KABUL, July 31 (Reuters) - Violence against civilians has risen by almost a quarter in Afghanistan as international forces hand security to Afghans, the United Nations said in a report on Wednesday, with insurgents striking in areas where troops have already left. The report, presented by the Human Rights Director for the U.N. in Afghanistan, said the number of dead and injured civilians had increased by 23 percent in the first six months of 2013, compared to the same period last year. Women and children are increasingly the victims of the 12-year-old war, the report said, noting a 30 percent leap in the number of children killed. The total civilian death toll stood at more than 1,300, with 2,533 reported injuries. Mounting casualties are reinforcing fears about Afghanistan's ability to tackle the Taliban insurgency on its own, after most foreign troops leave next year. The Afghan army faces one of the highest desertion rates in the world and a chronic lack of logistical and medical support. "The stepped-up transition of security responsibilities from international military forces to Afghan forcse and closure of international forces' bases was met with increased attacks by anti-government elements...," Georgette Gagnon said in presenting the report. The intensified attacks occurred "mainly at checkpoints, on strategic highways, in some areas that had been transitioned and in districts bordering neighbouring countries". Figures released in 2012 showed a decline in civilian deaths compared to the previous year. The U.N. report said bombs, or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), remained the single greatest killer, claiming 53 percent more victims than last year, most of them children. Fighting between security forces and insurgents had emerged as the second most significant cause of civilian deaths, with the report putting the death toll in crossfire at 207. Both sides were responsible for civilian deaths, but the report said almost three-quarters were caused by insurgents, who were increasingly targeting civilians seen to be cooperating with the government, the report said. Gagnon urged insurgents to "stop deliberate targeting and killing of civilians and withdraw orders that permit attacks" on legal personnel, clergy and government workers. But the Taliban said anyone supporting President Hamid Karzai's Western-backed government was a legitimate target. "We never consider those people as civilians who are directly involved in our country's occupation and work with sensitive organs of the enemy," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in an emailed statement.
WOMEN, CHILDREN IN FIRING LINE The rise in deaths of women and children maintained a trend marked last year. In one of the worst instances, 10 children, most of them infants, were killed in an aerial bombardment in the eastern province of Kunar that "appeared to serve no clear military/tactical purpose", the United Nations said. An investigation by the NATO-led force in Afghanistan concluded it was not responsible for the deaths, though human rights groups and the U.N. have questioned that finding. The threat to civilians has become a significant source of stress in relations between Karzai and his backers, particularly when civilian deaths are caused by foreign forces. But questions have been raised about the ability of domestic forces not only to take on the insurgents but to win the trust and support of people in areas where insurgents operate. Casualties caused by a security force known as the Afghan Local Police, set up in 2010 to operate in remote, insecure areas, rose more than 60 percent, the United Nations said. Force members had been accused of murder, torture and rape. Many communities, however, reported that they owed an improvement in security to the police. But the report also noted increased numbers of clashes between unaligned armed groups, a recurrence of the insecurity in the 1990s that enabled the Taliban to take control. The report also revealed that the U.S. army had launched a fresh inquiry into allegations of war crimes committed between November and February in the strategically important province of Wardak. That investigation comes on the heels of the arrest of an Afghan translator who worked with U.S. special forces who he said had killed civilians he helped capture. The bodies of as many as 10 civilians were found this year near the military base used by the special forces soldiers. (Editing by Robert Birsel and Ron Popeski)
PITTSBURGH (AP) ? Forget about the best record in baseball, the lead in the NL Central and the buzz of a city giddily envisioning the end of two decades of despair.
After a euphoric doubleheader sweep of reeling St. Louis on Tuesday that propelled them to the top of the division, the Pittsburgh Pirates ? yes, the Pirates ? are ready to get greedy.
"We want more," manager Clint Hurdle said.
Keep pitching like this, and that shouldn't be a problem.
Three hours after Alex Presley's grounder caromed off the glove of St. Louis reliever Kevin Siegrist and rolled into shallow left field to give the Pirates a taut 2-1, 11-inning victory in the opener, the Pirates breezed to a 6-0 victory in the second game behind rookie starter Brandon Cumpton.
Working with usual Triple-A battery mate Tony Sanchez ? making his major league debut ? Cumpton (1-1) scattered three hits over seven innings to extend the Cardinals' losing streak to a season-high six straight games.
"Pitching inside has been my thing all year," Cumpton said. "I didn't want to get away from it. I wanted to force the issue."
All it did was compound the issues for St. Louis, which has scored all of five runs in the last 56 innings. Even worse, catcher Yadier Molina is likely headed to the disabled list after leaving in the top of the fourth inning of the second game with a sprained right knee.
The knee has been bothering the All-Star for weeks. An MRI earlier this month revealed inflammation. After trying to play through it, Molina believes the better course of action is some rest so he can be ready for the stretch drive.
"I'm a guy who wants to be on the field playing," Molina said. "But right now I need time."
The injury is the latest setback for a team that appeared the class of the majors at the All-Star break but now finds itself 1? games behind the resilient Pirates. The sweep pushed Pittsburgh to a season-high 22 games over .500 (64-42). The last time their record was this gaudy was 1992, which also happens to be the last time the beleaguered franchise reached the postseason.
It's a destination that appears well within the Pirates' reach, even if they opt to keep their wallets closed at Wednesday's trading deadline. A pitching staff that keeps topping itself has allowed the Pirates to overcome a series of injuries.
Cumpton didn't even spend any time with the big league club during spring training. On Tuesday he found himself polishing off arguably the biggest day at PNC Park since it opened in 2001.
"Coming out of spring, (Cumpton) was 13th on our starting pitching depth chart," Hurdle said. "You trust the people that are working with the players and they've been confident about Brandon's improvement."
It's a rise that took a little while longer than St. Louis rookie Tyler Lyons (2-4), though the right-hander has cooled off since winning his first two starts in spectacular fashion earlier this year.
Lyons gave up four runs, three earned, in six innings. He struck out five and walked one but received no help from a reeling offense and some sloppy play in the field.
A couple hours after Presley's slapper off Siegrist (0-1) won the opener, the fortuitous bounces kept on coming. The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the second when a rare passed ball by Molina let Jose Tabata sprint across the plate. Molina was done for the night in the top of the fourth when the right knee pain he's been battling for the better part of a month flared up again. He was replaced by Rob Johnson.
The absence of their leader further weakened the Cardinals, and things quickly fell apart.
While Cumpton kept the NL's top offense in check, Pittsburgh poured it on with a little help from St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday. The Pirates took a 2-0 lead on Jordy Mercer's RBI single before McCutchen stepped in. He drilled Lyons' pitch deep to left but Holliday appeared ready to track it down at the wall. Instead, the ball popped off the heel of Holliday's glove and into the stands.
Lyons placed both hands on his head in shock while the packed bleachers let Holliday have it. Holliday's night didn't get any better an inning later when he overran Josh Harrison's flyball to the wall, allowing Harrison to make it all the way to third.
"It's a hard game," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "Our guys have been making a lot of good plays. Every once in a while there's tough ones you don't make."
Harrison never made it home, but by then Cumpton had all the backing he would require.
Cumpton needed just 87 pitches to get 21 outs. He received a loud ovation as he headed to the dugout, the latest in a series of unheralded Pirates pitchers to rise from obscurity and help propel the franchise into the midst of a pennant race.
The staff takes its cue from ace A.J. Burnett, who worked seven emotional innings in the opener. Burnett struck out nine and walked three while allowing one run on three hits. He was long gone, however, by the time Presley stepped in with Martin on in the 11th.
"It's a battle, it's fun," Burnett said. "Let's roll from here. Let's keep going."
NOTES: The series continues on Thursday. Adam Wainright (13-6, 2.51 ERA) starts for the Cardinals against Jeff Locke (9-3, 2.15) ... St. Louis sent struggling reliever Marc Rzepczynski to Cleveland on Tuesday in exchange for minor league infielder Juan Herrera. Rzepczynski had a 7.84 ERA in 10 1-3 innings this season with the Cardinals ... Pirates 2009 first-round pick Tony Sanchez went 0 for 3 with an RBI in his first major league start at catcher.
DALLAS, July 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cubic Energy, Inc. (OTCQB:CBNR) ("Cubic" or the "Company" or the "Buyer") announces today that the closing of the previously announced acquisition of the Gastar Exploration Texas, LP ("Gastar" or the "Seller") East Texas properties has been extended to August 16, 2013. As compensation for the extension of the closing date, Cubic will pay an additional sum of One Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,150,000.00), representing an additional 2.5% of the Purchase Price. ?Once closing occurs, this sum, along with the initial deposit of Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,300,000.00), shall be applied to the Purchase Price at the closing.
At the election of Cubic, the closing date can be further extended to August 30, 2013 with an additional payment of One Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,150,000.00) to Gastar no later than the end of business on August 16, 2013.?Upon closing, this additional sum shall also be applied toward the Purchase Price at the closing.
Cubic Energy, Inc. is an independent company engaged in the development and production of, and exploration for, crude oil and natural gas. The Company's oil and gas assets and activity are currently concentrated primarily in the Cotton Valley and Haynesville Shale Play located in Northwest Louisiana.?? Additional information can be found on Cubic's website at:?www.cubicenergyinc.com.
If you would like to be added to Cubic's email distribution list, please email your name and email address to Donna Luedtke, Investor Relations at donna@cubicenergyinc.com.?This email distribution list is notified of all news events (including press releases and scheduled investor conference calls).
This press release includes statements, which may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe", "intend", "estimate"', "project"', "expect"', or similar expressions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, future trends in oil and natural gas prices, the ability to close the purchase of desirable oil and/or natural gas assets, the availability of capital for development of mineral projects and other projects, the availability of capital to satisfy debt obligations, dependency on pipelines in which to sell the Company's natural gas it produces, reliance on third party operators for wells in which the Company maintains a working interest, reliance on third party contractors to aid in developing the production infrastructure and in the performance of well completion work, and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ?By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revision or changes after the date of this release. There can be no assurance that any future activities and/or transactions mentioned in this press release will occur as planned. Cubic cannot guarantee the timing of the drilling or any level of production from its wells.
Published: July 30, 2013 2:00 PM Updated: July 30, 2013 2:59 PM
Canadian Blood Services urges West Shore residents who booked an appointment to give blood to honour those appointments.
Upcoming mobile clinics at Church of the Advent, 510 Mount View Ave. are today, July 31 and Thursday, Aug. 1 from 1 to 6 p.m.
During the summer months, donors change their routines, take vacations and are involved with outdoor activities, so donating blood is not always top of mind. However, the need for blood does not take a summer vacation.
To re-schedule or make an appointment call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Raising fish in tanks that contain hiding places and other obstacles can make the fish both smarter and improve their chances of survival when they are released into the wild, according to scientists.
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Patricia S. Churchland, a philosopher, probes for the organ?s moral center, while Sally Satel and Scott O. Lilienfeld write to debunk pop neuroscience.
Of bears and berries: Return of wolves aids grizzly bears in YellowstonePublic release date: 29-Jul-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: William Ripple bill.ripple@oregonstate.edu 541-737-3056 Oregon State University
CORVALLIS, Ore. A new study suggests that the return of wolves to Yellowstone National Park is beginning to bring back a key part of the diet of grizzly bears that has been missing for much of the past century berries that help bears put on fat before going into hibernation.
It's one of the first reports to identify the interactions between these large, important predators, based on complex ecological processes. It was published today by scientists from Oregon State University and Washington State University in the Journal of Animal Ecology.
The researchers found that the level of berries consumed by Yellowstone grizzlies is significantly higher now that shrubs are starting to recover following the re-introduction of wolves, which have reduced over-browsing by elk herds. The berry bushes also produce flowers of value to pollinators like butterflies, insects and hummingbirds; food for other small and large mammals; and special benefits to birds.
The report said that berries may be sufficiently important to grizzly bear diet and health that they could be considered in legal disputes as is white pine nut availability now - about whether or not to change the "threatened" status of grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act.
"Wild fruit is typically an important part of grizzly bear diet, especially in late summer when they are trying to gain weight as rapidly as possible before winter hibernation," said William Ripple, a professor in the OSU Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, and lead author on the article. "Berries are one part of a diverse food source that aids bear survival and reproduction, and at certain times of the year can be more than half their diet in many places in North America."
When wolves were removed from Yellowstone early in the 1900s, increased browsing by elk herds caused the demise of young aspen and willow trees a favorite food along with many berry-producing shrubs and tall, herbaceous plants. The recovery of those trees and other food sources since the re-introduction of wolves in the 1990s has had a profound impact on the Yellowstone ecosystem, researchers say, even though it's still in the very early stages.
"Studies like this also point to the need for an ecologically effective number of wolves," said co-author Robert Beschta, an OSU professor emeritus. "As we learn more about the cascading effects they have on ecosystems, the issue may be more than having just enough individual wolves so they can survive as a species. In some situations, we may wish to consider the numbers necessary to help control overbrowsing, allow tree and shrub recovery, and restore ecosystem health."
As wolves help reduce elk numbers in Yellowstone and allow tree and shrub recovery, researchers said, this improves the diet and health of grizzly bears. In turn, a healthy grizzly bear population provides a second avenue of control on wild ungulates, especially on newborns in the spring time.
Yellowstone has a wide variety of nutritious berries serviceberry, chokecherry, buffaloberry, twinberry, huckleberry and others that are highly palatable to bears. These shrubs are also eaten by elk and thus likely declined as elk populations grew over time. With the return of wolves, the new study found the percentage of fruit in grizzly bear scat in recent years almost doubled during August.
Because the abundant elk have been an important food for Yellowstone grizzly bears for the past half-century, the increased supply of berries may help offset the reduced availability of elk in the bears' diet in recent years. More research is needed regarding the effects of wolves on plants and animals consumed by grizzly bears.
There is precedent for high levels of ungulate herbivory causing problems for grizzly bears, who are omnivores that eat both plants and animals. Before going extinct in the American Southwest by the early 1900s, grizzly bear diets shifted toward livestock depredation, the report noted, because of lack of plant-based food caused by livestock overgrazing. And, in the absence of wolves, black bears went extinct on Anticosti Island in Canada after over-browsing of berry shrubs by introduced while-tailed deer.
Increases in berry production in Yellowstone may also provide a buffer against other ecosystem shifts, the researchers noted whitebark pine nut production, a favored bear food, may be facing pressure from climate change. Grizzly bear survival declined during years of low nut production.
Livestock grazing in grizzly bear habitat adjacent to the national park, and bison herbivory in the park, likely also contribute to high foraging pressure on shrubs and forbs, the report said. In addition to eliminating wolf-livestock conflicts, retiring livestock allotments in the grizzly bear recovery zone adjacent to Yellowstone could benefit bears through increases in plant foods.
###
The research was supported by private, state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey.
Editor's Note: Digital images are available to illustrate this story.
Grizzly bear in Yellowstone: http://bit.ly/16PnxnD
Serviceberries in Yellowstone: http://bit.ly/13HxNMB
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Of bears and berries: Return of wolves aids grizzly bears in YellowstonePublic release date: 29-Jul-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: William Ripple bill.ripple@oregonstate.edu 541-737-3056 Oregon State University
CORVALLIS, Ore. A new study suggests that the return of wolves to Yellowstone National Park is beginning to bring back a key part of the diet of grizzly bears that has been missing for much of the past century berries that help bears put on fat before going into hibernation.
It's one of the first reports to identify the interactions between these large, important predators, based on complex ecological processes. It was published today by scientists from Oregon State University and Washington State University in the Journal of Animal Ecology.
The researchers found that the level of berries consumed by Yellowstone grizzlies is significantly higher now that shrubs are starting to recover following the re-introduction of wolves, which have reduced over-browsing by elk herds. The berry bushes also produce flowers of value to pollinators like butterflies, insects and hummingbirds; food for other small and large mammals; and special benefits to birds.
The report said that berries may be sufficiently important to grizzly bear diet and health that they could be considered in legal disputes as is white pine nut availability now - about whether or not to change the "threatened" status of grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act.
"Wild fruit is typically an important part of grizzly bear diet, especially in late summer when they are trying to gain weight as rapidly as possible before winter hibernation," said William Ripple, a professor in the OSU Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, and lead author on the article. "Berries are one part of a diverse food source that aids bear survival and reproduction, and at certain times of the year can be more than half their diet in many places in North America."
When wolves were removed from Yellowstone early in the 1900s, increased browsing by elk herds caused the demise of young aspen and willow trees a favorite food along with many berry-producing shrubs and tall, herbaceous plants. The recovery of those trees and other food sources since the re-introduction of wolves in the 1990s has had a profound impact on the Yellowstone ecosystem, researchers say, even though it's still in the very early stages.
"Studies like this also point to the need for an ecologically effective number of wolves," said co-author Robert Beschta, an OSU professor emeritus. "As we learn more about the cascading effects they have on ecosystems, the issue may be more than having just enough individual wolves so they can survive as a species. In some situations, we may wish to consider the numbers necessary to help control overbrowsing, allow tree and shrub recovery, and restore ecosystem health."
As wolves help reduce elk numbers in Yellowstone and allow tree and shrub recovery, researchers said, this improves the diet and health of grizzly bears. In turn, a healthy grizzly bear population provides a second avenue of control on wild ungulates, especially on newborns in the spring time.
Yellowstone has a wide variety of nutritious berries serviceberry, chokecherry, buffaloberry, twinberry, huckleberry and others that are highly palatable to bears. These shrubs are also eaten by elk and thus likely declined as elk populations grew over time. With the return of wolves, the new study found the percentage of fruit in grizzly bear scat in recent years almost doubled during August.
Because the abundant elk have been an important food for Yellowstone grizzly bears for the past half-century, the increased supply of berries may help offset the reduced availability of elk in the bears' diet in recent years. More research is needed regarding the effects of wolves on plants and animals consumed by grizzly bears.
There is precedent for high levels of ungulate herbivory causing problems for grizzly bears, who are omnivores that eat both plants and animals. Before going extinct in the American Southwest by the early 1900s, grizzly bear diets shifted toward livestock depredation, the report noted, because of lack of plant-based food caused by livestock overgrazing. And, in the absence of wolves, black bears went extinct on Anticosti Island in Canada after over-browsing of berry shrubs by introduced while-tailed deer.
Increases in berry production in Yellowstone may also provide a buffer against other ecosystem shifts, the researchers noted whitebark pine nut production, a favored bear food, may be facing pressure from climate change. Grizzly bear survival declined during years of low nut production.
Livestock grazing in grizzly bear habitat adjacent to the national park, and bison herbivory in the park, likely also contribute to high foraging pressure on shrubs and forbs, the report said. In addition to eliminating wolf-livestock conflicts, retiring livestock allotments in the grizzly bear recovery zone adjacent to Yellowstone could benefit bears through increases in plant foods.
###
The research was supported by private, state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey.
Editor's Note: Digital images are available to illustrate this story.
Grizzly bear in Yellowstone: http://bit.ly/16PnxnD
Serviceberries in Yellowstone: http://bit.ly/13HxNMB
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Researchers have clocked the fastest-possible electrical switching in magnetite, a naturally magnetic mineral. Their results could drive innovations in the tiny transistors that control the flow of electricity across silicon chips, enabling faster, more powerful computing devices.
NEW YORK (AP) ? Derek Jeter returned to the New York Yankees' lineup ? again ? with customary flair, making an immediate impact on a team desperate for power.
Jeter homered on the first pitch he saw from Tampa Bay's Matt Moore, connecting Sunday soon after being activated from the disabled list for the second time this month.
"It was fun ? I'm tired," Jeter said. "I worked hard to try to get back on the field."
The captain's drive ended the Yankees' nine-game homerless drought and helped them beat the Rays 6-5 to avoid a three-game sweep. It was New York's first long ball by a right-hander since June 25.
Jeter received a loud ovation and came out for a very quick curtain call, waving his cap from the next-to-top step of the Yankees dugout.
"Derek provided a lot of spark for them," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.
The 13-time All-Star played shortstop for the first time this season and went 2 for 4 with an intentional walk and two runs scored. He was on base for Alfonso Soriano's two-run drive in the third and for his game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth.
"A lot of great memories here with Sori," he said of his teammate from 1999 to 2003, "and it was almost like old times."
To make room for Jeter, the Yankees placed designated hitter Travis Hafner on the disabled list with a right rotator cuff strain. Hafner has slumped to a .205 average. He hit the last of his 12 homers on June 25, a span of 67 at-bats.
Jeter had his much-anticipated return July 11 ? as the designated hitter ? after missing the Yankees' first 91 games because of a twice broken ankle. He was first injured during the opener of the AL championship series in October.
But he sustained a Grade 1 strain of his right quadriceps running out a groundball against Kansas City and went right back on the DL.
Fourth in the AL East, the Yankees went 4-8 during his second absence and are 55-50. New York has scored fewer runs than all but three teams in the American League this season.
"Hopefully I can help in any way, but we need contributions from a lot of people," Jeter said beforehand. "It's not like I'm some savior coming in here all of a sudden we're just going to start winning."
Manager Joe Girardi hopes he'll be penciling the Yankees' career hits leader in the batting order nearly every day from now on.
"It changes our lineup. There's no doubt about that," he said. "And just his presence is important to this club. It's been important for such a long time."
A favorable schedule should help keep Jeter playing every day at the start. The Yankees have off days Monday and Thursday next week, then only play six games before their next open day.
Girardi said he's been preaching a cautious approach for Jeter when he runs the bases, at least in the first few games of his comeback, to protect the leg.
And despite having difficulty embracing the concept before the game, Jeter appeared to hold back a bit running out to grounders.
Jeter still wasn't endorsing the style of play afterward.
"I don't want to learn how to do it. I understand I have to do it, especially the first week or two," he said. "I feel awful doing it. I don't like doing it. I hope nobody watches me do it."
A career .313 hitter, Jeter was eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday but the Yankees instead had him participate in a simulated game that was shrouded in secrecy.
The location of the workout was not disclosed until after the Yankees' 1-0 loss to the Rays.
"I don't know, it wasn't my idea. They needed to see some things," Jeter said. "Evidently they saw what they needed to see."
NOTES: RHP David Phelps (forearm strain) said he will make his second rehab start Tuesday, for Double-A Trenton. ... Injured INF 3B Jayson Nix (strained right hamstring) should be activated when the Yankees visit the Dodgers on Tuesday.
Kinja user David Pickett claims the Spider-man vs Doctor Ock short below is technically one of the best Lego stop-motion animations ever, probably tied with the one above?Star Wars: The Han Solo Affair. But there are many more, including the ones in our old Lego animation contest. What's your favorite Lego stop-motion?
The duke provides a grand setting for cooking and entertaining, featuring a spacious kitchen designed with the chef in mind.. and after a night hosting friends and family, this home offers luxurious respite in its master bedroom, which includes a private den and a dedicated dressing area. once you enter through the two-story foyer, which is flanked on one side by a living room and on the other by a dining room, this gracious floorplan leads you to an expansive family room with a fireplace. adjacent to the family room, a private study can be used as an extra bedroom. upstairs, the lush master bedroom suite includes a spacious master den and an indulgent master bath with a cathedral ceiling, a roman tub, a separate shower, and a private dressing area.
Source: www.fivb.org --- Sunday, July 28, 2013 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, July 28, 2013 ? Thailand showed their best performance before losing to Serbia in straight sets, and Thai fans's support has been incredible at the Girls? U18 World Championships in Thailand ...
Universal's Fast & Furious 6 has completed its world domination, opening in China to $6.9 million on Friday for a projected $24 million weekend -- the second-best of the year after Disney and Marvel Studios' Iron Man 3.
It's the best showing ever for Universal at the Chinese box office.
BOX OFFICE REPORT: 'The Wolverine' Slows Considerably, Still No. 1 Friday With $21 Million?
China is the final territory for Fast 6, which will cross the $500 million mark at the international box office on Sunday, pushing the film's worldwide total to an estimated $740.8 million. That includes a domestic total of $237.6 million.
Fast 6, directed by Justin Lin, opens in China only days after Universal's Despicable Me 2 was denied entry into that country.
The Fast and Furious series has earned north of $2.3 billion globally, making it the biggest franchise in Universal's 101-year history. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
For more than 130 years, Darling International has operated in a little-known corner of U.S. industry, breaking down the leftovers of the meat industry for products including cattle feed and cosmetics.
Then last month the Irving, Texas-based rendering giant announced it was entering the biofuels market. Partnered with Valero Energy Corp., Darling was beginning production at a $425 million plant in Louisiana converting animal fat into fuel.
Biofuels ?make up between 25 and 30 percent of sales in fats and oils now,? said Tom Cook, president of the National Renderers Association. ?It?s provided a whole new outlet that just adds to the traditional market, which is primarily animal feed.?
From soybean farmers to used cooking oil recyclers, recent growth in the biofuels sector has given industries that trade in organic matter an unexpected entree into the energy sector.
Last year biofuels accounted for more than 7 percent of U.S. transportation and heating fuel. From coast to coast, ethanol and biodiesel are being increasingly mixed with traditional petroleum-based products to run cars and trucks.
In 2005, Congress mandated that refineries add greater amounts of biofuel to the fuel stream. So far that has largely benefited the ethanol industry, which turns corn into motor fuel.
But with the federal mandates starting to shift emphasis to other fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel, that should change in the next decade, said Ben Evans, a spokesman for the National Biodiesel Board.
?Biodiesel is never going to be the only source of fuel. It?s never going to overtake petroleum,? Evans said. ?But right now the transportation fuels market is completely dominated by the petroleum sector.
?We think the market would look a lot better if it was more diversified, like the electricity market, which is very diversified and much more stable.?
For now, the bulk of biodiesel comes from a network of smaller producers, Evans said.
Jason Burroughs, owner of Austin-based DieselGreen Fuels, sells between 5,000 and 6,000 gallons of pure biodiesel a month in Austin and Dallas. He uses the recycled cooking oil his company collects from restaurants.
But operations hit a snag recently. The biodiesel plant he had used shut down, forcing him to buy the fuel on the open market and resell it to his customers.
?It?s the same net environmental impact. It just doesn?t work out as well for us economically,? he said.
Whether the industry can expand beyond the government mandates remains an open question. But already those that produce so-called feedstocks like soybean oil and animal fat suppliers are feeling an economic boost.
U.S. animal rendering operations have struggled in recent years, after cattle herds were thinned by drought, Cook said. But demand from the biofuels industry has provided a surprising boost. Prices on products such as tallow are up more than 50 percent since 2007.
?The biofuels demand continues to grow. It?s put a good underpinning in the market,? Cook said.
Farmers have seen a similar benefit. A 2011 study by Purdue University found high demand from the biofuels sector had led to rising prices on crops such as soybeans and corn.
Concern that rising biofuel demand will lead to a spike in food prices is pushing scientists to look for fuel sources outside the food supply.
Some hope that algae, of which there is near-limitless supply across the world?s oceans, can one day fill that void.
But the technology to convert algae into an economically viable fuel has not been developed yet, said Arthur Ragauskas, a chemistry professor at Georgia Tech who works on developing new biofuel technologies.
And scientists are waiting to see whether a new technique to turn trees, cornstalks and certain species of grass into a fuel source will prove cost-effective.
?There have been breakthroughs that five or six years ago no one knew if they would happen,? Ragauskas said.
The 60th anniversary of the truce that ended the Korean War was observed over the weekend in the U.S. and on the Korean Peninsula.
In Pyongyang, overlooking a sea of spectators mobilized in Kim Il Sung Square to cheer and wave flags, leader Kim Jong Un saluted his troops from a review stand. He was flanked by senior military officials, the chests of their uniforms laden with medals.
In Washington, President Barack Obama observed the day with a speech at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall, saying the anniversary marks the end of the war and the beginning of a long and prosperous peace.
"Here today, we can say with confidence, that war was no tie, Korea was a victory," with 50 million South Koreans living in freedom and "a vibrant democracy" in stark contrast to dire conditions in the North, Obama said.
Here is a gallery of images of Korean War anniversary observances.
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AP photographers and photo editors on Twitter: http://apne.ws/15Oo6jo
A recent discussion with an Indian businessman on a study break here in the UK left me thinking about business ethics, judgement, moral reasoning, and lastly, the quality of educational discourse on these subjects.
This mature student used to help out with the family business based out of a town in India, and plans to return home and continue doing so once his course ends. I don't remember how we ended up talking about ethics. I think we started off discussing what excited him, his business and how it worked. I guess the question of corruption came up soon after, and he mentioned having to pay a bunch of people in various sectors to get stuff done. He said he didn't like it, but the alternative, bankrupting his company, was unthinkable. He mentioned that he didn't like doing this, but it was necessary. He also mentioned spying on his competitors using unethical means, and again said that it was not something he wanted to do, but something he had to do, or watch his business fail.?
We then spoke about the ethics component of his course. I was curious how someone who reluctantly compromised on his personal ethics, would find a course on business ethics. He said that he had had a number of arguements with his professor about ethics (big surprise!). Apparently, his professor sees ethics as an absolute, with no space for compromise. The businessman student obviously disagrees.?
Her's my take. I'm actually not too surprised by the businessman student's behaviour. i'm sure I would do the same were I in his place. If you're handed the reins of your family business by your dad while your dad, brother and entire family watch, you don't want to be the one to ruin it. You have big plans for the company. You expand. You need things from the government. More electricity. They tell you it's going to take three months unless you pay 'extra to get it in two weeks. You need it in two weeks. Three months would bankrupt your company. You have no choice. You don't want to hand over your hard earned money to some government thief, but the alternative is unthinkable. So you do it. You know it's wrong, but you do it.?It's the same with your competitors. They're going to find out how much you charge your clients one way or another, probably the same way you do. Unethically. But the alternative would be too harsh.
The thing is, I get this. I get that you can't be judgemental about about these things beacuse this isn't a straightforward black and white case. That's not how ethics works. Ethics is complex. You can be a good person and still commit unethical acts. I should know. I'm a Psychology student. If anyone should know about ethics, we should. We study and research ethics, and design our experiments according to ethical guidelines. Now, I have to say that business ethics and moral reasoning isn't a subject I know much about. But from the psychological perspective, there's Lawrence kohlberg's stages of moral development which offers us one way to view moral development.?
(I need to say at this point that I view categorisation as a double edged sword, in general. Because I think of everything as falling on a scale. To me, all phenomena are scaled variables. Grouping these into distinct categories has its uses in terms of helping us understand how the world works, but we need to be aware that creating and using these categories to build models to explain how the world works only provides us with one way to look at the world, an imperfect approximation of the 'truth'. A step forward maybe, compared to no model, but we should be careful not to confuse models, including psychological ones, as absolute truths, and end up creating self-fulfiling prophecies and indulging in circular reasoning.)
That being said, I am a huge fan of Kolberg's Heinz dilemma, which incorporates post-conventional moral reasoning in a realistic example. Imagine you wife is dying from a disease, and that there's only one person, a druggist, who has a cure. The problem is, this druggist is charging more money than you have, for the cure. So you break into the man's store to steal the cure. Were you wrong to do so? There are many ways to tackle this question, my favourites being the more complex ones. But that's not what I'm really interested in right now. You see, I get that life is complex, that life sucks, that morality is hazy, and that you need to make compromises. After all, context determines behaviour.
What troubles me is how this is being communicated in a module on business ethics. We aren't children. We don't pay 15 lakhs or 17K pounds on a year on foriegn education only to be told the difference between right and wrong, something we learned in school anyway. As Kohlberg illustrated with the Heinz dilemna, morality is complex, and requires a complex discourse. It's not a black vs white scenario. It's a world with an infinite number of possible scenariois, all requiring responses dependent on a number of different variables, which we call context. All discussion on morality should inculde discussions on context. Anything less is a disservice to students.
Yahoo! News - Latest News & Headlineshttp://news.yahoo.com/ The latest news and headlines from Yahoo! News. Get breaking news stories and in-depth coverage with videos and photos.en-USCopyright (c) 2013 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reservedFri, 26 Jul 2013 17:24:59 -04005Yahoo! News - Latest News & Headlineshttp://news.yahoo.com/ http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/nws/th/main_142c.gifEgypt on edge with mass protests in Cairo<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-braces-rival-rallies-army-signals-crackdown-000710389.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/1Hc_LDzG_xj5vPLImDhJFw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-07-26T204659Z_1734346185_GM1E97R0D7J01_RTRMADP_3_EGYPT-PROTESTS.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Anti-Mursi protesters chant slogans during a mass protest to support the army in Tahrir square, Cairo" align="left" title="Anti-Mursi protesters chant slogans during a mass protest to support the army in Tahrir square, Cairo" border="0" /></a>The ousted president is being investigated for charges that include murder.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-braces-rival-rallies-army-signals-crackdown-000710389.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 17:24:59 -0400Reutersegypt-braces-rival-rallies-army-signals-crackdown-000710389<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-braces-rival-rallies-army-signals-crackdown-000710389.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/1Hc_LDzG_xj5vPLImDhJFw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-07-26T204659Z_1734346185_GM1E97R0D7J01_RTRMADP_3_EGYPT-PROTESTS.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Anti-Mursi protesters chant slogans during a mass protest to support the army in Tahrir square, Cairo" align="left" title="Anti-Mursi protesters chant slogans during a mass protest to support the army in Tahrir square, Cairo" border="0" /></a>The ousted president is being investigated for charges that include murder.</p><br clear="all"/>Guns, fake IDs, stacks of cash: Whitey Bulger prosecution rests<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/whitey-bulger-prosecution-rests-does-case-add-222547607.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/YoX8f0Efmz55p_s0tCPW9Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-07-21T113644Z_1013954253_GM1E97L1ICY01_RTRMADP_3_USA-CRIME-BULGER.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former mob boss and fugitive James "Whitey" Bulger is seen in a booking mug combination photo" align="left" title="Former mob boss and fugitive James "Whitey" Bulger is seen in a booking mug combination photo" border="0" /></a>Federal attorneys tied a ribbon around their case against alleged killer and organized crime boss James ?Whitey? Bulger Friday, presenting physical evidence found at the California apartment where he was arrested: guns, fake IDs, and stacks of cash totaling $822,000.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/whitey-bulger-prosecution-rests-does-case-add-222547607.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 18:25:47 -0400Christian Science Monitorwhitey-bulger-prosecution-rests-does-case-add-222547607<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/whitey-bulger-prosecution-rests-does-case-add-222547607.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/YoX8f0Efmz55p_s0tCPW9Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-07-21T113644Z_1013954253_GM1E97L1ICY01_RTRMADP_3_USA-CRIME-BULGER.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former mob boss and fugitive James "Whitey" Bulger is seen in a booking mug combination photo" align="left" title="Former mob boss and fugitive James "Whitey" Bulger is seen in a booking mug combination photo" border="0" /></a>Federal attorneys tied a ribbon around their case against alleged killer and organized crime boss James ?Whitey? Bulger Friday, presenting physical evidence found at the California apartment where he was arrested: guns, fake IDs, and stacks of cash totaling $822,000.</p><br clear="all"/>Hunting for baby parrots in India<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/lightbox/hunting-for-baby-parrots-in-india-1374871032-slideshow/"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/pIUWdmzGE2JMWHguIc7JKQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2013-07-26/f699e549-7c23-497a-a705-aff035d3ec16_sipausa_11942452.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Hunting for baby parrots in India" align="left" title="Hunting for baby parrots in India" border="0" /></a>A Man feed a baby Parrot which were caught and preserve by local hunter for sale at a private resident in Dimapur, India north eastern state of Nagaland on Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Wildlife were hunted down for consumption or for sale in the India eastern state of Nagaland, which make a living for the hunter. Photo: Caisii Mao/NurPhoto/Sipa USA<br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/lightbox/hunting-for-baby-parrots-in-india-1374871032-slideshow/Fri, 26 Jul 2013 16:37:57 -0400lightbox/hunting-for-baby-parrots-in-india-1374871032-slideshow/<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/lightbox/hunting-for-baby-parrots-in-india-1374871032-slideshow/"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/pIUWdmzGE2JMWHguIc7JKQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2013-07-26/f699e549-7c23-497a-a705-aff035d3ec16_sipausa_11942452.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Hunting for baby parrots in India" align="left" title="Hunting for baby parrots in India" border="0" /></a>A Man feed a baby Parrot which were caught and preserve by local hunter for sale at a private resident in Dimapur, India north eastern state of Nagaland on Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Wildlife were hunted down for consumption or for sale in the India eastern state of Nagaland, which make a living for the hunter. Photo: Caisii Mao/NurPhoto/Sipa USA<br clear="all"/>Rapper's force-feeding video riles Gitmo medics<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/rappers-force-feeding-video-riles-u-medics-guantanamo-201706008.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/oliU.Rp8sZC87Sx9Uoz6dg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2013-07-26/14bacafe-744b-43a8-8763-99dd23b8ca30_mosdef.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Mos Def" align="left" title="Mos Def" border="0" /></a>By Jane Sutton GUANTANAMO BAY U.S. NAVAL BASE, Cuba (Reuters) - A video protesting force-feeding at Guantanamo Bay detention camp in which rapper Mos Def is seen struggling and weeping while undergoing the procedure has done the rounds at the Navy base. U.S. medics who perform the real thing on hunger-striking prisoners say they're not impressed. "It's ridiculous. It's 100 percent false," said a Navy nurse known as "Ensign Lodowick" at the detainee hospital where real names are protected for security reasons. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/rappers-force-feeding-video-riles-u-medics-guantanamo-201706008.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 16:17:06 -0400Reutersrappers-force-feeding-video-riles-u-medics-guantanamo-201706008<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/rappers-force-feeding-video-riles-u-medics-guantanamo-201706008.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/oliU.Rp8sZC87Sx9Uoz6dg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2013-07-26/14bacafe-744b-43a8-8763-99dd23b8ca30_mosdef.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Mos Def" align="left" title="Mos Def" border="0" /></a>By Jane Sutton GUANTANAMO BAY U.S. NAVAL BASE, Cuba (Reuters) - A video protesting force-feeding at Guantanamo Bay detention camp in which rapper Mos Def is seen struggling and weeping while undergoing the procedure has done the rounds at the Navy base. U.S. medics who perform the real thing on hunger-striking prisoners say they're not impressed. "It's ridiculous. It's 100 percent false," said a Navy nurse known as "Ensign Lodowick" at the detainee hospital where real names are protected for security reasons. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Christine Quinn calls Weiner scandal 'a circus'<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/anthony-weiner-sexting-scandal-quinn-bloomberg-165117575.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/YyEPl6U.EyjOUqb3v7HsiQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/video/video.fbc.news.com/61c3742df799f7e3f09fd605dc07395a" width="130" height="86" alt="What on earth drives Anthony Weiner?" align="left" title="What on earth drives Anthony Weiner?" border="0" /></a>NEW YORK ? For the third day in a row, mayoral hopeful Christine Quinn took aim at rival Anthony Weiner, arguing his admission that he continued to send sexual messages to women he met online after he left Congress has become a distraction from real issues in the race for City Hall.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/anthony-weiner-sexting-scandal-quinn-bloomberg-165117575.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 12:51:17 -0400anthony-weiner-sexting-scandal-quinn-bloomberg-165117575<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/anthony-weiner-sexting-scandal-quinn-bloomberg-165117575.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/YyEPl6U.EyjOUqb3v7HsiQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/video/video.fbc.news.com/61c3742df799f7e3f09fd605dc07395a" width="130" height="86" alt="What on earth drives Anthony Weiner?" align="left" title="What on earth drives Anthony Weiner?" border="0" /></a>NEW YORK ? For the third day in a row, mayoral hopeful Christine Quinn took aim at rival Anthony Weiner, arguing his admission that he continued to send sexual messages to women he met online after he left Congress has become a distraction from real issues in the race for City Hall.</p><br clear="all"/>Texas oilman, fracking pioneer Mitchell dies at 94<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/texas-oilman-fracking-pioneer-mitchell-dies-94-203928495.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/uY3Fv6G0t0RkDj7KCzJx1w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/3aa3ed450098b419380f6a7067007467.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="George Mitchell, Chairman and CEO of The Mitchell Family Corporation, is seen in a Nov. 11, 2009 photo, in his downtown Houston office. Mitchell, Texas oil man, real estate developer, and one of Houston's wealthiest businessmen, died Friday, July 26, 2013 at his home in Galveston, a spokeswoman said. He was 94. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Nick de la Torre)" align="left" title="George Mitchell, Chairman and CEO of The Mitchell Family Corporation, is seen in a Nov. 11, 2009 photo, in his downtown Houston office. Mitchell, Texas oil man, real estate developer, and one of Houston's wealthiest businessmen, died Friday, July 26, 2013 at his home in Galveston, a spokeswoman said. He was 94. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Nick de la Torre)" border="0" /></a>HOUSTON (AP) ? George Mitchell leveraged a penchant for hard work, an appetite for risk and dogged persistence in the face of futility into a technological breakthrough that reshaped the global energy industry and made the wildcat oilman a billionaire.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/texas-oilman-fracking-pioneer-mitchell-dies-94-203928495.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 19:17:03 -0400Associated Presstexas-oilman-fracking-pioneer-mitchell-dies-94-203928495<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/texas-oilman-fracking-pioneer-mitchell-dies-94-203928495.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/uY3Fv6G0t0RkDj7KCzJx1w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/3aa3ed450098b419380f6a7067007467.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="George Mitchell, Chairman and CEO of The Mitchell Family Corporation, is seen in a Nov. 11, 2009 photo, in his downtown Houston office. Mitchell, Texas oil man, real estate developer, and one of Houston's wealthiest businessmen, died Friday, July 26, 2013 at his home in Galveston, a spokeswoman said. He was 94. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Nick de la Torre)" align="left" title="George Mitchell, Chairman and CEO of The Mitchell Family Corporation, is seen in a Nov. 11, 2009 photo, in his downtown Houston office. Mitchell, Texas oil man, real estate developer, and one of Houston's wealthiest businessmen, died Friday, July 26, 2013 at his home in Galveston, a spokeswoman said. He was 94. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Nick de la Torre)" border="0" /></a>HOUSTON (AP) ? George Mitchell leveraged a penchant for hard work, an appetite for risk and dogged persistence in the face of futility into a technological breakthrough that reshaped the global energy industry and made the wildcat oilman a billionaire.</p><br clear="all"/>Ariel Castro pleads guilty in Ohio kidnap case<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/ariel-castro-pleads-guilty-ohio-kidnap-case-154612389.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/fci8q1xaJhBVyvXL7h2lNw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/6b8ce521ffd1b118380f6a70670051a1.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Ariel Castro looks down during court proceedings Friday, July 26, 2013, in Cleveland. Castro, who imprisoned three women in his home, subjecting them to a decade of rapes and beatings, pleaded guilty Friday to 937 counts in a deal to avoid the death penalty. Defense attorney Jaye Schlachet is on the right. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)" align="left" title="Ariel Castro looks down during court proceedings Friday, July 26, 2013, in Cleveland. Castro, who imprisoned three women in his home, subjecting them to a decade of rapes and beatings, pleaded guilty Friday to 937 counts in a deal to avoid the death penalty. Defense attorney Jaye Schlachet is on the right. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)" border="0" /></a>CLEVELAND (AP) ? A man accused of imprisoning three women in his home and subjecting them to rapes and beatings for a decade avoided the death penalty Friday, pleading guilty in a deal that will keep him in prison for life.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/ariel-castro-pleads-guilty-ohio-kidnap-case-154612389.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 19:25:45 -0400Associated Pressariel-castro-pleads-guilty-ohio-kidnap-case-154612389<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/ariel-castro-pleads-guilty-ohio-kidnap-case-154612389.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/fci8q1xaJhBVyvXL7h2lNw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/6b8ce521ffd1b118380f6a70670051a1.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Ariel Castro looks down during court proceedings Friday, July 26, 2013, in Cleveland. Castro, who imprisoned three women in his home, subjecting them to a decade of rapes and beatings, pleaded guilty Friday to 937 counts in a deal to avoid the death penalty. Defense attorney Jaye Schlachet is on the right. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)" align="left" title="Ariel Castro looks down during court proceedings Friday, July 26, 2013, in Cleveland. Castro, who imprisoned three women in his home, subjecting them to a decade of rapes and beatings, pleaded guilty Friday to 937 counts in a deal to avoid the death penalty. Defense attorney Jaye Schlachet is on the right. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)" border="0" /></a>CLEVELAND (AP) ? A man accused of imprisoning three women in his home and subjecting them to rapes and beatings for a decade avoided the death penalty Friday, pleading guilty in a deal that will keep him in prison for life.</p><br clear="all"/>Millions rally in Egypt, responding to army call<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/millions-rally-egypt-responding-army-call-224759545.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Zu07WjSK8pnmL1bnAZIH_A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/74ae0d2a0071b419380f6a70670088c1.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Demonstrators against Egypt's ousted President Mohammed Morsi shoot fireworks during a protest at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, July 26, 2013. Prosecutors opened an investigation of ousted President Mohammed Morsi on charges including murder and conspiracy with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, fueling tensions amid a showdown in the streets between tens of thousands of backers of the military and supporters calling for the Islamist leader's reinstatement. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)" align="left" title="Demonstrators against Egypt's ousted President Mohammed Morsi shoot fireworks during a protest at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, July 26, 2013. Prosecutors opened an investigation of ousted President Mohammed Morsi on charges including murder and conspiracy with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, fueling tensions amid a showdown in the streets between tens of thousands of backers of the military and supporters calling for the Islamist leader's reinstatement. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)" border="0" /></a>CAIRO (AP) ? Called out by the army, the largest crowds in 2 1/2 years of upheaval filled Egypt's streets Friday, while ousted President Mohammed was formally placed under investigation on a host of allegations including murder and conspiracy with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/millions-rally-egypt-responding-army-call-224759545.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 18:55:59 -0400Associated Pressmillions-rally-egypt-responding-army-call-224759545<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/millions-rally-egypt-responding-army-call-224759545.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Zu07WjSK8pnmL1bnAZIH_A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/74ae0d2a0071b419380f6a70670088c1.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Demonstrators against Egypt's ousted President Mohammed Morsi shoot fireworks during a protest at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, July 26, 2013. Prosecutors opened an investigation of ousted President Mohammed Morsi on charges including murder and conspiracy with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, fueling tensions amid a showdown in the streets between tens of thousands of backers of the military and supporters calling for the Islamist leader's reinstatement. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)" align="left" title="Demonstrators against Egypt's ousted President Mohammed Morsi shoot fireworks during a protest at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, July 26, 2013. Prosecutors opened an investigation of ousted President Mohammed Morsi on charges including murder and conspiracy with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, fueling tensions amid a showdown in the streets between tens of thousands of backers of the military and supporters calling for the Islamist leader's reinstatement. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)" border="0" /></a>CAIRO (AP) ? Called out by the army, the largest crowds in 2 1/2 years of upheaval filled Egypt's streets Friday, while ousted President Mohammed was formally placed under investigation on a host of allegations including murder and conspiracy with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.</p><br clear="all"/>US seeks transfer of 2 Gitmo detainees to Algeria<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/us-seeks-transfer-2-gitmo-detainees-algeria-204017443.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/722sMjI4diDXPELkqHP4FA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/4c73cfe40098b419380f6a7067005035.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="FILE - In this June 27, 2006 file photo, reviewed by a U.S. Department of Defense official, U.S. military guards walk within Camp Delta military-run prison, at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba. The Obama administration said Friday it planned to transfer two detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Algeria, the first movement of prisoners out since the president announced a renewed push to close the military-run detention center in Cuba. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)" align="left" title="FILE - In this June 27, 2006 file photo, reviewed by a U.S. Department of Defense official, U.S. military guards walk within Camp Delta military-run prison, at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba. The Obama administration said Friday it planned to transfer two detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Algeria, the first movement of prisoners out since the president announced a renewed push to close the military-run detention center in Cuba. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)" border="0" /></a>WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Obama administration is planning to transfer two Guantanamo Bay detainees to Algeria, the first movement of terrorist suspects from the prison since the president announced a renewed push to close the contentious military-run facility in Cuba.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/us-seeks-transfer-2-gitmo-detainees-algeria-204017443.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 18:11:21 -0400Associated Pressus-seeks-transfer-2-gitmo-detainees-algeria-204017443<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/us-seeks-transfer-2-gitmo-detainees-algeria-204017443.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/722sMjI4diDXPELkqHP4FA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/4c73cfe40098b419380f6a7067005035.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="FILE - In this June 27, 2006 file photo, reviewed by a U.S. Department of Defense official, U.S. military guards walk within Camp Delta military-run prison, at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba. The Obama administration said Friday it planned to transfer two detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Algeria, the first movement of prisoners out since the president announced a renewed push to close the military-run detention center in Cuba. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)" align="left" title="FILE - In this June 27, 2006 file photo, reviewed by a U.S. Department of Defense official, U.S. military guards walk within Camp Delta military-run prison, at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba. The Obama administration said Friday it planned to transfer two detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Algeria, the first movement of prisoners out since the president announced a renewed push to close the military-run detention center in Cuba. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)" border="0" /></a>WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Obama administration is planning to transfer two Guantanamo Bay detainees to Algeria, the first movement of terrorist suspects from the prison since the president announced a renewed push to close the contentious military-run facility in Cuba.</p><br clear="all"/>Feds ban some Medicare providers in crackdownMIAMI (AP) ? For the first time in history, federal health officials said Friday they will ban certain types of Medicare and Medicaid providers in three high-fraud cities from enrolling in the taxpayer-funded programs for the poor as part of an effort to prevent scams.http://news.yahoo.com/feds-ban-medicare-providers-crackdown-202424093.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 18:57:49 -0400Associated Pressfeds-ban-medicare-providers-crackdown-202424093Spain train crash investigation turns to driver<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/spain-train-crash-investigation-turns-driver-213324857.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/qADObEYYkxCoCWWVOLqixg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/8d746181ff72af18380f6a706700f7e3.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Wrecked carriages sit at a train depot in Padron, near Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Friday July 26, 2013 after they were taken there from the scene of a train accident. Investigators have taken possession of the ?black boxes? of the Spanish train that hurtled at high-speed along a curve and derailed, killing 80 people, a court official said Friday. Analysis will be performed to determine why the train was traveling far above the speed limit when it crashed near a station in Santiago de Compostela, in the northwestern Galicia region, said court spokeswoman Maria Pardo Rios. The train?s operator remained hospitalised Friday and will be questioned by police but she said the interview will not happen Friday. (AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar)" align="left" title="Wrecked carriages sit at a train depot in Padron, near Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Friday July 26, 2013 after they were taken there from the scene of a train accident. Investigators have taken possession of the ?black boxes? of the Spanish train that hurtled at high-speed along a curve and derailed, killing 80 people, a court official said Friday. Analysis will be performed to determine why the train was traveling far above the speed limit when it crashed near a station in Santiago de Compostela, in the northwestern Galicia region, said court spokeswoman Maria Pardo Rios. The train?s operator remained hospitalised Friday and will be questioned by police but she said the interview will not happen Friday. (AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar)" border="0" /></a>SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain (AP) ? Investigations into Spain's deadliest train crash in decades have only begun, but already a key question has been answered: Experts said Friday that the driver, not a computer, was responsible for applying the brakes because no "fail-safe" system has been installed on the dangerous stretch of bending track.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/spain-train-crash-investigation-turns-driver-213324857.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 17:33:24 -0400Associated Pressspain-train-crash-investigation-turns-driver-213324857<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/spain-train-crash-investigation-turns-driver-213324857.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/qADObEYYkxCoCWWVOLqixg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/8d746181ff72af18380f6a706700f7e3.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Wrecked carriages sit at a train depot in Padron, near Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Friday July 26, 2013 after they were taken there from the scene of a train accident. Investigators have taken possession of the ?black boxes? of the Spanish train that hurtled at high-speed along a curve and derailed, killing 80 people, a court official said Friday. Analysis will be performed to determine why the train was traveling far above the speed limit when it crashed near a station in Santiago de Compostela, in the northwestern Galicia region, said court spokeswoman Maria Pardo Rios. The train?s operator remained hospitalised Friday and will be questioned by police but she said the interview will not happen Friday. (AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar)" align="left" title="Wrecked carriages sit at a train depot in Padron, near Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Friday July 26, 2013 after they were taken there from the scene of a train accident. Investigators have taken possession of the ?black boxes? of the Spanish train that hurtled at high-speed along a curve and derailed, killing 80 people, a court official said Friday. Analysis will be performed to determine why the train was traveling far above the speed limit when it crashed near a station in Santiago de Compostela, in the northwestern Galicia region, said court spokeswoman Maria Pardo Rios. The train?s operator remained hospitalised Friday and will be questioned by police but she said the interview will not happen Friday. (AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar)" border="0" /></a>SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain (AP) ? Investigations into Spain's deadliest train crash in decades have only begun, but already a key question has been answered: Experts said Friday that the driver, not a computer, was responsible for applying the brakes because no "fail-safe" system has been installed on the dangerous stretch of bending track.</p><br clear="all"/>Pope's slum visit: Impressive but little impact<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/popes-slum-visit-impressive-little-impact-225358105.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/hyTNTmyXO4jHAXPFfMNPcA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ae44f33b00f3b619380f6a706700da70.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Children play in the Varginha area of the Manguinhos slum complex where Pope Francis visited the day before, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, July 26, 2013. Observers said that Varginha, which has four evangelical churches to the two Catholic ones, was strategically chosen as the site of Thursday?s papal visit in a bid to help staunch tide of conversions in this key Catholic country. But while local residents Catholic and evangelical alike said that Francis? visit was a big success, bringing out an enthusiastic crowd of thousands despite a cold rain, they also said it would take more than his quick trip to slow the growth of the Pentecostal congregations. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)" align="left" title="Children play in the Varginha area of the Manguinhos slum complex where Pope Francis visited the day before, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, July 26, 2013. Observers said that Varginha, which has four evangelical churches to the two Catholic ones, was strategically chosen as the site of Thursday?s papal visit in a bid to help staunch tide of conversions in this key Catholic country. But while local residents Catholic and evangelical alike said that Francis? visit was a big success, bringing out an enthusiastic crowd of thousands despite a cold rain, they also said it would take more than his quick trip to slow the growth of the Pentecostal congregations. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)" border="0" /></a>RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ? The day before Pope Francis visited Marizete Marques' slum, the 62-year-old retired maid cleaned her humble home until her hands hurt.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/popes-slum-visit-impressive-little-impact-225358105.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 18:53:58 -0400Associated Presspopes-slum-visit-impressive-little-impact-225358105<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/popes-slum-visit-impressive-little-impact-225358105.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/hyTNTmyXO4jHAXPFfMNPcA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ae44f33b00f3b619380f6a706700da70.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Children play in the Varginha area of the Manguinhos slum complex where Pope Francis visited the day before, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, July 26, 2013. Observers said that Varginha, which has four evangelical churches to the two Catholic ones, was strategically chosen as the site of Thursday?s papal visit in a bid to help staunch tide of conversions in this key Catholic country. But while local residents Catholic and evangelical alike said that Francis? visit was a big success, bringing out an enthusiastic crowd of thousands despite a cold rain, they also said it would take more than his quick trip to slow the growth of the Pentecostal congregations. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)" align="left" title="Children play in the Varginha area of the Manguinhos slum complex where Pope Francis visited the day before, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, July 26, 2013. Observers said that Varginha, which has four evangelical churches to the two Catholic ones, was strategically chosen as the site of Thursday?s papal visit in a bid to help staunch tide of conversions in this key Catholic country. But while local residents Catholic and evangelical alike said that Francis? visit was a big success, bringing out an enthusiastic crowd of thousands despite a cold rain, they also said it would take more than his quick trip to slow the growth of the Pentecostal congregations. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)" border="0" /></a>RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ? The day before Pope Francis visited Marizete Marques' slum, the 62-year-old retired maid cleaned her humble home until her hands hurt.</p><br clear="all"/>Manning arguments wrap up; judge to deliberate<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/manning-arguments-wrap-judge-deliberate-210200961.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Adwyf2nR.GnkmxCSebV.1Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ebc5bf3cff35ae18380f6a706700e4c2.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Army Pfc. Bradley Manning is helped out of a security vehicle as he arrives at a courthouse at Fort Meade, Md., Friday, July 26, 2013. Manning is charged with indirectly aiding the enemy by sending troves of classified material to WikiLeaks. He faces up to life in prison. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)" align="left" title="Army Pfc. Bradley Manning is helped out of a security vehicle as he arrives at a courthouse at Fort Meade, Md., Friday, July 26, 2013. Manning is charged with indirectly aiding the enemy by sending troves of classified material to WikiLeaks. He faces up to life in prison. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)" border="0" /></a>FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) ? Army Pfc. Bradley Manning's fate was in the hands of a military judge Friday after nearly two months of conflicting portrayals of the soldier: a traitor who gave WikiLeaks classified secrets for worldwide attention and a young, naive intelligence analyst who wanted people to know about the atrocities of war.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/manning-arguments-wrap-judge-deliberate-210200961.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 18:39:46 -0400Associated Pressmanning-arguments-wrap-judge-deliberate-210200961<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/manning-arguments-wrap-judge-deliberate-210200961.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Adwyf2nR.GnkmxCSebV.1Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/ebc5bf3cff35ae18380f6a706700e4c2.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Army Pfc. Bradley Manning is helped out of a security vehicle as he arrives at a courthouse at Fort Meade, Md., Friday, July 26, 2013. Manning is charged with indirectly aiding the enemy by sending troves of classified material to WikiLeaks. He faces up to life in prison. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)" align="left" title="Army Pfc. Bradley Manning is helped out of a security vehicle as he arrives at a courthouse at Fort Meade, Md., Friday, July 26, 2013. Manning is charged with indirectly aiding the enemy by sending troves of classified material to WikiLeaks. He faces up to life in prison. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)" border="0" /></a>FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) ? Army Pfc. Bradley Manning's fate was in the hands of a military judge Friday after nearly two months of conflicting portrayals of the soldier: a traitor who gave WikiLeaks classified secrets for worldwide attention and a young, naive intelligence analyst who wanted people to know about the atrocities of war.</p><br clear="all"/>Rio's Copacabana stages show for pope<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/rios-copacabana-stages-show-pope-221835860.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/tS_9TmfZX1wLv4AZO.OFug--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/676481d200a2b519380f6a7067007f69.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Pope Francis waves to pilgrims as he passes by the 13th station of the cross, top left, during a Stations of the Cross event, among the most popular and solemn Catholic rituals, along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 26, 2013. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis and Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross are built around reflections on Jesus' last steps leading up to his crucifixion and death. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)" align="left" title="Pope Francis waves to pilgrims as he passes by the 13th station of the cross, top left, during a Stations of the Cross event, among the most popular and solemn Catholic rituals, along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 26, 2013. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis and Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross are built around reflections on Jesus' last steps leading up to his crucifixion and death. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)" border="0" /></a>RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ? Pope Francis presided over one of the most solemn rites of the Catholic Church on Friday, a procession re-enacting Christ's crucifixion that received a Broadway-like treatment befitting its improbable location, Rio's hedonistic Copacabana beach.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/rios-copacabana-stages-show-pope-221835860.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 19:11:39 -0400Associated Pressrios-copacabana-stages-show-pope-221835860<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/rios-copacabana-stages-show-pope-221835860.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/tS_9TmfZX1wLv4AZO.OFug--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/676481d200a2b519380f6a7067007f69.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Pope Francis waves to pilgrims as he passes by the 13th station of the cross, top left, during a Stations of the Cross event, among the most popular and solemn Catholic rituals, along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 26, 2013. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis and Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross are built around reflections on Jesus' last steps leading up to his crucifixion and death. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)" align="left" title="Pope Francis waves to pilgrims as he passes by the 13th station of the cross, top left, during a Stations of the Cross event, among the most popular and solemn Catholic rituals, along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 26, 2013. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis and Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross are built around reflections on Jesus' last steps leading up to his crucifixion and death. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)" border="0" /></a>RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ? Pope Francis presided over one of the most solemn rites of the Catholic Church on Friday, a procession re-enacting Christ's crucifixion that received a Broadway-like treatment befitting its improbable location, Rio's hedonistic Copacabana beach.</p><br clear="all"/>San Diego mayor to get therapy amid scandal<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/san-diego-mayor-therapy-amid-scandal-191114873.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/VIY6H5DjvpheqhjfTiyLNQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/49f8d2da0084b419380f6a7067002e3f.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="San Diego Mayor Bob Filner pauses as he speaks during a news conference at city hall Friday, July 26, 2013, in San Diego. Filner said Friday he will undergo therapy after less than a year in office amid allegations that he sexually harassed women. Filner announced his plan for a two-week stay beginning Aug. 5, in a behavioral clinic after a series of women claimed he kissed, groped and placed them in headlocks. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)" align="left" title="San Diego Mayor Bob Filner pauses as he speaks during a news conference at city hall Friday, July 26, 2013, in San Diego. Filner said Friday he will undergo therapy after less than a year in office amid allegations that he sexually harassed women. Filner announced his plan for a two-week stay beginning Aug. 5, in a behavioral clinic after a series of women claimed he kissed, groped and placed them in headlocks. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)" border="0" /></a>SAN DIEGO (AP) ? Declaring he "must become a better person," San Diego Mayor Bob Filner said Friday he will undergo two weeks of counseling after a series of women claimed he made unwanted sexual advances that included groping, kissing and offensive comments.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/san-diego-mayor-therapy-amid-scandal-191114873.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 18:11:14 -0400Associated Presssan-diego-mayor-therapy-amid-scandal-191114873<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/san-diego-mayor-therapy-amid-scandal-191114873.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/VIY6H5DjvpheqhjfTiyLNQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/49f8d2da0084b419380f6a7067002e3f.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="San Diego Mayor Bob Filner pauses as he speaks during a news conference at city hall Friday, July 26, 2013, in San Diego. Filner said Friday he will undergo therapy after less than a year in office amid allegations that he sexually harassed women. Filner announced his plan for a two-week stay beginning Aug. 5, in a behavioral clinic after a series of women claimed he kissed, groped and placed them in headlocks. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)" align="left" title="San Diego Mayor Bob Filner pauses as he speaks during a news conference at city hall Friday, July 26, 2013, in San Diego. Filner said Friday he will undergo therapy after less than a year in office amid allegations that he sexually harassed women. Filner announced his plan for a two-week stay beginning Aug. 5, in a behavioral clinic after a series of women claimed he kissed, groped and placed them in headlocks. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)" border="0" /></a>SAN DIEGO (AP) ? Declaring he "must become a better person," San Diego Mayor Bob Filner said Friday he will undergo two weeks of counseling after a series of women claimed he made unwanted sexual advances that included groping, kissing and offensive comments.</p><br clear="all"/>Pope shows off spiritual side with solemn rite<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/pope-shows-off-spiritual-side-solemn-rite-210228327.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/tS_9TmfZX1wLv4AZO.OFug--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/676481d200a2b519380f6a7067007f69.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Pope Francis waves to pilgrims as he passes by the 13th station of the cross, top left, during a Stations of the Cross event, among the most popular and solemn Catholic rituals, along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 26, 2013. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis and Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross are built around reflections on Jesus' last steps leading up to his crucifixion and death. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)" align="left" title="Pope Francis waves to pilgrims as he passes by the 13th station of the cross, top left, during a Stations of the Cross event, among the most popular and solemn Catholic rituals, along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 26, 2013. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis and Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross are built around reflections on Jesus' last steps leading up to his crucifixion and death. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)" border="0" /></a>RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ? Pope Francis presided over one of the most solemn rites of the Catholic Church on Friday, a procession re-enacting Christ's crucifixion in the improbable location of Rio's hedonistic Copacabana beach, as he headed into the home stretch of his first international trip for World Youth Day.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/pope-shows-off-spiritual-side-solemn-rite-210228327.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 17:31:27 -0400Associated Presspope-shows-off-spiritual-side-solemn-rite-210228327<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/pope-shows-off-spiritual-side-solemn-rite-210228327.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/tS_9TmfZX1wLv4AZO.OFug--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/676481d200a2b519380f6a7067007f69.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Pope Francis waves to pilgrims as he passes by the 13th station of the cross, top left, during a Stations of the Cross event, among the most popular and solemn Catholic rituals, along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 26, 2013. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis and Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross are built around reflections on Jesus' last steps leading up to his crucifixion and death. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)" align="left" title="Pope Francis waves to pilgrims as he passes by the 13th station of the cross, top left, during a Stations of the Cross event, among the most popular and solemn Catholic rituals, along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, July 26, 2013. Also known as the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis and Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross are built around reflections on Jesus' last steps leading up to his crucifixion and death. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)" border="0" /></a>RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ? Pope Francis presided over one of the most solemn rites of the Catholic Church on Friday, a procession re-enacting Christ's crucifixion in the improbable location of Rio's hedonistic Copacabana beach, as he headed into the home stretch of his first international trip for World Youth Day.</p><br clear="all"/>US govt says won't seek death penalty for Snowden<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/us-govt-says-wont-seek-death-penalty-snowden-150151852.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/P_o_DpCzs84isUtivGIW2w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/af1db6b0ff3cae18380f6a7067004e8b.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="FILE - In this July 25, 2013 file photo, Attorney General Eric Holder speaks in Philadelphia. Holder tells Russia US won't seek death penalty for Edward Snowden. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)" align="left" title="FILE - In this July 25, 2013 file photo, Attorney General Eric Holder speaks in Philadelphia. Holder tells Russia US won't seek death penalty for Edward Snowden. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)" border="0" /></a>WASHINGTON (AP) ? Attorney General Eric Holder has assured the Russian government that the U.S. has no plans to seek the death penalty for former National Security Agency systems analyst Edward Snowden.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/us-govt-says-wont-seek-death-penalty-snowden-150151852.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 14:42:54 -0400Associated Pressus-govt-says-wont-seek-death-penalty-snowden-150151852<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/us-govt-says-wont-seek-death-penalty-snowden-150151852.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/P_o_DpCzs84isUtivGIW2w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/af1db6b0ff3cae18380f6a7067004e8b.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="FILE - In this July 25, 2013 file photo, Attorney General Eric Holder speaks in Philadelphia. Holder tells Russia US won't seek death penalty for Edward Snowden. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)" align="left" title="FILE - In this July 25, 2013 file photo, Attorney General Eric Holder speaks in Philadelphia. Holder tells Russia US won't seek death penalty for Edward Snowden. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)" border="0" /></a>WASHINGTON (AP) ? Attorney General Eric Holder has assured the Russian government that the U.S. has no plans to seek the death penalty for former National Security Agency systems analyst Edward Snowden.</p><br clear="all"/>Spain train-crash driver accused of 'recklessness'<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/spain-train-crash-driver-accused-recklessness-194323470.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/agiPnxtNSlD2rq4ttv8oIQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/c311dcaaff47ae18380f6a706700653d.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="In this photo taken on Wednesday July 24 2013, Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a train derailment in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Police say they have detained the driver of a train that crashed in northwestern Spain and killed 78 people. Galicia region National Police Chief Jaime Iglesias says driver Francisco Jose Garzon Amo was officially detained in the hospital where is recovering. (AP Photo/La Voz de Galicia/Monica Ferreiros)" align="left" title="In this photo taken on Wednesday July 24 2013, Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a train derailment in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Police say they have detained the driver of a train that crashed in northwestern Spain and killed 78 people. Galicia region National Police Chief Jaime Iglesias says driver Francisco Jose Garzon Amo was officially detained in the hospital where is recovering. (AP Photo/La Voz de Galicia/Monica Ferreiros)" border="0" /></a>SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain (AP) ? Spanish police said Friday they have arrested the driver of the train that sped through a curve and toppled over, killing 78 people, and plan to question him over suspected reckless driving.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/spain-train-crash-driver-accused-recklessness-194323470.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 15:43:23 -0400Associated Pressspain-train-crash-driver-accused-recklessness-194323470<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/spain-train-crash-driver-accused-recklessness-194323470.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/agiPnxtNSlD2rq4ttv8oIQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/c311dcaaff47ae18380f6a706700653d.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="In this photo taken on Wednesday July 24 2013, Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a train derailment in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Police say they have detained the driver of a train that crashed in northwestern Spain and killed 78 people. Galicia region National Police Chief Jaime Iglesias says driver Francisco Jose Garzon Amo was officially detained in the hospital where is recovering. (AP Photo/La Voz de Galicia/Monica Ferreiros)" align="left" title="In this photo taken on Wednesday July 24 2013, Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a train derailment in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Police say they have detained the driver of a train that crashed in northwestern Spain and killed 78 people. Galicia region National Police Chief Jaime Iglesias says driver Francisco Jose Garzon Amo was officially detained in the hospital where is recovering. (AP Photo/La Voz de Galicia/Monica Ferreiros)" border="0" /></a>SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain (AP) ? Spanish police said Friday they have arrested the driver of the train that sped through a curve and toppled over, killing 78 people, and plan to question him over suspected reckless driving.</p><br clear="all"/>Al Qaeda on the rise in Iraq, Syria<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/al-qaeda-back-084500660.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/DmaOZFENcR2hPoZrcGozMg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-07-23T072410Z_31607037_GM1E97N16ID01_RTRMADP_3_IRAQ-VIOLENCE.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Mourners pray at the coffin of a victim killed during an attack on a prison in Taji, during a funeral in Najaf" align="left" title="Mourners pray at the coffin of a victim killed during an attack on a prison in Taji, during a funeral in Najaf" border="0" /></a>Jailbreaks in Iraq. A surge in Syria. The terrorist group?s influence is on the rise.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/al-qaeda-back-084500660.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 13:04:06 -0400The Daily Beastal-qaeda-back-084500660<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/al-qaeda-back-084500660.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/DmaOZFENcR2hPoZrcGozMg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-07-23T072410Z_31607037_GM1E97N16ID01_RTRMADP_3_IRAQ-VIOLENCE.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Mourners pray at the coffin of a victim killed during an attack on a prison in Taji, during a funeral in Najaf" align="left" title="Mourners pray at the coffin of a victim killed during an attack on a prison in Taji, during a funeral in Najaf" border="0" /></a>Jailbreaks in Iraq. A surge in Syria. The terrorist group?s influence is on the rise.</p><br clear="all"/>Cleveland kidnap suspect avoids death penalty<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/cleveland-kidnapping-suspect-plea-bargain-041908571.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/sEde7X5szSs5C5EuwYHKcg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2013-07-26/a247ccd3-7cf1-498c-bdf6-67b512cd7b3b_castro.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Ariel Castro" align="left" title="Ariel Castro" border="0" /></a>In what might be the first act of mercy shown to his victims, the man charged with kidnapping, raping and beating three Cleveland, Ohio, women agreed to a plea deal on Friday that would spare the women the agony of reliving the horrific details of their years in captivity during a jury trial.</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/cleveland-kidnapping-suspect-plea-bargain-041908571.htmlFri, 26 Jul 2013 14:08:14 -0400cleveland-kidnapping-suspect-plea-bargain-041908571<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/cleveland-kidnapping-suspect-plea-bargain-041908571.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/sEde7X5szSs5C5EuwYHKcg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2013-07-26/a247ccd3-7cf1-498c-bdf6-67b512cd7b3b_castro.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Ariel Castro" align="left" title="Ariel Castro" border="0" /></a>In what might be the first act of mercy shown to his victims, the man charged with kidnapping, raping and beating three Cleveland, Ohio, women agreed to a plea deal on Friday that would spare the women the agony of reliving the horrific details of their years in captivity during a jury trial.</p><br clear="all"/>Celebrated computer hacker Barnaby Jack dies<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/hacker-barnaby-jack-unexpectedly-dies-ahead-hacking-conference-131558623.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/_usfLI8S3iDU12ltolZZvg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2013-07-26/d7c9bd15-17ad-4369-a71f-d8abe55865e0_AP100728048909.jpg" width="130" height="86" alt="Barnaby Jack" align="left" title="Barnaby Jack" border="0" /></a>By Jim Finkle BOSTON (Reuters) - Barnaby Jack, a celebrated computer hacker who forced bank ATMs to spit out cash and sparked safety improvements in medical devices, died in San Francisco, a week before he was due to make a high-profile presentation at a hacking conference. The New Zealand-born Jack, 35, was found dead on Thursday evening by "a loved one" at an apartment in San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood, according to a police spokesman. He would not say what caused Jack's death but said police had ruled out foul play. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/hacker-barnaby-jack-unexpectedl
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Public release date: 29-Jul-2013
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