Brazil hotline, soap opera help bust prostitution ring in Spain

Brazil hotline, soap opera help bust prostitution ring in Spain


Brazil hotline, soap opera help bust prostitution ring in Spain

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 01:08 PM PST

BRASILIA (Reuters) - A call home from an anguished daughter in Spain and images from a soap opera about human trafficking for sexual exploitation led a Brazilian mother to realize her daughter was in trouble.

At War Blog: The Role of the Military and Veterans in Politics

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 01:03 PM PST

The interplay between politics, the military, and veterans is a complicated subject matter, writes Tim Hsia who is in the Army Reserves as an R.O.T.C. instructor at Santa Clara University.

The Caucus: In Senate Hearing, Hagel Muddled the Message on Iran

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:33 AM PST

An Obama adviser called the stumbling performance by the nominee for defense secretary on the United States' stance toward Iran's nuclear efforts "baffling and incomprehensible."

Canada navy spy in family apology

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 01:05 PM PST

A Canadian navy intelligence officer who sold military secrets to Russia makes an emotional apology to his family at a sentencing hearing.

Suicide bombing at U.S. Embassy in Turkey kills Turkish guard

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:55 PM PST

A suicide bomber killed a Turkish guard in what U.S. officials called a terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Ankara on Friday, but current and former diplomats credited increased security with preventing more deaths.

Read full article >>

Egyptian protesters clash with police outside presidential palace in Cairo

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:32 PM PST

CAIRO — Protesters armed with Molotov cocktails clashed with police outside the presidential palace in Egypt's capital Friday evening, as demonstrations against President Mohamed Morsi carried into a second week in major cities across the country.

Read full article >>

Turkey bombing: What is the DHKP/C terrorist group?

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:01 AM PST

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive strapped to himself Friday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, killing himself and a Turkish guard, the AP reported.

The attack destroyed the entrance to the building, Turkey's foreign minister said, and the force of the explosion left body parts strewn around the scene.

Read full article >>

Clinton resigns as US secretary of state

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 01:11 PM PST

Top US diplomat hands in her resignation to President Barack Obama as planned, to be replaced by John Kerry.

How can footballer have four birthdays?

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:32 AM PST

Everyone has a birthday. A joyful day for receiving presents from family and friends, for blowing out candles on a cake as you celebrate your arrival on this earth.

Protests in Cairo Remain Relatively Subdued

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:02 AM PST

Protesters in Cairo threw incendiary devices that set fire to a palace guardhouse, setting off clashes with riot police who used tear gas and water cannons.

Pound in big fall against euro

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:18 PM PST

The pound weakens further against the euro, seeing its biggest one-day falls in almost three years, on continuing signs the eurozone economy is improving.

VIDEO: Clashes at Morsi's Cairo palace

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:46 AM PST

Egyptian protesters have clashed with police outside the presidential palace in Cairo, after a week of violence in which more than 60 people were killed.

Ferguson denies charge from FA

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 10:09 AM PST

Sir Alex Ferguson denies an FA charge over comments he made about an official after a game at Tottenham.

The Boy With a Thorn in His Joints

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 04:00 AM PST

When 3-year-old Shepherd Strauss got sick, his parents turned to doctors and drugs. But they couldn't anticipate that what would help him feel better didn't come with a prescription.

'Unsafe' Brazil nightclubs closed

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:58 AM PST

More than 150 nightclubs, restaurants and bars in Brazil are declared unsafe and closed by authorities, following a fire that killed 236 people.

Assassination attempt in Armenia threatens stability

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:35 AM PST

YEREVAN (Reuters) - An assassination attempt on a presidential candidate in Armenia has thrown this month's election into doubt and could threaten stability in the volatile Caucasus region that carries oil and natural gas to Europe.

Nigerian lawmaker and aide in bribery scandal

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:55 AM PST

Farouk Lawan, who probed fuel subsidy fraud, is charged in Abuja court for allegedly bribing an oil executive.

Google settles French news dispute

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:36 AM PST

Google agrees to set up a fund to help French media to solve a row with news sites that demanded payment for the search giant to display their links.

'Pork found' in Halal prison food

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 01:25 PM PST

The Ministry of Justice suspends a firm supplying meat to prisons after tests found that it may have provided "Halal" products containing traces of pork DNA.

U.S. Releases Nutritional Rules for Snacks at Schools

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 11:16 AM PST

The guidelines encourage schools to offer low-fat and whole-grain snacks or fruits and to limit sugary drinks.

Myanmar festival celebrates new literary freedom

Myanmar festival celebrates new literary freedom


Myanmar festival celebrates new literary freedom

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:35 AM PST

Dozens of renowned international and local writers gathered Friday at Myanmar's first international literary festival to celebrate the country's new-found freedom of expression.

read more

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Suu Kyi urges 'more human' democracy

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:34 AM PST

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi called Friday for democracy with a "more human" face, arguing that technological development and economic wealth were no guarantee of a free and harmonious society.

read more

Japan PM vows new statement on WWII

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:21 AM PST

Japan's hawkish Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told lawmakers Friday he intends to release a new statement on World War II, a move that could cause friction with neighbouring nations including China.

read more

Autopsy report confirms Semenyih toddler was abused

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:05 AM PST

Police said the autopsy report on the three-year-old toddler discovered dead at home in Semenyih yesterday confirmed he had been abused.

read more

Police open investigation paper on elephant death in Tawau

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:04 AM PST

The Sabah police has opened an investigation paper on the mysterious death of 14 Borneo pygmy elephants in the Rara Forest Reserve in Tawau.

read more

Japan police arrest mobster in Fukushima clean-up

Posted: 01 Feb 2013 12:02 AM PST

Japanese police have arrested a high-ranking yakuza over claims he sent workers to Fukushima for the radiological clean-up without a licence, the first arrest of a mobster in connection with the nuclear plant.

read more

VIDEO: Denzel Washington's budget Flight

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:44 PM PST

Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly and director Robert Zemeckis speak to the BBC's Ellie Davis about their new film, Flight.

G20 should focus on debts, not Japan-bashing - Russia

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:33 PM PST

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's top financial diplomat said the Group of 20 should focus on making new commitments to curb borrowing, and not rush to judge Japan's bid to reflate its economy when policy makers meet this month.


Supply of controlled goods sufficient, says Mohd Johari

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:20 PM PST

The government has prepared sufficient supply of essential goods for the Chinese New Year celebrations starting Feb 10.

read more

Mixed reviews for BlackBerry, diehard fans rejoice

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:08 PM PST

The new BlackBerry got mixed reviews as the Canadian-based smartphone maker launched its bid for a comeback, while diehard "Crackberry" addicts cheered the new lineup.

read more

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Details on new BlackBerry devices

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:06 PM PST

Here are detailed specifications of the new smartphones unveiled Wednesday by BlackBerry as part of the company's comeback effort:

read more

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

First Barbie-themed restaurant opens in Taiwan

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:47 PM PST

With hot pink sofas, high heels-shaped tables and chairs decorated with tutus, the first Barbie-themed restaurant opened in Taiwan on Wednesday catering to fans of the iconic doll.

read more

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Decline in spiritual dimension

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:34 PM PST

In dealing with major cases, the police should also uphold the transparent mode of operation and update the public from time to time, including how they deal with police officers who have done wrong.

read more

VIDEO: Last day at the office for Hillary

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:08 PM PST

The BBC's Kim Ghattas looks back at Hillary Clinton's time in office as she stands down as US Secretary of State.

Explosion at Mexican oil giant Pemex headquarters kills 25

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:09 PM PST

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A powerful explosion rocked the Mexico City headquarters of state-owned oil giant Pemex on Thursday, killing at least 25 people, injuring more than 100 and trapping others inside.


Jailed Pussy Riot member suffering headaches, fatigue - band mate

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:33 PM PST

MOSCOW (Reuters) - One of the jailed members of Russian punk protest collective Pussy Riot has been moved to a prison with a hospital after suffering headaches and fatigue, her band mate said in remarks broadcast on Friday.


Japan pop idol shaves head after sex scandal

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:23 PM PST

A Japanese starlet who shaved her head and issued a tearful YouTube apology after spending the night with a man was scrambling Friday to redeem the girl next door image of all-female group AKB48.

read more

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

No land converted in Sabah forest reserves for plantation purposes -- Dompok

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:10 PM PST

No land in the Sabah forest reserves were converted for plantation purposes, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.

read more

YS Group to cooperate with relevant departments in investigating dead elephants

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:10 PM PST

Yayasan Sabah Group will cooperate with the relevant departments in investigating the cause of death of the elephants at its concession area, said Yayasan Sabah director Tan Sri Datu Khalil Datu Jamalul.

read more

Samsung chairman wins $4 bn family court case

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:07 PM PST

Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-Hee won a court ruling Friday against demands from his siblings to hand over billions of dollars in shares in various Samsung Group companies.

read more

US says Iran steps up Syria support

US says Iran steps up Syria support


US says Iran steps up Syria support

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:14 PM PST

Washington accuses Tehran of sending personnel to help President al-Assad's forces in their fight against opposition.

Fireworks cause deadly highway collapse in China

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:51 PM PST

Map shows the city of Sanmenxia in Henan province where a truck carrying fireworks ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations exploded and destroyed part of an elevated highway;BEIJING (AP) — Fireworks for Lunar New Year celebrations exploded on a truck in central China, destroying part of an elevated highway Friday and sending vehicles plummeting 30 meters (about 100 feet) to the ground. State media had conflicting reports on casualties.


G20 should focus on debts, not Japan-bashing: Russia

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:33 PM PST

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's top financial diplomat said the Group of 20 should focus on making new commitments to curb borrowing, and not rush to judge Japan's bid to reflate its economy when policy makers meet this month.

VIDEO: Last day at the office for Hillary

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:08 PM PST

The BBC's Kim Ghattas looks back at Hillary Clinton's time in office as she stands down as US Secretary of State.

Jailed Pussy Riot member suffering headaches, fatigue: bandmate

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:07 PM PST

Members of the female punk band "Pussy Riot" (R-L) Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich sit in a glass-walled cage during a court hearing in Moscow, August 17, 2012.MOSCOW (Reuters) - One of the jailed members of Russian punk protest collective Pussy Riot has been moved to a prison with a hospital after suffering headaches and fatigue, her bandmate said in remarks broadcast on Friday. Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 23, was one of three women sentenced to two years in prison for a "punk prayer" in Russia's main cathedral last February in which they called on the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of Vladimir Putin. Tolokonnikova was sent to a Corrective Colony No. 14 in the Mordovia region after losing her appeal in October. ...


25 die in Mexico oil company office building blast

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:31 PM PST

An emergency responder carries a piece of concrete as emergency workers and firefighter dig for survivor at the site on an explosion at an adjacent building to the executive tower of Mexico's state-owned oil company PEMEX, in Mexico City, Thursday Jan. 31, 2013. The explosion killed more than 10 people and injured some 80 as it heavily damaged three floors of the building, sending hundreds into the streets and a large plume of smoke over the skyline. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)MEXICO CITY (AP) — Rescuers searched the rubble for survivors and authorities promised a thorough investigation after an office building blast killed 25 people and injured 101 at the headquarters of Mexico's state-owned oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos.


Iraqi president's absence leaves political hole

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:00 PM PST

FILE - In this June. 27, 2009 file photo, Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, left, and President Jalal Talabani, right, react, at a ceremony marking the death of Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim in Baghdad, Iraq. President Jalal Talabani's departure from Iraq's political life comes at a worse time for his troubled nation, under threat from mounting tensions between Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File)BAGHDAD (AP) — President Jalal Talabani's unexpected exit from Iraqi politics couldn't have come at a worse time for his nation, threatened by mounting antagonism among Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites.


VIDEO: Bonjour Becks: Paris ready to greet David

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 03:11 PM PST

David Beckham has announced that he has signed with French team Paris St-Germain and that he will give his salary to a local children's charity.

Roundup of Cloud Computing & Enterprise Software Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2013

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:18 PM PST

When the CEO of a rust-belt manufacturer speaks of cloud computing as critical to his company's business strategies for competing globally, it's clear a fundamental shift is underway.

Jailed Russian punk rock band member suffering headaches, fatigue: bandmate

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:09 PM PST

MOSCOW (Reuters) - One of the jailed members of Russian punk protest collective Pussy Riot has been moved to a prison with a hospital after suffering headaches and fatigue, her bandmate said in remarks broadcast on Friday.

US church releases priest abuse files

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:25 PM PST

Los Angeles church issues thousands of documents related to sex abuse by priests, acknowledging a "shameful" cover-up.

5 Ways to Supercharge Your Matching Grant Program

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:09 PM PST

Companies like financial services firm Ernst & Young understand that matching gifts programs aren't just a perk for your staff. Indeed, Ernst & Young doesn't see these programs as a perk at all: rather than a side project, their matching gifts program is an integral part of Ernst & Young's overall strategy.

Sony Releases Mysterious 'See The Future' PlayStation Teaser [Update]

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:03 PM PST

UPDATE: Apparently the Wall Street Journal has confirmed that the February 20th event will be the unveiling of the successor to the PS3 and that the system will launch later this year.

What Can You Do When Your Aging Parent Has Dementia?

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 09:39 PM PST

Sometimes, you hear a diagnosis that hits you hard. A doctor says your aging loved one has dementia.

How to Fix Mistakes on Form 1099

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:08 PM PST

It's 1099 time so your mailbox may be full of the little tax reports. All that data is going into an IRS computer to be matched against your tax return when you file it.  In Didn't Receive A Form 1099? Don't Ask, I suggested not asking about a Form 1099 you expect that doesn't show up. Just report the income.

25 dead, 101 hurt in Mexico oil company blast

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 09:29 PM PST

Firefighters belonging to the Tacubaya sector and workers dig for survivors after an explosion at an adjacent building to the executive tower of Mexico's state-owned oil company PEMEX, in Mexico City, Thursday Jan. 31, 2013. A large explosion occurred in the lower floors of the building and dozens have been reported injured so far. (AP Photo/Guillermo Gutierrez)MEXICO CITY (AP) — An explosion at the office headquarters of Mexico's state-owned oil company killed 25 people and injured 101 on Thursday as it heavily damaged three floors of a building, sending hundreds into the streets and a large plume of smoke over Mexico City's skyline.


China bridge collapse kills dozens

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:38 PM PST

At least 26 people reportedly killed and vehicles plummet to the ground after fireworks-laden lorry explodes.

VIDEO: Inside Algerian hostage gas plant

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:32 PM PST

Two weeks after the Algerian hostage crisis, the BBC's Richard Galpin has visited the remote gas facility in the Sahara where it took place.

Is This Date Worth $500,000?

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:57 PM PST

It's always a challenge to come up with something special for a special date. But for this Valentine's Day, anyone willing to spend nearly half a million dollars has one ready made. Jetway Private Air will fly a couple in to New York on their choice of jet (among them Gulfstream IVs and Falcon 2000s), shower them with the usual luxe accoutrements—caviar, champagne, a 52 karat diamond necklace-install them in the Ty Warner Penthouse of the Four Seasons along with the hotel's chef to cook dinner, a masseuse to give unlimited massages, the hotel's Rolls for spins around the city. Depending upon the jet chosen and the city of departure, the package ranges from $417,000-$487,000.

Existence Of Claim Renders Some Clients Seeking Asset Protection Effectively Dead On Arrival

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:57 PM PST

Hardly a week goes without a call from somebody in distress, wanting an immediate consultation on asset protection. The most typical scenario involves somebody who has signed a personal guarantee, and are now worried about the guarantee being called. Or, they might have been involved in an auto accident, or a patient might be threatening to sue them for malpractice.