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LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Dom DeLuise , who spiced up such movies as `` Blazing Saddles , '' `` Silent Movie '' and `` The Cannonball Run '' with his manic delivery and roly-poly persona , has died , his son 's publicist said . Dom DeLuise was best known for his roles in Mel Brooks films as well as films with his friend Burt Reynolds . Publicist Jay Schwartz did not disclose the cause of death , but DeLuise , 75 , had been battling cancer for more than a year . DeLuise was surrounded by family when he died in a Santa Monica , California , hospital Monday night , son Michael DeLuise told CNN affiliate KTLA . DeLuise was most famous for his supporting roles in a number of Mel Brooks films , including 1974 's `` Saddles '' -- in which he played a flamboyant musical director who led dancers in a number called `` The French Mistake '' -- and 1976 's `` Silent Movie , '' in which he played the assistant to Brooks ' director Mel Funn . He was also in the Brooks-directed `` The Twelve Chairs '' -LRB- 1970 -RRB- , `` Spaceballs '' -LRB- 1987 -RRB- and `` Robin Hood : Men in Tights '' -LRB- 1993 -RRB- . But he could also assay more serious roles , most notably in the 1980 dark comedy `` Fatso , '' in which he played an overweight man trying to wean himself from comfort food . The film was directed by Brooks ' wife , Anne Bancroft . Watch an impromptu performance by Dom DeLuise '' DeLuise , who struggled with his own weight , was also an author of cookbooks . In 1991 , he told CNN 's Larry King that after meeting Luciano Pavarotti while working on an opera , he realized he needed to try to shed some of his weight . `` I finally became powerless over food , '' he told King . `` You know , anybody who 's an alcoholic or cocaine or something , that 's what food was to me . '' Besides authoring cookbooks , DeLuise penned seven children 's books . DeLuise was also part of the supporting cast in the Burt Reynolds crash - 'em - up vehicles `` Smokey and the Bandit II '' -LRB- 1980 -RRB- , `` Cannonball Run '' -LRB- 1981 -RRB- and `` Cannonball Run II '' -LRB- 1984 -RRB- . Other DeLuise films include `` The End '' -LRB- 1978 -RRB- , `` The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas '' -LRB- 1982 -RRB- and `` Johnny Dangerously '' -LRB- 1984 -RRB- . His voice was featured in such films as `` An American Tail '' -LRB- 1986 -RRB- and its sequels , `` All Dogs Go to Heaven '' -LRB- 1989 -RRB- and its 1996 sequel , and `` Oliver & Company '' -LRB- 1988 -RRB- . Dominic DeLuise was born in Brooklyn , New York , on August 1 , 1933 . In the 1960s he had bit parts in a handful of movies , including `` Fail Safe '' -LRB- 1964 -RRB- , but became well known as a regular on `` The Entertainers '' and a Dean Martin variety show . He had his own summer replacement show in 1968 and was a regular on Glen Campbell 's `` Goodtime Hour '' in 1971-72 . Watch DeLuise talk about working on `` The Mike Douglas Show '' '' DeLuise had three sons -- Peter , Michael and David -- who all became actors . He told Larry King that it was the `` joy of my life '' to work with his oldest son , Peter , when he directed the film `` Second Nature . '' His wife of 40 years , actress Carol Arthur , appeared in several movies with him , including `` Blazing Saddles '' and `` Silent Movie , '' according to DeLuise 's Web site . DeLuise worked closely on several films with pal Gene Wilder , who in 2002 told Larry King that of all of his co-stars , DeLuise `` makes me laugh the most . '' A frequent collaborator with DeLuise , Burt Reynolds released a statement to `` Entertainment Tonight '' on his friend 's death . `` I was thinking the other day about this . As you get older you think about this more and more , I was dreading this moment . Dom always made everyone feel better when he was around . I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone . I will miss him very much , '' Reynolds says . | Dom DeLuise appeared in several Mel Brooks films and Burt Reynolds movies . Among DeLuise 's best-known films : `` Silent Movie , '' `` Cannonball Run '' Reynolds : `` Dom always made everyone feel better when he was around '' | [[246, 339], [633, 747], [3754, 3811], [3770, 3811], [3892, 3910]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The days of being cut off from the Internet while you 're on a plane are quickly disappearing . An American Airlines passenger uses Wi-Fi to access the Internet during a flight . A number of domestic airlines have recently begun offering Wi-Fi Internet access aboard planes , and other airlines say they are working toward making it happen . `` This is the year '' for Wi-Fi on planes , said Jack Blumenstein , president and CEO of Aircell , whose Gogo ® Inflight Internet service provides access on Delta Air Lines , American Airlines and Virgin America flights , and will begin testing on United flights later this year . Gogo is installed on more than 190 commercial planes , and Blumenstein said he expected 1,200 aircraft to have Gogo capability by the end of 2009 . For now , Wi-Fi on domestic carriers ' planes is limited to flights within North America . Gogo , which operates by transmitting signals from ground-level towers , functions across the United States and up to about 300 miles offshore . The company 's access will cover the entire continent within a year or two , Blumenstein said . Row 44 , which uses satellite technology to provide connectivity to Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines , already covers much of North America and will roll out trans-Atlantic and European service in the third quarter of this year , said the company 's CEO , John Guidon . Neither company would release the exact cost of turning airplanes into Wi-Fi hot spots . But Blumenstein said Aircell managed to equip a plane for `` substantially '' less than $ 100,000 . Row 44 , which bills itself as the `` industrial-strength solution '' to airplane connectivity , costs hundreds of thousands of dollars per plane , Guidon said . Another company , LiveTV , is a subsidiary of JetBlue that provides free e-mail and messaging aboard flights but does n't offer open Web surfing . LiveTV , which uses air-to-ground technology , provides the service on select JetBlue flights and also is working with Frontier Airlines on offering Internet access aboard its planes . The Wi-Fi venture has the potential to be `` very profitable , '' said Harlan Platt , an airline industry expert and professor of finance at Northeastern University in Boston , Massachusetts . `` Normally , air carriers rush to purchase capital equipment that raises their cost but does n't raise their revenue . ... This is actually a revenue-producing tactic . And it 's a good one because it 's providing value to the passenger and it 's creating incremental revenues for the airline , '' Platt said . Aircell , which shares its revenue from Gogo with the airlines , charges $ 9.95 for flights under three hours , $ 12.95 for flights longer than three hours and $ 7.95 to use a Wi-Fi capable handheld device for any flight length . Passengers can begin using the service once the plane reaches 10,000 feet . If the plane remains in flight for longer than three hours as part of a delay , passengers do not pay the higher fee , Blumenstein said . Platt believes that business model will evolve to entice more passengers to use it . The size of those fees could result in `` a whole segment of the market that they 're not going to capture , '' said Platt . The airlines will maximize their profits by convincing more passengers to use the system with a lower price , he said . Platt predicted Aircell and the airlines would create a second tier of service , which would be less expensive but with fewer capabilities . He compared the strategy to airlines ' price-reducing tactics to avoid empty seats on planes . As Aircell and Row 44 's services expand , LiveTV is monitoring passengers ' usage to gauge how to move ahead with its own business model , said Mike Moeller , vice president of sales and marketing for the company . `` Yes , broadband is coming . We 're sitting there asking , ` Who pays ? Is it the airlines or the customers ? And what will they pay ? What is the right technology ? ... When does all of this happen ? ' We 're in weird economic times , '' Moeller said . As for the possibility of passengers offending their seat-mates by surfing for inappropriate content , Blumenstein said nine months of Wi-Fi availability on American yielded no such incidents . Still , airlines including American , Delta and United have requested screening for potentially offensive content , he said . On the other hand , Alaska Airlines , which uses Row 44 , does not plan on using the company 's content-blocking capabilities . Instead , flight attendants will follow standard protocol for objectionable material -- they 'll ask passengers to stow it away , said Bobbie Egan , an airline spokeswoman . Here is what major U.S. airlines offer , and what is coming up : . | Many domestic airlines have begun offering Wi-Fi Internet access aboard planes . Provider Aircell expects to have 1,200 planes equipped by the end of this year . Another company , Row 44 , says it will have trans-Atlantic Wi-Fi in the third quarter . | [[151, 197], [198, 241], [248, 292], [198, 227], [233, 292], [702, 790], [1123, 1129], [1273, 1356]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The `` best job in the world '' contest has generated huge interest around the globe , but the jury is out on whether that will translate into more tourism dollars for Queensland , Australia . Ben Southall will move into a three-bedroom beach home overlooking the Great Barrier Reef . `` That 's the million dollar question , '' said Anthony Hayes , CEO of Tourism Quensland , which sponsored the contest . `` Quite frankly you can have $ 150 million worth of publicity , but if it does n't generate sales you 've really wasted your time on a pretty story . '' A British man beat 34,000 other applicants Wednesday to win the right to stroll the white sands of a tropical island in Queensland , Australia , file weekly reports online to a global audience and earn a cool $ 100,000 . Watch as lucky winner is revealed '' For the winner , Ben Southall , the six-month assignment is a far cry from his old job as a fundraiser . `` I love discovering new places , '' Southall said in his hyperkinetic minute-long application video for the position . `` Last year , I drove all around Africa , I crossed deserts , climbed mountains , run marathons , bungee jump , mountain-bike , scuba-dive and snorkel everywhere because I 'm practically a fish myself . '' Oh , and he rode an ostrich . He will move into a three-bedroom beach home overlooking the tropical island 's Great Barrier Reef . For six months , he will feed the fish , clean the pool and send weekly blog and video reports on what is happening on the island . Other benefits include free return airfares from their nearest capital city , transport on the island , computer and camera gear and travel to other islands . The applicants used various attempts to woo their prospective employer , from wandering round a chilly city center in a bikini , to making their application in the form of a street musical , complete with chorus singers . Sixteen finalists were flown in to Hamilton Island on Monday for interviews with a four-person panel . The job starts July 1 . The `` world 's best job '' campaign was 18 months in the making as a way to lure more tourism to the 600 islands near the Great Barrier Reef . `` The starting point was how do we get the message out there ... that they 're open for business and we want people to come and visit , '' Hayes said . `` The idea of this is to protect jobs throughout our regional parts of Queensland . '' | Winner of `` best job '' competition is British citizen Ben Southall . Tourism Queensland advertised dream island caretaking job for $ 100,000 . Six-month stint involves reporting on the Great Barrier Reef island off Australia . | [[580, 800], [640, 643], [650, 800], [580, 593], [777, 800], [1402, 1416], [1419, 1421], [1462, 1496]] |
-LRB- Tribune Media Services -RRB- -- Look out for cancellation penalties . Beware of energy surcharges . And watch for facilities fees . Hertz lost $ 73 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 . No , not on your airline ticket . Not on your hotel folio . You may find these new extras on your next car rental bill . Beleaguered auto rental firms are quietly adding new surcharges designed to lift revenues in a recessionary economy . To get an idea of how absurd it 's becoming meet Jim Swofford . He found a mysterious $ 5 fee on his Hertz bill recently , which a representative described as a cancellation fee . Car rental companies typically do n't charge their customers for cancellations , so Swofford , who frequently rents from Hertz , said he did n't want another car he 'd reserved for later . `` That 'll be $ 25 , '' the agent told him . `` So I jokingly said I would not cancel but just be a no-show , '' he remembers . `` She said that would result in a $ 50 fee . '' Or talk to Eric Hegwer , a photographer from Austin , Texas , who spotted a $ 1 `` energy surcharge '' on his Hertz car rental bill recently . `` My previous rentals did n't have one , '' he says . I asked Hertz about the two new surcharges . Company spokeswoman Paula Rivera told me the cancellation fee , which was added in December , applied only to prepaid reservations and is meant to `` reimburse Hertz for the paperwork and billing involved with a prepaid reservation . '' The fee also covers part of the company 's cost of holding vehicles for prepaid reservations . The energy surcharge , which was added in October , bills all rentals in most states an additional $ 1 a day `` to offset the increasing costs of utilities , bus fuel , oil and grease , '' she said . It 's easy to see why car rental companies are taking these steps . The industry is hemorrhaging money faster than oil leaking from a cracked gasket . Hertz lost $ 73 million in the fourth quarter , and competitor Avis lost $ 121 million in the same period . They fared much better than Advantage Rent A Car , which filed for bankruptcy protection in December and whose assets were sold to Hertz for a reported $ 33 million . Every penny counts for the car rental companies . Then again , in this dreadful economy , who is n't counting every cent ? Shocking anecdotes aside , there 's a pattern here , and you do n't have to be an investigative reporter or a conspiracy theory-obsessed columnist to see it . Just read the annual reports issued by one of the publicly traded car rental companies . -LRB- Look for the form 10-K and then scroll down to `` Legal Proceedings '' for an enlightening read . -RRB- They 're littered with lawsuits over fees , surcharges and add-ons that motorists say broadsided them when they rented a car . A representative of the American Car Rental Association , a trade group for the car rental business , says these fees are essential to the industry 's survival . But that does n't give companies a license to surprise their customers . `` The car rental company has an obligation to clearly and concisely explain all fees and charges at the time of rental , '' says Robert Barton , the association 's president and chief operating officer for U-Save Car & Truck Rental . How to stay ahead of these extras ? Knowing is half the battle . Here are five of the newer charges that could sideswipe you on your next trip . A fee for something you 've already paid for . This is one of the more creative new ways of separating you from your money : charging you twice for the same thing . `` Three times now , with three different companies , they have tried to charge me for gas when I 've returned the car with a full tank and claimed it was an honest mistake , '' says Sid Savara , a software engineer in Oahu , Hawaii . `` It leads me to suspect they are just tacking the fee on and most people are n't noticing or complaining about it . '' Boston-based author John DiPietro brought his own E-ZPass toll transponder when he rented a car in Massachusetts recently , but Budget billed him for the toll roads anyway . `` We 're still trying to resolve it , '' he told me . Now more than ever , it 's important to be on the lookout for duplicate charges on your rental bill . A fee for something that should come with the car . Such as tires . Enterprise recently charged one of Edgar Dworsky 's readers a $ 2 `` tire fee . '' He edits a Web site called Consumer World , and like me , he hears a lot of horror stories from travelers . What 's a tire fee ? Enterprise told Dworsky it was required by the state of Florida . `` I guess the consumer advice is to order a car without tires next time , '' he joked . But other fees ca n't be blamed on the state , including surcharges that cover the cost of oil and grease . It might be interesting to show up at a car rental counter with four tires and a can of Pennzoil , and ask to have those fees waived . You think they would do it ? Yeah , neither do I. Surcharge on surcharges . Scott Lerman found a `` privilege fee '' on his last car rental in Florida , which applied to rentals picked up within 48 hours of flight arrival . `` Never seen anything like it , '' says the Livingston , New Jersey-based freelance publicist . -LRB- The fee covers the costs of operating an off-airport location . -RRB- . Other renters have reported seeing a similar surcharge combined with what 's often called a concession recovery fee , which amounts to a surcharge on top of a surcharge . At best , car rental companies are coming up with new and confusing names for their fees . At worst , they 're charging us a fee on top of another fee . Next thing you know , there 'll be a surcharge on a surcharge on top of a surcharge . Do n't laugh -- I 'm sure they 've already thought of it . The stadium tax . Fees for new stadiums and concert halls are technically not new , and technically they 're not even controlled by car rental companies . Except that municipalities keep coming up with new ones and car rental companies do n't lobby hard enough to have the fees removed . So rental firms are not completely blameless . Seth Mendelsohn , the president of a food store in Boulder , Colorado , found a $ 4 `` downtown arena '' fee on his bill when he visited Kansas City recently . `` Apparently the city is trying to pay for part of the Sprint Center through car rental fees , '' he told me . There are dozens -- perhaps hundreds -- of these so-called stadium taxes across the country . And new ones keep popping up . One of the latest is a car rental tax in Gwinnett County , Georgia , to build a stadium for the Atlanta Braves . And just last week , legislators proposed a $ 2 tax to fund commuter rail service in South Florida . Extra driver fees . These are n't brand new , but the way in which they 're being enforced has changed recently . When Carol Stevenson and her sister rented a car from Payless in Phoenix , they were asked to pay $ 9 a day more if Stevenson 's sister wanted to drive . `` And that did n't include their insurance waiver , '' she remembers . Why charge for an extra driver ? The simple answer : because they can . In the past , car rental agents looked the other way when two drivers showed up to rent the same car . But now , with money tight , they 're applying more pressure to authorize a second driver . If you do n't fork over the money and happen to get into an accident , they warn , you wo n't be covered by their insurance . Of course , that assumes you buy their overpriced collision-damage waiver in the first place . Odds are , your credit card or car insurance offers comparable coverage . Most of these fees can be avoided by pre-paying for your car through one of the `` opaque '' travel sites such as Hotwire.com or Priceline.com , or by buying through an online travel agency that guarantees its rates . But car rental companies are trying to find a way to stick it to customers with prepaid vouchers , too . I 'll have more on that in a future column . Where will it end ? Something tells me we 're not there yet . Not even close . -LRB- Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine . This column originally appeared on MSNBC.com . You can read more travel tips on his blog , elliott.org or e-mail him at [email protected] -RRB- . © 2009 CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES , INC. . | Beleaguered car rental firms are quietly adding `` absurd '' new surcharges . Charges include : `` Cancellation fee , '' `` energy surcharge , '' `` tire fee , '' `` privilege fee '' Economy resulted in Hertz losing $ 73 million in Q4 ; Avis lost $ 121 million . | [[254, 314], [315, 432], [0, 34], [38, 75], [530, 544], [562, 612], [4695, 4705], [4738, 4758], [5010, 5084], [5333, 5448], [138, 193], [1958, 2013]] |
KATHMANDU , Nepal -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nepal 's prime minister said Monday he will resign to save what he called the country 's `` infant democracy . '' Pushpa Kamal Dahal cited a serious political crisis caused by the president 's `` unconstitutional '' order . It is the latest fallout over the status of Nepal 's army chief , Gen. Rookmangud Katawal . The Maoist government sacked Katawal on Sunday . Hours later , President Ram Baran Yadav reinstated him . Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal , commonly known as Prachanda , resigned on Monday , citing a serious political crisis caused by the president 's `` unconstitutional '' order . `` The dual powers that have been unconstitutionally established in the country must end under any circumstance , '' Prachanda said in a televised address announcing he would resign from the country 's Cabinet . Prachanda is the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal -LRB- Maoist -RRB- , which had been the largest party in Nepal 's coalition government until it recently withdrew . The former guerilla leader headed a decade-long bloody Maoist insurgency to abolish the country 's monarchy before being sworn in as prime minister in August . In his address on Monday , Prachanda blamed certain political parties and `` power centers '' for `` striking at our democracy , constitution and the peace process by putting the president in the forefront of the controversy over the chief of army staff . '' `` This has raised concerns over our infant democracy and the peace process , '' he said . `` I appeal to the people , civil society and political powers to be committed to the struggle for establishing a democratic Nepal . '' Nepal 's interim constitution gives the president powers as supreme commander of the army and guardian of the constitution . Yadav 's spokesman said the president had the support of 18 parties in parliament when he reinstated the army chief . The decision to fire Katawal touched off protests . Supporters of both sides in the dispute took to the streets on Sunday . Despite sporadic clashes between the two factions , there were no serious injuries reported . The Cabinet voted to dismiss Katawal after the military refused the government 's order to stop recruiting about 3,000 new soldiers to fill vacant positions when it has yet to take in former Maoist rebels , as a 2006 peace deal required . The Maoists laid down their arms and won power in 2008 elections after an agreement that ended a decade-long insurgency . Under the deal , more than 19,000 former insurgents were to be integrated into the country 's security forces . Journalist Manesh Shrestha contributed to this report . | Government calls president 's order to keep army chief in office `` unconstitutional '' Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal resigns over order . Maoist government ordered army chief of staff to be fired after recruitment issue . Military refused to stop recruiting soldiers while it has n't accepted ex-Maoist rebels . | [[176, 260], [459, 492], [546, 637], [459, 492], [525, 543], [459, 492], [546, 637], [353, 401], [2129, 2216], [2242, 2356]] |
LONDON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The latest video from Somalia 's al Qaeda-backed Al-Shabaab wing is as slickly produced as a reality TV show but with a startling message -- complete with a hip-hop jihad vibe . Experts think Abu Mansoor al-Amriki , dubbed `` The American '' by al Qaeda , speaks in the Somali video . `` Mortar by mortar , shell by shell , only going to stop when I send them to hell , '' the unidentified voice raps on the video , which runs at least 18 minutes . The video also shows a man reported to be Abu Mansoor al-Amriki , dubbed `` The American '' by al Qaeda . He apparently is now in Somalia training and counseling Somalis from North America and Europe . He speaks in American English . `` Away from your family , away from our friends , away from ice , candy bars , all those things is because we 're waiting to meet the enemy , '' says the man believed to be al-Amriki . Watch part of the video '' Intelligence experts say the video was probably made in recent weeks and comes on the heels of an audio message in March purportedly from Osama bin Laden . In that recording , the al Qaeda leader calls on his `` Muslim brothers in Mujahid Somalia '' to overthrow President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed for cooperating with the West . Al-Shabaab is the militant Islamic wing in Somalia . It means `` Youth '' in Arabic . `` We 're seeing perhaps their most sophisticated attempt so far to really reach an audience of potential recruits in America , and that 's one of the things that made that video very significant , '' said Ben Venzke of the IntelCenter , a Washington-based research group that tracks al Qaeda 's development and messages . `` They 're casting it in a way that 's going to speak to the youth of today , '' Venzke said . `` Most of the time , what we 're seeing in their videos directly parallels what the groups are doing operationally , what they are targeting , where they 're recruiting . '' Sheik Ahmed Matan knows that firsthand . A respected member of Britain 's Somali community , Matan said he knows of hundreds of young Somali men who have returned to Somalia for terrorist training . `` A lot of young people from here , from America , from Canada , from everywhere from Europe -- they went there , '' he said . He added that these men are capable of being sent back home to conduct terrorist operations , even suicide bombings . `` It can be , they can train anytime and send them here , anytime , '' Matan said . Somalis from North America and Europe are beginning to come to terms with the problem of recruitment , he said . The United States and British governments say Somalia is an emerging terror hot spot , which could pose a threat beyond its borders . Matan said he often challenges `` recruiters '' at mosques and elsewhere in Britain , demanding that they stop brainwashing younger Somalis about Islam . He said the government should play a greater role in monitoring what is said and done at these mosques -- but , he concedes , doing so has proved highly controversial in Britain and throughout Europe . There is some evidence that al Qaeda is successfully preying on some of those with Western backgrounds . One of them was a business student from London who suddenly left for Somalia . He surfaced about 18 months ago on a martyrdom video , just before blowing himself up in southern Somalia , killing at least 20 people , officials say . U.S. Defense officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity , also said months ago that one of their worst nightmares would be al Qaeda operating freely in Somalia . Now that nightmare continues , with Somalis in North America and Europe admitting that al Qaeda 's reach is spreading . Venzke said Al-Shabaab has put out more videos than ever before in the past year . `` If that 's what they 're doing publicly , we can only assume how their operations have developed , '' he said . | Al Qaeda 's Somali arm has hip-hop jihad rap and message from `` American '' Intel expert says group is trying `` to reach audience of potential recruits in America '' Video comes on the heels of purported bin Laden message on Somalia . | [[475, 484], [541, 580], [1343, 1465]] |
HO CHI MINH CITY , Vietnam -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- To feel the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City , all you have to do is step out onto a bustling city street . Step to it : Walking through the city 's streets is the best way to see it . Negotiating the roads , chock full of motorbikes and an increasing number of cars , can be daunting . But copy the fearless locals -- they do n't break stride and never retreat -- and put your fate in the hands , or throttle , of the city 's drivers who seems masterful at avoiding each other . A good place to kick off a visit is on one of the main drags , Le Loi , a street that runs through the heart of the city . Near one end is the picturesque Opera House , as well as the majestic City Hall or `` People 's Committee Building '' -LRB- this is still a communist country of course -RRB- . You should n't have to do too much motorbike dodging down Lei Loi and after just a 15 minute stroll from City Hall is the famed Cho Ben Thanh Market . However give yourself more time to stop into galleries or buy a classic piece of communist propaganda along the way . The hundreds of stalls at Cho Ben Thanh offer a mix of traditional culture and tourist kitsch . You can sit with the locals and sip a solid jolt of Vietnamese coffee then move on to shopping for touristy T-shirts and `` authentic chopsticks '' . Many of the stalls feature signs saying the prices are fixed . But if you 're prepared to drive a hard bargain , or buy in bulk , that idea can be amended . It 's also worth a return trip later on in the evening when the market closes and street side restaurants spring up , offering great meals at cheap prices . If you 're looking to get away from the strip of Western hotels in the city center , hail a cab and head over to Cholon , or Ho Chi Minh City 's Chinatown . In the late 18th century , this enclave was actually a separate city from old Saigon but the two were united in the early 1930 's . Today Cholon is home to the Binh Tay Market , which the locals call `` Cho Lon . '' Just do n't confuse it with Ben Thanh , or you 'll be right back where you started . The area is filled with plenty of local color and is a photographer 's dream . Despite mass consumption of bottled water and the finest sunscreen , you 'll need to find a way to beat the heat in Ho Chi Minh City . One of the best ways is to make regular stops at any restaurant or café for a refreshing lime soda . A bowl of the traditional Pho -LRB- pronounced `` fuh '' -RRB- is also a must . It 's said that this simple dish -- consisting of noodles , beef and broth -- was created at food stalls in Hanoi nearly a century ago . But even in Ho Chi Minh you need to walk only a few feet before coming across a food joint claiming to serve the city 's best Pho . In a place with stifling heat and the motorbike madness , an afternoon rest is a wise move , especially if you want to partake in the nightlife . Another dose of Vietnamese coffee will surely have you revived in no time . Or , if you 're in need of some pampering , try a foot massage at any of the countless establishments -- to play it safe and avoid `` additional services '' get a suggestion from any hotel concierge . Is Ho Chi Minh City the most exciting city in Asia for a short break ? Have you say in the `` Sound Off '' box below . If you 're keen to try to play foreign correspondent -- or at least see where they gathered during the days of the Vietnam War - look no further than the Rex Hotel on Nguyen Hue Boulevard . The drinks are wildly overpriced and the crowd seems to be on the `` 5 Asian Cities in 7 Days '' tour , but its large rooftop does offer a great bird 's eye view of the lively streets below . The nearby Temple Club on Ton That Thiep Street offers a quieter setting for a cocktail . Diners also give great reviews for the food . Afterwards , stroll over to Vasco 's on Hai Ba Trung Street . The French colonial style building features bands playing away upstairs with large lounges on the veranda , while downstairs you can settle in for a more mellow night . If your 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh City happens to turn into 36 or 48 , arrange a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels , about 70 kilometers Northwest of the city . The Viet Cong built this maze of passageways , which served as supply lines , during the Vietnam War . The narrow tunnels snake underground for a staggering 200 kilometers . Not only can you take a stroll , or crawl , through a few parts of it , you 'll also be served a unique dose of communist propaganda . Most trips to Cu Chi also include a stop at the very colorful and unique Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh . If these options do n't hit the mark , you can always accept an offer from one of the countless `` moto drivers . '' They 'll have you on the back of their bike and whizzing through the streets in no time . Just hold on tight . And maybe close your eyes . | The city is buzzing with motorbikes , so be quick to get up to speed . All the sights , smells and color of the city can be found around Cho Ben Thanh . Take a break from the heat and traffic with regular pit stops for delicious local food . | [[2322, 2422], [2772, 2827], [2830, 2862]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama 's ambitious strategy for Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan , dubbed `` Afpak '' by administration officials , will face its first test Wednesday when he meets with the leaders of both countries -- neither of which is seen as able to maintain stability and fight strengthening Islamic insurgencies . Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari will meet with Afghanistan 's president and President Obama . The president will meet separately with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari before holding a joint session with the two leaders . The leaders also will hold talks at the State Department , FBI , CIA and on Capitol Hill . Obama will try to build an enduring regional alliance with both countries , enlisting them as full partners rather than treating them as battlefields for U.S. soldiers to fight extremists . But both leaders are seen as weak and are deeply unpopular back home . The Taliban has re-emerged to retake large swaths of Afghanistan , and in recent weeks , Taliban fighters have made alarming advances in Pakistan . Just last week , the State Department warned that al Qaeda continues to enjoy safe haven along the rugged border between the countries , where al Qaeda plots attacks against the U.S. and its allies . U.S. concern has focused on Pakistan , which Rep. Gary Ackerman , D-New York , on Monday aptly warned has its `` pants on fire . '' In Pakistan 's Swat Valley , the government 's recent peace deal with militants pushing for the establishment of strict Islamic law went awry , allowing the Taliban to advance within 60 miles of the capital , Islamabad . The government 's initial inaction prompted Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to accuse Islamabad of abdicating to terrorists . Obama also expressed concern about the fragility of Zardari 's government . Richard Holbrooke , Obama 's formidable point man for Afpak , insists Pakistan is n't a failed state . Yet there is plenty of concern in Washington that Zardari 's government could fall , leaving Pakistan 's considerable nuclear arsenal at risk . Holbrooke also played down reports the U.S. is courting Zardari 's main political rival , former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif . Rather , officials say the U.S. wants the two men to work together , which would divert Zardari 's attention away from domestic political squabbles and enable him to unite the country in the fight against extremists . This is the U.S. main challenge -- persuading Pakistan to focus on what it considers a `` mortal threat , '' and not on what Obama himself has called the Pakistani military 's misguided `` obsession '' with neighboring India . The Taliban advances seem to have delivered a wake-up call to the government , which has launched an offensive against the militants . To help , Obama has asked Congress to quickly approve hundreds of millions of dollars in emergency aid to help the Pakistanis combat the insurgency and is supporting a $ 7.5 billion civilian aid package over the next five years . Concerned about reports that the Pakistani military is working at cross-purposes and , in some cases , aiding the Taliban , Congress is trying to condition the money on progress made by Pakistani forces in rooting out extremists . A key component of the U.S. strategy is a surge in civilian assistance to boost domestic support for both governments . In an effort to promote more economic development and cooperation between the U.S. and the two countries , the ministers of agriculture and finance from both countries have been invited to Washington to join the talks . While the U.S. focus clearly has been on Pakistan , violence in Afghanistan has reached its highest levels since Taliban forces were driven from power after the U.S. invaded in the fall of 2001 in response to the 9/11 terror attacks . The U.S. wants to ensure stability in the lead-up to August elections , which is why Obama has committed 21,000 additional troops , in addition to the much needed economic assistance . Since talking office in January , Obama and other U.S. officials have been tough on Karzai , criticizing his government as ineffective and weak on corruption . Karzai further angered U.S. officials this week when he named Mohammad Qasim Fahim , a powerful warlord accused of violating human rights , as his vice presidential running mate , despite warnings from Secretary of State Clinton that Fahim would be a polarizing choice . But despite the belief by many in Washington it is time for Karzai to go , the Afghan president arrived this week in Washington virtually assured re-election , having persuaded his main opposition not to run against him . In a speech Tuesday , Karzai wisely said `` money ca n't buy you love '' and `` force wo n't buy you obedience '' Those sentiments illustrate one of the deficits in Obama 's strategy . While the U.S. hopes the additional assistance will turn both leaders into reliable allies , the administration has yet to unveil a plan for communicating directly to the Afghan and Pakistani populations , both of which are skeptical of the U.S. intentions toward their countries . Additionally , the U.S. has focused its diplomacy so far on officials at the federal level , and efforts to establish strong and regular lines of communication with provincial government officials are in their infancy . That has contributed to the lack of U.S. influence in Pakistan during the Taliban 's recent advances in the Northwest Frontier . Creating and implementing an effective strategy toward Afghanistan , and more importantly , Pakistan , is proving to be one of the most challenging , yet important , foreign policy issues facing the Obama administration . Wednesday 's talks will be the first indicator as to whether the U.S. has two partners in what has been dubbed `` Obama 's war . '' CNN 's Jill Dougherty contributed to this report . | Obama to meet with leaders of Afghanistan , Pakistan on Wednesday . President 's ambitious agenda for nations faces its first critical test . Recent Taliban gains in nuclear-armed Pakistan especially worrisome . Analysis : Lack of influence with the populace could weaken Obama 's hand . | [[0, 26], [148, 243], [349, 447], [1036, 1112]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Trains and text messages made a deadly combination when two locomotives collided head-on last year near Los Angeles , California , witnesses told an investigative panel this week . Firefighters and investigators inspect the wreckage a day after a train collision in California killed 25 people . Metrolink commuter train engineer Robert Sanchez missed a stop signal while trading text messages with a friend on September 12 , leading to a collision with a Union Pacific freight train that killed Sanchez and 24 other people in Chatsworth , California . The accident injured 101 people and caused $ 10.6 million in damages , according to a report by federal investigators . One National Transportation Safety Board member worries other disasters loom on the nation 's rail system . `` One train , one day , one crew . It raises questions for me as to what the heck else is going on out there , '' said Kitty Higgins , chairwoman of a two-day NTSB hearing in Washington on the accident . Sanchez violated his employer 's safety rules by even having a cell phone in the cab of the locomotive , a supervisor testified . Watch what investigators found '' Phone records show Sanchez was not only texting a friend just 22 seconds before the collision , but he also had made plans to allow the same friend to actually operate the train . This was a text conversation four days before the crash : . -LSB- Sanchez to friend -RSB- : `` I 'm REALLY looking forward to getting you in the cab and showing you how to run a locomotive . '' -LSB- Friend to Sanchez -RSB- : `` OMG dude me too . Running a locomotive . Having all of that in the palms of my hands . '' -LSB- Sanchez to friend -RSB- : `` I 'm gon na do all the radio talkin ' ... ur gon na run the locomotive & I 'm gon na tell u how to do it . '' At the hearing , officials said Sanchez had been caught with a cell phone twice before . Once another employee turned him in , another time a manager called his phone to see if it was with him in the train cab . `` The engineer 's cell phone rang . It was in his briefcase on the other side of the train . I told the engineer that he was in violation of our policy , '' Rick Dahl , who was a safety manager with Metrolink at the time of the accident , told the NTSB investigative panel . Federal regulations do not cover cell phone use by train crews . Records also indicate Sanchez previously had allowed unauthorized people to ride in the cab , and one person even sat at the controls while the train was operating , investigators said . Phone company records indicate the Union Pacific freight train conductor , who was not named and who survived , also sent a text message about two minutes before the collision , but no other crew member sent or received any messages while on duty , investigators said . That train crew followed all signals and other procedures properly , according to an NTSB timeline . The Metrolink train stopped at a station for 57 seconds to allow passengers to exit and board the train , according to an animation of the timeline presented at the hearing . `` The engineer is required to call all signals and indications via radio , '' Dahl testified . Sanchez did not call any of the last three signals before the crash , investigators determined . The freight train was supposed to move onto a siding to allow the Metrolink train to pass , but it never got there because the commuter train ignored a stop signal and intercepted it at a curve . The freight train was just emerging from a tunnel in the rugged Topanga Canyon , and the trains were visible to each other in the curve for only about five seconds , according to the report . At the time of impact , the Metrolink train was traveling about 42 mph and the Union Pacific train 41 mph . The freight train braked for two seconds before impact ; the commuter train did n't brake at all , according to onboard data recorders . Investigators found no problems with the signals , the trains ' brakes and radios or the tracks . The Union Pacific conductor 's blood and urine tested positive for marijuana , but no other crew member 's from either train did . A final report on the Southern California crash is months away . A month after the crash , former President Bush signed into law a bill requiring the railroad industry to implement by 2016 a rail-traffic control system akin to the familiar air-traffic control system in the nation 's airports . Such a system had been on the NTSB 's `` wish list '' since 1990 , an agency press release said . `` Many lives will be saved as a result of this legislation , '' NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker said at the time . CNN 's Ted Rowlands and Jim Kavanagh contributed to this report . | NTSB : Train engineer missed stop signal just before crash . September crash in California killed 25 , injured 101 . Railroad rules prohibit cell phone use ; federal regulations do n't . Engineer planned to let friend operate train , records indicate . | [[3388, 3487], [200, 230], [264, 314], [572, 603], [2301, 2365], [1265, 1271], [1277, 1316], [1269, 1271], [1292, 1348]] |
-LRB- Mental Floss -RRB- -- Although you probably use it every day , here 's some interesting trivia you may not know about deodorant . Actor Matthew McConaughey reportedly does n't wear deodorant . 1 . Be thankful for your foul body odor . According to anthropologist Louis Leakey , it might be responsible for early man 's survival . Leakey 's theory claims that most predators avoided feasting on humans because our body odor was `` too repugnant . '' 2 . Not only did the ancient Egyptians give us pyramids and flush toilets , they also pioneered the field of deodorants . Egyptians were the first to popularize the idea of applying scents to armpits , usually using cinnamon and other spices that would n't turn rancid in the heat . 3 . The Roman poet Ovid preferred a more proactive solution . In Book III of the Art of Love , he cautions women against carrying goats under their arms . 4 . Antiperspirants are classified as drugs by the FDA . Technically , they affect and/or alter your body 's natural functions . 5 . The first modern brand of antiperspirant , EverDry , hit drugstores in 1903 . The original formula was so acidic that it regularly ate through clothing . 6 . Of course , modern antiperspirants can also ruin your clothing . Aluminum chloride , the ingredient that blocks glandular openings and prevents sweating , is notorious for turning T-shirts yellow . So , blame your antiperspirant for your pit stains , not your body . 7 . Offensive body odor is actually illegal in libraries in San Luis Obispo County , California . Mental Floss : Weird wedding laws still on the books . 8 . One thing modern antiperspirants do n't do is cause degenerative diseases . Medical science has found no conclusive evidence that absorbing aluminum chloride through the skin can lead to memory loss or slurred speech . 9 . Aoki , a Japanese company known for its menswear , has developed a deodorant suit that supposedly absorbs sweat and neutralizes odors all over the body . 10 . But that 's nothing ! The greatest Japanese innovation in the fight against B.O. is Fuwarinka scented gum . The so-called `` functional candy '' contains aromatic compounds that cause your skin to release `` Fresh Citrus '' or `` Fruity Rose '' aromas for up to 6 hours after chewing . 11 . When Kurt Cobain wrote the lyrics for Nirvana 's breakout song `` Smells Like Teen Spirit , '' he did n't know Teen Spirit was a popular deodorant brand . The Mennen Company , which produced the deodorant , would n't say whether the song caused sales to spike , but six months after the single debuted , Colgate bought the company for $ 670 million . Mental Floss : 7 food promotions gone horribly wrong . 12 . In May 2008 , actor Matthew McConaughey revealed that he never uses deodorant or antiperspirant . The next day , he received a year 's supply of deodorant body spray from the Axe Company , along with a note on why he might want to start . For more mental_floss articles , visit mentalfloss.com . Entire contents of this article copyright , Mental Floss LLC . All rights reserved . | Anthropologist : Predators avoided early humans because body odor too rank . Egyptians were first to popularize applying scents to armpits . Offensive body odor is actually illegal in one U.S. city 's libraries . Actor Matthew McConaughey reportedly does n't wear deodorant . | [[336, 451], [365, 451], [577, 696], [1455, 1533], [136, 198], [2692, 2703], [2706, 2789]] |
BOSTON , Massachusetts -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A 22-year-old medical student suspected of killing a woman he may have met through a Craigslist online ad was arraigned Tuesday and will be held without bail . Medical student Philip Markoff , 22 , appears in court Tuesday in Boston , Massachusetts . Philip Markoff , a second-year student at Boston University 's School of Medicine , listened intently but did not speak during the hearing in Boston Municipal Court . Dressed in a blue-striped shirt and slacks , Markoff was handcuffed and wearing leg irons . His attorney , John Salsberg , told reporters after the hearing that Markoff is `` not guilty of the charges . He has his family 's support . I have not received any document or report or piece of evidence other than what I heard in the courtroom . All I have at the moment are words -- no proof of anything . '' A woman identifying herself as Markoff 's fiancee also maintained his innocence in an e-mail sent to ABC News . Megan McAllister said Markoff `` is the wrong man '' and `` was set up . '' `` Unfortunately , you were given wrong information as was the public , '' McAllister wrote . `` All I have to say to you is Philip is a beautiful person inside and out and could not hurt a fly ! '' She accused Boston police of `` trying to make big bucks by selling this false story to the TV stations . What else is new ?? '' Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley told reporters , `` This was a brutal , vicious crime -- savage . And it shows that Philip Markoff is a man who 's willing to take advantage of women -- to hurt them , to beat them , to rob them . '' A procedural not-guilty plea was entered on Markoff 's behalf , Conley said . A Boston University spokeswoman said the school suspended Markoff , who has no criminal record , when it learned of the charges on Monday . Markoff is charged with killing 26-year-old Julissa Brisman of New York on April 14 at Boston 's Copley Marriott Hotel . Evidence from the scene suggests that Brisman `` put up a fight , '' prosecutor Jennifer Hickman said during the hearing Tuesday . Police said Brisman , a model , advertised as a masseuse on Craigslist , a popular online classifieds service . She sustained blunt head trauma , Hickman said , and was shot three times at close range . One of those bullets passed through her heart , killing her , she said . Markoff is also charged in connection with the robbery four days earlier of a woman at a Westin Hotel . In that case , the woman made arrangements to meet a man through Craigslist for a massage at the hotel , but was held at gunpoint and bound , Hickman said . She was robbed of $ 800 and personal items , and left tied to a door handle with duct tape over her mouth , Hickman said in court Tuesday . Police said earlier the Westin victim was 29 . She was not identified . Authorities believe the motive in Brisman 's death was robbery , Conley told reporters , and she was killed during a struggle . In executing a search warrant at Markoff 's home , police found a firearm , along with restraints and duct tape , he said . Watch police say assailant has perused Craigslist ads '' Surveillance videos from the hotel where Brisman was murdered showed a tall , clean-cut young blond man in a black windbreaker leaving the property , according to Boston police , who sought public assistance identifying the man . Police traced the Internet communications with Brisman to an e-mail account opened the day before her death , Conley said . Using Internet provider information , they found the computer was at Markoff 's residence in Quincy , Massachusetts , he said . Authorities put the home under surveillance , Conley said , and `` the case just begins to build from there . '' `` This poor woman , Julissa Brisman , no matter what choices she made or decisions she made in life , she is a human being who 's entitled to dignity and respect , '' Conley said . There may be more victims that authorities are unaware of , he said , adding that the prosecutor 's goal is to hold Markoff accountable , not to pursue women who may be advertising on Craigslist . `` If you have been a victim like these victims have , please come forward , '' he said . Markoff is `` bearing up , '' according to attorney Salsberg . `` It 's obviously a difficult time for anybody in these circumstances with the charges that have been brought against him . ... He 's pleaded not guilty . He is not guilty , '' said Salsberg . McAllister , in her e-mail to ABC , wrote , `` Philip is an intelligent man who is just trying to live his life , so if you could leave us alone we would greatly appreciate it . We expect to marry in August and share a wonderful , meaningful life together . '' The couple 's wedding Web site had been taken down or was unavailable as of Tuesday afternoon . Authorities in Boston are working with police in Warwick , Rhode Island , on what could be a related case . On April 16 at a Holiday Inn Express in Warwick , a man tied up and demanded money from a 26-year-old dancer who had posted a Craigslist advertisement , Warwick Police Chief Col. Stephen McCartney said . The robbery was interrupted when the woman 's husband entered the room . After pointing his gun at the husband , the suspect fled , McCartney said . He said no conclusions could be made yet , but allowed that the incident `` may be related to similar crimes occurring in the Boston area . '' Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster told CNN the company is `` horrified and deeply saddened that our community services have been associated in any way whatsoever with a crime of violence . '' He promised that Craigslist will evaluate the incident to see if additional measures could be introduced to protect users . CNN 's Mary Snow and Jason Kessler contributed to this report . | Not-guilty plea entered in Philip Markoff 's behalf in woman 's slaying in Boston . Prosecutors say semiautomatic firearm found in search of student 's home . CEO says Craigslist looking for ways to make site safer in wake of killing . E-mail from suspect 's fiancee says police have `` wrong man '' | [[1628, 1689], [4412, 4438], [2975, 3023], [3026, 3048], [5626, 5749], [5638, 5719], [5668, 5749], [865, 914], [920, 957], [977, 1044]] |
BEIJING , China -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Consumers in Beijing 's malls and shops are shunning the milk and poultry sections -- for good reasons . Poultry products , including eggs , may be contaminated with melamine through animal food . They are shocked and scared by the news headlines : some food produced in China is tainted with melamine . `` Of course I 'm worried , '' says a woman shopping in Nanxiaojie Market . Stop eating eggs ? `` That 's not possible , '' she tells CNN . `` If there 's a problem with eggs , it should be solved fundamentally . '' Chinese premier Wen Jiabao says China will take steps to win back consumers . `` We will use our actions and high quality of our food products to win the trust and confidence of Chinese people and people around the world , '' he told reporters at the end of a two-day summit of Asian and European leaders in Beijing last weekend . Watch more about the tainted food scandal '' `` Three minister-level officials have resigned and a government investigation is going on . Whoever is responsible must be brought to justice . We need to protect the Made in China brand , '' said Chinese analyst Victor Gao . But the problem could be more pervasive . The state-run Nanfang Daily published an investigative story saying that adding melamine into animal feed has become an `` open secret . '' The report said adding melamine into feed started in the aquatic farming industry five years ago , as a way of faking higher protein levels . Learn more about chemical melamine '' It then spread into other agro-industries such as poultry . Even more shocking is the allegation that the melamine added is from industrial waste material . CNN contacted the Ministry of Agriculture about the story , but got no immediate response . Two years ago , reports revealed pet food exported from China to the United States was spiked with melamine and had sickened and killed dogs . Several weeks ago , the food scandal spread to milk , biscuits and candies . Now , it is tainted eggs . So far , no illnesses or deaths have been linked to eggs . Tests in Hong Kong last week showed eggs exported by a Chinese company are contaminated with excessive levels of melamine . In recent days three other brands of eggs have also been found to contain the chemical . Small wonder egg sales at the Xinfadi , a wholesale market in Beijing , dropped by 10 percent this week , according to the state-run China Daily . Chinese officials say the source of the problem is melamine , an industrial chemical used to produce plastics and fertilizer . Melamine is high in nitrogen . Unscrupulous milk suppliers would water down milk and spike it with melamine -- but in amounts that allowed it to still pass quality tests . Agriculture experts speculate that eggs tainted with melamine may be the result of tainted feed given to hens . That begs the question : if melamine was in the animal feed , will it make into the meat , and into consumers ' bodies ? Ingesting melamine in large doses over an extended period of time could cause kidney stones and other illnesses , agriculture and health experts say . But taking in a small amount of melamine poses no such danger . `` If it 's taken over a long period of time , maybe , but if it 's ingested only for short period of time it does not pose harm on animals , '' says He Jiguo , a professor of food science and nutrition at the China Agriculture University . He says the animals that end up being slaughtered do not live that long and do not actually ingest enough melamine for it to build up in their systems . The dogs and cats that were sickened in the United States were probably eating treats and meals tainted with melamine over a long period of time , he explains . Until the situation is resolved , worried grocery shoppers in Beijing say they 'll just have to eat fewer eggs and more bean-products , like soybeans . | Chinese premier Wen Jiabao says China will try to win back consumers . Melamine is said to have been added to animal food products . Report : Adding melamine to feed started in aquatic farming 5 years ago . Some grocery shoppers say to eat fewer eggs and more bean-products . | [[555, 632], [587, 632], [140, 173], [176, 231], [284, 338], [2874, 2905], [1340, 1481], [1363, 1436], [3737, 3756], [3771, 3888]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Terrell Owens , a former San Francisco 49er and a former Philadelphia Eagle , is now a former Dallas Cowboy . The Cowboys released Owens late Wednesday , according to published reports . The Dallas Cowboys have decided to part ways with wide receiver Terrell Owens , according to published reports . Questions surrounding the future of the controversial wide receiver have swirled since the Cowboys ' season ended with a 44-6 loss at Philadelphia that kept Dallas out of the playoffs . Owner Jerry Jones had said in recent weeks that he had not decided whether to keep or release Owens . In early February , Jones struck down an ESPN report that Jones ' son , Stephen , who is the team 's vice president , was lobbying his father to cut the wide receiver . Owens signed a three-year , $ 25 million contract with Dallas in March 2006 . He signed a new four-year , $ 34 million deal that included a $ 12 million signing bonus , in June 2008 . Owens finished the 2008 season 69 receptions for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns . In Owens ' three seasons with the team , the Cowboys went 31-17 , but 0-2 in the playoffs . While Owens has produced solid numbers on the field , his career has been plagued with controversy . After Owens left the San Francisco 49ers in 2003 , he insinuated in an interview with Playboy magazine that his then-quarterback , Jeff Garcia , was homosexual . As a Philadelphia Eagle , Owens made headlines for coming back to play in Super Bowl XXX after suffering a severely sprained ankle and a fractured fibula weeks earlier . The following season , he voiced his displeasure with QB Donovan McNabb and Eagles management , which led to a four-game suspension without pay and his eventual deactivitation from the team . In September 2006 , police responded to Owens ' home after his publicist found the wide receiver unresponsive with an empty bottle of painkillers . Owens refuted reports that it was a suicide attempt and claimed a combination of painkillers and supplements made him groggy . This past season , Owens was reportedly jealous of Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo 's relationship with tight end Jason Witten . According to published reports , Owens believed Romo and Witten held private meetings and created plays without including him . Published reports also said Owens had issues with Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett 's play-calling . -- CNN.com 's Kamal Wallace contributed to this report . | Sources : Dallas Cowboys release wide receiver Terrell Owens . Owens signed new four-year , $ 34 million deal in June 2008 . Owens ' career has been plagued by controversy . | [[129, 170], [206, 283], [854, 942], [1133, 1184], [1187, 1233]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Turkish Airlines plane that crashed this week in Amsterdam fell almost vertically to the ground , making only a short track in the muddy farmer 's field where it went down , Dutch investigators said Friday . Dutch investigators continue to probe the crash site for more clues . That sudden drop indicates the aircraft did not have enough forward speed when it crashed , a spokesman for the Dutch Safety Board said , but the reasons for that are still unclear . It is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash , spokesman Fred Sanders told CNN . Reports that it was caused by engine failure are premature , he said . `` There must have been ... reasons why the plane did not get enough speed , '' Sanders said . `` We do n't know yet why this came about , and that 's the main thing that will have to be investigated . '' Wednesday 's crash of Flight 1951 from Istanbul , Turkey , to Amsterdam killed nine and injured more than 60 of the 135 people on board . The crash , less than 500 yards short of the runway , split the plane into three parts . Watch crash survivors return home '' Weather conditions at the time were favorable . Passengers described feeling the plane suddenly drop before impact , and at least one passenger said he heard the pilot trying to give more power to the engines before the plane went down . Safety Board specialists are analyzing the flight data and voice recorders and expect to finish their work at the crash site this weekend , Sanders said . Pieces relevant to the probe will be brought to a hangar at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for further analysis . Watch how survivors described crash '' The Safety Board may release preliminary findings next week , Sanders said . The nine dead included five Turks and four Americans , said Theo Weterings , the mayor of Haarlemmermeer municipality , where the airport is located . See where 737-800 has been involved in previous incidents '' There were four Boeing employees on the flight , and three were killed , the company said Friday in a posting on its Web site , citing the U.S. Embassy in Amsterdam as its source . The fourth employee is hospitalized . The flight 's pilot , Captain Hasan Tahsin Arisan , with more than 12,000 hours in the cockpit of Boeing 737s , also died . Before becoming the pilot of passenger planes , Arisan was a Turkish Air Force squadron commander and F-4 Phantom Fighter pilot , famed for engaging in mock dog-fights with rival Greek pilots over the Aegean Sea . An airline workers union mired in an ugly labor dispute with Turkish Airlines called Friday for the resignation of the company 's top management , as well as the sacking of top government ministers . Atilay Aycin , the chairman of Hava-Is which claims to represent 12,000 workers , denounced Turkish Airlines executives at a news conference Friday , accusing them of `` failing to manage a crisis '' and calling Wednesday 's plane crash `` work-related murder . '' A week before the accident , Hava-Is published a statement that accused Turkish Airlines management of `` inviting a disaster '' by `` ignoring the most basic function of flight safety , which is plane maintenance services . '' After the crash , Turkish newspapers reported the Boeing 737 had had a series of malfunctions in the days and weeks before the fatal flight . Turkish Airlines defended its maintenance record . `` Turkish Airlines , which strictly follows its work on flight safety , followed all the maintenance procedures of the plane manufacturer -LSB- and -RSB- national and international authorities ' directives for this plane , '' an airline statement said . In its news release , Turkish Airlines noted a signal light and a wing-flap had recently been replaced on the aircraft . Turkey 's flagship airline is well-rated internationally for its overall safety record . Some aviation industry experts in Turkey have played down the critical comments coming from Hava-Is , calling them overheated rhetoric . `` These are just political slogans , '' said Savas Sen , a Turkish Airlines pilot and the head of Turkey Airline Pilots ' Association . `` It 's just like an argument between a child and his father . '' | NEW : Dead pilot used to engage in mock dog fights when in Turkish air force . Investigators : Turkish Airlines plane fell almost vertically to ground . Sudden drop indicates aircraft did not have enough forward speed , official says . Three Boeing employees killed , one remains hospitalized , company says . | [[0, 15], [82, 93], [105, 118], [301, 374], [328, 390], [682, 720], [723, 740], [2127, 2164]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Actor Tim Roth is in an abandoned building near downtown Los Angeles , and he 's about to mix things up . British actor Tim Roth plays a human lie detector on the hit series `` Lie to Me . '' `` This is a scene where the FBI is interrogating a suspect , '' Roth said . `` I 'm breaking into the interrogation to get information out of him using the sort of techniques that my character espouses as opposed to pressuring him . '' Roth , who plays Dr. Cal Lightman on the hit Fox series `` Lie to Me , '' is shooting scenes for the season finale , which will air May 13 . His character is an expert on body language and the detection of deception . `` Our series is based on the idea that we can read what 's going on across your face and if it 's contradicting what you 're actually saying , '' Roth said . Lightman and his colleague , Dr. Gillian Foster -- played by Kelli Williams -- run `` The Lightman Group . '' They observe body language and interpret what it means in order to help law enforcement agencies see through the bull . His character is based on Dr. Paul Ekman , a specialist who reads clues embedded in the human face , body and voice to expose the truth in criminal investigations . Ekman , who in 2001 was named as one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century by the American Psychological Association , is a scientific consultant for the show . Roth says Ekman can be intimidating . `` He makes me very , very nervous , Paul , you know , '' he said . `` I mean , he 's the sweetest man , as sweet as can be , but when he 's around , you feel like your acting is really being judged . '' Roth is perhaps best known for his outings with famed director Quentin Tarantino . The British actor pulled off a convincing American accent in the cult classics `` Reservoir Dogs '' and `` Pulp Fiction . '' He uses his true-Brit accent in `` Lie to Me , '' which debuted in January and is one of the season 's few successful new dramas . In a review for Entertainment Weekly , critic-at-large Ken Tucker wrote that `` Like ` Monk ' and ` Psych ' and ` The Mentalist , ' ` Lie ' offers us an eccentric who 's brought in by law enforcement to solve crimes . '' Though he gave the show a B-minus , Tucker praised Roth for `` resist -LSB- ing -RSB- the cuddly/cranky . '' The show has quickly found its fan base , though ratings have declined slightly since the show was put in its 8 p.m. Wednesday time slot , ahead of `` American Idol . '' -LRB- The first five episodes aired after `` Idol . '' -RRB- . `` I got stopped because one of my lights was out and I was coming back from work and the guy , the cop that stopped me said ` Oh , we watch your show ' and they seemed to enjoy it , '' said Roth . `` ER '' alum Mekhi Phifer is set to join the cast as an FBI agent for two episodes this season , starting Thursday . `` I 'm here to kick ass and take names , you know . So it 's kind of different , '' Phifer said . `` It 's fun , you know . Obviously , I carry a gun and I 'm in law enforcement rather than being a doctor . '' Phifer particularly likes acting in intense scenes with Roth . `` I have my own way of doing it , '' he said . `` It 's a little different than the way Tim does it . It 's a lot of fun , and we 're having a great time . '' And will time spent on the show help Phifer better detect when people are lying to him in real life ? `` It 's going to take a few more episodes , but I 'm pretty perceptive , '' he said . Roth , however , makes no claims of special powers -- at least when he 's away from the set . `` I try not to know too much , because it actually is quite extraordinary , '' he says . `` When you watch politicians on TV , you can use the stuff that Paul does to see if they 're lying or not . I try not to take it home . '' | British actor Tim Roth stars in the hit Fox series `` Lie to Me '' Actor best known for his appearances in Quentin Tarantino films . Roth plays a body language expert who can detect liars . `` ER '' alum Mekhi Phifer is set to join the cast . | [[150, 217], [473, 477], [484, 528], [1668, 1750], [1668, 1672], [1689, 1750], [150, 217], [614, 690], [2768, 2863]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A fourth man was charged Tuesday with murder in the shooting death of University of Memphis football player Taylor Bradford , Memphis police said . Devin Jefferson , 21 , planned the armed robbery of Bradford because he thought the football player was carrying a large amount of cash , police said . `` He was the brain trust on this one , he was the one that got the information that Taylor had cash , '' Sgt. Vince Higgins said . `` Taylor and Jefferson knew each other . They had a girlfriend in common so there was some history there . '' Police investigating a car crash on September 30 found Bradford , 21 , fatally wounded near the campus residence hall area . He had apparently gotten into his car after he was shot and drove a short distance before crashing into a tree . The 5-foot-11 , 300-pound defensive lineman from Nashville was taken to Regional Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead . DaeShawn Tate , 21 , Victor Trezevant , 21 , and Courtney Washington , 22 , have been charged with murder in perpetration of attempted aggravated robbery , Memphis Police Department Director Larry Godwin said Monday . Homicide investigators developed their case with the help of a citizen 's tip and from Crimestoppers , Godwin said . `` It was an attempted robbery , aggravated robbery , '' he said . `` He -LSB- Bradford -RSB- was targeted because of some information that was out there and the fact that they believed he had some cash , or he had something that they wanted . '' Officials at the 21,000-student school said Bradford , a marketing major who lived on campus , was popular with the football team and on the campus . He had transferred from Samford University in Birmingham , Alabama , and was 36 credit hours short of graduation . E-mail to a friend . | Devin Jefferson , 21 , charged with murder in shooting death of football player . University of Memphis athlete Taylor Bradford , 21 , found dead September 30 . Three others in custody ; police say Jefferson was the `` brain trust '' behind crime . After player was shot , he got in his car , drove off and then crashed into a tree . | [[562, 630], [687, 799], [731, 733], [747, 799]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Around 200 new species of frogs have been found in Madagascar , one of the world 's biodiversity hotspots . A study has found nearly 200 new species of frogs in Madagascar . A study identified between 129 and 221 new species of frogs on the island . The Spanish Scientific Research Council -LRB- CSIC -RRB- , who carried out the study , believe the find could practically double the number of amphibians known in the world if the results are extrapolated at a global scale . The study , published in the journal `` Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA , '' suggests that the number of amphibian species in Madagascar has been significantly underestimated . `` The diversity of species in Madagascar is far from being known and there is still a lot of scientific research to be done . Our data suggest that the number of new species of amphibians not only has been underestimated but it is spatially widespread , even in well studied areas , '' said Professor David R. Vieites , CSIC researcher to the press at the Spanish National Natural Sciences Museum in Madrid . `` For example , two of the most visited and studied national parks , Ranomafana and Mantadía / Analamazaotra , harbor 31 and 10 new species respectively . '' Dr. Frank Glaw , curator of herpetology at the Zoologische Staatssammlung from Munich was part of the research team : `` During the past 15 years , we discovered and described over 100 new frog species from Madagascar , which led us to believe that our species inventory is almost complete . But as our new surveys show , there are many more species than we suspected , '' he said in a press statement . The paper suggests that the total biodiversity on the island could be much higher in other species as well , so the actual destruction of natural habitats may be affecting more animals than previously thought . This has important consequences for conservation planning , as the rate of destruction of rainforests in Madagascar has been one of the highest in the planet , with more than 80 percent of the historic surface of rainforest already lost , according to the study 's authors . Almost a quarter of the new species discovered have not been found yet in protected areas , but the unstable political situation in Madagascar has also been cited as hampering conservation efforts . `` Although a lot of reserves and national parks have been created in Madagascar during the last decade , the actual situation of politic instability is allowing the cut of the forest within national parks , generating a lot of uncertainty about the future of the planned network of protected areas '' , said Vieites . Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and one of the most biodiverse areas globally , with a high degree of endemic species . `` To get an idea of its biodiversity -- while in the Iberian Peninsula -LSB- there -RSB- are about 30 species of amphibians and in Germany about 20 , in a single locality in Madagascar we can find around 100 species of frogs , '' said Vieites . Dr. Miguel Vences , professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig , Germany , who was also part of the study team , and believes that a century of new species discovery is just beginning : `` People think that we know which plant and animal species live on this planet . But the majority of life forms on Earth is still awaiting scientific recognition . '' | Nearly 200 new species of amphibians found on biodiversity hotspot of Madagascar . Study found many outside of the island 's conservation areas . Political instability in the country makes conservation efforts extra difficult . | [[0, 15], [19, 80], [127, 192], [193, 268], [1415, 1417], [1433, 1484], [2157, 2246], [2249, 2355]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Safety advocates are fighting efforts to allow tractor-trailers to carry heavier loads on highways , saying the trucks are already too dangerous . But at least one group says adding an axle would improve safety margins so such loads can be carried . Mark and Tracy Quinichett , whose daughter was killed in a wreck , speak Monday against raising trucks ' load limits . `` It is a public health crisis , '' policy activist Joan Claybrook said Monday , announcing a petition drive to fight larger loads that could be authorized as part of a transportation bill moving through Congress . At a Monday news conference , Claybrook -- who chaired the National Highway Transportation Administration during the Carter administration -- and her Truck Safety Coalition presented several families who have lost a loved one to a highway accident involving commercial trucks . A new Web site from the coalition , StopBiggerTrucks.org , provides statistics the group believes will persuade people to pressure lawmakers to leave truck limits as they stand . But an industry group , the Coalition for Transportation Productivity , hopes lawmakers will approve a proposal to add an axle to today 's big rigs -- an action it says will allow higher load limits and lead to safer roads . Adding an axle would give big rigs 22 wheels , up from the current 18 . Without the change , `` more trucks will have to take to the road '' to handle rising cargo demand , said John Runyan , co-chairman of the truck cargo industry group . Runyan was at the back of the room during the other group 's news conference , where families gave tearful accounts of losing loved ones in truck wrecks . One of those couples , Mark and Tracy Quinichett , lost their 21-year-old daughter a few months ago when a truck 's wheel flew off and crashed through the windshield of her car on the Capital Beltway outside Washington . `` The larger the trucks -- it 's just so much more dangerous . And if they are allowed to make these trucks larger , it 's going to be a real , real problem , even more than it is right now , '' Mark Quinichett said . Runyan told CNN that going from 18 wheels to 22 wheels would allow for the safe transportation of heavier loads because the weight would be more evenly distributed . | A petition drive is fighting effort to let trucks carry larger loads . `` It is a public health crisis , '' policy activist Joan Claybrook says . Truck industry group argues adding wheels would make heavier loads safe . Industry group : If load limit is n't increased , we 'll need more trucks on the road . | [[433, 466], [481, 530], [492, 588], [402, 430], [433, 478], [181, 266], [2132, 2243], [1390, 1437], [1390, 1404], [1415, 1467], [1390, 1404], [1470, 1536]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two Americans banned from entering the United Kingdom because the government feels they have been `` stirring up hatred '' responded by slamming the country 's home secretary , and one of them threatened to sue her . Jacqui Smith said she did not hesitate to name and shame those who foster extremist views . Radio talk show host Michael Savage and the anti-gay Rev. Fred Phelps were listed Tuesday among white supremacists and radical Islamic clerics who will not be allowed into the country . Savage , whose conservative daily show can be heard on radio stations across America , lashed out in an audio clip on his Web site and devoted seven stories on his main page to the ban . He is listed under his real name , Michael Alan Wiener . Britain 's Home Office said it decided to exclude the 22 people on the list after measures by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith last year targeting people `` who have engaged in spreading hate . '' `` She has painted a target on my back , linking me with people who are in prison for killing people , '' Savage said . `` How could they put Michael Savage in the same league as mass murderers when I have never avowed violence ? '' Watch more about Savage 's reaction '' According to the British Home Office , Savage is on the list for `` seeking to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred which might lead to inter-community violence . '' Smith said she is determined to keep those who `` spread extremism , hatred and violent messages '' out of the country . `` Coming to the UK is a privilege , and I refuse to extend that privilege to individuals who abuse our standards and values to undermine our way of life , '' Smith said . `` Therefore , I do not hesitate to name and shame those who foster extremist views , as I want them to know that they are not welcome here . The Home Office named only 16 people on the list , saying it was not in the public interest to disclose the names of the other six . Savage called Smith a `` witch '' in the audio clip and asked why six names on the list were n't released . He also questioned why North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez did n't make the list . Savage said he has seven attorneys working on a defamation lawsuit against Smith and encouraged his listeners to call off any travel plans to England and boycott all British products . Savage 's show is not syndicated in England . The outspoken Kansas Rev. Fred Phelps and his daughter , Shirley Phelps-Roper , also made the list for `` engaging in unacceptable behavior and fostering hatred . '' Phelps did not issue a response on his Web site . However , the site linked to a British news story on the ban and the link called Smith a `` neo-Nazi dyke '' and `` filthy God-hater . '' Phelps and his followers at Topeka 's Westboro Baptist Church oppose homosexuality . They picket the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq , saying their deaths are God 's way of punishing the United States for supporting homosexuals . They have expressed similar views about the victims of the September 11 , 2001 , attacks and Hurricane Katrina . The church 's slogan is `` God Hates Fags . '' Also on the list : . • Former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard Don Black , who established the white supremacist Web site Stormfront , which the Home Office called one of the oldest and largest hate group sites . • Eric Gliebe , chairman of the National Alliance , one of the largest neo-Nazi groups in the United States . The Home Office accused Gliebe of `` justifying terrorist violence , provoking others to commit serious crime and fostering racial hatred . '' • Samir al Quntar , a Lebanese man who spent three decades in prison for killing four Israeli soldiers and a 4-year-old girl in 1979 . Al Quntar is listed for `` engaging in unacceptable behavior by seeking to foment , justify or glorify terrorist violence '' in order to provoke terrorist acts , the Home Office said . • Nasr Javed , a leader of the Kashmiri militant group , Lashkar e Taiba . • Islamic clerics Abdul Ali Musa , Abdullah Qadri Al Ahdal , Amir Siddique , Yunis Al Astal and Safwat Hijazi . • Wadgy Abd El Hamied Mohamed Ghoneim , whom the Home Office describes as a prolific writer and speaker . The Home Office said he has sought `` to foment , justify or glory terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs and to provoke others to commit terrorist acts . '' • Mike Guzofsky , the leader of a militant Jewish group who also has ties to Kahane Chai , a group that the U.S. State Department lists as a foreign terrorist organization . • Russian skinheads Artur Ryno and Pavel Skachevsky , whom the Home Office said are `` leaders of a violent gang that beat migrants and posted films of their attacks on the Internet . '' | Talk show host asks why Hugo Chavez , Kim Jong Il not on list . UK Home Office : 22 people banned from Britain for `` stirring up hatred '' Home Office named only 16 of those on the list . Ex-Ku Klux Klansman , Russian skinheads , radical Islamic clerics also on list . | [[2105, 2107], [2113, 2220], [36, 210], [775, 923], [925, 926], [931, 963], [1239, 1275], [1304, 1378], [1440, 1443], [1458, 1549], [2452, 2506], [2537, 2614], [1239, 1275], [1864, 1903], [1922, 1924], [385, 487], [460, 487], [492, 530], [4621, 4672], [4689, 4704]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Comic and best-selling author Joy Behar appeared on CNN 's `` Larry King Live '' Wednesday . Joy Behar and her co-hosts on `` The View '' were recently named on the Time 100 most influential list . `` The View '' co-host discussed a variety of topics , including the Miss California USA pageant , her feud with Donald Trump and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin 's political future . The following is an edited version of the interview . Larry King : It looks like Donald Trump has made up with Barbara -LRB- Walters -RRB- . How are you and Donald now ? Joy Behar : You would not believe how friendly he was to me today at `` The View . '' The man was all over me . First of all , in the green room after the show , he actually kissed me . I do n't think that he kisses anybody . He came up to me and he actually kissed me and hugged me . It was weird . King : Because he criticized you , as you know , in the past . Behar : Well , he said that you hit me hard and so I went back at you . I do n't remember even what I said . I made a joke about his hair , I think . But , you know , I 'm done with that anyway . It 's an old story . I 'm not interested in his hair anymore , and we 're fine . Watch Behar dish '' King : What did you make of -LRB- the controversy with Miss California USA -RRB- , Joy ? Behar : This Miss California girl , I think she 's doing great . I mean who even thinks of Miss USA ? Nobody even knows Miss USA exists . She 's got a great career ahead of her now , where everybody sees how gorgeous she is . She 's winning the race , believe me , and with new boobs . Who can ask for anything more ? King : What do you think of the fact that your program made the -LRB- Time magazine -RRB- most influential list ? View the list . Behar : That is my favorite , that we are on the most influential list . I never thought I would see this day . I just feel like good , now I can have some influence on Ahmadinejad , -LRB- Benjamin -RRB- Netanyahu . Maybe I can have some influence on the world . King : Elizabeth Edwards , as we all know , is battling breast cancer , coping with the fallout of her husband 's infidelity , selling a new book , too . What do you make of that whole situation , Joy ? Behar : You know , what is it with these political wives who love to stand by their men ? I happen to like Elizabeth Edwards very much . She 's been on the show and I 've met her a couple of times . She 's a really nice person , and he 's a dog , you know ? Let 's tell it like it is . He 's a dog and people do not like him . I think his political career is over , and it 's disappointing because he was a decent Democrat . He had his heart in the right place . He was a good liberal , and now he 's out of the picture . Although it did n't stop Newt Gingrich , who also told his wife he wanted a divorce when she was in the hospital . So , you know , bad taste , I guess , does n't hurt all of their careers . So we never know what 's going to happen to him . I just feel bad for her . King : Let 's move to another politician , Sarah Palin . What 's your read on the governor ? Behar : Well , you know , they 're talking about her as the new Republican Party . If that 's what they want for their new Republican Party , that 's fine -- somebody who does n't believe in a woman 's choice , someone who does n't believe in evolution , someone who is , you know , loves to hunt and kill animals or whatever . I do n't know what her reasoning is . Then fine . ... And does n't really believe in global warming . She and Rush Limbaugh constantly are talking about how there 's no problem . I mean this guy , Rush Limbaugh , I used to work with him years ago , and I 've sort of been friendly with him in a certain weird kind of way . He constantly is talking about how there is no global warming . Every climatologist in the world says there 's global warming . Every scientist has said there is a problem . We 're all on this Earth together and this guy goes out and says that there 's no global warming . Who is he ? What is he talking about and who are these ditto heads that agree with him , I 'd like to know ? Are n't they breathing the same air that we are ? King : Do you think Palin will be a presidential -LRB- candidate -RRB- ? Do you think she 's going to get up pretty close to getting that nomination ? Behar : Oh , I hope so . I would love to see that , because whoever is running against her , that 's going to be , you know , a slam dunk , in my opinion . Because every time the woman is in an interview , she shows herself to be very , very shallow -- you know , as they say , stunningly superficial on another network . So , let her run . I hope she runs . | `` The View , '' co-hosted by Joy Behar , named to Time 100 most influential list . Behar : Miss California USA has `` great career '' ahead of her . Behar calls John Edwards `` a dog '' for his infidelity . Behar says whoever runs against Sarah Palin would be `` slam dunk '' | [[112, 170], [177, 216], [112, 156], [162, 216], [1637, 1743], [1795, 1832], [1450, 1488]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- If you want to peer inside your DNA , there 's no shortage of companies offering avenues for doing so these days . A cheek swab or saliva sample is all firms need to scan your genes . But how much health-relevant information can they provide ? The opportunity to have your complete genome mapped was recently auctioned on eBay -- with the winning bidder shelling out a cool $ 68,000 in the auction , which ended Monday . However , more cost-conscious consumers are more likely to send in a saliva sample to a company like Google-backed 23andMe , which will scan and analyze genetic information for about $ 400 . The costs and services these firms offer vary widely , but they 're basically chasing the same market : the customer who is curious about what their genes can tell them about themselves . Welcome to the world of personal genomics . A spate of firms -- from 23andMe and fellow Silicon Valley start-up Navigenics to Cambridge , Mass.-based Knome and Iceland 's DeCode Genetics -- are vying to tap the growing interest in DNA analysis among individuals . They 're upbeat about the promise of this business , saying that consumers ' ability to gauge how their genes influence risk for diseases like diabetes and cancer could revolutionize health care . `` The ability to treat disease is driven by the ability to assess risk . As knowledge builds up , it will increasingly become an unacceptable position not to have your genetic profile , '' says Kari Stefansson , chief executive of DeCode , one of the first firms to offer scans that allow individuals to examine their genomes . But analysts and researchers are a bit more cautious . While there 's plenty of potential for retail genomics , they say the budding market is still in its early stages . Have you bought a retail DNA test ? Share your story on iReport . Companies that offer personal DNA analysis have attracted the interest of individuals who are highly concerned with their health , as well as so-called early adopters who are enamored with new technologies . But the outlook for business opportunities is still hazy , mostly because there is n't a full understanding of the benefit of these tests in terms of identifying how and why diseases occur in people , according to Jonathan Witonsky , a health care analyst at consulting firm Frost & Sullivan . . Just how much health-relevant information consumers can glean remains hotly debated in the research community . Studies suggest that common maladies like heart disease and diabetes may result from the variations of several genes , rather than the single variants that many retail gene tests scan for . David Goldstein , head of the Center for Human Genome Variation at Duke University , believes that given the current knowledge of how genes influence disease , there is only a `` recreational '' use for retail tests . Like many other researchers , he believes the odds identified by these tests can be so marginal that they have a weak effect on health when compared to lifestyle or environmental factors . If someone wants to lower their risk for diabetes , for instance , they 're better off exercising more and changing their diet than getting a retail gene test , Goldstein told CNN . Consumer genomics firms agree there is still much to be discovered , but they say providing consumers with the knowledge that is available to them is better than none at all . `` It is an evolving science . To ignore the genetic markers that we currently understand would be complacency , '' says Vance Vanier , chief medical officer at Navigenics , which is backed by venture capital heavyweights Kleiner Perkins and Sequoia Capital . Linda Avey , co-founder of 23andMe , says arming people with information may help them turn their attention to prevention . `` We think making this data available to people will help people focus their behavior and lifestyle . '' Companies are adjusting their services as new research becomes available , says Daniel MacArthur , a UK-based genetics researcher who follows the consumer genomics market on his blog , Genetic Future . `` Right now , the genome scans offered by companies like 23andMe focus on common genetic variants , and do n't pick up most rare variants like Huntington 's disease mutations , '' he said . However , several companies are now beginning to add these rare , severe disease mutations into their tests , MacArthur said . The market may also get a boost as costs for complete genome sequencing continue to drop . Privately funded Knome currently charges $ 99,500 to map a complete genome . But many scientists foresee complete sequencing eventually falling to just $ 1,000 . As it becomes more cost effective to conduct larger research studies , they anticipate discovering more medically relevant information . Being able to identify ahead of time whether you 're at risk of disease is something that can be beneficial going forward , '' says Bill Buhr , an analyst at investment research firm Morningstar . He expects sales of services for testing genetic make-up to hit $ 1 billion in three years . `` As the technology gets better , this potentially could be something more people get into , '' he said . Although Buhr , who covers DeCode , one of the few firms in the space that 's publicly listed , said the outlook for the Icelandic firm was bleak . DeCode has been hit by the credit crisis , fueling chatter it 's headed for bankruptcy . However Stefansson dismissed that speculation and told CNN the company expects to complete its restructuring by the end of May . It 's too early to say whether consumer genomics is going mainstream , 23andMe 's Avey says . But there 's no denying there 's tremendous interest among consumers . `` It goes -LSB- back -RSB- to human nature . We 're very curious about ourselves . '' | Handful of firms from 23andMe to DeCode offer DNA tests to individuals . But how much health-relevant information can be gleaned is hotly debated . Consumer genomics market in early stages , but has potential , analysts say . | [[880, 1022], [1026, 1099], [1863, 1948], [4141, 4191], [224, 269], [2367, 2478], [2423, 2428], [2437, 2478], [1681, 1735], [1738, 1796], [5157, 5215]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hydroxycut products , popular dietary supplements used for weight loss , have been linked to liver damage and are being recalled , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday . The FDA has received 23 reports of serious liver injuries , including a death , linked to Hydroxycut products . The FDA said it has received 23 reports of serious liver injuries linked to Hydroxycut products , which are also used as energy enhancers and as fat burners . The reports include the 2007 death of a 19-year-old man living in the Southwest , which was reported to the FDA in March . Other serious liver problems reported included liver damage that resulted in a transplant in 2002 , liver failure , jaundice , seizures and cardiovascular problems . The FDA is warning consumers to immediately stop using 14 Hydroxycut products manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences Inc. of Oakville , Ontario , and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell , New York . The company is voluntarily recalling the following products : Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets , Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets , Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets , Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets , Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets , Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets , Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets -LRB- Ignition Stix -RRB- , Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets , Hydroxycut Liquid Shots , Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs -LRB- Ready-to-Drink -RRB- , Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed , Hydroxycut 24 , Hydroxycut Carb Control and Hydroxycut Natural . Watch more on the FDA 's concern '' According to the FDA , last year , Iovate sold more than 9 million units of Hydroxycut products , which were distributed widely to grocery stores , health food stores and pharmacies . `` The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risks . Adverse events are rare , but exist . Consumers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they experience symptoms possibly associated with these products , '' said Dr. Linda Katz , interim chief medical officer of the FDA 's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition . Liver damage is rare , but patients who experienced problems were taking doses recommended on the product label , the FDA said . Symptoms include brown urine , nausea , vomiting , fatigue , stomach pain , itching and light-colored stools . The FDA has not determined what specific ingredients are responsible for the problems , because the products contain a variety of overlapping ingredients and herbal extracts . Dietary supplements sold before October 1994 are not required to undergo any FDA review before going to market . The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 required manufacturers to ensure a supplement to be safe before marketing . But manufacturers still do n't need to register a product with the FDA or get approval before selling a supplement . The agency can take action against an unsafe supplement once it 's on the market . Since December 2007 , any serious adverse event reported to the manufacturer must now be reported to the FDA within 15 days . The Council for Responsible Nutrition , the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement industry , said that both the FDA and Iovate `` took appropriate action today . '' `` We commend FDA for warning consumers of a potential safety problem associated with these products , and were encouraged to see that the company -- Iovate Health Sciences -- agreed to recall the products from the market until further determinations can be made , '' said Steve Mister , the council 's president and CEO . | FDA recalls Hydroxycut products after 23 liver injuries and one death . Hydroxycut products used as popular dietary supplement for weight loss . Damage from product : liver failure , jaundice , seizures , cardiovascular problems . | [[0, 79], [96, 135], [213, 290], [213, 220], [273, 324], [325, 390], [368, 420], [607, 666], [52, 100], [0, 79], [96, 135], [0, 79], [96, 135], [368, 420], [607, 666], [607, 772], [654, 666], [672, 772]] |
CRANWELL , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Britain 's oldest man and the oldest living veteran of World War I was celebrating his 112th birthday Friday with a party and a fly-past at an air force base . Henry Allingham at a 90th anniversary celebration of the Royal Air Force this year . Henry Allingham is the last surviving member of the Royal Naval Air Service , which he joined in 1915 . He saw action at the Battle of Jutland off Denmark the following year , according to the Ministry of Defense . Allingham is also the last surviving founding member of the Royal Air Force , which was created in 1918 , nine months before the end of the war . He left the service a year later , the defense ministry said . Friday 's events were happening at the Royal Air Force base in Cranwell , England , about 120 miles north of London . Friends of his at the base said Allingham , who arrived in a wheelchair , was looking `` fresh . '' After a birthday lunch , aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight , an aerial display team , planned to fly overhead , the base said . Members of the Falcons Parachute Display Team then planned to drop in and present Allingham with a birthday card from the chief of Britain 's air staff . Allingham is Britain 's oldest man and the oldest surviving member of the armed forces , according to Guinness World Records . The former aircraft engineer still travels and makes public appearances at military events and commemorations . In July , Allingham had a private audience with Queen Elizabeth and attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace . In November , he laid a wreath in St. Omer , France -- where he was stationed during the war -- to celebrate Armistice Day , the end of World War I. Allingham said last year that he remains active to emphasize the importance of remembering the conflict . `` I do n't do these things because I enjoy doing them but to keep the memory alive of all my comrades who fought and died in the First World War , '' he told the Ministry of Defense . | Britain 's oldest man , oldest veteran from World War I , celebrates his 112th birthday . Henry Allingham last founding member of the Royal Air Force , formed in 1918 . Ex-aircraft engineer still travels , makes public appearances at military events . | [[64, 102], [99, 146], [1225, 1311], [498, 573], [551, 575], [582, 601], [1352, 1394], [1352, 1380], [1399, 1463]] |
Editor 's note : CNN.com has a business partnership with CareerBuilder.com , which serves as the exclusive provider of job listings and services to CNN.com . You may think you have the worst boss in the Western Hemisphere , but if you 've never had to dodge a cell phone , been fired over a breakfast pastry or had your work referred to as `` a complete and utter mess , '' you probably have it better than you realize . Consider the following celebrities , whose poor underlings withstood verbal and sometimes physical abuse and lived to tell about it : . Scott Rudin . The high-profile film producer , whose film credits include `` The Queen , '' `` The Royal Tenenbaums '' and `` The Firm , '' is infamous for his hot temper and verbal rants . The Wall Street Journal once claimed he has fired 250 personal assistants , sometimes for offenses as minor as bringing him the wrong breakfast muffin . -LRB- Rudin claimed the actual number is closer to 120 ; however , he was n't counting those who did n't survive his grueling two-week trial period . -RRB- . Despite Rudin 's reputation , however , being his personal assistant remains one of the most coveted jobs among wannabe movie moguls . Naomi Campbell . Campbell is to her employees what fireworks are to the average person : If not handled carefully , she may cause bodily harm . In early 2007 , the British supermodel pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault for hitting her housekeeper with a cell phone over a pair of missing jeans . Campbell insisted the incident was an accident , but a history of similar events -- including a 2000 guilty plea for assaulting a personal assistant on a movie set in 1998 -- indicates otherwise . Simon Cowell . It 's no secret that the mastermind behind `` American Idol '' has notoriously high standards , nor does he apologize for them . In fact , Cowell , who is known for finding new and creative ways to insult everyone from contestants to `` Idol '' host Ryan Seacrest , seems to relish his reputation as the judge everyone loves to hate . And why not ? After all , it is his famously prickly personality that has helped make him a household name . Al Capone . Alphonse `` Al '' Capone 's name is synonymous with organized crime . He was as well-known for his involvement in illegal gambling , bootlegging and prostitution as for his brutality . His own men were behind 1929 's infamous `` St. Valentine 's Day Massacre . '' In 1931 , Capone finally went to prison for income tax evasion and was released -- ironically , for good behavior -- after serving eight years in federal prisons . Afterward , Capone retired to his estate in Florida , where he died in 1947 of heart failure . Leona Helmsley . The recently-deceased Manhattan hotelier will go down in history as the `` Queen of Mean , '' a nickname she earned as a result of her erratic behavior and hasty firing of employees . After serving time for tax evasion in 1989 -LRB- `` Only the little people pay taxes , '' was her infamous defense -RRB- , Helmsley again brushed with the law in 2004 when a court ordered her to pay a former landscaper for breach of contract -LRB- Helmsley had abruptly fired the man after finding out he was gay -RRB- . Gordon Ramsay . The hot-tempered -LRB- pun intended -RRB- host of `` Hell 's Kitchen '' could give Simon Cowell a run for his money as the cruelest judge on TV . Neither holds back when it comes to doling out criticism , but Ramsay steps it up a notch with slightly more colorful language . In fact , his fondness for four-letter words is matched only by Cowell 's fondness for tight black T-shirts . E-mail to a friend . Copyright CareerBuilder.com 2009 . All rights reserved . The information contained in this article may not be published , broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority . | One high-profile film producer has fired hundreds of personal assistants . Naomi Campbell 's treatment of her employees has landed her in court . And would you really want to answer to Simon Cowell or Al Capone ? | [[747, 890]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A second lingerie-modeling photo of Miss California USA Carrie Prejean has appeared after she assured pageant officials this week that the earlier shot was the only one she had appeared in . Miss California USA Carrie Prejean may lose her crown because of some semi-nude photos she appeared in . The Web site that published the first picture published a second one Wednesday . It had already promised to `` slowly roll out '' more photos . After the appearance of the first photo , the possibility that racier images could emerge prompted `` closed-door meetings '' Tuesday to consider stripping Prejean of her beauty queen title , pageant spokesman Ron Neal said . Although Neal said Prejean `` breached her contract '' by keeping the semi-nude photo or photos a secret , the only pictures published so far appear about as revealing as the bikini Prejean wore in the pageant 's swimsuit competition . `` We have been told by Carrie Prejean there are no other photos other than the one circulating in existence . She should know better than anyone , '' Miss California USA Director Keith Lewis said Wednesday before the latest photo was released . Watch reaction to racy photos '' Pageant officials were not immediately available for comment on the new picture . The 21-year-old Miss USA contestant has been the center of controversy since she declared her opposition to same-sex marriage in a response to a question on the national pageant stage last month . She finished as runner-up to Miss USA . In a statement given to CNN on Tuesday , Prejean said the photos -- and she did use the plural -- were being used in a `` vicious and mean-spirited '' effort to silence her for `` defending traditional marriage . '' While she vowed to `` continue to support and defend marriage as the honorable institution it is , '' Prejean may be doing so without the Miss California USA title . State pageant officials met Tuesday with lawyers and representatives of Donald Trump , who owns the international competition , to consider whether they had grounds to take the crown away from Prejean , according to Neal . `` When you compete for Miss California , you 're supposed to disclose whether you posed for nude or semi-nude photos , because it 's grounds for disqualification , '' he said . CNN obtained a copy of the pageant contract Prejean signed last year , in which she agreed that the discovery of semi-nude photos could mean disqualification . The first photo made public shows Prejean -- who said she was 17 at the time -- wearing pink panties and no top . She is turned away from the camera , with her arm hiding most of her breast . The second photo is essentially the same , but Prejean is looking over her opposite shoulder . It was unclear whether pageant officials would consider that a semi-nude photo , in light of their standard requirement that contestants parade across stage wearing a bikini that arguably shows more skin . Ahead of the second photo being published , Nik Richie -- of TheDirty.com -- said he was upgrading his Web site 's servers to handle the flood of traffic he expects will come after he posts the additional photos . `` I will slowly roll these out , '' Richie said . The Web site appeared to be overwhelmed by traffic early Thursday . CNN tried to access it , but could not . `` We 'll see what happens with those and we want to know who 's releasing them , '' Neal said . Shanna Moakler , the co-executive director of the Miss California USA organization , will meet with Tami Farrell , the runner-up for the title , `` to discuss the possible next steps , '' Neal said . Prejean defended the photos , which she said were taken when she was a teenager aspiring to be a Victoria 's Secret model . `` I am a Christian , and I am a model , '' she said . `` Models pose for pictures , including lingerie and swimwear photos . '' She said the photos `` have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith . '' `` I am not perfect , and I will never claim to be , '' she said . `` But these attacks on me and others who speak in defense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive . While we may not agree on every issue , we should show respect for others ' opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spirited attacks . '' Her publicist , Melany Ethridge , confirmed a comment she gave to celebrity Web site TMZ in which she said Prejean was 17 when she posed for the photos , hoping they would land her a modeling job . `` In her naivete , an agent convinced her to pose for this photo to submit to a lingerie company , claiming they could make her the next Victoria 's Secret model , '' Ethridge told TMZ . `` She has since learned what a lie that was , and what a mistake it was to have the photo taken . '' Prejean announced last week that she would star in a new $ 1.5 million ad campaign supporting `` opposite marriage '' -LRB- marriage between a man and a woman -RRB- funded by the National Organization for Marriage . `` Marriage is good , '' Prejean said at a news conference announcing the ad campaign . `` There is something special about unions of husband and wife . Unless we bring men and women together , children will not have mothers and fathers . '' CNN 's Aileen Martinez contributed to this report . | Miss California USA Carrie Prejean says she posed for one semi-nude photo . A Web site says it has more photos of Prejean , and plans to slowly roll them out . Prejean is in the news for her response to question about same-sex marriage . | [[421, 435], [445, 483], [421, 483], [3197, 3221], [1307, 1503], [1384, 1503]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- `` Get yourself together . '' Mary Williams repeated those three words often to her 28-year-old daughter , who served three years in a Kansas prison for a 1988 armed robbery . Donnie Belcher , 7 , visits her mother , Wanda Taylor , at Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas in 1991 . Williams never judged her daughter , Wanda Taylor , for the crime or the crack cocaine addiction that fueled it . There was no need to pick at the past . Instead , Williams looked to the future . The future was her granddaughter , Donnie Belcher , a shy 4-year-old girl with curly hair who cried inconsolably from behind the glass the first time she visited her mother in jail . The little girl 's mother was locked up for three years , leaving her in the care of her grandmother . `` It was hard on me , '' said Belcher , now 25 . `` I never wanted to leave my mother . '' Belcher defied the odds , growing up straight as an arrow despite having a mother in prison . Her childhood was part of a national trend . The incarceration rates for U.S. mothers began to surge in the 1980s , fueled by the crack cocaine epidemic and tougher mandatory sentencing laws , experts said . A recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics found the number of incarcerated mothers rose 131 percent from 1991 to 2007 , while the number of fathers in prison increased 77 percent during the same period . According to the Sentencing Project , a Washington-based nonprofit , about 1.7 million children have a parent in prison . `` We should be alarmed , '' said Georgia Lerner , executive director at the Women 's Prison Association , a national nonprofit working with incarcerated women . `` Even when children have seen their mothers get arrested , they still want to be with their parents , '' Lerner said . `` They still love their mothers and want to be together . '' While some critics argue that criminals make poor parents , experts said there is no doubt that separation from a parent , particularly a mother , affects a child 's psychological development . When a father is imprisoned , the mother typically cares for the children , said Danielle Dallaire , a psychology professor at the College of William and Mary . But her research shows that when a mother is incarcerated , the father often plays no role in raising the children left behind . Federal statistics show children are five times more likely to end up in foster care when a mother is sent to prison than when a father is imprisoned . Read the Federal Report . Belcher 's grandmother , Williams , stepped in because she did n't want the child in foster care . The girl 's father was not in the picture . For three years , Williams , a single mother herself , drove her granddaughter twice a month to see her mother . They never missed a visit , despite having to travel to several prisons across Kansas . After passing through the metal detectors and being frisked by security officers , the girl showed off the A 's she received from school or told her mother about which boy had cooties . Each visit lasted two hours . Belcher often asked , `` When will you come home ? '' `` Soon , '' her mother said . `` Soon . '' Find out what Taylor and her family learned from her time in prison '' A growing number of prisons are recognizing the need to preserve mother-child relationships . They have staffed nurseries and day care centers to keep families connected . Bedford Hills Correctional Facility , a maximum security women 's prison in New York , is host to an annual summer camp run by volunteers . At camp , children can play basketball and participate in other activities with their incarcerated mothers . In May , the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is reuniting moms and dads with their children . The `` Get on the Bus '' program provides 700 children with free rides to the prisons . The three years without Taylor were financially difficult for Williams , who was approaching retirement age . In her 50s at the time , she worked as a dental assistant to support her granddaughter . She poured all her time and effort into the quiet little girl . She packed her schedule with Girl Scouts and free summer camps , determined to make sure her granddaughter stayed out of trouble . `` Kids would tease me and say to me , ` Why is your mom so old ? ' '' Belcher recalled . Belcher was elated on May 29 , 1991 , when her mother returned to their home in Kansas City , Missouri , after serving three years of an eight-year sentence . Taylor got sober and attained her GED behind bars . She returned to find her 7-year-old daughter blossoming into her polar opposite . The girl put her head into books and graced the honor roll regularly . She did n't rebel . `` I wanted to be everything my mother was n't , '' Belcher said . `` I loved my mom , but I could n't do what she did . '' `` I did it all , '' said Taylor , now 48 . By 13 , she skipped school frequently to attend `` hooky parties '' where she used drugs and alcohol . By 16 , she dropped out of high school . `` When you 're out there , you 're out there . '' The years after Taylor 's release from prison also were tough on the mother-daughter relationship . As an adolescent , Belcher battled feelings of bitterness toward her mother and feared her mother would relapse . `` I felt angry , '' Belcher said , and the anger only grew during her high school years . `` It was n't fair to me . Why did I have to have a mother like that ? '' Belcher threw herself into academics and excelled . She knew that many children without parents often end up in trouble and behind bars themselves . She did n't want that for herself . `` She had a life where she could have just gave up , but she did n't do that , '' said Williams , now 71 . `` She went straight ahead . '' By 13 , she was writing poetry . By 16 , she was a track star at her high school and at the top of her class . She entered DePaul University in 2002 with nearly 50 scholarships . Belcher is a high school English teacher at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School , a college preparatory school that boasts alums like Michelle Obama . She has a cozy apartment in Chicago , Illinois -- her first home that is all her own . This summer , she will apply for grants to start her own nonprofit to help children of incarcerated parents stay out of trouble . Belcher said she admires her mother 's resilience . She watched her search tirelessly for a job , despite her felony record . She is proud of her mother , who worked her way up to become a successful child care operator for the state of Minnesota after years of working in factories and fast food restaurants . Today , her mother resides in Minneapolis , Minnesota , and her grandmother still lives in Kansas City , Missouri . `` You ca n't always control life 's circumstances , but you can control how you react to them , '' Belcher said . Her mother and grandmother will visit Belcher this weekend to celebrate completion of her master 's degree -- and Mother 's Day . | Donnie Belcher 's mother was incarcerated when she was 4 . Number of incarcerated mothers exploded 131 percent from 1991 to 2007 . `` I wanted to be everything my mother was n't , '' Belcher says . More prisons are creating programs that preserve mother-child relationships . | [[683, 738], [927, 971], [1017, 1085], [1180, 1293], [1242, 1311], [4754, 4789], [4800, 4817], [6889, 6906], [3256, 3349], [3300, 3303], [3309, 3349]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A man suspected of killing five members of his family and wounding another on Thursday committed suicide after police surrounded him in a house , police in Cleveland , Ohio , said Friday . Police say Davon Crawford , 33 , killed his new wife , her sister and three children . Acting on a tip , police surrounded the house and then entered it after seeing a man who matched the description of suspect Davon Crawford briefly step outside , police spokesman Lt. Thomas Stacho said . `` They confronted the male hiding in a bathroom , '' Stacho said . `` When he spotted the agents , then he took his own life . '' Cleveland police launched a manhunt Thursday for Crawford , 33 , suspected of killing his new wife , Lechea Crawford , 30 ; her sister , Rose Stevens , 25 ; and three of Stevens ' children , Destiny Woods , 5 , and 2-year-old twins Dion and Davion Primm . A 7-year-old boy was shot and hospitalized , Julie Short , a spokeswoman for MetroHealth Medical Center , said Friday . The boy 's grandfather told CNN affiliate WEWS that the boy was in stable condition and talking after having been shot in the shoulder . A fourth child , a 12-year-old boy , managed to escape , WKYC reported . The Cleveland Plain Dealer also reported that a 2-month-old girl , the daughter of Davon and Lechea Crawford , escaped the shooting unharmed and is being cared for . Police began searching for Crawford , 33 , Thursday night after receiving a call around 8 p.m. to the upper floor of a duplex . `` It looks like it was some type of domestic argument that sparked this tragedy , '' Police Chief Michael McGrath said Friday . The CNN Radio Network contributed to this story . | NEW : Davon Crawford shoots self after police find him in bathroom . Crawford was accused of shooting wife , her sister and her three children . 12-year-old escaped ; 7-year-old in hospital after being shot . `` Domestic argument '' may have sparked shooting , police chief says . | [[97, 162], [502, 547], [570, 596], [599, 626], [19, 105], [630, 646], [695, 728], [886, 928], [886, 902], [916, 928], [931, 942], [1143, 1157], [1180, 1197], [1200, 1204], [1511, 1564], [1547, 1564], [1570, 1590], [1593, 1638]] |
MIDDLETOWN , Connecticut -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The suspect in the shooting of a Wesleyan University student is in police custody , police in Meriden , Connecticut , said Thursday . Police have arrested Stephen Morgan in the shooting death of Johanna Justin-Jinich . A spokesman in Meriden said Stephen Morgan had been in custody there , but was transferred to police in Middletown , seven miles away . No other details were available . An arrest warrant was issued earlier for Morgan , charging him with murder in the death of Johanna Justin-Jinich at a Middletown bookstore on Wednesday . Justin-Jinich was shot Wednesday afternoon at the Red & Black Cafe in Broad Street Books , the campus bookstore , the university said . She worked at the cafe , the cafe said on its Web site . It said that her killing has left employees `` devastated . '' Earlier Thursday , a law enforcement source told CNN that police spoke briefly to the suspect after her shooting death . Morgan was one of several people who gathered Wednesday afternoon outside Broad Street Books after the Wesleyan junior was shot , the source said . He gave his name to investigators who spoke with him , the source said . At that early stage of the investigation , the source said , police had no reason to suspect Morgan . Earlier Thursday , Morgan 's sister had urged him to turn himself in to `` avoid any further bloodshed . '' Diana Morgan told reporters in Marblehead , Massachusetts , that her family was `` shocked and sickened by the tragedy in Middletown . '' She said her family did not know her brother 's whereabouts , but issued a brief statement to him through the media : `` Steve , turn yourself in right now to any law enforcement agency , wherever you are , to avoid any further bloodshed . We love you , we will support you in every way and we do n't want anyone else to get hurt . '' She did not take questions . Before his arrest , police had been worried that Morgan may be targeting Wesleyan University and the town 's Jewish residents . A statement from the university alleges that Morgan had written threats against `` Wesleyan and/or its Jewish students '' in his personal journals . Congregation Adath Israel , Middletown 's lone synagogue , canceled all activities for the next day , said its president , Eliot Meadow . He said police told him that they do not think Morgan is part of a larger anti-Semitic organization . About 200 families attend the synagogue , Meadow said , and he added that Wesleyan , a private university with about 3,000 students , has a substantial Jewish population . While Justin-Jinich was a student at Wesleyan and was Jewish , according to the Middletown mayor , there was another connection between her and her alleged killer , authorities said . Watch how suspect and victim knew each other '' In July 2007 , the young woman filed a harassment complaint against Morgan while the two were taking the same six-week summer course at New York University , school spokesman John Beckman told CNN . The complaint , in which Justin-Jinich said she was receiving harassing e-mails and phone calls from Morgan , was filed with the university 's public safety department toward the end of the course , Beckman said . The public safety department brought in the New York Police Department and after conversations with Morgan and Justin-Jinich , the young woman declined to follow up or press charges , Beckman said . Beckman said the two were not living in the same student residence house during the course . Additional details were not immediately available . Another law enforcement source also told CNN that in an excerpt from one of the e-mails sent to Justin-Jinich , Morgan wrote , `` You 're going to have a lot more problems down the road if you ca n't take any -LRB- expletive -RRB- criticism , Johanna . '' Watch the crime described as ` every parent 's nightmare ' '' Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said the connection between Morgan and Justin-Jinich may `` go back to Colorado . '' No further details were available . CNN 's Susan Candiotti and Ross Levitt contributed to this report . | NEW : Stephen Morgan , 29 , arrested in university student 's shooting death . Suspect 's sister earlier urged him to turn himself in ` to avoid further bloodshed ' Suspect walked into bookstore near Wesleyan University campus , opened fire . | [[178, 262], [217, 262], [1287, 1303], [1306, 1391], [1662, 1688], [1730, 1737], [1740, 1772]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Paula Abdul is ready for another fresh start , now that she 's kicked her addiction to painkillers , the `` American Idol '' judge told a magazine . Paula Abdul told Ladies ' Home Journal that she struggled with a drug problem . The former pop star released a new song this week and will take the `` American Idol '' stage Wednesday night to perform it . Abdul , in an interview for the Ladies ' Home Journal 's June issue , acknowledged what she has denied for years -- that she had a drug problem . But last November , days after an obsessed fan apparently killed herself outside Abdul 's home , she went to a health spa where weaned herself off prescription pain medications she had used for a dozen years . `` Withdrawal -- it 's the worst thing , '' she told the magazine . `` I was freezing cold , then sweating hot , then chattering and in so much pain , it was excruciating . But at my very core , I did not like existing the way I had been . '' Watch more on Abdul 's challenges '' Abdul acknowledged several years ago that she used medications to kill the pain for a series of injuries , but this is apparently her first admission she was hooked on them . When People magazine asked her about it in 2005 , she chose her words carefully : . `` Drugs ? I 'm not addicted to pills of any kind , '' Abdul then said . Her painkillers were , in fact , not pills . Abdul wore a patch that delivered a pain medication about 80 times more potent than morphine , she told Ladies ' Home Journal . Abdul 's slurring of words and apparent confusion on `` American Idol '' and during interviews stirred rumors of a drug problem in recent years . She told the magazine , though , she was never under the influence during a show . Her pains began with a cheerleading accident at age 17 , but were compounded by later mishaps -- including a stage accident in 1991 , a car wreck in 1992 and a plane crash in 1993 , she said . The persistent hurting is almost gone after a 15th surgery , she said . After two short marriages , Abdul said she is still looking for a soul mate . `` I 'm working on finding that guy , '' she said . She premiered her new song -- `` I 'm Just Here for the Music '' -- on `` Idol '' host Ryan Seacrest 's radio show Tuesday . She told Seacrest she only decided last week to accept the invitation to perform it live on the TV show . `` I was invited by the producers and I was n't sure it I was going to do it because timing was of the essence , '' she said . She said she put her performance together over the weekend . Abdul 's `` American Idol '' contract ends with this season , and she told Seacrest she did not know if she would be back to judge next season . | Paula Abdul told Ladies ' Home Journal she had painkiller addiction . She went to spa to wean self : `` I did not like existing the way I had been '' Abdul told magazine she was never under the influence on `` American Idol '' Series of painful accidents starting at age 17 were root cause of addiction , she says . | [[145, 192], [193, 272], [399, 404], [407, 460], [469, 519], [1035, 1139], [1507, 1539], [654, 721], [932, 947], [950, 981], [950, 951], [965, 994], [145, 192], [1719, 1768], [1035, 1139], [1769, 1823], [1769, 1778], [1824, 1900]] |
FOLKSTON , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rain or shine , 80-year-old Cookie Williams plops himself on the wooden viewing platform perched over double train tracks . Cookie Williams , 80 , watches a CSX freight train chug by on a typical Tuesday afternoon . On this warm May afternoon , a patient Williams sits slouched , legs crossed and arms relaxed , donning his vintage CSX railroad company cap littered with miniature train pendants . He is waiting for a train . A scanner , listening for oncoming train signals , crackles in the background as it picks up some conductor chatter . He waits some more . `` A lot of people in this town thought I was on the kooky side , '' said Williams , who is retired from the paper and pulp industry . `` But I love it . I 've loved these trains ever since I was a kid . '' Folkston , Georgia , where Williams lives , is one of many train hot spots nationwide . Here , the blasting train noises are jokingly called `` Folkston music . '' With up to 60 trains crawling loudly through the quaint town each day , it 's become an attraction for fans eager to collect train images and sounds . In 2001 , Williams , who grew up by a train track , pushed town officials to construct a viewing platform with picnic tables , wireless Internet and a scanner to detect oncoming trains . The Southeast Georgia town reports that at least 12,500 visitors from all over the world visit the platform to watch trains each year . Watch Williams and his friend talk about the joy of train watching '' As the prominence of the iconic American railroad has faded over the past half-century , there remains a devout group of train enthusiasts like Williams and his friends , dubbed railfans , who obsessively chase and watch powerful trains glide along railroad tracks . Trains Magazine , an industry publication , estimates that there are 175,000 U.S. railfans , mostly male baby boomers . `` The word ` enthusiast ' does n't begin to cover their devotion , '' said Rhonda Del Boccio , head of the Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce , which oversees railfan tourism in Folkston . `` Picture -LSB- the popular game -RSB- ` World of Warcraft ' for train people . '' On any given day in America , loyal railfans camp out for hours or even days on a platform , a grassy field , a road or a backyard to snap a few photographs or shoot video of the moving trains . Some travel to different cities and countries to capture the right shot . Last weekend , nearly 20 railfans convened at the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex , Montana , a railroad worker dormitory built in 1939 that was converted into a hotel . The group took pictures of trains set against the backdrop of Glacier National Park during the day and had history lessons about trains at night . A train festival this summer in Oswego , Michigan , is expected to draw in 30,000 attendees , many of them railfans . Just like bird watcher keeps an eye out for specific birds , railfans watch for cargo and passenger trains and `` critters '' -- railfan lingo for small freight trains . On a lucky day , they may spot a historic steam locomotive . Hardcore railfans spend so much time visually dissecting the trains , they can recite the number of axles in a passing train or recount which years railroad giant Union Pacific Railway Co. changed its logos . `` It 's a marvel to see something that weighs hundreds of tons , hauling thousands of tons , moving through rural country , '' said Bill Taylor , a 62-year-old railfan and former teacher . His Missoula , Montana , home is adorned with antique rail items , such as train silverware and conductor lanterns . `` It 's an orchestra of motion . '' In an age of social media , railfanning has taken a new turn , going viral . On YouTube , there are more than 24,000 railfan videos , ranging from trains chugging through Gary , Indiana , to the subway in New York . Flickr.com touts thousands of pictures uploaded my railfans delighted to share their most prized train spotting moments . The obsession over railfanning often stems from historical and technological intrigue . Trains not only represent a romanticized era , they have been central to American economic growth and commerce across the country , historians say . Like any other pastime , railfanning has rules . Most railfan veterans execute the hobby with caution , steering at least 100 feet from private property and dangerous areas , railfans say . Sometimes , amateur train lovers wander too close to the tracks , raising safety concerns and irritating rail conductors and employees . Rail workers nickname pestering railfans `` foamers '' because fans stand near the tracks in such awe that they are practically drooling when a train plows through . See train photos from our iReporters '' `` For -LSB- conductors and rail workers -RSB- , it 's a dog chasing a car , '' said Rick Enselman , 41 , of Edmond , Oklahoma , who became enamored with railfanning 15 years ago . He started taking his two children to the tracks with him . `` They do n't understand the rhythm and rhyme of why we 're doing it . '' Enselman , a salesman , says railfanning takes his mind `` away from the real world . '' His love of trains was inspired by his great-uncle , who bequeathed him a vintage Lionel O Scale train set decades ago . But it has n't been a smooth ride for railfans . After September 11 , railfanning sparked some controversy . Security officers at railroad companies began to ward off railfans , fearing that they might be a terrorism threat . Officers soon realized railfans were no harm and could bolster surveillance . In 2006 , BNSF Railway Co. , one of the largest railroad operators in the United States , created the Citizen for Rail Safety Group , where railfans help the company watch for unusual activity . There are more than 8,700 people , mostly railfans , registered today . Today , trains are also making a steady comeback despite the challenges of a sluggish economy . Amtrak passenger ridership saw an increase of 10 million over the past decade . President Obama has talked about resurrecting plans for a national high-speed rail network . `` Even though there are fewer railroad companies , they are hauling more stuff than ever before , '' said Kevin Keefe , publisher of Trains Magazine . `` I do n't think railroads have lost the ability to capture people 's attention . '' Back on the viewing platform in Folkston , a 10-year-old boy with eager blue eyes hidden behind a thin pair of glasses , with a videocamera in his hand , is sitting two seats away from Cookie Williams . Surveying the naked tracks carefully , the boy , a railfan from North Carolina , fidgets in his seat . `` It 's coming up , son , '' Williams reassures the boy and the four other railfans on the platform . `` A few more minutes . '' So they wait together , faces brushed by the soft breeze . And they wait a few minutes more , before the bells jingle a warning . The horn screams twice . And the howling cacophony of a diesel locomotive crashes toward them as they watch the train come into focus from the distance . | Trains Magazine estimates there are 175,000 railfans in the U.S. Folkston , Georgia , has about 12,500 visitors to watch trains each year . `` It 's an orchestra of motion , '' says 63-year-old railfan Bill Taylor of Montana . Trains are making a steady comeback despite the sluggish economy . | [[1785, 1800], [1829, 1904], [1312, 1447], [1352, 1376], [1391, 1447], [3438, 3457], [3621, 3653], [5862, 5867], [5870, 5957]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Elisabeth Hasselbeck , co-host of `` The View '' and author of the new book , `` The G-Free Diet , '' spoke Wednesday with Larry King . Elizabeth Hasselbeck , of `` The View , '' says Bristol Palin is an ideal choice to speak about teen abstinence . Hasselbeck offers her thoughts on being the sole conservative on her show , Elizabeth Edwards dealing with her husband 's infidelity , Bristol Palin being abstinence spokeswoman and her battle with celiac disease . The following is an edited version of the interview . Larry King : Were you surprised that `` The View '' made the most influential list of Time magazine ? Elisabeth Hasselbeck : I sure was . I think it 's truly a tribute to what Barbara -LRB- Walters -RRB- has done and the show that she created along with Bill Geddie , our executive producer . It 's a great place for women to come to and listen -- men , as well . But , also , for us to get there every day and discuss everything from politics to motherhood and parenting . But it was a shock . I think any time you receive an honor such as that , it 's shocking . Watch Hasselbeck defend Bristol Palin '' King : As the definitive conservative in the group , do you feel like the outcast ? Do you feel put upon ? Hasselbeck : I never feel like an outcast there . If anything , I feel more included than ever . I mean , truly that is a table where respect is number one , in terms of we sort of have a vow to one another . And we could n't come there every single day and talk about the things that -- that we discuss and have the debates that we do and get as fiery as we do and get back there the next day if there was n't that respect at the table and true value for the others ' opinion . I mean the more we tend to disagree , I think the more we sort of dig deeper into that relationship . King : So the anger does n't carry over ? Hasselbeck : No . I would n't even classify it as anger . I think it 's passion , and I think it 's passion with purpose . You know , we do believe different things at times . Occasionally , we agree . It may not be that interesting when we do , but there is passion . It is coming from different places , but we love that conversation . I love being able to hear someone else 's opinion on a subject and maybe sort of , you know , push a button here and there and see what they think about what I have to say . King also talked with Hasselbeck about Bristol Palin , the daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin , being a spokeswoman for abstinence . King : What do you make of that choice ? Hasselbeck : I think she 's the perfect choice . She has a tangible , living example of what this new responsibility is in her life . I believe that there is a sort of sadistic giddiness on the part of some true radical leftists , who are laughing behind-the-scenes about Bristol Palin 's situation . Why are they so obsessed with her being a spokesperson for this ? She 's promoting a great thing -- abstinence . Find me something else that works 100 percent of the time . King : Elizabeth Edwards has gone public about her pain about her husband 's infidelity . Yesterday on this show , Elisabeth Hasselbeck , Joy Behar , your compatriot , called John Edwards a dog . Do you agree ? Hasselbeck : You never understand the intimacies of someone 's relationship with their spouse -- I mean or boyfriend , partner , etc. . Those are places that only the two people truly understand . I think we 're also looking at a woman of incredible strength , having looked at cancer and battled through . I believe that nothing , truly , can compare to that . And , you know , it 's unfortunate . I think this alleged affair and , you know , disturbance , even in terms of allegedly funding his mistress ' foundation , is even more complicating the matter . The idea of another child in the mix -LRB- is -RRB- disturbing as well . King : Elisabeth , Miss California USA Carrie Prejean -- first , the controversy over gay marriage statements and now scandal over semi-nude modeling photos of her . What do you think of the way she 's being treated in the media ? Hasselbeck : Well , I think there 's a very specific witch hunt going on here because she expressed her opinion . So now we 're going to dig and throw fear into the heart of any person who may want to freely express their opinion in the United States of America . That seems like a big bullying scheme to me . If she had answered the other way , would anyone have been searching for those photos ? Would they want to vilify her or remove what she 's been working for ? I do n't understand the pageant well , and I do n't know what her responsibilities were . Was she to represent the state of California in her opinions and was she to represent the opinions of a young woman who believed in her heart one thing ? That 's her personal opinion . I 'm not sure what her duties were or were to be . I do know this , though . I 'm not sure this investigation into any sort of photos or background or family members that they 're pulling out of left and right would have even occurred if she had given an answer on the other side . So it seems to me a bit of a bullying scheme , as I said before , and that disturbing . We should be able to have our opinions in this country and stand by them and at least be respected , at the very least . Later in the interview King talked with Hasselbeck about her new book , `` The G-Free Diet : A Gluten-Free Survival Guide . '' King : Now , -LRB- when -RRB- we think of gluten , we think of wheat , right ? Hasselbeck : Well , it 's actually more than that . Gluten is a protein found in barley , oats , wheat and rye . It 's more broad than most people actually think , so that is definitely a misconception out there . This has been a decade-long process for me . I have celiac disease , and I say out of diabetes came that low glycemic index diet and out of my celiac disease , I found this all-star diet . I call it my `` diet in the rough '' because it is something that , even if I did n't have celiac disease , like many others , I would follow this diet . You know , over 10 years ago , I was diagnosed with IBS , thyroid issues . I was having infertility problems . People suffer miscarriage after miscarriage , stillbirth . It eventually leads to intestinal cancer . This is something that needs to be treated . But the diet is actually , yes , for people with celiac disease , for millions with food intolerance that is up like 25 percent in the past five years -LRB- and -RRB- for people who just want a healthy lifestyle . I mean I 'm on this diet before I 'm pregnant , during pregnancy and when I 'm trying to get back in my bikini to , you know , strut around in the summer . | Elisabeth Hasselbeck says `` radical leftists '' laughing at Bristol Palin 's situation . Hasselbeck calls Miss California USA controversy `` a big bullying scheme '' Hasselbeck , who has celiac disease , wrote book on gluten-free lifestyle . | [[2763, 2789], [2796, 2861], [4374, 4419], [5139, 5180]] |
ISLAMABAD , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistan 's president has defended his government 's recent ceasefire in the country 's volatile Swat Valley in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece , saying that many in the West have mischaracterized the deal . President Zardari also said that the cease-fire would not close girls ' schools in the troubled region . The permanent ceasefire , which was brokered in late February between members of the Taliban and leaders of Swat Valley , has been criticized and called a major concession by the Pakistani government in an attempt to hold off Taliban attacks . The central government has long exerted little control in the area , but it launched an intense military offensive in late July to flush out militants from areas of the North West Frontier Province . As retaliation for the military presence , the Taliban carried out a series of deadly attacks , beheadings and destruction of girls ' schools . They also continued to gain ground , setting up checkpoints throughout the area . President Asif Ali Zardari addressed the international criticism in his Wall Street Journal article , published Wednesday . `` We have not and will not negotiate with extremist Taliban and terrorists , '' Zardari wrote . `` The clerics with whom we have engaged are not Taliban . Indeed , in our dialogue we 'd made it clear that it is their responsibility to rein in and neutralize Taliban and other insurgents . '' The deal was brokered by Sufi Mohammed , a pro-Taliban cleric who in the past was arrested for leading thousands of fighters against the United States in Afghanistan . Mohammed made the deal with his son-in-law and Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah . In the article , Zardari also said that the cease-fire would not close girls ' schools in the region . `` We have not and will not condone the closing of girls ' schools , as we saw last year when militants closed schools in pockets of Swat Valley . Indeed , the government insists that the education of young women is mandatory . This is not an example of the government condoning or capitulating to extremism -- quite the opposite , '' Zardari wrote . The cease-fire deal imposes Islamic law , or sharia , in the region . As part of the agreement , the Taliban is allowing boys ' schools to reopen and the government to set up temporary quarters for the more than 200,000 Swat residents who fled . Women in the area interviewed by CNN said that they would not be able to go to the schools and that , under Taliban-imposed sharia law , they can not even be seen in public without their husbands or fathers . Swat Valley , located in North West Frontier Province , was once one of Pakistan 's biggest tourist destinations . It is near the Afghanistan border and is 300 kilometers -LRB- 186 miles -RRB- from the capital , Islamabad . -- CNN 's Stan Grant contributed to this report . | Deal brokered in February between Taliban and leaders of Swat Valley . Central government has long exerted little control in the area . Zardari : `` The clerics with whom we have engaged are not Taliban '' `` It is their responsibility to rein in and neutralize Taliban , '' he said . | [[357, 476], [479, 498], [601, 667], [1332, 1440]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A habitually violent young man was convicted Wednesday of the murder of teenage actor Rob Knox , who had starred in the latest `` Harry Potter '' film . The father , brother and mother of Rob Knox pose together after the death of the young actor . Karl Bishop , 22 , attacked Knox and four friends with two kitchen knives outside a bar in Sidcup , south east London , last May . He stabbed them 10 times in less than two minutes , the Old Bailey court in central London heard . Knox , 18 , had rushed out of the bar after he heard that Bishop had threatened his younger brother Jamie but he ended up being stabbed five times , once in a main artery . He died in hospital later that night . Bystanders said Bishop 's face was `` screwed up in rage '' as he lashed out with the two knives , the Press Association reported . Days before the attack , the actor had finished filming on `` Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince , '' due for international release in July , in which he played the role of Marcus Belby . He was set to reprise the part in future `` Harry Potter '' films . Knox 's father Colin told mourners at his funeral , including co-star Rupert Grint , that his son had been `` living the dream , '' PA said . Prosecutor Brian Altman told the court that the young actor 's promising life was ended by a `` habitual knife carrier '' who believed stabbing people was an `` occupational hazard '' and had previous convictions for knife crime . Bishop is due to be sentenced on Thursday . Knife crime in Britain is a political hot topic due to a spate of recent killings of mainly young people in major cities . UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged tougher sentences for those caught carrying knives . He told the Daily Telegraph last month : `` By carrying a knife you are not only endangering the lives of others , but you are more likely to be killed , or end up in jail . `` We need to change the way young people think about knives , we need families and communities working together ... to get this message across and help stamp out knife crime and get weapons off our streets . '' | Man convicted of murder of teenage actor who starred in new `` Harry Potter '' film . Karl Bishop , 22 , attacked Rob Knox with 2 knives in southeast London last May . Knife crime in Britain is political hot topic due to spate of recent killings . | [[0, 6], [9, 32], [67, 121], [105, 132], [137, 188], [762, 822], [1535, 1657]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Drew Peterson , who was arrested this week in the death of his third wife , joked with the media about his jail jumpsuit and chewed gum throughout his first court appearance Friday . A judge delayed Drew Peterson 's arraignment until May 18 because his lawyers could n't attend Friday 's hearing . The 55-year-old former police officer flashed a broad smile and engaged in banter during the 10-yard walk to the courthouse . Wearing an inmate uniform -- a bright-red short-sleeved shirt and pants , white socks and sandals -- Peterson had his hands and feet shackled as he arrived at the courtroom . Asked how he was , he responded , `` three squares a day and a spiffy outfit . '' He then held up the chains and said , `` and I got the bling . Ca n't complain . '' Peterson , who authorities call the prime suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife , Stacy Peterson , was indicted on murder charges related to the death of his third wife , Kathleen Savio , the Illinois state attorney 's office said . Watch a shackled Peterson go to jail '' Peterson appeared in court Friday , but a judge delayed his arraignment until May 18 . Judge Richard Schoenstedt ordered the delay after Will County State 's Attorney Jim Glasgow told him that Peterson 's primary lawyer , Joel Brodsky , had asked for it because neither he nor Peterson 's other attorney could attend Friday 's hearing . Peterson , chewing gum throughout the proceedings and speaking in a clear voice , told Schoenstedt that he knew both of his lawyers were out of town and that he had no objection to the delay . Glasgow , who has said he will prosecute the case personally , said Brodsky told him that he expects to ask the judge for a reduction in Peterson 's $ 20 million bail during the May 18 arraignment . Illinois State Police said Peterson was taken into custody about 5:30 p.m. Thursday after a traffic stop near his home . Police had staked out his home all day , police Capt. Carl Dobrich said , but waited for Peterson to leave before arresting him out of concern for his three young children , who were in the house . Peterson , through his attorney , denied any wrongdoing in either case . Glasgow said he believes that the case is strong . `` This is an extremely grave and serious matter , and it is reflected in the bond , '' Glasgow said . Brodsky told CNN 's Larry King that he thought the bail was excessive and would seek a more `` reasonable '' amount , noting that it was the most expensive bail he 'd seen in 10 years . Watch Peterson 's attorney address his client 's arrest '' Charles B. Pelkie , a spokesman for Glasgow , said a grand jury indicted Peterson in the murder of Savio , whose death had once been ruled an accidental drowning . But Brodsky said in a statement that prosecutors wo n't be able to prove their case , because `` he did n't do it . '' `` There is no evidence that links Drew Peterson to the death of Kathleen Savio or anyone else for that matter , '' Brodsky said . `` Drew did not harm Kathleen ; he has said so from Day One . We 're obviously disappointed a grand jury indicted him . But an indictment does not mean guilt . '' Pelkie said the grand jury continues to meet and is studying the possibility of charges in Stacy Peterson 's disappearance . Watch family members react to the arrest '' After Stacy Peterson went missing in October 2007 , media and police scrutiny of Peterson revealed that Savio had died mysteriously during a nasty divorce a few years earlier . Savio died just before the division of marital assets was finalized , making Drew Peterson the sole beneficiary . Savio was found in the dry bathtub of her home . At the time , the death was ruled an accidental drowning . But her family continued to insist that Savio died as a result of foul play . The investigation into Stacy Peterson 's disappearance brought renewed interest in Savio 's death . Authorities exhumed Savio 's body , further tests were conducted , and her death was been ruled a `` homicide staged to look like an accident . '' Brodsky told King that he thinks the case has always been about circumstantial evidence and that he will bring a pathologist to trial who will say Savio died in an accidental drowning . `` I think the jury 's going to see that , in fact , this always has been an accidental death and still is an accidental death , '' Brodsky told King . Kathleen Savio 's brother , Nick , told CNN affiliate WLS that he received a call saying Peterson had been arrested . Watch police arrest Peterson '' `` The state police had been telling us the day was coming , '' he told WLS . `` We kept hearing it for about eight months . I 'm almost in tears here . It 's been so hard for our family . `` Hopefully , we 'll get the justice we 've always been waiting for . '' Martin Glink , attorney for the Savio family , said they had been hopeful the grand jury felt that there was enough evidence to charge Peterson . `` We 're very happy that the wheels of justice have continued to move and they are pointing in his direction , '' Glink told WLS . The news was bittersweet for Stacy Peterson 's family , who continue to wait for news about her disappearance . `` We have anticipated this coming . We have dreamed about it . We have been patient over it , '' family spokeswoman Pam Bosco told WLS . `` Now that it 's here , it 's almost a little bit calm . We 're waiting for the storm to calm now . The calm before the storm . '' Bosco said she was hopeful there would be charges in Stacy Peterson 's case . `` We always said from the very beginning that Kathleen and Stacy had one thing in common , and that was Drew Peterson , '' she said . `` So , hopefully , we 'll have news soon about Stacy , too . '' Ernie Raines is also relieved about the arrest . His daughter , Christina Raines , is dating Peterson and was living with him before his arrest . Raines told CNN 's Anderson Cooper that he was with his daughter and Peterson as recently as last week , when they talked about going to Las Vegas , Nevada , and getting married . Thursday night , he spoke with his daughter after the arrest . `` My daughter was terrified , very emotional , upset , '' Raines said . `` And I tried to tell her from the beginning that this was going to happen , be prepared . '' Raines said that when he heard about the arrest , he was more relieved than anything . `` I 'm glad justice finally came before he hurt my daughter , '' he said . Police put Peterson 's three young children in the custody of the state 's children and family service department . His adult son was contacted , at Peterson 's request , to take them , according to Dobrich . Dobrich said Peterson cooperated with police during his arrest . CNN 's Susan Roesgen contributed to this report . | NEW : Peterson to media on handcuffs , chains : `` I got the bling . Ca n't complain '' Drew Peterson arrested in the death of his third wife , Kathleen Savio . Renewed interest in Savio 's death came after Peterson 's fourth wife disappeared . Peterson , through his attorney , denies any wrongdoing in either case . | [[700, 702], [731, 735], [738, 762], [763, 780], [0, 15], [24, 92], [909, 962], [3810, 3909], [2115, 2123], [2149, 2187]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As a spending bill loaded with pork makes its way through Congress , President Obama is getting pushback from members of his own party who are questioning his vow to end wasteful spending . The Senate could vote on the spending bill as early as Thursday . The president on Wednesday pledged turn tide on an `` era of fiscal irresponsibility , '' reiterating his campaign promise that the days of `` pork ... as a strategy '' are over . And in a prime-time address before a joint session of Congress , Obama last week praised the $ 787 billion stimulus package signed into law , telling the nation , `` I 'm proud that we passed a recovery plan free of earmarks , and I want to pass a budget next year that ensures that each dollar we spend reflects only our most important national priorities . '' But some in the audience found that hard to swallow . `` There was just a roar of laughter -- because there were earmarks , '' said Sen. Claire McCaskill , D-Missouri . Earmarks , sometimes called `` pork , '' are unrelated pet projects that members of Congress insert in spending bills . Watch more on the earmarks in the bill '' The scoffing continues as the president hammers away at reducing wasteful spending and saving taxpayers money while lawmakers on Capitol Hill load up a spending bill with more than 8,000 earmarks totaling nearly $ 8 billion . The legislation in question is a $ 410 billion omnibus bill that would keep the federal government running through the rest of the fiscal year , which ends in September 2009 . According to Taxpayers for Common Sense , a group that monitors government spending , the bill includes : . About 60 percent of the earmarks are from Democrats , and about 40 percent are from Republicans , according to Taxpayers for Common Sense . Ryan Alexander , the president of the Taxpayers for Common Sense , pointed out that not all earmarks are bad . `` They 're not always good or bad . What 's bad is the process . We do n't know why certain projects get earmark funds and why other projects do n't . Some of them may be good . But that could be just as well by accident as it is by design , because we have no idea why these projects are funded and why other projects are n't , '' he said . Earlier this week , 14 Democratic senators met to talk about their concerns with the spending . On Wednesday , Democratic Sens. Evan Bayh and Russ Feingold called on Obama to veto the bill . Watch Feingold talk about a ` teary-eyed ' defense of earmarks '' `` But the bloated omnibus requires sacrifice from no one , least of all the government . It only exacerbates the problem and hastens the day of reckoning , '' Bayh wrote in a Wall Street Journal editorial published Wednesday . Democrats blocked amendments by Sens. John McCain , R-Arizona , and Tom Coburn , R-Oklahoma , that would have narrowed the spending on earmarks . `` So much for the promise of change . This may be -- in all the years I have been coming to this floor to complain about the earmark pork barrel corruption that this system has bred , this may be probably the worst , probably the worst , '' McCain said Tuesday . The spending bill made it through the House last week . A vote in the Senate could come as early as Thursday , but it 's unclear if there are the 60 votes necessary to sent it to the floor since some Democrats are n't supporting it . Obama is expected to sign the bill when it reaches his desk . But Democrats speaking out against the pork could just be flexing their muscles , said CNN contributor Roland Martin . `` I would love to see these same Democrats have the courage to actually stand up , look their fellow senators in the eye , Democrats and Republicans , and say , OK , let 's get rid of your particular project , '' he said . `` What often happens in Congress is , they complain in terms of the general ... What I am saying is , call them out . Put it on the table , '' he said . Those defending the earmarks say they make up just a small portion -- less than 1 percent -- of the overall bill . House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-California , on Thursday defended congressional earmarks , despite calls from the White House earlier this week to reform the process . `` The legislatively initiated proposals in the appropriations bill , I think , are an appropriate function of Congress of the United States , '' Pelosi said . But Pelosi said she does believe Congress should cut back on the number of earmarks . Pelosi said after Congress finishes the $ 410 billion spending bill for this year , she planned to work with the Obama administration to find ways to reduce the number of earmarks in future spending bills . The White House says this bill is just last year 's unfinished business -- and next time , it will be different . `` We 'll change the rules going forward , '' White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Wednesday when asked about the legislation . Obama presented his budget summary to Congress last week , but the full details of his 2010 budget wo n't be available until April . CNN 's Jason Carroll , Joe Johns , Kristi Keck and Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report . | $ 410 billion spending bill for FY 2009 includes 8,000 earmarks . Democratic Sens. Evan Bayh and Russ Feingold want Obama to veto bill . Senate could vote on bill as early as Thursday . Defenders of bill say earmarks make up less than 1 percent of it . | [[1319, 1373], [1374, 1516], [4468, 4549], [88, 153], [2348, 2373], [2380, 2442], [2363, 2407], [2424, 2442], [209, 274], [3203, 3255], [3940, 4054], [3973, 4054]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A year ago , employees at Boiron , a medical manufacturing company , wined and dined at the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort overlooking the picturesque bay in Rose Hall , Jamaica , for their annual retreat . The InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa is subtly scaling back amid a sagging economy . This year , employees are saying goodbye to luxury as company President Ludovic Rassat moved the event to a more sensible location : the Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport . Many of his employees who live near the hotel are expected to sleep at home . `` It 's important to see we are making decisions for the good of the company , '' Rassat said . `` At the end of the day , it 's going to be good for them . Their jobs are still going to be there . '' With a mentality like Rassat 's pervading the business and leisure traveler psyche , luxury hotels are bleeding occupancy and revenue at a rate far worse than the travel slump experienced after September 11 , travel experts say . To overcome their financial woes , luxury hotels are dropping rates , giving customers incentives and finding ways to cut operating costs without compromising the integrity of their posh images . Starwood Hotel & Resorts , which owns the chic W and St Regis hotels , is offering existing and new members of its preferred guest program the opportunity to earn a free weekend night with two stays at any of Starwood 's hotels from May through July . Guests can use their free night through the end of September across Starwood 's brands , including many of the company 's luxury properties . This summer , Rosewood Hotels & Resorts , which operates five-star properties around the world , will offer customers who book particular packages free breakfast and a $ 100 resort credit . Washington 's Willard Intercontinental Hotel is offering a `` buy two nights , get a third night free '' promotion for weekend stays through December . From December to February , occupancy in luxury hotels , a category that includes names such as the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. sunk more than 15 percent -- a steeper drop than at mid-level hotels , according to leading hotel industry watcher Smith Travel Research Inc. . The revenue generated from the available luxury rooms fell 23 percent in that same three-month period , according to the Smith Travel Research report . Meanwhile , there are 551,610 rooms opening this year amid sluggish consumer demand , according to a STR construction pipeline report in March . And when the economy rebounds , the luxury lodging segment will take longer to recover . `` Luxury hotels will lag behind the rest of the hotel industry , '' said Bobby Bowers , senior vice president of operations at STR . `` They have ups and downs that are steeper than the industry as a whole . '' PKF Consulting forecasts that the luxury hotel segment will stay in red ink until 2011 . Things have gotten so bad that some upscale-hotel owners across the country are delaying hotel construction to save money . Other developers are facing foreclosure or have scrapped future hotel plans altogether , industry experts say . Much of the luxury hotel business ' slowdown has been driven by guilt , some executives say . Business leaders fear that they might look too excessive by staying at an upscale hotel as pink slips and pay freezes become ubiquitous . One high-end resort in Amelia Island , Florida , had one of its business customers suggest that the hotel drop the word `` island '' from its address to downplay the resort 's exclusive image . Many companies such as Starwood and Rosewood are trying to lure customers by giving free nights and dining and spa credits without significantly lowering room rates , which could tarnish their exclusive appeal . Hotel operators hope that offering guests free nights will encourage them to spend more money overall . Other hotels prefer bundling their rates in packages so it is difficult to tell how much the prices have dropped . `` They need to protect the image of their property , '' explained Erik Herskind , a principle at Greenlight , a Dallas , Texas-based company that works with luxury hotels . `` They need to feel like even in this tough time , they are a prestigious place , so they are finding quiet ways to attract business and the right kind of business . '' But other luxury hotels are dropping rates anyway , partnering frequently with online travel companies like Expedia Inc. 's Hotels.com in special sales featuring five-star hotels . Shaun Stewart , director of market management for Hotels.com , says the discounts make it the `` best time to upgrade '' for travelers who have never lodged in luxury . Hit particularly hard by the recession is Las Vegas , Nevada , where luxury hotel rates have plummeted more than 30 percent , according to Hotels.com . For example , the Trump Hotel Collection , which is advertising with online travel companies for the first time , is touting prices of $ 89 a night at the opulent Trump International Hotel Las Vegas . The year-old luxury hotel sold rooms for about $ 200 before the economy crumbled . The company is also using Facebook and Twitter to appeal to a younger demographic , who can now afford to stay at their property . `` You have a couple of bad apples in the bag , '' Melissa Brown , vice president of sales and marketing at Trump , said of luxury hotels that began to dramatically drop prices last year . `` Then we all have to fall with it . '' Many luxury hotels , known for their extravagant pampering , amenities and services , are also making subtle cuts to save money . But they are careful not to scale back too much . InterContinental , owned by InterContinental Hotel Group , says a growing number of branches are replacing costly imported floral displays with arrangements from local vendors . Some gift baskets now have fresh fruit and bottled water rather than smoked salmon , cheeses and chocolates . Share prices at the company fell by 26 percent in 2008 while the company opened a record 430 hotels that year . At the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley , Arizona , the hotel has made valet parking optional to reduce the number of employees working in the front . Instead , guests can park their cars . But cutting prices and services is a risky balancing act for luxury brands in the long run , warns Bob Caroll , a senior lecturer at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University . `` If you really are that much of a better property , consumers will start to wonder why your price is the same as a normal hotel , '' Carroll said . `` But once consumers start to believe the lower price , luxury hotels may experience difficulty in raising prices when the economy recovers . It 's a double whammy . '' | Occupancy in luxury hotels dropped 15 percent from December to February . Executives are avoiding meetings at fancy resorts to cut costs and appear frugal . Luxury hotels are offering free nights and spa credits to attract new customers . Rates at luxury hotels in Las Vegas , Nevada , have dropped 30 percent . | [[860, 944], [1937, 1962], [1994, 2004], [2033, 2121], [1040, 1053], [1107, 1200], [3257, 3394], [1340, 1399], [1595, 1606], [1609, 1634], [1692, 1784], [3589, 3753], [3801, 3904], [3801, 3806], [3822, 3854], [4783, 4837]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi who was captured on videotape torturing an Afghan grain dealer has reportedly been detained , a senior U.S. State Department official told CNN Saturday . Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al Nahyan , pictured here , allegedly tortured a business associate on videotape . The official said the government of the United Arab Emirates , which includes Abu Dhabi as one of its seven emirates , told the State Department that Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al Nahyan is under house arrest pending an investigation , but that the United States has not independently confirmed the development . The videotape emerged last month in a federal civil lawsuit filed in Houston , Texas , by Bassam Nabulsi , a U.S. citizen , against the sheikh . Former business partners , the men had a falling out , in part over the tape . In a statement to CNN , the sheikh 's U.S. attorney said Nabulsi is using the videotape to influence the court over a business dispute . The tape of the heinous torture session is delaying the ratification of a civil nuclear deal between the United Arab Emirates and the United States , senior U.S. officials familiar with the case have said . The senior U.S. officials said the administration has held off on the ratification process because it believes sensitivities over the story can hurt its passage . On Saturday , Human Rights Watch called the sheikh 's reported detention `` a significant development '' but said the UAE government needs to do more to restore confidence in its judicial system . `` The videotape of this episode shocked the world , '' said Sarah Leah Whitson , Middle East director at Human Rights Watch . `` The report of the arrest was reassuring , but now the government needs to make the details public . Secretive prosecutions will not deter further abuses and torture . '' On the tape , Sheikh Issa appears to burn with rage . Apparently believing he was cheated in a business deal , the sheikh was trying to extract a confession from the Afghan grain dealer . With a private security officer assisting , Sheikh Issa is seen stuffing sand in the Afghan 's mouth . As the grain dealer pleads and whimpers , he is beaten with a nailed board , burned in the genitals with a cigarette lighter , shocked with a cattle prod and led to believe he would be shot . Salt is literally poured on his wounds . The 45 minutes of torture appears on a nearly three-hour-long videotape shot in late 2004 in the desert outside Abu Dhabi . It was made at the direction of the sheikh himself . The tape has been viewed by CNN . Watch portions of the tape and Nabulsi tell his story '' After international concerns over the tape mounted in late April , Abu Dhabi 's government issued a statement saying it deplored the contents of the video and planned an immediate and comprehensive review of it . The sheikh , who holds no official government position , is the half-brother of the UAE 's ruler , President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan . Human Rights Watch sent a April 28 letter to the president imploring him to form `` an independent body '' to probe both the torture and and the `` failure '' of the UAE 's Interior Ministry `` to bring those involved to justice . '' The group reiterated that call Saturday . As for the grain dealer , UAE officials say he survived the ordeal , and said the sheikh and the grain dealer settled the matter privately by agreeing not to bring formal charges against each other . However , Nabulsi 's attorney , Anthony Buzbee , said the grain dealer ca n't be located and it is not known whether he is alive . | State Department official says member of Abu Dhabi royal family reportedly detained . Investigation continuing after videotape shows sheikh torturing grain merchant . Videotape emerged last month in federal civil lawsuit filed in the United States . U.S. senior officials say case is holding up a U.S. nuclear deal with the UAE . | [[0, 26], [135, 163], [166, 167], [59, 71], [76, 127], [92, 134], [226, 257], [276, 330], [639, 698], [675, 723], [1150, 1206]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A terrorism suspect -- whose 2008 escape from Singapore launched a global manhunt -- has been arrested in Malaysia , according to authorities there . An public alert posted at a supermarket for Mas Selamat Kastari on March 1 , 2008 , in Singapore . Mas Selamat Kastari , suspected leader of the Islamist militant group Jemaah Islamiyah 's Singapore arm , was arrested April 1 in Johor state in Malaysia , near the border of Singapore , Malaysian police said . Authorities have interrogated him and are sharing the information with police in the region , Malaysian law-enforcement officials said . `` It 's very good he 's been caught , but it 's important to remember there are many other fugitives still at large , not -LRB- the -RRB- least , Noordin Moh Top , '' said Sidney Jones , South East Asia director for the International Crisis Group . Noordin is a Malaysian thought to be behind the region 's most recent major attacks . He belongs to a small splinter group of Jemaah Islamiyah that espouses the use of large-scale terror attacks to push for the establishment of Islamic states in the region . Noordin is a one-time officer , recruiter and bomb-maker for Jemaah Islamiyah , who police say has narrowly escaped their dragnets for years . In the case of Mas Selamat , thousands of security forces fanned out across Singapore after he escaped in February 2008 . Interpol , the organization that helps facilitate cooperation among police agencies around the world , later issued a worldwide security alert for him . Mas Selamat had been arrested in Indonesia and turned over to Singapore , on suspicion of plotting to crash a plane into the country 's airport . Jemaah Islamiyah is thought to have links to al-Qaeda and is suspected of being behind the 2002 nightclub bombings on the Indonesian island of Bali that killed more than 200 mostly Western tourists . Singapore is a strong U.S. ally and one of the world 's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links . Mas Selamet fled the southeast Asian country in 2001 after authorities cracked down on Jemaah Islamiyah and arrested dozens of its members . To retaliate , Mas Selamet plotted to hijack a plane and crash it into Singapore 's main airport , Changi , the Home Affairs Ministry said . The plot was not carried out . He also is suspected of being behind plans to attack the U.S. Embassy and a government building . Indonesian authorities arrested Mas Selamet on immigration violation charges in 2003 . Three years later , he was deported to Singapore , the Home Affairs ministry said . He was being held under Singapore 's Internal Security Act , which allows authorities to indefinitely detain someone without trial . Mas Selamet slipped away from a detention center in Singapore after asking to use the toilet before a visit with his family , Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng told lawmakers in parliament 2008 . Journalist Baradan Kuppusamy contributed to this report . | Mas Selamat Kastari was arrested April 1 in Johor state in Malaysia . He is suspected head of Islamist militant group Jemaah Islamiyah 's Singapore arm . His 2008 escape from Singapore launched a global manhunt . He had been arrested on suspicion of plot to crash plane into Singapore 's airport . | [[268, 287], [374, 421], [268, 287], [290, 337], [53, 74], [0, 15], [75, 133], [1268, 1294], [1297, 1389], [1543, 1554], [1630, 1688], [2169, 2250]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Doctors chose a woman who survived a shotgun wound to her face as the first recipient of a face transplant after treating her for nearly four years . This image projects what Connie Culp , 46 , may look like two years after the face transplant . Connie Culp knew of the Cleveland Clinic 's interest in face transplants and approached the medical staff , doctors said at a news conference Tuesday . Dr. Maria Siemionow , the Cleveland , Ohio , hospital 's director of plastic surgery research and head of microsurgery training , had more than 20 years of experience in complex transplants . By 2004 , Siemionow was looking for the right candidate for a face transplant who was n't doing it for vanity . `` They are not looking to go out on the street and be beautiful , '' Siemionow told CNN in a 2006 interview . `` Some of these patients , when they were interviewed just said ' I want to walk on the street and just make sure I am not sticking out . ' They just want to have a normal face . '' The doctors examined the patient 's history , motivation and ability to understand the risks of the transplant . And they found Culp to be an ideal candidate . Five years after a gun blast shattered her nose , cheeks and upper lip , she had a band of scar tissue extending across her face . `` The most devastating of all was the fact that society had rejected her and children were afraid of her , '' said Siemionow , who led the December 10 transplant operation . See before and after photos of Culp '' Culp , a mother of two and a grandmother , told her doctors she could understand that some adults would shun her . `` But what really bothered her the most were children -- the children that shied away from her , '' said Dr. Frank Papay , the chairman of Institute of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic . `` That sense of innocence , and her not being able to see that innocence really , really affected her . '' The shooting . In September 2004 , Culp 's estranged husband shot her in the face in an attempted murder-suicide outside a restaurant in Hopedale , Ohio , according to CNN affiliate WTOV in Steubenville , Ohio . Culp was 8 feet away from her husband , Thomas Culp , when he pulled the shotgun 's trigger . He then turned the weapon on himself , according to local news reports . They both survived . Thomas Culp was sent to prison . Despite her wounds , she told WTOV in 2008 , `` I 'll always love him . He was my first love . '' At the same time , Culp said , she felt angry . `` I would n't be human if I did n't . I forgive him , but I have to go on , you know ? '' After the shooting , Culp recuperated in a hospital and in a personal care home for two years . Culp told WTOV she had vision problems and was learning Braille . Her approach to life was to `` keep motivated . Do n't sleep your life away -- that could have happened . I could be depressed . I 'm not . '' As she spoke , her breaths emitted a small whistle from her tracheotomy tube , which protruded from a surgical opening in her neck . `` I can not smell . I will never be able to smell , '' she said in the interview . Culp was wrong . How doctors transplanted a face . The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic analyzed Culp 's injuries using CAT scans and developed plastic models of her skull . They practiced face transplant operation on cadavers several times . Culp met with the hospital 's surgeons , ethical committee members and psychiatry and psychology specialists who determined that she was an ideal candidate for the surgery . Then , the wait for the right donor began in 2008 . `` We thought we were going to wait a long time because we had to find a Caucasian female in her mid 40s to match Connie , so we expected a year before we were able to find a donor , '' said Papay , who is also head of craniofacial surgery . `` Well , three to four months later , I got a call at around midnight from Dr. Siemionow saying ' I think we have a donor . ' '' The family of a brain dead woman granted permission to use her face . He likened the preparation for the December transplant to a rocket launch , saying , `` Everything was prepared beforehand very , very , very carefully . '' Surgeons sheared out the donor 's mid-facial area including the lower eyelids , cheekbones , the nose , some of the sinus and the whole upper jaw , with the blood vessels . Watch CNN 's Dr. Sanjay Gupta discuss the face transplant '' When it came time to move the donor 's parts to Culp , they had to see that the donor and recipient parts aligned . `` One of the ways you can tell that is how your upper teeth fit to the lower teeth , '' Papay said . `` We knew it was like a hand in a glove , exactly where we needed to be . '' They secured the bones into Culp 's face using titanium plates and screws . Then the microvascular surgeons attached the vessels . They tucked the scars around Culp 's ears or underneath her eyelid , where they would not be visible . How the doctors operated '' Doctors added more skin than needed in case of tissue rejection . After monitoring Culp 's progress , doctors say they will remove the excess tissue and tighten her jawline in future surgeries . Contrary to science fiction and movies , the surgery did not make Culp look like the donor . `` If you just took the skin and transplanted it to the other patient , the bony structure is different , '' Papay said . `` If you took the bony structure and transplanted it on the other side , it ends up being a composite . So , it does n't look like the donor . It does n't look like the recipient . It ends up looking like someone new . '' Recovery . At this point , all the transplanted parts of Culp 's face are functioning except for her facial nerves , which are growing about an inch a month . Doctors anticipate Culp will be able to have full facial function -- and more expression -- by this winter . In physical therapy , she learns to train her nerves , make facial expressions , smile and purse her lips , doctors said . `` If you cry or you laugh or you smile , it 's not like you think about it . You just emotionally do it . So that 's a wait and see for us , '' Papay said . `` As far as the emotional one , that 's really the key issue . A far as when she laughs , cries and grimaces and gets angry at you ... what 's her face going to look like ? That 's the exciting part about it . '' Five months after the first face transplant in the United States , Culp lives at home . She has checkups with the medical staff once or twice a month and will do so for the next year , her doctors said . Initially , Culp used immunosuppressants that transplanted kidney , liver or heart patients would normally take . Transplant patients must take immune-suppressing drugs throughout their lifetime to prevent tissue rejection . But she showed improvements that enabled the doctors to reduce her regimen to one medication , doctors said . `` She 's taking her medications , '' Siemionow said . `` We know she is compliant . She cares about how she looks . She has her hair done in a new color ... She is full of life . She does her push-ups . She 's on the treadmill . What else can I say ? '' | Face transplant recipient was shot in 2004 by her husband . In a 2008 interview she told CNN affiliate that she forgave her husband . Doctors say Connie Culp fit criteria for ideal face transplant recipient . | [[19, 168], [1969, 1986], [1989, 2074], [2572, 2585], [1128, 1174]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Toyota reported a first-ever annual net loss of $ 4.4 billion on Friday , the latest automobile maker to be battered by the credit crisis . The top executives for Toyota at a press conference in January . Net revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31 was down nearly 22 percent , with total sales of 7.6 million vehicles -- 1.3 million fewer than the previous year . The company dividend will be reduced to 100 yen per share , down from 140 yen per share last year . The appreciation of the yen against major currencies , rise in raw material costs and the collapse of the auto market in Europe and North America led to the company 's annual loss , said Katsuaki Watanabe , Toyota president , at a press conference . The firm expects sales to decline even further to 6.5 million units this year . The company , however , will be further expanding it environmentally friendly line of automobiles . Watch more about the results '' `` It appears to take some more time before the financial markets in the U.S. and Europe normalize and the global economy recovers , '' Watanabe said . `` However , in the 2010 fiscal year , we plan to accelerate our profit improvement activities including the expansion of our hybrid vehicle line-up such as the next generation Prius in May and the Lexus ' HS250h in July . '' Toyota plans to launch four hybrid models in Japan and three models overseas in the next year . The new Prius model will be more compact and reduce production costs by 30 percent , Watanabe said . | Toyota reports its first annual net loss of $ 4.4 billion . Company will reduce dividend to 100 yen per share from 140 . The appreciation of yen , increased costs and decrease in car buyers blamed . | [[19, 90], [388, 445], [488, 667], [488, 633], [670, 737]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hulk Hogan said his comments to Rolling Stone magazine that he can `` totally understand '' O.J. Simpson -- the former football great found liable for the deaths of his wife and another man -- are being misunderstood . Linda and Hulk Hogan enjoy happier times at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards in New York . The pro wrestling legend said Wednesday that he `` took the high road '' and `` did n't do the O.J. Simpson thing '' despite the pain of his bitter divorce fight with wife Linda . Hogan 's lawyer said the quotes leaked to a gossip column have been taken out of context and the full article proves Hogan `` never condones the O.J. situation . '' Watch Hogan claim he was misquoted '' A spokesman for Linda Hogan said the statement amounts to a death threat and that her attorney is `` weighing all options necessary to protect his client . '' `` His violent and scary mood swings have been my nightmare for too many years , '' Linda Hogan said Thursday in a written statement . `` I hope for the sake of our kids that he gets the psychological help for himself and the safety of others . '' Her spokesman , Gary Smith , said , `` For those who buy his claim the comment was taken out of context , read the rest of Rolling Stone and determine for yourself if his suicidal tendencies coupled with the use of drugs and alcohol make him a danger . '' The controversial quote is part of a eight-page feature article about Hogan to be published in the magazine 's Friday edition . `` I could have turned everything into a crime scene like O.J. , cutting everybody 's throat , '' Hogan told Rolling Stone . `` You live half a mile from the 20,000-square-foot home you ca n't go to anymore , you 're driving through downtown Clearwater -LSB- Florida -RSB- and see a 19-year-old boy driving your Escalade , and you know that a 19-year-old boy is sleeping in your bed , with your wife ... . `` I totally understand O.J. I get it . '' The controversy began with a leak of the quote to the New York Post 's Page 6 gossip column . Hogan lawyer David Houston said that quote was `` part of a larger conversation to exemplify degrees of emotional turmoil . '' `` Earlier reports to the contrary exemplify the danger of cherry-picking quotes and reacting to them , '' Houston said . Hogan spoke later Wednesday to a photographer with the gossip Web site TMZ : . `` I spent three days with a writer for Rolling Stone talking about being positive and happy and walking in the spirit of Christ . And he asked me , ` Well , why did n't you flip out ? ' Well , I did n't jump off the Empire State building , I did n't buy a white Bronco . I did n't do the O.J. Simpson thing . I took the high road . `` I 'm not focused on Linda anymore , '' Hogan said . It has been widely reported that Linda Hogan , 49 , is dating a younger man . She filed for divorce in 2007 after nearly 25 years of marriage . Simpson was found not guilty of murder in the 1994 stabbing deaths of his wife , Nicole Brown Simpson , and her friend , Ron Goldman , but was found liable for their deaths by a civil court jury . Simpson later was found guilty in a Las Vegas , Nevada , armed robbery case and sentenced in December to up to 33 years in prison . Linda Hogan 's spokesman linked the comments to the 55-year-old Hogan 's three-decade career , during which he held multiple championship titles and , during his heyday in the 1980s , was easily the most popular wrestler in the world . `` We have always maintained that the fear that Linda has had to live with comes from the rage and instability much too often associated with pro wrestlers , '' Smith said in the statement . Hulk Hogan 's real name is Terry Bollea . His wife alternately goes by Linda Hogan and Linda Bollea . CNN 's Marc Balinsky contributed to this report . | Hulk Hogan , in a bitter divorce with his wife , Linda , talks to Rolling Stone magazine . `` I could have turned everything into a crime scene like O.J. , '' Hogan said . Hogan , 55 , says his comments are being taken out of context . Spokesman for Linda Hogan says the statement amounts to a death threat . | [[1503, 1564], [2745, 2760], [508, 617], [3234, 3326], [711, 805], [3234, 3326]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The mood at Hong Kong 's Metropark Hotel was subdued Thursday -- but only because most of the guests were in their rooms nursing hangovers from a night of partying the evening before . Quarantined guests and hotel employees wave through the glass at Hong Kong 's Metro Park Hotel . And with good reason . For seven days , the 200 guests and 100 staff members at this modest business hotel in the Wanchai bar district have been in involuntary confinement after health officials determined that a guest there had contracted swine flu . But in another 24 hours -- at 8:30 p.m. Friday to be precise , as guests kept reminding themselves -- they would be free to leave . `` Last evening , people perked up a bit , '' said Kevin Ireland , an Indian national . `` We 're cheerful . We 're happy we 're getting out tomorrow . '' For most of the guests here , it was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time . They picked the same hotel as a 25-year-old guest from Mexico who tested positive for the H1N1 virus . And Hong Kong health officials -- unwilling to see a repeat of the SARS epidemic in 2004 that killed nearly 300 people -- placed the hotel on lockdown . That was last Friday night , when Ireland was headed out to grab some Italian food with friends but hotel staff stopped them at the door . Since then , the guests have kept themselves busy trying to ward off boredom as they waited out their seven-day confinement . Images from a British hotel guest '' Most stayed cocooned in their tiny rooms , flipping through channels on the television or staying connected with their work colleagues via Internet chats . With no pool to lounge by and just one restaurant to pick from , guests milled about in the lobby to pick up food or get their temperatures taken once a day . `` We go down to the lobby for food and then back to the room to eat your food , '' said Leslie Carr , a British man . `` Not many people are downstairs hanging around to talk or discuss anything . '' Outside , bars and clubs lay only a short walk away . But police in face masks stood guard at the door , barring exit . Packs of reporters and camera crews peered through the hotel 's glass windows . The British contingent organized a quiz night once . When a French national had a birthday , the country 's consulate sent wine and champagne . The Hong Kong government , itself , tried its best to make living arrangements as comfortable as possible . They delivered a box of chocolates to guests , comped their rooms and offered them free long-distance phone calls . But food was a constant complaint . Guests , tired of hotel fare , were allowed to order take-out -- a boom in business for area eateries . `` A tribal instinct sort of manifested itself , '' Ireland said . `` You get into linguistic groups . You hang with people of the same country and region . '' Mark Moore , a British national , spent many hours kicking himself for changing his plans at the last minute -- the day before the quarantine . He was scheduled to fly home at the end of a business trip , but decided to spend the weekend visiting friends and family in Hong Kong . `` I wish I 'd left the day before , '' Moore said . `` I definitely wish I 'd gone home a day early . '' Tempers sometimes flared . Guests questioned the point of a quarantine when they were allowed to flout health safety recommendations . Many walked around without the blue surgical masks they were expected to cover their mouth and noses with . Each also had to take a 10-day dose of anti-viral medication . None have tested positive for the virus . `` We were all using the same elevator when we knew the virus can spread through touching objects , '' Ireland said . `` The health workers worked in shifts . I do n't know if they go home or to some other place where there 's some sort of quarantine . And we 're handing money to pay the people outside bringing our food . I 'm not wearing gloves , the guy on the outside 's not wearing gloves . '' Hong Kong 's Chief Executive Donald Tsang publicly apologized to the guests but said the precautions were needed . `` In view of the lack of data ... we have to be very cautious , '' added Yuen Kwok-Yung , a professor of microbiology of Hong Kong University . `` I believe that as time goes by , we can change our strategy . '' By Thursday , many guests said they have paid their bills and packed their bags . All there was left to do is stare at the clock ticking away toward their release . | More than 340 people quarantined in Hong Kong following single case of H1N1 . Hong Kong health officials have been unwilling to see a repeat of the SARS . Those isolated due to remain in quarantine until Friday . Confined persons include 36 travelers in three-row vicinity of sick man aboard flight . | [[324, 338], [341, 552], [1039, 1065], [1069, 1123]] |
Editor 's note : John Feehery worked as a staffer for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and other Republicans in Congress . He is president of Feehery Group , a Washington-based advocacy firm that has represented clients including News Corp. , Ford Motor Company and the United States Chamber of Commerce . He formerly was a government relations executive vice president for the Motion Picture Association of America . John Feehery says Republicans are poised to bounce back for several reasons . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- `` It is important for us to have a strong Republican Party , '' Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tauntingly told a press conference on April 23 . `` And I hope that the next generation will take back the Republican Party for the Grand Old Party that it used to be . '' Thanks Mrs. Pelosi , for your best wishes . But be careful what you wish for . I would n't write the obituary for the Republican Party quite yet . Sure , things are looking grim at the moment . Yes , our Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele stumbled out of the starting gate , making several verbal gaffes , and raising questions about his competence . Yes , the latest poll numbers are in the toilet , showing only 21 percent of the American people call themselves Republicans . Yes , Arlen Specter decided the GOP was a drag on his personal political future . And yes , we lost a special election in upstate New York that maybe we should have won . But things change . Remember a year-and-a-half ago , when everybody thought the election would be a referendum on the Iraq war . Remember 10 months ago , when everyone thought that expensive gas was going to drive people to the polls . It turned out that , by the time of the election , the most important thing that people cared about was their declining 401ks or their lost job . Here are five reasons why the Republican Party will be back and perhaps sooner than anyone thinks : . 1 -RRB- Overreach : Several of my Democratic friends over the last several months have tried to comfort me when discussing the fall of the Republican Party with one consoling thought : Do n't worry , we will screw it up . And on that one thing I agree with them . The liberal Democrats that currently run the Congress are destined to overreach on the legislative front . Pelosi and her California allies , like Reps. Henry Waxman , George Miller and Pete Stark , tend to think the rest of America wants the same things they do , from higher taxes on energy to a national health care plan that could be a blueprint for socialized medicine , from abortion on demand to gay marriage . But most Americans actually look at California as an economic basket case and social mess . It is a beautiful state , but it is also completely screwed-up , thanks largely to liberal governance . The Democrats are certain to overdo it on the liberalism , and that will make the Republicans much more attractive in two to four years . 2 -RRB- Checks and balances : Unlike the parliamentary governments of Europe , where one party runs everything until they mess up , the American system actually gives a preference to both parties having skin in the game . While most voters do n't actually think `` divided government '' when they go to the polls , they do think that one-party government tends to lead to excess and corruption . That is why the people have a chance a mere two years after the president gets elected to give him a midterm report card in the form of Congressional elections . Most polls now show voters prefer a candidate who will serve as a check on President Obama 's power . And for most voters , who see Pelosi and Nevada Sen. Harry Reid as even more liberal than the president , Republicans will serve as that check . 3 -RRB- Crisis breeds renewal : When things are going well , a political party tends to discourage independent thought and enforce philosophical orthodoxy . But when a political party faces crisis , all of that goes out the window . It is a wide-open world right now for Republicans as they debate amongst themselves what the party truly stands for . The debate will be painful , as neoconservatives , paleo-conservatives , progressive conservatives , moderates and libertarians battle it out to chart the course for a new and more vibrant party . Republicans can afford to have these debates now when they are in the minority , because frankly , they have nothing else to do . The Democrats went through this process in the mid-90s , and they built a new party that attracted centrists like Mark Warner , without alienating old-line liberals like Pelosi or Waxman . 4 -RRB- Talent senses opportunity : Investors know that the time to buy is not when the market is at its peak , but when the market is at the bottom . But it is not always easy to know when the bottom hits . In politics , it is pretty easy to know when a party has hit the bottom . And for the Republicans , it is now . Talented political entrepreneurs look to the GOP and see nothing but opportunity . The old bulls have been wiped out . The new guard is ready to start leading . In the House , young guns like Eric Cantor , Kevin McCarthy and Paul Ryan are charting the future for the next Republican takeover . Adam Putnam of Florida and Mark Kirk of Illinois are getting ready for state-wide runs . But it is not just the young guns . It also more experienced politicians , John Kasich and Rob Portman of Ohio , Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania , Jeb Bush of Florida , who see an opportunity to lead the party back to power . 5 -RRB- The Republican Party is the de facto Libertarian Party : Most people I talk to think of themselves not as Republicans or Democrats , but as libertarians . Not libertarians in the political party sense , but libertarians in a deeper philosophical sense . They tend to want government to stay out of their lives as much as possible . They tend to distrust all politicians , and when they hear someone say , `` I am from the government , and I am here to help , '' they tend to laugh uproariously . It was Will Rogers who said , `` I do n't make jokes . I just watch the government and report the facts . '' The Republican Party does best when it seeks to reform government , to lessen the power of the bureaucrat , and to fight to give more freedom to the people . When the GOP returns to that philosophical creed -- which it will do in the face of the Obama administration 's vast expansion of government power -- its fortunes will brighten again . If the Republican Party were a stock , the smart investor would start buying it now . Yes , things look grim at the present time , but things change . The GOP is not dead yet , and Speaker Pelosi may see her wish of a resurgent Republican Party come true quicker than she anticipated . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of John Feehery . | John Feehery : The Republican Party is struggling , but is n't dead . He says there are five good reasons to think the GOP will bounce back . U.S. system is designed to provide checks on the majority party , he says . Republicans are in position for creative thinking about ideas , Feehery says . | [[6657, 6680], [421, 498], [439, 498], [1837, 1934], [1859, 1915]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- While most parts of the country grapple with massive job loss and a deficit in new jobs , the South is faring a bit better . Hundreds stand in line at the Miami Dade College Mega Job Fair 2009 in Florida . The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in December the South recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 7 percent . According to Careerbuilder.com , the nation 's largest online job site , the South continues to see growth in the oil and gas industries which means more job opportunities in related fields like engineering . As an attractive destination for senior citizens , the South is also a hot spot for those seeking employment in the health care field or industries that cater to older populations . Education also continues to be an area that many consider `` recession-proof . '' CNN affiliates in the South report there is hope for those seeking jobs at job fairs which are drawing big crowds . Charlotte , North Carolina In a competitive market , job seekers have to be creative and some are turning to Twitter to give them an edge . The Web site TweetMyJobs.com is an online service that couples the social networking capacity of Twitter with more traditional online job-search services . `` Pick a location and job type you are interested in -- you subscribe to that . Any time a new job comes out on TweetMyJobs.com , it will automatically be sent to your cell phone , '' Web site developer Gary Zukowski told News 14 Carolina . Read what developer told News 14 Carolina about the site . Antwon Keith , Mecklenburg County employment security commission manager , said that such an instantaneous job alert may be just what job seekers need to stay ahead of other applicants . His concern , he told the station , was that older applicants , who are currently flooding his office , may have a difficult time utilizing the online site . Hope for those in the financial sector There is an expectation that some financial services companies in Charlotte will be hiring soon , a possible bright spot for those laid off from companies like Bank of America and Wachovia . Robert Half International conducts a hiring survey every three months and told WCNC that while some companies are planning reductions due to the economy , others will add staff . `` As companies have contracted and realized that their staff may be smaller than they like , they 've been looking at the idea of possibly bringing in more talent , '' Michael Steinitz of Robert Half International said . `` And it 's actually a really good time to improve your talent pool and make sure you have the best people on your staff . '' Read about the hopeful survey . Winston-Salem , North Carolina Many area residents are n't just looking forward to the summer for the warm weather . They are also looking forward to the baseball season which is slated to bring new jobs . The Winston-Salem Dash baseball team has openings for batboys , ushers , attendants and other hourly positions . Read about resident 's excitement over the ballpark jobs . Competition for the 150 positions has been fierce , especially since seasonal workers from last year have also been applying to regain their former jobs . Job seeker Akila Covington told the news channel that she has not worked in a long time and she hoped to land one of the positions to help provide for her family . `` I need this job badly , '' she said . `` I was working at US Airways last year and lost my job , so I 've been out almost a year and most definitely , yeah , need the job . '' Even those lucky enough to score a position wo n't begin immediately . Workers wo n't start until the new ballpark is completed and that date is still tentative , officials told WXII 12 News . Miami , Florida More than 1,000 Floridians stood in line to meet recruiters for the second day of a job fair held at Miami-Dade College 's North Campus . Held March 3-4 , the number of recruiters present was fewer than years past , but those on hand told local station WPLG there were jobs for qualified applicants . Many of the job-far companies were members of `` recession-proof fields '' like nursing , education and public safety . Read about the employers that attended the job fair . Even Walt Disney World , which shed 5 percent of its workforce and offered buyouts to hundreds of its employees , was represented . `` There are still jobs there and it 's a very fun program , '' Dayo Graham , a Disney recruiter , told WPLG . The thought of available jobs was very comforting to attendees like applicant Alex Barrino who told the WPLG it 's been difficult being unemployed . `` It 's been six-and-a-half months , '' Barrio said . `` I 've been looking for a job and it 's getting ridiculous . '' | The South is not as hard hit with unemployment . Careerbuilder.com : Oil , gas and health care industries continue to grow . CNN affiliates report jobs are available and seekers are flocking . | [[109, 143], [373, 403], [446, 509]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Four British soldiers have been killed in one day in separate attacks in Afghanistan , the British Ministry of Defense announced Friday . A British marine with an opium haul in Helmand province , where the four soldiers were killed . The deaths happened in three incidents in the southern Helmand province , the ministry said . Two soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing that happened Thursday afternoon during a patrol in Gereshk , the ministry said . One was a member of the Royal Gurkha Rifles and the other served with the Royal Military Police . `` With heavy heart we report another extremely sad situation , where lives of our courageous soldiers have been sacrificed for the greater good of the Afghan people , '' said Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson , a spokesman for Task Force Helmand . `` Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to their families and loved ones and we offer our thoughts and prayers to them all at this most painful and distressing time . '' Thursday evening , another soldier was killed by an explosion as he traveled in a Jackal 4x4 patrol vehicle , the ministry said . He served in the 2nd Battalion The Rifles . Watch Afghanistan 's president talk on U.S. troops withdrawals '' Earlier in the day , a soldier from The Black Watch , 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland was killed by a gunshot wound , the ministry said . He had been on patrol with the Afghan National Army in the vicinity of Woqab , close to Musa Qala . | 4 British soldiers die in one day in separate attacks in Afghanistan . Deaths happened in three incidents in the southern Helmand province . Two soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing during a patrol in Gereshk . | [[0, 15], [19, 103], [0, 15], [19, 103], [253, 324], [347, 392], [375, 392], [398, 452]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A federal judge has ordered the immediate release into the United States of 17 Chinese Muslims who have been held for several years in the U.S. military facility at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba . A guard tower is visible behind razor wire at the military facility at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba . U.S. District Judge Ricardo Urbina on Tuesday ordered the 17 detainees to appear in his Washington courtroom at 10 a.m. Friday and said he would hold a hearing next week to determine under what conditions they will be settled in the United States . The government late Tuesday afternoon announced it would file papers shortly with an appeals court seeking an emergency stay to stop the judge 's order in its tracks . The detainees are ethnic Uighurs , from a mostly Muslim autonomous region in western China . They have been in government custody for seven years and have been cleared for release for the past four years to any country willing to take them . No countries have volunteered . The judge , visibly impatient , told government lawyers he wants no delays . `` There is a pressing need for them to be released , '' Urbina declared . When a government lawyer requested one week for authorities to determine how immigration authorities would handle a court-ordered arrival of individuals with no status , Urbina summarily rejected the request . He angrily demanded Immigration and Customs officials not even consider arresting the Uighurs upon arrival . `` I have issued an order . I do not want these people interfered with in any way , '' the judge said . Justice Department lawyers told the judge they will immediately appeal the ruling and seek a stay of the order with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia . The Justice Department released a statement late Tuesday afternoon protesting Urbina 's order . `` Today 's ruling presents serious national security and separation of powers concerns and raises unprecedented legal issues , '' said Justice Department chief spokesman Brian Roehrkasse . At the White House , Press Secretary Dana Perino warned the ruling represents a dangerous precedent . `` The district court 's ruling , if allowed to stand , could be used as precedent for other detainees held at Guantanamo Bay , including sworn enemies of the United States suspected of planning the attacks of 9/11 who may also seek release into our country , '' she said . Dozens of colorfully dressed members of the Uighur community from the Washington area beamed as they left the courtroom and began embracing . `` We welcome this . It has been a very long time , '' said Amy Reger of the Uyghur Human Rights Project . The United States determined in 2004 the 17 Uighurs are not enemy combatants , but has kept them at Guantanamo while trying to persuade other countries to resettle them . Officials said they were not returned to China because of credible fears they could be mistreated if returned . The Uighurs fled Afghanistan shortly after the U.S.-led bombing campaign began in 2001 . They were turned over to U.S. military officials by Pakistani authorities . U.S. intelligence officials alleged the Uighur detainees are associated with the East Turkmenistan Islamist Movement , which the administration designated a terrorist organization in 2002 . Lawyers for the Uighurs dispute any terrorist connections . Attorneys for the 17 detainees promised the court that if the judge 's ruling stands , a Lutheran church group in Maryland and other service groups are prepared to provide both short-term and long-term care and support for the freed prisoners . Seventeen Uighur homes have been identified to initially house the detainees . Urbina scheduled an October 16 hearing for immigration officials and other government agencies to discuss conditions for the 17 men . | Group of 17 Chinese Muslims must be released into United States , judge rules . Federal government says it will appeal ruling , seek emergency stay of the order . Detainees are ethnic Uighurs , from mostly Muslim region in China . Prisoners have been cleared for release , but no country will take them . | [[0, 26], [30, 124], [563, 682], [645, 730], [1580, 1752], [1622, 1626], [1644, 1661], [1622, 1626], [1666, 1752], [731, 763], [824, 828], [871, 949], [973, 1004]] |
-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]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Both people who died of swine flu in the United States had pre-existing health problems , federal health authorities said Thursday in a report . A student uses disinfectant as she arrives Thursday at the National Technical Institute in Mexico City . The 22-month-old child who died April 27 of the flu , also called H1N1 , had neonatal myasthenia gravis , an autoimmune disease , said the report , which was written by a virus investigation team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published online in the New England Journal of Medicine . The child -- who was from Mexico and who fell ill while visiting relatives in Texas -- also had a heart defect , problems swallowing and chronic hypoxia , the report said . The 33-year-old Texas woman who died last week was pregnant when she became ill , the article said . She had been diagnosed with asthma , rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis . The details came in a summary of the 642 confirmed cases of H1N1 infection that were diagnosed between April 15 and May 5 in 41 states among patients ranging in age from 3 months to 81 years . Sixty percent were 18 years or younger and 18 percent had recently traveled to Mexico , the report said . It said that 36 of the 399 patients with confirmed H1N1 infection whose hospitalization status was known had been hospitalized . Of the 22 hospitalized patients for whom data were available , four were younger than 5 . Nine had chronic medical conditions , some of which included Down Syndrome and congenital heart disease . Seven patients said they had traveled to Mexico during the week before onset of illness . Eleven of those 22 hospitalized patients had pneumonia and eight patients were treated in an intensive care unit . Four were placed on ventilators . As of Tuesday , 18 of the 22 patients who had been hospitalized had recovered , it said . In a conference call with reporters , CDC 's Dr. Carolyn Bridges said epidemiologists would be scrutinizing the disease 's spread in South America , where the cool season is set to begin . Flu virus `` prefers lower humidity and lower temperatures for transmission , '' she said . `` We 'll be looking closely to the Southern Hemisphere during their winter to see what happens . That may give us some clues as to what to expect . '' Brazil 's health minister told reporters Thursday that four cases of H1N1 infection have been confirmed in Brazil . Three have been hospitalized and one is at home , said Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao . One case is in Rio de Janeiro , two are in Sao Paolo and the fourth was in Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil . Two of the patients had recently been in Mexico City ; the other two had recently been in Florida , he said . Another 21 cases are suspected in Brazil , he said . In Buenos Aires , Health Minister Graciela Ocana confirmed Argentina 's first H1N1 case -- a man who arrived April 25 from Mexico . The man was hospitalized in the capital and released after he recovered , Ocana said . The ultimate course of the disease remains unclear , said Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , who is involved in the effort to create a vaccine . `` We may be seeing the tip of the iceberg , '' he told CNN . `` We ca n't make any definitive projections about where this is going . It appears to be acting like a typical seasonal flu , only it 's out of season . We should n't be seeing this much influenza and it 's with a new virus and that 's the cause fo the concern . '' Asked when a vaccine might be available , he said , `` We hope to get doses by mid - to late fall . '' Journalist Fabiana Frayssinet in Rio de Janeiro and Brian Byrnes in Buenos Aires contributed to this story . | Pre-existing conditions contributed to deaths of U.S. victims , officials say . CDC report summarizes 642 confirmed cases of H1N1 infection . Most hospitalized patients have recovered , report says . Brazil reports four cases of H1N1 . | [[0, 15], [74, 106], [925, 999], [2311, 2426], [2361, 2426]] |
-LRB- The Frisky -RRB- -- When I asked an old friend why she had n't just broken up with her live-in boyfriend instead of beginning a messy affair with a married neighbor , she snapped , `` Do n't be stupid -- nobody leaves a relationship without having another one in place . '' Overlappers refuse to end one relationship until they have another one in progress . Oh , please , I corrected her . Of course they do . People fall out of love or get angry and leave without a safety net all the time . But as I thought back , I realized that for as long as I knew her , she never had . Even when she pretty much hated the one she was with , she stuck it out until she 'd lined up his replacement . I could never understand why . My friend is beautiful , successful and very smart ; surely being single for a little while would n't end her world . Women are n't the only ones guilty of this . I know -- and have unfortunately dated -- plenty of men who careen from one girlfriend directly into another , often with a big fat overlap ; connecting the two relationships like a murky Venn diagram . I understand that being single can be annoying and lonely sometimes , but there are plenty of good reasons not to be -- or date ! -- an Overlapper . 1 . Karma ! While overlapping is definitely cheating , the difference is these types go into it with the sole purpose of transitioning into another relationship . But however you word it , Overlappers deceive one or both parties in order to get what they want . When you begin a relationship dishonestly , it usually comes back to bite you in the butt . At the very least , you will never be fully able to trust an Overlapper . Because -- as yet another cliche based in truth goes -- if he does it with you , he 'll do it to you . 2 . Drama ! Breakups are never fun , however splits caused by infidelity are hands down the most explosive . If you 're like my friend and her man -LRB- who , against all odds , actually left his wife -RRB- , this means that instead of talking about hearts , flowers , and butterflies -- like other new couples -- you spend your nights plotting how to hide assets and whether or not your overpaid lawyer is enough of a shark . How romantic ! 3 . The Pressure ! Though they may appear independent , people who ca n't be alone are that way because they need to see themselves reflected in someone else 's adoring eyes . But when their mirror -LRB- aka , partner -RRB- develops a flaw -LRB- weight gain , job loss , etc. -RRB- , their image of themselves reflects that . Being a narcissist , nothing less than perfection is acceptable , so they start looking for the next mirror . Got that , fatty ? You 'd better stay at the top of your game if you want to hang onto an Overlapper . 4 . Not cute ! `` I met my boyfriend when his puppy peed on my foot '' is the perfect example of a meet-cute story . It has all the key elements -- chance , humor , and , best of all , a cuddly puppy ! `` I met my boyfriend because I was his kids ' nanny and then his wife found out , which is how I got this black eye , '' is definitely not a tale you 're going to want to share at parties . TM & © 2009 TMV , Inc. | All Rights Reserved . | Some people afraid to be alone are guilty of dating overlapping . They cheat on both partners while transitioning between relationships . Overlappers ca n't be trusted -- they might do it to you . Because they 're narcissistic , they 'll trade you in for better model . | [[1596, 1613], [1616, 1669]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- This spring break , thousands of college students will ditch the bars and the beaches to do something more meaningful with their vacation time . Brad Vonck -LRB- bottom , left -RRB- and other student volunteers worked with the Cherokee Nation in Stilwell , Oklahoma . Brad Vonck is one of them . A sophomore at the University of Illinois , Vonck will travel to San Juan , Texas , in a group of 13 students to volunteer with La Union del Pueblo Entero , an organization that helps strengthen the communities and lives of farm workers and their families . `` Learning about different cultures is very important to me , '' Vonck said . `` I like to engage in different areas of life that I do n't really understand . '' Every year , more and more college students , like Vonck , are choosing to spend their valuable time off from school participating in `` alternative spring break '' programs -- community service-based opportunities dealing with the most pressing issues of the day , including hunger and homelessness , disaster relief and global warming . `` If you can name a social issue , then students are doing trips around it , '' said Jill Piacitelli , executive director of Break Away , an organization that trains and helps colleges across the United States promote alternative break programs . For the past six years , these programs have been growing in popularity among college students . Break Away estimated that this year , nearly 65,000 students will participate in its alternative break programs , an 11 percent increase from 2008 . `` It 's a student-led social movement . ... This is a group that very much wants to be involved in the world around them , '' Piacitelli said of the volunteers . `` They 're solution-oriented . They want to innovate and lead and involve their peers . '' The average domestic trip costs around $ 250 or $ 300 , Piacitelli said , which includes `` housing , travel , social activities , food and often a donation to the community . '' Many university programs offer financial aid and the option to raise money to help pay for trips . `` It is rare that anyone who wants to go on a trip can not go , '' Piacitelli said . The affordability is part of the reason why so many students return for second or third trips . Nikunj Shah , a graduate of Arcadia University , has taken several alternative spring break trips volunteering in the United States and Mexico . This year , he will be traveling as an alumnus to Jean Lafitte , Louisiana , a city that has been largely ignored by disaster relief efforts in the wake of hurricanes Katrina , Wilma and Rita . `` I 've always had an interest in helping people . I 've always been really involved in community service , '' Shah said . `` So I saw this as an opportunity to go places I have n't been before , to get a feel for different cultures and to help people there that truly need help . '' In an effort to expand their alternative spring break options , universities across the United States partner with humanitarian organizations like the United Way of America . Randy Punley , director of corporate and media partnerships at the United Way , oversees the organization 's Alternative Spring Break programs . After Hurricane Katrina , the United Way partnered with MTV to engage young people in the response effort . `` We knew there was an interest and a passion in young people for the work we were trying to achieve , '' Punley said . Since then , the United Way has evolved and expanded , establishing chapters on college campuses . The organization has also developed an Alternative Spring Break Social Media Challenge , encouraging young people to be active in their communities and use social media Web sites , like Facebook or Twitter , to involve other people . `` Whether it started with the first Gulf War , punctuated by the September 11 attacks and Katrina and the economic meltdown , young people have a very different perspective about what 's going on in the world , '' Punley said . At the end of the weeklong trip , most students say it was the best week of their lives , Punley said . The increasing interest in these programs , Punley believes , speaks volumes about the attitudes of Generation Y , a group of people who are eager to make an impact on the world around them . `` It 's such a difference from going home and not really feeling accomplished to going on these trips and meeting new people , '' Vonck said . `` You get experiences that you would n't get sitting on the couch watching TV for a week . '' Piacitelli said these programs encourage young people to continue serving their communities and those in need . `` The students are the main benefactors of what goes on , '' Piacitelli said . `` It changes their consciousness . They get really interested in social issues ... They see themselves as active citizens , and helping the community becomes a priority . '' Like Vonck and Shah , University of Illinois senior Adriana Collazo has a passion for community service . During her spring break last year , Collazo traveled to the Bronx in New York to volunteer at a homeless shelter . She stayed at a hostel with other volunteers and helped serve food and organize clothing drives . `` I never really had all that money to go off and do the whole Cancun , Mexico , spring break , and I did n't really want to , because I think that 's throwing away money , '' Collazo said . `` When you can give back , it 's selfish . '' The trip to the Bronx was a personal one for Collazo who , at the age of 6 , experienced poverty firsthand when her family became homeless . `` My family 's better now , and I want to give back , '' Collazo said . `` I think a lot of students have realized that they can do better things with their time . ... It humbles you . '' | `` Alternative '' spring breaks are becoming more popular among college students . The programs center on community service . Trips may address hunger and homelessness , disaster relief and global warming . The average domestic trip costs around $ 250 or $ 300 . | [[736, 746], [749, 792], [795, 909], [1323, 1345], [1348, 1419], [4830, 4834], [4875, 4896], [4875, 4917], [913, 1074], [1824, 1877]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama drew big laughs at the annual White House Correspondents ' Association dinner Saturday , taking jabs at his administration , his Republican rivals and even himself . President Obama delivers some one-liners at the White House Correspondents ' Association dinner on Saturday . `` I would like to talk about what my administration plans to achieve in the next 100 days , '' Obama said . `` During the second 100 days , we will design , build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days . '' He added later , `` I believe that my next 100 days will be so successful , I will be able to complete them in 72 days -- and on the 73rd day I will rest . '' The Democratic president poked fun at the Republican Party , saying it `` does not qualify for a bailout '' and conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh `` does n't count as a troubled asset . '' Watch Obama deliver laughs at dinner '' Obama touched on a few gaffes during his short time in office , from Vice President Joe Biden 's verbose tendencies to an unfortunate Air Force One photo op that frightened New Yorkers -- playfully pointing his finger at his young daughters . `` Sasha and Malia are n't here tonight because they 're grounded , '' he said . `` You ca n't just take Air Force One on a joyride to Manhattan -- I do n't care whose kids you are . '' Watch celebrities mingle before dinner '' As the world shakes off swine flu fears that started in Mexico , Obama noted his old rivalry with former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton , who now serves as secretary of state . `` We had been rivals during the campaign , but these days we could not be closer , '' the president said . `` In fact , the second she got back from Mexico , she pulled me into a hug and gave me a big kiss -- told me to get down there myself . '' Gallery of celebrity guests '' Obama even took on former Vice President Dick Cheney , who was n't in attendance : `` He is very busy working on his memoirs , tentatively titled , `` How to Shoot Friends and Interrogate People . '' Obama took a somber tone , though , when specifically addressing the reporters in the room -- noting the financial struggles that have afflicted the newspaper industry . Watch reporters arrive for dinner '' `` Across the country , there are extraordinary , hardworking journalists who have lost their jobs in recent days , recent weeks , recent months , '' he said . `` I know each newspaper and media outlet is wrestling with how to respond with these changes . ... Not every ending will be a happy one . `` It is also true that your ultimate success as an industry is essential to the success of our democracy -- it 's what makes this thing work , '' Obama said . | Obama delivers zingers at White House correspondents ' annual dinner . President jokes Republican Party `` does not qualify for a bailout '' Obama also pokes fun at Vice President Biden , Secretary of State Clinton . Obama says journalism industry 's success is essential to democracy . | [[30, 132], [212, 307], [898, 937], [700, 730], [761, 894], [700, 734], [1507, 1561], [1568, 1602], [2588, 2693]] |
ISLAMABAD , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistani forces have killed as many as 200 Taliban militants in the past day in the Swat and Shangla areas , the military said Sunday . Pakistan has launched a massive military operation against the Taliban in the Swat Valley . CNN could not verify the account , because journalists are barred from the region . The military blamed the Taliban for injuring civilians as the offensive entered its third week . `` Indiscriminate mortar firing and planting of IEDs -LSB- improvised explosive devices -RSB- in the streets and roads by the miscreants in the populated areas of village Thana , Malakand and Mingora , resulted into civilian casualties , '' the military said in a statement . Watch more on crisis '' The military eased a curfew on the region , allowing civilians to flee the fighting between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. -LRB- 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 a.m. Sunday EDT -RRB- . The United Nations refugee agency warned Friday of a `` massive displacement '' of civilians as the military wages its campaign with helicopter gunships , tanks and artillery . Watch as CNN 's Ivan Watson tours a refugee camp '' In the last few days , an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Pakistanis have fled the military operation , according to U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees spokesman Ron Redmond , citing provincial government data . Another 300,000 Pakistanis were on the move or expected to flee the fighting . At least two soldiers were killed Sunday , and another died of wounds he suffered on Friday , the military statement said . Watch why civilians have backed the Taliban to survive '' The military has been releasing regular reports saying it has killed Taliban militants in the region , but it has produced little evidence of the successes it claims . Journalists have not been permitted to observe the offensive and the army has not shown the bodies of the dead militants . It is also not clear what effect the offensive is having on the overall fight against the Taliban in the region , as fears grow that they could threaten the stability of Pakistan , a nuclear-armed power and key U.S. ally . | Pakistani military says 200 Taliban fighters have been killed in 24 hours . An unknown number of civilians have also been killed and injured . Tens of thousands of civilians have fled as the military campaign intensifies . | [[12, 36], [40, 147], [629, 649], [652, 685], [912, 1020], [1141, 1161], [1164, 1239], [1351, 1394]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Toney Dixon 's fascination with dead bodies goes back to her childhood , when she would sneak around her uncle 's funeral home and watch him prepare bodies . The bodies on display are plastinated , a process that replaces bodily fluids and fat with plastic . `` I found my heart racing , '' said Dixon , 67 . `` But instead of being taken aback and terrified , I wanted to know more . '' Years later , Dixon 's curiosity drew her and her twin sister , Erlyene Toney-Alvarez , to Body Worlds , an exhibit that shows preserved human specimens bisected and stripped of skin . `` It 's like standing in the mirror and seeing yourself in a totally new way , '' said Dixon , the younger twin . The twins were so impressed that they signed up on the spot to donate their earthly remains to the exhibit , which is currently showing in the United States , Canada , England and Germany . With their signatures , the women joined a group of people who believe that having their bodies dissected , preserved and displayed will serve a greater purpose than burial or cremation . Body Worlds ' donor program boasts about 800 people in North America and 8,600 worldwide . `` I thought , since I like to think outside the box , this would be a really good way to preserve our bodies instead of the typical funeral , '' Toney-Alvarez said . `` It 's also something I can go to my death feeling good about , like I made a contribution to humankind . '' Individual Americans have had the right to bequeath their bodies to science since 1965 , when the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act established the human body as property . With that law , a donor 's wishes superseded those of the next of kin . But academics in the field of gross anatomy attribute recent increases in body donations to relaxed social mores , according to an article published by the Association of American Medical Colleges . Traditionally , medical schools have been the most common recipients of willed specimens in America . Then , in 1993 , controversial German anatomist Gunther von Hagens emerged with an alternative . Von Hagens , a self-styled iconoclast who earned the moniker Dr. Frankenstein in Europe for performing a public dissection , invented plastination in the 1970s . See photos of the Body Worlds exhibit '' He spent the next few years popularizing and refining the process , which replaces bodily fluids and fat with plastic , earning equal shares of admiration and infamy . In 1993 , von Hagens founded the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg , Germany , a research center that performs plastination and manages the Body Worlds exhibits . The Institute produces specimens for Body Worlds exhibits and academic institutions that pay anywhere from $ 200 to $ 60,000 for them . Von Hagens says he relies on donors not only as a source of specimens , but also as representations of Body Worlds ' philosophy . `` I feel it is in line with democratic principles that you can decide in your lifetime whether to go to the cemetery or put yourself on display in an exhibition to teach the next generation , '' von Hagens said in a recent telephone interview . Von Hagens says the Body Worlds donor program distinguishes it from similar exhibitions that have used bodies of questionable origin . In a settlement with the New York State Attorney General 's Office , Premier Exhibitions admitted that the specimens used in `` Bodies ... The Exhibit '' might be victims of torture or execution from Chinese prisons . The settlement requires that Premier Exhibitions obtain proof of donor consent for specimens used in its shows . The company has also set up a fund to compensate visitors to its New York show . Legislation is pending in several states that would require shows like Body Worlds to prove donor consent before they open . Von Hagens has weathered similar allegations over the years . He insists that the specimens in Body Worlds exhibits come from donors . He has done some plastination work on bodies from China at the request of medical schools and universities , but these bodies were not put on display . `` It is very , very important for the donors to know the purpose of the exhibit , that it is not entertainment , it is education and enlightenment , '' von Hagens said . `` I have to be in peace with those on display . '' The donors meet periodically at conferences , where they catch up with each other and with von Hagens . Recently , the sisters attended a donor conference in Los Angeles , California , with their mother , Irma Henry , who signed on in 1997 . Marc Rohner donated his leg to Body Worlds because he wanted others to learn from it . `` What you see in a picture or on `` CSI '' does not do justice to what the real human body looks like or how it functions , '' said Rohner , whose leg was amputated in 2006 to remove a malignant giant cell tumor . `` By having a three-dimensional leg or black lung in front of you , you have areas of focus and details you ca n't see in a photo . '' With his donation , Rohner , a pathologist 's assistant in Columbus , Ohio , became the first living person to give a body part to the Institute . Rohner acknowledges that the exhibits are not for everyone . Church groups in Europe have repeatedly denounced the shows as disrespectful , and skeptics around the world continue to question whether the Body Worlds specimens really are from legitimate sources . But Toney-Alvarez says she will visit Body Worlds , even if her mother and sister are on display . `` Once you have passed on , it 's just a shell . The memories are in the heart and in the mind , '' she said . | Body Worlds was created by Gunther von Hagens , who invented plastination . Body donor Toney Dixon says the exhibit is a didactic alternative to burial , cremation . About 800 people in North America are on donor list for Body Worlds . Purpose of the exhibit is education and enlightenment , von Hagens says . | [[2091, 2101], [2216, 2252], [1229, 1316], [1085, 1175], [3046, 3088]] |
Editor 's note : Simon Johnson , a former International Monetary Fund chief economist , is a professor at MIT Sloan School of Management and a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics . Peter Boone is chairman of Effective Intervention , a UK-based charity , and a research associate at the Centre for Economic Performance , London School of Economics . They run http://baselinescenario.com/ , a global economy Web site . Simon Johnson , above , and Peter Boone say the U.S. could be in for a long period of virtually no growth . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Euphoria returns ! Who could have guessed that Bank of America stock would rally 70 percent the week it learns the Feds are demanding new capital equal to nearly half the bank 's market capitalization ? The ongoing grim news -- on rising unemployment , continued -LRB- albeit slower -RRB- economic decline , and ordinary working Americans being hammered on all sides -- is being ignored by stock and commodity markets . Is America now back on track for growth ? The answer to that is almost surely no . Rising stock markets do n't necessarily mean a sharp recovery is under way . Consider the case of Japan in its first lost decade of the 1990s . After falling 63 percent from its peak in late 1989 , the Nikkei staged a 32 percent rally in one month . It then remained volatile but around the same level for nearly 10 years -- because the return on assets and capital investors could earn proved so low throughout that economy . During the 1990s , Japan 's banking system was burdened with bad loans that kept eating into profits and its nonfinancial companies had excess capacity that had to be wound down ; these problems were made worse by a decline in the working population . The initial excess of capital , supplemented by high ongoing savings from households and corporations , kept interest rates low . Throughout this period the price/earnings ratio on stocks ranged from 30 to 50 -LRB- it 's 51 today -RRB- , compared with 15 to 20 in Europe and the United States . The logic was simple : With so little return available on all assets , local investors were willing to pay up for stocks even if the dividends were a paltry 1-2 percent . Does this sound familiar ? We think so . The current rally in stocks marks one clear success -- the fear of a systemic collapse due to loss of confidence in our financial system has subsided . This is good news , and an important achievement of President Obama 's team . However , our `` turning Japanese '' phase may just have begun . The `` stress tests '' that were just completed do not mark the renewed health of our banking system . We still have 22 percent of Americans with houses worth less than their mortgages , and there are parallel problems for commercial property and other sectors . Many bankruptcies are yet to come . Most publicly traded large homebuilders are deep in debt , yet they are burning cash and waiting to see if -- magically -- the two-year stock of unsold housing can somehow disappear . We 've barely begun to downsize our auto industry , and the parts suppliers and dealers that go along with it , to reflect the lower level of consumer spending and scarcer availability of credit for the future . All of this is also true across much of Europe . In essence , Europe and the United States both are saddled with zombie banks -LRB- which do n't really lend -RRB- , zombie corporations -LRB- which do n't grow -RRB- , and a decline in the relative size of the working population -LRB- as more people try to retire -RRB- . This `` Japanese '' scenario can persist for many years . The biggest risk now is that the Federal Reserve and the Treasury try to re-leverage our way out of a Japanese-style prolonged recession by flooding the economy with cheap credit -- like they did in 2002 , but to an even greater degree . Cheap government finance for powerful banks is a great cocktail for re-election ; running stress tests that were n't really stressful is a good indication this is where policy is heading . This time the money wo n't come from consumers -LRB- or from China , as it did after 2002 -RRB- ; it will be American and European central banks providing funds and our governments running massive budget deficits . If this is the strategy , the next crisis will be even more traumatic . Budget deficits over 10 percent of Gross Domestic Product and trillions of dollars of new loans to the banks from the Federal Reserve are recipes for hyperinflation and , if the Fed and Treasury do n't pull away the punch bowl soon , sharply increasing inflation is very much in the cards . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Simon Johnson and Peter Boone . | Johnson , Boone : Stocks are rallying as if economy is out of the woods . They say that 's premature , and we could be in for a long period of stagnation . Japan 's economy suffered for years from similar problems , they say . Johnson , Boone : We have zombie banks and zombie companies . | [[449, 556], [489, 556], [3304, 3314], [3317, 3345], [3351, 3386]] |
BAGHDAD , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- While violence decreases across Iraq , women in the war-ravaged country face worsening hardships as warfare has thrust them into the role of family breadwinners , an aid group 's survey said . An Iraqi woman who sells incense and candles to support her children says , `` to work is to preserve your honor . '' In a release dated Sunday coinciding with International Women 's Day , Oxfam International issued , `` In Her Own Words : Iraqi Women Talk About Their Greatest Concerns and Challenges . '' Many women have been widowed and have had to run their families because their husbands `` had been killed , disappeared , abducted or suffered from mental or physical abuse , '' the survey says . As a result , many have been unable to earn a decent living . While there are no precise numbers , there are now an estimated 740,000 widows in Iraq , Oxfam says . `` Women are the forgotten victims of Iraq , '' said Oxfam International Executive Director Jeremy Hobbs , in quotes included in the survey . See pictures of women working in Iraq '' The survey found that largely because of the conflict in Iraq , 35.5 percent of participants were acting as head of the household and that `` nearly 25 percent had not been married . '' `` If this reflects Iraq as a whole , it is the highest rate in the larger region , a result of the loss of men of marrying age as a result of the conflict , '' the survey said . Oxfam and its Iraqi partner group Al-Amal Association , conducted the survey in five provinces -- Baghdad , Basra , Tameem , Najaf and Nineveh . Questioners interviewed 1,700 respondents starting last summer . While the survey does n't represent the situation facing all Iraqis , it provides `` a disturbing snapshot of many women 's lives and those of their children and other family members . '' `` A quarter of the women interviewed still do not have daily access to water , a third can not send their children to school and , since the war started , over half have been the victim of violence , '' Hobbs said . `` And to add further insult more than three-quarters of widows , many of whom lost their husbands to the conflict , get no government pension which they are entitled to . '' The report urges Iraq to invest in social welfare essential services . `` A whole generation of Iraqis are at risk . Mothers are being forced to make tough choices , such as whether to pay for their children to go to school and receive health care , or to pay for private power and water services . These are choices no mother should have to make . And they are not only threatening individual families , they are also threatening the future of Iraq itself , '' Hobbs said . Here are some of the survey results . • Security and safety are the top concerns of nearly 60 percent of women . • More than 40 percent of respondents said their security situation worsened last year . • 55 percent had been victims of violence since 2003 . • Some 45 percent of women said their income was worse in 2008 than in 2007 and 2006 . • 69 percent said access to water was worse or the same as in in 2006 and 2007 . • 80 percent said access to electricity was more difficult than or the same as in 2007 . • Nearly half of the women said access to quality health care was more difficult in 2008 compared with 2006 and 2007 . • 40 percent of women with children reported that their sons and daughters were not attending school . | An estimated 740,000 widows struggle in new roles as heads of house , survey says . Many women do n't have daily access to water and can not send children to school . More than 40 percent of respondents said security situation worsened last year . Report urges Iraq to invest in essential social welfare services . | [[197, 226], [829, 878], [1840, 1865], [1878, 1917], [1920, 1965], [2820, 2908], [2863, 2908], [2232, 2302], [2249, 2302]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A second lingerie-modeling photo of Miss California USA Carrie Prejean has appeared after she assured pageant officials this week that the earlier shot was the only one she had appeared in . Miss California USA Carrie Prejean may lose her crown because of some semi-nude photos she appeared in . The Web site that published the first picture published a second one Wednesday . It had already promised to `` slowly roll out '' more photos . After the appearance of the first photo , the possibility that racier images could emerge prompted `` closed-door meetings '' Tuesday to consider stripping Prejean of her beauty queen title , pageant spokesman Ron Neal said . Although Neal said Prejean `` breached her contract '' by keeping the semi-nude photo or photos a secret , the only pictures published so far appear about as revealing as the bikini Prejean wore in the pageant 's swimsuit competition . `` We have been told by Carrie Prejean there are no other photos other than the one circulating in existence . She should know better than anyone , '' Miss California USA Director Keith Lewis said Wednesday before the latest photo was released . Watch reaction to racy photos '' Pageant officials were not immediately available for comment on the new picture . The 21-year-old Miss USA contestant has been the center of controversy since she declared her opposition to same-sex marriage in a response to a question on the national pageant stage last month . She finished as runner-up to Miss USA . In a statement given to CNN on Tuesday , Prejean said the photos -- and she did use the plural -- were being used in a `` vicious and mean-spirited '' effort to silence her for `` defending traditional marriage . '' While she vowed to `` continue to support and defend marriage as the honorable institution it is , '' Prejean may be doing so without the Miss California USA title . State pageant officials met Tuesday with lawyers and representatives of Donald Trump , who owns the international competition , to consider whether they had grounds to take the crown away from Prejean , according to Neal . `` When you compete for Miss California , you 're supposed to disclose whether you posed for nude or semi-nude photos , because it 's grounds for disqualification , '' he said . CNN obtained a copy of the pageant contract Prejean signed last year , in which she agreed that the discovery of semi-nude photos could mean disqualification . The first photo made public shows Prejean -- who said she was 17 at the time -- wearing pink panties and no top . She is turned away from the camera , with her arm hiding most of her breast . The second photo is essentially the same , but Prejean is looking over her opposite shoulder . It was unclear whether pageant officials would consider that a semi-nude photo , in light of their standard requirement that contestants parade across stage wearing a bikini that arguably shows more skin . Ahead of the second photo being published , Nik Richie -- of TheDirty.com -- said he was upgrading his Web site 's servers to handle the flood of traffic he expects will come after he posts the additional photos . `` I will slowly roll these out , '' Richie said . The Web site appeared to be overwhelmed by traffic early Thursday . CNN tried to access it , but could not . `` We 'll see what happens with those and we want to know who 's releasing them , '' Neal said . Shanna Moakler , the co-executive director of the Miss California USA organization , will meet with Tami Farrell , the runner-up for the title , `` to discuss the possible next steps , '' Neal said . Prejean defended the photos , which she said were taken when she was a teenager aspiring to be a Victoria 's Secret model . `` I am a Christian , and I am a model , '' she said . `` Models pose for pictures , including lingerie and swimwear photos . '' She said the photos `` have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith . '' `` I am not perfect , and I will never claim to be , '' she said . `` But these attacks on me and others who speak in defense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive . While we may not agree on every issue , we should show respect for others ' opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spirited attacks . '' Her publicist , Melany Ethridge , confirmed a comment she gave to celebrity Web site TMZ in which she said Prejean was 17 when she posed for the photos , hoping they would land her a modeling job . `` In her naivete , an agent convinced her to pose for this photo to submit to a lingerie company , claiming they could make her the next Victoria 's Secret model , '' Ethridge told TMZ . `` She has since learned what a lie that was , and what a mistake it was to have the photo taken . '' Prejean announced last week that she would star in a new $ 1.5 million ad campaign supporting `` opposite marriage '' -LRB- marriage between a man and a woman -RRB- funded by the National Organization for Marriage . `` Marriage is good , '' Prejean said at a news conference announcing the ad campaign . `` There is something special about unions of husband and wife . Unless we bring men and women together , children will not have mothers and fathers . '' CNN 's Aileen Martinez contributed to this report . | Miss California USA Carrie Prejean says she posed for one semi-nude photo . A Web site says it has more photos of Prejean , and plans to slowly roll them out . Prejean is in the news for her response to question about same-sex marriage . | [[421, 435], [445, 483], [421, 483], [3197, 3221], [1307, 1503], [1384, 1503]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday insisted that his country 's nuclear arsenal is `` definitely safe , '' despite growing concerns about recent gains by the Taliban along the country 's border with Afghanistan . Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari insists his country 's nuclear arsenal is `` definitely safe '' from militants . In an interview with CNN 's Wolf Blitzer , Zardari responded to the fact that the United States does n't know the locations of all of Pakistan 's nuclear sites . He also addressed the Obama administrations concern over whether the weapons are vulnerable to Taliban fighters who are gaining control of some border regions . `` They ca n't take over , '' Zardari said , referring to militants . `` We have a 700,000 -LRB- person -RRB- army -- how could they take over ? '' For the last two weeks , Pakistani troops have been battling Taliban fighters in Buner and Lower Dir , two districts bordering the Swat Valley -- a broad Taliban stronghold in Pakistan . Army generals claim to have killed scores of militants . Pakistan 's government recently signed a deal that would allow Islamic law , or sharia , in the Swat Valley , in exchange for an end to fighting . Still , Pakistan 's military is continuing an assault on militants in Taliban-held areas after they seized territory in violation of the agreement signed by Zardari . Last week , U.S. President Barack Obama said Pakistan 's government appears to be `` very fragile '' and argued that 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 . '' And , after making two visits to Pakistan in the last three weeks , Adm. Michael Mullen , chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff , indicated Monday that he is `` gravely concerned '' about recent Taliban and al Qaeda gains across much of southern Afghanistan and in Pakistan . Pakistan 's nuclear weapons are `` definitely safe , '' Zardari said Tuesday . `` First of all , they are in safe hands . There is a command and control system under the president of Pakistan . And Buner ... there has been fighting there before . There will be fighting there again and there will always be an issue of people in those mountains that we 've been taking on . '' Zardari 's comments came as the Obama administration prepared for meetings set for Wednesday with Zardari and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai to discuss security in the region . A senior administration official told reporters that the U.S. objective of the meetings is `` an alliance with these countries against a shared threat . '' Watch Pakistan 's U.S. ambassador discuss the Taliban insurgency '' Zardari and Karzai will also be visiting key congressional leaders and policymakers in advance of meetings with Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton . A bill called the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 , introduced by Sens. John Kerry , D-Massachusetts , and Dick Lugar , R-Indiana , would authorize $ 7.5 billion in non-military aid to Pakistan over the next five years to foster economic growth and development , and another $ 7.5 billion for the following five years . Zardari , for his part , said he is grateful for the financial aid Pakistan has received from the United States , but said he needs `` more support . '' `` I need drones to be part of my arsenal . I need that facility . I need that equipment . I need that to be my police arrangement , '' he said . The U.S. military has carried out airstrikes against militant targets in Pakistan , after Zardari 's government was criticized for not cracking down on militants along the Afghan border . The unmanned drone attacks have rankled relations between Pakistan and Washington . Asked whether the U.S. strategy bothered him , Zardari said , `` Let 's agree to disagree . ... We 're still in dialogue . '' Zardari also denied speculation by some Congressional lawmakers that his country has used most of the $ 10 billion given by the United States to strengthen its arsenal against a threat from nuclear rival India -- as opposed to going after the ongoing militant threat . `` They 've given $ 10 billion in 10 years , a billion nearly a year for the war effort in -- against the Taliban , and the war that is going on , '' he said . Zardari also addressed his government 's apparent resistance to significant U.S. involvement on Pakistani soil . Recently , U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates observed , `` There has been a reluctance on their part up to now . They do n't like the idea of a significant American military footprint inside Pakistan . I understand that . And -- but we are willing to do pretty much whatever we can to help the Pakistanis in this situation . '' Zardari called Pakistan 's relationship `` pretty strong '' and said , `` We are asking . We 've been asking for a lot of help , and it has been in the pipeline for a long time . '' | Pakistani President insists his state 's nuclear arsenal is safe , despite Taliban gains . Recent gains by the Taliban along Pakistan 's Afghan border have raised concerns . For 2 weeks , Pakistani troops have fought Taliban in districts bordering Swat Valley . U.S. President Barack Obama said Pakistan 's government appears `` very fragile '' | [[0, 15], [67, 244], [245, 323], [290, 362], [0, 15], [67, 244], [620, 636], [641, 685], [1668, 1671], [1674, 1733], [1736, 1755], [1803, 1948], [834, 856], [859, 934], [937, 976], [1392, 1401], [1404, 1492]] |
DUBLIN , Ireland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jane Orobator lives in a small house in Dublin , Ireland . She 's a full time psychology student at Trinity college and she is single-handedly raising 3 girls aged 9 to 14 . Their smiling faces are framed in photos on the walls at home -- the only ornaments in an otherwise sparsely decorated house . An emotional Jane Orabator said her daughter 's arrest made her world crumble like a pack of cards . But there is one family member missing from these photos : the oldest sister , Samantha , now 21 , in prison in Laos charged with smuggling heroin . `` My life , my world is crumbling like a pack of cards right before me , '' Jane Orobator told CNN in an emotional interview . `` Samantha has never given me any cause to worry . '' Over the course of a 90-minute interview with CNN , Orobator frequently broke down in tears . At one point , she collapsed to her knees and begged for her daughter 's release . But Jane Orobator is clearly baffled and mystified as to how her daughter ended up in Laos in the first place . Samantha Orobator was born in Nigeria . Her family sent her to London , England , to live with her aunt when she was 8 years old to escape the political strife back home . By many accounts , Samantha was a happy and popular child . She achieved good grades and excelled in biology , hoping to become a surgeon . `` A really nice child , who loved school , good friends , respected the staff , behaved herself and achieved good academic results , '' recalls school headmaster Serge Cefai . `` We 're extremely surprised , '' he says , `` We 've had some of her ex-friends get in touch with the school saying ` What do you know ? ' Well , we only know what the media has told us and what 's now coming out . And everybody is in the same boat . Samantha could n't be involved in drugs , could she ? '' Jane Orobator describes her daughter as quiet , petite and `` fragile . '' Her daughter never mentioned any boyfriends and did n't smoke or drink , she says . In fact , Samantha 's life was so trouble-free that when her mother and three sisters eventually moved to Dublin , Ireland , the family decided that she should stay with her friends and school in London . Friends say she was popular and outgoing , but that she also had an adventurous streak . Her former classmate Ronke Oseni describes a fun-loving girl with a passion for travel . `` The thing about Samantha is that she likes to travel and do new things , '' she explains . `` She 's very funny , like extremely funny , the weirdest sense of humor , very articulate , very hard working . '' But the last time Oseni talked to her friend was in June last year . She did not mention any plans to go overseas . In fact , Samantha was planning a holiday , says her mother . Jane Orobator last talked to her daughter in July when she was traveling with friends in Holland . But Samantha did not mention any details about who she was traveling with or where she was going next . In August Samantha was arrested at the Wattan Airport in Vientiane , Laos , allegedly in possession of 1.5 pounds of heroin -- an offense punishable by death . How did Samantha end up here ? Jane Orobator does n't know . British consular officials contacted her sister , the aunt who raised Samantha , in September , informing the family that she was in jail . When Jane Orobator discussed it with her sister , both women dismissed it as impossible . `` I just did n't believe it . It was totally out of character . '' She told us , `` I thought it was her passport that someone else was using . And I was furious that Samantha had lost her passport or given it to someone else . '' It was n't until January that British consular officials contacted Jane Orobator directly and confirmed that the woman inside the Phothong prison in Laos was indeed her daughter . And the nightmare got worse : She was told Samantha was five months pregnant . `` I 've not been able to comprehend it . Being there . Samantha ? Arrested ? Five months later she is pregnant ? '' she says . `` Because it 's like a puzzle . I 'm still trying to figure out how she got there . I have not been able to figure that out . Suddenly , she 's pregnant . '' Oseni and other friends have rallied to her side and support groups have sprouted across the Internet -- hoping public pressure will lead to her release . There is a glimmer of hope : The Laos government said Samantha Orobator will no longer face the death penalty , because Laotian law does not allow the execution of a pregnant woman . Also , a new prisoner transfer agreement signed Thursday between Laos and Britain may allow Samantha to serve her prison term here in Britain . `` It is good news that she might be able to come here and if she 's found guilty and has to serve her sentence here , at least I can visit her because where she is no one can visit her , '' said Oseni . `` She 's a strong person . She has a strong character . She can defy any odds . '' But for Jane Orobator , the ordeal is not over yet . She still fears that conditions in the Phothong prison may be too harsh for her daughter . `` Technically , they have n't killed her by firing squad . They have killed her the other way around . Because they can never give her the care she needs . Because the circumstances of the pregnancy , the psychological torment she 's going through . '' Jane Orobator says she is waiting for her Irish passport . She then hopes to travel to Laos and see her daughter before her trial starts , possibly as early as next week . | Mom : `` Samantha has never given me any cause to worry '' Samantha Orobator , now 21 , in prison in Laos charged with smuggling heroin . Daughter was facing death penalty , but now wo n't because she 's pregnant . Mom happy about deal that would allow daughter to serve time in England . | [[715, 766], [2737, 2745], [2771, 2788], [550, 586], [4189, 4197], [4200, 4217], [4405, 4485], [4430, 4447], [4456, 4485], [4488, 4558], [4566, 4599], [4629, 4702]] |
-LRB- ESSENCE.com -RRB- -- While the country celebrates the first black president , African-Americans are facing critical challenges from high unemployment , home foreclosures and a record number of black men in prison . Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League . Despite these disparities and the fact that African-Americans have been hit hardest by the current economic meltdown , a recent New York Times/CBS News poll found that 59 percent of African-Americans believe the country has made real progress in race relations , a 30 percent jump from last year . The National Urban League , in its report `` The State of Black America 2009 , '' acknowledges the feeling of hope the Obama administration brings , but demands the president examine the sobering issues facing African-Americans . ESSENCE.com asked president and CEO of the Urban League Marc H. Morial whether or not the sentiments reflected in the poll mirror the national Black perspective . ESSENCE : With all of these factors that are challenging the African-American community today , do you really believe most of us feel like race relations between blacks and whites have improved ? See how a few Americans feel about race relations '' Marc H. Morial : I know that a poll is a snapshot of time , and while it 's important to keep the proper context , this is a positive thing . Yes , people are beginning to have a healthier view of race relations . But we must keep in mind the underlying conditions that people are currently living in . There are still very significant disparities between blacks and whites in America . The unemployment rate in the current recession is but one example . ESSENCE : Do you believe the election of the first African-American president had anything to do with the change in black attitude toward the future of the U.S. ? Morial : This is clearly a visible example of the effect of President Obama 's election . It has created hope , optimism and a better way of thinking about the issue of race . I just hope that it 's sustainable . If it 's sustainable , it means we can work towards addressing and alleviating some of those underlying conditions . We should hope that it maintains and translates into positive action to try to close some of the difficult challenges like the economic gap and the housing problem . ESSENCE : Does it surprise you that white people had an equally positive outlook on race relations ? Morial : Not in light of Obama . He got more white votes than Kerry or Gore . He also got a higher black turnout than at any other time in American history . So he has demonstrated this unique important ability at the national level to appeal to a broad cross-section of people . People place a considerable amount of trust and optimism in his leadership . Watch an Essence editor talk about her interview with Michelle Obama '' ESSENCE : How have organizations like the National Urban League reinforced this new attitude about race ? Morial : I really believe a great deal has to do with President Obama . To have that kind of effect and impact means that people are willing to move forward and they believe and hope that things are getting better . Our mission at the National Urban League is to help children and adults , young and old , achieve economic parity , through programs and public policy . Those that have worked in the trenches for many years to improve relations and conditions deserve some credit , but the issue for us is about sustainability and transferability . Have race relations improved ? Watch to find out '' We want to see this epidemic of high school dropouts improve . We want to see this disparity that exists in economics reduced . These issues are so critical and important . My hope is that this new change in attitude will ultimately lead to that . | African-Americans still face critical challenges such as high unemployment . Majority of blacks believe U.S. has made progress in race relations . National Urban League CEO talks about `` The State of Black America 2009 '' CEO : Obama `` has created hope , optimism and a better way of thinking '' | [[84, 220], [998, 1011], [1017, 1069], [404, 547], [976, 983], [1072, 1171], [611, 624], [662, 729], [1933, 2018], [3047, 3190]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has submitted his letter of resignation , the prime minister 's office told CNN on Saturday . Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad 's resignation may smooth the way for a unity government . Considered a political independent , Fayyad was appointed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in June 2007 to be prime minister . Fayyad 's decision may help smooth the way for a Palestinian unity government that would be acceptable to both Hamas and Fatah , the region 's two main political parties , as well as the international community . Officials have argued a neutral government would be crucial to getting aid into Gaza to help with reconstruction and humanitarian relief . Palestinians unsuccessfully tried their hand at a unity government in the spring of 2007 , with the mediation of Saudi Arabia . The experiment ended in June of that year with Hamas taking over Gaza , leaving Fatah in charge in the West Bank . Fayyad , a well-regarded international economist , was finance minister during the short-lived unity government in 2007 . CNN 's Ben Wedeman contributed to this report . | Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad steps down . Fayyad 's resignation is expected to pave way for unity government . Fayyad was appointed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007 . | [[0, 15], [19, 98], [153, 251], [0, 15], [19, 98], [153, 251], [385, 462], [289, 373]] |
HAVANA , Cuba -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In a major shake-up the likes of which Cubans have not seen for decades , President Raul Castro on Monday reorganized his Cabinet , replacing longtime aides to his brother Fidel , who resigned from office a year ago , citing poor health . Cuban President Raul Castro is moving his own people into power , analysts say . Some analysts said the changes appear to be an attempt by Raul Castro to put his own supporters into positions of power . Among the changes : . Felipe Perez Roque , the 43-year-old foreign minister , was replaced by his deputy , Bruno Rodriguez Aprilla . Carlos Lage Davila , an economist , lost his job as Cabinet secretary , but no mention was made of removing him from his other post as vice president of the Council of State . Lage , who helped guide the nation through its `` special period '' of dire economic times in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the loss of billions in subsidies , was replaced by Brig. Gen. Jose Amado Ricardo Guerra ; Raul Castro is also commander in chief of the armed forces . `` It looks like Raul putting some of his own people in , '' said Wayne Smith , director of the Cuba program at the Center for International Policy in Washington , who led the U.S. Interests Section in Havana during the Carter administration . Smith noted that Cuba 's government underwent `` quite a few shake-ups after the revolution first came in '' in 1959 , but said Monday 's move `` is the biggest shake-up that I 've seen in a very long time ... for the last 30 or 40 years . '' `` This is obviously a major move , '' concurred Vicki Huddleston , who led the Interests Section during the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush , and is a visiting scholar at the Brookings Institution in Washington . '' -LSB- There is -RSB- nothing like this that I can recall since the late 1960s . '' She noted that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez met with both Castro brothers during a visit late in February to Havana , on what Granma described as a `` work visit , '' and speculated that Raul Castro may have asked him then to buy in on the changes . `` They really need Chavez to be on board , because without the subsidized oil from Venezuela , they 're dead , '' Huddleston said . With the Cuban economy hamstrung by the world economy , Raul Castro may have decided it is time for him to make reforms of his own without worrying about second-guessing by his brother or his brother 's allies , she said . Huddleston speculated that the changes could portend the government once again allowing private enterprise to flourish in Cuba . Communist leader Fidel Castro experimented with that during the 1990s , but pulled back . `` It represents a significant step by Raul Castro to gain autonomy and , essentially , distance himself from Fidel 's old gang , '' said Larry Birns , director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs . `` In other words , he feels confident enough that he has an independent base of power . '' He said Raul Castro 's moves to date have proven popular not only with his party members , but also with the general population . Still , Raul Castro should not take that support for granted , Birns said . `` It may be that , if he makes too many moves , the party will feel that their privileges are being taken away , and that will make them unhappy . '' Otto Reich , who served as assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs during the George W. Bush administration , said he was withholding judgment . `` It 's a little early to tell what this really means , '' he said . `` Some people are saying the Fidelistas are being replaced by the Raulistas . But the other side is : Are we talking about rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic ? '' The state-run newspaper Granma published an official notice from the State Council that said the changes were intended to form a structure that is `` more compact and functional , with fewer organisms of the central administration of the state and a better distribution of the functions that they carry out . '' CNN 's Morgan Neill and Shasta Darlington in Havana , Tom Watkins and Arthur Brice contributed to this story . | Several longtime aides to Fidel Castro are replaced . Foreign minister and Cabinet secretary move aside . Analyst says it 's the biggest shake-up in 30 or 40 years . | [[107, 138], [165, 204], [1331, 1336], [1454, 1505], [1459, 1570], [1860, 1900]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The weather can affect your travel , your mood and apparently the size of your family . Edie is a proud blizzard baby , and her parents have already bought her a snowsuit for this year . Denver hospitals are reporting a baby boom , which is arriving about nine months after two blizzards walloped Colorado 's capital city . With roads shut down for days , couples were stuck at home and apparently cuddled up to stay warm . Marjorie Silva told the Rocky Mountain News that she has a new baby because she did n't want her husband to play in the snow during the blizzard . `` It was cold , and we took a bath together , '' she told the newspaper , referring to husband Hansell . `` And one thing led to another . He wanted to go outside and play with the snow , and I did n't want to . ... We just ate and stayed in bed . '' Hospital staffers are working extra hours and using an overflow unit to take care of all the new babies and moms at Avista Adventist Hospital in suburban Louisville , according to Lynne Snyder , the director of women 's services . One baby could n't wait to get to the second-floor delivery room . The doctors had to go to Mom at the bottom of the stairs , and everyone went into the emergency room to help the infant into into the world . The infants are going home with T-shirts pronouncing them proud to be a blizzard baby . Dad : We waited nine months for our Christmas present '' Edie Coddington is wearing one of those shirts , even though her parents , Odele and Ian , were out of town when the storms hit . They were visiting family in Calgary and had to wait until the two blizzards cleared before they could get back to Colorado . Edie was a very happy surprise , Odele Coddington said . Their joy is shared by co-workers who are having an `` enormous rash '' of blizzard babies , Ian Coddington said , adding that company picnics will be very entertaining in about five years , when the babies are older and running around . For now , more babies may be on the way . Sky Ridge Medical Center , just south of Denver , expects a 20 percent increase in deliveries in October . One doctor at the hospital told CNN affiliate KMGH that he expects the baby boom to last for couple of more months . `` The snow stayed on the ground throughout December , January , and into February . My theory is that the cabin fever did n't set in until a little bit later , '' Dr. Steve Grover said . Although the new parents and hospitals are having fun with the term blizzard babies , officials say it will be months before it can be determined whether there is any connection between the blizzards and the new arrivals . And previous purported baby booms have been discounted after experts studied the numbers , according to The Associated Press . University of North Carolina and Duke University researchers found there were no booms after the New York City blackouts in 1965 and 1977 . But already , Denver-area businesses say they are benefiting from a boom in sales . `` We 've also been selling a lot of diaper bags and blankets . I 'm completely wiped out of blankets . I ca n't keep up with the blankets , '' Linde Schlumbohm , the owner of Studio Bini , told the TV station . E-mail to a friend . | Denver hospitals reporting increase in baby deliveries . Staff at one hospital working overtime to handle deliveries . One couple escaped snow but got caught in baby blizzard . | [[206, 342], [842, 910]] |
LONDON , England -- In his autobiography , Eric Clapton admits that he enjoys nothing more than sitting in a deck chair on a white sandy beach watching his children playing in the sea . Private getaway : Eric Clapton enjoys spending time relaxing on his superyacht Va Bene . It 's the perfect antidote to a punishing tour schedule , and with gigs in the U.S. , Canada , the UK , Scandinavia and Europe so far this year , getting away from it all is an experience he values . He found that he was particularly at ease aboard the 157 ft -LRB- 47.8 m -RRB- motor yacht Va Bene , which he chartered in 2005 and cruised with friends around the Mediterranean . The sheltered port of Bonifacio at the southern end of Corsica became one of his favorite haunts . In fact , Clapton enjoyed Va Bene so much that he bought her . It was the first time he 'd ever had to borrow money to buy something , but he had fallen for the yacht , despite her 13 years and slightly dated looks . Besides there was always the possibility of updating her to give her a new lease of life . Va Bene came with an interesting pedigree . She had originally been commissioned by a Greek ship owner in 1992 to a design by Richard Hein -LRB- of Oceanco fame -RRB- and built by Kees Cornelissen in Holland . She was then purchased by F1 motor racing supremo Bernie Ecclestone before being sold to an American . A steel-hulled displacement yacht with a cruising speed of about 14 knots , Va Bene can accommodate 12 guests in six separate sleeping cabins and has a crew complement of 13 . Having lived with Va Bene for a couple of years , Eric Clapton finally felt the time was right for a refit . Clapton was particularly keen for the work to be carried out in the UK , partly because he wanted to buy British but also because he could keep a close eye on proceedings . Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth , Cornwall , was an obvious choice . Roger Taylor , the drummer with Queen has his yacht Tiger Lilly refitted regularly in Falmouth and Pete Townsend of the Who is another famous client . Pendennis Shipyard representative Alastair Heane was first introduced to the yacht during the charter show in Antigua in December 2006 . Eric Clapton has a house on the island and Va Bene is based here during the winter season . Heane quickly established a detailed proposal of work . The plan was to get Va Bene to Falmouth after Clapton had finished his 2007 summer holiday so that the work could be carried out during the winter . The initial time frame was three months but like most complex refits this quickly extended to six as the work list grew . The target was to have Va Bene ready and waiting in Porto Cervo Sardinia on July 1 this year in time for Eric Clapton 's month-long family holiday -- a date that was set in stone to fit around his tour schedule . We caught up with Va Bene during a photo shoot at the end of June 2008 on the very day she was setting sail from Palma , Mallorca , to meet up with the boss in Sardinia . With the final last-minute touches still being applied and the crew busily unpacking everything from the owner 's precious guitar to his children 's cuddly toys , it was a close run thing but Pendennis had met the deadline in style . The first thing that strikes you on boarding Va Bene is the calm , informal atmosphere of what is clearly a much-loved family yacht rather than a glitzy monument to success . Eric Clapton may be one of the world 's greatest living rock stars but he is also an unpretentious family man who wants a yacht that he can relax on . The saloon encapsulates this perfectly . Rather than a single formal space with designer furniture that look so immaculate you hardly dare sit down , Va Bene 's saloon is divided into four separate areas with clusters of contrasting chairs , sofas , tables and cabinets . One group of guests can be relaxing round the card table and matching leather chairs , while others stretch out on the big taupe corduroy sofa to watch a movie . That still leaves room for him to sneak off into another corner and perch on one of the special armless low-level chairs to play his guitar . The adjacent dining room is a little more formal but even here the overriding feeling is of a wonderfully light room centered around what looks like a huge limed-oak table inlaid with Italian marble . In fact , it is all the handiwork of a talented local artisan who painted the surface of the original table to match the materials found elsewhere on the yacht right down to the fake wooden joints and natural marble flaws . This solution appealed both to Clapton 's desire to refresh rather than replace where possible and his appreciation of skilled craftsmanship . He is a keen collector of modern art himself and every spare wall and surface reflects this passion . From intricate postcard-sized oil paintings of Venice to large , sprawling canvases and some beautiful marble sculptures and ceramic vases , it is a collection that reflects the singer 's own ability to transcend the confines of any one genre . Perhaps that also explains the relatively neutral tones of the décor . There is an Art Deco theme running through the main guest areas , which the refit has refreshed and modernized rather dispensed with . The limed-oak paneling is original but all the garish gold door handles , light fittings and switches have either been replaced or replated in chrome to give it a much more contemporary feel . The high gloss white painted ceiling panels and moldings have all been meticulously flatted back to leave a softer matt finish while all the ceiling lights , some 400 of them in total , have been replaced with modern recessed spots . As you 'd expect aboard a musician 's yacht , the AV system was another major beneficiary of the refit . Every cabin and guest space now has a discreet Arcam iPod dock so that he can plug in his iPhone wherever he is and enjoy instant access to his personal music library . All bar one of the existing Bang & Olufsen CRT televisions have also been swapped for high-definition Panasonic Viera flat screens . The highlight of the refit is the new owner 's suite on the main deck -- a space that Clapton and his wife rarely used before the refit , because it is at the opposite end of the yacht to his children 's cabins . -LRB- They preferred the smaller but more family-friendly location of the VIP guest suite next to the main run of cabins on the lower deck . -RRB- But it 's a much more enticing space these days . Reconfigured by interior designers H2 in Putney , London , it now enjoys a much bigger family bathroom complete with walk-in rain shower , dramatic stone basins , a large tub and a natural teak floor . The key to the success of the refit , which cost in excess of US$ 4 million , lay in the planning . Pendennis 's Tyrone Harvey and a small team started with a technical visit to the yacht in Palma , Mallorca , in the early summer of last year . Within days of arriving in Falmouth Va Bene had undergone sea trials with Duncan Propellers to try and improve an ongoing issue with her performance and economy . It eventually transpired that one of the gearboxes had been incorrectly fitted . She was then moored alongside at Pendennis while her crew started the long job of removing her entire inventory . She also had her teak deck stripped off before she was floated into the 150m long dry dock . Despite all the changes , Va Bene left Falmouth on time , arriving in Sardinia on July 1 . Indeed , it was during this holiday that Eric Clapton took time out to talk to SuperYacht World about his born-again Va Bene -LRB- see p74 -RRB- . Now that he has had a chance to enjoy the fruits of his and Pendennis 's labor , Va Bene is available for charter through Burgess Yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean . It 's not often you get to walk in the shadow of a genuine rock legend but on Va Bene you can also swim , sunbathe and sleep in Eric Clapton 's personal holiday home . Chartering just does n't get any better than that . Subscribe to SuperYachtWorld . COPYRIGHT © 2009 IPC MEDIA LTD. . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED . | Eric Clapton owns the 48 meter superyacht Va Bene . Bernie Ecclestone had owned the vessel before Clapton bought it . Clapton enjoys spending time on the boat to get away from his work . | [[1272, 1284], [1295, 1374], [1272, 1275], [1280, 1374], [204, 274]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Millions of people are expected to go to Washington to celebrate Barack Obama 's inauguration on January 20 , but with a troubled economy and pocketbook issues on the mind , the president-elect must be careful to set the right tone . Construction of the inaugural stand continues in front of the White House last week . President Bush raised a record $ 42.8 million dollars for his second inauguration , and according to Public Citizen , more than 90 percent of the donations to that ceremony were from executives or corporations . But this year , some say throwing a multimillion-dollar party would be unseemly in a time when crash , bailout , and foreclosure fill the economic headlines . `` A lot of it is about tone and making sure that the celebrations that do take place are not over the top , that they do n't appear to be insensitive to the pain people have right now , '' said Ryan Alexander , president of Taxpayers for Common Sense . The inaugural committee for Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to make sure the ceremony underscores the incoming administration 's `` commitment to change business as usual in Washington . '' The Presidential Inaugural Committee has limited individual contributions to $ 50,000 . There is no law restricting the size of donations , but in the past , inaugural committees have set contribution limits as high as $ 250,000 . The PIC said it will not take contributions from corporations , political action committees , current federally registered lobbyists , non-U.S. citizens or registered foreign agents . Obama has promised to `` take power away from the corporate lobbyists '' -- a pledge that would be questioned should the president-elect rely on them to foot his inauguration bill . `` If he can pay for these parties with small donations , I think there 'd be a lot more acceptance of that , '' Alexander said . Watchdog groups say there are some things Obama can do to take control of the tone . For example , he could make donations to charity , and Michelle Obama could opt for something more reasonably priced than a designer dress . When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office , he also faced a financial crisis . He gave voters a now famous pep talk about the failing economy , then skipped the fancy inaugural balls because they sent the wrong message . But analysts say Obama 's not expected to go that far because so many people want to celebrate his historic win . `` Washington , D.C. , was pro-Obama and had Obama-mania long before November 4 . But the moment November 4 occurred , all -- all craziness sort of broke loose , '' said Anne Schroeder Mullini , a gossip columnist for Politico . As inauguration organizers work to keep the tone in check , they are speaking out against those trying to make money by scalping tickets to the event . Tickets for the inauguration are distributed through members of Congress , and just 240,000 seats are available for the actual swearing-in ceremony . The tickets are supposed to be free , but with demand outpacing supply , a traditional giveaway has turned into a thriving online marketplace . Legitimate ticket brokers -- the same companies that peddle tickets to rock concerts and NASCAR races -- are selling tickets to the inauguration for thousands of dollars , even for standing-room areas on the National Mall . California Sen. Dianne Feinstein wants to make that practice a crime , punishable by up to a year in prison . Organizers of the inauguration say it violates the spirit of the event and could spell disappointment for people who buy tickets for the ceremony . `` We think it 's absolutely insane to be selling those tickets . We understand some people want to make a buck , but for those people thinking of buying tickets , it 's buyer beware , '' warned Howard Gantman , staff director of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies . CNN 's Carol Costello , Brianna Keilar and Erica Hill contributed to this report . | President Bush raised a record $ 42.8 million dollars for his second inauguration . Barack Obama has limited individual donations to $ 50,000 . Some say an extravagant celebration would be out of place , considering economy . Inauguration organizers say ticket scalping violates the spirit of the event . | [[339, 420], [1175, 1262], [555, 564], [567, 640], [2689, 2715], [2749, 2840], [3469, 3581]] |
-LRB- AOL Autos -RRB- -- At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show , Chrysler , Mercedes-Benz , Toyota and MINI showed the world what electric vehicles of the future will look like . And the future of driving looks fun . The Dodge Circuit EV can blast from 0-to-60 mph in around 4 seconds . Those in the know realize that sometime in the future , the vast majority of light cars and trucks in the US will feature electric final drive systems . The motors used in these systems will be powered by batteries , fuel cells , on-board generators , and perhaps even the sun . But this open issue does n't change the inevitability of this reality . Given our current economic times , reality demands practical , tangible , and achievable ideas of what electric vehicles -LRB- or `` EVs '' for short -RRB- might actually look like . This is it ... Chrysler . Three of the four electric vehicles Chrysler showed in Detroit , Michigan , were shown at other events and even to Washington bureaucrats . Each of these vehicles is a running prototype , not some pie-in-the-sky-we 'll - never-build that idea . ENVI is the special group of engineers at Chrysler that develops the company 's EVs . To date , the ENVI group has developed four electrically powered models , each quite different from the other : a Dodge Circuit EV sports car -LRB- rear-wheel drive -RRB- , a Chrysler Town & Country minivan -LRB- front-wheel-drive -RRB- , a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited -LRB- all-wheel-drive -RRB- , and now a Jeep Patriot -LRB- front-wheel-drive -RRB- . Chrysler promises to offer at least one of these models in 2010 , and three more by 2013 . AOL Autos : Dodge Circuit EV photos . Chrysler approaches electric vehicles with simple plug-and-play engineering . Every one of their vehicles uses similar electric drive motors -LRB- only varying in power output -RRB- , advanced lithium-ion batteries , and a power management controller . Each plugs in to 110 - or 220-volt household outlets for recharging . The Chrysler and both Jeeps use an on-board range-extending battery charger -LRB- a generator -RRB- . This generator automatically turns on after the vehicle 's initial batter charge has been spent -LRB- usually within a range of 40 miles -RRB- , supplying extra voltage that give these three vehicles an estimated range of approximately 400 miles . The generator is powered by a small gasoline-powered engine that runs with exceptional efficiency . This technology is similar in concept to what General Motors has shown in their Chevrolet Volt , a vehicle that should be ready for production in 2010 . AOL Autos : Cadillac Converj photos . The Dodge Circuit carries a larger battery pack and no generator , so its range on the charge it carries is approximately 150-200 miles . Its large battery pack combined with compact dimensions and the exceptional torque provided by its electric motor blast the car from zero-to-sixty mph in around four seconds , exceptionally fast for any sports car regardless of engine type . Mercedes-Benz . Mercedes-Benz used the 2009 Detroit Auto Show to showcase their Concept BlueZERO vehicles . The Mercedes approach was to develop one efficient body style , and then equip it with three different electric drive packages . AOL Autos : Mercedes Stirling Moss photos . Much of the hardware for the all-electric front-wheel-drive propulsion units is built into what Mercedes calls `` sandwich-floor '' architecture that the company uses on several production cars . The design helps keep heavy components mounted low on the chassis for better handling , enhanced safety , and maximized interior room . All three Concept BlueZERO vehicles include electric drive and batteries . The E-Cell uses a large battery pack that is said to deliver a range of 120 miles . The F-Cell utilizes a smaller battery pack , but supplements the vehicle 's range with a hydrogen fuel cell . The fuel cell produces electricity to recharge the battery pack that extends cruising range to 240 miles . The E-Cell Plus , with a range of approximately 360 miles , is the distance champion . The key is the on-board generator powered by tiny 1-liter turbo-charged three-cylinder gasoline engine . The engine and generator are located in the rear of the BlueZERO . For the record , when you see photos of these cars together , the E-Cell is lime green , the F-Cell is mint green , and the E-Cell Plus is orange . Toyota . Adding to its line of popular hybrid vehicles in the U.S. , Toyota just confirmed plans to add as many as 10 new gas/electric hybrid vehicles in the next few years . On their way toward that goal , Toyota showed their all-new , third-generation Prius plus the new Lexus HS250H . AOL Autos : 2010 Toyota Prius photos . Important to this story , Toyota also committed to selling a battery powered electric car in 2012 for the U.S. market . Toyota debuted what their all-electric vehicle might be at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show , and it 's an urban commuter called the FT-EV . The little four-seater is based on Toyota 's popular iQ , a car that 's already a hit in Japan . The good news is that the iQ is a real car , so the FT-EV will not be a glorified golf cart or a neighborhood vehicle with severely limited capabilities . The claimed range for the FT-EV is 50 miles . As we went to press , details were still sketchy about the FT-EV 's running gear . As Toyota releases more details , we 'll bring them to you . Mini . While standard MINI models like the Cooper are comparatively easy on gas compared to larger cars , under the ownership of parent company BMW , MINI is testing the limits of how green a MINI can be . AOL Autos : 2010 BMW Z4 photos . Perhaps following the performance of the stunt cars used in The Italian Job -LRB- 2003 -RRB- , BMW decided to investigate a battery-powered MINI . They introduced the MINI E coupe last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the car was on display again in Detroit . The `` charged '' MINI E can run up to 150 miles on a full battery pack . Charging is accomplished through standard 110 - or 220-volt outlets . The electrified MINI weighs 600 pounds more than a standard MINI Cooper and because of the bulk of the required battery pack , the interior seats only two . Performance from the 204-horsepower motor equals the gas-powered MINI , with a 0-60 mph run in 8.5 seconds . BMW will produce only 500 MINI Es for the United States -LRB- if it were easy to make electric MINIs , they 'd make more -RRB- . The limited-production run will be split between New York and L.A. on one-year closed-end leases . After the leases expire , BMW will ship the MINIs back to Germany for evaluation . This scenario mimics what General Motors did with their EV1 electric vehicle about a decade ago . | Latest technologies debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show . Chrysler , Mercedes-Benz , Toyota and MINI show what electric cars of future will be . Toyota confirms plans to add as many as 10 new gas/electric hybrid vehicles . The `` charged '' MINI E can run up to 150 miles on a full battery pack . | [[0, 21], [84, 170], [848, 901], [4458, 4563], [2683, 2706], [2718, 2750], [5921, 5945], [5921, 5994]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jenna and Barbara Bush know a lot about growing up in the White House . The Bush twins told Sasha and Malia Obama to `` remember who your dad really is . '' The twin daughters of former President Bush were 7 when their grandfather , former President George H.W. Bush , was inaugurated , and 20 when their father became president . Like their dad , who left a note for President Barack Obama , Jenna and Barbara Bush wrote Tuesday to Obama 's daughters about what to expect in the weeks and months ahead . `` We also first saw the White House through the innocent , optimistic eyes of children , '' the twins wrote in an open letter published in Tuesday 's Wall Street Journal . Growing up in the White House '' The twins reminisce in the letter about important events and historic moments they were able to be part of in a presidential family . But the Bushes also tried to prepare Sasha and Malia for some sobering truths . `` Although it 's an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities , it is n't always easy being a member of the club you are about to join , '' they said . `` Our dad , like yours , is a man of great integrity and love ; a man who always put us first . We still see him now as we did when we were 7 : as our loving daddy . '' But as their father was increasingly criticized in the media and mocked by late night comedians , the twins said they learned a lesson . `` He is our father , not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV , '' they wrote . `` Many people will think they know him , but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born , the pride he felt on your first day of school , or how much you both love being his daughters . So here is our most important piece of advice : Remember who your dad really is . '' It helps , wrote the Bushes , to surround yourself with loyal friends . The rest of the letter was more lighthearted , with the twins sharing some of their favorite memories of living in the White House , including playing house and hide-and-seek in what many children would consider to be the ultimate playground . `` When we played house , we sat behind the East Sitting Room 's massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls , '' the girls said . `` Our 7-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous , beautiful rooms ; our dreams , our games , as romantic as her surroundings . At night , the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep . '' They also told the Obama girls to embrace any opportunity they had : `` When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees , go to the game . '' `` In fact , go to anything and everything you possibly can : the Kennedy Center for theater , state dinners , Christmas parties -LRB- the White House staff party is our favorite ! -RRB- , museum openings , arrival ceremonies , and walks around the monuments . '' `` Just go , '' they wrote . The twins also reminded Sasha and Malia to be themselves -- kids -- saying even if they travel over holidays like Halloween , the girls should dress up and trick-or-treat down a plane aisle . `` Slide down the banister of the solarium , go to T-ball games , have swimming parties , and play Sardines on the White House lawn , '' the Bush girls said . `` Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play . '' Jenna and Barbara Bush told the girls to cherish the pet that their father so publicly promised them . `` Sometimes you 'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide , '' they said . `` Four years goes by so fast , '' they wrote . `` So absorb it all , enjoy it all ! '' | Bush twins tell new first kids not to let sketches , skits of dad get to them . Jenna , Barbara Bush tell them to embrace every opportunity . Twins talk of playing house , hide-and-seek in historic White House . Girls say to slide down solarium banister , trick-or-treat on plane if away from home . | [[2491, 2495], [2501, 2557], [2506, 2562], [2642, 2647], [2655, 2701], [3611, 3616], [3633, 3647], [1911, 2033], [1974, 1989], [2002, 2102], [3091, 3099], [3100, 3126], [3127, 3169], [3193, 3214]] |
ST. PAUL , Minnesota -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- If a state held a yard sale of government entities to bring in some much-needed cash , this might be what it would look like . Two Minnesota lawmakers have proposed selling the capital 's airport to alleviate the state 's budget deficit . Two Minnesota lawmakers are asking the state 's legislature to consider a proposal that would sell to private firms the Minneapolis-St . Paul International Airport , along with other state property and programs , in an effort to bring in roughly $ 6 billion or more . Coincidence or not , that 's about the same size as the state 's estimated budget deficit . State Sen. Geoff Michel and state Rep. Laura Brod -- two Republicans from Minneapolis suburbs -- say they do n't want to go about solving the budget crisis in a traditional way . `` The discussion is often ` do you tax more , -LSB- or -RSB- do you spend less ? ' '' Brod says . `` But it seems to me that there is a third option out there , and that 's reforming how government operates . '' They also say their proposal is a way to spark debate over whether government should be in control of certain entities in the first place . `` Government does n't always have to do it , '' Michel says . Running the Minneapolis-St . Paul airport -LRB- MSP -RRB- is a prime example of something the government could do without , they say . `` The airport is a significant asset , '' Brod adds . `` Why is the state running the airport , which provides restaurants and shops and the functions and the operations that a private business probably would do very well ? `` So what we 're looking at is just ... raising the real question of ` what should government be doing ? ' '' Watch the lawmakers discuss their proposal '' Michel and Brod also cite a recent survey by J.D. Power and Associates that put the Minneapolis-St . Paul airport at the bottom of a list of 19 `` large airports '' in terms of customer satisfaction . But they say their intention is not to `` indict '' anyone -- merely to `` shine a little light on what is a new idea for Minnesota , '' according to Brod . While privately owned and operated airports are much more common overseas , Michel and Brod could offer only one example of a similar notion in the United States : Chicago 's plan to privatize Midway airport . That plan , however , has yet to be finalized by the Federal Aviation Administration . Michel says their proposal might mimic the Midway deal in that it could be a leasing of the entire airport and its operations for a term of 99 years . Midway sold for $ 2.5 billion , and Michel estimates that , given how much more use MSP sees , Minnesota might be able to bring in $ 5 billion with its airport . Even though a final draft of a proposed bill is still days away from even being introduced , one lawmaker from across the aisle is already promising to make it an uphill battle . State Sen. Steve Murphy , a Democrat and chair of the transportation committee , says the plan is a `` horrible idea '' and a `` gimmick . '' `` You have to do what you have to do to get by -LSB- in -RSB- these economic times , and it 's not having a fire sale on government , '' Murphy says . `` It 's sitting down with a sharp pencil and cutting out programs that have run their useful life . It 's cutting back on maybe Sen. Michel 's per diem , things like that . '' The bill would have to get through Murphy 's committee before it could make it to the floor of the legislature , and Murphy says his panel `` would not go for this . '' Despite the J.D. Power survey touted by Brod and Michel , Murphy calls the airport `` one of the best-run operations in the world . '' `` This is ... government that works , '' Murphy adds . `` So now we want to sell it ? For what reason ? '' In response , Brod calls Murphy 's comments mere `` scare tactics . '' And Michel adds : `` There 's nothing more predictable than a politician defending the status quo . And the days of status quo in Minnesota -- and , I think , the world -- are over . '' Adeel Lari , a research fellow at the Center for Transportation Studies in the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota , specializes in innovative financing in state and local policy-making . He says privatization can work , but given the economy , now may not be the best time to consider selling anything , let alone an airport that could be worth billions of dollars . `` Everything is in turmoil , '' Lari says . `` Even if it was the right thing to do , there 's no market for it . '' Lari says the ideal philosophy -- `` buy low and sell high '' -- would be next to impossible to realize in today 's situation . He says the state 's holdings would almost certainly go for a less-than-desirable price . Lari also worries the state may not see enough profit in the long run . `` Selling infrastructure is one-time money you 're getting , '' Lari says . `` If you 're selling the infrastructure -LSB- as opposed to just the internal operations -RSB- then basically you 're losing out on everything . '' The issue of whether the average customer -- the air traveler , in this instance -- would be protected has also come up . Jerry Zhao , an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota who focuses on state and local public finance , says privatizing has mixed results and may not be the best option , especially when it 's only considered `` as the last resort of the desperate . '' `` Some recent cases of -LSB- public-private partnerships -RSB- of transportation facilities have led to widely spread concerns on whether the public interest is protected in these concessions , '' Zhao says . `` Some services tend to be reserved for the public sector because of their ` public good ' nature that wo n't be factored into consideration by profit-oriented businesses . `` Without careful research , a desperate rush into selling or leasing public facilities may lose value on public assets , lose long-term interests of the public in the exchange of short-term budget benefits , and lose democratic control . '' Michel and Brod say the airport is only the tip of the iceberg . Their bill will also include the sale of the Minnesota State Lottery . Brod says that in this case , it 's more of a fundamental question of ethics . `` Is gambling something that the state ought to be doing anyway ? '' Brod asks rhetorically . The lottery would bring in between $ 500 million and $ 1 billion , they guess . It would be a different scenario , however , in that , since lottery proceeds come back to the state , Michel says they would include a provision to have the state keep that money . If not , he admits , they would n't be able to garner lawmaker support . It does n't end there . The lawmakers say they 're looking at everything the state owns as possible items to be auctioned off , including roads , parks , prisons , rest stops -- even the naming rights to public transit systems . Once drafted , the bill would have to pass through any relevant committees depending on what state entities end up in the final version . Only once it moves through could it be brought to the floor of the legislature . `` Our job now is to educate our fellow colleagues , '' Michel says . | Minnesota lawmakers propose selling airport and other government holdings . State , like many others , is struggling with budget woes . Opposing lawmaker calls idea of selling government entities a `` gimmick '' Financial experts say now might not be a good time to get a good return on sales . | [[167, 278], [279, 361], [314, 415], [2898, 2921], [2979, 3036], [4302, 4319], [4322, 4379]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chris Rock is best known for two things : being funny and being crass . `` If you 're the president you only have two jobs : peace and money , '' Chris Rock said . `` This is what people come to see . I 'm just doing my show , '' the comedian said with a laugh . He 's also known for his political commentary , but there 's one person he 's having a lot of trouble making fun of -- president-elect Barack Obama . This is apparent in his new DVD `` Kill the Messenger , '' which combines three shows from his international tour : New York ; London , England ; and Johannesburg , South Africa . `` It was a tour nobody wanted to do ... because the general perception is that comedy does n't translate , '' Rock said . But thanks to the Internet , the world is a lot smaller than it was even 10 years ago . And people are digging the same jokes , he said , including ones about John McCain and Sarah Palin . As the DVD readies for release on January 20 , CNN talked with Rock about his lack of Obama jokes , Inauguration Day and why racism will never die . The following is an edited version of that interview : . CNN : I watched the special last night , and I noticed that you did a lot of jokes about John McCain -- his age , his war hero story -- but not so many about Barack Obama . Is it harder to make fun of Obama ? Chris Rock : He 's just one of those guys , you know , like Will Smith . There 's no Will Smith jokes . There 's no Brad Pitt jokes . You know , what are you going to say ? `` Ooh , you used to have sex with Jennifer Anniston . Now you have sex with Angelina Jolie . You 're such a loser . '' What do you say ? `` Ooh , your movies are big . You make $ 20 million . '' There 's nothing to say about Brad Pitt . CNN : Why is Obama like that ? Rock : It 's like `` Ooh , you 're young and virile and you 've got a beautiful wife and kids . You 're the first African-American president . '' You know , what do you say ? CNN : As time goes on do you think it will get easier ? Rock : Of course , as time goes on . At some point he 's going to -- there 's always slip-ups . No one can survive that level of scrutiny without occasionally making it easy for a comedian . CNN : Let 's talk about the inauguration . Are you going ? Rock : No , I have to go to Sundance -LSB- Film Festival -RSB- . I 've got a movie premiering at Sundance . So I have to go to the whitest place in America -- Utah . CNN : What 's it going to be like for you on Inauguration Day ? Rock : It 'll be a cool day . It 's weird . I 've never watched an inauguration . I 've never watched anyone get sworn in . You know , it 's like Election Day and then you look up and somebody else is the president two months later . It was never like , `` I ca n't wait till tomorrow . Oh my god ! They 're going to swear in Jimmy Carter ! '' CNN : Are you going to watch this one , though ? Rock : I 'll put it this way -- like any business is going to be getting done while this guy is getting sworn in . Like I 'm going to be in a meeting . Everything is going to stop for however long it takes . Hope they get to it -- hope it 's not like I got ta listen to three different versions of `` The Star-Spangled Banner '' or something . I hope it 's not like Rosa Parks ' funeral , where everybody f *** ing speaks . CNN : What are you hoping Barack Obama does for this country ? What do you think is his most important task ? Rock : You know , if you 're the president you only have two jobs : peace and money . That 's it . I mean , it 's like , what did Clinton do ? We were at peace and we had a budget surplus . That 's it . That 's the gig . The closer you get us to those two goals , you know , that 's pretty much the gig . Is that too much to ask for ? CNN : At one point in your act , you said , `` Racism will never die . It will only multiply . '' Why do you believe that ? Rock : Well , it 's never going to die . Maybe it wo n't multiply . Is racism going to end ? No . It 's not even race . People are always going to , you know , find something wrong with people who are not the exact same as them . That 's just what it is . Black , white , short , tall , religions , whatever . People are bad , man . CNN : How was it different playing for an audience in Africa ? Rock : You know it 's weird -- it really was n't that different . I mean , that 's why I love this special . People are the same wherever you go . And if they were n't , they would n't laugh at the same s ** t . If they were so different they would n't know what I was talking about . CNN : Stand-up comics I 've talked to in the past say they like their shows to appear spontaneous . But your new DVD stitches together three shows , illustrating to the audience how scripted comedy can be . Why did you decide on that format ? Rock : You know , I do n't believe in that `` come up with stuff on the spot . '' I mean , honestly , that 's why I think comedy , stand-up comedy , always plays such a back seat to music . Like , would you go see a singer if you thought he just came up with the songs ? They would n't give out Grammys for songs that they just came up with . You 're going to go see someone at Radio City or Madison Square Garden , I think you 'd like to know that they have an act before you spend $ 75 . So yeah , when you say `` came up with it right there , '' that 's really cute when you paid $ 8 to get in and two-drink minimum . When the ticket 's $ 75 , that 's a whole other mindset . | Comedian Chris Rock to release `` Kill the Messenger '' DVD January 20 . There are no Barack Obama jokes , Rock says , just like there are no Brad Pitt jokes . Rock : Playing for international crowds not that different than playing in U.S. `` Stand-up comedy always plays such a back seat to music , '' Rock says . | [[452, 485], [927, 968], [971, 1021], [1443, 1472], [162, 182], [720, 734], [4884, 4890], [4904, 4991]] |
-LRB- Budget Travel -RRB- -- Even the most sophisticated traveler could be forgiven for thinking that there 's little more to Panama than its iconic canal , seaside capital , and snorkeler-packed Bocas del Toro islands . The Los Santos region of Panama has spectacular rolling farmlands and blissfully empty beaches . But there 's a more secret and equally spectacular side to the country about a five-hour drive west from Panama City : the Pacific coast region of Los Santos . Here , rolling farmlands and stands of mahogany and cocobolo trees hug an azure coastline , luring surfers , nature buffs , and , increasingly , travelers and second-home owners from all over . Although roadside real-estate billboards suggest a far more developed future , Los Santos has managed to stay blessedly free of resorts . In their place are a handful of low-key -- and far more affordable -- boutique hotels . The most stylish is the seven-room Villa Camilla , just outside the fishing village of Pedasí . The red-tiled hideaway , located on an 800-acre parcel of the Azuero Peninsula , started out as a private escape for French interior designer Gilles St.-Gilles and his wife , Camilla . `` The area reminded us of Tuscany , '' says St.-Gilles , who landscaped the estate with fragrant jasmine , plumeria , and hibiscus . In 2005 , the couple opened their place as a hotel , and last fall they added 20 new seaside duplex lofts . As stylish as they are family-friendly , the setups come with full-size kitchens , extra guest beds , and mosaic-tile flooring . An in-house stable is ready for shoreline horseback rides , and you can sign up for snorkeling trips to nearby Isla Cañas , a palm-fringed refuge where thousands of leatherback turtles converge to build nests . Farther inland , the center of Pedasí has a cow-town vibe : Picture low-slung cottages painted bright green and yellow , and ranchers wearing handmade Panama hats . Yellow is also the color of choice at the new Casita Margarita . This five-room B&B comes with locally crafted cocobolo furniture and a wraparound veranda overlooking Pedasí 's main street . Perhaps best of all , it 's within walking distance of local hangout Mano Surf Community , a pro shop that does double duty as a café and juice bar , and El Gringo Dusek , a no-frills , alfresco cantina run by retired U.S. Navy officer Joseph Dusek , which serves the best barbecue ribs in Los Santos . Of course , beyond the culinary surf and turf , the region 's big draw is its blissfully empty beaches : Some of Panama 's most scenic -- Los Destiladeros , Modroño , and the black-sand Playa Venao with its eight-foot breaks -- are short drives from Pedasí . Closer to home , Pedasí 's El Arenal is a good launchpad for day trips to Iguana Island . -LRB- Fishermen stationed by the pier rent their motorboats , captain included , for about $ 50 round trip . -RRB- The hotel-free and nearly visitor-free isle is named for its resident black and green iguanas . Sign up for an Iguana Island Foundation snorkeling and hiking tour ; you might just get a good look at some hatchlings . While it may be hard to top that sight , 77-year-old Dalila Vera de Quintero knows how to command equal wows . Her lemon-yellow bakery in a bungalow , Dulceria Yely , is famous across Panama for its home-style sweets , like almond queques -LRB- pound cakes -RRB- and creamy chicheme , a shake blended from sweetened milk , fresh corn , and crushed vanilla beans . She also stashes a cake or two in the kitchen for favorite customers , such as former Panamanian president and Pedasí native Mireya Moscoso . Swoon loudly enough and Quintero may just reward you with a thick presidential slice . If you go ... LODGING . Villa Camilla Los Destiladeros , 011-507/232 -0171 , , from $ 250 . Casita Margarita , Calle Central , 011-507/995 -2898 , from $ 99 . FOOD . Mano Surf Community , Calle Estudiante and Calle Bolivar . El Gringo Dusek , Av . Central , 011-507/995 -2869 , entrées from $ 5 . Dulceria Yely , Calle Ofelia Reluz , 011-507/995 -2205 , from 3 cents . ACTIVITIES . Iguana Island Foundation , 011-507/236 -8117 , full-day tour $ 90 . Get the best travel deals and tips emailed to you FREE - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2009 Newsweek Budget Travel , Inc. , all rights reserved . Note : This story was accurate when it was published . Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip . | The Pacific coast region of Los Santos is about five hours from Panama City . The region 's big draw is its blissfully empty beaches . The town of Pedasí 's is a good launchpad for day trips to Iguana Island . | [[322, 434], [221, 317], [2432, 2460], [2468, 2522], [2696, 2768]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- On the same day that it announced record suicides among its soldiers , the U.S. Army said Thursday that it will soon conduct service-wide training to help identify soldiers at risk of suicide . The program will teach soldiers how to recognize behaviors that may lead to suicide , and how to intervene . The program , which will run February 15 through March 15 , will include training to recognize behaviors that may lead to suicide and instruction on how to intervene . The Army will follow the training with another teaching program , from March 15 to June 15 , focused on suicide prevention at all unit levels . Earlier Thursday , the Army reported the highest one-year level of suicides among its soldiers since it began tracking the rate 28 years ago . The Army said that 128 soldiers were confirmed to have committed suicide in 2008 , and an additional 15 were suspected to have committed suicide that year in cases under investigation among active-duty soldiers and activated National Guard and reserves . The Army 's confirmed rate of suicides in 2008 was 20.2 per 100,000 soldiers . The nation 's suicide rate was 19.5 per 100,000 people in 2005 , a figure considered the most recent , Army officials said last month . In 2007 , the Army reported 115 confirmed suicides , which was then the highest level since 1980 , when it began tracking suicides . Suicides for Marines were also up in 2008 . There were 41 in 2008 , up from 33 in 2007 and 25 in 2006 , according to a Marines report . In addition to the training the Army announced Thursday , the service has a program called Battlemind , intended to prepare soldiers and their families to cope with the stresses of war before , during and after deployment . It also is intended to help detect mental-health issues before and after deployments . The Army and the National Institute of Mental Health signed an agreement in October to conduct research to identify factors affecting the mental and behavioral health of soldiers and to share strategies to lower the suicide rate . The five-year study will examine active-duty , National Guard and reserve soldiers and their families . | Service-wide training to help soldiers identify those at risk of suicide . 2008 was record year for U.S. Army suicides , service reports . Army : 128 soldiers confirmed to have committed suicide in 2008 . | [[101, 176], [134, 146], [155, 223], [134, 136], [147, 223], [51, 98], [664, 787], [1258, 1265], [1268, 1354], [51, 98], [664, 787], [788, 1027], [1043, 1089]] |
PHOENIX , Arizona -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- `` Always you have to run for your life , '' says Boo Htoo , who grew up in a refugee camp in Thailand just across the border from Myanmar . Boo Htoo and his family lived at the Maela Refugee Camp before being resettled in Phoenix , Arizona . Ethnic minorities still flee the repressive military regime in Myanmar , formerly Burma . Some 111,000 Myanmar refugees live in nine camps in Thailand , according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees . Htoo , now 29 , recalls making the long trek with his parents to cross the border when he was about 5 . '' -LSB- It 's -RSB- a very long way , '' he says . `` We do n't have a car , a plane . We do n't have a bicycle to ride . My parents just take what they can carry , and then we started walking across the jungle , sleeping in the jungle . '' Htoo and his family are now resettled in Phoenix , Arizona . Thanks to Carolyn Manning and her Welcome to America Project , they got a warm welcome to the big city , complete with furnishings and household items for their first apartment and toys for his two young children . `` That day that I have a lot of American friends in my apartment , '' recalls Htoo , `` this is the day that I feel very happy . '' For Htoo , it was a remarkable transition from `` a really hard life in the refugee camp . '' `` They have a wire fence around the camp ; they put soldiers around the fence , '' Htoo says . `` You are not allowed to go outside to work . You do n't have a chance to go to university even if you are willing to go . I can not express the feeling of how difficult it is . '' Watch Htoo tell his story '' According to the International Rescue Committee , about 2.7 million refugees have been resettled in the United States since 1975 , and 52,000 of those have been relocated to Arizona . Through her Welcome to America Project , Manning helps legal refugees being resettled to Phoenix by the United Nations . Since 2001 , she and volunteers have provided furniture , clothing and support to more than 550 refugee families . Nominate your Hero at CNN.com / Heroes . The first family Manning welcomed came to her attention in a local newspaper . Manning 's brother-in-law Terence had died in the September 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks in New York . The family in the newspaper was from Afghanistan and had lost a relative to the Taliban . Manning immediately saw a parallel . `` Knowing that Terence was killed innocently and then seeing the Afghan family who had someone killed in their family , I started to make a connection between myself and that family , '' Manning recalls . `` We lost a family member , too . The difference was we had a safe place that we lived -- and they had to flee their country . '' At a time when many Americans were putting up walls and shunning foreigners , Manning reached out to them . She and her family took up a collection of furniture for them -- and The Welcome to America Project was born . `` They 've been invited here , '' says Manning . `` Everybody has a right to find a place where they belong . I want the refugees to feel that this is their home . '' The families assisted by The Welcome to America Project typically have languished in refugee camps for 10-12 years , says Manning , and come from countries including Iraq , Myanmar , Liberia , Somalia , Sudan , Nigeria and Bhutan -- places where they were often persecuted because of their race , religion or political views . `` There are a number of different things they have to learn how to do when they first arrive , '' Manning says . `` They 've never seen buildings built like ours . They 've lived in huts literally made out of bamboo , with leaves on top . There 's a lot of transition for them . '' Watch Manning describe the refugees ' strikingly different backgrounds '' Over the last seven years , Manning says , she 's learned a lot from the refugees and finds herself looking at American customs from a new perspective . `` We brought a toaster into a family from Africa and they did n't know what it was , '' recalls Manning . `` The woman was very dutiful in watching -LSB- when -RSB- we tried to show them how to toast bread . But then through a translator her response was , ` Why would you want to ruin bread ? ' '' Manning says the refugees are resourceful and eager to start a new life , developing strong ties to their new communities , making active contributions , working hard and paying taxes . `` It 's not an ` us and them , ' '' she says . `` We 're all part of one humanity . And we 're trying to do what 's right , and what is fair . '' Watch The Welcome to America Project in action '' As word continues to spread -- the project is currently bigger than ever , says Manning -- The Welcome to America Project is nearing its 600th family donation . Manning says she is n't surprised the project has taken off . `` That 's how Terrance 's life was , '' she says . `` Every time he had an idea it was big and bold . He was a very , very generous person . I guess that 's the legacy we 're passing on with the project . '' Want to get involved ? Check out The Welcome to America Project and see how to help . | Welcome to America Project helps refugees being resettled in Phoenix , Arizona . Carolyn Manning founded the group after relative died in September 11 attacks . Myanmar refugee Boo Htoo among 550-plus families the project has helped . Nominate your Hero at CNN.com / Heroes . | [[844, 863], [868, 892], [1879, 1958], [2194, 2297], [1959, 1969], [1972, 2073], [4760, 4829], [2074, 2114]] |
MEXICO CITY , Mexico -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Mexican authorities arrested Vicente Carrillo Leyva , a leader of the Carrillo Fuentes drug cartel , officials announced Thursday . Vicente Carrillo Leyva is escorted by police at a news conference in Mexico City on Thursday . Carrillo Leyva was arrested as he exercised in a park in a residential area of Mexico City , where he had been living under the alias Alejandro Peralta Alvarez , officials said . The federal attorney general 's office told reporters he was tracked through his wife , who did not change her name . Carrillo Leyva `` is considered one of the heirs to the criminal organization known as the Juarez Cartel , after the death of his father , Amado Carrillo Fuentes , '' said Assistant Prosecutor Maricela Morales . His father died in July 1997 while undergoing plastic surgery to alter his appearance in an effort to avoid capture . Amado Carrillo was known as `` El Senor de los Cielos , '' the `` Lord of the Skies , '' because of the fleet of jetliners he used to transport cocaine from Colombia to Mexico . Carrillo Leyva , 32 , was presented at the news conference , surrounded by black-clad , hooded law-enforcement officials . He wore dark-frame glasses and a white jogging suit with double black stripes on the sleeves . His dark hair was long and shaggy . Last month , federal officials offered a reward of up to $ 2.16 million -LRB- 30 million pesos -RRB- for information leading to his arrest . The same reward has been offered for his uncle , cartel leader Vicente Carrillo Fuentes , also known as `` El Viceroy '' and `` El General , '' who remains at-large . Rewards of $ 2 million apiece have been offered for 22 other leading cartel suspects . Wednesday 's arrest was the fourth detention of a top drug cartel leader in recent weeks . Last week , officials announced the arrest of Hector Huerta Rios , also known as `` La Burra '' or `` El Junior , '' a top lieutenant of the Beltran Leyva cartel . He was arrested in the city of San Pedro Garza Garcia in Nuevo Leon state , along Mexico 's border with the United States . The previous week , Mexican authorities announced the arrest of Sigifredo Najera Talamantes , a drug-trafficking suspect accused of attacking a U.S. consulate and killing Mexican soldiers . Talamantes , also known as `` El Canicon , '' also is suspected in attacks on a television station in Monterrey in Nuevo Leon , the state-run Notimex agency said . That same week , the Mexican military also arrested the son of a top drug cartel lieutenant . Authorities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border blame drug cartels for a surge in violence in the region . Despite the violence , Mexican officials say the country is generally safe and that tourist areas such as Cancun and Acapulco are heavily patrolled . Watch Leyva get escorted by law enforcement officials '' Officials from Acapulco city hall , the Guerrero state government and the Mexico attorney general went so far as to sign a statement in early March assuring students wanting to go there on spring break that efforts had been taken to ensure their safety . In a speech in mid-March , Mexican President Felipe Calderon said 93 percent of the 6,500 deaths attributed to organized crime in 2008 occurred among the criminals . Most of the rest were law enforcement authorities , officials have said . Few civilians are killed , the president said . In that same speech , Calderon ridiculed those who say Mexico is unsafe . `` It is absolutely false , absurd , that anyone indicate that Mexico does not have control over one single part of its national territory , '' he said . `` I challenge anyone who says that to tell me what part of the country they want to go to and I will take that person there . '' Analysts point out that most of the violence is occurring along the U.S. border , particularly in Ciudad Juarez , Chihuahua and Tijuana . Drug cartel violence is also found on Mexico 's western coast . `` The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern , '' the U.S. State Department said in a February 20 travel alert . `` Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008 . Additionally , this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008 . '' The State Department advisory tells U.S. citizens how best to remain safe . `` While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year -LRB- including thousands who cross the land border every day for study , tourism or business -RRB- , violence in the country has increased recently . It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico , how best to avoid dangerous situations , and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim . Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours , and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur , can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable . '' CNN 's Mario Gonzalez contributed to this story . | Vicente Carrillo Leyva , 32 , arrested in Mexico City , officials say . He was living under fake name ; was found through his wife , who used her own name . This is the fourth arrest of major drug cartel suspect in recent weeks . Authorities in U.S. and Mexico blame drug cartels for surge in violence near border . | [[40, 91], [429, 445], [3339, 3360], [346, 352], [360, 426], [446, 531], [1721, 1811]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Prince Harry , the red-headed younger son of Britain 's Prince Charles and the late Diana , Princess of Wales , is back in the headlines after a British tabloid posted a home video of him using an offensive term to describe an Army colleague . Prince Harry 's behavior landed him on the front pages of British newspapers . Some of those who have watched him closely through the years see a pattern which they blame on royal destiny rather than racism or ignorance . The video , much of it apparently shot by the prince himself in 2006 , led to predictable howls of condemnation , not least from the sensation-seeking newspaper that published it . News of the World posted the video on its Web site under the headline `` Prince Harry video nasty that will spark outrage . '' Harry , who is third in line to the throne , immediately issued an apology through a spokesman for referring to a soldier from Pakistan as `` our little Paki friend . '' Watch video which has sparked controversy '' The word `` Paki '' is considered deeply offensive by many in Britain -- comparable to the `` n-word '' in the United States , said Harry biographer Mark Saunders . `` That word is just unacceptable , '' Saunders said . It was not the first time Harry had been forced to apologize for offending people . In 2005 , the News of the World 's sister paper The Sun obtained and published a photograph of him wearing a Nazi uniform at a party , prompting an apology and a promise that he had learned his lesson . Penny Junor , who has written several books on Britain 's royal family , says she suspects Harry may get himself into embarrassing situations more often than his older brother William at least partly because Harry does not expect to become king . `` Fundamentally it probably has a great deal to do with being number two , '' said Junor , the author of `` The Firm : The Troubled Life of the House of Windsor . '' `` He 's a spare , not an heir . '' She said : `` The older ones are very much groomed for the task at hand . Those in charge sometimes miss a trick with the younger members '' of the family , she said . Harry 's father , Prince Charles , may want to avoid trying to rein his son in too much , Junor theorized . `` I 'm sure that Charles thinks it 's putting an impossible burden on him to really nail Harry down to the floor when his future is uncertain , '' she said . `` Their lives are very restricted in many ways . It 's a burden being the Prince of Wales , number two in line , number three in line . There is a tendency to try and relieve the burden from the children by not jumping down their throats every time they do something stupid . '' In this generation , Harry has been much more likely than William to be the one doing `` something stupid , '' she admitted . William was criticized last year for landing an Army helicopter in a field belonging to his girlfriend 's parents , but the incident did not cause the same uproar as Harry 's two gaffes . Harry may have engaged in more outrageous behavior than his older brother simply because of his personality , Junor added . `` He 's much more frivolous than William , more an impetuous party animal , '' she said , also describing him as `` not the brightest brain in Britain . '' `` The older child , because he knows there is a seriousness to the position he was born to , knows from day one what is expected of him , '' she said . `` The younger one has all of the frustrations of that without knowing -LRB- if -RRB- he will inherit the throne . '' Saunders , the author of `` Prince Harry : The Biography , '' has observed the same pattern . `` Even when -LRB- Harry -RRB- was a young boy he was a maverick , '' said Saunders . `` Harry used to play with the photographers , whereas you would never get that with William . '' `` William formed a bond with his father , '' based in part on the throne the two men expect to inherit -- which Harry likely never will , Saunders said . `` There 's a job that only William , his father and the queen can share . '' Not expecting to become king may have freed Harry , Saunders speculated . `` This started a long time ago . -LRB- Harry -RRB- said ' I am me , and I am going to be me . ' With Harry there have been several moments , gross errors . He has made missteps , '' Saunders said . `` You could argue that there are simply the mistakes of a young man growing up -- but William could never afford to make those kind of mistakes . '' It is a pattern that has been repeating , to an extent , in the royal family for generations . Prince Andrew , one of Prince Charles ' younger brothers , has something of a reputation as a playboy , while the queen 's late younger sister , Princess Margaret , bucked convention in her own day , seeking to marry a divorced man . The British newspaper , The Guardian summed up the piquancy of being a younger sibling of the sovereign in Margaret 's obituary in 2002 , noting she had been second in line to the throne throughout her teens , but was 11th by the time she died . `` They have all the pressures of being a member of the family , '' Junor said , `` without the reward of being the top person . '' | Royal watchers see a pattern in Prince Harry 's errant behavior . Latest furor over offensive remark made about Pakistani military colleague . Authors say second son syndrome may be to blame . Prince has had to apologize for offensive behavior before . | [[4245, 4304], [204, 279], [1245, 1328], [1256, 1328]] |
BOSTON , Massachusetts -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The operator of a trolley that rear-ended another trolley should have been able to see the other vehicle was stopped 480 feet ahead , a federal investigator said Monday . Passengers walk past firefighters at a Green Line station in Boston after the trolley collision Friday evening . The trolley driver has told investigators he was text messaging during Friday night 's collision , which injured 20 people . The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority , which previously had banned operators from using cell phones and other portable devices , now has told employees to leave the devices at home while on duty , National Transportation Safety Board member Debbie Hersman said Monday . Hersman also noted investigators have determined that the operator may have missed some crucial indications of a stopped trolley ahead on the tracks . Watch new transit rule on cell phones '' `` There were several signals -- two green signals , a yellow signal and a red signal -- coming out of the station , and the point of collision occurred 80 feet past that red signal , '' Hersman said . `` We did a site-distance test , and we know that the operator had the ability to see the trolley stopped in front of him 480 feet in advance of the collision . '' Boston officials said over the weekend that the trolley operator was using his cell phone . Numerous media outlets , including CNN 's Boston affiliates , have identified the driver as 24-year-old Aiden Quinn . `` The operator of the striking train was interviewed at the hospital by two detectives , '' said MBTA general manager Daniel Grabauskas . `` He admitted that he was texting at the time of the accident . '' The operator told detectives that , when he looked up , `` it was too late as he applied the brake and the train struck the other trolley , '' Grabauskas said . He described himself as `` outraged . '' `` We have reinforced for a number of years that the use of cell phones or any other kinds of electronic devices while operating a train or a bus is absolutely prohibited , '' Grabauskas said . Though the investigation is ongoing , he said , the two-year employee will be fired if his version of events is confirmed . None of the injuries was considered life-threatening , the MBTA said . The collision happened at 7:18 p.m. ET Friday as the Green Line trains were traveling between the Park Street and Government Center stations in downtown Boston . Both trains were traveling westbound when one train rear-ended the second , an MBTA official said . A train operator also was text messaging last year in a California train crash that killed 25 people . CNN 's Rob Frehse and Gary Bender contributed to this report . | Federal investigator says Boston trolley crashed 80 feet past a red light . Trolley driver told investigators he was texting during wreck that injured 20 people . Drivers already banned from using phones ; authority now says keep them at home . | [[176, 212], [1044, 1104], [326, 422], [397, 422], [431, 450], [1289, 1380], [1328, 1380], [1641, 1702], [2559, 2575], [2581, 2637], [451, 497], [517, 587], [451, 497], [590, 655]] |
LONGBOAT KEY , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Like any sun-drenched beach paradise , Longboat Key offers water sports , biking and tennis , but the best way to enjoy the island may be by doing nothing at all . Low season on Longboat Key , Florida , generally starts in May and runs until late fall . This thin sliver of land off Sarasota on Florida 's west coast is home to 8,000 people year-round , but come winter , the population swells dramatically . Thousands of visitors from colder climates flock to LBK -- its shorthand moniker -- from January to April to enjoy its balmy temperatures and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico . Off season , however , the only crowds are the sea gulls grooming their feathers on the warm white sand , and Longboat Key feels like the closest thing to having a private beach . On a recent late-September visit , the temperatures hovered in the mid-80s , palm trees swayed gently in the wind , hibiscus flowers bloomed and the sun 's rays were on par with their intensity in July . The only signs of fall were the pumpkins on display at the local grocery store , along with regular fare , like mango Key lime pie . See photos of Longboat Key 's beaches , birds and sunsets '' Tell people you are heading to Longboat Key , and many will think it 's part of the Florida Keys off the southern tip of the state , but LBK is about 200 miles to the north-northwest of -- and in some ways worlds away from -- Key West and its neighbors . Nightlife on the island is likely to mean a moonlit walk on the beach rather than a drink at the bar , and the odds are good the locals will sport gray hair . Elegant setting . Buffered by Sarasota Bay on one side and facing the Gulf of Mexico on the other , the Key is sheltered from the tourist hustle and bustle of mainland Florida . At less than 11 miles in length and no more than a mile across in its widest places , LBK also feels like a secluded community with an elegant flavor of its own . The surroundings are lush , upscale and serene . A trip down Gulf of Mexico Drive , the island 's main artery , reveals golf courses , condominiums and homes ranging from newly constructed mansions to older , one-story houses . The traffic is light , life moves at a slower pace and the mood is relaxed . `` You wo n't find mini-malls , towering billboards , or glaring neon signs , '' the local Chamber of Commerce promises . Nonhuman island visitors also contribute to the mellow atmosphere . Dolphins regularly swim just offshore . Great egrets and great blue herons fish along the beach , while pelicans dive into the water in search of a meal . Birds of all sizes regularly patrol the palm-lined parking lot of the local supermarket looking for scraps of food from the lunch crowd . Wingless creatures also pop up in unexpected places . Visitors walking into one establishment are greeted by a stern voice exclaiming , `` Bear , no ! '' Bear , it turns out , is a curious 5-month old Chesapeake Bay retriever who insists on checking out all the customers entering the store despite his owner 's orders to stay put . Lodging and shopping . There are few hotels on Longboat Key , but rental homes and condos abound , so it 's best to make lodging arrangements in advance , especially for visitors who plan to stay a while . Low season generally starts in May and runs until November . Tourists yearning to make the island a permanent home should bring along a big wallet . The average sale price for a condominium was more than $ 1 million last year , and it topped $ 1.5 million for a single-family home , according to the local Chamber of Commerce . Spenders on a smaller scale can get their fix in neighboring St. Armands Key and its unique shopping circle lined with boutiques and restaurants . -LRB- The official motto urges visitors to `` get out of the box , get into the circle . '' -RRB- . Shoppers can find anything from jewelry to knock-out shoes to sea shells of all shapes and sizes . Depending on your budget and appetite , a lunch break can range from a latte to a smoked salmon and brie grilled cheese . St. Armands Circle is a great place to people watch , but it 's good to know the tranquil beach back on Longboat Key is just a short drive away . Shopping can be exhausting when sunny , lazy days in a blissful place are filled with doing nothing at all . | Thousands of visitors from colder climates flock to Longboat Key in winter . Off season , the island feels like the closest thing to having a private beach . Longboat Key is less than 11 miles in length and no more than a mile wide . Neighboring St. Armands Key offers a shopping circle of boutiques and restaurants . | [[451, 499], [758, 799], [782, 827], [1818, 1901], [1904, 1907], [1913, 1980], [3636, 3743], [3717, 3782]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Mexican President Felipe Calderon announced the resignations Tuesday of three high-level government officials , most notably Communications and Transport Secretary Luis Tellez Kuenzler . The government of Mexican President Felipe Calderon , seen here in January , is facing elections in July . Abraham Gonzalez , a key official for the powerful ministry that oversees Mexico 's government , also resigned . So did Sergio Vela Martinez , president of the National Council for Culture and the Arts . No official reasons were given for any of the resignations , which analysts said did not appear to be related . But at least two of the resignations did not come as a surprise . Tellez , who stepped down from a Cabinet-level post , had been involved for weeks in a controversy over taped comments revealed last month by CNN journalist Carmen Aristegui . In the taped conversation , Tellez said former Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari had stolen government money . Salinas has not been formally accused of any crime . Tellez received an anonymous threat in late February from an apparent political enemy telling him to resign or more damaging audiotapes would be released to the media . He refused and turned the matter over to authorities . Ana Maria Salazar Slack , a political analyst who is host of a daily radio show in Mexico City , called it `` an almost soap opera-ish scandal '' that left Calderon little choice but to force Tellez to resign . `` Although Calderon wanted to keep him in office , it made it very difficult to keep him there , '' she said . Calderon moved Tellez to a post as a presidential aide dealing with economic matters . Other observers also were not surprised by the move . `` That was waiting to happen , '' said Andrew Selee , director of the Mexico Institute at the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson Center . `` But evidently the president values his counsel and has kept him in a high-profile position in the presidency from which he 'll continue to have influence . '' Robert Pastor , the Latin America national security adviser for President Jimmy Carter in the 1970s , praised Tellez but said political considerations prevailed . `` He 's a very competent fellow , '' Pastor said . `` One of the most competent people I 've known in Mexico . But this tape in particular was very embarrassing . '' In a televised news conference after Calderon announced the changes , Tellez expressed his `` gratitude for this opportunity that few Mexicans obtain . '' Replacing Tellez will be Juan Molinar Horcasitas , the head of the Mexican Institute for Social Security . Molinar belongs to the same party as Calderon , the National Action Party -LSB- PAN -RSB- , while Tellez belongs to the opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party -LSB- PRI -RSB- . That played a role , Slack said . `` The president is sending a signal to his party that he 's going to support people from his own party , '' Slack said . `` Beyond the political scandals of the tapes , there 's a decision for the president to appoint people very close to the party . '' Gonzalez 's departure was not a surprise either , since he is running for a congressional seat in July and Mexican law requires him to resign . Analysts spoke highly of Gonzalez 's replacement , Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez . He had been the top person in the foreign ministry for Latin and North America . `` Gutierrez moving in is outstanding , '' the Mexico Institute 's Selee said , calling him `` one of the smartest people ... I 've met '' and `` an impressive guy . '' Consuelo Saizar Guerrero takes over as head of the National Council for Culture and the Arts , replacing Vela , whose reasons for resigning were not disclosed . Saizar previously served as head of the Economic Culture Fund , the government 's book-publishing enterprise . The arts and culture post will play a significant role in 2010 , when Mexico celebrates 100 years of its social revolution and 200 years of its declaration of independence , radio analyst Slack said . As for the timing of resignations from three key posts , Slack linked it to Mexico 's election calendar . `` In order to understand these changes , '' she said , `` you have to understand there are midterm elections in July . So if there are going to be any changes , they have to take place right now . '' Meanwhile , Peter Hakim , president of the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue , said the changes do not portend a political shift . `` This does n't sound like any major direction in change for Calderon , '' Hakim said . | Analyst says timing of resignations linked to Mexican midterm elections in July . Communications and transport secretary resigns amid controversy over comments . Key official for ministry that oversees Mexico 's government leaves . | [[206, 257], [283, 312], [4192, 4203], [4206, 4269], [0, 15], [19, 205], [313, 329], [415, 425], [695, 701], [708, 746], [351, 372], [378, 407]] |
-LRB- AOL Autos -RRB- -- Buying a used car may seem like a simple topic . Used car sales company CARMAX had an influx of trucks and SUVs after gas prices skyrocketed . But when you begin slicing and dicing the various possibilities among approximately 3.3 million vehicles that are for sale at any given time , interesting insights into consumer preferences begin to emerge . For Krista Glotzbach , director of marketing at Vast.com , the San Francisco , California-based aggregator of data -LRB- which provides used vehicle search data for AOL Autos -RRB- , the various permutations are nearly endless . But users should n't worry because , with the help of search filters , vehicle fashion statements -LRB- what color do you want -RRB- and budgetary considerations -LRB- what price range do you want -RRB- easily come to the surface for faster used car searching . Because Vast.com has a variety of sources for its data , including Web `` crawls '' -LRB- an automated Internet search for used vehicle information -RRB- , the data is , by definition , revealing in its own right . AOL Autos : Safest cars . But industry player CARFAX , which makes its vehicle history reports available to the public , provides a different kind of insight . AOL Autos : Used luxury cars . As Larry Gamache , director of communications , pointed out , used car sales dominate the automotive industry . With that volume comes its share of fraud , notably in the marketing of vehicles damaged by flood . And even if a vehicle does n't look bad , what you ca n't see can hurt . `` The problem with flood-damaged cars is that they 're rotting from the inside out , '' Gamache said . It 's also a potentially big safety issue . `` Air bags that have been submerged do not function properly , '' Gamache noted . `` They either do n't deploy or could deploy at speed . '' But not all used cars have skeletons in their closets . Actually , most of the vehicles sold in the U.S. are used . AOL Autos : Most popular crossovers . Here are a few water cooler tidbits that might make you say `` hmm '' : . 1 . Three out of four automotive transactions in the U.S. involve previously owned vehicles . 2 . The average vehicle will likely have three owners in its lifetime . 3 . Industry experts believe one of every 25 air bags that have been deployed have not been properly replaced . They 're also the most stolen item from a vehicle -LRB- having surpassed radios -RRB- . AOL Autos : Best resale value cars . 4 . About half the cars that are flood damaged end up back on the road . As far as Hurricane Katrina is concerned , estimates are that about 200,000 vehicles were dried out and resold . 5 . The most frequently searched price range for a used vehicle is under $ 5,000 . 6 . Consumers lose as much as $ 4 billion a year due to odometer fraud , with the average rollback being 15,000 miles . AOL Autos : Best hybrid cars . 7 . There are more used Silverado pickup trucks for sale than any other model -LRB- nearly 120,000 throughout the U.S. -RRB- . 8 . Texas has more used vehicles than any other state -LRB- more than 220,000 -RRB- ; Houston alone has more than 32,000 on the market at any given time . 9 . Chevrolet tops the list of most-available brands in the U.S. -LRB- with about 450,000 available -RRB- , followed by Ford -LRB- 425,000 -RRB- . There are `` only '' about 280,000 Toyotas on the market at any given time . 10 . Silver is the most available color in the used vehicle market -- more than 447,000 vehicles , followed by black -LRB- 429,000 -RRB- , white -LRB- 409,000 -RRB- , and red -LRB- 321,000 -RRB- . Blue -LRB- 309,000 -RRB- and gray -LRB- 277,000 -RRB- are also aplenty . The color you 're least likely to find ? Pink , with just 249 used vehicles listed . 11 . Age does appear to matter , at least when it comes to a used vehicle . Nearly half those listed at any one time -LRB- about 1.5 million -RRB- are model years 2007-2008 . 12 . Automatic transmissions outnumber manual 10 to 1 in the market for used vehicles . 13 . Six cylinder vehicles are the most popular on the used car market , accounting for nearly a third of the total available -LRB- and roughly the combined total of both four cylinder and eight cylinder powered vehicles -RRB- . The least likely number of engine cylinders ? The 23 vehicles that were listed as being equipped with a 16-cylinder motor , among them a 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur -LRB- just $ 122,000 -RRB- and a 1938 Cadillac -LRB- $ 195,000 -RRB- . 14 . Nearly half the used vehicles on the market come with air conditioning . Clearly , the marketing and sale of used vehicles is a big business . Like any other transaction , it 's `` buyer beware '' and `` buyer aware . '' Thankfully , well-known and respected sites -LRB- such as AOL Autos Used Cars -RRB- and sources such as CARFAX for checking a vehicle 's history can help lower the risk to consumers . Sources : VAST.com -LRB- vehicles available as of July 21 , 2008 -RRB- , CARFAX , National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . | Three out of four transactions in the U.S. involve used vehicles . Average vehicle will likely have three owners in its lifetime . Pink is the least available color on the market , with just 249 used vehicles listed . Texas has more used vehicles than any other state . | [[2080, 2152], [2159, 2169], [2080, 2133], [2142, 2169], [2174, 2241], [3716, 3720], [3723, 3750], [3728, 3759]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Around 200 new species of frogs have been found in Madagascar , one of the world 's biodiversity hotspots . A study has found nearly 200 new species of frogs in Madagascar . A study identified between 129 and 221 new species of frogs on the island . The Spanish Scientific Research Council -LRB- CSIC -RRB- , who carried out the study , believe the find could practically double the number of amphibians known in the world if the results are extrapolated at a global scale . The study , published in the journal `` Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA , '' suggests that the number of amphibian species in Madagascar has been significantly underestimated . `` The diversity of species in Madagascar is far from being known and there is still a lot of scientific research to be done . Our data suggest that the number of new species of amphibians not only has been underestimated but it is spatially widespread , even in well studied areas , '' said Professor David R. Vieites , CSIC researcher to the press at the Spanish National Natural Sciences Museum in Madrid . `` For example , two of the most visited and studied national parks , Ranomafana and Mantadía / Analamazaotra , harbor 31 and 10 new species respectively . '' Dr. Frank Glaw , curator of herpetology at the Zoologische Staatssammlung from Munich was part of the research team : `` During the past 15 years , we discovered and described over 100 new frog species from Madagascar , which led us to believe that our species inventory is almost complete . But as our new surveys show , there are many more species than we suspected , '' he said in a press statement . The paper suggests that the total biodiversity on the island could be much higher in other species as well , so the actual destruction of natural habitats may be affecting more animals than previously thought . This has important consequences for conservation planning , as the rate of destruction of rainforests in Madagascar has been one of the highest in the planet , with more than 80 percent of the historic surface of rainforest already lost , according to the study 's authors . Almost a quarter of the new species discovered have not been found yet in protected areas , but the unstable political situation in Madagascar has also been cited as hampering conservation efforts . `` Although a lot of reserves and national parks have been created in Madagascar during the last decade , the actual situation of politic instability is allowing the cut of the forest within national parks , generating a lot of uncertainty about the future of the planned network of protected areas '' , said Vieites . Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and one of the most biodiverse areas globally , with a high degree of endemic species . `` To get an idea of its biodiversity -- while in the Iberian Peninsula -LSB- there -RSB- are about 30 species of amphibians and in Germany about 20 , in a single locality in Madagascar we can find around 100 species of frogs , '' said Vieites . Dr. Miguel Vences , professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig , Germany , who was also part of the study team , and believes that a century of new species discovery is just beginning : `` People think that we know which plant and animal species live on this planet . But the majority of life forms on Earth is still awaiting scientific recognition . '' | Nearly 200 new species of amphibians found on biodiversity hotspot of Madagascar . Study found many outside of the island 's conservation areas . Political instability in the country makes conservation efforts extra difficult . | [[0, 15], [19, 80], [127, 192], [193, 268], [1415, 1417], [1433, 1484], [2157, 2246], [2249, 2355]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Cheryl Bradshaw shivered under a big brown coat as she made her way through a line of people waiting along an icy road in Wilmington , Ohio . She was among about 5,000 residents who accepted food from the nonprofit Feed the Children . The nonprofit Feed the Children delivers boxes of food and other items to families Thursday in Wilmington , Ohio . `` A lot of this people in this town ... it 's day to day , dollar to dollar , '' Bradshaw said of the town of about 12,000 between Cincinnati and Columbus . Wilmington is still reeling from news that delivery giant DHL would close its hub there . About 3,000 of the 8,000 people who faced layoffs lived in or around Wilmington . One in three families in Wilmington had someone employed at DHL , according to an economic task force created by Mayor David Raizk . A crowd gathered Thursday as 12 loaded semitrailers cautiously parked on slippery roads . Each family got two boxes . One had 25 pounds of canned food and vegetables . Another contained 10 pounds of personal care items . Watch as townspeople describe tough times '' Bradshaw said she appreciated the help . She got laid off in December from ABX Air , a Wilmington-based air cargo services company that worked with DHL . `` We are raising two grandkids , and we only have one income , so it 's a big , big blessing , '' she said . Tony Sellars , the nonprofit 's director of communications , said , `` This is the largest distribution we have had in such a small town . '' Sellars said the organization is monitoring layoff conditions in various cities and identifying critical locations where it can be of assistance . `` We have been around since 1979 , and this is unprecedented in terms of need , '' Sellars said . `` In Wilmington , the residents are proud and confused ; they are resilient and trying to solve their problems on their own , but they do n't know where to turn . '' Feed the Children distributed the food and other items in conjunction with partners that include Avon Products and the local Sugartree Ministry Center . Larry Jones , founder and president of Feed the Children , urged communities to reach out to one another . `` If we are going to solve the problem , it 's not going to be the government ; it 's going to be churches and charities and colleges , literally everyone working together , '' Jones said . `` We are not the total answer , but we are part of the answer , and hopefully when people see us doing what we are doing , they will join in to help . '' Ohio is facing one of the highest jobless rates in the country -- 7.8 percent in December . The nation 's unemployment rate is 7.6 percent . DHL 's decision to close its hub in Wilmington has had a ripple effect . Sharon Testa , 48 , who owns the Mediterranean Restaurant in downtown , has lived in Wilmington for 20 years . `` Our business opened two years ago because we had a lot of international people coming in to work for DHL or companies affiliated with them , '' Testa said . `` Everyone is concerned . We do n't want our city to shrivel up ; people who still have jobs are trying to come in to keep the business running . '' Helen Keech , 50 , who works at the Arby 's near where DHL was located , said that the restaurant used to open early for the DHL employees . She said there were many businesses in that building , including ABX and DHL , and now that there are less employees , things will change . `` It 's gon na be a ghost town I can tell you that , '' Keech said . CNN 's Amy Sahba contributed to this report . | Closing of delivery giant DHL leaves Ohio town of Wilmington reeling . About 5,000 in town of 12,000 accept food from nonprofit Feed the Children . Official : `` This is the largest distribution we have had in such a small town '' Resident says she fears loss of jobs will turn Wilmington into a `` ghost town '' | [[527, 564], [570, 616], [2664, 2710], [2664, 2736], [161, 196], [175, 196], [201, 238], [448, 526], [1362, 1374], [1423, 1427], [1430, 1465], [1430, 1500], [3050, 3072], [3439, 3490]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Attorney General Eric Holder was decidedly noncommittal Thursday as he was buffeted on Capitol Hill by alternating demands to release -- or not -- more secret documents related to alleged torture , and to prosecute -- or not -- Bush administration officials who wrote and approved those documents . Attorney General Eric Holder testifies before a U.S. House subcommittee on Thursday . Holder was scheduled to appear before a House committee to discuss the Justice Department budget , but lawmakers threw away the script and overwhelmed him with pointed questions about the memos and accountability for the interrogation policies . The toughest exchanges were with the top Republican in the session , Rep. Frank Wolf of Virginia . Wolf insisted Holder provide still-secret documents which former Vice President Dick Cheney says detail valuable intelligence gained from the use of the harsh techniques against captured suspected terrorists . `` You have an obligation to release the rest of the memos , '' Wolf demanded . But Holder said he had no knowledge of documents that might contain the information to which Cheney referred . `` I 'm not familiar with those memos . I frankly have not seen them . I do n't know that they exist , '' Holder said . When Holder said he does n't control all of the documents , Wolf complained Holder was trying to duck responsibility `` just because the documents might be in a different building . '' `` It is certainly the intention of this administration not to play hide and seek , or not to release certain things , '' Holder replied . `` It is not our intention to try to advance a political agenda or to try to hide things from the American people , '' he said . As Republican lawmakers complained about the administration 's release of four documents last week that had authorized waterboarding and other controversial methods , Democrats praised the release . Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey , D-Wisconsin , said torture is illegal and those responsible for its use have to be held personally accountable . Representatives of liberal organizations including MoveOn.org , Democrats.com and the American Civil Liberties Union were in the hearing room seeking to cajole Holder and other administration officials to appoint a special prosecutor to press charges against Bush administration officials . `` The Justice Department is obligated to appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate these crimes , '' said Mandy Simon of the ACLU . She said representatives of the groups had provided to Assistant Attorney General Lee Loftus a disk containing the signatures of about 260,000 individuals demanding the outside prosecutor be appointed . Holder was not asked whether he would seek an outside counsel , but indicated he was waiting for more information from pending reports . He said a key report on the actions of Bush Justice Department officials involved in drafting the controversial legal guidance would be completed `` soon '' and he hopes to make it public . | On Capitol Hill , Republicans criticize initial release of four interrogation memos . They say memos referenced by Dick Cheney should be released for complete picture . Liberal groups demand special prosecutor to press charges against Bush officials . Attorney general remains noncommittal on additional releases or any prosecutions . | [[1737, 1832], [1734, 1812], [1901, 1932], [2218, 2383], [0, 26], [30, 198]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Thousands of mourners and well-wishers gathered Saturday at a church east of London for the funeral of controversial reality TV star Jade Goody . Jade Goody 's coffin is carried into church for the funeral service in Essex Saturday . The 27-year-old lost a public battle with cervical cancer last month , prompting sympathy and headlines around the world . As Goody 's white coffin was carried into the church at Buckhurst Hill , Essex , east of London , a gospel choir began singing `` Amazing Grace . '' Pallbearers included her husband Jack Tweed , whom she married in February . Send your tributes to Jade Goody . Inside the church the congregation heard Tweed read a poem as well as watching a multimedia tribute to Goody 's life . View image gallery of Jade Goody 's funeral '' Outside thousands of well-wishers gathered in the spring sunshine to watch the funeral service on large TV screens , breaking into spontaneous applause throughout the service . TV pictures showed one young girl with `` R.I.P. Jade '' drawn on her cheek . Read blog from her funeral . Addressing the congregation Max Clifford , Goody 's publicist , said : `` She achieved in seven months what doctors , politicians and medical experts can only dream of achieving . Her legacy is a wonderful one . Because of Jade Goody , lots of women have had their lives saved . '' Watch family and fans pay their last respects '' After the service congregation member Peter Holmes , 28 , from St. Albans , north of London , told CNN : `` The service was lovely . The funeral was just what Jade was all about . She was a fun-loving person who always lit up a room with a funny comment . '' Flowers thrown by well-wishers covered the front of the vintage hearse carrying Goody 's coffin as it arrived at the church . Crowds earlier applauded as the cortege slowly made its way through Bermondsey , south London , where Goody grew up amid deprivation and drug abuse . At one point the procession stopped to release a white dove . Wreaths included one in the shape of a pink heart , another that resembled a blue handbag and another shaped like a camera -- reflecting Goody 's love of the limelight . After the funeral friends and family left for a private burial . Goody had burst into the spotlight in the British version of `` Big Brother '' in 2002 but attracted global notoriety five years later when she made racist comments -- for which she later apologized -- to Indian actress Shilpa Shetty . Well-wisher Vicky Scott , a security consultant from Bedfordshire , central England , waiting outside the church before the service , told CNN : `` She had very much to live for and she had achieved so much . She had a tough life and she gave us so much . `` I think she was an inspiration to many women , the way she brought cervical cancer to many women 's minds . '' Clifford said in comments reported by the Press Association that Goody 's mother Jackiey Budden was `` distraught '' and Tweed was `` heartbroken . '' Goody 's two sons , Bobby , 5 , and Freddie , 4 , did not attend the service and are believed to have gone to Australia with their father , TV host Jeff Brazier , according to media reports . Medical officials have reported a big rise in the number of screenings for cervical cancer after Goody 's diagnosis was announced live on India 's version of `` Big Brother '' last August , a phenomenon some have dubbed the `` Jade Goody effect . '' Images of her shrinking frame and bald head dominated the pages of British media after she announced she had just weeks to live . UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown had previously praised Goody 's work in raising awareness of cervical cancer . `` In many years to come , there will be an awful lot of women who 've got an awful lot to thank Jade Goody for , '' he said . Despite her weakening state Goody continued to open her door to the media , saying she needed to keep selling her story to help secure the future of her sons . With Clifford 's help , she organized her wedding to boyfriend Tweed , who had only just been released from prison after serving a sentence for assault , selling the exclusive rights to OK! magazine for a reported $ 970,000 . It was also filmed for her reality TV show . CNN 's Peter Wilkinson contributed to this report . | Funeral service of reality TV star Jade Goody takes place east of London . Earlier well-wishers threw flowers , applaud funeral procession as it passes . Procession , including Goody 's white coffin , traveled from southeast London . Goody died last month aged 27 after losing her battle with cervical cancer . | [[9, 32], [75, 168], [182, 269], [820, 853], [937, 996], [1386, 1434], [1694, 1764], [1820, 1898], [182, 269], [396, 463], [1848, 1913], [270, 338]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An actor who played a wannabe mobster in `` The Sopranos '' was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for a botched burglary that left an off-duty New York police officer dead . Lillo Brancato Jr. appeared on `` The Sopranos '' and played alongside Robert De Niro in `` A Bronx Tale . '' The Bronx County District Attorneys Office had sought the maximum of 15 years for Lillo Brancato Jr. , who was convicted last month of attempted burglary stemming from a fatal encounter with police officer Daniel Enchautegui . Before the sentencing , Enchautegui 's sister addressed the court to deliver a victim impact statement . Enchautegui , 28 , was shot in the chest when he interrupted an alleged break-in at a neighbor 's home in the Bronx but managed to shoot both suspects multiple times before dying . Brancato was cleared in Enchautegui 's death , but his accomplice , Steven Armento , 51 , was convicted in the shooting and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole . During the trial , lawyers for Brancato argued that there was not a break-in . Brancato testified that he knew the owner of the home , a Vietnam veteran who had given him permission to enter the house and take painkillers or other pills whenever he wanted . Brancato testified that he and Armento , 51 , were drinking at a strip club when they decided to go hunt for valium . He admitted breaking a window at the home but said it was strictly because he was going through intense heroin withdrawal that night and was trying to wake up his friend to get drugs . Brancato appeared on six episodes of the hit HBO series `` The Sopranos '' in 2000 . As a teen , he starred alongside actor Robert De Niro in `` A Bronx Tale . '' | Prosecutors sought 15 years for Lillo Brancato Jr. for attempted burglary . Last month , Brancato was cleared in officer 's death during alleged home invasion . Actor said homeowner allowed him to enter home to get drugs when needed . Brancato played a wannabe mobster on `` The Sopranos '' | [[317, 417], [830, 874], [1151, 1170], [1175, 1239], [28, 36], [41, 71], [207, 256]] |
Editor 's note : Alvin F. Poussaint , MD , is professor of psychiatry at Judge Baker Children 's Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston , and co-author with Bill Cosby of `` Come On People : On the Path From Victims to Victors , '' 2007 . Dr. Alvin Poussaint says while we salute King and Obama , there 's more work to be done . BOSTON , Massachusetts -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Today , one day before the inauguration of the first African-American president , the Martin Luther King Jr. observance hailing civil rights gains will be combined with jubilation over Barack Obama 's historic achievement . The festivities this year portend a new direction for the King holiday . On Monday , we salute King-and-Obama . And on Tuesday , we salute Obama-and-King , as the Rev. Joseph Lowery , co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with King , gives the benediction after Obama 's swearing-in . The events juxtapose two African-American icons in the march toward racial equality . Traditional tributes to King are likely to be overshadowed by Obama 's game-changing win ; his success , despite racial barriers , mistakenly leads many Americans to believe that King 's rallying cries may be outdated . For example , at most celebrations , the `` I Have a Dream '' speech is highlighted . With the election of Obama , many are saying that we have fulfilled King 's dream . So will the `` dream '' speech be appreciated only as a powerful historical moment rather than a vision for the future ? I hope not . But other perspectives may change as well . In stirring oratory , King said he had a dream that one day his four children would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character . But now , since Obama 's accomplishment , scores of people -- including African Americans -- feel we have reached that goal , despite obvious remnants of racial discrimination . In fact , some conservatives are using Obama 's success to argue against the need for affirmative action . Similarly , King 's oft-quoted words : `` I 've seen the Promised Land . I may not get there with you ... '' will resonate in a different way because of Obama 's startling election . I have heard many reports from black people themselves that the president-elect has taken us symbolically to that elusive Promised Land . While Obama 's win may have taken the edge off some of King 's inspirational rhetoric , it should not lead to complacency in the fight for social justice . There is still much work to be done . Obama 's election does not solve the many problems facing the African-American community . We will continue to face disparities in health care , including an infant mortality rate twice as high as whites , and 20 percent of blacks still lack basic health insurance , according to government statistics . . High rates of crime and violence , with homicide as the leading cause of death for young black men , demoralizes black neighborhoods . In many communities , the high school dropout rate exceeds 50 percent . That dropout rate for many is a ticket to prison , where blacks make up nearly 40 percent of inmates , according to the Justice Department . Racial profiling has not ended , and there continue to be horrific incidents of police brutality against blacks . This compounds family stress at a time when federal government data shows 70 percent of black children are born to single mothers and African-American unemployment is twice the rate of whites . These challenges were there before the dramatic economic downturn of recent months ; they will get worse if there are no interventions . Obama is doing his share by reinvigorating King 's primary theme of helping others by urging Americans ' commitment to the King Day of Service , established by Congress in 1994 . His emphasis on volunteering is an appropriate extension of King 's ultimate mission . People can not simply have high expectations about what Obama can do for them but must also work as individuals and communities to support his programs to help pull the United States out of its economic and social crises . This January , the link established between the civil rights achievements of King 's dream and Obama 's triumph will be etched in our minds . That is not a bad thing . It gives us an opportunity to broaden the celebrations on Martin Luther King Jr. . Day . The King holiday would be enhanced by recognizing other modern civil rights icons as well . Luminaries such as Medgar Evers , Malcolm X , John Lewis , Andrew Young , Fannie Lou Hamer , Stokely Carmichael , Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. , Dorothy Height , Bob Moses and a host of others should not be allowed to fade into the background . Without diminishing the extraordinary legacy of MLK , other leaders who have contributed to the emancipation of black Americans should be remembered . Obama 's watershed moment brings a new spirit to the Martin Luther King Jr. . Day observance . Eventually , I hope due credit will be given to all those fighters whose shoulders Obama stood on to secure the ultimate prize : the presidency of the United States . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Dr. Alvin Poussaint . | Alvin Poussaint says this year 's Martin Luther King Jr. . Day is special . He says it 's a prelude to inauguration of first African-American president . Poussaint : It 's a mistake to think Obama 's election means King 's dream is done . He says we still have a long way to go to ensure all races have equal opportunity . | [[384, 436], [458, 599], [1083, 1096], [1123, 1211], [302, 333], [2487, 2524]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is set to deliver the Republican response to President Obama 's upcoming joint address to Congress , a high-profile slot the party often gives to one of its rising stars . Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal , 37 , will give GOP response to President Obama 's address to Congress this month . `` Gov. Jindal embodies what I have long said : The Republican Party must not be simply the party of ` opposition , ' but the party of better solutions , '' House Minority Leader John Boehner said in a Wednesday statement . Jindal , a former congressman in his first term as Louisiana 's governor , was widely believed to be on Republican presidential nominee John McCain 's short list for vice president , and he often served as a campaign surrogate on the Arizona senator 's behalf . The 37-year-old son of Indian immigrants also was given a prime-time speaking slot at the GOP convention last September , though he ultimately decided not to attend the four-day event as Hurricane Gustav headed for landfall in his state . An Ivy League grad and Rhodes Scholar , and his state 's first nonwhite governor , Jindal has long been on the GOP 's radar screen as a potential future leader and likely presidential candidate . And as the GOP is launching full-scale efforts to appeal to nonwhite voters , Jindal has become one of the party 's most high-profile minorities . `` His stewardship of the state of Louisiana , dedication to reforming government and commitment to bringing forth new and innovative ideas make him a leader not just within the Republican Party , but in our nation as a whole , '' Boehner also said of Jindal on Wednesday . Jindal , who became governor two years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana , has drawn praise for spearheading the ongoing recovery efforts . `` When you look at major statewide offices Republicans have won over the past three years , there is one , Louisiana , '' said Alex Castellanos , a CNN contributor and Republican strategist . `` In a state where we lost confidence in government , perhaps more than any other state , he restored it and cut taxes . '' Though he is often mentioned as a likely contender for the 2012 Republican presidential race , Jindal has said his current focus is on winning reelection in 2011 . Jindal also said late last year that even if he were considering running for president , now is the time to support the sitting president . `` It does n't matter whether you 're Republican , Democrat or independent , it does n't matter whether you voted for him or not , President-elect Barack Obama is our president , '' he said . The White House announced on Tuesday that Obama will deliver the annual State of the Union address to both houses of Congress on February 24 . In 2008 , Democrats tapped Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius -- then considered to be a possible vice presidential candidate -- to give the rebuttal speech to former President Bush 's final State of the Union address . Other Democrats who delivered responses to Bush 's State of the Unions include Virginia Sen. Jim Webb , Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine , and former Washington Gov. Gary Locke , the nation 's first Chinese-American governor . The last Republican to deliver a response to a State of the Union address was Maine Sen. Susan Collins in 2000 . | Jindal embodies image as `` party of better solutions , '' House Minority leader says . The Ivy League grad and Rhodes Scholar is viewed as a likely presidential candidate . The first-term governor has drawn praise for spearheading Katrina recovery efforts . President Obama will deliver The State of the Union address on February 24 . | [[343, 494], [497, 566], [1151, 1263], [2158, 2160], [2164, 2243], [1685, 1691], [1756, 1832], [2647, 2789], [2684, 2737]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama 's address to Congress was full of lofty promises to make unprecedented investments in government programs , even as he aims to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term . President Obama on Tuesday outlined an ambitious agenda to help revive the economy . But it takes more than a proposal to bring about real change . Will Obama be able to meet his goals ? CNN political analyst David Gergen says the answer will be `` one of the greatest political dramas of our time . '' White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the budget Obama sends to Capitol Hill Thursday will help show how the president plans to tackle his ambitious agenda . Here 's a look at some of Obama 's goals , and what experts are saying about them . Economy . Promise : `` To ensure that a crisis of this magnitude never happens again , I ask Congress to move quickly on legislation that will finally reform our outdated regulatory system . '' Promise : `` I held a fiscal summit where I pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of my first term in office . '' Promise : `` My administration has also begun to go line by line through the federal budget in order to eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs . As you can imagine , this is a process that will take some time , but we have already identified $ 2 trillion in savings over the next decade . '' Analysis : Democratic strategist Lisa Caputo said so far , Obama is taking the right steps to revive the economy , but the country needs to see his plans put into action . He 's already passed a massive stimulus bill , and he has a housing bill and a banking regulatory reform bill in the works . `` He 's doing all the right things . Hopefully he 'll come forth with a balanced budget . ... He 's saying all of the right things . He 's got to do them , '' she said . Republican strategist and CNN contributor Ed Rollins pointed out that what Obama did was put forth proposals , not an action plan . `` This was a speech about aspirations . There was not a strategy or the details . They may come later , but it 's an overly ambitious program , and if he can accomplish just the financial part of it , he 'll move the country forward , '' he said . The success of Obama 's budget goals will fall heavily on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , Rollins said . `` Can she control her members ? The last two years the Congress has controlled the spending , it 's been a Democrat Congress . It 's still a Democrat Congress and will be for the foreseeable future . There 's a lot of pet projects these people want , there 's a lot of entitlements that people are n't willing to cut , '' he said . Larry Winget , a personal finance expert , said he agrees with everything that Obama said needs to be done , but said he does n't agree that the country can borrow or spend its way out of debt . `` If you came to me and said , ` I 'm in a financial crisis , I 've screwed up everything based on all of my bad decisions , what should I do ? ' the last thing in the world I would tell you is to go borrow more money or go try to spend something that -- money you do n't have on something you do n't need , '' he said . Winget said instead , the country should work its way out of debt . `` The practical thing would be to put more money in the hands of people , which would always go back to , we need to give bigger ... tax cuts , '' he said . Education . Promise : `` By 2020 , America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world . That is a goal we can meet . '' Promise : `` It will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education , from the day they are born to the day they begin a career . That is a promise we have to make to the children of America . '' Analysis : Rollins pointed out that this is the first time the federal government is taking a such a major role in education . `` We have $ 59 billion in this year 's education budget . We added another $ 100 billion to build schools and do those things . That 's never been the role of the federal government . So it 's a whole new way to go , and obviously if it works , it may benefit the country , '' he said . CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley said Obama 's proposals are just the start of a new direction . `` It is the beginning of shaping the country differently when it comes to a lot of these programs . And the different shape , again , is a more liberal shape of the country , than really the conservative country it has been since Ronald Reagan , '' she said . Energy . Promise : `` We will invest $ 15 billion a year to develop technologies like wind power and solar power , advanced biofuels , clean coal , and more efficient cars and trucks built right here in America . '' Promise : `` Thanks to our recovery plan , we will double this nation 's supply of renewable energy in the next three years . '' Watch Obama say , ` It begins with energy ' '' Analysis : Lakshman Achuthan , managing director of the Economic Cycle Research Institute , said Obama laid out a `` tall order '' of what needs to be done , and tried to show how everything is connected . `` So he showed , here 's the short term , which is stimulus , banking , housing . Here 's the longer term : If we want to own the century , we have to deal with energy , education , health , for example , and connecting those things , '' he said . `` And one of the critical things is that it 's not clear -- you know , the stimulus is great , we passed it , but it does n't work unless the banks lend . The banks wo n't lend unless the housing sector stabilizes . So , it 's -- this is much tougher than chewing gum and walking at the same time , '' he said . Health care . Promise : '' -LSB- The recovery plan -RSB- makes the largest investment ever in preventive care , because that 's one of the best ways to keep our people healthy and our costs under control . '' Promise : `` To preserve our long-term fiscal health , we must also address the growing cost in Medicare and Social Security . Comprehensive health care reform is the best way to strengthen Medicare for years to come , and we must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social Security , while creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all Americans . '' Watch Obama explain his plans for health care reform '' Analysis : Larry Elder , a libertarian commentator , thought that Obama gave a `` great political speech '' but Elder questioned the president 's economics . `` I just wish he was a limited-government , personal-responsibility , hard-core-fiscal-responsibility Republican , which , of course , he is n't . Look , he 's got a faith in government that I do n't share , '' he said . `` Whenever I hear somebody talk about investing in health care , investing in education , investing in energy , I put my hand on my wallet and I say , ` These guys are not good stewards of your money the way you are of your own money . ' '' Pamela Gentry , a senior political analyst with BET , said Obama 's big promises will keep people watching because they play to the drama of this presidency . Health care , she said , will be the issue to watch . `` Health care has got to be one of the toughest ones . I mean , Medicare is the second largest budget after defense . So , if he can pull this off , it would be remarkable , '' she said . Gibbs said Wednesday that the president is well aware of the difficulty of reforming health care . `` But he understands the only way to do that is bring together the stakeholders on both sides of the aisle , business and labor , doctors , providers . That process will begin next week here to discuss health care reform , '' he said . But , Gibbs said , the president does n't plan on setting any `` artificial deadlines '' to pass health care reform . Military . Promise : `` To relieve the strain on our forces , my budget increases the number of our soldiers and Marines . And to keep our sacred trust with those who serve , we will raise their pay and give our veterans the expanded health care and benefits that they have earned . '' Analysis : Patricia Murphy , editor of Citizen Jane Politics , said she thought Obama 's speech was strong , but she did n't follow Obama 's math . Watch : How to cut defense spending '' `` The problem in this speech , I think , is his promise to cut the deficit in half and layering on program after program after program , saying we 'll pull the troops out of Iraq , but we 'll increase the size of the military . Those numbers do n't add up , '' she said . CNN contributor Roland Martin on Tuesday compared Obama to rapper Kanye West . Martin : Obama 's ambitious agenda is a good thing . All of the president 's promises -- fixing health care , fixing the economy , halving the deficit , boosting funds to troops , curing cancer , achieving energy independence and solving Pakistan 's problems , to name a few -- are just the markers in terms of his presidency , Martin said . `` Sort of when like Kanye West had his new album , and he said , ' I want to make it as bad as Stevie Wonder 's -LSB- Songs in the Key of Life -RSB- . ' ... He said , ` If it does n't get to that , it 's still a great album . ' '' -LSB- Obama -RSB- is a guy who is saying , a president who 's saying , ` Look , I want to raise the stakes . ' And , so , is n't it amazing that we 're sitting here , saying , ` Wow , an ambitious president ' ? Well , should n't we have an ambitious president ? Should n't we have a president saying , ` We can do more ' ? '' | President Obama promises to halve deficit by 2013 . Experts support Obama 's proposals , but want details on the action plan . Obama sets high goals for economy , energy , education , health care . CNN contributor Roland Martin likens Obama to Kanye West . | [[152, 217], [978, 1083], [687, 770], [218, 302], [254, 302], [687, 727], [5016, 5024], [5027, 5044], [5108, 5160], [5113, 5171], [5363, 5455], [8780, 8855], [8880, 8920], [8780, 8877], [8923, 8952], [8780, 8834], [8988, 9004], [8780, 8877], [8996, 9001], [9005, 9052], [8648, 8726], [8698, 8726]] |
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- It was a night for neon pink bow ties and words like `` disaster '' and `` monstrosity . '' It was not the night , however , to be Paris Hilton , Mike Myers or Uwe Boll . Paula Einstein , Rebecca Marcotte and Kelie McIver do a parody of `` Dancing Queen '' to open the show . The 29th Annual Golden Raspberry Awards honored the worst film achievements of the year in a small theater in Hollywood on February 21 . The night opened with a parody of the `` Mamma Mia '' song , `` Dancing Queen , '' and ended with `` Love Guru '' being named worst picture . `` It was n't just the economy that tanked , so did the qualities of the movies being offered , '' Razzie founder John Wilson told CNN several weeks before the show . `` I would suggest putting away all sharp -LSB- instruments -RSB- before putting the DVDs in your machine . '' Paris Hilton and Mike Myers came out on top -- or bottom -- for the awards . Hilton earned both the worst actress and worst supporting actress awards for her roles in `` Hottie & the Nottie '' and `` Repo : The Genetic Opera . '' She was also awarded worst screen couple for her on-screen time with her co-stars Christine Lakin and Joel David Moore . Razzie host Gretchen Enders said that `` Hottie & the Nottie '' was `` a vanity production in the worst sense ... Hilton , who served as executive producer , has no one to blame but herself . '' Hilton 's film had a budget of $ 2 million but only earned about $ 27,000 at the box office . `` Under Obama 's new plan , they would n't even have to pay taxes , '' Wilson deadpanned . Myers added worst actor to the `` Love Guru '' worst picture and worst screenplay Razzies . To save anyone else from having to watch it , Wilson shredded a DVD copy of the film on stage . Parody films `` Disaster Movie '' and `` Meet the Spartans , '' each nominated in five categories , came away empty-handed . However , that does n't mean the Razzie foundation thinks they were worthwhile . `` When you invest the kind of money that a mainstream , big-budget star film requires , you want some insurance that your investment is going to come back to you . So ... you 're going to do what worked before , '' Wilson said . `` Financially that may make sense , but in terms of the audience 's enjoyment , surprise or appreciation of what you 're doing , it does n't work . '' Enter `` Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull , '' this year 's winner of the worst prequel , remake , rip-off or sequel award . `` A fourth installment of a beloved franchise , but this one found itself loved by almost no one , '' hosts Katsy Chappell and Josh Thoemke said . The approximately 740 voting members of the Raspberry Foundation also found Pierce Brosnan 's singing voice sorely lacking . His role in `` Mama Mia '' earned him the worst supporting actor award . `` An actor who could not sing , should not sing and arguably did not sing , in a role he should not have accepted , '' Razzie hosts Chip Dornell and Kelie McIver said about the former James Bond . But perhaps the biggest `` winner '' of the night was Uwe Boll . Recipient of the worst director award , the foundation also recognized his lifetime work with the worst career achievement award . Boll is the `` worst living director on Earth , '' Wilson told CNN . Boll had a sense of humor about his Razzie success . He sent in a video rejection speech from a fake set of Darfur , Sudan , saying the Razzies had ruined his life and he would never be back . The Razzie team is already predicting next year 's nominees . A few to watch out for : `` Hannah Montana , '' `` Friday the 13th '' and `` Bride Wars , '' -- the last of which has already grossed more than $ 50 million . `` It 's kind of like watching a train wreck , is n't it ? '' Wilson said . | Razzies honor worst film achievements of the past year . Mike Myers , Paris Hilton each won three Razzies . `` Indiana Jones '' won worst prequel , remake , rip-off or sequel award . | [[320, 456]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Software giant Microsoft is offering a $ 250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of hackers behind a powerful computer virus that could lead to millions of PCs being hijacked . Experts say a single infected laptop could expose an entire network to the worm . Experts have so far been baffled by the true purpose of the Conficker or Downadup virus , but have described its spread as one of the most serious infections ever seen . The worm exploits a bug in Microsoft Windows to infect mainly corporate networks , then -- although it has yet to cause any harm -- it opens a link back to its point of origin , meaning it can receive further orders to wreak havoc . Microsoft has issued a patch to fix the bug , however if a single machine is infected in a large network , it will spread unchecked -- often reinfecting machines that have been disinfected . The threat from the virus prompted Microsoft in collaboration with other technology industry names to this week announce a $ 250,000 reward for information to track down those behind Conficker . `` As part of Microsoft 's ongoing security efforts , we constantly look for ways to use a diverse set of tools and develop methodologies to protect our customers , '' said George Stathakopoulos , of Microsoft 's Trustworthy Computing Group . Mikko Hypponen , chief research officer at anti-virus firm F-Secure says the true scope of the virus is not known , but in the past 24 hours his company monitored Conficker signals from two million Internet protocol addresses . `` That 's a lot , '' he told CNN . `` And one IP address here does not mean one infected computer , it means at least one infected computer . `` Many of those IP addresses are obviously company proxies or firewalls , hiding hundreds of more infections behind it . Unfortunately this also makes it impossible to estimate the total count of infected systems . `` So it 's still big . Very big . '' Microsoft has previously paid out similar rewards to informants who helped identify the creator of Sasser , another notorious worm let loose in 2004 . The perpetrator was tracked to Germany , where he was sentenced a year later . | Software giant Microsoft offers $ 250,000 bounty to catch Conficker author . Industry analysts say is one of the most serious infections they have ever seen . The worm exploits a bug in Microsoft 's ubiquitous Windows software . Virus could allow its creators to hijack entire networks . | [[0, 15], [19, 90], [900, 925], [1012, 1094], [306, 313], [394, 463], [436, 475], [476, 556]] |
ISLAMABAD , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistan has arrested a suspected al Qaeda militant who intelligence officials say is tied to the London subway bombings in 2005 , authorities there said Thursday . The double-decker bus damaged by a bomb in central London on July 7 , 2005 . Zabih al-Taifi was arrested in a village near Peshawar on Wednesday as part of ongoing security operations in the area , police and intelligence officials told CNN . Six others , both Afghans and Pakistanis , were also arrested . The Metropolitan Police Service in London , also known as Scotland Yard , issued a statement refusing to comment on the arrest . `` Speculation around this reported arrest with alleged links to an ongoing terrorist trial is unhelpful and may be prejudicial to current criminal proceedings , '' it said . The London blasts killed 52 people and wounded at least 900 others when bombs went off on three subway trains and a bus on July 7 , 2005 . Security analysts say the village where al-Taifi was arrested in the North West Frontier Province has been the site of recent clashes between Pakistani security forces and militants . CNN 's Zein Basravi contributed to this report . | Officials say arrested al Qaeda militant has ties to 2005 London subway bombings . 52 killed , 900 wounded from bombs on 3 subway trains and a bus on July 7 , 2005 . Zabih al-Taifi arrested in village near Peshawar in ongoing security operations . | [[62, 91], [109, 168], [205, 281], [816, 850], [816, 833], [855, 954], [37, 91], [282, 349], [977, 1052]] |
JAKARTA , Indonesia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Heavy rains smashed through a dam near Indonesia 's capital Friday , unleashing a torrent of water that plowed into hundreds of homes and killed at least 52 people in what some survivors described as a suburban `` tsunami . '' Members of a search and rescue team look for bodies around upended trees and vehicles near Jakarta Friday . Sleeping residents were taken by surprise by the powerful flash flood as it crashed through Jakarta 's crowded Cirendeu suburb , in the early hours of the morning . Rescue crews suspended their search for survivors overnight Friday evening , the National Disaster Coordination Agency said . The agency put the death toll at 52 with 17 missing . It said 33 people were injured and 1,490 left homeless . The Indonesian Health Ministry put the death toll higher at 58 people . After the deluge , drenched , injured and shivering survivors took refuge on the rooftops of their homes as rescuers in rubber boats struggled to reach them . Social affairs spokesman official Mardjito , who like many Indonesians goes by one name , said relief efforts were being hampered by debris from the dam . `` We 're still trying to get into the houses , but the problem is , mud is getting in our way , '' he said . Pictures from the scene showed the pulverized ruins of wooden buildings emerging as brown muddied waters subside . Watch scenes of the flood devastation '' Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono , currently on the campaign trail ahead of elections later this year , 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 at around 4 am local time , releasing a wall of water from the 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 , '' Antara said . Survivors told stories of dead relatives and harrowing brushes with death as they struggled to escape rising waters . Dewi Masitoh , a 40-year-old housewife , told the AFP news agency that she escaped with her husband and two daughters after they saw rising water reach the door of their stilt house . `` We were on the second floor but my daughter went back downstairs when the window broke and water gushed in . My husband jumped in and pulled her out of the water by her neck . `` I punched a hole through the roof and we all climbed up through , '' she said , showing cuts and scratches on her arms . '' Floods from heavy rains are an annual occurrence around Jakarta , a low lying city on the northern coast of Java island , where poor infrastructure often results in polluted canals and rivers spilling their banks and spilling into thousands of homes . In 2007 , 38 people were killed and 430,000 forced from their homes when storm waters three 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 . | Death at now at least 52 from dam burst in Jakarta . Survivors say rumbling of waters rushing from dam sounded like earthquake . Rescuers are having difficulties reaching people because of mud . | [[10, 19], [39, 105], [10, 25], [177, 225], [665, 718], [2042, 2126], [2055, 2126], [2127, 2216], [956, 1006], [1231, 1256]] |
NEWARK , New Jersey -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The most `` far-flung and exotic fugitive investigation ever conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service '' ended early Sunday with convicted child molester Alan Horowitz in custody on U.S. soil . Alan Horowitz was convicted in 1991 on 34 counts of child molestation . Officers from the U.S. Marshals service arrested the 60-year-old at Newark Liberty International Airport after a 15-hour flight from New Delhi , India . The ordained Orthodox rabbi and former child psychologist was arrested on May 22 at a seaside resort in Mahabalipuram , India , according to parole officer Robert Georgia . An agent from the Diplomatic Security Service escorted him aboard the Continental Airlines flight , authorities said . He is being held at a correctional facility in New Jersey and will appear before an extradition judge on July 16th before being taken to New York to face a parole violation charge there . He also faces a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution . Watch Horowitz in custody at Newark airport '' A number of Internet tipsters in India were responsible for alerting the Marshal 's service to Horowitz 's whereabouts , said U.S. Marshal Gary Mattison , who was assigned to track down Horowitz last year . Horowitz served 13 years of a 10-20 year sentence for child molestation and was released on parole in 2004 , authorities said . In June 2006 , he fled the country shortly after meeting with his parole officer , setting off the manhunt that involved the Indian police , agents from the State Department 's Diplomatic Security Service , and U.S. Marshals , U.S. Marshals told CNN . Horowitz 's 1991 conviction was on 34 counts of child molestation in Schenectady , New York . A dual citizen of the United States and Israel , Horowitz has also been convicted of `` perverted sexual practices '' in Maryland , where he was found guilty of abusing one of his patients , federal marshals said . During the 1980s , while he was living in Israel , he was the subject of a police investigation into charges he was sexually abusing his second wife 's children , according to the U.S. Marshal service . He also faced another sexual misconduct investigation while living in North Carolina , authorities say . E-mail to a friend . CNN 's Katia Porzecanski contributed to this report . | Horowitz is an ordained Orthodox rabbi and a former child psychologist . He was escorted aboard the U.S.-bound flight by a U.S. agent , authorities say . Horowitz was subject of investigations in U.S. , Israel ; had multiple convictions . | [[456, 573], [456, 513], [584, 628], [629, 726]] |
Editor 's note : Dr. Anthony S. Fauci is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health . Dr. Anthony S. Fauci : Progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS , but `` our work is just beginning . '' -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When we commemorated the first World AIDS Day on December 1 , 1988 , we had little to celebrate . The number of reported AIDS cases in the United States was nearing 80,000 and rising rapidly . Untold thousands more in this country were living with the human immunodeficiency virus , or HIV . Globally , AIDS cases already had been reported from more than 135 countries . An AIDS tsunami clearly was looming , but we had few defenses at our disposal . For those of us caring for people with AIDS , it was a dark time . We had just one anti-HIV medicine in our pharmacies , AZT , a drug that the virus rapidly defeated by mutating and developing resistance . Lacking other medicines to slow the relentless replication of HIV and its destruction of a person 's immune system , we did our best to help our patients by managing to the extent possible their AIDS-related infections and complications . But the life span of most of the patients was measured in months . Two decades later , much has changed . An unprecedented research effort has led to more than two dozen anti-HIV drugs , more than for all other viral diseases combined . Taken in proper combinations , these medications have dramatically improved the prognosis for people living with HIV by increasing their life span by at least a decade and providing the possibility of a normal life span with continued therapy . Scientifically proven prevention approaches -- education and outreach to at-risk populations , voluntary HIV testing and counseling , condom distribution , prevention of HIV transmission from mother to baby , harm reduction approaches for drug abusers , mass-media campaigns and the screening of donated blood -- have been deployed with great success in the United States and many other countries . Innovative programs such as the President 's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS , Tuberculosis and Malaria , as well as the efforts of nongovernment organizations , have reached millions of people in low - and mid-income countries worldwide with HIV-related services , at a scale unimaginable a few years ago . And gradually -- but too slowly -- we have begun addressing AIDS-related stigma in this country and abroad . Much has been accomplished in the fight against HIV/AIDS from scientific , medical and public health standpoints . However , now is no time to rest on our accomplishments or our laurels . The statistics of the HIV/AIDS pandemic tell us that much more needs to be done . Around the world , a staggering 2.7 million people were infected in 2007 alone . Globally , 33 million people are living with HIV infection , most of them in the developing world . In the United States , more than 1 million people are living with HIV . And 56,000 more people are infected each year in the U.S. , driving HIV prevalence rates in some of our communities to levels that rival those seen in sub-Saharan Africa . Gay and bisexual men , and African-Americans in general , are disproportionately affected . The true ground zero of the HIV epidemic in the United States is in those communities . What is the way forward ? First , even in the face of a world economic crisis , the global community must scale up the delivery of proven HIV therapies and prevention services . In low - and middle-income countries , less than one-third of people in need of anti-HIV therapy are receiving it , and only one in five people at risk of HIV infection have access to prevention services . All around the world , access to HIV services -- and medical care in general -- remains a challenge in many poor communities . The global community must sustain our commitment to investing resources for medicines , clinics , as well as training and salaries for doctors , nurses and community health care workers to provide care for HIV/AIDS and other diseases in the settings where they occur . Here in the United States , more than one-fifth of people living with HIV are unaware of their infection and not receiving appropriate care for their own health or the prevention services that would help them avoid transmitting the virus to others . A frequent scenario is that people learn of their infection status only when they have advanced symptoms of HIV disease , when their health may by irreparably damaged . Now is the time for the medical community and policymakers to embrace U.S. guidelines for all Americans aged 13-64 to be voluntarily tested in routine medical care . Barriers to implementation of HIV testing guidelines , such as state , local or agency regulations that conflict with the recommendations , variability in payment coverage for the test , and concerns about the stigma and discrimination that may accompany an HIV diagnosis , must be addressed . Meanwhile , we also must continue to invest in the next generation of treatment and prevention modalities . Encouragingly , new means of preventing HIV infection are emerging from well-designed and well-implemented clinical research trials . One exciting concept is pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP , giving preventive doses of anti-HIV drugs to individuals who are at an increased risk of HIV infection . This still-experimental strategy is based on the concept that if HIV replication can be inhibited immediately following exposure to the virus , permanent infection might be thwarted . Multiple clinical studies of PrEP are under way in the United States and in populations around the world . Ongoing research to develop microbicidal gels or creams to be applied before sex offer the hope of people being able to protect themselves from HIV infection in situations where saying no to sex or insisting on condom use is not an option . Finally , a preventive HIV vaccine remains the greatest hope for halting the relentless spread of HIV/AIDS . We must solve the mystery of how to prompt the human body to produce a protective immune response against HIV , which natural infection with the virus seems unable to do . Historically , it has taken decades to find effective vaccines to combat most infectious diseases . Researchers usually experienced numerous setbacks and disappointments before reaching success , yet they persevered . Finding a safe and effective HIV vaccine demands an equally intense resolve . On this World AIDS Day , we should be proud of the many scientific advances that have been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS . But it is hardly a time for self-congratulation . Rather , we must understand that our work is just beginning . Developing HIV interventions and delivering them to the people who need them will require scientific and public health vision , and dedication from all sectors of society , in good times and bad . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Dr. Anthony S. Fauci . | Dr. Anthony S. Fauci : Access to HIV services , medical care a challenge in poor areas . Fauci : Preventive HIV vaccine is best hope for halting spread of HIV/AIDS . Medications improved prognosis for people living with HIV by increasing life spans . Prevention approaches , education , testing , counseling , condoms deployed . | [[3771, 3847], [3851, 3897], [5984, 5991], [5994, 6092], [1450, 1519], [1532, 1565], [1664, 1870], [1873, 2062]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Comedian and TV host Stephen Colbert has warned NASA to name a new wing of the international space station after him or he would `` seize power as space 's evil tyrant overlord . '' Stephen Colbert threatened NASA that he might become `` space 's evil tyrant overlord . '' A NASA spokesman said the U.S. space agency is aware of Colbert 's threat , issued Monday night on Comedy Central 's `` Colbert Report , '' but no decision will be made on the node 's name until next week . Colbert topped NASA 's online poll soliciting names for the wing , with 230,539 of the more than 1.1 million votes cast , according to NASA spokesman John Yembrick . The runner-up was Serenity , which Colbert said is not an appropriate name . `` That 's not a space station , '' Colbert said . `` That 's an adult diaper . '' Serenity was the name of a spaceship in the television series `` Firefly , '' which spawned a 2005 movie . The contest rules spelled out that NASA reserves the right to `` ultimately select a name in accordance with the best interests of the agency . ... Such name may not necessarily be one which is on the list of voted-on candidate names . '' NASA 's hedging prompted a Pennsylvania congressman to urge the agency to name the node after the comedian . `` The people have spoken , and Stephen Colbert won it fair and square , even if his campaign was a bit over the top , '' Rep. Chaka Fattah said . Fattah sits on the congressional committee that oversees NASA 's funding . `` NASA , I urge you to heed Congressman Fattah 's call for democracy in orbit , '' Colbert said . `` Either name that node after me , or I , too , will reject democracy and seize power as space 's evil tyrant overlord . '' NASA 's Yembrick said he watched Colbert 's show Monday , but he would not directly respond to his `` evil tyrant overlord '' threat . `` We think it 's great that he and his audience are taking an interest , '' Yembrick said . Several media outlets have reported that NASA is working on a compromise in which it would slap the droll Colbert 's name on a piece of `` mission essential '' equipment in the new wing : the toilet . Colbert 's loyal fans , lovingly called the Colbert Nation , have in the past bombarded polls to have things named after their idol . Thanks to them , the comedian out-polled every other name in a bridge-naming contest in Hungary . The country 's government later said it can not name the bridge after him because he does not speak Hungarian and is not deceased . Colbert also tried to get himself on Democratic and Republican primary ballots in his home state of South Carolina in 2007 . The Democratic Party 's executive council voted against his inclusion , and he did not qualify for the Republican primary because he missed the deadline . But ice-cream maker Ben and Jerry named a flavor in honor of him , Colbert 's AmeriCone Dream . And Virgin America named one of its planes Air Colbert . | TV host 's name topped poll seeking new name for space station wing . NASA says no decision will be made until next week . Pennsylvania lawmaker has thrown backing behind Colbert . Some media outlets say NASA may put Colbert 's name on toilet . | [[0, 135], [499, 563], [436, 498], [1954, 2026]] |
ATLANTA , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A yellow taxi sits idle at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta , Georgia , leaving its Somali immigrant driver visibly frustrated . Abdullah Hagi , a cabdriver in Atlanta , Georgia , has had to cut back on expenses as the economy has declined . `` I 've been here two hours , and you 're my first customer , '' Abdullahi Hagi , formerly of Mogadishu , said as he tightened his grip on the leather-bound steering wheel . `` When the economy is bad , people do n't ride cabs . '' Often considered a bellwether for consumer spending , cabdrivers and the tough times they now face could mean worse times for relatives living in places like Somalia , where war and famine have made remittances from emigres like Hagi more important . Amid a financial crunch that has many of Hagi 's customers feeling the pinch , fewer fares and mounting bills have not stopped him from sending a big chunk of his paycheck home to his family . Despite a bit more empty space in his hand-stitched wallet , Hagi said he has worked out a solution to keep his family fed back home . He is pooling his paycheck with fellow cabdrivers . Watch how cabbie gets by with less '' An informal lending system has emerged in major U.S. cities , akin to an old-world style of community banking that is fending off starvation in places like Somalia . In Atlanta , cabdrivers lend to each other based on need , depending whose family is in more dire straits . `` I could never borrow from any bank , '' Hagi admits . `` You take loans , not from institutions but from friends . '' However , Hagi is still struggling to make ends meet . `` Should I pay the student loan or should I pay for my starving relatives ? '' he asked . `` That 's the kind of choice you 've got to make every day . '' `` Lately , it 's been getting harder and harder to accumulate enough to survive and also send back home , '' he added , shifting his weight in the cab 's cracked leather seats . `` You try to cut corners in your lifestyle to be able to send money to your people because they 're always in much worse condition -- always on the brink of collapse or starvation . '' Hagi and his family are not alone . Figures from the United Nations put nearly half of Somalia 's population in need of humanitarian assistance , according to a report released in September . One in six Somali children under the age of 5 are acutely malnourished , the report found , and food is getting more costly . The price of sorghum , used for grain and found on the dinner plates of most Somali households , soared 600 percent since last year , according to a separate U.N. report . Civil war and drought have made food both scarce and a source of political power . Pitched battles between an Islamic insurgency and Ethiopian-backed transitional government forces have left thousands dead and rendered what many have called a `` failed state '' now teetering on the brink of its worst humanitarian crisis in over a decade , according to a World Food Program report . The United Nations says `` all information indicates that the key factors driving this humanitarian crisis will continue to worsen over the coming months . '' That crisis , coinciding with a financial one that clobbered Wall Street and sent U.S. automakers begging for bailouts , may leave cabdrivers like Hagi facing the perfect storm . `` You cut your groceries . You cut even the clothes you buy the kids . You cut everything , '' he said . `` Whatever you can think of . '' There may not be much more to cut . For now , cabdrivers like Hagi are turning to each other to keep food on the family table back home . | U.S. economic woes take toll on Somali cabdrivers . Many Somali families depend on remittances to make ends meet . More cabdrivers start to lend to each other based on need . Nearly half of Somalia 's population in need of humanitarian aid , according to U.N. | [[1358, 1368], [1371, 1400], [1390, 1414], [3551, 3558], [3561, 3652], [2199, 2306]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Forty-four people were killed during an attack on a wedding party in Turkey 's southeastern Mardin province Monday . A child lies wounded on a stretcher following the attack by gunmen on the wedding party . The casualties , which included the bride and groom , were slain while many of them were praying , authorities said . Three others were injured and eight people were detained in the attack sparked by a feud between families , said Besir Atalay , Interior Minister of Turkey . There were 17 women and six children among the dead , said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan . `` It is inhuman beyond words to open fire on people including a one-year old child who were having a wedding , living a happy moment , praying , '' Erdogan said . `` The fact that the eight suspects and the victims who died have the same surname increases cruelty of this murder . '' The assailants attacked the party in the small village of Bilge with bombs and automatic weapons , according to the Cihan news agency . With only 32 households in the village there were too many victims to fit into the local morgue , authorities said . Some of the victims had the same last name , Celebi , as the suspects who were detained , Atalay added . The bride , Sevgi Celebi , and groom , Habip Ari , both died in the attack , Anatolian Agency , Turkey 's semi-official news agency , reported . The chief and the former chief of the village were among those killed in the attack , the agency added . Police have blocked access to the village while they conduct their investigation . Mardin Mayor Besir Ayanoglu told Turkish television network NTV that the incident was not terror related . CNN 's Ivan Watson and Yesmin Comert contributed to this report . | Turkish PM : 17 women and six children among the dead . Bombs , automatic weapons used in attack , Cihan news agency reports . Three people critically wounded , says office of province 's governor . Attack happens at wedding party in Turkey 's southeastern Mardin province . | [[502, 553], [556, 598], [884, 980], [0, 15], [19, 135], [136, 225], [160, 225]] |
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Anna Nicole Smith 's longtime partner and attorney Howard K. Stern and two doctors were charged Thursday with conspiring to furnish drugs before her death in 2007 , according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney 's Office . Anna Nicole Smith 's boyfriend Howard K. Stern was among those charged Thursday . Smith , 39 , was pronounced dead February 8 after being found unconscious in her hotel room at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Hollywood , Florida . The former Playboy playmate and reality TV star died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs . At the time of her death several prescription medications -- both in Smith 's name and that of her partner and lawyer , Stern -- were found in the room . Officials said prescription and over-the-counter drugs were found in Smith 's system , including three antidepressants or antianxiety drugs . Also found in toxicology testing was human growth hormone and chloral hydrate , a sleep medication , officials said . Stern , 40 , and doctors Sandeep Kapoor , 40 , and Khristine Eroshevich , 61 , were each charged with eight felonies , including conspiring to furnish controlled substances , unlawfully prescribing a controlled substance and obtaining fraudulent prescriptions between June 2004 and January 2007 -- only weeks before the playmate 's death . Kapoor and Eroshevich were each also charged with obtaining a prescription for opiates by `` fraud , deceit or misrepresentation . '' Each were also charged with one count of obtaining a prescription for opiates by giving a false name or address , according to the DA 's office . All three were charged with one count of `` prescribing , administering or dispensing a controlled substance to an addict . '' Smith was buried in the Bahamas March 2 next to the grave of her son , Daniel , who died in September , shortly after the birth of her daughter , Dannielynn . | Howard K. Stern , Sandeep Kapoor , Khristine Eroshevich charged with eight felonies . The three are accused of conspiring to furnish drugs before her death . Former Playboy playmate died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs . All three charged with giving `` a controlled substance to an addict '' | [[250, 254], [291, 331], [1011, 1082], [1090, 1183], [0, 15], [90, 181], [1011, 1082], [1090, 1183], [1631, 1640], [1706, 1754], [492, 596], [1631, 1754], [1631, 1640], [1689, 1702], [1717, 1739], [1631, 1640], [1706, 1754]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Opponents of controversial plans to use hybrid human-animal embryos for research spoke out Tuesday , calling the practice unnecessary , unnatural , and reprehensible a day after British lawmakers voted to allow it . Advocates of hybrid cells say animal eggs from which a nucleus has been removed are simply `` empty shells . '' The British parliament debated the issue Monday as part of its discussion of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill , which will update legislation on reproduction and embryos . `` Crossing the species barrier in this way is deeply , deeply reprehensible , undesirable , '' said Josephine Quintavalle , a bioethicist who founded Comment on Reproductive Ethics -LRB- CORE -RRB- . The research involves emptying an animal egg and filling it with human cells . The resulting embryo is allowed to develop for 14 days -- during which time scientists harvest the stem cells -- before being destroyed . Scientists hope working with those stem cells will lead to treatments for serious conditions like motor neuron disease , Parkinson 's , and Alzheimer 's , and they say using hybrids overcomes the shortage of human embryos . `` The use of animal eggs will provide a valuable resource to embryo research scientists , '' argued Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo . Lawmakers were allowed to vote according to conscience and the legislation passed comfortably , though not without opposition . `` If an embryo could talk , perhaps it would echo what Mary Shelley did say in ` Frankenstein ' : ` I , the miserable and the abandoned , an abortion to be spurned out and kicked and trampled on , ' '' Conservative Party lawmaker Edward Leigh told parliament . Supporters of the research dispute the numerous `` Frankenstein '' references and say it does not create monsters . Stephen Minger , director of the stem cell biology lab at King 's College in London , said the practice begins with the removal of an animal egg 's nucleus , which contains all of the chromosomes , thereby stripping the egg of its `` species identity . '' `` It 's an empty shell , '' Minger said . `` By putting a human cell -- not just a nucleus , but in our case an intact human cell -- into the egg , you confer a human genetic identity onto that . '' The approved bill creates a legal framework for the scientific research on hybrid embryos . British Prime Minister Gordon Brown feels so strongly about the benefits of the research that he wrote a column Sunday in The Observer newspaper calling it an `` inherently moral endeavor , '' but ethics groups and others disagree . `` I think we all know that we do n't reproduce with animals , '' Quintavalle said . `` Humans do not reproduce with animals . Whether it 's done in the laboratory or not does n't make it right . '' Quintavalle urged the government and the scientific community to wait until a new method of research emerges which does not mix animal and human genetic material . Human Genetics Alert , a secular independent watchdog , said it found defects among existing hybrid embryos which raise doubts about whether mixed embryos can produce useful stem cells . `` I 'm very , very unimpressed with the scientific case for doing that , '' said David King , a former molecular biologist who now heads the HGA . `` The science is so weak and the ethical concerns are so significant , I think you have to weigh that . '' The scientific arguments in favor of the research have been `` overhyped , '' King said , and offer no hope of a cure for those suffering with genetic disorders . `` Very little , I think , will come out of it and I think hopes are being raised that will be cruelly disappointed , '' King said . The Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill was drawn up in 1990 , when science and government were unaware that current hybrid-embryo developments were possible , a spokeswoman for the Department of Health told CNN . The original bill did allow the mixing of human and animal eggs , but only for the purpose of testing the fertility of human sperm , said the spokeswoman , who declined to be named in line with policy . The practice was known as the `` hamster test '' because hamster eggs were used . The revised bill now allows hybrid embryos for further research but specifies they may not be placed in a woman or an animal , the spokeswoman said . Also , those using the embryos must prove that the use is for research , and that use of an embryo is necessary , she said . Creating hybrid embryos is not the only way to develop useful stem cells , said Minger . A new method called pluripotency , developed in December , allows scientists to turn adult cells into something resembling an embryonic stem cell , he said . Pluripotency , however , requires extensive genetic manipulation of the cells and yields few that are of use to research , Minger said . `` We will pursue that -LRB- research -RRB- but it 's just too early to know which is the best approach , '' Minger said . `` Most rational scientists would say we need to proceed down as many tracks as possible because we just have no idea what 's going to lead to the best benefit . '' CNN 's Phil Black contributed to this report . | UK lawmakers approve bill allowing use of hybrid embryos in stem cell research . Opponents describe controversial technique as `` deeply , deeply reprehensible '' Advocates say use of animal embryos helps overcome shortage of human embryos . Scientists say stem cells have potential to cure conditions such as Parkinson 's . | [[9, 32], [188, 251], [9, 32], [137, 207], [559, 637], [965, 1117]] |
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The family of a retired FBI agent who was reported missing in Iran two years ago said Monday that they remain hopeful for his return . Photos from Robert Levinson 's family show him in 2006 , left , and as he might look today . Monday marks the second anniversary of the disappearance of Robert Levinson , a father of seven children and grandfather of two . `` After two years of constantly praying for his return , we continue to anxiously await word of his whereabouts , '' said Christine Levinson , the missing man 's wife , in a statement . `` Two years -LSB- have passed -RSB- since our seven children and I last heard his voice , saw his warm , loving smile , and since we last hugged him hello or kissed him goodbye , '' she said . Tuesday will be Levinson 's 61st birthday . Levinson disappeared during a business trip to Iran 's Kish Island in 2007 . Iranian authorities have said repeatedly that they do not know what might have happened to him , but the claim is widely doubted in the United States . `` Since that day our family has been living a nightmare , '' Christine Levinson said . `` This has brought so much darkness to our lives . '' Christine Levinson released a computer-enhanced photograph showing what the family thinks Bob Levinson may look like today . The State Department has consistently denied Levinson was working for the U.S. government and has unsuccessfully pressed Tehran for information about his whereabouts . `` We reiterate our commitment to determining Mr. Levinson 's welfare and whereabouts , and reuniting him with his family , '' acting State Department spokesman Robert Wood said in a statement on Sunday . Congressional reaction in Levinson 's home state of Florida has been more pointed . `` On several diplomatic occasions when Bob Levinson 's name has been brought up to Iranian officials , the standard answer is , ` We do n't know anything about that . ' But the next thing out of the Iranian officials ' mouths are to discuss the matter of the Iranians held by the Americans in Irbil , Iraq , '' Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Florida , told reporters last month . `` You can draw your own conclusions , '' he said . U.S. troops arrested five Iranians accused of being members of an elite Iranian military unit during a January 2007 raid in the Iraqi city of Irbil . The Iranians were accused of supporting Shiite militias in Iraq , but Iran said they were diplomats and accused the United States of violating international law by raiding a consulate . Nelson and Rep. Robert Wexler , D-Florida , have said they plan to introduce legislation in their respective chambers calling on Iran to cooperate with the United States and come up with information about Levinson . Levinson had been working as a private investigator in Dubai . He was last heard from on March 8 , 2007 , when he checked into a Kish Island hotel and then checked out to return to the United States the following day . Wexler has said Levinson never arrived at the airport for his flight home . In December 2007 , Levinson 's wife and other relatives traveled to Iran and met with officials . Christine Levinson has said the Iranian government was polite and guaranteed her family 's security on their trip , but provided no details regarding her husband 's whereabouts . `` In the past two years , our family 's grief has grown to despair , '' Christine Levinson said . The State Department is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the department or the Levinson family via their Web site , www.helpboblevinson.com . CNN 'S Jill Dougherty contributed to this report . | Robert Levinson 's family `` constantly praying for his return , '' wife says . Levinson disappeared two years ago during trip to Iranian island . Iranians say they have no knowledge of missing man 's whereabouts . Iranian claim is widely doubted in the United States . | [[0, 26], [111, 164], [410, 443], [532, 555], [41, 63], [68, 110], [258, 333], [813, 889], [890, 984], [1896, 1934], [991, 1041]] |
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The polite hush that descends on the crowd seconds before service is nowhere to be heard when it comes to the issue of equal prize money in women 's tennis . Australian Open champion Serena Williams pocketed $ 1.3 million for the tournament , the same as male winner Rafael Nadal . It may be two years since Wimbledon and the French Open joined the other major tournaments in offering women the same cash prize as men , but for some tennis fans the issue is far from resolved . `` Admit it sisters , '' screamed one recent headline on Australian Web site AdelaideNow , `` this is not equal . '' The author went on : `` Political correctness , sexual equality and feminism all prevent many commentators from stating the bleeding obvious ... no sports watcher in their right minds could honestly say female tennis players , or golfers for that matter , deserve as much money as their male counterparts . '' The writer -- a woman -- went on to lambaste the world 's best female tennis players , describing world number one Serena Williams ' defeat of Dinara Safina in the Australian Open final as `` embarrassing , pitiful and pathetic . '' `` Her humiliation of Dinara Safina was a terrible advertisement for a sport that has apparently disappeared up its own backside . '' Rather than provoking a tirade of abuse , many readers agreed with the author , outspoken Australian journalist and sports commentator , Rebecca Wilson . `` Right on the money . Women 's tennis is boring . Typical game . `` Ugh . Grunt . Ugh . Grunt . Ugh . Grunt . Out . Love-Fifteen , '' one said . Another added : `` It 's about time someone said what everyone was thinking . '' More chimed in : `` Everyone agrees , few will say it '' and `` totally agree . Women 's tennis is pathetic . '' A couple of dissenters in the crowd urged Wilson to turn her attentions elsewhere : `` The usual tripe that Wilson dishes up week after week , '' and `` please go away and let someone with something important to say use your space . '' What do you think ? Do women deserve equal prize money in tennis ? Sound Off below . Billie Jean King has heard it all before . The former world number one has spent a good part of the last forty years campaigning for equal prize money , and equal status , for women . The decision by the All England Tennis and Croquet Club in February 2007 , and then the French Open one day later , to award equal prize money to women marked the end of a fight that started in 1968 , the first year of Open tennis . `` When Rod Laver won Wimbledon , he got # 2,000 . And when I won Wimbledon in the same year , 1968 , I got # 750 , '' she told CNN in an interview filmed for this month 's edition of `` Revealed . '' `` I knew then that was going to be one of our next battles that we would have to fight over the years , '' she added . King hoped to put the matter to rest in 1973 when she took on self-proclaimed male chauvinist Bobby Riggs in now famous match known as `` The Battle of the Sexes . '' Riggs , a former men 's number one , claimed the women 's game was so poor that even he , as a 55-year-old retiree from the sport , could beat the top female players . King accepted the challenge and thrashed Riggs 6-4 , 6-3 , 6-3 in front of a television audience of millions . Those who argue for lower pay for women 's tennis say they play fewer sets and attract a smaller television audience so they should receive less money . Campaigners for equal pay say that it 's not an issue of time on the court , but an matter of fair and equal treatment . As current world number six Venus Williams once argued in an open letter published in The Times , `` we enjoy huge and equal celebrity and are paid for the value we deliver to broadcasters and spectators , not the amount of time we spend on the stage . '' What do you think ? Should the top female tennis players be taking home the same prize money as men ? Sound Off below . Revealed : Venus Williams airs on CNNI at on the dates and times below : . ALL TIMES GMT Wednesday , February 18 : 0930 , 1830 Saturday , February 21 : 0830 , 1900 Sunday , February 22 : 0530 , 1830 Monday , February 23 : 0400 . | Issue of equal prize money for women 's tennis continues to ignite debate . Journalist describes Serena Williams ' defeat of Safina as `` pitiful and pathetic '' Wimbledon and the French Open introduced equal prize pots in 2007 . What do you think ? Should female tennis players earn as much as men ? | [[9, 32], [113, 193], [460, 513], [3858, 3939], [941, 954], [1028, 1126], [1174, 1250], [2039, 2058], [3838, 3857], [3858, 3939]] |
LONDON , England -- A severe rabies epidemic has claimed the lives of at least 83 children within three months in Angola 's capital , Luanda , the World Health Organization -LRB- WHO -RRB- has said . Luanda , which has a large population of stray dogs , also has some of the world 's worst slums . Describing the situation as `` very worrying , '' WHO rabies expert Francois Meslin told CNN : `` This is a huge number and could be the tip of the iceberg . '' A doctor working at the country 's biggest referral hospital Hospital Pediatrico David Bernardino said staff were unable to save any of the children as rabies vaccines had run out . Some of the children were also brought into the hospital too late to be saved , Luis Bernardino , head of the hospital told UN humanitarian organization IRIN . He warned that the number of deaths could be much higher . `` The children were brought to our hospital and are the only ones we know of , so the number could be higher , '' Bernardino told IRIN . `` It is a sad moment for us , '' he added . `` I think it was probably that no one was prepared for such a high case load . '' The number of cases has now started declining , however , said Bernardino . According to Meslin , this could be because the current infected pack of dogs has died . Meslin told CNN that the Angolan government needed to embark on a dog rabies control program urgently to prevent further outbreaks . Angola 's capital , where most of the population live in slums , has a large number of stray dogs who are said to have caused the epidemic . `` We have had some sporadic cases in other provincial capitals in the country ; we think the virus was brought into Luanda and then spread through the dogs -- Angolans love dogs , '' Bernardino said . `` When the first 10 deaths were reported in December 2008 we alerted the authorities , but we do not have veterinary services in the city , no kennels -LSB- to keep and observe the animals -RSB- and vaccinate them , '' he added . Another problem contributing to the crisis is that vaccines are too expensive for the average family . `` One dose of vaccine costs about $ 10 and five of those have to be administered , which makes the total cost of treatment $ 50 which is more than a month 's salary for families in most developing countries , '' Meslin added . In 2008 the WHO wrote that rabies , a disease transmitted from animals with infected saliva to humans , is present on nearly every continent of the world but more that 95 per cent of human deaths occur in Asia and Africa . It can be prevented by vaccination , either prior to exposure or as part of post-exposure treatment . But once symptoms of the disease develop , rabies is fatal . According to the WHO , rabies can affect the lungs , stomach and central nervous systems . In the critical stage , a victim slips into a coma and death , usually due to breathing failure . More than 55,000 people die of rabies each year , the WHO wrote , with 30 to 60 per cent of the victims of dog bites being children under the age of 15 . | A severe rabies epidemic has killed at least 83 children in 3 months in Angola . Francois Meslin , rabies expert at the WHO says this is cause for serious concern . Once symptoms develop , rabies is always fatal , according to the WHO . | [[0, 6], [9, 131], [298, 342], [345, 390], [2658, 2694], [2697, 2714], [2715, 2735]] |
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The chairman of India 's UB Group , which includes Bangalore-based Kingfisher Airlines and United Breweries , made the winning $ 1.8 million bid on a number of Mahatma Gandhi 's personal items on auction . Mahatma Gandhi was known for his peaceful opposition to tyranny , which led to India 's independence . Vijay Mallya was expected to return the items to the Indian government , according to CNN-IBN , CNN 's sister station in India . Controversy surrounded the sale Thursday of Gandhi 's items -- among them his metal-rimmed glasses , pocket watch , sandals , bowl and plate -- prompting the seller , James Otis , to ask that the items be withdrawn from the auction . India voiced strong objections to the auction . Its Ministry of External Affairs said the bidding would `` commercialize and thereby demean the memory of the Father of the Nation and everything that he stood for in his life , beliefs and actions . '' On Tuesday , a New Delhi court issued an injunction to stop the sale . Watch the auction stoke high interest '' But the Antiquorum auction house in Manhattan went ahead with the auction as scheduled . The Indian government had rejected an offer from Otis , who had asked the Indian government to expand its spending on the poor in exchange for the items . India 's government already spends a large amount of money on the country 's disadvantaged sectors , India 's culture minister Ambika Soni told reporters Thursday . Still , the government had hoped Otis would not allow the public to bid on the items . Soni , the culture minister , said that India 's government exercised several options to stop the auction at the Antiquorum in New York . Gandhi , who waged a long struggle against British rule in India , was assassinated in New Delhi by a Hindu fanatic on January 30 , 1948 . He is still widely revered for his insistence on non-violent protest to achieve political and social progress . Many Indians believe selling Gandhi 's items for profit is outrageous . `` I feel very sad about it because Gandhi himself never believed in private possessions , '' said Varsha Das , director of India 's National Gandhi Museum , using a term of endearment for Gandhi . `` He gave away everything . He did not even have a home to live in . '' CNN 's Harmeet Shah Singh contributed to this report . | Mallya expected to return items to Indian government , CNN-IBN reports . India 's Ministry of External Affairs : Bidding would `` commercialize '' Gandhi 's memory . Controversy prompted seller James Otis to ask that items be withdrawn from auction . | [[337, 407], [337, 349], [410, 430], [700, 747], [748, 947], [786, 797], [805, 820], [825, 864], [466, 525], [582, 606], [610, 630], [646, 699]] |
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