Iraq PM warns Sunni protesters to end rallies

Iraq PM warns Sunni protesters to end rallies


Iraq PM warns Sunni protesters to end rallies

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 01:09 PM PST

Nouri al-Maliki says protests alleging discrimination should end, as Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr backs demonstrators.

Study Suggests Lower Death Risk for the Overweight

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 01:00 PM PST

A report on nearly three million people found that those whose body mass index ranked them as overweight had less risk of dying than people of normal weight.

VIDEO: Thousands take new year plunge

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 12:05 PM PST

Tens of thousands of brave swimmers have been celebrating the start of 2013 with a new year plunge into near freezing waters across Europe.

The surprising shopping habits of China's growing middle class

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

China's slowing economy is likely to stabilize in 2013, with consumer spending being the main category to drive growth, predicts the Economist.

That's probably welcome news to the Chinese government, which has been trying to boost domestic consumer spending for years amid weak demand for Chinese exports elsewhere in the world. Earlier this year, the Associated Press reported:

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With a Mall Boom in Russia, Property Investors Go Shopping

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 12:21 PM PST

While malls appear to be past their peak in the United States, in Russia they are luring shoppers with money to spend and investors like Morgan Stanley.

Clashes in West Bank Injure Palestinians

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 12:42 PM PST

The violence broke out between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians after an undercover Israeli force entered a West Bank village.

Man City 3-0 Stoke

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 09:28 AM PST

Manchester City stay within seven points of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League with a comfortable win over Stoke.

View From the Left: Obama ‘Kept Giving Stuff Away’

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 11:17 AM PST

Disappointed liberals are complaining that President Obama caved in on taxes and sent a signal that he would ultimately surrender on other priorities.

Stampede at New Year’s Celebration Kills Dozens in Ivory Coast

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 12:36 PM PST

Ivorian officials Tuesday said that they were baffled as to what set off the stampede, which happened as revelers were leaving a sprawling downtown stadium.

Art Review: Paul Klee's Colorful Trail in Italy

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 04:00 AM PST

"Paul Klee and Italy," an exhibition of 45 of the artist's works at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome, examines the influence of his visits to Italy on his painting.

Rival Sudans signal border concessions before summit

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 12:43 PM PST

ROSEIRIS, Sudan/JUBA (Reuters) - Sudan and South Sudan said on Tuesday they wanted to set up a demilitarized border zone, signaling possible concessions ahead of a summit which will test whether they can mend ties and restore vital oil flows.

Air strike 'kills 13 Farc rebels'

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 10:45 AM PST

The Colombian Air Force says it has killed 13 Farc rebels in an attack on a camp in Antioquia province, as peace talks are due to resume in Cuba.

Mass march over Hong Kong leader

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 10:15 AM PST

Thousands of people take to the streets of Hong Kong calling for the resignation of the Beijing-backed leader CY Leung.

Mass march over Hong Kong leader

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 10:15 AM PST

Thousands of people take to the streets of Hong Kong calling for the resignation of the Beijing-backed leader CY Leung.

Why demographics are still a concern for some Israeli Jews

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 09:49 AM PST

January is often a popular time for news about population data, and this time around, there are few surprises: Out of Japan is a new report showing that its population declined by 212,000, the biggest drop on record and further evidence of the perils of its rapidly-aging, increasingly childless citizenry.

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Deadly motorcycle bomb explodes in Karachi

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 01:23 PM PST

At least two people killed and dozens wounded after blast in congested neighbourhood of Pakistani city.

"Generous, thoughtful and scatty"

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 09:28 AM PST

Christopher Martin-Jenkins was "generous, thoughtful and scatty"

Sam Khalifa: Briefly a Rising Star, Forever a Mourning Son

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 12:41 PM PST

Sam Khalifa, a Pirates shortstop in the '80s, waited more than two decades for justice in the murder of his father, Rashad, who was stabbed to death at his Tucson mosque.

China Builds a Railroad, and Laos Bears the Cost

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 11:29 AM PST

China wants a railroad linking it to Thailand and on to the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, but some international groups warn that it may put a big burden on Laos.

India rape victim's ashes scattered, more attacks stoke debate

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 09:10 AM PST

LUCKNOW, India (Reuters) - The ashes of an Indian student who died after being gang-raped were scattered in the Ganges river on Tuesday as reports of more attacks stoked a growing national debate on violence against women.

Shark scare closes Australia's Bondi Beach

Shark scare closes Australia's Bondi Beach


Shark scare closes Australia's Bondi Beach

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 12:35 AM PST

Thousands of bathers enjoying the hot New Year's Day weather on Australia's Bondi Beach fled the water on Tuesday after a shark alert was sounded.

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North Korean leader, in rare address, seeks end to confrontation with South

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 10:59 PM PST

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for an end to confrontation between the two Koreas, technically still at war in the absence of a peace treaty to end their 1950-53 conflict, in a surprise New Year speech broadcast on state media.


Anti-Lynas gathering fails to draw crowd

Posted: 01 Jan 2013 12:03 AM PST

A peaceful gathering organised by the Himpunan Hijau anti-Lynas group in front of the Gebeng industrial area here last night failed to draw the anticipated participation when only 500 people turned up.

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Tips on avoiding hair loss

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 11:40 PM PST

Sure, we all lose a few stray hairs every day, but if you've noticed more and more falling out in the shower or after brushing your hair, here are a few tips to stop the cycle before it gets out of the control.

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Boy killed, over 200 hurt in Philippine revelry

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 10:19 PM PST

Celebratory gunfire killed a four-year-old boy and more than 200 others were injured by powerful firecrackers in typically rowdy New Year celebrations in the Philippine capital, officials said Tuesday.

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Top Afghan negotiator optimistic over peace prospects

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:32 PM PST

KABUL (Reuters) - A top Afghan peace negotiator said he was cautiously optimistic about prospects for reconciliation with the Taliban and that all sides now realised a military solution to the war was not possible.


Foursquare to make users' names public

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:49 PM PST

Geolocalization service Foursquare has announced changes to its policies, including plans to publish users' full names at each check-in and to share more data with businesses.

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New iPad and iPad Mini could be coming in March

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:47 PM PST

Rumors suggest that the fifth generation iPad will be lighter and slimmer while the replacement iPad Mini will get a high-definition display upgrade.

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Sony to launch phablet phone

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:45 PM PST

Sony has developed a supersized super-minimalist handset that could give consumers a valid alternative to Samsung's range of phablet devices.

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Japan's population logs record drop

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:35 PM PST

Japan's population logged a record drop in 2012, health ministry estimates showed Tuesday, highlighting concerns that an ever-dwindling pool of workers is having to pay for a growing number of pensioners.

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Looking forward to GE

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:34 PM PST

Could you distinguish between the rights and wrongs? Could you find the answer and hope for the country's political future?

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N. Korea leader vows 'radical' economic shift

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:20 PM PST

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un called Tuesday for a "radical turnabout" in the impoverished country's economy in a rare New Year's address that also appeared to offer an olive branch to South Korea.

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Sperm donor offspring call for privacy changes

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:07 PM PST

Hideaki Kato discovered his true identity by accident.

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Belgian chocolatiers face up to changing tastes

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:03 PM PST

Belgium is rightly proud as producer of some of the world's finest chocolate but changing tastes and new markets in Asia and the Arab world are shaking up its somewhat predictable scene.

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Top Afghan negotiator cautiously optimistic on peace prospects

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 07:54 PM PST

KABUL (Reuters) - One of Afghanistan's top peace negotiators said he was cautiously optimistic about prospects for reconciliation with the Taliban and that all sides now realised a military solution to the war was not possible.


Celebration

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 08:52 PM PST

Fireworks over the Elbe River in Dresden, eastern Germany, during the New Year celebrations.

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New Year Style

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 08:40 PM PST

South Korean singer PSY performs during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square, New York

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Top Afghan negotiator cautiously optimistic on peace prospects

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 07:39 PM PST

KABUL (Reuters) - One of Afghanistan's top peace negotiators said he was cautiously optimistic about prospects for reconciliation with the Taliban and that all sides now realised a military solution to the war was not possible.


Living the life of the blind opens eyes

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 08:16 PM PST

(WARSAW-AFP) - The "Invisible Exhibition" in the Polish capital Warsaw offers an opportunity to understand what it is like to be sightless, as visitors are steered round in blacked-out rooms by blind guides. Copyright (AFP RELAXNEWS/ AFPTV), 2012.

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2012 one of ‘bloodiest years’ for journalists, says media body

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 08:08 PM PST

BRUSSELS, Jan 1 — A heavy death toll in war zones such as Syria and Somalia made 2012 one of the bloodiest years for journalists, with 121 killed, an international journalists' group said yesterday. The Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said the figure was up from 107 journalists and other media workers killed in ...


Largest 25 U.S. Charities For 2012

Largest 25 U.S. Charities For 2012


Largest 25 U.S. Charities For 2012

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 05:11 PM PST

Once again, United Way tops the annual Forbes list of the largest U.S. charities. Find out what other organizations made the list.

Billionaires Dominate List Of The Biggest Charitable Gifts Of 2012

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 05:11 PM PST

Billionaires, led by Warren Buffett, account for most of The Chronicle of Philanthropy's list of the largest charitable gifts announced by individuals in 2012. Community foundations and public institutions were big beneficiaries.

6 Big Data Quotes of 2012

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 04:34 PM PST

Big Data (Photo credit: JD Hancock) "The data fabric is the next middleware"–Todd Papaioannou "This is the time to be super aggressive"–Chris Lynch "…once the database is big enough, it will also let parents compare their baby with fellow users' babies of the same age and gender.  Rogati imagines that this crowdsourcing will provide [...]

UN slaps sanctions on DR Congo rebels

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:27 PM PST

Security Council blacklists two rebel groups -M23 and FDLR - responsible for war crimes in conflict-ravaged eastern DRC.

North Korean leader reaches out to S Korea

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 10:06 PM PST

In surprise New Year speech broadcast on state media, Kim Jong-un calls for an end to confrontation with Seoul.

Will A Court Ruling Usher In Off-Label Promotions?

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 03:59 PM PST

A recent appeals court ruling a sales rep's First Amendment rights were violated by FDA regulations that prohibit off-label marketing, but experts say the pharma industry is unlikely to pursue more aggressive marketing until the issue winds its way through the courts.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette: What We Know So Far And What It Needs to Succeed

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 03:57 PM PST

Chevrolet has been tight-lipped about details on the 2014 Corvette. But there are a few things we do know, and others things we can expect, given the pedigree of this 60-year-old sports car.

Test Drive: 2013 Honda Accord Really Satisfies

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 03:52 PM PST

The new Honda Accord drives better and more quietly than its predecessor. But the midsize sedan has poorly designed controls for the stereo, navigation and climate system, which is a letdown.

U.S. Sailors Sue Japanese Over Radiation

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 03:31 PM PST

Eight U.S. sailors filed a lawsuit against the Tokyo utility that operates the Fukushima nuclear power plants, charging that the company lied about the high level of radiation in the area where the carrier USS Ronald Reagan was carrying out a humanitarian mission after the tsunami-triggered reactor crisis.

Excess-profits tax on defense contractors during wartime is long overdue

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 08:07 PM PST

No one can safely predict what will happen in 2013, but here are a few things I would like to see occur when it comes to national security.

My most radical idea — and it should have been done 10 years ago — is for an excess-profits tax on defense contractors while we have troops fighting overseas. As I have often noted, Afghanistan and Iraq are the first U.S. wars in which taxes were not raised to pay for the fighting. Instead, the cost has been put on a credit card.

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Top Afghan negotiator optimistic over peace prospects

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:32 PM PST

Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai speaks during an interview in KabulKABUL (Reuters) - A top Afghan peace negotiator said he was cautiously optimistic about prospects for reconciliation with the Taliban and that all sides now realized a military solution to the war was not possible. Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai also told Reuters that the Kabul government hoped to transform the Afghan Taliban, who have proved resilient after more than a decade of war against U.S.-led NATO and Afghan troops, into a political movement. ...


The Mother of All Money Charts

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 03:14 PM PST

Randall Munroe, the XKCD.com physicist cartoonist turned essayist & artist does some amazing work.  His cartoons started out with stick figures telling science jokes, but now he works large - physically and in concept. One of his cartoons scrolls so much that it would take 46 feet of paper to [...]

Test Drive: 2013 Jaguar XJ Gets All Wheel Drive, And It's Great

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 03:01 PM PST

Jaguar set out to make its first all-wheel-drive XJ sedan handle as well as the rear-wheel drive version, and it succeeded.

U.N. chief names East Timor's Ramos-Horta envoy to Guinea-Bissau

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 06:49 PM PST

UN Secretary-General Ban delivers his speech during a session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations European headquarters in GenevaUNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday named Nobel Peace prize laureate and former president of East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta, as his special representative to Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation that has become a narcotics hub. Ramos-Horta will assume the post once the current envoy in Guinea-Bissau, Joseph Mutaboba of Rwanda, completes his term on January 31, 2013, the United Nations said in a statement. ...


Senate report on Benghazi lets Obama off hook

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 07:38 PM PST

Homeland Security Committee finds intelligence agencies, not White House, are responsible for "talking point" changes.

2013: A Turning Point for Semiconductors

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 02:28 PM PST

2013 will be a turning point for the semiconductor market.  Growth will return from negative numbers (a decline of as much as 5% in 2012) to positive (up to 10% revenue growth in 2013.)  Investors who understand this will be able to properly navigate the timing of their semiconductor investments [...]

More BS for "Butter in Bangladesh" Fans

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 02:28 PM PST

If you Google the phrase "Butter in Bangladesh" you find pages of people talking about a gag paper from 1994, called "Stupid Data Miner Tricks:  Overfitting the S&P 500". It grew up to be a chapter in the Nerds on Wall Street book, and the  4 minute 12 second video [...]

Top Afghan negotiator optimistic over peace prospects

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 09:32 PM PST

KABUL (Reuters) - A top Afghan peace negotiator said he was cautiously optimistic about prospects for reconciliation with the Taliban and that all sides now realized a military solution to the war was not possible.

U.N. chief names East Timor's Ramos-Horta envoy to Guinea-Bissau

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 06:49 PM PST

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday named Nobel Peace prize laureate and former president of East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta, as his special representative to Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation that has become a narcotics hub.

North Korean leader, in rare address, seeks end to confrontation with South

Posted: 31 Dec 2012 06:41 PM PST

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivers a New Year address in PyongyangSEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for an end to confrontation between the two Koreas, technically still at war in the absence of a peace treaty to end their 1950-53 conflict, in a surprise New Year speech broadcast on state media. The address by Kim, who took over power in the reclusive state after his father, Kim Jong-il, died in 2011, appeared to take the place of the policy-setting New Year editorial published in leading state newspapers. ...