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Sep 16, 2010

North America News

Drug Label, Maimed Patient and Test for Court
At issue is whether plaintiffs have the right to sue when the products that hurt them had met federal standards.

Emanuel puts his feelers out for Chicago mayor’s race
The White House chief of staff plans to meet with Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., both considered potential successors to Richard M. Daley. He also has commissioned a poll to test his viability.

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel planned to meet privately with Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. of Illinois on Wednesday night to discuss the Chicago mayor’s race, according to two people familiar with the plan.

Husband of Alaska Governor Refuses to Testify in Legislature s Trooper Inquiry
Todd Palin was one of 13 people subpoenaed in the inquiry into whether Gov. Sarah Palin or members of her administration abused their power in the dismissal of a top state administrator.

Jim DeMint: Tea Party Candidates Can Win Midterm Election Races
WASHINGTON — Sen. Jim DeMint on Thursday dismissed worries by some of his fellow Republicans that tea party-backed politicians like Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell…

The New McCain: More Aggressive and Scripted on the Campaign Trail
Senator John McCain s once easygoing if irreverent campaign presence endearing to crowds, though often resulting in gaffes has been put out to pasture.

Bread Stays on Menu for Carp at Pennsylvania Lake
Every year, an estimated 500,000 people trek to a lake to see a veritable carpet of carp, and the state has temporarily called off a plan to force people to stop feeding bread to the fish.

Republican Party ditches GOP nominee for Colorado governor
Dan Maes won the primary, but the party is withdrawing its support, saying the ‘tea party’ candidate is not running a professional campaign.

The Republican Party is walking away from Dan Maes, a small-time businessman and political novice with “tea party” backing who captured Colorado’s GOP gubernatorial nomination, scrambling the race less than seven weeks before election day.

Bush Emerges After Days of Financial Crisis
The president spoke briefly on Thursday after remaining largely out of sight as Wall Street has become engulfed by a financial crisis.

Power Still Not Restored to Many in the Midwest
Remnants of Hurricane Ike swept through the region on Sunday, bringing torrential downpours and strong winds.

Leo Hindery, Jr.: My Friend’s Letter to the President re China Trade
A friend – and expert on China and China trade – whose current position prevents the author from going on the record asked me to…

The Ad Campaign: Obama Attacks McCain in a Bid to Attract Hispanic Voters
A Spanish-language Obama ad misrepresents John McCain s record on the immigration issue and his relationship with Rush Limbaugh.

Simpson Defense Alleges Police Glee in His Arrest
O. J. Simpson s legal team began Thursday to mount a defense that will sound familiar to anyone who followed his 1995 murder trial.

Philippines News

TESDA Names Kabalikat 2010 Winners

MANILA, Philippines – A local government unit in Bicol. A family-controlled conglomerate with various business ventures in Cotabato and Socsargen region in Mindanao. A technology institute in th…

Amid budget woes, SC honors judges
Amid problems about the judiciary's budget for 2011, the Supreme Court named the outstanding judges for 2009, including three lady judges. In a statement released on Thursday, the Supreme Court…

Manila officials, police face hostage crisis raps
The Philippine justice chief said Thursday she’ll recommend criminal and administrative charges against about 10 officials, police officers and journalists over last month’s killing of eight Hong Kong tourists in a botched hostage rescue that outraged China.

Philippine standoff charges coming
The Philippine justice chief said Thursday she'll recommend charges against about 10 officials, police officers and journalists over the August killing of eight Hong Kong tourists in a hostage rescue …

Comelec Resorts to Emergency Purchase
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been forced to make an emergency purchase of the materials to be used in the printing of the computerized voters’ list (CVL)…

OFW’s Kin Cry for Justice
KIDAPAWAN CITY – Relatives of the Filipina domestic helper who was killed by acid burning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are crying for justice for her death. Annabelle Eroy-Fuertes, elder siste…

Pakistan News, Sept 16, 2010


View Larger MapPakistan May Face Sugar Shortage of 1.2 Million Tons as Flood Damages Crop
Pakistan may face a shortage of 1.2 million metric tons of sugar next year, after the worst-ever floods damaged part of the cane crop.
Pakistani leader offers more intel to Afghans
Pakistan’s intelligence services are willing to work more closely with Afghanistan to fight Taliban militants, the president said Wednesday after talks with the Afghan leader focussed on allegations Islamabad is harboring Afghan insurgents.
Musharraf to launch Pakistan party on October 1
HONG KONG – Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday he would soon launch a new party, touting his support among the Facebook generation as he vowed to remake the nation’s turbulent politics.
US envoy warns Pakistan of flood funding shortfall
The world will only be able to fund around 25 percent of the tens of billions of dollars needed to rebuild Pakistan after the floods, and its government will have to make up the shortfall, the U.S. envoy to the country warned Thursday.
Pakistan must raise billions after flood: Holbrooke
Pakistan’s allies will only do so much to rebuild the country after devastating floods so the government must raise tens of billions of dollars for reconstruction itself, a top U.S. official said on Thursday.
Pakistan leader a ‘robber president,’ al Qaeda’s No.2 leader says
Al Qaeda’s second-in-command lashed out at the government of Pakistan in a purported statement released Wednesday, saying it had turned on its people by cooperating with the United States and its allies.
Pakistan led by ‘robber president,’ al Qaeda’s No.2 leader says
Al Qaeda’s second-in-command lashed out at the Pakistani government in a purported statement released Wednesday, saying it had turned on its people by cooperating with Alexander Language Schools, FranchiseAlexander Language Schoolsinfo@als-alexander.org or interalex1@yahoo.com Products and Services

Surrender the Heart (Surrender to Destiny)Alexander Dictionary of English Idioms: English-FrenchUnder the SunStealing JakeAlexander Dictionary of English Idioms: English-Swedish

Southeast Asia News

Manila officials face charges over hostage crisis

The Philippine justice secretary said Thursday she will recommend criminal and administrative charges against about 10 officials, police officers and journalists over the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists last month in a botched hostage rescue that outraged China.

Thai Court Issues Injunction To Stall 3G Licenses Auction -NTC
Thai Court Issues Injunction To Stall 3G Licenses Auction -NTC

Cambodia indicts four Khmer Rouge leaders
Four top Khmer Rouge leaders will stand trial for crimes including genocide during the “Killing Fields” era, Cambodia’s UN-backed court said Thursday, just weeks after its landmark first conviction.

Manila officials, police face hostage crisis raps
The Philippine justice chief said Thursday she’ll recommend criminal and administrative charges against about 10 officials, police officers and journalists over last month’s killing of eight Hong Kong tourists in a botched hostage rescue that outraged China.

Manila Officials Face Charges Over Hostage Incident
Ten people, including government officials, will face charges in the deaths of eight hostage on a bus in downtown Manila last month.

Philippines seeks charges in Hong Kong hostage fiasco
Philippine investigators said Thursday they are to seek charges against up to 10 people, including police officers, over a hostage siege in which a lone gunman killed eight Hong Kong tourists.

Indonesian police kill 2 in Papua province
Police say they fired into a crowd, killing two villagers and wounding another after a traffic accident in eastern Indonesia sparked a riot.

Philippines: At least 10 might be charged in deadly bus rescue
At least 10 people might be charged in the fatally bungled rescue of tourists in a bus standoff last month in the Philippines, state-run media said Thursday.

Myanmar expands private banks with military ties
Myanmar is expanding the number of private banks in the reclusive state ahead of November elections, a step that looks set to strengthen the hand of businessmen with close ties to the ruling generals.

Cambodian censors axe ‘love for auction’ TV series
Cambodia on Thursday cancelled a TV mini-series about a beautiful woman whose suitors have to bid for her hand in marriage at auction — with a starting price of one million dollars.

Four sentenced in plot to bribe Vietnamese officials
Three siblings, all former executives of an export company, and their business partner have been sentenced for bribing Vietnamese government officials in exchange for lucrative contracts, the US Justice Department said Thursday.

Cambodian garment workers call off strike
Cambodian union leaders on Thursday called off a mass strike by tens of thousands of garment workers demanding higher wages after the government stepped in and arranged talks with manufacturers.

Cambodia tribunal indicts four
Cambodia’s UN-backed war crimes tribunal indicts four former Khmer Rouge leaders, paving the way for its second trial.

Iraq News

U.S.-Iraqi raid kills at least 6 in Fallujah

U.S. and Iraqi forces raided a neighborhood in the longtime Sunni Muslim insurgent stronghold of Fallujah on Wednesday, U.S. military officials said, killing at least six people in the deadliest joint operation since President Obama announced the end of the American combat mission in Iraq two weeks ago.

US-Iraqi raid on Fallujah kills at least 6
U.S. and Iraqi forces launched a raid on the former insurgent stronghold of Fallujah Wednesday, killing at least six people in the second incident this week in which American troops were involved in fighting despite the official end of combat.

Iraqi Cabinet approves $400 million settlement for American victims of Saddam
The Iraqi Cabinet unanimously approved a $400 million settlement for Americans who say they were abused by Saddam Hussein’s regime, the government spokesman said Thursday.

Iraqi soldiers killed by bomb; U.S.-Iraq raid kills 7
Nine Iraqi soldiers were killed on Wednesday when a roadside bomb destroyed a bus in the volatile north and at least seven people were killed in a U.S.-Iraqi raid in western Iraq, security sources said.

At least 6 Iraqis killed in joint U.S.-Iraqi raid
BAGHDAD – At least six Iraqis were killed during a joint Iraqi-American counterterrorism operation on the outskirts of Fallujah on Wednesday, in the deadliest incident involving U.S. troops since the United States declared an end to its combat operations in Iraq on Aug. 31. Iraq – United States – United States armed forces – Al-Qaeda – Saddam Hussein

Firefight involving U.S.-Iraq forces leaves 6 people dead
BAGHDAD — For the second time in less than a week, U.S. forces were drawn into deadly fighting against insurgents — a reminder of the ongoing dangers American forces face well after President Barack Obama declared a formal end to combat. With a persistent insurgency, ongoing sectarian tensions and no …

9 dead after US-Iraq raid to nab Qaeda leader
FALLUJAH Violence killed 18 people in Iraq on Wednesday, including nine in a firefight that broke out during a joint US-Iraq raid in search of a top Al-Qaeda leader in the former rebel base of Fallujah.

US-Iraqi firefight leaves 6 people dead, spotlighting still dangerous role for US forces
For the second time in less than a week, U.S. forces were drawn into deadly fighting against insurgents a reminder of the ongoing dangers American forces face well after President Barack…

Family slam ruling on Iraq Kurd reporter’s murder
Relatives of a journalist killed in May after he alleged corruption among Iraqi Kurdish leaders reacted angrily on Thursday to an official probe that ruled he was shot by Islamic militants.

Six killed in U.S.-Iraqi raid near Fallouja
An elite Iraqi counter-terrorism unit launched the raid in Anbar province, west of Baghdad, with back-up from the U.S. The clash raises tensions between local officials and the central government. An Iraqi counter-terrorism force backed by U.S. soldiers battled gunmen early Wednesday during a raid in a village in western Iraq that left at least six people dead. No Americans were among the …

Iraqi soldiers killed by bomb; US-Iraq raid kills 7
MOSUL, Iraq – Nine Iraqi soldiers were killed on Wednesday when a roadside bomb destroyed a bus in the volatile north and at least seven people were killed in a US-Iraqi raid in western Iraq, security sources said.

Middle East News

Settler housing plan threatens Mideast talks
Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank are in a position to build as many as 13,000 housing units once the Israeli government’s partial freeze on construction runs out this month

Iraq: The awakening of an economic giant
Beneath the unsettled surface, Iraq, with the fourth largest oil reserves in the world, is an economic giant, slowly but surely awakening after a 30-year slumber

Iran frees female US hiker
Iran’s judiciary has freed Sarah Shourd, one of three US citizens seized as they hiked near the country’s border with Iraq last year and subsequently accused of spying on the Islamic republic

Iran-Africa cooperation can establish lasting peace: Iran
Cooperation between Iran and Africa in different fields can establish sustainable peace in the region and the world, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Wednesday.

US creditor snubs deal on Dubai World debt
Aurelius Capital Management is the only creditor not to have approved a restructuring deal on the troubled conglomerate’s $25bn of liabilities, people close to the talks say

Egypt’s building progress
Egypt has seen a prolonged property boom over the past five years as developers have tapped into pent-up demand from the affluent higher reaches in society

US: time may come for special nuke probe of Syria
A U.S. envoy on Thursday suggested time was running out for Syria to cooperate with a U.N. atomic agency probe of alleged secret nuclear activities before the agency invokes its seldom-used authority to call for a special inspection a possible prelude to U.N. Security Council involvement.

Gaza violence casts shadow on peace talks
One Palestinian man was killed and three others injured in an Israeli air strike on the Gaza Strip after a spike in the number of rockets and mortars fired from the territory on Israeli towns

Israel Stocks: Israel stocks off for 3rd day
Israel stocks finish lower for a third day, led down by Israel Chemicals and Teva Pharmaceutical but offset in part by gains in a few key tech issues.

Israelis and Palestinians meet in Egypt
The leaders have travelled to Egypt for a second round of direct peace talks, but without resolving a dispute over the expansion of Jewish settlements

Barak: peace with Lebanon, Syria possible
JERUSALEM, Sept. 16 (UPI) — Peace with Lebanon and Syria is possible, Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak said while touring Israel’s northern border Thursday. Israel – Syria – Lebanon – Ehud Barak – Middle East

Fresh violence ahead of Bahrain poll
Suspected hardliners from Bahrain’s majority Shia population set off explosions targeting vehicles belonging to the security forces, in an escalation of violence a month ahead of elections

Iraqi soldiers killed by bomb; US-Iraq raid kills 7
MOSUL, Iraq – Nine Iraqi soldiers were killed on Wednesday when a roadside bomb destroyed a bus in the volatile north and at least seven people were killed in a US-Iraqi raid in western Iraq, security sources said.

Sanctions put choker on Iran oil exports
Tehran faces mounting difficulties selling its crude oil with tighter sanctions depriving the country of essential shipping and banking services

Under IAEA pressure, Syria and Iran point to Israel
Western powers pressed Syria to give U.N. inspectors access to the remains of a suspected nuclear site in the desert, but Damascus and its ally Iran said the focus should be on Israel, which bombed it to rubble.

Question of the Week: U.S. Government Spending the Wrong Way to Fix Job Market

Retail sales fall for first time since January | Reuters

Shoppers carry bags in Oxford Street in London July 22, 2009. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

Shoppers carry bags in Oxford Street in London July 22, 2009.

Credit: Reuters/Luke MacGregor

Britain notches 500 millionth digital download | Reuters

The Black Eyed Peas perform during a live outdoor concert in New York's Times Square, March 10, 2010. REUTERS/Mike Segar

The Black Eyed Peas perform during a live outdoor concert in New York's Times Square, March 10, 2010.

Credit: Reuters/Mike Segar

LONDON | Thu Sep 16, 2010 5:56pm BST

Hollywood weighs in on fat people | Reuters

Hiking guides talk with program director Paige Corley (L) before taking guests out for their daily hike at the Biggest Loser Resort in Ivins, Utah September 6, 2010. REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Thu Sep 16, 2010 4:14pm BST

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Forget about all those scary-skinny stars -- fat is making a comeback in Hollywood.

Taliban urge Afghan vote boycott, warn of violence | Reuters

Thousands vie for Afghan seats (01:50) Report

KABUL | Thu Sep 16, 2010 5:09pm BST

KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban renewed a warning on Thursday they would try to disrupt Afghanistan's parliamentary poll and urged a boycott, while poll monitors said the electoral watchdog had not acted forcefully enough against fraud.

Indonesia News

Indonesia’s smoking toddler kicks the habit (watch video report) – Reno Gazette
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Indonesia’s smoking toddler He said Aldi picked up the habit because virtually every man in his fishing village in South Sumatra province smokes. When removed from that environment,

Indonesian volcano erupts again, spewing hot ash – Washington Examiner
JAKARTA, INDONESIA A volcano in western Indonesia spewed hot lava and sand high into the sky in its first eruption in 400 years. The eruption of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra province sent sand and ash up to a mile

Jakarta Futures Exchange Goes Live With Trading and Risk Management Platforms From Trayport(R – TMCnet
also expect that when we implement FIX Gateway, it will allow our members to connect their broker systems to the exchange, and so we will see an even greater effect,” said Lukas Lauw. “The platform already

JAKARTA, INDONESIA: North Sumatra volcano ends 400-year nap – Olympian
A volcano in western Indonesia spewed hot lava and sand high into the sky early Sunday in its first eruption in 400 years. The eruption of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra province sent sand and ash up to a mile high, but

Jakarta traffic chaos peaks in Indonesia’s mass exodus – msnbc.com
JAKARTA motorcycle and car ownership which economists predict will bring traffic to a complete standstill by 2012 if the city administration doesn’t act soon. Even without the additional chaos of the Eid al-Fitr

Jakarta Stocks Poised To Open Higher – RTT News
(RTTNews) – Following the week-long break for Eid-ul-Fitr, the Indonesian stock market returned to action in style on Wednesday, surging to a record high in the process. The Jakarta Composite Index finished just

Jakarta Stocks May Bounce Back On Friday – RTT News
(RTTNews) – The Indonesian stock market has finished lower in two of three trading days since the end of the three-day losing streak in which it had given away more than 60 points or 2 percent. Coming down from a

EASTERN EUROPE News, Sept 16, 2010


Polish Watchdog Sees `No New Arguments’ to Clear PGE’s Buy of Rival Energa
The head of Poland s antitrust regulator said today no new arguments have appeared to convince her to clear PGE SA s 7.53 billion zloty ($2.5 billion) acquisition of Energa SA, the country s fourth-largest power utility. Malgorzata Krasnodebska-Tomkiel, in an interview in Warsaw, said she is open to government arguments in favor of the transaction, which she said will limit competition …
Slovenian Economy Will Probably Expand 1.5% for This Year, Gaspari Says
Slovenia s export-driven economy may expand twice as fast as the government s April forecast indicated, said Mitja Gaspari , the country s European Union and development minister.
Ukraine May Sell Five-Year, 10-Year Eurobonds Today in Return to Debt Plan
Ukraine plans to sell five-year and 10-year bonds in dollars as early as today, reviving a plan the government scrapped two months ago, as the former Soviet republic seeks to plug its budget shortfall.
Davis Cup: Serbia-Czech Republic Draw List
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Thursday’s draw for the Davis Cup semifinal between Serbia and the Czech Republic: Friday’s Singles Novak Djokovic , Serbia, vs. Radek Stepanek , Czech Republic Janko Tisparevic, Serbia, vs. Tomas Berdych , Czech Republic Saturday’s Doubles Nenad Zimonjic and Viktor Troicki , Serbia vs. Jan Hajek and Ivo Minar , Czech Republic Sunday’s Reverse Singles Novak Djokovic …
Greek finance minister rules out debt default
MADRID (MarketWatch) — Greek Finance Minister, George Papaconstantinou, has rejected the possibility of the country restructuring its debts, saying a forced default would be a disaster for the eurozone. Papaconstantinou made the comments in an interview with the Financial Times, as part of a two-day trip to Paris, Frankfurt and London to convince investors that Greece’s financial situation has …
Hungary’s Mortgage Relief Plan May Punish Lenders After Biggest Bank Tax
Hungarian lenders including OTP Bank Nyrt., already burdened by the biggest bank tax in Europe, are likely to be punished by the ruling party s effort to help distressed borrowers, analysts and investors said.
Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia Seek Yugo Roots for Profit
Franjo Bobinac, the chief executive officer of Slovenia s Gorenje Group d.d., the largest appliance maker in the Balkans, is breaking through barriers erected during the Yugoslav civil war to boost his company s profits.
Greece rules out possibility of default
( FT ) — Greece’s finance minister has strongly rejected the idea that Athens will be forced to restructure its debts, saying that a default would break the eurozone.
Nail Polish Causes a Stir at New York Fashion Week
Chanel s cadaverous fingernail pigments, and limited-edition hues from other companies, spawn a lust for weirdly synthetic greens, rusts, taupes and violets.
As Europe Kicks Coal Habit, Hungarian Town Feels Pangs
The European Commission is fighting a complicated battle against an influential but polluting industry

  
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Flintoff retires from all forms of cricket | Reuters

England cricketer Andrew Flintoff smiles during a news conference in central London, August 24, 2009. REUTERS/Andrew Winning

Yahoo News

Chelsea start long road back to London in style | Reuters

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Springsteen sheds some light on Darkness album | Reuters

Musician Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa (R) arrive at the gala presentation for the film ''The Promise: The Making Of Darkness On The Edge Of Town'' at the 35thToronto International Film Festival September 14, 2010. REUTERS/Mike Cassese

Republicans take stock after Tea Party stunner | Reuters

Retail sales fall in August for first time since January | Reuters

Shoppers carry bags in Oxford Street in London July 22, 2009. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

Top stores outshine rivals in tough markets | Reuters

Shoppers enter a John Lewis store in Leicester, central England, November 14, 2008. REUTERS/Darren Staples

At least 8 die in minibus blast in southeast Turkey | Reuters

Tommy Lee Jones - Tommy Lee Jones For Men In Black 3 - Contactmusic News

Tommy Lee Jones picture

Brian Austin Green Says Wife Megan Fox Helped His Confidence | Arts Entertainment | Epoch Times

Prostate Cancer

Betty White has no plans to retire, says she almost played Blanche on 'The Golden Girls' | OnTheRedCarpet.com

Betty White poses in a promotional photo of the cast of 'Hot in Cleveland' (Photo credit: TV Land)

AP-GfK Poll: Climate for GOP keeps getting better - Yahoo! News

Yahoo News

Chelsea start long road back to London in style | Reuters

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Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka (C) celebrates with teammates Florent Malouda (R) and Yossi Benayoun after scoring against Zilina during their Champions League Group F soccer match in Zilina September 15, 2010.
Credit: Reuters/David W Cerny

Japan intervenes to weaken yen; more to come | Reuters

A signboard shows the U.S. dollar trading at the upper 82 yen level on the late evening in Tokyo September 14, 2010. REUTERS/Kyodo FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. JAPAN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN JAPAN 
Credit: Reuters/Kyodo FOR Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:05pm BST
TOKYO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Japan's bold strike to weaken its currency on Wednesday sent the yen tumbling more than 3.0 percent against the U.S. dollar ,.....

Mourinho enjoys perfect start as big teams shine | Reuters

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(Reuters) - Jose Mourinho's quest for a unique Champions League hat-trick began in style at the Bernabeu on Wednesday as Real Madrid beat Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 on a night of commanding wins for the main contenders.