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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Tennis Channel has canceled plans to broadcast a tournament in Dubai because an Israeli player was banned . Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer was denied a visa by the United Arab Emirates . Shahar Peer , the 45th-ranked women 's player according to the World Tennis Association , qualified to compete in this week 's Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships but was denied a visa by the United Arab Emirates . Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE . The cable network had planned to air parts of the tournament this weekend . `` Tennis Channel recognizes that this exclusion has been made by state authorities and neither the tour nor tournament directors themselves , '' said a statement posted on the channel 's Web site Wednesday . `` However we also honor the role and proud tradition that tennis has always played as a driving force for inclusion both on and off the courts . `` Preventing an otherwise qualified athlete from competing on the basis of anything other than merit has no place in tennis or any other sport , and has the unfortunate result of undermining the credibility of the very nature of competition itself . '' The announcement comes the same day The Wall Street Journal Europe announced it is dropping its sponsorship of the tournament . `` The Wall Street Journal 's editorial philosophy is free markets and free people , and this action runs counter to the Journal 's editorial direction , '' the Journal said in a written statement . The paper also said it plans to cancel a special tennis-themed advertising section scheduled for Monday and its backing of a men 's tournament in Dubai scheduled for next week . After days of international criticism , including the WTA saying it would review whether the UAE should be allowed to host future tournaments , the event 's organizers said Peer was barred from the tournament for her own protection , apparently alluding to Israel 's recent military offensive in Gaza . `` We do not wish to politicize sports , but we have to be sensitive to recent events in the region and not alienate or put at risk the players and the many tennis fans of different nationalities that we have here , '' organizers said in a written statement . The statement cited anti-Israel protests before one of Peer 's matches at a recent tournament in New Zealand . But this is not the first time the UAE has barred Israeli tennis players . Last year , an Israeli men 's doubles team was denied entry . The emirate also cited security concerns then . In a statement posted on the Tennis Channel 's site , Peer thanked the cable channel for its decision . `` I was very moved and excited to hear about your decision not to broadcast the Dubai tournament following their denial to allow me to participate in the event , '' she wrote . `` You at Tennis Channel were the first ones to add action to the words and this is leading the way to other organizations as well . `` All I want is to play tennis and do well . I believe you are helping me to do exactly this . '' | United Arab Emirates denies visa to Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer . Tennis Channel : Sport should be ` driving force for inclusion ... on and off the courts ' Wall Street Journal Europe drops sponsorship of Barclays Dubai Tennis tourney . Peer thanks channel : ' I was very moved and excited to hear about your decision ' | [[131, 212], [213, 224], [362, 427], [772, 774], [780, 906], [1184, 1288], [1508, 1665], [2525, 2539], [2579, 2628], [2632, 2633], [2661, 2688]] |
TEHRAN , Iran -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Swiss diplomat was released from jail Thursday after being arrested on a sex charge , the Iranian media reported . The first secretary of the U.S. Interests section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran had been in an `` indecent sexual relation '' with an Iranian woman in his car , Iran 's Press TV reported , citing Iranian police . Police spotted the car with diplomatic plates in a parking lot and caught the diplomat . The woman was `` improperly dressed and in an obscene situation , '' Press TV said . The `` sexual relation '' occurred after the diplomat , who was not named , promised he would marry the woman , Press TV reported . Both were released on bail . It was not clear what charges were filed against the woman . Press TV said it had contacted the deputy head of the U.S. Interest Section in Tehran , Elizabeth Bucher , but she would not comment on the report . The suspect is a Swiss diplomat who represents the United States in Iran in the absence of a U.S. presence . The United States and Iran have not had full diplomatic relations since the 1979 Islamic revolution . | Diplomat said to have been in `` indecent sexual relation '' with woman in car . Swiss embassy staffer was seen with woman `` in an obscene situation '' Incident occurred after diplomat promised to marry the woman , reports said . | [[150, 309], [150, 309], [453, 516], [579, 591], [614, 647]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- British union leaders will recommend Thursday ending an unofficial strike that has dragged on more than a week at the country 's third-largest oil refinery , the arbitrator in the dispute announced Wednesday . Protesters at the Lindsay Oil Refinery are opposed to plans to employ non-British workers at the plant . Workers walked off the job January 28 to protest the hiring of hundreds of foreign workers for a construction project at the Lindsey oil refinery in eastern England . Their action has prompted similar `` wildcat '' strikes , unsanctioned by national unions , at other sites across the country . The compromise will involve opening 101 new jobs to British workers , the arbitration service ACAS said in a written statement . Local union leaders had earlier told demonstrators they were near their goal of being offered half the jobs involved in one of the latest subcontracts connected to the construction project -- 102 new jobs for a minimum of nine weeks . `` If you ca n't be happy with that , you ca n't be happy with anything , '' a local union official said at a demonstration televised by Britain 's Sky News . The union leader did not identify himself . The French-based oil company Total , which owns the plant , confirmed a deal was in the cards . `` Union officials will present details of the agreement to the workforce at 7:30 a.m. -LRB- 2:30 a.m. ET Thursday -RRB- and recommend a return to work , '' Total said in a release . Stephen Hughes , a Labour legislator in the European Parliament , warned that the reported compromise could itself run afoul of European labor law , opening the way for foreign workers who lose out to British labor to claim they were being discriminated against on the basis of nationality . Union leaders have been meeting over three days with Total , Jacobs , the main site contractor , and IREM , the Italian firm hired to carry out the project , in talks moderated by ACAS . They had already rejected one proposal , a union official told CNN . Union leaders accuse Total of discriminating against British workers by subcontracting with IREM , which has hired workers from Italy and Portugal . Total rejects the allegation . Overall , the construction project has employed , directly or indirectly , 600 to 1,000 workers for about 18 months , Total said . `` It has never been , and never will be , the policy of Total to discriminate against British companies or British workers . We have been a major local employer for 40 years and the majority of our 500 permanent staff are local , '' the company said in a statement released Monday . It said IREM had won the sub-contract through a fair and legal bidding process . ACAS will investigate the bidding process and report within weeks , it said Wednesday . Hundreds of workers at British power plants and refineries have been walking off the job in unofficial `` wildcat '' strikes since the Lindsey workers put down their tools last Wednesday . Spontaneous strikes took place Tuesday in every corner of the country : at the Stanlow oil refinery in western England , Drax power station in the northeast , Petroplus Coryton Refinery in the southeast and Longannet power station in Scotland . A total of nearly 1,000 workers were off the job at the three English locations . Scottish Power did not specify how many workers were on strike . Representatives of all four plants said contractors , not full-time staff , had walked off the job , and all said operations were not affected . But resolving the Lindsey strike may not be the end of the matter . Union leaders say the strike there is only a reflection of problems with the way Britain implements European Union employment directives . Unite , one of the UK 's largest unions , called last week for a national protest in London . The country 's main labor groups have all issued statements in support of the striking workers . `` The government is failing to grasp the fundamental issues . The problem is not workers from other European countries working in the UK , nor is it about foreign contractors winning contracts in the UK . The problem is that employers are excluding UK workers from even applying for work on these contracts , '' Unite General Secretary Derek Simpson said Tuesday . `` No European worker should be barred from applying for a British job and absolutely no British worker should be barred from applying for a British job . '' The dispute has reverberated up to the highest levels of government , with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition trading barbs about it in Parliament on Wednesday . Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he hoped workers would accept the ACAS-moderated deal despite their `` reservations . '' Brown also rejected accusations by Conservative leader David Cameron that his use of the slogan `` British jobs for British workers '' in a 2007 speech had pandered to `` protectionist fears . '' `` Can anybody here say that they do n't want British workers to get jobs in our country ? '' Brown retorted in the House of Commons . | Deal agreed to end strike over non-UK labor at British oil refinery . Arbitration service says deal involves offering 101 new jobs to British workers . Member of European Parliament warns deal might break EU labor law . Protests sparked by Total awarding project to Italian firm employing Italians . | [[646, 713], [1492, 1506], [1558, 1676], [1892, 1950]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Arsenal striker Eduardo has been ruled out for two weeks with a hamstring injury just days after returning from a broken leg . Eduardo sinks to his knees after opening the scoring on his Arsenal first team comeback on Monday . The Croatian international only made his comeback after a year out in Monday 's FA Cup fourth-round victory against Cardiff . The 25-year-old marked his return with two goals in the 4-0 success at the Emirates Stadium , but his latest setback is not described as serious . Manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal TV Online : `` Eduardo is out for two weeks . He picked up a hamstring injury two minutes before I took him off . What a nightmare . `` Nobody knows how it happened but I knew straight away after the game it would be a two-week job . It is nothing like he had before but I do know that little setbacks like this are part of being nine months out . `` After that long out nobody plays six months on the trot . It is impossible . But at the same time it is a blow because , of course , he can score goals . He had shown that on Monday night . '' | Arsenal striker Eduardo is ruled out for two weeks due to a hamstring problem . The Croatian was hurt on Monday in his first game back after a year 's absence . Eduardo scored twice against Cardiff on his return to action from a broken leg . | [[0, 15], [19, 109], [567, 599], [613, 631], [246, 339], [0, 9], [110, 145], [146, 245], [146, 153], [173, 245], [372, 463]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- William Jackson was a slave in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis during the Civil War . It turns out he was also a spy for the Union Army , providing key secrets to the North about the Confederacy . William Jackson , a slave , listened closely to Jefferson Davis ' conversations and leaked them to the North . Jackson was Davis ' house servant and personal coachman . He learned high-level details about Confederate battle plans and movements because Davis saw him as a `` piece of furniture '' -- not a human , according to Ken Dagler , author of `` Black Dispatches , '' which explores espionage by America 's slaves . `` Because of his role as a menial servant , he simply was ignored , '' Dagler said . `` So Jefferson Davis would hold conversations with military and Confederate civilian officials in his presence . '' Dagler has written extensively on the issue for the CIA 's Center for the Study of Intelligence . Watch the stories of slaves as spies '' In late 1861 , Jackson fled across enemy lines and was immediately debriefed by Union soldiers . Dagler said Jackson provided information about supply routes and military strategy . `` In Jackson 's case , what he did was ... present some of the current issues that were affecting the Confederacy that you could not read about in the local press that was being passed back and forth across local lines . He actually had some feel for the issues of supply problems , '' Dagler said . Jackson and other slaves ' heroic efforts have been a forgotten legacy of the war -- lost amid the nation 's racially charged past and the heaps of information about the war 's historic battles . But historians over the last few decades have been taking an interest in the sacrifice of African-Americans during those war years . Jackson 's espionage is mentioned in a letter from a general to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton . Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell refers to `` Jeff Davis ' coachman '' as the source of information about Confederate deployments . Watch grandson of slaves : `` They call me Little Man '' '' Dagler said slaves who served as spies were able to collect incredibly detailed information , in large part because of their tradition of oral history . Because Southern laws prevented blacks from learning how to read and write , he said , the slave spies listened intently to minute details and memorized them . `` What the Union officers found very quickly with those who crossed the line ... was that if you talked to them , they remembered a great more in the way of details and specifics than the average person ... because again they relied totally on their memory as opposed to any written records , '' he said . Jackson was n't the only spy . There were hundreds of them . In some cases , the slaves made it to the North , only to return to the South to risk being hanged . One Union general wrote that he counted on black spies in Tennessee because `` no white man had the pluck to do it . '' No one was better than Robert Smalls , a slave who guided vital supply ships in and out of Charleston Harbor in South Carolina . He eventually escaped and provided the Union with `` a turning of the forces in Charleston Harbor , '' according to an annual report of the Navy secretary to President Lincoln . `` A debriefing of him gave ... the Union force there the entire fortification scheme for the interior harbor , '' Dagler said . One of the most iconic spies was Harriet Tubman , who ran the Underground Railroad , bringing slaves to the North . In 1863 , she was asked by the Union to help with espionage in South Carolina . She picked former slaves from the region for an espionage ring and led many of the spy expeditions herself . `` The height of her intelligence involvement occurred late in 1863 when she actually led a raid into South Carolina , '' Dagler said . `` In addition to the destruction of millions of dollars of property , she brought out over 800 slaves back into freedom in the North . '' As the nation marks Black History Month in February , Dagler said that history should include the sacrifices of the African-Americans who risked their lives for their nation . Many paid the ultimate sacrifice . `` They were all over the place , and no one -LSB- in the South -RSB- considered them to be of any value . Consequently , they heard and saw virtually everything done by their masters , who were the decision-makers , '' Dagler said . Whatever happened to William Jackson , the spy in Jefferson Davis 's house ? Unfortunately , that remains a great unknown . `` He simply disappeared from history , as so many of them have . '' CNN 's Wayne Drash contributed to this report . | William Jackson , a slave , learned key details inside the home of Jefferson Davis . Davis was president of the Confederacy ; Jackson leaked key secrets to the Union . `` Because of his role as a menial servant , he simply was ignored '' by Southerners . Author said history must never forget the sacrifice of African-Americans in Civil War . | [[30, 133], [134, 136], [186, 244], [245, 260], [329, 355], [712, 733], [736, 738], [4073, 4152]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- House and Senate Democrats reached agreement late Monday on a budget resolution for 2010 , which includes key spending priorities for the young Obama administration . The Senate and House could vote on the budget resolution Tuesday . President Obama 's budget request is $ 3.67 trillion . `` This budget is a major accomplishment , '' Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad said in a statement . `` We are meeting President Obama 's goals of reducing our dependence on foreign energy , striving for excellence in education , reforming our health care system , and providing middle-class tax relief . '' The agreement came as lawmakers were reconciling the House and Senate versions of the budget package . The president 's budget request is $ 3.67 trillion . The full Senate and House are each expected to vote on the fiscal 2010 budget resolution this week . The House vote could come as soon as Tuesday . Budget negotiators have fast-tracked part of the budget process . Major health reform is likely to pass this year , because the special process -- known as budget reconciliation -- wo n't allow Republicans to filibuster the legislation , as was widely expected . Democrats , who currently control 58 seats in the Senate , will be able to pass it with a simple majority vote , instead of the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster . Separately , conservative Democrats in the House , who have been pushing for a strong statement from leadership on fiscal responsibility in the budget , may have some of their concerns addressed . A Democratic aide told CNN that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Whip Steny Hoyer are drafting a letter to Senate leaders `` throwing down the gauntlet '' to insist that a pay-as-you-go system be followed , which would require new federal spending to be offset with budget cuts or tax increases . President Barack Obama called for the so-called `` PAYGO '' legislation in his weekend radio address . The budget resolution would limit increases in non-defense discretionary spending to 2.9 percent through 2014 , according to Conrad . `` While the budget resolution takes important steps in the near-term of cutting the deficit in half by 2012 and by two-thirds by 2014 , it is clear that more will be needed to address the long-term fiscal imbalance confronting the nation beyond the five-year budget window , '' said Conrad . President Obama gathered his Cabinet members last week and challenged them to cut a total of $ 100 million in the next 90 days . In the context of the federal budget , $ 100 million in savings is a tiny amount , critics said . It is the equivalent , according to one example , of having a car dealer offer to shave $ 1 from the cost of a $ 36,700 vehicle . `` Any amount of savings is obviously welcome , '' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Kentucky , said at the time . `` But -LRB- $ 100 million is -RRB- about the average amount we 'll spend every single day just covering the interest on the stimulus package that we passed earlier this year . '' White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said ordinary Americans would nevertheless appreciate the savings effort . `` Only in Washington , D.C. , is $ 100 million dollars not a lot of money . It is where I 'm from . It is where I grew up . And I think it is for hundreds of millions of Americans . '' CNN 's Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report . | House and Senate Dems say President Obama 's goals addressed in resolution . Democratic leaders urge pay-as-you-go system that Obama has emphasized . Senate and House are each expected to vote on the budget resolution this week . | [[197, 263], [795, 895], [795, 820], [830, 895]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A crew member on a U.S.-flagged cargo ship captured by pirates off the coast of Somalia is suing his employers , claiming they sent him into pirate-infested waters without adequate protection , his attorney said Monday . Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse has been charged with piracy in federal court in New York . Richard Hicks of Royal Palm Beach , Florida , a crew member on the Maersk Alabama , filed suit Monday against Waterman Steamship Corp. and Maersk Line Limited , according to the attorney , Terry Bryant . A spokeswoman for Mobile , Alabama-based Waterman Steamship Corp. said she did not know about the suit and did not immediately comment . A spokeswoman for Maersk Line Limited did not immediately return a call from CNN seeking comment . The Maersk Alabama was hijacked by pirates April 8 . Hicks , working as chief steward and preparing food for other crew members , heard over the loudspeaker that pirates were on board , and he and other crew members gathered in the ship 's engine room for nearly 12 hours , according to a news release from Bryant . `` The engine room was dark and hot , maybe 130 degrees , '' Hicks said in the news release . `` We were all cramping up with heat stroke symptoms when we were able to take a pirate hostage and tried to negotiate the return of our captain . '' The pirates promised to exchange Capt. Richard Phillips for the pirate hostage , but reneged on that agreement , the news release . Phillips offered himself as a hostage in exchange for the freedom of his crew . He was held on a lifeboat until U.S. Navy snipers on a nearby ship fatally shot three pirates , rescued Phillips and arrested a fourth pirate . The ship 's owners -- the two companies -- knowingly exposed their employees to danger and took no steps to provide appropriate security and safety for the crew , Bryant alleges . `` Waterman Steamship Corp. and Maersk Line Limited chose to rely on the United States military and taxpayers to provide after-the-fact rescue operations , '' Bryant said in the news release . `` This choice caused substantially more cost and risk to human life than what would have been incurred by defendants had they provided appropriate levels of security in the first place . '' Hicks is seeking at least $ 75,000 , and `` reserves the right to amend this pleading for a certain amount in the future , as it is too early to determine the maximum amount of plaintiff 's damages , '' according to the suit . Hicks is still suffering from injuries as a result of the incident and is afraid to return to work , the news release said . | Suit alleges crew sent into pirate-infested waters without protection . Representatives of ship 's owners have yet to comment . Maersk Alabama was hijacked by pirates April 8 . Plaintiff Richard Hicks , of Royal Palm Beach , Florida , was the ship 's steward . | [[0, 15], [132, 210], [529, 665], [529, 546], [636, 655], [666, 723], [731, 764], [36, 81], [765, 817], [325, 358], [409, 483], [325, 368], [486, 511]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A jury Tuesday acquitted three men of charges that they helped the bombers who carried out the July 7 , 2005 , attacks on the London transportation system . Sadeer Saleem was accused of helping to plan the July 7 , 2005 bombings in London . The four bombers died in the blasts , but Waheed Ali , Sadeer Saleem and Mohammed Shakil were accused of helping them by conducting reconnaissance and conspiring with them . Two of the men -- Ali and Shakil -- were convicted of a second charge of conspiracy to attend a place used for terrorist training . They will be sentenced Wednesday , London 's Metropolitan Police said . Tuesday 's verdicts came at the end of the men 's retrial at Kingston Crown Court in southwest London . A separate jury failed to reach a verdict in their first trial , which ended in August after three months . The bombings in 2005 killed 52 people in blasts on three subway trains and a bus . At least 900 people were wounded . Police arrested the three in March 2007 after piecing together what they called a `` complicated jigsaw with thousands of pieces . '' They were charged in April 2007 . Police said they analyzed more than 4,700 phone numbers and 90,000 calls . They discovered the three men had made a trip to London in December 2004 -- seven months before the fatal bombings -- which prosecutors claimed was a reconnaissance trip to scout potential targets . Prosecutors said that on December 16 , 2004 , the men traveled from the northern English city of Leeds to London , along with Hasib Hussain , one of the July 7 bombers . When they got to the capital , they met with Lindsay . Over the next two days , prosecutors claimed , the men visited tourist sites including the London Eye ferris wheel , the London Aquarium and the Natural History Museum , as well as underground train locations . Some of the spots , prosecutors said , were near where the July 7 bombs were eventually detonated . Police called it `` the first feasibility study '' for the London bombings -- and whether they were looking at tourist or transportation sites , the men were seeking out potential bomb targets , police said . The three men , who always denied the charges , acknowledged making the trip but said it was just an innocent outing to visit Ali 's sister in London . Saleem told the court that he had had `` no idea whatsoever '' about the plot . Traces of DNA linked all three alleged accomplices in some way to the bombers , police had claimed . Investigators found Ali 's fingerprints on evidence found at the bomb-making sites . Khan , Lindsay , Hussain and a fourth bomber , Shehzad Tanweer , set off a series of bombs the morning of July 7 , 2005 . They exploded on underground trains near Liverpool Street , Russell Square and Edgware Road and on a double-decker bus at Tavistock Square . Police have previously said they believe others with knowledge of the attacks remain at large . The jury found that in July 2001 , Ali went with Khan to Pakistan . In July 2003 , Shakil went with Khan to a camp in Pakistan , where the two undertook firearms training with machine guns , rocket-propelled grenade launchers , and AK-47 assault rifles , London police said . The jury found Ali and Shakil guilty of conspiring to attend a place used for terrorist training , knowing or believing that instruction or training would be provided for purposes connected with the commission or preparation of acts of terrorism , London police said . `` Mohammed Siddique Khan and Mohammed Shakil told other attendees that their aim was to fight in Afghanistan , '' said John McDowall , head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command . `` They were proficient in the use of and handling of terrorist weapons , and were certainly not enjoying a day out in a beautiful and mountainous area of Pakistan , as was suggested in court . `` Shakil himself accepted that the camp at Malakand was a serious business , whose purpose was to train willing volunteers to fight and kill in Afghanistan on behalf of the Taliban , a cause to which both he and Ali were , and remain , sympathetic , '' McDowall said . | Jury acquits three accused of involvement in July 7 , 2005 , attacks on London . Verdicts came at the end of the men 's retrial . Three men had always denied the charges . | [[9, 32], [51, 110], [655, 758], [2172, 2217], [2220, 2248], [2172, 2217], [2253, 2288]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- It 's often said that a real Southerner can `` claim kin '' with anyone . Tony Rand and his son Ripley learned last year that some of their relatives were African-American . Tony Rand realized the same could be true for him . Rand , whose family can trace its roots back to the 1700s , is a Democratic state senator in North Carolina . Until he watched the 2008 CNN documentary `` Black in America , '' he had no idea that some of his relatives were black . Although firmly anchored in the South , the Rands are spread across the country . What connects them is their link to a common ancestor -- the family patriarch William Harrison Rand . `` Hal '' Rand , as he was known to most , was a white farmer and slave owner . In 1842 , Hal married Sarah Ann Mullens and they had seven children . Hal also fathered seven children with his mistress , Ann Albrooks Rand , a black woman . Every other year , hundreds of African-American descendants of Hal Rand get together at a different location for a massive family reunion . It 's a time to catch up and share stories , eat barbecue and have a good time . The 2007 Rand family reunion , held in Atlanta , Georgia , was featured in `` Black in America . '' After the program aired , dozens of viewers across the country had the same revelation -- they , too , were related to the Rands . `` I was sitting there , that Saturday night , just up reading the week 's papers and watching the program , '' says Rand with a hearty Southern accent . The Rand family 's missing link '' `` Then I hear , ` We are the Rands . The mighty , mighty Rands , '' he recalls , referring to the words sung by family members as they embarked on their bi-annual pilgrimage . `` And then I said to myself , ` What ? ' '' Tony Rand listened as the family historian , Martha Rand Hix , described the family 's patriarch . `` When they were talking about William Harrison Rand , I knew that was the William Harrison Rand in our family , '' he said . `` Then they started talking about North Carolina , and I said , ` Well , God oh mighty , ' ... it was just amazing . '' The next day , he telephoned his 41-year old son , Ripley Rand , and asked him to contact their black relatives . Soon , Tony and Ripley Rand were invited to attend the next Rand family reunion in July in Sacramento , California . See photos of the Rand family members '' But , what Tony Rand did n't know was that his son , a North Carolina Superior Court judge , had already been diligently working on the family genealogy . Ripley Rand had begun typing out a hand-bound version of a 100-page manuscript compiled by his great-uncle , Oscar Ripley Rand III , and started to create a digital version . Oscar Ripley Rand III was a Rhodes Scholar and retired Army colonel who spent years researching the family 's history , according to Ripley Rand . Although Oscar Ripley Rand III had scoured the National Archives and spent years collecting information about the family , his memoirs contained no mention of William Harrison Rand 's relationship and children with Ann Albrooks Rand . `` My whole life I have heard about the history of our family and we had no idea about -LSB- the African-American side of the family -RSB- , '' Ripley Rand said . `` The most surprising thing about it , '' he added , was that his great-uncle `` probably never heard anything about it . '' Ripley Rand said he plans to attend the Rand family reunion this summer with his father and has updated his great uncle 's research to include the story of the black side of the family . Both he and his father say they 're looking forward to meeting their cousins . `` I think it will be fun to see what the connections are , '' Ripley Rand said . `` There 's a whole group of family members who we did not know existed until last year . '' The revelation has inspired a few jokes among the senator 's family and friends . `` I always knew you were one of us , '' an African-American friend told the senator with a nudge and wink . Tony Rand is also quick to crack a joke about anything from sports and politics to food . Namely chitterlings -- a traditionally Southern delicacy made from pig intestines -- and barbecue pork . A few of the things a `` Yankee '' might not know much about . `` There 's an old joke in the South , '' he explained . `` If somebody was cooking chitlins and collards at the same time -- the smell was so strong that the fire would try to break out of the house . '' A proud member of the Wake County Chitlin Club , a group of politically active men who gather every year at the annual Chitlin Dinner , Tony Rand is proud of his Southern heritage . Calling North Carolina barbecue `` good '' wo n't do for the senator , who insists his state has the best `` pig pickin . '' `` North Carolina is a great place , we 've got the mountains , we 've got good college basketball and we 've got good barbecue , '' he said . `` What more could a good person aspire to ? '' Given that barbecue is also a tradition at the Rand family reunion , there 's already some common ground for the lawmaker and his kin . Even though he 's `` expecting to meet some interesting people '' at this year 's reunion , he 's not expecting much in the way of barbecue `` given that it 's in California and all . '' | North Carolina Sen. Tony Rand had no idea some of his relatives were black . Family patriarch `` Hal '' Rand fathered children with his white wife , black mistress . Tony Rand and his son , Ripley , plan to attend the 2009 Rand family reunion . | [[93, 114], [122, 192], [245, 249], [305, 354], [355, 384], [419, 476], [3160, 3226], [811, 814], [820, 861], [2224, 2228], [2231, 2325], [3383, 3514]] |
BABAHOYO , Ecuador -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- At least 10 people have died and thousands have been left homeless after torrential rains inundated large parts of Ecuador , officials said Thursday . Authorities said the rains , which began a week ago , were the worst in a quarter century . Civil defense officials said more than 10,000 families have been affected . Los Ríos -- north of Guayaquil -- was the hardest hit of nine provinces affected , civil defense officials said . In Los Ríos province , five people died when an ambulance drove into a hole at the side of a street at dawn Thursday . A newborn boy , his parents , a doctor and a driver were killed . Streets also were flooded in the capital of Quito . Watch the scenes of devastation in Ecuador '' On Wednesday , President Rafael Correa declared a state of emergency and ordered 2,000 members of the army and the police to help rescue workers . Correa increased by $ 25 million the $ 10 million he already had allocated for the emergency efforts . He also directed another $ 88 million to municipalities . Once the crisis has eased , an emergency fund will give seed and fertilizer to help farmers whose fields were washed away , Ecuador 's government said . There also have been reports of livestock drowning . Cristina Medina , a spokeswoman for the Ecuadorean Red Cross , said provinces most heavily affected were along the Pacific coast , where drinking water was often in short supply . In some towns , high waters forced entire neighborhoods to evacuate , Medina said . E-mail to a friend . | At least 10 people have died in torrential rains in Ecuador , officials say . Authorities say the rains are the worst in a quarter century . Civil defense officials say more than 10,000 families have been affected . Ecuador 's president declares state of emergency , orders army , police to help . | [[0, 8], [11, 34], [41, 66], [67, 160], [189, 280], [206, 215], [243, 280], [281, 356], [310, 356], [440, 470], [754, 766], [769, 822], [754, 766], [769, 792], [827, 900]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- At least 50 officers and civilians were feared dead after Bangladeshi paramilitary troops staged a mutiny , taking dozens of high-ranking officers and military brass hostage , the country 's law minister said Thursday . Bangladeshi soldiers take position armed with automatic weapons in Dhaka on Wednesday . As dawn broke , the rebelling troops with the Bangladesh Rifles -LRB- BDR -RRB- allowed government officials entry into the headquarters in the capital city of Dhaka -- the scene of a day-long standoff Wednesday . The troops agreed to lay down their arms after Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed to offer them amnesty . Ministers went door to door within the compound 's officers ' quarters to assure frightened women and children it was safe to come out . `` Nearly 50 people have been killed in sporadic fighting in the headquarters of Bangladesh Rifles -LRB- BDR -RRB- , '' Mohammad Quamrul Islam , state minister for law and parliamentary affairs told reporters . In addition to military officials and BDR brass , the dead and wounded included passersby , including a rickshaw puller , struck by stray bullets during the gun battle , the Dhaka Medical College Hospital said . CNN was not immediately able to confirm the exact casualty count , with medical officials saying a final number will come after they had a chance to comb through the premises looking for bodies . At around 4:30 a.m. -LRB- 10:30 p.m. GMT -RRB- Thursday , Bangladeshi TV channels broadcast video of Home Minister Sahara Kahtun telling rebelling paramilitary officers in the room that she could assure them the government would listen to their grievances . As she spoke , officers deposited weapons and ammunition onto a table in front of her and into piles on the floor . The video was initially broadcast on state run TV station BTV . Various private networks picked it up soon after . The Rifles is a paramilitary force responsible primarily for guarding the country 's borders . The force , more than 65,000-strong , also takes part in operations such as monitoring polls . The troops staged their rebellion on the second day of BDR Week when officers and troop members from various BDR outposts along the border were in the capital for celebrations . At least 5,000 -- maybe more -- BDR personnel were inside the compound in the Pilkhana area of the capital when the mutiny occurred about 7:45 a.m. local time Wednesday , said Mohammed Sajjad Haider , spokesman for the information ministry . Their mobile phones were turned off , making it difficult for the government to get a handle on the situation , he said . The rebelling troops were low-ranking members of the BDR , akin to infantrymen , who were angry at the way they were treated by their superiors , Haider said . `` They have several demands , '' Haider said . `` They want pay parity with the army , they want job security , they want better food rations . '' The mutiny is the most serious crisis for Bangladesh 's newly elected government , which came into power in December after two years of army-backed rule . Throughout the day and into the night , curious onlookers gathered outside the compound -- only to scramble for cover as sounds of gunfire periodically pierced the air . Plumes of black smoke coming from inside the compound could be seen for miles throughout the capital . Occasionally , the rebelling troops -- red bandannas covering their faces and guns slung over their shoulders -- walked past the closed gates of the compound , chanting , `` We have been deprived for a long time , we have deep grievances . '' `` I 've been hearing gunfire all morning , '' said Zunaid Kazi , a San Diego , California , resident who is staying at a house a few blocks from the headquarters . Watch as Kazi describes what he saw and heard '' `` There will be a little lull and then the sustained gunfire will pick up again , '' he said . `` I can hear military helicopters in the sky . It 's very rattling . '' | NEW : Home minister shown assuring rebel officers their grievances would be heard . NEW : Ministers go door to door to assure frightened women and children of safety . NEW : Dead and wounded include military officials , BDR brass and passersby . NEW : Rebelling troops were low-ranking members of BDR , information ministry says . | [[1416, 1471], [1474, 1497], [1517, 1638], [1619, 1673], [660, 770], [797, 911], [1056, 1087], [1058, 1127], [2663, 2666], [2667, 2693]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After a nearly decade-long effort , the National Congress of Black Women on Tuesday honored Sojourner Truth by making her the first African-American woman to have a memorial bust in the U.S. Capitol . Speaker Nancy Pelosi and first lady Michelle Obama applaud the unveiling of the Sojourner Truth bust . Truth , whose given name was Isabella Baumfree , was a slave who became one of the most respected abolitionists and women 's rights activists . `` One could only imagine what Sojourner Truth , an outspoken , tell-it-like-it-is kind of woman ... what she would have to say about this incredible gathering , '' first lady Michelle Obama said at the Celebration of Truth ceremony . `` We are all here because , as my husband says time and time again , we stand on the shoulders of giants like Sojourner Truth . '' `` And just as Susan B. Anthony , Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott would be pleased to know that we have a woman serving as the speaker of the House of Representatives , I hope that Sojourner Truth would be proud to see me , a descendant of slaves , serving as the first lady of the United States of America , '' she said . Dignitaries and congressional leaders , including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell , House Republican Leader John Boehner and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , attended the ceremony marking the unveiling of the statue . Along with musical performances , actress Cicely Tyson recited `` Ai n't I A Woman , '' Truth 's famous 1851 speech to a women 's rights convention . Clinton and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee , who worked together to draft legislation to commission the bust , were among speakers who paid tribute to the late C. Delores Tucker , former chairwoman of the NCBW , who spearheaded the effort for the Truth memorial . `` What a wonderful day it is to be here in Emancipation Hall for this great occasion when Sojourner Truth takes her rightful place alongside the heroes who have helped to shape our nation 's history , '' Clinton said . `` Today , she takes her place in this Capitol , and we are the better for it , '' Clinton said . `` She is a sojourner of truth , by truth , and for truth . And her words , her example and her legacy will never perish from this earth , so long as men and women stand up and say loudly and clearly , ` We hear you echoing down through the years of history . We believe that your journey is not yet over , and we will make the rest of that journey with you . ' '' The bronze statue , which was crafted by Los Angeles , California , sculptor Artis Lane , will stand in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Center . `` All the visitors in the U.S. Capitol will hear the story of brave women who endured the greatest of humanity 's indignities . They 'll hear the story of Sojourner Truth , who did n't allow those indignities to destroy her spirit , who fought for her own freedom and then used her powers ... to help others , '' Michelle Obama said . `` The power of this bust will not just be in the metal that delineates Sojourner Truth 's face ; it will also be in the message that defines her legacy . Forevermore , in the halls of one of our country 's greatest monuments of liberty and equality , justice and freedom , Sojourner Truth 's story will be told again and again and again and again . '' In 1997 , Congress passed a special act that called for relocating the Portrait Monument from the Capitol basement to the rotunda . The 7.5-ton statue depicts three leaders of the suffragette movement -- Anthony , Stanton and Mott . A group called the Sojourner Truth Crusade was upset about the statue 's relocation because it did n't incorporate Truth . After Congress agreed to go ahead with a move , advocates proposed commissioning a new statue that would include Truth . In 2006 , Congress passed a bill to honor the abolitionist with her own memorial . | Sojourner Truth was an abolitionist and women 's rights activist . Her bust will be on display at Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Center . Ceremony follows a nearly 10-year effort by National Congress of Black Women . `` Sojourner Truth 's story will be told again and again , '' first lady Michelle Obama says . | [[323, 328], [372, 466], [2552, 2604], [2635, 2705], [19, 45], [55, 126], [629, 701], [2835, 2877], [3017, 3041], [3211, 3245], [3316, 3379]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Edwin van der Sar claimed the all-time British record for minutes without conceding a goal during Manchester United 's 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday . Triumphant : Edwin van der Sar holds the British goalkeeping record for most time without conceding . The Dutch veteran also took the 30-year-old English record from Steve Death last week . Death 's name , with all due respect to the former Reading custodian , is not up there with the game 's greats . So who is in Van der Sar 's league as football 's finest shot-stoppers , the men who rarely get the credit but often cop the flak ? Here , Football Fanzone presents a run down of the best goalkeepers in history . Read through our picks and tell us if you disagree or if we 've missed anyone in the Sound Off box below . What do you think of van der Sar 's inclusion ? Lev Yashin -LRB- USSR -RRB- . Yahsin is the only goalkeeper ever to be named European Footballer of the Year , in 1963 . Dubbed the Black Spider for his all-black outfit and what seemed like eight limbs , the Russian even invented the concept of the keeper as sweeper . In the days when keepers were not protected by referees as they are today , Yashin 's bravery and acrobatics were legendary and 207 clean sheets and 150 penalties saves he made in a 22-year career tell their own story . The best keeper at each World Cup is presented with the Yashin Award . Dino Zoff -LRB- Italy -RRB- . Zoff is one of just two goalkeepers to lift the World Cup having captained Italy to their third crown in 1982 . He was already 40 then , making him the oldest World Cup-winning captain too . But the unflappable Zoff 's achievements do n't end there : he holds the record for the longest playing time without conceding in international tournaments -LRB- 1,142 minutes -RRB- set between 1972 and 1974 . And with 112 caps , he ranks third in the Azzurri 's all-time list . A true great . Gordon Banks -LRB- England -RRB- . `` What a save , '' so the commentary runs to the finest piece of goalkeeping ever and one of football 's most memorable moments . Pele was certain he 'd scored after meeting Jairzinho 's center , heading powerfully down into the left-hand corner of the net in Brazil 's 1-0 1970 World Cup group win over England . But somehow Banks scrambled across , miraculously diving to push the ball up over the bar . Banks might have been immortalized by that stop , but his absence through illness from England 's subsequent quarter-final against West Germany was perhaps more telling when his replacement Peter Bonetti was made a scapegoat for the defending champions ' defeat . Peter Schmeichel -LRB- Denmark -RRB- . Schmeichel will go down as Sir Alex Ferguson 's best signing for Manchester United , certainly pound-for-pound . Bought for just $ 750,000 in 1991 , the imposing Schmeichel would provide United everything a world-class goalkeeper requires -- including the ability to launch a swift counter-attack . He won Euro 92 with Denmark and the Treble with United in 1999 , while 13 career goals are not to be sniffed at either . He played on a season too long , maybe , but on his day there were few better . Edwin van der Sar -LRB- Holland -RRB- . At 38 , the rangy Van der Sar is in the very twilight of his career -- but what a career it 's been . The man from Voorhout holds the record number of caps for Holland , he 's won the Champions League twice and is on course to win a third Premier League title in a row with Manchester United this season . All of which makes you wonder how come he spent so long at Fulham ? United fans would love to have had Van der Sar way before 2005 ; he has proved to be the definitive Schmeichel replacement . Iker Casillas -LRB- Spain -RRB- . It 's easy to take Casillas ' brilliance for granted , but stand back and look at his career and it 's clear he 's already one of the greats . Real Madrid have always been able to lure the best , yet they 've had the agile Casillas as their number-one No. 1 since 1999 -- when he was still a teenager . Still only 27 , Casillas is contracted to the club until 2017 . He 's already won two Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles . At international level he came into his own during 2008 by captaining Spain to the European Championship , becoming the first goalkeeper to do so . Ricardo Zamora 's legacy is safe hands . Pat Jennings -LRB- Northern Ireland -RRB- . Jennings was a late starter in the position and famously had no official coaching . His international career spanned a record-breaking six World Cups -LRB- including qualifying campaigns -RRB- across 22 years . By the time he came out of retirement to play for Northern Ireland at Mexico 1986 , Jennings was 41 and ended the tournament with 119 caps . He played more than 1,000 games , including crossing the bitter north London divide by playing for Tottenham and Arsenal . The unflappable Jennings ' enormous hands were his trademark and the curse of many an attacker . Gianluigi Buffon -LRB- Italy -RRB- . Buffon vies with Casillas and the Czech Republic 's Petr Cech to be considered the best goalkeeper around at the moment , but in a country with a long tradition of high-quality No. 1s Buffon is up there with the very best . Winning the 2006 Yashin Award was the perfect riposte to his critics after Juventus ' dramatic fall from grace owing to match-fixing . Buffon , an imposing figure with no obvious weaknesses , stayed loyal to the Old Lady , who made him the world 's most expensive goalkeeper in 2001 when they paid Parma $ 46.2 m for him . He 's been worth every cent . Jose Luis Chilavert -LRB- Paraguay -RRB- . If there 's one thing a goalkeeper is not expected to do -- other than to make a mistake -- it 's score a goal . Given Chilavert netted no fewer than 62 times in his career , including eight for his country , it seems only fair he should be included on this list . Brazil 's Rogerio Ceni may have outscored him and Rene Higuita of Colombia might have out-done him on the chutzpah front , but Chilavert 's pioneering free-kicks and penalties have made him a legend . Mohamed Al-Deayea -LRB- Saudi Arabia -RRB- . Goalkeepers are known for their longevity and ability to perform into their 40s . That makes Al-Deayea a relative youngster at just 36 , but the Saudi Arabian holds the world record for the most number of international appearances . Over a 16-year career for the Middle Eastern country , Al-Deayea racked up a scarcely believable 181 caps . . Having started his career playing handball , Al-Deayea went on to play in three World Cups -- and was even on the receiving end of an 8-0 thumping by eventual finalists Germany at the 2002 tournament . Guillermo Ochoa -LRB- Mexico -RRB- . This one is from the left-field and a little premature for a list containing the best goalkeepers of all time . But much is expected of Ochoa , Mexico 's up-and-coming talent . He 's already been linked with a move to Manchester United and he is on the radar of a number of Europe 's top clubs . Reliant on his amazing reflexes , Ochoa is one of the best shot-stoppers out there and great at on-the-spot improvised saves . Ochoa 's already established in the Mexico set-up and is already such a big star already that the American release of the FIFA 09 video game featured him on the front cover . Definitely one to watch . | Edwin van der Sar claims British record for minutes without conceding a goal . CNN picks 11 of the top goalkeepers of all time . Share your thoughts on who should in and who should be out . | [[0, 6], [9, 126], [202, 270], [6801, 6853]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Andriy Shevchenko 's agent admits it is highly unlikely the AC Milan striker will stay at the San Siro beyond the end of the season . Shevchenko has made just two Serie A appearances in a disappointing season for Milan . Shevchenko returned to Milan on loan from Chelsea last summer but has disappointed since his move back to Italy . The Ukraine striker has found himself mainly on the substitutes ' bench , making just two league appearances this season , and agent Fabio Parisi believes his client will not be in Italy next season . `` Shevchenko is a player on loan at Milan from Chelsea and I think he will return to London , '' he told www.Calciomercato.it . `` Frankly , I do n't think it 's possible that the Rossoneri will decide to keep him . I do n't know what kind of rapport he has found with coach -LRB- Carlo -RRB- Ancelotti and his team-mates , the only problem is that he is a player on loan and , given how the season has gone , I think Andriy will return to Chelsea . `` It does depend on who will be the coach and what he wants to do -- but I do n't think the doors of Italy will re-open for him next season . `` Anyway , Sheva will decide on his own , he 's quite calm , he does n't need anyone 's help . However , another country seems to me the more likely option . '' Shevchenko admitted at the end of March that he would probably return to London but , after scoring for Ukraine against England and providing a crucial assist against Lecce , the 32-year-old claimed earlier this month that he hoped to still be at the San Siro next season . | Andriy Shevchenko unlikely to stay at AC Milan next season claims his agent . Ukrainian Shevchenko returned to San Siro on loan from Chelsea last summer . However he has played only two Serie A matches in a disappointing campaign . | [[19, 152], [481, 554], [240, 301], [555, 610], [153, 239], [354, 373], [428, 474]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- African Voices catch up with Nigerian author Chinua Achebe , Africa 's man of letters . A contender for the title of Africa 's most widely read novelist , his first work `` Things Fall Apart '' has been translated into 40 languages . `` I think story telling was my life . I was very curious about story telling . Even attempting to remember the first one is like trying to remember the day you were born , I 'm not sure you can , '' he told CNN . | Celebrated Nigerian author has been resident in New York for over 20 years . Most famous work , `` Things Fall Apart '' translated into over 40 languages . `` It 's my ambition to distinguish between good and bad novels , '' he told CNN . | [[174, 252], [450, 466]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Good , but not enough , the Rev. Al Sharpton said in response to New York Post Chairman Rupert Murdoch 's apology for a controversial editorial cartoon published in the newspaper . Online Wednesday , some Post readers reacted similarly . Rev. Al Sharpton , center , leads protests against the New York Post cartoon on February 19 in New York City . Sharpton has lead a chorus of criticism and allegations that the cartoon published Feb. 18 was racist . He said Murdoch 's apology was a `` good gesture , '' but he still had questions . Public debate on the issue continued to rage on the New York Post Web site early Wednesday , with some saying they were offended enough to cancel their subscriptions . Others defended the cartoon , calling it harmless and calling critics of it oversensitive . Murdoch 's `` apology leaves a lot more questions than it gives answers , '' Sharpton said Tuesday . `` The question is what will guarantee that these kinds of things will not happen again . Let us make no mistake about it : We have seen two apologies in one week -- really one and a half apologies -- which is unprecedented , but clearly not far enough . '' The cartoon by Sean Delonas referenced the mauling of a Connecticut woman by a chimpanzee who was later shot and killed by police . In its caption , one of the officers says , `` They 'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill . '' The cartoon was published the day after President Obama signed the stimulus bill . Watch CNN 's Lou Dobbs talk with Sharpton '' The Post issued a statement the following day , apologizing but noting that the cartoon was meant to mock what it called an `` ineptly written '' stimulus bill . Many critics said the cartoon played on historically racist images by appearing to compare Obama , the nation 's first black president , to the chimpanzee . Murdoch apologized Tuesday . `` Today I want to personally apologize to any reader who felt offended , and even insulted , '' according to the statement from Murdoch , who is also chairman and CEO of News Corporation , which owns the paper . `` I can assure you -- without a doubt -- that the only intent of that cartoon was to mock a badly written piece of legislation . `` It was not meant to be racist , but unfortunately , it was interpreted by many as such . We all hold the readers of the New York Post in high regard , and I promise you that we will seek to be more attuned to the sensitivities of our community . '' Leaders of the NAACP on Saturday called for the firing of Delonas . Delonas called the controversy `` absolutely friggin ' ridiculous . '' `` Do you really think I 'm saying Obama should be shot ? I did n't see that in the cartoon , '' Delonas told CNN . iReport.com : Should Murdoch , N.Y. Post do more ? `` It 's about the economic stimulus bill , '' he added . `` If you 're going to make that about anybody , it would be -LRB- House Speaker Nancy -RRB- Pelosi , which it 's not . '' | Sharpton : Rupert Murdoch 's apology is a `` good gesture , '' but he still has questions . Murdoch is chairman of N.Y. Post , which published chimp cartoon that created a fury . Many critics said the cartoon played on historically racist images . Cartoonist calls the controversy `` absolutely friggin ' ridiculous '' | [[52, 179], [481, 529], [539, 563], [824, 881], [377, 480], [1724, 1880], [1742, 1790], [2573, 2640], [2588, 2603], [2618, 2625], [2628, 2640]] |
AMSTERDAM , Netherlands -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Investigators are trying to determine what caused the crash of an airplane with a good safety record , flown by a well-respected airline , at one of the world 's most modern airports . One of the casualties is taken from the crash site . At least nine people were killed and 55 injured when the Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800 crashed Wednesday in a field near Amsterdam 's main airport , splitting into three parts , officials said . It is too early to determine the cause of the crash but the flight data and voice recorders have been recovered , said Michel Bezuijen , acting mayor of Haarlemmermeer municipality , which is home to Amsterdam 's Schiphol Airport . He said investigators still need to determine what , if anything , the pilots said in the moments before the crash . The injured included both crew and passengers , he said . The names of the dead and injured will not be released before Thursday , Bezuijen said . `` It will take more time . Probably tomorrow afternoon we can tell you about the identity of the victims , including the fatalities , '' he said . Another official said earlier that both pilots and an apprentice pilot are among the dead . `` There are still three crew members in the cabin , '' said Bob Steensma of the Dutch Justice Department . `` I 'm sorry to say they are dead . We leave them there because we have to investigate the cockpit before we take the cockpit apart . '' Turkish Airlines said earlier the plane was carrying 134 people -- 127 passengers and seven crew members . Six people were critically injured , Ineke Van Der Zande of Amsterdam Emergency Services told reporters at a briefing . Watch aerials from the crash site '' Twenty-five passengers were severely injured , she said , and 24 were lightly injured . Some 60 ambulances transported 84 people to 11 hospitals throughout the region , she said . There was no word on injuries to the others who were transported . Witnesses said they saw the nose of the plane pitch up suddenly before the crash , according to RTL journalist Greg Crouch . The plane broken into three pieces . One break was in front of the wing , splitting the `` Turkish '' logo in two , and a larger break was farther back along the fuselage . Most of the injured were seated toward the back of the plane , which sustained the most damage , a passenger on the plane told Turkish station NTV . Many of the passengers simply walked off the plane through the cracks in the fuselage , witnesses said . A passenger on the plane who spoke to Turkish network DHA said he saw injured people trapped and squeezed between the seats when he walked out . iReport : Send your videos , stories . Flight 1951 was arriving at Schiphol from Istanbul , Turkey , when it went down around 10:40 a.m. -LRB- 4:40 a.m. ET -RRB- . It came to rest in a farmer 's field about 500 yards short of the runway , near the major A9 highway . Crouch said the weather at the time was partly sunny with no wind or rain . No fire broke out after the crash , Bezuijen said . Watch how Twitter was first to report the crash '' A bank manager who was a passenger on the plane told NTV that there were no emergency announcements . The crew 's last word to the cabin was an announcement to fasten their seat belts and prepare for landing , the bank manager said . He said he felt the pilot giving more power to the engines before feeling `` turbulence , '' then a sudden drop . He described the crash as similar to a sudden impact that was over in a matter of seconds . The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending a team of investigators to Amsterdam to assist in the crash investigation . The Boeing 737-800 is a reliable aircraft that has been successful and safe in service , said aviation expert Kieran Daly of Air Transport Intelligence . `` They really are pretty much state-of-the-art airlines with every imaginable technical benefit the industry has come up with over the years , '' Daly told CNN . `` You would be optimistic that they would be quite survivable in an accident . '' Daly said Turkish Airlines , a national carrier , has a `` very good record . '' Turkish Airlines said it has 52 Boeing 737-800s in its fleet . They can carry as many as 165 passengers each , it said . Before Wednesday , the airline 's last accident was of a small commuter jet in 2003 , Daly said . It was a fatal crash that happened at a remote airfield in southeastern Turkey , he said . `` Their mainline operation is safe , '' Daly said . `` Their pilots are well thought of . '' Worldwide , there have been two fatal commercial airline crashes this year . The last previous fatal incident at the Amsterdam airport happened in April 1994 when a KLM aircraft crashed as it tried to return to Schiphol shortly after takeoff . Three of the 24 passengers and crew members on board were killed . CNN 's Ivan Watson in Istanbul , Turkey , contributed to this report . | Mayor says too early to determine cause of Wednesday 's plane crash . Investigators find data and voice recorders from Turkish Airlines Boeing 737 . At least nine of the 134 people on board died ; 55 wounded ; six critical . Accident involved respected airline and modern airport in good weather . | [[534, 589], [534, 569], [592, 612], [281, 317], [318, 458], [1567, 1601], [1604, 1613]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Americans planning to go to Mexico should `` postpone '' their trips because of the swine flu outbreak , a top health official said Tuesday . Two women wear face masks as they arrive at Germany 's Frankfurt International Airport from Mexico City . `` Based on what I know as a public health official and as a physician , I would not recommend people go on nonessential travel , '' said Dr. Richard Besser , the acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . `` If I had vacation plans in Mexico coming up right now , I 'd look to postpone those , '' he said on CNN 's `` American Morning . '' The CDC issued a travel health warning about Mexico on Monday , and the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert -- not the more serious warning -- based on the CDC advice . U.S. consular operations in Mexico will be affected by the swine flu outbreak , the State Department said in its alert Monday . European Union health commissioner Androulla Vassiliou warned Monday against nonessential travel to `` areas which are reported to be the center of the clusters '' of infection . Learn more about swine flu '' She did not issue a travel advisory , as some reports initially suggested . The EU does not have the power to issue such warnings . `` I would also suggest to travelers to seek immediate medical advice if they have any of the symptoms described , '' she said , in what the EU later clarified was a personal statement . Some European Union countries issued travel warnings of their own , including Britain . That prompted some tour operators to cancel trips to Mexico , including Thompson First Choice , Thomas Cook and Virgin Holidays , three of Britain 's biggest travel agencies . Thompson is bringing vacationers home to Britain from Mexico and canceled flights there Tuesday . Thomas Cook put all trips to Cancun on hold for a week and offered free changes in destination to anyone booked to vacation in Mexico in May . Virgin is shelving trips to Mexico through May 5 . There are probably 10,000 British people on vacation in Mexico 's Yucatan peninsula , Frances Tuke of the Association of British Travel Agents said . `` That 's a lot of flights that are needed '' to bring them home , she said . `` There are a lot of logistics issue there in terms of bringing people home . '' Carnival Cruise Lines canceled ports of call in Mexico for three of its ships Tuesday , the company said . It is continuing to finalize plans for upcoming cruises , it said , and planned to release details later Tuesday or early Wednesday . Canada 's Air Transat is postponing its flights from Canada to Mexico through June 1 and from France to Mexico through May 31 , it announced in a statement . Many countries are checking travelers as they arrive , including China , which is screening aggressively in the wake of the SARS outbreak that killed almost 350 people there in 2003 . Indonesia is putting travelers through a thermal scanner that spots excessive heat ; those who test positive go through a `` body-cleaning machine '' that sprays a disinfecting solution of 70 percent alcohol on their hands and body . The system does not detect viruses and was not put in place because of swine flu , Indonesian health officials say , but is intended as an early-warning system to prevent diseases from entering the country . Japan suspended visa waivers for Mexican visitors , a Foreign Ministry official said . CNN 's Alysen Miller , Isa Soares , John Zarrella , John Vause and Arwa Damon contributed to this report . | CDC head : `` I would not recommend people go -LSB- to Mexico -RSB- on nonessential travel '' The CDC issued a travel health warning about Mexico on Monday . The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert . Countries around the world are taking precautions to stem spread of swine flu . | [[124, 160], [340, 394], [644, 690], [644, 690], [697, 744]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Editor 's note : Watch The Screening Room March show at the following times : Saturday 28 March : 0730 , 1800 , Sunday 29 March : 0530 , 1830 , Monday 30 March : 0400 -LRB- all times GMT -RRB- . Buzz around the release of DreamWorks ' latest animated feature , `` Monsters vs. Aliens , '' will add new momentum to the drive towards a fully-3D movie industry . DreamWorks Animation 's 3D movie , `` Monsters vs. Aliens '' should give Hollywood 's new medium of choice a welcome boost in tough economic times . It is a welcome boost to the 3D schedule : The introduction of special screens and digital projectors into cinemas across the world has slowed in the last six months along with the economy . Instead of the 5,000 3D screens expected to roll out , the figure is closer to 2,000 , as the cost of installing new technology during the downturn causes pause for thought . The release of `` Monsters vs. Aliens , '' along with the recent announcement that Pixar 3D animation , `` Up '' will open the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May , should give Hollywood 's new medium of choice a lift . `` Monsters vs. Aliens , '' which U.S. movie industry bible , Variety describes as '' ` Monsters , Inc. ' Meets ` War of the Worlds ' '' features a fight between a collection of well-loved movie monsters -LRB- think 1950s B-movie characters like a 50 ft woman , a friendly amorphous blob , and a genius cockroach scientist -RRB- and alien invaders who want to take over Earth . The brains behind the feature -- which has an all-star cast including Reese Witherspoon and Kiefer Sutherland -- are Rob Letterman , the writer-director of Will Smith animated pic , `` Shark Tale '' and Conrad Vernon , the director of `` Shrek 2 . '' The film is one of a number of 3D films , like James Cameron 's sci-fi `` Avatar , '' already in production that are slated for 2009 and 2010 release . Of course , 3D is not new : Films like `` The Creature from the Black Lagoon '' and `` It Came from Outer Space '' first emerged during the affluent years of the 1950s , but because 3D was quite gimmicky the medium fell into decline and exhibitors turned their attention to other technologies . `` Monsters vs. Aliens '' is one of the new breed of 3D movies , projected digitally and very immersive for audiences , that Hollywood is hoping will lure paying audiences out of the comfort of their living rooms and back into cinemas . `` Hollywood is throwing themselves into 3D like never before , '' said Nick De Semlyen , critic for British movie magazine , Empire . `` All the big directors from Spielberg to Peter Jackson from ` Lord of the Rings , ' they are making 3D films and it 's looking like pretty much every big film is going to be in 3D in the next couple years ... It 's a huge thing , it 's a revolution . '' Do you think 3D will be a movie revolution or is it all hype . Tell us below in the SoundOff box . `` Monsters vs. Aliens '' is the first film that DreamWorks Animation , the Hollywood giant behind movies like the `` Shrek '' franchise , `` Madagascar '' and last year 's `` Kung Fu Panda , '' has designed from scratch as a purely 3D movie . Dennis Laws is Chief Projectionist at the BFI IMAX , which is home to the UK 's biggest cinema screen and also has 3D capability . He told CNN , `` It 's the first film from DreamWorks that was designed from the very beginning to be in 3D and DreamWorks are very proud of the fact . '' DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg is probably 3D 's most devoted advocate . He has said that the medium 's introduction may be as significant to the movies as sound , and that all DreamWorks animations will be made in 3D from now on . `` Mr Katzenberg was so articulate in explaining what he wanted to do , and it was very different than anything that I had ever heard of before , which was 3-D used as a gimmick in a film , '' Keifer Sutherland told CNN at the UK premiere of `` Monsters vs. Aliens . '' Watch Kiefer Sutherland talking about `` Monsters vs. Aliens '' `` He actually wanted to envelope the audience in the movie and make you feel like you were part of the scene . `` That not only knocks down the fourth wall between the movie and the audience but it also furthers telling the story . '' With commercial 3D still in its infancy , all eyes are on each new release to take in the advances in the technology , which is moving forward very quickly . `` The technology is growing really fast , '' De Semlyen told CNN , `` It 's very exciting . '' Mairi Mackay contributed to this story . | Buzz around `` Monsters vs. Aliens '' adds new momentum to drive for fully 3D industry . Economic slowdown affected introduction of 3D screens and projectors in cinemas . Other 3D films , like James Cameron 's sci-fi `` Avatar , '' slated for 2009 release . British film critic , Nick De Semlyen on 3D : `` It 's a revolution '' | [[320, 395], [396, 422], [431, 544], [911, 988], [1074, 1077], [1080, 1134], [588, 735], [2512, 2571]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The figure peers down silently from an upper floor of the ruins of a Scottish castle , wearing what looks like an outfit from the Middle Ages . Could this be a long-dead Scottish earl , or just a random , modern-day visitor ? The mysterious image captured by Chris Aitchison at Tantallon Castle in eastern Scotland . The eerie image is captured in a photograph taken by tourist Christopher Aitchison in May 2008 at Tantallon Castle , which sits on a rocky outcrop along the Scottish coast , east of Edinburgh . The `` person '' appears to be wearing an old-style greenish ruff around the neck . Aitchison insists he did not tamper with the image and can not explain it . `` I was not aware of anyone , or anything , being present in my picture , only noticing the anomaly when I got home , '' Aitchison said . `` Staff have verified that there were no sinister dummies in period costume or historical reenactments going on that day at the castle . I did not notice any nice old ladies wearing ruffs walking around the stairs ! '' The picture was made public Friday by Richard Wiseman , a professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire who also studies the paranormal . Wiseman said he was looking for `` photographic evidence for ghosts '' ahead of a session on the subject at the Edinburgh International Science Festival next week . See gallery of haunted photographs '' Wiseman solicited such photos from around the world and collated them for the conference . He said the majority of images showed mysterious-looking orbs , mists , figures and faces . In one picture , a face appears in the side-view mirror of a parked Mercedes convertible . The photographer insists no one was around when he took the picture ; skeptics say the mirror could be reflecting the headrest or be the result of digital manipulation . Another photo of a person walking through a creek in the woods appears to show a second person wearing a hooded sweatshirt , standing on a rock nearby . Skeptics say the `` figure '' is an illusion created by tree branches and the rock formation in the background . Two friends raising a drink to the camera in a third photograph are joined by a ghostly third figure in the background with a face that looks like a Halloween monster mask . `` Many of the photographs can be easily explained , '' said photographer Gordon Rutter , who also examined the pictures . `` Orbs can be caused by the camera flash reflecting off tiny dust particles , mists can result from condensed breath in front of the lens , long exposures can create ghostly figures , and apparent faces are often people seeing patterns in random shapes . '' But the `` ghost '' in the Scottish castle has generated the most attention . What do you think about the image ? Tantallon Castle was built in the 1350s by a nobleman and soon became the stronghold of the Douglas dynasty . For 300 years , the Douglas earls of Angus held sway at the castle as one of the most powerful families in Scotland , according to Historic Scotland , which looks after historic sites for the Scottish government . The castle also was the scene of violence , enduring three great sieges : in 1491 , 1528 and 1651 . The last , by Oliver Cromwell 's army , resulted in such destruction that the fortress was abandoned . It remains the `` last truly great castle '' built in Scotland , with enormously thick and high stone walls enclosing large courtyards , and high stone towers . That stonework could explain the mysterious figure in the photograph , having caused unusual shadows . It is also possible that a member of the public was standing there when the picture was taken , Wiseman said -- in which case , he hopes they will come forward . `` I think it 's probably a person who 's been caught in slightly odd dress , '' Wiseman told CNN . `` We know the day it was taken ... so somebody might come forward to say , ` That was me . ' '' He added , `` If they can explain it , e-mail me . Or indeed , if they have photos they think are better , e-mail them to me . '' A similar mystery happened five years ago at another medieval site , Hampton Court Palace , built by King Henry VIII west of London . A security camera captured a figure in period dress opening a window , peering out , then closing it again . Palace officials insisted at the time that no one was in the room , and they were at a loss to explain the figure . It later emerged that a member of staff wearing a medieval costume was the person in the video . | Photograph taken by Christopher Aitchison in May 2008 at Tantallon Castle . The `` person '' appears to be wearing an old-style greenish ruff around the neck . Aitchison insists he did not tamper with the image . Picture made public by a psychology professor who studies the paranormal . | [[245, 335], [367, 450], [530, 613], [530, 546], [555, 613], [614, 689], [632, 664], [1049, 1102], [1152, 1165], [1175, 1199]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chronic seizures can present a risk for adolescents , whose bodies and metabolism are changing . Jett Travolta was the elder of John Travolta and Kelly Preston 's two children . A seizure disorder caused the death of Jett Travolta , the 16-year-old son of actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston , a source at a Bahamas funeral home told CNN . `` Literally dozens of different disorders can cause seizures : genetics , stroke , brain tumor , lack of oxygen , low blood sugar , drugs , even certain medications , '' said Dr. Sanjay Gupta , CNN 's chief medical correspondent . Another expert said the teen years bring risks for those with seizures . `` Adolescence is a time , even if you do n't talk about children with any seizure disorder , where things change in a child , '' said Dr. Shlomo Shinnar of Montefiore Medical Center in New York . There are effective drugs to treat seizures . As children grow , their bodies and metabolism change , perhaps causing a need to adjust their dosage , said Shinnar , a professor of neurology and pediatrics and director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Management Center at Montefiore . `` Seizures during adolescence can get better or worse or stay the same , '' he said . And the risk of seizures is higher for children with disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy , Shinnar said . Jett Travolta had a developmental disability that his parents have linked to Kawasaki disease , an inflammatory disorder of the artery walls that most commonly occurs in young children . An autopsy of the actors ' son was completed Monday , and the body was cremated that evening , the funeral home source said . Jett was found unconscious in the bathroom Friday while on vacation with his family . Michael Ossi , an attorney for Travolta , told CNN last week that Jett had a seizure that morning at the family 's home in a resort area . He was taken by ambulance to a hospital and pronounced dead on arrival , according to local police . People.com reported that Travolta , Preston and their 8-year-old daughter Ella Blue arrived in Florida on Monday night with Jett 's ashes . The reports that a seizure disorder caused Jett 's death were preliminary , Gupta said . `` It tells us more about what did not happen than the ultimate cause of death . It rules out brain injury , bleeding on brain , skull fractures , rules out heart problems due to Kawasaki disease , which is the disease the Travoltas say their son suffered , '' he said . Kawasaki disease , believed to be caused by an infection , inflames the heart muscles . In 2001 , Travolta told CNN 's Larry King that his son had a near brush with death related to the condition . `` I was obsessive about cleaning -- his space being clean , so we constantly had the carpets cleaned . And I think , between him , the fumes and walking around , maybe picking up pieces or something , he got what is rarely a thing to deal with , but it 's Kawasaki syndrome , '' Travolta said of his then-2-year-old son . Dr. Cam Patterson , general cardiologist at the University of North Carolina and a genetics expert who follows Kawasaki disease , told CNN , `` There is no real good link at all between Kawasaki disease and cleaning products . `` Kawasaki disease is due to an abnormal immunnologic response , probably to an infectious agent or infection we do n't yet understand , '' Patterson said . `` There is nothing that links environmental toxins to this problem . '' Someone with Kawasaki could have seizures for one of two reasons , but they would be rare , he said . `` One , sometime in the past one of the arteries in the brain ruptured and caused stroke , '' he said . `` Two , if the artery had enlarged enough , it could be pressing on parts of brain and that could cause seizure . Both possibilities are unusual for Kawasaki disease . '' A very small study released in 1991 found an association between cases of Kawasaki disease in homes where carpet had been cleaned in the past 30 days . `` It 's very easy to find correlations , but does n't mean causative , '' Patterson said . The next step would have been to conduct more tests , by taking toxicological tests and brain examinations to see what could have caused the seizure . `` Even with physical evidence and a deeper look by neuropathologists , we still may never have an answer , '' Gupta said on CNN 's American Morning . CNN 's Stephanie Smith and Miriam Falco contributed to this report . | Seizures in teenagers can be caused by dozens of disorders , genetics . Seizure said to have caused the death of Jett Travolta , 16 . Family has linked seizures to Kawasaki disease ; experts say it 's unlikely . | [[19, 70], [362, 414], [197, 249], [2129, 2202], [1350, 1443]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Kellogg Co. announced Wednesday it is recommending that consumers not eat its peanut butter crackers because they may be tainted with salmonella . Salmonella bacteria are transmitted to humans by eating contaminated foods . The products affected are Austin - and Keebler-branded : . -- Toasted peanut butter sandwich crackers . -- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich crackers . -- Cheese and peanut butter sandwich crackers . -- Peanut butter-chocolate sandwich crackers . The Michigan-based maker of cereals and snacks posted the recommendation in a statement on its Web site . Peanut butter produced by Peanut Corporation of America , one of several peanut butter suppliers to the company , has been linked to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning that has affected at least 434 people in 43 states , federal health officials said Wednesday . `` Kellogg Company 's investigation has not indicated any concerns , nor has the company received any consumer illness complaints about these products , '' the Kellogg statement said . `` Nonetheless , Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control , removing product from retail store shelves , and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue . '' All of the company 's peanut-butter crackers are made at its bakery in Cary , North Carolina , said spokeswoman Kris Charles . Though consumers are urged `` to hold the product until we have more information , '' Charles recommended anyone seeking a refund call 888.314.2060 for details about how to get one . | Some types of Austin - and Keebler-branded sandwich crackers affected . One of its peanut butter suppliers has been linked to outbreak of salmonella . Kellogg says warning is strictly precautionary ; no incidents of illness reported . Outbreak of salmonella poisoning has affected at least 434 people in 43 states . | [[247, 301], [599, 654], [703, 767], [744, 767], [773, 818]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Layoffs for sea lions ? Furloughs for frogs ? Is there no job security , anywhere ? State budget cuts mean New York 's 76 zoos , botanical gardens and aquariums will lose $ 9.1 million in funding . The recession may be coming to a zoo near you . State budget cuts mean many zoos , aquariums and botanical gardens will lose crucial state funding for their exhibits . New York 's 76 zoos , aquariums and botanical gardens will lose $ 9.1 million in state funds next year . `` We 're faced with this very difficult problem of firing the animals , as it were , '' said Steve Sanderson , the CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society , which manages the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium . They will lose $ 3 million to budget cuts . The Bronx Zoo has made a short video posted on its Web site www.bronxzoo.com / to draw attention to the cuts . In the video , the zoo director fires a porcupine and a frog . `` I am sure you have heard that Gov. -LSB- David -RSB- Paterson 's proposed budget will mean severe cuts here at the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium , '' the zoo director says . `` Next year , all 76 zoos , botanical gardens and aquariums in the state will lose all of their state funding . There is no easy way to say this : Even though you bring record numbers of people to New York and help the economy , we are going to have to let you go . '' Firing a porcupine and a frog may be a cute way to get publicity for their budget woes , but it 's a serious matter and zoo officials say the recession will certainly affect the animals . Zoo officials say some collections with `` short life cycles '' will not be replaced when they die , and other animals could be sent to other zoos or wildlife sanctuaries . The state of New York funds just 2.7 percent of the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium 's budget , but zoo officials say it will be difficult to make up . Between the state budget cuts , the loss in the value of their endowment and fewer people renewing memberships -- times are so tough for the zoo and aquarium -- they say they may lay off 120 to 130 people . `` Two-thirds of our budget is people , and so two-thirds of the cuts will come in cutting positions , '' Sanderson said . `` And we 'll also cut back what we provide in the way of education and entertainment and nature experiences for people . So it affects everything . '' Zoo officials questioned the state 's priorities . But just about everybody getting taxpayer funds has to cut back . Jeffrey Gordon , a spokesman for the New York State Budget Office told CNN the cuts are regrettable but necessary considering the state 's current financial crisis . Citing a `` dramatic reduction in revenue , '' Gordon said , `` Every entity that receives state funds must do what the state has done , which is to review its operations and identify ways to operate at lower costs . '' The Bronx Zoo is n't the only one affected ; cutbacks are happening everywhere . The Los Angeles Zoo in California stopped work on its $ 42 million elephant exhibit last year , and there are big budget cuts for zoos in Maryland , Missouri and North Carolina . There 's no relief for the zoos in the $ 819 billion economic stimulus package . Section 1109 of the stimulus bill which passed this week in the House forbids the use of federal taxpayer money to plug the budget gaps . Taxpayer watchdog groups lobbied to keep zoos , aquariums , swimming pools , golf courses and casinos out of the stimulus , arguing that there are higher priorities for Americans ' money during a recession . | State budget cuts threaten funding for zoos , aquariums and botanical gardens . New York 's 76 zoos , aquariums and botanical gardens will lose $ 9.1 million . Bronx Zoo : Some animals wo n't be replaced ; others may go to zoos , sanctuaries . Zoos in Florida , Maryland , Missouri and North Carolina face budget cuts . | [[112, 188], [157, 225], [274, 340], [309, 393], [394, 498], [714, 757], [935, 1085], [1115, 1127], [1130, 1227], [3068, 3146], [112, 188], [157, 225], [309, 393], [394, 498], [1115, 1127], [1130, 1227], [1674, 1745], [274, 340], [3068, 3146]] |
-LRB- Entertainment Weekly -RRB- -- They have come to glimpse the miracle . They have come to witness the revolution . They have come for `` Watchmen '' -- the allegedly unfilmable superhero movie , the long-awaited adaptation of the comic book that changed the face of comic books forever . Billy Crudup plays Dr. Manhattan , a powerful superhero in `` Watchmen . '' On this warm July morning , over 5,000 fans attending the annual geek pop summit known as Comic-Con have assembled inside the San Diego Convention Center for a first look . Many spent the night on the sidewalk . Some have come in costumes . Behind the stage , indie-movie icon Kevin Smith parks himself in front of a closed-circuit TV , a happy grin on his bearded mug . `` You have to understand , I 've been waiting for this moment for years , '' says Smith . `` This is it , man . This is the pinnacle . '' All this , for a violent , ironic superhero epic that does n't like superheroes in the first place . Directed by `` 300 's '' Zack Snyder , `` Watchmen '' presents a set of familiar superhero archetypes -- and then subverts them completely . Rorschach -LRB- Jackie Earl Haley -RRB- is like the Spirit ... except he 's a joyless , hard-line misanthrope . The Comedian -LRB- Jeffrey Dean Morgan -RRB- is like Captain America ... but loyal only to sadistic thrills and a corrupt worldview . Nite Owl -LRB- Patrick Wilson -RRB- is part Batman , part Iron Man ... except he 's also a schlubby , impotent coward . Ozymandias -LRB- Matthew Goode -RRB- is the resident genius ... who 's built an empire on superhero toys . -LRB- You see what we mean by irony . -RRB- . Says Billy Crudup , whose blue , naked Dr. Manhattan is an almighty Superman dangerously detached from his own humanity : '' ` Watchmen ' is a kind of thrilling thought experiment . What would people who dress up in costumes to fight crime actually be like ? Well , they 'd probably be fetishists who lived on the fringes of society . They 'd all be a bunch of freaking lunatics . '' Yet for all its self-awareness and cynicism , `` Watchmen '' is n't some cheap-and-silly `` Scary Movie '' parody . Adapted faithfully , if not completely , from the celebrated 1986 comic-book series , Snyder 's film is visually and intellectually ambitious , filled with heady ruminations about savior figures , pop culture , and the politics of fear . At a time when superhero stories are commonplace and our shaken country is pinning its recovery on an idealistic new president , `` Watchmen 's '' director believes his movie can serve as a bracing blast of healthy skepticism . `` Someone asked me if I thought that because Barack Obama had been elected president , the movie was no longer relevant . I said , ` Wow , that 's a very optimistic view of the future ! ' '' says Snyder . `` The movie , like the comic , says , ` These superhero stories you 've been feasting on ? What if we took them seriously ? ' ... That 's the fun . '' But fun for whom ? When `` Watchmen '' hits theaters on March 6 , the comic-book cognoscenti will be there in droves -- although some are already sweating the heresy of dramatic changes . EW : What did n't make it ? And , for mainstream moviegoers , such talk of `` subverting superhero archetypes '' is liable to elicit a great big `` Huh ? '' EW : A `` Watchmen '' primer . `` Watchmen 's '' financial backers are clearly hoping the success of `` The Dark Knight '' has primed the market for sophisticated superhero films -- especially one that 's two hours and 41 minutes long . But where `` The Dark Knight '' transcended genre conventions , `` Watchmen '' wallows in them . Violently . Created by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons , `` Watchmen '' is most often praised as the comic book that brought respect and maturity to a medium long dismissed as juvenile . It was the fanboys ' `` Catcher in the Rye '' -- and maybe their first Playboy , too . `` I was 13 when I read ` Watchmen , ' and it came to represent my coming of age , '' says `` Lost '' co-creator Damon Lindelof . `` I felt like ` Watchmen ' was this very , very bad thing that I should n't be reading , and if my mom caught me with it I 'd be f -- ing doomed . '' Hollywood was similarly struck by `` Watchmen , '' but has been much less successful at avoiding the doom . In 1986 , Twentieth Century Fox acquired the comic 's rights for producer Larry Gordon , but could never get an adaptation rolling . Over the next decade , `` Watchmen '' bounced among many studios and between many before finding what appeared to be a happy ending at Paramount . But in 2005 , with helmer Paul Greengrass deep into preproduction , a Paramount regime change killed the project . Certainly , it 's a hard project to get your head around . `` Watchmen '' is set in the year 1985 . The U.S. and the Soviet Union are on the brink of nuclear war , and the president is Richard Nixon , whose success at ending the Vietnam War -LRB- he asked Dr. Manhattan to blow up the Vietcong -RRB- has earned him five terms of office from a grateful nation . Conservative politics are popular , as are Indian fast food and pirate comics . But costumed heroes , once all the rage , are now outlawed . When the Comedian gets murdered , Rorschach tries to round up his old allies to investigate . They eventually uncover an insidious conspiracy hatched by an unlikely villain , one whose grand ambition is n't world domination but something else altogether . iReport.com : Will you watch ` Watchmen ' ? And that 's only half the comic . Hence , `` Watchmen 's '' rep as the Unfilmable Graphic Novel . But tides changed in late 2005 when Warner Bros. acquired the property from Paramount -LRB- or at least they thought they did -RRB- with the hope of rolling on `` Watchmen '' ASAP . -LRB- Warner Bros. is a unit of Time Warner , as is CNN and Entertainment Weekly . -RRB- . The studio turned to Snyder . At that point , the director had only done stylish TV commercials and the 2003 zombie remake `` Dawn of the Dead . '' But he was also deep in the middle of shooting the studio 's action epic `` 300 , '' another adaptation of a brilliantly brutal comic , and the execs liked what they were seeing . Snyder 's approach was simple : He would remain religiously faithful to the comic . `` We treated that thing like a freakin ' illuminated text , '' says the director , who embraced all the peculiar idiosyncrasies , from the Nixonian alternative America to the deep-dive digressions into character origin stories . -LRB- None of this faithfulness can please Moore , who feels that no adaptation can do his work justice and has taken his name off the film . -RRB- . The director also believed that an `` adult '' superhero epic needed to be explicit about its `` adult '' content . He wanted to hear the characters ' philosophical musings . He wanted to see the blood spurt . And instead of the chaste kisses of most superhero movie romances , he wanted to see some naked getting-it-on . `` I wanted to make sure everyone understood : This is not a kid movie , '' says Snyder . `` Violence has consequences . And doing that with a PG-13 just dilutes that message . '' And then there was the worry that all that effort was all for naught . Last February , Twentieth Century Fox sought to stop Warner Bros. from moving forward with `` Watchmen 's '' release , claiming via lawsuit that Warner Bros. had not properly acquired the distribution rights . The dispute exploded in the media last August when a judge declared that Fox 's lawsuit had merit . `` How do you not know whether or not you have the right to make a movie ? '' says Crudup . `` Hilarious . '' But after months of intense press coverage that put `` Watchmen '' in the mainstream eye , the two studios reached a settlement . -LRB- Warner Bros. and Fox both declined to comment . As for producer Gordon : `` It was unfortunate , '' he says simply . -RRB- . Now Team `` Watchmen '' waits to see if any of that notoriety can help make them some money . With a $ 100 million-plus budget and a running time of 161 minutes , `` Watchmen '' will need to launch with a big opening weekend and strong reviews . So , will geek love -- and geek dollars -- be enough ? Snyder hopes so . He says he made the film for that crowd . `` I do n't think there ever has been a movie more custom-made for them . Not at this scale , '' he says . `` And now they have an opportunity to really influence pop culture in a serious way , just as the comic influenced comics . They can say : ` These stories can be used to say something about the world . Give us more of them . ' '' This is an edited version of Entertainment Weekly 's cover story on `` Watchmen . '' For the complete story , click here . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . Copyright 2009 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. . All rights reserved . | `` Watchmen '' movie , after years in the works , finally coming out March 6 . Film based on classic graphic novel that influenced many . Film does not shy away from controversial themes , violence in novel . | [[2982, 3079]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Investigators are pursuing several new leads in the case of a missing 5-year-old girl in Florida , they said Tuesday . Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings , 5 , who vanished a week ago , may have been abducted , police say . The Putnam County Sheriff 's Office on Monday night searched the neighborhood of Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings , who vanished a week ago . Deputies also searched surrounding neighborhoods . Authorities said the girl may have been abducted . Officials would n't release any details on the leads . `` Those leads , like I said , are as a result of doing the neighborhood canvass last night , and we will be following up on those leads today , '' said Capt. Steve Rose of the Putnam Sheriff 's Office . Since opening the case a week ago , authorities have received more than 1,200 tips about the missing girl , 500 of them since Monday , Putnam County Sheriff Rick Ryan said . Tuesday afternoon , the sheriff 's office announced they have changed the Amber Alert they originally put out for the little girl , saying they changed the description of the clothing . `` What we need people to focus on is the face , because we do not know at this time what the clothing was at this point , '' said Dominick Pape with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement . Rose said investigators also conducted a checkpoint in the area last night . Ronald Cummings ' girlfriend , 17-year-old Misty Croslin , told police she was watching Haleigh when she went missing sometime before dawn February 10 . Watch why police now question the sitter 's story '' Cummings shares his double-wide mobile home with Croslin , daughter Haleigh and a 4-year-old son in Satsuma , east of Gainesville . He has said that when he returned home at 3 a.m. ET , he was surprised to see Croslin awake and asked her why she was up . Croslin waited until Cummings came home to phone 911 about the girl 's disappearance , though it 's unclear how long that wait was , authorities said . Police said last week that Croslin had tucked the girl and her brother into bed at 8 p.m. before going to sleep at 10 . The girl , boy and Croslin usually sleep in the same bed . Officials said they originally thought Haleigh may have wandered outside on her own but are now certain that she was abducted . Investigators are looking into various angles of the case , including finding out the location of 44 registered sexual offenders who live within a 5-mile radius of the Cummings home , said Lt. Johnny Greenwood of the Putnam Sheriff 's Office . A nationwide Amber Alert said the girl was last seen wearing a pink shirt and underwear . | NEW : Sheriff 's office changes description of missing girl 's clothing in Amber Alert . Officers search Florida neighborhood of Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings , 5 . Investigators wo n't give details of new leads they say they 've found . Girl disappeared from home last week while in teenager 's care . | [[906, 923], [926, 991], [926, 929], [1038, 1091], [235, 342], [371, 379], [385, 421], [473, 527], [138, 164], [175, 194], [316, 342], [349, 370]] |
This is the second part of a two part series on the best used luxury cars . -LRB- AOL Autos -RRB- -- Recently , Consumer Reports magazine issued its list of best and worst used cars , and divvied them up by price range . The Porsche 911 has several versions , but all have been annointed with the `` supercar '' appellation . Using CR 's recommendations as a guideline , here is a list of some of the best used luxury cars currently on the market in the $ 30,000 + price range : . 2007 Acura MDX . The newer MDX is classified as a crossover SUV , but it 's a deluxe version . It was all-new in ' 07 , and was built on a proper platform -- as opposed to being adapated from the Accord passenger-car platform . It also came in three flavors : Base , Technology and Sport Packages , and all three were powered by a 3.7-liter 300-hp V6 . The voice-activated navigation system is a nifty feature , as it comes with rearview camera and AcuraLink satellite communications with real-time traffic data . AOL Autos : Used Acura . 2007 BMW 328i sedan . The 328i is another sleek , finely-tuned and beautifully-designed driving machine , offering sporty performance and Euro-style luxury . It is widely considered to be the definitive `` sports sedan . '' The '07 328i was propelled by a 3.0-liter 230-hp inline six-cylinder engine , which you can find mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission . Consumer Reports also recommended the 3-Series coupe and convertible that joined BMW 's model line-up in ' 07 . AOL Autos : Used BMW . 2004 BMW M3 . The M3 is the top-of-the-line , high-performance-tuned version of the 3-series coupe . Performance power , therefore , is much higher than the other 3-Series editions . It came as a coupe or convertible , and churned out 333 horses . The M3 is often favorably compared to the Porsche 911 when it comes to quick acceleration , crisp braking and taking tough corners at brisk speeds without breaking a sweat . 2007 Infiniti FX35 . Well , the marketplace surely is not lacking for luxury crossovers . Here is yet another one that appeals to luxury buyers with its balance of SUV-type spaciousness , pampering amenities , deft handling and burly engine muscle . For ' 07 , the FX35 was a two-wheel-drive vehicle powered by a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission . AOL Autos : Used Infiniti . 2006 & 2007 Infiniti M . Infiniti 's M series is another winner , which seamlessly synergizes sleek styling , aggressive engine performance and a bevy of luxo-line amenities . It comes in both the M-35 and M-45 . During the last used-model year , ' 07 , the primary distinction between the two was that the M35 was powered by a V6 that kicked out 275 horses , while the M45 muscled up to a 325-hp V8 . Luxury features included standard leather seats with heating and ventilation , and optional 10-way power adjustments for the driver 's seat . Lexus . Just like in the $ 24,000-to - $ 30,000 category , Consumer Reports recommended a slew of world-beating used Lexus models in this segment : the ' 06 - '07 6-cylinder GS RWD ; the '07 GS450h Hybrid ; ' 05 - '07 GX ; '07 IS ; ' 04 - '07 LS ; ' 03 - '06 LX and ' 06 - '07 RX . AOL Autos : Used Lexus . Lexus has placed No 1 in the JD Power Dependability Survey every year for the last 12 years - until ' 07 , when another carmaker , Buick , finally tied them for first . Porsche 911 -LRB- various years -RRB- . Consumer Reports included the '98 911 in the $ 24,000 to $ 30,000 category . Here , the model years get more recent as the price range climbs . The 911 went through some changes over this time period , of course , but all have been anointed with the `` supercar '' appellation . AOL Autos : Used Porsche . And by the latest recommended used-model year , the ' 07 , you could choose among various styles and engine sizes , including the Carrera , with its 3.6-L 325-hp flat-six plant ; the Carrera S and S Cabriolet , with the 3.8-L 355 hp V6 ; the 911 Turbo , with twin-turbocharged 480 hp six-cylinder engine ; and the GT3 track model , powered by a high-revving 415-hp six-cylinder engine . | Newer Acura MDX is classified as a crossover SUV , but it 's a deluxe version . BMW 328i is sleek , finely-tuned and beautifully-designed driving machine . Infiniti 's M series is another winner with an aggressive engine performance . Consumer Reports recommended a slew of used Lexus models . | [[498, 544], [551, 575], [1042, 1177], [1087, 1098], [1099, 1123], [2423, 2437], [2446, 2549], [2399, 2549], [1414, 1430], [1436, 1482], [2977, 3050]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United States signed an agreement Thursday on civil nuclear cooperation with the United Arab Emirates . Calling the agreement `` a powerful and timely model for the world and the region , '' Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed the deal , along with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed . `` We applaud the UAE 's commission -- commitment to the highest standards of safety , security and nonproliferation in its pursuit of nuclear power , '' Rice said . Congress has to ratify the agreement before it can take effect , and congressional critics fear it could spark an arms race and proliferation in the region . The UAE 's ties to Iran also have caused concern . Under the `` 1-2-3 deal , '' similar to one the United States signed last year with India , Washington would share nuclear technology , expertise and fuel . In exchange , the UAE commits to abide by the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards . The small oil-rich Gulf nation promises not to enrich uranium or to reprocess spent nuclear fuel to extract plutonium , which can be used to make nuclear bombs . The deal is part of a major UAE investment in nuclear energy . It has already signed deals to build several nuclear power plants . `` We are a country that is very rich in its oil and gas , but we do look forward that we have a program , a nuclear , peaceful program that could sustain our future needs , '' said bin Zayed . Rice said she hoped existing work by U.S. companies on the UAE nuclear program would be expanded under the agreement . `` We believe our technology is the best in the world , and we hope that the UAE will give that technology strong consideration , '' she said . The United States has stressed its role in global nonproliferation initiatives and has donated $ 10 million to establish an International Atomic Energy Agency international fuel bank . The U.S. has held up the UAE 's development of nuclear energy in stark contrast to Iran , which is suspected of enriching uranium for a nuclear bomb . Rep. Howard Berman , a Democrat from California , chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , called the safeguards in the agreement `` encouraging '' but voiced concerns that Iran could take advantage of the agreement . `` This could be a significant advance in nonproliferation policy , and a model for future nuclear cooperation agreements , '' Berman said in a statement . `` However , I and many other members of Congress place a very high priority on the international effort to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability and will be analyzing this and any other nuclear cooperation agreement in the context of how it implicates the attainment of that goal . '' Iran is the among the UAE 's largest trading partners . In the past , the port city of Dubai , one of the UAE 's seven emirates , has been used as a transit point for sensitive technology bound for Iran . Dubai was also one of the major hubs for the nuclear trafficking network run by Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan . But U.S. officials said the UAE has taken major steps to improve export controls and prevent money laundering . Still , such ties contributed to stiff opposition in Congress to the failed deal for Dubai Ports World to manage U.S. ports . The U.S. already has similar agreements with Egypt and Morrocco , and U.S. officials said Washington is working on similar pacts with Saudi Arabia , Bahrain and Jordan . | U.S. Congress has to ratify the agreement before it can take effect . Congressional critics fear it could spark an arms race and proliferation in the region . Under the deal , the U.S. would share nuclear technology , expertise and fuel . The UAE will abide by the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty , other safeguards . | [[498, 560], [567, 655], [707, 730], [799, 863], [864, 875], [878, 998]] |
JERUSALEM -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Israeli Military said Thursday that the `` vast majority '' of Palestinians killed in the recent Gaza conflict were `` terror operatives '' and the number of people killed was less than Palestinian sources reported . Israel says the majority of Palestinians killed during `` Operation Cast Lead '' were `` terror operatives . '' In an e-mailed statement the Israel Defense Forces spokesman 's office claimed their figures contained the names of 1,166 Palestinians killed in the conflict , called `` Operation Cast Lead . '' The Israeli military said 709 of them were `` identified as Hamas terror operatives , among them several from various other terror organizations . '' The remaining , the statement claims , were comprised of 162 names who `` have not yet been attributed to any organization . '' `` Furthermore , it has come to our understanding that 295 uninvolved Palestinians were killed during the operation , 89 of them under the age of 16 , and 49 of them were women . '' The Israeli military said it was releasing the findings to counter `` false information originating from various Palestinian sources , and in order to remove any doubt regarding the number of Palestinians killed in Operation Cast Lead . '' The numbers presented by the Israeli military differ sharply from those reported by Palestinian sources . At the conclusion of the fighting , the Hamas controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza had put the death toll at over 1,300 , with the majority made up of non-combatants . More recently the Palestinian Center for Human Rights -LRB- PCHR -RRB- published a study that put the total death toll at 1,417 , including 926 civilians of which 313 were children under the age of 18 and 116 women . It reports that the remainder was made of 255 `` non-combatant '' police officers and 236 who were took `` an active part in hostilities . '' Jaber Wishah , a deputy director for PCHR told CNN his organization `` stands firmly on our published figures '' and that Israel 's choice to classify police officers as combatants is `` illegal . '' `` Such classification constitutes a willful violation of the principle of ` distinction ' which is a key component of customary international law . This raises serious doubts about the accuracy of the figures published by the Israelis , '' he said . Wishah said the civilian death toll included `` large numbers of deaths inside people 's homes and other civilian facilities '' and that it indicated `` the extent to which civilians were intentionally targeted . '' Wishah said that until the Israeli government produced the names and details on which its figures were based that he could not comment further . The Israeli military has maintained that it went to great lengths to minimize civilian deaths and put the responsibility of civilian deaths on Hamas . `` The Hamas terror organization placed the primary fighting scene at the heart of civilian neighborhoods as it booby-trapped homes , fired from schools and used civilians as human shields , '' the IDF said . Asked about the discrepancy in numbers , an Israeli military official suggested that natural occurring deaths in Gaza had been included in the Palestinian death toll numbers and that the total ratio of non-combatant to combatants killed was low . A spokesman for the Israeli military said it could not immediately make the list of killed Palestinians available and could not offer more detail on methodology . | Israel : `` Vast majority '' of Palestinians killed in Gaza were `` terror operatives '' Military says number of people killed less than Palestinian sources reported . Israel says 1,166 died , with 709 `` identified as Hamas terror operatives '' | [[0, 19], [29, 143], [250, 330], [323, 358], [557, 703], [177, 197], [205, 249], [1323, 1362], [323, 358], [362, 496], [478, 519], [557, 703], [583, 640]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Everyone was blogging about Tuesday 's inauguration -- even the people who were putting it on . President Obama , pictured , giving his inaugural speech . Fittingly for an election campaign that was won partly by galvanizing millions of young people to get out and vote via the Internet , Obama 's inauguration ushered in a new digital age for the U.S. presidency . As the clock struck 12.01 in Washington Obama 's administration took control of the White House Web site , with the simple words `` Change has come to America . '' The first blog post by director of new media for the White House , Macon Phillips , said : `` Millions of Americans have powered President Obama 's journey to the White House , many taking advantage of the Internet to play a role in shaping our country 's future . '' It was an unprecedented move in the history of presidential inaugurations and it reflected the mood of the blogosphere , which came alive with comments as excitable bloggers mulled on topics ranging from what Michelle Obama would wear to their thoughts on Obama 's speech . Watch President Obama 's full speech '' The New Yorker 's George Packer wrote in his blog that `` President Obama uttered no words today that will be quoted in a hundred years . '' `` He delivered something better than rhetorical excitement -- he spoke the truth , which makes its own history and carries its own poetry , '' Packer added . But it was not just traditional bloggers who were giving their two cents worth . Social network sites were also buzzing with the excitement of the occasion . CNN.com provided a live video streaming platform for Facebook users to interact with the inauguration ceremony by updating their status as they watched proceedings . Online viewers could choose between their friends or `` everyone watching , '' seeing live thoughts such as `` I 've actually got shivers ! '' to `` Barack H. ? What a copout ! '' Many were captivated by Aretha Franklin 's eye-catching hat , with comments ranging from : `` Now that 's a hat , '' to `` Aretha is wearing the hell outtta that hat . '' There was also no escaping the ubiquitous `` Tweeple '' -LRB- Twitter people -RRB- posting ` tweets ' on everything from their opinion of the inaugural speech to their celebrity spots . One ` tweeter ' even blogged about using the VIP toilets at the inauguration site in Washington , saying : `` Just used the VIP porta potty . Contrary to what they might tell you , fancy people 's **** does indeed stink . '' More than 40,000 photos of the events on Capitol Hill tagged with the word `` inauguration '' were also posted to the photo-sharing site , Flickr . No aspect of the inauguration was left undissected , but Pastor Rick Warren 's invocation prayer proved a hot topic amongst bloggers , who by turns criticized him for being too inclusive and not inclusive enough . Warren attracted some criticism for using words from the Jewish , Christian and Muslim holy texts as well as including the name of Jesus -- in several languages including Hebrew . However Dan Gilgoff , the `` God & Country '' blogger for U.S. News & World Report , acknowledged the difficult position Warren faced when he wrote : . `` For me , the two most salient features of the Rev. Rick Warren 's inauguration invocation were its emphasis on the values of unity and mutual respect , which seemed partly a reaction to the controversy his selection as invocation speaker sparked , and its bold invocation of Jesus in the form of the Lord 's Prayer . `` For some , those two themes would seem incongruous . It was trademark Warren , who -- like Barack Obama -- has been accused of trying to be all things to all people . '' For some , it was about looking ahead to how long the adulation for President Obama would last . Conservative blogger Dr. Melissa Clouthier , who was liveblogging the inauguration , debated that the `` Obasm '' would last 4 years . `` His voters voted for him not for his ideas , '' she wrote . `` He did n't really articulate specific plans . He just gave vague promises . Voters were so enamored with the idea of him and he 'll be around for four years , so the love will continue . `` The Press and the voters , too , imbued Obama with so much wonderfulness that to turn on him is to turn on their own perfect judgment . Since the vote was essentially narcissistic and people do n't hate themselves , Obama will be loved for a good long time . '' It remains to be seen whether her prediction will come true . | Inauguration set blogosphere alive with comments . From Facebook to Twitter , everyone wanted to have their say online . Obama 's speech , Michelle 's outfit and Rick Warren 's prayer proved popular themes . | [[0, 15], [19, 70], [920, 935], [944, 997], [115, 130], [133, 141], [151, 173], [115, 130], [144, 173], [1001, 1090], [2168, 2205], [2208, 2291], [2722, 2797]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- James Dobson , the influential evangelical leader of the Christian ministry Focus on the Family , has stepped down as board chairman , he announced Friday . James Dobson is expected to stay in his public role as an advocate for socially conservative issues . During a meeting with employees , Dobson , 72 , said the move means he will no longer be involved with the administrative side of the organization , according to spokesman Gary Schneeberger . But Dobson 's public role is n't expected to change . He 'll still appear on his daily radio broadcast and as an advocate for socially conservative issues , Schneeberger said . `` There wo n't be a whole lot of difference , '' the spokesman said . `` You 'll still hear him on the radio . You 'll still see him on the networks like CNN with Larry King . `` He said to the staff today , ` I 've got more to say -- I 'm not ready to stop fighting for the things I 've fought for for the past 32 years . ' '' Founded in 1977 , Focus on the Family is a nonprofit organization devoted to what it considers Christian family values , with Dobson 's daily program geared largely toward advice on parenting from a religious perspective . But in recent years the ministry , like Dobson himself , has become more active in promoting social and political views . Last year , Dobson caused a huge political stir when he announced he `` can not and will not '' vote for Republican nominee Sen. John McCain . He later changed his tune , after McCain 's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate , calling her selection `` one of the most exciting days of my life , '' on the syndicated Dennis Prager Show . Dobson has gained widespread attention again with his criticisms of a 2006 speech by now-President Barack Obama on his religious views . He accused Obama of `` deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview , his own confused theology . '' That led to a backlash . A group of ministers started an online petition , James Dobson Does n't Speak for Me , that drew more than 12,000 signatures . Kirbyjon Caldwell , pastor of Houston , Texas ' Windsor Village United Methodist Church , led that effort . `` Dr. Dobson has made a tremendous contribution to the spiritual and social fiber of this country . I 've always said that and will continue to say it although , obviously , we have not always agreed , '' Caldwell said Friday . `` The fabric of the evangelical community here in America is very strong . One or two disagreements here and there are surely not going to cause the community to tear apart at the fringes . '' Dobson has spoken out loudly against abortion rights and gay marriage and even weighed in on the Harry Potter fantasy series , with a statement on the group 's Web site denouncing the books ' `` trend toward witchcraft and New Age ideology . '' `` He built his media empire around , sort of , parenting and family issues and he has since used his audience and his media presence to push a political agenda , '' said Peter Montgomery , a senior fellow with the liberal People for the American Way , which advocates , among other things , for the separation of church and state . `` In the last several election cycles , he 's constantly complained that the Republican Party is n't far enough to the right and sort of has a habit of saying he 's going to take his followers and walk if they do n't do more to push his agenda , '' Montgomery said . Focus on the Family says its broadcasts reach more than 220 million people in 155 countries . Its newsletter , in which Dobson will continue to write , goes to 1.6 million people . Dobson 's announcement that he and his wife , National Day of Prayer Chairwoman Shirley Dobson , are stepping down from the board of directors comes six years after he resigned as the ministry 's executive director . `` One of the common errors of founder-presidents is to hold the reins of leadership too long , thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority ... , '' Dobson said in a written release . `` Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor , it is the wise thing to do . '' Montgomery , whose group has been critical of what it calls an `` assault on Americans ' liberties '' by Focus on the Family , said it 's unclear how influential the group will be when Dobson is no longer its public face . While Dobson is the personality that drives the ministry , Focus on the Family has a vast communication and fundraising infrastructure that could continue to make it a player in social and political issues for years to come , he said . In the meantime , Montgomery said , he does n't expect Dobson 's influence to wane because of the behind-the-scenes changes . `` He 's still a rock star among conservative religious activists , '' he said . | NEW : `` He 's still a rock star among conservative religious activists , '' scholar says . NEW : Dobson has spoken out against abortion rights , gay marriage , Harry Potter . Dobson , 72 , tells employees he wo n't be involved with ministry 's administration . Dobson still expected to remain in public role , be conservative advocate . | [[2640, 2709], [2640, 2646], [2714, 2764], [278, 309], [312, 318], [326, 424], [176, 277], [176, 188], [201, 277], [474, 523], [524, 536], [544, 624], [524, 526], [531, 624]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Yet another scale Il Divo has mastered : scaling the heights of success . The quartet was formed in 2004 after a global search . The operatic quartet 's new album , `` The Promise , '' debuted atop the UK charts , their third collection to hit the No. 1 spot . The album -LRB- which was released in the U.S. last Tuesday -RRB- features Leonard Cohen 's `` Hallelujah , '' Frankie Goes to Hollywood 's `` The Power of Love , '' and the traditional `` Amazing Grace . '' Il Divo also takes a chance on the ABBA hit `` The Winner Takes it All . '' The group is the brainchild of `` American Idol '' judge Simon Cowell , who saw a potential market for an international , `` popera '' - style act after the soaring success of the Andrea Bocelli-Sarah Brightman duet `` Time to Say Goodbye -LRB- Con te Partiro -RRB- . '' Watch Il Divo in action '' Formed in 2004 after a global search , Il Divo -LRB- Italian for `` divine male performer '' -RRB- consists of Spanish baritone Carlos Marin , American tenor David Miller , French pop singer Sebastien Izambard , and Swiss tenor Urs Buhler . According to Syco Music , Il Divo 's UK-based label , the quartet has sold more than 22 million albums worldwide . It seems Cowell knew what he was doing . CNN caught up with Il Divo to find out how close they are to Cowell , and which American pop diva they dream of collaborating with . CNN : Who do you most get compared to , the Three Tenors or the Backstreet Boys ? Carlos Marin : -LRB- laughs -RRB- It 's a mix of everything . I mean at the end -LSB- of the day -RSB- we are just a pop act . We just sing pop songs , and we just converted mostly the big endings into operatic style . But we are just us , Il Divo . CNN : Are you surprised by how much of a hit you 've become ? Marin : In a way , yeah . I still remember the first time we went to number one -LRB- in the UK -RRB- . We knocked out Robbie Williams and it was just like `` Wow ! '' CNN : What is the big appeal of Il Divo ? Urs Buhler : I think it has a lot to do with the big variety we have inside the group , the fact that we are all from four different countries , from different cultural music backgrounds . And we bundle all those different energies ... and bring it together for that one cause -- to make the most beautiful music that we possibly can together . It 's not like we have a strategy or recipe for it , it 's just that we 're passionate about what we do . It works somehow . It 's magic . CNN : How involved is -LSB- Simon Cowell -RSB- with the day-to-day Il Divo operation ? Buhler : With the day-to-day operation , I would say his involvement is next to nothing . He 's only involved in the actual A&R - ing and the executive producing , which means we meet him about twice a year for an hour . CNN : You took a lot of time off in 2007 . In fact you took nearly the whole year off . When you regrouped did you find anything was different ? David Miller : Absolutely . The first three years were just a roller coaster of experiences : having the number one in the UK and then that turning into the number one in all the different countries , and going all around the world and being on tour , being on tour with Barbra Streisand and then more albums . Everything kind of bled into everything else and we did n't really have any time to appreciate all the things that we had done . So after this break , -LSB- when -RSB- we came back together in the studio , it was really like a breath of fresh air . Like the magic of the first album was back . We could appreciate the music again . We could appreciate each other again . And it was a lot more relaxed and a lot more fun . CNN : When you 're standing on stage and you look out at the audience what do you see ... is there a certain age range , a certain sex ? Miller : It depends on the country we go to . For example , when we go to the UK , it 's a slightly more mature audience . When we go to Spain it 's a lot younger audience . When we go to South Africa , it 's a family affair . So it really just depends , but everywhere we go the universal thing that ties them all in is that they 're all music-lovers and they appreciate what we do . CNN : How many languages do you sing in ? Buhler : We -LSB- sing -RSB- in French , Latin , Italian , Spanish , Portuguese , English ... that would be six . And we speak about seven or eight . CNN : Do you speak the language of love ? Marin : Yes , we do ! Buhler : That would be the ninth language . CNN : Who is the biggest diva in the group ? Marin : We are really four divas . Four captains , one ship . Sebastien Izambard : We have very strong personalities , and we 're the producers of our tour and we sit down -- the four of us -- and decide what we 're going to do , what set , what choice of the music or lighting . We 're four grown-up people and we make that very possible . -LSB- In the beginning -RSB- everyone had their own opinions . Now we just know what 's best for Il Divo . It 's easy . Everything 's easy . CNN : How are you being received in America ? Miller : I think in America it 's more of a slow burn . I think it 's more difficult to put us on the radio because we fall between the cracks in a way . We 're a little bit too pop for the classical stations , we 're a bit too classical for the pop stations . And right now hip-hop and rap sort of reign supreme on the airwaves . But there is a big following and it 's growing all the time . CNN : If there was someone you could collaborate with who you have n't yet , who would it be ? Izambard : Beyonce . Christina Aguilera . Marin : Tina Turner . CNN : These are all pop acts . So you really do want to stay within the pop realm ? Buhler : Yeah , definitely . I mean that 's a very conscious choice . I do n't think we 're all opera purists , but for me personally , a `` Nessun Dorma '' -LSB- Puccini aria -RSB- is as good as it is and I do n't see the point of adding a breathy voice , or adding harmonies to it . While the pop repertoire ... it 's just more out there for everyone to take it and do with it whatever without offending people . All you want to do with a pop song is somehow transmit emotion . So far there 's -LSB- been -RSB- much more freedom in pop music and that 's why we stay in there ... we pretty much can do whatever we want . And as Simon Cowell just said recently , `` Nobody owns music . '' | The group is the brainchild of `` American Idol '' judge Simon Cowell . The operatic quartet 's new album , `` The Promise , '' debuted atop the UK charts . Il Divo -LRB- Italian for `` divine male performer '' -RRB- is made up of singers from four countries . | [[573, 642], [210, 239], [2107, 2147]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Paying for sex with trafficked or exploited women would become a crime under new laws proposed by the UK government Wednesday . Under proposed laws , it would be illegal to buy sex from a trafficked or exploited woman in the UK . The act of purchasing sex is not currently a criminal offense in England and Wales -- although there are laws against paying for sex in a public place and persistently soliciting prostitutes . Now UK Home Secretary -LRB- interior minister -RRB- Jacqui Smith says she is proposing the new measures to protect vulnerable women and tackle the demand for prostitution . Britain 's interior ministry , known as the Home Office , introduced the new measures Wednesday after a six-month review that looked at what else the government could do to protect women being exploited for sexual gain . `` I want to do everything we can to protect the thousands of vulnerable women coerced , exploited or trafficked into prostitution in our country , and to bring those who take advantage of them to justice , '' Smith said in a statement . Smith said the new measures will shift the focus onto sex buyers because they create demand for prostitution and demand for the trafficking of women for sex . `` There will be no more excuses for those who pay for sex , '' she added . As part of the review , the government looked at the experience of other countries including Sweden -- which has criminalized paying for sex -- and the Netherlands , where brothels are licensed . The government estimates around 80,000 people are involved in prostitution in Britain , with about 4,000 women having been trafficked for sexual exploitation . It says the prostitution market nationwide is worth up to # 1 billion -LRB- $ 1.52 billion -RRB- . Trafficking is the movement of women from one place to another for the purposes of sex . British Authorities have said trafficking usually involves the trafficker promising to bring a woman to Britain for a better life and then forcing her into prostitution . The measures -- which must be approved by Parliament -- would mean that those committing the new offense would be given a criminal record and fined # 1,000 -LRB- $ 1,520 -RRB- -- even if it was a person 's first offense and the offender did not know the prostitute was being controlled by a pimp or had been trafficked . Police would also be given powers to close and seal premises suspected of being used for sexual exploitation , such as brothels , which the government said will prevent further exploitation and abuse from taking place . Current law prohibits curb crawling , which involves soliciting prostitutes from a motor vehicle persistently or in a manner that causes annoyance to the neighborhood . It also prohibits `` persistent soliciting , '' which is essentially curb crawling without a car . But representatives of sex workers attacked the plans Wednesday , saying they will force prostitution further underground and make women more vulnerable to violence . `` It 's going to really make it more difficult for men to use the sex industry , and it 's going to mean that women are going to have to take more risks in order to earn the same money , '' said Cari Mitchell , a spokeswoman for the English Collective of Prostitutes . `` It 's also going to drive it underground . It 's going to increase the stigma . '' Mitchell said the government 's figures are inflated , and that most immigrant women working as prostitutes have not been trafficked and are working independently . The new measures , she said , confuse prostitution with trafficking and take the focus off those women who may be vulnerable . `` Of women who may be trafficked and forced , what they need is to be able to come forward and report to the police without any fear of being deported , '' Mitchell told CNN . The new restrictions on curb crawling wo n't end the practice , Mitchell said , but simply give prostitutes less time to weigh up any potential dangers before getting in the client 's car . | UK government : Around 4,000 women trafficked in the UK for sexual exploitation . Interior ministry introduces new proposals to clamp down on sex trade . Minister : Measures will shift the focus onto sex buyers because they create demand . Sex workers representative : Move is counterproductive , will force prostitution underground . | [[1615, 1681], [632, 660], [690, 752], [1091, 1163], [1097, 1249], [2854, 2913], [2923, 2927], [2854, 2884], [2916, 3016], [3288, 3295], [3307, 3332], [3290, 3295], [3301, 3332]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday admitted he made a mistake in handling the nomination of Tom Daschle as his health and human services secretary , saying Daschle 's tax problems sent a message that the politically powerful are treated differently from average people . President Barack Obama is interviewed by CNN 's Anderson Cooper on Tuesday . Daschle , the former Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate , withdrew earlier Tuesday as news that he failed to pay some taxes in the past continued to stir opposition on Capitol Hill . `` I think I screwed up , '' Obama said in a wide-ranging interview with CNN 's Anderson Cooper . `` And I take responsibility for it and we 're going to make sure we fix it so it does n't happen again . '' Daschle had apologized Monday for what he said were honest mistakes , calling them an embarrassment . The series of errors included improperly reporting $ 15,000 in charitable donations , failing to list $ 80,000 in lobbying income due to what Daschle said was a paperwork error , and not reporting as income a car and driver loaned to him by a friend and business associate . Watch Obama admit mistake '' Daschle recently filed amended tax returns and paid more than $ 140,000 in back taxes and interest for 2005 to 2007 . Those tax issues , as well as questions over whether work he did after his stint in the Senate amounted to lobbying , gave critics ammunition to question Obama 's call for a change of culture in Washington . `` Ultimately , I campaigned on changing Washington and bottom-up politics , '' Obama said . `` And I do n't want to send a message to the American people that there are two sets of standards -- one for powerful people and one for ordinary folks who are working every day and paying their taxes . '' Watch the full interview with Anderson Cooper '' Obama defended Daschle 's original appointment , saying `` nobody was better-equipped to deal both with the substance and policy of health care . '' `` He understands it as well as anybody , but also the politics , which is going to be required to actually get it done , '' Obama said . Earlier , White House spokesman Robert Gibbs insisted Daschle 's decision to withdraw was made on his own , not as a result of any prodding from the administration . In a written statement , Daschle acknowledged the political problem he had created for the administration . Still , Obama insisted the mistake was his . Read how CNN analysts assess the situation '' Obama also said he 's going to crack down on businesses using taxpayer money to excessively pay executives . He plans a Wednesday announcement of mechanisms to keep that from happening . `` I 'm going to be talking about executive compensation and changes we 're going to be making there , '' he said . `` We 've now learned that people are still getting huge bonuses despite the fact that they 're getting taxpayer money , which I think infuriates the public . '' Watch Obama discuss getting tough on executives '' The president also spoke about the struggling economy , the use of the label `` war on terror , '' and lighter topics , including the family dog and his efforts to stop smoking . Thinking about the nation 's faltering economy keeps him up at night , Obama said . He also addressed criticism that there is too much spending in the current stimulus package bill written by House Democrats . iReport.com : Was Daschle properly vetted ? `` Look , the only measure of my success as president when people look back five years from now or nine years from now is going to be , did I get this economy fixed . I have no interest in promoting a package that does n't work , '' Obama said . Cooper also asked Obama about reports that he is not using former President Bush 's phrase , `` war on terror , '' to refer to the wars in Iraq in Afghanistan . `` Words matter in this situation because one of the ways we 're going to win this struggle is through the battle of hearts and minds , '' Obama said . `` I think it is very important for us to recognize that we have a battle or a war against some terrorist organizations , but that those organizations are n't representative of a broader Arab community , Muslim community . '' Watch Obama talk about the phrase `` war on terror '' '' Moving on to lighter topics , the president said the first family has n't decided what type of dog to get , but will wait until spring . Obama , an intermittent smoker , also said he has not smoked on the White House grounds . `` Sometimes it 's hard . But , you know , I 'm sticking to it , '' Obama said . iReport.com : ` People should give him some slack ' Asked about the greatest lesson he 'd learned about the presidency from studying about Abraham Lincoln , Obama said : . `` You know , when I think about Abraham Lincoln , what I 'm struck by is the fact that he constantly learned on the job . He got better . You know , he was n't defensive . He was n't arrogant about his tasks . He was very systematic in saying , ` I 'm going to master the job , and I understand it 's going to take some time . ' '' | Obama tells CNN 's Anderson Cooper : ' I take responsibility for it ' President says message was sent that the politically powerful are treated differently . Daschle apologizes for what he says were honest mistakes involving taxes . Obama also discusses declining economy and fight against terrorist groups . | [[300, 376], [588, 659], [667, 695], [2411, 2416], [2419, 2455], [0, 26], [178, 299], [769, 836], [3018, 3031], [3037, 3071]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Five members of Liverpool 's backroom staff have followed manager Rafael Benitez in committing their long-term futures to the Premier League title challengers . Rafael Benitez 's backroom staff have followed his example in signing new contracts with Liverpool . Benitez signed a new contract with the club last week , following months of speculation , keeping him at Anfield until 2014 . Now the Spaniard 's lead has now been followed by assistant manager Sammy Lee , first-team coach Mauricio Pellegrino , goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero , fitness coach Paco de Miguel and chief scout Eduardo Macia -- all of whom have agreed contract extensions of at least two years . `` I said when I signed my own deal recently that it was a priority to sort out the future of the technical staff , '' Benitez told PA Sport . `` We work extremely well as a team , and continuity is essential if we are to build on the progress we have made this season and move the club further forward . I am delighted we have been able to sort out the contracts , '' he added . The news caps a remarkable month for the club , who have thrashed Manchester United and Aston Villa to re-enter the Premier League title race and also crushed Real Madrid 5-0 on aggregate to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League . | Five members of Liverpool 's backroom staff sign new contracts with the club . The news follows the decision of manager Rafael Benitez to finally agree terms . The signings are a further boost as Liverpool chase Europe and domestic glory . | [[0, 15], [48, 179], [180, 280], [227, 230], [239, 280], [281, 334]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A British adventurer has overcome sea sickness to complete his around the world trip relying only on the goodwill of people using social networking site Twitter . Paul Smith poses in New York in a picture posted on his Flickr page . Paul Smith aimed to travel to Campbell Island in New Zealand , the opposite side of the planet to his home in Newcastle-upon-Tyne , in 30 days . In the end he fell just short -- reaching Stewart Island at the foot of New Zealand 's South Island . There was not another boat to the more southerly Campbell Island -- a UNESCO World Heritage site -- until November . During his trip Smith visited the Netherlands , France , Germany and the U.S. -- where he was given a free flight to New Zealand -- and had his photo taken with Hollywood actress Liv Tyler . He also raised more than $ 7,000 for a water charity . More on his journey . His self-imposed golden rule was that he could only accept offers of travel and accommodation from people who use Twitter , a micro-blogging service that allows people to `` tweet '' what they 're up to -LRB- or what they 're thinking about -RRB- in 140 characters or less . Smith was also banned from making any travel plans more than three days in advance and has to leave each location within 48 hours of arriving . In his latest updates , he reveals a battle with sea sickness on the crossing to Stewart Island . `` Oh god , I 'm rocking back and forth . Still got motion sickness . Curse you , Stewart Island ! `` Yesterday 's ferry crossing was calm according to local , but it managed to turn me inside out . '' Smith , who was flying out of New Zealand Tuesday , has more than 11,00 people following his progress on his Twitter page on which he has posted 1,300 updates this month . Comment on Paul Smith 's journey . | British man travels around the world using only contacts made on Twitter . Paul Smith traveled to New Zealand from Newcastle-upon-Tyne . He managed to get his photo taken with actress Liv Tyler on the way . | [[0, 6], [9, 32], [36, 159], [720, 722], [769, 815]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Let 's face it , if you 're on holiday in Miami you 'll want to be based near the beach , which , fortunately , is where the city 's most glamorous hotels are located . South Beach is known for its Art Deco hotels , like The Delano , left . South Beach is known for its distinctive Art Deco hotels , mostly built in the 1920s and 30s and often painted in bright pastel colors . South Beach 's Art Deco originals have been protected since the 1970s , and many have since been renovated to the highest specifications . Collins Avenue is home to more than its fair share of boutique hotels . The Delano -LRB- 1685 Collins Avenue , doubles from $ 400 -RRB- dates back to the 1940s and is crowned with streamlined fins that are pure Deco . It has been re-imagined by Ian Schrager , with a white , minimal Philippe Starck-designed interior that is sophisticated and hip . The Delano 's Rose Bar is one of the best places in town for a poolside cocktail . The Shore Club -LRB- 1901 Collins Avenue , doubles from $ 300 -RRB- is another Schrager revival of a Deco hotel and , if anything , it 's even cooler than The Delano . Rooms are high-tech , welcoming and often occupied by visiting celebrities . The attached sushi restaurant Nobu is top notch and the stylish Skybar , with its four bars and tropical gardens , is one of the city 's hottest nightspots . Do you have a favorite hotel or place to stay in Miami ? If you 've just won the lottery , you 'll want to stay at the Setai -LRB- 2001 Collins Avenue , doubles from $ 785 -RRB- . Another conversion of an Art Deco hotel , albeit augmented by a 40-storey tower , the Setai adds tasteful Asian influences . Its cool , dark interior is a refreshingly tasteful oasis among the South Beach excess , and is both unashamedly luxurious and frighteningly expensive . Back in the real world , The Standard -LRB- 40 Island Avenue , Miami Beach , doubles from $ 250 -RRB- is a little stranded in its Biscayne Bay locale , but is great value . The real draw is the superb spa , with its infinity pool and open-air mud lounge . But this is no austere health retreat ; it 's relaxing and fun , and all the better for it . This is Miami after all ... A cheaper , quirkier option is Pelican -LRB- 826 Ocean Drive , doubles from $ 200 -RRB- . Owned by Italian fashion label Diesel , this is a colorful , kitschy place , with individually themed rooms , such as the ornate and floral ` Power Flower ' room . The hotel 's Pelican Café has an outstanding wine list and is surprisingly good value . Away from the beach altogether , the Biltmore -LRB- 1200 Anastasia Avenue , doubles from $ 310 -RRB- , over in Coral Gables , is an absolute gem . The rooms are n't exceptional but the building is a beauty , modeled on the Giralda bell tower in Seville , with ornate Moorish-inspired touches . Al Capone was a big fan back in the 1920s and these days there 's a massive pool , an 18-hole golf course and rumors of resident ghosts ... ... . Miami City Guide : . Where to stay | What to see | Where to be seen | Where to eat | Where to shop . Do you agree with our Miami picks ? Send us your comments and suggestions in the `` Sound Off '' box below and we 'll print the best . | South Beach is known for its distinctive and stylish Art Deco hotels . Expensive and exclusive , The Setai has an Asian-influenced interior . The Standard is known for its spa , infinity pool and open-air mud lounge . Over in Coral Gables , the stunning Biltmore resembles a Spanish palace . | [[97, 106], [117, 128], [131, 187], [188, 232], [260, 316], [285, 316], [319, 352], [1633, 1675], [1676, 1700], [1769, 1828], [2002, 2033], [2581, 2671], [2674, 2694]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Authorities in Kansas are looking for a boy who disappeared about a decade ago , but was not reported missing until a few weeks ago . Adam Herrman has not been seen since 1999 , when he was 11 or 12 . `` We do n't know what happened to Adam Herrman past ' 99 , when he was last seen , '' Butler County Sheriff Craig Murphy said at a news conference in El Dorado . `` Is he alive , is he dead ? That one I ca n't answer because we do n't know , '' he added . Adam was 11 or 12 when he was last seen , Murphy said . At the time , he was living in a mobile home park in Towanda , a small town in southern Kansas , with his adoptive parents , Doug and Valerie Herrman . The couple did not report him missing , Murphy said . A few weeks ago , a person notified Sedgwick County Exploited and Missing Children 's Unit of a `` concern '' regarding Adam , Murphy said . The agency did not immediately return CNN 's phone call seeking additional information . Wichita attorney Warner Eisenbise , who is representing Adam 's adoptive parents , said the couple `` really rue the fact that they did n't '' report the boy missing . `` They feel very guilty '' about not doing that , he said in a telephone interview . The couple told him the boy had run away frequently , he said , and they believed him to be either with his biological parents or homeless . Although the Herrmans did not report him missing , `` they were very worried about him , '' he said . Authorities have searched the Pine Ridge Mobile Home Park , where the family had lived , and discovered an `` answer '' to one of their questions , Murphy said , without explaining . `` We did find one of the answers we were looking for , but I am holding that one very tightly , '' he said . Eisenbise said authorities also executed a search warrant on December 15 at the Herrmans ' home in Derby , a town just outside of Wichita . They took the couple 's computer , he said . Murphy said the couple is cooperating and had not been charged with anything . Citing a relative , the Wichita Eagle reported the Herrmans had taken Adam into foster care and later adopted him . Michelle Ponce of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services , which oversees adoption and foster care , said she could not release any details regard Adam 's case , and could confirm only that he had been in foster care at some point , but was no longer in foster care in 1999 . Adam had been placed in the Herrmans ' care when he was about 2 , Murphy said in a phone interview . He had been named Irvin Groeninger III when he was born on June 8 , 1987 , Murphy said , and it was not clear when his name was changed . His biological parents relinquished their rights as parents about two decades ago , and Adam and his siblings were put in different foster homes , CNN affiliate KWCH reported . `` I thought what I was doing for them was in the best interest of the children and evidently it was n't , '' Irvin Groeninger told KWCH . `` If he was still in my custody this would have never happened . '' Adam 's sister , Tiffany Broadfoot , 22 , said she last saw her brother about 14 years ago at a birthday party . A year or two later , he sent her a Christmas card , she said . `` And that was the end of my contact with him , '' she told KWCH . `` He had the cutest little round face , little bitty freckles right up here on the tip of his cheek , '' she remembered . `` I 'm just awestruck as how something like that could actually happen , and how he could be missing as long as he 's been and nobody say anything , '' she said . Murphy said Adam 's name appears on a legal document later than 1999 . `` We know that he was listed in a legal action as if he was still living at home , and I 'm not certain of the date , but it was beyond 1999 , '' he told CNN . | Sheriff says no trace of Adam Herrman found after 1999 . Parents did not report him missing until recently . Police say they do n't know if he is dead or alive . Adam was 11 or 12 in 1999 . | [[0, 15], [104, 152], [446, 460], [463, 465], [153, 194], [197, 219]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An elderly American man has been released from a Mexican jail more than two months after the grandson he was traveling with was arrested on child pornography charges , a family member said . Edward Chrisman , left , crosses the Mexican border back into the United States after being freed Saturday . Edward Chrisman , 88 , and his grandson had traveled to Algodones , Mexico , for discount dental care , as a part of a growing trend known as medical tourism . Algodones is just across the border from Yuma , Arizona . The grandson , 40-year-old Gary Chrisman Jr. , remains in a Mexicali jail awaiting trial , according to his cousin , Tracy Short . Authorities accuse him of offering a woman money to take nude photos of her teenage daughters . Child pornography charges can carry a penalty of up to 12 years in prison , according to officials from the Consulate General Tijuana . In early January , the Chrismans stopped at a convenience store in Mexico and Gary Chrisman went inside to purchase soft drinks . Edward Chrisman waited in the car , Short said . The younger Chrisman had been taking pictures of the area that day and , while in the store , approached a woman about snapping some shots of her teenage daughters . He offered to pay them $ 25 , they agreed , and he took a few pictures of the girls ' faces . It was at that point , the family says , that the girls ' mother demanded more money from Chrisman and called local authorities alleging that Chrisman had tried taking pornographic pictures of her daughters , after he refused to ante up . Both men were taken into custody at the time , but the police report does not say why the elder Chrisman was arrested . The Chrisman family says the men were set up as a ploy for money . Since early January , the family says , they have paid thousands of dollars to at least three attorneys for legal representation and have reached out to numerous officials and politicians in Mexico and the United States for help . Edward Chrisman , who lives in Arlington , Washington , but was wintering with his grandson in Yuma , Arizona , was released from jail on Saturday and crossed the border back into the United States the same day . The family says his health had been steadily deteriorating while he was behind bars . Traveling abroad for health care is a phenomenon known as medical tourism . Many do it to save money or to get medical care not approved in the United States . Internationally recognized hospitals in Thailand and Singapore can often perform orthopedic and heart procedures at a fraction of the cost . Mexico is a popular choice for dental care . The estimated number of Americans seeking treatment overseas annually varies widely , but starts at a half-million people . CNN 's Sara Pratley contributed to this report . | U.S. man , 88 , was arrested in January along with his 40-year-old grandson . Grandson accused of seeking nude photos of teens ; family alleges setup . No word on why 88-year-old was jailed along with grandson . Family members say grandfather 's health had deteriorated in jail . | [[1385, 1403], [1442, 1545], [1698, 1764], [187, 209], [2209, 2276]] |
Editor 's note : Actor Rainn Wilson plays paper salesman Dwight Schrute in the television comedy `` The Office . '' Rainn Wilson says fellow members of his Baha'i faith are being persecuted in Iran . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Why is Rainn Wilson , `` Dwight '' on `` The Office , '' writing a news commentary for CNN ? Good question . It 's a bit strange for me , to say the least ; a comic character actor best known for playing weirdos with bad haircuts getting all serious to talk about the persecution of the fellow members of his religious faith . Dear readers of CNN , I assure you that what I 'm writing about is no joking matter or some hoax perpetrated by a paper-sellin ' , bear-fearin ' , Battlestar-Galactica obsessed beet farmer . I am a member of the Baha'i faith . What is that , you ask ? Well , long story short , it 's an independent world religion that began in the mid-1800s in Iran . Baha'is believe that there is only one God and therefore only one religion . All of the world 's divine teachers -LRB- Jesus , Muhammad , Buddha , Moses , Abraham , Krishna , etc. -RRB- bring essentially the same message -- one of unity , love and knowledge of God or the divine . This constantly updated faith of God , Baha'is believe , has been refreshed for this day and age by our founder , Baha'u ` llah . There . Nutshell version . Now , as I mentioned , this all happened in Iran , and needless to say the Muslim authorities did not like the Baha'is very much , accusing them of heresy and apostasy . Tens of thousands were killed in the early years of the faith , and the persecutions have continued off and on for the past 150 years . Why write about all this now ? Well , I 'm glad you asked . You see there 's a ` trial ' going on very soon for seven Baha'i national leaders in Iran . They 've been accused of all manner of things including being `` spies for Israel , '' `` insulting religious sanctities '' and `` propaganda against the Islamic Republic . '' They 've been held for a year in Evin Prison in Tehran without any access to their lawyer -LRB- the Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi -RRB- and with zero evidence of any of these charges . When a similar thing happened in 1980 , the national leadership of the Iranian Baha'i community disappeared . And this was repeated again in 1981 . In fact , since 1979 , more than 200 Baha'is have been killed , holy places and cemeteries desecrated , homes burned , civil rights taken away and secret lists compiled of Baha'is -LRB- and even Muslims who associate with them -RRB- by government agencies . It 's bad right now for all the peace-loving Baha'is in Iran who want only to practice their religion and follow their beliefs . It 's especially bad for these seven . Here 's a link to their bios . They 're teachers , and engineers , and optometrists and social workers just like us . This thought has become kind of a cliché ' , but we take our rights for granted here in America . Imagine if a group of people were rounded up and imprisoned and then disappeared not for anything they 'd done , but because they wanted to worship differently than the majority . There is a resolution on the situation of the Baha'is in Iran being sent to Congress . Please ask your representatives to support it . And ask them to speak out about this terrible situation . Thanks for reading . Now back to bears , paper and beets ! The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Rainn Wilson . | Rainn Wilson : I 'm a member of the Baha'i faith , founded in the 1800s in Iran . He says the faith has been persecuted on and off for 150 years . Seven Baha'i leaders are going on trial in Iran on a variety of charges , he says . Wilson : Ask your congressman to support a resolution on the Baha'is . | [[737, 772], [824, 897], [134, 199], [436, 545], [1570, 1641], [1702, 1793], [1702, 1705], [1710, 1793], [3210, 3257], [3221, 3257]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- They 've sung his praises on social networking pages , calling him a `` hero , '' `` the greatest man of our time , '' `` a legend . '' They 've said he deserves to be knighted and should be decorated with medals . They 've cried out for his amnesty and have even proposed serving time for him . A Lebanese student in Beirut attends a December rally to support the shoe-throwing Iraqi journalist . The man many hundreds of thousands of Facebook users honor is no other than Muntadhar al-Zaidi , the Iraqi journalist who was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison for hurling his shoes at then-U.S. President George W. Bush . The double-whammy size 10 shoe toss , neither of which hit Bush , took place in December at a news conference in Baghdad , Iraq . In many traditional Middle East circles , throwing shoes at someone is considered a grave insult . To do this to an American president surrounded by Secret Service agents , no less , was as shocking to riveted viewers who watched the footage later as it was to the president himself . Watch video about the shoe thrower 's sentencing '' `` First of all , it 's got to be one of the most weird moments of my presidency , '' Bush said later . `` Here I am getting ready to answer questions from the free press in a democratic Iraq , and a guy stands up and throws his shoe . ... I 'm not angry with the system . I believe that a free society is emerging , and a free society is necessary for our own security and peace . '' Expressing their own freedom on Facebook , a worldwide fan base rose up to laud al-Zaidi 's actions . They formed hundreds of fan pages and groups , big and small , serious and light . One is even called the `` Shoe-Throwing Appreciation Society . '' Mike Trainor , 28 , was watching a football game when a news break brought footage of the incident across his TV screen . `` I thought it was the funniest thing I 'd ever seen , '' said Trainor , a Queens , New York , stand-up comedian behind `` Guy Who Threw His Shoes at Bush , '' which has attracted nearly 270,000 fans . The comedian may have created the post for laughs , but he quickly learned how loaded the issue was . `` It grew into this crazy thing , '' in which Bush supporters began to weigh in on message boards calling al-Zaidi supporters `` a threat to America '' and insults in reaction flew , he said . `` It shows people have a lot of passionate feelings about it , that 's for sure . '' One message board on his page , titled `` YOU GUYS HATE AMERICA , '' drew 384 posts in reaction . The creator started it with these words : `` seriously you guys are all a ** holes . why would you be happy about some freaking foreigner throwing his shoes at the leader of the free world ? I do n't care if he 's dumb he 's my president of my wonderful country -LSB- sic -RSB- . '' And interspersed amid the groups of fans were those that spoke out against the al-Zaidi worship . `` That shoe thrower is not a hero , '' attracted 94 members , many of them with Arabic names . One London poster said the shoe thrower `` did nothing but bring shame upon us iraqis -LSB- sic -RSB- , '' and another from Halifax , Nova Scotia added , `` I dont care about bush but this guy was very disrespectful to the Iraqi Prime minister who was standing right next to him -LSB- sic -RSB- . '' But the shoe-thrower fans , at least in the world of Facebook , seem to far outweigh those who decried his actions . `` This site is intended to express the appreciation of those who share the frustration and anger that you expressed when you blew Mr Bush those boot-kisses -LSB- sic -RSB- , '' reads the description on `` Thank you Muntadhar al-Zaidi , '' a nearly 500-member page created by a teacher at the University of Auckland in New Zealand . Protests of the journalist 's arrest and now sentence brought Arab and Muslim demonstrators to the streets . But what Facebook has shown is that al-Zaidi 's angry expression resonated with those beyond his religion and region . From England and Uruguay to China and Bush 's own red , white and blue , supporters have made noise , at least virtually . `` We 're talking about a common man , like me and you , '' who was `` tired of years of lies from a self-called ` freedom saver , ' '' said Matteo Ferigo of Padova , Italy , the 30-year-old creator behind `` Save Muntadhar al-Zaidi , '' which has 116 members . `` I understand that his act was not so civil , polite or ` politically correct , ' but I also understand how Iraqi people can see George Bush and what he represents to them . '' Ari Vais , the creator of the page , `` Free the Iraqi shoe throwing journalist ! , '' said his own history taught him the value of free expression . `` I was born in the Soviet Union , where dissent like this was cracked down on severely , '' said Vais , a 39-year-old Queens , New York , musician . `` We came to America when I was a boy because we knew that people should be free . '' What al-Zaidi did was a reflection of the democracy Vais thought Bush intended to spread . `` We were supposed to be liberators , and what America stands for is freedom of self-expression and human rights , '' he said . `` All he did was throw a couple shoes . And he missed ! It was political theater and not jail-time stuff . '' But it was serious business . Anyone , no matter where they live , would be tackled by Secret Service and face charges for such an attempted assault on the president . And if al-Zaidi had done this to Saddam Hussein , one has to wonder what would have come of the man who 's now celebrated . The shoe throwing , because it was so shocking , proved great fodder for late-night talk shows . Comedians , beyond Trainor , had a field day with this one . It inspired online games for people who wanted to play al-Zaidi . Matt Love of Edmonton , Alberta , in Canada called the Iraqi journalist 's move `` an act of great courage '' and said that in showing his disdain for Bush , `` He spoke for many millions of people . '' The 52-year-old retired Washington state department of transportation worker believes everyone can learn from the shoe thrower . Commenting Thursday on several fan pages , including one calling for a Nobel Peace Prize for al-Zaidi , Love suggested that people turn out for Bush 's March 17 speech at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary . `` Lets -LSB- sic -RSB- show some solidarity ... and lob some loafers , '' he wrote . `` Will the Canadian government lock us up for 3 years ? Let 's find out . '' Reached later in the day , however , he assured CNN that this was written tongue-in-cheek . `` Let me be clear , '' Love said . `` I wo n't be throwing shoes at anyone . '' | Muntadhar al-Zaidi , who threw his shoes at President Bush , gains cult-like following . Hundreds of thousands of Facebook users join groups to praise the Iraqi journalist . Fans extend beyond the Muslim and Arab worlds , politically and comically . But seriousness of his actions leads to three-year prison sentence . | [[514, 534], [591, 648], [1501, 1517], [1544, 1602], [5187, 5224], [0, 15], [28, 71], [417, 511], [1501, 1517], [1544, 1602], [1501, 1517], [1544, 1602], [512, 534], [539, 598]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nadya Suleman , who gave birth to octuplets in January , brought two of her babies home from the hospital late Tuesday . Nadya Suleman walks outside her new house for a video crew in La Habra , California , on March 10 . She brought the infants to her new house in La Habra , California . Members of the media and gawkers crowded the cul-de-sac , as news helicopters hovered overhead . Media swarmed the family 's vehicle as it slowly made its way through the crowd , into the home 's garage . The babies discharged from the hospital were Noah Angel , known as Baby A , and Isaiah Angel , known as Baby C , according to the Kaiser Permanente Bellflower Medical Center . The medical team that delivered the babies identified them by letters of the alphabet . On discharge , Noah weighed 5 pounds , 13 ounces , and Isaiah weighed 5 pounds , the hospital said in a news release . `` Both infants are able to bottle feed , are gaining weight and are able to maintain their body temperature , '' the release said . `` This is a happy moment for everyone -- the family , physicians , nurses and entire NICU -LRB- neonatal intensive care unit staff -RRB- , '' the release quoted neonatologist Mandhir Gupta as saying . `` It is always rewarding whenever a premature infant goes home as a healthy baby . '' Watch as crowd welcomes babies home '' The remaining six babies continue to progress well at the hospital , Kaiser said . All continue gaining weight as they get formula or donated breast milk . Hospital representatives made several home visits before the babies were discharged , to determine whether Suleman could provide safe housing , enough child care support and the supplies needed to care for the first two children , Kaiser said . Until recently , Suleman had been sharing another home with her parents and her other six young children . But that house ended up at risk of foreclosure , and Suleman moved into her own home . Last week , she disputed news reports that her father had bought the new house . `` I earned it . ... No , my father did not purchase this house for me . I did it on my own , '' Suleman told Radar magazine 's Web site during a recent video tour of the 2,583-square-foot house . `` It 's 1,000-square-footage bigger than the old house , '' she said on the video . `` They -LSB- her older children -RSB- like it more than Grandma 's house . '' Watch Suleman take other children to theme parks . Showing the new house to Radar , Suleman toured the living room , dining room and kitchen , and a den off the kitchen that she said she planned to turn into a nursery . All the cribs will be kept in that room and two babies will share each crib , she said at the time , `` unless one is sick , because they are so strong and healthy right now . ... Six are ready to come home . '' Suleman , 33 , added that they would come home two at a time . `` Two are little and they need to gain weight , and that 's it . There 's no medical problem , '' she said . People.com reported that their new home , which was listed for $ 564,900 , has four bedrooms and a large back yard . `` My ultimate goal is not to be a burden on ... taxpayers , '' she told Radar . `` So there have been a couple of offers . ... I selectively picked a couple of opportunities to earn some resources for the kids . '' Suleman gave birth to the octuplets through in-vitro fertilization , fueling controversy . News of her collecting public assistance for some of her children also outraged many taxpayers . | NEW : Babies are Noah Angel , known as Baby A , and Isaiah Angel , known as Baby C . NEW : On discharge , Noah weighed 5 pounds , 13 ounces ; Isaiah weighed 5 pounds . She plans to turn den in to nursery , with two babies per crib . Suleman says `` my ultimate goal is not to be a burden on ... taxpayers '' | [[513, 605], [593, 605], [608, 623], [513, 605], [832, 855], [2568, 2613], [2658, 2689], [3116, 3174]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The only thing Venus Williams treasures more than winning is a decent nap . Venus Williams knocks Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova out of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships on February 17 , 2009 . Just before a match , when other top tennis players might be psyching themselves up for a three-set onslaught , the elder of the Williams sisters can be found somewhere private , snoozing . `` I 'm always sleepy , '' she told CNN in an interview for this month 's edition of `` Revealed . '' `` I 'm literally taking a nap during the first set and the match before me , so I 'm probably the only person that can go to sleep , come out 15 minutes later and start playing . '' Wary of sending the wrong signals to her rivals , the sixth seed confessed to CNN that she prefers to take her naps in private . `` I 'm wondering if my competitor is going to see me here , so I try to act like I 'm not asleep , but I am asleep , or I try to find a place where I can sleep in and no one will see me , '' she laughs . The lightning-fast speed of Venus ' serve is at complete odds with her personality . She is strong , ambitious and determined , but also surprisingly laid-back for someone whose professional career is about playing harder , longer and faster . Watch Venus Williams on `` Revealed . '' '' `` I just always go with the flow , '' she told CNN . `` On the court , that 's when I get most intense . In practice , I scream and yell and threaten to throw my racquet but in the match I 'm not like that at all . '' Her younger sister , world number one Serena , sounds almost envious of Venus ' ability to keep her emotions in check . `` Venus is really , really unusually composed and that 's just her style , '' Serena told CNN . `` On the court she 's always really focused . She always has this quiet tenacity and she never really shows her emotions which I think is good . '' The youngest of five sisters , Serena says she continues to draw inspiration from her closest sibling . Venus is just 15 months older than Serena . She set the marker for success in 2002 when she became the first of the sisters to become world number one . Serena first took the title in July of the same year and reclaimed it earlier this month . `` She 's my bigger sister , she 's my older sister , she 's a role model for me , '' Serena said . `` I 'm always trying to do what she does . If she 's going on the right path then I 'm going on the right path too . If she 's working hard then I want to work hard also . I 'm the little sister who wants to be just like the big sister , '' she added . If they once struggled to find the required ruthlessness to eliminate each other from a competition , it is clearly no longer a problem . Of 18 matches they have contested , each sister has won nine . At the time of writing , there is every chance they will meet again this week in the semi-final of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships . They last clashed at the Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha in November 2008 when Venus dispatched Serena in three hard-fought sets before going on to win her first end of season title . Watch Venus take the title . Asked after the match about accusations they do n't play as hard against each other as they would normal rivals , Venus replied , `` You have to play hard against a Williams or you are going home quickly . We try our hardest and I think that everyone knows that by the effort level . '' Their mother , Oracene Price , told CNN she keeps her advice on the subject simple . `` I just tell them to remember they are sisters and how love and how to care for one another is more important than anything , '' she said . `` So , this is just a game and eventually it would be over and you will have to live with each other . So , just go out there and do your best and whoever wins , wins . And whoever loses , better luck next time . '' Having said that , Price admits she keeps her distance from whoever comes out second best , in any match . `` They do n't want to be talked to , they do n't want you telling them anything , they just want to be left alone and that 's what I do , '' she told CNN . There was no need for tip-toeing after the second round of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships . Venus made fast work of Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova , beating the 17-year-old 6-0 , 6-1 in less than one hour . Venus told CNN her ambition this year is to topple Serena to become the world number one . `` I think I am in a great position to do that , '' she said . Watch Venus Williams on Revealed this week at the times below : . ALL TIMES GMT Wednesday , February 18 : 0930 , 1830 Saturday , February 21 : 0830 , 1900 Sunday , February 22 : 0530 , 1830 Monday , February 23 : 0400 . | Venus Williams admits she 's always sleepy , likes to nap before a match . The sixth seed is playing in the Dubai Tennis Championships this week . Venus aims to topple sister Serena to become world number one in 2009 . Watch Venus Williams on Revealed this week at the times below . | [[406, 424], [508, 580], [1529, 1573], [1576, 1616], [4369, 4374], [4384, 4459]] |
JAKARTA , Indonesia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The death toll from a flash flood in Indonesia 's capital grew to 98 people on Sunday as rescuers widened their search for more than 130 other people in the aftermath . Members of a search and rescue team look for bodies near Jakarta . The nation 's health ministry said 62 women , 31 men and three students had been killed . Of those , 12 bodies remained unidentified , ministry spokesman Rustam Pakaya said . Another 13 people were missing . The search for the missing will be called off Sunday night , he said . The flood started Friday morning after heavy rains caused waters to smash through a dam and rush into Jakarta . The breach unleashed a torrent of water that plowed into hundreds of homes in what some survivors described as a suburban `` tsunami . '' About 1,500 volunteers -- mostly students from two flooded universities in Jakarta -- are assisting in the search and rescue effort , said Mardjito , a social affairs ministry official who , like many Indonesians , goes by one name . He said rescuers started using heavy machinery to lift debris . Still , the death toll is expected to rise . At least 50 people were injured and nearly 1,500 have been displaced . Mardjito said a camp for survivors so far has adequate supplies as members of political parties continue to send food , blankets , flashlights and other items amid a major election year . Sleeping residents were taken by surprise by the powerful flash flood as it crashed through the crowded Cirendeu district near Jakarta early Friday . Watch scenes of the flood devastation '' Drenched and shivering survivors were taking refuge on the rooftops of their homes as rescuers in rubber boats were struggling to reach them , said social affairs ministry official Mardjito . Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono , currently on the campaign trail ahead of the elections later this year , has said he had ordered senior ministers to visit the scene of the disaster . `` On behalf of the government , I express my condolences to the families of the dead victims and may their souls be accepted by God almighty , '' he said , according to the official Antara news agency . The rain obliterated a 255-meter-long section of the dam , releasing a wall of water from a 20-hectare lake that some survivors said reminded them of the tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004 . `` They said they had heard loud rumbling sounds like during a powerful earthquake . They later found out that the sounds came from the water rushing out from the dam 's lake , '' according to Antara . Floods from heavy rains are an annual occurrence in and around Jakarta , a low-lying city on the northern coast of Java island , where poor infrastructure often results in polluted canals and rivers overflowing their banks and spilling into thousands of homes . In 2007 , 38 people were killed and 430,000 forced from their homes when storm water 3 meters deep in some places swamped 75 percent of the capital , which is home to about 9 million people . With poor sanitation and a hot and humid climate , the risk of water-borne diseases is usually a major concern following floods in the city , where mosquito-transmitted malaria is also a threat . CNN 's Andy Saputra contributed to this report . | At least 98 dead , many more missing , from flash floods in Jakarta . Flood began after heavy rains caused waters to smash through a dam . Survivors say rumbling of waters sounded like an earthquake . Rescuers are having difficulties reaching people because of mud . | [[10, 35], [97, 207], [376, 407], [450, 482], [554, 665], [593, 665], [2192, 2248], [2305, 2353], [2383, 2467], [2396, 2467], [1683, 1737]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Germany 's much-loved model train manufacturer , Maerklin , has filed for bankruptcy , leaving fans around the world wondering whether it 's the last stop for the company 's toy business . This Maerklin train has a video in the front so users get a driver 's view . Maerklin has been building toy trains for nearly 150 years and its railroads made their way into countries as far away as Australia and New Zealand . The company said it applied for insolvency proceedings Wednesday after talks to secure credit from banks broke down . Despite intensive negotiations , the commercial banks did not extend their lines of credit , Maerklin said . `` It is sad , '' shopper Frank Steen , 39 , said at London 's famous Hamleys toy store . `` With fewer older brands around , all we 're left with is Japanese plastic . '' Although Maerklin generated a turnover of around $ 165 million in 2008 , it struggled to obtain a credit extension beyond January 31 , it said . Despite financial difficulties , the company still planned to set up its stall Thursday at the Nuremberg Toy Fair . Railway devotees will have plenty to look forward to after Maerklin boss Dietmar Mundil promised to bring 400 new products to the show . | Maerklin toy train firm files for bankruptcy . Company says it failed to secure extension of credit lines from banks . Maerklin generated a turnover of around $ 165 million in 2008 . Company still plans to attend this week 's Nuremberg Toy Fair . | [[0, 15], [68, 103], [435, 539], [435, 539], [506, 552], [586, 643], [907, 966], [843, 904], [1012, 1094]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The `` crime scene cookies '' , `` baaji custard '' and `` sponge shafts '' depicted in Oliver Beale 's letter of complaint to Virgin Atlantic struck a chord worldwide . Mean cuisine ? Airline industry experts insist standards of in-flight food are improving . The missive he sent to Virgin chairman Sir Richard Branson about a meal he received on board a Virgin flight from Mumbai to London in December spread across the web and email with a vengeance . Not only was this a complaint letter par excellence , but it hit upon one of the most emotive subjects of long-haul air travel : the in-flight meal . Read the letter here . `` Food gets everybody going , whether they are sitting at the back end or the front end of the plane , '' says Peter Miller , marketing director at Skytrax , a UK-based aviation research organization . `` Apart from the sheer fact you might be hungry , it is there to alleviate the boredom . Because of that people tend to focus on it more . '' But the criticism passengers target at airline food is not always warranted , Miller argues . Skytrax has been tracking airline service for a decade and every year it ranks airlines according to catering in economy , business and first class . Miller acknowledges that there have been cut backs on catering across short-haul flights and a decline in spending on food in long-haul economy . But Skytrax 's research has also revealed a general improvement in standards over the last five years . `` We are actually strong supporters of the overall quality that is served up across most airlines in most parts of the world , '' says Miller . Standards have improved firstly as a result of greater competition between airline catering companies , says Miller . What do you think ? Are in-flight meals getting better or worse ? What was your worse meal ? Sound off below . Austrian catering company DO & CO has transformed the food served onboard Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines flights . Skytrax reported a 35 percent increase in customer satisfaction for Turkish Airlines since DO & CO was hired in 2007 . `` In the last 15-20 years , the industry has focused on lean production . But we believe -LSB- airline catering -RSB- is not the job of a car manufacturer , '' says Attila Dogudan , CEO of DO & CO. . Good quality airline food not only depends on the quality of raw ingredients , he says , but also the intangible elements of good cuisine . `` If you have chefs doing 3,000 filets on the grill , after 300 they lose the passion , '' says Dogudan . To inspire enthusiasm in its kitchens , DO & CO says it employs an unusually high ratio of chefs to work on a greater variety of dishes . They say they also insist on training cabin staff in food service ; they replace the dreaded disposable food trays with crockery ; and give passengers menus explaining where their fresh , local ingredients come from . Airlines also use food as a marketing tool and improve standards to attract premium customers . Austrian Airlines has won the Skytrax award for Best Business Class Catering for the last two years . As Michael Braun , spokesman at Austrian Airlines says , `` the current situation in the airline industry is tough and costs have to be cut . But the competition is also very tough , so we need something that makes us unique compared to other airlines . '' And for Austrian Airlines , one unique selling point is its food . There is an on-board chef on every Austrian Airlines flight who puts the crucial finishing touches on premium-class meals . The airline also offers a `` Vienna coffee house in the air '' and one quarter of flight attendants are trained sommeliers to guide passengers through the extensive wine list . Airlines worldwide also hire celebrity chefs to add prestige to their culinary efforts . British chef , Gordon Ramsay is one of Singapore Airline 's `` Culinary Panel '' ; Juan Amador works with Lufthansa ; and United Airlines enlisted the services of U.S. chef Charlie Trotter to inspire its in-flight menu . Chefs help airlines design meals that perform at high altitude . As Michelle Bernstein , Delta 's celebrity chef has said , palates weaken in pressurized air cabins , which means dishes need to be made a more flavorful and seasoned than they would be on the ground . Miller at SkyTrax is skeptical about the true benefits a celebrity chef can bring to onboard catering . After all , Gordon Ramsay is n't actually in the cabin sautéing the potatoes . But he does acknowledge that some chefs have influenced a new style of in-flight cuisine . Chef Neil Perry , hired by Qantas in 2003 , initiated a move to healthy eating in first and business class . His work has since influenced standards across catering in all classes . Qantas won the Skytrax award for Best Economy Class Catering in 2008 partly as a result of simple enhancements such as the availability of fresh fruit between meals and from the self-serve bar in economy on its A380 aircraft . But as airlines grapple with a deepening recession , can passengers expect treats to vanish from food trays ? Across short-haul flights , making cuts is an `` easier game , '' says Miller . Passengers notice it far less if an airline switches a sandwich for a packet of biscuits and a plastic cup of coffee , he says . But on long-haul flights , airlines are restrained in what they can cut . Miller : `` People measure the standard of their flight by the quality of the food or the size of the portion they get . If a meal is cut back too severely they are going to walk away . '' How important is food for you on flights ? Is it good enough ? Sound off below . | In-flight food has been the butt of much criticism for the airline industry . Industry experts say quality is improving despite some budget cutbacks . Airline food is back in focus after a six-page rant from a Virgin passenger . The complaint letter referred to the passenger 's `` culinary journey of hell '' | [[221, 245], [253, 296]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- John and Elizabeth Calvert enjoyed the good life on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina , friends said , but they were growing more and more suspicious of the way their business books were being handled . Things were n't adding up . Money appeared to be missing . John and Elizabeth Calvert are featured on missing persons posters on Hilton Head Island , South Carolina . So they scheduled a meeting with accountant Dennis Ray Gerwing to address their concerns , recalled one close friend , Nancy Cappelmann . The Calverts said they were meeting with Gerwing at his offices in the upscale resort community at 6 p.m. last March 3 , she added . It would be the last time anyone would see or hear from the couple . The Calverts lived part-time on their yacht , docked at the island 's Harbor Town Yacht Basin , the same marina where they managed boat slips . They spent the rest of the year in Savannah , Georgia , and also had a home in Atlanta . They were an active , affluent couple in their mid-40s , and their absence was quickly noticed . On the evening of March 3 , 2008 , the evening they were to meet with their accountant , both of the Calverts ' phones were turned off . Family members said it was very unusual for either John or Elizabeth Calvert to shut off their cell phones . Watch an update on the case '' Family and friends called police and reported the Calverts missing on March 4 , after they missed appointments and still could n't be reached . `` I was supposed to meet John that night and he is never late , so when 20 minutes went by , I got worried and called his cell , but it went straight to voicemail , like it was turned off , '' Cappelmann said . She was a good friend of the couple 's and worked at one of their harbor businesses . Police and search teams scoured the island . Divers and dogs searched the harbor and found nothing . The Calverts ' small airplane was still at the island 's airport and provided no clues . Their 2006 Mercedes Benz was found parked at a hotel in Palmetto Dunes , a gated community six miles from where the Calverts ' yacht was docked . The Mercedes also contained no forensic clues . In reconstructing the Calverts ' last days , investigators concluded that Gerwing was worth a deeper look . They now say they believe the 54-year-old accountant was the last person to see the Calverts alive . Gerwing ran the management company that kept the books on the Calverts ' four businesses on Hilton Head Island . Authorities were already looking into possible financial improprieties involving the company , The Club Group . They named Gerwing as a person of interest in the case about a week after the couple disappeared . An internal audit later revealed that Gerwing had embezzled $ 2.1 million from the Calverts and others , police said . Gerwing committed suicide within hours of learning he was a person of interest , slashing his neck and legs with a steak knife , authorities said . He also left behind suicide notes with vague references to the Calvert case , said Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner . Tanner said the notes indicated some acknowledgement of responsibility for his actions , but did n't say specifically what those actions might have been . Police also gathered circumstantial evidence that seemed to point to Gerwing , including drop cloths large enough to use to wrap bodies and latex gloves purchased on the day the Calverts disappeared . In addition , police learned that Gerwing 's cell phone had been turned off for 12 hours after he was scheduled to meet with the Calverts . If Gerwing were alive , Tanner said , police would n't have enough corroborating evidence to name him a suspect and arrest him . Police executed search warrants on Gerwing 's office , home and vehicles and found soil in Gerwing 's kitchen . Investigators hope analysis of the dirt might provide clues to the origin of the dirt and a new location to continue searching for John and Elizabeth Calvert . Friends and family are offering a $ 65,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the Calverts ' disappearance . Police urge anyone with information about John and Elizabeth Calvert to call the tip line at -LRB-843-RRB- 524-2777 . Police also are seeking help from anyone who saw the Calverts ' 2006 Mercedes Benz E320 , Georgia Tech license plate GT821B on or about March 3 , 2008 . | John and Elizabeth Calvert were last seen on March 3 , 2008 . They couple lived on board their yacht at Hilton Head Island . They were growing suspicious of their accountant ; set up a meeting . Have information ? Call -LRB-843-RRB- 524-2777 . A $ 65,000 reward is offered . | [[741, 784], [404, 489], [1071, 1103], [1106, 1157], [3992, 4057]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Kellee Santiago wants to tap into the kinder , gentler side of gaming . The player takes flight in `` Cloud , '' a video game distributed by thatgamecompany . The president and co-founder of thatgamecompany is finding success in the video game industry with titles like `` Flower , '' `` Flow '' and `` Cloud . '' The mellow interactive experiences are definitely different from the more violent `` spray-and-slay '' video games on the market and are designed to encourage emotion , innovation and creativity . In `` Flower , '' the player journeys through an imaginary landscape where they can blow breezes , collect flower petals and enjoy the colorful landscape of what Santiago says is a `` video game version of a poem . '' Such creativity seems to be in perfect harmony with the 30-year-old video game developer , who has a background in the performing arts . A graduate of New York University 's Tisch School of the Arts , Santiago worked with incorporating digital and interactive media with live performance before she discovered another passion . It was while completing a master 's in fine arts at the Interactive Media program at the University of Southern California 's School of Cinematic Arts that Santiago realized she could marry her love of the arts with video game creation . `` That attraction I had to working on original theater works was very similar , '' she said . `` I had grown up with video games ; I was definitely a gamer all my life , and I had just never thought about it as a creative medium . `` As soon as I did , it was just really exciting , because I saw this huge , untapped potential and a lot of things that had n't been done before , '' she added . `` That excited me . '' While at USC , she worked on a student project called `` Cloud , '' a downloadable PC game , which only a few months after release online had been played by 350,000 people . `` In comparison to every single play I probably ever worked on in combination never saw that large an audience , '' said Santiago , whose company released `` Cloud '' as one of its games . `` That was really exciting . '' Santiago is returning to her alma mater Monday as a speaker for TEDx USC , an independently organized TED event , which has CNN.com as one of its supporters . TED stands for technology , entertainment and design and began 25 years ago as a conference to bring together some of the world 's greatest minds . Krisztina `` Z '' Holly is vice provost and executive director of the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation as well as the curator of TEDx USC . She said USC is an ideal location for the event , which has a theme of `` Ideas Empowered , '' because of its diverse , entrepreneurial and innovative environment . `` It 's a great opportunity to bring together leading minds both from on-campus and off-campus to share ideas , to hear new ideas and be inspired to come up with their own ideas to make a real impact , '' she said . Making an impact is exactly what Santiago had in mind when she and fellow USC graduate Jenova Chen launched thatgamecompany . The company , though small and independent , has received many positive reviews of its games and last year was honored as one of the `` 20 Breakthrough Developers '' of the year by Gamasutra . Two of its games have been released on the Sony PlayStation 3 platform . Although the gaming industry is mostly dominated by men , Santiago said , she has always been treated as an equal among her peers . And although the main demographic for video games is young men , Santiago said , there is another audience . `` The average gamer now is 35 years old , '' she said . `` Because the audiences are maturing and simultaneously we have a generation of people who 've grown up with games who are entering the industry , it 's sort of now our turn to create . '' Scott Steinberg , publisher for Digitaltrends.com and author of `` Get Rich Playing Games , '' said Santiago is one of several women making a splash in the world of gaming . Steinberg said Santiago , who is also an invited speaker at the Game Developers Conference this week in San Francisco , California , has achieved a level of visibility because of the quality of her work and the fact that she is a great game designer . `` These are games that push boundaries that appeal to folks of all ages , interests and genders , '' he said . Santiago 's games stand out , he said , because they differ so greatly from what many think of when they think video games . `` That 's part of what makes them so appealing is the fact that the offer something so different , '' he said . `` They are unique , something audiences have n't seen before . A lot of them actually border on being virtual art experiences more so than video games . `` The nice part about it is , they can be consumed at a very leisurely pace ; they can be consumed in bite-sized sessions , '' Steinberg added . `` These are the types of titles that we need as an industry to help broaden our horizons . '' Santiago remembers her first experience playing video games on an arcade version of `` Super Mario Bros. '' that she and her brother tackled while her mother shopped at the supermarket . And although she says she does n't think it 's dangerous for children to play violent video games , Santiago does see danger in doing so without having recognition of the violence . From her games , she says , she wants players to take away the feeling that , like with any communicative medium , there is a relationship with a game . `` One of the questions we always get is , are we always going to make emotional games , '' Santiago said . `` We are saying all games are emotional . '' | Kellee Santiago 's company produces video games meant to inspire . Santiago approaches games as art . Titles like `` Flow '' and `` Cloud '' are alternatives to violent video games . Santiago is a featured speaker at TEDx USC conference . | [[2131, 2203]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More than 60 years after reneging on a promise to the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who fought for the United States during World War II , the U.S. government will soon be sending out checks -- to the few who are still alive . Veteran Franco Arcebal says , `` we are loyal to the United States , except that the United States has forgotten us . '' `` For a poor man like me , $ 15,000 is a lot of money , '' said 91-year-old Celestino Almeda . Still , he said , `` After what we have suffered , what we have contributed for the sake of democracy , it 's peanuts . It 's a drop in the bucket . '' During the war , the Philippines was a U.S. commonwealth . The U.S. military promised full veterans benefits to Filipinos who volunteered to fight . More than 250,000 joined . Then , in 1946 , President Truman signed the Rescission Act , taking that promise away . Today , only about about 15,000 of those troops are still alive , according to the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans . A provision tucked inside the stimulus bill that President Obama signed calls for releasing $ 198 million that was appropriated last year for those veterans . Those who have become U.S. citizens get $ 15,000 each ; non-citizens get $ 9,000 . `` I 'm very thankful , '' said Patrick Ganio , 88 , the coalition 's president . `` We Filipinos are a grateful people . '' Ganio was among the tens of thousands of Filipinos at the infamous battle of Bataan , a peninsula on Manila Bay opposite the Philippine capital . He was captured and beaten by Japanese troops before ultimately being freed , suffering from malaria and then resuming his service to the U.S. military . `` The record of the Philippine soldiers for bravery and loyalty is second to none , '' Truman wrote to the leaders of the House and Senate in 1946 . `` Their assignment was as bloody and difficult as any in which our American soldiers engaged . Under desperate circumstances they acquitted themselves nobly . '' Though Truman said the Rescission Act resulted in `` discrimination , '' he signed it . `` There can be no question but that the Philippine veteran is entitled to benefits bearing a reasonable relation to those received by the America veteran , with whom he fought side by side , '' he said . `` From a practical point of view , however , it must be acknowledged that certain benefits granted by the GI bill of rights can not be applied in the case of the Philippine veteran . '' Some historians say financial concerns were paramount : The cost of funding full veterans benefits to all those Filipinos , particularly in the wake of the costly war , would have been a heavy burden . The National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity offers a different explanation . `` In 1946 , discrimination against people of color was the rule of law , '' the group says in a document it submitted to the Obama-Biden transition team in November . `` The second-class treatment of Filipino World War II veterans is another example from this historical period . '' For decades , Filipino activists and their supporters have fought for the full benefits . They 've petitioned and picketed . Almeda , a widower who now lives in Virginia with his daughter , once chained himself to the fence outside the White House . `` I was fined $ 50 for civil disobedience and was arrested , '' he says now , chuckling . He says he was just looking for answers . Despite encouraging words from U.S. presidents , including George W. Bush and Bill Clinton , the benefits were never restored . `` Only 70,000 Philippine veterans remain alive , and they hope to stay alive long enough to see those benefits reinstated , '' CNN reported in 1997 . `` There 's a bill , stuck in committee in Congress , that would do just that . '' That effort , just like so many before , fell apart . `` We were loyal to the United States . Even up to now , we are loyal to the United States , except that the United States has forgotten us in many ways , '' said Franco Arcebal , another leader of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans . `` It 's only now , because of the insistence of Sen. -LSB- Daniel -RSB- Inouye in the Senate , he was able to act on this . '' Inouye , D-Hawaii , inserted the language in the stimulus bill , calling it `` a matter of honor . '' The honor comes too late for the many Filipino veterans who passed away waiting for this moment . Families of deceased veterans are not eligible to receive the money . For those who are alive , the checks could make a real difference . `` Practically all of us are below the poverty line now at this age . We have no way of earning a living , '' Arcebal said . But , he emphasized , `` it does not correct the injustice and discrimination done to us 60 years ago . ... We were not granted school benefits . We were not granted hospital benefits . ... And in the 60 years , several billion dollars were saved by the U.S. government for not paying 250,000 of us . `` Now we are only 15,000 . And the amount that they 're giving us is a small amount . But we appreciate that . Because it will finally recognize our services ... as active service in the armed forces of the United States . '' CNN 's Lisa Sylvester contributed to this report . | Filipinos were promised full military benefits to enlist . President Truman later signed act reneging on promise . Only about 15,000 of the troops are still alive . U.S. citizens will get $ 15,000 ; non-citizens will get $ 9,000 . | [[796, 800], [803, 810], [813, 855], [796, 800], [803, 810], [813, 829], [858, 884], [221, 228], [233, 250], [885, 890], [893, 948], [893, 932], [951, 1010], [4984, 5004], [1226, 1252]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An Australian pilot landed a company plane in the ocean off Darwin on Friday , in a water landing that prompted comparisons to last month 's landing of a US Airways jet in New York 's Hudson River . The Australian pilot has been compared to U.S. hero Chesley B. `` Sully '' Sullenberger , pictured above . The Australian pilot also encountered problems shortly after takeoff . The twin-propeller plane was carrying the pilot and five passengers when it went down shortly after leaving Darwin International Airport , said Neville Blyth , a senior transport safety investigator with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau . All those aboard were unhurt and managed to walk to shore , he said . Pictures showed the men from the plane soaked and carrying bags and equipment as they walked through the water . `` It 's essentially a good story , '' Blyth said . The ATSB is deciding whether to investigate , he said , and the cause of the incident is still unknown . The Piper Chieftain plane was on its way to the town of Maningrida , about 500 kilometers -LRB- 310 miles -RRB- east of Darwin , according to its owner , Australian information technology company CSG . Watch the plane ditch in Darwin Harbor '' `` We would like to congratulate the pilot following all emergency landing and evacuation procedures and his very professional handling of the situation , '' a CSG statement said . Darwin is in Australia 's Northern Territory , on the coast of the Timor Sea . The city 's airport is near the water . The plane 's trajectory took it over the water , giving the pilot limited opportunities to ditch the plane on land , Blyth said . He said the ocean was a safer option for landing than the beach , where the firmness of the sand was unknown . `` Personally , I think the decision was appropriate , '' Blyth said . Australian media dubbed the captain of the Darwin plane `` Sully Lite , '' comparing him to the captain of the US Airways Airbus jet that landed safely in the Hudson . Pilot Chesley B. `` Sully '' Sullenberger was hailed as a hero for landing the plane safely and ensuring that all 155 people on board survived . Asked about the comparisons , Blyth said the connection was tenuous . `` The correlation for a water landing is as close as it gets , '' he said . | Australian pilot lands a company plane in the ocean off Darwin . He and five passengers escape injury after emergency landing . Australian media dubbed pilot `` Sully Lite , '' comparing him to U.S. hero . | [[0, 15], [19, 95], [641, 669], [218, 280]] |
ROME , Italy -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When Anna Elisa Fattori arrives at work the first thing she does is to take off her clothes . All of them . For Fattori is a professional nude model working at Rome 's art academy . Anna Elisa Fattori : `` You are trying to give inspiration to the students . '' `` It is a tough job ! '' she tells me just before beginning to pose for a group of students , eager to paint her gracious figure . There is something striking about her bright green eyes and wavy red hair . `` It does n't seem to be hard , but you know , try it ! Put yourself in front of the mirror and then stay for a long time in a pose . You start : ` Oh my back , oh something is strange here ... ' '' she says , mimicking pain on her lower back . Fattori is one of about 300 people in Italy who do this job , but only about 50 of them have full-time contracts . She makes the equivalent of about $ 1,500 each month , but only works three months per year . And that is why she and others recently went on strike , demanding a full-time wage for work they say not everyone can do . `` It is not easy because you are naked , so you have to be very comfortable with your body and have a nice relationship with everybody , '' she says as the students look on , `` but not too open and not too close . You are trying to give inspiration to the students . If we lose these artistic roots that are very important to Italy then we lose a big part of our identity . '' Italian Renaissance art is filled with naked men and women : Think of Michelangelo 's David or Botticelli 's Venus . But back then artists mostly used prostitutes and lovers as models and muses , often with the complicity of priests who wanted the walls of their churches painted by famous names . `` Priests allowed prostitutes to use churches , '' explains Enrico Bruschini , one of Rome 's best known art historians . `` Officially it was to convert them , but the practical reason was to have the artist at the church . '' Bruschini says that the Saint Augustine church , a stone 's throw from Piazza Navona , was a famous gathering point in Rome for Renaissance artists looking for `` inspiration . '' Back then though professional modeling did not exist , and most would agree that the art did n't really suffer from its absence . So if Botticelli and Raphael could do without professional models , what is the big deal now ? `` It all started with the rise of art schools in the 19th and 20th centuries '' says Fattori . `` During the Renaissance you just thought that a prostitute can be a model or even a lover . But now we are here , so we need to move ahead . '' Art students hoping to become the next Michelangelo agree . `` I think a person should have talent , '' argues Anastasia Kurakina , a first year student from Russia . `` Because you , for example , you could n't -LSB- model -RSB- ... I do n't know you , but Anna Elisa has talent . '' Anastasia is right , I certainly could n't do it -- but unbeknownst to me she used me as a model while I was interviewing Fattori . Thankfully I was fully dressed , so all she drew was my head . And she did n't to a bad job at that . E-mail to a friend . | Italy 's art models have gone on strike , demanding they get a full-time wage . Around 300 people do the job , but only about 50 of them are full-time . During the Italian Renaissance artists mostly used prostitutes and lovers as models . Priests let prostitutes use churches so it was possible to attract , employ name artists . | [[957, 1049], [748, 791], [814, 862], [1581, 1653], [1717, 1757], [1758, 1804]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- From songs to poems to sayings on the side of coffee cups , everyone tries to define love in words . Liz Kelly donated her kidney to her fiance after he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure . But often , it 's the extraordinary actions we take in the name of love that really define it . Liz Kelly 's fiance , Matt House , needed a kidney after he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure . In order to get him to the top of the donor list , Kelly signed up to donate hers . At first , she never dreamed she would actually be a match , but it turned out she was . The Springfield , Massachusetts , couple -LRB- he 's 31 , she 's 29 -RRB- spoke with CNN 's Nicole Lapin about whether Kelly thought fate played a hand in finding him a donor match . The following is an edited transcript of the interview : . Nicole Lapin : Liz , I did n't know about the donor process , until we started talking to you guys . The donor process works whereby a friend or a family member can donate a kidney to get Matt higher on the list , so you decided that you were going to do that . Why did you decide to do that ? Watch Nicole Lapin 's interview with Liz Kelly and Matt House '' Liz Kelly : It was pretty much a no-brainer , I think . His sister was actually going to donate at first . But she did n't work out for health reasons . It 's obviously better to have , you know , a family member donate a kidney , too . But since that was n't going to work out , his stepfather stepped in because they were the same blood type . And that ended up not working out either . He had some heart issues and some other health issues . So , I said , you know what , I 'll just donate to the list . And that 's what I was intending on doing . And then I found out that we were actually a match , and it was amazing . Lapin : It was amazing , I 'm sure , to get that phone call , because you did it just so that you could get higher on the list . A lot of people on our Web site are fascinated by your story , guys . -LSB- A viewer -RSB- has a question for you right now , Liz : Have you ever had any surgeries before this one ? If not , how did your prepare yourself for this ? Kelly : No . This was my first surgery , so that definitely made me very nervous . That was the definitely scariest part for me , just not knowing what to expect . But , Matt has been through several surgeries before . So I know I had him in my corner . And I looked up a lot online . I found out a lot of great information online . So that 's definitely how I prepared . Lapin : And -LSB- another viewer -RSB- has a question in for Matt , actually : Were you scared that perhaps your body might reject Liz 's kidney or were you always confident that the surgery would be a success ? Matt House : I think I was pretty confident with her being the same blood type or us matching is pretty phenomenal , so I did n't expect it to reject it anyway . Maybe after the surgery if I would have a little pain down there or something like that , I would get a little nervous and think that it was going to reject , that there 's something wrong . But that would just pass . It was me just being a little overanxious , I guess , but not really , no . I was pretty confident everything would go well overall . We 're both pretty healthy for the most part . And being the same blood type was just you know really great , so it worked out good . So , I was n't really worried at all . Lapin : Fate , some may say ? House : Yeah , yeah , definitely . Lapin : Yours is a lot bigger . You 're a little girl , but you happen to have a kidney that is perfect for Matt . Do you think it was meant to be ? Kelly : I do . I definitely do . People tell me that all the time . When they told us that we were a match , I was very surprised at first , but then I thought about it a little more . Of course we were a match . How could we not be a match ? | Liz Kelly offered to donate kidney to move her ill fiance higher on donor list . Matt House had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure . House 's family members were unable to donate because of health reasons . After recuperation is over , the Massachusetts couple plans to marry by summer . | [[120, 217], [314, 333], [349, 419], [420, 422], [429, 468], [163, 217], [314, 333], [349, 419]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As the first president-elect with a Facebook page and a YouTube channel , Barack Obama is poised to use the Internet to communicate directly with Americans in a way unknown to previous presidents . Since the election , President-elect Barack Obama has posted weekly video addresses on YouTube . Judging by Obama 's savvy use of social-networking sites during his campaign and the interactive nature of his transition team 's Web site , Americans can expect a president who bypasses the traditional media 's filters while reaching out to citizens for input , observers say . `` The rebooting of our democracy has begun , '' said Andrew Rasiej , founder of Personal Democracy Forum and the techPresident blog . '' -LSB- Obama -RSB- has the potential to transform the relationship between the American public and their democracy . '' During the presidential race , Obama 's campaign won praise for its innovative use of social-networking sites , including Facebook , MySpace and MyBarackObama.com , to announce events , rally volunteers and raise money . Facebook has more than 150 million active users , and the average user has 100 friends on the site , according to the company . iReport.com : Your chance to ask President-elect Obama a question . Obama has more than 1 million MySpace `` friends '' and more than 3.7 million `` supporters '' on his official Facebook page -- some 700,000 more than when he was elected in November . His campaign also has a database of almost 13 million supporters and their e-mail addresses . Transition officials hope to transform Obama 's vast Web operation and electronic list of supporters into a 21st-century tool to help accomplish his goals as president . They even have a name for this ambitious effort : Obama 2.0 . `` Obama has invented an alternative media model , '' said CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider . `` In the old model , the president talks to the people on television -LSB- and -RSB- the people talk back in polls . In the new model , communication is online , and two-way . '' Facebook , MySpace , YouTube and Twitter did n't exist when George W. Bush took office eight years ago . But since last November 's election , Obama has wasted no time embracing these online communication portals . In recent weeks he has taped weekly video addresses and posted them to YouTube , where most have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times . Obama 's staffers also have stopped posting information to social-networking sites since the election , preferring to reach out to constituents through YouTube and Change.gov , the official site of the president-elect 's transition team . Visitors to Change.gov can read a frequently updated blog , post their ideas on issues facing the country , and rate others ' ideas . Top-rated ideas will be gathered into a briefing book and given to Obama after he takes office . `` They want information going not just from them to the voters , but from the voters back to them , '' Democratic strategist Steve McMahon said Wednesday on CNN 's `` The Situation Room . '' `` Thirteen million people pushing a button , sending an e-mail to their elected representatives , making a phone call , taking action , is a powerful , powerful lobbying tool . '' `` It 's a very smart use of the Internet , to get people to offer ideas , '' said David All , a Republican Internet strategist . All hopes that Obama and his staff take a similar approach to WhiteHouse.gov , the president 's official Web site . The current WhiteHouse.gov site , operated by the Bush administration , contains few interactive features . A statement on the president-elect 's transition site says that Obama hopes to `` use cutting-edge technologies to create a new level of transparency , accountability , and participation for America 's citizens . '' It 's fitting , then , that Obama 's inauguration next week could be one of the most watched video events in Internet history . Rasiej expects that hordes of users will be watching online when Obama takes the oath of office , visiting WhiteHouse.gov and refreshing their browsers to capture the moment the site switches to proclaim Obama , not George W. Bush , as president . As president , Obama will likely not just rely on WhiteHouse.gov but use multiple Internet sites and technological tools to build grass-roots support for his agenda , observers say . '' -LSB- Obama -RSB- is using the tools that are available to him today , '' All told CNN . `` The next president will be using some of the same tools , and also some tools that have n't been invented yet . '' | As president , Barack Obama will use the Web to communicate directly with citizens . Obama can bypass traditional media filters while reaching out to Americans . Political-tech expert : `` The rebooting of our democracy has begun '' Transition officials have a name for this online communications effort : Obama 2.0 . | [[93, 183], [93, 105], [116, 216], [453, 574], [93, 183], [93, 105], [116, 216], [453, 574], [593, 636], [93, 183], [1716, 1763]] |
-LRB- Budget Travel -RRB- -- Thanks to a vibrant design culture and growing tourism industry , Spain now has some of the best boutique hotels on the continent -- including a recent wave of hotel chains that 's making chic accommodations affordable . The real estate boom has been a key factor . Spying the potential , many entrepreneurs snapped up 19th-century residential buildings and converted them . Gat , a trailblazer , operates two hotels in Barcelona 's Raval , a multicultural neighborhood just off Las Ramblas . Both feature abstract art , acid green walls , and stylishly minimalist furniture . Book weeks in advance for the Xino -LRB- more appealing than sister hotel , the Raval -RRB- . All its rooms have private baths , and you can admire the city skyline from the rooftop terrace -LRB- doubles from $ 70 -LRB- $ 110 -RRB- -RRB- . The Room Mate chain is multiplying rapidly , with branches in Granada , Madrid , Malaga , Oviedo , Salamanca , Valencia and counting . -LRB- It first caught our attention last year . -RRB- But do n't think chain-like conformity . Each property , named after an imagined roommate , has its own personality , as interpreted by a crew of hot young interior designers . In Madrid , book Room Mate Alicia , a cultured , original , and slightly edgy creature , according to the owners . Near major museums , the hotel 's light-filled , airy rooms are stylish without going overboard on showy design elements . Ask for one that looks out over Santa Ana , the city 's hottest ` hood -LRB- doubles from $ 100 -LRB- $ 157 -RRB- -RRB- . Hot is regularly used to describe Madrid these days -- and not just in reference to the climate . Finally stealing some of the limelight from Barcelona , Spain 's capital is going through a renaissance in food , design and counterculture . Visiting creative types head for fashionable Chueca and check in to Colors Host , decorated in a chromatic riot of shades . Book rooms 1 , 2 , 10 or 11 for an enclosed balcony overlooking Calle Fuencarral -LRB- doubles from $ 45 euros -LRB- $ 71 -RRB- -RRB- . At the other end of the spectrum , the Analina Rooms offers tastefully modernist brown-and-white interiors and breakfast next door at Maestro Churrero , a café famous for the quintessential Spanish snack , chocolate con churros -LRB- doubles from $ 65 -LRB- $ 102 -RRB- -RRB- . Get the best travel deals and tips emailed to you FREE - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2009 Newsweek Budget Travel , Inc. , all rights reserved . | Barcelona 's Gat hotels feature abstract art and stylishly minimalist furniture . Room Mate has branches in a handful of Spanish cities . In Madrid , Analina Rooms offers tastefully modernist brown-and-white interiors . | [[522, 605], [2072, 2104], [2107, 2222]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Normally , `` hot spot '' is n't the first phrase that comes to mind when talking about Saskatchewan , Canada . A relocation service company president said he is moving more people to Saskatchewan than ever before . But with most of Canada suffering from devastating job losses , this cold province is becoming exactly that . It 's an asterisk to the entire country when it comes to the economic climate , and Premier Brad Wall is shouting it as loud as he can . `` It 's a great time to come to Saskatchewan , '' said Wall , who even called the Toronto Star newspaper to tout his province 's economic success and let Ontarians know there were jobs for the taking . `` For those who are losing their jobs , we need them to know we have thousands of jobs open right now in both the private and public sector , '' Wall said . `` We have a powerful story to tell , a story of success and that 's something we want to share with those who are struggling . '' Wall 's province is one of the exceptions to the unemployment increases battering provinces across Canada . Saskatchewan 's unemployment rate fell to 4.1 percent in January from 4.2 percent in December , making it the only province recording a decline . In Ontario and the city of Toronto , unemployment rates rose to 7.2 percent and 8.5 percent respectively . To the west , British Columbia shed 68,000 full-time jobs in January . More Saskatchewan jobs should be on the way . To stave off any possible recession , Wall announced a $ 500 million infrastructure `` booster shot '' to help keep the economy strong . Learn more about different towns in Saskatchewan '' `` All across the country , industries are getting quite ill , '' Wall said . `` We are n't immune to it . We see some impacts in terms of layoffs and new vehicle purchases slowing off , and so we want to be proactive in staying ahead of the curve . '' On Tuesday , the Conference Board of Canada released a report that said Saskatchewan will likely continue to lead the nation in economic growth in 2009 because of the infrastructure investment and tax reductions . The province has also been reaping the benefits of an influx from nearby Alberta . When the government in Alberta decided to raise the oil royalty rates , oil exploration and expedition companies decided to move their operations to Saskatchewan in hopes of making more money . With the province 's growing opportunities , David Montgomery , president of Calgary 's Qwest Haven Relocation Services , said he is moving more people to Saskatchewan each day . `` Alberta has always been the gravy train of oil , '' said Montgomery , who is also a former resident of Regina , the capitol and second-largest city in Saskatchewan . `` But with the new royalties , oil companies are saying ` Why stay here and make less when the opportunities right next door are even better ? ' Many other companies may start to follow suit . '' Montgomery said people looking to move have said that cheaper land and insurance prices are among the other reasons they are headed to Saskatchewan . `` There , government insurance is cheaper than anywhere else in the country and it comes with your license plates , '' he said . `` With the amount of jobs , cheaper opportunities and great way of life , the government there has made it very attractive to move there . '' That means more business for Wall 's province and more jobs coming to the area . Not that there 's a shortage of jobs . On Tuesday night there were nearly 6,000 private - and public-sector jobs on the Web site Saskjobs.ca . A constant stream of revenue from oil production and exports also buoys the economy in the province . Saskatchewan falls just behind Alberta , as the largest oil exporter in Canada , and Wall 's province sends more oil to the United States than Kuwait . Wall said the province is the leader in uranium production and produces a third of the world 's potash . The province continues to keep ahead of the curve , Wall said , finding ways to diversify its resources and embark on ambitious green projects and new oil projects . The province is working with Montana on a $ 212 million climate change initiative that would create the first major greenhouse gas storage project in North America . The carbon dioxide from coal-fueled power plants would be stored in the ground in Montana and later be withdrawn for use in oil production . Wall also said what may be the largest discovery of sweet , light crude oil in the southeast part of the province means it could have even more oil to work with . The Bakken Formation could potentially have 413 billion barrels of oil , according to the U.S. Geological Survey . That would be another huge untapped revenue gold mine . Despite the growth of nearly all sectors across the board , Wall cautioned that it is possible his province may see economic stress , just later in the game than other places . `` We need to be circumspect and prudent about promoting our province , '' he said . `` We are not immune ; we do see the impacts . It is n't some sort of panacea or answer to economic questions that do n't exist elsewhere . We are a bit of an asterisk that says there is some stress , but it 's relatively calm here . '' Wall encouraged people not to count out a move to the province based on stereotypes that it is `` only winter here , '' and `` all of the land is just rolling hills . '' '' ` It 's a beautiful , big place where life is great and right now there 's also opportunity , '' he said . `` I 'm very , very biased , but I ca n't imagine a place I 'd rather be , especially with what 's going on economically around the world . '' | Saskatchewan projected to lead Canada in economic growth in 2009 . Province helped by infrastructure investment , oil production . Premier : We are `` a story of success '' that wants to help those struggling . Relocation services business sees more people looking to move to province . | [[1894, 1904], [1907, 2107], [1490, 1588], [3577, 3637], [3643, 3678], [843, 921], [131, 234], [2430, 2446], [2507, 2563]] |
LINKENHOLT , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hidden away in the hills of Hampshire lies the village of Linkenholt . This idyllic community , home to just 50 people comes complete with grand Edwardian manor house , cricket pavilion and grounds , blacksmith 's forge , rectory , shooting grounds , 22 houses and grade 2 listed cottages . The current owner has ensured that houses are not sold off in the near future . It 's all one could ever want from a quintessential English village , and now it is on sale for $ 33 million . Once owned by English cricketer Herbert Blagrave , the estate was left to his own charitable trust which has now put the entire village -- church not included -- up for sale . `` That , '' joked local estate agent Tim Sherston , `` is owned by God . '' In times of financial downturn and falling house prices , the decision to sell up is curious . The trust says though it wants to free up the capital tied up in the estate so it can give more to charity on an annual basis . Sherston maintains that Linkenholt is not only a rare opportunity ; it is a sound buy . `` Big time investors will look upon it as a safe haven to place their money because in five years you 're going to see a great deal of appreciation here , so this is perfect . '' The new owner could also take away a significant income from the rent of the houses . Watch as village goes on sale '' Likely buyers are private individuals interested either in farming or the shoot , regarded as one of the finest in the south of England , according to Sherston . There has also been some foreign interest though he adds `` the village is run very much as it has been for the last 200 to 300 years and it is the trustees ' hope that the new owner will continue to run it in the same manner . '' Provisions have been made by the trust to ensure the houses are not sold off in the near future . Only the manor house will be vacant for the new owner . But locals do worry about their new landlord . The village thatcher Paul Raynsford told CNN : `` I 'd sooner not see a banker or someone who 's going to asset strip it . I 'd like to see a film star , pop star , footballer , someone who just wants to buy it so they can say ` I 'm the lord of the manor . ' '' Ray Smith , known locally as `` the Sheriff , '' has worked as the estate 's manager for 50 years . He says : `` I 'd like to see an Englishman live in the manor , run the farm and the shoot like it used to be . '' Indeed , Linkenholt is idyllic ; within the beautiful surroundings classified as an area of outstanding beauty , this is a village full of characters and local tales . Ray 's wife Elsie talks of how they met as teenagers cycling past each other everyday on the way to work along the same path . Stopping one day to help with her broken bike , they have been together ever since . He made the permanent move to Linkenholt when the keeper before him caused a local scandal when caught illegally shooting the ground 's deer . Two doors down lives Elsie 's sister , who is married to Ray 's brother . The sisters were born here , christened and later married in the church here , worked in the cricket club , and though their own children have moved further afield , they would never leave . Their father even died on Linkenholt 's cricket ground during a game in the 1930s . Having dedicated their lives to the village , the Smiths and childhood friend Alan Dewey , another original local , were given the houses in which they live by the trust . Ray adds : `` I 'm on holiday all the time . With a place like this to sit in the sun and look at all the views , I do n't think you 'd want to go anywhere else . '' Though the media has shone a temporary light on Linkenholt , the hope after the arrival of the new owner is that the village will revert back to times of old , unspoilt and wonderfully English . Reiterating the ideal of having a new lord of the manor , blacksmith Colin Boast adds : `` We would like to see someone come in and take the village to their heart and to love it like the people here do . '' | Village of Linkenholt , in southern England , up for sale for $ 33 million . Estate was left to a charitable trust that has put entire village on market . Trust , villagers hope new owner will continue to run it in same manner . | [[0, 10], [13, 36], [78, 110], [485, 521], [522, 526], [571, 620], [596, 620], [627, 634], [639, 657], [596, 620], [631, 667], [1352, 1381], [1361, 1384], [1685, 1774]] |
COLOMBO , Sri Lanka -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- At least 22 people were killed Friday in two bus bombings in Sri Lanka . Sri Lankan security officials inspect the bus that was the target of the roadside bomb attack . Initially , police said 21 commuters were killed and more than 53 wounded when an explosion hit a crowded bus in a town south of the capital of Sri Lanka on Friday , police said . Police accused Tamil Tiger rebels of carrying out the attack in Moratuwa , a southern suburb of Colombo . Police said they also discovered and defused a Claymore mine in the same place , preventing another explosion . A few hours later a bomb explosion in a bus outside Sri Lanka 's hill capital of Kandy killing one person , police said . The incident took place at Polgolla , some eight kilometres from the outskirts of Kandy where the bus was headed from the hill country town of Matale . Police also blamed Tamil Tiger rebels for that explosion . At Moratuwa , police and soldiers sealed off an area around the scene and searched for suspects . Authorities also intensified security in Colombo . Initial reports said an explosive device was placed on the ground and detonated with a remote control device , police said . In an adjoining town , another bomb was discovered and diffused immediately , they added . Watch medics treat bus blast survivors '' The explosion came as rebel bomb attacks on civilian targets in Colombo and its suburbs have showed a marked increase . Pro-rebel web sites have accused Sri Lankan security forces of attacks on civilians in Wanni , the northern region dominated by them . On Wednesday , a packed train heading to Colombo from the southern suburb of Panadura narrowly escaped severe damage when an explosion hit the track . The blast injured 23 commuters . On May 26 , an explosion on the same southern railway line killed nine and injured 84 . | At least 22 commuters were killed and more than 53 wounded in blast . Explosion hit a crowded bus near a southern suburb in the city of Colombo . Police defused claymore mine in the same place , preventing another explosion . | [[0, 7], [10, 35], [48, 111], [232, 260], [261, 371], [1752, 1784], [1785, 1794], [1797, 1872], [261, 371], [606, 617], [624, 711], [494, 572], [494, 500], [575, 605]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- American al Qaeda member Adam Gadahn appeared in a video posted on the Internet on Saturday , focusing on Pakistan , with references to the U.S. economic meltdown and fighting in Kashmir . Adam Gadahn , also known as Azzam the American , is seen in a video posted on the Internet in August 2007 . The rambling , wide-ranging video was released by www.LauraMansfield.com , a Web site that analyzes terrorism . The 32-minute video was produced by As Sahab , al Qaeda 's video production arm . Gadahn , also known as Azzam the American , is on the FBI 's Most Wanted List , with a reward of up to $ 1 million for information leading to his capture . He was indicted in 2006 on charges of offering material support for terrorism and treason , making him the first American charged with treason since World War II . He has renounced his American citizenship . `` It 's time for you to put aside tribal , ethnic and territorial differences and petty worldly disputes not just for now but forever and unite to restore the glories of your forefathers and hasten , Allah willing , the defeat of the Zionist-crusader enemy and the establishment of the Islamic state , the Ummah , the so eagerly anticipated , '' Gadahn says in English . Gadahn also notes that `` victory in Kashmir '' has been delayed for years , adding that , `` It is the liberation of the jihad there from this interference which , Allah willing , will be the first step towards victory over the Hindu occupiers of that Islam land . '' He also cited the economic woes in the U.S. economy . `` The enemies of Islam are facing a crushing defeat , which is beginning to manifest itself in the extending crisis their economy is experiencing . The crisis , whose primary cause , in addition to the abortive and unsustainable crusades they are waging in Afghanistan , Pakistan and Iraq , is they are turning their backs on Allah 's revealed laws , which forbid interest-bearing transactions , exploitation , greed and and injustice in all its forms and demand the worship of Allah alone to the exclusion of all false gods , including money and power , '' he said . Gadahn , who grew up in rural California , embraced Islam in the mid-1990s and moved to Pakistan . Since October 2004 , he has appeared in at least eight al Qaeda videos speaking in English and praising the terrorist network . In a video released in January , Gadahn renounced his U.S. citizenship and destroyed his passport on camera , saying , `` I do n't need it to travel anyway . '' His demands have ranged from pulling out all soldiers from `` every Muslim land '' to halting support of the `` enemies of Islam '' and freeing all Muslims in detention centers and prisons . Failure to take any one of the steps , he said , would be `` considered sufficient justification '' for continuing the fighting and killing . However , according to CNN Senior Arab Affairs Editor Octavia Nasr , no known terrorism activity has been linked to his messages . | Al Qaeda member Adam Gadahn appears in video posted on Internet on Saturday . Video refers to ethnic divisions in Pakistan , fighting in Kashmir , U.S. economic woes . The native Californian was charged with treason in 2006 . | [[0, 15], [56, 75], [68, 110], [208, 219], [246, 275], [1515, 1517], [1523, 1568], [666, 755]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jessica Keenan tried on wedding dresses in a fancy Beverly Hills boutique , about 100 miles from the Santa Barbara , California , clinic where she gets blasted with chemotherapy once a week . Jessica Keenan , 34 , is getting married January 24 , thanks to the Dream Foundation . Keenan is 34 years old and battling Stage 4 breast cancer with faith , hope and a charity called the Dream Foundation , which helps terminally ill adults . '' You get a diagnosis and you never know how short your time is , '' Keenan said . `` I chose to believe there is going to be a cure . You still carry those dreams of getting married , having a kid . '' But Keenan and her fiancé , Curtis Jimenez , could n't afford a wedding -- their finances are sapped by her cancer battle . They rent from friends . Keenan wrote a letter to Dream Foundation , at the suggestion of her devoted nurses at the Santa Barbara cancer center . `` It all just started snowballing , '' she said . Her wish has been granted , thanks to Dream Foundation and flock of people she has never met . Think of the foundation as Make-A-Wish , but instead of trying to help desperately sick children , Dream Foundation assists terminally ill adults . Keenan 's wedding is a different , more lavish wish than most of the requests the foundation has been receiving in this tough economy . `` People 's needs are becoming basic , '' said the charity 's founder , Thomas Rollerson . `` We are getting wishes just to pay an electric bill , pay the rent , or help keep a promise to go to Disneyland to give them that memory in a time of hopelessness , doctors visits and uncertainty . '' Other dreams are simply for dying family members to be united with loved ones , last visits before last rites . Rollerson explains that with money tight , donors can still help without writing big checks . For example , people can donate frequent flier miles or hotel points . When corporate donors and philanthropists jump in , a Dream Foundation wish can turn elaborate . The foundation 's Web site is a bulletin board of heartache looking for relief . There 's Bruce , 31 , dying of Hodgkin 's lymphoma . He wants to leave New York state for the first time and take his wife and his 6-year-old son to Disney World . Remedios is a California woman with incurable cancer . She wants to treat the daughter who stands over her bed to a Quinceniera , a traditional celebration for a girl who turns 15 years old . Bone cancer is expected to kill Edward Lucas of Springfield , Missouri , in less than six months . He wants to celebrate his 21st wedding anniversary with his wife , Nancy , before he leaves her a widow with an adult daughter and three grandchildren . Their dream is a warm-weather honeymoon trip never taken . Edward was hospitalized and too weak to talk to CNN . `` I wanted him to have a trip or something to look forward to , '' Nancy said . `` A lot of people do n't realize there are dreams for adults too . '' The Lucas ' dream trip is coming together with the help of Dream Foundation , which is hashing out some of the flight and hotel issues to Florida . Back in California , Keenan 's wedding is speeding toward January 24 , thanks to dozens of corporate sponsors and a wealthy Texas do-gooder , Beverly Adams , who made a big financial contribution . The upscale boutique Monique Lhullier donated the dress . `` We 're a conduit , '' Dream Foundation 's Rollerson said . `` People are willing to help . They just need to know how and where . '' Keenan , a hairdresser by trade , was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 . She thought she had it beat two years ago when she met her fiancé on New Year 's Eve . She found out in March of 2007 the cancer returned . Her fiancé has remained at her side . `` When they met , they were just so into each other , '' said Lena Rueff , who first introduced the bride-to-be to her brother . `` He has been a rock for her . He packs snacks , games , books to the hospital where he stays with her . '' In the dress shop , she and the other bridesmaids cheer for Jessica . `` You look sexy ! '' Her hair is cropped short after all the chemotherapy . `` I like the long veil . '' Jessica pauses , realizing she 's not just playing dress-up with grade school friends . `` It 's overwhelming . I 'm anxious and excited , '' she said , standing in a room where some dresses cost more than new cars . `` I still do n't believe it 's going to happen . '' The bridesmaids stop cheering for a second and rub away tears of joy . | Jessica Keenan , 34 , has Stage 4 breast cancer . One of her dreams is to get married to defy her terminally ill prognosis . The Dream Foundation is helping her dream come true . The foundation helps terminally ill adults with their last wishes . | [[323, 412], [615, 662], [403, 440], [420, 440], [449, 478]] |
Editor 's note : Jordan Lorence is senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund , a nonprofit organization of Christian attorneys . He has litigated religious liberty and free speech cases since 1984 , including the Southworth case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1999 , involving mandatory student fees at public universities , and a 2004 case that resulted in a California Supreme Court ruling that marriage licenses issued by San Francisco to same-sex couples were invalid . Jordan Lorence says Rick Warren 's views on marriage should n't bar him from Barack Obama 's inauguration . SCOTTSDALE , Arizona -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Proponents of redefining marriage could n't wait for the new president to be sworn in before demanding that he erase from the inauguration ceremony a prominent American who disagrees with them . The target of their rhetorical bombardment is Rick Warren , the popular Christian pastor from Southern California . President-elect Barack Obama has asked Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration . Not so fast , cries Kathryn Kolbert , head of People for the American Way , an organization that claims to advance equality and freedom of speech and religion -LRB- but not for Rick Warren and those who agree with his marriage views -RRB- in a piece published on CNN.com . Warren 's grave sin ? Along with 52 percent of California voters , he supported California 's Proposition 8 , which affirmed the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman . What a radical ! Though Warren will only be praying for the country 's future -LRB- not giving a speech about marriage -RRB- , Kolbert and others are pressuring Obama to set a precedent for his administration of publicly shunning someone who supports the traditional definition of marriage . They want people like Warren silenced and ostracized for their `` hate speech , '' defined today as disagreeing with their agenda to impose a redefinition of marriage on an unwilling America . Obama , to his credit , has resisted their strident demands . The attacks on Warren are the latest in a series of coercive , intimidating attacks on supporters of traditional marriage . Now , activists have ramped up their strong-arm tactics by pushing the president-elect to ban Warren from appearing at the inauguration . This is amazingly audacious , in light of the fact that on marriage , the overwhelming majority of Americans and , indeed , humanity , agrees with Warren . Americans have voted to preserve marriage in all 30 states where it has been on the ballot by an average vote of more than 65 percent . The collective experience and wisdom of every major civilization from the dawn of time agrees that societies function best and children are best protected when marriage is defined as between one man and one woman . Warren and those who agree with him want all nations to experience these benefits of marriage when it is rightly defined and consistently practiced . Ironically , Obama has repeatedly stated that he agrees `` that marriage is the union between a man and a woman . '' Does Kolbert question his fitness to serve as president in light of his allegedly `` bigoted '' views on marriage ? Kolbert brazenly denies that she and other activists desire to silence pastors like Warren because of their marriage views . She is indignant that Warren and others spread the `` big lie '' that redefining marriage would threaten the freedom of speech and religious liberties of those who hold the view shared by the vast majority of Americans . Her argument is disarming in its pure duplicity . Part of Kolbert 's case against Warren , who she thinks should not be speaking at such an important public ceremony , is that he believes that folks like her are working to ban people like him from speaking at public ceremonies . Thus , the `` big lie '' becomes an obvious truth . This is really all about ideological purity -- and purging . Are the activists proposing that no one should be permitted to speak at the inauguration if they hold beliefs on marriage contrary to hers and her ideological bedfellows ? How can publicly snubbing the influential and respected Warren advance what Kolbert calls `` the values of unity and respect ... on which President-elect Obama campaigned ? '' It wo n't . But it will surely send a message to those who believe in marriage , that they will be viciously attacked for expressing , or merely believing , that marriage is defined as between one man and one woman . Ms. Kolbert provides just the latest example of how the forces of `` tolerance '' and `` diversity '' quickly abandon their principles of `` live and let live '' when somebody disagrees with them . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jordan Lorence . | Jordan Lorence : Barack Obama has asked Rick Warren to give the invocation . He says activists are seeking to ban Warren from speaking because of his views . Lorence says Warren 's view on marriage is the majority position in the U.S. He says Obama also believes marriage is between a man and a woman . | [[944, 1034], [983, 1034], [2172, 2181], [2222, 2303], [3223, 3318], [3590, 3628], [3708, 3819], [2360, 2371], [2374, 2425], [2439, 2459], [3473, 3478], [3483, 3539], [2961, 2971], [2974, 3074], [4438, 4497]] |
Editor 's note : Carly Fiorina is chief executive of Carly Fiorina Enterprises and former chief executive of HP . She was an adviser to Sen. John McCain 's presidential campaign last year . Carly Fiorina says outrage at Wall St. pay is justified but salaries should n't be set by government . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Americans are outraged over excessive CEO pay and perks . That outrage is justified , particularly when American taxpayers are footing the bill . Our capitalist system works best when there is transparency and accountability . There has been too little of both on Wall Street . Inevitably , the president and Congress are now attempting to respond to taxpayer anger and restore some `` common sense , '' as President Obama recently declared , to CEO compensation . The proposed solution caps top executive pay at $ 500,000 for institutions that have received bailout money . I do n't think this is the answer , although it is an understandable reaction . It 's arbitrary : Why not $ 400,000 or $ 600,000 ? It 's incomplete . It only applies to institutions that will receive more government assistance going forward . And it does n't strengthen our economy when government decides how much each job is worth . In America we leave that job to markets . So what 's the answer ? To strengthen transparency , all aspects of CEO pay and perks should be fully disclosed on a regular basis . This should include airplanes , cars , golf-club memberships , bonuses , stock options , retirement plans and salaries -- in short everything that a common-sense person would consider part of a CEO reward package . See Fiorina discuss exec pay , including her own '' To strengthen accountability , all aspects of CEO compensation should be voted on by shareholders on an annual basis . Ultimately , it is the owners of a company who must determine whether a CEO 's rewards are justified by a CEO 's performance . And because the American taxpayer is now a partial owner in many companies , the government can get a vote as well -- in some cases a very sizeable vote . In addition , `` clawback provisions , '' which require a CEO to return compensation to shareholders if promised results are n't delivered , should be standard fare . Finally , when a company comes to Washington for American taxpayer money , it is an admission that mistakes have been made and major bets have failed . These CEOs should be prepared to tender their resignations and those of their boards . To earn a bailout , a CEO and board should be held accountable . We should not weaken our economy while trying to fix it . These are difficult times . President Obama has described our current situation as a `` crisis '' and an impending `` catastrophe . '' In such times , action is required . The key is to take actions that help in the short-term , while also being sensible for the medium and long-term . Too often our politicians react to crisis and public anger by over-reaching , and they create new , unforeseen problems that only become clear with the passage of time . In this country , the opportunity to be rewarded for taking prudent risk is fundamental to our economic vitality and strength . Let 's not lose that fundamental principle in our outrage over Wall Street greed and excess . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Carly Fiorina . | Carly Fiorina : It 's understandable that people are outraged at Wall St. pay . Fiorina says government should n't set limits on executive compensation . She says all aspects of pay and perks should be disclosed . Fiorina : Shareholders , including government , should vote on pay packages . | [[190, 232], [209, 245], [932, 966], [246, 292], [1317, 1396], [1695, 1782]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Karma caught up with former Culture Club singer Boy George on Friday when a court sentenced the star to 15 months for falsely imprisoning a male escort , a court spokeswoman said . George O'Dowd , also known as Boy George , arrives at Snaresbrook Crown Court , in east London . Full details of the sentence were n't immediately clear . A jury unanimously found the pop star and DJ , whose real name is George O'Dowd , guilty of the charge last month after a seven-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in northeast London . The jury determined O'Dowd , 47 , had chained male escort Audun Carlsen to a wall at his apartment in London 's hip Shoreditch neighborhood . Carlsen had also said the singer beat him with a metal chain . Watch as Boy George arrives at court '' O'Dowd , who maintained his innocence , came to court Friday sporting a multicolored tattoo on his bald head , none of his trademark makeup , and a black winter coat . The star quit Culture Club in 1987 after a string of hits with the group , including `` Karma Chameleon , '' `` Do you really want to hurt me ? '' and `` Church of the Poison Mind . '' He has since become a DJ and revived his singing career , releasing a single last year called `` Yes we can , '' inspired by Barack Obama and featuring clips of the U.S. president-elect . O'Dowd is no stranger to the law . In August 2006 , he spent five days cleaning the streets of Manhattan as part of a community service sentence for falsely reporting a break-in at his New York City home . He has also publicly battled drug addiction . | Former Culture Club singer jailed for falsely imprisoning a male escort . The victim , Audun Carlsen , claimed he was also beaten with a chain . Boy George , whose real name is George O'Dowd , has battled drug addiction . He spent 5 days cleaning the streets of Manhattan in 2006 on community order . | [[110, 187], [701, 763], [723, 763], [217, 230], [238, 257], [372, 485], [1551, 1596], [1380, 1394], [1397, 1449], [1397, 1399], [1411, 1489]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. Navy has charged six guards accused of assaulting detainees in May at Camp Bucca in Iraq , naval officials said Thursday . U.S. guards patrol at Camp Bucca in Iraq in May . The Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated alleged incidents that left two detainees with minor bruises . The division also investigated an incident in which eight prisoners were confined overnight to a housing cell that had been sprayed with a riot control agent , the Navy said . The six guards will face courts-martial . Seven other cases have been resolved through nonjudicial punishment , according to a statement from the commander of U.S. Naval Forces-Central Command . The courts-martial are expected to start within 30 days at Camp Bucca , which is in southern Iraq near the Kuwaiti border . The guards accused in the case are assigned to Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion 4 . | Navy guards accused of assaulting detainees at Camp Bucca . Eight prisoners were confined to cell sprayed with riot control agent , Navy says . Navy : Two detainees allegedly left with minor bruises . | [[0, 26], [30, 105], [56, 119], [329, 341], [347, 438], [421, 486], [489, 504], [230, 328]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A lawsuit filed January 30 by baseball great Roberto Alomar 's ex-girlfriend alleges he engaged in unprotected sex with her while suffering from HIV/AIDS . Roberto Alomar 's ex-girlfriend says he had unprotected sex with her while infected with HIV . Ilya Dall is asking for $ 15 million for `` personal injuries '' suffered due to Alomar 's negligence . She and her two children lived with the former New York Mets slugger for three years . She alleges that he started exhibiting signs of HIV as early as 2005 , but twice refused recommendations for an HIV test by his doctor , saying that earlier tests for the disease had come back negative , according to court papers . Alomar 's lawyer , Charles Bach , was not available for comment , but attorney Luke Pittoni , who also represents Alomar , said , `` We believe this is a totally frivolous lawsuit -- these allegations are baseless , he 's healthy and he 'd like to keep his health status private . We 'll do our talking in court . '' Anthony Piancentini , who is representing Dall , said he has `` no comment '' at this time . Dall says in court papers that Alomar told her `` I do n't have HIV . '' She alleges he `` lied and purposefully misrepresented his physical condition '' and `` that he was endangering the health and well being of -LSB- Dall -RSB- by continuing to have unprotected sexual relations with -LSB- her -RSB- , '' according to the lawsuit . Court papers list several physical ailments that Dall says Alomar exhibited from early 2005 on , including white spots on his mouth and throat , extreme fatigue , back and vision problems , and shingles . In early 2006 , Alomar submitted to an HIV test that , according to court papers , confirmed he was HIV positive in February 2006 . Dall says she went for an HIV test shortly afterward and the results were negative . The couple visited a disease specialist shortly after Alomar 's diagnosis , who found a mass in Alomar 's chest and advised the couple that he was suffering from full-blown AIDS , according to the lawsuit . Dall alleges that a few days later , Alomar 's skin was turning purple and he was foaming at the mouth ; a spinal tap on February 21 , 2006 , confirmed he had full-blown AIDS , court papers said . Dall claims in the lawsuit that Alomar 's negligence caused her severe `` emotional distress '' over the health of her children . Court papers say that because the couple lived with the children , they may have been exposed to Alomar 's saliva or blood in the bathroom , through things like toothbrushes and other items . Dall claims to suffer from `` permanent emotional distress '' even after repeatedly testing negative for HIV . The lawsuit claims her fear of contracting the disease is known as `` AIDS phobia '' and that she suffers from permanent post-traumatic stress disorder . Alomar requested Tuesday that the suit be moved to Brooklyn , New York , federal court . It was originally filed in Supreme Court in Queens , New York . An initial conference on the case is expected on April 15 in Brooklyn federal court . Alomar is the son and brother of major leaguers -- father Sandy Alomar was a second baseman with several teams between 1964 and 1978 and brother Sandy Alomar Jr. is a former catcher who played from 1988 to 2007 . Roberto Alomar retired in 2004 with a .300 lifetime batting average , 12 All-Star game selections and 10 Gold Gloves . He was the All Star Game MVP in 1998 and played on two Toronto Blue Jays World Series champion teams . Alomar , then playing for the Baltimore Orioles , is also known for an incident in 1996 during a game against the Blue Jays when he spat in the face of umpire John Hirschbeck following a heated argument over a third strike . After the incident , Alomar claimed the umpire uttered a slur to him during the argument . | Ex-girlfriend says he denied having HIV/AIDS , had unprotected sex with her . Woman says Alomar endangered her health by lying to her about disease . Court papers say tests in 2006 showed Alomar had full-blown AIDS . Alomar 's representative says claims are part of `` frivolous lawsuit '' | [[113, 183], [184, 278], [221, 252], [1343, 1404], [1357, 1414], [1185, 1272], [1278, 1342], [1652, 1665], [1668, 1699], [1688, 1699], [1707, 1732], [1869, 1879], [1985, 2075], [2181, 2208], [2218, 2250], [772, 793], [825, 829], [832, 917]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Kansas leaders Wednesday ended a standoff that had delayed tax refunds and state paychecks by agreeing to borrow $ 225 million from various state accounts , a spokeswoman for the governor 's office said . Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius approved $ 300 million in budget cuts Wednesday . Republican lawmakers approved moving money into the state 's main account to pay the bills after budget cuts agreed to by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius , spokeswoman Brittany Stiffler said . The state resumed processing income tax refunds on Wednesday -- they had been suspended last week because of low funds -- and state employees ' paychecks will be paid on time Friday , Department of Administration spokesman Gavin Young said . Republicans earlier this week denied the Democratic governor 's request to move the money , saying they could not approve the certificate of indebtedness , also known as internal borrowing , until they knew the state could repay the money by June 30 , the end of the fiscal year . However , Republicans said they would be likely to approve the internal borrowing if Sebelius agreed to the Legislature 's proposed budget cuts for the 2009 fiscal year . On Wednesday , she approved about $ 300 million in budget cuts . `` She blinked , and that 's helpful , '' Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt , a Republican , said Wednesday . `` I 'm just sorry we had to have high drama and worry a lot of Kansans about our ability to pay our obligations , '' Sebelius said Wednesday . Kansas was one of several states to meet this week to address budget concerns in a time when 43 states are starting the year short on funds , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures . `` This is an equal-opportunity recession . States in virtually every part of the country are suffering ... even the energy states are starting to report problems , '' Corina Eckl of the National Conference of State Legislatures said . iReport.com : What you 'd fix first . `` For most , it has only gone downhill . They have tried to make up the difference with expanded gambling , with delays of construction projects , with hiring freezes , with fee and tax increases . But almost all of this has failed to regain lost ground , merely serving as a firebreak against worse troubles , '' she said . California faces a $ 42 billion deficit that prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a fiscal emergency in December . California lawmakers worked into early Wednesday but could n't pass a budget . Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued 10,000 layoff notices Tuesday , affecting a wide spectrum of state agencies and employees , in an effort to deal with the budget crisis , a spokesman said . Another 10,000 layoff notices might be sent Wednesday , the spokesman said . All the layoffs would take effect July 1 , the start of the new fiscal year . The Republican governor has butted heads for months with the Democratic majority over easing the $ 11.2 billion revenue shortfall this fiscal year alone . Cuts would save California $ 750 million for the year . The $ 42 billion deficit is for the current and next fiscal years . Interactive : See projected state budget gaps '' Last month , the state began delaying $ 3.5 billion in payments to taxpayers , contractors , counties and social service agencies so the state could continue funding schools and making debt payments . Watch more on California 's budget woes '' Also today , New Jersey 's governor announced that all state employees will be forced to take two unpaid furlough days , a move that will save $ 35 million , part of the nearly $ 4 billion in budget cuts that state is making . In Maryland , tax collections in nearly every category are falling short of expectations , with dismal revenue projects putting more pressure on state legislators to balance the budget without relying on the federal stimulus package , CNN affiliate WBAL reported . State workers in Colorado may face unpaid time off in an effort to spare the state 's colleges and universities millions of dollars in budget cuts , KUSA-TV in Denver reported Tuesday . Interactive : Estimated job growth across the country . Gov. Bill Ritter , a Democrat , announced plans recently to furlough some state workers to balance the budget . Roughly $ 600 million in budget cuts need to be made by the end of this fiscal year , according to KUSA . State lawmakers will debate a bill in the House this week that would require furloughs for state workers depending on how much money they make . `` It 's drastic , but we 're in a drastic situation , '' Rep. Steve King , R-Grand Junction , told KUSA . In Washington state , proposed budget cuts have led to protests in the capital , Olympia , KOMO-TV in Seattle reported . State officials are looking at some $ 300 million in cuts as part of a package the governor is expected to sign this week . Lawmakers also are aiming to cut nearly $ 6 billion over the next two years . But about 100 union members , state employees , school supporters and health care providers rallied on the lawn of the Capitol , telling lawmakers to stop the health care and education cuts and prevent tuition hikes . State employees said they want fair pay , better benefits and pensions and no layoffs . Hawaii faces a nearly $ 2 billion budget shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year . That figure has led legislators to seek alternative ways of balancing the budget , including possible reductions in health and retirement benefits for government workers , KHNL-TV in Honolulu reported Tuesday . One bill being debated in the Legislature aims to cut off insurance benefits for all employees retiring after July 1 regardless of how many years they had worked . Back East , states such as New York and Florida , which have high unemployment rates and huge budget shortfalls , also are looking to cut programs . In New York , the expected budget shortfall is around $ 1.7 billion , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures . President Obama took his economic stimulus message to Florida last week to hard-hit Fort Myers . The jobless rate in the area is 10 percent , up from 2.3 percent this time in 2006 , and the area 's foreclosure rate of 12 percent is the highest in the nation . Interactive : See where the stimulus money is going '' And Michigan 's Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm , whose state has been hit especially hard by the recession and the auto industry 's near collapse , said job creation is paramount to turning the economy around . `` We see the impact of this every day , and I 'm speaking not just for Michigan , but for governors across the country . We need help . We need it now . And it 's not about budgets ; it 's about creating jobs in our states , '' she said recently on CNN 's `` State of the Union With John King . '' CNN 's Taylor Gandossy , Ed Hornick and Stan Wilson contributed to this report . | NEW : Gov. Kathleen Sebelius approves $ 300 million in cuts for 2009 budget . NEW : State leaders agree to borrow $ 225 million to pay tax refunds , state employees . New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine announces 2 furlough days for state employees . 43 states starting year short , National Conference of State Legislatures says . | [[224, 303], [304, 324], [378, 448], [1096, 1181], [1182, 1194], [1197, 1246], [4754, 4832], [19, 173], [3429, 3439], [3442, 3556], [1585, 1586], [1597, 1643], [5867, 5878], [5881, 5910], [5937, 5997]] |
Editor 's note : CNN Contributor Bob Greene is a bestselling author whose current book is `` When We Get to Surf City : A Journey Through America in Pursuit of Rock and Roll , Friendship , and Dreams . '' Peggy Sue Gerron , left , and Jerry Allison , right , at Buddy Holly 's wedding to Maria Elena Holly . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After days on end of grim and dreary news , the first weekend of spring is with us , and with its arrival comes , to many people , the yearly promise of new romance and a chance for lasting love . But if figuring out the secrets of how to revive a battered economy is something that is complicated and elusive , that quandary is simple in comparison to matters of the heart . The legendary experts on romance , star-crossed and otherwise , are generally not available for comment . Romeo and Juliet have left the building . However , there is one person I know who has a better feel for the vagaries of love than most , and I sought her out the other day . `` Spring is the time when you allow yourself to hope that love will come around again , '' said Peggy Sue Gerron . You may not recognize her full name , but you sure do recognize the first part of it . Yep -- she 's that Peggy Sue . The Peggy Sue of Buddy Holly 's unforgettable 1957 hit , a song of longing and heartbreak that is instantly familiar today even to people who were n't born until decades after it came out . `` If you knew Peggy Sue , then you 'd know why I feel blue ... '' Juliet , that other symbol of the glory of love , may have been a fictional creation of William Shakespeare 's imagination , but Peggy Sue was , and is , real . She lives in West Texas , just as she did when Buddy Holly recorded the song . She was actually not even his girlfriend , although she sensed a certain yearning on his part . She was the girlfriend of Jerry Allison , the drummer for the Crickets , Holly 's band . `` I think the reason people think about finding love in the spring is that the season represents new beginnings , '' she said . `` The flowers are blooming . The air smells good . You feel that you have a chance . '' In the song , Peggy Sue , implicitly , was the one who did the dumping , not the one who got dumped . But time has made her understand : . `` I think , I really believe , that on a rare occasion , two people in life run across each other in a path like two comets . And when it happens , I think that feeling lasts forever . '' Which is to say : With a love so rare and true . And that , she said , is what makes people keep looking for love regardless of how many times they may have tried and failed . She has a theory of what being in love does to a person : . `` Your eyes are a little bit shinier and your skin is a little bit clearer when you 're in love . When you meet that person , you think : Whatever you 're doing , I want to be right beside you when you 're doing it . I want to be near you just because I like to see your smile . '' Not that being Peggy Sue means she has all the answers . `` I do n't , '' she said . She is 68 now ; she has been married twice , divorced twice . When she introduces herself to new people , they often say , `` Oh -- like the Peggy Sue in the song ! '' Sometimes she tells them she is in fact that Peggy Sue ; sometimes she lets it go . It 's an uphill battle to convince them she 's not kidding . And as the woman who eternally will be a symbol of true love 's ways , she thinks she understands why people never give up on hoping to find the right person . `` You have a tendency to put the walls up after you 've been hurt , '' she said . `` You think it 's not worth trying again . But then you do it anyway . It 's like it 's not even up to you . It 's stronger than your intellect . '' For those who , as spring arrives , have just lost a great love , her advice for dealing with the sadness is to remember that some people never find love in their whole lives . `` Even if you 're the one to get left , you 've been lucky to have the feeling . And the feeling , unlike the person , will never leave you . '' Somewhere this spring -- many somewheres , undoubtedly -- the words , sung for the first time more than 50 years ago , will come blasting once again out of a car dashboard 's speakers : . `` Pretty , pretty , pretty , pretty Peggy Sue . '' And people in 2009 , hearing it , will remember anew just how much happiness the right person can bring . `` When I first heard the song , '' Peggy Sue said , `` I just thought the drums and the lyrics and the melody were so great , it made me want to get up and dance . As I grew older , it began to seem like more of a love song to me . It began to seem more like a song about not giving up . '' Living in Lubbock , Texas , a ham radio enthusiast in an age of Twitter and text messages , she said she is currently not dating anyone . And with the arrival of spring , and its universal promise of life 's best possibilities , she acknowledges that there is hope in her own heart , too . `` Always , '' said Peggy Sue . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bob Greene . | Bob Greene : Peggy Sue , of famous Buddy Holly song , lives in west Texas . He says she has a theory about what love does to a person . Greene : As spring arrives , Peggy Sue admits she has hope in her heart . | [[1636, 1659], [1662, 1677], [2622, 2677], [4946, 5006]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Indigo Girls navigate the challenges of today 's recording environment with their new two-disc album , `` Poseidon and the Bitter Bug . '' The Indigo Girls , Amy Ray , left , and Emily Saliers released their latest folk-rock album on Tuesday . Rather than abandon ship amid the country 's economic recession and after being dumped by their former label , the folk-rockers decided to release the album independently -- and they recorded it in a mere three weeks . The veteran Atlanta , Georgia , duo remains optimistic about America 's recording industry and the ability of artists to market themselves online . But nothing will replace a heartfelt live performance , said Amy Ray . `` We need to keep art as a visceral experience , too , and not just an Internet experience , '' said Ray , who plays in the group with Emily Saliers . It is `` going to be up to bands to keep touring and people to keep going to hear 'em . '' Watch their live performance and interview with CNN '' CNN talked with the Indigo Girls about the Internet , food , their Southern roots and their newest album 's strange name . The following is an edited version of that interview . CNN : What 's been the primary influence for you all ? Has it been a place , like Atlanta ? Or has it been something else ? Emily Saliers : Atlanta and the South , just in general . ... Some of it comes through the content and some of it just comes through a vibe . We 're sort of a hootenanny bar band . We cut our teeth in Little Five Points Pub , and what we always like to do is bring people up on the stage and jam with us . ... We tie it back to the days when people just sat on the porch and played together . It 's a very Southern thing , an Appalachian thing . CNN : Tell me about the title for this album . Saliers : Mitchell Froom , the producer , came up with the title , and it was originally a joke . He said it and he laughed -- and we all laughed . Naming a record is probably one of the hardest things in the whole process , and that name just stuck with us . And it 's also cool because `` Poseidon '' is a reference to a lyric in one of my songs , and `` Bitter Bug '' is a reference to a lyric in one of Amy 's songs . So to be able to fit two of those pieces together in a way that works is cool . CNN : And you all are working as free agents on this -LSB- album -RSB- . Tell me about that . Amy Ray : We got dropped from the last label we were on , Hollywood , right before we were going to go into the studio , so we just kind of kept all of our plans in place and everyone that was going to be involved with us came to the table and gave us deals and made it work . ... Creatively we 've always done what we want , but on the business level it 's demoralizing when you feel like there 's not a team anymore because the label you 're on is n't really behind you or does n't know what to do , or is kind of paralyzed by the industry , generally . CNN : What are you all listening to lately ? Saliers : You know , I just bought yesterday -- I downloaded it -- Sean Lennon 's last record . I saw him on some obscure Japanese channel when we were in some other part of the world and I really like the sound of that . And then this artist named Sia . She sang with Zero 7 and she 's a really good artist , I like her stuff a lot . I like the Weepies . CNN : You -LSB- Emily Saliers -RSB- are a part owner in a restaurant here in Atlanta . ... Is there any kind of relationship between music and a good restaurant experience ? Saliers : There definitely is ! The name of the restaurant is Watershed , it 's in Decatur -LSB- Georgia -RSB- . We 're very fortunate to have Scott Peacock as our executive chef . ... He 's a very decorated chef but he also makes Southern food -- good Southern food . It 's kind of like what your grandmother would make if you grew up in the South : lots of lard and butter and comfort food ... I think the experience of sharing food is a lot like the experience of sharing music . It 's just something that people 's work goes into it and a lot of love goes into it , and then you share it together . CNN : I wonder what you make of Twitter and artists playing on Second Life and sort of all of these virtual personas that people have these days . Ray : I do n't really have a judgment about it one way or the other . I have a lot of friends that delve into all that stuff and it does n't stop them from being creative in other ways . I think it increases creativity and exercises a different part of your mind . ... My nieces and nephews , they 're very involved in -LSB- the video game -RSB- `` Rock Band '' and stuff like that , which I think is really great because it 's introducing them to music , but I just want them to go outside sometime , too . -LRB- laughs -RRB- That 's all . Play in the woods a little bit . CNN : How has your collaboration changed over time ? Saliers : The way that we collaborate has n't changed that much . Amy writes her songs ; I write my songs . We write totally separately but then since the very beginning we 've come together to arrange songs . ... Over the years we 've picked up a few more instruments , so texturally we 're more expansive than we were when we were just two guitars at the very beginning . Now there 's harmonica and mandolin and banjo -- a little bit of keyboard . We mix that up , but the process is pretty much the same . We just trust it more now . | The Indigo Girls released their latest album , `` Poseidon and the Bitter Bug , '' Tuesday . The folk rockers talk with CNN about working on the independent effort . The Atlanta duo recorded the album in just three weeks . Band member : Writing process is the same , but `` we just trust it more now '' | [[0, 15], [19, 158], [162, 266], [378, 437], [445, 485], [5373, 5410], [5411, 5438]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two leading Jewish watchdog groups are denouncing a prominent cartoonist 's illustration about Israel 's offensive in Gaza , saying it uses anti-Semitic imagery . The cartoon was published Wednesday in newspapers and on the Internet . The Anti-Defamation League , which has been fighting anti-Semitism since it was founded in 1913 , called the syndicated cartoon by Pulitzer Prize-winning Pat Oliphant `` hideously anti-Semitic . '' The Simon Wiesenthal Center , which , among other things , fights anti-Semitism and educates people about the Holocaust , said `` the cartoon mimics the venomous anti-Semitic propaganda of the Nazi and Soviet eras . '' Published Wednesday in newspapers and on the Internet , the cartoon shows the small figure of a woman , labeled Gaza , carrying a child . She is being pursued by a headless , jackbooted figure wielding a sword , marching in an apparent goose-step and pushing a fanged Jewish star on a wheel . The Anti-Defamation League said the cartoon used `` Nazi-like imagery '' and a `` hateful evocation of the Star of David . '' Abraham H. Foxman , the ADL 's national director , said the cartoon 's `` outlandish and offensive use of the Star of David in combination with Nazi-like imagery is hideously anti-Semitic . '' `` It employs Nazi imagery by portraying Israel as a jack-booted , goose-stepping headless apparition , '' Foxman said . `` The implication is of an Israeli policy without a head or a heart . Israel 's defensive military operation to protect the lives of its men , women and children who are being continuously bombarded by Hamas rocket attacks has been turned on its head to show the victims as heartless , headless aggressors . '' The Wiesenthal Center , which also issued its statement Wednesday , said it urged The New York Times Web site and other Web sites to remove the cartoon . `` There is nothing about Oliphant 's cartoon not meant to denigrate and demonize the Jewish state , from the headless goose-stepping soldier to the horrific depiction of the Star of David about to devour a cowering innocent Gazan woman holding a baby , '' Rabbi Marvin Hier , the group 's dean , and Rabbi Abraham Cooper , the group 's associate dean , said in a joint statement . `` The imagery in this cartoon mimics the venomous anti-Semitic propaganda of the Nazi and Soviet eras . It is cartoons like this that inspired millions of people to hate in the 1930 's and help set the stage for the Nazi genocide , '' the statement said . A spokeswoman for Universal Press Syndicate , which distributes Oliphant 's work , issued a statement defending him , saying he , `` like all editorial cartoonists , uses his art to comment on important issues of the day widely reported in the worldwide media -- in this case , the conflict over Gaza . That his cartoons sometimes spark intense debate is a testament to his talent . '' Universal said no media outlet had informed the syndicate that it removed the cartoon , but `` Oliphant 's clients are not contractually bound to inform us . '' A New York Times spokeswoman said , `` We did not run the cartoon in the newspaper , nor do we plan to do so . '' She said NYTimes.com has , by contract with uclick.com , an `` Oliphant '' button on the cartoons page . `` Yesterday , those who clicked on it saw the cartoon you mentioned , which is now relegated to the Oliphant archive , '' she said . Imagery and rhetoric comparing Israel to Nazis have been deployed by Israel 's persistent critics , who decry the Jewish state 's treatment of Palestinians as oppressive and brutal . Israel and its supporters defend the state as humane and say it has properly defended itself against attacks . There has been sharp criticism of Israel 's offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza who launched rockets into southern Israeli towns . Human Rights Watch said Wednesday the Israeli military 's firing of white phosphorus shells over densely populated areas during the offensive `` was indiscriminate and is evidence of war crimes , '' a claim denied by Israel . Israel has said that Hamas militants situated themselves among civilians during the offensive . Oliphant , who won the Pulitzer in 1967 , has been a dominant figure in the editorial cartoon world . His work has been distributed since 1980 by Universal Press Syndicate , which calls the Australian native one of the `` sharpest , most daring practitioners '' among editorial cartoonists . He has received many honors , and his cartoons have been exhibited across the world . `` In 1998 , the Library of Congress commemorated the acquisition of 60 of his works with a special exhibition at the Library 's Great Hall , '' according to an Oliphant biography on the Universal Web site . This is n't the first time Oliphant 's cartoons have drawn criticism . The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in 2005 `` wrote to the San Francisco Chronicle and Universal Press Syndicate to communicate concern over racist depictions of Arabs , '' according to the group 's Web site , and the Asian American Journalists Association criticized offensive stereotypes in cartoons in 1999 , 2001 and 2007 . Debates over offensive editorial cartoons are not uncommon . Keith Woods , dean of faculty at the Poynter Institute , a journalism school in St. Petersburg , Florida , was asked to comment on the reaction to the cartoon , whether the cartoon was improper , and at what point in the editorial process an editor can say a product has gone too far . He said he understands the positions the Jewish groups and Israeli policy critics bring to the table . He said he believes Oliphant is saying that `` Israel is behaving toward the Palestinians the way the Nazis behaved toward the Jews '' and that he is stating an opinion shared by many in the Middle East and the world . `` I believe that like the caricatures they are , editorial cartoons by their nature exaggerate their messages , so I do n't think Oliphant is suggesting a one-to-one comparison . So I get the message , instead , that Israel is acting brutally toward the Palestinians . '' He also believes the ADL and the Wiesenthal Center `` are saying that the cartoon is at least doing unintentional harm -LRB- if not more calculated harm -RRB- . '' `` I see their point . There are symbols -- and the Nazi extermination of the Jews is surely one of them -- that can only truly be analogized to their equals . Unadulterated evil compared with unadulterated evil . Israel 's ongoing battles with its Arab neighbors may be many things , but it is not The Final Solution . '' As for the question of how news organizations should handle and discuss such a cartoon , Woods said that `` Oliphant clearly has the right to provoke or offend . The question for him is : Do you truly wish to conflate a complex , historic conflict with one of the most evil acts in history ? And for the newspapers that carry the cartoon -- and their behavior here is equally open to critique -- do you wish to perpetuate such a comparison ? '' | NEW : Cartoon 's distributor defends cartoonist , cites his talent to stir debate . Work by Pulitzer-winning cartoonist shows jack-booted figure , Jewish star with fangs . Anti-Defamation League , Simon Wiesenthal Center say it uses anti-Semitic imagery . Critics compare Israeli actions to Nazi aggression ; Israel says it must defended itself . | [[2509, 2552], [2592, 2624], [2812, 2860], [2812, 2891], [254, 280], [352, 420], [1297, 1301], [1310, 1384], [0, 15], [144, 181], [452, 479], [574, 667], [964, 1086], [3409, 3506], [3592, 3617], [3649, 3702], [3703, 3788]] |
ROME , Italy -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The world 's richest countries committed to `` any further action that may prove necessary '' to restore confidence in the global financial system , their finance ministers said as they wrapped up a two-day meeting in Rome . U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is calling on governments to help restart the flow of credit . The Group of Seven finance ministers also urged countries not to close their markets to goods and services from abroad . `` An open system of global trade and investment is indispensable for global prosperity , '' they said in a statement at the end of their meeting Saturday . `` Protectionist measures ... would only exacerbate the downturn '' in the worldwide economy . The ministers said the global banking crisis had revealed `` fundamental weaknesses in the international financial system '' and called for urgent reform . Watch workers put pressure on the ministers '' New U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner , making his international debut at the meetings , called on governments to focus on stabilizing and strengthening financial systems and help restart the flow of credit . `` Although the precise mix of measures must be tailored to each country 's situation -- our financial systems are different , -LSB- the -RSB- structures of our systems are very different -- there is a common recognition of more capital and government financing to help restart credit markets , '' he said . Italy hosted the meeting in its role as G-7 president for 2009 . G-7 members includes the United States , Germany , Japan , France , Italy , Britain and Canada . The agenda drawn up by Rome calls for adopting global measures and economic policy reforms capable of stabilizing the world economy and ensuring transparency to allow markets to function correctly . Watch CNN correspondents on the impact of job losses around the world '' Geithner spoke just after the U.S. Senate gave final approval late Friday to a $ 787 billion recovery package to boost the U.S. economy . He told attendees that the package `` provides a very powerful mix of investments and tax cuts to create jobs and to strengthen our long-term growth potential . '' `` As we act together to build a strong foundation for economic growth and recovery , we need to begin the process of comprehensive reform of our financial system , so that we never again face a crisis of this severity , '' Geithner said . Another attendee , International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn , said he supports such stimulus packages for advanced countries . `` The question is no more to convince the governments to move today , but for them to implement the policies they need to manage , '' Strauss-Kahn said . He also warned of the dangers of protectionism , which he said may still come `` through the back door , especially in the financial sector . '' | Group of Seven ministers urge countries not to close markets to goods from abroad . Focus must be on stabilizing economies , U.S. treasury secretary says . Officials call for urgent reform of global financial system . | [[361, 397], [403, 481], [734, 747], [863, 889]] |
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- -- President Obama 's pledge to conquer cancer `` in our time '' is a great goal , but one of America 's top cancer experts is n't sure he 'd use the word `` cure . '' Despite chemotherapy , some breast cancers recur , like a `` smoldering fire that flares up , '' Dr. Otis Brawley said . `` The idea of -LSB- calling for -RSB- a cure does scare me a little bit because , I do n't think that 's realistic in some cancers , '' says Dr. Otis Brawley , chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society . `` But I like the general overall idea , and I 'm thrilled about the focus on health . '' Obama 's first proposed budget includes $ 6 billion for cancer research by the National Institutes of Health . That 's on top of the additional $ 10 billion provided by the stimulus package for 2009 and 2010 . But some cancer specialists say that rather than finding a cure , a more realistic scenario is that certain cancers that are fatal today will move into the realm of chronic illnesses . By chronic disease , doctors mean `` the way we think of diabetes or heart disease as chronic diseases , where people could live in peaceful coexistence with cancer , as opposed to the cancer continuing to advance , '' said Brawley , who also is CNNhealth.com 's conditions expert . Dr. Tony Reid , an oncologist and director of clinical trials at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California , San Diego , shares this view . He sees the long-term management of certain cancers as chronic illness as a `` primary intermediate step '' as researchers work towards cures . Prevention efforts , including discouraging smoking , obesity , and environmental hazards , are also important components of the cure , Dr. Andreas Ullrich , medical officer in cancer control at the World Health Organization in Geneva , Switzerland . How long it will actually take to cure cancer is anyone 's guess , but Obama 's initiative is encouraging , he said . `` We need this hope , '' Ullrich said . `` We need to invest in our efforts in research , in basic research , and also in social science to understand why people behave in a risky way , and how to prevent people from exposing themselves to cancer risk , '' he said . Given that `` cancer '' encompasses more than 200 diseases , it makes sense that different varieties would require different approaches for saving the lives of their victims . From Brawley 's perspective , a cure happens when the disease has gone away and it 's not likely to come back , and the person is likely to grow old and die from something totally unrelated . Reid put it in terms of years of survival -- with pancreatic cancer , which normally takes lives within six months of diagnosis , you 're probably cured if you 're still alive five years after surgery , he said . But breast cancer can come back even after 10 years , he said . About 11 million people living in the United States had a history of some form of cancer as of 2005 , according to the latest statistics from the National Cancer Institute 's Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database . There has been progress , however . For American men , the risk of death for cancer is 20 percent lower than it was 20 years ago , Brawley said . Rates of new cancer diagnoses and deaths for U.S. men and women simultaneously fell for the first time since reporting began in 1998 , according to a report published in November in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute . See a map of lung cancer in the U.S. from this report '' Already there are cancers that respond well to drugs for several years . Patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors tend to tolerate the drugs well , for example , Reid said . `` I have many patients who will come back and say , ` Except for the fact that you tell me I have cancer , I do n't know it , ' '' he said . But after a while , these patients ' cancer cells mutate and evolve to become resistant to the drugs , finding ways around almost any drug , Reid said . Some breast cancer patients take medications for 10 years to prevent recurrence , said Dr. Stephanie Hines , physician at the breast center at the Mayo Clinic 's Breast Cancer Center in Jacksonville , Florida . But great strides have been made in such drugs , she said . `` There is real promise at eventually eradicating breast cancer , '' she said . `` I would say maybe not in the next five or 10 years . But it may happen -- I do n't know if in our lifetime . '' Still , only a few kinds of cancer are currently cured , and that 's often dependent on early detection -- testicular and early stage breast cancer are two of the few examples , Reid said . About 80 percent of lymphomas are cured , Brawley said . Metastatic lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer , on the other hand , are more likely to one day become `` chronic diseases , '' which would be treated throughout a person 's life rather than eliminated , Brawley said . `` Once it 's metastasized or spread , you ca n't really do surgery unless you want to do almost cherry-picking throughout the body , which does n't really work , '' he said . Currently , some breast cancers regress even with chemotherapy . Cancer specialists compare these breast cancers to `` a smoldering fire which flares up every once in a while '' and requires more water , Brawley said . Extending the amount of time that a person could live like that is a `` reasonable goal , '' he said . Cancer doctors emphasize that Obama 's initiative is a tremendous asset to cancer research . `` I think that all the tools are there -- it 's just , we have to do the hard work of testing them , evaluating them , and making them available to patients , Reid said . | President Obama 's proposed budget includes $ 6 billion for cancer research . Experts : Some cancers that are fatal today will become like chronic diseases . Already there are cancers that respond well to drugs for several years . | [[612, 722], [826, 1006], [4719, 4770], [4820, 4846], [3531, 3603], [3549, 3556], [3562, 3603]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Microsoft founder Bill Gates told CNN on Wednesday that he hopes President-elect Barack Obama and Congress immediately craft a wide-ranging stimulus package , to help jump-start the nation 's sputtering economy , and double the United States ' commitment to foreign aid . Microsoft founder Bill Gates spoke exclusively Wednesday with CNN 's Wolf Blitzer . `` Clearly we need a stimulus that does n't undermine the incentive for businesses to be careful about their spending and making those correct investments , '' Gates told CNN 's Wolf Blitzer in an exclusive interview airing on The Situation Room on Wednesday and Thursday . Gates , one of the world 's richest men and founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , is also calling on Obama to increase investments in the nation 's education system and spur technological advances to improve agriculture , prevent disease , and promote economic growth in the world 's poorest nations . `` The key point I 'd make is that in addition to that stimulus , you 've got to fund the kind of scientific work and educational investments that could really have us be a much better country as we emerge from the recession , '' he said . Watch Gates discuss economy '' On his Web site , Obama has pledged to double the United States ' annual investment in foreign aid to $ 50 billion by the end of his first term , with the goal of fully funding debt cancellation for poor nations and fighting AIDS and global poverty . In the interview with CNN , Gates said he thinks Obama will live up to that commitment . `` Obviously it 's the Congress that gets to actually vote the final decision for how the money is spent , but I do think he will get to that commitment , '' Gates said . `` I am thrilled to be able to see that people are responding to the success stories . Aid from the United States did go up in the last eight years . '' The interview came shortly before the Microsoft founder delivered a wide-ranging speech at The George Washington University in Washington , D.C. , during which he reiterated his call for a major new stimulus package to spur job growth . `` Spending is the only way we 'll ever come out of this downturn , and with businesses , state governments and consumers pulling back , the federal government must step forward , '' Gates told the crowd . The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has distributed more than $ 17 billion in grant commitments in all 50 states and 100 countries . In his interview with CNN , Gates said he had personally given more than $ 30 billion to the foundation . | Microsoft founder Bill Gates talks to CNN 's Wolf Blitzer . Gates says Obama should craft a wide-ranging stimulus package . He also wants Obama to increase investments in education , technology . `` Spending is the only way we 'll ever come out of this downturn , '' he says . | [[291, 374], [532, 648], [2057, 2112], [2084, 2133], [649, 654], [657, 722], [742, 856], [979, 1103], [2134, 2255]] |
Editor 's note : This story is part of an ongoing series of profiles CNN is doing about economic survival in this time of financial crisis . Nicole Thompson-Arce poses on her wedding day with her husband , Mathew Arce , and her ex-mother-in-law . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Struggling to make ends meet , trying to dig themselves out of debt , Nicole Thompson-Arce and her husband have moved in with her ex-husband . Together , the unlikely threesome of Omaha , Nebraska , is raising two young daughters from the first marriage . It 's the kind of situation that has left cable guys howling . `` They 'd never heard anything like this , '' Thompson-Arce , 28 , remembered with a laugh . `` And they 're in people 's homes everyday . '' When she and Craig Thompson , 42 , were going through a divorce in 2005 , this was not a deal either of them could have imagined striking . It was a messy divorce , the kind involving a custody dispute . But once they ironed out that battle , agreeing to joint custody , Thompson-Arce said they were able to move on and forward . iReport : Read Thompson-Arce 's post . By the time she married Mathew Arce last July , she said she and her ex were friends . In fact , they were so close that his mother -- meaning Thompson-Arce 's ex-mother-in-law -- was in -LRB- not just at -RRB- the second wedding ceremony . Soon after the Florida wedding , the new lovebirds flew into a financial mess . She had left a job , and as soon as she found another -LRB- a temp position -RRB- , her 22-year-old husband was fired from his higher-paying gig . iReport.com : Job hunt stories . They fell behind in rent . The bills stacked up . The credit card debt grew . iReport.com : What are you cutting from budget ? A couple months later , Arce , landed a temporary Wal-Mart cashier position , which has since turned into a full-time job . But finances remained shaky and digging themselves out of debt seemed insurmountable . Tell us how you 're surviving in this economy . In walked the ex with an offer , just in time for Christmas . Thompson , an 18-year bakery employee at Wal-Mart , lives in a three-bedroom , one-bath home . `` I knew they were having money problems , so I just asked them to move in , '' he said . `` I figured I 'd get to see my girls , my daughters , more often . And Nicole said yes right away . '' Besides the economic savings , the benefits are many . No longer do they have to shuttle Victoria , 7 , and Caitlyn , 6 , between two households . As a team , they can parent and be on the same page . Finding a baby sitter is never a problem . They take turns making meals , which they all share . Thompson and Arce , who are 20 years apart -- `` I had to get the whole spectrum going there , '' Thompson-Arce joked -- have become the best of friends , and share a similar sense of humor . They have tackled home improvement projects , run around together on days they both have off and often hang out at the kitchen table building plastic models . `` We just clicked , '' Thompson said . `` When I tell people , ` I 'm living with my ex-wife and her husband , ' I get some really strange looks . ... It 's different . It 's unusual , but it works . '' The transition has been smooth and great for the kids , Thompson-Arce said . And for their benefit , irrespective of finances , she thinks it 's a living situation they 'll stick with for at least five to 10 years . It has , however , taken a little time for the little ones to get the story straight . Seven-year-old Victoria went back to school after winter break -- and after the whole team had blended under one roof -- and started telling people this : '' ` My mommy has two husbands , ' '' Thompson-Arce remembered . `` I was like , ` No , honey , do n't tell them that ! ' '' What she and both men hope the girls are learning is that divorced parents can work together and be friends . `` There are so many families that go through divorce and can never let it go , '' she said . `` I 'm thankful , and hopefully our situation can help people rethink things because if they have kids , it 's in their best interest to get along . '' One might wonder whether the couple , who 've been married for less than a year , get enough time alone together , given where they 're living . Thompson-Arce points out that her ex works a shift that sends him to bed at 7 p.m. , so the evenings -- after the kids are asleep -- are for her and her husband to share . Watch restaurant holds date night event '' `` When they do have a romantic evening , I do n't hear them , so we 're not going there , '' Thompson quipped . `` There 's a bathroom between our two bedrooms . '' The ex-husband has n't dated since the divorce . He said it 's because he 's been focused on work and taking care of the kids . Thompson-Arce , however , said that she and her husband are forever trying to get Thompson on the dating scene and want him to meet someone special . Special , and understanding , she would most definitely need to be . `` He 'd have to find a very open-minded woman because we do n't plan on going anywhere anytime soon , '' Thompson-Arce said . | Financially strapped couple moves in with wife 's ex-husband to save . The Omaha , Nebraska , threesome find an arrangement that works . Together they raise two kids and teach that divorced parents can get along . Ex-husband : `` When I tell people ... I get some really strange looks '' | [[336, 408], [3051, 3094], [409, 417], [420, 451], [465, 521], [3777, 3881], [3772, 3881], [4065, 4081], [3099, 3132]] |
HARARE , Zimbabwe -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Zimbabwe 's opposition leader called the cholera outbreak in his country a `` man-made crisis , '' as new figures released Thursday showed the death toll had soared to more than 2,700 . Morgan Tsvangirai tours a cholera ward at Budiriro Polyclinic in Harare Thursday . Some 2,755 have died and 48,623 people are suspected to have been infected with cholera since last year , the World Health Organization -LRB- WHO -RRB- said . Opposition party leader Morgan Tsvangirai , speaking to reporters , pointed a finger at the Mugabe government . `` Cholera in Zimbabwe is a man-made crisis . The problem we have here is coupled with -LRB- the -RRB- fact of negligence on the part of government to provide the necessary facilities . It shows the collapse of the health delivery system , '' said Tsvangirai . The Movement for Democratic Change leader 's comments came after he toured some of the worst affected areas in the country 's capital , Harare . Zimbabwe 's cholera epidemic , which started in August , has been aggravated by erratic water supplies , shortages of water purification chemicals , broken water and sewer pipes and uncollected garbage . Cholera is an intestinal disease cause by bacteria in contaminated water . The epidemic was followed a month later by a strike by doctors and nurses demanding a review of their salaries . They are demanding that archaic hospital equipment be replaced and that medicines be available in hospitals . The health emergency comes at a time when Zimbabwe is mired in the worst economic crisis it has faced since it gained independence from Great Britain in 1980 . Last week , the United Nations ' Children 's Fund -LRB- UNICEF -RRB- gave $ 5 million to Zimbabwe 's ailing health sector to help end the industrial action by health personnel . As Tsvangirai was visiting the cholera affected areas , some residents could be seen getting water from the wells and rivers . Most suburbs in Harare have had no water for close to two weeks , forcing residents to depend on shallow pits and rivers for drinking water . The Zimbabwe National Water Authority was quoted by the state-owned media Saturday attributing the dryness to a water pump which had broken-down . The areas particularly affected include the townships of Glen Norah , Glen View and Budiriro . `` I am here with my kids for the last two days , '' said Ennie Musararei , a mother of three at Budiriro clinic . `` It -LRB- cholera -RRB- just started after we drank water from a well . We thought it was safe to drink since it was covered by a metal sheet . '' President Robert Mugabe 's government have now declared cholera a national emergency , so that international organizations such as UNICEF , Doctors Without Borders and Red Cross can gain access . But death toll has continued to increase daily . `` This week alone has witnessed a sudden increase of patients , '' said a nurse at Budiriro clinic . `` I think it is mainly because of the rains and dryness of the suburbs over the past week or so . '' Earlier this month , Zimbabwe 's health minister , David Parirenyatwa , said the death toll was likely to increase as the country is in its rainy season . The meteorological office in Zimbabwe has predicted floods in some parts of the country . | World Health Organization : 2,755 cholera deaths in Zimbabwe since last year . Tsvangirai : Govt . negligence resulted in failure to provide necessary facilities . Epidemic aggravated by erratic water supplies , broken water and sewer pipes . Mugabe 's government have now declared cholera a national emergency . | [[160, 222], [623, 724], [725, 762], [983, 1011], [1040, 1186], [2598, 2682]] |
BOGOTA , Colombia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A volcano in southwest Colombia erupted again Friday morning , raining ash on nearby residents and agricultural fields . The Galeras volcano , erupting here in January 2008 , is considered the most active volcano in Colombia . None of the 8,000 residents who live near the Galeras volcano was reported injured , officials said . It is the second time in less than a week that the volcano has erupted . The government 's Geological and Mining Institute raised the alert level from yellow to red , and officials opened eight shelters for displaced residents . Authorities ordered the 8,000 people who live near the volcano to evacuate . The city of Pasto , which has about 35,000 residents and is more than 12 miles -LRB- about 20 kilometers -RRB- from the volcano 's crater , received a heavy downpour of ashes Friday . The volcano , near Colombia 's border with Ecuador , previously erupted Saturday . It has erupted several times since it became active again in 1989 . The only fatalities were in 1993 , when nine people -- all scientists or tourists in or near the volcano 's crater -- were killed . The volcano 's crater is 14,029 feet -LRB- 4,276 meters -RRB- above sea level in the Andes Mountains . It is considered the most active volcano in Colombia . Journalist Fernando Ramos contributed to this report . | Authorities order evacuation of 8,000 people who live near Galeras volcano . No injuries reported ; volcano erupts for second time in less than a week . Nearby city of Pasto receives downpour of ashes . | [[272, 291], [296, 325], [595, 671], [615, 631], [636, 671], [264, 291], [326, 346], [264, 291], [330, 346], [349, 358], [366, 407], [401, 407], [413, 438], [856, 867], [909, 938], [672, 689], [812, 855]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The body of a journalist who was hacked to death in southeastern Nepal was cremated Tuesday as businesses and public transportation in the town of Janakpur remained shut for a second day to protest the killing . Uma Singh , who was murdered in Nepal Sunday , had talked about the difficulties of practicing journalism . Authorities said they arrested four people in connection with the death of Uma Singh , but they did not release the suspects ' names or possible motive , said Damakant Jayashi , associate editor of the online news Web site , myrepublica.com . `` Journalists and human rights groups have descended on the town , and shops are shuttered in what almost seems like a spontaneous protest , '' Jayashi said . `` Journalists are all wearing black bands on their arms . And the FM stations in the city , all day yesterday , they played mourning tunes instead of their regular programs . '' The killing of Singh , 26 , is the latest in a `` troubling trend '' of attacks on reporters , the United Nations ' human rights office in the country said . It asked the government to investigate the case and prosecute death threats against other journalists . `` Doing so will send a strong message that there will be no impunity for attacks against the media , nor for any serious crimes , '' the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal said . Singh wrote for a daily newspaper and reported for a radio station in Janakpur , about 240 km -LRB- 150 miles -RRB- southeast of the capital city , Kathmandu . When she got home from work Sunday night , a group of about 15 men barged into the room she rented at a house and hacked her with `` khukhuris '' -- curved knives traditional to Nepal -- in full view of other boarders , authorities said . `` I am very very shocked , '' said Dharmendra Jha , president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists , which is leading the protests . `` If the government is not ready to provide any kind of security to journalists , it will be very difficult to do journalism in a free mode . '' The group said it will announce a new phase of protests Wednesday . Authorities do not have a motive for the killing . In some of her articles , Singh spoke out against the dowry system , where a bride 's family is forced to give cash and property to the groom 's family before the wedding . Also Sunday , a group of men ransacked the house of another journalist in the same region , leaving a cross on her door and telling her it was her turn next , media groups said . Police do not know if the two incidents are related . In recent months , the number of attacks on journalists in Nepal have shot up . The federation released a year-end report , recording 284 incidents -- including three deaths and a kidnapping . Some of the assailants have ties to the Communist Party of Nepal , the largest party in Nepal 's coalition government , according to New York-based Human Rights Watch . The party is led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal , or Prachanda -- a man who led a decade-long bloody insurgency before being sown in as prime minister . During the decade-long civil war , Maoist forces under him carried out numerous attacks on journalists they believed were opposed to their cause , Human Rights Watch said . And after he became prime minister , Prachanda issued a public warning to journalists while addressing a massive crowd in Kathmandu : `` Now we will no longer tolerate criticism as we have already been elected by the people . '' Three years ago , Singh 's father and elder brother disappeared . Her family has all along accused local Maoist leaders of being behind the disappearances , Jayashi said . Singh , herself , talked about the difficulties of practicing journalism in an interview with the United Nations last year . `` Various armed groups that are mushrooming have been a major challenge for us . We have been compelled to dance to their tunes . ... This makes us helpless , '' she said in the interview . `` What do we do ? If we do n't air the news of their choice , they threaten to kill us . Things have become very , very difficult for us . '' | Nepalese journalist who reported on women 's rights hacked to death Sunday . Uma Singh said before her death : `` Things have become very , very difficult for us '' U.N. asks govt . to investigate , prosecute death threats against other journalists . Journalists group : 284 incidents against journalists in 2008 , including 3 deaths . | [[28, 43], [48, 89], [231, 242], [247, 275], [4086, 4135], [1079, 1182], [1079, 1081], [1131, 1182], [2680, 2694], [2724, 2792]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said Friday he will not pay interest on the nation 's foreign debt and that he was prepared to accept any consequences . Correa made the comments to reporters in Guayaquil , Ecuador , about the interest payments , one of which was due Friday , his office said in a statement . He said he was studying how to challenge the debt , which he called `` immoral and a betrayal of the country , '' a reference to the way the terms of the debt were originally set . He said that though $ 7 billion has already been spent to pay an original debt accrued during the 1980s of $ 4 billion , the principal remains about the same . `` If we have to confront international lawsuits , we will confront them and , I repeat , I assume all responsibility , '' he said . `` I could not permit the continued payment of a debt that , in any light , is immoral and illegitimate . '' Correa said he was preparing a restructuring plan to be presented to creditors within a few days , and he chafed at criticism of how the money has been spent . `` We have tried to pay this overdue social debt with a program of housing without parallel in Ecuadorian history , which certain corrupt members of the press -- in function of their political interests -- now want to discredit , pointing out the inevitable houses that -- out of 80,000 -- are going to have defects , '' he said . But he said such complaints were outweighed by the `` tens of thousands of happy families with their own worthy little houses ... and all the people who can testify to the success of the program . '' The popular leftist economist said he would try to prove in international courts that the debt is illegal . | President Rafael Correa calls foreign debt `` immoral and a betrayal of the country '' Correa : $ 7 billion has been spent on debt interest , but principal remains same . President `` assumes responsibility '' if nation faces international lawsuits . | [[339, 341], [355, 439], [852, 858], [881, 910], [512, 671], [525, 630], [633, 671]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Paul Harvey , the legendary radio host whose career sharing `` the rest of the story '' with listeners spanned more than 70 years , has died , according to ABC Radio Networks . Paul Harvey received the Medal of Freedom from President Bush in 2005 . He was 90 . Harvey died at a hospital in Phoenix , Arizona , where he kept a winter home , said Louis Adams , a spokesman for the networks . He was surrounded by family members when he died , Adams said . Known for his deliberate delivery and pregnant pauses , Harvey 's broadcasts were heard on more than 1,200 radio stations and 400 Armed Forces networks and his commentaries appeared in 300 newspapers , according to his Web site . iReport.com : Share your memories of Paul Harvey . He had been hosting his radio shows part-time for much of the past year , after recovering from physical ailments including pneumonia and the death of his wife , Lynne `` Angel '' Harvey , in May 2008 . `` My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news , '' said Harvey 's son , Paul Harvey Jr. , in a written statement . `` So , in the past year , an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend . '' Born in Tulsa , Oklahoma , Harvey began his radio career in 1933 at KVOO-AM there while he was still in high school , his Web site says . He helped clean the station and was eventually was allowed to fill in on air , reading news and commercials . Watch how Paul Harvey Aurandt got into broadcasting '' `` Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation 's history , '' ABC Radio Networks President Jim Robinson said in a written statement . `` As he delivered the news each day with his own unique style and commentary , his voice became a trusted friend in American households . '' Some critics faulted Harvey for the way he seamlessly intertwined news stories with advertisements , which he often read in his own voice in the middle of a story . But his accolades were plentiful -- from his 1990 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-President George W. Bush in 2005 . `` Paul was a friendly and familiar voice in the lives of millions of Americans , '' Bush said Saturday in a written statement . `` His commentary entertained , enlightened , and informed . Laura and I are pleased to have known this fine man , and our thoughts and prayers are with his family . '' The cause of Harvey 's death was not immediately known . He was forced off the air temporarily in 2001 because of a virus that weakened a vocal cord . CNN 's Doug Gross contributed to this report . | The 90-year-old coined the phrase `` And now , the rest of the story . '' Harvey was known for his deliberate delivery and pregnant pauses . Recovering from ailments , he had been hosting his radio shows part-time . Harvey 's broadcasts were heard on more than 1,200 radio stations . | [[268, 279], [473, 526], [529, 645], [754, 825], [473, 526], [529, 645]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Somali pirates have turned high-seas kidnappings into a lucrative business , one that netted between $ 50 million and $ 150 million last year , a former Navy SEAL told CNN . Attackers hijacked the Maersk Alabama , shown here , formerly known as the Alva Maersk . Kaj Larsen spoke to CNN 's Anderson Cooper Wednesday night about the changing tactics of pirates in Somalia . Below is a transcript of that interview , portions of which have been edited . Cooper : You have spent a fair amount of time there . You have actually met with the pirates , right ? Larsen : I did . I met with some of the pirates that were operating out of Port of Mogadishu in 2006 . And that was right before this current uptick in piracy that we 're seeing so much of right now . Cooper : And why the uptick ? Just because now they realize it 's so profitable ? Larsen : Sure , absolutely . There 's an extraordinary incentive to conduct acts of piracy . Last year , they estimate the pirates took in somewhere between $ 50 million and $ 150 million in ransom money . It 's extraordinary . It 's very lucrative . And , obviously , the cheap flow of weapons available in Somalia all contribute to this problem of maritime piracy . See how pirate attacks are skyrocketing '' Cooper : And this is a different situation , because now the USS Bainbridge is on scene . This is the first time an American has been held hostage . But , normally , a whole crew gets taken hostage , and it 's basically a negotiation between the company that owns the vessel or the cargo and the pirates . Larsen : Right Obviously , this is a very unique situation and it 's developing right now as we speak . So , this is setting new standards and new precedents . My concern during this situation is that the pirates , seeing their first batch of resistance , in the future might be using more aggressive tactics now that they see that some ships are willing to fight back . Cooper : You were a Navy SEAL . What is the procedure in something like this ? Larsen : Well , obviously , each situation is very unique , and so they have to balance the use of force with the potential threat of injury to the hostage . Again , this is a unique situation . This is the first time Americans have been taken hostage , so we could see a new precedent being set . Watch how pirates operate off Somalia '' In the past , the U.S. Navy and the other coalition forces and the combined task force in the region has been reluctant to engage with the pirates militarily , for fear that one of the hostages will be hurt . We will see if that continues to be the case here . Cooper : And , basically , I mean , if -LSB- pirates are -RSB- operating 350 miles offshore , and they 're running around , and then they 're going around in these little skiffs , do they have a larger boat nearby somewhere in the area ? ... They ca n't go 350 miles offshore in a little skiff , can they ? Larsen : No , absolutely not , I mean , although you are seeing improved weather conditions in the Gulf of Aden , which is responsible for the increased in attacks over the past week , 350 miles is a long ways out at sea . So , again , the pirates are becoming increasingly more sophisticated , are actually -LSB- using -RSB- mother ships in many cases , from which they send out the small speedboats out to both track and then sometimes assault these tanker and these container ships in the gulf . Cooper : How do you think this thing is going to end ? Do you have any idea ? Larsen : I do n't really have any idea . In the past , what we have seen is a classic kidnap-for-ransom hostage negotiation system , where the insurance companies end up paying sometimes millions of dollars for these pirates . In this case , I think the very close presence of a U.S. Navy vessel might ... provide some discomfort to the pirates in the area . | Ex-Navy SEAL says kidnapping of American is change for Somali pirates . Kaj Larsen says pirates made between $ 50 million to $ 150 million last year . `` The pirates are becoming increasingly more sophisticated , '' he says . | [[96, 99], [105, 160], [950, 959], [962, 1062]] |
SEATTLE , Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Predicting the path of a swine flu outbreak is next to impossible , public health officials say . But Dr. Ira Longini has spent more than three decades trying to do just that . Dr. Ira Longini studies simulations of hypothetical influenzas and how they would spread . And Longini says the apparent new strain of swine flu appears to be here to stay . `` We are probably going to have to live with this virus for some time , '' he told CNN . Longini specializes in the mathematical and statistical theory of epidemics . He works at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute at the Hutchinson Research Center in Seattle , Washington . The researcher studies simulations of hypothetical influenzas and how they would spread across the United States . For the moment , he said , there is not enough information about the swine flu that has sickened hundreds in Mexico and about 50 people in the United States to accurately forecast how the disease will travel . But Longini 's simulations of a fictional killer flu that were ordered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -LRB- CDC -RRB- show the importance of steps health officials can take to prevent further spread of the virus . These measures include `` social distancing , '' or encouraging those sickened with the flu to stay home or seek medical treatment ; closing places where groups of people gather ; and making anti-flu medications available to large portions of the population . In the simulations , Longini said , these forms of containment reduce the sickness by nearly two-thirds . `` The name of the game is to slow transmission until a well-matched vaccine can be made and distributed . I am fairly optimistic we can do that , '' he said . Watch how computer models simulate an outbreak 's spread '' So far , Longini said , it appears that everyone sickened by swine flu in the United States contracted the disease while traveling in Mexico , the apparent epicenter of the outbreak . But he cautioned : `` That could change very fast . Obviously people in these communities could also get on airplanes and go other places or get on buses or cars or trucks and move around . The picture may change very rapidly . Basically , influenza is going to go where people go . '' Health officials agree that the worst may still be yet to come . `` It is too soon for us to say what the spectrum is , '' Dr. Richard Besser , the acting director of the CDC , said Monday on Larry King Live . `` We are going to see cases in this country that are more severe , individuals who are hospitalized , and I would not be surprised if we see deaths in this country . '' Longini said health officials are doing everything they can to mitigate how widely the swine flu spreads in the United States . Even if authorities examined everyone entering the country , Longini said , it would not solve the problem . `` Through simulations and mathematical work we 've shown that travel restrictions -- although potentially useful in slowing spread -LSB- of swine flu -RSB- -- they are not going to stop it , '' Longini said . `` We can screen airline passengers , but there all those asymptomatic or incubating people we would miss . So you really have to deal with these outbreaks locally , everywhere they are occurring . '' Watch how countries are scanning travelers '' Longini said he hopes that as more data come in about the outbreak , it will help to answer questions researchers have about why the swine flu appears more deadly in the Mexico cases than the ones in the United States . Researchers also hope to find out why such a large percentage of fatalities in Mexico are young people whose healthy immune systems usually protect them from the flu . But there is good news , Longini said , at least temporarily , for populations in certain areas . In North America and Europe , summer will soon begin , ending the traditional flu season . Even outbreaks such as swine flu tend to follow standard flu season patterns , he said . Other parts of the world may not be so lucky . `` Timing is terrible for people in the Southern Hemisphere -- places like New Zealand , Australia , South Africa , parts of South America , `` Longini said . `` They are just coming into their flu season . '' | Researcher studies how a potential flu outbreak could spread . Authorities taking vital steps to keep outbreak from spreading , he explains . Still , worst of swine flu outbreak may be yet to come , health officials warn . Researcher hopes data will show why outbreak so much deadlier in Mexico . | [[1167, 1233], [2670, 2766], [2683, 2797], [2290, 2354], [2318, 2337], [2341, 2354], [2318, 2327], [2332, 2354], [3364, 3574], [3377, 3583], [3584, 3595], [3601, 3679]] |
Editor 's note : Carlos del Rio , MD , is the Hubert Professor and chair in the global health department at the Rollins School of Public Health and professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Emory University 's School of Medicine . Del Rio is a native of Mexico and was executive director of the National AIDS Council of Mexico from 1992 through 1996 . Dr. Carlos del Rio says U.S. and Mexican authorities deserve credit for their responses to the swine flu outbreak . ATLANTA , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The swine flu outbreak that started less than a month ago has caused more than 150 deaths in Mexico and more than 60 confirmed cases across the United States , Canada and the United Kingdom , with suspected cases in France , Spain , Israel and New Zealand . It is clear that a new virus has emerged that is different enough that the population 's previous exposure to influenza viruses and vaccines do not provide immunity . So far , public health authorities are meeting this challenge with strength and preparedness . The Mexican and American federal governments deserve credit for their thorough responses . The major control strategy that has been implemented in Mexico is social-distancing , a range of nonquarantine measures that attempt to reduce contact between persons , such as closing schools , canceling cultural and sports events , and closing museums and parks . In addition , countries are strengthening surveillance , releasing antiviral stockpiles and issuing travel advisories . In the United States , federal officials are working closely with and providing guidance to state and local public health authorities , who have to make decisions about whether to close schools or prevent other large-scale gatherings . The cross-border nature of this outbreak is a strong argument for why the United States should cooperate with and support competent institutions of government in other countries , even during a period of economic uncertainty . The first case of swine flu in the United States during the current outbreak was identified in San Diego County by part of a surveillance program connected with the Naval Health Research Center there , which only began monitoring influenza in 2005 . In this program , physicians collect nasal swabs from patients at community clinics on both sides of the border . Only when Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists sent a suspect sample to the mass spectrometer did they discover the new variety of swine flu , according to an article describing the techniques in Science magazine . Two critical questions remain . Why have mortality rates been higher in Mexico ? And how should preparations for the regular flu season later this year be modified ? Reports from Mexico that the virus has primarily struck otherwise healthy young adults are alarming because seasonal influenza typically affects the very young and very old . Still , preliminary genetic analysis shows that the virus strains isolated from patients in California are identical to those seen in severely ill Mexican patients . It is possible that some of the patients in Mexico , many of whom are dying of pneumonia , are succumbing to secondary infections . Medical historians believe that a large proportion of those who died of the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918 were not killed by the flu virus , but by secondary bacterial pneumonia , which was difficult to treat before the introduction of antibiotics . Thus , enhancing vaccination against pneumonia may prove to be a critical strategy in decreasing influenza mortality during future outbreaks . Additional investigation of those who have died is however , urgently needed to determine the best response strategy . An issue that keeps coming up is the idea of closing the U.S.-Mexico border . Already at various border crossing points , customs authorities are having people who appear sick taken to a secondary inspection area for further evaluation . More systematic monitoring at border crossing and airports such as mouth swabs has been proposed . Is that a good strategy ? I would argue that it is not . The U.S.-Mexico border is one of the busiest in the world with millions of people and goods crossing each day . Many items that we routinely use in the United States are produced in Mexico and closing the border would have a crippling effect to the United States . For example , in the event of a serious flu outbreak in this country there would be a need for mechanical ventilator deployments to hospitals . The national stockpile has sufficient ventilators , but the necessary circuits that are needed to operate them are not produced in the United States but in Mexico , so having them come across to this country is critical for taking care of critically ill patients in the United States . The second issue is how to prepare for the coming flu season . During the flu pandemic of 1918 , cases began in the spring and then faded away during the summer , only to come back with a vengeance in the fall and winter . Thus , we need to be prepared for an even worse outbreak of swine flu this winter and should not declare victory too soon . Considerable evidence has accumulated that the practice of producing seasonal vaccines in chicken eggs is cumbersome and sometimes ineffective . There is an urgent need for the development of more modern techniques of vaccine production . The National Institutes of Health has been putting its research resources into the fight . In 2007 , the NIH created six Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance , located at Emory University , Mount Sinai School of Medicine , St Jude Children 's Research Hospital , UCLA , University of Minnesota and University of Rochester . Sunday 's emergency declaration signaled for these centers to devote their resources to monitoring and responding to the swine flu outbreak . Researchers at these centers have developed alternatives to chicken eggs and new delivery methods . Now is the time to put these alternatives to the test , so that countries around the world are fully prepared for the coming flu season and future outbreaks . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Carlos del Rio . | Dr. Carlos del Rio : U.S. and Mexico have responded well to swine flu outbreak . He says cross-border cooperation is crucial to successful battle against flu . Key question is why Mexico 's illnesses have been more deadly , he says . Del Rio : One factor may be presence of pneumonia in those who died . | [[374, 426], [398, 468], [1047, 1137], [2615, 2663], [2624, 2663]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A crew member on a U.S.-flagged cargo ship captured by pirates off the coast of Somalia is suing his employers , claiming they sent him into pirate-infested waters without adequate protection , his attorney said Monday . Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse has been charged with piracy in federal court in New York . Richard Hicks of Royal Palm Beach , Florida , a crew member on the Maersk Alabama , filed suit Monday against Waterman Steamship Corp. and Maersk Line Limited , according to the attorney , Terry Bryant . A spokeswoman for Mobile , Alabama-based Waterman Steamship Corp. said she did not know about the suit and did not immediately comment . A spokeswoman for Maersk Line Limited did not immediately return a call from CNN seeking comment . The Maersk Alabama was hijacked by pirates April 8 . Hicks , working as chief steward and preparing food for other crew members , heard over the loudspeaker that pirates were on board , and he and other crew members gathered in the ship 's engine room for nearly 12 hours , according to a news release from Bryant . `` The engine room was dark and hot , maybe 130 degrees , '' Hicks said in the news release . `` We were all cramping up with heat stroke symptoms when we were able to take a pirate hostage and tried to negotiate the return of our captain . '' The pirates promised to exchange Capt. Richard Phillips for the pirate hostage , but reneged on that agreement , the news release . Phillips offered himself as a hostage in exchange for the freedom of his crew . He was held on a lifeboat until U.S. Navy snipers on a nearby ship fatally shot three pirates , rescued Phillips and arrested a fourth pirate . The ship 's owners -- the two companies -- knowingly exposed their employees to danger and took no steps to provide appropriate security and safety for the crew , Bryant alleges . `` Waterman Steamship Corp. and Maersk Line Limited chose to rely on the United States military and taxpayers to provide after-the-fact rescue operations , '' Bryant said in the news release . `` This choice caused substantially more cost and risk to human life than what would have been incurred by defendants had they provided appropriate levels of security in the first place . '' Hicks is seeking at least $ 75,000 , and `` reserves the right to amend this pleading for a certain amount in the future , as it is too early to determine the maximum amount of plaintiff 's damages , '' according to the suit . Hicks is still suffering from injuries as a result of the incident and is afraid to return to work , the news release said . | Suit alleges crew sent into pirate-infested waters without protection . Representatives of ship 's owners have yet to comment . Maersk Alabama was hijacked by pirates April 8 . Plaintiff Richard Hicks , of Royal Palm Beach , Florida , was the ship 's steward . | [[0, 15], [132, 210], [529, 665], [529, 546], [636, 655], [666, 723], [731, 764], [36, 81], [765, 817], [325, 358], [409, 483], [325, 368], [486, 511]] |
-LRB- InStyle -RRB- -- I ca n't find it anywhere in the Constitution , so maybe there is a first lady dress code buried in an obscure addendum to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 , since every mistress of the White House for the last four decades has chosen a wardrobe that follows a particular one with near pathological devotion . President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive in Prague , Czech Republic , in early April . No sooner does her inaugural ballgown get spirited away to the Smithsonian , then out it comes : The First Lady Suit -- that tailored , multibuttoned blazer over a skirt straighter than an Ionic column in a primary , patriotic or tastefully unobjectionable color . So did someone not give Michelle Obama the memo ? Because during these first 100 days , our newest first lady has banished every version of this silhouette as if they were all designed by the House of Dick Cheney . Instead , Mrs. Obama has defined with remarkable acuity what flatters a tall , broad-shouldered and curvaceous working woman who knows exactly who she is and where she is going . With an enviable eye for color and layering , she has fashioned a riveting parade of on - and off-the-shoulder dresses , cardigans , cinched trenches , leggings , wide-legged trousers and full skirts , working them in intense florals or unexpected hues such as chartreuse and emerald . InStyle.com : Michelle Obama 's first 100 Days of style . In addition , like every woman who gets a kick out of dressing up , she knows the power of accessories -- a cool flat boot , a wide belt , a statement necklace . The thrilling result ? Women across this country -LRB- and the world -RRB- are exclaiming almost daily , `` Look at that print ! I love that color ! Where can I get that sweater ? '' Watch how the first lady has become a style icon '' What 's more , not only does our first lady proudly stride with the confidence and warmth of a modern American woman , but the wardrobe she steps out in boasts relevance , comfort , and -- dare we say it ? -- sex appeal . InStyle.com : Try on Obama 's hairstyle . The fashion industry may have occasionally sniped , but come on , does anyone really give a damn if it 's appropriate to wear a cardigan to meet the queen ? What does count is that each time we 've caught that man of hers watching her walk into a room during their first 100 days , we have witnessed both a dynamic new first couple -- and a wife whose husband unashamedly only has eyes for her . The clothes are cool , but even better is the fact that Michelle Obama has brought romance back to the White House . Get a FREE TRIAL issue of InStyle - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2009 Time Inc. . All rights reserved . | InStyle 's Hal Rubenstein says Michelle Obama has dropped first lady uniform . She has parade of dresses , cinched trenches , wide-legged trousers , full skirts . Outfits come in intense florals or unexpected hues like chartreuse and emerald . Obama knows power of accessories : cool flat boot , wide belt , a statement necklace . | [[1134, 1287], [1134, 1137], [1290, 1373], [1500, 1534]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- On May 4 , 2007 , Kara Kopetsky , a 17-year-old high school junior in Belton , Missouri , was not having a good day . Kara Kopetsky , 17 , left school early in Belton , Missouri , on May 4 , 2007 , and has n't been seen since . She forgot one of her textbooks and called home and asked her mom to drop it off at the school office . She also asked her mother to wash her uniform so she could work the 4 p.m. shift at Popeye 's Chicken . Later that morning , Kara had an argument with one of her teachers in class , according to police and her family . Frustrated , she left campus about 10:30 a.m. , ditching school for the rest of the day . A school surveillance video shows her walking out . But no one can say which way she went , or whether she got into a car . It was the last time anyone saw or heard from her . Police say there has been no activity on Kara 's cell phone since shortly after she walked out of school . They followed some pings from the phone , conducted some searches , but found nothing significant . Beyond that , they are n't commenting . Watch an update on the case '' Kara 's stepfather says the cell phone 's long silence makes him suspicious . `` This does n't make any sense , '' said Jim Beckford . `` Kara was on her cell phone sending texts constantly . Her cell phone bill was typically 80-100 pages long . '' When Kara did n't come home from school as usual , her family -- mother Rhonda , stepfather Jim and stepbrother Thomas -- grew worried . They filed a missing persons report later that afternoon . Police told them they believed Kara was a runaway , and that she 'd come back on her own in a few days . Two years later , her family has n't heard a word from Kara . She left behind most of her belongings -- money , clothes , iPod and a new carton of cigarettes . Her bank debit card was left in her school locker and her bank account , with $ 150 from her recent paycheck , remains untouched . According to police in Belton , the case is being actively investigated . But with no certain evidence of foul play , police continue to characterize Kara 's disappearance as an endangered and missing adult case . The state of Missouri considers Kara Kopetsky to be an adult because she was 17 when she disappeared . Belton Police Capt. Don Spears said police are looking at several persons of interest , but have n't narrowed their investigation to focus on a single suspect . Her family says she has no history of running away . They say they fear that she was abducted when she left school that day . `` She is a very beautiful girl and so we often warned her to be careful , but like any teen , she had an attitude that she was invincible , '' her stepfather said . About a month after she disappeared , Kara 's case was eclipsed by another sensational case -- the abduction and slaying of Kelsey Smith . Smith was taken from a store parking lot in Overland Park , Kansas , and her body was found in the Missouri woods , six miles from Kara 's home in Belton . A suspect was charged , pleaded guilty , and is serving a life sentence . Police in Belton and Overland Park compared notes but could find no connection . According to family and police and Kara 's MySpace profile , she had an on-again , off-again boyfriend . He lived in her neighborhood , was 18 , and attended the same high school but dropped out earlier the spring Kara disappeared . Kara was trying to end the relationship , friends told police . It is unclear whether the two saw each other the day Kara vanished . A $ 30,000 reward is offered for tips leading to the whereabouts of Kara Kopetsky or the arrest of anyone responsible for her disappearance . Police and family urge people to call the Belton Police Department 's tip-line at 816-474-TIPS . Kara is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and 125 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes . | Missouri teen left school early after an argument with a teacher . School surveillance video shows Kara Kopetsky walking out . Her cell phone shows no activity after 10:30 a.m. on May 4 , 2007 . A $ 35,000 reward is offered for information . Call 816-474-TIPS . | [[146, 159], [167, 194], [208, 216], [464, 482], [485, 539], [3289, 3291], [3367, 3416], [146, 159], [167, 194], [208, 216], [669, 720], [703, 720], [925, 951], [845, 951], [3692, 3788], [3715, 3788]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A man who Los Angeles police believe raped and murdered dozens of women decades ago was arrested by cold case investigators this month after a computer matched his DNA to evidence from two killings in the 1970s . John Floyd Thomas Jr. may have begun his killings as far back as 1955 . John Floyd Thomas Jr. , 72 , may have begun his killings as far back as 1955 and he could be one of the worst serial killers in United States history , according to Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton . `` We have yet to reach the depths of what he has done , '' Bratton said Thursday . Until his April 2 arrest , Thomas was a Los Angeles insurance adjuster . Police now call him the `` Southland Strangler '' -- named for the geographical section of Los Angeles County where they suspect he killed at least 30 women and raped many more . Thomas , who sits in a Los Angeles jail , has been charged with two killings -- in 1972 and 1976 -- but prosecutors will likely add more cases when he faces arraignment on May 20 , Bratton said . While Thomas was arrested `` a number of times between 1955 and 1978 '' for sex crimes and burglaries , detectives did not have the technology to identify him as a suspect when the region was terrorized by a series of killings then blamed on the `` Westside Rapist , '' Bratton said . Watch why the suspect may be L.A. 's most prolific serial killer '' Officials , using new computer databases and software , are now `` looking to see what the patterns were , '' said Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Charlie Beck . `` A lot of work has yet to be done , '' Beck said . Bob Kistner had just begun his law enforcement career in 1976 when his great aunt , 80-year-old Maybelle Hudson , was beaten , raped and strangled in the garage of her Inglewood , California , home . He had just retired as a sergeant with the Long Beach , California , Police Department when he got the call recently that investigators linked Thomas to her murder . `` I waited my entire career for that phone call , '' Kistner said . It was a routine call to Thomas from an LAPD officer last fall that led to the break in the case . Thomas , a registered sex offender , is required by California law to provide a DNA sample for inclusion in the state 's database . Because of a backlog of cases , Thomas was not asked until October to report to a patrol station to have the inside of his cheek swabbed . `` He was very cooperative , '' the patrolman who took the sample said . The California Department of Justice called LAPD cold case detectives on March 27 to tell them the DNA came up as a match to rape kit evidence collected from Ethel Sokoloff , who was 68 in 1972 when she was found beaten and strangled in her Los Angeles home . Those detectives had sent the biological evidence from the Sokoloff case to a state lab in 2002 as part of their review of about 6,000 unsolved murders in Los Angeles that happened between 1960 and 1996 . DNA analysis in 2004 concluded that Sokoloff 's killer also beat , raped and killed Elizabeth McKeown , 67 , in 1976 , Beck said . The murders of three other older women -- including Maybelle Hudson -- were also linked by DNA to a common killer , he said . `` Because of Thomas 's criminal background , the close proximity of his homes to murder locations , similar victim descriptions -LSB- white elderly females -RSB- and other evidence that suggests the type of modus operandi used by the suspect , detectives strongly believe Thomas is very likely the suspect in ` The Westside Rapist ' cases , '' a police statement said . Thomas is single , although he has been married five times , police said . While he served about 12 years in prison between 1955 and the late 1970s for his previous convictions , he has no record since his last arrest in 1978 , police said . Deputy Chief Beck said the growing use of DNA databases and computers to match them to crime evidence will likely lead to more cold case killers being identified . | Police say John Thomas Jr. may have begun killing as far back as 1955 . Thomas arrested April 2 and is charged with killing two women . 72-year-old could be linked to dozens of other killings and assaults . | [[257, 328], [329, 350], [353, 355], [358, 405], [0, 11], [14, 40], [128, 178], [873, 879], [908, 949], [953, 969], [810, 850]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The mother of a 17-year-old Rochester , New York , high school student who vanished over the weekend on spring break in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , says she did not give her daughter permission to go on the trip . Brittanee Marie Drexel 's mom says she thought she was at the beach in New York , not South Carolina . In an appearance on HLN 's Nancy Grace , Dawn Drexel said her daughter , Brittanee Marie Drexel , has never run away . Drexel said the high school junior stayed in touch with her by phone , and she last spoke with Brittanee on Saturday afternoon . `` I asked her what she was doing and she says ` Oh , mom , I 'm at the beach . ' And it was an 80-degree day in Rochester so , of course , I thought maybe she was at the beach in Rochester with one of her girlfriends that she had said she was staying overnight , '' Drexel said . Watch mom describe daughter 's last call '' Drexel said she asked Brittanee to call her later and the girl agreed . `` I said , ' I love you , Brittanee ' and she says , ' I love you , mom . ' And then we hung up the phone . '' Brittanee is believed to have last been seen Saturday evening , though an unconfirmed sighting may have placed her at a restaurant on Sunday . She was staying with friends at the Bar Harbor Hotel on North Ocean Boulevard , according to police reports . | Brittanee Drexel disappears on trip to Myrtle Beach , South Carolina . Mom says she spoke to daughter but did n't know she was out of state . Brittanee is believed to have last been seen Saturday evening . | [[70, 89], [94, 151], [70, 89], [94, 151], [1097, 1106], [1119, 1131], [1142, 1158], [1097, 1106], [1132, 1158]] |
ISLAMABAD , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistan 's military continued its assault Thursday on militants in Taliban-held areas , its chief spokesman told reporters . Pakistani army trucks move military equipment into the troubled Buner district Thursday . So far , 14 militants have been killed in the past 24 hours , Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said . The operation is still ongoing in the districts of Dir and Buner , which was recently seized by the Taliban in violation of an agreement with Pakistan 's government . Pakistani forces have completely secured Daggar , the main town in Buner and the scene of heavy fighting on Wednesday , Abbas said . The Daggar operation resulted in the deaths of 50 militants , but freed 18 Frontier Corps personnel who had been abducted by militants , he said . Fifty-two of their colleagues are still believed to be held by their suspected Taliban kidnappers . This week 's military operation has resulted in more than 180 militant casualties since Sunday , while the military has suffered one death and one injury , according to Abbas . He said he hopes the operation will be completed by the end of the week . Pakistan has asked the United States to supply its forces with helicopters , communication equipment and night vision technology , Abbas said Thursday . Most of this week 's casualties happened on Tuesday , when Pakistani fighter jets launched airstrikes , killing at least 70 militants in the Dir district , according to the Pakistani military . The operation is part of the Pakistani army 's intensified drive against the Taliban in its restive tribal regions . The Pakistani government has been criticized for not cracking down on militants along its border with Afghanistan . As a result , the U.S. military has carried out airstrikes against militant targets in Pakistan , which have rankled relations between the two countries . The military campaign has apparently not stopped Washington from carrying out unmanned drone attacks on Pakistan 's soil . A suspected unmanned aerial vehicle killed six people Wednesday night in the village of Kaniguran in the tribal district of South Waziristan near the border with Afghanistan , Pakistani intelligence sources said . Pakistan has complained repeatedly about what it says are American airstrikes on its territory . The U.S. military in Afghanistan has not commented on the strikes , which typically target Taliban fighters in the border region . But the United States is the only country operating in the region known to have the capability to launch missiles from remote-controlled drones . U.S. President Barack Obama is `` gravely concerned about the situation in Pakistan , '' he told reporters Wednesday night . Speaking at a news conference capping his 100th day in office , Obama said the United States has `` huge national security interests in making sure that Pakistan is stable '' and does n't end up a `` nuclear-armed militant state . '' But he stressed he was more concerned about the ability of Pakistan 's civilian government to `` deliver basic services , '' and not `` that they 're immediately going to be overrun '' by the Taliban . Pakistan 's recent military crackdown has led to an exodus of civilians from the region . At least 33,000 residents have left their homes in the midst of the recent fighting , according to Amnesty International . Civilians fleeing from Lower Dir in Pakistan 's North West Frontier Province join more than 500,000 people already displaced by the fighting , the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said . The Pakistani military completed its operation to eliminate and expel militants in Dir Tuesday , and is now focusing on the Buner district , Abbas said . About 300 militants entered Buner a few days ago , in violation of the Taliban 's recent agreement to leave the district , he said . Buner is about 60 miles from Islamabad , but Abbas said the militants pose no threat of entering the capital . The fighter jets pounded targets in Buner and the Swat Valley in an effort to block the militants ' entry and exit points , according to Abbas . CNN 's Samson Desta , Ivan Watson , and Nasir Habib contributed to this report . | Pakistani military intensifies drive against Taliban in restive tribal regions . Recent military operation has resulted in more than 180 militant casualties . Has not stopped U.S. unmanned drone attacks on Pakistan 's soil . Barack Obama `` gravely concerned about the situation in Pakistan '' | [[12, 36], [40, 91], [1492, 1608], [1517, 1608], [894, 988], [1357, 1379], [1402, 1451], [1880, 2002], [1929, 2002], [2217, 2313], [2591, 2674]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A court in Saudi Arabia has granted an 8-year-old girl a divorce from her 47-year-old husband , after twice denying the divorce request previously , local media reported Thursday . The marriage sparked condemnations around the world from human rights groups and U.S. and other government officials when it first came to light in December . Local media , which is highly regulated by the Saudi government , reported that the court in the city of Onaiza approved the divorce decree Thursday , and the divorce is final . A source at the court told the Saudi daily newspaper Al-Watan that the divorce `` came after a series of pleas made by a number of officials in the region to the husband . '' CNN efforts to reach court officials , the husband and the girl 's father have been unsuccessful . According to the attorney for the young girl 's mother , the father of the girl had arranged the marriage between his daughter and a close friend of his to settle his debts with the man . When the mother went to court to try to get the marriage annulled , Saudi judge Habib al-Habib rejected the request on a legal technicality . The judge ruled that the mother -- who is separated from the girl 's father -- was not the child 's legal guardian and therefore could not represent her in court , according to the mother 's lawyer , Abdullah al-Jutaili . However , the judge required the girl 's husband to sign a pledge that he would not have sex with her until she reaches puberty , al-Jutaili said . The lawyer said in the original marriage agreement , the father of the girl stipulated that the marriage would not be consummated until she was 18 . The judge also ruled that the girl could file a petition for a divorce when she reached puberty , al-Jutaili said . The young girl lives with her mother , the attorney said , and was never told that she was married . When the initial petition to annul the marriage was rejected , the mother appealed the verdict to an appeals court in the Saudi capital of Riyadh . The appeals court declined to certify the original ruling , in essence rejecting al-Habib 's verdict , and sent the case back to him for reconsideration . Under the complicated Saudi legal process , the appeals court ruling meant that the marriage was still in effect but that a challenge to the marriage was ongoing . Earlier this month , the original judge refused for a second time to annul the marriage . Soon after that decision , Saudi Arabia 's justice minister told Al-Watan that he planned to enact a law that will protect young girls from such marriages . The law will place restrictions on the practice to preserve the rights of children and prevent abuses , Justice Minister Mohammed Al-Issa was quoted as saying . Additionally , al-Issa said there would be a study of a system that will include regulations for the marriage of minors and everything related to such unions , the newspaper reported . No details on the restrictions or regulations were mentioned . The minister did not say whether child marriage would be abolished . Responding to the justice minister 's comments and the possibility of a new child marriage law , al-Jutaili told CNN at the time , `` this is what we requested from day one , and we know that Saudi officials are working so hard on resolving this issue . '' Al-Jutaili believes that such a law would help not only his defendant but many other Saudi minors facing a similar problem . In Washington Monday , Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns called the marriage a human rights abuse . `` Child marriage is , unfortunately , still common in much of Saudi Arabia and we have voiced our concern about this practice at the highest levels , '' he told a conference on U.S.-Saudi relations . `` We were encouraged by reports that the Justice Ministry had begun to review the legal age of marriage . '' After the divorce was denied for a second time , the head of the United Nations Children 's Fund issued a statement expressing concern about the case . UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman said , `` the right to free and full consent to marriage is recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . Consent can not be free and full when either party to a marriage is too young to make an informed decision . '' The issue of child marriage has been a hot-button topic in the deeply conservative Saudi kingdom recently . While rights groups have petitioned the government for laws to protect children from such marriages , the kingdom 's top cleric has said that it 's OK for girls as young as 10 to wed. . `` It is incorrect to say that it 's not permitted to marry off girls who are 15 and younger , '' Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh , the kingdom 's grand mufti , said in January , according to the regional Al-Hayat newspaper . `` A girl aged 10 or 12 can be married . Those who think she 's too young are wrong , and they are being unfair to her . '' Al-Sheikh reportedly made the remarks when he was asked during a lecture about parents forcing their underage daughters to marry . `` We hear a lot in the media about the marriage of underage girls , '' he said , according to the newspaper . `` We should know that sharia law has not brought injustice to women . '' Sharia law is Islamic law , and Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islam called Wahhabism . | Child bride wins divorce hearing at third attempt , local media reports . Her case attracted attention of the U.N. and governments around the world . Her father reportedly arranged the marriage to settle his debts . Saudi justice minister says he plans law to protect young girls from such marriages . | [[168, 199], [3889, 3935], [3938, 4040], [2434, 2458], [2461, 2538], [2513, 2590], [3069, 3163]] |
VERO BEACH , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Rev. Michael Massaro says he has a few aches and pains , but a good night 's sleep has done him some good as he recovers from being attacked Saturday with a knife in a confessional at his church . The Rev. Michael Massaro is recovering from two stab wounds that required 14 staples to close . It was one of the most harrowing weekends in the 28 years he 's been a Roman Catholic priest , Massaro said . But it wo n't stop him from hearing confessions . `` We 're at the mercy of the people we serve , '' Massaro told CNN . `` We ca n't live in fear . God has asked us to live in trust . If it 's going to happen again , it 's going to happen again , but that 's not going to prevent me from doing God 's work . '' Massaro had just finished hearing confessions in his Florida church when he was stabbed twice in the back by a woman who later told police Massaro is the Antichrist . `` It was paralyzing , like a nightmare , and I just feel like I woke up from it . It was so quick and sudden , '' Massaro said in a telephone interview . Vero Beach police arrested Josephine Gatchell in connection with the attack . The 57-year-old suspect is being held in the Indian River County Jail . She is being held without bail . Gatchell is scheduled to be arraigned on June 12 . She has not yet been appointed a lawyer , prosecutors and the public defender said . `` She believed -LSB- Massaro -RSB- was the Antichrist and it was her duty to go there and injure him , '' police spokesman John Morrison said . Massaro said he thought he had one last confession to hear at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday . A woman was waiting for him , apparently wanting to be be the last one in . `` I was in the confessional , putting my coat on , and felt a piercing sensation in my back left side , '' the priest recalled . `` I looked up and she was standing there , and I felt it again in my back . Then I realized I was stabbed and my hand was covered with blood . '' Massaro said his alleged attacker stared at him but never said a word . `` I ran and got to the car and hoped I could make it to the hospital before I passed out . I was worried about becoming unconscious . Thanks be to God that I did n't hurt anyone driving , '' he said . An emergency room doctor told police that the knife `` went through muscle , a few veins and chipped a rib , '' according to an arrest affidavit . The blade missed vital organs by two to three centimeters , the affidavit said . Massaro underwent surgery to repair the damage . Doctors used 14 staples to close the `` T '' - shaped wounds . The priest feels compassion for the woman who attacked him , and he is turning the other cheek . `` We have to continue to pray to do the church 's work . To love , and most of all to forgive , '' he said . `` To be sure she does n't do this again , she needs proper medical care . No one in their right mind would do this . '' It was the second run-in with Gatchell at Holy Cross Catholic Church , according to police and church workers . She was arrested in January , records show , accused of breaking off a piece of a religious statue inside the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament . She also allegedly resisted arrest and reached for the officer 's weapon . She was confronted by Deborah True , the parish manager . `` I took it away from her and asked her why she did that , '' True told CNN . `` She said she did it because it was from her husband 's funeral , forty years ago , and Father Massaro stole it , and he was the Antichrist , '' she said . Massaro said he recognized Gatchell as he ran from the attack . `` As I was running away from her , I realized who she was , '' he said . `` She did n't make any efforts to come after me . I was still in a state of shock . '' At the hospital , Massaro was able to pick Gatchell out of a photo lineup , police said . She was not at home when police went to question her , according to the arrest affidavit . Later , police received an anonymous tip that she was staying elsewhere . When police arrived , Gatchell answered the door and allegedly stated , `` You know who I am , and I know why you 're here . '' Gatchell told detectives that `` she remembers going over to Holy Cross -LRB- church -RRB- ... and stabbing Mr. Massaro , '' according to the affidavit . When asked what she stabbed him with , the suspect replied , `` It was a big knife , '' the affidavit said . Police say she told them that the knife was in three different places , but it was never located . Vero Beach Police say that Gatchell appears to be a troubled woman . `` When you go back a second time , that raises more concerns . Her violence escalated the second time , '' said police spokesman Morrison . And just for the record , `` I am not the Antichrist , that I know of , '' Massaro said with a laugh . | The Rev. Michael Massaro was stabbed after hearing confessions . Police say his alleged attacker called Massaro the Antichrist . Massaro says he forgives the woman , who appears to be troubled . Knife 's blade missed vital organs by centimeters . | [[758, 874], [4529, 4597], [4556, 4597], [2411, 2468]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Sri Lankan army overran two Tamil Tiger rebel positions in the country 's north on Tuesday , the military reported on its Web site . Recently captured rebel weapons stacked up in the former Tamil stronghold of Kilinochchi . The rebels `` suffered double blows , losing two heavily fortified defense positions as ... troops made predawn incursions at identified terror strong points located south of Valayanmadam today , '' the Ministry of Defense said . The claims of military victories came a day after Sri Lanka ordered an end to combat operations against the rebels by curtailing `` the use of heavy-caliber guns , combat aircraft and aerial weapons which could cause civilian causalities , '' a statement from the Presidential Secretariat said . A rebel Web site , Tamilnet.com , reported an `` intense barrage of heavy weapons '' through Monday evening . The rebel site accused the military of staging a ground offensive , `` firing artillery shells fitted with cluster munitions , multi-barrel rocket launcher -LRB- MBRL -RRB- fire and heavy mortar fire from many directions on the northern side of Mu ` l'li-vaaykkaal . '' The Tiger leadership has asked the international community to `` pressure the Sri Lankan government to reciprocate '' on a cease-fire offer proposed last week . The United States , the United Nations , the European Union and India have called for a cease-fire . Last week , India 's foreign secretary and national security adviser met with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to express their concerns about the situation in the north , including casualties among civilians . India has a large Tamil population that sympathizes with the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka . The foreign ministers of two nations are due in Sri Lanka on Wednesday -- David Miliband of the United Kingdom and Bernard Kouchner of France . Carl Bildt of Sweden was originally scheduled to make the trip with his counterparts , but was not granted a visa , so he was forced to cancel , the Swedish Foreign Ministry said Tuesday . In what amounts to a diplomatic protest , Sweden will recall its ambassador to Sri Lanka for consultations . A government-imposed deadline for the Tigers to surrender passed a week ago . Tens of thousands of displaced civilians currently remain wedged in a dwindling swath of territory controlled by the Tigers along the country 's northeastern coast . Government troops say they have rescued some 40,000 civilians trapped in the area , but a U.N. refugee agency said Friday that a wave of `` fresh displacement '' now exceeds 100,000 people . The Sri Lankan military says up to 20,000 civilians continue to be held hostage by Tamil `` terrorists , '' adding that its forces will continue humanitarian operations to rescue them . Fifty metric tons of relief supplies -- which landed in Colombo on Monday -- will be sent by UNICEF to the north to help displaced residents . UNICEF , which called the situation in the north a `` catastrophe for children , '' said the displaced lack food , water and basic medical supplies . The rebels estimate the number of civilians still in the territory at more than 160,000 . The Tigers have been fighting for an independent state in Sri Lanka 's northeast since 1983 . As many as 70,000 people have been killed since the civil war began , and the group has been declared a terrorist organization by 32 countries , including the United States and the European Union . -- CNN 's Sara Sidner contributed to this story . | Sri Lankan army Web site : Two heavily fortified defense positions overrun . Claims came a day after Sri Lanka ordered end to combat operations . Sri Lanka : Forces ordered to cease use of heavy-caliber guns , combat aircraft . Rebels say fighter bombers continued to bomb civilian targets after announcement . | [[116, 155], [247, 260], [285, 404], [477, 660], [477, 660], [581, 584], [592, 675]] |
Editor 's note : How would you rate President Obama 's first 100 days ? You 'll get a chance to make your opinion known at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday on the CNN National Report Card . Supporters say President Obama is tackling an aggressive agenda , while critics say he 's leaving Republicans behind . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More than two years ago , a junior senator with presidential aspirations stood on the steps of Illinois ' Old State Capitol in Springfield and warned of politicians who fail to live up to expectations . `` Too many times , after the election is over , and the confetti is swept away , all those promises fade from memory , and the lobbyists and the special interests move in , and people turn away , disappointed as before , left to struggle on their own , '' then-Sen . Barack Obama said as he announced his intentions to pursue the Democratic nomination . Now , after 100 days in office , observers are asking the same of him : Has President Obama lived up to the expectations that candidate Obama created ? `` What Obama has successfully done is keep his persona intact , which is a man of deep family values and a core moral center . And I think that people are learning to trust Obama that when he talks , he 's not just articulate , but he 's shooting straight , '' said presidential historian Doug Brinkley . Obama won the White House campaigning on a message of hope and a promise of change . As he emerged a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination , he pushed an ambitious agenda , vowing to overhaul health care , education and energy policy . But as the severity of the economic meltdown took hold and Obama moved into the White House , his inspirational rhetoric was injected with a sobering dose of reality . Obama encouraged patience and cautioned that , `` change does n't happen overnight . '' In his first 100 days , Obama laid the groundwork for many of his campaign promises and faced criticism that he 's trying to do too much . `` Nobody will ever be able to accuse him of being an idle man during his first 100 days , '' Brinkley said . `` He 's clearly showing himself to be a progressive in the tradition of Franklin Roosevelt , John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson , with the moral core of Jimmy Carter . '' So far Obama is showing himself to be `` the same guy that we had on the campaign trail , '' Brinkley said . Given the items on his agenda , Obama is living up to expectations , CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider said . `` The public is patient and is not expecting to see a quick turnaround in the economy , '' he said . `` I count 10 major items -- jobs , health care , education , energy , housing , banks , automakers , deficit reduction , taxes and the war in Afghanistan . Plus , a pledge to take up immigration reform and climate change in the near future . Any one of those things would be a significant agenda , '' he said . But some Republicans say the president has failed when it comes to his pledge to reach across the aisle . After Democrats moved ahead with a $ 787 billion stimulus bill that garnered no Republican support in the House and just three Republican votes in the Senate , `` That 's when it became clear to me that all of this post-partisan talk and working down the middle and working together was a ruse , '' said John Boehner , House minority leader . Obama 's approval ratings remain high -- hovering around 65 percent . Those numbers are on par with where President Reagan and President Carter stood at this point in their presidencies . But one year later , their approval ratings dropped to about 40 percent . Obama has maintained his popularity , Republican strategist and CNN contributor Mary Matalin said , but he 's lost support from Republicans and some independents `` because what he is not is what he was perceived to be in the campaign -- a centrist . '' Schneider said Obama 's agenda -- which includes massive government spending -- represents a challenge to the Republicans ' core principle of smaller government . Republicans have n't responded to Obama 's outreach , and `` it 's causing serious political damage to their party , he said . Watch : Is bipartisanship dead ? '' Obama is not personally polarizing in part because he is cautious about divisive social issues , `` but his economic policies are very divisive , '' Schneider said . `` Obama is the mirror image of Bill Clinton ... Voters either loved him or hated him , '' he said , noting that after his first two years , Clinton 's policies became more moderate and consensus driven . The National Republican Senatorial Committee last month released an ad accusing Obama of backpedaling on numerous campaign promises , calling him out for signing a spending bill with thousands of earmarks , mishandling the AIG bonus scandal and failing to rein in government spending . PolitiFact , a Web site that has been keeping track of Obama 's campaign promises , reports that Obama has kept 27 promises , compromised on seven , broken six , stalled on three , has 67 in the works and has yet to take action on another 408 . But one Republican who broke ranks to endorse Obama and also spoke at the Democratic convention says he 's had no regrets . `` As president , in surprisingly short order , he has moved rather decisively to implement new directions , '' said former Iowa Rep. Jim Leach , who served as a Republican member of the House for 30 years . And on areas where Obama has n't been 100 percent in line with his campaign promises -- such as softening his stance on NAFTA and slightly extending his timeline for troop withdrawal -- Leach said Obama is making adjustments `` in a very appropriately adaptive way . '' `` It is inconceivable that a thinking individual can agree with the president or anyone in public office 100 percent of the time , '' he said , adding that he thinks Obama has some prospect of `` potentially going down as one of the great presidents in American history . '' Rep. Lincoln Davis , D-Tennessee , who declined to endorse Obama before his party 's convention , said Obama has met expectations thus far . `` I think every person who runs for office -- whether it 's a local office , statewide office , runs for president -- we all have ideas , we all have visions , we all have a hope , '' Davis said . `` But then acting on those is sometimes more difficult than others . But I do believe the president , during the campaign , made his visions known ... and I think he has certainly lived up to those . '' Republican strategist and CNN contributor Ed Rollins said if he were a Democrat , he might give Obama an `` A '' on his performance . `` I think the guy has had a great start . He 's pushing an agenda that obviously he ran on . He 's lived up to most of his promises . You know , he 's a big personality , and I do n't diminish that , '' he said . `` I think the country wants a president they feel comfortable with . A long , hard path ahead , and hopefully , some of the stuff he 's thrown out there will work because we 're spending a ton of taxpayers ' money , '' he said , noting that as a Republican he gives Obama a `` B. '' Brinkley said it 's somewhat unfair to hold the president to a 100-day litmus test because `` it takes a while to get settled in . '' `` He 's doing a lot of bold things for as short a period of 100 days , '' he said , pointing specifically to Obama 's economic bailouts . But , he said , there 's the large caveat that only time will tell how these bold moves will play out . | As a candidate , Obama campaigned on a message of hope and change . `` Nobody will ever be able to accuse him of being an idle man , '' historian says . GOP strategist says Obama not acting like the centrist he was during the campaign . Obama 's agenda represents a challenge to GOP principles , analyst says . | [[1341, 1415], [1284, 1330], [1966, 2054], [5420, 5425], [5432, 5497], [3853, 4002], [3933, 4015]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Prince Charles visited the Vatican on Monday for his first meeting with a pope since his 1996 divorce from Princess Diana . Pope Benedict XVI is flanked by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla during their meeting at the Vatican . The heir to the UK throne was accompanied by his second wife , Camilla , the Duchess of Cornwall , who wore the mandatory modest black dress and veil which the Vatican requires for wives of dignitaries who meet the pope . The 20-minute meeting was `` cordial , '' the Vatican said in a statement afterwards . Prince Charles 's accession to the throne was likely to be an unspoken subtext of the meeting , an expert on the prince told CNN . `` The biggest thing on Prince Charles 's agenda is the preparation for his coronation , '' said Christopher Wilson , author of `` The Windsor Knot : Charles , Camilla and the Legacy of Diana . '' Charles would like the pope to attend personally , unlikely as that may be , given the religious divide between London and Rome , Wilson said . `` He will expect a high-profile Roman Catholic presence in Westminster Abbey , '' where he will be crowned , Wilson argued . `` The combined heads of state come from everywhere . Every democratically elected head of state will be invited . It bigs up your coronation if you can get the highest Roman Catholic to come . '' The meeting between prince and pope came days after the 500th anniversary of the crowning of Henry VIII , the English king who broke with the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England because he wanted to divorce . It was Prince Charles 's first visit to the Vatican since he went to the funeral of Pope John Paul II four years ago , and his first meeting with a head of the Roman Catholic Church since 1985 . There are multiple factors complicating his relationship with the Vatican , Wilson pointed out . Not only is he divorced , which the Roman Catholic Church disapproves of , but so is Camilla -- and her children are being raised as Catholics because their father is one . A centuries-old British law forbids Catholics or their spouses from holding the throne . The Prince of Wales `` is trying to break down the breach between the Vatican and the House of Windsor , '' Wilson said . `` It 's a path-smoothing exercise . '' Additionally , he said : `` Prince Charles likes very much to be photographed with heads of state . He 's not the head of state himself . It adds luster to his royal presence . '' Charles and the pope were expected to discuss issues such as interfaith dialogue and climate change -- subjects to which Prince Charles has devoted himself . The pair exchanged gifts . Benedict gave Charles a gold pontifical medal and an antique engraved copper plate of St. Peter 's Basilica dating from the 16th century . Charles gave Benedict a set of 12 porcelain plates with floral design of the plants and flowers that grow at his country estate in Gloucestershire . Afterwards , Prince Charles met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarciso Bertone and Vatican foreign affairs minister Archbishop Dominique Mamberti , while Camilla received a private tour of the Sistine Chapel . Charles and Camilla are on a tour of Italy and Germany at the request of Britain 's Foreign Office , Clarence House said . The European Union director of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office , Matthew Rycroft , cited `` the prince 's personal passion and personal engagement over the years on the issue of climate change '' as a major reason for the trip , a Clarence House statement said . | UK 's Prince Charles meets pope for first time since divorce from Princess Diana . Heir to UK throne was accompanied by 2nd wife , Camilla , Duchess of Cornwall . Charles 's first visit to Vatican since he attended funeral of Pope John Paul II . | [[0, 6], [9, 16], [36, 159], [266, 326], [1603, 1719]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- How does the American public feel about the war in Afghanistan ? In a word , wary . U.S. forces have been engaged in fierce fighting to oust the Taliban in Afghanistan . President Obama on Friday announced his strategy to fight terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan , a plan that includes more troops , new legislation , improved troop training and added civilian expertise . `` The United States of American did not choose to fight a war in Afghanistan . Nearly 3,000 of our people were killed on September 11 , 2001 , '' Obama said Friday . `` We have a clear and focused goal : to disrupt , dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan , '' he said . Stressing that `` the safety of people around the world is at stake , '' Obama said the `` situation is increasingly perilous '' in the region in and around Afghanistan , where the United States has been fighting al Qaeda and the Taliban for more than 7 1/2 years after attacks in New York and at the Pentagon . Nevertheless , the American public has been wary about the war in Afghanistan , according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll conducted in February . Watch CNN 's Bill Schneider break down the numbers '' Last month , Americans were almost evenly divided between those who support the war and those who oppose it , the poll showed , with 47 percent in favor and 51 percent opposed . Opposition to the war in Afghanistan is more muted than opposition to the war in Iraq , but it 's not so muted among Democrats . Two-thirds of Americans overall oppose the war in Iraq , but 64 percent of Democrats oppose the war in Afghanistan . The anti-war movements in Vietnam and Iraq helped define what the Democratic Party stands for . Watch : Is Afghanistan Obama 's Vietnam ? '' `` If we do n't learn from our Iraq experience , we are doomed to repeat it , '' Rep. Lynn Woolsey , D-California , said on the House floor Thursday . Why are Americans wary about Afghanistan ? The recession . Iraq War fatigue . And frustration . Only 31 percent of Americans believe the United States is winning the war in Afghanistan . Fifty percent believe the United States is winning in Iraq -- the highest number in at least five years . But Americans still want to get out of Iraq . Last month , when President Obama said he would send 17,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan , the public was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt . Democrats were willing to go along with the president , but they were less enthusiastic than Republicans . A solid majority of Americans believe the United States can win a military victory in Afghanistan , but Afghanistan has become a political war . Winning depends , not just on what the United States can do , but also what Afghanistan and Pakistan can do . Americans have far less confidence in them . The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll surveyed 1,046 adult Americans by telephone on February 18-19 , 2009 . The sampling error is plus or minus three percentage points . | Americans almost evenly divided on opinion of Afghanistan war , poll shows . President Obama says goal is to `` disrupt , dismantle and defeat al Qaeda '' 50 percent believe the United States is winning in Iraq , poll shows . Americans wary about Afghanistan because of recession and Iraq , Schneider says . | [[30, 94], [1024, 1043], [1089, 1135], [1214, 1224], [1227, 1277], [2117, 2175], [1024, 1086]] |
Editor 's note : With fears of a swine flu pandemic rising daily , CNN Pentagon producer Larry Shaughnessy remembered a batch of letters from his grandfather , a World War I soldier who battled the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 . Martin `` Al '' Culhane , left , is pictured with his older brother , Frank , around 1918 or 1919 . WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- `` I 'm coming , I 'm coming For my head is bending low I hear those gentle voices calling Old Black Joe '' As World War I rages in Europe , fresh U.S. Army soldiers pass the time on a train ride to to Camp Forrest , Georgia . `` The boys are just starting to sing , '' Martin Aloysius Culhane wrote on September 6 , 1918 , to his friend back home . `` They 've gotten back to ` Old Black Joe ' so far . '' Stephen Foster 's classic song from the Civil War is about the death of slaves who had become his friends . But Culhane , known as `` Al , '' and the soldiers who sang along could not know how much death would hunt the recruits on that train , most of whom never made it to Europe to fight in the Great War . They would find themselves in the deadliest influenza pandemic in history . Culhane 's letters to his older brother Frank and his long-time `` chum '' Clif Pinter are a young soldier 's firsthand account of life as a draftee private and how he coped with a disease that would haunt Army camps around the United States and eventually infect people around the world . Some estimates say as many as 50 million people were killed by what 's called the Spanish influenza in 1918 and 1919 , far more than the number killed in combat during the war . Three weeks after the train trip to Georgia , Culhane , a 21-year-old clothing salesman from Chicago , Illinois , writes again . Already the flu occupies his thoughts . Learn more about the current swine flu '' `` Received a nice letter from Phil Byrne he reports he is getting along fine , is feeling better than he has ever before . '' Byrne , a friend from Chicago , was one of the early survivors of the Spanish flu . Other members of the Byrne family took ill a few months later , according to the letters . In the same letter he mentions how the Army was trying to protect the troops at Camp Forrest : . `` Since noon today our camp has been under quarantine to prevent an epidemic of Spanish influenza . We have had no cases thus far but it is the intention of the medical officers to prevent any case of the disease from making an appearance . All the men who have even slight colds have been put into separate barrack which , of course , were immediately christened ` the TB ward ' by the rest of the company . '' That same day , September 28 , 1918 , he wrote his brother Frank , a Navy sailor at home awaiting orders , `` Well the Spanish Influenza has made an appearance here and we are under strict orders no visits to Chattanooga , we are certainly the hard luck guys when it comes to this quarantine proposition . '' At first the threat of Spanish flu is just an inconvenience for Culhane : `` I am just about fed up with staying in a district about a block square for three weeks . There is no canteen in the quarantine district and we have a hell of a time getting small supplies . '' Just six days after complaining about the inconvenience , a brief but frightening note : `` Receive the enclosed letter for your information then see that Frank gets it unknown to the rest of the family . '' What Culhane did n't want his mother , sister and younger brother to know was that he was in the infirmary with the Spanish flu . He asks his friend Clif to write often and encourage letters from `` my friends , without of course , telling them that I am a little under the weather . '' His euphemism hid the fact that in some places more than 30 percent of people who contracted Spanish flu died . In the United States the mortality rate was lower , but still a devastating 3 percent . It was a crisis for the Army . Military bases , with thousands of men from all over the country in tightly packed barracks , were fertile breeding grounds for the flu , especially one as easily spread as this one . And unlike most flu strains that mostly strike the elderly , the very young or the sick , Spanish flu hit healthy , young adults like Army draftees . Just three days after telling his friend about being sick , Culhane wrote that he was feeling better . `` I am still in quarantine but will be released today . I am feeling great and the two day 's rest has done me a world of good . I have done nothing at all but sit in the shade , read and write letters . '' His recovery from the Spanish flu was swift , but the very next day , October 7 , 1918 , he wrote to give `` all the details of the death of a very good friend , my Bunkie , Thomas Birdie . His body will go north today , I think , '' Culhane wrote , asking Pinter to attend the wake . `` At his side , say a few prayers for the repose of his soul . '' When not writing about the flu , Culhane dropped none-too-subtle hints about wanting care packages full of cookies from home . And he regularly questioned why other friends did n't write . He also worried that he was `` neglecting the ladies . '' He pelts his friend Clif with questions about Ursula -LRB- `` Her Majesty , '' he jokingly refers to her -RRB- , Ella -LRB- the young woman to whom he promised a prized golf club -RRB- Ida -LRB- `` I had a long letter from Ida Flynn . Boy ! I will have a job on my hands when I get home '' -RRB- and the Marys -LRB- Mary Rose , Mary English , Mary Anne -RRB- . While Culhane writes about and to a lot of young ladies , there is no sign in the letters which one , if any , held a special place in his heart . Still he worried about one young man named `` Hank '' who remained in Chicago . `` Keep the ladies amused by all means , but I look to you to protect my interests . Hank is too darn nice a chap to be safe around the ladies . However , if he seems to get extra strong I will write a note and have him made Admiral of the Arctic Circle . '' After recovering from the flu , Culhane bemoans the fact that war was about to end . `` It is almost over now and thirty days will see at least a cessation of hostilities . Xmas will see peace . I will never see France and as long as that is impossible I might as well be out of the Army as soon as it is over . '' Nine days later , on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the war ended . And just four days after the fighting in Europe ended , the letters from Camp Forrest stopped . Al Culhane was sick again . This time he was taken to U.S. General Hospital # 14 at Fort Oglethorpe , Georgia . And he could n't keep the latest illness a secret from his family back home in Chicago . A Catholic chaplain wrote the family that he was sick and not able to write himself . When he was well enough , he wrote Pinter , `` I do n't know just what I have but it felt like old fashioned grip or perhaps ` The Flu . ' '' . It took about two weeks before he was out of the Fort Oglethorpe hospital and back at Camp Forrest . He had twice survived the deadliest flu in history and lived to write home about it . After his second recovery his concerns turned to getting back to Chicago by Christmas . `` Clif I have seen my discharge all written out and from that moment on my usefulness as a soldier ceased . '' But again illness got in the way . This time it was a completely different one : `` Measles has broken out in our company and we are quarantined . Did you ever hear of harder luck in all your life ? '' Culhane did n't make it back to Chicago for Christmas . But he eventually did return home alive and well . He never did make it to France , but traveled the United States extensively with his wife , Evelyn , a woman never mentioned in his letters home , but someone he 'd known since they went through First Holy Communion together . As for Clif Pinter , who saved the letters , he and Al Culhane remained `` old chums '' for life . After Pinter 's death , his son passed the letters on to Al 's daughter , Dorothy Clarke , who passed them onto Al 's grandchildren , including Lawrence Aloysius Shaughnessy , who works for CNN 's Pentagon unit and occasionally writes stories about soldiers for CNN.com . | U.S. soldier survived Spanish flu pandemic not once , but twice . 1918 Spanish flu ravaged military camps where soldiers trained for WWI . Letter says camp put `` under quarantine to prevent an epidemic of Spanish influenza '' Martin `` Al '' Culhane in letter told his brother to keep infection secret from rest of family . | [[4226, 4285], [2248, 2334]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in Tuesday night as secretary of Health and Human Services . Kathleen Sebelius dives into discussing the swine flu at the White House after being sworn in . She was sworn after she was confirmed by the Senate in a 65-31 vote . The timely vote puts Sebelius in office as the Obama administration is up against its first public health outbreak . She steps into the role as swine flu numbers climb worldwide . As of Tuesday morning , at least 90 cases had been confirmed , including 50 in the United States . Until her confirmation , the White House , which declared a public health emergency Sunday , was dealing with its first crisis without a secretary . But the administration said it was equipped to handle the situation . There are still no appointees in place for any of the department 's 18 key positions . Related : White House health team not complete . In most cases where a position is awaiting Senate confirmation , that job is filled by a career civil servant in an interim capacity . The Obama administration has named five nominees for the open positions . Sebelius met several obstacles during her confirmation hearings . The Kansas governor came under fire for her ties to Dr. George Tiller , a late-term abortion provider . Tiller and his staff attended a 2007 reception Sebelius held at the governor 's mansion in Topeka . Sebelius originally failed to account for donations she received from the doctor . Sebelius also revealed in March that she recently paid nearly $ 8,000 in back taxes and interest . She said she had errors in her 2005 , 2006 and 2007 tax returns . Sebelius , 60 , is the daughter of former Ohio Gov. John Gilligan , who led that state from 1971 to 1975 . A two-term Democratic governor in a Republican-leaning state , she previously served as a state insurance commissioner and oversaw Kansas ' Medicaid program . She has been credited with boosting health care assistance for the poor during her tenure . A number of leading social conservatives have criticized Sebelius for her record on abortion , citing , among other things , her veto as governor of legislation that would have tightened abortion regulations in Kansas . In vetoing the measure last April , Sebelius wrote that the bill was problematic because it included no exceptions for pregnancies that endanger a woman 's life and it allowed individuals to seek court orders preventing a woman from obtaining an abortion , even if the procedure was necessary to save her life . Some Republicans , however , have strongly defended Sebelius . Former Senate GOP leader Bob Dole , also from Kansas , testified on Sebelius ' behalf in March , arguing that her record had proven her ability to work in a bipartisan manner . `` Sebelius ' strength is that she understands health care -LSB- and is -RSB- willing and able ... to bring parties together in very critical areas , '' he said . Kansas GOP Sens. Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback , as well as Republican Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and Jon Huntsman of Utah commended her selection . Former Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota , Obama 's first choice for secretary of health and human services , withdrew on February 3 after controversy erupted over his tax records and over his work in a field that some consider lobbying . | Kathleen Sebelius sworn in after being confirmed by 65-31 vote . White House says health team is equipped to handle swine flu situation . Sebelius has come under fire for ties to late-term abortion doctor . Sebelius was two-term Democratic governor in Kansas , a Republican-leaning state . | [[0, 15], [31, 119], [216, 285], [230, 285], [718, 783], [1195, 1264], [1790, 1800], [1801, 1814]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- College football 's perennial armchair-quarterback argument over the need for a clear-cut national champion came to Capitol Hill Friday . College football teams play in the BCS for the national championship trophy . The House Subcommittee on Commerce , Trade , and Consumer Protection held a hearing to dissect the Bowl Championship Series , asking whether the model needs to be tweaked , overhauled or done away with altogether . Four witnesses testified at the morning hearing , including championship series coordinator John Swofford and Alamo Bowl President Derrick Fox ; both of whom defended the current system , though Fox conceded that `` no system is perfect and the Bowl Championship Series is not perfect . '' Mountain West Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson and Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier testified that they would like to see the system revamped . Many critics say they want college football to have a playoff system to ensure that a champion is clearly defined . Rep. Joe Barton , R-Texas , called the Bowl Championship Series format unfair and perhaps took it one step further . `` You should either change your name to BES for Bowl Exhibition System or just drop the C and call it the BS system , because it is not about determining the championship on the field . '' Both sides were cordial but opinionated . Fox said he would prefer Washington not get involved . `` Those who do n't like the current system will say that 's the way of the world , but we do n't believe that government should have any role in promoting a demise of the bowl games . '' Currently , 11 college conferences and three independents compete in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision -- formerly Division I-A . Six of those 11 conferences are guaranteed spots in the four Bowl Championship Series games . Schools from conferences that critics say are unfairly deemed as low profile are then left to fight their way into those prestige games . They share in significantly less of the series money and have less of an opportunity to challenge for the national title . President Obama is one of the proponents of a college football playoff . In an interview with ESPN in November , Obama said he 's had just about enough of the Bowl Championship Series . `` I 'm fed up with these computer rankings and this , that and the other . Get eight teams -- the top eight teams right at the end . You got a playoff . Decide on a national champion , '' Obama said . Before heading out early to catch a flight , Barton made it clear that he expects to see college football change its ways or risk having lawmakers introduce legislation to impose change for them . `` I think there is better than a 50 percent chance that if we do n't see some action in the next two months on a voluntary switch to a playoff system that you will see this bill move , '' he said . | Bowl Championship Series decides college football 's national champ . Perennial argument is that a playoff system would be a better way to decide . House committee hears testimony from officials , coaches on both sides . | [[168, 245], [461, 603]] |
Editor 's note : Dina Habib Powell , global head of corporate engagement at Goldman Sachs , served as U.S. assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs from 2005 to 2007 . Dina Habib Powell says there are encouraging signs the world is ready to invest in empowering women . NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As we mark International Women 's Month in March , it is encouraging to see that the movement to recognize the vital role that women play in families , nations and economies has been building for more than a decade and that developments in the past few years have shown that real progress has begun to take hold . On the heels of International Women 's Day , President Obama said Monday , `` we will not sow the seeds for a brighter future or reap the benefits of the change we need without the full and active participation of women around the world . '' He also recently announced the creation of a new position , ambassador-at-large for global women 's Issues , at the State Department . To fill this critical role , the president nominated Melanne Verveer , a widely respected women 's advocate and former top aide to then first lady Hillary Clinton . Verveer was a founder of Vital Voices Global Partnership , an organization committed to empowering women and recently co-chaired by Secretary Clinton and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison , R-Texas . There has also been very recent progress on Capitol Hill . Last month , the U.S. Senate created a Foreign Relations subcommittee that will focus on the global status of women , led by Sen. Barbara Boxer , D-California . The efforts have been a bipartisan priority for our leaders . In 2008 , then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice successfully led the effort in the U.N. Security Council to officially recognize rape as a weapon of war . And in 2001 , Laura Bush used the first presidential radio address ever given by a first lady to focus international attention on the plight of women in Afghanistan and used her influence to protect and empower women around the world . Critical strides are also being made globally . In Rwanda , a country devastated by genocide , women have become a key part of the nation 's rebirth . Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame , more than half of the parliament is made up of women . In Liberia , President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf made history when she became the first female president on the African continent . In the Middle East , Kuwait has emerged as a leader in women 's suffrage and political participation . And in the United Arab Emirates , women such as Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi , minister of foreign trade , have been trailblazers for progress throughout the region . This social change is being promoted at the United Nations , where Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently noted that the protection , education and empowerment of women and girls are among the most important ingredients to achieving all other Millennium Development Goals . Such consensus should not be surprising as study after study has found that investing in the education of women improves lives . Every extra year of girls ' education can reduce infant mortality by 5 to 10 percent . In Africa , children of mothers who receive five years of primary education are 40 percent more likely to live beyond age 5 . And multicountry data show educated mothers are about 50 percent more likely to immunize their children than uneducated mothers are . But one of the most important developments of recent years has been the increasing amount of research that shows investments in women can offer not only social benefits , but also real economic growth . A growing body of evidence highlights the economic advantage of educating and empowering women . The private sector has seized on this data . There is now broad consensus that investing in women is not only just good social policy , it is `` smart economics , '' as Bob Zoellick , president of the World Bank , says . Toward that end , the World Bank has convened a Private Sector Leaders Forum with companies committed to these issues , such as Standard Chartered , Cisco , PricewaterhouseCoopers , Ernst & Young , Carlson and Nike . My own firm , Goldman Sachs , published two critical pieces of research , `` Womenomics '' and `` Women Hold Up Half the Sky , '' which found that investments in women -- through increased education and labor force participation -- can lead to real economic growth in developed and developing countries . Specifically , this research found that a 1 percentage point increase in female education raises the average level of gross domestic product by .37 and raises annual GDP growth rates by .2 on average . Such findings led to the development of 10,000 Women , an initiative that is working with a global network of leading academic and nonprofit partners to provide women at home and abroad with quality management and entrepreneurial education . This education is helping to create a greater number of female-owned small and medium enterprises , and a new generation of leaders poised to have exponential impact . One recent graduate of the program , Tuokpe Esisi , a fashion designer from Nigeria , has already increased her revenues , and immediately invested a portion of her profits to provide tutors for the illiterate male tailors she employs . This not only positions her enterprise for greater growth , but is also a perfect demonstration of the multiplier effect of investing in women . Organizations such as Women for Women International , Camfed and the International Center for Research on Women have long touted this multiplier effect and are supported by private-public partnerships dedicated to the promotion of women leaders . For example , the State Department , with the help of Vital Voices , instituted a mentoring program for the past four years with Fortune 's Most Powerful Women . The program pairs leading U.S. executives -- such as Ann Moore -LRB- Time Inc -RRB- , Pat Woertz -LRB- ADM -RRB- , Helene Gayle -LRB- Care -RRB- and Anne Mulcahy -LRB- Xerox -RRB- -- with rising female entrepreneurs in developing countries . At the dawn of the 20th century , Egyptian poet Hafez Ibrahim said : `` When you educate a woman , you create a nation . '' Nearly a century later , the cause of women 's empowerment has never been more important . As New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof recently put it , gender inequality is `` the dominant moral challenge we face in the 21st century . '' This challenge also presents an opportunity we can not afford to squander . We should seize this moment and this momentum . There is tremendous work to be done , but history has shown us that women will not let us down . They will take up the challenge and build up their families , their villages and ultimately all our nations . The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Dina Habib Powell . | Dina Powell : As we mark Women 's Month , there are encouraging signs . Both parties in the U.S. are taking steps to invest in the role of women , she says . She says studies show that more education decreases infant mortality . Investing in women 's education leads to increases in economic growth , she says . | [[193, 294], [193, 210], [216, 262], [3647, 3743], [4309, 4311], [4318, 4486]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Carrie Prejean , the Miss USA contestant from California who declared her opposition to same-sex marriage on the pageant stage , will star in a new $ 1.5 million ad campaign funded by the National Organization for Marriage . Miss California USA Carrie Prejean has gotten support from many same-sex marriage opponents . Prejean appeared Thursday at a news conference in Washington to unveil the ad , called `` No Offense . '' Prejean was roasted by same-sex marriage advocates after she stood up for what she called `` opposite marriage '' -LRB- marriage between a man and a woman -RRB- when responding to a question from celebrity blogger Perez Hilton during the pageant . But she 's also become a fresh-faced standard-bearer for same-sex marriage opponents , who have rallied to her defense . `` Marriage is good , '' Prejean said at the news conference . `` There is something special about unions of husband and wife . Unless we bring men and women together , children will not have mothers and fathers . '' `` She is attacked viciously for having the courage to speak up for her truth and her values , '' the National Organization for Marriage said in a press release . `` But Carrie 's courage inspired a whole nation and a whole generation of young people because she chose to risk the Miss USA crown rather than be silent about her deepest moral values . '' `` This vision of marriage is not hateful , '' Prejean said . `` It 's not discriminatory . It 's good . '' Although she claimed that her view represents that of the majority of Americans , Prejean said she has no plan `` on getting into politics anytime soon , that 's for sure . '' According to the group , the ad will call `` gay marriage advocates to account for their unwillingness to debate the real issue : gay marriage has consequences . '' The Miss California USA TV ad is the group 's second . Its first , called `` A Gathering Storm , '' ran in several states and featured actors issuing ominous warnings about the threats posed by same-sex marriage . Executive directors and producers of the Miss California USA pageant released a statement Wednesday lamenting that Prejean had taken on such a `` polarizing '' issue . `` We are deeply saddened Carrie Prejean has forgotten her platform of the Special Olympics , her commitment to all Californians and solidified her legacy as one that goes beyond the rights to voice her beliefs and instead reveals her opportunistic agenda , '' the group said . CNN 's Peter Hamby and Alan Duke contributed to this report . | Pageant contestant to appear in ad for National Organization for Marriage . Carrie Prejean publicly opposed same-sex marriage during Miss USA pageant . National Organization for Marriage : Prejean `` attacked viciously '' for speaking out . | [[76, 86], [91, 156], [455, 615], [1041, 1092]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Five people were killed Thursday after a man tried to attack the Dutch royal family during a Queen 's Day celebration by crashing his car near the royal family 's bus , Dutch police said . A car is pictured after crashing into the crowd waiting for the visit of the royal family in Apeldoorn . Authorities are not releasing the name of the man , but said they have charged him with with trying to attack the royal family . Twelve people were injured in the incident in the Dutch town of Apeldoorn , about 45 miles east of Amsterdam , police spokeswoman Esther Naber told CNN . Crowds had lined the streets to see Queen Beatrix and her family ride by in an open-top bus during the Netherlands ' annual holiday . As the bus moved along , a black hatchback zoomed past it . The crowds were behind barriers off the road , but security officials and journalists , including many cameramen , were in the road as the car went by . The car crashed into the low metal railing around a column on the side of the road . The vehicle appeared heavily damaged even before the crash , but the reason for that was unclear . There was no one other than the driver in the car at the time , Naber said . Members of the royal family saw the crash and gasped , then quickly sat down as the bus continued driving . The driver is in the hospital , badly injured , Naber said . He is among the five seriously hurt -- three men and two women . Queen 's Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands , the Netherlands Antilles , and Aruba . The tradition started in 1885 and celebrates the birthday of the queen . Although Queen Beatrix 's birthday is January 31 , she officially celebrates her birthday April 30 , according to the Dutch government . Queen 's Day is known for its free market all over the country , where anybody is allowed to sell things in the streets . Other activities include children 's games and musical performances . Were you there ? Send us your video , images . The day is marked with the color orange all over the country as a reference to the colors of the royal family , who come from the House of Orange-Nassau . | NEW : Five people killed and five badly injured in incident in Dutch town of Apeldoorn . Car hit crowd near open-top bus carrying Queen Beatrix of Netherlands . Driver , among the badly hurt , is charged with trying to attack Dutch royal family . | [[19, 102], [58, 185], [0, 15], [137, 185], [208, 312], [208, 213], [226, 312], [19, 102], [58, 185], [313, 324], [369, 441], [1373, 1437]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An al Qaeda suspect alleged to have been involved in the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania that killed 11 people faces war crimes charges , the Pentagon announced Monday . Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani is shown in a photo posted by the FBI in 2004 . The bombing in Dar es Salaam , which also wounded hundreds , was one of two carried out nearly simultaneously on August 7 , 1998 . One in Nairobi , Kenya , killed 213 people . Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani , from Tanzania , faces nine charges , six of them offenses that could carry the death penalty if he is convicted by a military tribunal . He was captured by Pakistan in 2004 and is being held at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba . In a written announcement , the Pentagon said Ghailani is `` charged with the following substantive offenses : murder in violation of the Law of War , murder of protected persons , attacking civilians , attacking civilian objects , intentionally causing serious bodily injury , destruction of property in violation of the Law of War and terrorism . In addition , he is charged with conspiracy to commit all of the above offenses . `` Ghailani is further charged with providing material support to terrorism . This charge alleges that after the bombing , Ghailani continued in his service to al Qaeda as a document forger , physical trainer at an al Qaeda training camp , and as a bodyguard for Osama bin Laden . '' The charges say he purchased bomb components , scouted the embassy with the suicide bomb driver , met with co-conspirators , and fled to Karachi , Pakistan , one day before the bombing . The convening authority for military commissions , Susan J. Crawford , will determine whether probable cause exists for a trial by military commission , said Brig. Gen. Thomas Hartman of the Office of Military Commissions . For Ghailani to ultimately be sentenced to death , the 12-member jury would have to unanimously find him guilty , determine that aggravating factors apply , and concur on the death sentence , Hartman told reporters at the Pentagon . `` Everything has to be unanimous . '' `` And then there are four levels of post-trial review , which is an extraordinary set of rights available , '' he said . In December , 1998 -- a few months after the embassy bombings -- Ghailani and three other fugitives were indicted in U.S. District Court in New York . It is not known whether he may ultimately face a federal trial . E-mail to a friend . | 1998 bombing in Dar es Salaam killed 11 , injured hundreds . Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani , a Tanzanian , faces nine charges . Al Qaeda-linked suspect could get death sentence from military tribunal . U.S. Embassy in Kenya bombed almost same time on August 7 , 1998 . | [[123, 131], [137, 178], [299, 312], [326, 342], [460, 482], [501, 519], [578, 621], [1829, 1877], [356, 414]] |
UNITED NATIONS -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The 15th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda brought American U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to tears as she reflected on her personal memories surrounding the slaughter . U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice recalls her time in Rwanda working for the Clinton administration . Rice visited Rwanda as a staff member in former President Bill Clinton 's National Security Council six months after the ethnic cleansing . She explained how even months after the violence she encountered decomposing bodies at one of the massacre sites . `` For me , the memory of stepping around and over those corpses will remain the most searing reminder imaginable of what our work here must aim to prevent , '' she said Tuesday at a special commemorative event at United Nations headquarters in New York . She emotionally concluded her remarks , expressing how `` We bow our heads to mark the memory of those who were slain . And we bow our heads to mark the sorrow of all who stood by . '' The mass killings began on April 6 , 1994 , when tribal Hutu militia members attacked their tribal Tutsi countrymen after the plane of then-President Juvenal Habyarimana , a Hutu , was shot down . Within 100 days , some 800,000 people were murdered . In addition to Rice , various dignitaries , ambassadors , artists , U.N. officials and genocide survivors gathered Tuesday to mark the tragic circumstances that began 15 years ago . U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reminded the audience how the Rwandan genocide continues to haunt `` our collective conscience '' and that `` the prevention of genocide is a collective responsibility . '' Ban encouraged the world community to remember its shared duty to prevent future catastrophes in the name of humanity and in honor of the memory of those who died . The United Nations created a Special Representative for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities in 2004 . President Obama also released a statement coinciding with Tuesday 's anniversary . Obama praised survivors for their remarkable strength , but emphasized the tragedy should always be remembered because each victim `` had their own story , their own family , and their own dreams . '' | U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice recalls stepping over corpses in Rwanda . United Nations ceremony recalls 1994 mass killings in Rwanda . Obama says tragedy must always be remembered . | [[204, 298], [439, 553], [712, 809], [1914, 1929], [1935, 1996], [1997, 2002], [2057, 2194]] |
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