doc_text
stringlengths 157
16.7k
| summary_text
stringlengths 26
11.1k
| highlight_spans
stringlengths 9
3.7k
|
|---|---|---|
-LRB- Parenting -RRB- -- How to weigh whether to have another child -- and what to know about raising an `` only '' Couples feel more pressure to have second child than first , says one expert . My husband and I decided to be a one-child family long before our son Oliver was born . With several years of reproductive-health scares behind me , conceiving a child felt like a Powerball win ; I did n't need another chance at the jackpot . Scott thought we could avoid the inevitable slings and arrows of sibling warfare . We both hail from large families , in which continuation of the family name is assured through siblings and cousins . We were content with our decision , and our families took it well , too . A few months after Oliver was born , I bagged up my maternity clothes for a tag sale , and Scott started researching permanent birth-control options . But one afternoon while absentmindedly sorting through blue and green baby clothes , the thought hit me like a punch : `` I 'll never sort through pink clothes . '' For years I 'd imagined myself the mom of a daughter . After all , it had been a popular refrain throughout my adolescence -LRB- `` I 'll never tell my daughter what I think about her clothes , '' I 'd intone to my mother -RRB- . And I secretly hoped that my daughter would continue the tradition of attending my all-women alma mater . It was n't that I was disappointed with a son . To be honest , I was relieved the day we found out we were having a boy because I could work the experience of being the older sister to three younger brothers to the fullest . Hearing the door clang shut on my fantasy daughter , however , made me doubt . When acquaintances asked , `` So , are you having any more ? '' my voice quivered when I answered no . A woman in my local mothers ' group worried aloud , `` How would you feel if something happened to Oliver and you did n't have any more children ? '' Did I really need another child as an insurance policy ? One night when the anxiety felt particularly overwhelming , I asked Scott , `` Is it okay if we hold off on that vasectomy for a while ? '' `` It 's normal to wonder if you 're making the right choices and decisions , no matter how many kids you have , '' says Susan Jeffers , Ph.D. , author of I 'm OK , You 're a Brat ! Setting the Priorities Straight and Freeing You From the Guilt and Mad Myths of Parenthood . `` Even if you decided to have two or more children , you 'd wonder if your life would have been easier with only one child . '' Choosing to have one . Haseena Correia of Valley Stream , New York , mom to Zachary , 2 , has long planned to have one child . `` Once I understood how much work it takes to have a career and raise a child at the same time , I pretty much decided one was all I could handle , '' she says . Correia says being a one-child family allows her the right balance . `` It gives me the joy of being a mother , but it 's not too overwhelming to the point where I do n't have any time for myself or my husband , '' she says . Financial barriers were also a factor in their decision . `` With a mortgage , skyrocketing taxes , and two cars , we have to be a two-income family . Having another child is financially just not an option for us , '' she says . At some point , parents will need to ponder : . • Can we cope emotionally and physically with another child ? • How will we juggle another child with our jobs ? • Where do we want to be in three years ? Five ? • How will another child affect our finances ? What about our marriage ? • If we wait any longer to decide , will our choices be limited by our age ? There are social and emotional pressures to consider , too . `` If your friends are having second -- and third -- children , you can feel left out , '' says Susan Newman , Ph.D. , author of Parenting an Only Child . `` Or you or your spouse may want more kids , but the other does n't . '' Sorting out our feelings on most of these things was actually easy for me and Scott . -LRB- It was the emotional pull that gave me second thoughts . -RRB- We have similar goals for the future , and we realized that with our temperaments , one child would be best for our marriage . We 're happy for our friends who are having second and third children , but for us , Oliver completes our family . When you do n't have a choice . Sometimes the twists and turns of life narrow your choices or eliminate them completely . Jennifer Lawler of Eudora , Kansas , always thought having four kids sounded perfect . But when her daughter Jessica was born with life-threatening health problems and Lawler 's uterine fibroids compromised future pregnancies , she and her husband knew Jessica would be their only child . Lawler says , `` Raising our daughter was going to take a lot of emotional , physical , and financial resources . If I had any more children , I did n't think I could handle it . '' Time made the situation easier . `` It 's a process of acceptance , '' says Lawler . `` One thing that was helpful for me was not to focus on the past or the future . I put my energy toward making this the brightest moment . There were times when we thought Jessica would n't live , talk , or walk . She 's done all those things , so I feel relief and gratitude . '' Answering to everyone . As you work out what 's best for your family , you 'll face some tough questions all around : . • From yourself : Laura Miller of Ottawa , Kansas , mom to Emma , 6 , is undecided about having more children . `` If finances and circumstances ever allow , we might have another child , '' she says . `` But we 're happy the way our family is now . '' She admits she still has fears . `` My husband and I both have brothers and sisters -- I ca n't imagine not having them to lean on . But after we 're gone , Emma will be alone . '' In my darkest moments , I 've been known to worry about the unthinkable : With no other children , what would I do if I lost Oliver ? But , of course , parents of onlies do n't own the front and center on worry . `` Parents fear for all their children , '' says Newman . `` Families with a number of children are equally devastated and blown apart when a child dies -- the pain is no less just because you have others . '' We need to accept that something so dramatic as death is highly unlikely and try not to live our lives in a state of anxiety . • From others : `` The pressure to have a second child is often greater than for the first , '' says Newman . But the fact is that the friends , family , and even strangers who are exerting pressure are n't the ones who 'll be caring for these future children till they reach adulthood . After Lawler 's daughter was born , she answered her questioners with `` We 're going to take care of Jessica . '' Sometimes intrusive questions and opinions can drive us nuts , which is why it can be helpful to look within before lashing out . `` When you are affected by this pressure , it means you 're looking for that person 's approval , '' says Jeffers . `` Ask yourself , ` Why am I reacting this way ? Am I afraid of criticism from this person ? ' As soon as you stop needing their approval , you can relax and appreciate the decision you made . '' Once a mom is feeling calmer , she can answer the critics with , say , `` I understand you really want this , but it 's not right for me '' or `` Well , thanks for passing on your ideas . '' • From your child -- it happens : Many onlies will ask -- loudly , often -- for a little brother or sister , or wonder aloud why they 're stuck being an only child . A straightforward answer is the best bet , says Lise Youngblade , Ph.D. , associate director of the Institute for Child Health Policy at the University of Florida in Gainesville . `` The last thing parents want to do is get into a negotiation , '' she says . Instead , respond with something like `` We 've decided that our family size is just right . There are lots of different kinds of families , and this is how ours is . '' With an older child , you can point out that many of the advantages he enjoys as an only -- his own specially decorated bedroom , for instance , or the one-on-one time he has with Mom and Dad -- may be things he would n't have with a brother or sister . You can also try asking your child what he thinks would be the benefits of having a sibling . It could be as simple as having a bunk bed . If a child 's demands do n't abate , Jeffers points out that `` children complain , period . '' Parents with two or three kids sometimes hear , `` Mommy , it 's time to send the baby back to the hospital . '' In my case , it took me time to say goodbye to my fantasy daughter , but when Oliver was 18 months old , I finally said to Scott , `` Let 's do it , '' on the vasectomy . I 'm very happy with my son and our decision , and I 've looked for other ways to indulge my daughter needs . I volunteered as a Big Sister and counseled a 15-year-old on boyfriends . When I spot cute girly-girl dresses , I buy them for my friend 's daughters . And I console myself that when I go through menopause , there wo n't be two hormonal women under this roof . E-mail to a friend . Try a FREE TRIAL issue of Parenting Magazine - CLICK HERE ! Copyright 2009 The Parenting Group . All rights reserved . Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited . | Some couples decide to have one child . Health , financial , emotional issues to consider . Pressure to have second child greater than for first . Mom : A `` process of acceptance '' when you ca n't have another child . | [[2523, 2545], [3039, 3096], [3628, 3688], [3638, 3680], [3683, 3688], [4726, 4737], [4741, 4839], [4740, 4839], [116, 174], [6398, 6469], [4942, 4973]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Baptist minister who was fatally shot Sunday as he led services at a church in suburban Saint Louis , Missouri , was carrying out work he believed in fervently , a church official said Monday . The Web site for First Baptist Church of Maryville includes a photo of slain Pastor Fred Winters . `` I believe that he would want us to know that he died doing exactly what he believed passionately about , '' Worship and Music Pastor Mark Jones told reporters outside First Baptist Church in Maryville , Illinois , about Pastor Fred Winters , who was killed the day before . Jones expressed gratitude for an overwhelming response from the public that has included more than 1,000 e-mails of support . They will be compiled `` into a huge book of love '' to be given to Winters ' widow , he said . Investigators have charged Terry J. Sedlacek , 27 , with first-degree murder in the killing . Sedlacek was further charged with two counts of aggravated battery related to the stabbing of parishioners Terry Bullard and Keith Melton . Their wounds were not life-threatening , said Illinois State Police spokesman Ralph Timmins . Sedlacek himself was seriously wounded in the melee , Timmins said Sunday . Asked what led Sedlacek to the church , Jones said , `` We 're scratching our heads on that one . '' Watch response of grieving church '' Jones said another church official visited Sedlacek 's family on Monday . `` We wanted them to know that we 're praying for them , we 're praying for the attacker , '' Jones said . Speaking of Sedlacek , Jones added , `` Maybe he , too , needs to go back to the Bible and read the book and ask the question , ` Is this really God 's word ? Do I need to reconsider some things ? ' '' Watch aftermath of shooting in church '' Winters and the gunman exchanged words before the gunman fired four shots during Sunday morning services , hitting the minister 's Bible and then hitting Winters himself , said Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent . `` The only thing we know is that the suspect said something to the pastor , and the pastor said something back to him -- we do n't know what that was , '' Trent told reporters Sunday . `` It was almost as if the pastor may have recognized him , but we 're not sure about that at all . '' Trent said the gunman 's .45 - caliber pistol jammed after he shot Winters . The man then pulled out a knife before being subdued by some of the approximately 150 worshippers attending the church in southern Illinois . `` When he was tackled by two of the members , we do n't know whether he fell on the knife , injuring himself at the time , or whether -LSB- his injury -RSB- was self-inflicted during the struggle , '' Trent said . Watch police describe `` heroic action '' of parishioners '' Trent said police were trying to determine a motive in the shooting , noting that church members did not recognize the gunman . Last August , the St. Louis Post-Dispatch profiled Sedlacek in a story it did about Lyme disease . His mother , Ruth Abernathy , told the newspaper he began acting strangely during his junior year in high school ; he seemed confused and stopped participating in activities that had interested him . The newspaper identified him as a resident of the Troy , Illinois , in suburban St. Louis . Abernathy told the paper her son was initially diagnosed with mental illness and then later diagnosed with Lyme disease . Lyme disease diagnosis , effects and treatment has caused disagreement in the medical community . A spokesman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that mental illness associated with Lyme disease is highly unusual , and the Infectious Diseases Society of America said Lyme disease `` is not known to cause violent behavior . '' But a study published in 2002 in the American Journal of Psychiatry and carried out in the Czech Republic found that 36 percent of 900 psychiatric subjects had antibodies to the bacterium linked to Lyme disease , versus 18 percent of 900 healthy control subjects . The Illinois shooting is believed to be the nation 's first in a church since July , when a 58-year-old man opened fire in a Knoxville , Tennessee , church during a children 's play . Two people were killed and six wounded in the shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church . Jim Adkisson told police he targeted the church because of its `` liberal teachings , '' according to court papers . Adkisson pleaded guilty last month in a deal that allowed him to avoid the death penalty with a sentence of life in prison without parole , court officials said . CNN 's Miriam Falco contributed to this story . | NEW : Fred Winters `` died doing exactly what he believed passionately about '' What led to attack ? `` We 're scratching our heads , '' says Music Pastor Mark Jones . Terry J. Sedlacek , 27 , charged with murder in Winters ' death , aggravated battery . Police : Attacker , two worshippers who tried to subdue him suffered knife wounds . | [[158, 182], [319, 421], [424, 519], [1259, 1269], [1272, 1316], [2125, 2153], [2253, 2288], [815, 864], [957, 1048], [2369, 2510], [2369, 2372], [2393, 2466], [2514, 2555]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More than 2,100 registered North Carolina sex offenders were found on the social networking site MySpace , the state attorney general 's office said Tuesday . North Carolina bans sex offenders within the state from social networking sites where children are members . In response to a subpoena from state Attorney General Roy Cooper , `` MySpace turned over the names , IP and e-mail addresses of 2,116 convicted North Carolina sex offenders found on its social networking Web site , '' Cooper 's office said in a written statement . Cooper has requested similar information from Facebook , another popular social networking site , the statement said . MySpace has told North Carolina authorities that the sex offenders it identified have been removed from the site . North Carolina 's State Bureau of Investigation is sharing the sex offenders ' information with all 100 sheriffs in the state , Cooper 's office said . `` It 's no secret that child predators are on these Web sites , '' Cooper said in the statement . `` Turning over information about these predators to law enforcement helps , but MySpace , Facebook and other social networks need to do much more to protect kids online . '' North Carolina passed a law last year banning sex offenders within the state from social networking sites where children are members , making it a felony offense . Sex offenders on social networking sites is not a new issue . Last month , Newsweek magazine reported that Facebook said it had removed 5,585 convicted sex offenders from its site between May 2008 and January 2009 . MySpace also announced it had removed 90,000 sex offenders in a two-year period , the magazine said . Last June , the Texas attorney general 's office said it had arrested seven convicted sex offenders who violated their parole conditions by creating MySpace profiles , according to an article on the TechNewsWorld Web site . Cooper and Richard Blumenthal , Connecticut 's attorney general , for more than three years have led a group of attorneys general in working to make social networking safer , Cooper 's office said . The group is pushing social networks to use technology such as age and identity verification to better protect users who may be children . After discussions with the group , MySpace became the first social networking site to develop technology aimed at finding and removing sex offenders , the North Carolina statement said . Cooper is pushing Facebook to take similar steps . But , Cooper 's office said , `` the information provided by MySpace does not include sex offenders who have not been convicted , are not registered or may be using aliases on the site . Cooper remains concerned about other sex offenders on the site who may be lying about who they are , and is continuing to ask MySpace to do more to protect children on the site . '' | Site provided names , IP and e-mail addresses of offenders it found , AG says . Similar information requested from Facebook networking site , he says . MySpace says that sex offenders it identified have been removed from site . North Carolina officials sharing sex offenders ' data with all sheriffs in the state . | [[126, 177], [354, 421], [553, 607], [672, 786], [716, 786], [1439, 1449], [1452, 1592], [1593, 1600], [1606, 1672], [787, 912]] |
MIAMI , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- They could probably smell him coming for miles . Circus performers Andrea and Daniel Raffo with their son , Davian . `` Breakfast , boys , '' Daniel Raffo proclaimed as his cats jumped with excitement in their cages . Raffo set down his wheelbarrow , filled with Grade A beef . Using a pitchfork , he fed his Bengal tigers . It 's the morning ritual at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus . Raffo is the show 's tiger trainer . He 's a fifth-generation circus performer from Argentina . On this morning , the show awakes in Miami , Florida . `` You get up in the morning ; you wash the animal , clean it up ; you feed them , then you play with them a bit , '' Raffo said . `` And then during the day , you spend some time with your family . '' He lives in a trailer with his family so he can stay close to the tigers . He , wife Andrea and son Davian are all on a two-year tour with Ringling Bros. . But why would anyone live on the road like this , with a 4-year-old ? Andrea is also part of the circus , performing an aerial ballet , hanging by her hair high above the crowds , just like her mother and grandmother , who taught her the act . `` I can finish my act and then go up and see my son , so it 's good , 'cause we 're always together , '' Andrea Ayala Raffo said . The Raffos keep a home in Florida but are rarely there . `` Home is actually my trailer , when we travel , and have dinner every night and watch TV . That 's really my home , '' Andrea Raffo said . And these lives on wheels come with real family needs . Just outside Section 405 at Miami 's American Airlines arena , across from the Mexi-go Taqueria and Nacho Time food stands , school is in session . Jonathan Leiss is a licensed teacher with the circus . He uses a nationally recognized home-schooling curriculum . He pitches a one-room schoolhouse in every city where the show pitches its tent , for all of the school-age children of the circus . School is open five days a week . He teaches all the subjects , and every one of his students gets personal attention . `` I would describe it as a rigorous curriculum , '' he said . `` We do n't want to allow anything to slip through the cracks because we 're traveling . This is a real school . '' Leiss added , `` If I was teaching in a public high school , I could have 120 students . That 's a lot less opportunity to really address what each student needs . '' Katherine Stuart is one of the students . The 8-year-old is growing up quickly , surrounded by circus people from 32 countries . One of the performers is teaching her Spanish . She says she likes to wash the elephants , and she loves the travel . `` You can see all these different places and what it looks like , and I also wanted to know what each state looked like , so I get to do it , '' she said . Katherine 's dad is Mike Stuart , the general manager . With his wife , Mary , and son Tylar , 3 , he hits about 36 cities a year . When CNN arrived at his temporary office at the Miami arena , Katherine was reading with Mike . Tylar was with Mom , playing a `` Blues Clues '' game on the computer . `` This is a 24/7 job , so I make time pretty much every day to sit with my kids , go out with my kids , '' Mike Stuart said . The Stuarts , like most of the 350 circus members , live on a train , with all of a home 's amenities . But finding a park or a playground is a must for them . `` I have a house in Massachusetts . I probably see it once a year , maybe for a week or two , '' Stuart said . `` But , more or less , we travel on the train . It 's year-round , basically . ... So really , home is wherever the circus takes me . '' One disadvantage is that the kids do not have a lot of friends to play with . But the family is always together . `` I think there 's a lot of people who travel for their jobs , that are not fortunate enough to travel with family , where this job allows us to be able to do that , '' Mary Stuart said . The Stuarts believe that their lives and the lives of their children have been enhanced by the real-world learning experiences . `` Instead of just reading it in books , they 're going to see these things , and to me , that 's more fulfilling , '' Mike Stuart explained . Citing privacy reasons , the circus did not allow CNN to see the train . With any traveling family , there will inevitably be spiritual needs . Sister Dorothy Fabritze is a full-time circus worker and Catholic nun who holds religion classes , working across cultures , sharing the circus lifestyle . `` I saw that these people needed to find that they too were a parish , that they too were a community , '' she explained . `` We can support and walk with each other in this journey that we call life . '' Fabritze arranges for clergy to visit the circus weekly . She 's a former missionary who spent 16 years in Papua New Guinea . Here , she says , she hopes to be a biblical presence amid the glitzy backdrop and colorful characters , from acrobats to clowns to animal trainers . `` Some come asking for Bible study . We 'll do that . Some come forward and say , ` My child needs the sacrament , with confession and communion . Can you help me ? ' Of course I can , '' she explained . For about two years , Fabritze also worked backstage , opening and closing the curtain between acts , for 800 shows in two years . She remembers those times as `` God moments . '' `` They knew that I 'd be there , and they would just come over and in the darkened area just talk to me about whatever they wanted to talk , and wonderful things happened . Wonderful spiritual things happened , just because I was there , '' she said . And although things may sometimes seem , quite literally , a bit upside down here , it 's just life under the big top at the greatest show on Earth . | Dad is a tiger tamer , Mom hangs by her hair , and they travel with son . Life with a traveling circus includes one-room school and religious classes . Circus general manager and family travel to 36 cities each year . Parents say children learn from traveling , meeting workers from other countries . | [[4394, 4530], [860, 862], [865, 940], [2937, 2969], [3978, 4106]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Georgia company whose peanut products have been blamed for a nationwide salmonella outbreak shipped some products even though they had tested positive for the bacteria and no other tests indicated they were safe , the Food and Drug Administration said Friday . The FDA confirmed Friday the Peanut Corp. 's Blakely , Georgia , plant shipped tainted product without retesting . Previously , Peanut Corporation of America had said it shipped products only after subsequent tests on them came back negative . Items made with its peanut products have been linked to more than 500 cases of illness , including eight deaths . The agency said the company 's management told FDA inspectors last month during an inspection of the plant that they shipped products that first had tested positive for salmonella , but only if they later had tested negative . But , it said , `` FDA determined that certain information provided by PCA management during the inspection was not consistent with the subsequent analysis of the company 's records . '' As a result , the agency amended its report Thursday . `` In some situations the firm received a positive salmonella test result , followed by a later negative result , and then shipped the products , '' said the FDA report , which was included in an e-mail to CNN . `` In some other situations , the firm shipped the products -LSB- which had already tested positive -RSB- before it had received the -LSB- second -RSB- positive test results . '' Watch Senate hearing on food safety amid peanut recall '' In some cases , it said , `` no additional testing appears to have been done . '' No one from the company returned a call seeking comment . Federal authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the company . | Government confirms PCA shipped salmonella-tainted product without further testing . PCA had said it shipped products only after subsequent tests returned negative . FDA : Data provided by company `` not consistent with the subsequent analysis '' | [[754, 821], [399, 409], [412, 527], [828, 868], [1133, 1222], [875, 882], [885, 1052]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The chairman of India 's UB Group , which includes Bangalore-based Kingfisher Airlines and United Breweries , made the winning $ 1.8 million bid on a number of Mahatma Gandhi 's personal items on auction . Mahatma Gandhi was known for his peaceful opposition to tyranny , which led to India 's independence . Vijay Mallya was expected to return the items to the Indian government , according to CNN-IBN , CNN 's sister station in India . Controversy surrounded the sale Thursday of Gandhi 's items -- among them his metal-rimmed glasses , pocket watch , sandals , bowl and plate -- prompting the seller , James Otis , to ask that the items be withdrawn from the auction . India voiced strong objections to the auction . Its Ministry of External Affairs said the bidding would `` commercialize and thereby demean the memory of the Father of the Nation and everything that he stood for in his life , beliefs and actions . '' On Tuesday , a New Delhi court issued an injunction to stop the sale . Watch the auction stoke high interest '' But the Antiquorum auction house in Manhattan went ahead with the auction as scheduled . The Indian government had rejected an offer from Otis , who had asked the Indian government to expand its spending on the poor in exchange for the items . India 's government already spends a large amount of money on the country 's disadvantaged sectors , India 's culture minister Ambika Soni told reporters Thursday . Still , the government had hoped Otis would not allow the public to bid on the items . Soni , the culture minister , said that India 's government exercised several options to stop the auction at the Antiquorum in New York . Gandhi , who waged a long struggle against British rule in India , was assassinated in New Delhi by a Hindu fanatic on January 30 , 1948 . He is still widely revered for his insistence on non-violent protest to achieve political and social progress . Many Indians believe selling Gandhi 's items for profit is outrageous . `` I feel very sad about it because Gandhi himself never believed in private possessions , '' said Varsha Das , director of India 's National Gandhi Museum , using a term of endearment for Gandhi . `` He gave away everything . He did not even have a home to live in . '' CNN 's Harmeet Shah Singh contributed to this report . | Mallya expected to return items to Indian government , CNN-IBN reports . India 's Ministry of External Affairs : Bidding would `` commercialize '' Gandhi 's memory . Controversy prompted seller James Otis to ask that items be withdrawn from auction . | [[337, 407], [337, 349], [410, 430], [700, 747], [748, 947], [786, 797], [805, 820], [825, 864], [466, 525], [582, 606], [610, 630], [646, 699]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Liberty Sun , a U.S.-flagged cargo ship bound for Mombasa , Kenya , was attacked Tuesday by Somali pirates , according to a NATO source with direct knowledge of the matter . Pirates attacked The Liberty Sun , a U.S.-flagged cargo ship , but were unable to board . `` The pirates fired rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons at the vessel , which sustained damage , '' said a statement from New York-based Liberty Maritime Corporation , which owns the vessel . The ship was carrying U.S. food aid for African nations , the statement said . The pirates never made it onto the ship and the vessel is now being escorted by a coalition ship , still bound for Mombasa , officials said . Two senior defense officials said the Liberty Sun was being escorted by the guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge . It is the ship carrying Richard Phillips , the captain of the container ship Maersk Alabama , which was hijacked last week . Phillips spent days as a hostage of the pirates before being rescued Sunday . Katy Urbik of Wheaton , Illinois , said her son , Thomas , was aboard the Liberty Sun at the time of the attack . She shared the e-mails he sent as the ship came under fire . `` We are under attack by pirates , we are being hit by rockets . Also bullets , '' said one e-mail sent Tuesday afternoon . `` We are barricaded in the engine room and so far no one is hurt . -LSB- A -RSB- rocket penetrated the bulkhead but the hole is small . Small fire , too , but put out . `` Navy is on the way and helos and ships are coming . I 'll try to send you another message soon . -LSB- G -RSB- ot to go now . I love you mom and dad and all my brothers and family . '' `` My heart stopped after I realized there was n't going to be a ` just kidding ' after his comment , '' Katy Urbik said . About 1 1/2 hours later , Thomas Urbik sent another e-mail to his mother , which said , `` The navy has showed up in full force and we are now under military escort ... all is well . I love you all and thank you for the prayers . '' In an e-mail only hours before the attack , Urbik 's son tried to assure his mother that his crew was safe and taking precautions . `` Do n't worry too much . I am fine and we are being well monitored by the U.S. Navy , who is demanding we send them a report every six hours on our position and status , '' Thomas Ubrik 's e-mail said . He added , `` We in fact are going to be the second American ship to arrive into Mombasa after the Maersk Alabama . It should be interesting to say the least . ... We have had several drills to prepare ourselves to secure ourselves in the engine room . -LSB- W -RSB- e can do it pretty quick by now . '' The company said the ship had dropped off food aid last week at a Sudanese port and the ship was going around the Horn of Africa to reach Kenya when it came under attack . However , the exact location of the attack remained unclear . Earlier Tuesday , pirates off the coast of Somalia seized two freighters , proving they remain a force to contend with just days after the U.S. Navy dramatically rescued an American captain held by other pirates . First , pirates in the Gulf of Aden on Tuesday hijacked the MV Irene EM , a 35,000-ton Greek-owned bulk carrier , according to a NATO spokesman and the European Union 's Maritime Security Center . The crew of the Greek carrier was thought to be unhurt and ships have been warned to stay clear of the area for fear of further attack , the Security Center said . Later Tuesday , pirates on four skiffs seized the 5,000-ton MV Sea Horse , a Lebanese-owned and Togo-flagged vessel , said Cmdr. Chris Davies of NATO 's Maritime Component Command Headquarters in Northwood , England . Details about the ship and its crew were n't immediately available . NATO has an ongoing anti-piracy mission off Somalia called Operation Allied Protector . The mission involves four ships covering more than a million square miles , Davies said . A U.S.-led international naval task force , Combined Task Force-151 , is also patrolling in the region . Tuesday 's hijackings came two days after sharpshooters from the U.S. Navy SEALs killed three pirates who had been holding Phillips hostage on the water for days . Phillips had offered himself as a hostage when pirates attacked the Alabama on Wednesday , officials said . The ship had been on its way to deliver aid to Mombasa , Kenya . A fourth pirate had been aboard Bainbridge when the shootings occurred and was taken into custody . Watch the tough tactics the Navy uses '' The incident follows four freighters being seized over the past two days by pirates off the Somalian coast , proving they remain a force to contend with . Pirates on Monday hijacked two Egyptian fishing boats carrying a total of between 18 and 24 people , the Egyptian Information Ministry told CNN . The Egyptian Foreign Ministry is working to end the hijacking , the ministry said . Egyptian boats are known to use Somali waters illegally for fishing , taking advantage of the lawless state of the country and the lack of enforcement of its maritime boundaries . Those who have tracked pirate activity in Somalia say it started in the 1980s , when the pirates claimed they were trying to stop the rampant illegal fishing and dumping that continues to this day off the Somali coast . Piracy accelerated after the fall of the Somali government in the early 1990s and began to flourish after shipping companies started paying ransoms . Those payments started out being in the tens of thousands of dollars and have since climbed into the millions . Some experts say companies are simply making the problem worse by paying the pirates . CNN 's Mike Mount , Barbara Starr and David McKenzie contributed to this report . | Crewman e-mailed hours before attack that Navy was monitoring the ship . Crewman e-mails , `` We are under attack by pirates , we are being hit by rockets '' Four freighters seized in last two days . Greek 35,000-ton bulk carrier and Lebanese-owned , Togo-flagged both seized . | [[2048, 2089], [2092, 2179], [2221, 2265], [0, 15], [83, 129], [197, 229], [1148, 1208], [1182, 1208], [1245, 1274], [4546, 4652], [2941, 2995], [3213, 3229], [3230, 3248]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The operation on Ronaldo 's injured left knee `` went well '' but the Brazilian striker faces a lengthy rehabilitation as he bids to save his football career . Ronaldo leaves the field in agony after suffering his latest injury blow against Livorno . Ronaldo had surgery in Paris on Thursday , the two-hour operation perfomed by Dr. Eric Rolland with Dr. Gerard Saillant , who carried out a similar repair to his right knee in 2000 , in attendance . `` The operation went well , '' said Saillant . `` The intervention was of the same type as the one in 2000 . The healing period should last nine months , '' he said in sports paper L'Equipe . Ronaldo was injured playing for AC Milan in a 1-1 draw with Liverno on Wednesday night and teammate Clarence Seedorf gave CNN a graphic description of the incident . `` It was like a film I already saw , '' said the Dutch star who was on the pitch when Ronaldo suffered his previous serious injury . `` I saw his reaction , I was frozen by the reality , a bad , bad thing . My heart went out to him because it was his second injury . I hope he has the will to come back , '' added Seedorf . Ater the two-hour operation at Pitie-Salpetriere hospital , the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year is likely to need about 10 days of physical therapy , L'Equipe said . Ronaldo , 31 , has battled serious injuries throughout his career , and has played sparingly since joining Milan from Real Madrid in January 2007 . Wednesday 's match was only his fifth in Serie A this season after injuring his thigh during preseason training on July 31 . He returned in November , but has been in and out of the team due to a series of recurring problems . E-mail to a friend . | Ronaldo recovers in Paris following surgery on his ruptured left knee tendons . The surgeon who performed the two-hour operation said it went `` very well '' Ronaldo sustained injury playing for AC Milan against Livorno on Wednesday . | [[270, 310], [0, 15], [68, 80], [472, 495], [1153, 1210], [179, 269], [179, 186], [213, 269], [662, 748]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The mountain gorillas in a national park in Congo appear to be hanging on well despite such dangers as civil warfare and poaching , according to an ongoing census . Park rangers conducting the census in November . Workers have identified 75 `` habituated '' gorillas in Virunga National Park , three more than there were in the last census nearly a year and a half ago , said Samantha Newport , the park communications director . Habituated gorillas are those who are accustomed to contact with humans . They are easier to spot than non-habituated gorillas , thought to number around 120 . Newport said the census should be completed by around January 20 and officials hope that more habituated gorillas will be identified . She said the fact that gorillas have survived amid civil war in the region is `` nothing short of a miracle . '' Laurent Nkunda 's Tutsi armed force that had been fighting Congolese soldiers and their militia allies has had control of large swaths of the 8,000 square-kilometer park . The gorilla section is in a strategically important area near the borders of Rwanda and Uganda . Officials have long said that the 250-square kilometer gorilla reserve in the southern part of Virunga National Park is where around 200 of the world 's 700 mountain gorillas live . | Census of mountain gorillas in DR Congo doing well despite war , poaching . So far , 75 gorillas found which are accustomed to human contact . That 's three more than last census and conservationists hope to identify more . | [[0, 15], [76, 148], [744, 853], [762, 818], [233, 310], [473, 478], [483, 522], [313, 372], [678, 743]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Witnesses caught up in the terrorist attack on Mumbai have spoken of how they ran for their lives , smashed windows to escape and sheltered in hotel rooms as the horror that has claimed more than 100 lives unfolded . An Indian police officer directs people leaving the Taj Mahal after gunmen attacked the hotel overnight Wednesday . One of the targets for the gunmen was the Taj Hotel , one of Mumbai 's most famous landmarks . Anthony Rose , an Australian visiting Mumbai to produce a travel show , told CNN Thursday that he checked into the Taj hotel just a minute before attackers stormed into the lobby Wednesday night . `` They came in with all guns blazing , '' Rose said . `` It was just chaos . '' Watch Rose 's comments on terror attacks '' Rose and others found refuge in a hotel ballroom , where they waited for six hours hoping to be rescued . Although they could hear explosions and gunfire nearby , there were no sirens or police evident , he said . Watch how terror attacks have shaken India . '' Help never arrived and the group were forced to smash a thick glass window and climbed down to the street on curtains . `` As soon as the hotel was on fire , we knew we had to go , '' Rose said . Meanwhile Manuela Testolini , founder of the In A Perfect World children 's foundation and ex-wife of music icon Prince , described how she saw someone shot in front of her at the Taj before sheltering with 250 other terrified people in the darkened ballroom . Watch Testolini describe her escape '' Testolini was eating dinner at a restaurant across the street from the Taj when she saw the gunmen approach . `` We heard some gunshots , '' she said . `` My colleague saw someone get shot just outside of the glass doors of the restaurant . Obviously , that prompted us to jump up and run . '' Testolini left all her possessions and scurried through the kitchen of the restaurant to the sound of gunshots behind her , before heading with colleagues and restaurant staff to a darkened ballroom in the Taj . There they waited for two hours , listening to constant bullet barrages and grenade attacks outside . Another witness , Yasmin Wong , a CNN employee , was also staying in the Taj Hotel . She said she hid under her bed for several hours after she was awoken by gunfire . Watch Wong 's comments on attack '' She then received a phone call from the hotel , telling her to turn her lights off , put a wet towel by the door and stay in her room until told otherwise . So Wong sat in the dark , watching smoke rise outside her hotel window . `` I saw a guy outside the window above me who had smashed the window and was hanging out , '' Wong said . `` At that point , authorities told us to run out of the hotel . '' Wong said she passed dead bodies in the hotel 's halls as she searched for an exit , finally leaving through the pool entrance . Wong said : `` I thought it was going to end but it seemed to never end . '' Meanwhile Mark Abell spoke to CNN from a hotel room near the Taj . Watch Abell describe attack on Taj '' `` I came back from dinner last night at nine with a colleague , came into the lobby , '' Abell said . `` The security fences were n't operating ; the hotel shook with an immense blast . Three or four minutes later , there was another large blast , the whole building shaking . `` I looked outside to see a crowd running . It was chaos , gunshots ; it looked all very , very nasty . '' The Oberoi Hotel , which also has a reputation as one of Mumbai 's most famous hotels , was also targeted by the gunmen . Gautam Patel was staying in the Trident Hotel , which is adjacent to the Oberoi , when the attacks began . Watch Patel describe the evacuation '' `` I was up on the 11th floor and while I was on a conference call , I heard two large noises , and they sounded like thuds from within the room , and that 's when we realized that there was something serious happening . `` When I heard the two thuds , that 's when I looked out window and onto my left I could see the Oberoi Hotel -- there was a restaurant in the Oberoi Hotel -- which was under flames , '' Patel said . `` We left our room , walked down the fire exit , the hotel staff met us down at the bottom of hotel and put us into large banquet hall where we saw about 150 to 200 people . The lights were out , so we were just told to huddle there until we heard further . '' `` We stayed there for about one hour , that 's when we heard another large two bangs . We could n't tell if they were from outside or within the hotel , then we heard some gunfire . Twenty , 30 minutes past that , one of the senior advisers of the hotel mentioned we would be escorted to the back of the hotel , put into groups of 10 people and told to run to the neighboring cinema hall , where we would be safe . `` I think most of the activity was happening in the lobby , '' Patel said . `` People were talking , rumoring about the fact that terrorists were in the hotel , so there was a search by room-to-room , so I think the activity was happening in the hotel and the front of the hotel . '' New York-based filmmaker Smriti Mundhra and her parents were staying in an apartment near the Oberoi . Watch Mundhra talk about the scene outside her door '' `` We 're all safe in our apartment right now , following instructions by the police to stay at home with the doors locked and away from windows , '' Mundhra told CNN . `` Just as we were getting ready for bed last night , I heard a little bit of commotion on the street and some police sirens and did n't really think much of it . Then my parents came in and told me something was going on in the neighborhood . So we watched the news and realized essentially there 's a terrorist attack happening just outside our door . '' `` We 've been indoors since we 've been hearing things from out of the window -- bombs and police sirens and all kinds of chaos , '' Mundhra continued . `` I 've been watching in on TV and it 's very hard to connect the two , that all of that is happening right outside our doors . `` We have n't really been in touch with our neighbors , we 've just been locked down in to our apartment . `` We were told to stay indoors , not leave our houses , stay away from windows . I know that the people who are in buildings surrounding the Oberoi have been advised to keep lights off and windows and blinds closed and we 've done all of that , and just keeping an eye on our family . '' | Witnesses speak of their horror at being caught in Mumbai terror attacks . Hotel guests describe how they saw people shot in front of them , fled for their lives . Witness at Taj : `` They came in with all guns blazing . It was just chaos '' Diner : `` My colleague saw someone get shot just outside of the glass doors '' | [[19, 72], [0, 15], [66, 187], [1227, 1254], [1349, 1487], [647, 681], [665, 681], [684, 691], [699, 721], [3017, 3054], [3378, 3401], [1227, 1254], [1349, 1487], [1679, 1767], [1699, 1767], [5197, 5248]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The woman and children held captive in a cellar for years by their incestuous father will take years to recover from their disturbing ordeal , doctors warned Wednesday as the family at the center of the case remained in psychiatric care . The bathroom used by Elizabeth Fritzl , who was held captive for more than two decades , and her three children . Members of the Fritzl family will also be offered the chance to adopt new identities in an effort to help them lead normal lives , officials said . Hans-Heinz Lenze , the head of local social services said the family was `` doing as well as can be expected in the circumstances '' and said any change of identity would be the family 's decision . Elizabeth Fritzl -- now 42 -- spent more than two decades in the windowless basement after being drugged , handcuffed and locked up by her father , Josef Fritzl , as an 18-year-old . Repeatedly raped , she gave birth to seven children by Fritzl , one of whom died as an infant . Three of the children -- Kerstin , 19 ; Stefan , 18 ; and Felix , 5 -- remained imprisoned underground with their mother . The other three lived in an apartment upstairs with Fritzl and his wife who believed Elizabeth had abandoned them after running away from home . Elizabeth and five of the children were continuing to receive treatment at a local clinic near Amstetten after being reunited on Sunday . Kerstin , whose hospitalization at the weekend finally brought the family 's plight to the attention of authorities , remained in a coma at a nearby hospital . `` It is astonishing how easy it worked that the children came together , and also it was astonishing how easy it happened that the grandmother and the mother came together , '' clinic director Berthold Kepplinger said . But Kepplinger warned that the family would require extensive counseling . `` We 're talking of 20 years of darkness , incest and its effects and other illnesses they might have suffered from . '' Kepplinger said the two sets of children were tentatively getting to know one another , adding that the two boys who had lived underground had an unusual way of communicating with each other . A policeman who had accompanied the boys to hospital after their discovery on Sunday said the pair had `` screamed with excitement '' during the car journey as they experienced the outside world for the first time . `` The two boys appeared overawed by the daylight they had never experienced before , '' said Chief Inspector Leopold Etz . `` The real world was completely alien to them ... We had to drive very slowly with them because they cringed at every car light and every bump . It was as if we had just landed on the moon . '' In an interview with the Austrian newspaper , Oesterreich , psychiatrist Max Friedrich , who treated the abducted teenager Natascha Kampusch , estimated it would take `` between five and eight years '' for the children to recover from their experiences . Another psychologist , Bernd Prosser , told Austrian television that it would be impossible for the four held prisoner underground to lead normal lives . `` I am afraid it is too late for that . '' Kampusch , the Austrian girl abducted as a 10-year-old and held captive in a basement for more than eight years until she escaped in 2007 , also offered her help to the family on Tuesday , but questioned the decision to move them from the cellar into psychiatric care . `` Pulling them abruptly out of this situation , without transition , to hold them and isolating them to some extent , it ca n't be good for them , '' said Kampusch , now 20 , in an interview with Austrian TV station Puls 4 . `` I believe it might have been even better to leave them where they were , but that was probably impossible . This case is not like mine , where that was not my environment . They were born there and I can imagine that there is a strong attachment to that place . '' E-mail to a friend . | Austrian family held captive in a cellar will take years to recover , doctors say . Family are undergoing treatment at a local psychiatric clinic . Children kept underground may never lead normal lives , psychiatrist warns . Family have been offered opportunity to adopt new identities . | [[0, 15], [42, 76], [162, 226], [2710, 2753], [2756, 2796], [2853, 2928], [1266, 1376], [1266, 1300], [1317, 1403], [2965, 2985], [3004, 3118], [372, 469]] |
-LRB- CNN Student News -RRB- -- Students will examine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's famous `` I Have a Dream '' speech . Also , they will compose responses to Dr. King in which they compare his historic vision of racial equality in the United States to the reality of present-day life . Procedure . In class discussion , have students define the following terms : racism , prejudice and discrimination . Have them give examples of each . Inform students that , on August 28 , 1963 , Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his vision of racial equality in America in his historic `` I Have a Dream '' speech . Then , point out that in his speech , Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of being judged not by the color of one 's skin , but by the content of his or her character . Direct your students to read or watch Dr. King 's famous `` I Have a Dream '' speech and discuss its content in class . Then , challenge each student to compare Dr. King 's dream to the reality of life in the U.S. in the year 2009 . Direct each student to compose a response to Dr. King , explaining what life is like in the U.S. today and to what extent his dream has been realized . -LRB- Encourage students to be creative in their responses . For example , students could write a letter , a speech , a song or a poem , or produce a brief video . -RRB- After students share their responses to Dr. King , pose the following questions for class discussion : . Correlated Standards . Social Studies . II . Time , Continuity and Change Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the ways human beings view themselves in and over time . X. Civic Ideals and Practices Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the ideals , principles , and practices of citizenship in a democratic republic . The Curriculum Standards for Social Studies -LRB- http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/strands/ -RRB- are published by the National Council for Social Studies -LRB- http://www.socialstudies.org/ -RRB- . | Students will examine Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. 's `` I Have a Dream '' speech . Students will compose responses to the speech based on life in 2009 . | [[32, 92], [94, 120], [577, 603]] |
Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi walks Anjali Rao through the streets of Tokyo . She stunned global cinema audiences with her controversial and Oscar-nominated performance as a lonely deaf girl in the film `` Babel . '' Rinko Kikuchi is one of Japan 's hottest young actresses and models , recently working with Karl Lagerfeld as the new face of Channel . Despite her success , she remains an unconventional figure in Japan , at odds with the traditional demure image of the Japanese woman and forging a career on her own terms . Talk Asia follows her on a modelling assignment , discusses how her life has changed since `` Babel '' and revisits the unique location of one of the film 's most important scenes . E-mail to a friend . | Rinko Kikuchi was Oscar-nominated for her performance in the film `` Babel '' She has recently worked with Karl Lagerfeld as the new face of Channel . She challenges the traditional demure image of the Japanese woman . | [[142, 147], [148, 169], [251, 285], [288, 353]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- If a bed and 14 other antiques up for sale in New York next week look familiar , it might be that you saw them in a movie . An American Renaissance gilt , carved , inlaid and ebonized bed is expected to go for $ 500,000 . Pieces of furniture owned by two very rich 19th-century Americans were destined for a trash pile before they were rescued for the silver screen . They will find new life on the auction block next week . Made by the Herter Brothers in the 1870s , the furniture sat in Warner Brothers ' Hollywood props department since 1942 , when the studio bought it at an estate auction for a fraction of the original cost . Warner Brothers , owned by CNN parent Time Warner Inc. , could get $ 2 million from the auction , and it means valuable space will be cleared out in the props department storage . One studio source said using such expensive -- although authentic -- props on movie sets does n't make business sense . Jon King , director of Bonham 's , the New York auction house that will put the furniture on sale next Thursday , said he did not have the studio 's permission to reveal in which movies the furniture might have been used . You can watch post-1942 Warner Brothers period films to find them . `` You have to go slow-motion and stop and start an awful lot , '' King said . `` I would imagine that if any of these were in movies they might steal the scene away from the actors , '' said King , an expert in 19th-century furniture . A New York Times article about the furniture , published in 1995 , said it appeared in Warner Brother 's `` Saratoga Trunk , '' a 1945 movie starring Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman . Few records were kept over the decades to track the pieces ' appearances , a studio source said . King said he saw Herter Brothers furniture from the same estate in Alfred Hitchcock 's `` Psycho , '' filmed in 1960 on Universal 's lots . Universal bought its furniture at the same 1942 estate auction that Warner Brothers attended . The studio sold its collection years ago , King said . The furniture -- in American Renaissance and American Aesthetic styles -- was made with `` very exotic and very expensive materials '' for two very rich California men -- Gov. Milton Slocum Latham and railroad magnate Mark Harper , King said . The most dramatic piece is an ornate bed commissioned for the master bedroom at Latham 's Menlo Park , California , home . It could sell for $ 500,000 , King said . `` A lot of people in the field regard that as the finest bed ever made in the 19th century in America , '' King said . `` Basically , the quality of carving and the number of things going on in there in the bed , it 's just amazing . '' Changing times and tastes made the furniture obsolete for anything but a period movie by 1942 . Movie studios were scouring the country for cheap furniture for their props departments , King said . But recent decades have see a steep rise in values for Herter Brothers craftwork , he said . King said next week 's sale is significant for collectors because `` this is the last studio collection . '' The Herter Brothers -- German immigrants who set up their furniture-making shop in New York City after the Civil War -- also made furniture for the White House , where some pieces remain . | The furniture was owned by two wealthy 19th-century Americans . Studio bought it at an estate auction in 1942 for a fraction of its original cost . Auction house not allowed to reveal in which movies the furniture was used . You can watch post-1942 Warner Brothers period films to find the antiques . | [[251, 306], [2050, 2217], [571, 650], [1900, 1994], [1124, 1173], [1174, 1241], [1188, 1241]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More timely now than when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2008 , `` Sunshine Cleaning , '' an agreeable , midrange independent film , makes light work of heavy burdens . Amy Adams gets to work cleaning up as Rose in the indie comedy `` Sunshine Cleaning . '' Sisters Rose -LRB- Amy Adams -RRB- and Norah -LRB- Emily Blunt -RRB- struggle with menial jobs and periods of unemployment . Together , they 're also coping with the nasty emotional residue of their mom 's long-ago suicide -- a trauma that is likely responsible for their current troubles . Self-esteem is n't a strong suit for either of them . As `` Sunshine Cleaning '' dawns , they 're both scraping by . If Norah is out of work before we 've settled into our popcorn , she 's not overly concerned by her situation . Rose , on the other hand , is desperate to graduate from cleaning other people 's middle-class homes . It 's not just that the humiliation of laundering for her old cheerleader team is getting her down ; she needs the money to put her `` difficult '' kid -LRB- Jason Spevack -RRB- into the kind of school that will give him a chance . It 's Rose 's married boyfriend -- and old high school sweetheart -- Mac -LRB- Steve Zahn -RRB- who spies a new niche for the sisters . A homicide detective , he 's watching the cleaning crew bag the blown brains of a shotgun enthusiast when he overhears the proprietor of the building grousing about the `` three grand '' it 's costing him . Granted , blood and intestinal juices are n't everybody 's cup of tea , but that kind of return sure beats washing Mrs. Johansson 's drapes for $ 30 an hour . `` CSM : Crime Scene Maid '' is n't a job you 're likely to find down at the employment office , but somebody must be doing the dirty work . Rose and Norah -- incorporated -- find that the stench takes some getting used to , and there 's a whole new arsenal of cleaning fluids to master , but they get to work with a positive attitude and like to think they 're doing their bit to put the world right . From this unusual setup , the movie might have skewed in any number of ways . The sisters might have uncovered evidence of corruption and murder , for instance , perhaps implicating Mac ? `` Sunshine Cleaning '' is nowhere near so abrasive or generic as such a scenario . Written by Megan Holley and directed by Christine Jeffs -LRB- `` Sylvia '' -RRB- , it instead puts a sympathetic , gentle comic gloss on the characters ' fundamentally forgivable foibles and imperfections . Norah tracks down the daughter of one suicide -LRB- Mary Lynn Rajskub -RRB- to present her with mementos that should have been destined for the junkyard . Blunt 's edgy performance keeps us guessing . Norah 's a bit of a flake , but she 's animated by her anger and her rebellious streak . If she 's hard to read , it 's because she 's still young and does n't know herself yet . Rose is easier to understand . She 's determined to seize this chance to dig herself out of the hole and recapture the promise she used to see in herself . Adams has a knack for putting a brave face on things -- something about the way she tilts her chin up while her mouth goes in three directions at once . She keeps our rooting interest in Rose alive even when her choices seem misguided or naive . A subplot concerning Rose 's son bonding with Joe -LRB- Alan Arkin -RRB- , the sisters ' lovable but infuriating father -LRB- you know the kind : He buys bulk orders of shrimp off the back of a truck -RRB- tips us too far into the realm of indie quirk . The character is a useful sounding board , and an amusing grouch , but it 's just about impossible to imagine this man bringing up these girls . Ironically , for a movie that 's marketed with the one-liner `` Life 's a messy business , '' Holley 's script has been polished to within an inch of its life . Emotions are experienced most vividly when they 're raw , but in `` Sunshine Cleaning , '' feelings come filtered through neat-and-tidy grace notes . The film flirts with dangerous material , but it 's too intent on putting the sunny side up to get its hands dirty . The way director Jeffs tells it , not only is suicide painless it can be positively feel-good . That 's not to say there is n't a lot to enjoy in this well-acted and humanistic comedy . Buoyed by its up-and-coming stars and its optimistic message , it should do very nicely with discriminating audiences . ... It might even clean up . | Tom Charity : Up-and-coming stars , optimistic message buoy `` Sunshine Cleaning '' Two struggling sisters become a crime-scene cleanup crew . Movie presents feelings in neat-and-tidy packages , reviewer says . | [[4334, 4394], [3943, 3966], [3969, 4030]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Australian Tim Cahill dealt Liverpool a desperate and potentially damaging blow with the goal that salvaged a 1-1 draw for bitter rivals Everton and stopped the Reds returning to the top of the Premier League . Tim Cahill earned Everton the point they deserved with a header three minutes from the end to deny Liverpool . Liverpool had grabbed the lead when Steven Gerrard , captaining the Anfield club for the 250th time , swept home a low drive midway through the second half for his 14th goal of the season . But Cahill earned Everton the draw their contribution deserved when he met Mikel Arteta 's 87th minute free-kick with a powerful header from inside the six-yard box . Spain striker Fernando Torres returned to Liverpool 's starting line-up for the first time since November following hamstring problems , for the 209th Merseyside derby . And Torres should have broken the deadlock in the first half when he surged between Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka only to prod his shot against a post from a few meters . Referee Howard Webb was kept busy as the tackles flew in and he lectured Phil Neville , Joleon Lescott and Arteta after a series of fouls on Gerrard . Webb later refused Liverpool a penalty two minutes after the interval when Torres went down theatrically after being nudged by Jagielka . Everton believed they were entitled to a spot kick when Martin Skrtel looked to send Victor Anichebe tumbling . The referee again waved away the appeals , and the complaints were still raging on the pitch -- and the touchline -- as Liverpool surged away for Gerrard to crash home a 30-yard drive to put the hosts ahead after 68 minutes . It had been more than 10 hours since Everton had conceded a goal and it looked as though it would be enough to send Liverpool back to the top ahead of Manchester United . Cahill had other ideas -- and the sides will go through it all again on Sunday when Liverpool host Everton in an FA Cup fourth round clash . | Australian Tim Cahill denies Liverpool win with late goal as Everton draw 1-1 . Liverpool had grabbed the lead when Steven Gerrard struck after 68 minutes . Merseyside rivals clash again on Sunday at Anfield in FA Cup fourth round . | [[0, 9], [19, 112], [104, 112], [118, 163], [230, 320], [535, 593], [341, 435], [1563, 1626], [1611, 1668], [1866, 1933]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard has denied assaulting a man during a nightclub brawl last month , a court in Southport , northern England , heard on Friday . Gerrard leaves court on Friday after pleading not guilty to actual bodily harm and affray . Gerrard , 28 , issued a not guilty plea to affray and assaulting company director Marcus McGee , 34 , at the Lounge Inn , Southport , after Gerrard scored twice in Liverpool 's 5-1 win at Newcastle , reported the UK 's Press Association . The Liverpool captain was charged with occasioning actual bodily harm and affray along with co-defendants John Doran , 29 , and Ian Smith , 19 . Dozens of photographers were kept back from the magistrates ' court entrance in a penned area as Gerrard arrived in a dark blue suit . Nick Evans , prosecuting , asked for the case to be heard next on April 3 after a 10-week break to prepare it . But after submissions from the defense solicitors including Gerrard 's , Richard Green , the magistrates adjourned the case back to the court at Southport on March 20 . Gerrard , a father of two young daughters , spoke only to confirm his name and address and say he intended to plead not guilty along with the other defendants . | Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard denies assault charges in court on Friday . Alleged incident came hours after Gerrard scored twice in win at Newcastle . Gerrard pleaded not guily and will return to the court in Southport on March 20 . | [[0, 6], [9, 147], [150, 170], [192, 209], [210, 301], [442, 499], [210, 301], [302, 309], [317, 401], [937, 1003], [1022, 1101]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Archaeologists believe they have unearthed only a small fraction of Egypt 's ancient ruins , but they 're making new discoveries with help from high-tech allies -- satellites that peer into the past from the distance of space . The enclosure wall of the Great Aten temple in Egypt , as seen from the QuickBird satellite . `` Everyone 's becoming more aware of this technology and what it can do , '' said Sarah Parcak , an archaeologist who heads the Laboratory for Global Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham . `` There is so much to learn . '' Images from space have been around for decades . Yet only in the past decade or so has the resolution of images from commercial satellites sharpened enough to be of much use to archaeologists . Today , scientists can use them to locate ruins -- some no bigger than a small living room -- in some of the most remote and forbidding places on the planet . In this field , Parcak is a pioneer . Her work in Egypt has yielded hundreds of finds in regions of the Middle Egypt and the eastern Nile River Delta . Parcak conducted surveys and expeditions in the eastern Nile Delta and Middle Egypt in 2003 and 2004 that confirmed 132 sites that were initially suggested by satellite images . Eighty-three of those sites had never been visited or recorded . In the past two years , she has found hundreds more , she said , leading her to amend an earlier conclusion that Egyptologists have found only the tip of the iceberg . `` My estimate of 1/100th of 1 percent of all sites found is on the high side , '' Parcak said . These discoveries are of no small significance to the Egyptian government , which has devoted itself anew to protecting archaeological sites from plunder and encroachment . The Supreme Council of Antiquities has restricted excavation in the most sensitive areas along the Nile -- from the Great Pyramids at Giza on the outskirts of Cairo to the carvings of Ramses II in the remote south . Antiquities officials hope the move will encourage more surveys in the eastern Nile Delta in northern Egypt , Parcak said , where encroaching development in the burgeoning nation of 82 million poses the greatest threat to the sites . Old and modern methods . Parcak 's process weds modern tools with old-fashioned grunt work . The archaeologist studies satellite images stored on a NASA database and plugs in global positioning coordinates for suspected sites , then tramps out to see them . Telltale signs such as raised elevations and pot shards can confirm the images . As a result , the big picture comes into view . `` We can see patterns in settlements that correspond to the -LSB- historical -RSB- texts , '' Parcak said , `` such as if foreign invasions affected the occupation of ancient sites . `` We can see where the Romans built over what the Egyptians had built , and where the Coptic Christians built over what the Romans had built . `` It 's an incredible continuity of occupation and reuse . '' The flooding and meanders of the Nile over the millennia dictated where and how ancient Egyptians lived , and the profusion of new data has built a more precise picture of how that worked . `` Surveys give us information about broader ancient settlement patterns , such as patterns of city growth and collapse over time , that excavations do not , '' said Parcak , author of a forthcoming book titled `` Satellite Remote Sensing and Archaeology . '' The vagaries of climate in the region make satellite technology advantageous , too . `` Certain plants that may indicate sites grow during certain times of the year , '' Parcak said , `` while sites may only appear during a wet or dry season . This is different everywhere in the world . '' Archaeologists working in much more verdant climates , such as Cambodia and Guatemala , also have used the technology to divine locations of undiscovered ruins . They have been able to see similarities between the vegetation at known sites and suspected sites that showed up in fine infrared and ultraviolet images covering wide areas of forbidding terrain . `` For the work I do -LSB- in Egypt -RSB- , I need wet season images as wet soil does a better job at detecting sites with the satellite imagery data I use , '' Parcak said . `` I can pick the exact months I need with the NASA satellite datasets . '' Benefits of a bird 's - eye view . Remote subsurface sensing has been used in archaeology in one form or another for years , though the term `` remote '' does n't necessarily imply great distance . Typically , a surveyor has wheeled a sensing device over a marked-out area to determine what lies below . The sensing devices employ any of an array of technologies , such as Ground Penetrating Radar . They bounce signals off objects below the surface and translate the data into images that a scientist 's trained eye can decipher . Multispectral imaging encompasses technologies that `` see '' what the human eye ca n't , such as infrared and ultraviolet radiation . Scientists have used it for years to study the Earth 's surface for a variety of purposes . Until resolution of these images improved , though , the only way to produce a sharp image was to be relatively close to the ground . For those lugging unwieldy gear across jungle and desert , an effective bird 's - eye view can change the world . It lets them leave behind the days and days of meticulous `` prospecting '' and get results from airplane-mounted sensors or , later on , a flyover by an advanced satellite . One of the most advanced is called QuickBird , which has been in orbit since 2001 and can provide high-resolution images of 11-mile-wide swaths . The satellite can collect nearly 29 million square miles of imagery data in a year , according to DigitalGlobe , which developed and operates QuickBird . The company , based in Longmont , Colorado , is working on an upgrade . WorldView-2 , to be launched in 2009 , will offer sharper resolution of visual and multispectral images than QuickBird , according to the company 's Web site . In the end , though , a tool is only as useful as its wielder . `` Most of the advances have come through processing on the ground by end users such as Dr. Parcak , '' said DigitalGlobe spokesman Chuck Herring . | Sharper resolutions allowing scientists to use satellites to locate ruins sites . Pictures from commercial satellites have been sharp enough only for past decade . Images have helped archaeologist Sarah Parcak find hundreds of Egyptian sites . Colorado company 's new , advanced imaging satellite to be launched in 2009 . | [[772, 862], [695, 771], [969, 1082], [1179, 1183], [1189, 1260], [5897, 5908], [5911, 5933]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A 23-year-old Mexican beauty queen and seven men were taken into custody late Monday after being found in vehicles containing weapons and cash in central Mexico , police said Tuesday . Laura Zuniga and seven men were found in vehicles with guns and $ 50,000 , Mexican police say . Laura Zuniga and the men were traveling in two vehicles that contained AR-15 assault rifles , handguns , cartridges and $ 50,000 in cash , said Luis Carlos Najera Gutierrez de Velazco , secretary of public security for the state of Jalisco . The eight were stopped in Zapopan , outside Guadalajara , and will face arms charges and an investigation by a federal organized crime team , Najera said . Police , who had received a tip that a group of armed men were in a home , `` detected '' the vehicles as they were traveling to investigate the call , Najera said . One of the men in the vehicles was 29-year-old Angel Orlando Garcia Urquiza , who is Zuniga 's boyfriend and the brother of `` one of the greatest capos of narcotraffic , '' Najera said . Najera said Urquiza 's brother , Ricardo Garcia Urquiza , is a member of the Juarez cartel and already was in police custody . All eight were filed before the news media Tuesday . Zuniga , wearing blue jeans and a gray sweater , raised her handcuffed wrists to cover her face in a police picture . Zuniga is from Culiacan in the state of Sinaloa , a center of drug activity . In July , she won the title Nuestra Belleza Sinaloa . That gave her the right to compete two months later in the national Nuestra Belleza Mexico in Monterrey , where she won `` The Election of the Queens , '' one of five special recognitions , and came in third overall . In October , she won the title `` Hispanoamerican Queen 2008 '' in Santa Cruz , Bolivia . According to the Nuestra Belleza Mexico Web site , she is to represent Mexico in next year 's Miss International contest . | Mexican police : Laura Zuniga , seven men face arms charges , federal probe . Zuniga , men found in vehicles with weapons , $ 50,000 , police say . Zuniga won state beauty contest , finished third in national competition . She won `` Hispanoamerican Queen 2008 '' title in October . | [[542, 551], [604, 647], [0, 15], [58, 133], [125, 179], [204, 276], [300, 355], [343, 355], [361, 436], [1676, 1699], [1700, 1710], [1713, 1777]] |
PARIS , France -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Police evacuated a major department store in central Paris Tuesday after finding five sticks of dynamite inside , French police told CNN . Paris 's Printemps department store , which has been hit by a security alert , pictured last month . CNN affiliate BFM-TV reported the dynamite was not rigged to explode , but police did not immediately confirm the report . French news agency AFP said it received a letter in the mail Tuesday morning , claiming to be from an Afghan revolutionary group and saying that a bomb was at the renowned Printemps department store . The news agency alerted the police , who evacuated the store , AFP told CNN . The letter specified three locations where explosives had been placed , and urged the news agency to contact the police `` quickly or you will have blood on your hands , '' according to a copy of the letter obtained by CNN which AFP confirmed was accurate . `` I assure you that this is not a prank , '' the letter said . The bomb squad found the dynamite around 11 a.m. -LRB- 5 a.m. ET -RRB- , police said . It is not clear if the explosives were found where the letter said they would be . See where Printemps is located in Paris '' AFP said the letter was signed by a group called `` Front Revolutionaires Afghan , '' or Afghan Revolutionary Front . BFM-TV reported the group is calling for the withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan by the end of February 2009 . `` Make sure the message is relayed to your president of the republic that he withdraw his troops from our country -LRB- Afghanistan -RRB- before the end of February 2009 or we will strike again your capitalist department stores but without warning , '' the letter said . It is the second time in a week that AFP has received a warning about the store . The agency said it received a phone call from a similar Afghan group a few days ago regarding the store , but at the time , police chose not to evacuate . Printemps , one of France 's most renowned stores , is popular with tourists and locals alike and located on the Boulevard Haussman . Most of the store reopened later in the day , although the area where the dynamite was found remained closed . Jim Bittermann , CNN 's senior European correspondent based in Paris , said : `` These kind of stores at this time of year are absolutely packed with shoppers . '' He added that France has a considerable number of troops in Afghanistan . In August , 10 French soldiers were killed in fighting near the Afghan capital Kabul . French President Nicolas Sarkozy said earlier this year that his government was willing to commit more troops to the war in Afghanistan . `` We can not afford to see the Taliban and al Qaeda returning to Kabul , '' Sarkozy said during a state visit to the UK in March . `` Whatever the cost , however difficult the victory , we can not afford it . We must win . '' Paula Newton , CNN 's international security correspondent , said that the group involved was previously unheard of . `` This may be termed a hoax attack but it will cause real anxiety on the ground . '' CNN 's Jim Bittermann and Niki Cook contributed to this report . | Bomb squad found the suspicious package around 11 a.m. -LRB- 5 a.m. ET -RRB- . Police : Could not confirm French TV reports that package contained dynamite . Printemps is an upscale department store on the Boulevard Haussman . Alert came after letter from group claiming Afghan links , criticizes Sarkozy . | [[998, 1068], [173, 208], [211, 249], [173, 208], [252, 273], [397, 415], [476, 597], [1958, 1967], [2056, 2091]] |
HAVANA , Cuba -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- William Potts picks up his daughters from school every day . People consider him a generous neighbor and a good father . William Potts smuggled a firearm aboard a flight , hijacked the plane and forced the crew to fly to Cuba . But few know how this eccentric American ended up in Cuba . `` I came to Cuba 25 years ago . I hijacked an airplane , '' said Potts , who was convicted of air piracy . Potts says he was enthused by Fidel Castro and his revolution . He imagined a racial and social utopia that could be replicated in his own country . In 1984 , he smuggled a firearm aboard a commercial flight and forced the crew to fly to Havana , Cuba . No one was injured . `` In my revolutionary naivete , I came looking for military training , '' he says . Instead , he ended up in jail . He spent 13 years behind bars in Cuba . In 1971 , the United States and Cuba signed an agreement in which each government agreed to prosecute hijackers or return them to the other country . Potts , who married after being released from prison , is now divorced and lives on the outskirts of Havana with his two daughters , ages 4 and 7 . He makes some money letting his neighbors use his prized Internet connection . But the New Yorker is homesick and says his elderly parents need help . `` I committed a crime and paid for it , '' he says . `` Now what I want is to return home because I have to attend to my family . '' Watch Potts explain why he thinks he deserves a pardon '' He says the time is right . Potts wrote a letter to President Obama asking for a pardon that would let him return to the United States without fear of being jailed . There are thought to be 700 American fugitives hiding in Cuba . Members of the Black Panthers , Puerto Rican independence movement members and common criminals have sought sanctuary on the island . For the most part , they try to go unnoticed . Perhaps the most famous is black activist Assata Shakur , who was convicted for killing a police officer in New Jersey in 1973 but escaped from prison in 1979 and ended up in Cuba . Potts says he wants to leave behind his radical days and expects that Obama will finally allow him to do that . | William Potts hijacked a plane 25 years ago and forced crew to fly to Cuba . Potts served 12 years in a Cuban jail and now lives outside Havana . Potts asking Obama for pardon to allow him to return to U.S. to care for family . `` I committed a crime and paid for it , '' he says . | [[154, 167], [205, 223], [154, 167], [228, 260], [578, 585], [588, 590], [641, 673], [1011, 1016], [1086, 1141], [1376, 1377], [1386, 1440], [776, 788], [1313, 1332], [1313, 1314], [1337, 1348], [1351, 1363]] |
UNITED NATIONS -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United Nations humanitarian chief Wednesday criticized a two-day pause in the fighting between the Sri Lankan army and Tamil Tiger rebels as `` inadequate . '' U.N. Nations humanitarian chief John Holmes said he would have liked a `` proper humanitarian pause . '' John Holmes , the under secretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator , told reporters that the 48-hour break in hostilities was not sufficient , even as fighting resumed in the northeast of the country . The brief cessation of hostilities was announced by the Sri Lankan government on April 12 and allowed the U.N. and its partners to bring in necessary aid , said Holmes . He said he would have liked a `` proper humanitarian pause '' that lasted longer than two days , but hoped the break allowed for some progress to occur . Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon had originally welcomed the announcement by the Sri Lankan government . However , Ban also expressed his concern that , `` This is less than the full humanitarian pause of several days I had pressed for . '' But Ban added that the pause `` is nevertheless a useful first step and an opportunity to move towards the peaceful and orderly end to the fighting now so badly needed . '' The government of Sri Lanka has been battling the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam -LRB- LTTE -RRB- rebels in a civil conflict that has lasted nearly 25 years . The LTTE has been declared a terrorist organization by 32 countries , including the United States and the nations of the European Union . As many as 70,000 people have been killed since the conflict officially began in 1983 . The most pressing concern now , according to Holmes , is the fact that over 100,000 people are currently crowded in a `` very small pocket of land '' that is about five square miles , or about twice the size of New York 's Central Park . `` It is a very small area indeed for what we believe is very large number of people '' Holmes explained . The crowded population , primarily comprised of Tamil civilians , is subject to the continuing Sri Lankan government assaults . The British and French foreign ministers released a joint statement as well on Wednesday , claiming that the LTTE is also using Tamil civilians as human shields . Holmes also called attention to the fact that the press has been barred from covering the civil strife in Sri Lanka . Ultimately , Holmes and the United Nations would like to see a peaceful end to the hostilities , but `` its pretty clear , frankly , that a ceasefire as such is not something available at present circumstances . '' | U.N. humanitarian chief criticizes a two-day pause in fighting as `` inadequate '' 48-hour cessation of hostilities announced by Sri Lankan government on April 12 . Ceasefire allowed the U.N. and its partners to bring in necessary aid . Sri Lankan government has been battling LTTE rebels for nearly 25 years . | [[0, 30], [82, 175], [198, 299], [303, 314], [405, 537], [974, 977], [983, 1076], [538, 627], [538, 572], [632, 691], [1273, 1398], [1379, 1398], [1404, 1432]] |
BAGHDAD , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More than half the Christian population has fled the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in reaction to a campaign of killings and intimidation , according to the United Nations . Christian women attend a religious service Sunday at a church in Baghdad . An estimated 13,000 Christians have left because of oppression the U.S. government blames on al Qaeda in Iraq . Mosul , in Nineveh province , is one of the last Iraqi cities where al Qaeda in Iraq has a significant presence and routinely carries out attacks . An estimated 2,300 families have fled Mosul this month , but the exodus has started to ebb , Nineveh province 's Deputy Gov. Khasro Goran said Tuesday . No Christian family has left the city over the past seven days , and at least 100 families returned to their homes in and around Mosul during that time , Goran said . Authorities said they believe Christian demonstrations earlier this month may have prompted the attacks . Hundreds of Christians took to the streets in Mosul and surrounding villages and towns demanding adequate representation on provincial councils , whose members will be chosen in local elections in January . The violence that followed those protests left at least 14 Iraqi Christians dead and prompted the Iraqi government to dispatch more security forces to patrol the city . Violence has declined as a result , Iraqi officials said . Last week , U.S. Defense Department spokesman Geoff Morrell said the anti-Christian attacks and threats are partly `` due to elements of al Qaeda that still enjoy some ability to operate up there . '' `` This is an attempt , it appears , to try to inflame tensions and fault lines that exist between religious and sectarian groups , '' Morrell said . The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees is helping many of the displaced families , most of whom have fled to nearby villages in Nineveh province . About 400 others have crossed into Syria , but many have said they no longer feel safe there , according to the refugee agency . Syria already hosts more than 1 million Iraqi refugees . The U.N. agency said many of the Iraqi Christians told stories of intimidation and death threats . `` One woman said she and her mother left Mosul early last week , two days after someone called one of her colleagues at work and said that all Christians should leave the city immediately or be killed , '' according to a UNHCR news release . `` She said she was unnerved but decided to leave only after hearing reports that 11 people had been killed at a checkpoint by militiamen dressed as police officers . She and her mother escaped with a couple of bags and all the money that they had in the house -- they did not dare go to the bank to remove their savings . '' A nurse told UNHCR that the threats against Christians in Mosul began months ago `` with phone calls , letters and messages left on doors . '' In other violence Tuesday in Mosul , four police officers were killed and four wounded when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle , an Iraqi Interior Ministry official said . Gunmen in cars ambushed police as they were on their way to start work in west Mosul 's al-Amil neighborhood , the official said . Also Tuesday in Baghdad , six civilians died and 23 were hurt in four bombings , the official said . In eastern Baghdad , in the Shiite al-Baladiyat neighborhood , a roadside bomb exploded Tuesday afternoon , killing one civilian and wounding five others , the official said . Earlier , a parked car exploded near a busy outdoor market in the western al-Jihad neighborhood , killing at least five people and wounding 11 others , the Interior Ministry official said . No other details were available about the blast . Two roadside bombs exploded in central Baghdad 's al-Nahdha commercial area , wounding seven people , the official said . The first blast hurt four civilians , while the second wounded three , the official said . Also Tuesday , the Iraqi army and police discovered 20 decomposed bodies in the basement of an abandoned house in Tal Afar , a town about 43 miles -LRB- 70 kilometers -RRB- west of Mosul . There was no indication of how the victims -- who could not immediately be identified -- were killed , the official said . Authorities discovered the bodies after receiving tips from local residents . CNN 's Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report . | NEW : Authorities find 20 decomposed bodies in basement of Tal Afar house . Intimidation , killings chase 13,000 Christians from Mosul , U.N. agency says . Exodus is slowing , and some have returned , Iraqi official says . Four police , five civilians killed Tuesday in Mosul and Baghdad , ministry says . | [[3948, 4055], [0, 7], [10, 115], [10, 30], [173, 206], [282, 364], [2088, 2166], [2117, 2186], [599, 632], [3183, 3202], [3284, 3303], [3822, 3841], [4225, 4244], [2899, 2933], [2936, 2968], [3229, 3247], [3304, 3322], [3367, 3382], [3412, 3457], [3480, 3487], [3490, 3491], [3578, 3629], [3842, 3877]] |
OXON HILL , Maryland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Crew members of the Maersk Alabama , safely back in the United States after being attacked by pirates last week off Somalia , recounted their ordeal Thursday . Navy personnel recover the lifeboat from which Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips was rescued Sunday . `` They start firing before they climb , with AK-47 , '' crew member Zahid Reza said . `` I was scared for my life . I was almost close to that . And they tried to shoot me many times , '' he said , pointing to his head . `` Pointing gun all over . Here , there , in the back . '' Pirates tried three times to board the U.S.-flagged cargo ship before their fourth attempt was successful , fellow crew member William Rios said , adding that the groups of pirates were different but that he thinks they were working together . Rios said he was working on deck when he was called back to lock down the ship . Then , he said , there were gunshots , and an alarm went off to alert all crew members to wake up and get on deck . `` We went to our training , '' he said , declining to provide details : `` If I tell you all what we did , pirates , they would know . '' Watch the crew praise their captain '' The pirates intended to ask for a $ 3 million ransom , Reza said . He said he and the ship 's chief engineer took one of the pirates hostage . Reza said he persuaded the pirate -- whom he described as a young man , maybe 18 or 19 -- to trust him , pointing out that he is Bangladeshi and the pirate was Somali . `` His name is Abdul , '' Reza said . `` I told him , ` Trust me . I am Muslim ; you are Muslim . ' '' He told Abdul he would take him to the engine room to find more crew members . When they got there , the room was dark , he said , and he did n't know the ship 's chief engineer was in there . He said the chief engineer jumped the pirate first , then Reza stabbed him with his knife , and the two men tied the pirate 's hands and feet . Reza said he intended to kill the youth , but the chief engineer told him , `` No , we need him alive . '' Watch Reza talk about wanting to kill the pirate '' `` He was fighting me and chief engineer , to get away from us . A lot of yelling , shouting and screaming . '' Rios said he went to the lifeboat , where Capt. Richard Phillips was being held , to exchange Abdul for Phillips but was unsuccessful . The captain -- who offered himself as a hostage in exchange for the freedom of his crew -- was rescued by U.S. Navy SEALs on Sunday . The SEALs , on the nearby guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge , fatally shot three pirates and rescued Phillips . A fourth pirate was arrested . `` I feel great they got killed , '' Reza said . `` I am happy . '' He said he was proud of the Navy . Phillips arrived in Mombasa , Kenya , aboard the Bainbridge on Thursday . The crew arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland overnight . Watch crew arrive in U.S. '' Rios said Phillips is `` outstanding ; he 's extraordinary ; he 's -LSB- a -RSB- very brave man . '' Another crew member , John White , said they were `` damn lucky to be alive . '' Rios called for more security in the Gulf of Aden . `` Put more military to patrol the waterway for us transporting material back and forth , '' he said . '' ... All the countries got to get involved with this . '' Reza echoed the call . `` I think government should get involved , '' he said . `` They should think about our safety , yes . ... This piracy is getting bigger and bigger . '' CNN 's Paul Courson , Virginia Nicolaidis and Dugald McConnell contributed to this report . | NEW : Maersk Alabama crew tell about pirates ' takeover of ship . NEW : Crew member says he gained confidence of , tried to kill pirate . NEW : `` I feel great they got killed , '' crew member says of pirates . NEW : Crew calls for international effort to secure shipping lanes . | [[1958, 1997], [2065, 2116], [360, 392], [2651, 2679], [2664, 2679], [2682, 2689]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A day before embarking on a trip to Latin America , President Obama described his planned talks with Latin American leaders as discussions among equals . President Obama refuses to criticize Latin American leaders . `` Times have changed , '' Obama told CNN en Español Wednesday . Referring to his planned meeting later this week with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva , he said , `` My relationship with President Lula is one of two leaders who both have big countries , that we are trying to solve problems and create opportunities for our people and we should be partners . `` There 's no senior partner or junior partner . '' Obama and Lula da Silva are among leaders scheduled to attend the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago . Obama refused to criticize the leaders of Venezuela , Bolivia and Ecuador , who have taken measures to change their constitutions to extend their holds on power . `` I think it 's important for the United States not to tell other countries how to structure their democratic practices and what should be contained in their constitutions , '' he said . `` It 's up to the people of those countries to make a decision about how they want to structure their affairs . '' Asked how he plans to interact with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez , a fierce critic of the United States who once described former President George Bush as the devil , Obama offered no criticism . `` Look , he 's the leader of his country and he 'll be one of many people that I will have an opportunity to meet . '' Though he said he believes the United States has a leadership role to play in the region , Obama qualified that role , saying , `` We also recognize that other countries have important contributions and insights . We want to listen and learn as well as talk , and that approach , I think , of mutual respect and finding common interests , is one that ultimately will serve everybody . '' Asked about Cuba , Obama , who recently eased restrictions on travel and sending money to the island , offered a prod and a carrot to Havana . `` What we 're looking for is some signal that there are going to be changes in how Cuba operates that assures that political prisoners are released , that people can speak their minds freely , that they can travel , that they can write and attend church and do the things that people throughout the hemisphere can do and take for granted , '' he said . `` And if there is some sense of movement on those fronts in Cuba , then I think we can see a further thawing of relations and further changes . '' Obama sought to distance his administration from that of his predecessor , noting that he plans to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba , where `` some of the practices of enhanced interrogation techniques , I think ran counter to American values and American traditions . '' He said his team has spoken with the Spanish government about a Spanish judge 's call for an investigation into the role of Bush administration officials in the detention of five Spaniards at Guantanamo . But he did not dwell on his predecessor 's legacy . `` I 'm a strong believer that it is important to look forward and not backward and to remind ourselves that we do have very real security threats out there . '' Though the U.S. image abroad may have suffered in recent years , `` there 's a reason why there are consistently so many immigrants to our country from Latin America , '' he said . Obama lauded Mexican President Felipe Calderon , with whom he is to meet Thursday in Mexico City , as having done `` an outstanding and heroic job in dealing with what is a big problem right now along the borders with the drug cartels . '' He vowed that the United States can be counted on to help . `` We are going to be dealing not only with drug interdiction coming north , but also working on helping to curb the flow of cash and guns going south , '' Obama said . Obama described himself as `` a strong proponent of comprehensive immigration reform , '' and said he has met with the congressional Hispanic Caucus `` to try to shape an agenda that can move through Congress . '' | Obama heading to Summit of Americas this week in Trinidad and Tobago . He says U.S. should not tell `` countries how to structure their democratic practices '' `` We want to listen and learn as well as talk , '' Obama says . | [[0, 26], [36, 79], [324, 359], [706, 785], [980, 1121], [1787, 1830], [3950, 3965]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reached an important milestone Wednesday in her quest to pay the debt from her failed 2008 presidential bid : For the first time in eight months , her campaign committee reported having more money in the bank than it owes . Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 's campaign committee reported owing $ 2.3 million in debt at the end of March . On a day most Americans were preoccupied with filing their federal income taxes , Clinton 's campaign committee filed finance documents with the Federal Election Commission , reporting a total of $ 2.3 million in debts at the end of March , compared with $ 2.6 million in the bank . The nation 's top diplomat has been steadily chipping away at unpaid campaign bills since suspending her White House bid in June 2008 , when her debt peaked at $ 25.2 million . That amount covered $ 12 million owed to vendors , as well as the $ 13.2 million she loaned her campaign from personal funds . Clinton 's campaign was unable to repay that personal loan by the time the Democratic National Convention convened in Denver , Colorado , last August , the deadline mandated by the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign finance law . The former New York senator was forced to forgive the entire loan amount . Her campaign owed $ 6.4 million to 16 creditors at the end of November ; $ 5.9 million to five creditors at the end of December ; and the current $ 2.3 million owed to just one creditor at the end of March . That creditor is Penn , Schoen & Berland , a political consulting and polling firm that advised Clinton during her presidential bid . The firm 's president , Mark Penn , was Clinton 's senior campaign strategist until he stepped down last April amid revelations that he had lobbied on behalf of Colombia for a U.S.-Colombia trade deal that Clinton opposed . Penn remained involved with the campaign . Earlier this year , Clinton and her supporters raced to pay as much of the debt as possible by the time she was confirmed and sworn in as the nation 's 67th secretary of state on January 21 . As of that date , Clinton became subject to a federal law known as the Hatch Act , which prohibits federal employees from personally soliciting or accepting political contributions . The Hatch Act allows others to keep raising money on Clinton 's behalf , without her direct involvement . This week , longtime Clinton ally James Carville , a CNN contributor , sent a fundraising e-mail to Democrats on behalf of Clinton 's campaign , requesting contributions of as little as $ 5 in exchange for a chance to win one of several prizes , including spending a day with former President Bill Clinton . `` I wo n't spend a lot of time trying to convince you to help Hillary , '' Carville e-mailed . `` I know what she means to you , and I 'm sure you know how important it is for her to have her campaign pay off all its obligations . '' It 's unclear whether the campaign will use the $ 2.6 million in the bank to clear its $ 2.3 million in debts in the short term . Continued fundraising indicates that it will not . Additional operating expenses and other outlays could emerge . Any extra money from the campaign could be donated to political causes or returned to donors . Clinton 's campaign reported raising $ 938,000 in contributions in the first three months of 2009 . In addition to tapping traditional fundraising , the campaign also generated money by selling or renting various campaign assets to other organizations . It received $ 2.6 million from Clinton 's `` Friends of Hillary '' U.S. Senate campaign committee for the sale of unspecified assets and an additional $ 2.2 million from renting out its lists of campaign supporters . Organizations that have rented Clinton 's lists include the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee , the inaugural committee of then-President-elect Barack Obama , and the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation . Those organizations each paid $ 274,297 . Clinton 's political action committee , HillPAC , rented the lists for $ 822,492 . Among the Democratic candidates who have rented Clinton 's campaign lists are Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln ; Virginia gubernatorial candidate and former Clinton campaign Chairman Terry McAuliffe ; New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , who was appointed to fill Clinton 's seat ; and New York congressional candidate Scott Murphy , who hopes to succeed Gillibrand in the U.S. House . | Hillary Clinton owes $ 2.3 million in campaign debt from failed 2008 presidential bid . Her campaign committee reported having $ 2.6 million in bank at end of March . Clinton ally James Carville recently sent fundraising e-mail to Democrats . | [[119, 172], [289, 404], [289, 345], [355, 404], [487, 516], [580, 643], [212, 273], [487, 516], [646, 687], [2382, 2391], [2394, 2430], [2453, 2524], [2394, 2430], [2527, 2596]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After a week when he could not be traced , Egyptian striker Amir Zaki is back at his Premier League club side Wigan Athletic in northern England . Wigan and Egypt striker Amir Zaki has mended relations with his club manager . According to Wigan manager Steve Bruce the two have patched up their differences after he launched a verbal tirade against the 26-year-old striker . Zaki told Al-Hayat TV that the pair `` ended up laughing '' about his absence -- when he failed to return from international duty and had a hamstring strain which no one knew the seriousness of . But , it was n't all laughs a week ago . On Wigan 's club Web site , Bruce had said of Zaki : `` I just feel it 's time that we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with . I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional . `` I have already fined him the maximum allowed but this just seems to have no effect , '' Bruce said . After giving Zaki a fine for his misdemeanor the Wigan manager also revealed it was the fourth time he had gone AWOL after international duty . Are players selling their fans and clubs short when they go AWOL ? How do you think should they be punished by clubs ? Zaki 's case certainly is n't the first high profile instance of a player going missing . Inter Milan striker Adriano sparked kidnap fears after failing to return earlier this month , following a World Cup qualifier in South America . It was not the first time the Brazilian had failed to report back to his club following international duty . After a two-week absence , Adriano later announced he was taking a break from professional football at a news conference in Brazil . He told reporters : `` I 've lost the happiness of playing . I would n't like to go back to Italy , I want to live in peace here in Brazil . `` I do n't know if I 'm going to stay for one , two or three months without playing . I 'm going to rethink my career . '' Other notable cases include Nigerian forward Ayegbeni Yakubu , who failed to return to club duty at Premier League side Everton after the African Cup of Nations last year . When he returned to Everton , Yakubu was hit with a maximum # 80,000 fine . Manager David Moyes said at a news conference at the time : ` Yakubu 's back in it now . That episode has ended . He let us down by not coming back . But it 's over and we 've moved on . '' German club Schalke fined defender Rafinha a record $ 1million for making an unauthorized trip to the Beijing Olympic Games and spending a total of 35 days away . One of the most bizarre examples was that of Moroccan defender Youssef Rossi , who surprised everyone when he returned to training at Dunfermline Athletic a year after having his wages stopped by the Scottish club . Rossi had previously gone AWOL from the club and returned to training with Raja Casablanca back in his homeland . | Egyptian striker Amir Zaki was AWOL after failing to return to Wigan . Wigan manager Steve Bruce described Zaki as `` unprofessional '' Adriano went AWOL for two weeks and later said he was taking a break from football . How do you think AWOL players should be punished by their clubs ? | [[49, 76], [79, 95], [2375, 2410], [2830, 2835], [2840, 2874], [262, 300], [1360, 1451], [1614, 1638], [1641, 1746], [1218, 1269], [1242, 1269]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The YouTube and Carnegie Hall generations collided Wednesday night in New York City as a nearly sold-out audience looked on in amazement . Images from musicians ' videos are projected during the YouTube Symphony Orchestra concert in New York . Almost 100 musicians from around the world -- the world 's first symphony orchestra comprised of members who auditioned solely online -- played their debut gig . They may have forever changed the audition process in their journey . The YouTube Symphony Orchestra bore a new era of classical performance at Carnegie Hall , and according to a YouTube employee , that 's exactly what they wanted to do . `` We hope this is game changing in the sense it redefines audition space , it brings people closer together and lets them collaborate , transcending geographical and linguistic boundaries , '' said marketing manager Ed Sanders . Participants were chosen from more than 3,000 YouTube video submissions from more than 70 countries and territories spanning six continents , according to a press release . Watch orchestra play '' Their YouTube channel has received more than 15 million page views thus far with members hailing from more than 30 countries . The symphony orchestra 's members participated in the three-day Classical Music Summit at Julliard and their Carnegie Hall debut served as the finale . Michael Tilson Thomas directed the performance and also served as the artistic adviser and conductor to the orchestra . He refined and nurtured each member through their musical selections online until the entire orchestra met in the real world a few days ago . `` For us it 's somewhere between a classical music summit conference and a scout jamboree with an element of speed dating thrown in , '' Thomas said . While some participants traveled from as far as South Korea , Malaysia and Lithuania , bass player Kurt Hinterbichler lives in New York City . A theoretical physicist working on his doctorate at Columbia University , Hinterbichler was enamored at being chosen to participate . `` Carnegie Hall is still sort of the unofficial pinnacle of achievement of the classical music world , '' he said . `` You know once you 've made it to Carnegie Hall you 've really made it . '' So , how do you get to Carnegie Hall ? `` Upload , upload , upload -LSB- YouTube videos -RSB- , '' joked Thomas , updating the old `` practice , practice , practice '' punchline . Violin player Jennifer Lindsay , who is a systems engineer by day , said she was floored when she learned she was selected . `` YouTube gave me this opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall . There 's no other way that someone like me who is not even a professional musician would have ever made it . '' World-renowned composer Tan Dun created a piece especially for the orchestra titled `` Internet Symphony No. 1 , Eroica . '' Dun told YouTube his inspiration for this piece came from the streets of many international cities . `` On the streets of New York , London , Paris , Beijing , Shanghai , I heard the street noise ... then I thought this is the spirit beyond , this is the spirit of today . '' Dun has also created music for the movie `` Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon '' and the Beijing Summer Olympics . The symphony orchestra played to a Carnegie Hall audience that was almost 90 percent of capacity . Audience members seemed to love not only the performance , but the idea as a whole . Peter Newton and his wife were on vacation in New York from London and decided to attend the concert . `` The mixture between the music and democracy ... it 's interesting that at the end of the day , you bring them together for this performance , '' he said . Aaron Polsky attended the performance in support of his sister , who helped organize it . He was amazed at how limitless the performance seemed . `` I think it 's great ... there are really no boundaries other than owning a computer and an Internet connection . '' Musicians Lindsay and Hinterbichler both said they had no doubts the event would be a success . `` Absolutely do not underestimate the motivational power of playing at Carnegie Hall , '' Lindsay said . Hinterbichler agreed , `` We 've got world class conductors , it will come together . '' In the spirit of YouTube , Travis Threlkel designed videos that accompanied all 15 musical selections . The lights in the room changed from green to red during some segments to match the mood of the selection . Dun said he thought the concert would be a hit with the Internet community . `` The whole world tonight is Googling around what 's happening in Carnegie Hall , '' he said . Hinterbichler said he still did not grasp the vast reality of the situation . `` It 's going to be one of those life experiences you know . I probably wo n't know what it means until ten years down the line when I look back at it , '' he said . So , what will the folks at YouTube come up with next ? `` There should be a live Internet performance -LSB- by the orchestra -RSB- , '' said Newton , the audience member . After Wednesday night , that certainly seems like a possibility . | The YouTube and Carnegie Hall generations collided Wednesday in New York City . YouTube Symphony Orchestra played a live concert to an amazed audience . Orchestra assembled from musicians around the world who `` auditioned '' online . So , how do you get to Carnegie Hall ? `` Upload , upload , upload videos '' | [[0, 14], [44, 141], [115, 166], [3260, 3317], [369, 376], [381, 405], [903, 1018], [2265, 2267], [2270, 2303]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama visits Mexico with many issues on the table , but reinstating the ban on assault weapons in the U.S. is n't likely to be one on which the two countries can reach agreement . Mexican federal police officers this week display an arsenal seized near the U.S. border . Mexican officials say criminals use assault weapons from the U.S. in the violent border region . Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Arturo Sarukhan , Mexico 's ambassador to the U.S. , say reinstating the ban would stop the deadly flow of weapons across the border . Under the Clinton administration in 1994 , Congress banned possession of 19 military-style assault weapons . The ban was allowed to expire 10 years later during the Bush administration . Earlier this year , U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said that Obama would like to reinstitute the ban on the sale of assault weapons , noting , `` I think that will have a positive impact in Mexico at a minimum . '' Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last month that as a senator , she supported a measure to reinstate it . And the urban policy section of the White House Web site says Obama and Vice President Joe Biden `` support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent . '' Obama still supports reinstating the ban , as he did during the presidential campaign , but there are no plans to reintroduce it anytime soon , according to an administration official . Obama thinks more can be done to stop the illegal flow of weapons to Mexico within existing laws , the official said , noting that the president has taken steps to deploy more law enforcement to curb the illegal flows of drugs , weapons and cash in both directions across the border . The administration is unaware of any broad-based efforts in Congress to reinstate the ban , the official said . Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told CBS on Thursday that reinstating the ban `` simply is not part of the plan that we 're talking about here . '' Watch what Napolitano says about drug violence '' The Obama administration says the U.S. shares responsibility for the situation in Mexico , but as far as the ban goes , `` there 's a lot on our plate , '' White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said . Watch what 's on the table for Obama 's trip to Mexico '' Gun rights advocates stress that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to own firearms without restriction . Gun control supporters interpret the amendment to mean that states shall keep militias but that an individual 's right to own firearms may be restricted . Those who support the assault weapons ban as a way to curb violence cite figures from the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives that say American gun sellers supply the Mexican drug cartels with 95 percent to 100 percent of their guns . But others say that claim can not be substantiated -- and argue that less that 20 percent of weapons used in crimes in Mexico are traced to the U.S. Wayne LaPierre , executive vice president and chief executive officer of the National Rifle Association of America , says U.S. rights are not the cause of Mexico 's wrongs . In a commentary on CNN.com , LaPierre wrote that to believe U.S. freedoms are fueling the violence `` you have to believe these butchers and beheaders break every Mexican law they want except Mexican gun laws , which they honor -- while they break American gun laws . '' `` Everything Mexico 's murderous thugs are doing is already illegal . At issue is not the absence of law , but the absence of political will to enforce the laws that both nations already possess , '' he wrote . On the other side , however , there are those who say loopholes in America 's gun laws fuel violence in both Mexico and the United States . `` We need to realize that the Mexican drug cartels are arming themselves here because our gun laws have loopholes so large that criminals and gun traffickers can easily drive gun-laden trucks through them , '' former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend , daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy , wrote in a commentary for CNN.com . `` We need to prevent Mexican criminals and the traffickers who supply them from buying guns by changing our gun laws and strengthening U.S. law enforcement 's ability to crack down on corrupt gun dealers . '' On the eve of Obama 's arrival , Calderon told ABC he thought the weapons ban was `` very good legislation . '' `` During that period , we did n't suffer a lot , like we suffered in the four or five years , '' he said . And Sarukhan told CBS this weekend , `` There 's a direct correlation between the expiration of the assault weapons ban and our seizures of assault weapons . '' He said , `` We can not determine how Congress and the administration will move on this . What we will say is that this is one of the instruments by reinstating the ban that could have a profound impact on the number and the caliber of weapons going down to Mexico . '' Obama was to meet Thursday with Calderon in Mexico City ahead of his trip to Trinidad and Tobago for the Summit of the Americas . But Mexico is n't the only consideration when it comes to gun control . In the United States , gun control is a wedge issue -- and one that can carry serious political ramifications . Democrats tend to shy away from remarks that could be interpreted as anti-gun , especially in swing states and districts . -LRB- Remember the frenzy that ensued after then-candidate Obama said people in small towns get bitter and `` cling to guns or religion '' ? -RRB- . Democrats are usually thought of as the party more likely to enforce ownership restrictions , while Republicans are associated with ownership rights . As a candidate , Obama promised , `` I 'm not going to take away your guns . '' Any other message would have been unpopular in the traditionally Republican states he won such as North Carolina and Virginia . Other Democrats , such as Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb of Virginia , also are getting elected with the help of NRA supporters . Even so , with a Democrat in the White House and a Democrat-controlled Congress , there 's been a surge in requests for background checks of potential gun buyers , according to the FBI , and some gun owners say they think restrictions are somewhere on Obama 's to-do list . Asked Thursday if it 's just too politically difficult now to reinstate the ban , Gibbs said , `` I think the president believes that we can have a greater outcome in the short term working to enforce the laws that are on our books . '' | Mexico : U.S. ban on assault weapons would curtail flow of weapons into country . Ban instituted in 1994 during Clinton era and expired 10 years later . President Obama has no immediate plans to try to reinstate ban , official says . Obama meeting with Mexican President Felipe Calderon in Mexico City . | [[397, 450], [488, 569], [570, 610], [613, 678], [679, 756], [679, 686], [699, 756], [1350, 1386], [1402, 1443], [1841, 1965], [4993, 5122], [4993, 4998], [5003, 5078]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Editor 's note : Watch MainSail on CNN International at the following times : Thursday 16th April at 1230 GMT ; Saturday 18th April at 0700 and 1730 GMT ; Sunday 19th April at 0300 and 0730 GMT ; Monday 20th April at 0300 GMT . CNN 's MainSail anchor Shirley Robertson has won two Olympic gold medals in an extremely successful sailing career , but , she has never climbed to the top of a huge mast . Tall task : MainSail host Shirley Robertson takes on the world 's biggest aluminium mast . Until now , that is . On this month 's MainSail programme , Shirley reaches the top of the tallest aluminium mast in the world - aboard the 56 meter Perini Navi vessel , Salute . The mast reaches a remarkable 250 feet -LRB- 76 meters -RRB- into the air , and even with a small swell and light breeze , the top of the mast can swing through as much as ten meters -- five meters each side -- of its center point . Going up the mast is a dangerous job , but it is also a common necessity on any large yacht -- whether it be to check the rigging or complete a repair . Shirley has to wear all of the appropriate safety equipment for the climb -- which she has to do alone . Fortunately for Shirley , she does n't have a big fear of heights and she receives some expert instruction , too . Watch Shirley climb the mast '' You can also watch the full MainSail show and catch up with the latest news and features on the MainSail homepage . | CNN 's MainSail host Shirley Robertson is a double Olympic gold medalist . Robertson has never climbed a big mast before this . She takes on the 250 foot mast aboard the 56-meter yacht Salute . | [[264, 378], [387, 436], [437, 446], [449, 527], [707, 780]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Police in Boston , Massachusetts , are searching for a man suspected in the murder of one woman and the armed robbery of two others , all of whom , they say , he may have met through their Craigslist ads for personal services . Julissa Brisman , 26 , was described as `` a really sweet , goofy , energetic kid . '' Officers discovered New York resident Julissa Brisman , 26 , unconscious with multiple gunshot wounds at Boston 's Copley Marriott Hotel on Tuesday night . She was transferred to Boston Medical Center , where she died shortly afterward . Police said Brisman , a model , offered massages via Craigslist , a popular online classified ad service . The confrontation between Brisman and her killer seems to have begun as an attempted robbery , police said . `` It appears that there was a struggle between the victim and the suspect in the threshold of the hotel room immediately prior to the shooting , '' the Boston Police Department said in a statement on its Web site . Police speculate the man may also be responsible for the recent robberies of two other young women who offered personal services via Craigslist . Four days before Brisman 's slaying , a 29-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint at a Westin Hotel in Boston . Police spokesman Joe Zanola would not disclose the details of her Craigslist ad but said she and Brisman were `` involved in similar professions . '' On Thursday night at a Holiday Inn Express in Warwick , Rhode Island , a man tied up and demanded money from a 26-year-old dancer who had posted a Craigslist advertisement , according to Warwick 's police chief , Col. Stephen McCartney . The robbery was interrupted when the woman 's husband entered the room . After pointing his gun at the husband , the suspect fled , according to McCartney . He said that no conclusions could be made but allowed that the incident `` may be related to similar crimes occurring in the Boston area . '' Matthew Terhune , a photographer who met Brisman when he took pictures of her for a calendar last year , described her as `` just a really sweet , goofy , energetic kid . '' He added that she was enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous and was contemplating counseling fellow recovering addicts . He had been unaware of her side job as an Internet masseuse . Surveillance videos from the hotel where Brisman was murdered showed a tall , clean-cut young blond man in a black windbreaker leaving the property , said the Boston Police Department , which is asking the public 's help in identifying the man . Representatives from Craigslist did not respond to a request for comment . | 26-year-old died after attack at Boston hotel on Tuesday . Police say she posted Craigslist ad offering massages . Man may be behind two recent robberies , they say . Boston police seek public 's help identifying man on video . | [[572, 578], [584, 591], [604, 635], [1515, 1540], [1545, 1582], [1004, 1102], [2455, 2483], [2492, 2545]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNNMoney.com -RRB- -- Is cheese the answer for Cayuga County , New York ? Larry Rosenbaum surveys the field where he hopes to build a high-end specialty cheese factory . Like small towns all across America , this agricultural community is suffering , with unemployment approaching 10 percent . Entrepreneur Larry Rosenbaum thinks he can do his part to turn things around . For a decade , the insurance man by trade has been dreaming of building a factory for high-end specialty cheese . One key selling point : His product would meet the strictest standards of the Jewish and Muslim faiths . Rosenbaum says the demand for kosher and halal cheese is high but the selection is slim . So he 's been eyeing a plot of barren farmland between Aurelius and Auburn -- two Cayuga towns -- as the future home of a $ 40 million , 64,000-square-foot factory that would churn out feta and brie . The goal is for his company , Saratoga Cheese Corp. , to produce 30 million pounds of cheese in the first year and distribute it domestically and internationally . `` It 's the beginning of a trend of bringing back manufacturing industry to New York , '' said Rosenbaum . According to the Public Policy Institute of New York State , manufacturing in New York declined more than 30 percent between 1997 and 2007 . Watch Rosenbaum talk about his plans '' Rosenbaum estimates that Saratoga Cheese Corp. would bring 75 factory jobs and 150 temporary construction jobs to the region . Plans also include 50 yeshiva work-study students to be placed on participating farms . In addition , several rabbis and imams would supervise production . If Saratoga Cheese can get off the ground , it could mean a boost for local farmers like Dale Hemminger , who has agreed to supply kosher milk to Saratoga Cheese Corp. . Hemminger says it could be a crucial new market for his milk . And though he was at first skeptical of Rosenbaum 's plan , Hemminger says he admires Rosenbaum 's vision . But that vision is still $ 10 million short of becoming reality . Rosenbaum has secured $ 30 million in government grants , loans and private funding , but needs $ 40 million before Saratoga Cheese Corp. can break ground . Given the recession , securing the final amount is proving no small feat . According to Bill Teator , a board member of Saratoga Cheese Corp. , the best-case scenario is a combination of investment by a kosher dairy company and private lending . Teator says that though investors are confident about the business plan , the economic environment makes it tough to secure the needed cash . But support from local lawmakers is abundant . Republican state Sen. Michael Nozzolio is optimistic that Saratoga Cheese Corp. will find a home in his 54th District . And with an estimated $ 140 million in local revenue hanging in the balance , there 's reason to hope . Recession or not , Rosenbaum is steadfast in his belief . For him , it 's not a question of if the factory will get built , but when . `` We 're not going to quit until we make it , '' says Rosenbaum . It 's a persistence that is necessary in a recession that has proved legendary . | Entrepreneur has long dreamed of building high-end specialty cheese factory . He sees plot of barren farmland as future home of $ 40 million feta-and-brie plant . Key selling point : Product would meet strict standards of Jewish , Muslim faiths . He hopes factory can help turn around declines in manufacturing , employment . | [[89, 184], [113, 122], [129, 184], [388, 400], [403, 501], [89, 184], [113, 122], [129, 184], [700, 702], [706, 791], [524, 606]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Capt. Richard Phillips , whose capture and dramatic rescue in the pirate-infested waters off the coast of Africa last week captivated the nation , returned home to Vermont on Friday . Capt. Richard Phillips says , `` I 'm not the hero . The military is the hero . Thank them . '' Phillips landed shortly after 4:30 p.m. at Burlington International Airport . He was met by family members , who climbed the steps of his plane to greet him . He then strolled across the tarmac with his family , his arm wrapped around his daughter , Mariah , who wiped away tears . `` I just want to thank you for your prayers and support of my family while I was gone , '' Phillips said after landing in Vermont . `` I 'm just a bit part . I 'm a seaman like all the other seamen out there . '' Watch Phillips ' happy homecoming '' Close-up camera shots of Phillips on Friday showed what appeared to be rope burns on his forearms , presumably from being tied by the pirates . Phillips spoke for a short time and mostly thanked the military for saving him . `` I 'm not the hero , '' he said . `` The military is the hero . Thank them . '' Watch Phillips thank military , Maersk '' He offered no details of what happened to him during his time as a hostage besides calling it `` indescribable . '' He also took the time to thank crew members on his ship . `` We did it . I told you it was n't going to be ` if ' ; it was going to be ` when , ' '' he said . `` We did what we were trained to do . We 're just seamen . -LSB- We -RSB- do the best with what we 've got , and my crew did an excellent job , and I 'm so proud of them that they 're all home and they 're with their loved ones . '' Watch how crews train for pirate attacks '' He had just completed an 18-hour flight out of Mombasa , Kenya , on a jet owned by Maersk . Family members said they planned to spend some quality time together later Friday at their home in Underhill , Vermont -- Phillips ' mother-in-law was making brownies and his best friend planned to bring over chicken pot pie and Phillips ' favorite beer , they said . Phillips offered himself as a hostage last week , when four pirates boarded his U.S.-flagged ship , the Maersk Alabama . The pirates held him aboard a lifeboat for several days in a standoff against the U.S. Navy . Navy sharpshooters shot and killed three pirates , freeing Phillips . The other pirate had been taken into custody . The captain 's wife , Andrea , also spoke at his homecoming , calling it `` one of the happiest moments of our lives . '' She said she was extremely proud of his bravery , but also acknowledged the captain would say he was just doing his job . `` I have always been proud to call myself an American , '' Andrea Phillips said . `` Today , I 'm even prouder . To everyone who has been involved in this that made this day possible , I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart . Through this past week , having Richard back safe was all that my family and I ever wanted . Now our prayers have been answered , and we have a lot of people to thank . '' The 53-year-old Vermont native was praised Thursday by engineer John Cronan , one of the 19 other crew members . `` He went above and beyond the call to ensure our safety , '' Cronan told CNN 's `` Larry King Live . '' `` I ca n't thank that man enough . He is the reason I 'm here tonight . '' Watch Cronan tell King about the experience '' Asked whether she wants to see Cronan continue working as a merchant mariner , Cronan 's fiancee said it was up to him . `` John and I have an agreement , '' said Heather Giardinelli , who works as a pharmaceutical marketing researcher . `` He does n't tell me how to do my job , and I wo n't tell him how to do his . '' Asked whether he plans to return to sea , Cronan said , `` Yes , sir . However , the Staten Island Ferry has become much more appealing . '' | Capt. Richard Phillips : `` I 'm a seaman like all the other seamen out there '' Wife : `` Having Richard back safe was all that my family and I ever wanted '' Phillips spent five days as hostage after Somali pirates assaulted ship . Maersk crew member : `` I ca n't thank that man enough '' | [[740, 779], [1495, 1515], [2426, 2445], [2462, 2485], [2915, 2937], [2940, 2998], [2978, 3007], [2215, 2308], [3087, 3162], [3309, 3341]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After a week when he could not be traced , Egyptian striker Amir Zaki is back at his Premier League club side Wigan Athletic in northern England . Wigan and Egypt striker Amir Zaki has mended relations with his club manager . According to Wigan manager Steve Bruce the two have patched up their differences after he launched a verbal tirade against the 26-year-old striker . Zaki told Al-Hayat TV that the pair `` ended up laughing '' about his absence -- when he failed to return from international duty and had a hamstring strain which no one knew the seriousness of . But , it was n't all laughs a week ago . On Wigan 's club Web site , Bruce had said of Zaki : `` I just feel it 's time that we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with . I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional . `` I have already fined him the maximum allowed but this just seems to have no effect , '' Bruce said . After giving Zaki a fine for his misdemeanor the Wigan manager also revealed it was the fourth time he had gone AWOL after international duty . Are players selling their fans and clubs short when they go AWOL ? How do you think should they be punished by clubs ? Zaki 's case certainly is n't the first high profile instance of a player going missing . Inter Milan striker Adriano sparked kidnap fears after failing to return earlier this month , following a World Cup qualifier in South America . It was not the first time the Brazilian had failed to report back to his club following international duty . After a two-week absence , Adriano later announced he was taking a break from professional football at a news conference in Brazil . He told reporters : `` I 've lost the happiness of playing . I would n't like to go back to Italy , I want to live in peace here in Brazil . `` I do n't know if I 'm going to stay for one , two or three months without playing . I 'm going to rethink my career . '' Other notable cases include Nigerian forward Ayegbeni Yakubu , who failed to return to club duty at Premier League side Everton after the African Cup of Nations last year . When he returned to Everton , Yakubu was hit with a maximum # 80,000 fine . Manager David Moyes said at a news conference at the time : ` Yakubu 's back in it now . That episode has ended . He let us down by not coming back . But it 's over and we 've moved on . '' German club Schalke fined defender Rafinha a record $ 1million for making an unauthorized trip to the Beijing Olympic Games and spending a total of 35 days away . One of the most bizarre examples was that of Moroccan defender Youssef Rossi , who surprised everyone when he returned to training at Dunfermline Athletic a year after having his wages stopped by the Scottish club . Rossi had previously gone AWOL from the club and returned to training with Raja Casablanca back in his homeland . | Egyptian striker Amir Zaki was AWOL after failing to return to Wigan . Wigan manager Steve Bruce described Zaki as `` unprofessional '' Adriano went AWOL for two weeks and later said he was taking a break from football . How do you think AWOL players should be punished by their clubs ? | [[49, 76], [79, 95], [2375, 2410], [2830, 2835], [2840, 2874], [262, 300], [1360, 1451], [1614, 1638], [1641, 1746], [1218, 1269], [1242, 1269]] |
Editor 's note : Journalist Karl Penhaul spent several weeks tracking the gangs of the Mexican underworld , the corrupt officials who support them and the cops trying to halt the violence . This is the last of three exclusive reports . The first focused on the violent rules gangs live by and the second looked at how gangsters are honored in death . Forensic investigators and federal police dig bodies out of mass graves in the desert near Juarez . JUAREZ , Mexico -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Heat waves shimmer over the desert . A team of forensic experts clad in white overalls excavate three shallow graves . The sand gives up nine bodies -- seven men and two women . At least one of the victims ' hands were cuffed behind their back . Others had been trussed up with duct tape . The stale stench reveals that the corpses had been dumped there several days earlier and were decomposing fast . That grisly find in mid-March came a week after thousands more soldiers had been deployed to Juarez , across the border from El Paso , Texas . The arrival of the soldiers and more federal police agents had coincided with a short lull in the killings . Snapping photos of the scene from behind the police line was Lucio Soria , photographer for Juarez 's main newspaper , El Diario de Juarez , and its sister paper , PM . PM is a perfect example of Mexico 's so-called `` red press , '' newspapers that specialize in covering violence . Soria seems like a perfect ambassador . `` I 've gone for a week and a half without taking pictures of dead people . I was thinking ` Hell , what am I going to do ? ' At this rate I 'll end up taking pictures for the social pages , '' he said . Soria realizes snapping pictures of blood and gore may seem heartless . But he stays cheerful , cracking dark jokes with colleagues , all while listening to police communications on a radio scanner and searching for clues about where to find the next drug war victim . `` It might seem ugly , but that 's our job , '' Soria said . He and fellow photographers have been busy in recent months . Last year , Juarez became the poster city for Mexico 's narco-violence , with more than 1,600 gang killings . Watch musicians play `` narco-ballads '' honoring hitmen '' This year , Mayor Jose Reyes is trying to turn a page on the killings and make Juarez a showcase for solutions . Military and federal police convoys patrol the streets around the clock . Cops armed with AR-15 assault rifles , identities obscured by ski masks , hang off pickup trucks that speed around in twos and threes . Watch cops round up gang suspects '' Soldiers strike a warlike pose behind heavy machine guns mounted on American-made Humvees . Whether it 's working depends on whom you ask and how hard you read between the lines . `` I think this is very effective because it closes transport routes for the movement of -LSB- cartel -RSB- personnel and weapons , '' said a state officer , assigned to guide us , at a federal police checkpoint . The officer , known only by his call sign Trojan One , seemed confident . The agent in command of the checkpoint was less convinced . `` Of course organized crime is trying to avoid us . I 'm not sure what methods they use to operate . We do n't know how they work , '' said the officer , identifying himself only as Aztec One . On another day we ran into a three-truck federal police operation staking out a house in a middle-class Juarez neighborhood . See photos of police , gang life in Mexico '' The commander said his men believed they had made what he termed a `` major '' cocaine bust . When I met him they had already been waiting almost 24 hours for a judge to issue a search warrant . When they gained access they discovered some 500 half-gram bags of cocaine . In Juarez those bags sell for around $ 8 . Now do the math , 500 half-gram bags at possibly 60 percent purity means around 150 grams of pure cocaine -- hardly a major strike in the drug war . Reyes ' solution has been to hand the military all civilian police functions , even down to traffic control . Mexico 's military has little experience in urban warfare , little experience in policing and has been unable to shake a decades-old reputation for human rights abuses . When I bump into Reyes at a transfer-of-command ceremony at city hall I ask him what he 's doing about alleged corruption and complicity among politicians and businessmen , who permit the cartels to move their shipments and help launder the proceeds . `` My opinion in Juarez is that that kind of political corruption does not exist , '' he said adamantly . Two weeks later , in Monterrey , I caught up with outspoken lawyer Raquenel Villanueva . She knows a thing or two about politicians colluding with Mexico 's mafia . Watch how drug lords pay tribute to a highway bandit , looking for luck '' Mexican media have dubbed her the `` devil 's advocate '' for her role in defending a string of senior cartel figures and their hitmen . Last year , she was detained for 90 days , accused her of being a member of the Gulf Cartel . She was freed without charge . Throughout her career , she 's survived four assassination attempts and taken 10 bullets , two of them in the head . Her office is crammed with religious iconography : crosses , paintings of the Virgin of Guadalupe and a four-foot-high wooden statue of Saint Jude Thaddeus . Two bullets are encrusted in the effigy after the last attempt on her life in 2000 . `` I know about official corruption and exactly who is doing what because my clients tell me , '' she said . `` To win the drug war you have to tell the Americans to take better care of their young people , tell them to stop being so cold and materialistic , '' Villanueva lectured . `` Then you have to end corruption and that means changing the government cabinets of half the countries in the world . '' | Border city of Juarez last year had more than 1,600 gang killings . Mayor turns to military to control trafficking , violence . Opinions vary on whether tactics are working . Lawyer puts some blame on `` materialistic '' Americans . | [[2063, 2072], [2075, 2172]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Male singers regularly photographed wearing a hat are usually covering up a receding hairline . Jason Aldean has had six Top 10 country singles . His new album , `` Wide Open , '' is just out . But not Jason Aldean . He has a full head of hair , and wears a cowboy hat to signify his commitment to country music . The same is true for his well-fitting jeans and cowboy boots . It 's a formula that seems to be working . The 32-year-old rising star has just notched his sixth Top 10 country single with `` She 's Country , '' the lead track off his third CD , `` Wide Open '' -LRB- Broken Bow -RRB- . We caught up with the Georgia native in his dressing room before a recent sold-out show at the House of Blues in Los Angeles , California . The following is an edited version of the interview . Jason Aldean : Definitely a cowboy hat in L.A. makes you stand out a little bit . CNN : It 's a fashion statement in L.A. Aldean : It is ! You 've got to wear it with confidence , too . Watch Aldean talk about his new album '' CNN : Are you nervous about your new album ? Aldean : I would n't say I 'm nervous . If you have an album that you 're kind of on the fence about , then yeah , you would be kind of a little nervous . CNN : Have you ever had one of those -- or if you had , would you admit it ? Aldean : When we went in to record the second album -LRB- 2007 's `` Relentless , '' which went gold -RRB- , I think it was a good album , but I felt like I was under a lot of pressure recording that album -- more than the other two . You hear people talking about the sophomore slump and all that stuff , and so I think all that stuff sort of got to me after a while . Combined with being on the road 200 to 250 days -LSB- a year -RSB- , I just did n't have that much fun recording it . I was exhausted . And so going into this third album , I just feel like mentally , I was back in the right place . CNN : As an artist , do you ever really think you got it right ? Aldean : If at any point you 're recording an album and you think it 's the greatest thing that you 've ever done , and you 'll never be able to top it , then you should probably quit . Michael Jackson -- he made `` Thriller , '' so I can see why he might have said , `` I 'm done . '' But even he kept making records . CNN : Were you a Michael Jackson fan growing up ? Did you moonwalk as a kid ? Aldean : Of course ! I had my glove and everything . Used to wet my hair so it looked like a Jheri curl . -LRB- Cracks up -RRB- . CNN : Who else did you listen to as a kid ? Aldean : Guns N ' Roses -- the '80s rock stuff . Then I was into John Mellencamp , and Bob Seger and a lot of the Southern rock stuff -- the Allman Brothers , Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Marshall Tucker Band . I listened to a lot of different kinds of music . CNN : Are you finding that the economy has affected ticket sales ? Is it harder to sell out shows these days ? Aldean : I think everybody has kind of seen a little bit of a hit . We 're no different . We 've tried to make it more affordable for people to come to a show with lower ticket prices -LSB- most of the time in the $ 20-40 range -RSB- . Maybe go in and play a show for less money than we would normally go in to play a show for , just so people can afford to come out and buy a ticket . I mean , you 're looking at 200 bucks if you 've got a wife and two kids -- and then by the time you come there and buy a couple of T-shirts , or some drinks or whatever , you 're spending three , four hundred dollars , and right now , people are a little hesitant to do that . CNN : What do you consider an expensive ticket ? Aldean : If Elvis was still around , I do n't know if I 'd pay 80 bucks to go see him . I surely would not pay 80 bucks to go see me ! CNN : From a financial standpoint , touring is more important to an artist than selling records these days . Aldean : The music industry is so different now than it was even when I hit the scene in 2005 . If you go to Wal-Mart and you want a song , you 've got to buy the whole album for ten bucks -- or you can go to iTunes , and if you want a song , you can pay a dollar to get it . So in return , the record label is going to make less money , which is us making less money to pay them back . The way it works is the record label basically fronts the money for us to record an album . As the money comes back in off of that , they take that and repay the debt that we owe them . So if they 're not making enough to repay that debt , they 're not going to keep us employed on the label for very long . CNN : As an artist , do you worry about that ? Aldean : Oh , absolutely . I think every artist worries about that . As a consumer , I think iTunes is a great thing . As an entertainer , not so much . I would much rather have somebody buy an album as a whole . Bad thing about purchasing singles -- if you have an artist you like and you keep doing that , there 's not going to be music enough for you to go and get , because they 're not going to have a deal anymore . But who knows ? Record labels may one day be out all together , and people may be making their own music and selling it on their Web sites . CNN : That seems to benefit established artists more than up-and-coming ones . Aldean : Radio 's really accepted us , and proven that they 're really going to play my stuff as long as I give them something good to play . Fans are coming out to the show , so I mean what more could I ask for ? My original plan when I got started in this deal was just to be able to make a good living for my family and play music . I 've been able to do that , which is all I 've ever wanted . | Jason Aldean riding high with new hit , `` She 's Country '' Georgia native conscious of ticket prices , giving value . Aldean : '' -LSB- I -RSB- would not pay 80 bucks to go see me ! '' | [[464, 563], [3698, 3748], [3749, 3793], [3772, 3793]] |
MUMBAI , India -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The lawyer for the main suspect in last year 's deadly terrorist attack in Mumbai was removed Wednesday , delaying the high-profile trial that was set to begin . Soldiers patrol in Mumbai on the eve of the trial of a key suspect in last year 's attacks in the Indian city . The trial start for Mohammed Ajmal Kasab , 21 , is expected to be moved to Thursday as officials scramble to settle the lawyer issue . Kasab is thought to be the only one of 10 gunmen to survive the three-day siege , which killed more than 160 people in November . As the trial was to begin , the judge removed attorney Anjali Waghmare because she also was representing a witness in the case . Waghmare argued that she had no idea that the person was a witness in the terror case , and she was representing this person in a different case . But the judge declared that it was a conflict of interest . An Indian court appointed Waghmare two weeks ago to represent Kasab , and it was unclear who would replace her . Kasab demanded that his attorney be replaced with a Pakistani lawyer . But the judge denied that request and said that a Pakistani lawyer may be able to be brought in as a consultant from outside the courtroom . Kasab , a Pakistani national , faces more than a dozen charges , including murder , conspiracy to wage a war against the nation and terrorism . During the proceedings Wednesday Kasab seemed relaxed and smiled many time at the large crowd of journalists in the courtroom . Kasab also requested newspapers to be brought in so that he could see what the media was writing about him . Prosecutors last month accused him of trying to delay the trial by insisting that the 11,000-page document detailing the charges against him -- which was written in English and the local Marathi language -- be translated into Urdu , the official language of Pakistan . The court rejected his request . Wednesday 's trial was to take place in a makeshift court set up in a jail where Kasab -- who has been communicating with the judge via videolink -- is being held . Indian authorities have long blamed the Mumbai attacks on Lashkar-e-Tayyiba , a Pakistan-based militant outfit , but the group has denied responsibility . The violence initially heightened tensions between the two nuclear states . India has urged Pakistan to destroy what it calls terrorist infrastructure in that country . The two nations are longtime rivals that have fought three wars since their independence from the British , and conducted countering nuclear weapons tests in 1998 . CNN 's Sara Sidner contributed to this report . | Main suspect 's lawyer removed as she represents a witness in the case . Trial was to start Wednesday , unclear when court proceedings will resume . Mohammed Ajmal Kasab , 21 , is accused of being the only gunmen to survive siege . The November siege targeted victims at Mumbai hotels , hospitals , railway stations . | [[601, 701], [9, 30], [140, 195], [576, 598], [466, 572]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. State Department threw aside diplomatic language Tuesday , attacking Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for creating what it calls a `` catastrophe '' by throwing many international aid workers out of the country . President Omar al-Bashir ordered the expulsion of aid groups after he was indicted on war crimes charges . Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a direct challenge to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir Tuesday , warning that he and his government `` will be held responsible for every single death that occurs in '' the refugee camps of the Darfur region . Al-Bashir ordered the expulsion of 13 international aid groups from the Sudan earlier this month after he was indicted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes . While other aid groups remain in Sudan , the United Nations said the 13 expelled groups provided roughly half the assistance delivered in Darfur . Nearly 300,000 people have died in the Darfur conflict , and millions are homeless , according to the U.N. Calling the situation in Darfur `` horrendous , '' Clinton said President Obama 's administration will appoint a special envoy for Sudan `` in the coming days . '' On Wednesday , retired Air Force Gen. J. Scott Gration was appointed as U.S. special envoy for Sudan , the White House announced in a written statement . `` Sudan is a priority for this administration , particularly at a time when it cries out for peace and for justice . The worsening humanitarian crisis there makes our task all the more urgent , '' President Barack Obama said in the statement . `` General Gration 's personal and professional background , and his service to the country as both a military leader and a humanitarian , give him the insights and experience necessary for this assignment . '' Gration , a former fighter pilot , served as assistant deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs . Fluent in Swahili , he was raised partly in Africa , where his parents were missionary teachers . Clinton said the real question now is what kind of pressure can be brought to bear on al-Bashir and the government in Khartoum to make them understand `` that they will be held responsible for every single death that occurs in those camps . '' State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters , `` It 's just a catastrophe that Bashir has created . We 're going to continue to make this case and we 're imploring others to make this case that he needs to reverse that decision he took . Thousands , hundreds of thousands of people , could possibly be at risk and it 's irresponsible , the action he took , and he needs to reverse it and reverse it immediately . People 's lives are at risk . '' Clinton said countries that support al-Bashir 's expulsion order `` have the responsibility to persuade the government in Sudan to change its decision to let the aid workers back , or they must replace with money and personnel those who have been expelled so that innocent lives are not lost and further undermined . '' Clinton said the United States is `` very concerned '' and is looking for more effective ways to convince the Sudanese government that `` they have assumed an even greater sense of responsibility and infamy in the eyes of the world by turning their backs on these refugees whom they created in the first place . '' Wood said it is clear that Bashir is the sole person at fault . `` Bashir is to blame for this crisis on the ground , '' he said . His actions have only made things a lot worse . We are trying to get him to reverse this decision . We want to call on all those who have influence with the government of Sudan , institutions like the African Union , the Arab League , to do what they can to get Bashir to reverse his decision . '' Obama , during his election campaign , made the crisis in Darfur a major focus . Since then , some have criticized him for putting it on the back burner . Seeking to rebut that view , Wood listed all recent steps the administration has taken to resolve the situation . Last week , he said , Obama discussed the deteriorating situation in Sudan with U.N. Secretary General Ban ki-Moon . U.S. officials have been meeting in New York , Washington and Khartoum with delegations from what Wood called `` like-minded nations . '' Last weekend , the U.S. charge d'affaires in Sudan met with UNAMID -LRB- the African Union/United Nations operation in Darfur -RRB- and visited a camp for internally displaced people . And last week in New York , U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice spoke with the president of South Sudan and the Sudanese ambassador to the U.N. Wood said the U.S. has been reaching out to the Arab League , the African Union and other countries with influence on Sudan , trying to convince them the decision to expel some aid groups `` not only costs lives but serves to further isolate the country . '' Asked whether the U.S. supports a move to defer the ICC indictment of Bashir , Wood said it does not support `` any deferral . '' | State Department says Sudan president throwing out aid agencies is `` catastrophe '' Hillary Clinton warns Sudan president will be `` responsible for every single death '' Omar al-Bashir wanted aid groups out after indictment on war crime charges . Spokesman : Bashir must reverse decision because `` people 's lives are at risk '' | [[0, 26], [98, 252], [253, 359], [2287, 2340], [2344, 2370], [2344, 2396], [4801, 4856], [360, 465], [360, 394], [468, 553], [535, 553], [559, 571], [2178, 2254], [253, 359], [314, 359], [613, 709], [360, 465], [2451, 2524], [2491, 2534], [2535, 2544], [2547, 2578], [2581, 2630], [2710, 2739], [2847, 2921], [2970, 3059], [3557, 3559], [3564, 3608], [3557, 3608]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An archeological team is set to break new ground in its excavation of an Egyptian temple where doomed lovers Cleopatra and Mark Antony may be buried . An excavation of an Egyptian temple my reveal where doomed lovers Cleopatra and Mark Antony are buried . A ground-penetrating , radar survey of the temple of Taposiris Magna and its surrounding area , west of Alexandria , was completed in March , following three years of digging , according to a statement from Egypt 's Supreme Council of Antiquities . Taposiris Magna is one of the ancient towns located on Lake Mariut , which is today called Abusir . According to the council , the radar revealed three possible spots of interest where a tomb might be located . Recently , the team discovered a large , previously unknown cemetery outside the temple enclosure . `` The discovery of this cemetery indicates that an important person , likely of royal status , could be buried inside the temple . It was common for officials and other high-status individuals in Egypt to construct their tombs close to those of their rulers throughout the Pharaonic period , '' according to the council . The expedition has so far turned up 27 tombs , 20 of them shaped like vaulted sarcophagi , and seven simple burial chambers that are reached by staircases . Inside these chambers , the team found 10 mummies , two of them gilded . Other discoveries include an alabaster bust of Cleopatra , and 22 coins bearing her `` beautiful '' image , according to council Secretary-General Zahi Hawass . The discovery contradicts some recent reports that describe her as unattractive , he said . `` Among the most interesting finds is a unique mask depicting a man with a cleft chin . The face bears some similarity to known portraits of Mark Antony himself , '' Hawass said . The love story of Antony and Cleopatra has been a favorite theme for writers and filmmakers . The 1963 Oscar-winning movie of the couple starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton , who themselves became star-crossed lovers . Cleopatra ruled Egypt between 51 B.C. until her suicide in 30 B.C. , following Mark Antony 's naval defeat against Caesar 's adopted son Octavian at Actium in the Mediterranean . Mark Antony , once a general in Caesar 's army , killed himself before Cleopatra took her own life , after being falsely informed that Cleopatra already had died . | Archeologists to search three sites that may contain tombs of Cleopatra , Mark Antony . Bust of Cleopatra , 22 coins bearing her image have been found so far . Antony , Cleopatra committed suicide in 31 B.C. after battle of Actium . | [[89, 169], [651, 702], [1451, 1493], [1451, 1473], [1496, 1548]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- NASA scientists say new data provided by twin spacecraft analyzing the sun will help them more accurately predict how so-called solar tsunamis wreak havoc on our planet . NASA says new data on so-called solar tsunamis will help predict how they will affect our planet . The tsunamis -- powerful explosions known as coronal mass ejections , or CMEs -- produce solar cosmic rays that can interfere with technology , causing power blackouts and disrupting air traffic communications and cell phone networks . NASA says images captured by its twin Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory , or STEREO , spacecraft have enabled scientists to map the tsunamis in 3D to examine their structure , velocity , mass and direction . The solar ejections , its says , can release billions of tons of high-velocity plasma into space , producing a shockwave that generates cosmic rays which then plow into our atmosphere . These can create the brightly-colored auroras , more commonly known as the Northern or Southern lights , but also have more damaging effects , posing particular threats to spacecraft and astronauts . Solar physicist Angelos Vourlidas of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington said the new data from the STEREO craft -- launched into orbit in October 2006 -- will revolutionize the study of cosmic weather patterns . `` Before this unique mission , measurements and the subsequent data of a CME observed near the sun had to wait until the ejections arrived at Earth three to seven days later , '' he said in statement . `` Now we can see a CME from the time it leaves the solar surface until it reaches Earth and we can reconstruct the event in 3D directly from the images . '' | NASA says new data will enable scientists to map solar tsunamis in 3D . Solar ejections can wreak havoc on Earth , causing power and radio blackouts . New data could help predict what effects the phenomena will have , NASA says . | [[190, 236], [200, 288], [615, 677], [641, 738], [1638, 1676], [289, 366], [370, 524], [19, 98], [190, 236], [200, 288]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An archeological team is set to break new ground in its excavation of an Egyptian temple where doomed lovers Cleopatra and Mark Antony may be buried . An excavation of an Egyptian temple my reveal where doomed lovers Cleopatra and Mark Antony are buried . A ground-penetrating , radar survey of the temple of Taposiris Magna and its surrounding area , west of Alexandria , was completed in March , following three years of digging , according to a statement from Egypt 's Supreme Council of Antiquities . Taposiris Magna is one of the ancient towns located on Lake Mariut , which is today called Abusir . According to the council , the radar revealed three possible spots of interest where a tomb might be located . Recently , the team discovered a large , previously unknown cemetery outside the temple enclosure . `` The discovery of this cemetery indicates that an important person , likely of royal status , could be buried inside the temple . It was common for officials and other high-status individuals in Egypt to construct their tombs close to those of their rulers throughout the Pharaonic period , '' according to the council . The expedition has so far turned up 27 tombs , 20 of them shaped like vaulted sarcophagi , and seven simple burial chambers that are reached by staircases . Inside these chambers , the team found 10 mummies , two of them gilded . Other discoveries include an alabaster bust of Cleopatra , and 22 coins bearing her `` beautiful '' image , according to council Secretary-General Zahi Hawass . The discovery contradicts some recent reports that describe her as unattractive , he said . `` Among the most interesting finds is a unique mask depicting a man with a cleft chin . The face bears some similarity to known portraits of Mark Antony himself , '' Hawass said . The love story of Antony and Cleopatra has been a favorite theme for writers and filmmakers . The 1963 Oscar-winning movie of the couple starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton , who themselves became star-crossed lovers . Cleopatra ruled Egypt between 51 B.C. until her suicide in 30 B.C. , following Mark Antony 's naval defeat against Caesar 's adopted son Octavian at Actium in the Mediterranean . Mark Antony , once a general in Caesar 's army , killed himself before Cleopatra took her own life , after being falsely informed that Cleopatra already had died . | Archeologists to search three sites that may contain tombs of Cleopatra , Mark Antony . Bust of Cleopatra , 22 coins bearing her image have been found so far . Antony , Cleopatra committed suicide in 31 B.C. after battle of Actium . | [[89, 169], [651, 702], [1451, 1493], [1451, 1473], [1496, 1548]] |
LONDON , England -- Painfully hot , they make your eyes water , your heart race and can turn your face embarrassingly red . Chilies have been used for many millenia both for their medicinal benefits and exciting falvor . Once only a staple of cuisine from far flung regions of the world , chilies can now be found in almost any dish around the globe . Last week an Indian woman wolfed down 51 `` ghost chilies , '' -- the world 's spiciest -- in two minutes and smeared the seeds on her eyes for an entry into the Guinness World Records . Anandita Dutta Tamuly , 28 , achieved the bizarre and fiery undertaking in the Indian north-eastern state of Assam . She was cheered on by British chef Gordon Ramsay , who also attempted a bite of the hot stuff before begging for water . A single seed can cause watering eyes , as well as a burning sensation in the mouth that can last up to five hours . A chili 's spiciness is measured in Scoville units ; the number of times a chili extract must be diluted in water in order for it to lose its heat . The `` ghost chili '' , also known as bhut jolokia , has more than 1 million Scoville units , while Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units and jalapeno peppers from 2,500 to 8,000 units . Chilies have formed part of the diet in the Americas since approximately 7,500 BC and owe most of their fame to their sometimes unbearably spicy flavor . But they have also long been recognized for their health benefits . Scientific research -- and legend -- have attributed health wonders to chilies over the years . Diego Alvarez Chanca , a physician on explorer Christopher Columbus ' second voyage to the West Indies in 1493 , first wrote about the pepper 's medicinal effects back in 1494 . Below we look at effects eating chilies has on the body . Skin . Other than for its flavor-enhancing qualities , chili is , oddly enough , used to fight the summer heat . As the chili causes extreme sweating and blood rushing to the face , it cools the body down when the sweat evaporates , making it useful for combating heat . These same heat inducing properties are said to have a cumulative effect and over time are believed to alleviate pain when used in treatments for anything from arthritis and psoriasis to shingles and severe burns . Brain . The substances that give chili peppers their intensity when eaten or applied on the skin are called capsaicinoids . When consumed , capsaicinoids connect with pain receptors in the mouth and throat that are normally responsible for sensing heat . Once activated by the capsaicinoids , these receptors send a message to the brain that the person has consumed something hot . The brain responds to the burning sensation by raising the heart rate , increasing perspiration and releasing endorphins , called the body 's `` natural painkillers '' and `` happy hormones . '' Stomach . Chilies have long been associated with soothing the digestive system , by acting as stomach cleansers . According to the UK Food Guide , chili helps to settle stomach upset and encourages the production of good digestive acid . Chili aficionados believe the fruits can also induce weight loss because the substance that makes them `` hot '' speed up the body 's metabolism . However , one study by the American Institute of Cancer Research performed in Mexico showed in 2003 that a high consumption of chilies -LRB- approximately nine to 25 jalapeno peppers per day -RRB- is in fact associated with stomach cancer . Immune system . Red chilies contain high amounts of carotene and vitamin C . It is said that chilies contain more vitamin C than citrus fruits . Chili peppers are also a good source of vitamin B6 and are very high in potassium , magnesium and iron , giving them a reputation for naturally boosting the body 's immune system . Heart and other cardiovascular effects . A 2006 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that after adding chili to the diet , bad cholesterol , that can often lead to heart problems , took a longer time to develop into heart diseases . | An Indian woman last week wolfed down 51 `` ghost chilies '' in two minutes . The ghost chili has 1 million Scoville units , the measurement of a chili 's heat . Chilies have also long been recognized for their health benefits . | [[362, 389], [894, 944], [1043, 1064], [1096, 1134], [124, 220], [1406, 1415], [1442, 1469], [1406, 1410], [1421, 1469], [1470, 1565], [2875, 2978]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The French navy on Wednesday captured 11 suspected pirates off the coast of Kenya , Franc ' e mnistry of defense announced , while other pirates who had held a Greek vessel for nearly a month let it go . Pirates attacked The Liberty Sun , a U.S.-flagged cargo ship , but were unable to board . The navy tracked the pirates overnight after they attacked a ship called the Safmarine Asia , then seized them at dawn Wednesday morning , the ministry said in a statement . The Greek-flagged Titan cargo ship was carrying a load of iron to South Korea when pirates seized it . Twenty-four crew members were on board -- 17 Filipinos , three Greeks , three Romanians and a Ukrainian . They are in good health , said Tilemahos Gasteratos , spokesman for the Greek Merchant Marine Ministry . The European Union , NATO and the United States have been patrolling the region since an upsurge in piracy off the coast of Somalia began last year . U.S. snipers on Sunday killed three pirates holding hostage a U.S. merchant ship captain . Richard Phillips was held in a lifeboat for five days after his ship , the Maersk Alabama , was attacked last week . The freed Maersk crew members are expected to return to the United States on Wednesday evening . Pirates in Somalia vowed revenge . Pirates said an attack Tuesday on another U.S.-flagged merchant ship , the Liberty Sun , was in response to the killing of Phillips ' captors . `` It was a revenge , '' Hassan Mohamud told a Somali journalist . `` The U.S. ship escaped by a matter of chance . '' `` We sent out 14 boats full of well-armed men and we are looking for vessels of U.S. and French nationals , '' said Mohamud . He is a pirate leader based Gara'ad in Puntland , a semi-autonomous Somali region with a long coastline along the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden . `` The U.S. and French governments should know this because they started the aggression on us , '' he said . Other pirates in the region have also vowed revenge . Two days before Phillips was rescued , the French military freed four hostages , including a child , who had been held by pirates for nearly a week on a yacht off Somalia 's coast . In that operation , a hostage and two pirates were killed , the French Defense Ministry said . Three pirates were captured . Separately , a court in Puntland sentenced 27 Somali pirates to prison after the judge said they had been caught red-handed . Shiekh Mohamed Abdi Aware , the presiding judge , read the verdict to the media . He said that each of the pirates would face three years in prison . A crew member aboard the Liberty Sun managed to e-mail his mother while the ship was under fire . `` We are under attack by pirates , we are being hit by rockets . Also bullets . '' Katy Urbik said her heart stopped as she read that in an e-mail from her son Thomas . `` We are barricaded in the engine room and so far no one is hurt . -LSB- A -RSB- rocket penetrated the bulkhead but the hole is small . Small fire too but put out , '' the message from her son continued . `` Navy is on the way and helos and ships are coming . I 'll try to send you another message soon . -LSB- G -RSB- ot to go now . I love you mom and dad and all my brothers and family . '' amFIX : Full interview with Katy Urbik . Ubrik , of Wheaton , Illinois , said her son e-mailed again half an hour later . `` The Navy has showed up in full force and we are now under military escort ... all is well . I love you all and thank you for the prayers , '' his message said . The ordeal followed a tense week for the family , said Ubrik , who had closely followed news of the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama and the kidnapping of its captain . She said of receiving her son 's shocking e-mail : . `` My heart stopped as soon as I realized there was n't going to be a ` just kidding ' after his comment . Because I had heard from his earlier -LSB- Tuesday -RSB- morning , saying they had a plan with the Navy , they were being monitored , they had been practicing drills to get into the engine room . '' `` I opened up my e-mail and it was one of those surreal moments where , am I really reading this ? '' After the thwarted attack on the Liberty Sun , the vessel was being escorted by the guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge -- the same ship carrying Phillips after his dramatic rescue Sunday . Watch the tough tactics the Navy uses '' About 20 U.S. citizens are aboard the Liberty Sun . The ship was delivering humanitarian supplies from the U.N. World Food Programme , CARE and other groups , two senior defense officials told CNN . Pirates off the coast of Somalia seized two other freighters Tuesday . First , they hijacked the MV Irene EM , a 35,000-ton Greek-owned bulk carrier , according to a NATO spokesman and the European Union 's Maritime Security Center . The crew of the Greek ship was thought to be unhurt , and ships have been warned to stay clear of the area for fear of further attack , the security center said . Later Tuesday , pirates on four skiffs seized the 5,000-ton MV Sea Horse , a Lebanese-owned and Togo-flagged vessel , Cmdr. Chris Davies said from NATO 's Maritime Component Command Headquarters in Northwood , England . Further details about the ship and its crew were n't immediately available . The two freighters seized Tuesday are the third and fourth vessels to be hijacked in two days off the Somali coast . Pirates on Monday hijacked two Egyptian fishing boats carrying a total of between 18 and 24 people , the Egyptian Information Ministry told CNN . The Egyptian Foreign Ministry is working to end the hijacking , the information ministry said . Piracy accelerated after the fall of the Somali government in the early 1990s and began to flourish after shipping companies started paying ransoms . Those payments started out being in the tens of thousands of dollars and have since climbed into the millions . Some experts say companies are making the problem worse by paying the pirates . About 16,000 ships a year pass through the region , according to the French Foreign Ministry . CNN 's Pierre Meilhan , Christine Theodorou , Niki Cook , Mike Mount and Chuck Johnston contributed to this report . | NEW : Pirates had held Greek ship and its load of iron for nearly a month . French navy tracked pirates overnight after they attacked a merchant ship . Greek 35,000-ton bulk carrier and Lebanese-owned , Togo-flagged freighters seized . Pirates : Attack Tuesday on the Liberty Sun was a response to the killing of pirates . | [[144, 163], [168, 210], [150, 222], [487, 589], [223, 255], [313, 378], [358, 404], [487, 589], [4698, 4714], [4715, 4733], [5279, 5312], [223, 255]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Every dog has his day , but Sir Lancelot -- or at least his carbon copy -- has a second one . Edgar and Nina Otto show off 10-week-old Lancey , a clone of `` the most human of any dog we 've ever had . '' A Boca Raton , Florida , couple paid a California firm $ 155,000 to clone their beloved Labrador retriever , who died from cancer a year ago . The clone , a 10-week-old puppy dubbed Lancey , was hand-delivered to them earlier this week by Lou Hawthorne , chairman of BioArts International , a biotechnology company . `` One minute with Lancey and you know he 's special . He 's both extremely aware and very sweet , '' Hawthorne said in a BioArts statement . Edgar and Nina Otto said they began thinking about cloning Sir Lancelot about five years ago . `` I said ` Well , you know , it would n't hurt to have his DNA frozen , ' and that 's what we did , '' Nina Otto told CNN affiliate WPBF . The Ottos were one of five families to bid and win a BioArts auction for a chance to clone their family dog , according to a BioArts statement . Lancey is the world 's first commercially cloned dog , the company said ; the Ottos are the first of six current clients to receive their clone . Sir Lancelot 's DNA sample was sent to the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation in Seoul , South Korea , which provides cloning services to BioArts . Researchers there put the DNA into an egg , and Lancey was born November 18 , according to BioArts . The Ottos said they have had many beloved dogs over the years -- and have nine others currently -- but maintain Sir Lancelot was special . `` Sir Lancelot was the most human of any dog we 've ever had , '' Edgar Otto said in the BioArts statement . `` He was a prince among dogs . '' In an interview with WPBF , Edgar Otto said Sir Lancelot `` was a very , very , very special dog to us . And we 've given a lot more to the Humane Society than we 've ever spent on this project . '' Watch the Ottos talk about Lancelot and Lancey '' For its part , the Humane Society of the United States says it 's against the commercial cloning of animals . `` Given the current pet overpopulation problem , which costs millions of animals their lives and millions in public tax dollars each year , the cloning of pets has no social value and in fact may lead to increased animal suffering , '' the organization said on its Web site . `` For those looking to replace a lost pet , cloning will not create an animal identical to the one who is gone ; cloning can not replicate an animal 's uniqueness . Cloning can only replicate the pet 's genetics , which influence but do not determine his physical attributes or personality . '' The Ottos , however , said replicating Sir Lancelot 's genetics is enough for them . Edgar Otto said he realizes Lancey might not be just like their departed dog , but `` if he 's different , we 're not going to love him any less . '' Edgar Otto is the son of the late Edwin Otto , who was part of the founding of NASCAR and a `` motorsports pioneer , '' according to www.ottomotorsports.com . | Couple won auction to clone family dog , biotech company says . Lancey is world 's first commercially cloned dog , company says . DNA of deceased dog sent to S. Korea , and cloned puppy born November 18 . Humane Society says it 's against commercial cloning of animals . | [[1063, 1115], [47, 90], [94, 112], [1209, 1294], [1400, 1431], [1990, 2002], [2005, 2099]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Cristiano Ronaldo 's sixth-minute strike saw holders Manchester United become the first English team to win in Porto , reaching the semifinals of the Champions League 3-2 on aggregate in the process . Ronaldo scores in spectacular style as Manchester United reached the Champions League semis . The European Player of the Year fired a spectacular 35-yard strike into the top corner as United remained on course to become the first team to retain the Champions League -- and will now face Premier League rivals Arsenal for a place in the final in Rome . The stunning goal was Ronaldo 's 20th of the season but only his second in the Champions League since scoring the opener in last year 's final in Moscow . After drawing the first leg 2-2 at Old Trafford , Porto only needed a low-scoring draw to reach the last four , but in truth they never looked threatening against a United defense superbly marshalled by Nemanja Vidic and the returning Rio Ferdinand . In fact , had Vidic been able to keep his close-range effort under the crossbar after John O'Shea had got the faintest of touches to a Ryan Giggs corner just before the interval , United would surely have completed their task in the first 45 minutes . `` We were very solid at the back tonight and that stability helped us , '' United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports . `` The return of Rio Ferdinand alongside Vidic was a major boost and scoring an early goal helped settle us . It was a great strike by Cristiano and although we did n't score a second goal , I thought we never looked in danger of conceding , '' he added . The result puts Ferguson head-to-head with his old foe , Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger , for a place in the final against either Chelsea or Barcelona . It also keeps alive United 's dreams of claiming an astonishing five trophies this season after also winning the English League Cup and the Club World Cup . | Manchester United beat Porto 1-0 to reach the Champions League semifinals . Cristiano Ronaldo scores a sixth-minute stunner to put holders into last four . United become first English team to win in Porto and now face rivals Arsenal . | [[259, 313], [64, 135], [314, 326], [493, 571]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Over 28,000 Liverpool fans marked the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster in a special memorial service at Anfield on Wednesday . Liverpool supporters at the Kop end paid their respects in an emotional afternoon at Anfield . A total of 96 supporters died on April 15 , 1989 before the FA Cup semifinal between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday 's stadium , the worst-ever tragedy in English sporting history . To commemorate the anniversary , the city of Liverpool came to a standstill at 3.06 pm -LRB- 1406 GMT -RRB- with the bells of the two cathedrals and its civic buildings ringing out in memory of those fans who lost their lives . On Anfield 's famous Kop , 96 candles were lit while commemorations took place at Hillsborough and also in Nottingham . Watch fans mark Hillsborough '' Members of the current Liverpool team stood somberly as hymns were played before a roll call of the dead was read out . Club legend Kenny Dalglish , who was Liverpool manager at the time of the disaster , then read a short prayer . The mayor of Liverpool , Steve Rotherham , who was at the game 20 years ago , helped organize the emotional memorial . `` Hillsborough affected so many lives , not just on Merseyside but across the whole of the UK , '' he said . `` I attended the match 20 years ago and the passing years do not diminish the importance and the poignancy of this occasion . '' Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard , whose 10-year-old cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley was the youngest victim of the tragedy , spoke of his feelings this week . `` Time has gone by , but the scars will never ever be healed and the fans will never ever forget . So you can always rely on our supporters to be there for you when you need them . '' The Liverpool fans died in a crush which started just before the kick-off as the gate at the Leppings Lane End was opened with terrible consequences . The match started but when the scale of the tragedy became clear , it was swiftly abandoned at 3.06 pm . In the immediate aftermath , the British government commissioned Lord Justice Taylor to conduct an inquiry which would have a far-reaching impact on football . Taylor was deeply critical of the police operation at Hillsborough , but his most significant recommendations were the removal of perimeter fencing and the creation of all-seater stadia . His report also cleared Liverpool fans of blame for the tragedy after lurid tabloid headlines provoked revulsion on Merseyside . Prime minister Gordon Brown paid reference to the controversy in an interview released on Liverpool 's official television channel . `` It was wrong for people to blame , as some did , Liverpool fans on that day , '' he said . `` That 's probably what matters most -- that people understood that the behavior of Liverpool fans in helping each other was magnificent . `` Let 's never forget the fans who cruelly lost their lives on a day when we know the people of Liverpool were trying to help each other , '' he added . However , the people of Liverpool are still angry and bitter at the lack of justice for those who died -- and that frustration surfaced when Andy Burnham , the Secretary of State for Culture , Media and Sport took to the stand to address the crowd . As Burnham spoke , the crowd rose as one to sing `` Justice for the 96 '' . The Kop chant boomed around the stadium and Burnham , an Everton fan , was left in no doubt about the strength of feeling over the lack of accountability from officialdom over the tragedy . Fittingly , the ceremony was concluded with Gerry Marsden leading the fans in singing Liverpool anthem ` You 'll Never Walk Alone ' . | A special memorial has marked the 20th anniversary of Hillsborough tragedy . 96 Liverpool supporters died in crush at the Leppings Lane End of the stadium . The Taylor Report into the deaths led to all-seater grounds in English football . | [[0, 15], [46, 158], [254, 370], [654, 664], [669, 687], [1770, 1804]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Mojave boneyard in the California desert is where old airplanes go to die -- a wasteland of decrepit planes , titanic heaps of titanium and aluminum waiting to be scrapped for metal in India or China . Plane boneyards are a rich source of spare parts for MotoArt to create their functional furniture . But for Dave Hall and Donovan Fell , the boneyard is only the beginning . They own MotoArt , a company based in California that turns old aircraft parts into high-end furniture and functional art . From beds and desks to light fixtures and wall partitions , Hall and Fell say they are doing more than reinventing cast-offs from retired planes , they 're creating pieces of aviation history . `` Once they are gone we can never get them back again , '' said Hall of the abandoned planes at Mojave . `` So what we like to do is actually take these aircraft parts and preserve them and give them a second life in some really fun , functional art . '' MotoArt began in 2000 when Hall and Fell , former co-workers at an architectural sign company in Los Angeles , collaborated on an art exhibition that showcased Fell 's polished B-17 bomber propeller sculptures . See before and after photos of recycled plane parts '' `` We sold out the entire show , and the gearheads all loved it , '' said Fell . It was then that the duo realized their unique art project could have a much wider audience . Encouraged by the success of the exhibit , the duo began exploring the nearby Mojave boneyard for more than just propellers -- B-25 rudders for desks , 747 jet engine cowlings for beds , F-4 ejection seats for , well , ejection seats . `` Who 's never wanted an ejection chair ? '' laughs Fell , sitting in the company 's studio in Los Angeles , where the MotoArt team bring back the treasures they find in the Mojave Desert . Watch Dave Hall at work at the Mojave boneyard '' The duo 's most popular pieces of ` functional art ' are their desks , ranging from the sleek 8-foot DC-9 tail stabilizer desk , which retail at around $ 15,000 , to the imposing 14-foot DC-4 conference table , which costs a whopping $ 60,000 . According to Hall , hundreds of hours are sometimes spent cutting , sanding , polishing and surfacing a single piece . It took the MotoArt team 220 hours to turn a single 747 cowling , the large shiny aluminum strip covering a jumbo jet engine , into a spectacular 8.5-foot diameter chrome receptionist 's desk . Hall said it takes hundreds of hours to produce a fuselage partition , from using a chainsaw to slice 10-foot sheets out of the main section of a plane , to polishing and readying it for the showroom floor of the Dutch carmaker Spyker , which has commissioned MotoArt to create exhibitions for the company around the world . Hall and Fell began the company out of their garage , and now have 15 employees and a 12,000 square-foot studio with a showroom that could double as an aviation museum . `` It 's like a larger version of my room when I was 10 years old , '' says Fell of the MotoArt headquarters . But MotoArt is anything but child 's play -- in just nine years the company has carved out a niche in the high-end furniture market , creating a multi-million dollar business thanks to a wide range of corporate clients . The company counts Boeing , Microsoft , Red Bull and the United States government as happy MotoArt customers , as well as a number of airplane enthusiasts and celebrities . But for Hall and Fell , it is the preservation of the planes that gives them the greatest satisfaction . `` It 's heartbreaking to see these planes that have serviced our country for decades being crunched up and destroyed , and it gives us a little piece of heart that we are able to recycle this and give it a second life , '' he said . | Men at MotoArt search boneyards for old plane parts to recycle into furniture . They use B-25 rudders for desks , 747 jet engine cowlings for beds . MotoArt prides itself on preserving aviation history with functional art . | [[437, 447], [453, 522], [1458, 1642], [823, 825], [908, 969]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Legendary football coach and broadcaster John Madden is retiring , he announced Thursday . John Madden appears at the TV Critics Association Press Tour in Beverly Hills , California , in 2008 . `` It 's been such a great ride ... the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years , it has been my passion -- it still is , '' he said in a statement released by NBC Sports . Madden , 73 , was a Hall of Fame coach for the Oakland Raiders , but is best known to millions as an ebullient football commentator . He won 16 Emmy awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality , NBC said . | Legendary football coach and broadcaster John Madden announces he is retiring . `` The NFL has been my life for more than 40 years , it has been my passion , '' he says . Madden is best known to millions as an ebullient football commentator . | [[0, 92], [254, 305], [306, 330], [399, 405], [468, 532]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Federal safety officials want the Federal Aviation Administration to immediately ground a type of small sports aircraft , saying six of the planes have broken up in flight in the past three years , killing 10 people . The National Transportation Safety Board questions the safety of the Zodiac CH-601XL . In an urgent letter to the FAA , the head of the National Transportation Safety Board says there is `` substantial circumstantial evidence '' that aerodynamic `` flutter '' preceded some , if not all , of the fatal accidents , and that more accidents are likely to occur if action is n't taken . Flutter is a condition in which airflow around the plane causes unsafe structural vibrations . The vibrations can quickly cause the plane to break up if it is not sufficiently dampened , the safety board said . The aircraft involved is the Zodiac CH-601XL , a single-engine , two-seater that was designed by Zenair Inc. . It is built by various manufacturers and also sold as a kit . In making its recommendation , the safety board said it reviewed six fatal accidents , including crashes in Spain and the Netherlands , and said flutter is the likely cause of the accidents . The board said it also considered other incidents that did not result in deaths . The NTSB said two other countries , the Netherlands and the United Kingdom , have grounded the aircraft . The FAA had no immediate response to the safety board 's recommendation . A Zenair official did not immediately return a reporter 's phone call . But the NTSB letter says Zenair contends that the flutter problem can be addressed by proper cable tension , and asserted that a November 2005 certification flight test confirmed the plane is protected from flutter . But the safety board said the type of testing used may not be adequate to uncover all susceptibility to flutter . The NTSB said the FAA certified the CH-601XL as a Special Light Sport Aircraft in 2005 . This type of certification does not require that the FAA approve the airplane 's design . Instead , the airplane model is issued an airworthiness certificate if the manufacturer asserts that the plane meets industry-accepted design standards and has passed a series of ground and flight tests . The safety board is asking the FAA to prohibit further flight of the Zodiac CH-601XL until the board can determine that the airplane is no longer susceptible to aerodynamic flutter . `` The NTSB does not often recommend that all airplanes of a particular type be prohibited from further flight , '' NTSB Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker said in writing comments . `` In this case , we believe such action will save lives . `` Unless the safety issues with this particular Zodiac model are addressed , we are likely to see more accidents in which pilots and passengers are killed in airplanes that they believed were safe to fly . '' The safety board also found that the stick-force gradient -- a measure of the force applied to the control stick and the increase in lift that results -- was not uniform throughout the range of motion , particularly at high vertical accelerations or increased gravitational forces . The lessening of the gradient at high gravitational force could make the airplane susceptible to being inadvertently over-controlled by the pilot , which could create a condition in which the airplane is stressed beyond its design limits , leading to an in-flight structural failure . CNN 's Mike M. Ahlers contributed to this report . | National Transportation Safety Board questions safety of the Zodiac CH-601XL . Officials : Six planes have broken up in flight in past three years , killing 10 people . Zenair , designer of plane , has said proper cable tension addresses issue . FAA had no immediate response to the safety board 's recommendation . | [[248, 334], [842, 886], [0, 26], [152, 201], [159, 225], [0, 16], [228, 247], [1068, 1148], [889, 917], [923, 952], [1545, 1647], [1395, 1468]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nearly two centuries ago Wednesday , Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry signed an obscure redistricting law that helped his party stay in office and , more importantly , codified one of the most enduring legacies in U.S. politics : gerrymandering . The U.S. House of Represenatives , home to many beneficiaries of gerrymandering . Now a part of an American lexicon often heard in Washington 's K Street bars and among `` inside-the-beltway '' crowds , the term is seen as a combination of the governor 's name and the word `` salamander , '' because of the salamander-like shape one electoral district took on after the redistricting . Elected governor in 1810 , Gerry signed the redistricting bill two years later , enabling greater and perhaps disproportionate Republican representation in the Massachusetts legislature . The controversial move has become a favorite across the country among incumbent parties , which pack opposition voters into districts already lost in an effort to minimize the opposition 's influence over the state 's broader electorate . But some political analysts cry foul . `` In the end , democracy comes out the big loser , '' former federal prosecutor Edward Lazarus wrote in a 2004 column for CNN . `` The effect of such partisan gerrymandering is to block new entrants into high political office and to make the result of almost every congressional election a foregone conclusion . This , in turn , effectively disenfranchises all those voters who do n't support the preordained winner , '' he wrote . In 2006 , the Supreme Court threw out part of a Texas congressional map , but found the overall redistricting plan orchestrated by House Republicans acceptable . The redistricting helped Republicans in Texas defeat four Democratic congressmen in the 2004 elections . The court ruled that the redistricting plan , promoted by then-U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay , unfairly weakened the voting strength of Latinos in two congressional districts . `` A state may not trade off the rights of some members of a racial group against the rights of other members of that group , '' wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy . `` The question is therefore not whether line-drawing in the challenged area as a whole dilutes minority voting strength , but whether line-drawing dilutes the voting strength of the Latinos in -LSB- Texas ' -RSB- District 23 . '' The court ordered that District 23 be redrawn . States are constitutionally required to redraw congressional districts every 10 years in line with population shifts documented by the U.S. Census Bureau , a part of the Department of Commerce . This year , controversy re-emerged when President Barack Obama announced a decision to cross party lines and nominate U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg , R-New Hampshire , to run the Commerce Department . The move sparked criticism from leaders of minority groups concerned that the Census Bureau under Gregg , who voted to abolish the Commerce Department in 1995 , might lack the resources needed to accurately count minorities . The White House promised to work directly with bureau 's director to assuage those concerns , but that response drew further criticism from House Republicans concerned about greater executive influence in the Census Bureau . In a letter to the president , House Republicans Patrick McHenry and Darrell Issa described the White House as `` circumventing the secretary of commerce '' and called it `` both outrageous and unprecedented , '' suggesting the Obama administration could affect U.S. census results and congressional districting due out in 2010 . The move , they say , could insulate Democratic congressional power . The White House said it recognizes the importance of an accurate census count `` free from politicization '' and added it `` has not proposed removing the census from the Department of Commerce . '' `` From the first days of the transition , the census has been a priority for the president , and a process he wanted to re-evaluate , '' it said in an earlier statement . The method through which the Census Bureau collects data has long been a topic of partisan bickering . Republicans have generally favored the `` door-to-door '' approach , which actually is done primarily by self-enumeration through the U.S. mail . Democrats commonly prefer a statistical sampling method meant to fill in `` population gaps '' they say occur because some members of minority groups and homeless populations are missed by the door-to-door approach . A 1999 Supreme Court ruling said statistical sampling could not be applied to the redistribution of congressional seats , but it did not put gerrymandering of the political landscape entirely off limits . So , almost 200 years after Elbridge Gerry helped coin the term , gerrymandering remains a key part of American politics . CNN 's Bill Mears and Keating Holland contributed to this report . | Term coined after Massachusetts Gov. Gerry signed redistricting law in early 1800s . Political parties can use tactic to pack opposition voters into districts already lost . Gerrymandering still a key part of American politics . It 's already becoming an issue with the 2010 census looming . | [[56, 247], [912, 929], [938, 975], [966, 1001], [4724, 4726], [4729, 4739], [4790, 4846]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- For three years , family , friends and her college sorority sisters have been looking for Jennifer Kesse , wondering what happened to her . Jennifer Kesse would be 26 now . She has been missing since January 24 , 2006 . Last week , on the third anniversary of Kesse 's disappearance , an inmate in a Florida prison said he might have the answer . David Russ , a convicted killer being held at the Seminole County Jail , spoke last week with the missing woman 's father , Drew Kesse , claiming he had information that could lead to a break in the case . Details are being withheld from the public . In a jailhouse phone call with CNN , Russ hinted he 'd eavesdropped on other inmates . He also was outspoken about his skepticism toward investigators . `` The investigators have messed this case up from the beginning and can not be trusted , '' he said . That 's why he asked to speak directly with the missing woman 's father , he said . Orlando police are just as skeptical of Russ . They said he provided information they already had . `` His information is not some big break in the case , '' said Sgt. Barbara Jones of the Orlando Police Department . `` We are still hoping for new tips that could lead us to finding Jennifer Kesse . '' The 24-year-old financial adviser was just back from a Caribbean vacation with her boyfriend and was getting back into her routine . She went to work at her new job , came home to her new condominium and called her parents . Watch an update on the case '' At 10 p.m. , she called her boyfriend , who lived in Fort Lauderdale , Florida . Then , her family believes , she went to bed . The next morning , she got up and showered for work . Her clothes were neatly laid out on her bed , her family says , suggesting she may have tried on a few outfits before deciding what to wear to the office . Then , she disappeared , her family said . She did not show up for work that Tuesday morning and her employer reported her missing . Police found Kesse 's Chevy Malibu two days later . It was parked in a gated lot about one mile down the road from the condominium complex where she lived . Inside the vehicle , police found some of Kesse 's personal items , but her purse , wallet , two cell phones and briefcase were missing . The car doors were locked and the car keys were not found . Police later released a video surveillance tape of the car being parked in the lot by someone other than Kesse . The grainy video partially shows a person walking away from the car , past a parking lot gate . Police are uncertain if this person of interest is a man or a woman , because the image is partially obscured by the gate . The person is described as 5 feet 4 inches , with a short haircut , wearing light-colored clothes and dark shoes . The video is time and date-stamped at noon on the day Kesse disappeared . Forensic tests on the vehicle came back inconclusive , Sgt. Jones said . No blood or other trace evidence was found to show that Kesse had been injured in the vehicle . Drew Kesse said that every Tuesday , landscapers worked at the condo complex near his daughter 's parking space . The landscapers said they did n't see Kesse leaving her apartment and getting into her car , which she did every weekday morning between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. `` The only theory we could come up with is that she walked out her front door and was kidnapped somewhere between her front door and the parking lot where her car was . We think since the landscapers did n't see her , she must not have even made it out of the hallways or stairwells of the condo complex , '' Drew Kesse said . He added that there were n't any surveillance cameras in the hallways or stairwells at the time his daughter was living there . Sgt. Jones said investigators have developed forensic evidence from Kesse 's car that could someday match with a person of interest and identify a suspect . Police have also released a photo of a green clover tattoo on Kesse 's left hip . Anyone with information leading to Jennifer Kesse or the person responsible for her disappearance is asked to call the tip line at 1-800-423-TIPS . The reward is $ 10,000 . Kesse would be 26 years old and has blonde hair , green eyes , is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds . | Inmate calls missing woman 's father , says he heard other inmates talking . Police say inmate 's information is nothing new . Jennifer Kesse was 24 , disappeared three years ago near Orlando , Florida . Information ? Call 1-800-423-TIPS . A $ 10,000 reward is offered . | [[248, 257], [260, 310], [313, 374], [375, 385], [448, 496], [626, 660], [663, 712], [1013, 1065], [1023, 1059], [1066, 1118], [4007, 4030], [4105, 4154], [4155, 4179]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Missouri Rep. Roy Blunt Thursday announced his intention to run for a seat in the U.S. Senate , a move that sets up what is likely to be a showdown between two prominent families in one of the country 's most politically divided states . Former House Republican Whip Roy Blunt announced he will run for a Missouri Senate seat . Making the official announcement in St. Louis , Missouri , the former House Republican whip indicated he would run on a platform of keeping Democratic control of both Congress and the White House in check . `` Common sense and open debate are in danger of being suppressed by the overreaching liberal monopoly in Congress and the White House , '' he said , according to prepared remarks . `` Never has Washington been in greater need of hearing from people who work hard , pay their taxes and want solutions to urgent economic problems and the ongoing threat of terrorism . '' `` My sense is Missourians and Americans are not well served by one-party rule , '' Blunt also said , citing the massive stimulus measure signed by President Obama that won little Republican support . Blunt 's announcement comes two weeks after Democrat Robin Carnahan jumped into the race . Carnahan is another Missourian with prominent name recognition who enjoys widespread support . `` The Missouri Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races of the cycle , '' said Nathan Gonzalez , political editor of the Rothenberg Report . `` It has attracted two of the biggest names of the state that has a history of closest elections . '' Both Blunt and Carnahan are seeking the Senate seat set to be vacated by longtime Missouri Republican Kit Bond . Blunt , a six-term congressman representing the state 's conservative southwestern corner , is a longtime Missouri politician with high name recognition across the state and solid support among his party 's conservative base . He has run for statewide office several times during his nascent political career , having served as secretary of state for two terms before losing the Republican primary for governor in 1992 . His son Matt also served as the state 's governor from 2005-2009 , but ultimately decided not to seek another term because of low approval ratings . Blunt faces a state that has become increasing Democratic in the last several election cycles . The state 's other Senate seat went Democratic in 2006 with Claire McCaskill 's narrow win , and Democrat Jay Nixon was elected governor of the state in 2008 . But Republicans still hold edges in the state 's House and Senate chambers and have a majority of the state 's nine congressional seats . While Blunt is likely to enjoy the support of the party 's establishment , he could face a competitive primary challenge from former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman , a vocal critic of her party 's leadership who narrowly lost a bruising primary bid for governor last year . Even though she is not particularly popular in her party , Steelman 's message of reform could resonate if the GOP 's national approval ratings remain low throughout the next two years . `` Republicans would like to avoid a primary in the Senate race , but she 's not the kind of person they will be able to just shove out of a race , '' Gonzalez said . `` She relishes in being in an outsider role . '' But should Blunt make it to a general election facing Carnahan , the race will likely become a hard-fought and high-profile battle of two powerful political names . Carnahan 's father , Mel , served as governor of the state from 1993-2000 and died in a plane crash while running for the U.S. Senate . Carnahan still won the seat , defeating then-Republican Sen. John Ashcroft , and Carnahan 's wife Jean held the post for two years . Carnahan 's brother is also a U.S. congressman representing the outskirts of St. Louis . But national Democrats are eager for a match-up against Blunt , who was a protégé to former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and has been linked to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff . `` As one of the faces of the same old Republican Party , Roy Blunt enters this race with a whole lot of baggage and a whole lot of questions to answer , '' said Eric Schultz , the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee 's communication 's director . Democrats will also highlight Blunt 's stalwart support of former President Bush , especially when it comes to economic policies . `` I 'd hate to be him , and explaining my votes on the Bush positions , '' DSCC chairman Bob Menendez said of Blunt last week . `` They got their ideas into law . It created one of the worst economies I have ever seen . '' | Ex-Republican whip wants to keep Democratic control in check . Decision comes two weeks after Democrat Robin Carnahan announced bid . Both candidates have high name recognition in Missouri . | [[347, 392], [406, 553], [1125, 1215], [1169, 1215], [1216, 1278], [1481, 1535], [1694, 1699], [1786, 1920]] |
On CNN 's `` State of the Union , '' host and chief national correspondent John King goes outside the Beltway to report on the issues affecting communities across the country . This week , King traveled to North Carolina to look at the financial crisis ' impact on health care . Doug Pegram , of North Carolina , is one of many unemployed Americans struggling with medical bills . WINSTON-SALEM , North Carolina -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- For Doug Pegram , it is on the one hand simple math : His medical bills cost roughly $ 300 a month and a health insurance policy would cost $ 550 . `` Two or three hundred dollars goes a long way , '' Pegram said . Especially when you are living on unemployment benefits . Simple math , and a huge gamble : Pegram has a rare disorder , Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome , that in some patients can be life-threatening . `` If anything happens , that 's another story , '' Pegram told us . `` But you have to do what you have to do sometimes , and you just hope for the best . And do it . '' Watch Pegram describe his tough choices '' Life on the edge started in November , when Pegram lost his job at Hanesbrands Inc. , the clothing manufacturer where he had worked for three years . Ironically , Pegram 's job as a senior analyst included writing reports for Hanes management on sales and economic trends . `` Every couple months , it -LSB- layoffs -RSB- went through the company and a few people here and there and it got worse and worse , '' he said . `` I knew it was in the future somewhere . '' Now , he is looking for a job and keeping his fingers crossed his condition does n't worsen . Ehlers-Danlos is a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues . In Pegram 's case , it means constant pain in his legs and some other joints . `` One type is you can have heart failure if you do n't get checked out , so it 's pretty serious that you actually go to the doctor , '' Pegram said . His monthly visit costs $ 150 -- and patients like Pegram who are without insurance are asked to pay up front . His medications run about $ 126 at a discount pharmacy . Pegram has old bills showing that when he was at Hanes and insured , the same medication cost the insurance company $ 68 because of its discount . His doctor also accepted a lower negotiated rate from the insurer . `` So everything is inflated , '' he said of his medical costs now . He could have signed up for the COBRA health coverage available to workers as they lose their jobs . It was that policy Pegram said would have cost him $ 550 or `` almost half of what you get every month '' in jobless benefits and leave him `` not able to pay for a place to live , and food , and all that . '' Watch President Obama 's summit on health care '' In an interview at his condo , we asked Pegram : `` Should you be doing more ? If you had insurance , would you be doing more , seeing more doctors ? '' `` Yes , I would be . '' `` And what 's the risk of not doing that ? '' `` I could go downhill quicker . It 's a debilitating condition , so eventually I could , I do n't know . '' Yet he is remarkably upbeat about his health and about the prospects of finding a job before his benefits run out in a few months . `` I think I will find something before then , '' Pegram said , while conceding he might be forced soon to lower his sights and look for work that pays less than his Hanes position as long as it provides health care coverage . The jobless rate in the Winston-Salem metropolitan area was 7.6 percent in December 2008 , up from 4.4 percent one year earlier . With the higher unemployment comes increases in the number of residents without health insurance . Dr. Bruce Wham has been a practicing dentist for 26 years and an amateur economist for the past year or so . `` Most people feel like it is going to get worse before it gets better , '' Wham said when we visited his practice . `` Talking to patients , talking about automobile purchases , any kind of renovations of houses , even education -- sending their kids to college , there is a lot of concern about purchasing those things or how they are going to do those things and dentistry is sometimes considered more of a luxury than a necessity and we get pushed to the back lot . '' One way Wham can tell if a longtime patient is about to lose his or her job is if they suddenly schedule treatments and repairs they had been putting off . It is a sign they are about to lose their insurance coverage . `` Especially if there is something that they need to get done or have been ` treatment-planned ' for and they have been told by the dentist , the hygienist , to replace this , yes , they are more likely to want to come in and get that done as soon as they can , '' Wham said . The flip side : A patient who needs major work who instead endures the pain , or asks Wham if there is a cheaper , though perhaps temporary , solution . `` If there is anything that can be delayed or pushed back , that is what they are doing . They are asking us , ` Is there any way that we can hold off ? Is there anything less involved , less costly until I get my job , until I know my insurance is going to be back ? ' in effect . `` And so we do a lot of that , not necessarily temporary restorations , but things that might not last as long and that may not be as costly to try to tide people over for the short term . '' So it maybe is not in the best interest of the patient in the long term , but maybe better on their wallet in the short term ? `` Better on their wallet . That is exactly right . '' | As jobless rate rises , so does the number of people without health insurance . North Carolina patient pays twice as much for medication than when he was insured . Dentist says economy causes some patients to consider treatment a luxury . | [[3569, 3662], [4139, 4161], [4173, 4206], [4139, 4148], [4152, 4206]] |
BEIJING , China -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chen Xiao had pretty much given up making her own decisions and so decided to throw open her life to the whims of China 's hundreds of millions of Internet users , known in China as netizens . Beijing resident Chen Xiao decided to put her life up for sale after an unhappy 2008 . `` It 's your right to arrange Chen Xiao 's life , and it 's my obligation to serve you , '' read her online shop . Since December , Chen has been allowing others to decide what she will do each day , because , for the most part , last year was awful , she said . Her hometown was hit by blizzards , her country rocked by a devastating earthquake , friends divorced and her clothing shop went bankrupt . `` Every time I had a plan for what I wanted my life to be like , nothing would come of it . It was very disappointing . I figured if other people came up with things for me to do , I might stumble upon something new and better , '' she told CNN . What she stumbled upon was not only a new life but a new way to make a living . She charges about $ 3 an hour , and she 's been asked to do almost everything from delivering pet food to caring for stray cats to taking a hot lunch to a homeless man . What surprised her the most was not so much the varied requests but being able to find happiness in the process . `` If somebody asks you to do something , something simple , and you do it , it can make you very happy . You can change from a gloomy person to a very bright one . It can help give you a new sense of self-esteem , '' she said . So far , the most meaningful assignment she was given was attending a child 's birth -- the father was a complete stranger who just wanted someone to take pictures and share the moment . There are limits to what she will agree to do . She will not do anything illegal , immoral or violent , but she said that has not stopped some from asking . `` When I first started there was this man who would send me these really disgusting text messages . His words were over the top ... nauseating , '' she said . There was also a man who wanted to meet her for a few private hours at a ski chalet . When she turned up with a friend to take photographs , he backed out and then demanded a refund , but Chen refused . In many ways she is just a glorified errand girl , but with a unique China twist . Chen is another example here of how in China the Internet is crossing over from cyberspace to the real world . Chen does not know how much longer she will keep taking cyberrequests . For now it is a good way to survive the financial crisis when many others are losing their jobs and businesses are going broke . `` When people stop needing me , I 'll go back to my original life . But I do n't know what will come , '' she said . China 's netizens will most likely make that decision for her as well . | 26-year-old Chen Xiao put her life online , asking people to fill it with tasks . Decision came when she discovered she did n't know what to do with her life . Charging $ 3 per hour , Chen has attended births , met strangers among other tasks . Chen will not do anything illegal , immoral or violent . | [[840, 900], [1047, 1076], [1795, 1848]] |
JERUSALEM -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Israeli forces shelled a house where they had ordered about 100 Palestinian civilians to take shelter , killing about 30 people and wounding many more , witnesses told the U.N. Ambulance drivers wait for Israel and the Red Cross to give them the green light Thursday to leave Gaza City . Israel Defense Forces said it is looking into the allegations . `` Credible eyewitness accounts '' described the incident , which occurred in the volatile Gaza City suburb of Zeitoun , said Allegra Pacheco , deputy head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for the Palestinian territories . Pacheco spoke to CNN on Friday . Witnesses reported that `` about 100 civilians were evacuated '' to a house Sunday , and the structure was shelled Monday , she said . The witnesses told the U.N. that two of the survivors said their children died . `` There was no order given to move civilians from one building into another , '' Israeli security sources said . However , Pacheco said , `` The eyewitness accounts that we have received state that the IDF ordered them to go into this house . '' See images from the conflict -LRB- Warning : graphic images -RRB- '' Officials are simply passing along witness reports and not making `` accusations of deliberate actions or any legal conclusions on the part of the IDF , '' Pacheco said . `` There needs to be further fact-finding on what occurred in this house , '' she said , adding that U.N. officials have yet to speak to the IDF and the Israeli government . Her remarks came a day after the International Committee of the Red Cross issued a blunt press release saying ambulances obtained access to several houses in Zeitoun `` affected by Israel shelling , '' days after they asked to go into the neighborhood . The release slammed Israel -- an uncharacteristic move for the agency , which is known for its neutrality and quiet , behind-the-scenes activities . According to the release , the ICRC had wanted `` safe passage for ambulances '' to the neighborhood since Saturday , but did n't receive IDF permission until Wednesday . The ICRC and the Palestine Red Crescent Society `` found four small children next to their dead mothers in one of the houses . They were too weak to stand up on their own . One man was also found alive , too weak to stand up . In all , there were 12 corpses lying on mattresses , '' the ICRC said . Watch how the conflict is taking a toll on children '' Rescue teams found 15 wounded people and three corpses in other houses , said the ICRC , which casts the shelling as a single incident . `` The ICRC believes that in this instance the Israeli military failed to meet its obligation under international humanitarian law to care for and evacuate the wounded . It considers the delay in allowing rescue services access unacceptable , '' the ICRC said . Pacheco said she could not say if the incident witnesses described to the U.N. was the same incident in the ICRC report . But they took place in the same area , she said . `` In the Zeitoun area , it 's been a closed area , and there has been fighting and there have been injured . There are other homes and buildings where there were injured who were not evacuated , '' she said . Witnesses told the U.N. they had been calling for ambulances to collect dead and wounded people in the Zeitoun buildings , she said . `` This was very much similar to what the ICRC reported yesterday as to what the medical personnel found when they went into the neighborhood , '' Pacheco said . The Israeli army built earthen walls that made ambulance access to the neighborhood impossible , the ICRC said . `` The children and the wounded had to be taken to the ambulances on a donkey cart , '' the ICRC said . Pierre Wettach , the ICRC 's head of delegation for Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories , called the shelling incident `` shocking . '' See how the Gaza conflict unfolded '' `` The Israeli military must have been aware of the situation but did not assist the wounded . Neither did they make it possible for us or the Palestine Red Crescent to assist the wounded , '' he said in the ICRC news release . Pacheco on Friday described `` a serious protection crisis '' in Gaza where civilians are `` very vulnerable '' to death and injury . `` There is no safe space for civilians . There are no bomb shelters , safe havens , places to flee , '' she said . | Israeli sources denied it ordered civilians moved `` from one building into another '' Red Cross uncharacteristically says Israel failed to abide by humanitarian law . Children , wounded taken to ambulances on a donkey cart , Red Cross says . U.N. says it 's not casting blame ; it 's unsure if U.N. , Red Cross reports are the same . | [[884, 960], [2610, 2779], [2636, 2779], [3666, 3745]] |
Editor 's note : Nafees A. Syed , a junior at Harvard University majoring in government , is an editorial editor at The Harvard Crimson as well as a senior editor and columnist for the Harvard-MIT journal on Islam and society , Ascent . She is chairwoman of the Harvard Institute of Politics Policy Group on Racial Profiling . Nafees Syed says President Obama 's early words and actions send a powerful , positive signal to Muslims . CAMBRIDGE , Massachusetts -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama has given the Muslim community around the world the message we have been waiting for . He reassured Muslims in America that `` We are a nation of Christians and Muslims , Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers . '' For those like me who were critical of his standoffish attitude toward Islam during his campaign , this signaled a welcome change . Even more important was his subsequent statement : `` To the Muslim world , we seek a new way forward , based on mutual interest and mutual respect . '' In traveling throughout Western Europe in the past two years , I heard several anti-American comments ; these Europeans were challenging me , a Muslim , about American foreign policy in Palestine , Iraq and Afghanistan . In Muslim countries , I 've heard admiring comments about how great it must be to live in a rich country like America , followed by accusations that , `` your President Bush does n't like us Muslims . '' As a Muslim-American , I have found myself in a difficult position . In America , I 've had to explain Islam to other Americans , and abroad , I 've had to explain America to those in the Muslim world . Obama has done all Americans a favor by extending a hand of friendship to the Muslim world . For me personally , it has alleviated the pain of witnessing the country I love engage in a foreign policy that I could not approve of as a Muslim and as an American -- a foreign policy that created mutual distrust between Americans and Muslims . And Obama has followed up on his statements with actions . In his first steps as president , Obama has initiated the closure of the Guantanamo Bay prison , called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq and appointed former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell , well-respected for his role in the Northern Ireland peace process , as special envoy for the Middle East . For the past few weeks , I 've heard overwhelming praise from Muslims for Obama 's recent actions . Obama has recognized a key fact that former President George W. Bush did not : Muslims in America and elsewhere are strongly affected by the situation of other Muslims in the world . There is a popular saying of the Prophet Mohammed 's that the Muslim community is like one body : If one part hurts , the entire body feels the pain . Muslims are very aware of this message and , in the last 20 years , three conflicts have continuously dominated the Muslim consciousness : Chechnya , Kashmir and , most notably , Palestine . Obama recognized this when he chose his first interview as president to be with a reporter from Al-Arabiya , indicating he would actively engage Arab media . The Palestinian-Israeli issue dominated the interview , with Obama promising to work toward a solution involving both sides of the conflict . To understand the challenge Obama faces in changing America 's role in the conflict , one must realize the situation he walked into as president . Muslims around the world were watching the suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians in a Gaza military campaign conducted with a green light from the Bush administration . Obama is essentially trying to rebuild a relationship that has been destroyed . However , Obama 's tone of respect and not condescension , a clear break with the past , improves the chances that such a relationship could arise . His interview with Al-Arabiya was filled with reassuring statements that America is `` ready to initiate a new partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interest , '' that `` the language we use has to be a language of respect . '' After years of hearing rhetoric of `` a crusade '' and `` Islamofascism '' from the U.S. government , Obama 's policy of listening , not dictating , has generated optimism in the Muslim world . I am sure that the Muslim world will respond with goodwill as well . Already , Obama is very well-respected there for his intelligence , eloquence and experience living in the largest Muslim country , Indonesia . Muslims abroad are just as willing as those in America to taste his message of hope and change . To win over the skeptics abroad , Obama will just have to do what he is doing in America : reach out to all sides for solutions and follow up his words with concrete action . In the meantime , the next few weeks will see Muslims around the world taking the hand America is extending after a long hiatus . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Nafees Syed . | Nafees Syed : Obama is reaching out to Muslim world with words , actions . She says Muslims worldwide have a shared concern about key issues . Syed : Obama 's interview with Al-Arabiya talked of respect and partnership . She says Bush administration used harsh language of crusade , Islamofascism . | [[327, 386], [344, 433], [434, 443], [446, 475], [479, 554], [1620, 1625], [1635, 1638], [1657, 1712], [1960, 2018], [4585, 4590], [4683, 4725], [3810, 3877]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Lillo Brancato Jr. , an actor who appeared in `` The Sopranos , '' was acquitted of the 2005 killing an off-duty New York City police officer but found guilty of attempted burglary . Lillo Brancato Jr. appeared on `` The Sopranos '' and played alongside Robert De Niro in `` A Bronx Tale . '' Brancato , 32 , was also acquitted of two counts of burglary , but could face three to 15 years in prison on the attempted burglary charge . He has already served three years , according to his attorney , Joseph Tacopina . Police officer Daniel Enchautegui , 28 , was killed trying to break up a burglary attempt at his neighbor 's house in the Bronx in December 2005 . During the trial , Brancato said there was not a break-in . Brancato said he knew the owner of the home , and that he and friend Steven Armento , 51 , were drinking at a strip club when they decided to go hunt for valium . Brancato told the jury that the owner , a Vietnam veteran , gave him permission to come to his house and take painkillers or other pills whenever he wanted . Brancato admitted to breaking a window at the home , but said it was strictly because he was going through intense heroin withdrawal that night and he said he was trying to wake up his friend to get the drugs . When Brancato and Armento entered the home , the next door neighbor -- Enchautegui -- came outside to investigate . That 's when prosecutors said Armento shot the officer through the heart with his .357 Magnum . Armento was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in November . The jury in that trial took less than six hours to convict Armento . Enchautegui was shot in the chest by Armento when he interrupted the alleged robbery , but managed to shoot both suspects multiple times before dying . `` This jury spoke loud and clear , that Lillo had nothing to do with the murder of this police officer , '' Tacopina said . Brancato appeared on six episodes of the hit HBO series `` The Sopranos '' as a wannabe mobster in 2000 . As a teen , Brancato starred alongside actor Robert De Niro in `` A Bronx Tale . '' | Lillo Brancato Jr. played a wannabe mobster on `` The Sopranos '' Brancato faces up to 15 years for attempted burglary conviction . Actor said homeowner allowed him to come and get drugs when needed . As a teen , Brancato starred alongside actor Robert De Niro in `` A Bronx Tale '' | [[49, 57], [62, 89], [211, 260], [92, 94], [174, 210], [321, 329], [382, 461], [914, 1059], [211, 229], [265, 317], [2047, 2099]] |
-LRB- InStyle.com -RRB- -- So you 're finally ready to settle down and make that marriage proposal ? There 's no better time to do it than engagement season , which , lucky for you , is now ! Get inspired by these uber-romantic celebrity proposals . Brandon Routh popped the question to Courtney Ford while on a picnic . Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict . Although the set of a slasher movie seems an unlikely place for romance to bloom , that 's just where it happened for actors Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict . Shortly after shooting began in 1999 on their film `` Hollywood Horror , '' the co-stars started spending time together . Seven years later , on Christmas Day 2006 , Hardrict , 32 , told Mowry , 30 , that he wanted to give her a promise ring . Then , as her entire family looked on , the `` Lincoln Heights '' actor yelled , `` Psych ! '' and got down on one knee to present her with a 1.5-carat diamond engagement ring . Antonio Pierce and Jocelyn Maldonado . Antonio Pierce , an NFL linebacker , met Jocelyn Maldonado during a celebrity appearance at an ESPN Fantasy Football Draft . Maldonado , a model at the event , instantly caught his eye . Pierce and Maldonado -LRB- who now hosts Mets Weekly -RRB- were inseparable over the next six months . In February 2007 , Pierce treated Maldonado to a helicopter ride above Manhattan , New York , before dining at Brooklyn 's The River Café . Famous for its chocolate Brooklyn Bridge cake , Pierce conspired with the restaurant 's manager to place the engagement ring atop the confection , which was covered with pink rose petals . Howie Dorough and Leigh Boniello . Backstreet Boy Howard `` Howie '' Dorough got more than he bargained for after hiring Leigh Boniello to be the band 's webmaster in December 2000 . Boniello went on tour with the group and quickly grew close to Dorough . Six years later , the couple attended a New Year 's Eve party at the New Jersey home of Boniello 's father . `` I figured , what better timing , '' says Dorough , `` because all of her family was going to be there , including her 92-year-old grandmother . '' Just before the stroke of midnight , Dorough made a toast and presented Boniello with a custom-designed three-stone diamond engagement ring . Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford . Three years before actor Brandon Routh donned those famous blue tights , he tended bar at Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood . During a party there in 2003 , actress Courtney Ford repeatedly poured out the drinks he made her as a ruse to chat him up . `` I kept asking him for another drink , telling him the one before was too strong , '' she recalls . In 2006 , Routh purchased the 3-carat diamond ring that had caught Ford 's eye during an earlier visit to Neil Lane . But since the two were traveling for the Superman Returns press tour , Routh asked Gilbert Adler , one of the film 's producers , to hold the ring until they arrived in England . `` Poor man ! '' says Routh . `` He carried it around for two and a half weeks . '' Finally , while picnicking in Glastonbury , Routh popped the question . Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter . Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter became friends after meeting at a party in 2006 and Sanchez immediately pegged him as perfect husband material . She found out for certain that he felt the same way just two days before Christmas 2007 , under a full moon at midnight , in a bay off the coast of the Puerto Rican island Vieques . The two were seated in a double kayak , taking in the bioluminescent organisms shimmering in the water all alone , except for a tour guide in a second kayak . The scene should have been pure bliss , except that Sachez was concerned when their guide speedily paddled away . `` The guy knew to take off so Eric could propose , but imagine how I felt floating in this huge bay in the middle of the night with nobody around , '' Sanchez explains . `` I started calling back , ` Senor , hello ! Come back ! ' until I realized something was going on . '' After an `` amazing speech , '' Winter pulled out a 4.3-carat brilliant-cut diamond ring by Michael Barin , Sanchez 's favorite jeweler . But her joy was soon laced with anxiety over the fact that such a costly bauble was surrounded by acres of sea . `` I said , ` Put it away , please . I do n't want it to drop in the water ! ' '' Anna Chlumsky and Shaun So . Actress Anna Chlumsky , 27 , best known for her role in `` My Girl , '' was awaiting her seven-year anniversary with college sweetheart and army reservist Shaun So , 28 , and hoping he might pop the question . While they were having breakfast at a café in her neighborhood a week before their anniversary , Chlumsky described a cocktail ring a friend was selling . So , who had been carrying an engagement ring for two weeks in anticipation of the perfect moment , pulled out the 1-carat , cathedral-mounted , radiant-cut bauble and asked , `` Does it look anything like this ? '' Guiliana DePandi & Bill Rancic . It started out all business : Giuliana DePandi was interviewing Bill Rancic , first-season winner on `` The Apprentice '' and co-host of the Chicago , Illinois , TV show `` In the Loop with iVillage . '' But when the cameras stopped rolling in April 2006 , a whirlwind -- and adventurous -- romance began . Eight months later , when Rancic , 36 , popped the question during a chopper flight over Chicago , complete with champagne , Giordano 's deep-dish pizza -LRB- DePandi 's favorite -RRB- and Michael Bublé tunes piped into the headset . `` Bill told me we were going to look at Christmas lights , '' says DePandi . `` It was dark in the helicopter , so I did n't really get a look at the ring until the next day , when I went into shock for the second time , '' she says of the 4-carat cushion-cut diamond in a micro pavé setting Rancic helped design . Jeri Ryan and Chistophe Eme . `` He was hot ! '' Shark star Jeri Ryan , 39 , recalls of first glimpsing her future husband , Christophe Emé , 38 , at a food-related charity event four years ago . `` He looked good in his chef 's hat , and he had this ornery little spark in his eye that I really enjoy . '' After dating for two years , the couple opened Ortolan , their celebrated French restaurant in Los Angeles , California . The proposal came soon after . `` One night , Christophe covered my eyes and took me into our bedroom , '' recalls Ryan . There the die-hard romantic had placed candles , champagne and a canvas painted with the messages `` And you come with me forever '' in French and `` Grow old along with me '' in English . Emé then presented Ryan with a made-to-order cushion-cut solitaire set in pavé diamonds . Jason Priestley and Naomi Lowde . Fate has looked after Jason Priestley . On Valentine 's Day 2000 the actor met Naomi Lowde , a makeup artist from Hertfordshire , England , while walking back from a play rehearsal in London . `` I was smitten , '' says Priestley , now 36 . The Beverly Hills , 90210 alum and Lowde , 27 , immediately began dating , and in 2002 they moved back to California together . That 's when fate took another turn : On August 11 , 2002 , Priestley was driving his race car on a Kentucky track when he hit a wall at 180 mph . Though he sustained three skull fractures , a broken back and a bleeding artery in his neck , he pulled through . `` It was a tough time , but it was also magical because we kept each other 's spirits high , '' says Lowde . `` We pushed two beds together in the hospital and put Swifty , our French bulldog , in the middle . We were together 24 hours a day , seven days a week , for three months . '' In May 2004 Priestley arranged another trip to London , England -- to the very street corner where he and Naomi first met , where he presented her with an emerald-cut , three-diamond ring by Steven Pomerantz . Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell . What happens in Vegas does n't always stay in Vegas -- and for Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell , that 's not a bad thing . Nearly four years ago the two ran into each other poolside at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas , Nevada . `` I was working on a documentary , and Jerry offered to help , '' recalls Romijn , 35 . `` He spent a week operating the microphone , but later he told me he would have done anything . I do n't think he really cared about the project , if you know what I mean . '' For their first date the couple went to see the Blue Man Group with friends , and O'Connell had Romijn in stitches . `` It was this whole Jerry show in my ear . That 's how it is with Jerry . You get sucked into it ! '' Evidently : A year and a half later , on September 18 , 2005 , O'Connell , 33 , proposed to Romijn in New York with a diamond ring from Simon G. `` I got down on one knee , asked her to marry me and said , ` You better say yes ' a couple of times -- there was a little bit of a pause on her part , '' says O'Connell . Romijn 's take ? `` Not true ! '' Get a FREE TRIAL issue of InStyle - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2009 Time Inc. . All rights reserved . | Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict got engaged on the set of a slasher movie . Backstreet Boy Howard `` Howie '' Dorough proposed on New Year 's Eve . Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell first met in Las Vegas , Nevada . Jason Priestley proposed on the street corner where he and Naomi Lowde met . | [[7675, 7697], [7704, 7726]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Van Johnson , whose boyish looks and earnest manner made him a Hollywood heartthrob in the 1940s and '50s , died Friday in an assisted-care facility , a friend told CNN . Van Johnson and Judy Garland in `` In the Good Old Summertime , '' one of many musicals in his lengthy career . Johnson , 92 , died around 11 a.m. of natural causes at the Tappan Zee Manor in Nyack , New York , where he had lived for seven years , said Wendy Bleiweiss . Johnson 's career stretched over six decades and across genres , from comedies and war films , such as `` The Caine Mutiny '' and `` 30 Seconds Over Tokyo , '' to Broadway musicals and television shows , including a guest spot as the Minstrel on the campy 1960s series , `` Batman , '' according to Turner Classic Movies ' Web site . The red-haired , freckle-faced actor 's youthful charm earned him a huge teen following in his heyday . He became known as the `` voiceless Sinatra , '' despite a singing voice that landed him roles alongside June Allyson and Judy Garland in `` Two Girls and a Sailor '' and `` In the Good Old Summertime , '' according to TCM.com . Johnson was born August 25 , 1916 , to a plumber and housewife in Newport , Rhode Island . He was 16 years old when he left Rhode Island for New York City so he could forge a career in acting , Bleiweiss said . A few years later , he got his break from Lucille Ball , she said . `` She saw this redhead kid and said , ` Let 's give him a break . He seems like he can do some acting , ' '' Bleiweiss said . Johnson made his Broadway debut in 1936 in `` New Faces of 1936 '' before legendary director-playwright George Abbott hired him as a chorus member and understudy to the three male leads in Rodgers and Hart 's `` Too Many Girls '' in 1939 . The next year , Abbott cast him as a chorus boy and Gene Kelly 's understudy in Rodgers and Hart 's groundbreaking musical `` Pal Joey , '' according to TCM.com . His film debut followed in 1940 with a role in the chorus of `` Too Many Girls . '' While en route to a screening in 1942 , he was in a car wreck that left him with a metal plate in his head and kept him out of the military . But that did n't stop him from acting in war films . Two years later , he received top billing in `` Two Girls and a Sailor . '' Other big roles included `` A Guy Named Joe , '' `` Brigadoon '' and `` The Caine Mutiny . '' In 1947 , Johnson married former actor Eve Lynn Johnson , who had previously been married to a close friend of Johnson 's , Keenan Wynn . The two did not have children and divorced in 1968 , according to TCM.com . Johnson had a daughter , Schuyler Van Johnson , by another woman , according to TCM.com . As Johnson entered middle age , his features grew heavy but he still managed to find offbeat roles in films including `` The Bottom of the Bottle , '' an unabashed melodrama in which he played an alcoholic , and `` 23 Paces to Baker Street '' as a blind detective . As film roles became scarce , Johnson filled the gaps with stage work . He appeared in `` The Music Man '' in London , England , in 1961 and returned to Broadway in 1962 for `` Come on Strong . '' In Woody Allen 's 1985 comedy , `` The Purple Rose of Cairo , '' Johnson played one of the actors trapped inside the film screen in a parody of sorts of films from the 1930s . In 1987 , Johnson was praised for his work in the Broadway production of `` La Cage aux Folles . '' He last appeared on stage four years ago in `` Love Letters '' in a community theater in nearby Suffern , New York , but decided afterward that he would do no more , Bleiweiss said . `` He said he had seen it and done it all and now he was just going to sit back and take it easy . Those were his words , '' she said . Johnson retained much of his youthful energy as he grew older , and became a frequent interview subject on the old days of Hollywood and his lengthy career , TCM.com said . Bleiweiss said she met Johnson when he moved into the home , where she was a case manager at the time . `` He still was tall and striking , '' she said . `` He was one of the all-time old actors . '' His ability to communicate was hampered by the loss of his hearing . Instead , he passed the time by painting , needlepoint and crocheting , she said . Though he did n't cook , he loved watching cooking shows and reruns of `` The Golden Girls , '' she said . Bleiweiss said Johnson was estranged from his daughter and stepchildren for most of his life , but children brightened his day . `` When he saw them , he 'd smile and wave to them , '' she said . `` It always brought a smile to his face . '' A private service will be held . | Johnson died Friday morning at 92 in an assisted-living facility in Nyack , New York . His career stretched over six decades and across genres , from war films to musicals . Johnson 's youthful charm earned him nickname the `` voiceless Sinatra '' in his heyday . He got top billing in `` Two Girls and a Sailor ; '' praised for role in `` La Cage aux Folles '' | [[0, 15], [127, 167], [302, 309], [317, 387], [461, 523], [812, 819], [820, 849], [795, 898], [899, 942], [2216, 2231], [2234, 2288], [3329, 3336], [3339, 3425]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Terrorists are likely to use a weapon of mass destruction somewhere in the world in the next five years , a blue-ribbon panel assembled by Congress has concluded . Police watch over travelers at New York 's Grand Central Terminal before Thanksgiving . They are more likely to use a biological weapon than a nuclear one -- and the results could be devastating , the chairman of the commission told CNN . `` The consequences of a biological attack are almost beyond comprehension . It would be 9/11 times 10 or a hundred in terms of the number of people who would be killed , '' former Sen. Bob Graham said . He cited the flu virus that killed millions of people in 1918 as an example . `` Today it is still in the laboratory , but if it should get out and into the hands of scientists who knew how to use it for a violent purpose , we could have multiple times the 40 million people who were killed 100 years ago , '' he said . Watch how officials worry about a biological terror attack '' The U.S. government `` needs to move more aggressively to limit '' the spread of biological weapons , the commission said in its report . Graham warned that such measures would be costly , but were necessary . `` The leadership of this country and the world will have to decide how much of a priority ... they place on avoiding the worst weapons in the world getting in the hands of the worst people in the world , '' he said . `` It is not going to be cheap . It is not going to be accomplished without some sacrifices . It wo n't be accomplished without putting this issue ahead of some other competing national and international goals . But I think our safety and security depend upon doing so , '' he added . Graham said a biological attack was more likely than a nuclear one because it would be easier to carry out . Biological weapons `` are more available , '' he said . `` Anthrax is a natural product of dead animals . Other serious pathogens are available in equally accessible forms . '' `` There are so many scientists who have the skills to convert a pathogen from benign , helpful purposes into an illicit , very harmful weapon , '' he added . But the commission warned that there is also a threat of nuclear terrorism , both because more countries are developing nuclear weapons and because some existing nuclear powers are expanding their arsenals . `` Terrorist organizations are intent on acquiring nuclear weapons , '' said the report , which was published Tuesday on the Internet and will be officially released Wednesday . CNN obtained a copy of the report Monday evening . It cited testimony before the commission from former Sen. Sam Nunn , who said that the `` risk of a nuclear weapon being used today is growing , not receding . '' The report recommends a range of measures , including increased security and awareness at biological research labs and strengthening international treaties against the spread of biological and nuclear weapons . `` Many biological pathogens and nuclear materials around the world are poorly secured -- and thus vulnerable to theft by those who would put these materials to harmful use , or would sell them on the black market to potential terrorists , '' the report warned . The commission expressed particular concern about the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea , and about Pakistan , which it described as `` the intersection of nuclear weapons and terrorism . '' While observing that Pakistan is a U.S. ally , the report said , `` the next terrorist attack against the United States is likely to originate from within the Federally Administered Tribal Areas '' in Pakistan . The tribal areas lie in northwest Pakistan where the government exerts little control ; the United States says it is a haven for militants from both Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan . Congress created the commission to investigate and report on WMD and terrorism in line with a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission , which compiled a report on the September 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks on the United States . Commissioners heard testimony from more than 250 experts from around the world over the course of their six-month investigation . CNN 's Jeanne Meserve contributed to this report . | NEW : Next terror attack on U.S. likely to originate in Pakistan tribal areas , report says . Terrorists with biological weapons could kill millions , panel 's chairman says . Biological attack more likely than nuclear attack , report says . Number of nations with nuclear weapons also growing , panel says . | [[3514, 3660], [3449, 3493], [3496, 3511], [3515, 3660], [391, 432], [282, 348], [1732, 1798], [1744, 1840]] |
BAIDOA , Somalia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Somali president Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed Tuesday appointed a new prime minister -- but the previous prime minister is refusing to accept his dismissal . Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed , in a photo from August , could face sanctions from Kenya . The Somali parliament on Monday backed Nur Hassan Hussein , who has been prime minister for about 13 months , in his power struggle with the president . Tuesday , the president named Mohamed Mohamud Guled , a close ally of the transitional federal government , as the new Somali prime minister . The move is likely to deepen the political impasse in a country already struggling with an Islamist revolt , a refugee crisis and rampant lawlessness that has fueled a wave of piracy off the Horn of Africa . Somalia has been without an effective central government since 1991 . The United Nations-backed transitional government took office after Ethiopian troops ousted an Islamist government at the end of 2006 , but controls little of the country outside the southwestern city of Baidoa . Yusuf said Sunday he was firing Hussein for being ineffective . Hussein said the president did not have the power to fire him . The vast majority of members of parliament backed Hussein Monday in a vote of confidence . But Tuesday Yusuf announced he had `` decided to appoint the new premier to pull the country out of the current violence and non-functioning government . '' He said Guled would form a Cabinet , which the president would appoint without asking parliament to confirm it . Kenya warned it could impose sanctions against Yusuf on Tuesday , saying the power struggle between him and Hassan endangers peace efforts in Somalia . Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula singled out Yusuf in a sharply worded statement that called his current standoff with Hassan `` totally destructive , unhelpful to the region and to Somali society in general . '' Wetangula said Yusuf and his family could face targeted sanctions over his Sunday decision to sack Hassan . `` President Abdullahi Yusuf is a party to the summit deceleration and the Djibouti peace process and should not therefore take any unilateral decisions which hinder the attainment of peace in Somalia , '' Wetangula said . `` The current peace initiatives are at a critical stage and require support of all the peace loving Somalis and the region as a whole . The deviation from this path is certainly to bound to jeopardize the peace process . '' Kenya is a major player in international efforts to stabilize Somalia . The chaos in Somalia has driven sharply higher numbers of desperate people to seek passage across the Gulf of Aden , with smugglers packing as many as 150 people into boats as small as 25 feet -LRB- 8 meters -RRB- for the crossing , according to a spokesman for the aid group Doctors Without Borders . `` It is a very , very dangerous journey and the smugglers are very , very cruel with the refugees , '' Andreas Koutepas , a field coordinator for the group in Yemen , told CNN 's `` Inside Africa . '' `` We have many incidents of stabbing or people suffocating and just being thrown in the sea . '' In addition , smugglers want to avoid detection by the Yemeni coast guard -- `` So sometimes they just disembark people in deep water , '' Koutepas said . `` And since most of the people can not swim , they just drown . '' At least 24 people have drowned off Yemen in December so far , he said , and another half-dozen are unaccounted for . But since many of the refugees `` consider themselves already dead '' if they remain , `` They take their chances with this trip , no matter how dangerous the trip is . It 's a quite tragic situation . '' CNN correspondent David McKenzie and journalist Mohamed Amiin Adow contributed to this report . | Somali president Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed fired country 's prime minister on Sunday . PM refuses to leave ; parliament backs him ; Yusuf appoints new PM . Kenya threatens sanctions on Yusuf , says he 's undermining peace efforts . Somali has been without effective central government since 1991 . | [[1074, 1137], [1935, 2042], [1950, 2042], [0, 6], [9, 32], [83, 113], [121, 186], [287, 344], [1202, 1266], [1297, 1365], [187, 225], [253, 286], [1563, 1693], [1563, 1568], [1629, 1714], [1715, 1802], [2403, 2431], [2445, 2487], [791, 860]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Dr. Julie Gerberding , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , will leave her post by noon on January 20 , the day President-elect Barack Obama is to be sworn in to office . Dr. Julie Gerberding , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , has resigned effective January 20 . In an e-mail to the staff at the Department of Health and Human Services , which includes the CDC , outgoing HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt asked Gerberding and several other senior officials from his team to submit their letters of resignation . `` She did so , and it was accepted , and it is effective January 20 , '' CDC spokeswoman Karen Hunter said . Leavitt explained his move this way : `` The next phase of Transition involves the departure of our team on January 20 , and the arrival of President-elect Obama 's team later that day , '' his e-mail said . `` In order to create a clear path for leadership transition , I am attaching a list of senior leaders who will become the acting heads of their respective agencies and offices -LRB- or in some cases , remain as heads of their respective agencies and offices -RRB- until the new administration appoints individuals to various leadership positions . '' In addition to the change at CDC , Assistant HHS Secretary Charlie Johnson will serve as acting secretary , Leavitt said . CDC 's Chief Operating Officer William H. Gimson III will take over as interim director at the agency until the next HHS secretary appoints a new one , the e-mail added . Gimson and Gerberding were traveling and unavailable for comment . | Dr. Julie Gerberding will leave her post by noon on January 20 . Outgoing HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt asked her for resignation . Chief Operating Officer William H. Gimson III will take over as interim director . | [[0, 15], [90, 144], [214, 234], [285, 333], [622, 648], [1373, 1503]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Thousands of mourners filled a Tracy , California , high school gym Thursday to remember slain 8-year-old Sandra Renee Cantu . Sandra Cantu , 8 , had been missing almost two weeks before her body was found . The little girl made national headlines after she went missing March 27 from a mobile home park in Tracy where she lived with her family . She was on her way to a friend 's home and her playful skipping down an alley was caught by a surveillance camera . Police later found her body stuffed into a suitcase and submerged in a pond at a nearby dairy farm . Photos of Sandra , flowers and stuffed animals covered the front of the stage . Family members , friends and state dignitaries memorialized the child during a ceremony that lasted just over an hour . The printed program called the memorial service `` A Celebration of Life , '' and organizers said they hoped the service would help ease the pain the community has suffered since Sandra 's disappearance . `` We are left with the haunting image of her skipping on the streets of Tracy . But today she is skipping on the streets of gold , into the arms of a loving God '' , said Brent Ives , mayor of Tracy . Cindy Sasser , principal at Jacobsen Elementary School told mourners , `` We should all strive to be like Sandra -- always smiling , wanting to help , to look out for others and to be caring . '' The service included a video that showcased some of the family 's favorite photos . People from across California attended , filling the gymnasium , cafeteria and the football stadium at West High School . Melissa Huckaby , 28 , a Sunday school teacher who lived in the same mobile home park as Sandra 's family , has been charged with murder , kidnapping , the performance of a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14 , and rape by instrument . If convicted , she would face the death penalty or life in prison without parole , San Joaquin County District Attorney James Willett said this week . A private memorial service for Sandra was held Wednesday . Her casket , signed by classmates , was taken to a nearby burial site by a horse-drawn carriage . | NEW : Photo montage shown at service for Sandra at a high school in Tracy . Girl , 8 , disappeared March 27 ; her body was found in suitcase on April 6 . Police arrested Melissa Huckaby , 28 , and charged her with killing and raping Sandra . If convicted , Huckaby faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole . | [[1386, 1469], [1407, 1414], [1420, 1469], [146, 158], [161, 226], [227, 331], [482, 533], [1592, 1612], [1615, 1638], [1691, 1784], [1849, 1901]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A struggling German soccer team is offering a refund to its fans who traveled to another city to watch it suffer a 4-0 loss . Cottbus are second from the bottom of the German Bundesliga . More than 600 Energie Cottbus supporters saw their team suffer its sixth loss in seven games when it received a 4-0 drubbing Friday at the hands of another team , Schalke . Cottbus are second from the bottom in the German Bundesliga 's ranking and is in danger of being relegated to a lower league at the end of the season . The team posted a Web statement Saturday headlined , `` Sorry , Energie Fans ! '' In it , the team said its players `` did not manage at any time to stand up to a high-class opponent with our particular qualities of passion , dedication and one-on-one duels . '' `` Certainly one can lose at Schalke , '' the team manager Steffen Heidrich said in the statement . `` Nevertheless we did not put up enough defense against the class of the individuals of this opponent . '' The team said it will announce details in the coming weeks of how fans can receive a refund on their admission ticket . `` I welcome the apologetic gesture of the team to its fans , '' Heidrich said . `` Real compensation must actually be given in the coming matches . '' CNN 's Ben Brumfield contributed to this report . | More than 600 supporters watch their team suffer its sixth loss in seven games . Energie Cottbus are second from the bottom in its league 's ranking . The team will announce details of how fans can receive a refund on their ticket . | [[207, 299], [252, 341], [145, 206], [380, 450], [1003, 1122], [1017, 1122]] |
STOCKHOLM , Sweden -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Four men behind a Swedish file-sharing Web site used by millions to exchange movies and music have been found guilty of collaborating to violate copyright law in a landmark court verdict in Stockholm . A Pirate Bay server , confiscated by police last year , on display in Stockholm 's Technical Museum . The four defendants -- Fredrik Neij , Gottfrid Svartholm Warg , Peter Sunde Kolmisoppi and Carl Lundstrom , three founders and one patron of The Pirate Bay -- were sentenced to one year in jail and also ordered to pay 30 million kronor -LRB- $ 3.6 million -RRB- in damages to several major media companies including Warner Brothers , Columbia , Twentieth Century Fox , Sony BMG and EMI . The defendants are free without restrictions while they appeal the judgment . The Pirate Bay allows users to exchange files including movies , music , games and software , but does not host the files itself . It claims more than 3.5 million registered users . The court case , which involved both a criminal case and a civil claim brought by the media companies , marks a key victory for anti-piracy campaigners , who had long targeted the Web site . Should the perpetrators of Internet piracy be punished ? Have your say . The year-long prison terms are for violating Swedish law , while the damages are compensation to the media giants in the civil case -- though the court ordered the men to pay just one-third of the 110 million kronor -LRB- $ 13 million -RRB- which the companies had asked for . Friday 's verdict did not include an order to shut down The Pirate Bay site . Its owners have consistently shrugged off legal threats and police raids , posting letters from entertainment industry lawyers on their Web site with mocking responses . When Dreamworks studio demanded that the site act over file-sharing of Dreamworks ' movie `` Shrek 2 , '' The Pirate Bay threatened to sue for harassment and lodge a formal complaint `` for sending frivolous legal threats . '' `` It is the opinion of us and our lawyers that you are ... morons , '' the response continued , suggesting that studio representatives perform a sexual act . The response closed with an obscenity . Site owners dismissed the effects of a police raid in 2006 , saying the site had been down longer on other occasions due to illness or drunkenness than when `` the U.S. and Swedish government forces the police to steal our servers ... yawn . '' But Magnus Eriksson , who in 2003 co-founded the `` loosely formed group of theorists , artists and programmers '' that spawned The Pirate Bay , says there are serious issues at stake . He does not think copyrighted material should be free for everyone , `` but that it already is . '' `` The control over what people communicate is lost and we have to adapt to this new state of things , '' he said via e-mail . `` To monitor all communications , fight all new digital technologies and spread a culture of fear in what should be a free and open communication network is not a desirable option . '' Entertainment companies claim The Pirate Bay has hurt their box office profits , part of an annual loss the Motion Picture Association of America claims to be about $ 6 billion a year worldwide . `` Hollywood studios are businesses . They 're there to make money , '' said association lawyer Thomas Dillon . `` It costs $ 100 million to make a feature film , so of course they 're quite keen to get some back . So I do n't accept this argument that there 's some benefit to culture in allowing people to make copies of commercial films and getting them for free . '' Monique Wadsted , a Swedish lawyer for the MPAA , said The Pirate Bay was also harming individual artists . A victory for the entertainment companies `` will , of course , be for all authors all around the world , some kind of redress ... because what is going on now is actually a plundering of the author 's works , '' she said via e-mail . `` If some authors find it good to market their products using file-sharing or whatever , they are free to do that , '' she added . `` But that is not what is happening at the moment . What 's happening at the moment is that authors ' and rights holders ' works are file-shared against their will and that is not acceptable . '' She argued that The Pirate Bay `` is specifically tailored for copyright infringement . '' The prosecution claims the site provides a search engine that helps people find and download copyrighted material including movies , music and games -- in effect , enabling copyright theft . The site 's supporters say they 're doing nothing wrong under Swedish law because the site does n't actually put the copyrighted material on the Web site . Internet piracy and illegal downloading from peer-to-peer systems are some of the biggest piracy problems in Europe , the MPAA argues . Internet piracy is growing at a faster rate in Europe than anywhere else in the world , the MPAA says , because of increased broadband use , weak laws , and lenient public perceptions . Sweden 's official efforts to battle online piracy have been weak , the MPAA says . Eriksson , the co-founder of the group that led to The Pirate Bay , says the MPAA 's argument that file-sharing hurts movie studio revenues is `` nonsense . '' `` Cinema is doing better than ever , '' he said by e-mail . `` They only claim this because they calculate losses by looking at the number of downloads and imagining that all of them would have been a purchase if they had n't been downloaded first . '' Eriksson said what was at stake in the Swedish courtroom was the future of the Internet itself . `` The Internet revolution meant that we created a global network where any digital entity could connect and exchange information with any other , '' he said . `` Anti-piracy efforts must be seen in the light of a counter-revolution against this that goes all the way to the very infrastructure of the net . '' He suggested that even if The Pirate Bay is convicted of facilitating making works public through its indexing service , which he does not expect , Internet piracy will not stop . `` The prosecution ca n't understand that The Pirate Bay is just one stratification of a social and technological change that is decentralized , '' he said . `` Piracy does not have a head that you can cut off , and The Pirate Bay is just a technology allowing communication , a part of the Internet infrastructure . '' CNN 's Neil Curry in Stockholm , Sweden , and Mairi Mackay in London , England , contributed to this report . | Four men sentenced to a year , fined $ 3.6 M in Sweden over file-sharing Web site . Prosecutors said The Pirate Bay lets users download copyrighted material . Site allows users to exchange movies , music , games , but does not host the files . Supporters said The Pirate Bay does n't put copyrighted material on Web site . | [[342, 535], [342, 447], [545, 729], [54, 121], [103, 131], [808, 899], [808, 822], [906, 938], [4570, 4714], [4597, 4725]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Federal law enforcement authorities are discussing what to do with the lone surviving pirate captured Sunday off Somalia 's coast after a successful military rescue abruptly ended a five-day hostage standoff at sea . A Kenyan police officer guards the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama at a Mombasa port Sunday . According to sources familiar with the case , U.S. government officials are weighing potential legal hurdles they may face if the young Somali captive is flown to New York or Washington to face federal criminal charges . Officially , the government is virtually mum on the discussions . `` The Justice Department continues to review the evidence and other issues to determine whether to seek prosecution of this individual in the United States , '' said Dean Boyd , spokesman for the Justice Department National Security Division . Sources who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to discuss the matter said the detained Somali youth remains in military custody , but is likely to be turned over eventually to the FBI for transport to the United States . Watch how the Navy deals with pirates '' New York-based FBI agents are assisting Nairobi-based agents in collecting evidence and conducting interviews . Some officials say it appears most likely the captive initially would be flown to New York to stand trial . However , sources stress no decisions have been made on when or where the young pirate would face justice . Investigators face the early and potentially difficult task of determining whether the Somali suspect is at least 18 years of age . Initial reports from the Horn of Africa have indicated the young man is anywhere from 16 to 19 years old . Officials note that authoritatively establishing his identity and date of birth in a lawless country , where records are often lost or burned , if they ever existed at all , may be problematic . Even if officials determine the Somali youth is a juvenile , he could be presented to a magistrate in a U.S. District Court . Justice Department records indicate such occurrences are rare , with juveniles accounting for less than 1 percent of criminal defendants . The latest available figures show among the thousands of federal prisoners , about half of the 200-plus defendants 17 or younger are held for trial as adults , while the other half are detained as juveniles . Whether adult or juvenile , the Somali captive could be charged under an international treaty to which the United States is a signatory that carries penalties of up to life in prison . Watch how U.S. could deal with captured pirate '' The 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation has been used to prosecute pirates in other countries . The agreement allows for pirates and hostage takers on the high seas to be prosecuted in any country which signed the treaty , without regard to which national flag a ship was flying . Former FBI official and CNN contributor Tom Fuentes , who supervised international operations for the FBI , recalls agents providing critical help in winning the conviction in a Kenyan courtroom of 10 pirates captured in 2006 with the help of the U.S. military . The USS Nassau had come to the aid of an Indian ship on which pirates were holding 16 Indian hostages . Shots were fired , prompting the pirates to surrender . `` The government of Kenya wanted to prosecute the case , so the Justice Department and State Department agreed to that . We said ` Let 's teach them to fish ' , '' Fuentes said . Watch report on pirates ' deadly new goal '' He said FBI agents ended up spending six months working with Kenyan authorities on how to conduct interviews , handle and protect evidence , and shape a prosecution that would stand up in any courtroom in the world . The pirates were convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison . Officials familiar with the current case say the lone Somali suspect in U.S. military custody could be turned over to Kenya or another country in the region if barriers to a U.S. prosecution appear to be daunting . However , because the ship was U.S.-flagged and the seized sea captain was a U.S. citizen , federal authorities will want to prosecute the case on U.S. soil if at all possible , according to one federal law enforcement official . Another official said it was probable that if a charge against the Somali is filed in a U.S. court , the action would be filed under a court seal and kept secret from the public until the suspect suddenly appears in court to hear the charge read by a magistrate judge . Officials indicate such developments are not likely to occur soon . | Legal hurdles abound if Somali captive is flown to United States for prosecution . Suspect in U.S. military custody could be turned over to Kenya or another country . Complicating issue is suspect 's age , reportedly between 16 and 19 . | [[438, 487], [460, 557], [4059, 4113], [3899, 4022], [3944, 4055], [1483, 1614], [1483, 1496], [1543, 1614], [1615, 1721], [1670, 1721]] |
Editor 's note : CNN contributor Bob Greene is a best-selling author whose forthcoming book is `` Late Edition : A Love Story . '' Bob Greene says kin of Columbine victims do n't have the luxury of moving on after the 10th anniversary is marked . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The weddings that will never be held . The birthdays when there will be no one to embrace . The first jobs that will never be greeted with a parent 's proud smile of congratulations . Those are the things -- the sacred things , perhaps the sole things -- that we should pause to think about Monday . Because while the rest of the world considers anew the meaning of what happened 10 years ago at the school in Littleton , Colorado , the people who matter -- the only people who truly can fathom the meaning -- are the people with the wounds in their hearts that will never quite heal : . The mothers and fathers of the children who were murdered . The brothers and sisters who were left with the empty and soundless spaces in their homes and in their lives . For the rest of us , it 's all guesswork , and the anniversary provides a circumscribed time to think about it somberly . But by tomorrow we will have moved on to other concerns , while the mothers and fathers , the sisters and brothers -- the grandfathers and the grandmothers -- will return to that which they can never wish away : . The weddings that wo n't ever come . The birthdays when there is only silence . Is it possible to break that April day from 10 years ago into its incremental elements , as if by doing so we will be able to find a possible future remedy ? If we think enough about the saturation of our society with violent images , from the movies we watch to the video games our children play to the stories on the evening news -- is that what can explain Columbine ? If we dissect the live television coverage of that day when millions stared for hours on end -- was it those unblinking pictures that made the scenes still so hard to shake ? Is there a resolution to be discovered in debates about the guns that were used , the need for security checkpoints ? Those are all just details , not answers . Those are merely facts to be noted . What is worth paying attention to is that we , as a people , have developed , without really wanting to or knowing we were doing it , the thousand-yard stare that you see in the eyes of certain homicide detectives who have been doing their jobs for a very long time . It is a look of utter numbness -- a look that is the opposite of cynical , a look of sorrowful surrender . It is a look that says , of the bearer of those eyes : . My eyes are dead because I know that what they have witnessed is only prologue . My eyes show nothing because they must be prepared for what they know they will be seeing again . To encounter those eyes -- to see the thousand-yard stare -- in a police officer is one thing . But to see it in a country . ... Yet that is what the many years of nonstop killings have done to us . Columbine -- that word , that label -- is the way we sum up this kind of thing , but labels like that are at core our way of conceding our inability to process the despair . There was murderous madness that came before Columbine , and murderous madness that came after . We tell ourselves on each new occasion that what has happened is shocking , but the word has become all but meaningless . The only genuinely shocking thing would be if the cruelty and the killings were to somehow suddenly cease . We can blame all of this on our modern times veering out of control , if we wish , but it really speaks of something more elemental and dark , of factors beyond our earthly understanding . The most deadly attack upon sons and daughters at a school did not occur at Columbine 10 years ago , or at Virginia Tech two years ago . On May 18 , 1927 , in Bath Township , Michigan , 44 people , most of them elementary school pupils in their classrooms , were slaughtered by a man who set off a series of bombs and then killed himself to raise his toll to 45 . He was a member of the local school board ; he was angry about a tax assessment . The madness and the heartache do not belong to a certain era or to a certain place on the map . Nor do the heartache , and the unending echoes of days like those , belong to the rest of us , however honorable we may wish our intentions to be . We -- the rest of us -- will move on by tomorrow . The anniversary will be over . Leaving the mothers and fathers , the sisters and brothers . And the lesson ? The lesson we never seem to learn ? It can be found in words that have been quoted and paraphrased many times , in many languages , over many centuries . But still we ca n't seem to get it right . What is it that we seek ? Something that sounds so simple , something like a prayer : . To tame the savageness of man , and make gentle the life of the world . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bob Greene . | Bob Greene : Kin of Columbine victims live with the pain every day . Greene : Most Americans see such violence with numb eyes and can look elsewhere . The pain of these incidents predated the horror of Columbine , Greene says . He says people eternally have sought to tame human savagery . | [[131, 246], [147, 234], [4821, 4850]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The massacre of students and a teacher within the seemingly safe hallways of Columbine High School reverberated so strongly that its reflection can be found in the creations of multiple artists , writers , musicians , and filmmakers over the past decade . `` Elephant , '' musician Marilyn Manson , and the bestseller `` Nineteen Minutes '' entered the spotlight post-Columbine . `` It was n't the first school shooting , but it became the extreme case , '' said Robert Thompson , founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University . `` The word ` Columbine ' became a word that represented something much , much larger than that particular high school . '' Columbine , in some ways , represents the broad insecurity triggered by extreme acts of violence . Littleton , Colorado , is as picturesque as the set of a family film . And thanks in part to the 24-hour news cycle , the world witnessed scenes that appeared to be out of a movie : bloodied victims escaping through windows and frightened teens scurrying to safety as law enforcement descended . Film critic Desson Thomson said films such as Gus Van Sant 's `` Elephant '' do not have to reach far into the American psyche to tell a tale of horror in a post-Columbine world . `` Columbine is now a little like the way 9/11 is engrained in our cultural perspective , so that something like ` Elephant ' does n't even have to directly allude to it , '' he said . `` Because we were so immersed in Columbine ... the filmmakers know that the audience has that reference point , so it does n't take much to even poke at that for all of that dimension to come swimming through our consciousness . '' `` Elephant , '' which won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003 , dramatized a normal day at a high school that is about to become the scene of a planned mass slaughter by a pair of friends . Television shows such as `` Law & Order '' and `` Cold Case '' also delved into the lives of fictitious teens on murderous rampages . But music is the one medium that seemed almost primed for an interpretation of the day 's events . Shock rocker Marilyn Manson weathered speculation that his songs may have influenced the pair of young murderers . He addressed the issue in a Rolling Stone magazine article in 1999 . `` When it comes down to who 's to blame for the high school murders in Littleton , Colorado , throw a rock and you 'll hit someone who 's guilty , '' Manson wrote . `` We 're the people who sit back and tolerate children owning guns , and we 're the ones who tune in and watch the up-to-the-minute details of what they do with them . '' The spotlight on Manson did n't discourage other artists from referencing Columbine in their songs , music videos and lyrics . Genres from rock to rap reflected on the tragedy . Manson himself released an album titled `` Holy Wood -LRB- In the Shadow of the Valley of Death -RRB- '' that contained songs alluding to the massacre . In the single `` The Nobodies , '' Manson appeared to reiterate statements from his first-person piece in Rolling Stone with the lyrics `` Some children died the other day , We fed machines and then we prayed , Puked up and down in morbid faith , You should have seen the ratings that day . '' Music , TV and film were not the only media that reacted to the shootings . In 2005 , an independent video game developer released `` Super Columbine Massacre RPG ! , '' a role-playing game that allowed users to imagine themselves as the Columbine gunmen and act out the violence . Scott Steinberg , publisher of DigitalTrends.com , said the game is not indicative of the game market as a whole . He pointed out that that 85 percent of video games are rated `` E for everyone '' `` E10 plus '' or `` T for Teen . '' Fewer violent video games are being produced today , Steinberg said , despite the perception that the industry mostly produces `` spray and slay '' entertainment . `` The industry is becoming a lot more sensitive in realizing that we have a medium that reaches more people than ever , '' Steinberg said . iReport.com : How did Columbine affect you ? Littleton , Colorado , was also very much on the mind of bestselling author Jodi Picoult when she came up with the idea for her popular 2007 novel `` Nineteen Minutes . '' `` I have three children and I was watching all of them , at different points in their school careers , being bullied , '' she said . `` It got me wondering why , in a post - Columbine world , we have n't figured this out yet . '' Picoult 's novel told the story of a bullied , alienated high school student who commits an act of violence . Records have since been released disputing that Klebold and Harris were outcasts or the targets of bullying . Picoult said it was powerful for her to speak with Columbine survivors . She received a standing ovation from families in Littleton during a book event held there . `` It was really moving , '' she said . `` You realize that the people who want to talk about it the most are the people who lived through it . The one thing I think we have learned , and the one thing I thing pop culture is good for , is the more that we see it pop up , the more we are reminded that this is a worthy subject . '' | Columbine tragedy provided fodder for several creative works . Musicians , writers , filmmakers and game developers responded with projects . `` Elephant '' an example of film that tackled the tragedy . Marilyn Manson responded to allegations his music helped inspire massacre . | [[2673, 2799], [2716, 2799], [0, 15], [118, 274], [2673, 2799], [2716, 2799], [3298, 3303], [3306, 3373], [1118, 1194], [2151, 2265], [2201, 2265]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In the wake of the tragic shootings at Columbine High School , some schools across the country turned themselves into near-fortresses . Kindergarden students huddle beneath desks in a lockdown drill . Such drills have become common . They installed metal detectors and security cameras , banned backpacks , required students to carry IDs and posted police in the hallways -- all in the name of keeping students safe . Now , 10 years after those highly publicized shootings in which two young men killed 13 people and themselves , school security has taken another dramatic turn . Some of the noticeable security measures remain , but experts say the country is exploring a new way to protect kids from in-school violence : administrators now want to foster school communities that essentially can protect themselves with or without the high-tech gear . `` The first and best line of defense is always a well-trained , highly alert staff and student body , '' said Kenneth Trump , president of National School Safety and Security Services , an Ohio-based firm specializing in school security . `` The No. 1 way we find out about weapons in schools is not from a piece of equipment -LSB- such as a metal detector -RSB- but from a kid who comes forward and reports it to an adult that he or she trusts . '' See how many homicides have occurred in schools since 1992 '' The Obama administration plans to create secure schools indirectly , by improving overall education , getting kids more involved in their studies and strengthening school communities , said William Modzeleski , a high-ranking official in the U.S. Department of Education who handles school security . The trend is reflected in security funding , some of which comes from federal grants . Allocations for the Department of Education 's Safe and Drug-Free Schools program were cut by a third between 1999 and 2008 , to about $ 294.8 million last year . And a program that has put about 6,300 police officers in public schools since Columbine was scrapped by the U.S. Department of Justice after 2005 , according to Corey Ray , a spokesman for the department . Ray said he 's hopeful President Obama 's stimulus package will put more police officers in schools . They act as law enforcement officers as well as counselors and mentors to students , he said . Meanwhile , money for a school counseling grant program has increased since Columbine , with $ 52 million set aside for this fiscal year , compared to $ 20 million in 2000 , the first year the program was funded , according to budget numbers compiled for CNN by the Department of Education . So while there 's more money available for counseling , there 's still been a steady decline in federal spending for other aspects of school security . Some critics say a lack of available funding for high-tech security upgrades may be behind the shift toward less-costly and more indirect violence prevention measures . `` Right now , the economic situation is affecting -LSB- school security funding -RSB- . Particularly the technology components of security are going to suffer because there 's just not going to be the money to do these kinds of things , '' said Dan Domenech , executive director of the American Association of School Administrators . `` We 're in the process of laying off teachers and staff . '' Trump , the security consultant in Ohio , said schools have lost their focus on security since Columbine . But he added that many effective security programs cost little or no money -- only the time it takes to train teachers and students how to spot potential problems and how to react if a shooting were to occur . While metal detectors may not be the best tools to prevent school shootings , they still can be useful in some crime-ridden school districts and , along with security cameras , should not be abandoned entirely , Modzeleski said . Some evidence suggests strong school communities -- where kids feel like they can come forward with problems -- can prevent violent crime . A 2008 Secret Service report found that in more than 80 percent of instances of school violence , at least one person , usually a fellow student or peer , had knowledge of the attackers ' plans . If people who suspect a problem feel comfortable enough in school to tell a teacher or a principal , then attacks could be prevented , Modzeleski said . After Columbine , many states and school districts made quick moves to increase school security , experts say . Modzeleski said this was a `` kneejerk '' reaction to the tragic , but rare , event ; and a decade later , policies are settling into a middle ground . `` Immediately after any of these incidents I think there 's the immediate rush for more security , '' he said . `` That 's what I would call the kneejerk reaction to any type of these events : ` We need more cops ; we need more metal detectors ; we need more cameras . ' After that settles in , I think people come to their senses and say , ` Hey , if we 're going to keep our kids safe in schools , we need more than that . ' '' iReport.com : How did Columbine affect you ? After Columbine , some states started requiring schools to prepare for school shootings with lockdown drills , much in the way they prepare for fires or other disasters . About once a month in Fort Wayne , Indiana , public and private school students pull down window shades and huddle in the back corners of dark classrooms while their schools go into lockdown mode , said John Weicker , security director at Fort Wayne Community Schools . A school administrator roams the halls to make sure all doors are locked and all students are hidden from what might be a school shooter if this scenario was not a drill . `` You 're training the kids , '' Weicker said . Similar drills -- which , in some states , are attended by armed and masked SWAT teams -- are now practiced routinely in nearly three-quarters of schools , according to a recent survey of 445 administrators funded by the American Association of School Administrators . It 's difficult to say whether these policies are working , but by some measures , school safety has improved in the decade since Columbine . Watch parents remember children lost at Columbine '' On average , there have been about half as many deaths per year since Columbine as in the seven school years before the tragedy , according to a 2007 report from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Bureau of Justice Statistics . In the school year immediately following the Columbine shootings , the number of in-school homicides dropped from 33 in the 1998-1999 school year to 13 in the 1999-2000 year , the report says . Several experts say the tragedy brought awareness to the issue of school security , which on the whole has been positive . They worry , however , that attention has been waning in the past few years . A 17-year-old student in Fort Wayne , Indiana , however , said that while he is reassured by tight school security , it 's a good thing that the Columbine shootings rarely enter his mind . `` There 's a couple times that we 'll talk about it in like a history class , '' said Travis Armstrong , a high school junior . `` Because that did happen back a while ago , and therefore it is considered history . '' | 10 years after Columbine , schools are taking a new look at security . Immediately after the shootings , schools added cameras and metal detectors . Now they 're trying to foster safer and better school communities . Meanwhile , overall funding for school security has dropped by about a third . | [[437, 440], [443, 491], [549, 598], [253, 304], [4387, 4402], [4405, 4482], [1385, 1409], [1487, 1567], [1773, 1896], [1899, 1935], [2688, 2783]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama 's friendly interactions with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has set off a wave of controversy , but analysts said the leaders ' next steps will show if relations have truly improved or if Obama was overstepping boundaries . Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez presents a book to President Obama at the Summit of the Americas . Chavez and Obama were both at the Summit of the Americas , which ended Sunday in Trinidad and Tobago . On the first day , Obama reached out his hand to Chavez and was seen smiling and patting the Venezuelan leader on the shoulder as the two shook hands . `` With this same hand I greeted Bush eight years ago , I want to be your friend , '' Chavez said , his office reported . On the second day , as cameras jockeyed for position , Chavez got up and gave Obama a book , `` The Open Veins of Latin America , '' which documents centuries of American abuse in the region . After the exchange , the book skyrocketed to become one of Amazon 's best-sellers . Obama joked about the move at a news conference Sunday , saying while he had meetings with all the leaders involved , `` I think it 's just that President Chavez is better at positioning the cameras . '' `` And in all these conversations , here 's what I emphasized , that we 're not going to agree on every issue , but that , as long as we are respectful of democratic processes , as long as we 're respectful of principles of sovereignty for all nations , that we can find areas where we can work in common , '' he said . Relations between the United States and Venezuela grew progressively worse under the presidencies of Chavez and George W. Bush . Chavez -- whose anti-U.S. rhetoric has included calling Bush the `` devil '' -- announced Saturday he is considering naming an ambassador to the United States , signaling a potential shift in the tense relations between the two nations . Chavez expelled the American ambassador in September , prompting the United States to expel Venezuela 's ambassador . Sen. John Ensign , R-Nevada , told CNN on Sunday it was `` irresponsible '' for Obama to have been seen `` laughing and joking '' with Chavez . `` This is a person who is one of the most anti-American leaders in the entire world , '' Ensign said on `` State of the Union . '' `` He is a brutal dictator , and human rights violations are very , very prevalent in Venezuela . And you have to be careful . '' Watch criticism of the meeting '' Republican Newt Gingrich joined the criticism Monday , saying enemies of the United States will use Obama 's friendly encounter with Chavez as propaganda . `` Everywhere in Latin America , enemies of America are going to use the picture of Chavez smiling and being with the president as proof that Chavez is now legitimate , that he is acceptable , '' the former House leader said on NBC 's `` Today '' show . But Democrats such as Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota downplayed the moment , saying , `` All the president did was shake his hand like George Bush -LSB- did -RSB- . '' Obama 's senior adviser said Sunday the administration is n't worried about how the gesture is perceived . `` I 'm not concerned about the message that it sends . I 'm concerned about what flows from it . Words and handshakes are nice , but they 're not enough , '' David Axelrod said on CBS ' `` Face the Nation . '' Stephen Hayes , a CNN contributor and writer for the conservative magazine The Weekly Standard , said it 's not the handshake that irks Republicans but that Obama `` seemed to actually be enjoying it . '' `` Conservatives at least were looking for something from the president who would have said , ` Hey , enough is enough , we want to go forward . We want to put the arguments of the past in the past , but you 've got to own up to the arguments you 've made , ' '' Hayes said Monday on CNN . Jennifer McCoy , director of the Carter Center 's Americas Program , said Obama was trying to send a message that he wants to start a new beginning with Latin America . `` So President Chavez is also responding to this new atmosphere , this new style and attitude that Obama is presenting and needed to respond in kind , '' she said . McCoy , who briefly spoke with Chavez at the summit , said he told her he is ready to give Obama a chance and see if they can have a more cooperative relationship . But she said , `` I do n't expect it 's going to be smooth sailing . President Chavez 's whole foreign policy is predicated on challenging U.S. leadership . '' Obama went into office arguing that relations with Latin America had turned sour and that the U.S. needed to form new partnerships . David Gergen , CNN 's senior political analyst , said Obama is trying to make good on that pledge . `` I think most political advisers would tell the president , you know , it 's fine to shake hands , hold the smiles , '' he said , adding that the gesture shows some inexperience on Obama 's part . `` What the real test here is going to be in policies and in the actions . And I think Barack Obama has to somehow make a balance between being open , reaching out and also not surrendering or retreating on basic American principles and on showing some toughness , '' Gergen said . William Bennett , a CNN contributor and Republican strategist , agreed it 's too early to tell if anything has changed . `` Image is one thing . Reality is another . Substance is another . Things that need to get accomplished is another . That will be the test , '' Bennett said . Obama said Sunday he did n't know how the images from this weekend would play politically , and he indicated he really did n't care . `` One of the benefits of my campaign and how I 've been trying to operate as president , I do n't worry about the politics . I try to figure out what 's right in terms of American interest , and on this one I think I 'm right , '' he said . CNN 's Kristi Keck , Suzanne Malveaux and Alexander Mooney contributed to this report . | President Obama , Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez shake hands at summit . GOP senator : It 's `` irresponsible '' to be seen `` laughing and joking '' with Chavez . It 's OK to shake hands , but Obama should n't seem too friendly , CNN analyst says . Responding to critics , Obama says , `` I do n't worry about the politics '' | [[362, 418], [465, 481], [484, 489], [546, 616], [2105, 2168], [2025, 2041], [2145, 2168], [4812, 4820], [4823, 4848], [3044, 3150], [5608, 5645], [5736, 5771]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- One evening last winter , Mike Harris was watching his local TV news when he saw a segment that caught his attention : Parents were using software to monitor their kids ' cell phones . As more kids carry cell phones , some parents use software to monitor their calls and texts . Harris , an investigator for the Child Sex Internet Investigations Unit in Jefferson County , Colorado , thought the service could be a new tool for combating sexual predators . Equipping his phone with the software , Harris posed as an underage child on social-networking sites and began luring pedophiles . He immediately got results . Since then , Harris has made 83 arrests of alleged sexual predators -- 44 of them with the help of the monitoring program . `` It makes life easy for me as an investigator . It saves me hours of time , which obviously means I have more time to go out and catch offenders , '' he said . The software also documents text messages and other data that can be used in court , he said . `` Now all I have to do is go into the account and pull everything out that was done between that sex offender and me . '' Programs such as My Mobile Watchdog and Mobile Spy are becoming increasingly popular with parents as more school-age children are carrying cell phones . Parents say the services help them protect their kids against predators and also reduce `` sexting , '' the growing practice of using mobile phones to share sexually explicit text messages and pictures . In 2008 , Jessica Logan , a Cincinnati , Ohio , teen , hanged herself after her nude photo , meant for her boyfriend , was sent to teenagers at several high schools , exposing her to ridicule and taunts . The monitoring programs work like this : Once a child 's phone is equipped with the software , the parent or law enforcement officer creates a list of contacts -- close relatives , trusted friends -- who are authorized to communicate with the minor 's phone . An online file , accessed by the parent , stores all activity related to the child 's phone , including text messages and shared photos . Any unauthorized number that contacts the child 's phone gets flagged , and the parent or guardian receives a real-time text message alerting them to the infraction . Parents pay a monthly fee -- about $ 10 -- for the service , which only works on so-called `` smart phones '' with Web access . My Mobile Watchdog also will alert parents if their child has removed the software from their phone . eAgency Mobile Solutions of Newport Beach , California , is the creator of My Mobile Watchdog . Bob Lotter , the company 's CEO , said he never imagined the software would become a tool for authorities cracking down on online sexual predators . `` The threat is huge , '' Lotter said . `` There are so many different ways out there for child predators -LSB- to find victims -RSB- -- through Google , Yahoo , MySpace , Facebook and a host of other sites . '' A Lakewood , Colorado , woman said she outfitted her 12-year-old daughter 's phone with monitoring software after the girl was sexually assaulted by a man she met on MocoSpace , a mobile chat network . `` I was n't going to take away her cell phone , and I knew I had to do something , '' said the woman , whose first name is Wendy . CNN.com is not printing her last name in accordance with its policy of not identifying the victims of sexual assault . Wendy said the service has given her more peace of mind and her daughter a greater awareness of the responsibilities of having a cell phone . Other parents have n't been so transparent . James Green of Sulphur , Louisiana , equipped his daughter 's cell phone with monitoring software but did n't tell her what it was . He told her the icon was a GPS system . `` I was n't going to get my 15-year-old a cell phone and not know how she was using it , '' Green said . Over time , Green found the software was n't just useful for tracking his daughter 's behavior ; it also helped him discover more about the nature of his child . `` It 's good to know how she 's treating people and how others are treating her , '' Green said . `` I think it 's a caring father that wants to know what 's going on in her life ... wanting to know how she feels . '' When Green 's daughter discovered the software on her phone , she was n't angry , he said . `` She understood that I cared about her . '' A Chandler , Arizona , mother found that monitoring her daughter 's phone calls and texts gave her new insight into her daughter 's life . `` We talk a lot more about what 's going on in her life , '' said Trisha , who requested her last name not be published . `` It 's really opened up communication between the two of us . '' Some privacy advocates might object to parents digitally eavesdropping on their kids without their children 's consent . But an Asheville , North Carolina , mother , who fitted her son 's phone with the software without his knowledge , disagrees . `` I monitor my employees at the workplace , '' said the woman , who owns a small business and asked that her name not be disclosed . `` And this is my son . So to me it 's not like I 'm wiretapping him . Besides , privacy in my house is earned . '' | Colorado officer uses cell-phone monitoring software to catch sexual predators . Investigator has made at least 44 arrests with the help of the service . Software is increasingly popular with parents as more kids carry cell phones . Service provides parents with online record of kids ' calls , texts and shared photos . | [[138, 203], [207, 234], [1241, 1292], [922, 934], [940, 978], [2011, 2099], [1962, 2010], [2084, 2099]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- British author J.G. Ballard , whose boyhood experience in a World War II internment camp became the novel and film `` Empire of the Sun , '' died Sunday at age 78 , his literary agent said . He had suffered from cancer for several years . Ballard 's semi-autobiographical `` Empire of the Sun '' was made into a movie by Steven Spielberg . `` J.G. Ballard has been a giant on the world literary scene for more than 50 years , '' Margaret Hanbury said Monday . `` His acute and visionary observation of contemporary life was distilled into a number of brilliant , powerful novels , which have been published all over the world . '' Ballard was born in a Western enclave in the Chinese city of Shanghai in 1930 . The Japanese occupied the city in 1937 , and Ballard and his family were placed in a civilian internment camp in 1943 . He began writing science fiction in the 1950s , with his work taking on a strongly psychological , apocalyptic bent in later decades . But , `` Empire of the Sun , '' his semi-autobiographical account of the war years , became his best-known work , and it was made into a film by director Steven Spielberg in 1988 . Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg adapted another of Ballard 's novels , `` Crash , '' in 1996 . Its plot -- people sexually aroused by car accidents -- drew the novel an initial reaction of `` beyond psychiatric help '' from his publisher and an adults-only rating for the film . | Celebrated author J.G. Ballard dies at age of 78 from cancer . Ballard began writing science fiction in 1950s . His semi-autobiographical novel `` Empire of the Sun '' was made into film . | [[157, 181], [850, 911], [0, 15], [108, 154], [258, 358], [1099, 1165]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Police in Boston , Massachusetts , are searching for a man suspected in the murder of one woman and the armed robbery of two others , all of whom , they say , he may have met through their Craigslist ads for personal services . Julissa Brisman , 26 , was described as `` a really sweet , goofy , energetic kid . '' Officers discovered New York resident Julissa Brisman , 26 , unconscious with multiple gunshot wounds at Boston 's Copley Marriott Hotel on Tuesday night . She was transferred to Boston Medical Center , where she died shortly afterward . Police said Brisman , a model , offered massages via Craigslist , a popular online classified ad service . The confrontation between Brisman and her killer seems to have begun as an attempted robbery , police said . `` It appears that there was a struggle between the victim and the suspect in the threshold of the hotel room immediately prior to the shooting , '' the Boston Police Department said in a statement on its Web site . Police speculate the man may also be responsible for the recent robberies of two other young women who offered personal services via Craigslist . Four days before Brisman 's slaying , a 29-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint at a Westin Hotel in Boston . Police spokesman Joe Zanola would not disclose the details of her Craigslist ad but said she and Brisman were `` involved in similar professions . '' On Thursday night at a Holiday Inn Express in Warwick , Rhode Island , a man tied up and demanded money from a 26-year-old dancer who had posted a Craigslist advertisement , according to Warwick 's police chief , Col. Stephen McCartney . The robbery was interrupted when the woman 's husband entered the room . After pointing his gun at the husband , the suspect fled , according to McCartney . He said that no conclusions could be made but allowed that the incident `` may be related to similar crimes occurring in the Boston area . '' Matthew Terhune , a photographer who met Brisman when he took pictures of her for a calendar last year , described her as `` just a really sweet , goofy , energetic kid . '' He added that she was enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous and was contemplating counseling fellow recovering addicts . He had been unaware of her side job as an Internet masseuse . Surveillance videos from the hotel where Brisman was murdered showed a tall , clean-cut young blond man in a black windbreaker leaving the property , said the Boston Police Department , which is asking the public 's help in identifying the man . Representatives from Craigslist did not respond to a request for comment . | 26-year-old died after attack at Boston hotel on Tuesday . Police say she posted Craigslist ad offering massages . Man may be behind two recent robberies , they say . Boston police seek public 's help identifying man on video . | [[572, 578], [584, 591], [604, 635], [1515, 1540], [1545, 1582], [1004, 1102], [2455, 2483], [2492, 2545]] |
-LRB- Travel + Leisure -RRB- -- Alice Temperley likes to camp . Which is why the British fashion designer , who escapes her London workshop to rusticate in a tepee on her Somerset country estate , was recently commissioned by One & Only Le Saint Géran to erect a similar structure on their beach in Mauritius . `` It 's escapism to the nth degree , '' says designer Bill Bensley of the tents at the Four Seasons Tented Camp , in Thailand 's Golden Triangle . The 17-foot-high tepee is decked out with beads , streaming ribbons , and embroidered patches -- a look Temperley likens to `` a jewelry box that glistens in the sand . '' The resort offers cookouts by the tent -- marshmallows included -- served by a liveried butler . By any definition , this is an indulgent experience , but given its availability in a structure originally designed for the life nomadic , it signals a shift in our perception of both luxury and escapism . Suddenly , a heightened sense of well-being may owe less to four sheltering walls than to a temporary shedding , not just of our inhibitions but also of all the weighty paraphernalia that clutters up a sedentary life . Tents pitched in far-flung locales have always had romantic cachet -- who could forget Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in `` Out of Africa . '' And now there 's a trend of textile pleasure domes being adapted for use in diverse settings across the globe . `` They provide an experience that you could miss in an ordinary concrete box , '' says designer Bill Bensley of the tents at the Four Seasons Tented Camp , in Thailand 's Golden Triangle . `` Guests can hear the sound of elephants munching their way through the jungle . It 's escapism to the nth degree . '' Travel + Leisure : See the world 's best tented camps . That sentiment is evident in Bensley 's design for the resort . He drew inspiration from northern Thailand 's hill-tribe villages as well as camps he visited in Botswana , and he filled the 15 tents with metal craftwork from local artisans , along with explorer-themed antiques -LRB- an old compass , rifles , primitive fishing tools -RRB- . Like Temperley , Nairobi-based fashion designer Anna Trzebinski is also dabbling in the world of hotels , opening the tented Lemarti 's Camp near Kenya 's Laikipia Plateau last year . She stitches tents of locally loomed cotton in the same workshop where she creates beaded tunics and accessories inspired by indigenous Kenyan designs . Set on platforms above a river bend , the camp 's tents are furnished with tables and beds built with wood from dhow boats , and decorated with African-themed found objets d'art : crocodile skulls , elephant shoulder blades , beaded walking sticks and clubs . `` For me , a tent should be the veil between you and Mother Africa , a sheer shield to protect but not in any way disconnect you from her presence . To be under canvas on a comfortable bed , with the smell of acacia blossoms -- in the old safari days this was intoxicating enough , but now we have the ability to improve on the concept . '' And that 's exactly what Banyan Tree is doing with one of its latest resorts , the Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru , on a coral atoll in the Maldives . Created by Dharmali Kusumadi , one of the group 's head designers , it 's by far the most cosseting tented property available today . Only 18 guests at a time can stay on the private island . Rooms come in the form of three conjoined tents facing a cobalt-blue lagoon : a king-size platform bed dominates the air-conditioned sleeping tent , while the bathing pavilion has a claw-foot tub . A butler and massage therapist are at guests ' beck and call . Spas , too , are employing tents to help travelers abandon worldly cares . In Arizona 's Sonoran Desert , Miraval Tucson Resort & Spa guests take treatments in one of six new tents styled by Irish-born designer Clodagh . `` For me , a tent evokes impermanence , '' she says . `` It reflects the impermanence of the spa treatment as well . '' Set in a botanical garden shaded by paloverde trees , each of the tents has natural cleft-stone flooring , an acacia-wood bench , and walls made of saguaro and ocotillo cacti . Tipping the indulgence scale , Taj Hotels ' Rambagh Palace , in Jaipur , has put up two new spa suite tents patterned after a 16th-century Mughal encampment . When India 's royalty went camping , their tasseled tents were made of velvet and embroidered silk . Devised by husband-and-wife hotel design team Amit and Shalini Gehlot , the billowing pavilions contain handwoven carpets , royal pennants , and love swings made from salvaged shesham wood . And if that 's not adequate escapism , this month Taj opens Banjaar Tola , a safari lodge with 18 tented suites in the bamboo forests of Madhya Pradesh , a four-hour drive from Jabalpur . Created by one of India 's top architects , Sanjay Prakash , each tent has bamboo floors , solar-powered heated pools , and traditional artwork from nearby Chattisgarh . Definitely fit for a mogul on the move . Planning a beach getaway ? Do n't miss Travel + Leisure 's guide to Affordable Beach Resorts . Copyright 2009 American Express Publishing Corporation . All rights reserved . Shane Mitchell is a special correspondent for Travel + Leisure . | A resort in Mauritius commissioned a 17-foot-high tepee from a fashion designer . Textile shelters are being adapted for use in diverse settings across the globe . The tented Lemarti 's Camp near Kenya 's Laikipia Plateau opened last year . | [[64, 298], [77, 105], [197, 209], [223, 310], [77, 105], [201, 310], [1322, 1408], [2134, 2164], [2223, 2300]] |
GAZA CITY -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Israel bombed a Hamas government compound early Tuesday , leveling at least three structures , including the foreign ministry building , eyewitnesses and Hamas security sources told CNN . Relatives mourn three boys from the same family who were killed in an Israeli airstrike Monday in Gaza . A Gaza-based journalist , whose name was withheld for security reasons , told CNN he heard 18 blasts in the area and that two fires were burning at the compound early Tuesday . More bombs continued to drop over Gaza through the morning . With Tuesday 's bombs , Israel appeared to extend its airstrike campaign in Gaza to a fourth day . The strikes -- which Israel says are aimed at stopping the firing of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel -- have killed more than 375 Palestinians , most of them Hamas militants , Palestinian medical sources said Tuesday . At least 60 civilians have been killed in Gaza , U.N. officials said . About 650 people have been wounded there , according to the Palestinian medical sources . Monday , Israel 's defense minister said the nation was in an `` all-out war '' with Hamas , the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza . `` We have stretched our hand in peace many times to the Palestinian people . We have nothing against the people of Gaza , '' Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Israel 's parliament . `` But this is an all-out war against Hamas and its branches . '' Israel continues to strike Hamas targets in Gaza , an Israel Defense Forces spokesman told CNN . Mortar fire along the Gaza border late Monday killed one Israeli soldier and wounded four others , he said . Earlier Monday , columns of smoke rose over Gaza City as warplanes carried out strikes . Though there was no indication of an Israeli military ground operation in Gaza , Israeli tanks cruised along the territory 's edges . Watch rocket fire force a reporter to take cover '' Iyad Nasr , a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross , said the streets of Gaza were largely empty during airstrikes Monday morning . Despite the airstrikes , militants fired more than 40 rockets and mortar shells into Israel on Monday , according to Israeli police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld . More than 150 rockets have been launched into Israeli territory since the campaign began , Israel Defense Forces said . Watch damage in Sderot '' Six Israelis have died over the past three days , five of them civilians . One of the rocket strikes killed an Israeli at a construction site in Ashkelon , 6 miles -LRB- 10 kilometers -RRB- north of Gaza , and wounded eight others , a hospital spokeswoman said . Rocket strikes killed an Israeli and wounded two others at Kibbutz Nahal Oz , according to Israeli police and hospital spokespersons . Rocket attacks also wounded two people , one seriously , in Ashdod . One woman who was critically injured during the attack died later during an operation , according to Israeli medical sources . The White House on Monday called on Hamas to halt rocket fire against Israel , so calm can be restored in Gaza . Watch the White House blame Hamas '' Israel has struck more than 300 Hamas targets since Saturday , its military said . The Israeli air force carried out at least 20 airstrikes on Gaza on Monday , Israeli military sources said . Hamas security sources said the targets included the homes of two commanders of Hamas ' military wing , the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades , in the Jabalya refugee camp just north of Gaza City . Neither commander was among the seven people killed in those strikes , the sources said . The Israeli military had no immediate comment on a report by Dr. Mu'awiya Hassanein that a strike near a mosque in Jabalya killed five children in a nearby home . The situation triggered protests in Iran , Greece , Britain and Lebanon , and the Iranian government declared a day of mourning for Palestinians in Gaza . Iran 's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei urged the world 's Muslim populations to unite against Israel 's attacks on Hamas in Gaza . Watch a demonstration in London '' `` All true believers in the world of Islam and Palestinian fighters are duty-bound to defend the defenseless women and children in Gaza Strip and those giving their lives in carrying out such a divine duty are ` martyrs , ' '' Khamenei said through Iran 's official news agency IRNA . U.S. and Israeli officials told CNN that Hamas militants in Gaza have received support from Iran in the past in the form of weapons , training and cash . `` We know of Hamas operatives , commandos and soldiers who were trained in Iran itself . We know that . So there is a close cooperation and exchange of know-how and activities , '' said Isaac Herzog , a member of the Israeli Security Cabinet . Iran denies any involvement with Hamas . But an Iranian official told CNN Iran has ties to Shiite groups such as Hezbollah , a political party in Lebanon with alleged terrorist roots . U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned Hamas for the rocket attacks , but also had strong words for Israel . `` While recognizing Israel 's right to defend itself , I have also condemned the excessive use of force by Israel in Gaza . The suffering caused to civilian populations as a result of the large-scale violence and destruction that have taken place over the past few days has saddened me profoundly , '' he said in a prepared statement . The U.N. Security Council called for both sides to immediately end the violence , but Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that the campaign could last `` for some time , '' and his Cabinet voted to call up 7,000 reservists . So far , about 2,000 reservists have been activated , according to the government . Read analysis of what may happen next . Hamas pledges it will defend its land and people from what it calls continued Israeli aggression . Each side blames the other for violating an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire . The truce formally expired December 19 , but it had been weakening for months . Mustafa Barghouti , a Palestinian parliament member , flatly blamed the violence on the Israeli `` occupation '' of the Palestinian territories and dismissed Israeli claims that it is targeting only Hamas . Watch why one Palestinian lawmaker blames Israel '' `` This is not a war on Hamas ; it is a war on the Palestinian people , '' he said . `` The Israeli politicians are using this bloodbath , which is the worst since 1967 , for their election campaigns . This is insane . '' Watch Barghouti warn `` violence breeds violence '' '' Both Barak and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will be vying in February for the prime minister 's post against Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu . Both Barak and Netanyahu have previously held the post . The ongoing assault and threat of Israeli military ground incursion caused panic in Gaza City , the territory 's densely populated capital , a U.N. humanitarian official told CNN on Monday . `` It 's very bad , people are running in all directions because of the bombings that are happening everywhere , '' Karen AbuZayd said from Gaza City . AbuZayd is the commissioner-general of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency , which provides assistance to about 80 percent of Gaza 's 1.5 million residents . Israel allowed more than 50 trucks carrying relief aid into Gaza on Monday -- in addition to 40 on Sunday -- Israeli military sources said . The U.N. is expecting 100 trucks Monday , but a U.N. official said it will not be enough to alleviate the worsening humanitarian situation . In the West Bank , Saeb Erakat , adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas , urged Israeli and Hamas leaders to put another cease-fire in place . The power base of Abbas ' Fatah party is in the West Bank . The party is locked in a power struggle with Hamas , which won parliamentary elections in January 2006 and wrested Gaza from Fatah in violent clashes last year . Abbas , a U.S. ally , wields little influence in Gaza . Learn more about Gaza 's political history '' CNN 's Paula Hancocks and Shira Medding contributed to this report . | Israeli bombs level Hamas foreign ministry , two other buildings , source says . Barak : Israel in ` all-out war ' with Hamas . Tehran declares day of mourning as protests erupt in Europe , Mideast . Israel , Hamas blame each other for violating Egyptian-brokered cease-fire . | [[29, 84], [0, 19], [87, 205], [1046, 1052], [1055, 1136], [1377, 1432], [3759, 3830], [3837, 3913], [5874, 5948], [5891, 5948]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Muzak , the company that put pop , string-filled arrangements of rock songs in your elevator , filed bankruptcy papers Tuesday after it missed a $ 105 million payment to creditors . The Muzak company is best known for background music piped into places such as elevators . The pipeline of easy listening will continue to flow as Muzak restructures its debt during the Chapter 11 process , the company said . `` Muzak is a solid business with an outstanding customer base , but we are burdened with substantial debt obligations established over a decade ago , '' Muzak CEO Stephen Villa said . Muzak 's cash flows doubled in the last three years , Villa said , `` demonstrating that our business continues to perform well even in today 's challenging environment . '' Along with its ubiquitous elevator offerings , Muzak and its 14 affiliates -- all privately owned -- produce on-hold messages and install sound systems , digital signs and drive-thru systems for retail businesses . Bankruptcy documents showed Muzak owes its largest creditor -- U.S. Bank , as indentured trustee -- about $ 370 million , nearly all of it due this year . Muzak spokeswoman Meaghan Repko said the filing was voluntary and in cooperation with the creditors . The weakened global economy was not a factor , she said , noting the company 's profits have been rising in recent years . The Chapter 11 protections will allow Muzak time to restructure the debt , which was incurred a decade ago , she said . | Muzak creates musical material often called `` elevator music '' Company missed $ 105 million payment to creditors . Cash flow is up , says CEO , but company has `` substantial debt obligations '' | [[201, 291], [237, 291], [0, 15], [114, 200], [496, 545]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Every time her cell phone rings , Christy Harness thinks of her husband . More consumers download ringtones to their cell phones than full-length songs . The 34-year-old native of Jackson County , Georgia , set her ringtone to Sugarland 's `` All I Wan na Do , '' a song that , she says , perfectly expresses the way she feels about him . `` I kind of put myself in -LSB- the singer 's -RSB- place because ... she 's in love with this guy . If he 's not around , she misses him . Basically , I think the song relates to me and -LSB- my husband -RSB- and our relationship , '' Harness said . These days , ringtones do much more than alert mobile phone users of a call . Ringtones seem to have become vital fashion statements , a way for people to showcase their personalities and even their feelings about who is calling . According to a 2008 study by Ipsos MediaCT , a marketing research company , approximately one-third of mobile phone users download ringtones , and about 40 percent of users change their ringtones frequently . Ipsos research shows that ringtones are the most common type of mobile music content downloaded by users , compared to full-length songs and ringback tones , tones that replace the typical ringing signal heard by the caller . `` I find regular ringtones kind of dull , so I wanted something exciting , '' said Gordy King , a 51-year-old from Salt Lake City , Utah . King said he gets a kick out of annoying his mostly Republican co-workers with his Barack Obama ringtones , even playing them over the intercom at the electrical supply warehouse where he works . `` It 's fake news people saying ` Barack Obama has won the election , ' '' he said . `` I really like Barack Obama . I think -LSB- my ringtone -RSB- probably says that I 'm nonconventional and it says I lean a little more liberal . I do n't know anyone else who has that ringtone . '' Using a ringtone creator application on Facebook , King said he also makes his own ringtones by downloading sound files onto his computer and editing them to be shorter and louder or softer . Donald Kaplan found a perfect fit with his ringtone choice . Kaplan , of New York , changed his ringtones often before finally settling on the theme song from `` The Good , The Bad , and The Ugly . '' `` I 'm thinking of sticking with it . I notice that when people hear my phone ring they get amused ... I think that people really connect with that movie , '' Kaplan said . But that 's not always the case . Kaplan said one of his co-workers was n't exactly pleased with the ringtone . The co-worker sent a mass e-mail to the office , telling everyone to keep their cell phones on silent . `` The ringtone drove him crazy and he tried to be tactful but I knew that -LSB- the e-mail -RSB- was directed specifically to me , '' Kaplan said . `` I could tell that this particular ringtone just drove him up the wall ... just the repetition of the sound . '' For some , one ringtone simply is n't enough . Many mobile phone users set specific tones to specific people so that the tones act as audible caller IDs . `` I group people , '' said Natasha Khan , a 26-year-old from McLean , Virginia . `` I group all my best girlfriends together , the people I do n't want to talk to together , work contacts together , and family together . '' Khan said when her best friends call she hears `` Girls Just Wan na Have Fun , '' by Cyndi Lauper , and when she gets a call from people she does n't particularly like , her phone rings `` Bugaboo '' by Destiny 's Child . `` Bugaboo , '' about a woman irritated by a male caller , contains such lines as , `` It 's not hot that you be callin ' me . '' `` The ` Bugaboo ' ringtone has gotten me in trouble , '' Khan said with a laugh . `` This guy -- I forgot that he was on that list and I told him I needed his number and he said , ` Oh , I 'll call you ' and he realized he was on the list . '' Customizing a phone with multiple ringtones can be expensive . Depending on the wireless carrier or the service plan , ringtones cost anywhere from $ 0.99 to $ 2.99 . That may not deter cell phone users . Analysts at Screen Digest , a UK-based firm covering global media markets , predicted that mobile music sales will double from $ 1.6 billion in 2008 to $ 3.2 billion in 2012 . But there are also free ways to get ringtones , like the ringtone creator application on Facebook -- one of several ringtone applications on the social-networking Web site -- that make setting ringtones all the more appealing . `` The ringtone creator was fun , '' said King . `` No matter how big or little the song or sound effect ... you could select a snippet and edit it . '' Many mobile phone users like to be creative and have fun with their ringtones , and their ringtone choice can reveal much about their personalities . Khan 's default ringtone , she said , is typically an upbeat dance song like her current one , `` Forever '' by Chris Brown . `` I think the day can be so mundane and work can bog you down , so I like any chance I can get to get some joy , '' Khan said . `` It 's just a break in the day to feel good randomly . '' | Ringtones are one way for people to showcase their personalities and feelings . One third of cell-phone users download ringtones ; 40 percent change ringtones often . Virginia woman uses Destiny 's Child 's `` Bugaboo '' as ringtone for dreaded callers . Utah man customized a pro-Obama ringtone to annoy Republican co-workers . | [[755, 817], [4764, 4833], [93, 172], [988, 1049], [3680, 3729], [1416, 1594], [2499, 2576]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Shark attacks on humans were at the lowest levels in half a decade last year , and a Florida researcher says hard economic times may be to blame . Fewer people in the water means less chance for sharks to attack , ichthyologist George Burgess says . Sharks attacked 59 people in 2008 , the lowest number of attacks since 57 in 2003 , according to George Burgess , director of the International Shark Attack File , part of the Florida Museum of Natural History on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville . There were 71 attacks in 2007 . `` One ca n't help but think that the downturn in the economy played a part in it , '' Burgess said . Fewer people , especially outside of the United States , have the resources to go to the beach , he said . `` To have a shark attack , you have to have humans and sharks in the water at the same time , '' Burgess said . `` If you have a reduction in the number of people in the water , you 're going to have a reduction in the opportunities for people and sharks to get together . '' `` We noticed similar declines during the recession that followed the events of 2001 , despite the fact that human populations continued to rise , '' the ichthyologist said . Sharks killed four people in 2008 , Burgess said : one in California , one in Australia and two in Mexico . Forty-one of the 59 attacks worldwide came in the United States , and 32 of those occurred in Florida . Surfers accounted for 57 percent of shark attacks , swimmers and waders were the targets in 36 percent of the attacks , and divers the rest , he said . Burgess said the U.S. tends to see more attacks because of a large number of surfers , who are a favorite target of sharks . And neither the economy nor the attacks tend to keep American surfers from practicing their sport . `` All they have to do is drive to the beach with the board and get into the water , and the rest is free , '' he said . And while an attack may make them a bit more wary , he said , `` I 've yet to find a surfer who says he or she wo n't go back into the water after a bite or a nip . '' When the economy improves , shark attack numbers are likely to go up again , according to Burgess , predicting the number of attacks in the next decade will surpass those of the past 10 years . `` We 're putting so many people in the water that humans are dictating the shark attack situation , '' he said . | Sharks attacked 59 people worldwide in 2008 , Florida researcher reports . Four people killed by sharks last year . Economic downturn means fewer people hitting beaches , researcher says . Surfers account for 57 percent of shark attacks . | [[102, 165], [269, 302], [1225, 1258], [102, 165], [564, 570], [587, 645], [892, 949], [1437, 1486]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The pilot who made a treacherous crash-landing on New York 's Hudson River look like a routine maneuver got a hero 's welcome Saturday in his California hometown . Chesley B. Sullenberger was honored Saturday with a celebration in his hometown of Danville , California . Chesley B. `` Sully '' Sullenberger put his US Airways jetliner down on the Hudson minutes after both engines failed , then walked the length of the drifting Airbus A320 twice to make certain that all 155 people on board got off safely . He was greeted by several thousand cheering people gathered around the town square in Danville , California , for a celebration in his honor . Mayor Newell Arnerich presented Sullenberger with a ceremonial key to the city , an upscale suburb near San Francisco . Sullenberger , who has avoided public comment since the January 15 incident , made very brief remarks . He thanked the crowd for an `` incredible outpouring of support . '' `` Circumstance determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly on that particular flight on that particular day , '' Sullenberger said . `` But I know I can speak for the entire crew when I tell you we were simply doing the jobs we were trained to do . Thank you . '' Watch Sullenberger address the crowd '' Sullenberger 's wife , Lorrie , fought back tears as she spoke of her husband . `` I have always known him to be an exemplary pilot . I knew what the outcome would be that day , because I knew my husband , '' she said . `` Mostly for me , he 's the man that makes my cup of tea every morning . '' Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board continue to piece together details from the double engine failure that hit the plane after it took off from New York 's LaGuardia Airport for Charlotte , North Carolina . The jet 's left engine , which apparently tore away from the plane on landing impact , was raised from the bottom of the Hudson on Friday . Sullenberger reported to air controllers that his plane had hit birds shortly before both engines shut down . On Saturday , the NTSB said a preliminary examination of the left engine found evidence of `` soft body impact damage , '' the same kind of damage reported on the right engine . An NTSB spokesman said that there was no evidence of organic material such as a dead bird in the left engine but that was not surprising because the engine had been under water for a week . Although the NTSB has not officially confirmed reports of a bird strike , the agency 's findings and statements have not done anything to discount the bird-strike reports . Both engines will be shipped to the manufacturer in Ohio , where NTSB investigators will tear them down completely for examination . | NEW : Left engine shows evidence of `` soft body impact damage , '' NTSB says . Thousands greet US Airways pilot in Danville , California . `` We were simply doing the jobs we were trained to do , '' he says . Investigators continue to piece together what happened . | [[1824, 1846], [1855, 1908], [2074, 2085], [2088, 2146], [2102, 2191], [528, 578], [546, 622], [1139, 1216], [1187, 1235], [1208, 1240], [1593, 1718]] |
BEIJING , China -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Senior North Korean officials say the communist regime has `` weaponized '' its stockpile of plutonium , according to a U.S. scholar , in a move suggesting that North Korea may have significantly hardened its stance on nuclear negotiations . Selig Harrison said North Korean officials claimed to have enough plutonium for four or five warheads . Selig Harrison , one of the few U.S. scholars granted access to senior North Korean officials , said at a news conference in Beijing that the officials told him they had weaponized 30.8 kilograms of plutonium , enough for four or five warheads . The director of the Asia Program at the Center for International Policy , who just returned from a five-day visit to Pyongyang , said senior North Korean officials told him the warheads will not be open for inspection . If it is true , the news portends a gloomy outlook for the future of the six-party talks that began in 2003 with the goal of getting North Korea to end its nuclear program . `` It does change the game , '' Harrison said . South Korea , the United States , Japan , China and Russia are participating in the talks . A 2007 agreement calls for scrapping nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula in return for energy aid to the North , normalized relations between the North and the United States and Japan , and a formal peace pact . Watch a report on North Korea 's nuclear negotiations '' The North Koreans told Harrison they want the rest of the fuel aid that Japan has promised them . North Korea had agreed to disable the reactor that had produced plutonium for nuclear weapons . But the United States and its allies have asked it to give up the plutonium it already has , an estimated 30 kilograms , as well as details of any other bomb-producing programs . Harrison said one possible reason for Pyongyang 's tough new stance could be the declining health of leader Kim Jong Il , who reportedly suffered a stroke last year and may no longer be involved in day-to-day decisions . `` People I talked to have many indications that some important things are submitted to him , but he is not working in the way he used to , '' Harrison said . He said military hard-liners have taken the lead in demanding from the United States a full declaration and verification of all nuclear weapons sent to South Korea between 1957 and 1991 . The hard-liners also seek full normalization of relations with Washington before more talks about scrapping their nuclear arsenal . On Tuesday , during her Senate confirmation hearing for the secretary of state position , Sen. Hillary Clinton made it clear : de-nuclearization first , then diplomatic normalization . President-elect Barack Obama has stated his willingness to talk to the North Korean leader . Harrison also said the North demanded the completion of the light-water reactors as compensation for the dismantling of the Yongbyon nuclear reactor . The light-water reactor , which is not capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium , was promised to North Korea in the early 1990s for the North giving up its nuclear weapons . Its construction has been suspended . North Korea has long considered its nuclear program integral to its national security . North Korea tested a nuclear weapon in 2006 . In June , it acknowledged producing about 40 kilograms of enriched plutonium . CNN 's John Vause contributed to this report . | News may bode ill for future of talks to end North Korean nuclear program . North Korean officials tell U.S. scholar they want rest of promised fuel aid . One possible reason for tough stance could be declining health of leader Kim Jung Il . Military hard-liners seek normalization of relations with Washington before more talks . | [[863, 935], [969, 1020], [1434, 1500], [1807, 1926], [2375, 2390], [2396, 2506]] |
NEW DELHI , India -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An Indian paramilitary trooper shot dead six colleagues and fled his military camp with an AK-47 rifle in the remote northeastern state of Manipur , a spokesman for his unit said Thursday . Indian Assam Rifles paramilitary soldiers on duty in the eastern state of Manipur . `` He shot dead one junior commissioned officer in a fit of rage after having an altercation with him and then turned the gun on five other troopers -LRB- who arrived at the scene -RRB- , '' said Shamsher Jung , the spokesman for the Assam Rifles . Authorities launched a manhunt for the trooper . The Assam Rifles are stationed in Manipur , on the India-Myanmar border , to combat some 30 active insurgent groups that are believed to be operating there . The rebels want a separate homeland and have accused the Indian government of exploiting the region 's natural resources , while doing little in return to help the indigenous people who live there . In the last decade , thousands have died in separatist violence . -- CNN 's Harmeet Shah Singh contributed to this report . | Trooper shot one junior commissioned officer in a fit of rage , spokesman said . He then turned his gun on five other troopers who arrived on the scene . Trooper part of Assam Rifles , stationed in Manipur on India-Myanmar border . | [[314, 375], [327, 412], [0, 9], [68, 92], [417, 465], [440, 465], [470, 496], [609, 650], [653, 680]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sky News , the British-based 24-hour news broadcaster , will not show a controversial appeal for aid for the people of Gaza , it announced Monday . Protesters demonstrate in London Sunday against the BBC 's decision not to show Gaza aid appeal . Sky News joins the BBC in refusing to show the appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee , an umbrella group of 13 leading British aid agencies . The BBC , Britain 's public broadcaster , has been criticized by politicians and religious leaders for refusing to show the appeal , which launches Monday . There have been demonstrations against the decision at BBC buildings in England and Scotland . Sky News said airing the appeal would compromise its reputation for fairness . Do you agree with the decision ? Send your comments . `` Broadcasting an appeal for Gaza at this time is incompatible with our role in providing balanced and objective reporting of this continuing situation to our audiences in the UK and around the world , '' John Ryley , the head of Sky News , said Monday in a statement on the company 's Web site . The Disasters Emergency Committee -LRB- DEC -RRB- includes the British Red Cross , Oxfam , Save the Children and 10 other charities . British broadcasters , led by the BBC , originally declined to air the Gaza appeal , but in the face of criticism from government ministers and others , ITV , Channel 4 and Channel 5 changed their minds . CNN was not approached to broadcast the ad , a DEC spokesman said . About 5,000 people demonstrated in front of the BBC 's Broadcasting House in central London on Saturday over the broadcaster 's stance . Seven people were arrested . About 50 people protested at its Glasgow headquarters Sunday . The corporation received about 1,000 phone calls and 10,000 e-mails of complaint in the three days after it announced its decision Thursday . But the BBC is sticking with its position , director general Mark Thompson wrote in a blog post on the corporation 's Web site . `` We concluded that we could not broadcast a free-standing appeal , no matter how carefully constructed , without running the risk of reducing public confidence in the BBC 's impartiality in its wider coverage of the story , '' he wrote Saturday . `` Inevitably an appeal would use pictures which are the same or similar to those we would be using in our news programs but would do so with the objective of encouraging public donations . The danger for the BBC is that this could be interpreted as taking a political stance on an ongoing story , '' he wrote . `` Gaza remains a major ongoing news story , in which humanitarian issues -- the suffering and distress of civilians and combatants on both sides of the conflict , the debate about who is responsible for causing it and what should be done about it -- are both at the heart of the story and contentious , '' he added . The BBC , which is funded by an obligatory license fee paid by every British household with a television , is required by its charter to be impartial . The DEC is `` disappointed that the BBC declined to support the Gaza appeal , '' a spokesman told CNN . `` It might limit the reach of our key message to the general public . '' The spokesman , who asked not to be named , said the BBC had to make its own decision about impartiality . `` That is a decision they must make . We have no view on that subject , '' he said . Many readers of Thompson 's blog post did have a view , however . The statement received hundreds of comments , most of them critical of the BBC . A commenter who signed in as bully -- baiter said the BBC was taking a side no matter what it did . `` Sorry Mr. Thompson but you can not have it both ways . If deciding to accede to the DEC request would be seen as political then deciding not to accede to it is also political . Do n't insult me with your disingenuous attempts to suggest it is otherwise , '' the commenter wrote . Other commenters simply rejected Thompson 's position out of hand . `` I think the reasons for blocking help for a grave humanitarian disaster are simply astounding , '' brit -- proud wrote . `` How can simply bringing food , medicines and homes to hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians be seen as political impartiality ? How stupid do the BBC think the British public are ? '' The corporation had its defenders as well . `` The last thing I want to do , is fund the BBC to broadcast propaganda , '' SternG wrote : `` There 's no way I will pay the BBC to air the DEC 's politically-motivated ` appeal ' for Gaza . Gaza is run by a government which is internationally recognized as a terrorist group , including by the EU . There is no doubt that some aid/fund will be ` procured ' by Hamas ... . Good decision BBC . '' British broadcasters have refused to air some previous DEC appeals , the umbrella organization 's spokesman said . A planned 2006 appeal for aid to victims of the war in Lebanon was scrapped because `` there were genuine concerns , shared by the aid agencies , about the deliverability of aid . '' Thompson cited doubts about whether DEC members could get aid to Gaza as a secondary reason for declining to take the ad . | Sky News said airing the appeal would compromise its reputation for fairness . BBC refused to broadcast ad , saying it would compromise appearance of impartiality . Demonstrations against BBC decision took place in England and Scotland . UK charity group Disasters Emergency Committee to launch appeal for Gaza aid . | [[0, 6], [9, 44], [92, 159], [682, 760], [703, 760], [815, 1015], [2020, 2243], [703, 760], [815, 1015], [1247, 1284], [1287, 1329], [2020, 2243], [184, 251], [587, 681]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ukraine 's Security Service launched a raid on the country 's state-run gas company Wednesday , searching for documents related to a gas deal with Russia , a spokesman for the company said . Ukrainian security service agents let employees leave a room at Naftogaz 's headquarters . A group of about 30 gunmen wearing masks and carrying machine guns entered the offices of Naftogaz and took control of every floor of the company 's building in the capital of Kiev , Naftogaz spokesman Valentyn Zemlyansky said . Operatives from the security service then began a search for various company documents , including those pertaining to the Russia-Ukraine gas deal signed in January to end a weeks-long gas dispute , Zemlyansky told journalists , according to Russia 's Interfax news agency . The Security Service opened a criminal case on Monday into alleged misappropriation of 6.3 billion cubic meters of transit gas worth over 7.4 billion hryvnia -LRB- $ 880 million -RRB- by a group of Naftogaz officers , Interfax reported . Taras Shepitko , a deputy chief of an Energy Regional Customs division under the State Customs Service , was detained as part of the case . Ukrainian Security Service operatives confirmed to Interfax that the operation was related to that criminal case . The armed troops were there simply to protect the investigators , the service told Interfax , citing attempts to hinder the investigation . Naftogaz called police when the armed men stormed in but the police retreated soon after they arrived , Zemlyansky said . CNN 's Maxim Tkachenko in Moscow , Russia , contributed to this report . | Ukraine 's Security Service raids country 's state-run gas company . Naftogaz : Raid was to search for documents related to gas deal with Russia . Security Service investigating alleged theft of gas by Naftogaz officers . | [[0, 15], [19, 112], [0, 15], [115, 138], [129, 172], [629, 676], [805, 931]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Five Filipino soldiers were killed and 24 others wounded during an overnight gun battle with a faction of a Muslim separatist group in the Philippines ' southern region , a military spokesman said . Filipino soldiers check weapons captured from Moro Islamic Liberation Front militants in November . The fighting in Basilan province broke out after ongoing peace negotiations with rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front -LRB- MILF -RRB- hit an impasse , said Maj. Ramon Zagala . Early reports indicated the fighters were from a rogue faction of the front , but the military later identified them as members of the Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf , which has been linked to the al Qaeda terrorist network , Zagala said . Abu Sayyaf members were seeking refuge in MILF-controlled towns , drawing a military response , Zagala said . The militants retaliated Sunday with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades , he said . The splinter group originally believed to have been involved in the firefight , the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces , issued a statement accusing Filipino troops of using artillery and `` indiscriminately '' launched airstrikes.The statement , posted Monday on a pro-Moro Website , included no report of casualties . The government of the Philippines has been involved in peace negotiations with Moro Islamic Liberation Front since 2003 . CNN 's Tess Eastment contributed to this report . | NEW : Abu Sayyaf members drew military response , military spokesman says . Filipino soldiers fight rogue faction of a Muslim separatist group . Fighting began after negotiations hit an impasse , military in Philippines says . Militants were trying to occupy part of a province , military says . | [[190, 217], [752, 770], [818, 845], [318, 466], [433, 481]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jon Opsahl said he does n't think domestic terrorist-turned-housewife Sara Jane Olson served nearly enough time for his mother 's murder , but he 's relieved the saga ended with Olson 's Tuesday release from prison . Sara Jane Olson was released from a California prison Tuesday after serving seven years . Olson , a member of the self-styled revolutionary Symbionese Liberation Army -- perhaps best known for kidnapping Patricia Hearst -- was released from a California prison after serving seven years , the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said . She was released to her husband just after midnight and is expected to serve her yearlong parole term in Minnesota -- over the the objections of police unions and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty . Her sentence stems from her involvement in the 1975 attempted bombings of two police cars and the slaying of Myrna Opsahl during a bank robbery that same year . Back then , Olson went by her birth name , Kathleen Anne Soliah . After her 1976 indictment in the attempted bombings , she changed her name and started a new life in St. Paul , Minnesota . She was not apprehended until 1999 . `` I 've really got nothing to say . She did her time , as minimal as that may have been , '' said Jon Opsahl , who was 15 when his mother was killed . `` One of those years -- just one -- was for the murder of my mom and the bank robbery up in Carmichael . '' Myrna Opsahl , a mother of four , was depositing money at the Crocker National Bank for her church when she was shot by Olson 's co-defendant Emily Montague Harris , according to court documents . Harris was sentenced to eight years ; she served four and was released on parole in February 2007 . Jon Opsahl , now 49 , said he never understood why it took so long to bring his mother 's killers to justice . While charges were filed in the bombings within months , no charges were brought in his mother 's murder until 2002 . `` You expect thugs to do what thugs do , but you do n't expect the district attorney to turn a blind eye to the murder of an upstanding citizen , '' Jon Opsahl said Monday . Olson 's release Tuesday will cap an oft-strange storyline that spans more than three decades and which saw Olson wear the hats of college student , 1970s radical , housewife and philanthropist . Attorney Andy Dawkins met Olson , now 62 , shortly after she moved to St. Paul through friends in the reggae band , Pressure Drop . Fred Peterson , Olson 's husband , played trumpet in the band , Dawkins said . `` She did good deeds everywhere . She raised three wonderful daughters . It was always a shock to all of us that the Sara we know had that past , '' Dawkins said . After attending the University of California , Santa Barbara , Olson moved to Berkeley in the early 1970s . There , she met Angela Atwood in 1972 , and the two became best friends and roommates , Olson told L.A. Weekly in a 2002 interview shortly before she was imprisoned . After Atwood and five other SLA members were killed in a 1974 gunfight with the Los Angeles Police Department , Olson appeared at a memorial in Berkeley 's Ho Chi Minh Park to eulogize her friend . `` SLA soldiers , although I know it 's not necessary to say , keep fighting . I 'm with you , and we are with you , '' Olson told the crowd . Almost a year later , Olson took part in two bank robberies to help fund the SLA , according to court documents . During the Carmichael robbery , Olson `` entered the bank with a firearm and kicked a nonresisting pregnant teller in the stomach . The teller miscarried after the robbery , '' the documents said . In August 1975 , Los Angeles police found homemade bombs under two squad cars . They were designed to explode when the car moved , but neither device detonated . Authorities cast the attempted bombings as payback for the bloody shootout that left Atwood and other SLA members dead . A probe into the gunbattle helped police arrest Hearst , the granddaughter of publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst , who claimed she had been kidnapped , raped and brainwashed by the SLA . In her book `` Every Secret Thing , '' Hearst put Olson at the center of the Carmichael robbery . Olson soon left California . According to the U.S. Department of Justice , `` she evaded capture for 23 years , and in the meantime , became a doctor 's wife , mother of three , community volunteer , veteran of charity work in Africa and practicing Methodist living in an upscale neighborhood in St. Paul . '' Though authorities said a 1999 `` America 's Most Wanted '' episode marking the 25th anniversary of the L.A. shootout led to Olson 's arrest , the show 's Web site mentions neither Olson nor Soliah among its almost 1,100 `` captures . '' Her Minnesota friends and neighbors were shocked , even incredulous , when she was arrested . They pleaded with a judge to grant her bail . The Sara Olson Defense Fund began selling cookbooks , titled , `` Serving Time : America 's Most Wanted Recipes . '' It would help that Olson was generous with her time . She was active in the church . She volunteered for political campaigns . Dawkins said he had a blind client to whom she used to read The New York Times . Olson 's philanthropy , coupled with the connections of her husband , a respected emergency room doctor , made raising the $ 1 million bail relatively easy , said Dawkins , who remembers that some members of the community had so much faith in Olson they put up their children 's college funds . On October 31 , 2001 , Olson pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to ignite a destructive device or explosive . She later tried to rescind the plea , saying `` cowardice '' prevented her from telling the truth . A superior court judge , however , denied her request and in January 2002 sentenced her to 20 years to life in prison , a sentence the parole board later reduced . Olson was charged with Opsahl 's slaying that same week and pleaded guilty in 2003 to second-degree murder . Olson received a sentence of five years to life . The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement that Olson 's sentence was reduced for good behavior and for her work on a maintenance crew that cleaned the main yard of the Central California Women 's Facility in Chowchilla . Dawkins said `` it 's right '' that Olson served time , but he is glad she is being released . He expects many hugs await her in St. Paul and that she will soon be back to her generous ways . `` I really believe who we knew in St. Paul was the true Sara Olson , '' he said . The Los Angeles Police Protection League disagrees and has loudly opposed her early release . Sgt. Paul Weber , the league 's chief , called her a sociopath who `` never said she was sorry . '' He also lashed out at those who rush to defend her . `` Enough with the BS that she was unfairly targeted by law enforcement for her youthful indiscretions -- she is a criminal , '' Weber said in a Monday statement . Corrections officials say it 's important that she be reunited with her family during her parole -- it helps reduce recidivism -- but Minnesota legislators , the governor and the St. Paul Police Federation have asked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to keep her in California over the next year . `` Letting a domestic terrorist like Kathleen Soliah set the terms of her parole is an insult to the memory of Myrna Opsahl and all the men and women of LAPD past and present , '' the St. Paul union said in a letter last week . Jon Opsahl , however , just wants to put Olson out of his mind . `` Get her out of here , '' he said . `` I do n't want to see or think about her again . '' | NEW : Governor , police unions oppose Olson serving parole in Minnesota . Olson evaded capture for more than 20 years living as Minnesota housewife . Olson was member of Symbionese Liberation Army , which nabbed Patricia Hearst . Court documents say Olson kicked pregnant teller during 1975 bank robbery . | [[6592, 6632], [6647, 6685], [7137, 7293], [346, 402], [419, 455], [3345, 3350], [3406, 3436], [3437, 3466], [3469, 3477], [3514, 3568]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Brazilian star Kaka has rejected a world record transfer move to Premier League Manchester City and decided to stay with AC Milan . Kaka opted to stay with AC Milan despite the riches on offer . The 2007 world player of the year was set to earn $ 750,000 per week with City , who were reported to be willing to pay a staggering $ 147 million to acquire his services . The devoutly religious Kaka explained his reasons on the club 's television station . `` I believe I have made the right choice . `` To have gone to Manchester City could have been a great project but in the past few days I have prayed a lot to understand what the right team would be and in the end I have decided to remain here . `` I do n't want anything else , I just want to be well and be happy in the place where people love me . '' Italian prime minister and Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi originally broke the news that the devoted fans of the Rossoneri wanted to hear . Interviewed on Italian TV 's Sky Italia late on Monday night , Berlusconi confirmed that Milan had offered Kaka the chance to `` make himself a fortune , but said he has `` higher values . '' Berlusconi continued : `` He is staying with us , there are things which are more important than money : we are happy . `` When I heard he would prefer to stay , that he did n't think he would be missing a great opportunity and he prefers the values of our flag , the values of closeness and friendship , the warmth and the affection that all the fans have shown him in these days , I said ` hooray ' and we hugged . Kaka is staying at Milan . '' Fans of former European champions Milan had staged a series of protests since City 's audacious move for Kaka became public late last week . They intensified after Kaka played in the 1-0 home win over Fiorentina which improved Milan 's Serie A title chances as arch-rivals and league leaders Inter Milan slipped up . Have your say : Should Kaka have stayed at AC Milan or taken the money ? City , who are being backed by Sheikh Mansour 's Abu-Dhabi investment group , finally admitted defeat in a statement on their club Web site www.mfc.co.uk from executive chairman Gary Cook : . `` Whilst Manchester City Football Club has an obvious interest in world-class players of the quality of Kaka , we owe it to our fans that such a transfer must work on every level ; commercially , financially , in terms of results on the field and within Manchester City 's broader community . '' Cook and a City delegation returned to Manchester without ever managing to meet 26-year-old Kaka face to face , dealing instead with Milan officials and his father Bosco Leite . Manager Mark Hughes , who completed the signing of striker Craig Bellamy from West Ham on Monday , will also be hoping to finalize a deal to acquire midfielder Nigel De Jong from Hamburg as he strengthens his squad in the January transfer window . City , who are struggling in 11th in the Premier League and out of the FA Cup , signed Kaka 's Brazilian international teammate Robinho from Real Madrid shortly after their new Abu Dhabi owners took over last summer . Robinho has proved an immediate success with 12 goals , but City are aware of the need to attract more world class players to their ranks , hence the ulitmately fruitless attempt to sign Kaka . In a separate development , Robinho moved quickly to deny reports that he had stormed out of City 's training camp in Tenerife because they had failed to sign his friend Kaka . `` I had made Manchester City aware that I needed to return to Brazil because of a family matter , '' he told BBC Sport . `` I will return to the club and hope to sort this out as soon as possible . '' He added : `` I feel it is important to underline that I did not return to Brazil because of the Kaka deal . `` He is one of my good friends and it would have been great to see him at Manchester City -- but it had nothing to do with his decision to stay in Milan . `` I am committed to helping Manchester City become the force the owners assured me they will become . '' | AC Milan 's Kaka turns down big-money transfer to Manchester City . Brazilian star Kaka was reportedly set to earn $ 750,000 per week at City . Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi said Kaka had `` higher values '' than money . Robinho denies reports he left City training camp after a row over Kaka . | [[0, 15], [19, 114], [0, 15], [119, 150], [151, 213], [1575, 1601], [214, 292], [1029, 1039], [1124, 1154], [3322, 3347], [3350, 3448], [3388, 3491]] |
ATLANTA , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Georgia judge threw the book at Brian Nichols on Saturday , giving him four consecutive sentences of life without parole for a 2005 shooting rampage that started in an Atlanta courthouse . Brian Nichols tells the court Saturday in Atlanta , Georgia , `` I will not bring dishonor to the decision to spare my life . '' `` I 'm giving you the maximum -- every day I could give you . If I could give you more , I would , '' Superior Court Judge James Bodiford told Nichols . Nichols , 37 , was convicted last month of 54 counts for a deadly shooting rampage that began March 11 , 2005 , in the same courthouse where he stood trial . Nichols , who was being tried for rape , shot three people to death as he escaped from the downtown courthouse that day and a federal agent the next day in Atlanta 's Buckhead district before being captured in neighboring Gwinnett County . `` I know that the things that I 've done caused a lot of pain , and I am sorry , '' Nichols , who remained seated , told the court before sentence was pronounced . `` And I just wanted to say that I will not bring dishonor to the decision to spare my life . '' Watch victims ' family members react to the sentence '' Nichols was spared a death sentence Friday after the jury deliberating his fate announced that it could not agree on a sentence . Bodiford gave Nichols the maximum sentence on all the non-murder charges , and ordered them to be served consecutively . Those terms ranged from five years for escape to life for armed robbery . Other charges included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon , robbery by force , theft by taking , hijacking a motor vehicle and false imprisonment . `` It 's a large number of years . It 's many lifetimes , '' Bodiford said . Bodiford ordered that Nichols serve his time in the Georgia state penal system , forgoing the possibility of sending him to the federal maximum-security prison in Colorado . Bodiford implored Nichols ' family and attorneys never to trust Nichols again . `` There 's ample evidence that trusting him will get you killed , '' he said in concluding the sentencing hearing . Jurors told Bodiford on Friday night that they were deadlocked , with nine in favor of death and three in favor of life without parole . Under Georgia law , the jurors must reach a unanimous decision in order to impose a death sentence . In the absence of a unanimous jury verdict , the decision fell in the hands of Bodiford . Defense lawyers said Nichols , who confessed to the killings , suffers from a mental disorder . The jurors unanimously found the necessary aggravating circumstances in the four murders , but they were split over the death penalty . After nine weeks of testimony , the jury found Nichols guilty of 54 counts , which included the four murders plus numerous aggravated assaults , carjackings and kidnappings . The shootings began in the Fulton County Courthouse , where Nichols was set to stand trial for rape . He overpowered a sheriff 's deputy and took her gun before proceeding to the courtroom of Judge Rowland Barnes , killing him and court reporter Julie Ann Brandau . Sgt. Hoyt Teasley chased Nichols to outside the courthouse , where Nichols fatally shot him . Nichols killed off-duty U.S. Customs Agent David Wilhelm as he worked on a house in Buckhead the next day . He was captured later that day after a standoff with police in the apartment of a woman he had taken hostage in Gwinnett County . The case drew nationwide attention , in part because of the cost of Nichols ' representation : about $ 2 million at last accounting . Nichols had attempted to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence , but the Fulton County District Attorney 's Office would not take the death penalty off the table . | Judge : `` I 'm giving you the maximum -- every day I could give you '' Brian Nichols was convicted of killing four people in 2005 shooting rampage . Nichols : `` I know that the things that I 've done caused a lot of pain , and I am sorry '' Jury split 9-3 in favor of death , but decision must be unanimous . | [[360, 387], [391, 419], [1357, 1429], [164, 187], [193, 227], [511, 518], [521, 523], [526, 593], [568, 593], [599, 620], [912, 988], [2290, 2307], [2310, 2361], [2391, 2433], [2436, 2480], [2672, 2712]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The West African country of Guinea , reeling after the death of President Lansana Conte , is staring at the prospect of widespread political instability amid an apparent coup . Lansana Conte came to power in a military coup in 1984 . Journalist Mohammed Kayta in Conakry said the Guinean military seized control of the capital city 's streets in an apparent coup . He reported that the military was holding negotiations to determine who will succeed Conte , who ruled the country for nearly 25 years . The action followed an announcement on national radio Tuesday by army Capt. Foamed Dadis Camara that government and national institutions had been dissolved , according to Le Jour , a national newspaper , and the subsequent announcement by Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare that the government continued to function . Soldiers were out in force , including around the offices of the president and prime minister in Conakry , local journalist Barry Minkalou told CNN . The streets were calm , with no reports of injuries or violence , he said . Camara said Tuesday an `` advisory council '' of civilians and soldiers would be set up . The Foreign Office in Great Britain said it was `` concerned by reports of a military coup . `` We condemn any attempt to seize power by force , and call on all parties to ensure respect for democracy , human rights and the rule of law , and to safeguard the well-being of their own citizens and foreign nationals in Guinea , '' the office said . U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon , who issued a statement commending Conte and passing along condolences , urged `` a peaceful and democratic transfer of power '' and exhorted `` the armed forces and all stakeholders to respect the democratic process . '' The United Nations told its personnel in Guinea to stay off the streets . `` All U.N. staff have been encouraged to stay at home , '' the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees ' spokesman in Guinea , Faya Foko Millimouno , told CNN . `` Only the military is in the street now . '' The U.S. Embassy in Conakry warned Americans in the country `` to be particularly alert to their surroundings , and to be prepared for any eventuality . '' Aboubacar Sompare , president of the National Assembly , announced Conte 's death . `` We regret to announce to the people of Guinea the death of Gen. Lansana Conte after a long illness , '' Sompare said , according to Le Jour . Conte was 74 . A 40-day period of national mourning has been declared . Conte came to power in a military coup on April 3 , 1984 . Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world , despite its mineral wealth , according to the British charity Plan UK . The country hosts large refugee populations from neighboring Liberia and Ivory Coast . | Guinea President Lansana Conte dies ; 40 days of mourning declared . Army captain says government institutions dissolved . Prime minister insists government is functioning . Conte 's death was announced by president of the National Assembly . | [[0, 15], [56, 106], [2441, 2497], [597, 677], [2197, 2214], [2254, 2280], [2284, 2367]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Qatari man held for years in military custody in the United States was charged Friday in federal court with conspiracy `` to provide material support and resources '' to al Qaeda , prosecutors announced . Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri was a student at Bradley University in Illinois when he was arrested in 2001 . The Supreme Court was to hear arguments in April on a challenge by the suspect , Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri , to the principle that the president has the authority to detain suspected terrorists indefinitely and without charges . The Justice Department on Friday asked the high court to dismiss that pending appeal . `` Because the military detention challenged by the petitioner has ended , no live controversy remains in this case , '' said Obama administration lawyers in their brief . Al-Marri 's lawyers oppose such a move , saying the fundamental constitutional question of military detentions needs to be answered . The federal indictment means the case will be transferred to civilian courts for prosecution . Andy Savage , one of al-Marri 's lawyers , visited him at the naval brig in North Charleston , South Carolina , on Friday to show him the indictment charging him with terrorism . `` He denies it , '' Savage said . `` I 'm sure he 'll enter a not guilty plea . '' Savage said he was disappointed in the information contained in what he called a brief indictment . `` We 'd like information about what he 's supposed to have done , '' he said . `` You 'd think after 7 1/2 years they 'd have a little more to say . `` The most important thing to him is he now has some definition of his future . Before , he did n't know if he 'd be charged , be repatriated or held forever . '' The decision by the Obama administration to criminally charge al-Marri after he spent seven years in custody -- more than five years in South Carolina -- is the latest twist in the ongoing legal saga of the only remaining `` enemy combatant '' held in the United States . He had been accused of being an al Qaeda sleeper agent , but until this indictment he had never been charged with a criminal or terrorism-related offense . He will be transferred at some point to Peoria , Illinois , to face a criminal trial . Oral arguments in the case are scheduled April 27 . A Justice Department official said the White House will release an official presidential order to transfer al-Marri into civilian custody . Al-Marri 's lawyer applauded the move . `` This indictment is an important step toward restoring the rule of law and is exactly what should happen when the government suspects an individual of terrorist acts . This case is now finally where it belongs : in a legitimate court that can fairly determine whether Mr. al-Marri is guilty of a crime , '' said Jonathan Hafetz , an ACLU attorney who is representing him in the pending high court appeal . President Obama last month ordered a prompt and thorough review of the `` factual and legal basis '' for the continued detention of al-Marri . Obama late Friday issued a presidential memorandum ordering Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to facilitate al-Marri 's transfer , calling it `` in the interest of the United States . '' Since his initial arrest on credit card fraud charges in December 2001 , al-Marri , a 43-year-old legal resident of the United States , has remained in `` virtual isolation in the brig , '' his attorneys said . They were suing the government to improve his jail conditions and are challenging the constitutionality of his detention . They said his cell at the brig in South Carolina is only 9 feet by 6 feet and he is allowed little contact with the outside world , including his family . Military officials deny mistreatment . The case posed a sticky legal dilemma for the high court and the current and previous administrations . President George W. Bush ordered al-Marri confined in military custody , and the Bush Justice Department had been filing the appeals opposing al-Marri 's legal claims . At issue was whether the Authorization for Use of Military Force , passed by Congress after the September 11 , 2001 , attacks , gave the president the power to order the indefinite military detention of an accused terrorist seized on domestic soil . Al-Marri arrived in the United States the day before the 2001 terrorist attacks as a computer science graduate student at Bradley University in Peoria . He had earned an undergraduate degree there a decade earlier . Weeks later , he was arrested after authorities found hundreds of credit card numbers belonging to others in his home . At an early court hearing , a prosecutor said al-Marri was believed to be an associate of al Qaeda , the Islamic terrorist group responsible for the 9/11 attacks . The case against al-Marri escalated when investigators further examined his computer and interrogated al Qaeda detainees , the government said . Although al-Marri was not charged with terrorism-related offenses , Bush in June 2003 issued a formal declaration naming him an `` enemy combatant '' and transferring him to military custody . That move sent him out of the normal criminal justice system into indefinite military detention . The declaration alleges al-Marri engaged in `` hostile and warlike acts '' working as an `` al Qaeda sleeper agent '' who was planning to `` hack into the computer systems of U.S banks , '' for a possible follow-up to the 9/11 attacks . The Pentagon said he had trained at a terror camp in Afghanistan , met al Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and `` volunteered for a martyr mission , '' according to the government 's filing with the high court . A lawyer for Jose Padilla , an American citizen detained as an enemy combatant , said the government 's actions in the al-Marri case echo those in Padilla 's , in which he says criminal charges were filed shortly before the case was to go to the Supreme Court . `` This is deja vu all over again -- what the Bush administration did with Padilla , the Obama administration is trying to do with al-Marri , '' he said . `` Transferring al-Marri out of the brig is the right thing to do . Moving to dismiss the case is not . '' The case is U.S. v. al-Marri -LRB- 09-CR-10030 -RRB- . CNN 's Carol Cratty and Pam Benson contributed to this report . | Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri charged with conspiracy to provide support to al Qaeda . The native of Qatar will be prosecuted in civilian courts . He was arrested weeks after the September 11 , 2001 , attacks . Former President Bush declared him an `` enemy combatant '' in 2003 . | [[140, 150], [154, 210], [964, 1058], [987, 1058], [311, 341], [4488, 4499], [4502, 4573], [4985, 5109]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Cornelia Wallace , ex-wife of four-time Alabama Gov. George Wallace , has died , the governor 's office announced . She was in her late 60s . The cause of death was not immediately known . `` She served as first lady during a very turbulent time and our thoughts and prayers are with her family today , '' Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and wife Patsy said in a statement . Cornelia Wallace first met her husband at a party in the Alabama governor 's mansion when her uncle , James Folsom , was governor and she was only eight years old , Time Magazine reported in 1972 . She was 19 years younger than Wallace . At the time , Wallace was a state legislator married to his first wife , Lurleen , who also served as Alabama governor . The then Cornelia Ellis went to the semifinals of the Miss Alabama contest before becoming the star of the Cypress Gardens water ski show in Florida , Time reported . She married John Snively III , a millionaire whose family once owned the Gardens . The couple had two sons but divorced seven years later . After Lurleen Wallace died of cancer in 1968 , George Wallace got back in touch with Cornelia Ellis Snively and they married in 1971 . The following year , Cornelia Wallace was beside her husband when he was shot in a 1972 assassination attempt in a Maryland parking lot . George and Cornelia Wallace divorced after his failed bid for the U.S. presidency in 1976 . George Wallace died in Montgomery on September 13 , 1998 . | Cornelia Wallace was in her late 60s . She was with Wallace when would-be assassin shot him in 1972 . `` She served as first lady during a very turbulent time , '' Gov. Bob Riley says . | [[135, 160], [1186, 1204], [1207, 1323], [208, 293]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Actress Natasha Richardson was hospitalized after she fell on a ski slope at a Quebec resort , a resort spokeswoman said in a statement Tuesday . Actress Natasha Richardson was transferred Tuesday to an undisclosed location in the United States . Richardson was taken to a hospital near Station Mont Tremblant before she was transferred to Hopital du Sacre-Coeur in Montreal following her fall on Monday , according to the statement . However , she was transferred Tuesday to an undisclosed location in the United States , according to Michelle Simard , spokeswoman for Hopital du Sacre-Coeur . Simard said she had no further details . Richardson fell on a beginners ' trail Monday during a ski lesson at Station Mont Tremblant , said the statement from the resort , located about 80 miles northwest of Montreal . She was not wearing a helmet , the resort said . At the time , Richardson was accompanied by a veteran female ski instructor , who called the ski patrol , the statement said . The ski patrol members examined her and found no visible sign of injury , according to the statement . `` As standard protocol , the ski patrol insisted that Ms. Richardson be transported to the base of the hill in a rescue toboggan , '' the resort statement said . Once at the base of the hill , staffers advised Richardson to seek additional medical attention , but she declined . Accompanied by the instructor , Richardson went to her hotel , where she was again advised to see a doctor , the resort said . As a precautionary measure , the instructor stayed with her , the statement said . The statement offered no details on Richardson 's condition or injuries , but said resort staffers and police were providing support to Richardson 's family and friends . Richardson , 45 , has appeared in many television , film and stage roles , including the movies `` Nell '' and `` The Parent Trap . '' She won a Tony award in 1998 for her performance as Sally Bowles in `` Cabaret . '' She is married to actor Liam Neeson and is the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave . The Montreal Gazette reported that Richardson 's two sons with Neeson were skiing with her at the time of her fall , and that Neeson flew to Montreal from a Toronto film set to be with her at the hospital . | Actress Natasha Richardson fell on a beginners ' trail in Quebec , Canada . Actress had no `` visible signs of injury , '' resort spokeswoman said . Ambulance was called after Richardson was `` not feeling good '' an hour after fall . | [[0, 15], [19, 111], [655, 746], [114, 154]] |
NASHVILLE , Tennessee -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A singer took center stage at a Nashville honky-tonk to promote his new album . He had the good looks and easy charm of a movie star . Kevin Costner is putting his energies into music . His new record is `` Untold Truths . '' Only in this case , he was a movie star . Kevin Costner recently celebrated the release of `` Untold Truths '' -- his debut country record -- with a free show at The Stage on Broadway . He was backed by his band , Modern West , which also features guitarist John Coinman and bassist Blair Forward -- two men he met 20 years ago in an acting class . The three have been making music on and off since then , with Costner on lead vocals and rhythm guitar . Back in the day , they called themselves Roving Boy . Truth be told , the 2008 incarnation -- Kevin Costner and Modern West -- does not sound like a movie star 's vanity project . It 's contemporary Americana set against a Western backdrop . Costner sings about freight trains , dusty avenues and broken dreams in a voice that 's pleasant , if not terribly distinct . In faded jeans and a toffee-colored cashmere sweater , he commands the stage with the same understated sex appeal he has on the big screen . At 53 , Costner is the soft-spoken , heroic everyman we 've seen time and again in such movies as `` Dances With Wolves , '' `` The Bodyguard '' and `` Field of Dreams '' -- except today he 's wielding an acoustic guitar instead of a baseball bat . The mission statement from `` Field of Dreams '' seems to apply to his philosophy as a recording artist : `` If you build it , they will come . '' Plenty of fans did come to his show that night , but earlier in the day , we caught up with the busy superstar during his rehearsal -- which he had opened up to a group of local college students in a Grammy-sponsored `` SoundCheck '' session . Listen to Costner kick it with his band '' CNN : Even though your album , `` Untold Truths , '' is being marketed as a country album , your sound is really more rootsy than traditional country . Kevin Costner : Yeah . It 's just music . CNN : What made you decide to put out an album ? Costner : My wife said , `` Look , you are the happiest by far when you are making music . Why do n't you keep on making music ? '' CNN : People may not know this , but you 've been making music for a long time . Costner : Yeah , for a long time . I have been doing a lot of things for a long time . -LRB- chuckles -RRB- It 's not like we called up and said , `` Hey , we have a garage band . Can we show up ? '' We have been working really hard at this for three years . All of it has been under the radar just because we have not felt like publicizing it . It has kind of happened in the way we wanted it to -- which was more of a grassroots situation , people discovering the band . CNN : When you were talking to the students , you spoke a lot about being fearless . Costner : Their choices are going to be questioned not only by their colleagues , but by their parents . You only get one shot at this life . They can go to college and learn a lot of things , but they should also be encouraged to try things , even if they do n't succeed . I am trying -- even if I do n't succeed . You know , failure is completely underrated in America . -LRB- smiles -RRB- . CNN : With this new project , there 's the possibility of having your head handed to you on a platter . Costner : Well , that will happen no matter what I do -- so I 'm not worried about that . I have to get over my own bar on what I think is acceptable . CNN : And what is that ? Costner : I do n't know . It 's just a moment when you feel you 've given an honest effort . CNN : You have trouble stuffing everything you want into a three-hour movie , let alone condensing things into a three-minute song . How do you -- . Costner : I do n't have that hard a time ! CNN : Oh , come on ! Costner : I make jokes about it a lot . You know , I make one-hour , 59-minute movies ! But yeah -- telling the story , I do n't believe in some conditional running length . I just believe in telling the story -- musicially or cinematically . CNN : You met John -- one of your guitar players -- in an acting class 20 years ago . Costner : Yeah , a long time ago . Blair -LRB- his bass player -RRB- , the same . Like anybody with good sense , you keep people who have been really true and honest with you around you . CNN : Which is more cutthroat , the movie business or the music business ? Costner : There is cutthroat stuff in everything -- these corporations going under , and people ducking for exits , pointing fingers . You know , it is a cycle of life . Then someone else will take that spot , some heavy hitter . Maybe it is good to take a lesson . You have to be a little humble because maybe one day , you are not that big , swinging dog you think you are . CNN : Do you ever feel like that in your own career ? Costner : Well , I am aware that a career that takes chances is n't always going to ring a bell . It is not the greatest risk in the world to not be the most popular person , or the number one person , because that is a pretty fleeting thing to begin with . CNN : Do you read reviews ? Costner : No . Sometimes they are read to me . `` Look what he said ! '' I am like , `` Please do n't show me . '' CNN : Are you planning to make more albums ? Costner : I will be making more music . We 'll see where it lands . We made a record . We made it as good as we could make it , and now we let it go . And we go and write a better song . CNN : In the meantime , you have a show to put on . Costner : There is a moment for two hours when you are really burning , and that is a great feeling . Some people like to jog because that somehow does something for them . When you perform , for me , it 's like filling up the gas tank . | Kevin Costner has band , Modern West ; new album just out . Costner has actually played music for years , band happened organically . Costner not bothered by reviews , tries to do things because he loves them . | [[2321, 2368]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The space shuttle Discovery is on pace for a Sunday launch after NASA engineers repaired a leaky gas venting system , officials said Saturday . Space shuttle Discovery readies for launch , which now appears on pace for Sunday . The leak had canceled a planned launch on Wednesday . NASA hopes the seven-member crew can take off around 7:40 p.m. Sunday on a mission to the international space station , where they will deliver supplies needed to expand the station 's crew to six people . `` The vehicle is looking real good ... , '' lead shuttle flight director Mike Moses said . `` Basically , I think I can sum this up by just saying we 're good to go tomorrow and we 're looking forward to getting the count going . '' A leak in a hydrogen gas vent line forced Wednesday 's delay . Repairs went smoothly , Moses said . The line funnels flammable hydrogen away from the launch pad during takeoff . The shuttle crew will be delivering the final parts needed for an expanded solar energy power system that will allow the station to double its crew to six people . The crew also will be dropping off Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata , who will replace NASA 's Sandy Magnus on the space station . The shuttle also will carry a replacement for a failed unit in a system that converts urine to drinkable water , NASA said . Watch an explanation of why Wednesday 's launch was scrubbed '' Kathy Winters , the mission 's chief weather officer , said Sunday appears to offer only a 20 percent chance of weather that would scrub the launch . The crew , led by commander Lee Archambault , is expected to board Discovery at Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral , Florida , at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday . Officials said the crew has been training and resting for the mission since Wednesday . Earlier this week , Magnus , station commander Michael Fincke and Russian engineer Yury Lonchakov had to take shelter in their Soyuz spacecraft -- a lifeboat of sorts -- when a piece of debris from an earlier mission hurtled uncomfortably close to the station . The debris , moving about 20,000 mph , came within three miles of the station but caused no damage . Wednesday 's launch postponement was the latest in a series of delays for Discovery as it tries to make the 28th shuttle mission to the space station . The launch had been delayed previously to allow time to check a `` flow-control valve in the shuttle 's main engines , '' NASA said last week . That resulted from damage being found in a valve on the shuttle Endeavour during its November 2008 flight . Three valves were cleared and installed on Discovery , it said . CNN 's Kim Segal and John Zarella contributed to this report . | NEW : Repairs to leaky hydrogen gas vent line went well , NASA says . NASA hopes launch , scrubbed this week , will happen Sunday evening . Shuttle launch postponed Wednesday because of leak in a venting system . Shuttle to deliver supplies to the International Space Station . | [[84, 134], [741, 803], [804, 825], [0, 15], [19, 77], [199, 205], [214, 246], [301, 418], [1367, 1402], [247, 300], [247, 255], [271, 300], [741, 803], [1339, 1402], [1367, 1402], [2163, 2246], [387, 410], [421, 506]] |
MADRID , Spain -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A heavy snowstorm caused chaos Friday at Madrid 's Barajas Airport , where flights were suspended for hours before Europe 's fourth-busiest airport reopened in the late afternoon . A woman enjoys the snow in Madrid , where the airport suspended flights because of the weather . Planes were flying again at 4:40 p.m. -LRB- 10:40 am ET -RRB- . `` It 's a huge snowstorm . You do n't see this in Madrid often , '' an airport spokeswoman said . The airport has 1,205 daily inbound and outbound flights . But for the first time , the airport halted operations due to a weather problem , the spokeswoman said . The temporary shutdown began about noon -LRB- 6 a.m. ET -RRB- . Visibility was low , and the storm was so intense that the airport 's snow clearing and de-icing equipment could n't keep up , said the spokeswoman , who by custom is not identified . The first plane to depart when the airport reopened was a Finnair flight bound for Helsinki , a second spokeswoman said . The delays from the storm affected hundreds of travelers at the airport . Many others could not even reach the airport because of poor road conditions . Madrid is one of the highest capitals in Europe , at an elevation of 646 meters or 2,120 feet , but it does not often snow in the city itself , especially with the ferocity seen Friday . Watch snowy scenes from Madrid '' As children and even some adults gleefully tossed snowballs , city officials urged motorists to stay off the roads and use public transportation . Large traffic jams formed on the major highways leading from Madrid to Barcelona and other cities , and numerous vehicles ran off the roads and got stuck in the snow . iReport : Are you snowed in in Spain ? Send us your photos , videos . Bus service was suspended in many areas , although subways and commuter trains were operating , with delays in some cases . Weather forecasters said the snow was expected to continue through Saturday morning , although diminishing in intensity . | Airport reopens after suspending flights for hours Friday . Madrid is one of the highest capitals in Europe , at an elevation of 646 meters . However , it rarely has heavy snowfall of the kind seen Friday . | [[103, 181], [1162, 1209]] |
-LRB- RealSimple.com -RRB- -- Overwashing , overapplying , and product overkill wo n't improve your skin . Rein in your regimen to get real results . Want beautiful skin like model Megan Gale ? Do n't overdo it , experts say . Cleansing and exfoliating . You do n't need to wash or scrub as often -- or as vigorously -- as you may think . `` Many women go overboard here , figuring it will make their skin look better if they do both more frequently , '' says dermatologist Leslie Baumann . `` But that only damages the skin 's natural barrier and creates dryness and irritation . '' Combination skin . How often : Wash your face twice a day , and gently exfoliate once or twice a week ; this is enough to keep skin balanced and encourage cell turnover , according to experts . What to look for : A mild cleanser that is n't too rich or too drying , says Mary Lupo , a dermatologist in New Orleans , Louisiana . Use an exfoliant that contains gentle particles or acids to remove dead cells without abrading your skin . Where to find it : Cleanser -- Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash , $ 6 at drugstores . Exfoliant -- St. Ives Elements Microdermabrasion Scrub , $ 7 at drugstores . Dry skin . How often : Cleanse skin at night , when it 's dirtiest . Rinse with cool water in the morning to help maintain natural oils . If skin is flaky , exfoliate once a week , says Lisa Donofrio , a professor of dermatology at Yale University . What to look for : A cleansing oil or creamy wash that has moisturizing ingredients , such as glycerin . If you have sensitive skin to boot , avoid products that contain fragrances or alcohol , which can irritate . Where to find it : Cleanser -- Laura Mercier Purifying Oil , $ 40 , www.sephora.com ; or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser , $ 11.50 at drugstores . Exfoliant -- Your safest bet is to use a wet washcloth . Oily/acne-prone skin . How often : Lather up two to three times a day -LRB- as needed -RRB- but never more ; overwashing kicks oil glands into overproduction . Exfoliate once or twice a week , but skip this if you have acne ; the friction can make it worse . What to look for : An oil-free , non-comedogenic foaming cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to prevent breakouts . The scrub should contain mild acids to keep the pores open and clean . Where to find it : Cleanser -- Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser , $ 7 at drugstores . Exfoliant -- Bioré Pore Unclogging Scrub , $ 6 at drugstores . Sensitive skin . How often : Wash once a day if your skin is irritated by nearly everything or if you have eczema or psoriasis ; twice a day if your skin is dirty . Forget about exfoliating , as it 's too abrasive for your skin type . What to look for : Hypoallergenic and fragrance - and soap-free cleansers . Calming ingredients , like green tea , chamomile , feverfew , and aloe , are a bonus . As a general rule , the fewer ingredients in a product , the better . Where to find it : Cleanser -- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser -LRB- $ 19.50 , www.laroche-posay.com -RRB- . Apply with your fingers . `` Think of the way you 'd touch a newborn , '' says Barbara Reed , a Denver , Colorado , dermatologist . Portion control . • Use a quarter-size amount of cleanser on most skin types . • A dime-size dollop of scrub will do . • A pea-size dab of cleanser is plenty for sensitive skin . Real Simple : Best facial cleansers . Moisturizing and protecting . No matter what your skin type , moisture is important . `` If your skin is n't hydrated , it ca n't protect itself from the free radicals that cause damage , discoloration , and wrinkles , '' says dermatologist Leslie Baumann . Year-round daily sun protection is also a must . Fortunately there are moisturizers with SPF available for every complexion . Combination skin . How often : Each morning , apply moisturizer with SPF after cleansing your skin . Reapply if you 're spending more than 30 minutes outside , as sun-screens break down in sunlight over time . What to look for : A medium-weight lotion with skin-protective antioxidants , such as green tea , coenzyme Q10 , and vitamin C , and broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 15 or higher . Where to find it : L'Oréal Paris Revitalift UV Daily Moisturizing Cream with Mexoryl SX SPF 15 , $ 22 at drugstores ; or Clinique Super-defense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer Dry Combination , $ 43 , www.clinique.com . Dry skin . How often : To help seal in water , apply moisturizer with SPF once a day , right after cleansing , while your skin is still damp . Reapply at midday if your skin begins to feel tight , and use a cream at night . What to look for : A rich cream that contains antioxidants , plus hyaluronic acid , glycerin , or ceramides . `` Hyaluronic acid and glycerin bind in moisture , and ceramides prevent water loss from the skin , '' says Donofrio . Where to find it : Dove Pro Age Day Moisturizer SPF 15 , $ 14 at drugstores ; or Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 , $ 10.50 at drugstores . Oily/acne-prone skin . How often : Moisturize every morning . Oily skin needs the right type of moisture and lightweight , non-comedogenic sun protection . Reapply as needed , since blotting away shine can remove sunscreen . What to look for : An oil-free , featherweight lotion , serum , or gel with antioxidants . If you 're acne-prone , avoid products with cocoa butter , cinnamon , or coconut oil , as they can trigger breakouts , says Baumann . Where to find it : DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15 , $ 38 , www.ddfskincare.com ; or Clean & Clear Soft Oil-Free Day Moisturizer SPF 15 , $ 8.50 at drugstores . Sensitive skin . How often : In the morning , apply moisturizer to skin that has been dabbed dry . Ingredients penetrate wet skin more deeply , which is often a good thing , but this can irritate sensitive skin . What to look for : Fragrance-free lotions or creams that contain anti-inflammatories , such as chamomile , green tea , feverfew , and caffeine . Avoid lipoic acid , as it can be irritating . Where to find it : Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Moisture Lotion SPF 15 , $ 14 at drugstores ; or Dermalogica Super Sensitive Faceblock SPF 30 , $ 45 , www.dermalogica.com for locations . Portion control . Use a nickel-to quarter-size amount of moisturizer with SPF for face coverage . Real Simple : Seventeen affordable moisturizers . Treating and troubleshooting . Nighttime is best for targeting fine lines , blemishes , and discoloration . That 's when the skin repairs itself , and the sun is n't around to degrade the active ingredients in the treatments . Careful and consistent use of effective products -LRB- most also provide moisture -RRB- will gradually yield great results . Combination skin . To keep it smooth : Four nights a week , use a cream with retinol , a potent , tried-and-true wrinkle reducer . Try : Philosophy Help Me Retinol Night Treatment , $ 45 , www.philosophy.com . To clear it up : Use a 5 percent benzoyl peroxide or 2 percent salicylic acid gel nightly . Try : B. Kamins Medicated Acne Gel 5 , $ 26 , www.bkamins.com ; or Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Gel , $ 8 at drugstores . To even tone : Retinol evens tone , but for darker spots , at night use a formula that also has skin-lightening licorice , kojic acid , soy , or vitamin C. Try : RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment , $ 25 at drugstores . Dry skin . To keep it smooth : As dry skin can be sensitive , apply gentle retinols every other night with a moisturizer . Try : Avène Rétrinal Cream .05 , $ 56 , www.skincarerx.com . Other nights , just moisturize . To clear it up : Heal blemishes using a moisturizing 2 percent salicylic acid treatment or a sulfur-based salve once or twice a week . Try : AcneWorx Gentle Moisturizing Clear Acne Treatment Gel , $ 20 , www.amazon.com . To even tone : Slather on a rich cream that contains skin-brightening ingredients , like coffeeberry extract , each night . Try : RevaléSkin Night Cream , $ 99 , www.skincarerx.com . Oily/acne-prone skin . To keep it smooth : Nightly use of a retinol gel or serum softens fine lines -LRB- skip it on nights you treat blemishes , as below -RRB- . Try : Replenix Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum 3X , $ 56 , www.skincarerx.com . To clear it up : Oily skin can take a 5 or 10 percent benzoyl peroxide gel twice a day , says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal , a dermatologist in Danville , California . Try : Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 , $ 5 at drugstores . To even tone : Each night smooth a thin layer of a lightweight vitamin C serum over your face to gradually lighten any discoloration . Try : Avon Anew Alternative Clearly C 10 % Vitamin C Serum , $ 20 , www.avon.com . Sensitive skin . To keep it smooth : Every third night , apply a mild retinol -LRB- see dry skin -RRB- . Or use peptides nightly on lines . Try : Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment , $ 18 at drugstores . To clear it up : Treat blemishes with a 2 percent salicylic acid treatment and follow with moisturizer . Try : Exuviance Blemish Treatment Gel , $ 16 , www.exuviance.com . Avoid benzoyl peroxide , which can be irritating . To even tone : Consider a nightly application of a lotion with a gentle lightener , like a niacin derivative or vitamin C. Try : NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex , $ 110 , www.skincarerx.com . Portion control . • A pea-size amount of a retinol cream is adequate . • A dime-size dollop of a skin brightener or moisturizer will do the trick . • A sunflower seed -- size dot of an acne salve is all your spots require . Get a FREE TRIAL issue of Real Simple - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2009 Time Inc. . All rights reserved . | Overwashing , overapplying and product overkill wo n't improve your skin . Which of these regimens should you be using for your type of skin ? Dry skin types should apply moisturizer with SPF once a day . Sensitive skin should only apply a mild retinol every third night to fight aging . | [[42, 56], [0, 106], [3804, 3807], [3831, 3885], [4430, 4432], [4454, 4491], [5031, 5034], [5043, 5069], [8904, 8906], [8983, 9008], [7396, 7398], [7416, 7427], [7447, 7507], [8698, 8700], [8738, 8785]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The first person ever convicted in Idaho of knowingly spreading the HIV virus is facing new charges for the same offense , authorities said Thursday . An Ada County , Idaho , grand jury on Tuesday returned an indictment charging Kerry Thomas , 45 , with seven counts of knowingly transferring the HIV virus , Jean Fisher , Ada County deputy prosecutor , told CNN . In 1990 , Thomas was charged with four counts of HIV transmission and two counts of statutory rape , Fisher said . As part of a plea agreement , he pleaded guilty only to the rape charges . According to Fisher , Thomas received a 12-year sentence and had to serve three years before being eligible for parole . He was later granted early release . In 1996 , however , Thomas was again charged with one count of HIV transmission , and a jury convicted him , Fisher said . He received a 15-year sentence with a seven-year minimum . Now out on parole , Thomas faces possible life in prison on the new charges because prosecutors are seeking his designation as a `` persistent violator . '' It was not immediately known whether Thomas was in custody Thursday . He was not listed online among the inmates in the Ada County Jail . Asked why Thomas would continue to spread the virus , which causes AIDS , Fisher said , `` That 's the $ 64,000 question , for a person who has been to prison twice . '' | Kerry Thomas was indicted for second time for knowingly transferring HIV virus . In 1990 , Thomas was charged with four counts of HIV transmission . If convicted , Thomas could face life in prison . | [[170, 265], [273, 285], [289, 325], [732, 739], [752, 768], [777, 811], [732, 739], [752, 758], [763, 811], [384, 391], [394, 482], [934, 1067]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on Friday said she would do the job again -- but only if she could work for her current boss . Dana Perino said goodbye to the White House press corps at her last briefing as White House spokeswoman Friday . `` I would n't do it for anybody but President Bush , '' Perino said as she briefed reporters for the last time Friday . `` If given the chance to do it over again , would I ? Yes , '' Perino said . `` But would I ever come back and do this ? No . ... I think it 's good to get off the stage . '' Perino also thanked the White House press corps . `` We all have difficult jobs , we all work long and tough hours , and it 's been an exciting challenge , '' said Perino , 36 . `` I know I had some big shoes to fill when I got here -- and I still only wear a size six . '' Watch Bush 's farewell address '' And she wished President-elect Barack Obama 's spokesman , Robert Gibbs , `` all the very best . '' `` Please go easy on him -- for a week , '' Perino joked with reporters . In the 80-year history of official White House press secretaries , only two women have been named to the job : Dee Dee Myers , who served former President Bill Clinton , and Perino . It 's been 15 months since Bush named Perino to succeed Tony Snow , who later died of colon cancer , as White House press secretary . View key moments in the Bush presidency '' `` It was about two weeks into the job when I realized that I am never going to be like Tony Snow , '' Perino said . Her first goal was to make briefings less heated . She still pushed back , but chose her confrontations carefully . `` If I was testy all the time as a woman in this position , I can only imagine what people would have said about me , so there is a delicate balance , I think , in this position . '' During her time behind the White House podium , Perino sparred almost daily with the media on a number of contentious issues , including the president 's decision to `` surge '' troops into Iraq . Perino said there are some things that she would have done differently . `` I 'm sure that I 'll have lots , '' she said Friday when asked if she had any regrets . `` I 'm going to go on a six-week trip with my husband , and I 'm sure there will be long-enough flights for me to think about all the things we could have done better . View iconic images from Bush 's time in the White House '' `` Any press secretary always wants to be more proactive , but news happens all over the world , '' Perino said . `` And now with the 24/7 news cycle , in many ways , sometimes , you feel like you 're just trying to keep up with that . '' `` That 's not a regret or a disappointment . It 's just a fact of life , '' she added . As she begins to look beyond her years in the West Wing , Perino , a native of Wyoming who was raised in Colorado , says she is looking forward to spending more time in her own neighborhood in Washington with her husband , Peter McMahon , and their dog , a Hungarian Vizsla named Henry . Watch Perino prepare for life after the White House '' She is also looking forward to sleeping in . When asked what she will miss the least from her time in the White House , Perino said , `` Absolutely has to be getting up at 4 o'clock in the morning . `` I do n't mind working long hours , I do n't mind working hard , but getting up when the four is still on the clock is something I hope I never have to do again unless I 'm catching a flight to some exotic location , '' she said . After January 20 , Perino does plan to take a vacation -- which she says will include volunteer work for President Bush 's HIV/AIDS relief program in Africa . CNN 's Elaine Quijano and Scott J. Anderson contributed to this report . | White House spokeswoman Dana Perino gave last news briefing Friday . Perino , 36 , succeeded Tony Snow , is only second woman to hold post . Perino plans six-week vacation , will volunteer with HIV/AIDS relief program in Africa . | [[161, 228], [328, 394], [1053, 1161], [2194, 2245], [3542, 3548], [3559, 3681]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Author John Updike , regarded as one of the greatest and most prolific writers in modern American letters , died Tuesday , his publicist said . He was 76 . John Updike won many literary awards . His books , such as `` The Witches of Eastwick , '' were also best-sellers . Updike passed away Tuesday morning after battling lung cancer . He lived in Beverly Farms , Massachusetts . `` He was one of our greatest writers , and he will be sorely missed , '' said Nicholas Latimer , vice president of publicity at Updike 's publisher , Alfred A. Knopf . Updike was a rarity among American writers : a much-esteemed , prize-winning author whose books -- including `` Rabbit , Run '' -LRB- 1960 -RRB- , `` Couples '' -LRB- 1968 -RRB- , `` The Witches of Eastwick '' -LRB- 1984 -RRB- and `` Terrorist '' -LRB- 2006 -RRB- -- were also best-sellers . Updike won the Pulitzer Prize twice : for `` Rabbit Is Rich '' -LRB- 1981 -RRB- and its successor , `` Rabbit at Rest '' -LRB- 1991 -RRB- . iReport : Share your tributes to John Updike . The `` Rabbit '' series , about an angst-ridden car dealer in a town much like Updike 's hometown of Shillington , Pennsylvania , spanned four novels , a novella and four decades . In the books -- which also included 1971 's `` Rabbit Redux '' and a 2001 novella , `` Rabbit Remembered '' -- onetime basketball star Harry `` Rabbit '' Angstrom negotiates marriage , divorce , wealth and health problems , never quite understanding the larger forces shaping his life . `` Rabbit is not a character calculated to inspire affection , but he is an unflinchingly authentic specimen of American manhood , and his boorishness makes his rare moments of vulnerability and empathy that much more heartbreaking , '' wrote Time 's Lev Grossman in naming `` Rabbit , Run '' to Time 's `` All-Time 100 Novels '' list . Updike was incredibly prolific , penning essays , reviews , short stories , poetry and memoirs . His works frequently appeared in The New Yorker , including a famed 1960 essay about Ted Williams ' final game , `` Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu . '' `` No writer was more important to the soul of The New Yorker than John , '' said David Remnick , the editor of the magazine , in a statement . `` Even though his literary career transcended any magazine -- he was obviously among the very best writers in the world -- he still loved writing for this weekly magazine , loved being part of an enterprise that he joined when he was so young . `` We adored him , '' Remnick continued . `` He was , for so long , the spirit of The New Yorker and it is very hard to imagine things without him . '' The magazine said that Updike had written 862 pieces for it over the years , including 327 book reviews , 170 short stories and 154 poems . He was well-regarded in his adopted home state of Massachusetts . `` John Updike 's place among America 's literary greats is forever secure , as is his special place in every Red Sox fan 's heart for his magnificent ` Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu , ' '' Sen. John Kerry -LRB- D-Massachusetts -RRB- said in a statement . `` We honor his memory and his contributions , and Massachusetts today bids him a sad and wistful adieu of our own . '' Updike never won a Nobel Prize , but one of his characters , Henry Bech , received one in `` Bech at Bay '' -LRB- 1998 -RRB- . His works , particularly given their sexual content , could be as divisive as they were poetic . Many critics accused him of misogyny , and others accused him of using his graceful prose to cover thin subject matter -- and Updike put out his prose by the ream . `` It seems to be easier for John Updike to stifle a yawn than to refrain from writing a book , '' the literary critic James Wood wrote in the London Review of Books in 2001 . But his frank discussion of sex also garnered him many readers , the cover of Time magazine -LRB- for 1968 's `` Couples '' -RRB- and a lifetime achievement Bad Sex in Writing award from Great Britain 's Literary Review . He was criticized by Norman Mailer , hailed by fellow author -LRB- and Updike obsessive -RRB- Nicholson Baker in `` U and I '' and even appeared as an animated version of himself on a `` Simpsons '' episode as the ghostwriter of a Krusty the Klown book . '' -LSB- I -RSB- was flattered to be asked to be one of the many voices that they worked into the endless saga of Springfield , '' Updike said , noting that the hardest part of his performance was `` producing a chuckle . '' John Hoyer Updike was born March 18 , 1932 , in Reading , Pennsylvania , and grew up in Shillington . From an early age he took to reading and writing , and earned a full scholarship to Harvard , where he headed the Harvard Lampoon . Upon graduation , he accepted a one-year fellowship to Oxford University in England . By the time he was 23 , he had been offered a position at The New Yorker , which was to become his literary home over the next 50-plus years . Updike 's first novel , `` The Poorhouse Fair , '' came out in 1959 . The next year , in `` Rabbit , Run , '' he introduced Angstrom , who was to become one of the most famous characters in American fiction . When introduced , Rabbit is a man fleeing his pregnant wife , the songs on the car radio reflecting both the era and his life . Over the course of the `` Rabbit '' books , the character would routinely infuriate his spouse , mistresses and offspring , try to make things right , and never quite succeed . His attitude did n't help . `` Men are all heart and women are all body . I do n't know who has the brains . God maybe , '' the character said in `` Rabbit , Run . '' `` Rabbit , Run '' was successful , as were Updike 's other '60s books , including `` The Centaur '' -LRB- 1963 -RRB- , which featured a teacher much like Updike 's father , and the short story collection `` The Music School '' -LRB- 1966 -RRB- . But it was `` Couples '' that made Updike a household name . The book , about a group of spouses engaging in the sexual revolution in suburban Massachusetts , became a No. 1 best-seller . Updike 's interests ranged widely . He wrote about an African state in `` The Coup '' -LRB- 1978 -RRB- . He discussed the relationship between science and religion in `` Roger 's Version '' -LRB- 1986 -RRB- . He revisited `` Hamlet '' in `` Gertrude and Claudius '' -LRB- 2000 -RRB- . And he created a group of promiscuous witches in `` The Witches of Eastwick '' -LRB- 1984 -RRB- , which became a hit movie in 1987 starring Jack Nicholson as the devil . Though Updike 's work routinely sold well , he was painfully aware of the decline of what 's come to be called `` literary fiction . '' In a 2000 interview with Salon , he lamented its difficulties . `` When I was a boy , the best-selling books were often the books that were on your piano teacher 's shelf . I mean , Steinbeck , Hemingway , some Faulkner . Faulkner actually had , considering how hard he is to read and how drastic the experiments are , quite a middle-class readership , '' he said . `` But certainly someone like Steinbeck was a best-seller as well as a Nobel Prize-winning author of high intent . You do n't feel that now . '' And yet , Updike himself never lost his zest for the written word , and the pleasure brought by jotting , tuning , refining -- creating -- a new story , even as the years drifted by . `` An aging writer has the not insignificant satisfaction of a shelf of books behind him that , as they wait for their ideal readers to discover them , will outlast him for a while , '' he wrote in AARP The Magazine late last year . `` The pleasures , for him , of book-making ... remain , and retain creation 's giddy bliss . Among those diminishing neurons there lurks the irrational hope that the last book might be the best . '' Updike 's most recent novel , `` The Widows of Eastwick , '' came out in 2008 . A collection of stories , `` My Father 's Tears and Other Stories , '' is due out later this year . | John Updike , author of `` Rabbit '' books and `` The Witches of Eastwick , '' dies . Updike , 76 , had been suffering from lung cancer . Pulitzer Prize winner was titan of American letters . | [[631, 636], [637, 712], [163, 174], [291, 354], [291, 297], [326, 354]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two hundred years after his birth in a log cabin in Kentucky , Abraham Lincoln continues to fascinate . Abraham Lincoln is invoked by politicians of both parties , observes historian Ronald C. White Jr. . His moral clarity , his extraordinary gifts with language , his decisive role in preserving the Union and what some consider his ultimate martyrdom combine to make of Lincoln a mythic figure with a firm hold on our collective imagination . In conjunction with the bicentennial of his birth , a slew of new books on the 16th U.S. president have appeared . Among the best-reviewed is the biography `` A. Lincoln '' -LRB- Random House -RRB- by historian Ronald C. White Jr. , who drew on new research for his portrait . CNN talked with White about Lincoln 's impact on the country , President Obama 's affinity for him and what lessons Lincoln has to offer Americans of today . The following is an edited version of White 's comments : . CNN : Thousands of books have been published about Lincoln . Why did you decide to write a new biography ? Ronald C. White Jr. : Probably surprising to many is how many new discoveries have been made about Lincoln just in the last 15 to 20 years . For example , about 20 years ago , a professor in Illinois wondered if there were still Lincoln legal papers laying around in the almost 100 courthouses in Illinois . So he got together a group of students , and they began searching those courthouses , and they found -LSB- thousands -RSB- of Lincoln legal documents . ... I wanted to treat more of that part of Lincoln 's life -- he spent nearly 24 years as a lawyer . This is just an example of what we have discovered only in recent years . See iReporters don stovepipe hats like Lincoln . CNN : More than 100 years after his death , why does Lincoln still fascinate us ? White : I think for many he embodies the best of America . The fact that a man of such humble origins , with less than one year of formal education , could , in his term , have the `` right to rise . '' He felt that America was a land where we should not put any shackles or weights upon people . One reason he hated slavery so much was that it puts weights upon people . ... I 'm going to be speaking in Italy and Germany in April , and people there are fascinated with Lincoln for the same reason . Now , to be sure , Obama has shone a large spotlight on Abraham Lincoln . I think this is somewhat responsible for rediscovering this man at the beginning of the Lincoln bicentennial in the year 2009 . CNN : Why do you think Barack Obama has made such a point of aligning himself with Lincoln ? White : It 's become commonplace for politicians of both parties to invoke Lincoln -- literally wrap themselves in the mantle of Lincoln -- especially at political conventions . But when I read `` The Audacity of Hope '' it came through to me that this is something quite genuine . As Obama is seeking to define his own vocation as a politician , he found in Lincoln -- Lincoln 's inclusive spirit , Lincoln 's humble demeanor , Lincoln 's great gift with words -- he found here some of the very values that he wished to inculcate into his own life . ... I think he picked up on the symbolism of Lincoln , using the very same ceremonial Bible -LSB- for his swearing-in -RSB- , picking as his theme a `` new birth of freedom , '' re-enacting the final 137 miles of the train ride -LSB- Lincoln took to Washington for his first inaugural -RSB- . It 's fascinating that here this African-American politician is finding a model and a mentor , and I think it is the values that Lincoln represents that Obama is finding . CNN : Some people have noted temperamental similarities between Lincoln and Obama . Is there any justification for that comparison ? White : I think there is . Obama comes across as a person of kind of calm , reassuring demeanor . He is a person who likes to circle around questions and problems . He was as interested , as I 've come to understand , when he taught law in Chicago , in asking questions as in coming up with answers . This is exactly the way Lincoln approached reality . They both have a real sense for oratory , how less is more ; they have a compelling way of speaking . ... To be sure there are real differences . -LSB- Obama -RSB- had an education far beyond Lincoln 's . It 's yet to be determined how Obama will emulate Lincoln . I would argue that Lincoln had to teach himself to be president . He was very aware of his inadequacies , certainly in administration and military policy . And I think with all the fanfare for Obama I think he understands that he has to teach himself how to be president , too . iReport.com : Send your rendition of Lincoln 's second inaugural speech . CNN : -LSB- Historian -RSB- Henry Louis Gates suggests Lincoln 's attitudes on race were not as enlightened as some would like to think . In your book , you say it 's important to consider the context in which Lincoln articulated his racial views . White : This is the difficulty ... with understanding the context . Lincoln 's racial attitudes ... were left of center and moving in that direction , toward the left . ... Lincoln said in one of his debates with Stephen Douglas , `` It 's not that I 'm about to marry a black woman , it 's not that I think blacks should serve on juries . '' ... He then comes back and says , `` But this black woman , in terms of her right to eat the bread she earns from her own hands is every bit my equal and the equal of every person here because if you 're referring to the Declaration of Independence , all men are created equal . '' Even the most radical abolitionist would probably not have granted social equality -LSB- between blacks and whites -RSB- . CNN : What did you discover about the evolution of Lincoln 's religious views ? White : His religious odyssey comes to more of a full scope during his presidency . ... We see him re-appropriating elements of the Christian faith -- not his parents ' tradition -- but a more rational , logical , thoughtful old-school Presbyterian tradition -LSB- after he became president -RSB- . This is a story that has not often been told , and I think it 's an important part of understanding the moral core of Abraham Lincoln . It was n't simply that he had an ethic , which he certainly did , but there was a theological kind of undergirding of that ethic that came to the forefront more in his years as president . CNN : Do you feel Lincoln is our greatest president ? White : Well , there are a lot of great presidents . ... Certainly the times make the man . Lincoln led us through the greatest crisis of our nation 's history -- an internal crisis -- even as Franklin Delano Roosevelt is one of our greatest presidents , who led us through two other great crises -- the Great Depression and World War II . It 's hard to compare people of different eras , but I think Lincoln sort of incarnates the best values of the American experience . CNN : What can we all learn from Lincoln ? White : If there is an ultimate value in doing a biography of Lincoln , it is that Lincoln offers some wisdom for today . We do n't have to be political leaders to catch the values -- his humility , the strength of his character and moral vision , the fact that words fiercely mattered to him and should matter to us . ... He said at the second inaugural , `` With malice toward none , with charity for all . '' I was intrigued to find ... that people wore mourning badges right after his death that said , `` With malice toward none , with charity for all . '' Lincoln did n't just speak these words , he had come to embody these words for the people who knew him and loved him . And so these values are not simply back there in the 19th century . They 're values that we can embody and work with in the 21st century . | Ronald C. White Jr. is author of new Lincoln biography , `` A. Lincoln '' Lincoln `` embodies the best of America , '' White says . Historian sees some comparisons with President Obama : demeanor , writing ability . Lincoln 's character , moral vision still pertinent , White says . | [[604, 719], [6922, 7001], [3673, 3752], [6201, 6285]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- South African Giniel De Villiers is the new leader of the Dakar Rally after he won Thursday 's 12th special stage and Spaniard Carlos Sainz was forced to pull out following a dramatic crash . The stricken Volkswagen of Carlos Sainz after he careered down a ravine on stage 12 of the Dakar Rally . De Villiers , who was claiming his third stage triumph , brought his Volkswagen across the line in four hours , six minutes and 43 seconds -- over 16 minutes ahead of team-mate Mark Miller , who lies second overall . American Robert Gordon -LRB- Hummer -RRB- was third on the stage , the same as his overall position . The route from Fiambala to La Rioja was reduced by 30 kilometers , leaving the special stage at 223km , as organizers accepted the Argentinian authorities ' request to shorten it because of the archaeological discoveries made a month ago in the Fiambala region of Catamarca province . Two-time world rally champion Sainz , who was leading after six stage victories , had his dream of winning his first Dakar ended when , 79km into the stage , his Volkswagen crashed into a dry riverbed . His co-driver , Frenchman Michel Perin , suffered a shoulder injury and both had to be evacuated by helicopter for medical attention . Perin told PA Sport : `` We had made a small mistake in the first part . We took the wrong direction at a Y crossing but it was not too bad because we did end up on the right trail . We were tailing Giniel De Villiers , who had started about 10 minutes after us , so it was still sort of okay . There was a hidden way-point indicated as ` danger ' -- but it should have been indicated as ` extremely dangerous ' . `` The car behind us , Nani Roma 's car , would have fallen in the same hole as we did if we had not been there already . I 'm okay , I just have something broken in my arm , but I 'm all right . '' De Villiers said : `` It was really a tough stage . In places we would go around in circles for 15 minutes to find the right trail . It was very dangerous and the sand was really soft . `` We stopped one time to deflate our tyres , then a second time in a huge canyon with tons of boulders . My co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz had to get out of the car to find a way out . It was really a tough day . '' Miller added : `` I can tell you that this was a very demanding stage . I can not even imagine how the amateurs will make it to the finish today . It was not just difficult , navigation was almost impossible . `` It was a long series of horror situations from start to finish . `` These were the longest 200km in my life . The sun and the sand were so bright that I could not see anything . '' He added : `` It 's not good news to know that Carlos had to withdraw . He has an important place in the team . '' In the motorcycle class , title holder Cyril Despres -LRB- KTM -RRB- kept his hopes of winning his third crown alive after taking his third stage in a time of 3:57:37 to climb into second spot in the overall standings . However , Despres ' Spanish team-mate Marc Coma did not make things easy for the Frenchman as he crossed the line 1:23 behind , to remain out in front with a 1:29:48 advantage . The 12th stage has been the most difficult since the rally began on January 3 in Buenos Aires , with competitiors struggling through sand dunes and rain in western Argentina . Sainz had held a commanding lead in the overall standings at the start of the day , having won six of 10 previous stages . | Dakar leader Carlos Sainz crashes out of rally during Thursday 's 12th stage . The Spaniard 's Volkswagen careers into a ravine 79 kilometers into the stage . Sainz 's retirement hands the race advantage to South African Giniel De Villiers . | [[137, 210], [137, 210], [257, 273], [276, 282], [1037, 1075], [1078, 1122], [0, 15], [19, 88]] |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.