a `` school '' that he is said to have run for child suicide bombers , along with videos of classes . Pakistani Maj. Gen. Tariq Khan described the school as `` like a factory '' which had been turning 9 - to 12-year old boys into suicide bombers . The U.S. State Department 's designation of Qari Hussain Hussain says he `` has gained particular notoriety for his heavy recruitment of children . '' Undaunted , Qari Hussain shifted his operations to North Waziristan and later released a 40-minute video in which teenagers and young men declared their intent to become suicide bombers . By this time , he was the commander of Fidayeen-e-Islam , a group within the Pakistani Taliban that specialized in suicide bombings . These were aimed at the Pakistani state and military , and included attacks on federal and police offices in Lahore . But they were also aimed at Pakistan 's Shia minority . A Shia procession in Lahore in September 2010 was attacked by a Taliban suicide bomber , who killed 33 people . The number of suicide attacks rose dramatically between 2007 and 2010 , and most were blamed on or claimed by the Pakistani Taliban . It was in May 2010 that the Pakistan Taliban was linked to its first attempted attack in the U.S. Faisal Shahzad attempted to leave a car bomb in New York 's Times Square . It failed to go off , but an audio tape released hours later purported to feature the voice of Qari Hussein in claiming that `` the recent attack '' was in response to American `` interference and terrorism in Muslim countries , especially in Pakistan . '' It 's not known whether Qari Hussain met or trained Shahzad , but it seems likely that he was involved in the suicide bombing of the CIA base in Khost , Afghanistan , at the end of 2009 . Before the attack , the suicide bomber recorded a video with Hakimullah Mehsud , and as the Pakistani Taliban 's expert trainer of suicide bombers , Qari Hussain likely helped him prepare for the mission . In its designation , the U.S. State Department says `` Hussain is believed to have trained the Jordanian militant Humam Muhammad Abu Mulal al-Balawi '' who carried out the Khost attack , killing seven U.S. citizens . The Pakistani government has declared a reward of 50 million rupees -LRB- $ 600,000 -RRB- for his capture , but Qari Hussain has evaded both capture and the much-expanded U.S. drone campaign . The U.S. action against Qari Hussain blocks all property `` subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which Hussain has an interest '' and prohibits all transactions by U.S. persons with Hussain . Given his record so far , it is unlikely to have much impact on his role within the Pakistani Taliban .
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Qari Hussain Mehsud 's notoriety includes allegedly training children as suicide bombers . A tape released after the Times Square bomb attempt purportedly featured his voice . The Pakistani government is offering a $ 600,000 reward for his capture .
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Bangkok , Thailand -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An insurgent attack on a Thai military camp in the country 's south killed four soldiers and wounded six others , a military spokesman said Thursday . `` There were about 20 to 30 insurgents -LRB- who -RRB- attacked our permanent infantry camp in Maruebotok Village , Narathiwart province ... around 7:30 a.m. local time , '' said Col. Parinya Chaidilok , spokesman of the 4th Division of Internal Security Operation Command . Parinya said the military had received a tip-off information that there would an attack on Thai military posts . `` But we are surprised that they launched their attack at our permanent camp instead of small temporary posts , '' he said . Muslim separatists in southern Thailand have long battled government forces in a country that is overwhelmingly Buddhist . The conflict came to a head after former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra took office in 2004 . Several thousand people died in the violence .
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Muslim separatists in southern Thailand have long battled government forces . Several thousand people die in a wave of violence that erupted in 2004 . The military had received tip-off information that there would an attack on Thai military posts .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An Indonesian court on Wednesday handed a seven-year sentence to a former tax official for corruption in a case that exposed rampant government graft . Gayus Tambunan was also fined 300 million rupiah -LRB- $ 30,000 -RRB- after being found guilty of corruption . Crowds booed and jeered when the judge read the verdict , which was less than the 20 years demanded by the prosecutors . Prosecutors plan to appeal . Gayus case came into the spotlight after he cooperated with the police to become a whistle-blower and expose the corruption in almost all aspect of the Indonesian judiciary system . `` This case have been influenced by many sides to make me look like public enemy number one in Indonesia , '' Gayus said after the verdict . `` I 'm really disappointed with legal system mafia task force -LRB- formed to combat corruption in the judiciary system -RRB- , who did n't investigate the high level officials and instead politicized the issue . '' Gayus first came to national attention when he was arrested for bribing the judges , prosecutors and the police for more than $ 2 million to have his corruption case dismissed . He was initially accused of helping companies evade taxes . Police later revealed that the lowly tax official , despite making a only modest income a month , had reportedly amassed millions of dollars in cash and assets . Gayus stirred anger in the country when he was photographed in Bali watching a tennis tournament when he was supposed to be in custody for his corruption case . He said he was in need of a holiday after feeling `` stressed out '' in prison . He later admitted that he had escaped prison at least 68 times by bribing the guards . He said he has taken trips to various destinations , including Macau , with fake passports obtained from the immigration office . `` Gayus is just the tip of the iceberg , his case indicates rampant corruption in the judiciary system , the tax office and the immigration office but the main issue seems to be avoided , '' said Adrianus Meliala , a criminology professor and police observer . `` For instance , the police investigation did n't include where the funds were funneled . This case does n't surprise me because corruption has become a culture in the tax office and this shows that the reform process is far from finished . '' The case prompted the president to order authorities to look into dozens of companies allegedly linked to Gayus and recover state assets .
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Gayus Tambunan was also fined $ 30,000 . He was found guilty of helping companies evade taxes . His daring exploits amid corruption charges stunned the nation .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After 40 years of appearing on the silver screen , actor Amitabh Bachchan is the elder statesman of Indian cinema and is possibly the most recognized man in India . The Big B : The patriarch of Indian cinema has appeared in over 180 films . Born to a famous Indian poet , Bachchan made his screen debut at the age of 27 and has gone on to star in over 180 films . As such an established star he has seen Indian film making change over the years , weathered changing audience tastes and the evolution of Bollywood cinema . `` I 'm actually very happy with our content . Even though we were ridiculed , and the West were very cynical about the way we made our films and the content that it contained , '' he told CNN . `` But that very aspect has now become its USP -LRB- unique selling point -RRB- almost , and people love to see that . I would not want to change that . I would expect that this is how and what our cinema is all about . '' If Indian films have gained a new found international interest , the way that Indian films are produced has also changed . From the industry 's alleged connection to organized crime to better production quality , Bachchan has worked within the system and at the sharp end of making movies . `` We have our own modes of working and how does one actually decipher that the person that you 're working with has some kind of an underground link ? You know , ' I am mafia ' does n't come written on somebody 's forehead . `` Whether he , you know , collects his money from wherever it is ... is really not our concern . We are interested the story , the concept , in our roles , the director who 's going to be making it , in the creative aspect . That 's it , '' he said . The role that propelled him to superstardom was of a working class hero standing up to oppression and injustice in the 1975 film `` Sholay '' . `` During the 1970s there was a feeling of great dissatisfaction in the youth that the establishment of the system is not doing enough to take care of their issues and problems . When one individual stood out and challenged the system and came out victorious he suddenly became a hero , '' he told CNN . `` I fortunately happened to be the actor that they chose to represent that kind of philosophy or thinking . And therefore I became a beneficiary . '' From being the `` angry young man '' of cinema in India he is now more commonly known as `` The Big B '' to the media and his millions of fans . But being such a public figure has never been a problem ; Bachchan writes a daily blog and believes that it 's in an actor 's make-up to thrive in public attention and that stars should be able to deal with praise as well as criticism . `` I think we all live to be recognized ... creativity would be useless if no one ever saw it or recognized it . We want our work to be known . `` I enjoy my blog greatly because I invite comment . Not all of them are complimentary , many of them are abusive , but I never moderate it because I think it 's important to know what the rest of the world actually thinks about you . '' Taking the good with the bad , Bachchan was recently criticized for reportedly being less than impressed by Danny Boyle 's Oscar-winning film , `` Slumdog Millionaire . '' But says Bachchan the unnecessary controversy was because of comments from readers on his blog had been mistakenly attributed to him . `` I was wrongly accused . I did get to see the film . I thought it was a very well made film , great story , '' he told CNN . If `` Slumdog Millionaire '' illustrates current interest in Indian films by the West , Indian movies have also developed in ways more familiar to Hollywood movies . `` Life has become a lot faster . We 've had to move with the times and adjust . If you were to analyze an indie film of the 1970s ... there would be far , far less editing cuts of , say , a film that was released in 2009 . That philosophy -LSB- from TV editing -RSB- , for some peculiar reason , has now translated into the minds of the audiences and they expect the same kind of treatment when they go out to see a movie , '' he told CNN .
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Indian actor has been superstar of Bollywood cinema for 40 years . Known as ` The Big B ' ; became icon to millions after ` Sholay ' film of 1975 . Blogs regularly and seen great changes in attitudes to Indian film and its influence . Caused furore when mistakenly reported to have criticized ` Slumdog Millionaire '
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Belfast , Northern Ireland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Thousands of mourners attended the funeral Monday of the newlywed Irish teacher strangled in Mauritius a week ago . Requiem Mass was held Monday at the same Catholic church in County Tyrone , Northern Ireland , where 27-year-old Michaela Harte-McAreavey was married less than three weeks ago . She was buried in her wedding dress in the graveyard next to the church , St Malachy 's , Ballymacilroy . It was one of the biggest funerals in Northern Ireland for several years , with political and community representatives from all sides attending . Irish President Mary McAleese and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams were among the mourners . Harte-McAreavey 's bereaved husband , Gaelic footballer John McAreavey , and her father , leading Gaelic football coach Mickey Harte , supported each other as they walked behind the coffin and helped carry it to the church . The mass was led by McAreavey 's uncle , Bishop John McAreavey , who married the couple on December 30 . `` An evil act ended Michaela 's young life last Monday , it robbed John of his beautiful wife , it deprived the Harte family of their precious daughter and sister , it deprived the McAreavey family of the daughter-in-law they looked forward to having . It shattered hopes and dreams for the future , '' he said . He said the couple enjoyed a `` special love '' and `` lived for each other '' and that `` nothing in John 's young life could have prepared him for the ordeal of this past week . '' Thousands of people had attended Harte-McAreavey 's wake at the Harte home over the weekend . In the Northern Ireland Assembly Monday , Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said memories of the murdered honeymooner had united people in grief . `` Any life taken away by murder is a horrific event , all the more so when it is of a young person , '' he said . `` The loss is even more harrowing and devastating because the victim in this case was a beautiful young woman who was on her honeymoon . `` This is one of the rare tragedies that has captured public attention and united the community in grief . '' Three suspects in her death are all employees of the luxury hotel where the newlywed was found strangled , according to the Mauritius Police Force . Room attendant Avinash Treebhoowoon , 29 , and Sandip Moneea , 41 , a floor supervisor , have been charged with murder . Room attendant Raj Theekoy , 33 , faces a conspiracy charge . Police said one of the men has confessed and participated in the reconstruction . Authorities believe the men were inside the teacher 's hotel room when she returned alone . `` We presume they were inside and burgling the room when the lady returned and were surprised and attacked her , '' Mauritius police Superintendent Yoosoof Soopun , who is leading the investigation , said last week . Authorities said the killer used an electronic key card to enter the room . The former beauty queen 's husband was in the restaurant of the hotel when his wife was killed , and is not a suspect , Soopun said . An autopsy showed that she died of asphyxiation .
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Michaela Harte-McAreavey was strangled on her honeymoon in Mauritius . She is buried in her wedding dress at the church where she got married . Ireland 's president and top churchman lead mourners . Bishop : Nothing in husband 's young life could have prepared him for ordeal .
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Belfast , Northern Ireland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Final preparations are being made for the funeral Monday of slain Irish newlywed Michaela Harte-McAreavey . The 27-year-old was found strangled in her hotel room on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius last Monday . She was killed less than two weeks after her wedding . Her funeral will take place Monday afternoon at the church where she married Gaelic footballer John McAreavey on December 30 . The president of the Republic of Ireland , Mary McAleese , will head dignitaries among thousands expected to attend a requiem mass at St. Malachy 's Church , Ballymacilroy , Northern Ireland . The Catholic primate of all Ireland , Cardinal Sean Brady , will be among senior clerics at a service led by McAreavey 's uncle Bishop John McAreavey , who married the couple two and a half weeks ago . Hundreds of people attended Harte-McAreavey 's wake at the Harte family home in County Tyrone over the weekend . Three suspects in her death are all employees of the luxury hotel where the newlywed was found strangled , according to the Mauritius Police Force . Room attendant Avinash Treebhoowoon , 29 , and Sandip Moneea , 41 , a floor supervisor , have been charged with murder . Room attendant Raj Theekoy , 33 , faces a conspiracy charge . Police said one of the men has confessed and participated in the reconstruction . Authorities believe the men were inside the teacher 's hotel room when she returned alone . `` We presume they were inside and burgling the room when the lady returned and were surprised and attacked her , '' Mauritius police Superintendent Yoosoof Soopun , who is leading the investigation , said last week . Authorities said the killer used an electronic key card to enter the room . The former beauty queen 's husband was in the restaurant of the hotel when his wife was killed , and is not a suspect , Soopun said . An autopsy showed that she died of asphyxiation . Harte-McAreavey taught Irish at St. Patrick 's Academy in Dungannon , County Tyrone , in Northern Ireland . She won the Ulster Rose of Tralee contest and participated in other beauty pageants . She was the daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte .
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Michaela Harte-McAreavey was strangled while on her honeymoon in Mauritius . Her funeral is set for Monday . The president of Ireland and the country 's top churchman are expected to attend . Police on the Indian Ocean island have arrested 3 hotel employees .
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Belfast , Northern Ireland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The body of Michaela Harte-McAreavey , a newlywed killed on her honeymoon in Mauritius , has been returned to her home in Northern Ireland . Friends and neighbors lined a route Friday night as the hearse carrying the body passed . The 27-year-old daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte and wife of Down Gaelic footballer John McAreavey was found strangled in her hotel room on the Indian Ocean island Monday . She was killed less than two weeks after her wedding . Three suspects are all employees of a luxury hotel where the 27-year-old newlywed was found strangled , according to the Mauritius Police Force . Room attendant Avinash Treebhoowoon , 29 , and Sandip Moneea , 41 , a floor supervisor , have been charged with murder . Room attendant Raj Theekoy , 33 , faces a conspiracy charge . Police said one of the men has confessed and participated in the reconstruction . Authorities believe the men were inside the teacher 's hotel room when she returned alone . `` We presume they were inside and burgling the room when the lady returned and were surprised and attacked her , '' Mauritius police Superintendent Yoosoof Soopun , who is leading the investigation , said earlier this week . Authorities said the killer used an electronic key card to enter the room . The former beauty queen 's husband was in the restaurant of the hotel when his wife was killed and is not a suspect , Soopun said . She had returned to their room to fetch biscuits to go with her tea . When she failed to return , her husband went to look for her and found her dead , Soopun said . An autopsy showed that she had died from asphyxiation . Harte-McAreavey taught Irish at St. Patrick 's Academy in Dungannon , County Tyrone , in Northern Ireland . She won the Ulster Rose of Tralee contest and participated in other beauty pageants . Hundreds of people are expected at Harte-McAreavey 's wake over the weekend . Harte-McAreavey 's funeral is scheduled to take place Monday at the same church where she was married on December 30 .
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Michaela Harte-McAreavey 's wake will take place over the weekend . The 27-year-old teacher was strangled in her luxury hotel room in Mauritius . She was on her honeymoon with Gaelic footballer John McAreavey . Police think Harte-McAreavey walked in on a burglary .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Liverpool 's star striker Fernando Torres has given the club a huge boost ahead of the new Premier League season by insisting he has no intention of leaving the club . The Spanish forward 's future has been up in the air since Liverpool slumped to a seventh placed finish last season , meaning they missed out on qualification for the European Champions League . Torres was part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup in South Africa and has only recently returned to training with Liverpool . Rumors of a # 50 million bid from Chelsea surfaced during the tournament . Huang eyes Liverpool bid . But after captain Steven Gerrard committed himself to the club , and new manager Roy Hodgson strengthened the side with the purchase of England international Joe Cole , Torres has now said he is staying at Anfield . He told the club 's official website : `` My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed . I am looking forward to the challenge ahead . `` This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high . Hopefully we can stay at our level . At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title . `` It was difficult last season but we are sure we can improve this season . I am really happy to be back , really happy to stay with all my teammates . I 'm excited about the new season and about the targets of the club . '' Torres came on for the final stages of the World Cup final , when Spain beat Netherlands 1-0 , but picked up a groin injury seconds before the final whistle . The 26-year-old says he is fighting to be fit for the start of the season , and Liverpool 's opening game with Arsenal on August 15 . Torres also says he has been impressed with Hodgson -- the man who replaced Liverpool 's former manager Rafael Benitez -- and appreciated the fact the 62-year-old traveled out to meet him when he was on holiday . `` I have less than two weeks to get ready but I felt really good in my first session back with the physios and the doctor , '' he said . `` At the moment I am training just on my own but as soon as I can I will train with the team and with the new manager . '' `` I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays . He told me about his plans for the club and what he wanted from me and I appreciated that . `` I hope he will be the right man to reach the targets of Liverpool Football Club and I am really looking forward to working with him . '' Torres also welcomed the signing of Cole , who joined on a free transfer after leaving Premier League champions Chelsea in June . `` I think Joe is exactly the kind of player we need to improve the history of our club , '' he added . `` He is the kind of player I like to play with and the kind of player who can take the team to a higher level . `` His passing is unbelievable so hopefully he can start the season well because I am sure he will be a key player for us . I 'm excited about playing with him and hopefully we can all help him settle into the team and the city to make sure he can reach his best as quickly as possible . '' Torres also paid tribute to Liverpool 's fans and repeated his desire to help end the club 's run of 20 years without winning the league title . He said : `` I felt at home from the first day , I feel the fans love me and everyone knows I am really happy here and really happy to play at Anfield . `` I know that one trophy here at Liverpool -- maybe the Premier League -- means more than three or four with another club . This was my target from the day I came and it 's still my target . Hopefully this season we can feel this sensation here at Liverpool . ''
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Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he is staying at the club . Torres was part of Spain 's World Cup winning squad in South Africa . Chelsea were rumored to be interested in the 26-year-old . Torres has scored 56 goals for Liverpool in 69 Premier League games .
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Jerusalem -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Israel Defense Forces said Wednesday it has ended the military career of a soldier involved in a commando raid this month in the West Bank city of Hebron during which five Hamas members were arrested and a 66-year-old Palestinian man was `` regrettably killed . '' The investigation into the January 7 arrest operation , in which Amr Qawasme was killed , `` concluded that the initial firing at Qawasme was done following a suspicious movement that caused the soldier to feel that his life was threatened , '' the IDF said in a statement . It found no fault with the initial shooting , saying it had been executed `` in accordance with IDF rules of engagement . '' But the actions of a second soldier , who watched the first soldier fire at Qawasme and fired , too , were unprofessional , and that soldier 's military service has been terminated , the IDF statement said . `` The IDF deeply regrets the death of Amr Qawasme , '' it said . The shooting prompted cries of outrage from Palestinians , and about 4,000 mourners attended Qawasme 's funeral . The IDF statement did not identify the man whose military career was terminated . Asked why not , a woman who answered the phone for the IDF said his name was withheld for privacy reasons . Pressed , she added , `` It 's not relevant to the announcement . '' She would not identify herself .
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Israel Defense Forces concludes that commando 's actions were unprofessional . The man 's military career is ended . IDF would not identify the man .
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Baghdad -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A pair of suicide attacks Wednesday morning in Iraq 's Diyala province , north of Baghdad , killed at least 16 people and wounded nearly 100 others , authorities said . A suicide bomber drove a vehicle loaded with explosives into the headquarters compound of Force Protection Services in the heart of the provincial capital of Baquba during morning training , according to police officials in Baquba and Baghdad . Force Protection Services is the Iraqi security agency responsible for protecting the country 's government institutions . At least 13 people were killed and 70 wounded in that attack . Two of those killed were security guards , who were stationed at the first and main checkpoint before the attacker forced his vehicle forward . South of Baquba , a suicide bomber wearing a vest packed with explosives detonated near a convoy carrying the deputy head of Diyala 's provincial council , Sadiq al-Husseini , police said . The attack in al-Ghalbiya killed at least three people and wounded 26 others , including al-Husseini . Al-Husseini 's convoy was traveling with a procession of Shiite pilgrims who were making a four-day trek by foot to Karbala for Arbaeen , a religious observation that falls after 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussein , a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed who was felled in a 7th century battle in the Iraqi city . The three killed in the blast were pilgrims , as were several of the wounded . Thousands of Shiites are making their way to Karbala , and there is fear of more bloodshed ahead of next week 's Arbaeen commemoration . The bloody attacks came a day after a suicide bomber wearing an explosives-packed vest detonated at a police recruitment center in Salaheddin province , also in northern Iraq . That strike killed at least 65 people and wounded 160 others . Five others -- all Shiite pilgrims -- were wounded Tuesday in a separate attack in Taji , just north of Baghdad . Diyala was an al Qaeda stronghold until 2008 , when Iraqi security forces , backed by U.S. troops , conducted major military operations in the province to push the militants out . Awakening Councils also played a major role in hunting down al Qaeda fighters in the province . Awakening Councils , whose members are predominantly Sunni , have been recruited by the U.S. military to work against al Qaeda in Iraq and other militias .
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NEW : Three of the dead were Shiite pilgrims headed to the holy city of Karbala . A suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed vehicle into a security agency headquarters . Another detonated near a convoy carrying a provincial official and escorting pilgrims . The attacks came a day after 65 people were killed in Salaheddin province .
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Baghdad -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Twenty years after the United States and its allies launched Operation Desert Storm to roll back Saddam Hussein 's invasion of Kuwait , Iraq still owes its smaller neighbor billions in reparations and more than 1,000 people are still missing . It was in August 1990 that Iraq invaded , declaring that Kuwait was its 19th province . The United States led a counteroffensive starting January 16 , 1991 . While the era of Saddam Hussein is now part of history , the impact of the invasion he ordered is anything but . `` Kuwait was of course traumatized by the invasion in 1990 , '' said Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group , which monitors conflicts around the world . `` It has yet to overcome the fear that Iraq will yet again want to show that Kuwait is the 19th province rather than an independent neighboring state -- and Kuwait will want some kind of guarantees that will not be repeated . '' The United Nations lifted Hussein-era sanctions against Iraq in December , a largely symbolic step toward Iraq regaining full sovereignty and its status in the international community . And although its government has continued to reassure the international community that the new Iraq is no longer a threat , Baghdad is still subject to U.N. resolutions over its outstanding disputes with Kuwait . More than 1,000 people -- or their remains -- are still missing , including Iraqis , Kuwaitis and others . The Kuwaiti government also wants back government documents that disappeared during the invasion in 1990 . Iraq , Kuwait and the International Committee of the Red Cross are working together on the missing persons . Iraq is also continuing to pay off its war reparations to its neighbor . Baghdad says it has paid about $ 30 billion to date and still has to pay more than $ 20 billion more . The money is deducted from Iraq 's main income , oil revenues . Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh says Iraq needs money itself , and has paid enough . `` We are subject to the deduction of 5 % of our revenue . That is , of course , influencing the revenue of the Iraqi people . It 's influencing the budget , '' he said . `` I do understand that Saddam created damages to the others , but again , it 's enough , '' he told CNN . `` We do need each and every penny '' for `` reconstruction of our destroyed country '' and because the Iraqi people need services , he said . And while the borders between the two countries have finally been established with the help of the United Nations , questions remain on both sides regarding rights and access , and some 200 Iraqi families must be relocated . In what is arguably the biggest step toward improving these strained ties , Kuwait 's Prime Minister Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah visited Baghdad on Wednesday , the highest-ranking Kuwaiti visit in decades . Iraq 's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is expected to make a visit to Kuwait soon . `` Now we see a thaw of sorts , we 'll have to see how far it goes , '' said Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group . `` That could lead to a peace treaty of some sort because there are some outstanding issues that need to be resolved , but all of them are resolvable , and I think if the political will is there , it can be done . '' Analysts say while there are signs of progress being made , the issue is essentially a lack of trust on both sides -- and building that trust will not be easy .
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Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990 , and the U.S. led a counteroffensive in January 1991 . Baghdad continues to pay reparations to its neighbor . Iraq 's government spokesman says enough is enough . About 1,000 people who disappeared have never been found .
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Tunis , Tunisia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A day after the Tunisian president indicated that he would n't run again , protesters peacefully took to the streets in tense North African nation 's capital to protest his rule . Thousands of people congregated in front of the Interior Ministry in Tunis , and chanted slogans such as `` Get out ! '' and `` Freedom for Tunisia ! '' Haykal Maki , a pro-opposition lawyer who was in the throng , said protesters want a `` regime change , '' the resignation of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali , and lawsuits addressing the regime 's corruption . Tunisia has been wracked by angry demonstrations , with citizens protesting high unemployment , alleged corruption , rising prices , limitations on rights , and anger with the government 's performance . The wave of protests was sparked by the suicide of an unemployed college graduate , a man who torched himself in December after police confiscated his fruit cart . In an address on national TV on Thursday night , Ben Ali addressed the crisis in a speech that came as street unrest percolated and a message purportedly from an al Qaeda affiliate announced its support of protesters . He vowed to cut prices of basic foodstuffs , to lift censorship and to ensure police do not use live ammunition except in self-defense , and indicated that he will not run again for president . `` Enough violence , '' Ben Ali said on national television after days of riots that have killed at least 21 people . `` I also gave orders to the interior minister ... not to use live ammunition . It is unacceptable and unjustified unless someone uses his weapon and forces you to defend yourself . '' Ben Ali said he had asked the prime minister to reduce prices of staples , including sugar , milk and bread and said he had decided to give `` complete freedom to all media outlets ... as long as they respect our values and the value of the profession . '' The 74-year-old president added that he would not push to change the law setting an age limit for presidential candidates in the next election in 2014 . By then , he would have exceeded the 75-year age limit . `` There will not be presidency for life , '' he said . Organized mainly by the country 's lawyers ' union mainly and other unions , the crowd on Friday was under the watchful eye of a contingent of riot police officers . But the protesters freely were not shy about slamming the government and Ben Ali 's rule . Demonstrators shouted `` Public trial for the president 's family ! '' and `` Yes to water and bread , but NO to Ben Ali ! '' Reem Ben Yousef , a 37-year-old university professor , told CNN that the protesters say the ruling family have robbed citizens and they want them to depart from public life . Reem says that Ben Ali 's speech was staged and was cynical about the presence of a pro-government demonstration after his speech . `` We do not believe in Ben Ali and his regime , '' she said .
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Thousands are congregated in Tunis . The demonstration is peaceful . This comes a day after the president 's speech .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- European Ryder Cup star Miguel Angel Jimenez snapped his putter in frustration at the Volvo Golf Champions tournament in Bahrain but then carded three birdies with his lob wedge to tie for the lead . The Spaniard became increasingly frustrated with his play on the greens after missing a succession of birdie chances and snapped his putter in two on the 13th hole . But if anything , it gave his game a boost as he picked up shots on the 15th , 16th and 17th to finish with a 65 and tie with three other players at 11-under-par after the second round . Italian Edoardo Molinari , Sweden 's Peter Hanson and Frenchman Raphaël Jacquelin share the lead with Jimenez . After his extraordinary hat-trick of birdies Jimenez joked on the European Tour website : `` I think now I putt with my lob wedge . '' Northern Irishman Darren Clarke , who was a vice-captain during Europe 's Ryder Cup victory over the United States in Wales last year , was playing with Jimenez when his putter felt the full force of his anger . Clarke told how his playing partner `` just caught the edge of his bag '' with the putter , joking that his backswing was `` a bit long . '' Molinari came flying out of the traps carding six birdies in the opening six holes but after such an impressive start he managed only one more in his round of 65 . Hanson shot a five-under round of 67 to take a share of the lead , while Jacquelin matched Molinari and Jimenez with seven birdies in his round . Clarke is in a group of four players one shot behind the leaders with England 's Paul Casey , Scot Stephen Gallacher and South Africa 's James Kingston . It was n't such a good day for England 's Ian Poulter who finished on three-under and tied for 50th place . After his opening round of level par on Thursday he ranted on his Twitter site . He said : `` Played great today 35 putts , missed 1 green , Simply the WORST greens i have ever seen & im not joking they are embarrassing . '' He later added : `` Apparently the Architect wanted to make a statement with the greens , he did that alright they are & % $ # . ''
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Miguel Angel Jimenez takes share of Volvo Golf Champions after snapping putter . Spaniard broke putter in two after becoming frustrated on 13th hole . Jimenez then carded three birdies with his lob wedge to tie for the lead . Edaordo Molinari joins Jimenez on 11-under after round of 65 .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tennis superstar Roger Federer is hoping to help the victims of the Australian floods by setting up a fund-raising event this weekend . Rising waters in Queensland have left the state 's premier warning of `` the worst natural disaster in our history '' as homes have been flooded and power cut off in the capital city Brisbane . Federer , who is in Melbourne preparing to begin the defense of his Australian Open title next week , set up a similar exhibition following the Haiti earthquakes a year ago . `` The floods here in Australia are devastating ! I am on my way to practice now and am going to speak with Tennis Australia to see if we perhaps can organize something on Sunday to help raise some funds for the people of Queensland who have been affected , '' Federer said on his Facebook page on Wednesday . `` Stay tuned as it would be great if the sport of tennis can help out right before the Australian Open begins . '' Tense waiting game for Brisbane residents . The 29-year-old Swiss player supports several charities , having launched his own foundation in 2003 to help disadvantaged children . He and tennis rival Rafael Nadal raised $ 2.6 million in the first of two offseason charity matches in Zurich in December . He also visited tsunami victims as part of his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador . Tennis stars have already contributed to the Queensland disaster fund , with American Andy Roddick donating $ 10,800 after reaching the final of the tournament in Brisbane last weekend . Australian star Samantha Stosur also made a donation , and Roddick 's website reported that the men 's and women 's ATP and WTA ruling bodies would pledge $ 10 for every ace serve hit by their players in Brisbane , Sydney this week and the Australian Open .
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Queensland has been hit by rising flood waters in the past week or so . Tennis stars have already made contributions to the disaster fund . Former world No. 1 Roger Federer hopes to stage exhibition this weekend . He did the same ahead of last year 's Australian Open for Haiti earthquake appeal .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Lie-detector tests could be used in a bid to stamp out corruption in cricket , an advisory committee of the sport 's rule-making body announced on Wednesday . Cricket was shrouded in controversy earlier this year when three members of the Pakistan team became the subject of match-fixing allegations during a tour of England . Following a police investigation , captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif -- who all protested their innocence -- will face a disciplinary hearing by the International Cricket Council in January . But after a meeting of the MCC World Cricket Committee in Perth on Tuesday and Wednesday , officials admitted that the latest corruption scandal has had a negative impact on the sport . Blog : Will Australia 's one-day cricket reign end in 2011 ? `` We are concerned at the scale of the problem , and the detrimental effect it has placed on the integrity of the game , '' a statement on the MCC 's official website read . `` The committee feels more resources -- and increased powers -- are required to attempt to eradicate this issue from the game . The education of players should not be a meaningless formality ; the message should be pressed home with regularity by figures known and respected by the players . '' As well as the possible introduction of lie-detector tests , other suggestions included the legalizing and regulating of betting markets in India , the inclusion of anti-corruption clauses in playing contracts and the non-inclusion of `` tainted '' players . The committee , comprised of past and present cricketers and officials , also said that captains should take more responsibility for their players . Its recommendations will be considered by the MCC Laws sub-committee in February . However , the proposal to use lie-detectors to determine whether or not players are competing for the right reasons has already been questioned . `` I do n't know about the accuracy of lie-detector tests , '' England captain Andrew Strauss told the UK Press Association on Wednesday on the eve of his side 's third Ashes Test against Australia in Perth . `` But what I do know , and is probably more important , is that we do n't want the whiff of anything suspicious going on in the game . '' Strauss ' team also came under the spotlight when Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt made accusations -- which he later withdrew -- that some England players had themselves accepted money to fix match results . The ongoing scandal took a further turn when Pakistani wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider fled to Britain during a series with South Africa in Abu Dhabi , claiming he had refused to fix a match . `` We 've seen how disruptive and detrimental to the game of cricket it is . If we have to take extreme measures in order to be 100 % confident the game is being played in the right spirit , then I 'd certainly be happy to do that , '' Strauss said . `` I 'd have to think about the arguments -LRB- for lie-detector tests -RRB- first . But the principle , of having 22 guys on the pitch that the supporters are absolutely 100 % certain are playing the game for the right reasons , is a good thing . ''
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Cricket rule makers could introduce lie-detectors to help fight corruption in the sport . Several suggestions made after a meeting of MCC World Cricket Committee in Australia . The sport came into disrepute when members of Pakistan team were accused of match-fixing . Other recommendations included the inclusion of anti-corruption clauses in all playing contracts .
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-LRB- Mashable -RRB- -- Hulu 's premium service Hulu Plus , which launched as a preview in July and recently opened up to everyone , is now out of testing period and has a new price tag of $ 7.99 per month . Hulu Plus gives subscribers access to all the episodes in a season of popular shows such as `` Glee , '' `` House , '' `` The Office , '' `` Modern Family , '' `` 30 Rock , '' `` Grey 's Anatomy '' and others . It also lets subscribers watch the shows on devices such as the iPad , iPhone , PS3 and -LRB- newly added -RRB- Roku , with support for Xbox 360 , TiVo Premiere DVRs , and many Internet-enabled HDTVs , Blu-ray players and media centers coming in the following months . Originally , Hulu Plus cost $ 9.99 ; current subscribers who joined during the preview period will receive a credit for the difference from the original price , which will automatically be applied to their next billing cycle . Recently , Hulu shared some impressive stats : 30 million users and an estimated $ 240 million in revenue in 2010 . The price drop for the Hulu Plus service , however , probably means that interest from subscribers was lacking ; we 'll see how the service will do at the lower price point . Unfortunately for folks outside of the U.S. , Hulu is still only available in that country , despite recent hints that it plans to expand internationally soon . © 2010 MASHABLE.com . All rights reserved .
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Hulu 's premium service Hulu Plus launched as a preview in July . Service gives subscribers access to all the episodes in a season of popular shows . Hulu Plus also lets subscribers watch the shows on your TV or phone .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Authorities have found a second homemade explosive and more of a type of explosive previously discovered in a house in an unincorporated area near Escondido , California , officials said Thursday . The house occupied by George Djura Jakubec , a computer software consultant who is now under arrest , has been described by authorities as a bomb-making factory . They say it holds the largest cache of the two homemade explosives ever discovered in one spot in the United States . San Diego County authorities confirmed Thursday they have found pentaerythritol tetranitrate , or PETN , a favorite of al Qaeda bomb-makers that is now the target of new U.S. airport body scans and pat downs . They also found more hexamethylene triperoxide diamine , or HMTD , in a bottle inside the house , but the two types of homemade explosives were not immediately removed because they are too volatile and the house is too cluttered to negotiate safely , Assistant Sheriff Ed Prendergast said . Authorities had already recovered 8 or 9 pounds of HMTD , an explosive powder that suicide bombers use , authorities said . The search of the house also turned up items `` suggestive of armed robberies , '' Prendergast said in a written statement . In addition to bomb-making charges , Jakubec , 54 , is charged with two bank robberies . Now being held in lieu of $ 5 million bail , he was on probation for a 2009 burglary conviction when he was arrested last week . Authorities are investigating Jakubec 's intentions . He is a Serbian national who is a naturalized U.S. citizen , and he lived in the house with his wife . Authorities also found Wednesday more blasting caps , adding to others discovered in the past week , but they were not removed from the house , officials said . A San Diego County hazardous materials team removed chemicals from a shed on the property , authorities said . They included about 4 liters of hydrochloric acid , 1 liter of nitric acid , 25 gallons of sulfuric acid and 50 pounds of hexamine . A bomb squad from San Diego County agencies and the FBI has suspended a search inside the home until Wednesday , as authorities study how to proceed within the cramped , cluttered home without causing a blast , Prendergast said . Authorities also found inside the house some more hazardous chemicals , which also wo n't be moved for now , he said . The sheriff 's department has secured a perimeter around the suburban house and closed the street off except to residents , Prendergast said . One explosives expert described the eight or nine pounds of previously discovered HMTD as potentially `` devastating . '' `` If you had 8 or 9 pounds in a vehicle in a street , you have a pretty large and devastating car bomb , '' said James Cavanaugh , a retired special agent of the federal Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives . `` Inside a home , it 's going to blow all the windows and doors and walls out , but it 's not going to destroy the neighborhood . People would be in danger if they were immediately in front of the house or adjacent to the house , '' he said . '' It would be almost like a gas explosion . '' Bomb squads must be wary of potential booby traps , Cavanaugh said . `` These explosives , like HMTD , I call the devil 's own mixtures , and they can be set off by shock , friction , static electricity , heat , flame or even a chemical reaction , '' he said . `` Added to the danger is that they are difficult to find in a filthy hoarder 's hovel . '' Outside court this week , Jakubec 's wife , Marina Ivanova , was distraught . `` He 's crazy , '' she told camera crews . `` I think he lost his mind . He lost his mind or something . ... I know that he was collecting , obsessively collecting stuff . '' Bomb technicians must work slowly inside the house because the slightest friction -- such as opening a drawer -- could ignite the explosives , Prendergast said . Jakubec appears to be a hoarder , and the clutter of paper and boxes in the house makes the hunt for explosives more difficult , the assistant sheriff said . Bomb crews were wearing less gear so they can move about the house without brushing up against anything and accidentally triggering the explosives , he said . `` We are wearing some protective gear , not the big protective gear '' that resembles moon suits , Prendergast said . `` It 's just not practical for this operation . '' Authorities discovered the explosives last Thursday after a gardener was injured when he unwittingly set off some of the HMTD powder in the back yard , Prendergast said . The blast went up one side of his body , from lower leg to head , he said . `` We believe he scraped against some of the powder in the yard , and the friction caused it to explode , '' Prendergast said . `` Apparently the suspect was experimenting in his yard , and some of it got left over '' the ground , he added . The 8 or 9 pounds of HMTD was in six jars that had apparently been moved out of the house and into the back yard , he said . Last Friday , authorities had to evacuate two nearby houses and even closed down the southbound lanes of nearby Interstate 15 for three hours , he said . The two adjacent houses remained evacuated Wednesday , he said . `` It 's amazing he did n't blow himself up . He must have some knowledge of how to do this safely , '' Prendergast said . `` Part of the story should be about the bravery of the bomb technicians and haz-mat team , for risking their lives trying to build a case against this guy so that justice can be served , and trying to render the site safe so that homeowners can return to their homes , '' he added . During Wednesday 's search , only two or three bomb technicians entered the house for less than an hour and seized a computer and other items , Prendergast said . The crew videotaped the interior and will review the tape later to determine their next mission , officials said . In recent days , technicians found improvised grenades that were n't live , he said . `` If you look at the video of this , you can see items piled on top of items . It gives you a mental picture of how difficult it is , '' Prendergast said . `` Counter space and tables , every bit of space had items piled on top of items -- papers and boxes . `` We only pull things out that have easy access , '' he added . Law officers have defined `` a hot zone '' consisting of the house itself and the two nearby evacuated houses . A `` warm zone '' is the street in front of the house , and a `` cold zone '' is the area beyond a police tape where the media and public are allowed to stand , Prendergast said . At night , after bomb crews have finished their work , the hot zone is reduced to just the house , he said . Authorities said the HMTD discovered inside the house Wednesday is stored in a bottle . `` We have not removed it yet . It 's too dangerous to move . Any movement can set it off , '' Prendergast said . `` We have a saying : We 'll go as fast as we can but slow as we must , '' he added .
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Authorities say a house holds a second homemade explosive , PETN . PETN happens to be the target of new U.S. airport body scans and pat downs . The 8 or 9 pounds of HMTD found is equivalent to a `` large '' car bomb , expert says . Bomb technicians must be careful ; the slightest friction could cause an explosion .
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-LRB- EW.com -RRB- -- In a surprisingly close race , `` Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 '' held on to its box-office crown Friday by grossing $ 20.8 million , according to early estimates . That 's a 66 percent drop from the fantasy film 's opening last Friday , which was inflated due to an enormous turnout at Thursday midnight screenings . If `` Deathly Hallows '' follows the Thanksgiving trajectory of `` Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire '' -- the last Potter film to open in November -- the PG-13 movie should finish the weekend with about $ 50 million . That would bring `` Deathly Hallows ' '' 10-day tally to $ 220 million , making it the 10th greatest 10-day gross in box-office history and the best ever for a Potter flick . But Friday was n't only a celebration for wizards , as Disney 's animated musical `` Tangled '' came in close behind with $ 19.7 million . The PG movie , which debuted Wednesday , has grossed $ 39.7 million so far , and has a shot at overtaking `` Deathly Hallows '' for the three-day weekend . If that happens , it 'd be due to one reason : incredible word-of-mouth . CinemaScore audiences rated the fairy-tale film an `` A + '' -- the first movie this year to garner the rare grade . Even more impressive is the fact that while moviegoers under the age of 25 rated `` Tangled '' an `` A , '' those over the age of 25 gave it an `` A + . '' Clearly this retelling of Rapunzel is delivering for all age groups , and when that happens , watch out . `` Tangled '' is on pace to finish second this weekend with about $ 47 million , but again , it could very well upset Potter for first place . Seems the lesson here is : Never underestimate a woman with ridiculously long hair . The next five films are fairly clumped together , and their positions could swap by Sunday night . DreamWorks Animation 's `` Megamind '' came in third on Friday , grossing $ 5.3 million for an actual increase of 41 percent from last week . In fourth place was the action thriller `` Unstoppable , '' which gained 13 percent from last week for $ 4.6 million . After that were this week 's three other new releases . The Cher-Christina Aguilera musical `` Burlesque '' fared best , bringing in $ 4.5 million on Friday . Despite mediocre reviews , audiences liked the PG-13 film -- CinemaScore moviegoers graded it an `` A - . '' . The R-rated romantic comedy `` Love and Other Drugs , '' starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway , was next in sixth place with $ 3.8 million . And `` Faster , '' Dwayne Johnson 's return to the action genre , rounded out the top seven with $ 3.2 million . 1 . Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 -- $ 20.8 mil . 2 . Tangled -- $ 19.7 mil . 3 . Megamind -- $ 5.3 mil . 4 . Unstoppable -- $ 4.6 mil . 5 . Burlesque -- $ 4.5 mil . 6 . Love and Other Drugs -- $ 3.8 mil . 7 . Faster -- $ 3.2 mil . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2010 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. . All rights reserved .
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`` Deathly Hallows '' grossed $ 20.8 million , a 66 percent drop from last Friday 's opening . `` Tangled , '' which scored an `` A + '' from CinemaScore , came in second with $ 19.7 million . No other movies grossed more than $ 6 million this weekend . `` Unstoppable '' gained 13 percent from last week with $ 4.6 million .
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Tehran , Iran -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Netherlands froze all ties with Iran Sunday after Tehran hanged a Dutch-Iranian woman a day earlier , calling the execution a `` shocking act by a barbaric regime . '' And Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal will `` discuss possible measures '' against Iran by the European Union on Monday , the foreign ministry said . Iran hanged Zahra Bahrami Saturday , saying she was a drug smuggler , the semi-official Fars news agency reported , although the Dutch government expressed `` great concern '' about her case three weeks ago . Fars said Bahrami smuggled cocaine into Iran with the help of a Dutch partner . But the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran suggested the drug charges were only a pretext to execute her . The campaign said Bahrami was originally charged with security offenses in the wake of widespread protests against the government over a controversial presidential election in June 2009 . Her lawyer was `` shocked '' to find she had been hanged , the group said . `` I was absolutely not informed about this . They should have informed her lawyer of the execution , but I had no idea . I do n't know what to say . Just that I am shocked , '' Jinoos Sharif Razi told the group . The campaign said it learned of the hanging from Bahrami 's daughter . Bahrami was accused of bringing cocaine into the country twice and selling it . Cocaine and opium were found during a search of her house , Fars reported . Her sentence also included 70 lashes and a $ 1,400 fine , Fars reported . Fars added that during a search of her house , while she was charged with security crimes , 450 grams of cocaine and 420 grams of opium were discovered and , following further investigation , it was found that she had also distributed 150 grams of cocaine . Iran denied Bahrami access to Dutch consular assistance and would not let Dutch officials attend her trial because Tehran did not recognize her dual citizenship , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands said on January 5 . ` I 'm greatly concerned about Zahra Bahrami 's situation , and I immediately asked the Iranian authorities to clarify the very disturbing reports that she had been condemned to death , '' Foreign Minister Rosenthal said in a statement at the time . It is not clear if Iran ever responded to the Dutch request . On Sunday , the Netherlands strongly advised Dutch-Iranian citizens not to travel to Iran . CNN 's David Wilkinson contributed to this report .
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NEW : The Netherlands vows to discuss possible EU measures against Iran Monday . Authorities say Zahra Bahrami smuggled cocaine into the country . Human rights campaigners say she was originally charged with security offenses . Her lawyer is `` shocked '' by the execution .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- New Chelsea signing Fernando Torres said his transfer deadline-day move to the English Premier League champions from division rivals Liverpool was a `` step forward '' in his career . After much media speculation over the striker 's future , Torres joined the Blues on a five-and-half-year contract on Monday , in a deal secured just before the January transfer window came to a dramatic close . `` I felt that I needed a step forward in my career and for my ambition as a footballer , '' the 26-year-old Torres said in an interview with the club 's official website on Tuesday . `` I am joining a team that is at the top level -- there is not another level after Chelsea , '' he added . `` When I played against Chelsea there was always a big motivation because it was a special game -- always one of the biggest games of the season . This is one of the reasons why I wanted to join Chelsea because I want to be part of this kind of team . '' The Anfield club compensated for the departure of Torres by signing two new strikers shortly before the 23.00 GMT transfer deadline -- Uruguay 's Luis Suarez moved from Dutch-side Ajax while England 's Andy Carroll signed from Newcastle . Chelsea meanwhile coupled their Torres capture by completing the signing of defender David Luiz from Portuguese club Benfica . The best and worst deals of a dramatic deadline day . The fee for Torres ' transfer has not been disclosed although British newspaper The Daily Telegraph speculated he had cost $ 80 million -- a figure that would break the previous British record set when Manchester City paid $ 53 million for Brazil 's Robinho in 2008 . Chelsea 's big-money signing had spent three-and-a-half years at Liverpool scoring 81 goals in 142 matches . But following the side 's failure to qualify for the Champions League and poor form in the league , Torres felt he needed to move to have the chance to challenge for silverware . `` The Champions League is a big ambition , it is a very important competition , '' the former Atletico Madrid player said . `` But also Chelsea have the chance every season to win all the trophies that they play for , so when you have the chance to play in a team like this you can not say no . '' Ironically , Torres ' first match in a Chelsea shirt could be against seventh-placed Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in a league clash on Sunday . It is not thought he will feature in Tuesday 's away fixture against sixth-placed Sunderland . `` It is like the destiny , '' he said after a group of Liverpool fans were seen burning Torres ' number nine shirt outside Anfield when the news of the transfer broke . `` It is not perfect for me but we will see what happens and I only have good words about Liverpool . They made me a top player and gave me the chance to play at the top level . I will never say anything bad about Liverpool , I have been very happy there . `` But now the history is different and I am playing for Chelsea . If I have the chance to play I will do my best for Chelsea and hopefully I can score . '' Madrid-born Torres added that his move had been made easier thanks to the support he had received from the London-based club 's loyal fans . `` They really want me and it is important you have the support of the people in the club , and the support of the fans -- I have seen them very , very happy with me for joining Chelsea . Now I am very happy to be a Chelsea player . '' Will deadline-day spending buck European transfer downturn ? With Torres ' record-breaking deal and Liverpool reportedly paying in excess of $ 53 million for Carroll , the Premier League showed little sign of being affected by the current economic situation . According to statistics from UK business advisory firm Deloitte , English clubs spent a record $ 363 million in the mid-season transfer window -- smashing the previous record of $ 282 million set in January 2008 , and far exceeding amounts spent by leagues in Spain , Italy and Germany . However , Dan Jones , a partner in Deloitte 's Sports Business Group , said this can be solely put down to a handful of lucrative deals made by just four clubs . `` We were surprised to see more than $ 360 million spent in a January window for the first time , particularly after only around $ 48 million was spent in January last year , '' Jones told CNN in a statement . `` When you scratch beneath the surface you find that around 80 % of the total spending is concentrated across Chelsea , Liverpool , Aston Villa and Manchester City -- and spread across only six players . `` So this was a particularly polarized window , with only a few clubs flexing their financial muscles , on what was a deafening final day of an otherwise quiet window . ''
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Fernando Torres speaks to Chelsea TV after signing for the club on Monday . EPL champions agreed a deal with Liverpool just before the transfer day deadline . Spain striker 's first game for Blues could be against Liverpool on Sunday . Liverpool signed strikers Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez ; Chelsea also secured David Luiz .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Myanmar convened its first parliament in more than two decades on Monday in the capital , Naypyidaw . Members are expected to vote for chairman and vice chairman during the session . November 's elections , which were also the first in 20 years , drew fire from critics , who said the voting was aimed at creating a facade of democracy . The regime refused to allow international monitors to oversee the elections and would not allow international journalists to cover the voting from inside the country . Journalists who reported from inside Myanmar had to do so surreptitiously . The military junta also recently overhauled Myanmar 's constitution in a way that critics say was aimed at tightening the regime 's grip . The constitution now requires more than 100 military nominees in parliament . Myanmar , also known as Burma , has been under military rule since 1962 . Parliament began a day after opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi 's National League for Democracy launched its first official website . `` A good communication system is essential to our endeavour to set up a people 's network for democracy that will span the whole world , '' Suu Kyi said in a message on the site , which went live Sunday . `` By communication , through the web page , with strong supporters of our cause , as well as with those who want to know more about our movement for democracy and about the NLD , I believe we shall be able to achieve our goal of a democratic union at a faster pace . '' The web address for the site is : www.nldburma.org . The daughter of General Aung San , a hero of Burmese independence , Suu Kyi has repeatedly challenged Myanmar 's regime over the years . For her efforts , she won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize . She was released from house arrest on November 13 , after spending most of the past 20 years under house arrest or in prison . Her release came after the national elections which her National League for Democracy party boycotted , describing them as a sham .
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Session of parliament is the first in more than 20 years . Opposition leader Suu Kyi launches website . Suu Kyi spent most of the past 20 years under house arrest or in prison .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A federal appeals panel on Wednesday temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that halted enforcement of the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy banning openly gay and lesbian soldiers from the military . The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals gave the government the delay it sought in challenging a federal judge 's order last week to stop enforcing the policy around the world . `` The order is stayed temporarily in order to provide this court with an opportunity to consider fully the issues presented , '' said the appellate panel 's ruling , which gave parties in the case until October 25 to file further documents . CNN iReport : Please share your thoughts on do n't ask , do n't tell . Aubrey Sarvis , an Army veteran and executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network , said the appeals court panel 's ruling `` means that ` do n't ask , do n't tell ' is once again on the books , and is likely to be enforced by the Defense Department . '' `` Gay and lesbian service members deserve better treatment than they are getting with this ruling , '' Sarvis said . The American Civil Liberties Union and the Human Rights Campaign also expressed disappointment and called for an end to `` do n't ask , do n't tell . '' Earlier Wednesday , the Obama administration filed an emergency request with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to stop the military from allowing openly gay troops from serving , putting itself in a strange position . In effect , the administration wants to continue barring gays from the military even though it ultimately favors repealing `` do n't ask , do n't tell . '' `` They are in a very bizarre position , frankly , of their own making , '' CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin said . On Wednesday , the White House referred all questions about the issue to the Department of Justice . The administration filed a motion Tuesday asking U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Phillips to stay her order last month that banned the enforcement of the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy . When Phillips denied the request , government lawyers took their case to the 9th Circuit on Wednesday . In court documents filed in San Francisco , California , the administration argued that `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' should remain intact for now . The administration argued that changing it abruptly `` risks causing significant immediate harm to the military and its efforts to be prepared to implement an orderly repeal of the statute . '' Toobinsaid the administration would like Congress to deal with the issue on a political level and does n't want the courts to take it on unilaterally . A measure that would repeal the policy after a military review and approval from the president , defense secretary and Joint Chiefs chairman has passed the House and awaits action in the Senate . By battling the legal challenge to the existing law -- a traditional practice of the U.S. government -- the administration is trying to buy time to implement the repeal process worked out with military leaders and contained in the legislation before Congress . If the 9th Circuit eventually overturns Phillips ' ruling and Congress does not take any action , `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' could be back . `` And the Obama administration would be responsible for that , '' Toobin said . Meanwhile , spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said Wednesday that the Defense Department `` will continue to obey the law , and we will abide by the terms of the court 's injunction unless and until the injunction is stayed or vacated . '' The Log Cabin Republicans , plaintiffs in the case that Phillips ruled on , said Wednesday that the group remained fully committed to defending this worldwide injunction because it is what is best for all service members . `` While we are disappointed with the court 's ruling granting a temporary administrative stay , we view the decision as nothing more than a minor setback , '' said Dan Woods , a partner in the law firm White & Case who is representing the group it the case . `` We did n't come this far to quit now , '' he said in a statement , adding that the group expected the appeals court to uphold the lower court injunction against `` do n't ask , do n't tell . '' The Pentagon has already begun advising recruiting commands that they can accept openly gay and lesbian recruit candidates , according to Smith . The guidance from the personnel and readiness office was sent to recruiting commands Friday , Smith said . The recruiters were told that if a candidate admits that he or she is openly gay and qualifies under normal recruiting guidelines , the application can be processed . Recruiters are not allowed to ask candidates if they are gay as part of the application process . Christian Berle , executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans , said there have not been any incidents of consequence the administration feared would occur . `` The armed forces continues to move along and succeed because it is the greatest military in the world , '' Berle said . Dan Choi , an infantry officer who was discharged under the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy , turned in paperwork Wednesday to re-enlist in the Army . He said the Obama administration ought not to lift a finger to defend discrimination . `` They should walk their talk , '' Choi said after re-enlisting . The Obama administration has said it needs more time to work with the Pentagon to repeal the policy , blasted by critics as blatantly discriminatory . `` This president has made a commitment , and it 's not a question of whether that program , whether that policy will change , but when , '' Obama adviser David Axelrodsaid . `` We 're at the end of a process with the Pentagon to make that transition , and we 're going to see it through . '' The arrangement worked out with the Pentagon includes a military review of how to make the transition work , which is to be completed in December . After that , Obama , the defense secretary and the Joint Chiefs chairman would have to certify that the plan wo n't harm the combat readiness of U.S. troops . Obama and White House Press Secretary Robert Gates have repeatedly stressed the need for an orderly transition from the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy in order to deal with myriad issues including barracks arrangements and benefits . Speaking to a mostly young audience at the MTV , BET , CMT town hall meeting last week , Obama reaffirmed that the `` policy will end and it will end on my watch . '' `` I agree with the basic principle that anybody who wants to serve in our armed forces and make sacrifices on our behalf , on behalf of our national security , anybody should be able to serve , '' he said . At the same time , Obama said , `` it has to be done in a way that is orderly , '' and he insisted that congressional action is needed because Congress passed a law that prohibits the president from unilaterally changing the policy . CNN 's Adam Levine , Dan Lothian and Tom Cohen contributed to this report .
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NEW : ACLU , service members group express disappointment . Appellate panel says it needs more time to make a final decision . Defense Department says it will obey the law as set by courts . The administration favors repealing the policy , but not abruptly .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Less than a week after Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Washington , senior diplomats from China and the United States sat down in Beijing Friday to follow up on the visit and discuss other issues . U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg met with Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo . The two were expected to discuss tensions between North Korea and South Korea and U.S.-China relations , among other issues . `` This year is the year of the rabbit , so we have to work very fast . '' Steinberg said at the beginning of the meeting , which was later closed to reporters . `` The year of the rabbit is auspicious , '' Dai said . `` I 'm confident this year will be even better for U.S.-China relations . I am hoping this new year the world will be a more tranquil place . Please convey my greetings to Secretary -LSB- of State Hillary -RSB- Clinton . '' Chinese Vice Minister Cui Tiankai also was present at the meeting . Last week , U.S. President Barack Obama hosted Hu in talks defined largely by economic issues . The two met behind closed doors at the White House for several hours as top officials from both countries worked to address issues tied to the global economic crisis , international security , the environment and human rights . Obama administration officials used the president 's meeting with Hu to highlight economic progress between the two countries , announcing Beijing 's approval of $ 45 billion in new contracts for U.S. companies to export goods to China . The contracts will support an estimated 235,000 American jobs , according to the White House . The two leaders acknowledged continuing differences on human rights , but pledged to keep working on the matter in a `` frank and candid way , '' according to Obama . CNN 's Jo Ling Kent contributed to this report .
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Meeting follows Chinese President Hu Jintao 's visit to Washington last week . Two sides expected to discuss Korean peninsula tensions , other issues .
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[[42, 88], [91, 220], [315, 440], [315, 322], [337, 417]]
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A 26-year police veteran who headed the Dallas Crime Stoppers has been indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the tipster-based crime fighting program , U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas said Thursday . Dallas Police Department Senior Cpl. Theadora Ross , 50 , of Rowlett , Texas , appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeff Kaplan on Wednesday , and she was released on bond , Jacks said in a statement . A co-defendant , Malva R. Delley , 36 , of Dallas also was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud , Jacks said . Between February 2005 and May 2010 , the conspirators allegedly collected at least $ 250,000 in cash rewards for bogus tips , the prosecutor said in a statement . No arrests , which would have been false , were ever made , Jacks said . Crime Stoppers is a nationwide program that offers cash rewards for information from anonymous callers as long as the tip leads to the arrest and indictment of criminals , Jacks said . The program 's Dallas office is funded by the North Texas Crime Commission -LRB- NTCC -RRB- as well as with fines levied by the Dallas and Collin County courts , private donations and fundraising , Jacks ' statement said . Dallas police officers and the Dallas County Sheriff 's deputies staff the program , Jacks said . According to the indictment , Ross worked at the Dallas Crime Stoppers office from 2003 to May 2010 , and headed that office from March 2006 to May 2010 , Jacks said . Any tipster calling Crime Stoppers receives a `` tip number , '' and the tipster then must regularly call the Crime Stoppers office to see if the information resulted in a reward , Jacks said . Ross and other officers determined which tips were eligible for a cash reward , based on whether an arrest or indictment of a particular subject was related to the tip , Jacks said . Ross selected the tips to be presented to the NTCC for approval of a cash reward , Jacks said . Once the NTCC gave its approval , the anonymous tipster could call Crime Stoppers with a previously assigned tip number and would be given a tip number and code word , Jacks said . The tip numbers and code words were emailed to JP Morgan Chase Bank , where the anonymous tipster was required to present the tip number and code word to collect the reward , Jacks said . Ross allegedly sent the bank the Crime Stoppers cash reward list that included legitimate code words as well as tip numbers and code words for tips that Ross had allegedly altered , Jacks said . Ross allegedly gave the bogus tip information to Delley , who would collect reward money from the bank , Jacks said . Ross allegedly instructed Delley to deposit the money into Ross ' personal bank account or give the cash directly to Ross , Jacks charged . If convicted , Ross and Delley each could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $ 250,000 fine , Jacks said . CNN 's Michael Martinez contributed to this report .
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Senior Cpl. Theadora Ross is head of the Dallas Crime Stoppers program . She and another defendant are accused of collecting at least $ 250K in rewards for bogus tips . Indictment alleges Ross altered codes sent to bank for distributing rewards securely . Accomplice called bank and collected money using altered codes , indictment alleges .
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-LRB- Mental Floss -RRB- -- Some companies find their niche and stick to it . Others , though , have to adapt to changing markets in order to thrive . Here 's a look at some companies that switched industries at some point in their histories , usually for the better . Tiffany 's may know how to prettily wrap jewelry because the company began in the paper business . 1 . Avon . David H. McConnell started Avon in 1886 without really meaning to . McConnell sold books door-to-door , but to lure in female customers he offered little gifts of perfume . Before long , the perfume McConnell was giving away had become more popular than the books he was selling , so he shifted focus and founded the California Perfume Company , which later became Avon . 2 . Nokia . The telecom giant got its start in Finland in 1865 , when Fredrik Idestam opened a pulp mill and started making paper on the banks of Tammerkoski . The company later bounced around a number of industries before getting serious about phones in the 1960s . 3 . 3M . When the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company 's founders opened their business in Two Harbors , Minnesota , in 1902 , they were n't selling Post-It Notes . The partners originally planned to sell the mineral corundum , an important ingredient in building grinding wheels , directly to manufacturers . 4 . Berkshire Hathaway . The sprawling holding company helmed by Warren Buffett was originally a textile manufacturer that took off in 1839 . Buffett took control in 1962 , though , and by 1967 he started to move outside of textiles into insurance and other sectors . Mental Floss : Ginsu Knives , Dairy Queen and what else Warren Buffett owns . 5 . Wrigley . Like Avon , the chewing gum company got its start with a popular freebie . William Wrigley , Jr. founded the company in 1891 with the goal of selling soap and baking powder . He offered chewing gum as an enticement to his customers , and eventually the customers did n't care about the baking powder ; they only wanted the gum . 6 . Tiffany & Co. . The jewelry and silverware hot bed was originally a stationer called Tiffany , Young , and Ellis when it started in 1837 . In 1853 Tiffany switched its core business and began focusing on jewelry . 7 . Coleco . The defunct electronics corporation actually began as a leather goods company in Connecticut in 1932 . In the early days it was known as the Connecticut Leather Company , which was later shortened to `` Coleco . '' 8 . Hasbro . The company behind Transformers and G.I. Joes began in 1923 as Hassenfeld Brothers . The titular brothers did n't make toys , though ; they sold textile remnants . Their business gradually shifted into school supplies before making the leap to toys after the 1952 introduction of Mr. Potato Head . Mental Floss : How 10 classic toys were invented . 9 . Raytheon . The defense contractor started up in 1922 as the American Appliance Company , which worked on refrigeration technology . Eventually the company branched out into other areas of electronics and became Raytheon in 1925 . 10 . Colgate . The hygienic products company got its start in 1806 , but it did n't make its first toothpaste until 1873 . Founder William Colgate initially manufactured soap , candles , and starch . 11 . Xerox . When Xerox got off the ground in 1906 , it was as a maker of photographic paper and photography equipment called the Haloid Company . The company did n't introduce what we would think of as a copier until the Xerox 914 made its debut in 1959 . 12 . John Deere . The man behind the giant fleet of green tractors got his start as a blacksmith in Grand Detour , Illinois . After struggling to make plows that could cut through the area 's tough clay , Deere hit on the idea of building plows out of cast steel , and his blacksmith gig gave way to a booming farm-supply business . 13 . Reading Entertainment . Remember the Reading Railroad from the last time you played Monopoly ? The company still -LRB- sort of -RRB- exists ! The Reading Company got out of the railroad business in 1976 but was reborn as Reading Entertainment , which operates movie theaters mainly in Australia , New Zealand , and the U.S. Mental Floss : 11 things Wal-Mart has banned . 14 . Abercrombie & Fitch . When David Abercrombie founded the clothing store in 1892 in New York City , he was n't dreaming of clothing high school and college students everywhere . The store was originally a sporting goods shop and outfitter ; Abercrombie even outfitted Charles Lindbergh for his famous flight across the Atlantic . The version Abercrombie & Fitch you see in your local mall started to come about after Limited Brands bought the company in 1988 . For more mental_floss articles , visit mentalfloss.com . Entire contents of this article copyright , Mental Floss LLC . All rights reserved .
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14 famous companies switched industries or at least products . Wrigley 's first bubbles came from soap , but gave gum away to customers . Telecom giant Nokia began with a pulp plant to make paper . Hasbro started with textiles , moved into school supplies then into toys .
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[[169, 183], [189, 241], [1870, 1926], [1360, 1476], [2255, 2357], [2647, 2780]]
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The family of a man who fought alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam have been told their relative will not be allowed to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery . Major General Vang Pao led thousands of Hmong soldiers as they fought alongside the United States against the North Vietnamese Army during the war in Southeast Asia , according to a news release from Congressman Jim Costa of California . Costa , on behalf of Pao 's family , asked the Army to grant an exception to Arlington 's rules to allow Pao to be buried in the nation 's most hallowed burial ground . Pao died recently of complications from pneumonia , according to Costa . `` The Vang Pao family 's request for an exception to the burial policy was thoroughly reviewed by a board comprised of senior military and civilian officials . ... After a comprehensive analysis , the board unanimously recommended denial of the request for exception to policy . Upon receipt of the board 's input , the Secretary carefully reviewed and deliberated on this matter and accepted the board 's recommendation , '' according to a statement from the Army released Friday evening . According to the cemetery 's policy , Pao would have had to have served in the U.S. armed forces to be eligible for the honor . The family can still ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates and President Obama to make an exception . A Pentagon spokesman said he did not know if any request regarding Pao 's burial had reached Gates as of Friday afternoon .
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Vang Pao fought alongside U.S. troops in the Vietnam War . His family wants him buried at Arlington National Cemetery . Arlington denied the request for exception to its burial policy .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- European Union finance ministers on Sunday agreed on an 85 billion euro -LRB- U.S. $ 113 billion -RRB- bailout package for Ireland . The announcement comes a day after protesters snarled the streets of Dublin . Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen requested the loan last Sunday after days of insisting Ireland did not need help . The three-year , joint IMF and euro-zone loan was offered as a way to stabilize financial markets in the region . The loan is to be used to immediately strengthen Ireland 's banking system , and to allow the country to undertake ambitious fiscal adjustment , including deficit reduction , said Jean-Claude Juncker , chairman of the Eurogroup said . Another condition of the loan is that Ireland tackle labor reform , he said . Of the 85 billion euros , 10 billion will be made available for immediate recapitalization . Another 25 billion will be destined for banking system support , and the remaining 50 billion for the country 's budget needs . `` The Irish authorities have today proposed a clear and realistic package of policies to restore Ireland 's banking system to health and put its public finances on a sound footing , '' said Dominique Strauss-Kahn , managing director of the IMF . `` Immediate actions to tackle vulnerabilities in the banks and the continued strong fiscal adjustment are set in a multi-year policy framework for sustained growth and job creation . '' The approved bailout package will leave Ireland with a smaller , but more robust and better capitalized banking system , he added . The IMF will contribute 22.5 billion euros of the loan amount , a proposal expected to be approved by the fund in December . Another 45 billion euros will come from the European Union and bilateral European lenders , and the final 17.5 billion euros will come from the Irish themselves , via their cash reserves and other liquid assets . The Eurogroup also addressed the need for a mechanism to help out member countries in distress . On Sunday , the leaders said that last month they agreed on a European Financial Stabilization Mechanism that will be set up to aid countries in need , together with the IMF . `` The recent events have demonstrated that financial distress in one member state can rapidly threaten macro-financial stability of the EU as a whole through various contagion channels , '' the Eurogroup said in a statement . Irish government representatives had met Saturday night and were briefed on the negotiation ahead of the announcement , according to an Irish government statement . `` We 're trying hard to find a solution and I hope tomorrow the financial markets will understand and see that the euro is a safe and stable currency now and for the future , '' German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble said as the finance ministers arrived to discuss the bailout . British Finance Minister George Osborne said that it is in Britain 's and the entire region 's interest to achieve economic stability in Ireland because of trade in the eurozone . `` I think we 're going to make some very good progress today , '' he said . Cowen announced austerity measures during the week as the Irish government reels from the cost of saving its banks . The moves are unpopular in the country , and Cowen 's party lost an election Thursday for a parliamentary seat . An estimated 50,000 people demonstrated against austerity in Dublin on Saturday . The protests were organized by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions -LRB- ICTU -RRB- , which has called the four-year plan for spending cuts and tax hikes `` savage and regressive . '' Families , retired people , the unemployed and members of unions and community groups were among the demonstrators who braved a rare dusting of snow to come out Saturday , the ICTU said . Cowen announced the budget-cutting plan this week after agreeing to a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund and European Union , needed to tackle Ireland 's massive debt . The plan saves 10 billion euros -LRB- $ 13.4 billion -RRB- through welfare cuts and an additional 5 billion euros -LRB- $ 6.7 billion -RRB- through higher taxes . There will be reductions in the minimum wage and public-sector pay , and a hike in the value-added tax on goods and services , Cowen said . The plan calls for introducing water meters , making students pay more for higher education , and requiring more Irish workers to pay income tax . Trade unions complain the plan unfairly targets lower-paid workers , while making no provision for a tax on asset wealth . They say it fails to explain how the Irish people can carry the banks ' massive debts and sets out no strategy . for creating jobs . `` People are angry and they 've had enough of this government , '' local journalist Juliette Gash told CNN . `` They 're furious because they feel like the government has handed over the keys to the country . '' Journalist Peter Taggart contributed to this report .
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European finance ministers announce 85 billion euro bailout . Ireland is slashing government spending after bailing out banks . 50,000 people demonstrate against Irish austerity plans , police estimate .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Texas produce distributor has recalled nearly 7,000 cases of cilantro and curly parsley after samples in Quebec , Canada , and Michigan tested positive for salmonella , the company said Monday . The latest recall comes days after dozens of people fell sick after consuming bacteria-tainted alfalfa sprouts in an apparently unrelated situation . The `` precautionary , voluntary recall '' announced Monday pertains to cilantro and parsley from J&D Produce , Inc. , packed between November 30 and December 6 , the Edinburg , Texas-based company said in a statement . Cilantro and parsley processed and branded as Little Bear between those dates can be taken to retailers for a full refund . No one has reported getting sick from eating the vegetables , according to J&D Produce . Also Monday , the Food and Drug Administration announced a source of a salmonella outbreak that had sickened at least 89 people in 15 states and the District of Columbia . Health officials said those first cases became known November 1 , with many getting ill after eating alfalfa sprouts in products from Jimmy John 's Gourmet Sandwiches outlets . The FDA said Monday that those vegetables came from Tiny Greens Organic Farm . Tiny Greens ' alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts -LRB- which have alfalfa sprouts plus radish and clover sprouts -RRB- were distributed in 4-ounce and 5-pound containers to farmers ' markets , grocery stores and restaurants including Jimmy John 's . In addition to a variety of sprouts , the Urbana , Illinois , produce company distributes arugula , broccoli , fennel , cauliflower , onion , radish and other items , according to its website . In a letter to Jimmy John 's franchisees , founder Jimmy John Liautaud said that the chain had pulled sprouts from all its Illinois establishments after store locations came up negative for the bacteria . About 23 % of those sickened in that outbreak were hospitalized , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last Thursday . No deaths have been linked to the outbreak . The FDA said Monday that the sprouts were distributed in Indiana , Iowa , Missouri and possibly other Midwestern states , with roughly half the illnesses occurring in Illinois . The separate J&D Produce recall , meanwhile , came after independent tests found salmonella on the company 's parsley in Quebec and its cilantro in Detroit , Michigan , both of which came from the same processing line in Texas . The company 's products are sold retail as well as to wholesalers , who may then distribute them to restaurants and other establishments , according to Sharon McNerney , a public relations consultant for the company . The recall involves 2,498 cases of the parsley -- which have expiration dates 12 days after being packed -- that went out to the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario and the U.S. states of Connecticut , Massachusetts , Michigan , Missouri , New Jersey , New York , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , Texas , Washington and Wisconsin . The 4,411 recalled cases of cilantro , carrying the same packing and expiration dates , were distributed in Colorado , Illinois , Massachusetts , Michigan , New Jersey , New York , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Texas , Washington and Wisconsin as well as Quebec and Ontario . After the positive results , regulators and health officials in the United States and Canada have stepped up inspections of J&D Produce 's facilities , the company 's president , James Bassetti , said . They also undertook other measures , including stopping and sanitizing all production lines , adding manual inspections , rinsing products more and bringing in consultants . `` We have a good track record , but we 'll bring our expectations and standards to even higher levels , '' he said . `` We 've already begun improving our systems . '' In addition to cilantro and parsley , the Texas company gathers , packs and distributes a variety of fruits and vegetables such as carrots , limes , eggplants , peppers , greens , onions , melons , mangos and asparagus , according to its website . Those with questions can call J&D Produce at 956-380-0353 . Salmonella is a bacterial infection that usually lasts four to seven days . About 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported each year in the United States , according to the CDC . Those who get it typically develop fever , abdominal cramps and diarrhea between 12 and 72 hours after becoming infected . Most people recover on their own , without needing significant treatment . But salmonella in very young and very old people , as well as those with weakened immune systems , can lead to severe illness and even death . The CDC recommends that anyone suspecting he or she may be ill from eating contaminated food should talk to a doctor .
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NEW : A recall of parsley and cilantro affects 14 states and 2 Canadian provinces . No one has reported getting ill eating the Little Bear branded items , the company says . Separately , the FDA calls Tiny Greens Organic Farm a source of a alfalfa salmonella outbreak . That outbreak first appeared on November 1 , with many cases traced to a sandwich chain .
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Amman , Jordan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Several hundred protesters braved rain and cold temperatures here in the capital to protest against Jordan 's new prime minister Friday . The demonstration , called by the Islamic Action Front , passed off without incident amid a low-profile police presence . The protesters chanted `` Alahu Akhbar '' -LRB- `` God is Great '' -RRB- , demanded political reforms and railed against government corruption . Most of them marched from Friday prayers at Salahuddin Mosque the short distance to the office of Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit , who was appointed by King Abdullah II a few days ago . They then moved on to the Egyptian embassy before dispersing . It was the smallest Friday demonstration in Amman in several weeks . Other groups involved in previous protests decided not to join this week , leaving the Islamists and a small leftist party as the only groups involved . Earlier this week , King Abdullah promised the new government would launch a national dialogue on political reform , tackle corruption and review Jordan 's restrictive election law to involve a wider range of political opinion . The king met with Islamist leaders Thursday , among them the leadership of the Islamic Action Front and Muslim Brotherhood . Afterwards , the Islamists described the meeting as `` clear and frank '' in which they asked for political reform beginning with a new more democratic election law and a government chosen by Parliament rather than the king . The Palace said the king had emphasized inclusive reforms that could overcome `` external forces '' who are resisting change for their own personal interests . The general secretary of the Islamic Action Front , Hamza Mansour , told CNN Thursday that democracy in Jordan was marginalized and warned that when political and economical conditions worsen , social violence surfaces .
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Protesters are demaning political reforms . Friday 's demonstration in Amman was the smallest in weeks .
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[[686, 754]]
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Don Crisman has never missed a Super Bowl . `` My family knows not to die on Super Bowl Sunday , '' he said , `` because I wo n't make it to the funeral . '' And with great game attendance comes myriad memories . The 74-year-old Rhode Island native paid $ 8 to see Green Bay defeat Kansas City at the first AFL-NFL championship in 1967 . Thirty-five years later , he roared with fellow Patriots fans as kicker Adam Vinatieri nailed a 48-yard field goal to beat the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI 's final seven seconds . He barely noticed Janet Jackson 's infamous `` wardrobe malfunction '' during Super Bowl XXXVIII 's halftime show in 2004 . Now , he 's ready for the Steelers-Packers matchup in Dallas , blizzard or otherwise . Crisman is one-fourth of the `` Never Miss a Super Bowl Club , '' an exclusive group featured in Visa 's latest advertising campaigns . Test your Super Bowl knowledge . He and three other men boasting a perfect attendance record -- 49ers fan Larry Jacobson , Steelers fan Thomas Henschel and Packers fan Robert Cook -- can be seen in the national commercials , flashing more than four decades of Super Bowl ticket stubs . `` Sports fans see the Super Bowl as the pinnacle of U.S. sporting events -- an American institution , really , '' said Alex Craddock , head of Visa 's American marketing . `` This year , our NFL campaign was developed to celebrate the passion that fans have for the sport of football and the Super Bowl . '' Members of the club , who met and devised their name when a reporter profiled them individually for an NFL media guide , will attend their 45th Super Bowl on Sunday . This time , the game 's on Visa 's tab . `` 44 years , 44 games , and we never had a free ticket , '' Jacobson said . `` This is a pretty good deal for me . '' Are you planning a Superbowl trip ? Jacobson , who went to the first Super Bowl to impress a date , said he spends thousands of dollars yearly to fund his football obsession . `` The game is an excuse to travel , '' he said . `` We 've been to Disney World , the beach , all over , the week of the Super Bowl . It 's even better knowing I 'm on a vacation while my friends are working . '' The club members do n't intend to break their Super tradition anytime soon . Crisman said he 'll keep going for `` as long as the Big Guy Upstairs allows . '' `` Just before playoff time , there 's a big magnet somewhere in the sky drawing me in the direction of the game , '' he said . `` It 's kind of a crazy , expensive odyssey I 'm on . A pilgrimage -- whatever you want to call it . ''
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Don Crisman and three other men have never missed a Super Bowl . When a reporter introduced the men to one another , the `` Never Miss a Super Bowl Club '' began . On Sunday , they will attend their 45th Super Bowl .
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Cairo , Egypt -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Opposition leaders and intellectuals met with Egypt 's vice president Saturday to discuss avenues for easing embattled President Hosni Mubarak from power , the number one demand of of tens of thousands of demonstrators . Among the proposals under discussion is Article 139 of the constitution , which allows for the vice president to assume control if the president is no longer able . At least one opposition group , the leftist Tagammu party , is asking the government to activate the article 's powers so that Suleiman can take charge immediately and allow Mubarak to make a graceful exit . A member of the self-declared Committee of the Wise , told CNN that Suleiman was willing to listen . The group of independent elites -- intellectuals , artists , diplomats and businessmen -- wants to be at the table during crucial government transition talks . They called on protests to continue at Tahrir Square every Tuesday and Friday until Mubarak `` resigns and makes true the demands of the people . '' Mubarak , said the committee , can remain as a symbolic leader but should delegate to Suleiman responsibility for the transition period . Saturday 's talks were taking place as crowds massed again in downtown Cairo 's Tahrir Square for a 12th day of protests demanding an end to Mubarak 's 30-year authoritarian rule over the Arab world 's most populous nation . After chaos and bloodshed earlier in the week , Cairo remained calm Saturday . Cars traveled over a nearby overpass in the central city . Outside the Egyptian Museum , people prayed as soldiers stood guard . Protesters who had spent the night swept sidewalks with palm branches and bought food from carts stationed in the square . The justice minister announced that courts would reopen Sunday and the government eased its daily curfew now imposed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. `` We 're in better shape , '' Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said on state television . `` And we can sense that day by day . '' Heavy military presence persisted on the streets of central Cairo . Interior Ministry spokesman Ismail Othman said `` the army remains neutral and is not taking sides because if we protect one side we will be perceived as biased ... . our role is to prevent clashes and chaos as we separate the opposing groups . '' But in a scene exposing how volatile the situation remains , demonstrators formed a human chain to prevent tanks from passing through the barricades into the anti-Mubarak enclave in Tahrir Square . A witness said scuffles broke out when an army general asked demonstrators to take down their make-shift barricades of corrugated steel and debris , put up during the 48 hours of fighting near the landmark Egyptian Museum . And hours earlier , gunshots rang out as protesters said scores of Mubarak defenders tried to assault the square early Saturday morning . Troops fired into the air to disperse them , according to the protesters . Meanwhile , Mohamed ElBaradei 's National Association for Change and the Tagammu party 's leader announced a newly formed opposition group of 10 people , including ElBaradei , Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Beltagy and liberal Ghad party leader Ayman Nour . They called for Mubarak 's immediate resignation and the right for peaceful demonstration . `` We have been in agreement right now that we 'd probably have a presidential council of three members including somebody from the army , '' ElBaradei told CNN . `` We have a caretaker government ... who would then run the country for a year , prepare the grounds for the necessary changes in the electoral process to ensure that we will have all what we need for a free and fair election , '' he said . Tagammu and the liberal Wafd party met with Suleiman Saturday , buoyed by the government 's promises to investigate the bloodshed at Tahrir Square . At least 11 people were killed and more than 900 injured , according to the Health Ministry . Many believe the violence was instigated by government provocateurs . But some opposition groups are refusing to come to the table until Mubarak steps down . `` The so-called dialogue is the first step to exhaust this revolution . The president must go , '' said Mohammed Habib , deputy chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood , an opposition Islamist umbrella group that if officially banned but tolerated in Egypt . The group reported that a security force accompanied by a `` gang of thugs '' stormed the office of its news website Friday and arrested the journalists , technicians and administrators . The Al-Jazeera news network reported a similar attack on its Cairo office . Those attacks came after two days of violence and a government crackdown on journalists and human rights activists bearing witness to the crisis . Some had predicted the demonstrations might lose their momentum . But Friday , dubbed the `` Day of Departure '' saw massive crowds gather in Cairo and other Egyptian cities to demand change . CNN 's Amir Ahmed , Frederik Pleitgen and Ivan Watson contributed to this report .
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NEW : Demonstrators try to prevent tanks from passing in Tahrir Square . Protesters in Tahrir Square form new opposition group . Some opposition leaders meet with the government ; others dig in . Anti-government protesters are still gathered in central Cairo .
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-LRB- WIRED -RRB- -- For those of you with lengthy tech-toy wish lists and not-so-deep pockets , T-Mobile 's new tablet offering may provide the answer you 've been waiting for . Beginning February 2 , the Dell Streak 7 tablet will be available for $ 200 , after a $ 50 mail-in rebate and two-year contract , T-Mobile has announced . Off-contract , the tablet will retail for $ 450 . The new 7-inch Streak is a bump up in size from Dell 's last 5-inch offering , as well as a dip in price from the $ 300 charged for the 5-inch AT&T version . But unlike its teensy predecessor , the Streak 7 will be able to connect to T-Mobile 's HSPA + 4G network -- although as we 've recently noted , the term `` 4G '' seems to be in the eye of the beholder . We got our hands on the Streak 7 today , and our first impressions are generally positive . It 's chunkier in shape than the iPad , but with rounder edges than the Galaxy Tab . It rests comfortably in one hand or two , suggesting it will serve just as well for passive reading and video watching as it will for more-active browsing . The interface will be familiar to anyone who 's used Android , and neither T-Mobile nor Dell have mucked up the basic operating system with too many widgets . The screen is bright and somewhat responsive , although it 's a little `` jumpy . '' While the screen moves quickly , it 's not quite as smooth as the iPad at tracking your finger motions when you swipe or pinch the screen . It 's as if the makers decided to compensate for the touchscreen 's lack of sensitivity by making the screen move faster , and the result is that the screen sometimes feels as if it 's jumping ahead of your finger . Web browsing and video playback were all quite smooth , and stereo speakers built into the case provide decent if somewhat anemic audio . The Streak will come packing one of Nvidia 's much-hyped dual-core Tegra 2 processors , while touting the suite of recent tablet debut standards -- SD card slot , Wi-Fi access , Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity , 5-megapixel back-facing camera for photos and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera with video-chat capability . T-Mobile is targeting the lower-priced end of the tablet market with the $ 200 tag , beating out the Samsung Galaxy Tab , which recently dropped its sticker price to $ 250 , after a $ 50 mail-in rebate . Though the Streak 's off-contract $ 450 is n't exactly a bargain-basement price , its still 50 bucks cheaper than the lowest-priced iPad . The Streak 7 's debut comes at the forefront of a 2011 tablet-debut onslaught . Rumors of a March release for HP 's new webOS-powered `` Topaz '' have been circulating recently , with the Android-fueled Motorola Xoom soon to follow . While the Streak may have a leg up on Motorola in terms of pricing -- leaked screenshots suggest a hefty $ 800 price tag for the tablet on debut -- it might be at a disadvantage running the antiquated Android version 2.2 -LRB- Froyo -RRB- against the version 3.0 Honeycomb-powered Xoom . But despite version-fragmentation issues , a relatively low-cost option like the Streak 7 may be impetus enough for shoppers to jump on one of the first big tablet offerings of the year . Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $ 1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT ! Click here ! Copyright 2010 Wired.com .
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Beginning February 2 , the Dell Streak 7 tablet will be available for $ 200 . Streak 7 will be able to connect to T-Mobile 's HSPA + 4G network . Web browsing and video playback were all quite smooth .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A small plane landed on a New Jersey highway on Monday , fire officials said . The two-seater craft was heading toward an airport in Teterboro , New Jersey , but instead touched down on Interstate 80 in Hackensack , New Jersey , after the pilot reported a loss of fuel pressure , said the city 's fire chief , Thomas Freeman . There were no reports of injuries . Authorities closed one highway lane as emergency vehicles towed the plane alongside the beginnings of rush-hour traffic .
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A plane lands on Interstate 80 in Hackensack after the pilot reports a loss of fuel pressure . No injuries were reported .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The sisters Kardashian -- Kim , Kourtney , and Khloe -- do n't have to spend millions on focus groups and dynamic PR strategists to get noticed : Twitter does it for them . In an interview to air on Thursday 's `` Piers Morgan Tonight , '' Morgan pointed out that all three are in the top 100 list of people being followed on Twitter worldwide : Kourtney is number 72 , Khloe is number 47 , and Kim is the sixth-most followed . With 6 million followers , she 's neck and neck with President Barack Obama . Kourtney called Twitter `` the best decision-maker , '' pointing out that she Tweets everything from potential perfume bottle designs for the sisters ' signature fragrance , to outfit dilemmas , to asking fans what she should have for dinner . Morgan , who has only been on Twitter for six weeks , has more than 200,000 followers , and asked Kim and Kourtney to help him gain more , pointing out that the sisters ' influence was `` fascinating . '' In light of the fact that their opinions are clearly in demand , Morgan asked them about Obama and Sarah Palin , stating , `` What would you say if I said , ` Sarah Palin ' ? '' To which Kourtney replied , `` I just think , like , hunter . That 's just like the first thing that comes into my head . Kim said that Obama was the first presidential candidate to get her `` motivated enough to vote . '' When Morgan asked Kourtney and Kim if they would have any talent if they were to appear on `` America 's Got Talent , '' Kim Kardashian said , `` I would absolutely say that marketing is a skill . '' Kim also said that `` fashion '' was a skill , pointing out that the sisters all worked as stylists at some point and that they currently own `` three successful clothing stores . '' The Kardashians pointed out that much of their brand revolves around promoting a healthy body image and that none of the three sisters are `` stick skinny . '' Kourtney admitted that while she is , in fact , a size zero , she is also very petite at 5 feet tall , and curvy . Kim , at 5-foot-3 , said her size wavers between the 4 and 6 range . `` We 're not trying to fit in the same mold , '' said Kim . `` We know that we feel our best when we look our best . '' Kim said she is always `` super honest '' when plastic surgery rumors surface and had no trouble admitting that while she has `` tried Botox before , '' her breasts are `` completely , 100 percent real . '' Kourtney admitted she does , in fact , have implants . Kim also said she often uses body shapers , masking tape , and other under-clothing body smoothers to boost her confidence -- particularly on the red carpet . `` If you know your body type , '' said Kim , `` then you can dress to feel -- its like , ` Fake it until you make it ' is what we always say . '' When Morgan asked them what the most extravagant thing they ever bought for themselves was , Kim said she had purchased a $ 115,000 watch that she `` got a really good deal on . '' Even the most savvy pop culture connoisseurs may not realize that Ryan Seacrest is the Kardashians ' boss . Seacrest has served as executive producer of the E! network 's `` Keeping Up with the Kardashians '' since the reality series premiered in 2007 . `` He is pretty evil , '' joked Kim . The Kardashians count Seacrest among their greatest friends . `` Ryan is so easy to talk to . He just gets it , '' said Kim . `` He completely trusts us and our vision . '' Morgan also asked the Kardashians if there is anything about their lives that is off-limits . `` Relationships , '' said Kim . `` I only show very little bits and pieces . '' When Morgan asked Kim if she was `` in love '' with New Jersey Nets player Kris Humphries , Kim was tight-lipped . `` I think that this time around , I am really trying to keep things a little bit more private than I have in the past , '' she said . The Kardashians were quick to point out that their solid American values and work ethic keep them grounded . Kim , who said she `` never '' talks money because she thinks its `` inappropriate , '' maintains that she gives 10 percent of her yearly income to her church because that 's how she was raised . `` Whatever it is , I give 10 percent away to the church , and that 's what I was taught . '' When asked if she did the same , Kourtney said , `` I 'm going to now , '' with a laugh . `` I was taught that , too , but I forgot about it . '' Watch Piers Morgan Tonight weeknights 9 p.m. ET . For the latest from Piers Morgan click here .
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The Kardashian sisters credit Twitter with helping them make major decisions . The sisters tell Piers Morgan their marketing and fashion savvy help keep their brand going strong . Kim Kardashian says her most extravagant purchase was a $ 115,000 wristwatch . See the full interview with Kim and Kourtney Kardashian on `` Piers Morgan Tonight , '' 9 p.m. ET .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Medical workers expressed alarm Friday over the increase in hospitalizations and deaths in Haiti 's cholera outbreak as the earthquake-devastated nation 's already strained health system overflowed with the sick . On the outskirts of the capital city of Port-au-Prince in the slum of Cite Soleil , Medecins Sans Frontieres -LRB- Doctors Without Borders -RRB- saw 216 cases of cholera at Choscal Hospital on Thursday . Five days ago , that number was only 30 . Stefano Zannini , the head of mission for Medecins Sans Frontieres , said his staff was seeing seven times the cases they were seeing three days ago . `` The trend is extremely , extremely alarming , '' he said . `` We have not reached a peak yet , but it could arrive next week . '' The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs put the death toll Friday at more than 800 , with more than 12,000 people hospitalized . Epidemiologists predict the outbreak could last for months and say the entire nation of almost 10 million people is at risk because they have no immunity to cholera . The United Nations warned that Haiti is facing one of the most severe outbreaks of the disease in the past 100 years . It appealed to international donors for $ 164 million in aid and said it anticipates as many as 200,000 people to be sickened with cholera over the next six to 12 months . `` A major effort has already been made , but the sheer quantity of relief items that need to be delivered in the days and weeks ahead is going to require more logistical and financial support for the government by all humanitarian agencies and donors and very close coordination , '' said Nigel Fisher , U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Haiti . `` Without this the epidemic could well outrun our efforts . '' Of grave concern are cases that originated in the tent cities of Port-au-Prince , which sprang up to shelter those left homeless by the massive earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people last January . Health officials fear that infection could spread quickly in the makeshift cities ' congested , unsanitary conditions and in impoverished neighborhoods where clean drinking water is at a premium . Symptoms of cholera , an acute , bacterial illness caused by drinking tainted water , can be mild or even non-existent . But sometimes they can be severe : profuse watery diarrhea , vomiting , and leg cramps , which can cause rapid loss of body fluids and lead to dehydration , shock and death . Aid workers in Haiti are scrambling as the nation recovers not only from the earthquake , but from last week 's hurricane . `` We are stretched thin , '' said Julie Schindall , a spokeswoman for the humanitarian agency Oxfam . Zannini reminded the world that cholera is as much a logistical problem as a medical one . It 's not just a matter of medical donations or more doctors on the ground , he said . Who will supply clean drinking water ? Who will make sure there are proper bathroom facilities ? Who will dispose of the waste ? Or for that matter , the dead bodies ? `` It 's not just about donating money , '' Zannini said . `` It 's about concrete actions . ''
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The death toll has passed 800 ; more than 12,000 people have been sickened . The United Nations warns that 200,000 people may get sick . It has asked for $ 164 million in a global aid .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chelsea 's chances of retaining the English Premier League title suffered another setback on Sunday as struggling Aston Villa snatched a last-gasp 3-3 draw in London . Carlo Ancelotti 's team had fought back to lead 3-2 with two goals in the last 10 minutes , but poor defending allowed young Villa fullback Ciaran Clark to equalize with a free header in the second minute of time added on . The result left Chelsea in fifth place , a point behind Tottenham and six adrift of the leading Manchester clubs United and City . The Blues ended 2010 with a morale-boosting win over Bolton last Wednesday , and looked like extending that form when Frank Lampard scored his first goal since returning from long-term injury in the 23rd minute . The influential midfielder netted a penalty after James Collins was punished for a clumsy shove from behind on Florent Malouda , but Villa equalized four minutes before halftime when Ashley Young smashed home another spotkick following Michael Essien 's foul on Nigel Reo-Coker . New year , new Rooney as United stay top . Former England striker Emile Heskey put Villa ahead two minutes after the break with a powerful header from Stewart Downing 's cross , but Chelsea 's relentless pressure finally told in the 84th minute when Didier Drogba fired home a low shot after the visitors could not clear his clever chest-down to Malouda . Defender John Terry then popped up to slot in a rare goal with a minute to go in regulation time after Villa 's otherwise excellent goalkeeper Brad Friedel could only parry Drogba 's header into the former England captain 's path . That sparked scenes of jubilation and relief on the Chelsea bench , but Villa left Ancelotti 's future in some doubt when the 21-year-old Clark stole into the penalty area unmarked to head home a teasing cross from substitute Marc Albrighton . Chelsea have now won only once in eight league games , having played one more game than United -- a situation that is unlikely to please the club 's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich . `` We needed to win this game . We did n't and now it 's more difficult to prepare for the next game , '' Italian coach Ancelotti told reporters . `` I 'm disappointed because we worked very hard in the second half to come back into the game when 2-1 down . We did a fantastic job , we came back and scored to make it 3-2 and everyone thought the game was finished . '' While Ancelotti will have to face more questions about his increasingly insecure tenure , the result lifted the pressure on Villa 's French manager Gerard Houllier , whose team moved two points clear of the bottom three . Football 's heroes and villains of 2010 . `` It 's a massive point , '' American veteran Friedel told match broadcaster Sky Sports . `` We 've been in such a bad run of form we needed something , and it 's great to get it at Stamford Bridge . `` We 've got over what I thought was a poor penalty decision against us at the start and we 've fought back , and hopefully this will kick-start our season and we can get back up the table . '' In Sunday 's late game , Newcastle won 1-0 at Wigan to give new manager Alan Pardew his second victory after two successive defeats . Striker Shola Ameobi , playing alone up front in place of England striker Andy Carroll , scored a 19th-minute winner from close range after Joey Barton 's shot was blocked and Peter Lovenkrands poked the follow-up against the post . Newcastle moved up to 10th place , above Blackpool on goal difference but below Liverpool , to be six points clear of the bottom three . Defenders Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini headed against the bar , while Gary Caldwell struck the woodwork for Wigan , who remained just a point above the relegation zone . Meanwhile , Celtic moved four points clear in the Scottish Premier League with a 2-0 victory at defending champions Rangers as Greece striker Giorgios Samaras netted both goals , the second from the penalty spot after he was fouled . Rangers have played two fewer games than their Glasgow rivals following recent postponements due to snowy weather in Britain .
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Aston Villa deny Chelsea a much-needed victory with a late equalizer in six-goal thriller . Premier League champions fought back from 2-1 down to lead with a minute to play . Struggling Villa earn a precious point in time added on to leave Chelsea in fifth place . Newcastle win 1-0 at Wigan to give new manager Alan Pardew his second victory .
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