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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama on Thursday strongly criticized controversial anti-homosexuality legislation being considered by Uganda 's legislature . It is `` unconscionable to target gays or lesbians for who they are , '' Obama said during an appearance at the National Prayer Breakfast . The measure being considered in Uganda is `` odious , '' he added . The organization which sponsors the breakfast , the Fellowship Foundation , has been associated with efforts to pass the bill , according to the ethics group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington . The measure would punish sexual activity between persons of the same sex with long jail terms or death . Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also criticized the bill during an appearance at the breakfast . CREW had protested Obama 's appearance at the breakfast , claiming in a statement that the event `` designed to appear as if government-sanctioned , actually serves as a meeting and recruiting event for the shadowy Fellowship Foundation , '' also known as `` The Foundation '' and `` The Family . '' A Ugandan legislator who introduced the bill -- which has been roundly condemned by human rights groups -- was scheduled to attend the breakfast before his invitation was revoked , CREW claimed . The breakfast is held annually on the first Thursday in February . The president , members of Congress and other dignitaries regularly attend . Members of the Fellowship Foundation could not be reached for comment early Thursday . CREW did not divulge the source of its information . J. Robert Hunter , a member of The Fellowship who has spoken publicly about the group , told The New York Times in a story published Thursday that it was unfair to blame the group for the Uganda legislation . About 30 family members , all Americans who are active in Africa , conveyed their dismay about the legislation to Ugandan politicians , including the bill 's sponsor , Hunter said . CREW asked Obama and members of Congress on Monday not to attend the breakfast . On Wednesday , it asked television network C-SPAN to refrain from broadcasting the prayer breakfast , or at least to properly identify its sponsor as the Fellowship . `` The Fellowship has been cultivating an unorthodox brand of Christianity amongst the political , military and economic elite of America and other countries for over 50 years , focused on meeting Jesus ` man-to-man , ' '' CREW said . `` The organization operates under an intense veil of secrecy , staying largely out of the public eye and hiding its donors ' identities . '' Its leader , Doug Coe , has led the group since 1969 , according to CREW . The fellowship operates a residence and meeting place on Capitol Hill that has been linked to `` ethically troubled '' politicians , including Sen. John Ensign and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford , the ethics group said . `` The president and members of Congress should not legitimize this cult-like group -- the head of which has praised the organizing abilities of Hitler and bin Laden -- by attending the breakfast , '' Melanie Sloan , CREW executive director , said in a statement . | NEW : Obama calls Uganda 's proposed law `` odious '' in speech at prayer breakfast . Ethics group says foundation that sponsors breakfast supports the anti-gay legislation . Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington asked Obama not to attend breakfast . | [[0, 26], [58, 166], [237, 306], [307, 358], [375, 420], [438, 500], [375, 420], [503, 564], [2863, 2886], [375, 420], [503, 564], [1964, 2044]] |
New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Newt Gingrich called President Obama `` the most radical president in American history '' at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference last week . The leader of the 1994 Republican Revolution is a smart man and a historian , so he must know better . But he 's also exploring a run for president , an action that frequently suspends good judgment in pursuit of sound bites . Perspective is the first thing abandoned in hyper-partisan attacks . So here is a look at five presidents who , it could be argued , exceed Obama in the `` radical '' sweepstakes . • Franklin D. Roosevelt : How about this for radical : a president who overturned the two-term precedent set by George Washington and ultimately won four terms in an era when dictators were in vogue worldwide . He also proposed expanding the Supreme Court to pack it with his own appointees , attempting to fundamentally alter the separation of powers . And his New Deal created the basis for the modern welfare state in the U.S. , whose apex under self-styled inheritor Lyndon Johnson provoked a backlash that ushered in a generation of conservative resurgence . • John Adams : The nation 's second president has been getting a well-deserved reappraisal , thanks to David McCullough 's magisterial biography . But Adams ' signing of the Alien and Sedition acts during the threat of war -- effectively outlawing anti-government dissent and curtailing freedom of speech and freedom of the press -- was a radically anti-democratic action and a black mark on this Founding Father 's otherwise honorable service to our nation . • Andrew Jackson : The man on the $ 20 bill was the original populist president , a general who fought Washington elites , British soldiers and native American tribes alike . Old Hickory 's wars with the Second National Bank , Congress and the Supreme Court were legendary . His native American removal policies rescinded previously agreed-upon treaties and brought about the infamous `` Trail of Tears '' that led to the deaths of thousands . • Abraham Lincoln : Abolitionists accused Lincoln of being insufficiently radical because he pledged only to preserve the union at all costs . But his political opponents accused him of being radical because he wanted to stop the spread of slavery , and they spurred secession from the union soon after hearing of his election . It 's a reminder that exaggerated fear of change can lead to the rise of violent factions . During the Civil War , Lincoln suspended habeas corpus . He has become controversial again to some activists ; one panel at the Conservative Political Action Conference asked , `` Lincoln on Liberty : Friend or Foe ? '' • George W. Bush : The Bush Doctrine reversed decades of American foreign policy by allowing pre-emptive invasions of foreign nations . In Iraq 's case , this was complicated by the fact that the dictator in question did not , in fact , have the weapons of mass destruction as advertised . Add to that Bush 's reluctance to actually pay for his wars directly , which resulted in his turning a hard-won surplus into a deficit , and you 've got what can be considered a radical affront to small-government conservative principles from a Republican president . Each of these presidents has his passionate defenders , and many are routinely listed among America 's greatest chief executives . Of course , plenty of other presidents could be added to this list : from Woodrow Wilson , who institutionalized segregation in the federal government , to Richard Nixon , whose `` Saturday Night Massacre '' firing of his attorney general , Justice Department first deputy and independent special prosecutor created a constitutional crisis in the wake of Watergate . But you get the idea . None of the presidents are really radical in any global sense . Any all-good or all-bad analysis of American history always misses the big picture . And politics is history in the present tense . Yes , the past 16 months have seen unprecedented levels of government spending , intended to alleviate the economic crisis that was occurring when Obama took office . And although skyrocketing debts and deficits are dangerous if not addressed decisively in the near-term , Obama 's general approach to the office has been decidedly more center-left than radical left . Think Afghanistan , for example , where he has committed more troops to the war . Or his economic team , led by Clinton administration alumni and Wall Street veterans . Though many conservatives have called him a socialist , some liberals -LRB- and libertarian Republican Ron Paul -RRB- consider him a `` corporatist . '' You ca n't be both a socialist and a corporatist at the same time . The larger issue is politics , plain and simple . Gingrich is trying to run for president . And red meat lines like `` the most radical president in American history '' help keep him relevant in GOP circles . The real issue is less what Obama has done as president than who he is . Gingrich and most baby boomer conservatives have spent their professional lives running against the liberal excesses of the 1960s . It is engrained in their political DNA . And Obama looks like a child of the Great Society , an embodiment of the social changes of the 1960s . The more centrist his rhetoric , the more some conservatives are convinced that it 's all part of activist Saul Alinsky 's playbook : to sound reasonable but act radical . The problem is that this suspicion of Obama 's motives dooms any concept of common ground and poisons the well for bipartisan progress . You ca n't negotiate reasonably with a president when you 've convinced supporters that he is a threat to our constitutional republic . More broadly , we 've grown almost accustomed to these overheated attacks on the presidency . Obama Derangement Syndrome on the right -- of which Gingrich 's claim was a mild example -- was preceded by Bush Derangement Syndrome on the left , with protestors comparing W. to a Nazi and a terrorist . As a country , we have become accustomed to using fear and hate in the service of hyper-partisanship . We need to wake up to the fact that demonizing people we disagree with , and indulging in attempts to delegitimize a duly elected president from Day One , hurts us all as a nation . We can do better -- and we deserve better , especially from people who want to lead the nation themselves . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of John P. Avlon . | Newt Gingrich called Barack Obama `` most radical president in American history '' John Avlon says Gingrich does n't have his history straight . He says FDR , Adams , Jackson , Lincoln , George W. Bush may have been more `` radical '' Avlon : `` We 've grown almost accustomed to overheated attacks on presidency '' | [[5748, 5826]] |
What do Spiderman , Al Capone 's silk boxer shorts and a waterproof hiking jacket have in common ? Spider silk is being used in pioneering research to regrow damaged bones and teeth . Answer : they are all , in their own way , helping to push forward the boundaries of modern medical science . More specifically , two separate research teams in the U.S. have been using materials normally associated with clothing -LRB- and a certain arachnid superhero -RRB- to provide novel , high-tech solutions to age-old health problems . At Tufts University , Massachusetts scientists are pioneering a method of manipulating spider silk to genetically engineer new bone tissue , thus allowing them -- in theory -- to re-grow damaged bones and teeth . At Rush University , Indiana , meanwhile , a team of cardiologists are trialing a device made of Gore-Tex -- the waterproof fabric used in much outdoor clothing -- to help repair holes in the human heart . The Tufts research , headed by Professor David Kaplan of the Department of Biomedical Engineering , is focusing on ways of using silk -- or rather the constituent proteins of which silk is made -- to create a hybrid material that can then be used as a `` scaffold '' on which to grow new bone and tooth cells . Why silk ? Because not only is it extremely tough -- its tensile strength is six times that of steel fibre of an equal diameter -- but also bio-compatible , meaning it does not cause an adverse reaction when introduced into the human body . `` We are playing around with silk from silk worms , '' one of Kaplan 's collaborators , Professor Carole Perry of Nottingham Trent University in the UK , told CNN , `` But the bulk of our work is using fusion proteins derived from spider silk . '' The science is complex -- osteogenic differentiation , chimeric proteins and novel nanocomposites are just a few of the terms involved -- but the basic idea is that , working at a molecular level , you combine elements of silk protein with those of some other protein with desirable properties to create the building blocks of an entirely new material . This material -- precisely what form it will take is as yet uncertain -- will then be used to fill a hole or a break in a bone or a tooth , acting as a `` scaffold '' on which stem cells taken from elsewhere in the patient 's body can grow to form replacement tissue . Because silk is also biodegradable , the scaffold would then dissolve away over time like sutures , leaving just the new bone . `` It 's an important step in the process of trying to grow replacement body parts , '' Professor Christopher Viney of the University of California , Merced -- an expert in the mechanical properties of silk -- told CNN . `` Right now if you want a replacement part you need a donor , but this sort of technology is one piece in the jigsaw of growing your own replacement . The health implications are potentially huge . '' The work being carried out at Rush University is not , on the face of it , quite as scientifically ground-breaking as that of Professor Kaplan and his team . If successful , however , it could prove every bit as significant . As with Kaplan , the Rush team -- led by cardiologist Dr. Ziyad Hijazi -- is adapting an everyday material to a novel medical application . In this case the material is a variation on waterproof Gore-Tex , known as Gore-Helex . The latter has been fashioned into a minute , umbrella-shaped device -- the snappily-named Gore-Helex Septal Occluder -- that can be used to plug a Patent Foramen Ovale -LRB- PFO -RRB- , a common hole found in the upper chambers of the heart of one in five Americans . Although in itself not necessarily dangerous , a PFO can be for stroke victims . `` We are proposing that closing the hole will be more effective in preventing stroke relapse than taking medications for the rest of your life , '' Dr. Hijazi told CNN . Although an Occluder-style device has already been used successfully for some years in plugging Atrial Septal Defects , another type of heart hole , these are the first official randomized trials to ascertain its effectiveness in cases of PFO . `` It comes in three different sizes , '' explains Dr. Hijazi , `` Twenty , 25 and 30 mm , and is passed through an incision in the groin up through an artery into the heart , where we position it using a microscopic camera . `` The operation takes 45 minutes , the patient is awake throughout and goes home the next day . `` Given that PFOs are implicated in approximately 40 percent of strokes in the U.S. -- about 120,000 people -- this technology could make a very big difference . '' Gore-Tex hearts and silk bones -- fashion will never seem quite the same again . | Everyday fabrics are being used in ground-breaking medical research . A material based on silk could help regrow damaged bone tissue . Silk has six times the tensile strength of steel fiber of equal diameter . A device made of Gore-Tex is being used to plug holes in the heart . | [[3164, 3177], [3211, 3286], [99, 183], [99, 110], [125, 171], [99, 110], [148, 183], [527, 546], [549, 665], [1310, 1384], [740, 780], [783, 845], [849, 870], [879, 900], [904, 945]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sue Compton is having a pretty sweet day . She 's a newly minted millionaire , courtesy of her Pillsbury Bake-Off win , announced live Wednesday morning on `` The Oprah Winfrey Show . '' Her original recipe for Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups took top honors in the 44th annual contest . The winning baker said it was n't a stove-slaving process of trial and error for her . `` Just once and done . For real . It just came together and I 'm very lucky . '' She sought inspiration from the list of potential ingredients required by Pillsbury -- eligible recipes must include two , in specified minimum quantities -- and wandered the aisles of her local market . `` The ideas came as a result of trying to combine ingredients I thought would taste good together , '' she said . iReport : Share your bake sale memories and recipes . Compton said she does n't anticipate getting tired of serving up her now-signature dish -- `` I like desserts a lot , and you do n't see people getting tired of cookies or ice cream '' -- or making a foray into the professional baking arena . `` I do n't see living my life any differently . I 'd just like to put the money toward my retirement . '' The Delanco , New Jersey , woman took the top prize by whisking past stiff competition like Evelyn Henderson 's Salmon Pecan-Crusted Tartlets , Kellie White 's Zesty Lime Fish Tacos and Niki Plourde 's Tomato Basil Eggs Alfredo in Bread Baskets . Contestants , who must be amateurs , have been tossing their toques into the ring since the Bake-Off 's inception in 1949 . That year , Theodora Smafield of Rockford , Illinois , took home $ 50,000 for her No-Knead Water-Rising Twists recipe -- a sum doubled from the advertised $ 25,000 pot by a promotional token that she 'd run across two months before . Though her initial win stirred a national obsession with the contest , it still took 44 years for a man -- Kurt Wait -- to rise to the top with a Macadamia Fudge Torte in 1996 . The finished dishes are judged on taste , appearance , creativity and consumer appeal . Here is the winning recipe for Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups : . Servings : . Makes 24 tartlets . Ingredients : . • 1 package -LRB- 16 ounces -RRB- Pillsbury Ready to Bake refrigerated sugar cookies -LRB- 24 cookies -RRB- . • 4 teaspoons sugar . • 1/3 cup finely chopped Fisher Chef 's Naturals walnuts . • 1/2 cup Hershey 's semisweet chocolate baking chips . • 1/4 cup Smucker 's Seedless Red Raspberry Jam . • 1 1/2 cups vanilla bean ice cream , softened . • 24 fresh raspberries . Prep time : 20 minutes . Start to finish : 45 minutes . Directions : . Heat oven to 350 degrees . Spray 24 mini muffin cups with Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray . Place a cookie dough round in each muffin cup . Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown . Place 2 teaspoons of the sugar in a small bowl . Dip the end of a wooden spoon handle in the sugar and carefully press into the center of each cookie to make a 1-inch-wide indentation . Cool completely in a pan for about 20 minutes . Meanwhile , in a small bowl , mix walnuts and remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar , then set aside . In a small microwaveable bowl , microwave chocolate chips uncovered on high for 30 to 60 seconds , stirring after 30 seconds , until smooth . Run a knife around the edges of the cups to loosen , and gently remove them from the pan . Dip the rim of each cup into the melted chocolate , then into the walnut mixture . Place the walnut side up on a cookie sheet with sides . In another small microwaveable bowl , microwave the jam uncovered on high for about 15 seconds until melted . Spoon a half-teaspoon of jam into each cup . Freeze cups for about five minutes or until the chocolate is set . Spoon the ice cream into the cups , using a small cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon . Top each cup with a fresh raspberry . Store in the freezer , then let stand at room temperature for five minutes before serving . Nutritional Information : . In one serving , there are : Calories : 150 -LRB- calories from fat : 70 -RRB- ; total fat : 7 grams -LRB- saturated fat 2 1/2 grams , trans fat : 1 1/2 grams -RRB- ; cholesterol : 0 milligrams ; sodium : 60 milligrams ; total carbohydrates : 19 grams -LRB- dietary fiber : 0 grams , sugars : 12 grams -RRB- ; protein : 1 gram . Percentage daily values * are as follows : Vitamin A : 0 % ; vitamin C : 0 % ; calcium : 0 % ; iron : 2 % . * Percentage daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet . | Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups creator is winner of Pillsbury Bake-Off . Sue Compton whipped up a batch to win competition . Recipe starts with Pillsbury Ready to Bake refrigerated sugar cookies . Nuts , chocolate , jam , ice cream and fresh raspberries also are included . | [[206, 301], [206, 301]] |
Warsaw , Poland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Polish legislators were planning Wednesday to hold a June election to choose a successor to President Lech Kaczynski , whose death in an air crash is generating unprecedented scenes of public grief . Mourners lined up through the night outside Warsaw 's Presidential Palace to pay respects to Kaczynski , whose body is lying in state alongside that of his wife . However , amid national unity in the wake of the disaster , there were the first signs of discord with protests reported over a decision to bury the late president and his wife in a crypt previously reserved for monarchs and saints . The couple were among 96 Polish dignitaries , military top brass and officials who died when the plane carrying them to a service commemorating Polish prisoners of war massacred in Russia during World War II crashed in bad weather . Their bodies were repatriated earlier this week . Caskets carrying 30 more crash victims were returned to Poland on Wednesday aboard a military jet from Moscow . Draped in Polish flags the caskets were lined up side-by-side by an honor guard during a solemn ceremony at Warsaw 's airport . iReport : Share your photos , video and stories with CNN . The disaster has caused shockwaves through Poland , with thousands of people waiting up to eight hours to pay their respects to the first couple . Due to overwhelming demand , the palace was opened to the public through the night . A line of up to 15,000 mourners , many dressed in black and carrying pictures of the deceased first couple , could be seen snaking through the center of Warsaw Wednesday . Images of Poland 's collective grief . `` I think this is really unique to Poland , '' U.S. ambassador to Poland , Lee Feinstein told CNN , adding that the devastation to the country 's leadership was unparalleled in the contemporary world . Feinstein described Poland as one of the United States ' `` staunchest '' allies , largely thanks to military support for U.S.-led operations in Iraq and Afghanistan . U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to be among international figures attending the first couple 's funeral service in Warsaw , scheduled for Saturday . The Kremlin in Moscow said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev would also attend . The service will be followed by the couple 's burial on Sunday in Krakow 's Wawel Castle . The archbishop of Krakow said burying the late president in the historic crypt was the country 's way of honoring him . `` I think in this way the Polish nation wants to include him among the greatest and most revered men in Polish history , '' Stanislaw Dziwisz said on Polish state television . There have been reports of protests in Krakow over the decision , while debate has raged online as to whether Kaczynski , seen as unpopular prior to his death , should be buried in a national heroes ' cemetery in Warsaw rather than at Wawel . Biography : Lech Kaczynski . A Facebook group opposed to the castle burial had garnered 32,000 followers by late Wednesday . According to Poland 's PAP news agency , a date for the election that will choose Kaczynski 's successor will be announced on April 21 by acting President Bronislaw Komorowski . The agency said the date was likely to be June 13 or 20 . Under Poland 's constitution Komorowski must call the election within 14 days of the president 's death with the vote taking place within 60 days . CNN 's Antonia Mortensen in Warsaw , Poland and Maxim Tkachenko in Moscow , Russia contributed to this story . | Poland set to hold June election to replace president killed in air crash . Mourners line up for hours to pay respects to first couple . Controversy breaks out over decision to bury Kaczynski alongside former monarchs . | [[0, 6], [9, 31], [35, 101], [68, 151], [1284, 1360], [1446, 1477], [1546, 1617], [501, 534]] |
East Rutherford , New Jersey -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- From nuclear weapons to human rights , the image of Iran is quite negative in America . But with little fanfare , one Iranian man has won hearts and cheers battling Americans on the court in basketball arenas around the country . Hamed Haddadi is the NBA 's first Iranian basketball player . At 7-foot-2 , Haddadi began playing for Tennessee 's Memphis Grizzlies in August 2008 . His final game of this season was set for Wednesday night in Oklahoma City . Despite U.S.-Iran tensions in the political arena , any strains appear absent with teammates and fans alike . `` It seems like he 's the most popular Grizzly . When we go on the road ... he has a lot of support from a lot of people , a lot of people come out to watch him and watch us play , '' said teammate Mike Conley , who accompanied Haddadi to a `` kebab fest . '' The kebab fest was held in Las Vegas in 2009 . Haddadi was accompanied by Conley and fellow Grizzly Hakim Warrick to a Persian restaurant . The event served to introduce the teammates to Persian food . Grizzlies ' forward Rudy Gay turned the tables when he took Haddadi for a taste of American ribs at a Memphis restaurant . It was n't as easy getting permission to play in the United States . Current U.S. sanctions on Iran prohibit `` a person or organization in the United States from engaging in business dealings with Iranian nationals , '' stated the NBA legal counsel . The NBA had to apply to the U.S. government for a license that granted Haddadi permission to play for the NBA . The reception has been positive courtside . But problems arose from game announcers once . Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith , L.A. Clippers announcers on local Fox Sports , were suspended for a game for insensitive comments about Haddadi . When the Grizzlies faced the Clippers , the two joked about the Iranian center . `` You 're sure it 's not Borat 's older brother ? '' said Smith . `` If they ever make a movie about Haddadi , I 'm going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part . '' Mayar Zokaei , Haddadi 's Iranian-American manager , said the Iranian basketball player has brought lots of media attention to the middle-of-the-standings Grizzlies . `` He 's gotten more press then any of his teammates this year and the past couple of years just for the sole reason that he 's Iranian-American , '' said Zokaei . `` Iranian playing basketball in America ... that 's rare . -LSB- There are n't many -RSB- -RRB- Iranians doing anything in bona fide sports arenas in the U.S. '' Haddadi faces big challenges . One is speaking and learning English . Furthermore , his family is almost 7,000 miles away in Iran . The political turmoil back home is something he ca n't control . He worries about his family . `` It affects him because he misses them , he 's not able to keep up to date with them because he 's so busy ... he 's always concerned about their well-being and such , '' said Zokaei . Off the court , Haddadi has been working to bridge the gap between Iranian-Americans and basketball . Haddadi was at the forefront of creating the Hamed Haddadi Javanan Foundation . The charity organization aims to award college scholarships to student athletes . The foundation has not been his only initiative . In 2009 , with Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest and manager Zokaei , Haddadi hosted a weekend basketball camp for 100 children . The camp was held on the campus of California State University at Northridge and was aimed mainly at the Iranian-American community . Haddadi 's team did not make the NBA playoffs , which start within the week . His next test on the court -- playing for Iran against the United States in the world championships in September in Turkey . Haddadi and teammate Rudy Gay agree the United States will win . `` Tell you the truth ... we ca n't beat the United States you know , '' said Haddadi . `` We 're -LSB- The U.S. -RSB- gon na win , of course , '' boasted Gay . But his two years in America have been a personal victory for Haddadi , who just wants to play more when he returns to America . | Hamed Haddadi began playing for Tennessee 's Memphis Grizzlies in August 2008 . Despite U.S.-Iran tensions , strains appear absent with teammates , fans alike . NBA had to apply to the U.S. government for a license to let Haddadi play . He 's been trying to bridge gap between Iranian-Americans and basketball . | [[340, 351], [354, 427], [557, 614], [1453, 1510], [2975, 3060]] |
Moscow , Russia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Artyem Saveliev turns eight years old this week . His birthday will be anything but normal . Last Thursday his American adoptive family put him on a solo , trans-Atlantic flight from the United States to Moscow . They hired a Russian driver to deliver the boy from the airport to the Russian Ministry of Education . Russian officials allowed CNN to see a copy of a letter addressed to the Ministry of Education and signed by Artyem 's adoptive mother , Torry Hansen , which the little boy carried when he arrived . `` To Whom It May Concern , '' the letter reads , `` This child is mentally unstable . He is violent and has severe psychopathic issues/behaviors . I was lied to and misled by the Russian Orphanage workers and director regarding his mental stability ... After giving my best to this child , I am sorry to say that for the safety of my family , friends and myself , I no longer wish to parent this child . As he is a Russian National , I am returning him to your guardianship and would like the adoption disannulled -LSB- sic -RSB- . '' Russian officials are fuming at these accusations . `` How can you imagine that a 7-year-old boy can be -LSB- a -RSB- menace or danger for the family ? For the adult people ? '' said Pavel Astakhov , Russia 's Child Rights Ombudsmen . '' -LSB- Artyem -RSB- is in very good mental and physical condition , '' Astakhov said . `` He 's a very nice boy . He 's funny . And he 's very communicative . '' Astakhov met with Artyem several times since he arrived in Moscow , as have officials from the U.S. Embassy . `` When we saw him , he looked like a very tired little boy off a long trans-Atlantic flight , '' said John Beyrle , the U.S. ambassador in Moscow . The case of Artyem comes after the Russian media focused intense attention on several previous cases in recent years of abuse involving adopted Russian children in the United States . Not surprisingly , some Russians are calling for an end to the practice of foreign adoption . `` I am against the idea of sending our children abroad , '' said a woman , who gave her name only as Alexandra , as she watched her grandchildren play on a sunny day in a Moscow park . Russian officials have made public appeals for a temporary freeze of American adoption of Russian children until a proposed bilateral treaty has been signed to allow monitoring of children after they are brought to the United States . `` We do n't have any instrument or tools to control our children which are living in adoptive families , '' said Astakhov . `` In this situation we have a kind of legal vacuum ... we have to freeze all activity in the adoptive process for the United States of America . '' Those are ominous words for thousands of desperate American families who end up waiting years and spending tens of thousands of dollars trying to adopt Russian children . According to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow , more then 50,000 Russian children have been adopted by American families in the last 16 years . The U.S. State Department offered to send a delegation of diplomats to Moscow later this month to address the adoption issue . `` The Russian government has now told us informally that that 's acceptable . We 're actually working out the dates , '' said Beyrle . `` So I would say to American families that are in the process of adoption not to worry too much . We 're working on this , and we really do n't think that this will have any long-term effect on the ability of American families to adopt here . '' Russia has no shortage of orphans . The United Nations Children Fund reported that in 2008 , some 714,000 Russian children were living in state institutions . Unlike many Western societies , the vast majority -- 83 percent of these children -- are `` social orphans '' taken from biological parents who were deemed unfit by Russian state agencies , said Bertram Beinvel , UNICEF 's representative in Moscow . `` What is important to draw out of this -LSB- Artyem 's -RSB- case is to conduct a thorough analysis on the adoption of the child , then to -LSB- learn -RSB- what happened when he was put back on the plane , '' Beinvel said . He also called for a bilateral treaty to prevent future cases of abuse from occurring . Both U.S. and Russian officials predicted it might take a matter of months to hammer out this proposed agreement . But that offers little consolation to Artyem Saveliev , who has now lost two families before reaching the age of 8 . `` He lost his native family , his mother . And he lost his adoptive family , Torry Hansen , '' said Astakhov . `` Now the best way is to place him in a new family which can give him attention and love . '' But Astakhov made it clear any new family for Artyem would be a Russian one . | Russian officials allowed CNN to see a copy of a letter sent to Russia with 7-year-old Artyem . Official `` How can you imagine that a 7-year-old boy can be -LSB- a -RSB- menace or a danger ... ? '' Sentiment shared now by many Russians : `` I am against the idea of sending our children abroad '' Russian media have focused on several previous cases of abused adoptees in U.S. | [[351, 406], [1138, 1237], [1161, 1237], [1947, 2021], [2025, 2077], [1775, 1869], [1864, 1927]] |
New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former President Bill Clinton left the hospital Friday morning after doctors performed a procedure to restore blood flow in one of his coronary arteries , longtime friend Terry McAuliffe told CNN . Clinton , 63 , was hospitalized at New York-Presbyterian Hospital 's Columbia campus after experiencing brief periods of discomfort in his chest over several days , according to Dr. Allan Schwartz , the hospital 's chief of cardiology . Two stents were used to restore blood flow to a coronary artery Thursday after images revealed that a bypass graft -- part of a quadruple bypass surgery that Clinton underwent in 2004 -- was blocked , Schwartz said . An electrocardiogram and a blood test showed no evidence of a heart attack , Schwartz said . `` If I know Bill Clinton , he 's going to get right back on the phone , '' McAuliffe , a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee , told CNN on Friday . `` Yesterday as they were wheeling him into the operating room , they literally had to take the phone out of his hand as they were wheeling him in to surgery . `` He was on a conference call dealing with Haiti . And I guarantee you as soon as he gets back today he 'll be back on the phone . '' Schwartz said the need for the procedure had nothing to do with Clinton 's post-bypass diet or exercise , which Schwartz called excellent . Rather , Schwartz said , this is `` part of the natural history '' of the bypass treatment . `` He really toed the line in terms of diet and exercise . He really followed the program , '' Schwartz said , adding he told Clinton that he 'd be allowed to return to work Monday . The stents have opened the artery that the blocked bypass graft was supposed to service , Schwartz said . Stents are tiny balloons that are threaded into a patient 's heart vessels where they are inflated , pushing plaque against the vessel wall and increasing blood flow . The graft 's blockage is n't unheard of , because that particular type of graft has a 10 percent to 20 percent failure rate after six years , Schwartz said . However , a bypass graft at a different artery -- the main artery in the front of Clinton 's heart -- still looks `` pristine , '' Schwartz said . `` We know from multiple studies that if that bypass is open at this point ... it will remain open , '' he said . Stents and chest pain explained . Schwartz said Clinton was up and walking about two hours after Thursday 's procedure . In a written statement , Douglas Band , counselor to the former president , said : `` President Clinton is in good spirits and will continue to focus on the work of his foundation and Haiti 's relief and long-term recovery efforts . '' Clinton 's daughter , Chelsea Clinton , and wife , Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , were with him at the hospital Thursday night , Schwartz said . Hillary Clinton was scheduled to leave Friday on a planned trip to the Middle East , but her departure has been delayed until Saturday , a senior U.S. official said . Bill Clinton has n't left the public eye since he departed the White House in 2001 , maintaining an active schedule devoted to global philanthropic interests and speeches . Since the January 12 earthquake that hit Haiti , he has traveled there twice in his latest role as the U.N. special envoy . On February 3 , U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon placed Clinton in charge of overseeing aid and reconstruction efforts there . Clinton also attended the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , in January . David Gergen , CNN senior political analyst , said Clinton was `` exhausted '' and had a cold after returning from his second trip to Haiti earlier this month . Clinton had busy schedule before heart procedure . Clinton 's 2004 surgery was performed at the same hospital where he was admitted Thursday . Doctors in 2005 operated again on Clinton to remove scar tissue and fluid that had built up after his bypass surgery . Dr. Spencer King , president of St. Joseph 's Heart and Vascular Institute in Atlanta , Georgia , rejected as outdated suggestions that Clinton needs to slow down . `` This is kind of a '50s concept , '' he told CNN in a telephone interview Thursday . `` Now , we 've got a lot of fantastic ways to prevent progression of heart disease -- medications , things that can be done . The outlook for people is totally different . '' `` If he slows down , he slows down , '' said King , who who has not treated Clinton . But , he added , `` It would be very hard to show any data that would tell you he 'll have more trouble if he hangs it up . '' King said Thursday 's stenting procedure may not be the end of Clinton 's heart woes . `` The problem there is that that vein graft is developing disease and sometimes it goes on and develops more , '' he said . `` There 's a substantial chance over the next three , four , five years that it could close up again . '' CNN 's John King , Ed Henry , Jessica Yellin , Elise Labott and Elizabeth Landau contributed to this report . | NEW : Clinton leaves hospital Friday morning , former DNC chairman says . Doctor : Graft installed during 2004 bypass surgery was blocked . Thursday 's stent procedure opened artery that graft was supposed to service . Former president came to hospital after feeling chest discomfort over several days . | [[0, 24], [58, 126], [542, 661], [97, 180], [1650, 1737], [226, 233], [236, 388]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Heavy snow pummeled much of the East Coast on Wednesday , battering states for the second time in a week and forcing many people to stay home from school and jobs . Several cities had record snowfalls . The storm canceled or delayed flights in several cities , kept federal workers home for a third straight day in Washington , and taxed local government budgets as cities and counties scrambled to pay for snow removal , overtime , salt , supplies and equipment . In Washington , the snow was falling at a rate of 2 inches per hour at one point in the afternoon , CNN meteorologist Jacqui Jeras said . Forecasters predicted that Washington winds would gust to 50 mph overnight . A blizzard warning was to be in effect in the Washington area until 7 p.m. , the National Weather Service said . Blowing snow caused such poor visibility at midday that snowplows temporarily parked by the side of the road , authorities said . Forecasters predicted that the storm would dump a total of 8 to 10 inches inside the Capital Beltway -LRB- Interstate 495 -RRB- , with higher amounts to the north . Watch the forecast on the storm 's trek . `` Even if you 're in a SUV , it 's difficult to get around , '' Washington Police Chief Cathy Lanier said . `` You ca n't see the Capitol dome through the snow , '' even standing a few yards away . Share your winter weather photos , videos . Government buildings were eerily quiet . The Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service buildings were shut . No one answered the door at the Justice Department , though the attorney general 's office said work was still being done at key counterterrorism offices . The U.S. Postal Service said it was experiencing delays in processing mail . Subway service was expected to be limited Thursday to underground stations , and bus service was expected to be suspended on Thursday . Federal agencies were to be closed Thursday , too , and non-emergency employees were to be granted the day off . This winter already has become the snowiest on record for Washington and its suburbs , as well as Baltimore , Maryland , and Wilmington , Delaware , the National Weather Service said . It 's also on pace to become the snowiest season on record in other cities , including Atlantic City , New Jersey , and Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . Blizzard warnings also were in effect Wednesday for Asheville , North Carolina ; Newark and Atlantic City , New Jersey ; Baltimore , Maryland ; Dover , Delaware ; New York and nearby Long Island ; and Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . Under a blizzard warning , the following conditions are expected to be seen for three hours or longer : wind speeds of 35 mph or more and considerable falling and/or blowing of snow with visibility near zero -LRB- less than one-fourth mile -RRB- , the weather service said . In Atlantic City , the landmark Boardwalk -- lined with shops , restaurants and casinos -- remained open despite the snow . New York was to be under a blizzard warning until 6 a.m. Thursday , but the snow was expected to stop falling late Wednesday night . Forecasters predicted wind gusts up to 50 mph and predicted the city will have received 12 to 20 inches of snow by the time the storm ends . In Pennsylvania , all of Interstates 76 , 78 , 83 , 176 , 476 and 676 , as well as state road 581 , were closed Wednesday because of blizzard conditions , the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said on its Web site . Part of I-81 was closed , it said . Interstate 80 near Clearfield , Pennsylvania , was shut after two pileups -- one involving 17 cars and the other involving seven cars , said Rich Kirkpatrick from the state 's Department of Transportation . One person died and another person was seriously injured , police said . Philadelphia was under a blizzard warning until midnight , and could have as much as 20 inches of snow by the time it stops , forecasters said . In Boston , Massachusetts , snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches an hour were expected along the Interstate 95 corridor into the evening . A winter storm warning was in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday , with final snow totals of 5 to 10 inches , the weather service said . Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled to and from airports in Baltimore , Boston , New York , Philadelphia and Washington , airlines reported . East Coast storm grounds thousands of flights . `` We 're working , and we 're plowing as best we can , and then once the winds diminish some , we 'll be able to start hauling snow off the airfield as we 've been doing for six days now , '' said Tara Hamilton , spokeswoman for Washington Dulles International and Reagan Washington National airports , both of which closed Wednesday . The airports did not plan to reopen until about 7 a.m. Thursday . New York area airports were operational Wednesday afternoon , but airlines canceled most flights in and out of LaGuardia , Newark Liberty International and John F. Kennedy International airports . Rajesh Moorjani , one of the stranded travelers at the Newark , New Jersey , airport , had flown from India on Tuesday night , intending to get a connecting flight to California . On Wednesday , he was getting used to the idea of being stuck on the East Coast for a day , CNN affiliate WABC reported . `` I 'm just kind of trying to get in touch with old classmates , ex-colleagues ... trying to put a message on Facebook saying : ` If anybody is in New York , let 's get in touch , ' '' he told WABC . WABC : Storm socks New Jersey . Amtrak was still providing limited service for Boston , New York and Washington . But most passenger rail service south of Washington was canceled . `` The massive storm has resulted in downed trees and power lines on portions of CSX freight railroad tracks south of Washington resulting in continued service cancellations in Virginia , and the Carolinas , '' the rail line 's Web site said . Bus travelers fared no better . `` Pretty much everything out of Virginia , New York , D.C. , etc. at this time has been canceled , '' said Maureen Richmond , director of media relations for Greyhound , which transports 22 million passengers per year . `` We 're operating where we can , based on weather and road conditions , '' she said . She urged would-be passengers to call the company 's ticketing line . Due to improved weather conditions in the Chicago , Illinois , area , airlines were reporting no delays at O'Hare and Midway International Airports . Many businesses in Greenwich , Connecticut , about 30 miles northeast of New York City , closed early Wednesday , in part to allow workers to travel home before the worst of the storm hit . Diane Garett planned to keep her bookstore open , but she gave her employees the day off , WABC reported . `` I just felt it was just safer if they stayed home , '' she told WABC . `` Plus a lot of their children are home from school . So I did n't think it was right to ask them to come to work . '' Hardware store owner Troy Usnik was taking somewhat of a breather Wednesday in snowy Philadelphia . The owner of 10th Street Hardware said he sold well over 100 shovels and 200 to 300 bags of salt Tuesday . `` Today seems kind of quiet , but there was a mad rush yesterday . Sales were brisk . Last night was a panic and everyone who did n't have it came out to buy shovels and salt . '' Early Wednesday , the snow turned to sleet in Philadelphia , but roads were passable and buses were driving along emergency routes , Usnik said . The National Weather Service predicted 9 to 13 more inches of snow . New York deployed 1,600 salt spreaders to care for 65 miles of roads , CNN meteorologist Rob Marciano said . The winter of 2009-2010 has become the snowiest on record for : . • Baltimore , which has received at least 72.3 inches of snow this winter . • Washington , where Dulles airport has received 72 inches of snow this winter and Reagan National airport has received 54.9 inches . • Wilmington , Delaware , which has received at least 59.5 inches of snow this winter , breaking its previous record of 55.9 inches . CNN 's Sean Morris , Nicole Saidi , Steve Kastenbaum , Scott Spoerry , and Jean Shin contributed to this report . | NEW : Many Interstate highways closed in Pennsylvania . Two main Washington airports are n't set to reopen until Thursday morning . Washington area , New York , Philadelphia under blizzard warning . This winter is snowiest on record for several cities , National Weather Service says . | [[3236, 3251], [3254, 3333], [3336, 3388], [4723, 4788], [4723, 4735], [4749, 4788], [699, 760], [699, 717], [722, 773], [2563, 2587], [2590, 2627], [2962, 2970], [2975, 3027], [3776, 3832], [184, 221], [776, 811], [1997, 2081], [2146, 2181], [2182, 2314], [2811, 2837], [4159, 4185], [7678, 7739]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chelsea moved a step closer to breaking Manchester United 's stranglehold on the English Premier League title with a controversial 1-0 victory at home to Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night . Nicolas Anelka headed the only goal against his former club just before halftime to put the London side four points clear of three-time defending champions United with four matches to play . Third-placed Arsenal can leapfrog United into second place with victory over London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday and be three points adrift of Chelsea . Bolton , just five points above the relegation zone , were angry after not being awarded a penalty in each half for alleged handball by Didier Drogba and John Terry -- but were lucky not to concede more goals as Chelsea dominated late in the match . `` They were n't claims for a penalty , '' Bolton boss Owen Coyle told match broadcaster ESPN . `` They were stonewall penalties . I knew it at the time . `` Didier Drogba is a world-class player , but looking at this replay he could be a world-class volleyball player . `` I 've asked the linesman about -LSB- the Terry incident -RSB- after the game but he 's said it hit his shoulder . He needs to take another look at that . '' Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti chose not to comment on the incidents . `` It is not my job to judge the work of the officials , '' the Italian said . `` It is a difficult job , sometimes they make the right decisions , sometimes they make bad decisions . `` We have to maintain this level . We are doing well , we are very focused and in a very good position , but we have a very difficult game on Saturday against Tottenham and we have to do our best to win that game . '' Chelsea were less impressive in the first half , and it took until the 43rd minute before France striker Anelka broke the deadlock with a close-range header from Drogba 's left-wing cross for his first goal since January . Bolton striker Kevin Davies had told reporters before the match that his former teammate Anelka was unhappy playing with Drogba , but the duo combined well to end Wanderers ' stubborn resistance . The recalled Salomon Kalou should have made it 2-0 in the 54th minute but goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen blocked the Ivory Coast forward 's shot with his legs . Davies was booked for a crude tackle on Jon Obi Mikel in the 77th minute , and Frank Lampard hit the post soon after with a fierce low shot after a clever dummy by Kalou 's replacement Joe Cole . England midfielder Cole gave Chelsea fresh impetus , with Michael Ballack heading his cross tamely at Jaaskelainen . Terry drove a shot just wide from a corner but soon after was beaten in the air at the other end by Bolton substitute Johan Elmander -- however , the Swede 's header went wide . Cole should have doubled the lead in injury-time , but somehow stumbled over Yuri Zhirkov 's low cross when it seemed easier to score . Meanwhile , Inter Milan moved into the final of the Italian Cup with a 1-0 victory away to Fiorentina on Tuesday night , winning 2-0 on aggregate . Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o scored the only goal in the 57th minute to keep Jose Mourinho 's team in the hunt for three trophies this season . The Champions League semifinalists , who drew 2-2 with Fiorentina at the weekend , will face either new Serie A leaders Roma or Udinese in the title match . Also on Tuesday , Cagliari sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri after the Sardinian team 's slump to 12th in the Italian top flight following a haul of just two points from nine matches . Allegri was voted Serie A coach of the year by his peers for guiding Cagliari to ninth place last season , but became the 16th to be dismissed this campaign . | English Premier League leaders Chelsea move four points clear of Manchester United . Striker Nicolas Anelka scores winner just before halftime against his former club . Struggling Bolton angry not to be awarded a penalty for handball in each half . Inter Milan earn place in final of Italian Cup with 2-0 aggregate win over Fiorentina . | [[281, 371], [209, 289], [1797, 1929], [554, 560], [619, 686], [2914, 2923], [2926, 2984], [2926, 2937], [3035, 3061]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Much of the United States was braced for severe winter weather on Monday , as a major storm hit California while an unrelated first round of wintry conditions snarled commutes in the Midwest . The storm hitting California Monday afternoon was expected to affect weather across the country through Wednesday . The wintry weather , caused by a weak disturbance over the Midwest , caused the deaths of three people in weather-related traffic accidents Sunday and Monday . The first two occurred Sunday in northern California , the area first hit by the weather . A 14-year-old boy died on Interstate 80 about 11 a.m. Sunday when the truck he was traveling in skidded off the road on a steep snow-covered grade , said California Highway Patrol spokeswoman Jeanie Hoatson . A second person was killed on State Route 89 about 45 minutes later when the vehicle they were driving went out of control and collided with a second vehicle , she said . In Indiana on Monday , a 21-year-old man died on Interstate 65 , northwest of Indianapolis , state police said . The man was involved in one of two weather-related crashes on the road as snow fell , and was struck by a semitrailer truck when he stepped out of his car , Indiana State Police said . Numerous traffic accidents were reported in states experiencing winter weather conditions as the disturbance moved across and into the Midwest , affecting Ohio and Wisconsin . Forecasters warned that the approaching storm could cause widespread power outages through Wednesday and make travel nearly impossible in some areas . It may spread arctic air southward by midweek . Some parts of Iowa could receive up to 10 inches of snow , according to CNN affiliate KCCI . The state already received up to 5 inches of snow from the disturbance Sunday . Chicago , Illinois , received about an inch of snow through Monday morning , said CNN iReporter Alan Hawkins . The sun came out and began to melt the snow , but by late morning the sky was overcast again . More cold temperatures and snow are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday , he said . `` Today 's just kind of a taste of what we 're going to get . '' CNN iReporters in Kentucky and Indiana reported snow , but said it was melting as of late morning . Is it snowing where you live ? Send photos , video . Some snow also fell in mountainous areas of Arizona early Monday as the major storm moved in . Winter storm warnings stretched as far south as Tucson . Blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of the central Rockies and the Mogollon Rim in Arizona , where up to 2 feet of snow and wind gusts of 50 mph could cause whiteouts , forecasters said . Wind chills of 30 to 40 degrees below zero are forecast for the Midwest and the northern Plains , and afternoon temperatures may be in the single digits through Wednesday . The storm is forecast to intensify Monday as it strikes California and heads northeast toward the Rockies , forecasters said Sunday . Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Sierra Range southward to the San Bernardino mountains in Southern California . The area was set to experience heavy snow on Monday , with up to 3 feet possible in the higher elevations . Southern California may get wind gusts of 60 mph on Monday , which could damage trees , power lines and communication towers . Heavy rains were also forecast , triggering possibilities of mudslides and debris flows especially in burn areas . The storm is expected to intensify Tuesday as it moves northeast into the Midwest and upper Great Lakes . Winter storm watches are in effect for the regions , with blizzard conditions possible in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota on Tuesday . On Wednesday , the storm will move into southern Canada as the coldest air of the season spills across the central United States , forecasters said . Many temperatures will be below zero Thursday morning and daytime highs will struggle to make it out of the single digits across the upper Great Lakes , according to forecasters . CNN 's Sean Morris and Ashley Hayes contributed to this report . | Major storm hits California ; severe weather bears down on Midwest . All three fatalities happened in weather-related traffic accidents . Parts of Midwest could see winds of 30 to 40 mph , visibilities near zero . | [[97, 125], [212, 257], [271, 327], [2381, 2407], [3486, 3545], [328, 346], [397, 487]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada on Thursday apologized to South Korea for the more than three decades when Japan ruled over Korea , calling the time a `` tragic incident . '' Okada made the rare apology during a joint news conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan , Korean state-run media reported . `` I believe it was a tragic incident for Koreans when they were deprived of their nation and their identity , '' Okada said , according to the Yonhap news agency . `` I can fully understand the feelings of -LRB- Koreans -RRB- who were deprived of their identity and nation . I believe we must never forget the victims , '' he added . Japan controlled Korea from 1910 to 1945 . During that time , Japan 's military is accused of forcing about 200,000 women , mainly from Korea and China , to serve as sex slaves . They were known as `` comfort women '' for soldiers in Japan 's Imperial Army . There have been street protests and lawsuits in that past in South Korea over the sufferings of the comfort women . At least one other Japanese leader has apologized for the era . In 2001 , then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi acknowledged the `` enormous damage '' inflicted by Japan 's military `` by colonization and invasion . '' | Japan 's Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada apologizes to S. Korea for Japan 's rule over Korea . He calls period from 1910 to 1945 when Japan ruled over Korea a `` tragic incident '' Japan 's military accused of using women , mainly from Korea and China , as sex slaves . In 2001 , then-PM Junichiro Koizumi acknowledged damage inflicted by Japan 's military . | [[0, 15], [71, 156], [0, 15], [71, 156], [134, 139], [159, 198], [349, 395], [681, 723], [724, 740], [743, 802], [743, 748], [835, 859], [1120, 1127], [1130, 1206], [1188, 1271]] |
Mojave , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson on Monday unveiled the winged rocket his company developed to give paying customers a brief taste of space . The 300 people who have given Branson 's Virgin Galactic $ 20,000 deposits toward the $ 200,000 space-ride tickets were invited see SpaceShipTwo in its Mojave , California , hangar . CNN was given an early peek . The first flight in 2011 -- after 18 months of testing -- will launch from a spaceport under construction in New Mexico , Branson said . Another aircraft will carry the 60-foot-long SpaceShipTwo to 60,000 feet above the Earth , where `` they will drop away and they will then go to 2,000 miles per hour in 10 seconds , where they get propelled into space , '' Branson said . Its hybrid rocket motor -- still under development -- will reach a suborbital altitude high enough to reach the edges of space and weightlessness , according to Branson . `` Once in space , -LSB- passengers -RSB- will unbuckle their seats , '' he said . `` There are enormous windows , which no spacecraft has had before , for them to look back at the Earth . They can float around and become astronauts . '' The cabin , which seats six paying passengers , is 90 inches -- nearly 8 feet -- in diameter , which provides `` lots of room for zero-G fun , '' Branson 's Web site said . The first voyage will carry Branson , his wife , mother and children , the entrepreneur said . `` Actually , that 's my mum on the side -- a younger version of my mum on the side of the spaceship , '' he said . After just a few minutes of space tourism , SpaceShipTwo will glide back to Earth , landing where it began the trip in New Mexico , he said . About 80,000 people have placed their names on the waiting list for seats on SpaceShipTwo and its successors . `` What we want to be able to do is bring space travel down to a price range where hundreds of thousands of people would be able to experience space , and they never dreamed that -LSB- they -RSB- could , '' Branson said . He said he hopes the technology will lead to a new form of Earth travel , jetting people across oceans and continents faster through suborbital routes . `` We would love at some stage , obviously subject to government approval , to take the engineers and start looking at shrinking the world , '' Branson said . The spacecraft was based on the technology and carbon-composite construction developed for SpaceShipOne , which won the Ansari X Prize in 2004 for the first privately funded human flight to the edge of space . The reusable spacecraft is a joint effort by aviation designer Burt Rutan 's Scaled Composites and Virgin Galactic , a space tourism venture that is a subsidiary of Branson 's Virgin Group . | Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson unveils spacecraft . Media and prospective space-ride tourists get a peek at SpaceShipTwo . Virgin Galactic has deposits from 300 people toward $ 200,000 tickets . Branson says the first flight into space will launch in 2011 in New Mexico . | [[189, 347], [372, 401], [189, 347], [189, 303], [317, 371], [402, 426], [449, 521], [2504, 2566]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A marijuana bust along the U.S.-Mexico border revealed 30 pounds of the drug stuffed into framed pictures of Jesus Christ , the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said Wednesday . `` This is not the first time we have seen smugglers attempt to use religious figures and articles of faith to further their criminal enterprise , '' said William Molaski , port director of the agency 's office in El Paso , Texas , in a statement . `` What some might find offensive or sacrilegious has unfortunately become a standard operating procedure for drug smugglers . This would include using religious symbols , children and senior citizens in their attempts to defeat the CBP inspection process . '' Authorities said a 22-year-old woman in a Jeep from Juarez , Mexico , told federal border patrol officers that she had nothing to declare besides the framed art . The officers checked out the vehicle with Cesar , a federal drug-sniffing dog , who alerted them to three framed pictures of Jesus in the vehicle . The officers pulled the backing of the pictures and found numerous bundles , authorities said . The woman was arrested . The bust was one of three marijuana seizures made Tuesday at the El Paso point of entry . Officers said they seized 214 pounds of marijuana in the two other busts . | Bust at U.S.-Mexico border reveals marijuana stuffed into framed pictures of Jesus . U.S. Customs says criminals sometimes use religious artifacts to hide illegal goods . Cesar , a federal drug-sniffing dog , discovered the hidden marijuana . 22-year-old woman in a Jeep from Juarez , Mexico , arrested . | [[87, 140], [206, 313], [274, 350], [716, 774], [1123, 1147]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- No play can begin in a baseball game until the pitcher throws the ball . And no play can conclude until the umpire makes the call . `` We 're not just robots they send out there , '' umpire Tim McClelland -LRB- 2nd from L -RRB- told author Bruce Weber . Yet these figures -- the man on the mound and the men who stand in judgment -- are vastly different in importance to the average fan . There are countless children who dream of becoming a major-league pitcher . He is , literally , the king of the hill . Umpires ? Almost nobody dreams of becoming an umpire . And yet the positions share a number of similarities , according to two new books : `` As They See 'Em '' -LRB- Scribner -RRB- , by New York Times writer Bruce Weber , and `` The Complete Game '' -LRB- Knopf -RRB- , by former major-league pitcher -LRB- and current New York Mets broadcaster -RRB- Ron Darling . Both jobs require a great deal of command , neither gets enough training , and both are often disrespected by others in the game . Indeed , despite a library of books by and about pitchers -LRB- Jim Bouton 's `` Ball Four , '' Jim Brosnan 's `` The Long Season , '' Christy Mathewson 's `` Pitching in a Pinch '' -RRB- , Darling said he believes that people still do n't understand what it takes to stand on that mound . `` Within baseball circles there is a common baseball axiom , ` If pitchers were n't so stupid , hitters would never get a hit , ' '' he said in an e-mail . `` Of course , I knew this was a fallacy so I decided to write about the travails of major league pitchers . Throwing a ball 95 mph to tin cup-sized quadrants sounds pretty difficult to me , and I wanted to express this to the reader . '' Umpires , on the other hand , rarely get written about at all -- in fact , they 're often treated as less than human . -LRB- `` The owners basically see them like bases , '' former baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent told Weber . `` They say , ` We need a base ; we need an umpire ; same thing . ' '' -RRB- Weber found a fraternity -LRB- and they are almost all men -RRB- much like cops or soldiers : tight-lipped believers in baseball law and order . Weber immersed himself in the `` land of umpires , '' as the book 's subtitle calls it , attending umpiring school , calling games at various levels of pro ball and talking with those who were willing -- including the legendary Doug Harvey , who was called `` God '' for his imperious demeanor . What he found is that what looks so obvious on television at home is often a challenge on the field , a matter not just of eyesight but positioning , rule-book knowledge and basic guts . `` That 's really what -LSB- being an umpire -RSB- is about -- is being in charge , '' he said . `` If there 's anything that characterizes the major league umpire , it 's that special kind of chutzpah . '' Umpires need that presence because they 're often baseball 's most disrespected men . Aside from the vitriol they face -- the managers kicking dirt , the spectators yelling `` Kill the ump '' -- they 're second-guessed by broadcasters and barely tolerated by management , as Weber reveals in detailing the episodes preceding and following the 1999 umpires ' strike . And yet Major League Baseball does n't participate in umpire training or development , entrusting it to two umpire-run private schools , Weber observes . -LRB- MLB does run an annual umpire camp . -RRB- . Darling echoes Weber 's concerns in his own field , pitching . In these days of strict pitch counts and injury concern , pitchers are `` undertrain -LSB- ed -RSB- , '' he says , noting that top draft choices climb the ranks `` never allowed to throw more than 110 pitches . '' That leaves them at a disadvantage when they have to go deeper into a game or cope with a tough inning , he says . `` It would be like training for the marathon and never running more than 5 miles , '' he says . `` Identifying and preserving million-dollar arms are -LSB- the purview -RSB- of doctors , not baseball people . '' Darling 's book is a chronicle of pitchers ' thought processes , using individual innings from his pitching or broadcasting career to make his point . He talks about panic overtaking a pitcher , as it did for Darling in a 1984 game in which he got pasted by the Cubs ; he also addresses the rush of pitching in a World Series game and -- in a treat for baseball fans -- goes over the extra innings in perhaps the most famous college baseball game ever , a 1981 extra-inning contest that Darling 's Yale Bulldogs lost to Frank Viola 's St. John 's Redmen , 1-0 . He says he remembered the games vividly . `` I definitely watched tapes and read box scores , but I was very clear on almost all the minutiae of the good old days . A little scary and maybe a major personality flaw ! '' Pitchers get more support than umpires , of course . Darling observes that the relationship between a pitcher and his catcher during a well-pitched game `` is one of sport 's most beautiful dances . I would not have said it when I was playing , but after a shutout ... there is a love for that person immediately after the process . You did something together that could not have been done alone , and nobody can understand what you went through to get there . '' Umpires , too , take pride in their best moments , though few pay attention outside their fellow umpires . More common is to be vilified for missed calls . Weber devotes a moving passage in his book to a conversation with the retired Don Denkinger , a 29-year veteran remembered by fans -LRB- if he 's remembered at all -RRB- for a wrong call in the 1985 World Series . Though time has dulled the pain , `` I think he lives with -LSB- that call -RSB- every day , '' Weber said . `` When a dreadful thing happens to you in front of so many people and you become famous for it , it must be devastating . '' Weber says his time with umpires has made him much more sympathetic to their judgmental tasks . When watching games now , the Yankees fan says , he 'll focus on the umpires . `` I just think umpiring is interesting . People hate 'em , and they somehow perceive of umpiring as a flaw in the game , but I do n't , '' he said . `` Now I 'm always interested who the umpires are . '' Which is a point the umpires would appreciate . `` Umpires are people , too , '' veteran ump Tim McClelland told Weber . `` We have families ; we have emotions . ... Somebody says , ` Kill the umpire , ' and people go , ` Heh , heh , that 's funny , ' but in order to do that , you have to disassociate the umpire from the person . `` We 're human . We 're not just robots they send out there . '' | `` As They See 'Em '' is in-depth look at baseball umpires . `` The Complete Game , '' by Mets broadcaster Ron Darling , gets inside pitcher 's head . Two positions have similarities : necessary command , some disrespect . | [[4027, 4089], [582, 634], [893, 934]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In a messy drug bust this week , investigators uncovered more than 700 pounds of marijuana stuffed in a septic tank truck full of human waste , Arizona police said Friday . And the search of the truck was as awful as it sounds . `` Yeah , that really does suck , '' Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman Bart Graves told CNN . `` It 's a long way to go to make a bust . '' Hidden in the holding tank of the truck were 743 pounds of pot , worth about $ 409,000 on the street , police said in a news release . An officer pulled over the septic tank truck Wednesday after a check of the license showed it was invalid , police said . The truck was headed northbound on I-19 and stopped about 35 miles south of Tucson , Arizona . Police patrolling the area tend to be more vigilant , Graves said , because the interstate -- which leads directly to Mexico -- is a major thoroughfare for drug and human trafficking . After the stop , the officer discovered that the commercial vehicle markings on the truck were also invalid . A subsequent search revealed the bales of marijuana in red and orange packages amid the waste . `` It just shows how desperate these drug cartels are , '' Graves said . `` They 'll go to any lengths to conceal their product . We 've seen it concealed -LSB- among -RSB- watermelons , bell peppers . This is the first time we 've seen it concealed in human waste . '' Police arrested the driver , Leonard Salcido , 24 , of Tucson , and charged him with possession of marijuana , possession of marijuana for sale and transportation of marijuana , police said . The bust was not the largest for Arizona police . In 2008 , police found more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana in a fake UPS truck , Graves said . Wednesday 's smelly pot was just one major bust this week . On Thursday , police confiscated $ 681,000 worth of methamphetamine concealed in the false floor of a vehicle . The driver was stopped for speeding on I-17 near Camp Verde , Arizona , police said . The officer asked to search the vehicle and found 15 pounds of meth , police said . | Police stopped truck on interstate , about 35 miles south of Tucson , Arizona . That much pot would be worth more than $ 400,000 on the street , police say . I-19 , which runs directly into Mexico , is a major thoroughfare for drug and human trafficking . Drug cartels will `` go to any length to conceal their product , '' police spokesman says . | [[657, 666], [701, 739], [806, 817], [820, 936], [1219, 1272]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Union leaders , the White House and congressional Democrats have agreed to limit the reach of a tax on high-end health insurance plans that would help pay for a proposed overhaul of the U.S. health care system , union leaders involved in the talks said Thursday . The proposed thresholds for taxing health plans will be raised from $ 23,000 to $ 24,000 for families and from $ 8,500 to $ 8,900 for individuals , AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told reporters . Dental and vision benefits wo n't be counted toward that amount after 2014 , he said . Health plans covered by union contracts would not be subject to the 40 percent tax until 2018 -- a transition period union leaders said is comparable to those offered to other private insurers . The threshold for taxing other plans will be adjusted by 1 percent above the annual rate of inflation , and plans involving large numbers of women or the elderly will get breaks as well , Trumka said . The changes will reduce the $ 150 billion expected to be raised over 10 years by about $ 60 billion , he said . And union plans would be able to enter the health care exchanges set up under the bill in 2017 , he said . The tax on what have been dubbed `` Cadillac '' health care plans is a key feature of the Senate health care bill , but it has drawn opposition from Democrats in the House of Representatives and from unions . President Obama , who has made health care his top priority in Congress , supports the excise tax as a way to contain the rise of health-care costs . Trumka and other top union officials have held a series of talks at the White House for the past three days as congressional negotiators tried to merge the two bills together . He warned earlier this week that congressional Democratic candidates could risk losing labor 's support if the final bill included a tax on high-cost health plans . But he said that despite all-but-total Republican opposition in both houses of Congress , supporters of health care reform stood `` on the threshold of a milestone . '' `` We do n't look at this as the end of our fight for real reform , but another step along the way in the quest for real reform , '' Trumka said . Labor leaders said the changes they negotiated would help not only union members , who make up about 12 percent of the U.S. work force , but all working families . But Don Stewart , a spokesman for Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell , dismissed the plan as `` a sweetheart deal . '' `` Americans are overwhelmingly opposed to this bill , '' he said . `` Another sweetheart deal is n't going to turn that around . '' A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released Thursday found much stronger support for the financing plan in the House bill , which would impose a 5.4 percent income tax surcharge on incomes higher than $ 500,000 for individuals or $ 1 million for couples . The survey found 61 percent of the public favors the House provision , while the Senate bill drew 29 percent support . Trumka told reporters that leading Democrats were behind the compromise . But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-California , said she had not seen anything in writing Thursday evening . Rep. Joe Courtney , D-Connecticut , a leading opponent of the excise tax , said the proposal was more fair than the current Senate bill . `` However , the devil is in the details , and I will reserve judgment on any compromise until I have had the time to review the proposal , '' he said in a written statement . Obama did not directly address the plan as he addressed reporters ahead of a House Democratic Caucus meeting Thursday night . But he dared Republicans to run in the November midterm elections on a platform of rolling back `` something that Washington has been talking about since Teddy Roosevelt was president . '' `` If Republicans want to campaign against what we 've done by standing up for the status quo and for insurance companies over American families and businesses , that is a fight I want to have . If their best idea is to return to the bad policies and the bad ideas of yesterday , they are going to lose that argument . '' Democratic negotiators planned to return to the White House late Thursday . A senior leadership aide said Democratic leaders and White House officials want to send the bulk of the health care package to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office for a cost estimate soon -- even as soon as the end of this week . The aide said the controversial issues of abortion and immigration are not likely to be resolved by then , but because they would have no impact on the cost of the bill , negotiators could work out those details separately . House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , D-Maryland , said negotiators are working to get agreement on the overall health care package by the end of this week . `` That 's been the goal . But it 's a goal , it 's not a deadline , '' Hoyer said . CNN 's Dana Bash , Deirdre Walsh , Ted Barrett , Lisa Desjardins and Matt Smith contributed to this report . | AFL-CIO chief says threshold for taxing high-end health insurance plans will rise . Dental , vision benefits wo n't be counted toward that amount after 2014 , he says . He says $ 150 billion expected to be raised over 10 years to be cut by $ 60 billion . Obama challenges Republicans to run in 2010 against changes to health system . | [[294, 412], [492, 566], [976, 1075], [3635, 3739]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A British couple kidnapped by Somalian pirates in the Indian Ocean have issued another desperate plea , saying they are being badly treated and need urgent help . Paul and Rachel Chandler , from Kent in southern England , were taken by pirates from their yacht , the Lynn Rival , on October 23 , just days after setting sail from the Seychelles islands for Tanzania . The couple was brought ashore and are being held in separate locations in central Somalia . Their captors initially demanded a ransom of $ 7 million , but the British government -- in line with longstanding policy -- has refused to pay . In a video filmed on Thursday in Somalia by the French news agency AFP , Rachel Chandler begged the British government to help secure the couple 's release . `` Please help us , these people are not treating us well , '' she said . `` I 'm old , I 'm 56 and my husband is 60 years old . We need to be together because we have not much time left . '' A doctor was shown examining Paul Chandler , 60 , who appeared to be in a better state than his wife . The medic found Rachel Chandler in poor mental health , calling out for her husband , AFP reported . `` She is sick , she is very anxious , she suffers from insomnia , '' Dr. Mohamed Helmi Hangul told the agency . `` She 's very confused , she 's always asking about her husband -- ` Where 's my husband , where 's my husband ? ' -- and she seems completely disorientated . '' Paul Chandler said his conditions were poor and also pleaded for help . `` Please help us , we have nobody to help us , we have no children ... We have been in captivity for 98 days and we are not in good condition , '' he said , also on Thursday . Hangul said Paul Chandler `` had a bad cough and seemed to have some fever . '' A spokesman for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office told CNN on Sunday : `` We are monitoring the situation very closely and doing everything we can to help secure a release . `` We remain in regular contact with the family and are providing support . We call for the safe and swift release of Paul and Rachel . '' Pirates have been very active off the east coast of Africa in the past several years , operating out of lawless Somalia . Earlier this month , pirates attempted to hijack an Indian crude oil vessel 105 nautical miles from Somalia , the EU 's anti-piracy naval force said . The pirates opened fire on the ship and were later arrested . Piracy on the high-seas reached a six-year high in 2009 , according to the International Maritime Bureau , which monitors shipping crimes . CNN 's Per Nyberg contributed to this report . | British couple kidnapped by Somalian pirates issue another plea for help . Paul and Rachel Chandler say they are being poorly treated and need urgent help . Chandlers were taken from their yacht by pirates in October . Pirates have demanded ransom of $ 7 million . | [[19, 85], [0, 15], [73, 120], [1455, 1526], [0, 15], [123, 181], [803, 840], [1455, 1526], [19, 85], [182, 206], [231, 279], [2224, 2242], [2245, 2331], [479, 535]] |
London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Britain 's top legal official `` misled '' the government over the case for war in Iraq under pressure from then prime minister Tony Blair , a former Cabinet minister claimed Tuesday . Clare Short , who was Blair 's international development secretary until she quit over the Iraq invasion , said Attorney General Peter Goldsmith withheld his own `` doubts and changes of opinion '' in giving the go-ahead for war . `` I think he misled the Cabinet . He certainly misled me , but people let it through , '' Short told an inquiry into Britain 's role in the March 2003 Iraq invasion . The inquiry -- Britain 's fifth examination of its Iraq involvement -- has already grilled senior figures including Blair , former defense minister Geoff Hoon and Britain 's top military commander Jock Stirrup . Short said that Goldsmith , who last week testified before the inquiry that he was initially ambivalent but later adamant over the legality of the war , was wrong to press the case . Goldsmith initially advised Blair in January 2003 that it would be unlawful to invade Iraq without a United Nations Security Council resolution but changed his mind a month later . `` I think for the attorney general to come and say there 's unequivocal legal authority to go to war was misleading . '' Short said Goldsmith was `` leaned on '' by Blair to agree to the war . `` Lord Goldsmith said he was excluded from lots of meetings -- that 's a form of pressure . `` It was suggested to him that he go to the U.S. to get advice about the legal position . `` You have got the Bush administration who have very low respect for international law . It seems the most extraordinary place in the world to go to get advice about international law . '' She added : `` I think all that was leaning on -- sending him to America , excluding him and then including him . '' Her comments came just days after Blair appearance at the inquiry generated protests , with several hundred anti-war campaigners gathering outside the London venue chanting `` Blair lied , thousands died '' and other slogans . Blair denied claims he had struck a secret deal with U.S. President George W. Bush in 2002 pledging British backing for the invasion and said he believed `` beyond doubt '' his unfounded pre-war claim that Iraq was capable of launching chemical and biological weapons within 45 minutes . Blair : No ` covert ' deal with Bush over Iraq . Analysts say involvement in the Iraq war remains a `` live political issue '' in the UK , because the same government -- now led by Gordon Brown -- was still power , whereas the parties of other leaders in the U.S. and Australia have been voted out of office . `` The others have faced critical public scrutiny and been damaged by that , '' legal expert Glen Rangwala of Cambridge University told CNN . `` The British have n't had a change of administration so in many ways it remains a live political issue because it reflects on people who are in government . '' CNN 's Simon Hooper contributed to this report . | Ex-minister Clare Short says attorney general withheld doubts over Iraq war . Short said Tony Blair leant on Lord Goldsmith to support UK involvement . Inquiry is Britain 's fifth examination of role in Iraq conflict . | [[177, 220], [221, 232], [328, 451], [1318, 1389], [1329, 1367], [1344, 1389]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two new missile production plants opened in Iran on Saturday . The inauguration of the production lines for the anti-helicopter Qaem missile , and the anti-armor Toofan-5 -LRB- Hurricane -RRB- missile , came three days after Iran test-launched a rocket capable of carrying a satellite , a launch deemed a `` provocative act '' by Washington . The Defense Ministry told Iran 's semi-official Fars News Agency that both missiles have `` high penetration and destructive powers . '' By mass producing and delivering these modern arms , Iran 's department of defense aims to increase its ground and air defenses , the semi-official Fars news agency reported . The announcement of new missile production coincided with a 10-day period marking the 31st anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the U.S.-backed shah . `` Toofan 5 is one of the most advanced missiles . It has two warheads which can destroy tanks and other armored vehicles , '' Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi told Fars . The Qaem is a `` missile which can destroy targets in the air traveling at low speed and at low altitude , especially assault helicopters , '' Vahidi added . The laser guided anti-helicopter Qaem rocket is designed to resist enemy actions in electronic warfare . Iran is embroiled in a dispute with the West over its nuclear program and often makes announcements of progress in its military capabilities . The West suspects Iran of trying to build nuclear bombs , but Iran says its program is for peaceful power generation . On Friday , Iran 's foreign minister said he believes a solution will be reached over a proposed deal to export uranium for enrichment abroad , a demand of Western nations that worry that Tehran plans to use its program to build nuclear weapons . `` The amount of uranium -LSB- for export -RSB- is negotiable . But I am confident that a solution can be found , '' Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany , Iran 's state-run Press TV reported . Earlier this week , Iran 's atomic energy chief said no deal had been struck to export uranium for enrichment . `` The discussions are still being conducted , and we will inform the nation of any final agreements , '' said Ali Akbar Salehi , director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran , on Wednesday according to the state-run Iranian Labour News Agency . Asked what countries in addition to France and Brazil were under consideration , he said it was an Asian country but would not name it . Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has told Press TV that Iran would have `` no problem '' turning over most of its low-enriched uranium to the West for further enrichment . Iranian diplomats had initially accepted the idea , which was proposed by the West , but then rejected a plan put forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency , the atomic watchdog of the United Nations . `` In our opinion , there are no issues with the exchange '' of 3 percent to 5 percent enriched uranium for 20 percent enriched uranium , Ahmadinejad said . He added that , if the West were to refuse to return the enriched fuel , world opinion would shift . `` If they do n't live up to their agreement , the international atmosphere will change in our favor , '' he said . `` They -LSB- Western countries -RSB- can come and build 20 nuclear power plants for us ; Russia , France and the United States can come and sign contracts and build the power plants . It serves our interests as well as theirs . Of course if they do n't come to do this , we will reach a point to build our own power plants . '' Mottaki on Friday said Ahmadinejad 's comments show that the Islamic republic is `` eager '' to discuss the proposal . Iran insists its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes . | The West says it suspects Iran is trying to build nuclear bombs . Earlier this week Washington called Iranian rocket test-launch a `` provocative act '' Iran says that its program is for peaceful power generation . Iranian FM said Friday a solution will be found over uranium enrichment issue . | [[1420, 1475], [1727, 1785], [306, 361], [1482, 1538], [3754, 3829], [3767, 3829], [1539, 1548], [1551, 1680]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The torch for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics was lit in a ceremony at the ancient Greek site of Olympia on Thursday , less than four months ahead of the games ' opening ceremony . Actress Maria Nafpliotou , as a high priestess , lights the flame for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics on Thursday . The torch will be carried on an eight-day trip through Greece , the birthplace of the Olympics , before being transported to Canada for what will be the longest domestic torch relay in the games ' history , officials said . Women dressed in white togas performed a ceremony on the green hillside at Olympia , the home of the Olympic flame and the place where the ancient Olympics took place . A woman playing the role of a high priestess lit the flame by sunlight focused on a mirror , the only way by tradition it can be lit . That fire then was used to light the Vancouver Olympic Torch , which Greek skier and three-time Olympian Vassilis Dimitriadis then carried on the first leg of its journey through Greece . `` The Olympic torch and flame are the symbols of the values and ideals which lie at the heart of the Olympic Games , '' International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said before the ceremony . The torch will carry a message of peace throughout the world , he said -- words echoed by Vancouver 2010 Chief Executive John Furlong . `` Today we build a bridge between ancient Olympia and young Canada , '' he said . `` Canada is a country with a welcoming spirit and a glowing heart . ... We will do all we can to be a shining example of the ideas and values that were first kindled here in this hallowed place . '' After its 1,351-mile -LRB- 2,180-kilometer -RRB- trip through Greece , the torch will be taken to Canada . On October 30 , the first of 12,000 torchbearers will begin carrying it through Canada on what will be a 106-day , 27,900-mile -LRB- 45,000-kilometer -RRB- relay . `` It will be the longest domestic relay in Olympic history , just to be sure every Canadian will be given the right to dream and celebrate , '' Furlong said . The torch relay is derived from ancient rituals in Olympia , where torch and relay races were popular festival events and where heralds traveled throughout Greece to announce the games . The torch for the 2010 Winter Games was designed by transportation and aerospace company Bombardier , a Vancouver Olympic sponsor . The lean curves of the white torch were inspired by the lines carved in the snow by winter sports and by the `` undulating beauty of the Canadian landscape , '' the company said . The torch 's special construction will allow it to burn through a range of winter weather , including snow , rain , sleet , wind and subzero temperatures , Bombardier said . It weighs 3.5 pounds -LRB- 1.6 kilograms -RRB- fully fueled , the company said . The flame is due to arrive in Vancouver , British Columbia , on February 12 when the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Games will be held at the domed BC Place Stadium . | Olympic flame due to arrive in Vancouver , British Columbia , in February . Vancouver Olympic Torch lit in ceremony in Greece 's ancient Olympia . Torchbearers will begin carrying flame through Canada next week on 106-day relay . Vancouver Olympics official : `` It will be the longest domestic relay in Olympic history '' | [[2832, 2873], [0, 15], [42, 131], [405, 512], [1754, 1767], [1770, 1866], [1841, 1917], [405, 512], [1919, 1977]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A California sex offender suspected of abducting a girl in 1991 and keeping her captive for 18 years is suffering from `` serious mental illness , '' defense attorneys say in court papers . `` It appears that Phillip Garrido has been hearing -LSB- the -RSB- voices of angels for years , '' said documents filed Wednesday in El Dorado County Superior Court . The court papers dispute prosecutors ' asserting that Garrido is a `` master manipulator '' who is still trying to influence his victim . Garrido , 58 , and his wife , Nancy , are charged with 29 felony counts in the kidnapping of Jaycee Dugard , who was 11 when she was snatched from the street in front of her house in South Lake Tahoe , California . She was 29 when found in August at the Garridos ' home in Antioch , about 120 miles from her home . Prosecutors allege that Garrido fathered two daughters with Dugard during her captivity . Both Phillip Garrido , who was a registered sex offender on parole at the time of his arrest in August , and Nancy Garrido have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them . In a filing earlier this month , prosecutors called Garrido a `` master manipulator , '' citing journal entries made by Dugard . They also said Garrido 's attorneys were attempting to contact Dugard , whose location they are trying to keep secret , and asked the court to impose a protective order barring such contact . A judge refused to immediately grant the request , setting a hearing for Friday . Garrido 's public defenders , Rick Meyer and Susan Gellman , said Dugard , who is identified in court papers as Jane Doe , told investigators following Garrido 's arrest that he had a `` self-described ability to understand the voices of angels . ... One of the children disclosed this as well , describing how the voices would keep him up at night , and how the angels lived underground and spoke to him from this location . '' The filing points to Garrido 's `` manifesto , '' entitled `` Origin of Schizophrenia Revealed , '' which he prepared in the days and weeks before his arrest and addressed to the FBI . He took it `` from law enforcement agency to law enforcement agency , calling attention to himself in a way that could -LSB- and ultimately did -RSB- lead to his arrest , '' the attorneys said . Garrido went to the campus of the University of California , Berkeley , accompanied by his two daughters with Dugard , to get a permit to stage a demonstration of his ability , the documents said . University employees brought about his arrest after contacting his parole officer , saying they thought Garrido 's behavior was odd . `` Mr. Garrido 's illness was not subtle at all , '' the documents said . `` Obviously the campus police at the University of California , Berkeley were able to perceive the clear signs of mental illness and took some action instead of ignoring them . '' Prosecutors , the defense said , have discussed the `` cover stories '' told by Dugard and the children when Garrido was summoned to the parole office the following day and questioned . Authorities maintain such lies were evidence of Garrido 's manipulation , according to the documents . `` In reality , it appears that everyone was very frightened by what could happen . They were afraid they would be separated and lose each other , '' the defense said . `` Even the children made up stories ; there was a sense of panic . They were trying to protect each other . One of the children was so nervous she got sick . '' Asked several times who was the father of the children , Garrido told several different stories , his attorneys said . `` The agent 's report is helpful in showing how manipulative Mr. Garrido is not . '' Further evidence of Garrido 's mental illness is his repeated contact with the news media , according to his attorneys . `` Contacting the media against the advice of counsel when one is facing criminal charges as serious as these shows an inability to cooperate with counsel and an inability to appreciate the function of the criminal justice system , '' the attorneys said . `` In short , Mr. Garrido 's contacts with the media , when his attorney tells him not to have them , are not manipulations at all , but evidence that he may not be competent to be a defendant . '' Garrido believes that Dugard is part of his `` transformation '' and his `` disclosure , '' the documents said . `` Mr. Garrido believes that he and Jane Doe once had a plan to launch a Web site wherein Mr. Garrido 's ability to speak to angels would be revealed to mankind . He remains confused as to why that has not happened . '' The attorneys said they had not attempted to contact Dugard , but sent a letter to her former attorney without knowing he was no longer representing her . Prosecutors said a sentence in that letter , conveying that Garrido harbored no ill will toward Dugard or the children and `` loves them very much , '' was interpreted as a manipulation attempt . Defense attorneys maintained it was not . `` There has been no intimidation or harassment of any kind , '' they wrote . Authorities maintain Dugard does not want to speak to Garrido or his attorneys . She has that right , the defense attorneys said , and the court can refuse to disclose her location . `` However , in a case like this , it would make settlement far more difficult if counsel were forever foreclosed from approaching the idea of contact again , '' the attorneys said . If the court will not disclose Dugard 's location , they requested a representative be appointed for communication purposes . | Defense says Phillip Garrido is mentally ill , hears angels ' voices . Court papers filed in response to allegation that he still is trying to manipulate victim . Garrido is accused of abducting Jaycee Dugard , holding her for 18 years . Dugard , abducted at age 11 , was freed last summer . | [[209, 303], [1675, 1746], [3332, 3353], [3614, 3634], [3721, 3766], [3813, 3841], [306, 376], [442, 468], [473, 481], [489, 514], [442, 468], [476, 514], [1097, 1127], [1130, 1180], [4931, 4979], [19, 82], [0, 15], [87, 119], [608, 621], [628, 714]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A U.S. senator is calling for a federal probe into the system of background checks for employees at nuclear plants after learning that a suspected al Qaeda member from New Jersey worked at five such sites . `` We simply can not tolerate at any time having someone with terrorist ties working at a nuclear plant , period , '' Sen. Chuck Schumer , a New York Democrat , said in a written statement Saturday . `` It seems like common sense , but clearly we need to tighten up the system . '' The FBI said earlier this week that it is investigating Sharif Mobley , a 26-year-old from Buena , New Jersey , as a suspected member of al Qaeda . Mobley also is accused of shooting and killing a security agent and severely injuring another while trying to flee the Republican Hospital in Sanaa , Yemen , last weekend , a law enforcement source said last week . Mobley 's father said Saturday , `` My son is no terrorist . '' He would not comment further . Mobley worked at nuclear plants operated by PSEG Nuclear for different contractors from 2002 to 2008 , doing routine labor such as carrying supplies and assisting with maintenance activities , company spokesman Joe Delmar said Thursday . The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it was working with the FBI to determine whether Mobley had access to any sensitive areas of the nuclear plants where he once worked , spokeswoman Holly Harrington said . `` It 's important to note that for him to even be in the plants , he 'd have to undergo a background and criminal history check , '' she said . She said Mobley worked at five plants between 2002 and 2008 in `` labor -LSB- and -RSB- maintenance kind of positions . '' Schumer said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspector general should conduct an `` immediate and thorough review '' of its procedures for background checks on new and transfer employees . The senator said the monitoring of current employees needs improvement . He said the current background checks include an examination of criminal and employment histories , a psychological assessment and behavioral observation . However , `` the NRC delegates the authority to complete background checks , which results in a certain degree of disparity in how checks are carried out , and what information is ultimately covered , '' Schumer 's statement said . He said the checks are not required to cover such information as past travel and ties with other countries . Yemeni counterterrorism forces rushed to the scene and captured Mobley , who had barricaded himself in a hospital room , said Mohammed Albasha , a spokesman for the Yemeni Embassy in Washington , on Thursday . Mobley remains detained in Yemen after the incident at the hospital . Yemeni authorities detained him and 10 other al Qaeda suspects this month in a `` successful security sweep '' in Sanaa , the capital , Albasha said . Mobley had been transported to the hospital over the weekend for medical treatment , Albasha said . He would not elaborate . CNN 's Susan Candiotti , Carol Cratty , Jeanne Meserve , Mike M. Ahlers and Mohammed Jamjoom contributed to this report . | Senator calls for probe into background check system for nuclear plant workers . Suspected al Qaeda member Sharif Mobley did routine labor at nuclear plants from 2002 to 2008 . Mobley is accused of killing security agent while trying to flee a hospital in Sanaa , Yemen . Background checks include criminal , employment histories ; psychological assessment . | [[0, 15], [19, 133], [1687, 1877], [1700, 1877], [134, 225], [268, 329], [288, 362], [623, 655], [966, 997], [966, 972], [1069, 1156], [1564, 1683], [1573, 1623], [656, 662], [695, 719], [656, 662], [724, 803], [656, 662], [756, 826], [1422, 1424], [1438, 1547], [1951, 2106], [1959, 2106]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Toyota Motor Corp. has recently been in the hot seat after issuing massive recalls because of problems related to the accelerator pedal in several of its auto models . To date , 8.1 million vehicles worldwide have been recalled by the manufacturer , with the possibility of more to come after Thursday 's announcement by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration of a formal investigation into brake problems with the 2010 Prius . As the company 's woes continue to mount , there has been some speculation from critics such as Rep. Henry Waxman , D-California , as to whether Toyota 's recent problems with sudden unintended acceleration go beyond the problems already identified . Speaking on Wednesday to CNN 's Campbell Brown , Larry Webster of Popular Mechanics magazine spoke at length on the problem , saying that `` in the last decade , there have been tens of thousands of reports of sudden unintended acceleration in cars made by all the manufacturers . '' Is this true ? The CNN Fact Check Desk wondered : Which other car manufacturers have had a problem with sudden unintended acceleration ? • Sudden unintended acceleration occurs when a car continues to move forward , often at increasing speeds , without the driver pressing on the accelerator pedal . • While Toyota is basing its current recall on the possibility of floor mat entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals , many factors can contribute to the problem of sudden unintended acceleration in vehicles . Reports from the NHTSA have blamed it on many other factors , including frayed throttle cables and cracked cruise-control computers . • The top five manufacturers of cars driven in the United States are General Motors , Toyota , Ford , Honda and Chrysler . • The NHTSA 's online database indicates that every one of these five has received numerous consumer complaints of sudden unintended acceleration in more than one of its models . Each manufacturer has faced a formal investigation into these complaints by the NHTSA and as a result has had to recall vehicles to fix various conditions that led to the problem . • Recalls due to incidents of sudden unintended acceleration are not limited to the big five manufacturers . According to the NHTSA database , recalls have also been issued for vehicles made by Nissan , BMW , Volkswagen , Mitsubishi , Subaru , Mercedes-Benz , Kia , Mazda , Land Rover , Suzuki and Volvo . • In December 2009 , Consumer Reports published an article that said 41 percent of the sudden acceleration complaints received by the NHTSA in 2008 pertained to Toyota and its luxury brand , Lexus . Ford came in second behind Toyota with 28 percent of the complaints relating to U.S. models . • Bottom Line : Sudden unintended acceleration is not a problem limited to Toyota . Many car manufacturers , including the other four with the largest shares of the U.S. market , have had to recall vehicles because of this issue . | 8.1 million vehicles worldwide have been recalled by Toyota . Popular Mechanics expert says thousands of cars have had similar problems . Fact Check investigates to see if that 's true . | [[187, 194], [197, 266], [2037, 2101], [766, 809], [843, 965]] |
Arlington , Virginia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The mantra in Washington during the current winter storm is `` stay home , '' but some doctors and nurses really do need to get to hospitals to take care of the sick . So , many of them rely on a group of hardy volunteer drivers for transport . Adrian Stanton was running Virginia Hospital Center 's command center Wednesday morning , coordinating the driver pickups and drop-offs . He described the volunteer drivers as `` unbelievable saviors for us . '' One of those volunteers is Scott Long , who left his home at 6 a.m. to pick up two nurses before heading to the hospital , where he picked up another nurse to take her home . Long initially said he does it because he thinks it 's the right thing to do . But he later admitted he also does it because it he enjoys it . `` My wife can stay with the kids . I get to play in the snow and nobody can yell at me for being out driving in the snow , '' he told CNN . `` I had a police officer the first day pull up at a stoplight and yell at me for being on the road . I told him I was driving for the hospital and he laughed and said , ` Well then , have fun . ' '' Long drives a 1995 Jeep Wrangler for his pick-ups . He says he likes the Jeep better than his four-wheel drive . `` The reason is the short wheel base . I can actually turn around in a single lane in traffic , whereas if I had my bigger four-wheel drive , it does n't turn around and it 's not as nimble , '' he said . As Long was making that point , his Jeep started sliding sideways along the road . But he did n't miss a beat as he regained control . `` Like where we just slid out there , the Jeep can handle it better than the truck , '' he said . The volunteer drivers are offered a gas voucher from the hospital , but Stanton said most of them turn it down . Stanton has an active list of about 30 people who drive for the hospital during inclement weather . Wednesday morning he said the drivers had done somewhere near 50 pick-ups and drop-offs in the previous 24 hours . The hospital workers appreciate the volunteer drivers . `` I did n't have any other options , '' said James Schmidt . He heard about the rides from e-mails and texts that the hospital sent to its employees . One intensive-care nurse said she had driven herself to work the past few days . `` I do n't know how I made it , '' she said , adding , `` God bless '' the drivers . One night-shift supervisor named Lynne said she received a ride from Long on Thursday morning . She lives only a few miles from the hospital , but did n't think she would be able to make it home in the snow . Lynne said , `` This is worse than ... '' Long finished her sentence : '' ... anything so far . '' | About 30 people drive for Virginia Hospital Center during inclement weather . Hospital transport coordinator : Volunteer drivers are `` unbelievable saviors for us '' One volunteer , Scott Long , got up at 6 a.m. to begin shuttling hospital workers . Long : `` I get to play in the snow and nobody can yell at me for being out driving in the snow '' | [[1822, 1867], [1852, 1867], [1872, 1921], [208, 210], [213, 284], [423, 493], [497, 534], [524, 534], [541, 617], [2412, 2507], [851, 876], [851, 852], [877, 936]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pirates have released a Greek-owned vessel and its crew of 22 , months after hijacking it off Somalia , authorities said . The MV Filitsa was released Monday after the shipping company that owned it paid a ransom , said Michael Battzoglou , a security officer and spokesman for the owner , Order Shipping Co. . He did not say how much had been paid . `` All are well and safe , '' he added . The Greek coast guard also said no one had been killed or injured on the vessel . The European Union 's anti-piracy task force NAVFOR issued a statement confirming that the ransom had been paid and the ship freed . It did not say how much money changed hands . The Filitsa was en route to Mombasa , Kenya , where it and its crew were to be checked over , then will continue to Durban , South Africa , Battzoglou said . Its progress will be monitored by NAVFOR , the task force said . The bulk carrier was hijacked on November 11 off Somalia , near the islands of Seychelles , and was held at the pirate stronghold of Hobyo , on the Somali coast , the EU said . It was en route from Shuaiba in Kuwait to Dubai when it was hijacked . It flies a Marshall Island flag and is crewed by 19 Filipinos and three Greeks , the EU added . The EU mission 's main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid for the World Food Programme , to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy . The coast off lawless Somalia has become a hub for piracy in the past several years . Three ships have been attacked in the region this year , according to the International Maritime Bureau . There were dozens there last year , the agency said . The pirates normally seek payment to release the ships . | NEW : EU anti-piracy task force NAVFOR confirms ransom had been paid . Pirates release Greek-owned bulk carrier MV Filitsa and 22 crew . Ship was seized off coast of Somalia in November 2009 . Company that owned ship paid undisclosed ransom . | [[493, 625], [552, 625], [16, 80], [142, 203], [183, 203], [209, 231]] |
London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky has won his libel case against a Russian broadcaster in a London court , his spokeswoman told CNN Wednesday . The tycoon , who now lives in exile in Britain , was disputing a 2007 report by the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company -LRB- VGTRK -RRB- , which claimed Berezovsky was behind the 2006 poisoning death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko . The High Court in London awarded Berezovsky # 150,000 -LRB- $ 223,400 -RRB- in damages , according to Berezovsky 's spokeswoman , Jennifer Morgan . `` I have no doubt that , in making this program , the purpose of RTR and the Russian authorities was to undermine my asylum status in the U.K. and to put the investigation of -LRB- Alexander -RRB- Litvinenko 's murder on the wrong track , '' Berezovsky said in a statement . `` I am pleased that the court , through its judgment , has unequivocally demolished RTR 's claims . '' RTR is the company 's satellite channel . The judgment was issued in London because RTR broadcasts to Britain . In addition to VGTRK , a Russian man , Vladimir Terluk , was also found liable for the damages because the judge found he had made the claim in RTR 's report . VGTRK will not accept the ruling , company lawyer Zoya Matveyevskaya told the state-run RIA-Novosti news service . The broadcaster had previously said it would not recognize any court rulings in this case and would appeal to the European Court , saying the London court process was `` biased '' and `` politically tinted , '' RIA-Novosti reported . The High Court had demanded that VGTRK reveal its information sources , and after the TV company refused , the court banned the broadcaster from taking part in the court process , RIA-Novosti reported . Litvinenko was a former KGB agent who came to Britain in 2000 after turning whistle blower on the FSB , the KGB 's successor . He claimed he had been ordered to assassinate Berezovsky . Like other dissidents in London , Litvinenko was a vehement critic of then-President Vladimir Putin and vocal about Chechen politics . He wrote a book in which he claimed FSB agents , and not Chechen rebels , carried out a series of bombings at Moscow apartment buildings and a mall in 1999 that killed 300 people . Litvinenko died at a London hospital November 23 , 2006 , from a massive dose of the radioactive material polonium-210 . In a deathbed statement he blamed Putin for his death , something the Kremlin has strongly denied . Berezovsky sued over allegations that he was involved in Litvinenko 's death , which were broadcast April 1 , 2007 , on RTR 's news program Vesti Nedeli , or News of the Week . The program featured an interview with a man named Pyotr , who made the claim . Pyotr 's identity was disguised , but the High Court judge found he was in fact Terluk , who has lived in Britain since 1999 . Berezovsky made his money during the years that Boris Yeltsin was president of Russia by taking control of many state assets , from oil and car companies to property . He was part of the Yeltsin inner circle and led an extravagant lifestyle immortalized in the film , `` Oligarch . '' But when Putin came to power , Berezovsky fell out of favor and found his business activities under scrutiny . He fled to Britain in 2000 and was granted political asylum in 2003 . He also saw the demise of his media ambitions after his stake in Russia 's major television company ORT was sold , and his own TV6 channel was closed down . Berezovsky and Litvinenko came to know each other in the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt on the oligarch in 1994 . The pair maintained contact once in Britain . | Boris Berezkovsky awarded # 150,000 in damages after libel case . Russian tycoon disputed RTR report claiming he was behind murder of Alexander Litvinenko . Former Russian spy Litvinenko died in 2006 from a massive dose of polonium-210 . Judgment was issued in London because RTR broadcasts to Britain . | [[450, 509], [297, 341], [350, 449], [297, 341], [350, 449], [2304, 2359], [2362, 2424], [0, 6], [9, 140], [1020, 1089], [1062, 1089]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. has said he is ready to make the big-money fight with newly crowned WBO welterweight world champion Manny Pacquiao happen . After victory in Las Vegas over Puerto Rico 's Miguel Cotto on Saturday , Pacquiao 's trainer Freddie Roach said the `` whole world '' now wanted to see a fight with Mayweather . Reacting to the proposition the undefeated 32-year-old , who formerly held the WBC title at welterweight , told British broadcaster Sky Sports : `` If he wants to fight Floyd Mayweather all he has to do is step up to the plate . '' The twice-voted Ring magazine fighter of the year added that he felt Pacquiao 's approach was one-dimensional but the Filipino would be a favorite with the crowd . `` The thing is with Pacquaio I do n't see any versatility as a fighter ; he 's a good puncher but just one-dimensional . Is Pacquiao the greatest ? `` The world 's going to go ` wow ' if Floyd Mayweather gets beaten . That 's what everyone is looking to see . `` If I beat Manny Pacquaio do you know what they are going to say ? ` You are supposed to beat him , you are Floyd Mayweather , you are the bigger man ' . If I knock him out they 'll say ` you 're supposed to knock him out he 's been knocked out before ' . `` I 'm in a no-win situation and when I beat him no one is going to be surprised because he 's been beaten before ; whatever I do to Pacquaio has been done before - he 's been beaten on three occasions . And if I knock him out I do n't want the world shouting because he 's been knocked out twice before . '' If the fight goes ahead it is expected to challenge the mark set by Oscar De La Hoya 's bout with Floyd Mayweather for the most profitable in history . Money generated from pay-per-view subscriptions earned the two fighters an estimated combined total of $ 77 million in 2007 . Mayweather , whose nickname is `` Money , '' said : `` If I go out and make $ 60-75 million in one night ; come on - I 'm not losing . '' | Manny Pacquiao is the new WBO welterweight world champion . Floyd Mayweather Jr. used to hold the WBC title in the division and is undefeated in 40 fights . Mayweather 's fight with Oscar De La Hoya gave a record $ 77 million payday for fighters . A Pacquiao bout with Mayweather expected to eclipse this total . | [[371, 397], [404, 447], [1592, 1690], [1720, 1845], [1775, 1845], [1592, 1690]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two beloved giant pandas left the United States for their new homes in China on Thursday . Three-year-old Mei Lan left Zoo Atlanta in Georgia early Thursday morning and was flown to Washington aboard a FedEx 777 christened the `` Panda Express . '' In Washington , the plane picked up Mei Lan 's 4-year-old cousin , Tai Shan , who left Washington 's National Zoo . The pandas , which were on loan from China , are being repatriated to help replenish the endangered species ' numbers . They will eventually take part in a breeding program in China . The National Zoo estimates that 1,600 giant pandas are left in the wild . See photos of Tai Shan 's departure . Kathleen Ryland of Highland , Maryland , brought her children to say goodbye to the Washington giant panda . `` We watched him as he grew up , and it 's kind of sad to see him go , '' Ryland said . iReport : National Zoo says goodbye to Tai Shan . The flight from Washington to China will be about 15 hours , said Dave Bronczek , president and CEO of FedEx . A panda breeding center that one of the pandas was heading to was preparing , according to the newspaper China Daily . Officials at the center were searching for a boyfriend for Mei Lan , the paper reported . They were also searching for a Chinese language teacher so that Mei Lan could be taught to understand when she is told in Chinese to return to her cage . `` Mei Lan has been living in the United States since she was born , and she must be unfamiliar with Chinese , especially the Sichuan dialect , '' Huang Xiangming , a director of the breeding center , told the paper . Tai Shan is headed to a different facility in China 's Sichuan province . | Atlanta 's Mei Lan , 3 , and Washington 's Tai Shan , 4 , leave Thursday . Animals will be entered into breeding program for endangered species . Pandas will have to learn commands in Chinese language . | [[0, 15], [44, 109], [110, 183]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nelson Mandela : Two decades before he became the first president of a democratic South Africa , Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment in June 1974 . Jailed on charges of treason and sabotage -- but fundamentally for his anti-apartheid activities -- he spent nearly 27 years in various prisons . During that time , his mother and son died , and his wife , Winnie Madikizela-Mandela -LRB- now his ex-wife -RRB- , faced continual arrests and harassment , according to his official biography . Twenty years ago today , Mandela was released from what was known as Victor Verster Prison , near Cape Town . He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was elected president in April 1994 . He will turn 92 in July . Today , although frail , he celebrated his February 11 , 1990 , prison release with South Africa 's parliament and with millions of people all over the world . Mandela once said , `` To be free is not merely to cast off one 's chains , but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others . '' CNN : South Africa 20 years after Mandela release . Nelson Mandela Foundation : Biography . Ayatollah Ali Khamenei : Iran 's Supreme leader said on Monday that his country will deliver a `` punch '' that will stun the world during the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution today . Khamenei told a meeting of air force personnel , `` The Iranian nation , with its unity and God 's grace , will punch the arrogance -LSB- Western powers -RSB- on the 22nd of Bahman -LSB- February 11 -RSB- in a way that will leave them stunned . '' Today is the anniversary of the day when revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini toppled the U.S.-backed government of the shah , who fled Iran . This key date in Iran 's history comes amid protests by the opposition after last year 's disputed presidential election , won by incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad . The so-called Green Movement has been protesting for social justice , freedom and democracy in demonstrations throughout the country since the June polls -- using slogans that are often identical to those heard during the 1979 Islamic revolution . Many of the recent demonstrations became violent and bloody . Two leading Iranian opposition leaders have called on supporters to protest today , the day of the anniversary . Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been Iran 's supreme leader for more than 20 years . As a young cleric , his political activism led to many arrests and torture by the shah 's secret police -- the same shah who was supported by the United States and Great Britain . CNN : Iran marks revolution anniversary amid ongoing dissent . Christian Science Monitor : Iran 's supreme leader . Nicholas George : The 22-year-old senior at Pomona College in California was detained at an airport last August , handcuffed and then jailed for several hours in a holding cell . George passed through a screening checkpoint at the Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , airport with a set of Arabic-English flashcards and a book critical of American foreign policy . Also , George 's passport had been stamped in Jordan , where he had studied for a semester , and in Sudan and Egypt , where he 'd gone backpacking . A Transportation Security Administration supervisor arrived and allegedly questioned George aggressively , asking him how he felt about 9/11 , whether he knew `` who did 9/11 , '' and whether he knew what language Osama bin Laden spoke . In a lawsuit filed Wednesday , the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Pennsylvania charge that the TSA officials , the Philadelphia police and the FBI violated George 's Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable seizure and his First Amendment right to free speech . George told CNN he no longer flies with his flashcards and reading material . He said he 's learning Arabic in hopes of one day helping the U.S. government . In September , Dave Davies in the Philadelphia Daily News reported that among the 200 flashcards were words like `` terrorist '' and `` explosion . '' George told the newspaper last year , `` I did n't have a weapon or anything seditious , just words on paper . As an American citizen , I think I 'm allowed to learn a foreign language and have flashcards . '' Philadelphia Daily News : Student traveler handcuffed . ACLU : George v. TSA - Complaint for damages . CNN : Passenger detained with Arabic flashcards sues . Ken Bourland : On January 12 , from his room at the Hotel Montana near Port-au-Prince , Haiti , U.S. Air Force Maj. Ken Bourland sent an e-mail to his wife , Peggy , telling her that he was fine and had just settled in for what was going to be an exciting time taking a disaster preparedness course . It was 4:51 p.m. Less than 10 minutes later , an earthquake leveled much of the Haitian capital , including the Hotel Montana . Peggy Bourland , at home in Florida , saw the news on TV , popped her laptop open and fired off an e-mail : `` Please tell me you 're OK . '' No response . Yesterday , CNN received a copy of a message from Air Force Gen. Douglas M. Fraser to his troops , announcing that Bourland 's body was found on Monday in the rubble of the Hotel Montana . He reported that Bourland 's remains were transferred to Dover Air Force Base , Delaware , and met by his wife , family members and fellow service members . Gen. Fraser wrote , `` Many of you knew Ken through his outstanding work as a Caribbean Desk Officer . All of us who worked with Ken regarded him as the consummate Air Force professional , who could always be counted upon for the toughest assignment , as well as a caring teammate who went out of his way to help others and build cohesion amongst his peers . '' The Bourlands had two sons and a stepson and their fifth wedding anniversary would have been in March . CNN : E-mail from Haiti , then minutes later , a nightmare . Jaimee Grubbs : The 23-year-old Los Angeles , California , cocktail waitress , whose post-Thanksgiving voice mail to Tiger Woods helped lead to the unraveling of the golf great 's pristine public image , gave an exclusive interview to Los Angeles TV station KTLA . She did not deny that her relationship with Woods lasted for nearly three years . She explained that after the car crash incident outside of Woods ' home , she left him a voice mail out of concern , but did n't `` think it through '' when she released it to US Weekly magazine . She said all of the subsequent attention has been tough . `` I do n't like to show my emotions . I just do it when nobody 's around , so my friends all think I 'm solid rock , a strong person . But there are times when I get up in the morning , get in the shower , then sit there on the shower floor and cry for 30 minutes . '' KTLA : Grubbs sets the record straight . What makes a person intriguing ? There are people who enter the news cycle every day because their actions or decisions are new , important or different . Others are in the news because they are the ones those decisions affect . And there are a number of people who are so famous or controversial that anything they say or do becomes news . Some of these people do what we expect of them : They run for office , pass legislation , start a business , get hired or fired , commit a crime , make an arrest , get in accidents , hit a home run , overthrow a government , fight wars , sue an opponent , put out fires , prepare for hurricanes and cavort with people other than their spouses . They do make news , but the action is usually more important than who is involved in the story . But every day , there are a number of people who become fascinating to us -- by virtue of their character , how they reached their decision , how they behaved under pressure or because of the remarkable circumstances surrounding the event they are involved in . They arouse our curiosity . We hear about them and want to know more . What they have done or said stimulates conversations across the country . At times , there is even a mystery about them . What they have done may be unique , heroic , cowardly or ghastly , but they capture our imaginations . We want to know what makes them tick , why they believe what they do , and why they did what they did . They intrigue us . | 20 years ago today , Nelson Mandela was released from prison . Iran 's supreme leader says a `` punch '' will be delivered during revolution anniversary . Jaimee Grubbs says she did n't think through releasing Tiger Woods ' voice mail . | [[515, 537], [540, 624], [1141, 1163], [1189, 1247], [1204, 1334], [6215, 6366]] |
London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- British Airways cabin crew members went on strike Saturday , leaving thousands of would-be passengers ' travel plans during the next two weeks in disarray . The strike came after British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh and the joint general secretary of the Unite union , Tony Woodley , emerged Friday from a meeting and announced the effort to avert the walkout had failed . `` This company does not want to negotiate , '' Woodley said of British Airways . `` This company wants ultimately to go to war with my members and the union . '' Walsh said he `` deeply regrets '' the inconvenience the strikes will cause to passengers but said the company will still try to operate as many flights as possible . `` I am disappointed the union has not been able to see the sense of the proposal we tabled today , '' Walsh said . Advice for passengers . British Airways posted lists on its Web site of flights that it plans to operate during the walkout . A spokesperson for Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he `` believes that this strike is in no one 's interest and will cause unacceptable inconvenience to passengers . He urges the strike be called off immediately '' and the two sides return to bargaining . In addition to the three-day strike beginning Saturday , Unite has decided to strike for four more days beginning March 27 . Unite represents 95 percent of BA 's 15,000 cabin crew members , but not all of them plan to strike . The airline has unveiled an ambitious contingency plan to get as many passengers as possible to their destinations . Walsh said he hopes that by leasing aircraft and using replacement workers , BA will be able to deliver about two-thirds of its customers to their planned destinations during the strikes . In a full-page ad in British newspapers Friday , Walsh said a `` significant number '' of cabin crews do n't support the strike and will continue to work , supported by volunteers from across the airline . The airline said it has also made agreements with more than 60 other carriers to rebook customers free of charge if their British Airways flights are canceled during the strike period . Will a strike by British Airways affect you ? But in a posting on its Web site , Unite called the schedule `` an accomplished work of fantasy . '' The industrial action is over planned changes to the way cabin crews operate , which British Airways says will save the carrier more than 60 million pounds -LRB- $ 90 million -RRB- a year . Unite has said the plans call for working hours to be extended and crew staffing levels to be cut , changes that it has said will damage customer service and the BA brand . `` Unite believes the new contractual changes are an attempt to force staff to pay the price for management failings with the company wringing more and more out of fewer and fewer staff who will be paid less , '' the union said in a posting on its Web site . A cabin crew member 's starting salary is 11,000 pounds -LRB- $ 16,500 -RRB- , Unite said . Unite said that BA management submitted a formal offer to the union last week , but the offer failed to address union concerns about crew numbers and service delivery . That prompted Unite officials to announce the strike dates . BA then rescinded its offer . British Airways submitted a new offer Friday , but Woodley said it reduced the amount of pay that had been in last week 's offer . iReport : Are you caught up in the strike ? A sticking point in negotiations was reportedly how BA could be compensated for the 27 million pound -LRB- $ 40.5 million -RRB- loss it had already incurred through canceled tickets before the talks broke down . Walsh said he told Unite that the expense must be recovered , so the financial value of Friday 's offer was `` not as attractive '' as last week 's . The new offer , however , would have secured long-term pay protection for all existing crew , `` new opportunities '' for BA crew at London 's Gatwick airport , and modernization of its industrial relations , he said . Any BA workers who go on strike now risk losing permanently their travel perks , such as free and heavily discounted travel . `` We said to them that we will not continue to provide valuable perks and benefits to people who seek to inflict serious and ongoing damage to our business , '' Walsh said . `` It was n't a threat . When we said that those traveling concessions will be withdrawn , that 's exactly what we meant , and that 's exactly what will happen . '' Should BA staff lose travel perks ? Unite said BA cabin crews offered changes to pay and work practices that would have saved the company more than 100 million pounds -LRB- $ 150 million -RRB- , but that their offer was rejected . The airline 's management said the proposed changes would have saved the airline less money than management 's planned changes . CNN 's Richard Quest contributed to this report . | NEW : British Airways posts lists on its Web site of flights it plans to operate . Besides three-day strike , Unite to strike for four more days beginning March 27 . Unite : Plans call for longer working hours , cut staff . BA chief : Contingency plan will try to get customers to destinations . | [[887, 942], [1301, 1370], [2523, 2595], [2575, 2605], [1473, 1589], [1498, 1589]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Bush on Wednesday hailed the election of Barack Obama as `` a triumph of the American story . '' `` Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday , '' President Bush said Wednesday . Obama 's rise to become the nation 's first black president is `` a testament to hard work , optimism and a faith in the enduring promise of our nation , '' Bush said in the White House Rose Garden . `` No matter how they cast their ballots , all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday , '' said Bush , whose second term in the Oval Office will end when Obama is sworn in on January 20 . Bush said he had called Obama and had also spoken to his opponent , Sen. John McCain . `` I congratulated -LSB- McCain -RSB- on a determined campaign that he and Gov. -LSB- Sarah -RSB- Palin ran , '' the president said . Watch Bush praise presidential candidates '' Bush said turning over the White House to Obama `` will be a stirring sight . '' `` I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have waited for for so long , '' Bush said . Moving toward Obama 's January 20 inauguration , Bush promised the president-elect he can count on `` complete cooperation '' as he makes the transition to the White House . Speaking later at the State Department , Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said her department `` will do everything that we can '' to ensure a smooth transition . Watch Rice pledge a smooth turnover at the State Department '' Rice , an African-American like Obama , also called Tuesday 's election `` an extraordinary step forward '' in the nation 's history . `` I am especially proud because this is a country that 's been through a long journey in terms of overcoming wounds , and making race not the factor in our lives , '' Rice said . Bush warned America 's enemies not to expect any letup in national security during the transition . `` The United States government will stay vigilant in meeting its most important responsibility , protecting the American people , '' Bush said . On Thursday , Obama is expected to receive his first top-secret intelligence briefing , similar to the one Bush gets every day , according to U.S. officials familiar with the process . In a message to CIA employees obtained by CNN , CIA Director Michael Hayden says Director of National Intelligence Michael McConnell will lead Obama 's first briefing . Bush pledged to fulfill his duties as president until the final day of his presidency . `` I will continue to conduct the people 's business as long as the office remains in my trust , '' the nation 's 43rd president said . | NEW : Obama to get top-secret intelligence briefing on Thursday . Bush promises `` complete cooperation '' during transition . Watching Obama enter White House will be `` stirring sight , '' Bush says . Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praises Obama . | [[2104, 2115], [2118, 2189], [1140, 1186], [1189, 1265], [1217, 1313], [964, 993], [2643, 2681]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Haiti 's orphanages have become targets for people desperate for food , water and medical supplies in the aftermath of the devastating magnitude 7.0 earthquake . On Wednesday night , Maison de Lumiere , an orphanage caring for 50 orphans , came under attack from a group of 20 armed men , aid workers told the Joint Council on International Children 's Services . A neighboring orphanage sheltering about 135 children has been robbed several times over the past few days , they said . Meanwhile , aid workers said a third orphanage caring for 17 orphans reported that townspeople are trespassing and tapping into the water supply that is reserved for the children . `` It was calm at first , but the situation is getting more desperate , '' said David Beck , pastor at Child Hope International , the nonprofit that oversees Maison de Lumiere . No shots were fired in the attack on the orphanage , and security guards were able to drive off the marauders , he said . But one orphanage worker was hit in the head with a rock , he said . `` If people think you have food , then they will come after it , '' Beck said . The orphanage is rationing what food and water it does have , he said . Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere , and experienced high rates of poverty and disease even before the quake . The quake has made the situation far more desperate . Looting is becoming a big concern for the orphanages as fear and frustration mount and help is slow to arrive , said Tom DiFilipo of the Joint Council on International Children 's Services , a U.S.-based advocacy group for children in need of families . To protect the children , some orphanages are on lock-down , according to volunteers working with the relief agencies . `` When bringing in supplies to an orphanage , you can only bring in a day or two day 's worth , '' said DiFilipo . `` If you bring more than that , the locals come in . '' This week 's raids are included on a growing list of difficulties facing orphanages that is being compiled by the Joint Council on International Children 's Services . DiFilipo said he expects the challenges of food , medical aid and security to continue affecting the orphanages for weeks . For every Haitian orphan brought to safety in the United States and elsewhere , thousands more are left behind to face the primitive conditions resulting from last week 's earthquake . There is no accurate count of how many orphanages have experienced looting and other attacks . Since the quake , the Joint Council on International Children 's Services has received dozens of phone calls , text messages and e-mails from orphanages reporting problems ranging from food shortages to security threats . The agency is in touch with about 50 orphanages in Haiti and the reports are updated daily . The group is also working with members of Congress , the Red Cross and other aid agencies to relay the messages . Before the quake , Haiti had 380,000 orphans , according to UNICEF . It is still too early to determine how many children were orphaned by the quake . The people of Haiti have grown desperate for food , water and assistance since the quake decimated the capital last week , toppling buildings , cutting power , contaminating water supplies and ravaging roads . The conditions for children in Haiti are bleak , aid officials said . Orphans are sleeping outside or in makeshift tents . Facilities are running low on food , water and medical supplies . Some orphanages have already reported deaths . Ruuska Village , an orphanage in the Bon Repos section of Port-au-Prince , was looted several times during the first few days after the quake , said volunteer Cherie Shropshire . Security was inadequate after 80 percent of the building was damaged , she said . The locks were broken and people stole food , clothes and supplies , but the orphanage was able to keep its generator protected , Shropshire said . `` Another aftershock that woke us so roughly on Wednesday morning and a wall tumbling down on our heads , children starving , the orphanage being looted as the frustration continues to grow regarding the delay in distributing supplies , children dying from sickness . ... , '' wrote an American adoption service provider in Haiti in a blog run by the Joint Council on International Children 's Services . Reporting crimes to police is nearly impossible for officials at the damaged orphanages . Many Haitian police officers were injured or killed in the earthquake . Help from private security officers also is hindered by unreliable communication and poor transportation . Security needs to be made a higher priority , said Daniel Kaniewski , deputy director of George Washington University 's Homeland Security Policy Institute . On Tuesday , the United Nations Security Council approved a proposal to send an additional 2,000 soldiers and 1,500 police officers to Haiti . `` Providing security resources is as equally important as providing all of the other kinds of aid in the country , '' Kaniewski said . `` Without security , you wo n't be able to effectively distribute to the most needed areas in Haiti . '' At Maison de Lumiere , where looters raided on Wednesday night , Beck sees both sides of the story . `` On one hand , the people around the orphanage have been incredibly gracious and mutually supportive since the earthquake , '' he said . `` On the other hand , last night 's attack reminds us that there are a few aggressive people whose growing desperation can drive them to attempt to take others ' food and water by force . '' | 20 men attacked Maison de Lumiere , an orphanage in Port-au-Prince , aid workers say . A U.S. advocacy organization is tracking attacks on Haiti 's orphanages . Getting food , medical supplies and security top challenges faced by orphanages . `` If people think you have food then they will come after it , '' one official says . | [[181, 199], [202, 219], [259, 305], [2106, 2180], [2156, 2229], [2652, 2731], [3423, 3488], [1060, 1086], [1089, 1117]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A biology professor charged with killing three faculty members at the University of Alabama in Huntsville fatally shot her brother more than 23 years ago , but she and her mother claimed the shooting was accidental , according to documents released Sunday . Amy Bishop Anderson was 19 when she fatally shot her brother , Seth , on December 6 , 1986 , in Braintree , Massachusetts , according to a Massachusetts State Police report released Sunday . She was never charged in that shooting . Anderson was charged this weekend with capital murder in Friday 's on-campus shooting deaths of her colleagues . She could face the death penalty . The state police report in the 1986 shooting , released by the office of U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt , D-Massachusetts , gives an account similar to a Boston Globe story published on December 8 , 2008 . Delahunt was district attorney at the time ; staffers said he was in the Middle East on Sunday and unable to comment on the case . Earlier this weekend , Braintree police said records from that shooting were missing , and that the department 's log indicated the shooting was accidental . However , Police Chief Paul Frazier said he did n't agree with the Globe 's account . The Globe 's story stated that Anderson asked her mother how to unload a round from a 12-gauge shotgun and that Anderson -- then known as Amy Bishop -- accidentally shot her brother while she was handling the weapon . The article cited then-Police Chief John Polio as the source . According to the state police report released Sunday , Braintree police told state police that `` indications were that Amy Bishop had been attempting to manipulate the shotgun and had subsequently brought the gun downstairs in an attempt to gain assistance from her mother in disarming the weapon '' when it went off , shooting her brother , Seth , in the chest . But , Frazier said Saturday , `` it is a far different story I believe than what was reported back then . I can not tell you what the thought process was behind our releasing her at the time . '' An officer then involved in the case who is still working for the department told him that Anderson shot her brother during an argument , Frazier said . The officer said Anderson allegedly fired a shot in her bedroom without hitting anyone , argued with her brother , shot him and then fired another round in the home before fleeing , according to Frazier . Frazier said the teen was arrested after pointing a weapon at a vehicle near the house in an attempt to get the driver to stop , but it drove on . But during the booking process , then-Chief Polio called and told the officers to release her , Frazier said . He said her mother was at the time a member of the Braintree Personnel Board . In a telephone call with CNN , Polio , now 87 and retired , denied ever calling in the order . He said detectives including lead investigator Capt. Theodore Buker -- who has since died -- had interviewed Anderson and her mother , Judith , who is identified in the state police report as J. Bishop . Buker told him that the shooting appeared accidental and the two men agreed she should be released to her mother , Polio said . A request was then filed with Delahunt 's office to conduct an inquiry , but Delahunt never did so , he said . The state police report , however , said that Buker met with a state police investigator and determined that `` due to the testimony of the members of the Bishop family , and in particular the testimony of J. Bishop , relevant to the facts concerning the death of Seth Bishop that no further investigation ... was warranted , '' the report concludes . Seth Bishop 's death was listed as accidental and the investigation was concluded . Delahunt spokesman Mark Forest told CNN the state police and medical examiner concluded the death was accidental , and an autopsy was also conducted . `` The investigative reports ... did not recommend any further action , '' he said in an e-mail . Those reports were turned over to state and local authorities , including the district attorney 's office , he said . Anderson 's mother witnessed the shooting , the state police report said . Investigators waited 11 days to interview Anderson and her parents because of their `` highly emotional state '' following the shooting , according to the report . In the December 17 , 1986 , interview , Anderson told authorities she `` thought it would be a good idea if she learned how to load the shotgun in the house , '' according to the state police report . The young woman told police she was concerned for her own safety after the family home was broken into , although she previously had been afraid of the gun . She said she got the gun and loaded shells into it , but was unable to get them out . Anderson said that while she was attempting to unload the weapon on her bed , it went off . She then took it downstairs to ask for help in unloading it . She asked her brother , she said , and he told her to point the gun up instead of carrying it beside her leg . Her brother was walking across the kitchen between her and her mother , she said . She started to raise the gun , and `` someone said something to her , '' she recalled in the report . She turned and the gun went off . `` Amy thought that she had ruined the kitchen but was not aware of the fact that she had struck her brother , '' the report said . She fled , and told police she thought she had dropped the gun as she ran away . `` She can not recall anything else until she subsequently saw her mother at the police station , '' the report said . The report does not reference any other shots fired besides the one in Anderson 's bedroom and the shot that struck her brother . Anderson 's father was not home at the time . He told police he had had a disagreement with his daughter `` about a comment she had made '' before he left to go shopping . He told police he had bought the shotgun about a year before the shooting , after the house had been broken into , and that he and his son belonged to a rifle club . Anderson was not trained to use the gun , he said . Anderson 's mother said that when her daughter came downstairs and asked for help in unloading the gun , she told her not to point it at anyone , and that her daughter turned and the gun went off . The woman told police she did not hear the shotgun fire earlier in her daughter 's bedroom and `` believed the house was relatively well soundproofed and that such a discharge would not necessarily be heard on another floor of the house . '' Polio acknowledged that an argument had occurred during the shooting and said that the other shots , including one fired into the ceiling , did not appear aimed at anyone . He also recalled that Anderson had fled the scene . But , he said , he could not remember what he had told the newspaper in reference to the case or why details , including the argument , were not reported . He said Anderson 's mother had worked for the personnel board and at one point was assigned to the police department . But he rejected as `` laughable '' any suggestions that the suspect 's mother might have influenced their handling of the case . `` There was no cover-up , '' Polio said . `` Absolutely no cover-up and no missing records . The records were all there when I left . Where they went in the last 22 years and two police chiefs subsequent , I do n't know . '' Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan announced Sunday an effort to locate all materials associated with the shooting . `` The Braintree Police Department will conduct a thorough audit of all its records to identify if there were deficits in its past recordkeeping process , '' Sullivan said . `` It is important to note that in 1986 , police records were created and maintained manually , which complicates their review and retrieval . '' The Braintree shooting resurfaced after Harvard-trained Anderson was charged in Friday 's shooting in Alabama . Huntsville Police Chief Henry Reyes said Saturday that Anderson was attending a faculty meeting on the third floor of the sciences building Friday afternoon when she brandished a gun and shot six colleagues , killing three . Anderson , a professor and researcher at the university and a mother of four , was arrested as she was leaving the building , Reyes told reporters Saturday . He said a 9 mm handgun was recovered from the second floor of the building late Friday . Madison County District Attorney Rob Broussard said officials were considering other charges , including attempted murder . Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of other suspects in connection to the shooting . Anderson , who is known to students as Dr. Bishop , had been working at the university since 2003 , and was up for tenure , according to spokesman Ray Garner . However , authorities would n't discuss possible motives or whether the issue of tenure may have played a role in the shooting . Garner told CNN that the university gives teachers six years to get tenure . Those who do not get it are terminated , he said . University President David Williams said a prayer service would be held on Sunday . He said the campus would open next week for employees , but that there would be no classes . Reached at the couple 's home , Jim Anderson told CNN that his wife has an attorney whom he would not identify . He described her as a good teacher . CNN 's Alona Rivord , Aaron Cooper , Khadijah Rentas and Tom Watkins contributed to this report . | Police report : Anderson , then 19 , and her mother claimed brother 's '86 death was accidental . Anderson charged with killing three faculty members at Alabama university Friday . Anderson was never charged in her brother 's 1986 death . Police chief says argument preceded '86 shooting ; state police report says accidental . | [[179, 233], [179, 197], [236, 276], [277, 337], [401, 449], [19, 124], [509, 621], [566, 621], [7892, 7969], [8179, 8194], [468, 508], [401, 449], [2073, 2083], [2150, 2208], [3658, 3725], [4507, 4548], [6569, 6741], [6588, 6637]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As the new evangelist for entrepreneurship , President Obama is finally on the right track . Mentioning `` small business '' 14 times in his State of the Union address last week , he pledged to increase small business lending and provide tax incentives to jump-start new jobs . And pivoting from propping up `` too big to fail '' behemoths to boosting more nimble job generators is smart . After all , mom and pop shops , small enterprises , and garage start-ups get Americans on the payroll . Small Business Administration -LRB- SBA -RRB- data shows that small companies have generated 64 percent of net new jobs annually over the past 15 years . What 's more , a Kauffman Foundation study reveals that firms less than five years old are the engine of this growth . Yet , for these businesses the recession has been particularly acute . According to a Senate report last year , American businesses with fewer than 20 employees have suffered steeper job losses than bigger companies . With unemployment hovering at 10 percent , the president must kick-start small business . In an appearance in Nashua , New Hampshire , yesterday , Obama detailed his proposed small business lending program . Let 's examine his proposals : . $ 30 billion of federal bailout funds redirected to community banks to lend to small business . Yesterday in Nashua , President Obama unveiled his proposal to redirect $ 30 billion of Troubled Asset Relief Program -LRB- TARP -RRB- funds to create a new Small Business Lending Fund for community banks . To do this , the White House has said , would require an act of Congress to change current law . On Capitol Hill yesterday , White House Budget Director Peter Orszag met with severe criticism from Sen. Judd Gregg -LRB- R-N.H . -RRB- , who accused the administration of viewing TARP as a `` piggy bank '' and using it for political purposes . Certainly access to credit is the lifeblood of small business and has been sorely lacking . If we are to direct funds to community banks , we must not make the same mistake twice . Federal funds must come with mandatory loan distribution requirements to ensure that banks actually lend . Better yet , Obama should channel capital to small businesses through the Small Business Administration directly . Pending legislation introduced by Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin , D - Maryland , proposes funneling bailout funds through the SBA itself . The infrastructure is in place and such a process would be quicker and more efficient . At a minimum , Obama needs to empower the SBA with funding for consistent loan guarantees . As part of the Recovery Act , the SBA raised guarantees from 75 to 90 percent and eliminated fees , making it more attractive for banks to lend . This was helpful , but inconsistent funding left 1,069 small businesses on a waiting list in late 2009 . Subsequent funding was extended , but this on-again , off-again fluctuation makes it impossible for small businesses to plan , and in some cases , survive . Tax credits for new hires and wage increases . The goal of this program is to encourage on-the-fence businesses to take the plunge and hire new workers . While tax credits rarely provide the reason to add new staff , for businesses anticipating growth , this nudge can catalyze hiring . As part of Obama 's $ 33 billion tax credit proposal , employers would get a $ 5,000 tax credit for every net new worker hired in 2010 and reimbursement for Social Security taxes paid when they increase wages . By limiting the maximum credit to $ 500,000 per company , the intention is to focus on small companies , though all businesses would be eligible . Elimination of capital-gains tax on investments in small business . This is a winning proposal . For small companies seeking investment , a zero-rate capital gains tax will attract private investors who together with friends and family provide essential funding for small business start-ups . Such incentives will reward entrepreneurs who take start-up risks , and create a more level playing field for worldwide investors , as many other countries do not tax capital gains . Tax incentives for investment in new facilities and equipment . Allowing companies to write off , instead of depreciate , new equipment helps businesses buy things they were already planning to buy . Encouraging businesses to ramp up sooner accelerates job creation . In addition , Obama 's State of the Union pledge to double U.S. export growth over the next five years bolsters small and big businesses alike . Real growth comes from our links with the rest of the world , and the passage of stalled trade agreements with South Korea , Panama and Colombia would open those countries ' markets to U.S. goods . Promotion of free trade and the creation of a national export initiative would boost not only traditional exports , but also spark an uptick in exports of new services such as marketing or accounting services . One thing missing that would help stimulate jobs is immigration reform . Over the last decade and a half , fully one-quarter of all technology firms founded in the United States were started by immigrants ; eBay , Google and Yahoo to name a few . Changing the provisions of the EB-5 visa or `` entrepreneur 's visa '' to favor those who plan to start companies and extending their visas as they hire U.S. workers would spark job creation . Simply put , the United States needs global talent to help create jobs at home . Given the turbulence of the last 18 months , many small businesses remain cautious about hiring , and policy uncertainty is not helping . Health care reform , energy policy , tax policy and financial regulatory reform are all outstanding questions with significant implications for the cost of labor . Clarity on some of these issues will help businesses make hiring commitments . As Obama juggles the need to boost employment without adding significantly to our nation 's debt , he is wise to focus on entrepreneurs . What he must remember is that small is big . To get our country back up on its feet , we must help small business get back to work . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Amy M. Wilkinson . | Amy Wilkinson says Obama 's new focus on small businesses and jobs is on track . She says small businesses , the engines for U.S. job recovery , took hit in recession . Obama 's plan for lending , tax breaks , incentives could go even further , she says . Wilkinson : Give SBA a role in loans ; reform immigration to bring job-creating talent to U.S. | [[3581, 3625], [210, 307], [4968, 5040]] |
Atlanta , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Freedom lovers everywhere over a certain age recall the thrilling news 20 years ago that Nelson Mandela had been released from a Cape Town , South Africa , jail . After 27 years of isolation and hard labor , the world 's most famous political prisoner emerged without bitterness , his humanity intact . When asked what he most missed while in prison , Mandela replied that it was hearing the sounds of children laughing . Now 92 and frail , Mandela has declined to participate in this week 's many celebrations in his honor except one : the opening of Parliament and the address to the nation by South African President Jacob Zuma . As with all things political in this young and often raucous democracy , politicians and pundits are debating whether Mandela should have skipped this event as well . Zuma 's last admission of personal misconduct , fathering his 20th child out of wedlock with the daughter of close friend , has become a national scandal and international embarrassment . Just two years ago , he confessed to having unprotected sex with an HIV-positive family friend , who then accused him of rape . In a country coping with one of the world 's highest incidence of HIV/AIDS , and with a strong official commitment to gender equality , many of Mandela 's most fervent admirers do n't want him seen anywhere near Zuma . But Mandela went to jail not to demonstrate personal virtue but in a commitment to freedom , equality and the rule of law , which his appearance in Parliament reaffirms . Zuma is the duly elected president of a nation defined by strict allegiance to a democratic constitution . Zuma has respected the rule of law and shows no inclination to use his huge parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitution for political advantage . When Mandela was president , he defied his political advisers and voluntarily appeared before a magistrate so a claim of defamation against him could be adjudicated under due process , available to all citizens . Mandela expects no less from his successors ; nor should we . Preventing abuses of power whether by a privileged minority or by an unrestrained majority is a growing challenge for South Africa 's fledgling democracy . The electorate is increasingly restive over policies that have failed to reduce chronic unemployment in excess of 25 percent , curb corruption or address extreme economic and social inequities . Nor have policies been able to adequately overcome the legacy of damage caused by apartheid to family and community values , education and other basic services . The nation is struggling with a lack of respect for authority and the rule of law , especially among a growing number of alienated youth . South Africa still has many advantages , including an economy larger than the combined gross domestic products of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa minus Nigeria , and it draws talent and strength from immigrants and political refugees who have created what Kenyan political scientist Ali Mazrui calls `` the world 's second global nation after the United States . '' At issue is whether South Africans can uphold the minimum of shared values necessary for sustaining peace and allowing a decent society to flourish . Mandela must continue to embody the roles for South Africans that Washington , Lincoln and King serve in protecting and advancing democracy in America . And like them , Mandela 's example inspires others and has become a global public good . President Obama recalls in `` Dreams from My Father '' how South Africa awakened his interest in politics as a young college student , provoking him to address a public rally for the first time and to describe events there as `` a struggle that demands we choose sides . Not between black and white . Not between rich and poor . No , it 's a harder choice ... between fairness and injustice . Between commitment and indifference , a choice between right and wrong ... '' Mandela rarely talks about his own character but in his autobiography , `` Long Walk to Freedom , '' says he credits any success he has achieved to a trait inherited from his father , `` a stubborn sense of fairness . '' It is an ideal few have upheld to Mandela 's standard -- but one we should all seek to emulate . The opinions in this commentary are solely those of John Stremlau . | John Stremlau : 20 years ago today , Nelson Mandela was released from Cape Town jail . Stremlau : After 27 years , Mandela emerged `` without bitterness , his humanity intact '' Mandela maintains commitment to democracy , freedom and rule of law , he writes . Mandela is inspiration in troubled nation that desperately needs it , Stremlau says . | [[121, 199], [3414, 3448]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The suicide bomber who killed seven CIA officials and a Jordanian military officer last week in Afghanistan was a Jordanian double-agent , a former U.S. intelligence official told CNN Monday . The bomber was a source who came to the base camp in Khost near the Pakistan border for a meeting on December 30 , a senior U.S. official also confirmed . The man had been used by both countries ' intelligence services in the past , and had provided information about high-value targets , the senior U.S. official said . `` Yes , it was a joint U.S.-Jordanian source who had provided over the period of his cooperation a lot of very detailed good information that was of high interest at the most senior levels of the U.S government , '' the former U.S. intelligence official said . The security breach occurred because the bomber was met off-base by U.S. intelligence officials who failed to search him before they put him in a car and drove him onto Forward Operating Base Chapman , the former intelligence official said . Both the Jordanian and U.S. intelligence services believed the man was loyal , according to the former intelligence official . `` Clearly there is a lot of soul searching '' at CIA headquarters in Virginia , according to the former intelligence official . The bomber was identified as Human Khalil Abu-Mulal al Balawi , from the Jordanian town of Zarqa , also home to the late Abu Musab al Zarqawi , the one-time leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq , the former intelligence official said . Both the Jordanian and U.S. intelligence agencies apparently believed al Balawi had been rehabilitated from extremist views and were using him to hunt Ayman al Zawahiri , the second-ranking al Qaeda official to Osama bin Laden , the former intelligence official said . Jordanian intelligence services have long covertly cooperated with the United States , specifically in the hunt for al Zawahiri and bin Laden , because of the ability of Jordanian agents to blend into the al Qaeda organization , noted the former intelligence official . Also killed in last week 's attack in Afghanistan was Jordanian Army Captain Sharif Ali bin Zeid , a cousin of King Abdullah of Jordan . The Jordanian government has not publicly commented on the specific circumstances of bin Zeid 's death , but U.S. sources confirmed bin Zeid was present and was the Jordanian operative working closely with al Balawi . The CIA refused to comment Monday , saying the matter was under investigation . The bodies of the seven CIA employees were flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to a private ceremony attended by CIA Director Leon Panetta , other agency and national security officials , and friends and family . A Jordanian official who did not want to be identified said bin Zeid `` was killed on Wednesday in the line of duty as he was taking part in a humanitarian mission carried out by the Jordan Armed Forces in Afghanistan . '' The Jordanian official added : `` Jordan 's position in the war on terror is clear ; we are fully committed to fighting al Qaeda , which is a threat to Jordan as it is a threat to the United States . We are also committed to continuing our cooperation with the United States and the international community in the fight against terror and in defeating al Qaeda . '' In a posting on its Web site last week , the Taliban in Afghanistan claimed the bomber was an Afghan National Army soldier . On Sunday , however , Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud said in an e-mail that `` we claim the responsibility for the attack on the CIA in Afghanistan . '' `` The suicide bomber was a Jordanian national . This will be admitted by the CIA and the Jordanian government '' the message said . The attack occurred at a forward operating base , which a U.S. intelligence official acknowledged was a crucial CIA post and a `` hub of activity . '' The main purpose of CIA forward operating bases in Afghanistan , officials have noted , is to recruit informants and to plan and coordinate covert operations , including drone surveillance and targeting . The attack was `` a huge blow , symbolically and tactically , '' because it eliminated such a large number of CIA officers , who can require years to become ingrained in the region , said Reva Bhalla , director of analysis for STRATFOR -- an international intelligence company . In addition , the attack showed the ability of the Taliban to penetrate perhaps the most difficult of targets -- a CIA base , she said . Former CIA official Robert Richer called it `` the greatest loss of life for the Central Intelligence Agency since the Beirut Embassy bombing '' in 1983 , which killed eight agents . An American intelligence official vowed last week that the United States would avenge the attack . Two of those killed were contractors with private security firm Xe , formerly known as Blackwater , a former intelligence official told CNN . The CIA considers contractors to be officers . On Sunday , a local administration official and an intelligence official told CNN that two guided missiles struck a compound in the Pakistani village of Musaki in North Waziristan suspected of being a gathering place for local and foreign militants . The attack killed Sadiq Noor , a teacher ; his 9-year-old son ; and three people from outside the country , according to the sources , who said the missiles were believed to have been fired by an unmanned drone . There was no immediate U.S. confirmation of the missile attack . | U.S. official : Man had been used by U.S. , Jordan for intelligence services . Source says man had given `` very detailed good information that was of high interest '' Former official : Bomber was met off-base by U.S. officials who failed to search him . Man killed seven CIA officials and a Jordanian military officer last week in Afghanistan . | [[378, 453], [1530, 1579], [1658, 1698], [378, 385], [460, 509], [651, 681], [687, 755], [806, 901], [874, 901], [906, 955], [30, 48], [53, 112], [2069, 2165]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Victoria Arter was outraged when she heard the announcement over the Wal-Mart loudspeaker . `` Attention , Wal-Mart shoppers , '' she said a male voice announced . `` All blacks need to leave the store . '' `` We waited and waited . Some people just left their carts in disgust and said they could n't believe it , '' Arter told Philly.com , a CNN affiliate . It was busy shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday at the Turnersville , New Jersey , Wal-Mart Supercenter . Arter , a 29-year-old assistant bank manager who is black , did n't know what was going on , but she was not happy . Neither were other customers , who began dialing their cell phones and demanding answers from managers . Some were just quiet , still in shock at what they 'd heard . A few moments later , a store manager got on the public address system and began apologizing and contacted the local police . This week , authorities have said they 're investigating the episode as `` a suspected bias intimidation crime . '' Arter frequently shopped at the Wal-Mart , but she wo n't go there any longer , she told the Philadelphia online news source . `` It could have led to violence , '' Arter told Philly.com . `` It could have triggered someone who was having a bad day . I do n't want to be an innocent bystander to something because of someone 's not-so-funny joke . '' `` I ca n't go back in , '' said Patricia Covington , who was also in the store and spoke to Philly.com . `` I went to Target instead . I ca n't bring myself to go back in there . '' She and her friend Sheila Ellington were checking out when they heard the announcement . An attorney , Ellington is also a member of the Gloucester County Minority Coalition . Both were frightened , unsure of whether the person on the microphone was going to do something violent . `` This voice was controlled and confident , '' Ellington told Philly.com . `` It did n't appear to be a prank . '' The discount chain is `` just as appalled by this as anyone , '' Wal-Mart corporate spokesman Lorenzo Lopez said . `` Whoever did this is wrong and acted in an inappropriate manner . '' Police and prosecutors are reviewing security camera video from the store . Any of the 25 in-store telephones could have accessed the public address system , although not all phones are within range of surveillance cameras , authorities said . It 's unclear whether the tape will be made public to help identify the speaker . The store has 700 employees ; many are part-time . Some of the store 's telephones can be accessed by customers . | Male said on PA system that black people should leave store . `` Some people just left their carts in disgust , '' one customer said . Wal-Mart `` just as appalled by this as anyone , '' spokesman says . Local police are investigating incident . | [[146, 148], [153, 182], [186, 222], [252, 296], [1936, 1995], [1998, 2050], [888, 897], [900, 1000]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A storm has barreled into the Southeast and sections of the Northeast , coating power lines and roads with ice and leaving thousands without power . More heavy snow was predicted for Mid-Atlantic cities , some of which already have record amounts , the National Weather Service said Saturday . Asheville , North Carolina , recorded 11 inches of snow on Friday . The weather service said less than a half-inch of snow should fall during the day , turning to freezing drizzle at night . There was an ice storm warning for the Carolinas until midnight . `` Ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch are expected , '' forecasters said . `` Elevated surfaces such as trees , power lines and highway bridges and overpasses will accumulate ice most easily . '' North Carolina 's Department of Transportation asked motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel . The town of Cary , North Carolina , canceled its Winter Wonderland festival because of the storm . A foot of snow was expected in parts of Virginia , where iReporter William Bernstein , Jr. said people are `` just not used to this . '' A typical snowstorm in Virginia Beach , located about 20 minutes from Norfolk , usually yields about 4 to 5 inches of snow , Bernstein said . But by 8 a.m. , snowfall had well surpassed the norm . `` Nobody is really out on the roads , '' he said . `` They 've closed off ramps and on ramps in downtown Norfolk . '' See pictures from Virginia Beach on iReport.com . Washington and Baltimore , Maryland , were expected to get 4 to 6 inches of snow . Motorists were being warned to stay off the roadways , D.C. officials said . Forecasters warned that gusty winds in several states may topple ice laden trees and power lines . A Home Depot store in Spartanburg , South Carolina , saw a run on generators , fire logs and ice-melting chemicals Friday , and Spartanburg County called in extra dispatchers to handle emergency calls , CNN affiliate WYFF reported . Watch the snow pile up in Tennessee . Several inches of sleet covered the ground in the town of Travelers Rest , South Carolina , WYFF 's Sean Muserallo reported . Brian Wood of Marietta , South Carolina , told WYFF his car was `` fish-tailing all the way '' as he drove to work at a restaurant Saturday morning . `` It 's definitely not driving weather . '' Tennessee 's Transportation Department said highways statewide had patches of snow and ice , and trucks were spreading salt on roads across much of the eastern part of the state . How 's the weather where you are ? Send photos , video . The storm moved north and east Friday from the Southern Plains of Oklahoma and Texas . Oklahoma City was coated with ice and shivering with a daytime high of 20 degrees , said CNN meteorologist Karen Maginnis . In Dallas , Texas , it was 26 degrees . Oklahoma 's Corporation Commission said Saturday that more than 108,000 homes and businesses were without power . Gov. Brad Henry had declared a state of emergency on Wednesday , ahead of the storm . President Obama signed a disaster declaration for Oklahoma on Saturday , authorizing federal aid to the hard-hit state . In northern Georgia on Saturday , about 1,200 customers were without power , down from 5,000 earlier in the day , the Electric Membership Cooperatives said in a written statement . They said the outages were caused by trees falling on power lines , and that power should be restored by late afternoon . School systems and communities in northeastern Georgia also canceled numerous weekend activities , CNN affiliate WNEG reported . Some are determined not to let the weather keep them indoors . iReporter Katy Hawkins of Norman , Oklahoma , said she and her roommate went outside to play in the snow after spending most of the day inside . `` Oklahoma does not usually get enough snow to make a snowball , but yesterday we had at least 7 inches in the Norman area , '' she said . In her apartment complex 's parking lot , most cars had at least a half-inch of ice encasing the whole car and then snow on top of that , she said . `` I spent 30 minutes trying to pry my door open and finally just gave up and went to take pictures instead ! '' | NEW : iReporters in areas unaccustomed to heavy snowfall enjoy the novelty . Asheville , North Carolina , gets 11 inches of snow . Cary , North Carolina , cancels winter festival because of winter storm . Ice and sleet cover roads in Tennessee , Carolinas . | [[313, 322], [342, 380], [878, 894], [914, 976], [19, 167], [0, 15], [91, 167], [2331, 2421]] |
Jerusalem -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As a deadline neared , Israel handed the United Nations Friday a report justifying its actions during last year 's Gaza campaign and rebutting the so-called `` Goldstone Report '' as biased . At a tree-planting ceremony southern Israel Friday , Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said , `` This report stresses that the IDF -LRB- Israel Defense Forces -RRB- is like no other army , both from a moral standpoint as well as from a professional standpoint . `` The Goldstone Report is a distorted , false , and irresponsible report , '' Barak said . `` All of the soldiers and officers whom we sent to battle need to know that the state of Israel stands behind them even on the day after . '' `` The Gaza Operation Investigations : An Update '' -- a follow-up of a July paper on the Gaza mission -- is in response to the United Nations ' call for both the Jewish state and the Palestinian Hamas movement to conduct independent inquiries to examine charges that both sides committed war crimes during the course of the Gaza war fought just over a year ago . Israel 's 46-page response outlines the steps the nation has taken to investigate charges of wrongdoing by its military during the course of its three-week offensive -- dubbed Operation Cast Lead -- in Gaza aimed at stopping militant rocket fire into Israel . Israel says it faced `` asymmetric conflicts '' and blamed `` militants operating from within and behind civilian areas '' for placing civilians at risk . The Israeli military has `` launched investigations into 150 separate incidents , including 36 criminal investigations opened thus far , '' according to the report . `` Israel is committed to ensuring that every such incident is fully and fairly investigated , to ensure that lessons can be learned and that , if justified , criminal or disciplinary proceedings initiated , '' the report stated . `` To this end the IDF policy requires that every allegation of wrongdoing be investigated , irrespective of its source . '' The report does not mention whether Israel will conduct an independent , non-military investigation of the charges of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity leveled in the Goldstone Report . Released in September , the 575-page report written by a commission chaired by South African Judge Richard Goldstone alleged that both Hamas and Israel committed war crimes and may have also committed crimes against humanity during the course of fighting that killed some 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis . The majority of criticism in the report was reserved for Israel which has waged an aggressive international public relations campaign to discredit the probe 's findings . With the publication of the report , the United Nations asked both Israel and Hamas to initiate independent investigations into the the various allegations and report back before February 5 when the General Assembly will be taking up the report and its recommendations . Among those recommendations were the call for the report 's findings to be passed on to the International Criminal Court if both sides did not start legitimate investigations into war crimes . In Israel , the military has conducted investigations into possible wrong-doing itself which has raised criticism from human rights groups and some Israeli lawmakers that a more credible investigation is needed . Israel 's outgoing attorney-general Menachem Mazuz told the Haaretz newspaper Friday `` Israel has a clear interest in conducting a serious , expert examination that will deal with the -LRB- Goldstone -RRB- report and produce an opposing report . '' In Gaza , the ruling Hamas movement this week released a 20-page summary of the steps it has taken to investigate wrong-doing , contending it had prevented militants from rocketing Israeli civilians and that any examples to the contrary were a result of mistaken fire . It was a claim quickly dismissed by the by human rights organizations and the Israeli government . `` Hamas can spin the story and deny the evidence , but hundreds of rockets rained down on civilian areas in Israel where no military installations were located , '' Joe Stork , deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch said in a statement . `` Hamas leaders at the time indicated they were intending to harm civilians . '' | Israeli report justifies military actions in 2009 Gaza offensive . U.N. report accused Israel and Hamas of `` actions amounting to war crimes '' U.N. called for both sides to set up independent panels to look into charges . | [[52, 179], [826, 930], [2245, 2264], [2338, 2475], [826, 930], [900, 1083], [2738, 2890]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Legendary performers mingled with Washington heavyweights as the 32nd annual Kennedy Center Honors paid tribute to five people on Sunday night . `` On a day like this , I remember , I 'm the president , but he 's ` The Boss , ' '' President Obama said as he saluted Bruce Springsteen . The singer and songwriter was honored for his lifetime of contributions to the performing arts , as were writer , composer , actor , director and producer Mel Brooks ; pianist and composer Dave Brubeck ; opera singer Grace Bumbry ; and actor , director and producer Robert De Niro . Notables such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , broadcaster Barbara Walters and television personality Jon Stewart helped fete the performers . Describing the honorees , the Kennedy Center said : `` With his hilarious movies and musicals , Mel Brooks has created comedic gems that will keep us laughing for years to come . Dave Brubeck 's genius has dazzled us for six decades and has helped to define an American art form . Grace Bumbry helped to break the color barrier on her way to one of the most illustrious operatic careers in the 20th century . `` One of America 's greatest cinematic actors , Robert De Niro has demonstrated a legendary commitment to his characters and has co-founded one of the world 's major film festivals . With his gritty and honest songs that speak to the everyman , Bruce Springsteen has always had his finger on the pulse of America . '' The honorees are selected by the Kennedy Center 's Board of Trustees based on contributions to American culture , through dance , music , opera , theater , movies or television . This year 's celebration is to be shown in a two-hour special on CBS on December 29 . | Among those honored : Actor Robert de Niro , singer Bruce Springsteen . Writer/actor/director Mel Brooks , jazz great Dave Brubeck , opera singer Grace Bumbry also on list . President Obama , TV personality Jon Stewart among those saluting honorees . | [[316, 341], [416, 481]] |
LAGOS , Nigeria -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Kashi Shodeinde turned the ignition and his battered truck convulsed as black fumes poured from the exhaust . His precious cargo of bottled Guinness beer rattled as he set off into the gauntlet of Lagos ' potholed roads and traffic . Nigeria consumes more Guinness beer than Ireland , the company says . Working for a foreign company to send his three children to school , Shodeinde is on the frontline of private investors ' struggle to gain a foothold in Nigeria . `` In the whole of Nigeria , Guinness is No. 1 ! '' he exclaimed . Brewed in Nigeria since 1962 , the country 's thicker-tasting `` Foreign Extra '' is not just supporting Shodeinde and his family , but helped Guinness Nigeria defy the global recession with 6 percent annual growth this year , according to the company . Nigeria now drinks more Guinness than Ireland -- making it the second-biggest consumer in the world , after Britain , according to Guinness Nigeria . A success story like Guinness in Nigeria highlights the potential for trade and foreign investment in Africa that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke about last week when she addressed an African trade convention in Kenya . `` Africa is capable , and is making economic progress . In fact , one does n't have to look far to see that Africa is ripe with opportunities , some already realized , and others waiting to be seized together if we determine to do so , '' Clinton said . She is on a tour of Africa to promote development and good governance , and to underscore the Obama administration 's commitment to Africa . Nigeria is one of several countries on her itinerary . But many challenges keep foreign businesses from coming to Nigeria . Regarded as a frontier market , Nigeria is ranked 118 out of 187 in the World Bank 's `` Doing Business '' rankings . Failing infrastructure , irregular electricity and erratic government policies have caused foreign investors to shy from Nigeria 's relatively untapped market of 150 million people . `` Nigeria remains an information dark spot and therefore does itself no advantage in terms of trying to attract foreign investment , '' said Doyin Salami , an economist at Lagos Business School . The Dunlop and Michelin tire companies have in recent years closed their factories in Nigeria , because of the rising cost of production . Yet , Nigeria Guinness is expanding its facilities to increase production . `` Business is really growing , '' said Afebuameh Cephas , the plant manager for Guinness ' Benin factory , saying production was up almost 30 percent in a year . All the ingredients are produced locally -- except for Guinness extract , a secret ingredient added to Guinness brewed anywhere in the world . But there 's no secret to Guinness ' Nigeria success , said Chairman Tunde Savage . `` The most important thing here is you have to be very transparent in what you do . Your governing principle must be very clear here . You must ensure you do things correctly and rightly . '' Fortunately for competitors , Guinness is not to everyone 's taste . Bottles of all shapes and flavors rattled on a bar table in Lagos one recent night as a band struck a deep bass note in the humidity of the night . `` It 's too harsh ! It 's too harsh ! '' one regular exclaimed . `` It tastes good for an African man ! '' argued another . | Guinness beer plant in Nigeria expanding facilities as business thrives . Guinness success story highlights potential for foreign investment in Africa . But other foreign companies have pulled out of Nigeria , citing rising production costs . Problems with infrastructure , government make some hesitate to invest in Nigeria . | [[2364, 2367], [2370, 2439], [973, 1081], [2225, 2263], [2285, 2318], [2321, 2363], [441, 501], [1662, 1726], [1845, 1891], [1845, 2027], [1936, 2027]] |
London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he would have taken the decision to remove Saddam Hussein even without evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq . In an excerpt from a BBC interview to be aired Sunday , Blair said : `` I would still have thought it right to remove him . I mean obviously you would have had to use and deploy different arguments , about the nature of the threat . '' Blair , who left office in 2007 and now serves as a special envoy to the Middle East , will be questioned next year at an inquiry into Britain 's role in the 2003 conflict . At the time of the conflict the British government based its decision to go to war on evidence , contained within a dossier it published in September 2002 , that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction -LRB- WMDs -RRB- ready to deploy within 45 minutes . But critics of the war claim the Bush administration had decided to remove the Iraqi dictator by force by the end of 2002 and that Blair was aware of this and had offered his support . The current inquiry is not a court of law , so it can not find anyone criminally responsible or even apportion blame . But inquiry members will be able to judge the legality of the conflict . Despite doubts about Iraq 's WMDs , Blair was defiant about the need for regime change in Baghdad for the sake of peace in the region . He told the BBC : `` I ca n't really think we 'd be better with him and his two sons still in charge , but it 's incredibly difficult and I totally understand . `` That 's why I sympathize with the people who were against -LSB- the war -RSB- for perfectly good reasons and are against it now , but for me , you know , in the end I had to take the decision . `` It was the notion of him as a threat to the region , of which the development of WMD was obviously one . He used chemical weapons on his own people , so this was obviously the thing that was uppermost in my mind . '' Last month , Blair denied a claims that Peter Goldsmith , Britain 's Attorney General at the time of the Iraq war , was `` bullied '' into declaring that the invasion was legal . According to reports in the British media , Goldsmith warned Blair the invasion was a serious breach of international law in an `` uncompromising letter '' in July 2002 , eight months before the campaign . In an interview with CNN , the former premier refuted the claim but accepted his reputation had been called into question many times over Iraq . `` Over the years I 've answered questions time and time again about it -LSB- the invasion -RSB- and am happy to do so again , '' he said . `` It was an important decision , and it was a momentous decision in terms of your country and in terms of mine . `` But one of the things you learn as leader of a country is that you have the responsibility to take decisions . Some of those decisions are difficult decisions and some are very controversial ... sometimes they can be very bitter , very difficult . That 's part of being a leader . '' Britain has already held four hearings about the Iraq war . But because all were held before the end of 2004 -- so close to the start of the war -- they were hampered by limited information , political analyst Glen Rangwala of Cambridge University told CNN . `` They did n't manage to achieve anything like a comprehensive understanding of the paths that led the UK to support the United States in the invasion , '' he said . `` This will be the first to look at political decision-making that led to the British invasion of 2003 , with the potential to tell a full story . '' Britain 's first two inquiries were held by government committees in 2003 . The House of Commons Select Committee on Foreign Affairs examined whether Britain 's Foreign Office gave accurate and complete information to Parliament in the run-up to the war . It found the government exerted no improper influence on the drafting of the dossier given to Parliament on Iraq 's alleged weapons of mass destruction . The Intelligence and Security Committee then examined whether intelligence about Iraq and its weapons was properly assessed and accurately reflected in government publications . Its findings were mixed . The next two inquiries had narrow mandates , looking at specific aspects of the war . The Hutton report from January 2004 investigated the death of David Kelly , a leading microbiologist and former U.N. weapons inspector who committed suicide months earlier . Kelly had worked for the British Ministry of Defence , advising it on Iraq 's weapons of mass destruction , but was later found to be the source of a BBC report that said the government had exaggerated evidence to justify war on Iraq . Following that came the Butler inquiry , which looked at the accuracy of intelligence on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and elsewhere . It found some of the intelligence sources were `` seriously flawed , '' but that there was no evidence of deliberate distortion or culpable negligence by spy agencies . | Former British PM Tony Blair tells BBC it was right to remove Saddam Hussein , sons from Iraq . Blair faces a British inquiry into the country 's role in the 2003 conflict . Britain based its decision to go to war on evidence Saddam had weapons of mass destruction . Critics argue Blair government had exaggerated evidence to justify war on Iraq . | [[1380, 1395], [439, 444], [519, 612], [613, 707], [4628, 4640], [4646, 4715]] |
TEHRAN , Iran -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iran 's supreme leader is warning the thousands of people who have been protesting last week 's presidential vote to maintain self-restraint or face a stiff reaction from authorities . Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks to a crowd in Tehran during Friday prayers . Members of the opposition -- who have staged noisy demonstrations for the last six days to protest what they believe was a rigged election -- are weighing their options after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei drew a line in the sand during his all-important sermon during Friday prayers . The supreme leader declared last week 's presidential election a `` definitive victory '' for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and sloughed off charges of vote tampering . `` Any extremist move will fan up another extremist move , '' said Khamenei , who criticized the street protests and said those who caused violence during demonstrations would be held accountable . `` If the political elite want to ignore law and break the law and take wrong measures which are harmful willy nilly , they will be held accountable for all the violence and blood and rioting . '' Khamenei called on those who do n't believe the results to use proper legal avenues , such as requesting a recount they could observe . Watch Khamenei deny allegations of vote-rigging '' He did not , however , issue a call for a new vote -- a move that opposition leaders such as Mir Hossein Moussavi have been demanding . Instead , he passionately defended the election as he addressed a crowd at Tehran University . The election is expected to be a topic of conversation on Saturday before the Guardian Council , which supervises the country 's elections . A council official said the body has invited three candidates -- Moussavi , Mehdi Barrubi , and Mohsen Rezaie -- to its meeting to discuss any issues they see fit , according to the Islamic Republic News Agency . Watch Khamenei defend the outcome of the election '' More protest rallies are planned for Saturday -- one sponsored by supporters of opposition candidates Moussavi and Karrubi and another by supporters of former President Mohammed Khatami . While both camps said they had no plans to cancel the marches , the Interior Ministry told FARS news agency there were no permits issued for either event . Analysts and observers are now debating what will happen next as more developments emerged on Friday . `` We do not yet know whether Ahmadinejad will stay , whether Mousavi will somehow be given a second chance , and if the ongoing political struggle will affect the security of the Supreme Leader , '' Anthony H. Cordesman of the Center for Strategic & International Studies wrote in a paper published Friday after the speech . Watch CNN 's Christiane Amanpour describe what she saw while reporting on Iran election '' He said that it 's clear Khamenei is backing Ahmadinejad and any review of the election will be under those loyal to the supreme leader . But at the same time , Khamenei `` can not put this genie back in the bottle . '' `` Whatever happens , if Ahmadinejad stays without a truly legitimate election , the result will fester , not go away . Every embarrassing new piece of excessive rhetoric , every new threat to Iran 's neighbors , every new problem in the economy , and every new act of social repression will be a reminder of the fact that Iran 's leadership has questionable legitimacy at best , '' Cordesman wrote . Human rights monitor Amnesty International issued a statement on Friday saying Khamenei 's sermon `` indicates the authorities ' readiness to launch violent crackdowns if people continue to protest which may cause a widespread loss of life . '' `` We are extremely disturbed at statements made by Ayatollah Khamenei which seem to give the green light to security forces to violently handle protesters exercising their right to demonstrate and express their views , '' said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui , Amnesty 's deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program . `` If large numbers of people take to the street in protests in the next couple of days , we fear that they will face arbitrary arrest and excessive use of force , as has happened in recent days . '' The group said Khamenei should have warned security to act with restraint . `` For a head of state to put the onus of security on peaceful demonstrators and not on the security forces is a gross dereliction of duty and a license for abuse , '' Sahraoui said on Friday . Ahmadinejad got more than 24 million votes , defeating Moussavi , his main challenger , Khamenei said . He called the result plausible . `` Eleven million votes difference ? Sometimes there 's a margin of 100,000 , 200,000 , or 1 million maximum . Then one can doubt maybe there has been some rigging or manipulation or irregularities . But there 's a difference of 11 million votes . How can vote rigging happen ? '' he asked . He lauded the election as a `` political earthquake . '' `` It was a great manifestation of people 's participation in the affairs of their country . It depicted very well people 's solidarity with their establishment , '' he said . Khamenei praised the 85 percent voter turnout of about 40 million people , but said that some critics `` wanted to indicate that as a doubtful victory ; some even wanted to show that this is a national defeat . They wanted to give you bad taste in the mouth . '' He also criticized what he said was a media narrative that the election pitted people who support the government against those who do n't . He said all four candidates support the Islamic revolution . `` Enemies try through various media , and some of those media belong to the Zionists , ill-wishers . They try to make believe in those media that there is a fight between supporters of the Islamic establishment and the opposition . No , that 's not true , '' he said . Watch CNN 's Kara Finnstrom on how information is coming out of Iran '' At various junctures through the talk , the crowd chanted `` Allah is Great , '' `` Death to Israel , '' `` Death to America , '' and `` Death to Britain . '' The supreme leader took on the United States , Britain , and Israel and apparently people in Iran , accusing them of manipulating and undermining the process . The comments prompted Britain 's Foreign Office to summon Iran 's ambassador to Britain . Watch how world has reacted to the election '' The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday overwhelmingly approved a resolution that supports `` all Iranians who embrace the values of freedom , human rights , civil liberties and the rule of law . '' A similar measure was being prepared in the Senate . And President Obama , in an interview with CBS News , said he was `` very concerned -- based on some of the tenor and tone of the statements that have been made -- that the government of Iran recognize that the world is watching . `` And how they approach and deal with people who are , through peaceful means , trying to be heard will , I think , send a pretty clear signal to the international community about what Iran is and is not , '' Obama said . Since Iran 's 1979 Islamic revolution , sermons during Friday prayers have been delivered by prominent officials , including by the supreme leader on usually important occasions . This appearance comes at what observers call a critical juncture in Iranian history , and since last Friday , tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Iran 's capital to protest the election results . When Iranian TV airs Friday prayers , the camera regularly focuses on important officials . In this case , the event was noteworthy for who was and who was not there . iReport.com : Share images from Iran . Ahmadinejad and Rezaie were there , but Karrubi and Moussavi -- who called for a boycott of the prayers -- were not seen . Parliament speaker Ali Larijani , who has had a tense relationship in the past with Ahmadinejad , was sitting next to the president . But former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani , who has been in a power struggle with Khamenei , was n't shown on the TV broadcast . Rafsanjani is chairman of the Assembly of Experts -- which is responsible for appointing or removing the supreme leader and monitoring that body 's attitudes toward Khamenei . Khamenei remained staunch in his defense of Ahmadinejad , saying his views were closer to the president 's than to those of Hashemi Rafsanjani , a supporter of Moussavi . The supreme leader at the same time defended Rafsanjani from charges of corruption made by the president during the presidential debate . However , he opened the door to corruption charges against Rafsanjani 's relatives . Khatami , a supporter of Moussavi , was n't seen as well . In discussing Iran 's support of human rights , Khamenei slammed U.S. policies in Afghanistan and Iraq . There have been arrests and casualties since the election , with Amnesty International saying reports suggest up to 15 people have died . The government maintains the death toll is seven . An activist told CNN that the death toll has climbed to 32 across the nation , with 12 of those victims in Tehran . Iranian TV Thursday night aired confessions from people who authorities say were paid to destabilize Iran . TV aired remarks from some `` terrorists '' who said the United States paid them to come from Iraq to Iran for the purposes of committing terrorist acts against the Iranian leadership . CNN 's Badi Badiozamani , Christiane Amanpour and Joe Sterling contributed to this report . | Ayatollah Khamenei urges demonstrators to maintain self-restraint . He criticizes protests , says those who caused violence would be held accountable . He also criticizes international media for how they have portrayed the election . Khamenei says candidates can make appeals through legal avenues . | [[814, 816], [822, 830], [872, 952], [822, 830], [837, 867], [1070, 1146], [5425, 5427], [5433, 5478], [6377, 6423], [1169, 1174], [1179, 1264]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A woman convicted in the 2002 kidnapping of Utah teenager Elizabeth Smart pleaded guilty in the attempted kidnapping of Smart 's cousin a month later , court officials said Monday . In exchange for Wanda Barzee 's plea of guilty but mentally ill to one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping , prosecutors dropped state charges against her in Smart 's abduction , said Nancy Volmer , spokeswoman for Utah state courts . Barzee , 64 , pleaded guilty in November to federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor in connection with Smart 's abduction . As part of that plea agreement , she agreed to cooperate with the state and federal cases against her husband , Brian David Mitchell , federal prosecutors have said . Barzee and Mitchell were accused of abducting Smart , then 14 , at knifepoint from her bedroom in her family 's Salt Lake City home in June 2002 . Smart was found nine months later , walking down a street in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy , Utah , in the company of Barzee and Mitchell , a drifter and self-described prophet who calls himself Emmanuel and had done some handyman work at the Smarts ' home . The month after Smart was kidnapped , prosecutors alleged , Barzee and Mitchell attempted to break into the home of her cousin , but were unsuccessful . The girl was 15 years old at the time , according to CNN affiliate KSL . She is not named in court documents . `` Mr. Mitchell 's attempt was thwarted when the minor child awakened , which caused Mr. Mitchell to flee , '' the court documents said . Following her arrest in 2003 , Barzee told authorities that she and Mitchell went to the home in order to abduct the girl , and planned to hold her , along with Smart , in the couple 's camp in the mountains , according to court documents . Sentencing is set for May 21 on the state charge , Volmer said . Barzee faces between one and 15 years in prison , but prosecutors have agreed to allow that sentence to run concurrently with her federal sentence , according to court documents . Federal prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 15 years in prison for her in exchange for her cooperation against Mitchell . Federal sentencing was set for May 19 , but a spokeswoman for federal prosecutors has said a sentence would not be imposed until Barzee 's cooperation against Mitchell is complete . At the hearing in federal court , Barzee apologized to Smart , according to a transcript . `` I 'm greatly humbled as I realize how much Elizabeth Smart has been victimized and the role I played in it , '' she said . `` I 'm so sorry , Elizabeth , for all the pain and suffering I have caused you and your family . It is my hope that you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive me one day . '' Barzee had been housed at the Utah State Hospital while courts determined her competency as well as Mitchell 's . After years of being declared incompetent , she recently was declared competent to stand trial , according to the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper . A state court had ruled she could be forcibly medicated , and that ruling led federal prosecutors to proceed with bringing a case against the couple , the Tribune said . At a competency hearing for Mitchell in October , Smart , now 21 , testified that she had been held captive in Utah and California . Just after her abduction , Mitchell took her to a wooded area behind her home and performed a mock marriage ceremony with her , she said . During the nine months of her captivity , Smart testified , no 24-hour period passed without her being raped by Mitchell . U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball has not yet ruled on Mitchell 's competency . State court proceedings are on hold pending the outcome of the federal case . CNN 's Ashley Hayes and Eliott McLaughlin contributed to this report . | In exchange for plea , Barzee 's state charges in Smart 's abduction have been dropped . Prosecutors : Barzee , husband tried to kidnap Smart 's cousin month after taking Smart . Barzee , husband kidnapped Smart -- then 14 -- in Utah in 2002 , prosecutors say . Barzee already has pleaded guilty to federal charges in Smart 's abduction . | [[201, 260], [326, 393], [111, 168], [1183, 1218], [1221, 1309], [772, 833], [452, 458], [466, 604]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When I first joined the Navy , I had no idea that I was gay . I was well into my career when I realized this fact , but I was doing well as evidenced by the awards and promotions I was receiving . In addition , I really enjoyed what I was doing and felt I was making a difference . So I opted to continue to serve , even though I knew that I would have to hide my true identity . For most of my career in the Navy , I lived two lives and went to work each day wondering if that would be my last . Whenever the admiral would call me to his office , 99.9 percent of me was certain that it was to discuss an operational issue . But there was always that fear in the back of my mind that somehow I had been `` outed , '' and he was calling me to his office to tell me that I was fired . So many simple things that straight people take for granted could have ended my career , even a comment such as `` My partner and I went to the movies last night . '' Do you think `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' should be reversed ? In spite of the stress of living under `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' and the constant fear of losing my job , somehow my partner , Lynne Kennedy , an openly gay reference librarian at the Library of Congress , and I had learned to deal with the policy and make the requisite sacrifices . I had pretended to be straight and played the games most gays in the military are all too familiar with -- not daring to have a picture of Lynne on my desk , being reluctant to go out to dinner with her , telling her not to call me at work except in a real emergency , not going to church together , avoiding shopping for groceries together and generally staying out of sight of anyone I knew when we were together . I did n't want to have to lie about who Lynne was or have someone conclude that we were more than casual friends . But it was the events of September 11 , 2001 , that caused me to appreciate fully the true impact of `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' on our lives . At 8:30 a.m. on September 11 , I went to a meeting in the Pentagon . At 9:30 a.m. I left that meeting . At 9:37 a.m. , American Airlines Flight No. 77 slammed into the Pentagon and destroyed the exact space I had left less than eight minutes earlier , killing seven of my colleagues . In the days and weeks that followed , I went to several funerals and memorial services for shipmates who had been killed . Most of my co-workers attended these services with their spouses whose support was critical at this difficult time , yet I was forced to go alone . As the numbness began to wear off , it hit me how incredibly alone Lynne would have been had I been killed . The military is known for how it pulls together and helps people ; we talk of the `` military family , '' which is a way of saying we always look after each other , especially in times of need . But none of that support would have been available for Lynne , because under `` do n't ask , do n't tell , '' she could n't exist . In fact , Lynne would have been one of the last people to know had I been killed , because nowhere in my paperwork or emergency contact information had I dared to list her name . This realization caused us to stop and reassess exactly what was most important in our lives . During that process , we realized that the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy was causing us to make a much bigger sacrifice than either of us had ever admitted . Eight months later , in June 2002 , I retired after more than 29 years in the U.S. Navy , an organization I will always love and respect . We are now committed to doing everything we possibly can to get rid of `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' so that our military can finally be open to all qualified and motivated individuals who want to serve their country . As a retired naval officer , I am especially pleased with the leadership that Navy Adm. Michael Mullen , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , has demonstrated on repeal of `` do n't ask , do n't tell . '' I believe that the end of the policy is in sight . I have every confidence that our military will easily adjust to this change and that with strong leadership , we will ultimately be stronger and better for it . Ironically , it was in the military that I learned to work with people of different backgrounds , different religions , different ethnicities and different skin colors and to focus on getting the mission accomplished . I learned the importance of respecting everyone and judging people on their performance and abilities , not on a preconceived prejudice . Twenty-six countries allow gays to serve openly in their militaries , and from all reports , things are going just fine . This is the right step for our country , our military and for gay people both currently serving and those who would like to be part of the world 's finest military . I have great love and respect for our country , but I know we can do better than `` do n't ask , do n't tell . '' The opinions in this commentary are solely those of Joan E. Darrah . | Joan E. Darrah says she lived two lives in the Navy , wondering if each day was the last . Darrah says she pretended her partner did n't exist , that she was straight , avoided people . She says a close brush with death on 9/11 caused her to reassess life under policy . Darrah : `` I know we can do better than ` do n't ask , do n't tell ' '' | [[399, 432], [435, 452], [399, 432], [435, 436], [457, 488], [470, 491], [497, 515], [1323, 1353], [4910, 4961]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Thirty to 40 ships -- including several passenger ships -- were stuck Thursday in ice off the coast of Sweden , said a spokesman for the Maritime Search and Rescue Center in Gothenburg , Sweden . The area of the Baltic Sea worst hit by the ice were the waters bounded by mainland Sweden , the Stockholm archipelago and the Finnish island of Aland , said Tommy Gardebring , press officer with the Swedish Maritime Administration . The center identified one of the passenger ships as the Amorella , with 753 passengers and 190 crew members . Several passenger vessels from Viking Line were stuck , he said . One of them had been freed . `` It has been a lot colder than normal in the southern parts of the Baltic sea , but in the north all is normal with normal levels of ice , '' Gardebring said . `` However , in the worst-affected areas , the ice breakers that normally operate have n't been able to cope with the ice , which is why we are sending additional ice breakers . '' The extra help was expected to arrive around midnight -LRB- 6 p.m. ET -RRB- , he said . `` There was never any danger for the safety of the vessels , but we have increased our preparedness , just in case , since the ice puts a lot of pressure on the sides of the ships , '' Gardebring said . He predicted that most of the ships would be freed by Friday . CNN 's Per Nyberg and Claudia Rebaza contributed to this story from London , England . | Up to 40 ships trapped in iced Baltic Sea off Sweden . Rescue center sending extra icebreakers to help free the ships . Spokesman expects most of the ships will be freed by Friday . | [[0, 15], [51, 74], [78, 104], [930, 937], [946, 993], [1289, 1351], [1307, 1351]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Flights transporting critically injured Haitians into the United States will resume within a few hours , the White House announced Sunday afternoon . The flights were temporarily suspended because of logistical issues including space to care for the injured , White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said Saturday . `` Having received assurances that additional capacity exists both here and among our international partners , we determined that we can resume these critical flights , '' he said in a statement Sunday . Full coverage . The statement , released Sunday afternoon , said flights would resume `` in the next 12 hours . '' The evacuated patients are those whose medical needs could not be met by doctors working in Haiti . Nearly 23,000 people have been seen by U.S. personnel since the January 12 earthquake , Vietor said . Some volunteer American doctors in Haiti expect the flights to resume at 11 a.m. Monday , according to Nery Ynclan , a spokeswoman for Dr. Barth Green , of the University of Miami , who is leading a team of volunteers in Port-au-Prince . Airlifts stopped after there were `` concerns about the strain on domestic health capacity , '' Vietor said . But officials have increased the ability to care for patients through a network of nonprofits and U.S. hospitals , he said . But earlier reports also cited questions over who would pay for patients ' care . The missing , the found , the victims . The flights stopped Wednesday when some states refused to allow entry to Haitians needing care , according to Navy Capt. Kevin Aandahl , a spokesman for the U.S. Transportation Command . He would not say which states objected . In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius obtained by CNN , Florida Gov. Charlie Crist asked that the federal government activate the National Disaster Medical System to provide reimbursement to Florida and other states for taking in the patients , who have no insurance . Florida 's health facilities were already strained by winter tourism and seasonal residence migration , Crist said in the letter . But Florida officials said Saturday that the state was committed to assisting Haitian quake victims and had not asked the airlifts be halted . Florida will play a role in caregiving once flights resume . The state has identified medical facilities that could take in victims , Vietor said in Sunday 's statement . CNN 's Susan Candiotti and Rachel Streitfeld contributed to this report . | White House spokesman : Flights had been temporarily suspended because of logistical issues . Spokesman says there were `` concerns about the strain on domestic health capacity '' Evacuated patients are those whose medical needs could n't be met in Haiti after quake . White House has `` received assurances that additional capacity exists '' | [[180, 287], [1100, 1190], [1100, 1190], [660, 740], [683, 698], [707, 759], [344, 449]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Remember Conficker ? About 5 million computers still are believed to be infected with the Conficker worm . The hugely talked-about computer worm seemed poised to wreak havoc on the world 's machines on April Fool 's Day . And then ... nothing much happened . But while the doom and gloom forecast for the massive botnet -- a remotely controlled network that security experts say infected about 5 million computers -- never came to pass , Conficker is still making some worm hunters nervous . Phillip Porras , program director at SRI International , a nonprofit research group , said Conficker infects millions of machines around the world . And the malware 's author or authors could use that infected network to steal information or make money off of the compromised computer users . `` Conficker does stand out as one of those bots that is very large and has been able to sustain itself on the Web , '' which is rare , said Porras , who also is a member of the international group tracking Conficker . Still , computer users , even those infected with Conficker , have n't seen much in the way of terrifying results . After the botnet relaunched April 1 , it gained further access to an army of computers that the program 's author or authors could control . The only thing the author or authors have done with that power , though , is to try to sell fake computer-security software to a relatively small segment of Conficker-stricken computers , Porras said . The lack of a major attack has led some people in the security community to assume that the worm is basically dead . Mikko Hypponen , chief research officer with F-Secure , an Internet security company , says the people who created Conficker would have launched a major offensive by now if they were going to . Hypponen , who is scheduled to speak about the Conficker botnet next week at Black Hat , a major computer security conference , said he thinks whoever made Conficker did n't mean for the worm to get so large , as the size of the botnet drew widespread attention from the security community and the media . `` This gang , they knew their stuff . They used cutting-edge technology that we had never before . ... I 've been working in viruses for 20 years , and there were several things that I 'd never seen at all , '' he said . `` That , to me , would tell that perhaps this is a new group or a new gang , someone who tried it for the first time . '' He added , `` The more experienced attackers do n't let their viruses or their worms spread this widely . They , on purpose , keep their viruses smaller in size in order to keep them from headlines . '' Veteran botnet creators tend to hold the size of the malicious networks to about 2,000 to 10,000 computers to keep from being noticed , he said . `` Even if the -LSB- Conficker -RSB- gang would want to continue operations , most likely they would drop the current botnet and start something new , '' he said . Don DeBolt , director of threat research for CA , an information technology company , said researchers are still watching Conficker . `` It 's still being tracked , so it is still active out there , but certainly the threat has been mitigated by all of the attention and focus that it has received , '' he said . DeBolt said the press hyped the Conficker story because it was tied to April Fool 's Day and because it made so many computers vulnerable to attack . He said other viruses and botnets pose more serious threats . Graham Cluley , senior technology consultant at Sophos , a computer security company , said the infected Conficker network is still growing . `` The interesting thing is , the hackers never really did much with the botnet that they created . So they created an army of lots and lots of computers ... but they 've never really done anything with it , '' he said . `` They were almost frightened off doing it . '' Others disagree with that assessment . Hypponen said Conficker was not hype ; it was the largest network of its kind seen since 2003 and deserved the attention it got from the security community and from the public . Porras said theories about the the motives of Conficker 's creator are based on speculation . The important thing , he said , is that security experts will continue to work to reduce the number of computers infected with the worm . | Conficker , a feared computer worm , has n't caused much damage yet . Security experts disagree about whether Conficker threat has passed . Worm made news because of an supposed April Fool 's Day attack . Some infected computers have received malicious anti-virus software . | [[1023, 1028], [1031, 1047], [1085, 1138], [3894, 3932], [3282, 3370]] |
Editor 's note : Roland S. Martin , a CNN political analyst , is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of `` Listening to the Spirit Within : 50 Perspectives on Faith , '' and the forthcoming book , `` The First : President Barack Obama 's Road to the White House . '' He is a commentator for TV One Cable Network and host of a one-hour Sunday morning news show . As a columnist , I 'm used to writing things that offend other folks . It comes with the job . And there are times when I have responded to what other folks in the media will say and write . Again , it 's just what we do . There have been a number of things I 've read and heard over the past few months , but one that has totally ticked me off is the recent column by ESPN 's Rick Reilly in the March 22 issue of ESPN The Magazine . Reilly uses his column to personally attack Greg Wise , the boys head basketball coach at Jack Yates High School in Houston , Texas . In the despicable piece , Reilly tries to link Wise with a fight in the parking lot after Yates destroyed archrival Booker T. Washington . Apparently shots were fired , and in Reilly 's world , it 's all tied to Yates beating them 132-68 . So I wonder if Reilly blames Gary Williams for Maryland upsetting No. 4 ranked Duke , this leading to fans going bonkers -- some say riot -- and 28 people getting arrested . I 've seen folks fight after one-point losses ; that 's just what happens when dumb folks talk trash in the parking lot . They either duke it out with fists , or these days , pull out a gun to make their point . Reilly then has the gall to say that the school district in Houston needs to intervene to `` stop '' Wise , even suggesting that Yates Principal Ronald Mumphery should `` grow a pair . '' So what do you propose Rick ? Tell him not to blow other teams out ? So the next time we see a 59-0 or 77-0 score in football , are we to scold the coach and tell him he will be suspended if his teams keeps scoring points ? Should Bob Stoops have been put on administrative leave when his Sooners destroyed my Aggies 77-0 ? In fact , last year Oklahoma beat my Aggies 65-10 . Hey , Rick , was n't 45 , 50 , 60 or even 70 enough for Stoops ? Why 77 points ? The Reillys of the world will remark that , `` Oh , these are poor high school students . Their self-esteem will be hurt by this . '' Bullcrap , Rick . Yes , Yates has blown teams out by 50 , 60 and even 100 points . When you 're good , it happens . Let me be clear : I 'm not objective on this issue . I graduated from Yates in 1987 , where I attended the Magnet School of Communications . I watched Yates in 1985 win the football state championship by going undefeated and blowing out teams every week . That team set a state record for most points and set about another 20 records . They were just as dominating in football as this year 's basketball team . What wimps like Reilly object to is Wise teaching his team to press , press and press . Yates used this strategy to win the Class 4A state championship last year , and this weekend will try to win another title . They play all 15 guys and rotate them in and out . They wear the opposing team out , forcing them to commit turnover after turnover . On the side of their championship rings is the slogan , `` 32 minutes of hell . '' It 's similar to what Nolan Richardson 's Arkansas teams were nicknamed , `` 40 minutes of hell . ' Guys like Reilly love to jump on the poor souls campaign . But I learned a long time ago that when you put on your uniform and lace 'em up , you stand a chance of getting your butt kicked . That 's all a part of the game . What guys like Reilly also do n't understand is that their words matter . And by writing such a horrible piece about Wise , he is creating an impression in folks ' mind nationally about Wise , and that can hurt him down the road . Right now I 'm reading Rus Bradburd 's book , `` Forty Minutes of Hell : The Extraordinary Life of Nolan Richardson . '' It tells the story of the famed Arkansas coach and the battles he had to fight to reach the top of the college basketball world . Bradburd tells the story of a number of black basketball coaches who never got a shot at the major jobs because of their race . He writes about how coaches like Richardson were denigrated for the frantic style of play , and assumed it was all about talent and not about coaching . But he also told an interesting story of how so many talented coaches at historically black colleges never got a shot at major Division 1-A coaching jobs because of their won-loss record . They were forced to take guaranteed money games against more talented teams , so when it was time for the NCAA tournament , the teams had poor records , and that did n't reflect well on the coach . Bottom line : The record of the coach played a role in getting their next job . And sportswriters , as Bradburd writes , tend to shape the views of the public based on what they write , and that can be damaging to anyone 's career . Folks , for any college looking to revive their basketball team -- Richardson took a dormant Tulsa team and won the NIT title and led them to the NCAA -- Greg Wise would be a great hire . His team finished 34-1 last year , and this year they are 32-0 , and with two games left , can claim back-to-back titles . Are you telling me that a coach who is 66-1 in two years should be , as Reilly wrote , `` dipped in seal butter and dropped into a polar bear 's cage ? '' No ! He should be celebrated for being successful . The game is about winning , right ? Not only that , Yates has a great group of kids -LRB- I 've met most of them -RRB- . They study , are polite , do n't get into trouble and are all-around good kids . At the end of the day , they are damn good and folks like Reilly just do n't like it . By the way : Reilly , who ESPN pays a ton of dough , wrote this about Wise : `` He tried to break the record for most 100-point games in a row -LRB- and failed -RRB- . '' Rick , you are dead wrong . This past weekend , Yates scored 100 points for the 14th consecutive game , tying the national record set by Hobbs of New Mexico team in 1969-70 . -LRB- On Thursday night , they scored 106 points to set the new national record . -RRB- . A simple fact check would have discovered that . It 's no surprise Reilly was entirely wrong about Yates ' Greg Wise . He could not even get this basic fact right . Rick , use some of that fat ESPN money , stop reading what others write about Yates , and take a simple trip down to Houston to see this mighty Jack Yates team in person . You might learn a thing or two about a team that is full of class and the pride of Third Ward . I 'm proud of these young men , and even more proud of their coach , who is a role model to them . Is n't that what we want our coaches to be ? The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Roland Martin . | Roland Martin 's old high school has nation 's best basketball team . Rick Reilly of ESPN wrote a column blasting coach for running up the score . Roland Martin says there 's nothing wrong with the way team plays . | [[681, 804]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Republican Scott Brown was sworn in Thursday as the new U.S. senator from Massachusetts to fill the seat formerly held by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy , and immediately signaled opposition to President Obama 's spending plans . Brown 's new Senate colleagues applauded after the ceremony on the floor of the Senate chamber conducted by Vice President Joe Biden , in his capacity as president of the Senate . Democratic Sen. John Kerry , also of Massachusetts , and Brown 's wife , Gail Huff , accompanied Brown into the chamber . At a news conference after the ceremony , Brown thanked Massachusetts voters who gave him a surprise victory in the January 19 special election in a state that had not elected a Republican senator since 1972 . `` I ca n't promise I 'll be right in every vote I make . I 'm sure I 'll make mistakes from time to time , '' Brown said . `` But I will try to learn and grow and do the very best job I can on a day-to-day basis . '' Brown 's election victory stripped Senate Democrats of their 60-seat Senate supermajority , imperiling the ability of Obama and Democrats to push major legislative priorities such as health care reform through Congress . The Republican upset in Massachusetts also raised fears among many congressional Democrats of a potential GOP landslide in November 's midterm elections . A fiscal conservative who holds some moderate views , Brown was noncommittal on whether he would support a Republican filibuster in coming Senate consideration of some Obama nominees for government posts . He also said he needed to talk to generals in the field before deciding to support Obama 's call , supported by top military leaders , to repeal the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy regarding a ban on gays in the military . Brown made clear he opposes the spending policies of the Obama administration , stating that the $ 862 billion stimulus bill passed last year `` did n't create one new job '' in Massachusetts or across the country . He also said Congress should start over on health care with bipartisan talks , instead of continuing work on separate comprehensive bills passed by the House and Senate . That prompted a response later from Jay Carney , spokesman for Biden , who said , `` Anyone can go to recovery.gov -LRB- on the Internet -RRB- and see that Massachusetts state and local government , businesses and community organizations have already reported directly funding over 9,000 jobs in the state last year -- and that 's based on a only a portion of the total $ 8.4 billion in -LRB- stimulus -RRB- funds that have already gone to Massachusetts . '' He also said Congress should start over on health care with bipartisan talks , instead of continuing work on separate comprehensive bills passed by the House and Senate . At the same time , Brown said he would consider each piece of legislation on merit , rather than whether it was proposed by one party or another . `` If I see a bill that 's good for my state first , I do n't care where it comes from , '' Brown said . `` If it 's good for Massachusetts , I 'll consider it . '' Thursday 's ceremony occurred a week earlier than originally planned . Massachusetts officials had said it would take a few weeks after the election to certify the result of Brown 's victory . In a letter to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Secretary of State William Galvin on Wednesday , Brown 's attorney said the senator-elect had planned on being sworn in on February 11 , but had been told that several Senate votes would be held before then . `` For this reason , he wants certification to occur immediately , '' attorney Daniel Winslow wrote . The certification occurred Thursday , allowing Brown to officially fill his seat later in the day . `` There 's no hidden agenda , '' Brown said of his push to get certified this week instead of next . `` It 's because I want to get to work . '' Asked why his daughters did n't attend the swearing-in , Brown explained one of them , Ayla , had a college basketball game to play Thursday and the other , Arianna , had a college exam . `` The Bibles I used for today 's swearing-in belong to my daughters , and I stacked them one on top of the other and took my oath on them , '' Brown said . Brown will be taking over Kennedy 's coveted office space in the Senate Russell building . Sen. Paul Kirk , who was appointed to fill the seat after Kennedy 's death , currently occupies the office and will move out . Several Senate sources tell CNN that the Senate Rules Committee , which assigns office space , decided to give Brown the office space as a matter of convenience . Because of his seniority , Kennedy had one of the most coveted office suites in the Senate complex . It is located in the Russell building , down the hall from the Rotunda , and has balconies that overlook the Capitol . CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash contributed to this report . | NEW : Newly sworn-in senator stresses opposition to President Obama 's fiscal policies . NEW : Brown noncommittal on prospect of filibustering over some Obama nominees . Scott Brown is sworn into office Thursday , becoming crucial 41st GOP vote . Brown won a special election to fill the remainder of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy 's term . | [[1796, 1873], [1415, 1566], [0, 26], [30, 134], [118, 177]] |
Driftwood , Texas -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry won his state 's Republican gubernatorial primary outright on Tuesday , avoiding a potentially costly runoff election against Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison . Hutchison called Perry to concede the race after returns indicated that the governor was cruising toward a resounding victory in the closely-watched primary . `` Now we must unite , '' she said . `` We must win Texas for Republicans . '' Perry 's win ended a yearlong intra-party fight that was billed from the start as a clash of Texas political titans but ended with a whimper as Hutchison struggled to fight a tide of anti-Washington sentiment among conservatives . The governor cast his victory as a warning shot to Washington in the mold of recent GOP wins in the Virginia and New Jersey governor 's races and the Massachusetts special Senate election . `` I think the message is pretty clear , '' Perry told supporters at his election night party near Austin . `` Conservatism has never been stronger than it is today . '' Perry said the message to Washington was simple : `` Quit spending all the money , '' he said . `` Stop trying to take over our lives and our businesses . '' He added : `` Stop messing with Texas ! '' Perry , the longest serving governor in Texas history , is seeking a third full term in Austin . His opponent in the general election will be Democrat Bill White , the former Houston mayor who dispatched six opponents in the Democratic primary . With nearly two-thirds of precincts reporting , Perry maintained a 20-point lead over Hutchison and appeared to be on pace to cross the crucial 50 percent mark needed to avoid a six-week runoff election against the three-term senator , who began her gubernatorial bid as the prohibitive frontrunner but stumbled as Perry 's campaign cast her as a big-spending Washington insider . GOP activist Debra Medina , a conservative with strong support among Tea Party activists , looked to be headed for a third place finish . White , the popular former three-term mayor of Houston , the country 's fourth-largest city , predicted that Perry will try to nationalize the race and tie him to unpopular Democratic agenda items in Washington . `` He 'll run against President Obama , '' White said in an interview . `` That 's probably for his own political career . I think he wants to run for president . I 'm just running for the people of Texas . It should n't be about a party or who 's doing what to whom in Washington . '' | Incumbent Rick Perry defeats Kay Bailey Hutchinson in Texas gubernatorial GOP primary . Perry will face ex-Houston Mayor Bill White in general election . Perry is longest-serving governor in Texas history . | [[0, 9], [12, 128], [1340, 1404]] |
Vancouver , British Columbia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- With a wink of its eye , Canada brought to close the Winter Olympics by making fun of one the glitches that plagued the first week of the games . As the closing ceremonies began , a mime with a tool belt came out to the caldron , where one of the legs was still in the floor of BC Place , having failed to rise during the opening ceremonies 17 days ago . The mime found the power cords were n't connected , but when he plugged it in , sparks flew from the power supply . The mime found a rope and pretended to pull the fourth leg up into place as the crowd roared its approval . It was with a smile that Canada wrapped up the games , having won the most gold medals any nation has won in any Winter Olympics and having won back the hockey gold medal it feels should permanently reside here . It was a 180-degree reversal from the way the games began when critics complained about the warm , rainy weather , observers criticized the safety of the track after the death of a luger in a training run and Canadians wondered what was going on with the caldron and their athletes , for whom officials from the host nation had predicted overwhelming success . As the opening ceremonies came to a close , speed skating legend Catriona LeMay Doan was left there , with her torch , wondering what to do . And Canadians asked themselves : What next ? LeMay Doan got her chance to light the caldron after all . As the mime raised the stubborn leg during the closing ceremonies , LeMay Doan came out beaming with her torch . She was n't the only Canadian beaming Sunday . Despite a slow first week on the tracks , rinks and courses of the games , the home team became a story of resiliency and national pride . Joannie Rochette , who lost her beloved mother to a heart attack two days before she was to compete in the first night of figure skating , was chosen as the Canadian flag bearer for the closing ceremonies . The 24-year-old skater will long be remembered as the symbol of these games for her strength in a time of personal crisis . Rochette skated flawlessly in that first night of the competition , then dazzled the crowd in the free skate , winning the bronze medal , the hearts of a nation and the respect of those watching around the world . Years from now , they will talk of her strength and her bravery , but she just saw herself as the daughter who shared a dream with a mother who would n't let her fail . She was n't perfect in her performance , but in an imperfect games , she was a beacon of all that is right about sports . The head of the host organization said his nation was proud of the way it had revealed itself to each other and to the world . `` I believe we Canadians tonight are stronger , more united , more in love with our country and more connected with each other than ever before , '' John Furlong , chief executive officer of VANOC , said . `` These Olympic Games have lifted us up . If the Canada that came together on opening night was a little mysterious , it no longer is . Now you know us , eh ? '' Watch Canadian fans celebrate in the streets . The rest of the closing ceremony became a lighthearted tribute to Canada , featuring comedians and some of its most famous singers , like Neil Young , Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette . These Olympics needed saving . Even as thousands of fans and reporters were arriving the first week , it almost seemed as if the games were a national embarrassment . The problems actually started a month before the Olympics opened , as Vancouver went through the warmest January in history . The well-above-freezing temperatures caused some observers to call these the Spring Olympics . Vancouver Organizing Committee officials said that while it was n't the weather they expected when they won the bid for the games in 2003 , it really would n't prevent the outdoor events from taking place . During those first rough days , Canadian officials tried to reassure the nation and the world that the host country would do well on medals , and that they had planned for weather pitfalls . With the Winter Games closing Sunday night , you could almost hear the voices of Canadian officials saying , `` We told you everything would work out . '' It was on the slopes of Whistler Creekside where two of the most compelling stories of these Winter Olympics unfolded . One belonged to Lindsey Vonn , the U.S. skier who had dominated the World Cup . She was a medal favorite in four of the five Olympic events she entered , but on the eve of the games , she suffered a major shin injury . The weather delays gave her more time to heal . She won two medals , a gold in the downhill and a bronze in the Super G , but crashed in her other three events . On the other end of the spectrum was former bad boy Bode Miller , who made more news partying at the 2006 Olympics than he did on the slopes . But 2010 will be remembered for how he redeemed himself by skiing to three medals , including a gold in the super combined . He became the most decorated U.S. Alpine skier in history . Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno also wrote himself into the U.S. medals record book with a silver in the 1,500 meters short track final , a bronze in the 1,000 meters and a bronze in the relay . With eight medals , he has won more medals than any other U.S. Winter Olympian in history . Other athletes who impressed : . • Marit Bjoergen of Norway was the leading medal winner of the games , taking home five medals in cross-country skiing -- three gold , one silver and one bronze . • Short track speed skater Wang Meng of China , who won three golds -LRB- 1,000 meters , 1,500 , relay -RRB- . • Norway 's Ole Einar Bjoerndalen , who won his sixth career Winter Olympics gold , in the 4x7 .5 km cross-country skiing relay . • Germany 's Magdalena Neuner , who won two individual gold medals in biathlon , and then gave up her spot in the relay so a teammate would have a chance to medal ; . • Slovenia 's Petra Majdic , who won bronze in the women 's sprint cross-country skiing race , despite racing through the heats with four broken ribs suffered in a training run . Medalists share Olympic memories . The medals podium belonged to the United States , despite the `` Own The Podium '' program -- with its millions of dollars poured in by the Canadian government -- that the folks from the host nation bragged would make them the top team at the games . In the end , while they owned the top step , their neighbors borrowed the podium for 17 days . The U.S. won a record 37 medals . The total included golds by the four-man bobsled team led by driver Steven Holcomb , the first gold medal ever by a skier in Nordic Combined -LRB- Bill Demong -RRB- , and the expected brilliance of Shaun White in the snowboard halfpipe . Despite a slow start and some disappointments in events that were supposed to be almost sure things , the Canadians won a record number of gold medals . That number included men 's hockey , beating the United States 3-2 in overtime -- a dream result for the host nation . The games had started in the most awful , sobering way possible , with the news of the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili . His fatal training accident called into question he safety of the track and spotlighted the fact that Canadian athletes had had far more training time on the tracks , slopes and facilities of these games . Members of the British press blamed Kumaritashvili 's death on the organizers ' `` lust for glory . '' The criticism stung , but Canadian officials and fans were resilient . If you do n't know the words to `` O Canada , '' you have not been in Vancouver these past two weeks . It was being sung everywhere , in bars , on the streets , in arenas , even during low points such as Canada 's loss to the United States by 5-3 in the men 's hockey preliminary rounds . And whoever makes Maple Leaf flags probably has already made a year or two 's worth of profit . | Winter Olympics end Sunday with Canada claiming most gold , U.S. most total medals . These Olympics needed saving after death of Georgian luger in training accident . No gold medal was as inspiring as bronze won by figure skater Joannie Rochette . | [[689, 755], [4106, 4143], [6908, 6958], [955, 1044], [3315, 3345], [7212, 7299]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The living quarters of a fire station in Maryland exploded and burned Thursday after its snow-laden roof collapsed in the wake of the pair of record-setting snowstorms that howled through the mid-Atlantic region in the past week , state police said . Crushed roofs were not uncommon in the region -- authorities in the District of Columbia reported 22 such incidents as a result of the heavy snowfall -- but the collapse at the Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department stood out because it punctured a natural gas line , igniting the blaze , officials said . Firefighters were out on a call when the roof fell about 7:40 a.m. , Carroll County spokeswoman Vivian Laxton told CNN affiliate WBAL-TV . No injuries were reported . In the aftermath of what some are calling `` snowmageddon , '' thousands of people were without power and transportation departments were still trying to clean snowy , icy streets Thursday . In Washington , more than 250,000 federal workers were told to stay home from work for a fourth day , and public schools were closed . But in New York , children went back to school after a three-day `` holiday . '' After a storm that dumped more than 30 inches of snow in some places last weekend , the latest part of the one-two punch dropped 22.5 inches on Baltimore , Maryland , 15.8 inches on Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , and about 10 inches on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington , Virginia , Central Park in New York and Atlantic City , New Jersey , the National Weather Service said . Records for total snowfall for the season have been set at Dulles International Airport west of Washington , with 72 inches ; Philadelphia , with 70.3 ; Baltimore , with 70.1 ; Reagan Washington National Airport , with 55.6 ; and Atlantic City , with 48.7 , according to the weather service . The snow brought down tree limbs that in turn pulled down power lines . Ricky Watkins of Petersburg , in central Virginia , sent in a CNN iReport of a transformer near his home that erupted in sparks and flames after a tree downed power lines there Wednesday morning . Although he said he was `` used to the snow '' after working in Milwaukee , Wisconsin , and Chicago , Illinois , he said he had never seen a display like the one the transformer put on . `` I was not about to get any closer , '' he said . `` It appeared that a transformer had fallen into a nearby tree and was about to catch it and the house on fire . '' He said his power went out about 8 a.m. Wednesday but was back on by about 2:15 that afternoon . Dominion Virginia Power reported only 3,400 outages by Thursday afternoon , most of them in southeast Virginia , but it was unclear whether all of those were storm-related , said utility spokeswoman La-Ha Anderson . `` We hope to have anybody affected by the storm yesterday to be back on today , '' she said . Dominion serves 2.4 million customers from the Washington metropolitan area to northern North Carolina . Potomac Electric Power Co. , which serves Washington and Maryland , had 1,900 customers without power , PEPCO spokesman Bob Hainey said Thursday morning . The utility hopes to get everybody 's service restored by Friday , he said . `` We 're cautiously optimistic , '' he said . `` Our goal is to get everyone back on as soon as possible . '' Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport reopened Thursday after closing to flights Wednesday afternoon . Amtrak was still providing limited service for Washington , New York and Boston , Massachusetts , on Thursday , but most passenger rail service south of Washington was canceled . Amtrak said the weather had downed trees and power lines on portions of freight railroad tracks south of Washington , `` requiring continued service cancellations in Virginia , and the Carolinas . '' Seth Bishop , 18 , a freshman at George Washington University , where classes were canceled , said he was unfazed by the snow . `` I 'm originally from New Hampshire , so I 'm used to snow , '' he told CNN 's iReport . He said he had a good time touring the outside of snow-covered monuments on the National Mall and viewing sites in the northwest business district . `` It 's pretty eerie , actually , because no one was around . '' Bishop said he also was busy with other pursuits . `` I 've been going through a bunch of snowball fights -LSB- and -RSB- getting some extra work done for classes . '' As the mid-Atlantic region was digging out Thursday , another snowstorm was hitting Texas . Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport had recorded more than 6 inches by mid-afternoon Thursday . It was the most snow recorded at the airport since 7.5 inches on February 17 , 1978 . The new storm was taking a more southerly route than the previous two . Accumulations of up to 5 inches were predicted for parts of southeast Mississippi and southwest and south central Alabama overnight Thursday into Friday . Although the amount of snowfall predicted lessens as the storm moves through Georgia and South Carolina on Friday , isolated spots could see up to 6 inches , forecasters said . CNN 's Deb Kranjak contributed to this report . | Collapsed roof at fire station punctures a natural gas line , igniting the blaze . Snow expected to hit swath South . Children going back to school in New York after three snow days . Snow blamed for the collapse of at least 22 roofs in Washington . | [[427, 561], [1078, 1089], [1092, 1151], [104, 186], [319, 419]] |
New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Criminal charges will not be filed against the owner of a chimpanzee that mauled and blinded a Connecticut woman earlier this year , according to Connecticut State 's Attorney David Cohen . At a news conference Monday , Cohen explained that criminal prosecution against Sandra Herold , 77 , was not warranted because she was not aware of the risk her pet posed . On February 16 , Herold had called her friend Charla Nash , 55 , for help in getting her pet chimpanzee Travis back inside her house after he used a key to escape . When Nash arrived at the Stamford home of her friend , the chimp , who had been featured in TV commercials for Coca-Cola and Old Navy , jumped on her and began biting and mauling her , causing serious injuries to her face , neck and hands . Police shot Travis to halt the attack and he later died of gunshot wounds . Cohen explained that the dangers of keeping a pet chimpanzee were never fully explained to Herold by the Connecticut State Department of Environmental Protection . While the agency was aware that the chimpanzee was living with Herold , there is no evidence that they ever reached out to her to detail why the primate posed a threat to her and others in the community . Furthermore , Herold had never had any problems with Travis in the past . Although Travis had escaped once before in 2003 and `` wreaked havoc '' on the streets of Stamford for a couple of hours , the chimp had never exhibited any violent behavior , especially towards Nash , with whom he had interacted with regularly . Nash , Cohen stated , had specifically been called that day because Herold thought she could help in controlling the escaped chimpanzee . In the state of Connecticut , criminal prosecution would have to determine that Herold acted recklessly , disregarding the risk that Travis would attack and cause serious injuries to another person . Because of the chimp 's familiarity with Nash , his previously placid behavior and the lack of contact by the Department of Environmental Protection , Cohen determined that Herold would not be held criminally responsible for the attack . `` This does not in any way minimize the horror that we all feel with what occurred and with the horrendous injuries suffered , '' he said . `` Our prayers go out to the family and to the victim . '' In March , shortly after the attack , the family of Charla Nash filed a lawsuit seeking $ 50 million in damages from the owner of the primate . The court papers , filed in Stamford Superior Court in Connecticut , alleged that the owner was liable for the attack , negligent and reckless in her ownership of a wild animal . Following the attack , Nash was transported to the famed Cleveland Clinic , where the nation 's first face transplant was performed . In a written statement the Cleveland Clinic said that Nash had lost her nose , upper and lower lips , eyelids and both her hands in the attack , as well as the `` bony structures in her mid-face . '' The attack has raised questions about whether exotic animals should be kept as pets . Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has stated that primates and crocodiles should be added to a state list of animals citizens are not allowed to own . When asked if there was anything to be learned from the attack , Cohen said , `` I think the public will have to draw their own lessons from what was a very tragic incident . '' | Chimpanzee mauled and blinded a Connecticut woman earlier this year . Owner was not aware of the risk the chimpanzee posed , state 's attorney says . Criminal prosecution would have had to determine that owner acted recklessly . In March , Charla Nash filed a lawsuit seeking $ 50 million in damages from the owner . | [[84, 96], [102, 108], [0, 3], [84, 96], [113, 158], [218, 245], [248, 374], [345, 382], [366, 390], [873, 1036], [894, 1036], [1701, 1728], [1731, 1804], [1731, 1751], [1763, 1828], [2339, 2347], [2350, 2374], [2377, 2482]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Three U.S. Navy aviators are missing at sea after a command and control plane crashed over the Atlantic on Wednesday night , Navy officials said Thursday . The E-2C Hawkeye is a command and control aircraft . The E-2C Hawkeye was conducting exercises off the Virginia-North Carolina coast . The plane crashed after it launched from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman about 11 p.m. Wednesday , Navy officials said . Navy officials said they do not know what caused the plane to crash , and search and rescue missions are under way from units on the Truman , the carrier USS Eisenhower and the Coast Guard . The twin-engine plane usually carries a crew of five , but had only three aboard during the flight . The plane was part of a training squadron , VAW 120 , and is based at the Naval Station Norfolk in southern Virginia . E-mail to a friend . CNN 's Mike Mount contributed to this report . | Plane crashed over Atlantic Ocean off Virginia-North Carolina coast . Search under way for three missing crew members . Command and control plane flew off carrier USS Truman . | [[80, 152], [186, 238]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ohio has executed its second inmate using a new one-drug method , officials said Thursday . Vernon Smith , 37 , was pronounced dead at 10:28 a.m. , according to a statement from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction . Smith was convicted of killing Toledo , Ohio , store owner Sohail Darwish during a robbery in 1993 . According to court documents , Darwish did not resist Smith 's orders to open the cash register and hand over his wallet , but Smith shot him anyway , saying he `` moved too slow . '' Darwish bled to death from a single gunshot wound to the chest , the documents said . Darwish , a 28-year-old from Saudi Arabia , had a year-old daughter , and his wife was pregnant with another daughter , the Columbus Dispatch newspaper reported Thursday . The execution was Ohio 's second using the one-drug method . Kenneth Biros , 51 , was put to death in December . It was Ohio 's first execution since September , when Gov. Ted Strickland and federal courts halted capital punishment in the state after a botched attempt to execute another prisoner , Romell Broom . The prison staff could not find a suitable vein for Broom 's lethal injections . The one-drug method used on Biros had never been tried on U.S. death row inmates . It relies on a single dose of sodium thiopental injected into a vein . A separate two-drug muscle injection was available as a backup , officials said . The one-drug method has been used to euthanize animals . The same drug , sodium thiopental -- but at a much lower dosage -- is the first ingredient in the three-drug method previously used in Ohio , as well as in all but one of the other 34 states with the death penalty . CNN 's Ashley Hayes contributed to this report . | Vernon Smith , 37 , put to death with large dose of sodium thiopental . Three-drug method was halted after botched execution of another man . One-drug method commonly used to euthanize animals . Smith was convicted of killing convenience store clerk in 1993 . | [[962, 1063], [1046, 1055], [1064, 1091], [1426, 1482], [1426, 1445], [1460, 1482], [252, 352]] |
Port-au-Prince , Haiti -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Haitian attorney representing 10 Americans charged with kidnapping for trying to take 33 children out of Haiti told CNN Sunday he has resigned . Edwin Coq said he had quit as a lawyer for the Americans . It was n't immediately clear who would replace him . `` I know that they have been looking at other lawyers , '' said Phyllis Allison , mother of one of those detained , Jim Allen . `` They do n't know what to do . '' The 10 missionaries , including group leader Laura Silsby , were charged Thursday with kidnapping children and criminal association . Coq had said that court hearings would be held Monday and Tuesday for his clients , who have been split up at two prisons . He has tried to get the Americans released , though he has also blamed Silsby for the missionaries ' legal troubles . Conviction on the kidnapping charge would carry a maximum penalty of life in prison ; the criminal association charge would carry a penalty of three to nine years , according to a former justice minister . The Americans were turned back a week ago as they tried to take the children across the border into the Dominican Republic without proper documentation . They said they were going to house them in a converted hotel in that country and later move them to an orphanage they were building there . The Americans have said they were just trying to help the children leave the earthquake-stricken country . A January 12 earthquake flattened Haiti 's capital and killed more than 200,000 people . `` Except for Laura -- the group 's leader , who took the responsibility to displace these 33 children , fully knowing she did n't have any legal document that would allow her to do so -- the other nine American citizens did n't know anything about what was going on and I remain convinced that they would not have given their accord , '' Coq told CNN . Coq added that Silsby `` said she had no intention to do any harm . '' Some of the detained Americans have said they thought they were helping orphans , but their interpreters told CNN this week that they were present when group members spoke with some of the children 's parents . Some parents in a village outside Port-au-Prince said they had willingly given their children to the Americans , who promised them a better life . The parents also said they were told they could see their children whenever they wanted . The Dominican consul general has said he warned Silsby about trying to cross the border without proper documents . Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told CNN 's `` Larry King Live '' Thursday that the judge in the case has three months to decide whether to prosecute . `` We hope that he will decide long before those three months , '' he said . `` He can release them , he can ask to prosecute them . '' If a decision is made to prosecute , the case would be heard before a jury , he said . Bellerive told CNN the Haitian government was open to the possibility of the case being transferred to a U.S. court , but he said the request would have to come from the United States . `` Until now , I was not asked , '' he said . Coq told CNN he had been hired by Eric Thompson , husband of Carla Thompson , one of the arrested missionaries , on behalf of the families . | Ten Americans `` have been looking at other lawyers , '' mother of one detainee says . Edwin Coq was trying to get Americans released , blamed group leader for legal troubles . Americans charged with kidnapping for trying to take 33 children out of Haiti . Leader knew she did n't have legal document to let her take children out , Coq says . | [[304, 355], [74, 141], [111, 154], [1093, 1201], [1643, 1692]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Michigan man could face life in prison after he allegedly tortured and ultimately killed his girlfriend 's 4-year-old son last week for wetting his pants , prosecutors say . Brandon Joshua-Frederick Hayes , 24 , `` systematically beat '' Dominick Calhoun , 4 , `` pummeling -LSB- him -RSB- with fists and kicking him '' on his arms , legs and genitalia , Genesee County prosecutor David Leyton told CNN . Hayes also apparently burned the boy in the course of the torture . `` The knuckles across one hand were charred , '' Argentine Township police chief Dan Allen said . `` I 've been doing this a long time , and this is the worst case of child abuse I 've ever seen , '' the police chief said . `` In all respects , he was tortured . '' Prosecutors arraigned Hayes on Thursday on nine charges , including one count of first-degree premeditated murder , one count of first-degree child abuse and one count of torture , which by itself carries a possible life sentence . `` Little Dominick met his boogeyman , and that was defendant Hayes , '' Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said at a news conference Thursday . CNN was unable to reach someone who could speak on Hayes ' behalf . Hayes ' motivation for his savage multiday attack on the boy was that the child `` had wet his pants , '' Leyton said . `` It had happened before . '' Hayes also resented the child because his `` biological father would n't pay child support , '' Leyton said . Dominick 's mother , Corrine Baker , was present for at least some of the beating and tried to shield the boy from Hayes ' aggression , authorities said . `` She tried to lay on top of the child to guard the child against being beat any further , but she was beat in the process , '' according to the police chief . The sequence of events that led to the discovery of the abuse began when Baker 's sister and several acquaintances came to the apartment to buy drugs from Hayes , according to Allen . After seeing Dominick 's condition , the sister alerted the boy 's paternal grandfather , who in turn contacted authorities . When emergency responders entered the apartment on the afternoon of April 11 , Dominick was `` barely alive . '' EMS transferred him to Hurley Hospital in Flint , where he was pronounced brain dead . The boy was taken off life support the following morning . Dominick 's mother 's whereabouts and actions through all portions of the torture session remain somewhat hazy . The county prosecutor said his office is `` still investigating her involvement in all this . '' `` She 's also culpable for putting him in the dangerous position in the first place , '' he added . Baker was taken into custody on Sunday but released later . Attempts to reach her at her home Thursday evening were unsuccessful . The town police chief said Baker and her son had been brought to the attention of Genesee County Department of Child Services on several occasions . The agency did not respond to CNN 's requests for comment Thursday . It was not immediately clear whether Baker 's involvement with the child services agency predated her relationship with Hayes . The police chief said he believed Baker and Hayes had been together for about six months . | Brandon Joshua-Frederick Hayes , 24 , arraigned on nine charges . They include first-degree premeditated murder , first-degree child abuse , torture . Police chief on 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun : `` In all respects , he was tortured '' Police still looking into role of Dominick 's mother , Corrine Baker . | [[761, 816], [761, 772], [819, 874], [692, 718], [740, 757], [1751, 1785], [2495, 2561]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Here are so-called `` Oinkers '' of the year , listed in the `` 2010 Congressional Pig Book Summary , '' which was released on Wednesday by the nonpartisan group Citizens Against Government Waste . • The Dunder-head Mifflin Award -LRB- from the fictional paper company of the sitcom `` The Office '' -RRB- -- Sen. Arlen Specter , D-Pennsylvania , and Rep. Paul Kanjorski , D-Pennsylvania , for $ 200,000 for design and construction of a small business incubator and multipurpose center in Scranton , Pennsylvania . • Thad the Impaler Award -- Sen. Thad Cochran , R-Mississippi , for $ 490 million in pork , including $ 200,000 for the Washington National Opera for set design , installation and performing arts at libraries and schools , and $ 500,000 for the University of Southern Mississippi for cannabis eradication . Other awards : . • The Hal Bent on Earmarking Award -- Rep. Harold `` Hal '' Rogers , R-Kentucky , for $ 10 million for the National Institute for Hometown Security . • The Little Engine That Could n't Award -- $ 465 million for the Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine . • The Narcissist Award -- Sen. Tom Harkin , D-Iowa , for $ 7.3 million to continue the Harkin Grant program and to Sen. Robert Byrd , D-West Virginia , for $ 7 million for the Robert C. Byrd Institute of Advanced Flexible Manufacturing Systems . Watchdog group : Congressional pork getting leaner . • The Steak Through the Heart of Taxpayers Award -- Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison , R-Texas , and Rep. Ciro Rodriguez , D-Texas , for $ 693,000 for beef improvement research . • The Sapping the Taxpayers Award -- $ 4.8 million for wood utilization research in 11 states requested by 13 senators and 10 representatives . • The Jekyll and Hyde Award -- Rep. Leonard Lance , R-New Jersey , for his ever-changing stance on earmarks . He first signed a no-earmark pledge , then received $ 21 million in earmarks , then supported the Republican earmark moratorium . • The Kick in the Asp Award -- Delegate Madeleine Bordallo , D-Guam , for $ 500,000 for control and interdiction of brown tree snakes in Guam . • The Plane Waste Award -- Sens. Sam Brownback , R-Kansas , and Pat Roberts , R-Kansas , and Rep. Todd Tiahrt , R-Kansas , for $ 3.5 million for the National Institute for Aviation Research . • The Do You Want Fries with That Award -- $ 2.6 million in potato research in four states requested by five senators and five representatives . • The Putting on the Pork Award -- Rep. Maurice Hinchey , D-New York , for $ 400,000 for restoration and renovation of the historic Ritz Theater in Newburgh , New York . • The Lights ! Camera ! Earmark ! Award -- Rep. Diane Watson , D-California , for $ 100,000 for career exploration and training for at-risk youths for jobs in filmmaking at the Duke Media Foundation in Hollywood . • The An Earmark Grows in Brooklyn Award -- Rep. Yvette Clarke , D-New York , for $ 400,000 for construction and renovation for safety improvements at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden . | Democrats Tom Harkin and Robert Byrd were co-winners of The Narcissist Award . Three Kansas Republicans were cited for $ 3.5 million in pork for an aviation research . $ 4.8 million went to wood utilization research in 11 states , requested by 23 lawmakers . Potato research in four states , requested by 10 lawmakers , cost $ 2.6 million . | [[1669, 1728]] |
Dallas , Texas -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- African-American workers at a Texas pipe factory endured a string of racial slurs and harassment and were targeted by their managers when they complained , federal investigators have determined . Black employees at the Turner Industries plant in Paris , Texas , regularly `` were subjected to unwelcome racial slurs , comments and intimidation , racial graffiti , nooses in the workplace and other symbols of discrimination , '' the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported . Black workers also were denied promotions and disciplined more harshly than whites , the agency concluded in a three-page letter in late March . Managers at the plant not only were aware of a `` hostile environment , '' they also targeted workers who complained and disciplined white employees who opposed the harassment , the EEOC found . The EEOC has called on Turner Industries , based in Baton Rouge , Louisiana , to join talks aimed at producing a `` just resolution '' to the problems . The company said its plant `` is free from any form of discrimination , retaliation , or any other workplace conduct that violates the law . '' `` We are disappointed that the EEOC has issued this determination and strongly disagree with the EEOC 's findings , '' Michael Phelps , Turner Industries ' vice president for human resources , said in a written statement . Lawyers for the seven Turner employees who went to the EEOC displayed photographs of the slurs , of hanging nooses and threatening notes left for employees at the Paris plant during a news conference Wednesday . One of those employees , Dontrail Mathis , told reporters that he was frequently called racially inflammatory names and that most African-American employees were relegated to the paint shop . Mathis , a painter 's helper , said one co-worker who found out he was married to a white woman told him , `` In the Bible , it says that white women should n't mix with monkeys . '' When he called Turner 's corporate office to complain about that incident , he heard nothing back , Mathis said . `` I tried to back away from it . It kept going and going and coming and coming , '' he said . Jason Milligan , a former night foreman at the plant , said his bosses `` more or less wanted me to do their dirty work . '' `` I watched certain people more than I did the others , to see if I could get anything on them that could be used against them , '' he said . But he said he was fired after he refused to sign an affidavit accusing a Turner employee of theft -- a man he believed had been `` set up . '' `` I 'm not going to lie for anyone , '' Milligan said . `` He was a man just like me . He has a family to take care of . I 'm not going to do it . And from then on , that was my down-slide . '' Milligan worked at the plant for nine months before he was fired . Company officials told him he was sacked for failing a drug test , he said . But a lawyer for the employees , Jay Ellwanger , said Milligan warned testers that he was taking a diet medication that could show up as a stimulant . Milligan said managers were told to document and clean off any racist graffiti immediately , but he said one such case he handled in his nine months at the plant was `` swept under the rug '' when the person behind it turned out to be a relative of another manager . In the year since workers in the Paris plant went to the EEOC , similar complaints have emerged at other Turner factories in Texas , Ellwanger said . Paris is about 110 miles northeast of Dallas . The Rev. Peter Johnson , a state civil rights leader , said the problems reported at the Turner plant reflect a `` culture of discrimination '' that lingers in East Texas . `` East Texas is Mississippi 50 years ago . This case will begin to help us unravel the history of discrimination and bigotry throughout East Texas , '' he said . CNN 's Tracy Sabo and Ed Lavandera contributed to this report . | Investigators say African-American pipe factory workers endured racial slurs , harassment . Workers say managers targeted them when they complained , denied them promotions . White employees who opposed harassment were disciplined , they say . Agency wants problems resolved ; company denies any `` conduct that violates the law '' | [[0, 6], [9, 130], [306, 457], [9, 30], [120, 187], [518, 531], [537, 600], [735, 737], [748, 811], [735, 737], [748, 811], [757, 764], [784, 838]] |
Austin , Texas -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Lisa Alexander woke up early on February 18 , the same way she does every morning . `` My alarm usually goes off at 4:30 , 4:45 , '' she said . `` I lay in the bed and kind of plan out my day . '' She had no idea that her life was about to be targeted by a man with a vendetta against the government . She got up , woke up her son and headed to work at the IRS offices in Austin . `` The first thing I do is get in , organize my desk and wipe it down ... fire up my computer and tell everybody good morning , '' Alexander said . `` Before I know it , the building kind of went to the left and came back ... `` I thought it was an earthquake . '' It was n't . Just a few minutes before 10 a.m. , a single-engine Piper Cherokee PA-28 crashed into the multistory building where Alexander worked . `` It was like an explosion , '' she said . `` The windows started breaking out and the tiles started falling from the ceiling , and then it was dark . '' Alexander said she went to check on her co-workers , and they headed for the nearest door . `` As we open the door , this ` poof ' sound comes in as if it were a flame or something behind it , '' she said . `` So we immediately shut the door and we smelled that smell , it was probably jet fuel . '' They closed the door and stood there , trying to figure out how to escape . `` The first thing that crossed my mind is I 'm not going to see my son anymore , '' Alexander said . A few blocks away , Robin DeHaven was driving his truck on his way to install windows when he spotted something strange in the sky . `` I looked on the horizon and I just saw a little dot and ... I 'm staring at it like , ` What is this ? It does n't look like a bird or anything . ' '' DeHaven said . `` And I realized it was a plane . '' Realizing there was no airport around for miles , he figured the pilot must be having problems . `` When I saw it disappear , within seconds I saw a big plume of black smoke , '' he said . `` I exited the highway , and I saw that all this smoke was coming from this building . All I saw was all the shattered glass and all the smoke coming out , and I thought , ` Oh jeez , he hit a building . ' '' Authorities say they believe the pilot , Joe Stack , had ripped seats out of the small plane and put in a drum of fuel to cause maximum damage . Stack allegedly set fire to his $ 230,000 home in Austin before embarking on his fatal flight . Read Stack 's apparent suicide note -LRB- PDF -RRB- . Investigators believe Stack targeted the building because it housed IRS offices . A 3,000-word message on a Web site registered to Stack railed against the government , particularly the IRS . Alexander did n't have time to think about what had happened , or why someone had crashed a plane into her office building . `` We were all screaming for help , '' she said . `` By that time , the smoke was getting real bad . I kind of crouched down on the floor trying to get some air from under there . `` And -LSB- I was thinking -RSB- I 'm going to have to jump because it 's getting worse in here . '' The next thing she knew , she saw what she thought was `` an angel from heaven . '' Alexander and the others survived . But the attack killed one of their co-workers , longtime IRS employee Vernon Hunter . He was 68 . Alexander said she had a lot of memories of Hunter , whom she worked with before her job at the IRS . `` He 'd do anything for you , '' she said . She questioned why he , of all people , had to die . But she said the tragedy actually made her faith in God stronger . `` I 've been raised all my life to go to church and believe in God , and it 's like , you know , maybe it 's time for me to start believing , '' Alexander said . `` And that 's when it came to light that this was my test . `` I 've really lived a good life . I 've never come so close to death . I 've had family members die , and it was a little different . But when it faces you , it 's a different feeling . '' CNN 's Brian Rokus and Tricia Escobedo contributed to this report . | Lisa Alexander is an IRS revenue officer in Austin , Texas . She was one of nearly 200 employees in IRS offices when a plane struck the building . Authorities say Joe Stack , angry at the government , flew his plane into the multistory building . | [[2175, 2194], [2753, 2811], [2175, 2194], [2753, 2811]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama should end the legal seminar on the rights of terrorists . He should instruct the lawyers at the State and Justice departments and Pentagon that the debate is over . The time has come for all to accept that terrorists can not be treated as criminals . The main reason is that security requires preventing attacks rather than prosecuting the perpetrators after an attack . This is particularly evident when we concern ourselves with terrorists who may acquire weapons of mass destruction . It also holds for terrorists who are willing to commit suicide attacks : They can not be tried , and they pay no mind to what might be done to them after their assault . Finally , even terrorists not bent on committing suicide attacks are often `` true believers '' who are prepared to proceed despite whatever punishments the legal system may throw at them . In contrast to prevention , law enforcement often springs into action after a criminal has acted : when a body is found , a bank has been robbed or a child has been kidnapped . By and large , the criminal law approach is retrospective rather than prospective . Law enforcement assumes that punishment serves to deter future crimes -- not to eliminate them , but to keep them at a socially acceptable level . This will not do for the likes of Osama bin Laden . Nor should terrorists be treated as soldiers , a dignified profession and calling . Soldiers wear uniforms that allow one to tell foes from civilians and thus prevent harming the latter when fighting the former . And the insignias that mark soldiers make it clear which governments they serve , governments that can be held accountable for their conduct -- obligations terrorists refuse to discharge . They can not have it both ways : flout the rules of war and seek the benefits of these rules as prisoners of war . Obama surely has the legal training to realize that our minds are big enough to cope with more than two categories , that terrorists are neither fish nor fowl , neither criminals nor soldiers , but a distinct species . As such , terrorists are not without any rights . They should not be killed if they can be captured without undue risk ; they should not be tortured ; and their detention should be subject to , say , annual review by an institutional board -- composed of people who have security clearance , not necessarily military officers . Such a board should follow simplified procedures , as parole boards do in prisons , rather than those of civilian courts or military commissions . Click here for more on this subject from Etzioni . Terrorists should not be entitled to face their accusers , or else we would divulge the sources and methods of our information-gathering about their nefarious acts . And they should not be released until we have strong reasons to hold that they are no longer a danger to us , our allies or anyone else . The Obama administration 's position is so multifaceted that even someone who follows it closely and has considerable training can not make out what line it is following . Some terrorists are to be tried in civilian courts -- as long as they are not in New York , or maybe only if the civilian courts are located on a military base . Or terrorists may be kept at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba , or shipped to countries that do not abide by our rules or maybe only to those that do . No one can build public support and legitimacy for such a cacophony of positions and voices . It is time to settle the matter and tell the government lawyers to move on . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Amitai Etzioni . | Amitai Etzioni : President Obama should set one clear position on treatment of terrorists . Etzioni : Terrorists ca n't be treated as criminals ; prevention , not prosecution , needed . They are n't soldiers , he says , since uniforms set troops apart from civilians , show nationality . Terrorists deserve rights but are n't entitled to face their accusers , Etzioni says . | [[201, 286], [201, 209], [227, 286], [287, 406], [311, 406], [1428, 1529], [2606, 2662]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. government is not fully guarding against the contamination of meat by traces of antibiotics , pesticides or heavy metals , a new report warns . The U.S. Department of Agriculture 's inspector general said federal agencies have failed to set limits on many potentially harmful chemical residues , which `` has resulted in meat with these substances being distributed in commerce . '' When it comes to pesticide traces , only one type is tested for , according to the report . There are also no set limits for some heavy metals , like copper . In 2008 , Mexican authorities turned away an American shipment of beef , because it did not meet Mexico 's limits when tested for copper traces . But the very same rejected meat could be sold in the United States , since no limit has been set , the analysis says . That example shows `` the government has fallen down on the job here , '' said Tony Corbo of the consumer advocacy group Food and Water Watch . `` Some of the residues that the inspector general cited could be carcinogenic , as they accumulate over a period of time in the body , '' he said . The study focused on contamination by chemical residues , rather than bacteria . While bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can cause an illness that is acute but brief , chemical residues are more like to build up over time , and no amount of cooking will destroy them . The USDA pledged to `` swiftly implement the corrective actions '' recommended by the inspector , which including testing for more kinds of residue and setting limits on how much of each substance is allowable . A department spokesman pointed out that this kind of fix , which is expected to require coordination with the FDA and the EPA , was one of the main reasons President Obama created a Food Safety Working Group last year . The National Cattlemen 's Beef Association said in a statement , `` We fully support the critical role of the federal government in ensuring beef safety . '' `` While the U.S. beef supply is extraordinarily safe by any nation 's standards , '' it added , `` the beef industry is constantly looking for ways to improve the systems that ensure the safest product possible for our consumers . '' The study , first reported by USA Today , also says that when cattle test positive for residue , it is difficult to track back where it came from because it often passes through several buyers and sellers . The American Meat Institute said that problem `` underscores the need to implement comprehensive livestock traceback procedures , '' with a national animal identification system . CNN 's Brian Todd contributed to this report . | Official : Federal agencies fail to set limits on potentially harmful chemical residues . In U.S. , there are no set limits for some heavy metals , like copper , in beef . Study focused on contamination by chemical residues , rather than bacteria . | [[183, 332], [514, 580], [1139, 1219]] |
-LRB- Wired.com -RRB- -- Editorial cartoonist Mark Fiore may be good enough to win this year 's Pulitzer Prize , but he 's evidently too biting to get past the auditors who run Apple 's iPhone app store , who ruled that lampooning public figures violated its terms of service . Fiore irked Apple 's censorious staffers with his cartoons making fun of the Balloon Boy hoax and the pair that famously crashed a White House party , according to Laura McGann at the Neiman Journalism Lab . Fiore won a Pulitzer Monday for animations he made for the SFGate , the online home of the San Francisco Chronicle . But Fiore , a freelancer who runs a syndication business , was rejected by Apple in December for an app called NewToons that features his work . According to a December 21 e-mail reprinted by Neiman , Apple rejected his app because it `` contains content that ridicules public figures and is in violation of Section 3.3.14 from the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement which states : Applications may be rejected if they contain content or materials of any kind -LRB- text , graphics , images , photographs , sounds , etc. -RRB- that in Apple 's reasonable judgment may be found objectionable , for example , materials that may be considered obscene , pornographic , or defamatory . '' Neither Fiore nor Apple responded to requests for comment . The news of the rejection comes not long after Apple decided to purge its app store of content that included nudity , a retroactive ban that included apps from respected German publications such as Bild and Der Spiegel . Fiore 's rejection may be especially disconcerting to news and media organizations , many of which are betting heavily on iPad apps as a way to get users to pay to read magazines and newspapers , and to get advertisers to pay print-ad prices for online content . -LRB- Online ads cost a small percentage of what ads in glossy magazines cost , in no small part because the net has almost infinite advertising space . -RRB- . Apple has built a little slab of Disneyland with its iPad , which is meant to be an experience unsullied by provocative or crude material . It 's beautiful and enticing -- the company has already sold more than a half million of them in the first two weeks it 's been available -- but it 's not the real world . Publishers , including such august organizations such as The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal and Wired.com 's parent company Condé Nast , see a solution to their declining dead-tree ad sales in building a pay-to-play attraction in that park . But they need to understand that to do so , they have to play by Mickey Mouse 's rules . The signs have been there from the start , as Wired.com 's Brian Chen pointed out in February . Apple banned an e-book reading application once because it figured out that iPhone users could use it to read a free version of the Kama Sutra . Then last week , Apple abruptly banned apps developed using programs that translate apps into multiple platforms . Adding the news of Fiore 's ban to that , the publishing world is now officially on notice that the iPad is Apple 's , and unlike with their print and web editions , they do n't have the final say when it comes to their own content on an Apple device . Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $ 1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT ! Click here ! Copyright 2010 Wired.com . | Apple ruled that Fiore 's lampooning public figures violated its terms of service . Fiore won a Pulitzer Monday for animations he made for the SFGate . The rejection comes shortly after Apple purged its app store of content with nudity . | [[177, 202], [209, 277], [804, 977], [486, 528], [518, 528], [532, 551], [1355, 1449], [2894, 2908], [2911, 2962]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Democrats increased their 36-seat majority in the U.S. House , according to CNN projections , by defeating established Republicans and winning open seats as they capitalized on an unpopular GOP president . Rep. Chris Shays , R-Connecticut , failed to win his 11th full term . Democrats clinched a majority and took at least 21 seats from Republicans , with the GOP taking only four from the Democrats , according to CNN projections as of 4 a.m. ET Wednesday . With winners yet to be called for 11 of the House 's 435 seats , Democrats were projected to win 251 seats , with Republicans having 173 . Heading into Election Day , the Democrats had a 235-199 majority . The Democrats ' apparent gains Tuesday come two years after they took control of the House -- with a gain of 30 seats -- after 12 years in the minority . Among Tuesday 's GOP casualties was longtime Rep. Chris Shays of Connecticut , whose reputation for occasionally bucking his party could n't keep him from losing to Democrat Jim Himes . Shays ' defeat leaves New England without any Republicans in the House . Shays was seeking his 11th full term . House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-California , said Tuesday night she was confident Democrats would ride a `` wave '' of pro-Democratic sentiment across the country and add to their House majority , though she declined to predict by how much . Watch Pelosi say Americans voted for change . `` We have surfers to ride that wave , '' Pelosi said at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington , where she was watching election results . Here are highlights of other races with projected winners : . • Democrats gained at least two seats in Ohio , including that of Rep. Steve Chabot , who was seeking an eighth term in a Cincinnati-area district that normally votes about evenly for GOP and Democratic presidential candidates . CNN projects that Chabot lost to Democrat Steve Driehaus . Just two years earlier , Chabot was re-elected with 52 percent of the vote despite an anti-Republican tide that helped Democrats capture Ohio 's governorship and take a U.S. Senate seat . Democrats also gained a seat left open by retiring Rep. Ralph Regula . Democrat John Boccieri defeated the GOP 's Kirk Schuring in the northeastern Ohio contest . • In New York , Democrats won three Republican seats , including two left open by incumbents not seeking re-election . In one of the open races , Democrat Mike McMahon won the last GOP-held seat in New York City , defeating the GOP 's Robert Straniere . Democrat Dan Maffei defeated Republican Dale Sweetland , who was trying to win a seat vacated by 10-term GOP Rep. Jim Walsh . In a rematch of a 2006 race , former naval officer Eric Massa beat GOP Rep. Randy Kuhl in a western New York district that generally votes Republican . • Freshman Rep. Michele Bachmann , R-Minnesota , was projected to survive a race that tightened after she made comments about Sen. Barack Obama last month . She was leading Democratic challenger Elwyn Tinklenberg 47 percent to 43 percent with 86 percent of precincts reporting . Bachmann set off a storm of criticism in October when she said Obama 's connection to 1960s radical William Ayers made her concerned that Obama may have anti-American views . Bachmann 's comments prompted a flood of fundraising for Tinklenberg . • In Florida , Democrats captured from Republicans two of the four seats that analysts thought they could win . Democrat Suzanne Kosmas defeated Rep. Tom Fenney , and Democrat Alan Grayson defeated Rep. Ric Keller . However , brothers and Republicans Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Mario Diaz-Balart , who represent districts in southern Florida , held off their Democratic challengers . Lincoln Diaz-Balart won a ninth term , defeating former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez . • Democratic incumbents were n't invulnerable in Florida . Rep. Tim Mahoney -- a south-central Florida Democrat elected to replace scandal-plagued GOP Rep. Mark Foley in 2006 -- lost to his Republican challenger , Tom Rooney . Mahoney already was going to have a tough race in his Republican-leaning district . But the race became tougher in mid-October with allegations that Mahoney had an affair with one of his aides and paid her thousands of dollars in hush money . Mahoney admitted to causing `` pain '' in his marriage , but he denied paying the aide to keep quiet . • In Pennsylvania , Rep. John Murtha handily defeated Republican challenger William Russell . Republicans had hoped to defeat Murtha after he called his western Pennsylvania district `` a racist area '' and `` redneck . '' • The House 's third-ranking Republican , Rep. Adam Putnam of central Florida , was re-elected but wrote to his colleagues Tuesday night that he would n't run again for a leadership post , saying he wanted to return his focus `` to crafting public policy solutions for America 's generational challenges . '' He is currently the GOP conference chairman . • In a heavily Republican district near Houston , Texas , Democratic Rep. Nick Lampson lost his re-election bid against Pete Olson . Lampson won the seat in 2006 after Republican and former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay resigned to fight state money laundering charges . • In Ohio 's 11th District , Democrats easily took a seat that was vacant since the death of Democratic Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones . Democrat Marcia Fudge defeated Republican Thomas Pekarek . Tubbs Jones , who represented the district that covers parts of Cleveland and its suburbs , died in August after brain hemorrhaging caused by an aneurysm . • The House 's first two Muslim members , Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Rep. Andre Carson of Indiana , won their contests Tuesday . Carson has won his first full term ; he had succeeded his grandmother , the late Rep. Julia Carson , in a March special election . Not all 435 seats will be decided immediately . Two Louisiana districts used Election Day for primary run-offs ; the general election for those seats will be December 6 . | Projections : House Dems take at least 21 GOP seats ; Republicans snatch four . Reps. Chris Shays , Steve Chabot among Republicans losing seats . House Speaker : Democrats will increase numbers . Democrats gained control of House in 2006 elections after 12 years as minority . | [[295, 304], [329, 368], [376, 419], [225, 241], [260, 294], [839, 915]] |
Dry Tortugas National Park , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Weather and time have inflicted more damage to Fort Jefferson than hostile cannon fire ever did . The crumbling citadel rises 40 feet from the turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico , an outpost of a bygone era . Built on an island in Florida 's Dry Tortugas , 70 miles past Key West , the fort is being restored by a squad of craftsmen who spend three-week shifts there between hurricane seasons . A cocoon of mesh and scaffolding shrouds one section of its 8-foot-thick walls as they work . It 's a grueling job , but it 's one Dennis Wood , a mason from Massachusetts , says he 's glad to have . `` Things are slow today , you know , '' Wood said . `` Got a job offer to come down here for the winter , so we took it . '' Efforts to restore Fort Jefferson have been under way for about 30 years . The current phase received a boost from the economic stimulus bill that passed Congress in 2009 , which devoted $ 7 million to the project . But planners estimate another $ 13 million is needed , and that money has yet to be allocated . The six-sided fort , roughly the size of Yankee Stadium , was designed to protect shipping lanes through the Gulf of Mexico . Construction began in 1846 , but advancements in the science of artillery rendered it obsolete before it was finished . During the Civil War , the Confederacy never bothered to try to seize it from Union forces . The Union kept a garrison of about 2,000 men there and used it mostly as a prison for Confederate captives and deserters . It was n't until after the war that it received its most famous inmate -- Samuel Mudd , the Maryland doctor convicted of aiding Abraham Lincoln 's assassin , John Wilkes Booth , by setting his broken leg . Mudd served more than three years at Fort Jefferson before receiving a pardon in 1869 . The Army abandoned the fort in 1874 , but the islands served as a staging area for U.S. warships during the Spanish-American War in 1898 and housed a seaplane base during World War I . It takes a 2 1/2 - hour ride on a catamaran ferry to get to Fort Jefferson . The installation and the surrounding national park draw about 52,000 visitors a year , according to the National Park Service . But more than a century and a half of hurricanes and salt air have taken their toll on the massive walls . The iron shutters that shielded the fort 's guns have expanded as they rust , cracking and displacing the surrounding walls . Wood , the six other masons and eight laborers who are working to restore Fort Jefferson were unemployed before this job , said Ken Uracius , the project manager for Enola Contracting Inc. , which is doing the work . Uracius estimates about 100 people see some sort of work from the project . `` I have boat captains , '' he said . `` I have people running the boat that brought you out here . I have brick makers , I have cement makers . '' Work has gone on periodically for the past 30 years and is likely to go on for many more . But the Park Service says it 's important to save a unique monument . `` If we lose Fort Jefferson , that 's it , '' said Kelly Clark , who oversees the reconstruction project for the Park Service . `` There are no other Fort Jeffersons . '' | Work on Fort Jefferson , 70 miles past Key West , began in 1846 . Because of advances in artillery , the fort became obsolete before it was even finished . Though never attacked in wars , hurricanes and salt air have taken their toll . An estimated 100 jobs have been generated by $ 7 million worth of stimulus funds . | [[780, 854], [1218, 1244], [1251, 1337], [0, 21], [29, 117], [2242, 2344], [946, 950], [959, 995], [2688, 2763]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The captain and chief officer of a Chinese-registered ship that ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef will appear in an Australian court Thursday , charged with damaging the reef . The Shen Neng 1 veered more than 27 kilometers -LRB- 17 miles -RRB- off course and ended up on a shoal in the Reef on April 3 , prompting concerns of an oil spill near the world 's largest coral reef system . On Wednesday , the Australian Federal Police announced that they have arrested the 47-year-old Chinese master of the vessel and the 44-year-old chief officer . The captain was charged with liability for the vessel . He faces a maximum fine of A$ 55,000 -LRB- U.S. $ 50,852 -RRB- . The chief officer is accused of being on watch when the ship caused the damage . He faces up to three years in prison and a fine of A$ 220,000 -LRB- U.S. $ 203,411 -RRB- . Authorities did not disclose the name of either man . The ship was carrying about 65,000 tons of coal to China from the Australian port of Gladstone when it ran aground on the shoal -- a combination of shell and sand -- near the southernmost point of the Great Barrier Reef , just north of Great Keppel Island . About 950 tons of oil were on board . A small oil slick caused by the ship 's grounding did not threaten the Great Barrier Reef after crews sprayed dispersants on it and surface netting helped to contain it . Officials said the ship 's captain had a 10-mile-wide channel to navigate through in an area where pilots are n't needed -- a relatively wide open section of sea , 70 kilometers -LRB- 43 miles -RRB- off shore and away from the larger mass of coral most people associate with the Great Barrier Reef . `` He got 15 nautical miles -LRB- 17.3 miles -RRB- off course , which is just outrageous , '' Adam Nicholson , a spokesman for Maritime Safety Queensland , said at the time . Nicholson likened it to a car veering off a 2-mile wide road . `` We have thousands of boats moving in that same space every year and nothing has ever happened like this , '' he said . The Great Barrier Reef is made up of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands spanning over 2,600 km -LRB- 1,600 miles -RRB- off the coast of Queensland in the Coral Sea . | Chinese ship officers to appear in court after veering onto Great Barrier Reef . Ship was over 17 miles off course when it ended up in Reef area . Ship 's chief officer faces maxiumum 3-year jail term . | [[52, 77], [83, 115], [52, 77], [83, 115], [200, 278], [200, 215], [283, 325], [771, 861]] |
Philadelphia , Pennsylvania -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- I wore a path between Washington and Philly for interviews and shoots for our recent `` Cheating Death '' special with Dr. Sanjay Gupta . In the field : Jeremy Harlan . My job as a photojournalist is to shoot and edit stories for CNN and make sure my news team eats well on the road . On assignment : Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . Now , I love cheese steaks as much as the next guy . But my arteries can only take so much steak , cheese and peppers . So here are a few places that are great alternatives in the City of Brotherly Love . Reading Terminal Market . Hours : 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday ; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday . Cuisine : You name it , the market has it . How do I describe the Reading Terminal Market ? It 's like the Las Vegas of food . Everywhere you turn , there 's something interesting to see , smell and taste . It is food sensory overload . The hardest part of going to the market is not eating the very first thing you see . Give yourself 15 minutes to walk through the market before deciding where to spend your hard-earned lunch dollar . I saw apple dumplings , muffalettas , spanakopita , pulled pork , snapper soup , strombolis , all the fresh veggies , meat and cheese you could throw in your fridge and of course cheese steaks . I finally decided to stop at Dinic 's Pork and Beef for the famous roast pork sandwich . The service was fast and friendly . The sandwich was fantastic , and if you sit at the counter long enough , you might hear one of Philly 's finest talk about the crazy arrest of the day . And make sure you save room for a smooth and creamy cupcake -LRB- or two -RRB- from the Flying Monkey . Magic Carpet . Hours : 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cuisine : Mediterranean/vegetarian . The first thing I ask our local contact on a story is where I 'm eating lunch . If you ask Holly Auer , University of Pennsylvania Hospital 's senior medical communications officer , she 'll immediately say , `` Magic Carpet . '' This vegetarian culinary delight is actually a small vendor trailer just across from Penn Hospital . If you have n't been to Philly , you need to know this city takes its street vendor food pretty seriously . I still scratch my head at how these folks make so much delicious food in such cramped quarters . My personal favorite at Magic Carpet is a pita sandwich stuffed with grape leaves . It 's so good , I usually eat two . Maybe the best part : The sandwiches are around five bucks . Definitely the worst part : the long line of neurosurgeons , med students , nurses and cardiologists waiting for their delicious ride on the Carpet , too . The Franklin Fountain . Hours : noon-midnight . Cuisine : Ice cream . The Franklin Fountain is a cool escape back to the early 20th-century ice cream fountain shop . Although it opened in the summer of 2004 , you would think it was 1944 when you walk in the door . The owners left no detail ignored in building this dairy delight . The fountain offers sundaes , splits , ice cream waffle sandwiches , fresh pies , house-made cakes , phosphates and America 's oldest soft drink , just to name a few . Coffee lovers will enjoy the Lightning Rod sundae . Everyone will enjoy his or her trip back in time . | CNN 's Jeremy Harlan talks about his favorite places to eat in Philadelphia . Reading Terminal Market is the `` Las Vegas of food , '' Harlan says . Franklin Fountain is a cool escape back to early 20th-century soda fountain . | [[772, 806]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nearly 150,000 homes were without drinking water Monday after the worst floodwaters in 60 years swamped large areas of western England . Flooding has caused widespread disruption across the country with further regions braced for more floods . British military and rescue workers battled to save a major electricity substation on the outskirts of Gloucester , England , that serves about 500,000 homes . About 1,000 Royal Navy personnel were building an emergency barrier to keep the Walham substation from flooding . Their efforts have been successful so far , the Gloucestershire Constabulary Emergency Services said Monday evening . Some 50,000 homes were already without electricity before the substation was threatened . Two major rivers -- the Thames and the Severn -- are well above their normal levels and may burst their banks , according to authorities . Watch as Britons brace for more flooding '' Britain 's Environment Agency warned water levels could rise further to a `` critical level '' and issued nine severe flood warnings across the country . The worst affected areas are the counties of Gloucestershire , Herefordshire , Worcestershire and Oxfordshire , which had more than 5 inches -LRB- 12.5 cm -RRB- of rain in barely 24 hours . More rain is forecast , and the risk of flooding is increasing as floodwaters work their way into the river system . In the historic city of Gloucester , the River Severn is expected to burst its banks later Monday . The river is already nearly 15 feet -LRB- 5 meters -RRB- above its normal level for this time of year and close to breaching its banks . See residents walk through flooded streets and homes '' Electricity and water supplies in and around the city are already cut to many residents , after a water treatment plant and electricity sub-station were flooded . The city of Tewkesbury is also flooded -- video from the area showed dozens of cars and homes under several feet of water . Officials said it would be at least 48 hours before they could gain access to the Mythe Water Pumping Station in Tewkesbury to return water supply to 70,000 customers in Tewkesbury , Gloucester and Cheltenham . `` There is no doubt this unprecedented situation has been testing for each and every one of the emergency services and our partner agencies , '' said Gloucestershire Chief Constable Timothy Brain . `` I must pay tribute to the marathon effort being made to prevent the situation from worsening and to support those affected by the flooding , loss of power , loss of water and other consequences of this extreme situation , '' he said . Hundreds of people in the worst affected areas have been plucked to safety by helicopters of the Royal Air Force and boats . Further north in Evesham , the River Severn is more than twice its normal width . So far this month England has had nearly two-and-a-half-times its normal rainfall . Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited Gloucester -- and promised to mobilize resources from across the country . He also announced increased funding for flood and coastal defenses across the country . `` Like every advanced industrialized country , we are coming to terms with the issues surrounding climate change , '' he said . The prime minister described the flooding as unprecedented , and brushed aside criticism of his government for the quality of flood defenses and a slow response to the crisis . `` I think the emergency services have done a great job , '' he said . `` I am satisfied people are doing everything they can . '' The wet weather for much of June and July across England and Wales has also affected crops . Farmers are predicting low yields and higher prices -- with several crops due to be harvested in the next month . Insurance companies are expecting claims worth hundreds of millions of dollars because of flood damage . More than 2,000 people spent Sunday night in emergency accommodation and the Royal Air Force and coastguard helicopters airlifted hundreds to safety in one of Britain 's largest peacetime rescue operations . `` I 'm afraid to say that I do n't think we have seen the peak yet , '' John Harman , of the Environment Agency , told BBC radio . `` All this water that we have seen ... is now into the river system . Even though the rain has eased off a bit ... it 's the water in the rivers now that constitutes a threat . '' E-mail to a friend . | Flood waters in parts of England at 60-year highs . UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledges more funds to tackle floods . Tens of thousands of people without water and electricity . Environment Agency issues nine severe flood warnings . | [[9, 131], [9, 26], [98, 172], [2925, 2952], [2979, 3035], [3036, 3038], [3044, 3123], [9, 131], [1699, 1764], [1769, 1786], [1789, 1818], [1699, 1752], [1757, 1786], [1789, 1802], [945, 1039], [945, 967], [982, 994], [1044, 1098]] |
Richmond , Virginia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- `` I 'm a big history buff , '' President Obama said in an interview with ABC News '' George Stephanopoulos . `` And I think that understanding the history of the Confederacy and understanding the history of the Civil War is something that every American and every young American should be part of . '' I am sometimes asked the same question that Mr. Stephanopoulos put to President Obama : Why study Confederate history ? And I agree with the president 's response . As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Civil War , we look back to its centennial in the 1960s . A lot has happened in this country since then , and our appreciation of the lessons of history has changed with the times . One constant has been the importance of the Civil War . It remains as the most important era of American history , a time when America withstood its biggest challenges to a constitutional democracy which then was still viewed as an experiment in a new form of government . The crucible of war defined the nation as we know it today , as we became `` indivisible '' and `` with liberty and justice for all '' for the first time . During the 1960s , we Americans looked at the war as it occurred on the battlefields , because the conduct and course of the war dominated every single moment of every day . And the Confederate soldiers have historically captured our fascination even more than the Union soldiers . Perhaps it is the gallantry and dash of leaders like Robert E. Lee or Stonewall Jackson or J.E.B. Stuart . Or perhaps it was the common enlisted men in the Confederate ranks , whose valor and courage -- in the face of tremendous privation and against overwhelming odds -- makes them stand out in world history as one of the best bodies of soldiers ever known . Another perspective on the Confederacy and history . If the fascination with soldiers continues from the 1960s to today , what has changed ? Today , the study of Confederate history is much more `` inclusive '' -- to use the word of choice for many state 's 150th anniversary commissions -- as we look more deeply into the past . Today we ask different questions of history and I think we get better answers . Let me list just a few of those questions . What about slavery ? We did not talk much about it in the 1960s . Today , we can not study the Confederacy without studying 40 percent of its population . So now we look long and hard at this aspect of American history , including its existence and importance in the North . We see so clearly today that it was a wrong , so we need to ask why so many people 150 years ago did not see it as wrong and why several of the important Christian denominations split apart over this issue before the country itself split . What about the slaves themselves ? Why did many take advantage of the first opportunity to escape to freedom while others remained `` loyal '' to the South ? And what about the 400,000 African-Americans in the South who were free long before Abraham Lincoln came on the scene ? iReporter : Civil War history could have been `` teachable moment '' What about the Southerners who remained loyal to the Union and chose to fight in blue , rather than gray ? What about the thousands of immigrants who `` escaped '' the wars of Europe yet enlisted in both armies to demonstrate their loyalty to their new country ? At the opposite end of the spectrum , what about the Native Americans who had been here long before any Europeans , yet allied with the Confederacy ? The last Confederate brigade to surrender was composed entirely of Native Americans and commanded by Brigadier General Stand Watie , a full-blooded Cherokee . What about the very important Jewish community in the South ? Many served in the ranks while others saw civilian service , such as Judah Benjamin , who had three different Cabinet posts , or Phoebe Pember , who became the head nurse at Chimborazo , the biggest hospital in the world . And what about the women of the South ? The war thrust them into new positions of responsibility and many continued after the war to lead public enterprises that engendered self-esteem and respect . We Americans -- from native Americans to those who have ancestors who wore the blue or gray to those who are descended from slaves to those who have recently come to our shores -- want to know ourselves . We want to understand why our country is different from the others around the world . This is why millions of Americans read so many books about the Civil War or visit the battlefields or come to museums like The Museum of the Confederacy so that they can see first hand the ingredients that formed us . And this is why so many foreigners come to America to visit those same sites in order to understand why we are who we are . The fact is that we must know the Civil War if we are to know America . And to know the Civil War , we must know and understand the Confederacy -- in all of its diversity . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of S. Waite Rawls III . | S. Waite Rawls : Understanding the Confederacy key to knowing how the U.S. has evolved . Today 's Confederate studies cover slavery and many other questions , he says . Millions want to learn more about the Confederacy , he says . | [[1946, 1951], [1954, 2092]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Valera remembered being left in the Russian snow . How he lost his lower arms and some of his toes , he was n't always sure . At times , he said he was in a fire . The truth of what the 14-year-old experienced in his early years , no one will ever know . The orphanage where he lives said Valera was abandoned as a small child at a hospital in St. Petersburg , Russia . He had gangrene , the result of meningitis and an infection , which forced amputations . He was released to the orphanage in Nizhny Lomov , where he 's waited nine years for parents and a home to call his own . On Saturday , Stephen Jack and his wife , Christine , will leave their Goldsboro , North Carolina , home to fly to Russia , the final step in a 15-month journey they hope will give the boy what he 's always wanted . `` Having never seen him and only knowing a little bit about him , I still feel attached to that child , '' said Jack , 53 , who already has six children , four of them adopted . `` I understand he can talk his way into your heart and mind in no time . When the world is opened up for him , who knows what his capabilities and possibilities are ? ... If all goes well , on the 21st he becomes my son . '' It is a trip the Jacks will take with trepidation . The actions Thursday of a Tennessee woman who put her adopted 7-year-old son on a plane and returned him to Russia , saying he was violent and that officials misled her family , puts Americans in the process of adopting from Russia on edge . Officials in Moscow have threatened to suspend all American adoptions and the Jacks face a two-week process involving a court appearance and loads of paperwork before they can fly home with Valera . `` What this woman did to us is put us on pins and needles , '' Jack said . `` My wife has been beside herself , and I 'd be lying if I said I was n't concerned . '' The adoptions of about 3,000 Russian children by Americans are in progress , according to Tom DiFilipo , president of the Joint Council on International Children 's Services , an advocacy group for children in need of families . Russia is the second country this year , after Haiti , in which adoptions have been thrown into a tailspin . No suspension has been announced , but mere talk of such a recommendation spawned a campaign on Monday by the council to galvanize the adoption community and child advocates . People are being encouraged to sign a letter to President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev -LRB- which will be presented to them Wednesday morning -RRB- , post blogs and share videos about adoption successes . `` Our message is this is an isolated incident . The adoption system did not fail . What failed was the decision-making process of this adoptive mother , '' DiFilipo said . What Torry Hansen of Tennessee did is `` outrageous and indefensible , and not indicative of the average adoptive parent . One-hundred-thousand people adopt every year . I do n't know of another case like this . '' The case has rocked the adoption community . `` I talked to parents yesterday , and they 're just devastated , '' said Deborah Gray , a child and family therapist , trainer and author , based in Seattle , Washington , who has 20-plus-years experience working on attachment , trauma and grief issues . `` It makes it seem like these kids are defective , that adoption itself is not a permanent status . ... It 's a public embarrassment , '' she said . `` The vast majority of families are enriched by adoption . To have this kind of approach is really off the wall . I ca n't understand why it would have gotten to this point . '' Adoptive parents can feel overwhelmed during transition . She and other advocates said they wish Hansen had reached out for assistance and tapped services available for parents before shipping the child back to Russia after six months . `` There are so many services that were available to her . She could have contacted FRUA -LSB- Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption -RSB- which is a resource-rich place , gotten a good psychiatric assessment , including hospitalization if necessary to figure out what made this little guy tick , '' Gray said . The incident may have been a wake-up call to agencies and those in the adoption community to make sure adoptive families are prepared for challenges and have resources for help lined up in advance , especially if they live in rural parts of the country , said Sue Gainor , national chair of Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption , a volunteer-led nonprofit that offers support and community . Gainor , who adopted a son from Moscow in 2001 , said there are between 600,000 and 800,000 orphans in Russia , with an additional 80,000 to 100,000 in hospitals awaiting placement in orphanages . `` When you slow adoptions , you affect a lot of children , '' she said . `` There 's lots of angst in the adoption community . The minute you see the picture of that prospective child , that kid is yours . '' Being a parent , child advocates and members of the adoption community add , means helping a child adjust to change and work through challenges . `` This is just so sad because that kid had no chance whatsoever , '' said Larisa Mason , who directs a Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , adoption agency and serves on the board of the National Council for Adoption . `` A 7-year-old who changed his whole life within six months -- new language , new food , a new mother -- no question he would have issues . Even a dog would have issues . '' In addition to hoping adoptions continue uninterrupted , many also want Hansen punished for her actions . Natasha Shaginian-Needham is the founder and director of Happy Families International Center in Cold Spring , New York . The agency , established in 1992 , helps orphans with special needs -LRB- including Valera -RRB- , with adoptions being part of its work . `` The mother who finds somebody on the Internet , who sold his services for $ 200 in order to pick up and deliver -LSB- him -RSB- ... in Russia , demonstrates serious neglect and abandonment , '' she said . `` There was a very high risk that the child could have been met by a pedophile or worse , a killer . The community in Russia is outraged by the fact that the mother may not be punished at all for her inhuman action . '' Prospective adoptive mothers like Andrea Wright of Wake Forest , North Carolina , hope she , her husband , Kenneth , and the boy they want to adopt are n't punished because of Hansen 's actions . Leaving St. Petersburg , Russia , on Friday , Wright was overwhelmed with joy and anticipation . The 40-year-old fundraiser and her husband had just spent a week bonding with a little boy they are on track to soon call their own . The hopeful first-time parents arrived armed with toys to engage little Andrei , who will turn 1 later this month . In awe and with hearts melting , they watched as the child teetered into the room , clasping the hands of an orphanage caregiver . Of all the toys they brought him , stacking balls and cars included , his favorite item : Cheerios . Though he was a little reluctant at first , he warmed up during their stay . When they left him , he waved his arms to say goodbye . In six to eight weeks , they have plans to return to Russia to appear in court , the next phase in their journey to become parents . `` We 've been working on the process for close to a year . It 's been one procedural thing after another . ... We are so prepared to be parents and have worked so hard to get to this point , '' she said . `` We 're hoping that since we 've been to Russia once that we 'll be allowed to continue . We 're trying to go with a lot of faith and prayers at this point that it 'll all work out . '' | About 3,000 American families are in the process of adopting from Russia . Actions of Tennessee mom , who returned adopted son to Russia , has them worried . Moscow officials threaten to suspend adoptions ; hopeful parents move forward . Advocate : `` 100,000 people adopt every year . I do n't know of another case like this '' | [[1880, 1954], [1880, 1938], [1957, 1982], [1273, 1314], [1365, 1387], [1273, 1314], [1390, 1514], [1515, 1622], [2911, 2957], [2958, 2999]] |
Editor 's note : The staff at CNN.com has recently been intrigued by the journalism of VICE , an independent media company and Web site based in Brooklyn , New York . VBS.TV is the broadband television network of VICE . The reports , which are produced solely by VICE , reflect a transparent approach to journalism , where viewers are taken along on every step of the reporting process . We believe this unique reporting approach is worthy of sharing with our CNN.com readers . Brooklyn , New York -LRB- VBS.TV -RRB- -- In this installment of the Vice Guide to Film , VBS co-founder Shane Smith travels to Russia to meet the pioneers of one of the most peculiar experimental film movements in history : Parallel Cinema . The genre marries Soviet avant-garde agitprop filmmaking -LRB- black and white , silent , odd angles , extreme closeups , rapid fire editing of good Soviets at work -RRB- with something called `` Necro-realism , '' a movement spearheaded by filmmaker Yvegny Yufit and consisting of very weird gay male zombie flicks that feature fat bald men having sex and eating each other 's brains . It was meant to be a comment on the impending fall of the Soviet system and the decadence of the apparatchiks in charge . It grew to become much more . While Russia is known for its experimental works of the 1920s -- auteurs like Dziga Vertov and Sergei Eisenstein spring to mind -- this freedom of expression ended when Stalin took power . For 60 years , Russian film was dominated by the drab , state-approved imagery of Socialist realism . This genre was defined by stark scenes of the proletariat soldiering and toiling diligently over the land . Making movies outside this milieu meant that the film-lovers , artists , actors and rock musicians who collaborated to create it were risking life and limb at the hands of the KGB . But when the Soviet Union collapsed , the threat of its primary intelligence agency diminished and Russian filmmakers began to unleash six decades of pent-up creative energy . The films that emerged were an insane mish-mash of booze , violence , surrealism and insanity . Parallel Cinema was born . Watch the rest of Russian Parallel Cinema at VBS.TV . For this episode , Shane journeys to Moscow and St. Petersburg to meet several of the surviving founders of Parallel Cinema and Necro-realism , many of whom are today extremely successful commercial producers and directors . In fact , a few of them now run some of the country 's key networks and continue to make films . Shane manages to uncover this fascinating underground art community and finds that to this day the Parallel Cinema movement thrives . The devoted still have weekly Parallel screenings and events , and even put out a monthly film publication . Still , as he immerses himself in this unique film tradition , it becomes clear that , given Russian 's present volatility , it may not exist much longer . | VBS journalist meets pioneers of `` most peculiar '' experimental film movement . Genre born of freedom that came with collapse of Soviet Union . Unique film tradition may not exist much longer given Russia 's present volatility . | [[478, 486], [568, 700], [2759, 2764], [2822, 2881], [2884, 2914]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Four police officers fatally shot in a Washington coffee shop last month were `` the best of who we can be , '' Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire told thousands of people gathered at the officers ' memorial service on Tuesday . Nearly 20,000 people -- mostly police officers from across the United States and Canada -- attended the service in the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma , Washington , CNN affiliate KIRO reported . `` Sgt. Mark Renninger -LSB- and -RSB- officers Tina Griswold , Ron Owens and Greg Richards were the best of who we can be : Dedicated leaders and citizens who cared for their community , '' Gregoire said at the service . The Lakewood police officers -- Renninger , 39 ; Griswold , 40 ; Owens , 37 ; and Richards , 42 -- were fatally shot November 29 in a coffee shop near Lakewood by an Arkansas parolee with a lengthy criminal history , police said . The suspect , Maurice Clemmons , 37 , was shot dead by a Seattle , Washington , police officer two days later after a manhunt that stretched across the Seattle and Tacoma areas . Before the service Tuesday , a procession of thousands of police vehicles went from McChord Air Force Base to the Tacoma Dome , taking several hours to complete , KIRO reported . In the dome , colleagues and relatives took to the podium to recall the fallen officers , each of whom had children . KIRO : Local coverage of memorial . Renninger was recalled as a dedicated SWAT member who loved NASCAR . Owens and Griswold were remembered for their love of motorcycle rides , and Richards for jamming with a band . `` If these officers were here this afternoon , to an officer they would tell you , ` On November 29 , I was doing my duty . ' And there is no higher calling than to do one 's duty , and they served well , '' Lakewood Mayor Doug Richardson said . Five people , including a man who identified himself as Clemmons ' half-brother and neighbor , have been charged on suspicion of helping Clemmons elude police after the shooting , according to court documents . | Memorial for four Lakewood , Washington , police officers held in Tacoma . Nearly 20,000 people -- many of them police officers -- attend , KIRO reports . Slain officers would say , `` I was doing my duty , '' mayor says . Officers fatally shot in coffee shop on November 29 . | [[248, 335], [339, 388], [404, 433], [1682, 1703], [31, 91], [738, 746], [749, 767], [785, 815], [738, 746], [768, 815]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The tone of tweets on Twitter and posts on Facebook in reaction to President Obama 's State of the Union speech Wednesday night were in contrast to the optimistic comments on his speeches to Congress in September and during his inauguration . Social media users showed more frustration compared with the more hopeful tones in the past , with many saying they hoped the president 's rhetoric would lead to more action . Their frustrations with the lingering economic doldrums , high jobless rates and the battle over health care are reflected in Obama 's approval ratings . They have dropped from 76 percent to 49 percent since February . Social media comments echoed those sentiments . Some users , including members of Congress , continued to find hope in Obama 's words , which they said moved them to believe the country can turn around . Others saw the speech as simply political rhetoric and sometimes contradictory . CNN.com monitored Facebook posts and tweets during Obama 's speech . Here is a sampling of how users felt about the speech , divided by topic and issue . Inspirational words or all talk , no action ? `` i love my obama but i hope he cuts the euphemisms and get to the point tonight ... people r broke and mad . '' -- Twitter user parlorwest . `` yes , give us the reality , we 've heard the inspiring speeches #SOTU '' -- Twitter user Wise_Diva . `` No , Mr. President . Our Union is not strong - it 's more divided than ever . #SOTU '' -- Twitter user josephgruber . `` I do n't want a tax cut per se I want CASH NOW !! And real health care ! #sotu '' -- Twitter user ActsofFaithblog . `` It 's just more words from Obama . He ca n't keep his campaign promises and he wont keep these either . '' -- Twitter user scpolitico . `` Voted for Obama and support him , but we need to see some results . Remember when health care was supposed to be done over the summer ? Yeah ... '' -- Heather Wade on Facebook . `` SOTU not inspiring . People are asking `` where 's the beef '' . Talk is cheap . Need more than rhetoriic '' -- Twitter user , Rep. Virginia Foxx -LRB- R-North Carolina -RRB- . `` Obama just promised comprehensive energy reform ! And free pony rides for me and all of my friends ! #sotu '' -- Twitter user PUNTE . `` A year ago , I believed in Obama 's to-do list . With his 1st #SOTU , I know he 's just empty rhetoric and I 've gone nothing but skepticism . '' -- Twitter user MattGoldberg . Overall thoughts on the speech . `` Americans have made clear that bigger government is not the answer to our challenges and conservatives are listening , '' `` Despite his resistance , we will not relent until we get this message across to the President '' -- Twitter user , Rep. Tom Price -LRB- R-Georgia -RRB- . `` Obama moves me to make this country better . Bush moved me off the couch to change the channel '' -- Twitter user russpalmer . `` Obama - Second place not good enuff . Oh dear lord ... it 's not a competition . . and we should n't be cheerleaders '' -- Teresa Boze on Facebook , discussing Obama 's comments that the U.S. should n't be in second place . `` Good , solid speech , important focus on Senate action ! '' -- Twitter user , Rep. Earl Blumenauer -LRB- D-Oregon -RRB- . `` My reaction to the SOTU ? I 'm moving to Canada . They may be socialist but they are more conservative than Obama could ever dream of . '' -- Twitter user RayLevesque . `` Obama thinks he can change the tone of our politics . Yeah . Your resignation would be a good start . #justsayin #sotu '' -- Twitter user JennLRyan . `` Thank you , Obama , for making me slightly less terrified about the future of this country , if only for one night . Good dude . #stateoftheunion '' -- Twitter user otokoyaku . `` What keeps us going , Mr. President , is that a term is only 4 years . #SOTU #TCOT '' -- Twitter user scrappleface . `` Obama is making an awful lot of promises tonight . Who 's holding him accountable ? #SOTU '' -- Twitter user Megs723 . `` Obama 's idea of defense has been to stick his head in the sand & wave the white flag rather than fight for liberty & wave the US flag . '' -- Twitter user makeCAspecial . `` Barack Obama 's facebook status has changed to `` its complicated '' with America . He is still looking for `` whatever I can get . '' '' -- Twitter user Gurubanks . Watch one iReporter 's take on president 's speech . `` Yes , Mr. President , Strength of American people resides in us . Stop trying 2 take that from us . You do n't know better #stateoftheunion #SOTU '' -- Twitter user Halley5 . Focusing on jobs and the economy . `` The only way Obama know how to create Jobs is to nationalize something and have someone else pay for it . '' -- Twitter user RightWingArtist . `` The President effectively changed the subject tonight from HCR to the economy , fiscal responsibility , & the need for more bipartisanship . ... Now it 's up to him and us to act in response to his invocation tonight . '' -- Twitter user , Joe Lieberman -LRB- I-Connecticut -RRB- . `` Jobs bill , it better be like oh building up our infrastructure , jobs that do more than spend money for the sake of spending '' -- Josh Tway on Facebook . `` How does he know what it 's like to be unemployed and hurting - no clue '' -- Maureen Murray on Facebook . `` YES ! That is very good news ! $ 30 billion in credit for small businesses ! '' -- Megan Whilden on Facebook . `` The stimulus has NOT worked . We were promised unemployment would not go above 8 % . It is over 10 % now '' -- Twitter user , Rep. Paul Broun -LRB- R-GA -RRB- . `` I support and share President Obama 's commitment to job creation , starting with small businesses '' -- Twitter user , Sen. Arlen Specter -LRB- D-Pennsylvania -RRB- . '' #SOTU Pres. Spend-A-Buck wants to convince us he 's fiscally responsible . Knew it , not buying it . '' -- Twitter user Dean_L . Tone of the speech . `` Obama just set the tone `` never been more hopeful '' Really great . #sotu '' -- Twitter user zandrazuno . `` told you obama was biting back tonight . he 's holding folk accountable as he should . wow he 's starting to really resemble caricatures of him '' -- Twitter user JNez . `` Not giving up #climatechange #healthreform nor jobs . If #sotu had soundtrack , it 'd be Tom Petty 's `` I Wo n't Back Down '' '' -- Twitter user jcohntnr . `` Despite all the gloom & doom , Obama 's downright chummy tonight . Big smiles , smooth jokes . Too relaxed ? #SOTU '' -- Twitter user davecatanese . `` Obama sounds like Otter in Animal House . Well we 're not going to sit here & let you bad mouth the United States of America . '' -- Twitter user JBFlint . `` Oh my God , we hired a comedian . #SOTU '' -- Twitter user elizabite , referring to some jokes Obama made during speech . `` Obama is single-handedly trying to throw the dems on his back and get them to toughen up . Last week 's message received , loud and clear . '' -- Twitter user filthyfowl . `` I realize I 'm biased , but I think this #SOTU is a disaster . He 's coming off defensive , arrogant & condescending . '' -- Twitter user Skitzzo . Contradictions from Obama ? '' #SOTU Blame Wall Street in one clause , & the next decry partisanship and division . Er , yeah . '' -- Twitter user edmorrissey . `` In one breath ,9 for a national energy tax that will send jobs overseas '' -- Rep. Dan Burton , -LRB- R-Indiana -RRB- . `` Where is Obama going to get the money for all these promises ? More national debt ?? '' -- Twitter user BluegrassPundit . `` Listening to Obama talk about cutting spending is like listening to a fat kid talk about dieting while eating cake #sotu '' -- Twitter user franklazaro . iReporter wants goals instead of promises . `` Pres Obama was talking spending freeze earlier today but STOU is full of billions and billions of new spending . Can you say inconsistent ? '' -- Twitter user PaulKohls . The blame game . `` AND ... . Bush 's Fault . Again . Grow up . You CAMPAIGNED HARD for the job . Man , I want to put him in a time out for whining . #SOTU '' -- Twitter user snarkandboobs . `` McCain just said `` Blaming it on Bush . '' #pepaw #scarysmile #sotu '' -- Twitter user mjjaaska . `` You did take office in ordinary times . Things are usually going up or down . Ordinary . Get over it . #sotu '' -- Twitter user JennyErikson . `` ca n't he just say , `` I blame Bush for everything '' and cut out like 45 min of this thing ? #sotu '' -- Twitter user AdrienneRoyer . Working across the aisle . `` Liking what I 'm hearing from Obama tonight ... want to see more bipartisan efforts ! '' -- Joshua Baron on Facebook . `` Emphasizing science , techology , engineering and math is critical to our future success and that is an effort I agree with the Pres. #SOTU '' -- Rep. Rob Wittman -LRB- R-Virginia -RRB- . `` I only hope my Republican colleagues use this moment as an opportunity to re-think their strategy of mindless obstructionism . '' -- Twitter user , Sen. Chris Dodd -LRB- D-Connecticut -RRB- . `` thank you , no need to cower just because you do n't have a supermajority '' -- Dominique Hazzard on Facebook . `` If the President is serious about working together to find solutions , we remain open and eager to share our ideas . '' -- Twitter user , Rep. Tom Price -LRB- R-Georgia -RRB- . `` Obama promoting non partisanship while delivering one of the most partisan SOTU speeches i 've heard #SOTU '' -- Twitter user ScottDismuke . `` Tonight was a reminder that it 's time to set aside our differences and focus on working together to restore the American Dream for families . '' -- Twitter user , Rep. Russ Carnaham -LRB- D-Missouri -RRB- . | CNN monitored Tweets , Facebook posts by Americans , politicians during speech . Users divided over whether Obama 's words will amount to action or remain just rhetoric . Some questioned talk of curbing spending while announcing new initiatives . Others wondered if Obama spent too much time insinuating blame on past administration . | [[942, 1010], [861, 941]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration gingerly answered questions Thursday about whether new full-body imaging machines will detect concealed explosives like that allegedly placed in the underwear of the Christmas Day bomber . The deployment of 150 of those machines in front-line use at 11 U.S. airports is to be announced Friday by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano , TSA officials say . `` Would this machine have detected a bomb on that person ? '' Rep. Hal Rogers , R-Kentucky , asked Gale Rossides , the agency 's acting administrator . `` Without going into the specifics of that because of the ongoing criminal investigation , I can tell you that the experience we 've had both in the labs and in our -LSB- field tests -RSB- , our officers are identifying objects on the body that are comparable to what that threat was , '' Rossides said . `` Every time ? '' Rogers asked . `` Our officers are doing a very good job , '' Rossides answered . `` Every time ? '' Rogers pressed . `` I 'd have to get back to you , but you know we have very , very good measures in place for evaluating our officers , '' she said . After several unrelated questions , Rogers asked one more question about the machine 's capabilities . `` Is this machine the end-all ? '' he asked . `` This machine gives us an increased detection capability that is significantly greater than what we have at the checkpoint today , '' she said , adding that her agency is `` driving the manufacturers '' to improve the technology . Rossides testified that the full-body imagers -- which see through clothes , producing a ghostly image of a traveler 's body -- will not reveal objects hidden in body cavities . But she said imagers are better at detecting concealed items than a pat down . `` Today , we do not do a full-body pat down that goes into the sensitive parts of the body where that -LSB- Christmas Day bomb -RSB- was secreted , '' Rossides said . On Friday , Napolitano will announce the first deployment of whole-body imagers as a standard part of checkpoint equipment . Though 40 machines have been deployed at 19 airports nationwide in field tests , Friday 's announcement will mark the official beginning of the program , TSA officials said . The new machines will be deployed this weekend in Boston , Massachusetts , and Chicago , Illinois , the agency said Wednesday . It will reveal the remaining airports Friday . The 150 new machines were purchased last fall with federal stimulus money . The agency hopes to deploy nearly 500 units by the end of the year . Under existing protocols , full-body scans are optional at airport checkpoints . Travelers who decline the scans are funneled to a location where they may be given a pat-down and subjected to other tests , such as swabs that can detect minute traces of explosives on hands or luggage . The TSA said most passengers prefer a body scan to a pat-down . But others have objected to the body scans , calling them electronic strip searches . Rossides testified that the machines will not significantly slow the passenger screening process , saying it will be done at the same time as the carry-on baggage screening . The agency has spent years testing whole body imagers . Plans to deploy them this year were given added urgency after the arrest of a Nigerian man , Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab , who was accused of attempted to detonate an explosive sewn into his underwear aboard a flight December 25 . | Homeland security chief to announce deployment of 150 machines . Acting TSA head questioned about their ability to detect concealed explosives . Agency hopes to deploy 500 such imagers by end of year . | [[281, 432], [0, 26], [34, 100], [2544, 2612]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson says U.S policies are partially responsible for Haiti 's economic problems . In a CNN `` Newsroom '' interview with Ali Velshi , Jackson declared : `` Our agricultural policy ... allowed the Riceland Rice company to drop rice on Haiti , drive Haiti farmers out of business , and then raise the price of rice and have rice riots . '' Jackson 's comments echo a 2005 report by the international relief agency Oxfam International , which said U.S. policies hurt Haitian farmers and helped Arkansas-based Riceland Foods , the world 's largest miller and marketer of rice . `` Riceland 's profits jumped by $ 123 million from 2002 to 2003 , thanks in large part to a 50 percent increase in exports , primarily to Haiti and Cuba , '' the report said . CNN was unable to obtain any immediate response from Riceland Foods , which said publicly its sales to Haiti have declined over the years , but a CNN Fact Check suggests that U.S. policies have indeed played a role in Haiti 's problems . In a 2006 report , the Cato Institute , a nonprofit Washington-based research foundation , called rice `` one of the most heavily supported commodities in the United States , '' and argued that several countries including Haiti `` could all plausibly claim that the U.S. rice program has driven down global prices to the detriment of their citizens . '' `` Until the 1980s , '' the Washington Post recently reported , `` Haiti grew almost all the rice that it ate . But in 1986 , under pressure from foreign governments , including the United States , Haiti removed its tariff on imported rice . '' The subsidized U.S. rice was cheaper than Haitian rice , and soon , it became a staple of the Haitian diet . Many Haitian rice farmers were driven out of business , fleeing to the slums of Port-au-Prince . Later , the price of rice began to rise . It doubled in a little over a year , sparking food riots in Haiti in 2008 . At least six people died before President Rene Preval announced plans to subsidize rice . | In 2006 report , Cato Institute said rice is heavily supported commodity in U.S. Report : Countries including Haiti `` could all plausibly claim '' U.S. rice program harmful to citizens . Many Haitian rice farmers were driven out of business . | [[1026, 1042], [1045, 1063], [1117, 1147], [1026, 1042], [1045, 1063], [1208, 1376], [171, 178], [221, 314], [1734, 1787]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When J.R. Martinez returned from serving in Iraq , he never thought he 'd see his name on the marquee at the local restaurant -- but there it was , a welcome-home banner at the Applebee 's in Dalton , Georgia . More than 40 percent of J.R. Martinez 's body was burned in a land mine explosion in Iraq . He certainly never imagined he 'd be starring in a popular daytime soap opera , either . But Martinez , 25 , has never let the severe burns he received while serving in the United States Army stop him . He spoke with CNN 's Nicole Lapin about overcoming odds and being an inspiration for young people . Watch Nicole Lapin interview J.R. Martinez '' The following is an edited transcript of the interview . Nicole Lapin : You told your mom you 'd come back in one piece . You 're obviously back in one piece . You came back burned . What happened ? J.R. Martinez : Well , April 5 , 2003 , I was driving a Humvee through a city called Karbala in Iraq . My job in the military -- in the Army -- was infantry , and as we were driving , my front left tire hit a land mine and I was trapped inside the vehicle . The other three guys , the other three soldiers walked away with minor injuries , which I 'm thankful for every single day . I was trapped inside the vehicle for about ten minutes , conscious and can literally see my life slipping away from me . You know , my mother is my best friend and I kind of had the visual of my mother , and them handing her a flag and I thought to myself , that 's not something I want to put my mother through . So it 's one of those things where we do n't know how strong we are until we 're faced with things in life and I got through it . Lapin : You did . -LSB- A viewer -RSB- has a question for you about what kept you going . She says , `` First of all , I want to sincerely say thank you for defending our freedom . My question is , during the time of the explosion , how did you keep yourself going ? '' Martinez : Well , when I was a young child , one of my sisters passed away from an illness she was born with . She was born in Central America and I was born here in the United States and I never met her , but I always felt the connection throughout my whole childhood . I felt the connection with my sister and I was confused as to why . And the day of my injury when I was inside the vehicle and I can literally see my life slipping away , an actual visual of my sister came to me and told me I was going to be OK and told me I 'd be fine . And after that sweet whisper went away , they pulled me out of the vehicle and got me immediately into the medical team 's hands . So I guess you could say faith , my sister , my mother -- all the things that kind of kept me grounded as a young child that my mother instilled in me at a young age : to be strong and to hold on to certain things in life because they 'll get you through . Like I said , it 's something that 's hard to explain , but I know a lot of guys that have been injured in the military or people that have been injured outside the military in the civilian world . And I am just like , `` How did you make it ? '' It 's just like , we do n't know , we just hang in there . Lapin : You just do it . Martinez : Yeah , you just do it . All of us had it inside us . We just do n't know it until we 're faced with it and that 's when the true strength really shows . Lapin : Well , you went through 32 surgeries over 34 months . Was there ever a time where you said , `` Woe is me '' ? Martinez : Yeah , I 'm definitely human and there are a lot of bad days . Even being in the soap opera world , there are still days where you wake up and you 're like , `` Here we go again . '' Another obstacle -LSB- is -RSB- where I have to go into the public and show my face and catch those looks of people here in New York . It 's one of those things where you 've just got to get through it , and you 've got to fight the obstacles and you 've got to be strong and you say , `` You know what ? I have hope and I believe and I 'm never going to quit . '' And if you do those things , you 'll be surprised where your life can take you because , as I said in one of the interviews I did , only in America where this can happen , you can go from losing your life to now being on a soap opera . Lapin : We 're looking at a picture of you in a soap opera right now , `` All My Children . '' J.R. , sitting in that hospital bed watching soap operas with your mother , did you ever think you 'd actually be in one ? Martinez : You know , it 's funny . You 've got to be careful what you wish for in life . When I was in the hospital I could n't move . I could n't do anything . I was basically at the hands of medical staff and my mother , and every night my mother would watch novela , the Spanish soap opera . And there was n't nothing I could do about it . So I just sat there . And finally I just got to a point where I 'm just going to take it in and watch TV with her . And one day out of a joke I said , `` One day I 'm going to be on a soap opera , mom . '' All through my recovery I started to do motivational speaking . I became a spokesman for a non-profit called the Coalition to Salute America 's Heroes , which helps wounded troops who return from Iraq and Afghanistan . And I always thought to myself , `` In the midst of all this , I would maybe love to touch that world some day , just to kind of play with it for a little bit . '' And here I am . Lapin : So you had a little premonition . Martinez : Yeah , so you 've got to be careful what you wish for in life because you never know what can happen . Now , in the role in `` All My Children , '' it 's a veteran who falls in love and because of his disfigurement , he does n't know if that person is going to accept him . He kind of feels that it 's best for her to move on with her life and not to be a part of his and his struggle . Lapin : -LSB- Another viewer -RSB- has a question . He wants to know , `` Your story is amazing . I wanted to ask you if it has been tough to relive the terrible pain of your real life during your filming of ` All My Children ' ? '' Martinez : A lot of us , we go through things in life sometimes and we do n't want to sit there and go back to remember it , but it 's good to go back and remember it and it 's good to talk about it , whether it 's to yourself or a piece of paper or whether it 's to an audience or a camera like I am doing right now . | J.R. Martinez was injured by land mine in Iraq in 2003 . He was trapped in Humvee as more than 40 percent of his body was burned . As Martinez went through difficult recovery , he became motivational speaker . He landed role on `` All My Children '' soap opera playing a wounded veteran . | [[230, 321], [230, 321], [415, 423], [431, 479], [445, 513]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Investigators released photographs Wednesday showing a man wanted in the case of a slain woman and her missing 7-year-old daughter . The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation released images taken by a security camera of 37-year-old Tonya Hobbs and her estranged husband , Lester Williams Hobbs , as they shopped for food just hours before Tonya Hobbs was killed . Police have charged Lester Hobbs with murder in his estranged wife 's death . They also have charged him with kidnapping Tonya Hobbs ' daughter , Aja Daniell Johnson , the bureau said Wednesday . `` These new pictures show the suspect car that is now missing as well as what the suspect , Lester Hobbs , looks like and the clothes he may be wearing now , '' a bureau spokeswoman , Jessica Brown , said in a statement . Investigators have asked anyone with information about Hobbs or Aja to call a new hotline number at 1-800-THE-LOST . The images released Wednesday were taken about 5:15 p.m. Saturday at a store in Lawton , Oklahoma . Shortly after that , the couple and Aja apparently went to the home of Lester Hobbs ' sister to eat , police said . Hobbs was found dead in a parked RV the next day in Geronimo , Oklahoma . Her daughter has been missing since then . `` We 've got to find that little girl , '' Special Agent Ray Homer of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said this week . The girl has a medical condition that requires medication , police have said , though they declined to elaborate . Lester Hobbs , 46 , and Aja are presumed to be in Hobbs ' car -- a white 1992 Toyota Paseo with an Oklahoma tag number 577-BPW , police said . Police have searched for them in Oklahoma and Texas . Lester and Tonya Hobbs were separated , but apparently Tonya Hobbs was visiting her estranged husband in an attempt to reconcile , Richard Goss , agent in charge of the state bureau of investigation 's Lawton , Oklahoma , office , told reporters this week . Lester Hobbs is not Aja 's biological father , police said . He has an extensive criminal history , Goss said , without elaborating . Aja 's biological father was awarded emergency custody of her in November , according to Oklahoma County District Court documents obtained by CNN affiliate KWTV of Oklahoma City . At a hearing , Tonya Hobbs -- identified as Tonya Dunkin in the documents -- and the girl 's father , John Johnson , agreed that she would have supervised visitation with Aja and keep the girl away from Lester Hobbs , the documents said . | Store security photo shows Lester and Tonya Hobbs before her death . Tonya Hobbs found dead inside parked RV ; Lester Hobbs sought for questioning . Girl , 7 , has been missing since her mother 's body was found . Sheriff 's Office said girl has a medical condition that requires medication . | [[152, 290], [1137, 1185], [42, 151], [1211, 1253], [1385, 1451]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Search efforts turned into a recovery operation Monday for a U.S. Navy instructor pilot presumed dead after his plane crashed into Lake Pontchartrain , just outside of New Orleans , Louisiana , during a routine training mission , a Navy spokesman said . The student pilot on the plane was rescued about two hours after the crash Saturday night and taken to a hospital for mild hypothermia and moderate injuries , according to the Navy . He has since been released . The missing instructor pilot has been identified as Lt. Clinton Wermers , 33 , of Mitchell , South Dakota . The Navy did not identify the rescued student pilot . The two pilots were attached to Training Squadron 6 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton , Florida . Initial reports were that both the pilots were clinging to the aircraft before it sank , according to the U.S. Coast Guard , which is assisting in the search . Lt. Brett Dawson , a Navy air training spokesman , told CNN Monday that the wreckage of the plane has been located and a salvage unit will be working to recover it . The cause of the crash is under investigation , Dawson said . Air traffic controllers at Lakefront Airport in New Orleans notified the Coast Guard at 6:40 p.m. Saturday that a U.S. Navy T-34 training plane was no longer visible on radar , the Coast Guard said in a news release . The plane had been approaching the airport during a routine nighttime instrument training mission , the Navy said . The T-34 is a single-engine , single-prop plane used for primary training for student pilots . It does not have an ejection mechanism , Dawson said . Instead , pilots can open the canopy , slide it back and roll out of the aircraft . At the time of the crash , the temperature was 50 degrees Fahrenheit with calm winds , the Coast Guard said . The water temperature was 52 degrees . CNN 's Sarah Aarthun and Sara Pratley contributed to this report . | Search efforts turned into a recovery operation Monday after T-34 crashed Saturday night . Missing pilot identified as Lt. Clinton Wermers , 33 , of Mitchell , South Dakota . The T-34 is a single-engine , single-prop plane used for primary training for student pilots . Second unidentified man , a flight student , survived the crash . | [[19, 106], [485, 592], [1478, 1572], [1490, 1572]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Gay and lesbian groups are attacking a decision by the archdiocese of Denver , Colorado , not to re-enroll a child in a Catholic school in Boulder , Colorado , next year because the child 's parents are lesbians . The issue centers on the Sacred Heart of Jesus School , where the pre-schooler is currently enrolled . `` The Archdiocese of Denver has acted very unjustly in singling out this child for exclusion , '' said DignityUSA Executive Director Marianne Duddy-Burke in a written statement Monday . `` Until every student 's parents are tested on Catholic teaching , this action by Catholic officials can not be understood as anything other than discrimination on the back of a child . At a tender age , this child has learned that Catholic officials are willing to inflict pain on children and families . '' The decision was made public last week . `` These actions by the Denver Archdiocese harm the student by taking the child away from friends , teachers and community , '' said Jarrett Barrios , president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation . `` It 's deeply troubling to see any school remove a child from their educational program simply as the means of rejecting that child 's parents . '' But the archdiocese defended its decision . `` Parents living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment , '' it said in a statement posted on its Web site . `` To allow children in these circumstances to continue in our school would be a cause of confusion for the student in that what they are being taught in school conflicts with what they experience in the home . `` We communicated the policy to the couple at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School as soon as we realized the situation . We discussed the reasons with them and have sought to respond in a way that does not abruptly displace the student but at the same time respects the integrity of the Catholic school 's philosophy . '' In a posting of his sermon , the Rev. Bill Breslin , pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church , supported the move . `` The issue is not about our not accepting ` sinners , ' '' he said . `` It is not about punishing the child for the sins of his or her parents . It is simply that the lesbian couple is saying that their relationship is a good one that should be accepted by everyone ; and the Church can not agree to that . '' About 30 opponents of the move -- `` mostly hetero allies of the gay community '' -- protested Sunday outside the church during Mass , said Dave Ensign , board president of Boulder Pride , a lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender community center and services organization . Ensign handed out flyers to the protesters and then joined the parishioners as they listened to the sermon defending the church 's move . `` I was disappointed , but it was pretty much what I was expecting to hear , '' he said . He added that the larger community 's reaction has been positive , saying , `` When people hear about this , they speak up , and I think that says a lot about our community . '' The child has not been identified publicly . No one at the archdiocese or at the school immediately returned calls Monday seeking comment . | Gay and lesbian groups call the decision `` discrimination on the back of a child '' Archdiocese says decision `` respects the integrity of the Catholic school 's philosophy '' About 30 opponents of the move protested Sunday outside the church during Mass . | [[0, 15], [19, 108], [336, 429], [589, 709], [1240, 1279], [1973, 2034], [2465, 2495], [2550, 2597], [2465, 2495], [2600, 2741]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- It 's 2020 . You get home from work , kick off your shoes and relax -- on your very own tropical island . That night , your friends teleport over with other glamorous guests , all nipped , tucked and primped to perfection , for a hedonistic cocktail party at your five-star beach house , decked out in expensively understated chrome , crystal and fine Italian furniture . Experts say the use of virtual worlds like Second Life may be widespread by 2020 . But this is no billionaire way of life . If virtual worlds become the next Facebook phenomenon , experts predict that logging on to a luxury lifestyle could be attainable for all of us -- and we might even spend more money on our online homes than on our real-life surroundings . With over 30 million users worldwide , 8.5 million photos uploaded each day and 15 billion page views a month , Facebook is undoubtedly the Internet 's flavor of the month . But by 2020 , virtual worlds may have surpassed social networking sites as the place to spend time online . Experts believe that the draw of 3-D spaces where our avatars can hang out with our friends -- and meet new ones -- may tempt away even the most ardent Facebook addict . David Knighton , a 35-year-old Second Life user from Jacksonville , Florida , is one of many netizens exploring virtual worlds . He 's been visiting the site for over a year and told CNN that he enjoys its social dimension . `` I 've met several good friends in Second Life , who are still friends to this day in the ` real world ' '' he said . At times , David has spent six hours a day , seven days a week on Second Life . But what is the draw of a virtual world ? Are they only attractive to tech-heads ? David does n't think so . He says , `` Experience plays a role in acceptance to be sure , but Second Life takes hold more on a social and creative level . Someone who signs in and recognizes those aspects of Second Life will immediately be hooked . '' This is backed up by blogger and writer Caleb Booker , who has tracked virtual worlds from phone `` party lines '' through the first one-player text-based computer adventures to the two - and three-dimensional Internet worlds that are burgeoning today . Booker believes that , in a society that 's increasingly mobile , virtual worlds help us hold our far-flung social networks together . He cites the example of his mother-in-law , who recently moved to a new city and uses Facebook to stay in touch with her three daughters . `` They 're all busy , so virtual world technologies and Web 2.0 apps are the best and most convenient ways to keep up , '' he told CNN . Booker says that virtual worlds take this interaction to a more sophisticated level . `` I do n't even have to worry about cab fare if I want to have a little get-together with my friends from the UK and the US tonight , '' he said . And he thinks that it 's only a matter of time before virtual worlds follow Facebook and explode in popularity . `` Bottom line : if people are using email for social interaction , they 'll probably be interested in other ways to be social online . '' Life-like avatars . Interaction on Facebook , MySpace and other social networking sites is mainly limited to text , with the ability for users to add photos and video . But in a virtual world , people are represented by avatars : computer-generated figures which can look uncannily like ourselves -- if we choose . They can walk like us , they 'll soon talk like us and they can interact with each other . As 3-D technology becomes increasingly sophisticated , Booker says that photo-realistic avatars are just around the corner , and will become increasingly convincing . `` Eye movement , breathing , and realistic expressions will be the easy part , '' he revealed . `` The hard part will come with things like synching mouth movements with voice recognition . That 's something we might not quite have nailed by 2020 , but there will definitely be some kind of engine that attempts it by then . '' Holographic projections of 3-D objects are in development , but it will be some time before virtual reality offers us experiences akin to Star Trek 's holodecks : touching and tasting virtual matter is still some way off . `` We 're a long , long way away from having a completely immersive Matrix-like world , '' he told CNN . `` But then again , technology can surprise you . I remember joking with a friend about a guy who bought a brand-new VGA monitor . It could display 256 colors at once -- who could honestly need something like that ? '' Spartan life offline , exotic life online . The authors of the `` Metaverse Roadmap , '' a briefing document that explores the possible development of virtual worlds over the next 20 years , agree that a boom within a decade is likely . Their research has indicated that by 2016 , half of us will have interactive avatars , with those aged between 13 and 30 spending around 10 hours a week socializing in 3-D visual environments . And the draw of virtual worlds may encourage some of us to forsake our mundane real-life surroundings for a luxury life online . The Metaverse Roadmap points to the millions of youths who already use worlds like Habbo Hotel and Playdo , and suggests that `` Youth raised in such conditions might live increasingly Spartan lives in the physical world , and rich , exotic lives in virtual space . '' It makes a certain kind of sense : why cripple yourself with huge mortgage payments on `` real '' real-estate when on Second Life you can buy an entire island for $ 1,600 and $ 300/month maintenance ? The uses for virtual worlds do n't stop at socializing . Virtual environments are already being built for education , like Edward Castronova 's `` Arden '' project at Indiana University , which will transport users into a Shakespearean world . The applications for interior designers are clear , while a team at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health -LRB- NIMH -RRB- in Bethesda , Maryland have used the virtual shoot-em-up `` Duke Nukem '' to diagnose depression in players . Business collaboration . Booker believes that virtual worlds will be used increasingly as business tools . `` They 're very well suited to collaborative work , '' he explained . `` We 're not sure why yet , but there 's something about seeing everybody 's avatar in the room with yours that makes the whole experience far more effective than if you were to simply have a conference call . It creates a real shared experience . '' And with the launch of Sony 's PlayStation Home -- an online world for the games console -- this autumn , it seems the big players in the entertainment world are banking on virtual realms being part of the future , too . `` The common feeling is that by 2020 virtual worlds will be as widespread as the World Wide Web is now , '' states Booker . With that popularity comes opportunity -- and not only for Internet land barons like self-proclaimed Second Life millionaire Anshe Chung , but also virtual builders , landscapers and interior decorators , designers of avatar clothing and accessories , and even community moderators and governors . `` A significant percentage of the world 's population will be able to make a living working in virtual worlds , '' says Booker . And he thinks that this potential is just around the corner . `` The truth is that , as far as virtual worlds go , we 're living in the flash point at the beginning of the explosion . '' ... . What future do you think virtual worlds hold ? Would you give up Facebook to hang out in a virtual space with your friends ? Share your views and read others ' thoughts in the Just Imagine forum . E-mail to a friend . | By 2020 , experts believe virtual worlds will be widespread . Online worlds could replace Facebook as most popular Internet phenomenon . Experts say young users could lead spartan lives offline , luxurious lives online . But Star Trek-style fully-interactive holodecks still some way off . | [[420, 490], [949, 956], [959, 1029], [949, 956], [959, 1029], [2883, 2995], [5015, 5143], [5060, 5143], [5144, 5165], [5256, 5409], [4097, 4197]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- There are around 200 known types of cancers . Some are far more widespread than others . Australian Professor Ian Frazer has developed a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and is working on a vaccine for skin cancer . Cancer researchers are making significant breakthroughs in unlocking the complete genetic makeup of many common cancers . Through extensive studies and research , they are understanding exactly how the rogue cells differ from normal cells , and modifying treatments so they work on just the cancer cells . We take a look at some of the most common types of cancers plus some possible causes , treatments and developments . Lung Cancer Lung cancer develops when cells of the lungs divide and grow in an uncontrolled manner . There are two types of lung cancer : non-small cell lung cancer -LRB- NSCLC -RRB- and small cell lung cancer -LRB- SCLC -RRB- . The latter is more likely to spread further in the body in its early stages . Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide , according to the World Health Organization , with 1.2 million new cases every year . Nearly all lung cancers arise because of smoking and men have always been more affected by lung cancer than women . However , a rise in female smoking worldwide has started reversing the trend . Treatments . Not all lung-cancer patients are suitable for surgery . Surgery on non-small cell lung cancers is more common than in small cell lung cancer , but can still only happen in a minority of cases . Other options are radio therapy and chemotherapy . Developments . In December 2008 , scientists pinpointed a gene that protects against lung cancer . It is hoped the discovery of the role of the tumor suppressor gene -- LIMD1 -- may lead to new treatments and techniques to pick up the disease earlier . The disease is often not picked up until it has reached an advanced stage and many patients die within a year of being diagnosed . Skin Cancer Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin . It generally develops in the outermost layer of skin , so a tumor is usually clearly visible and easier to detect than most other cancers . Skin cancer is the most diagnosed form of the disease , surpassing lung , breast , colorectal and prostate cancer . Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that usually starts within a mole or a dark spot on the skin . If found early , simple surgical treatment works well and usually leads to a cure , the British Medical Journal advises . However they can spread quickly and are responsible for the majority of skin-cancer-related deaths . It 's not entirely clear why skin cancers develop , but according to the U.S. National Institute of Health , UV radiation from the sun is the main cause . UV radiation is particularly harmful for children and teenagers and even a short exposure can lead to skin cancer much later in life . Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis is made with a skin biopsy , under local anesthetic with an injection . Treatment depends on the circumstances of the cancer and the patient ; including age , type of cancer and location . Treatments can include , amongst others , radiotherapy -LRB- radiation -RRB- , chemotherapy -LRB- pills -RRB- and surgery . Developments Scientists have recently conducted experiments on `` immune-priming , '' -- using the patients ' own immune systems to fight the skin cancer . This therapy is still relatively new , but has been shown to boost the immune system and thereby attack skin cancers and viruses . The Australian scientist who developed a vaccine for cervical cancer , Ian Frazer , told Australia 's Medical Research Congress in November 2008 that he is working on a skin cancer vaccine that could be available within a decade . Breast Cancer . Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the breast tissue , leading to damage to the cells ' DNA . This results in cell division and growth and eventually leads to the formation of a lump . The malignant cells can then invade other organs where metastases -LRB- secondary lumps -RRB- may form . Breast cancer is the most common in women , affecting one in nine women at some point in their lives . The World Health Organization states that breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths , causing 502,000 deaths worldwide in 2005 . Diagnosis and Treatment Women are encouraged to check their breasts regularly for any lumps or other irregularities , such as discharge from the nipple . General practitioners or gynecologists can also do physical checks . To make a diagnosis , doctors can perform a mammogram or an ultrasound and take a tissue sample . Once a lump has been identified as malignant , the most common treatments are surgery , radiation therapy and chemotherapy . Developments Interstitial laser thermotherapy -LRB- ILT -RRB- is a relatively new minimally invasive , laser surgery procedure that reduces the possibility of complications during and after an operation . Prostate Cancer . Prostate cancer develops in the prostate , a gland in the male reproductive system . It occurs when cells of the prostate mutate and begin to multiply out of control . These cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body . Rates of prostate cancer vary widely across the world and are most common in Europe and the United States . It is least common in South and East Asia , according to the figures from Cancer Research UK . A quarter of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in British men are prostate cancers . Almost 60 per cent of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men aged over 70 years . Diagnosis and Treatment . Prostate cancer is most often discovered by prostate specific antigen -LRB- PSA -RRB- screening and less commonly by physical examination through the rectum or by the appearance of symptoms . Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the age of the man , his health and the spread of the cancer . The most common treatments are surgery and radiation therapy . Colorectal cancer . Colorectal cancer , also called colon cancer or large bowel cancer , includes cancerous growths in the colon , rectum and appendix . According to the WHO , colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year and is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world . Risk factors and symptoms According to the American Cancer Society , the following factors increase the risk for colorectal cancer : . • Age : Most cases occur in people in their 60s and 70s . Cases in people aged 50 or under are uncommon unless a family history of early colon cancer is present . • Women who have had cancer of the ovary , uterus , or breast have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer . • A history of colorectal cancer in the family . • Smoking . Treatment Surgery is the primary treatment , while radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be applied depending on the patient , the tumor 's stage and other medical factors . If performed at a late stage or when the cancer has already spread , colorectal cancer is unlikely to be cured with surgery . | We take a look at some common types of cancers and the facts behind them . 7.9 million people died from cancer in 2007 , according to the WHO . Projections say cancer could overcome heart disease as the leading cause of death . | [[560, 623], [6156, 6176]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- South Korean and American warships stopped a suspected pirate attack on an Egyptian ship in the Gulf of Aden , capturing 17 suspected pirates , the U.S. Navy announced Thursday . The USS Gettyburg helped stopped a suspected pirate attack , detaining 17 people . The South Korean destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great and cruiser USS Gettysburg launched helicopters in response to a distress call from the MV Amira , the Navy statement said . While en route to the Egyptian-flagged ship , they spotted a dhow that the navies suspected was being used as a pirate `` mother ship . '' An American search-and-seizure team boarded the dhow and found eight assault rifles , a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and one rocket-propelled grenade , the Navy said . All 17 people aboard the boat were detained . It was the first time the anti-piracy task force CTF 151 had captured suspected pirates , the Navy said . Numerous military ships from around the world have been dispatched to patrol the waters off the coast of Somalia in the face of an explosion in piracy in the region over the past several years . Pirates currently hold 15 ships , said Cyrus Mody of the International Maritime Bureau , which monitors piracy worldwide . All those ships were seized in the waters off the east coast of Africa , he told CNN . | South Korean and American warships stop a suspected Somali pirate attack . They launched helicopters in response to a distress call from the MV Amira . American search-and-seizure team board dhow and detain 17 people . | [[0, 127], [198, 256], [281, 425], [0, 15], [130, 160], [198, 215], [259, 280], [593, 645], [766, 811]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Moussa Dadis Camara , the military leader of the West African nation of Guinea , was shot and wounded in an attack on his presidential convoy , an official said . His `` life is not in any danger , '' said the regime 's minister of state for presidential affairs , Maj. Keletigui Faro . `` The situation is under control . '' The attack occurred on Thursday in Conakry , the nation 's capital , Faro said . It comes after increased pressure internally and internationally for Camara to hold , but not be a candidate in , elections in January . Camara , who seized power in a coup in December 2008 , has given no indication that he will follow through with the elections . In September an opposition demonstration was marred by violence , as the military fired on people gathered in the capital 's national stadium . Human rights groups say at least 157 people were killed and many women were raped . The military continues to crack down on opposition in the country , Amnesty International said in a newly released report . `` A climate of fear continues in Guinea , '' said the organization 's Gaetan Mootoo . `` The authorities can no longer turn a blind eye to the human rights violations committed by its security forces . '' | Attack occurs Thursday in the nation 's capital , Conakry , official says . Camara seized power in a coup in December 2008 . In September an opposition demonstration was marred by violence . At least 157 people were killed , women raped , human rights groups say . | [[163, 181], [345, 387], [563, 569], [576, 615], [691, 754], [835, 878], [891, 918]] |
Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Charges relating to Michael Jackson 's death will be filed Monday , prosecutors said . Friday 's announcement by the Los Angeles County District Attorney 's Office did not say what the charges would be or who would be charged . Dr. Conrad Murray , Jackson 's personal physician when he died last summer , had planned to surrender to authorities Friday afternoon at the Los Angeles courthouse branch near Los Angeles International Airport , but that changed when prosecutors delayed filing charges . Murray 's lawyer , Ed Chernoff , then told reporters he and Murray would instead be in a public park near the courthouse Friday afternoon to talk about the case . That event was soon canceled . `` In light of the district attorney 's office announcement that Dr. Murray will be charged on Monday , we have canceled media access until after arraignment , '' Chernoff said in a written statement . Murray 's lawyers and prosecutors had been negotiating Thursday to have Murray turn himself in , but those negotiations broke down , a law enforcement source with detailed knowledge of the talks told Beth Karas of `` In Session , '' on CNN sister network truTV . `` I do n't know what part of negotiations could have broken down , in light of the fact that we 've placed ourselves in the hands of law enforcement to surrender at any time , '' said Ed Chernoff , Murray 's lawyer . Los Angeles prosecutors could file charges at any time , however , setting up a scenario for Los Angeles police to find Murray on their own , arrest him and take him to jail . A surrender -- in which a defendant turns himself in at a police station for booking -- would allow the doctor to avoid being seen in public handcuffed and escorted by police . Chernoff said earlier Thursday that he and Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney David Walgren `` share the goal of the efficient administration of this process . '' `` An arrest of Dr. Murray would be a waste of money , time and resources , '' Chernoff said . `` We 've always made it clear : You tell us where ; we 'll be there . I 'm sure something can be arranged . '' The doctor traveled to Los Angeles last week from his home in Houston , Texas , in expectation of possible charges . Murray was hired last spring as Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts in London , England . The doctor told Los Angeles police that he was with Jackson through the early morning hours of June 25 in an effort to help the pop star fall asleep , according to a police affidavit . He administered sleep aids , and after Jackson finally began sleeping in the late morning hours , Murray said , he left the bedroom for `` about two minutes maximum , '' the affidavit said . `` Upon his return , Murray noticed that Jackson was no longer breathing , '' it said . The doctor stayed with Jackson as an ambulance rushed him from his $ 100,000-a-month rented mansion in Holmby Hills to UCLA Medical Center . Efforts at CPR proved fruitless , and Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. . The Los Angeles County coroner ruled Jackson 's death a homicide resulting from a combination of drugs , primarily propofol and lorazepam . The coroner 's statement said Jackson died from `` acute propofol intoxication , '' but there were `` other conditions contributing to death : benzodiazepine effect . '' Lorazepam and two other drugs Murray said he used are benzodiazepines . The doctor told investigators he had given Jackson three anti-anxiety drugs to help him sleep in the hours before he stopped breathing , a police affidavit said . Murray had been treating Jackson for insomnia for six weeks at the time of the singer 's death . The doctor told investigators he gave Jackson 50 milligrams of propofol , the generic name for Diprivan , diluted with the anesthetic lidocaine every night via an intravenous drip . The doctor told police he was worried that Jackson was becoming addicted to the drug and tried to wean him off it . During the two nights before Jackson 's death , Murray said , he put together combinations of other drugs that succeeded in helping Jackson sleep . CNN 's Ted Rowlands contributed to this report . | NEW : Dr. Conrad Murray , lawyer cancel press conference about case in Los Angeles park . Murray 's lawyers say they do n't want to see client arrested publicly . Murray says he gave Jackson anti-anxiety drugs , anesthetic to help him sleep . | [[839, 894], [2544, 2570], [3427, 3502], [3470, 3533]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Five men missing from the Washington area are in Pakistani police custody , the FBI said Thursday , a day after Pakistani authorities arrested several men whom they described as Americans and accused them of plotting terrorist attacks . In a statement , the FBI said Pakistani authorities detained the men -- four of whom it said were found to have American passports -- on Wednesday , `` after they came to the attention of police . '' The statement did not give further details and did not identify the men . `` Although positive identification is still pending , the FBI believes they are the missing individuals , '' the bureau said . An FBI special agent and two other U.S. government officials from the U.S. Embassy have spoken with some of the men , the FBI said . Pakistani police said they are confident the men were planning terrorist acts , according to Tahir Gujjar , deputy superintendent of police in Sargodha , where the men were arrested . Gujjar told CNN that a preliminary investigation suggests that the men came to Pakistan to wage jihad and had sought to link up with the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Jamaat ud Dawa militant organizations , neither of which showed interest , he said . The men wanted to martyr themselves , he said . Pakistani officials arrested five of the men Wednesday , and a sixth man -- the father of one of the five -- was arrested afterward , Gujjar said . Usman Anwar , head of the district police of Sargodha , said the men initially made contact with Pakistani militants through YouTube in August while they were still in the United States . The men were watching videos of Americans being killed in Afghanistan and had posted comments , which caught the attention of the militants , Anwar said . After contact was made , a Yahoo e-mail account was set up so the men and militants could communicate , Anwar said . `` They were using a typical method that has been used by very notorious organizations , '' he said , explaining that e-mails were never sent from the account ; rather , each side left messages as drafts , which were deleted after they were read . After the arrests , authorities discovered that the men had received their final orders , including their `` exact task , going to a particular spot ... and the exact method of how to get there , '' Anwar said . He did not disclose further details . State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said that a team made up of U.S. Embassy security officials and FBI officials met with the men Thursday , and that consular officials will probably meet them Friday . `` It 's important to emphasize at this point , we are in an information-gathering phase , but we have met with them , '' he said in a briefing Thursday with reporters . `` We 're going to find out how they made their way from Washington , D.C. , to Pakistan , why they were there , what their intentions were , '' he said . `` At this point , we 've reached no judgments . '' A U.S. law enforcement official who was not authorized to speak on the record said FBI agents based in Pakistan were interviewing the men , and added that some based in the United States would probably travel there as well . The official said he had seen reports of a sixth man arrested , but did not comment . The official , who would not provide a list of those arrested , said authorities are looking at computers the men were using in the United States , as well as cell phones and anything else they may have carried with them . Pakistani officials said Thursday that the six men are three Pakistani-Americans , an Ethiopian-American , an Egyptian-American and an Eritrean-American . President Obama said that he envisioned `` a series of investigations '' into the arrests , but he said he preferred not to comment on them . The arrests followed a Wednesday raid on a home in Sargodha , about 120 miles south of Islamabad , Pakistani police said . In the raid , investigators found laptops and maps of Pakistan containing highlighted areas that correspond to regions where terrorists have been active , police said . A Pakistani official told CNN the men arrived in Karachi on November 30 and went on to Lahore and then Sargodha , the official said . The arrests came at the behest of local police , the official said . Subira Farouk , the wife of Khalid Farouk and the mother of Umar Farouk -- both arrested -- said she and her husband had traveled to Pakistan to arrange a marriage for Umar , and to her surprise , her son had arrived in the country shortly afterward . Farouk , who spoke to CNN in Sargodha on Thursday , described her son as a business student at George Mason University who she said would never plan a terrorist attack . The mother said that she had spoken to her son before he had arrived in Pakistan and that he had mentioned going to a conference with friends . Afterward , she said she did not hear from him , prompting her to grow concerned . After speaking with his friends ' parents , she said she believed that they had been kidnapped . The families contacted the Council on American-Islamic Relations and U.S. law enforcement authorities , who advised her to stay in Pakistan , she said . Later , Farouk said she received a call from a relative in Pakistan who said her son was in the country with several friends . She said she was relieved , thinking her son had surprised her , but authorities then arrested her husband , her son and his friends . The Council on American-Islamic Relations said Wednesday that it was assisting in the investigation of `` five Muslim young men from Virginia who left the country recently under mysterious circumstances . '' CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper told CNN that one of the missing youths was a student at Howard University and that all five knew each other . Nihad Awad , CAIR executive director , told reporters that one left a video behind . `` I was disturbed by the content of it , '' he said . One person appeared in it and made references to `` the ongoing conflict in the world , and that young Muslims have to do something , '' Awad said . He said the video `` juxtaposed certain verses of the Quran , '' and he suggested there was a misunderstanding of those verses and their potential misuse . The video is about 11 minutes long , he said , and is `` like a farewell . '' CNN 's Arwa Damon , Carol Cratty , Jeanne Meserve and Samson Desta contributed to this report . | NEW : FBI says special agent , U.S. Embassy officials have spoken with some of the men . State Department says it 's determining how men made it to Pakistan , why they 're there . Pakistani officials : 5 arrested Wednesday , sixth man -- father of one of the 5 -- arrested later . Pakistani police confident men were planning terrorist acts , official says . | [[669, 784], [2383, 2589], [2433, 2526], [2967, 2998], [3045, 3104], [1277, 1331], [1338, 1349], [1378, 1382], [1386, 1408], [142, 266], [802, 879], [4090, 4161], [4090, 4110], [4166, 4183], [4204, 4223], [4273, 4292]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Marin Cilic sealed his place in the third round of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters after a hard-fought win over Igor Andreev of Russia on Tuesday . The fourth seed eventually dispatched Andreev 6-7 -LRB- 4-7 -RRB- 6-1 6-4 but it took the Croatian nearly three hours to do so . Cilic , appearing in his first clay-court match for 10 months , started slowly and allowed the Russian to dominate the early exchanges and clinch the first set on a tie-break . But Cilic regained his momentum in the second set , offering up just one game as he marched to a 6-1 success . And though Cilic twice went a break down in the deciding set , he held on to claim it 6-4 and progress to round three . `` The conditions were tough , the balls were heavy , '' Cilic told the official ATP Tour Web site . `` I just wanted to stay in it after losing that first set by making him play a lot of shots . Afterwards I found some solutions so I could win easier points and win the mental battle . '' Cilic was joined in round three by French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Spanish sixth seed Fernando Verdasco , who both recorded straight-sets victories . Verdasco breezed past Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-2 6-1 in just under 75 minutes , while Tsonga defeated Nicolas Almagro of Spain 7-6 -LRB- 7-5 -RRB- 7-5 . Tomas Berdych set up a third-round match with Verdasco after beating Richard Gasquet of France in straight sets . The Czech 10th seed took less than an hour to record a 6-2 6-0 victory . The top names in the field -- world No. 2 Novak Djokovic , five-time champion Rafael Nadal and third seed Andy Murray -- begin their campaigns on Wednesday after being handed a first-round bye . Nadal beat Britain 's Murray in last year 's semifinals before going on to defeat Serbian Djokovic to claim the title . The tournament marks the start of the European clay season in the buildup to the second grand slam event of 2010 , the French Open starting on May 24 . | Marin Cilic beats Igor Andreev in second round of Monte Carlo Rolex Masters . Cilic defeats the Russian 6-7 -LRB- 4-7 -RRB- 6-1 6-4 in just under three hours . Spanish sixth seed Fernando Verdasco beats Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-2 6-1 . French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beats Nicolas Almagro of Spain 7-6 -LRB- 7-5 -RRB- 7-5 . | [[19, 164], [19, 164], [165, 238], [243, 293], [475, 480], [523, 581], [645, 701], [1422, 1494], [992, 1086], [1068, 1104], [1116, 1150], [1151, 1207], [1457, 1494], [1241, 1307]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The weirdest campaign ad of this season -- maybe any season -- debuted on the Internet this past week . The ad has been nicknamed , `` Demon Sheep , '' and can be viewed here . The ad is an opening salvo in what will could prove the most expensive Senate race in U.S. history . The incumbent , Barbara Boxer , has always been the less popular of California 's two Democratic senators . Boxer now looks vulnerable . Two Republicans declared early for the nomination against Boxer : state Sen. Chuck DeVore and former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina . Fiorina took an early lead . But her performance on the campaign trail disheartened many of her supporters . Worse , Fiorina never developed a good answer to the questions about her business career . Portfolio magazine had dubbed Fiorina one of the 20 worst CEOs of all time after a disastrous merger with Compaq . Fiorina was fired in 2005 after company stock dropped 60 percent in a year . She herself walked away with a payday estimated as high as $ 40 million . That history was tough to explain to hard-pressed voters . Facing an intensifying risk of self-inflicted defeat in a winnable race , party leaders and donors enticed former state budget director Tom Campbell into the race . Campbell immediately stepped into first place in the polls , five points ahead of Fiorina , 15 ahead of DeVore . The `` demon sheep '' ad was Fiorina 's attempt to head Campbell off at the pass . No description can do justice to the ad 's low-budget strangeness . The ad presents Campbell as a dangerous predator with glowing red eyes , preying upon Fiorina 's flock . Never mind that it 's not usually smart tactics to represent the voters as dim-witted sheep . The more urgent question for California Republicans is this : What should they make of the substance of Fiorina 's attack on Campbell ? Here 's the former front-runner 's case : . Campbell presents himself as a committed fiscal conservative . In fact , however , he 's a career politician largely responsible for the state 's budget crisis . He helped write the 2005 California budget , which contained a big jump in state spending . He called for raising the gas tax and for sales taxes on Internet purchases . And he refused to sign the famous no-tax-increase pledge presented to all candidates by the Washington lobbying group , Americans for Tax Reform . He 's not the pure-hearted fiscal conservative admired by his backers : Instead Campbell is `` Taxing Tom , '' a `` FCINO '' : fiscal conservative in name only . What 's the truth ? To anyone familiar with the Campbell record , it seems crazy that anybody would charge him with insufficient commitment to free-market causes . Campbell wrote an economics dissertation under Milton Friedman at the University of Chicago . He ran the competition bureau at the Federal Trade Commission during the Reagan administration . Elected to Congress from Palo Alto , California , in 1988 , re-elected four times , he amassed one of the most taxpayer-friendly voting records in the House of Representatives . That was the record that inspired California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to hire Campbell as state budget director in 2005 . California 's budget position was already desperate when Campbell took the job . • The teachers ' union had pushed through a ballot measure that directed 40 percent of all state spending to schools -- meaning every time Medicaid spending rose , the schools got a raise too . • California 's `` three-strikes '' law -- life in prison after a third felony conviction -- had filled the state 's correctional institutions with doddering old crooks confined forever at taxpayer expense . • Reckless union contracts had pushed public-sector pay and benefits to astounding heights : over $ 100,000 for some prison guards . • Illegal immigration played havoc with state finances . Illegal immigrants paid very little tax , but imposed as much on the state 's roads , hospitals , schools , and prisons as anybody else . Gov. Schwarzenegger and director Campbell tried to address these constitutionally imposed dysfunctions in a 2005 ballot measure . The initiative would have enhanced the governor 's powers to cut spending growth , nullified the 40 percent guarantee to schools , and imposed across the board spending cuts if spending outpaced revenues . The measure , Proposition 76 , was California 's last clear chance to avert the state 's present budget crisis . It was rejected . California has now plunged into the crisis that Schwarzenegger and Campbell foresaw and attempted to forestall . California is constitutionally required to balance its budget . Without the powers contained in Prop 76 , Schwarzenegger and Campbell had to make the best deal they could with the state 's interest-group dominated Democratic legislature . Under those awful circumstances , an increase in the gas tax was among the state 's least bad alternatives . Campbell responsibly and courageously endorsed it , just as a surgeon operates on a heart patient who had earlier rejected advice to reduce his cholesterol . Fiorina 's ad poses a powerful question . What does it mean to be a fiscal conservative ? Fiorina criticizes Campbell for declining to sign a no-tax-increase pledge . Of course , Republicans have been enthusiastically signing that pledge for almost two decades now . The pledge did not stop them from spending money profusely . In fact it has turned out that a no-tax pledge can actually incentivize spending , by creating a ready-made excuse for the ensuing deficits . Fiorina 's ad asks an apt question : What does it mean to be a fiscal conservative in the midst of the worst deficits and debts since World War II ? Here are the tests I 'd be considering if I were a California voter : . • What 's your record of controlling government spending ? • What are your specific plans for controlling spending in future ? • In particular , how will you restrain the growth of Medicare and Medicaid -- the two main drivers of federal spending ? A candidate who can answer those questions with credibility can claim to be a fiscal conservative in something more than name . A candidate who offers only a pledge not to increase taxes to pay for the spending for which he or she votes ? That candidate is just another Republican sheep . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Frum . | Carly Fiorina released the `` demon sheep '' ad in California race for U.S. Senate . David Frum says it may be the strangest campaign ad ever . He says she 's unfairly targeting Tom Campbell as a fiscal conservative in name only . Frum says Campbell acted responsibly to try to head off the fiscal crisis California is now in . | [[134, 159], [163, 176], [1385, 1432], [4395, 4405], [4427, 4472]] |
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A U.S. missile defense test failed Sunday when a long-range missile missed its target because of radar problems . The Defense Department said a target missile was launched from an Army test site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands at 7:40 p.m. Six minutes later , a second missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California , to find the first one and destroy it . Both missiles flew successfully , but missed each other because of a problem in the sea-based X-band radar , the department 's Missile Defense Agency said . The X-band radar sits atop a modified floating oil platform and provides information about incoming missiles so military officials can launch a response . `` Both the target missile and ground-based interceptor performed nominally after launch . However , the sea-based X-band radar did not perform as expected , '' the agency said . Officials intend to investigate the cause of the interception failure . | Test missile fired from Pacific atoll . Interceptor fired from California base . Problem with sea-based radar led to test failure , defense department says . | [[144, 280], [167, 280], [0, 26], [58, 143], [417, 430], [455, 523], [830, 884]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The same hands that are helping Haiti recover from a massive earthquake could cripple its long-term recovery . That 's the concern voiced by some Haitian scholars , natives and relief workers . The world has rallied to Haiti 's side since the January 12 earthquake killed at least 217,000 people and displaced at least a million in the impoverished island nation . Yet the same groups that have lined up to help Haitians the past two months -- foreign governments , relief groups and companies pledging to rebuild -- could hobble Haiti 's long-term survival , some say . Ronald Agenor , a Haitian-American , says he 's grateful for the world 's assistance . But he does n't want the earthquake to wipe out one of his native country 's most precious assets : its independence . `` We 're not a country anymore , '' said Agenor , a former top-ranked professional tennis player . `` It does n't seem like we have a government . We 're a place where people go to give money . '' How aid can hinder Haiti 's government . Much of Haiti 's national identity is shaped around its unique history . Haitians are the descendants of the only slaves who revolted against their masters in the 19th century . Haiti , though , has struggled since it broke away from its colonial rulers , the French . Even before the earthquake , unemployment hovered around 50 percent , and more than half of all Haitians live on a dollar a day . Ongoing political instability adds to Haiti 's misery . Western nations and relief groups have stepped in over the years to help . But some of that help has backfired , says Alex Dupuy , a native of Haiti and a professor of sociology at Wesleyan University in Connecticut . `` Haiti has been transformed over the years into an aid-dependent country , '' Dupuy said . `` Much of the aid has further weakened the ability of the state to deliver . '' In Haiti , the government does n't provide basic services such as sanitation , electricity and drinking water , Dupuy says . Much of that is provided by non-governmental organizations , or NGOs , like relief groups , he says . `` It becomes a vicious cycle , '' Dupuy said . `` The state is never forced to face up to its responsibilities . '' Educated Haitians could stay and help their country , but many prefer to move elsewhere for more comfortable living , Dupuy says . `` There are more Haitian doctors practicing medicine in Montreal than in Haiti , '' Dupuy said . Full earthquake coverage . Those educated Haitians who do stay are often siphoned off into working for the non-governmental organizations stationed there , says J. Phil Thompson , an urban studies professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who has traveled to disaster zones around the world to help communities recover . Thompson says there are about 10,000 NGOs in Haiti . `` Haitians often do n't want to work for the government , because the salaries ca n't compete with the donations various intermediaries can pay , '' Thompson said . Profiting from Haiti 's misery . Helping hands have hurt Haiti in the past , some Haitians say . Powerful outsiders took advantage of Haiti 's weakened government for profit . Dupuy says that in the early 1970s , Haiti was self-sufficient in its rice production . Today , it is the fourth largest importer of rice from American farmers who are subsidized by the U.S. government . The change came about because much of the foreign aid to Haiti had strings attached . Haiti had to remove its tariffs and open its economy to foreign imports , he says . `` All of which had devastating impacts on Haitian agriculture , '' Dupuy said . `` Haiti has nothing to show for it . Now it imports 25 percent of the food it consumes . '' Haiti 's impoverished condition also provides opportunity for companies that flock to the country . `` It 's being used as a haven for cheap labor in the textiles and garment industries , '' Dupuy says . `` Those industries are going to Haiti because there is an abundance of the cheapest labor in the Western hemisphere . '' Even those companies that promise to help rebuild Haiti must be viewed with suspicion , one scholar says . Haiti 's recovery could be hampered by unscrupulous outsiders and opportunistic Haitians who may seize land for themselves by passing their efforts off as `` helping the recovery , '' Thompson said . After Hurricane Katrina wiped out the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans , Louisiana , a group of developers proposed turning the area into a golf course , Thompson says . After the 2004 Asian tsunami , developers proposed building luxury hotels on the fishing communities that had just been wiped out , he added . The same pattern could repeat itself in Port-au-Prince , the capital , to `` redevelop '' Haiti , Thompson says . `` Everywhere I 've worked , where there 's been a disaster , there 's been land grabs by the elite , '' Thompson said . Haitians say how their country can recover . Haitians can come out of this disaster stronger if they take more control of their destiny , Thompson says . Thompson suggests that Haitians create a social investment fund , which would be used to funnel money that expatriates send to their homeland into investments in renewable energy , education and housing . It 's been estimated that up to 36 percent of Haiti 's gross national product comes from remittances , or money Haitians receive from other Haitians abroad . `` Because Haitians are investing in Haiti , they are going to make sure no one is ripped off , '' Thompson said of the investment fund . Agenor , the Haitian-American tennis player , recommends an even more subtle change for improving his country 's prospects : teach more English to Haitian youth . Creole and French are the primary languages in Haiti . But the best employment opportunities for Haitians rest about an hour 's flight away in the U.S. , where English is the main language , Agenor says . `` We have a French culture , but we 're so close to America , '' said Agenor , who now lives in Los Angeles , California . `` When Haitians go to America , they do n't speak English . They ca n't go to college . When other English-speaking islanders go to America , 80 percent of the job is done . '' Relief groups can help Haitians in the short term by not only providing food , shelter and water but by hiring Haitian workers in reconstruction projects and soliciting their advice , one relief expert says . `` There 's nothing worse than a bunch of foreigners coming in to fix everything , '' said David Humphries , a spokesman for CHF International , a humanitarian organization that is in Haiti . `` Self-esteem and buy-in are very important for any community . They need to say , ` This is our building , our hospital . ' '' iReport : Haiti 's missing and found . Local input can also avoid wasting precious resources , Humphries says . `` You can build a hospital , but if there 's no functional road to it , it 's a white elephant , '' Humphries said . `` People will despise it . Go in the community , get their input and employ them . '' Despite the challenges ahead , some Haitians remain optimistic . News accounts of the earthquake 's aftermath are filled with stories about the resilience of Haitian people . Maggie Boyer , a Haitian native who is communications director for World Vision , an international Christian humanitarian agency , says the street vendors and the colorful Tap-Tap taxicabs have returned to the streets of Port-au-Prince . `` Given our history as the first black republic , '' Boyer said , `` this has left us with the sense that we are good , we can win , and we can go forward . '' | Massive aid flowing into Haiti could hobble country 's recovery , some say . Aid weakens ability of Haitian government to develop , sociologist says . `` We 're not a country anymore , '' one Haitian says . Powerful outsiders can use crisis for land grabs , professor says . | [[463, 576], [579, 589], [994, 1034], [1801, 1878], [799, 819], [4227, 4253], [4258, 4287]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The world has a new alliance to save vanishing frogs , toads and salamanders . A frog swims in a pond in Munich , Germany , in June . A coalition of organizations established the Amphibian Survival Alliance this month to conserve species threatened by deadly fungus , habitat loss , pollution , pesticides and climate change . The scientists said amphibians are the world 's most threatened group of animals . Though they thrived on Earth for more than 360 million years , one in three of the 6,000 recognized amphibian species are now at risk of extinction and as many as 122 species have gone extinct since 1980 , according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature 's amphibian specialist group . `` The world 's amphibians are facing an uphill battle for survival , '' said James Collins of Arizona State University , co-chairman of the group . He said the new alliance , formed at the Amphibian Mini Summit at the Zoological Society of London , will focus efforts on the biggest threat to amphibians : infectious disease and habitat destruction . The group includes amphibian specialists working in the wild as well as those in zoos , aquariums and botanical gardens worldwide . `` Amphibians have so much to offer humans , '' said amphibian specialist Simon Stuart . `` Many have an arsenal of compounds stored in their skin that have the potential to address a multitude of human diseases . '' But as amphibians die out , so do opportunities to develop new medicines , he said . The southern gastric brooding frog , for instance , could have led to the development of a treatment for human peptic ulcers had it not gone extinct , Stuart said . `` We simply can not afford to let this current amphibian extinction crisis go unchecked , '' he said . Andrew Blaustein , who began documenting amphibian declines two decades ago , said the loss of species was part of an overall biodiversity crisis . `` Amphibians seem to have been hit the hardest of all vertebrate species , '' said Blaustein , a professor of zoology at Oregon State University . `` The long-term ecological repercussions of their decline could be profound , and we have to do something about it . '' | Amphibian Survival Alliance aims to save threatened frogs , toads , salamanders . One in three of 6,000 recognized amphibian species at risk of extinction , group says . 122 amphibian species have gone extinct since 1980 , group says . Amphibian species could help in development of medicines , scientist says . | [[19, 97], [153, 256], [492, 576], [592, 632]] |
Manila , Philippines -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Philippines government has increased security in the southern region of Maguindanao after gunmen kidnapped and killed at least 22 people , according to military officials and the country 's national news agency . Some of the bodies were beheaded , according to Filipino media . The details suggest the daytime abductions were politically motivated , and the military said the gunmen were loyal to the province 's incumbent governor . Those killed include a gubernatorial candidate 's wife and one of his sisters , according to two of his family members who spoke on local television . The death toll also included at least 12 journalists , according to Reporters Without Borders , a media freedom organization . Ismael `` Toto '' Mangudadatu wanted to run for governor of Maguindanao province in May but had received threats he would be kidnapped if he filed the candidate nomination papers himself . He sent his wife and sisters to file the papers , thinking `` that women would have some protection , '' journalist Maria Ressa told CNN . `` It was supposed to be a media event , '' Ressa said , '' -LSB- to -RSB- let the public know that this politician would run for governor . '' Army officials said 100 gunmen surrounded the group of about 40 people -- many local journalists and women among them -- and ordered them out of their vehicles . They took the hostages to a mountainous region , officials said . Some of the women were raped and tortured , according to media reports . The military confirmed finding 22 bodies , some of them reportedly beheaded . `` Never in the history of journalism have the news media suffered such a heavy loss of life in one day , '' Reporters Without Borders said of the 12 journalists reported dead . The military has said the gunmen are loyal to Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan , who has held control of the area for the past decade and is a longtime ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo . Neither Ampatuan nor his advisers have commented on the allegation . Maguindanao is a province in Mindanao , a Muslim autonomous region out of the control of the central government . The Philippines government said it increased security in the region after the attacks . Jesus Dureza , an adviser to Macapagal-Arroyo , called the slayings `` a gruesome massacre of civilians unequaled in recent history . '' Dureza , Macapagal-Arroyo 's adviser on Mindanao affairs , has asked the government to place Maguindanao province under a state of emergency . Elections in the Philippines have long been marred by violence , but Monday 's abductions and killings shocked the nation . Macapagal-Arroyo condemned the killings and ordered more Filipino troops to the region to bolster security , according to the Philippines News Agency . She also ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines `` to conduct immediate and relentless pursuit of the perpetrators -LSB- and -RSB- to secure the affected areas , '' the agency reported . Military checkpoints are being set up as part of the security effort , state media reported . Aid agencies operating in the region have long complained about a climate of fear in the region , where the government has little control and private armies operate freely . Reporters Without Borders said it has been outspoken in criticizing `` the culture of impunity and violence in the Philippines , especially Mindanao . '' `` This time , the frenzied violence of thugs working for corrupt politicians has resulted in an incomprehensible bloodbath , '' the organization said . `` We call for a strong reaction from the local and national authorities . '' Journalist Maria Ressa contributed to this report . | NEW : Death toll rises ; dead include at least 12 journalists . Governor candidate 's wife , sister among those killed , family members say . Watchdog organization blames `` frenzied violence of thugs '' for deaths . Kidnappings occurred in Philippines ' Maguindanao province . | [[629, 643], [649, 681], [1750, 1784], [478, 555], [478, 490], [558, 596], [3421, 3433], [3436, 3544]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A man accused of shooting two students at a Littleton , Colorado , middle school last week was formally charged Tuesday in the incident , according to a spokeswoman for the Jefferson County district attorney 's office . Bruco Strongeagle Eastwood , 32 , appeared via video link before Judge Thomas Vance to hear the 15 charges against him , which include attempted first-degree murder , first-degree assault , child abuse resulting in bodily injury and possession of a weapon on school grounds , district attorney spokeswoman Pam Russell said . He is being held with bond set at $ 1 million . Authorities accuse Eastwood of shooting at students outside Deer Creek Middle School on February 23 shortly after classes let out for the day . Police say he wounded two eighth-graders before being subdued by a teacher . One student , Reagan Weber , was treated and released from Littleton Adventist Hospital , according to CNN affiliate KUSA . The other , Matthew Thieu , sustained more serious injuries and was hospitalized at Denver 's Children 's Hospital . He has since been released , the hospital said Tuesday . An attorney was appointed for Eastwood , and the attorney has until March 12 to schedule a preliminary hearing , Russell said . Deer Creek is just two miles from Columbine High School , site of one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history , where 12 students and one teacher were gunned down in 1999 . The two gunmen , both Columbine students , then turned their guns on themselves . CNN 's Sarah Aarthun contributed to this report . | Man , 32 , accused of shooting two students February 23 at middle school in Littleton . Charges against Bruco Strongeagle Eastwood include attempted murder . The two wounded students have been released from hospitals . Shooting took place two miles from Columbine High School , scene of 1999 rampage . | [[19, 57], [0, 5], [33, 72], [612, 755], [631, 733], [756, 832], [767, 832], [1259, 1362]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After reviewing the case of a woman who died at New Orleans , Louisiana 's Memorial Hospital in the days after Hurricane Katrina , coroner Frank Minyard said Thursday that he can not classify her death as a homicide . Minyard said he hopes his findings on the death of Jannie Burgess , 79 , will mark `` the end of the Memorial Hospital hurricane situation . '' The review was initiated after an August 2009 New York Times article quoted a doctor as saying Memorial patients were given morphine and other drugs after Katrina struck in August 2005 , with hospital staff knowing that it could hasten some of the patients ' deaths . Burgess ' manner of death is unclassified , the coroner said , and the cause of her death undetermined . `` I do n't think -- and I could be wrong -- I do n't think the morphine contributed as much to her demise as her physical condition , '' said Minyard , who 's served as the coroner of Orleans Parish since 1974 . `` This patient was extremely sick , '' Minyard said of Burgess . The woman had had surgery a week before and had been on `` morphine around the clock . She 'd had kidney failure . She 'd had liver failure . '' She also had developed sepsis , or blood poisoning , he said . Burgess was being treated for advanced uterine cancer and kidney failure , according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune . Dr. Ewing Cook told the New York Times that he asked a nurse to increase Burgess ' morphine and give her `` enough until she goes . '' `` If you do n't think that by giving a person a lot of morphine , you 're not prematurely sending them to their grave , then you 're a very naive doctor , '' Cook told the Times . `` We kill 'em . '' On Burgess , he said , `` I gave her medicine so I could get rid of her faster , get the nurses off the floor . '' He added , `` There 's no question I hastened her demise . '' In response to a Times-Picayune report in September , Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro Jr. said he planned to look into the deaths but stopped short of calling it an investigation . Minyard said Thursday that he had delivered a detailed report to Cannizzaro on Wednesday . Because she had been receiving morphine , Burgess had naturally developed some tolerance to it , Minyard said . He also took her weight , 240 pounds , into account . Burgess had received seven 15-milligram shots of morphine and died 3 1/2 hours after receiving the last one , he said . Deaths from morphine , or any narcotic , tend to happen immediately , he said . Minyard said he believes that Burgess ' blood poisoning , along with anemia she had before her surgery , mostly contributed to her death . `` I 'm saying ` mostly ' because we really do n't know , '' he said . `` And when you really do n't know , you have to be 100 percent sure '' when calling a death a homicide . He said he does n't believe that Burgess received enough morphine to kill her . Minyard said Thursday that when he told Burgess ' relatives about his findings , `` they were very polite . '' He said they will come in to speak with him soon . Katrina roared ashore near the Mississippi-Louisiana state line on August 29 , 2005 , rupturing three of New Orleans ' protective levees and putting about three-quarters of the city under water . Charles Foti Jr. , who was then the state attorney general , launched an investigation after officials from Lifecare , an acute-care facility operating on the seventh floor of Memorial , reported allegations that several seriously ill , mostly elderly patients had been euthanized by medical staff at Memorial as the floodwaters rose around the hospital and conditions inside deteriorated . In 2006 , Foti ordered the arrest of Dr. Anna Pou and two nurses , Lori Budo and Cheri Landry , on preliminary charges of second-degree murder in the deaths of four of the patients . Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie Jordan , who under Louisiana law was responsible for prosecuting crimes , gave Budo and Landry immunity in exchange for their testimony . In July 2007 , a grand jury refused to indict Pou . Foti said his investigation revealed that the four patients were given a `` lethal cocktail '' of morphine and midazolam hydrochloride , both central nervous system depressants . The patients were 63 , 68 , 91 and 93 , he said . Pou , Landry and Budo denied the charges , and their attorneys said they acted heroically , staying to treat patients rather than evacuate . In an interview with Newsweek magazine in 2007 , Pou admitted giving the patients drugs . `` If in doing so it hastened their deaths , then that 's what happened , '' she said . `` But this was not ` I 'm going to go to the seventh floor and murder some people . ' We 're here to help patients . '' The grand jury never heard testimony from five specialists who advised Foti that the patients were deliberately killed with overdoses of drugs after Katrina struck . All five were brought in by Foti 's office to analyze the deaths and concluded that the patients were homicide victims . After the grand jury refused to indict Pou , Jordan called the case closed and said he would no longer pursue it . CNN and the Times-Picayune have filed suit seeking the release of Foti 's investigative file into the deaths . CNN was the first to report the allegations of euthanasia , six weeks after the hurricane . The case went to the Louisiana Supreme Court , which in July sent it back to the trial court to rule on whether criminal charges in the case are reasonably anticipated . No new trial date has been set , Lori Mince , the New Orleans attorney representing the media organization , said Thursday . Hospital workers identified only as John and Jane Does have sued to block the file 's release , claiming that the records are covered by grand jury secrecy rules , that they should have been considered confidential informants and that releasing the documents would violate their privacy . | 79-year-old Jannie Burgess died in New Orleans hospital . Newspaper quoted doctor as saying patients given morphine after storm . `` This patient was extremely sick , '' coroner says . He said he does n't think received enough morphine to kill her . | [[47, 54], [59, 78], [412, 565], [4464, 4510], [4513, 4553], [967, 1001], [799, 886], [2846, 2925], [2854, 2925]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A little over a week ago nearly every media outlet was fixated on Tiger Woods and his apology news conference . We saw pundits , columnists , journalists , radio talk show hosts , psychologists , body language experts , entertainers and anyone with an opinion weigh in on the sincerity of Tiger : Was he really sorry for committing adultery , should he apologize further and hundreds of other angles . Some even described him as a fallen athlete who will lose millions of endorsements and a man who has destroyed the trust he built up with his fans . I even heard one woman say she needed Tiger to apologize , yet could n't articulate why it mattered so much to her , especially since she was n't his wife , kin to him , and was n't a family friend . Yet if there was ever one athlete we could truly place in that category of fallen athlete , it would be former NBA star Jayson Williams . While Tiger brought shame on himself and his family by his admitted extramarital affairs , he has broken no laws , and what he did does n't affect us at all . Yet Williams is another matter . This week , he was led away in handcuffs after being sentenced in a New Jersey court for fatally shooting a limo driver on February 14 , 2002 . Some carried his sentencing live . Yet most networks ignored his case , which ended eight years of courtroom drama . Frankly , if there was a case that is instructive to kids who look up to athletes , it 's Jayson , not Tiger . Jayson Williams was a gregarious and fun-loving man who could light up the court . After injuries took their toll and ended his NBA career , he was a rising TV analyst with NBC , a playful man with a big heart . I 'll never forget watching him on `` Oprah '' with his dad as they talked about building his huge mansion , how it was a place where hundreds of kids traveled through as a result of his charitable endeavors and how he had a zest for life . But that all ended on the night the life of Costas Christofi ended . After a dinner , Williams returned to his home and was showing several folks his many guns when he snapped his double-barreled 12-gauge shotgun shut . Williams did n't realize it was loaded , and a single bullet hit Christofi in the chest . A panicked Williams put the gun in Christofi 's hand , and even jumped in his pool , hoping to wash away the evidence . Williams was acquitted of aggravated manslaughter and convicted on four counts of coverup . He settled with Christofi 's family for $ 2 million , all while the case went back and forth through the legal system . While that was happening , Williams began to lose it all . His wife filed for divorce ; he was hit with a stun gun by police after an encounter ; he crashed his vehicle in another incident and threatened to kill himself . Williams was a man who fell victim to alcohol and guns , a deadly combination . He was sentenced to five years in jail and is eligible for parole in 18 months . Everything he had -- money , fame , budding TV career , marriage , friends , respect -- all lost because of the horrible decisions he made one fateful night . Jayson Williams did n't achieve the level of fame as Tiger Woods , but we can surely learn more from his fall from grace than Tiger 's . The former killed a man , the latter cheated on his wife . Both morally wrong , only one legally wrong . Tiger will undoubtedly return to the golf course one day . Sure , he can fret about losing millions in endorsements and may have to confront losing his wife . But Williams must forever live with the memory of a man dying as a result of his actions . We all may want to focus on Tiger , but it 's the tragedy of Jayson Williams that should have all of us talking and examining what went wrong in the charmed life of a basketball star . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Roland S. Martin . | Roland Martin cites case of NBA ex Jayson Williams . Williams has been sentenced to five years for killing a man . Martin says his fall from grace , not Tiger Woods ' , is example to examine . Both men morally wrong , only one legally wrong , Martin says . | [[860, 907], [2869, 2907], [3246, 3269], [3180, 3245]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Frances Reid , best known for her decades-long portrayal of Alice Horton on the soap opera `` Days of our Lives , '' died Wednesday at the age of 95 . Reid played the role of the martriarch since the long-running soap series ' first episode in 1965 , and made her last appearance in 2007 . Reid was nominated twice for Daytime Emmys , and in 2004 she was awarded a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award . NBC said in a statement to CNN that the network `` is deeply saddened by the passing of Frances Reid . She was a true icon of the daytime genre and while we mourn her passing , we also celebrate her long life and the tremendous talent she shared with her generations of fans . She will be sorely missed . '' On Twitter , `` Days '' actress Alison Sweeney , who plays Sami , wrote , `` I 'm so sad to hear the news about Frances Reid . She was a truly talented actress and we are all lucky and proud to have known her . '' | Actress Frances Reid died Wednesday at the age of 95 . She was best known for her decades-long role as Alice Horton on `` Days of Our Lives '' Reid won a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement award in 2004 . | [[133, 169], [0, 15], [39, 109], [358, 425]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A 62-year-old Michigan man was severely burned when a homemade rocket strapped on his back exploded while he slid down a snowy hill on a sled , authorities said this week . The rocket stunt was the grand finale on Saturday during the man 's annual sledding party at his Oakland County , Michigan , home , the sheriff 's department said . `` He is known for doing ` crazy things ' at his parties , '' an Oakland County sheriff 's department statement said . `` On this date , after consuming an unknown quantity of alcohol , he constructed a device out of a motorcycle muffler and pipe . '' Inside the makeshift rocket , the victim placed gunpowder , heads from matches and gasoline . He donned a helmet and took a sled to the top of a snowy embankment . `` He asked another person to light a wick and then began to sled down a hill . At some point during the ride downhill , the device exploded . The results of the explosion were second-degree burns to the victim 's face , '' the sheriff 's department statement said . No one else was injured during the incident . The man , whose identity is not yet known , was hospitalized with significant damage to one of his eyes and could face criminal charges , authorities said . | Makeshift rocket sled stunt goes awry for Michigan man , authorities say . Authorities : Man was sledding downhill when homemade rocket exploded . Victim had reputation for doing `` crazy things '' at his parties , authorities say . | [[1224, 1242], [0, 15], [46, 118], [119, 150], [853, 891], [894, 915], [357, 413], [1224, 1242]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jose Reyes Ferriz , the mayor of violence-plagued Ciudad Juarez , said the drug cartel war gripping his city is rooted in social decomposition such as broken homes . The president of Mexico is expected to make a major announcement on social intervention in response to the drug violence , which in 2010 has killed close to 1,000 people throughout the country , says Reyes . President Felipe Calderon is expected to be in the city on the U.S. border across from El Paso , Texas , on Thursday . `` We have been working during the last couple of years on cleaning up and reinforcing our police department , '' Reyes said in a phone interview with CNN this week . `` Having done that , it is time to go to the root of the problem . The root of the problem is a social problem that we did not anticipate . We need to work on that . '' Also this week , in what is seen widely as a symbolic gesture in response to last week 's house party massacre that killed 15 , the Chihuahua state government on Monday temporarily moved its main offices to Juarez , Reyes confirmed . `` What will happen is the governor , state Supreme Court , as well as Congress will all operate out of Juarez , '' according to Reyes . `` Them being here will expedite a lot of things that need to be done in Juarez . '' He joins experts in saying it is a social decomposition of a new generation of cartel members that is causing such brutal killings . Broken homes , sometimes caused by drug abuse , leave children and teens vulnerable to a gang 's plea for membership . The young recruits are more ruthless than ever . In one local report , the face of a drug cartel hit victim was found cut from the victim 's head and stitched onto a soccer ball . In other reports , organized criminals have shot and killed children , targeted innocent students , assassinated doctors and lawyers and even extorted priests . On January 31 , 15 people -- most of them teenage students who had nothing to do with the cartels -- were massacred at a house party in southern Juarez . Witnesses described some of the hit men who carried out the killings as being about the same age as the victims . A federal security spokesman told CNN last week that 10 drug traffickers -- part of a cell that worked for Joaquin `` El Chapo '' Guzman , head of the Sinaloa Cartel -- were arrested in the Valley of Juarez . One of the suspects told investigators children have been recruited as lookouts and are being paid between $ 40 to $ 80 a week to work for the cartel . There is hope for progress . `` We were down to five killings a day before Sunday 's -LSB- house party -RSB- massacre , '' Reyes said . `` The massive presence of police in the city discourages that sort of access . '' Other measures have been proposed . One Mexican lawmaker wants to censor social media networks such as Twitter , suggesting cartels use the service to locate targets . Reyes knows a life without cartels in Mexico is close to impossible . `` It 's unrealistic to think that cartels will be stamped out entirely , '' the mayor said . `` When you take a look at what happened with Florida . Most of the coke -LRB- cocaine -RRB- came through the Caribbean , through Florida . And ... when the -LSB- U.S. -RSB- federal government closed down that route , most of the coke started coming from Mexico . That 's when the violence started in the country . '' | Jose Reyes Ferriz , mayor of Juarez , says police action can only go so far . President Calderon expected to visit Juarez Thursday for major announcement . Drug violence has killed close to 1,000 people in Mexico in 2010 . Reyes , experts say children from broken homes make easy recruits for drug cartels . | [[185, 305], [393, 487], [285, 305], [317, 377], [1438, 1452], [1486, 1521]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jerry Yellin has spent most of his life trying to forget about the stench of death on the island of Iwo Jima 65 years ago . Yellin was a P-51 fighter pilot who had turned 22 a few weeks before he touched down on the island March 7 , 1945 , amid some of the bloodiest fighting of World War II 's Pacific campaign . `` To one side , there were mounds and mounds and mounds of bodies of Japanese soldiers being pushed around by bulldozers into mass graves . And right behind our squadron area was the Marine mortuary , where they 'd lay out the bodies , check their dog tags and fingerprint them for identification , '' recalls Yellin , an 87-year-old retiree who lives in Vero Beach , Florida . `` I 've lived with those memories all of my life and it was not something I ever wanted to go back to . '' Nevertheless , Yellin was back on the island last week for the first time since 1945 to attend a ceremony commemorating the battle 's 65th anniversary . About 22,000 Japanese soldiers died defending the island , along with more than 6,000 Americans , in a battle that was memorialized in the iconic photograph of five U.S. Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi , the island 's dormant volcano . The Americans secured the island on March 26 , 1945 , marking the U.S. military 's most significant advance in its island-hopping strategy to reach Japan . But the battle proved to be longer and deadlier than planners had anticipated , depleting much of the U.S. military 's resources . The U.S. abandoned its plan to invade the Japanese mainland and turned to the atomic bomb to end the war . Since 1995 , the Japanese and American associations of Iwo Jima have met on the 8-square-mile island , now known as Iwo To , to commemorate the 35-day battle with a `` Reunion of Honor . '' Yellin and several other veterans made the day-long trip to Iwo Jima from Guam on March 3 with the tour company , Military Tours . Each man had his own reason for going , but all left united through the shared experience of an event that only a few can understand , says Cyril `` Cy '' O'Brien , a Marine correspondent who covered the Battle of Iwo Jima , who also made the trip . `` In a way , it 's reliving something that happened so long ago that was probably what I would consider some of the most ennobling moments of our lives . I am a writer , too , so going there this time , looking at the terrain and seeing this hill , this cliff , this gorge , opens a whole new page to the memory , '' he says . O'Brien , a retired newspaper reporter who is working on a book about his experiences as a war correspondent , has been back to Iwo Jima for the Reunion of Honor four times . But the sense of awe never diminishes as the first sight of the island from the plane , he says . `` When we approached Iwo Jima and saw Suribachi , you would be amazed what happens . Everything became as quiet and as solemn as if we 'd entered a cathedral . You could tell the island had captivated everyone , the island had brought them back to their youth . The first moment was a very stirring moment . Always is , '' he says . For Yellin , it has been a longer journey back to the battlefield where , as a young airman , he left behind 11 comrades , sparking years of bitterness and racial prejudice . Yellin recalls passing over the flag each time he and his brothers flew a mission to support the Marines on the ground , who faced the formidable task of taking the island from a military force on its last stand . `` I never thought of the people on the ground as people . You can hate somebody so much that you do n't see them as people , '' he says . `` I had no desire to go back to Japan . Why the hell would you want to visit the place where your enemy was ? Who wants to visit the people you fought against and hated ? '' The healing began in 1988 , when his son married a Japanese woman whose father was a pilot in the Japanese Imperial Army Air Service , who also flew missions in Iwo Jima . Yellin 's son 's future in-laws opposed the marriage until the men met and shared their experiences in Iwo Jima . `` I hated him and he hated me . We met for the first time three days before the wedding . And he said , ` Any man that could fly a P-51 against the Japanese and live must be a brave man , and I want the blood of that man to flow through the veins of my grandchildren . ' '' he says . `` Then , my son got married and started having children and my whole life expanded . I saw that human beings were killed in the war , and they were kind people , they were bright people , and now they 're my family . '' Through the marriage , the two wartime enemies made peace , a process that Yellin documented in a novel published last year , `` Of War & Weddings . '' But he still never considered visiting Iwo Jima until he was offered an opportunity to commemorate his fallen brothers -- 11 in combat and five in training -- from the 78th Fighter Squadron in a ceremony during the Reunion of Honor . Upon learning of his plans , Yellin 's 18-year-old grandson expressed interest in seeing the place where his grandfathers had once fought each other . `` I just did n't want to relive all that , but because I have a Japanese grandson and because he wanted to go , I had to go , '' says Yellin . `` And I 'm happy , delighted , thrilled that I went . I cried most of the day , from the moment we landed . Many memories came back , and we did a memorial for the 16 guys . It was like closing the circle . '' | Retired fighter pilot Jerry Yellin returns to Iwo Jima with son , grandson for `` Reunion of Honor '' Reunion brings together veterans , officials from Japan , the United States . Return represents closure for Yellin , whose son married the daughter of Japanese pilot . `` It 's reliving something that happened so long ago , '' Marine correspondent Cy O'Brien says . | [[3884, 3916], [2227, 2277], [2227, 2251], [2257, 2295]] |
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