North Korea warns U.S. forces of "destruction" ahead of war drills

North Korea warns U.S. forces of "destruction" ahead of war drills


North Korea warns U.S. forces of "destruction" ahead of war drills

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 11:13 PM PST

A North Korean soldier looks south through a pair of binoculars on the north side of the truce village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas in PajuSEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea on Sunday warned the top U.S. military commander stationed in South Korea that his forces would "meet a miserable destruction" if they go ahead with scheduled military drills with South Korean troops, North Korean state media said. Pak Rim-su, chief delegate of the North Korean military mission to the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom, gave the message by phone to Gen. James Thurman, the commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, KCNA news agency said. ...


Uruguay's Supreme Court rules against dictatorship trials

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:54 PM PST

MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - Uruguay's Supreme Court said on Friday that a law allowing fresh investigations of dictatorship-era human rights crimes violates the constitution, a ruling that puts dozens of cases into doubt. About 200 Uruguayans were kidnapped and killed during the 1973-1985 dictatorship, and the small South American nation remains divided over how to deal with former military officers accused of rights abuses. Congress passed legislation in 2011 that made new rights trials possible in spite of a 1986 amnesty law shielding most officers from prosecution. ...

Talk of peace with Pakistan Taliban angers victims

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 10:31 PM PST

In this Thursday, Feb. 21, 2012, photo, Pakistani student Hazratullah Khan, 14, who was injured in a car bombing on December 17, 2012 in Peshawar, poses for a picture in Peshawar, Pakistan. Hazratullah Khan's right leg was amputated below the knee after he survived a car bombing as he was on his way home from school. His response when asked whether peace talks should be held with the Taliban leaders who ordered attacks like the ones that maimed him is simple: Hang them alive. Slice their flesh off their bodies and cut them into pieces. (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Hazratullah Khan, who lost his right leg below the knee in a car bombing, answers immediately when asked whether the Pakistani government should hold peace talks with Taliban leaders responsible for attacks like the one that maimed him.


North Korea warns U.S. forces of "destruction" ahead of war drills

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 11:13 PM PST

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea on Sunday warned the top U.S. military commander stationed in South Korea that his forces would "meet a miserable destruction" if they go ahead with scheduled military drills with South Korean troops, North Korean state media said.

Campaigning ends for Italy general election

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 11:02 PM PST

Political parties hold final public rallies, with outcome of Sunday's poll considered deeply uncertain.

Ex-Canada ambassador slighted by Affleck's "Argo"

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 10:17 PM PST

FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 file photo, former Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor and his wife Pat, pose for photographers at the premiere of the film Argo in Washington. Taylor, Canada's former ambassador in Iran, who protected Americans at great personal risk during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979, says if "Argo" wins the Oscar for best picture on Sunday there would be something wrong with director Ben Affleck if he didn't mention Canada, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian former ambassador to Iran who protected Americans at great personal risk during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis says it will reflect poorly on Ben Affleck if he doesn't say a few words about Canada's role if the director's film "Argo" wins the Oscar for best picture Sunday.


US grounds F-35 fighter fleet

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 10:00 PM PST

Decision to suspend test flights of all 51 jets described as "precautionary" after crack discovered in turbine blade.

Deadly blast kills policemen in eastern India

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 10:15 PM PST

Landmine kills at least eight people, including six policemen, in explosion in Bihar state blamed on Maoist fighters.

Consultant: Cable Companies Won't Allow That Rumored Apple TV Settop Box

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:57 PM PST

Third in a series.

Uruguay's Supreme Court rules against dictatorship trials

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:54 PM PST

MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - Uruguay's Supreme Court said on Friday that a law allowing fresh investigations of dictatorship-era human rights crimes violates the constitution, a ruling that puts dozens of cases into doubt.

Google Buildings Polluted With Toxic Vapors From Chemical Spills

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:21 PM PST

Silicon Valley was all abuzz on Friday over news that two of Google's buildings on North Whisman Road in Mountain View were suffering from toxic vapors seeping up from the ground below.

America's 20 Dirtiest Cities

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:21 PM PST

Thousands protest in Armenia against re-elected president

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:17 PM PST

YEREVAN (Reuters) - Thousands of people protested in Armenia's capital Yerevan on Friday against the re-election of President Serzh Sarksyan, asserting that an opposition party leader was the real winner.

Oscar Night Gift Bags Are Taxable; Cast Of Twilight Franchise Relieved To Dodge Bullet

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 08:45 PM PST

While I confess to not really following the Oscars – I still haven't forgiven the Academy for its egregious omission of "Grandma's Boy" from the candidates for Best Picture of 2006 — I'd be remiss if I didn't draw attention to one of the more fascinating aspects of awards night:  the gift bags given to each and every loser non-winning nominee.

PM says 'Japan's back,' vows stronger ties with US

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 08:18 PM PST

President Barack Obama shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)WASHINGTON (AP) — Japan's new prime minister declared Friday he would make his country a stronger U.S. ally and joined President Barack Obama in warning North Korea that its recent nuclear provocations would not be tolerated.


Don't Let Work Sabotage Your Next Vacation...3 Steps To Uplugging

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 07:52 PM PST

I'm lounging here on my balcony at our resort in Jamaica, having a wonderful mid-winter vacation with my husband. We've done this every year for the past four years, and the busier I get, the more important it becomes.

DR Congo 'on brink of major conflict'

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 08:09 PM PST

Head of UN mission in Congo says peacekeeping force is "urgently needed" to combat armed rebel groups in country's east.

Divided Egypt opposition attacks Mursi on election call

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 10:43 PM PST

Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi speaks during a news conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul after their meeting at Presidential Palace "Qasr Al Quba" in CairoCAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's opposition attacked President Mohammed Mursi on Friday for calling elections during a national crisis, but face a test of unity in challenging Islamists who have won every poll since the 2011 revolution. No sooner had Mursi called the parliamentary polls on Thursday than liberals and leftists accused him of deepening divisions between Islamists and their opponents. Some threatened to boycott voting which starts on April 27th and finishes in late June. ...


US and Japan leaders affirm security alliance

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 09:14 PM PST

US President Barack Obama and Japan PM Shinzo Abe vow to stand firm against North Korea, and promote regional stability.

Adolf Hitler stumping for votes in Indian election

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 07:37 PM PST

Hitler Reviews TroopsGAUHATI, India (AP) — Adolf Hitler is running for election in India. So is Frankenstein.


VIDEO: Inside Ukraine's 'cistern chapel'

VIDEO: Inside Ukraine's 'cistern chapel'


VIDEO: Inside Ukraine's 'cistern chapel'

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 01:37 PM PST

Roman-Catholics in a small village in Ukraine have been congregating for prayer in an unusual venue, a metal cistern.

Fear stalks South Sudan

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 07:11 AM PST

South Sudan optimism fades as repression grows

US government to sue Lance Armstrong

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 01:07 PM PST

Cyclist accused of fraud for claiming he was winning Tour de France titles while abiding by rules against doping.

Flood waters encircle Greek capital

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 01:16 PM PST

Fire department receives more than 1,500 calls to pump out water as torrential rains flood Athens and surrounding areas.

Chinese Troops Prepare for Spillover From Myanmar Civil War

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 01:06 PM PST

Chinese army units have been training near the border with Myanmar in anticipation of an ethnic war there spilling over, according to news media reports.

Video: Hilarious Chinese TV ad mocks Kim Jong Eun

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:41 PM PST

Chinese software company Kingsoft is running this ad in China to promote its new Web browser, Liebao. The ad, flagged by the always-great Beijing Cream, has a simple premise:

North Korean leader Kim Jong Eun is about to give an important presentation, or maybe set off a nuclear warhead (it's not clear to me), when his computer's browser crashes. Can't we all relate? He pulls out a rifle and is about to shoot the responsible underling when said underling installs Kingsoft's Liebao browser in the nick of time. Everyone applauds. Then the Kim Jong Eun look-alike performs a "Gangnam Style" parody that name-checks the Liebao browser.

Read full article >>

Outcome of Italy election deeply uncertain

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:53 PM PST

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's election campaign drew to a close on Friday with the weak performance of outgoing premier Mario Monti key to a deeply uncertain and potentially unstable result.

Confusion over Mexico drug-lord death reports

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:32 PM PST

Guatemalan official apologises for misunderstanding over reports that Joaquin "El Chapo" died amid clashes.

Nigeria in 'manhunt' for French hostages

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 01:14 PM PST

Security forces undertaking massive operation in country's north to track down hostages kidnapped in Cameroon.

Cuba's Raul Castro jokingly hints at possible retirement

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:34 PM PST

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban President Raul Castro, who is expected to begin a second five-year term on Sunday, jokingly told reporters on Friday that he was planning his retirement but left open just when he would step down.

Advocates Push Obama to Halt Aggressive Deportation Efforts

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:26 PM PST

Activists say illegal immigrants are being forced out of the country at the wrong moment, as the promise of eventual citizenship seems around the corner in an overhaul of the immigration system.

Scud Missile Attack Reported in Aleppo

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:13 PM PST

The reported attack, which left at least 12 civilians dead, was the second time this week that the Syrian opposition has accused the military of using Scuds on Aleppo's rebel-held areas.

Hillsborough lies claim by police

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:21 PM PST

An email from South Yorkshire's chief constable said the Hillsborough victims' families version of events was not the truth, it emerges.

The Patron of Siena, Monte Dei Paschi, Stumbles

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 12:12 PM PST

Nowhere are Monte dei Paschi's problems more acutely felt than in Siena. The bank has paid for charitable and civic works for as long as anyone can remember.

36 Hours in Davos, Switzerland

Posted: 21 Feb 2013 11:27 PM PST

From skiing to solariums, art to fondue, you can find it in this sky-high Swiss city in the Alps.

The day the American flag was shown unmolested in Iran

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 11:54 AM PST

TEHRAN — After their national team's resounding victory over the U.S. team Thursday in the Wrestling World Cup held in Tehran, Iranians throughout the country erupted in celebration.

Although several of the matches between American and Iranians wrestlers were quite tense, the spirit of sportsmanship was on full display throughout the event. The theme of the week, rather than politics, was both nations' shared goal of keeping wrestling in the Olympic games.

Read full article >>

Jaw-dropping photos of Athens' worst flood in 50 years

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 11:33 AM PST

Athens is cleaning up after its worst deluge in more than half a century, Reuters reports, with up to 34 gallons of rainfall per square yard falling in some areas. The city got as much rainfall in six hours as it usually sees in the entire month of February, according to the New York Times.

Read full article >>

Brazil's 2014 election campaign gets off to early start

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 11:54 AM PST

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's 2014 election season got off to an unusually early start this week with the unofficial launch of President Dilma Rousseff's re-election campaign by her mentor and predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Priests Should Be Able to Marry, Senior British Cardinal Says

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 10:25 AM PST

Roman Catholic priests should be allowed to marry and have children, Britain's most senior Catholic cleric said Friday.

Kvitova sweeps into Dubai final

Posted: 22 Feb 2013 10:49 AM PST

Former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova downs Caroline Wozniacki to set up a showdown against Italy's Sara Errani.