News Headlines (106) 26 December 2012

►
Israel and Iran: A love story? Published on Dec 21, 2012 by TEDtalksDirector :: When war between Israel and Iran seemed imminent, Israeli graphic designer Ronny Edry shared a poster on Facebook of himself and his daughter with a bold message: "Iranians ... we [heart] you." Other Israelis quickly created their own posters with the same message -- and Iranians responded in kind. The simple act of communication inspired surprising Facebook communities like "Israel loves Iran," "Iran loves Israel" and even "Palestine loves Israel."



► Ron Paul Slams NRA Plan Recommending Armed Officers In Schools - Posted: 12/25/2012




►
Raw: Bo Surprises Michelle Obama. Published on Dec 25, 2012 :: First Dog Bo stole the spotlight from First Lady Michelle Obama as she sat down to begin reading to children at Children's National Medical Center in a video released by the White House Christmas Eve. (Dec. 25)



►
Raw: Icy Christmas Day Swim.  Published on Dec 25, 2012 ::  Some forty hardy Germans - who are known as the Berlin Seals - dipped their toes in the water of the city's Oranke lake on Christmas Day, a tradition which goes back to 1984. (Dec. 25)

► Pope's Christmas message focuses on Mideast, China - By FRANCES D'EMILIO 

► Timeline of Top Political Stories of 2012 - American Politics Took Center Stage in 2012 By William Browning | Yahoo! Contributor Network

► Astronauts Celebrate Christmas on Space Station - By Miriam Kramer | SPACE.com 

► Obama's Christmas vacation in Hawaii: Day 4 - Associated Press 

► Obama to fly to home early as 'fiscal cliff' looms - By MATTHEW DALY | Associated Press 

► DC hotels less busy for Obama's 2nd inauguration - By JESSICA GRESKO | Associated Press 

► Morales mum on Cuba trip after Chavez surgery - By PETER ORSI and ALEXANDRA OLSON | Associated Press – Mon, Dec 24, 2012

► 12 unconventional Christmas movies - By Scott Meslow | The Week

► The year's 9 most hilarious New York Times corrections - By Chris Gayomali | The Week

► Winter storms, tornado threats for Christmas in US - By JANET McCONNAUGHEY | Associated Press

► Are poinsettias as dangerous as everyone says? By Matt Soniak | The Week – Mon, Dec 24, 2012


► Japan's Cabinet resigns ahead of vote to install Shinzo Abe as new prime minister - By Eric Talmadge, The Associated Press

► Syrian Rebels Say Assad's Troops Just Attacked Them with Poisonous Gas - By Adam Clark Estes | The Atlantic Wire – Mon, Dec 24, 2012 

► 10 famous people born on December 25 - By Lauren Hansen | The Week

My fiance name is not listed here, but he's the most famous man in my life now, after my late father who was also born on December 25th. He said I did not need to give him a birthday present this year, because our baby born last month - according to him - is the most expensive gifts possessed throughout his life. Yep. And I hope he does not ask some of the most expensive gifts, more, in the years following. (Dahling, undergo a pregnancy is a very tough period for me.)

► Can you spot the fake objects among the real ones? Can you spot the fake objects among the real ones? -  By Yahoo! Games  (My older post: 29 November 2012 / Related video :: my post on 9 SEPTEMBER 2012)

► Most Extreme Space Discoveries of 2012 - By Elizabeth Howell | SPACE.com – Mon, Dec 24, 2012 

► Step aboard the country's largest floating holiday light display (VIDEO)

► Morsi backers urge Egypt unity

Supporters of President Mohammed Morsi urge all Egyptians to work together after the adoption of a controversial new constitution.
* Egypt polarised over constitution
* Mixed opinion in Morsi's home town 
* Who holds power in Egypt?

► Japan's Shinzo Abe voted in as PM

Conservative former PM Shinzo Abe is voted in as prime minister by Japan's MPs, following his party's landslide poll victory earlier this month.
* Shinzo Abe's economic challenge
* Profile: Shinzo Abe
* Asia papers split over Abe
* Japanese shares rise on Abe win

► China opens longest high-speed rail route

China officially opens the world's longest high-speed rail route, linking the capital Beijing with the southern commercial hub of Guangzhou.
* On board bullet train - VIDEO
* Railway line 'collapses' in China

► Pope Benedict's Christmas plea for peace. 25 December 2012 - Pope Benedict XVI has delivered his Christmas blessing and message from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica, calling for an end to the bloodshed in Syria. The annual message was watched by thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square in Vatican City, with millions more watching on television and listening on radio worldwide.David Willey reports from Rome. (VIDEO)  || NEWS

► 'Lost tribe' Bnei Menashe members arrive in Tel Aviv. 25 December 2012 - Fifty members of a community in India said to be descended from one of the biblical lost tribes of Israel have flown to Tel Aviv to settle there. The Bnei Menashe were recognised in 2005 as one of the 10 lost tribes which fled Israel in the eighth century. Some critics have questioned the authenticity of the tribe's claims. Jason Kaye reports. (VIDEO) || NEWS - Israel takes in more Bnei Menashe 'lost tribe' members 

►
ICEJ Report: The Lost Tribe of Menashe. Published on Aug 28, 2012 by ICEJVideos ::  The Bnei Menashe of northeast India have traced their Jewish roots back to 700 B.C. when they were taken captive by the Assyrians. Today, that heritage has been recognised in Israel and they are finally starting to make their way home, just as Isaiah prophesied.



by SolomonsPorchTV

► Quest for the Lost Tribes of Israel Part 1 of 2: Bnei Menashe on the India/Burma Border. Uploaded on Apr 20, 2009 || ► Quest for the Lost Tribes of Israel Part 2 of 2: Bnei Menashe on the India/Burma Border. Uploaded on Apr 30, 2009



► 26 December 2012 - Rhinos and elephants: the secret lives of Africa's giants | By Matt Walker Editor, BBC Nature 

► 25 December 2012 -  Oddballs: The strange worlds beyond our Solar System

► 22 December 2012 -  RSPCA centres close for Christmas ||  DAILYMAIL - The RSPCA and a cruel abuse of your generosity - By Quentin Letts PUBLISHED:19 December 2012 

► Ron Paul on NRA safety plan: Government security just another kind of violence 

►
RT Recalls 2012: Austerity & Anger in EU. Published on Dec 25, 2012 :: As 2012 comes to an end, RT takes a look at the events that have been dominating the headlines for the past 12 months. Today we bring you the story of the massive protests that have been shaking Europe all year, from the point of view of our news team.



► RT recalls 2012: Europe cracks amid austerity rage

► Over 63% of Egyptians approve new constitution - Election Committee 

► Syrian refugees in Lebanon: 'Syria was paradise, now battleground' 

► AK-47 inventor Mikhail Kalashnikov in intensive care ||  Mikhail Kalashnikov

► Israeli settlement offensive: Unprecedented since 1967 War

►
Ballot Botch: 'Israeli elections messed up,' voters vexed. Published on Dec 22, 2012 :: Israelis are expected to trudge back to the polling stations again next month, in a parliamentary election that's happening earlier than planned. No government has survived a full term in office for decades and, as Paula Slier reports, voting fatigue is rife.



► Bacteria from Siberia capable of living on Mars – study

► Russia to produce “Oppah, Gangnam Style” vodka if Psy agrees 

► CIA hated Zero Dark Thirty

► Zero Dark Thirty - Official Trailer #2 (HD). Published on Oct 11, 2012 by joblomovienetwork :: For a decade, an elite team of intelligence and military operatives, working in secret across the globe, devoted themselves to a single goal: to find and eliminate Osama bin Laden. Zero Dark Thirty reunites the Oscar(R) winning team of director-producer Kathryn Bigelow and writer-producer Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker) for the story of history's greatest manhunt for the world's most dangerous man.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow |  Cast: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Mark Strong, Jennifer Ehle, Kyle Chandler, Edgar Ramirez | Writers: Mark Boal |  In theaters: December 19th, 2012 |  Copyright © 2012 Sony Pictures

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A multi-cultural London Christmas. Published on Dec 25, 2012 :: In London, the increasingly multi-cultural population is marking Christmas in a number of ways. Some remember the birth of Christ, others treat it only as a holiday and time for giving presents. Many even treat it just like any other day. Al Jazeera's Peter Sharp reports from London.



►
Syrian refugees celebrate christmas in Lebanon. Published on Dec 25, 2012 :: Around 30-thousand Christian Syrian have crossed into neighbouring Lebanon since the start of the fighting nearly two years ago. Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall reports from the city of Zahle, where hundreds are taking refuge. 



►
Bethlehem celebrates Christmas. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: Thousands of people have gathered to celebrate Christmas in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, the site where Christians believe Jesus was born. The special celebration is a boon for Palestinian craftsmen whose businesses rely on the annual pilgrimage. Al Jazeera's Jane Ferguson reports.



►
Israel's Netanyahu launches election campaign. Published on Dec 25, 2012 :: Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has officially launched his campaign for next month's general election. It is a joint election campaign alongside former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Netanyahu told supporters that radical Islam poses huge challenges to Israel. He also, once again, criticised Iran and its nuclear programme. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.

Latest Headlines

■ Obama to Fly to Home Early as 'Fiscal Cliff' Looms
■ 8 Dead in Christmas Day Fires, Riot in Philippines
■ Afghan Bomber Attacks Near Major U.S. Base 
■ Christmas Storms All Over U.S. Blamed for 3 Deaths
■ Russian Parliament Considers Anti-U.S. Adoption Bill
■ Pope's Christmas Message Focuses on Mideast, China
■ VP Says Chavez Up, Walking; Doubts Persist
■ Ben Affleck Won't Run for U.S. Senate in Mass
■ Kazakhstan Military Plane Crashes, Killing 27
■ Israel to Build 942 More Homes in East Jerusalem
■ Attack on Sunni Cleric in South Pakistan Kills 4
■ Afghanistan: Woman Who Killed American Is Iranian
■ Plane Crash-Lands on Burma Road, 3 Killed 
■ CNN: Jessica Simpson Pregnant  || PHOTOS  || Jessica Simpson Confirms She’s Pregnant With A Second Baby || Jessica Simpson Confirms Second Pregnancy To Friends — Report
■ CNNMoney: Milk Prices May Double 

► Photos: In India, a Rape Sparks Violent Protests and Demands for Justice 
By TIME Staff

* Brutal Delhi Gangrape Outrages Indians, Spurs Calls for Action 
* New Delhi's Women Problem: What Does It Take to Make a Society Safe?
* Indian Women Are the Most Stressed on Earth

► Interview: Inside Syria's Islamist Resistance 

* Syrian Rebels Make More Gains in North

► Shinzo Abe Returns as Japan's Prime Minister
► Egypt Constitution Passes, Economic Crunch Looms
► Christmas in Newtown: A Struggle to Push Forward
► Firemen's Killer Mapped Out Plan for Slayings
► Appreciation: Odd Couple's Klugman, an Actor Who Could Crack Wise, with Heart
Featured

► Five Popular London Restaurants
► Why Canada Has a Maple Syrup Cartel 
► The 12 CDs of Christmas
► The 25 Best iPad Apps for Kids

► LIFE Goes to Santa Claus School
► Santa 24/7: Portrait of a Year-Round Father Christmas

► Problems with new 787 Dreamliner continue to plague Boeing

► United 787 Dreamliner Pre-delivery Walkthrough at Boeing HQ

News Headlines (105) 25 December 2012

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Midnight Mass Celebrated in Bethlehem. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: Midnight mass was celebrated at the Church of St. Catherine, in Bethlehem, the West Bank. The church sits next to the Church of the Nativity, which is built above the grotto where tradition says Jesus was born. (Dec. 25) || ► Raw: Midnight Mass at the Vatican. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: Pope Benedict XVI presides over Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. A smiling Benedict, dressed in gold-colored vestments, waved to photo-snapping pilgrims and applauding church-goers as he glided up the centre aisle towards altar. (Dec. 24)



►
Raw: Santa Readies for Midnight Ride. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: On Christmas Eve after months of busy preparations, the Finnish Father Christmas loaded his sleigh in Lapland with presents made in his workshop, and set off to deliver them to all the good boys and girls around the world. (Dec. 24) || ► Raw: Santa Drops Candy for Kids From Chopper. Published on Dec 23, 2012 :: A Maryland church spread some holiday cheer on Sunday by having Santa Claus drop candy from a helicopter to children waiting below at a Baltimore-area high school. (Dec. 23)



►
NORAD Tracking Santa's Journey.  Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: Volunteers are pulling on their Santa hats, phone lines are in place and wall-size tracking screens are ready. NORAD Tracks Santa is primed for its 57th annual goodwill mission. (Dec. 24) || ► Raw: Troops Celebrate Christmas in Afghanistan. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: International troops in Afghanistan celebrated Christmas Eve on Monday in Kabul with a special Christmas meal and a candlelight service. US and other NATO country soldiers based at Kabul International Airport also sang Christmas carols. (Dec. 24)

► Russia says Syria is acting to secure its chemical weapons - By Steve Gutterman | Reuters 

► Dispatch from Rome: Will Italians give Silvio Berlusconi another chance? - By Silvia Marchetti | The Week

► Obama's Christmas vacation in Hawaii: Day 3 - Associated Press 

► Reports: Rolling Stones guitarist Wood ties knot - Associated Press – Sat, Dec 22, 2012




► Santa Claus in Movies: The Naughty & Nice - Christmas draws near, and if there's one thing Christmas isn't complete without, it's Santa Claus. And you'd best believe he's real, otherwise how would there be so many movies about him? Here's a list of some of the nicest movie Santas, as well as some naughty ones as well. (PHOTOS)

► Adorable dog tries to bite oncoming traffic (VIDEO) - By Dylan Stableford, Yahoo! News | The Sideshow – Thu, Jul 12, 2012 

► Venezuela's Chavez "improves slightly" after surgery: official - By Brian Ellsworth and Diego Ore | Reuters 

► 25 December 2012 - Father Christmas off air in Uzbekistan By Rustam Qobil BBC Uzbek 

► 24 December 2012  -  Syria: An attempt to live a normal life

► US firefighters killed in 'trap' 

Two US volunteer firefighters shot dead as they arrived to tackle a fire in New York state were apparently lured there by the gunman, police say.
* Police news conference - VIDEO 
* Piers Morgan faces US gun backlash
* Viewpoints: US gun law change?
* Obama v the gun lobby 

► Christmas muted in Syrian capital Damascus. 24 December 2012 - In the Syrian capital Damascus, the Christian community is planning a low-key Christmas. As conflict in the country continues, Christians have been caught up in the violence and - like all Syrians - have been hit by the economic impact of the war. Lina Sinjab reports from Damascus. (VIDEO) || 'Deadly strike' on Syria bakery  || Syria war fuels Christian flight from Middle East 

► 25 December 2012 - Africa and China: Workers face clash of cultures  By James Melik Reporter, Business Daily, BBC World Service

► 25 December 2012 - Polar bear trade ban divides campaigners  By Matt McGrath Environment correspondent, BBC News 

► 25 December 2012 - Simple eye scan can reveal extent of Multiple Sclerosis 

► Indonesia's exotic Spice Islands

► Peru's Christmas fighting festival

► Fist Fighting on Christmas: A Peruvian Tradition. Published on Jul 11, 2012 by VICE



► 24 December 2012 - Rotterdam's Chinese light festival

► 25 December 2012 -Paris Notre Dame cathedral turns 850 years old - By Christian Fraser BBC News, Paris  || VIDEO

Cisca Zarmansyah :  Au-dessus des étangs, au-dessus des vallées, Des montagnes, des bois, des nuages, des mers, Par delà le soleil, par delà les éthers, Par delà les confins des sphères étoilées. Mon esprit, tu te meus avec agilité, Et, comme un bon nageur qui se pâme dans l'onde, Tu sillonnes gaiement l'immensité profonde. Avec une indicible et mâle volupté. Envole-toi bien loin de ces miasmes morbides. Va te purifier dans l'air supérieur. Et bois, comme une pure et divine liqueur, Le feu clair qui remplit les espaces limpides. Derrière les ennuis et les vastes chagrins. Qui chargent de leur poids l'existence brumeuse, Heureux celui qui peut d'une aile vigoureuse. S'élancer vers les champs lumineux et sereins. Celui dont les pensers, comme des alouettes, Vers les cieux le matin prennent un libre essor, - Qui plane sur la vie, et comprend sans effort. Le langage des fleurs et des choses muettes! (Élévation - CHARLES BAUDELAIRE, Les fleurs du mal)   

Valentino Vie : Je t'adore à l'égal de la voûte nocturne. O vase de tristesse, ô grande taciturne. Et t'aime d'autant plus, belle, que tu me fuis. Et que tu me parais, ornement de mes nuits. Plus ironiquement accumuler les lieues. Qui séparent mes bras des immensités bleues. Je m'avance à l'attaque, et je grimpe aux assauts. Comme après un cadavre un choeur de vermisseaux. Et je chéris, ô bête implacable et cruelle! Jusqu'à cette froideur par où tu m'es plus belle! (XXIV - CHARLES BAUDELAIRE)

Jan Pepijn Servaas :  Ik zal nooit vergeten de herinneringen die we zowel. Ahh, ik ga wat moeilijk dood.

Almira Izzati  :  hhooi, jaaan hoooi jan, probeer niet onmogelijk!

Cisca Zarmansyah : Comment, disaient-ils. Avec nos nacelles. Fuir les alguazils? - Ramez, disaient-elles. Comment, disaient-ils, Oublier querelles. Misère et périls? -Dormez, disaient-elles. Comment, disaient-ils, Enchanter les belles. Sans philtres subtils? -Aimez, disaient-lles. (Autre guitare - VICTOR HUGO)

Almira Izzati  : Are you haunted by the Europe nature?

Almira Izzati  : Hij zegt dat hij van je houdt...

Adriaan Zef  : You know that. I have the same song for the same purpose. But you would rather have it with other improvised tone .... and, what seems so important to you is its panoramic view. Well, I've never been so interested in what you wrote in your notes on the issue of Al Qaeda has nuclear bombs in Europe, and they were ready to use it if Osama was captured or dead. Now Osama is dead, is not he?

Cisca Zarmansyah :I'm sorry, I love you both.

► 23 December 2012 - Paris, an enchanted city of carousels By Joanna Robertson Paris

►
Merry Not: Christmas rings out in Europe amid austerity & job crisis. Published on Dec 25, 2012 :: With Christmas bells ringing out in Europe - even their melodic chimes can't muffle the boom of austerity, as biting cuts have even reached the inner sanctum of the Catholic church, the Vatican.


►
Israel vs Iran: Threat or Bluff? Hezbollah vows rocket fire storm in response. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: As Washington mulls more sanctions against Iran, Israel is making it clear that it's ready, and willing to strike. But Tehran's chief ally in the region - Hezbollah, has made it plain that it WILL take sides in case of war. RT's Lucy Kafanov reports now on what the militant faction may have up its sleeve.



► Defense, reactors & high-tech deals: Russia loves India. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: Almost three billion dollars of defense mega-deals have been signed between Russia and India. President Putin is on a visit to New Delhi cementing ties with fast-growing economies as they continue to try and boost their global influence. RT's Maria Finoshina reports on how their improved world standing is worrying some in the West. (VIDEO)

► US to sell $1.2bn in spy drones to S. Korea 

► US deploying troops to 35 African countries 

► Cold as Christmas: Emergency in Siberia, chilliest night in Moscow (PHOTOS)

► Doomsday pilgrims 'irreparably' damage Mayan Temple in Guatemala (PHOTOS) 

►
Russians risk jail to avoid military draft. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: The Russia Defence Ministry has started its autumn military recruitment drive to reinforce its rank of about a million soldiers. But every year it struggles to find the minimum number of recruits. Thousands of young men are dodging the draft and many are willing to risk jail to avoid the army all together. Al Jazeera's Charles Stratford reports from the capital, Moscow.



►
Chavez unlikely to be in Venezuela in in time for oath of office. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: It looks as though Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez won't be home for Christmas. He's recovering from cancer surgery in Cuba, his fourth in two years. And now many fear he won't be back in time to be sworn in for a third term on January 10. Al Jazeera's Lucia Newman reports from Caracas.



►
US firefighters shot dead in 'ambush'. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: A convicted felon has shot dead two firefighters and wounded two others after luring them to a blaze that police said he had apparently set as a trap in a small town in New York state, officials said. The 62-year-old shooter - who was found guilty of manslaughter and was jailed for 17 years for his grandmother's death in 1980 - then fatally shot himself in the head, said police in Webster, on the shores of Lake Ontario. Al Jazeera's John Terrett reports. || ► Firefighters killed in ambush. Published on Dec 25, 2012 ::Two firefighters in New York have been killed and two others injured after being ambushed by a convicted killer. They were lured by a fire that was deliberately started by their attacker. He committed suicide after shooting his victims. Al Jazeera's Stefanie Dekker reports.



►
Inside Story - Whats behind Afghan insider attacks? Published on Dec 25, 2012 :: We discuss if political progress with the Taliban reduce attacks on NATO forces as a draw down nears. Stephen Cole speaks to Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai, the prime minister of Afghanistan from 1992 to 1996; Daoud Sultanzoy, a former member of the Afghan parliament; and Ejaz Haider, a senior advisor at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

Latest Headlines

■ Durning, King of Character Actors, Dies in NYC 
■ At Christmas Eve Mass, Pope Urges Space for God 
■ Airliner Lands on Burma Road in Fog; 2 Killed 
■ U.N. Envoy Worried After Talks with Syria's Assad
■ Nasty Weather Threatens Gulf Coast for Christmas 
■ Thousands Enjoy Merry Christmas in Bethlehem
■ South Africa: World Watches Mandela's Struggle
■ Prosecutor Killed in Guatemala Along with 6 Others
■ Ex-President Bush to Spend Christmas in Hospital
■ 3 Held Without Bond in Fatal Ind. House Explosion 
■ 1 Killed, 1 Wounded in Bar Shooting Near Seattle
■ Idaho Sen. Michael Crapo Charged with DUI
■ Afghan Policewoman Kills U.S. Adviser in Kabul 
■ CNN: No Fiscal Cliff Solution in Sight 
■ CNN: North Korean Rocket Could Hit U.S. Mainland 

► A Perfect Christmas in the Holy Land

By Gail Simmons
* Top 10 Things You Didn't Know About Christmas
* LIFE.com: Alfred Eisenstaedt's Photos from Santa School 
* Video: The Best Christmas Films of All-Time
* The 9 Most Christmassy Towns in America

► Assad Rolls the Dice: Is Winter Coming for Syria's Rebels?

* A Year in Syria: Photos from a Slow-Motion Civil War 

► Plebgate: Why Britain's Latest Scandal Is All about Class 

► Sandy Hook: After the Shooting, a Town Struggles On

* Viewpoint: Why Does Congress Protect the Gun Industry?

► Actor Jack Klugman Dies in Los Angeles

► Antarctica: It's Getting Hot at the Bottom of the Planet

► Gunman Sets Blaze to 'Trap' Firefighters, Kills 2 in Ambush 

Featured

■ The Top 10 Worst Christmas Movies 
■ A Brief History of the Ugly Christmas Sweater 
■ 10 Things You Didn't Know About Holiday Songs
■ Holiday Foods to Avoid (And What to Eat Instead)

► Christmas lights from around the world 2012 ( PHOTOS )
► Gun sales surge; 3 1/2 years of ammunition magazines sold in 72 hours
► Don't mark your doomsday calendars: 2040 asteroid won't hit Earth 

News Headlines (104) 24 December 2012

ONLINE TODAY


►
Assumptions. Published on Dec 18, 2012 by Quirkology



► Not All Gamers Are Low Scorers On Friendships, Relationships - Dec. 20, 2012 — Not all video game players are destined for lives filled with failing relationships and dwindling friendships, according to Penn State researchers, who say that a lot depends on the role of the game-playing activity in the gamer's life. 

► Article: Found: Whale Thought Extinct for 2 Million Years - by Tia Ghose, LiveScience Staff Writer | Date: 18 December 2012 

► Article:  Magic Mushrooms May Explain Santa & His 'Flying' Reindeer - by Douglas Main, LiveScience Contributor | Date: 20 December 2012

► Emperor turns 79, concerned about aging Japan - Problem 'particularly serious in rural areas,' Akihito says in birthday statement | The Associated Press

► NEWSMAKER-Aristocratic ex-Olympic shooter tipped as Japan finance minister 

by CorridorDigital

►
The Glitch. Published on Dec 17, 2012 || ► Minecraft: Diamonds Are Forever. Published on Jun 19, 2012








►
Raw: Scuba Diving Santa in Mexico. Published on Dec 23, 2012 :: The aquarium team at Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico decided to surprise young visitors on Sunday with an unusual sight - a scuba diving Santa Claus. (Dec. 23)



►
Memorial Service for Sen. Inouye Held in Hawaii.  Published on Dec 23, 2012 :: President Barack Obama, Gov. Neil Abercrombie and other dignitaries attended a memorial service for the late Sen. Daniel Inouye on Sunday. Inouye died of respiratory complications on Dec. 17. (Dec. 23) 

► NRA Chief LaPierre: 'Call Me Crazy' - By MICHAEL ONO | ABC News 

► Video games and shooting: Is the NRA right? The NRA says the problem with mass shootings like the recent one at the Sandy Hook grade school in Connecticut is not too many unregulated guns but violent video games. But most academic and government research does not support the gun lobby's charge. By Mark Guarino | Christian Science Monitor 

► AP PHOTOS: Remembering the Conn. shooting victims

► Even Israel Is Fact-Checking the NRA Now

► The FBI Treated Occupy Like a Terrorist Group

► Heroic actions bring change in tone on teachers - By CHRISTINE ARMARIO | Associated Press

► Lawmakers see 'fiscal cliff' deal as elusive - Associated Press

► Don't Worry, but North Korea's Rockets Can Probably Reach the U.S. - By Connor Simpson 

► Syria government says its forces still strong - Reuters 

► Your ultimate Christmas Eve playlist [VIDEO] - The Daily Caller 

► Holiday Gift to Stargazers: The Christmas Sky - By Joe Rao | SPACE.com

► Photos of the Day - A roundup of today's best photos.

► Most Popular Cities in 2012 - One point we've gathered from the millions of searches on Yahoo!  –  our users let their fingers do the traveling. We've tracked surges of searches on the Web to these top cities in the last year to see what most captures the attention of vacationers. And it's a diverse and at times surprising list. Here, the most searched-for cities on Yahoo!.  –  By Claudine Zap, Yahoo!




► Hacker-Proof Your Password - How to create one you'll remember, and computers won't guess





► Celebs Visit the Happiest Place on Earth - A slew of stars have treated their kids to fun outings at Disneyland this holiday season. Check out pics of Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani, Sandra Bullock, and other famous parents amusing themselves at the amusement park.


► Celebrity Babies of 2012 - Blue Ivy, Maxwell Drew, and Tennessee James are just three of the many, many bundles of joy the stork dropped off in Hollywood this year.



► Santa Tracker Prepares to Follow the Jolly Fellow on Christmas Eve - By Claudine Zap | Author Blog Posts – Fri, Dec 21, 2012

► Simple and Delicious Peppermint Meringues - By bon appétit magazine | Shine Food – Fri, Dec 21, 2012  

► Easy Peppermint Bark - By Martha Stewart | Holiday Entertaining – Fri, Dec 21, 2012 
► Headquarters NORAD Holiday Message 2012. Published on Dec 13, 2012 by NORADTracksSanta :: North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Headquarters Holiday Message. U.S. Army General Charles H. Jacoby, Commander. Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant-General Alain Parent, Deputy Commander

► Egypt awaits referendum results 

The results of Egypt's referendum on a controversial constitution - expected to pass with a comfortable margin - are due, with opponents alleging voting fraud.
* Egyptians on the outcome - VIDEO
* Vote 'shows Islamist power'
* Egypt: Who holds the power?
* Constitutions compared

► 24 December 2012 - India prepares for the supermarket revolution | By Andrew North BBC News, Delhi 

► India, Russia sign defence deals 

Russia and India sign new defence deals worth billions of dollars during President Vladimir Putin's day-long trip to India.
* India-Russia nuclear plan stalled

► Meet New York City's Mr Christmas Tree. 24 December 2012  - Henry Romp has been in the Christmas tree-selling business since he was born.  As an infant he was taken from the family home in Vermont to New York's West Village and he has been coming there every holiday season since.  Situated on the corner of Jane Street and 8th Avenue, the Romps have been a fixture in the neighbourhood from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve for the past 25 years.  The BBC spent a day with Henry in Manhattan where he delivers Christmas trees in the back of a Porsche. Produced for the BBC by Leigh Paterson. (VIDEO) 

► 24 December 2012 - Science news highlights of 2012 

► 2012: The year in technology

► 2012: The year in space

► 24 December 2012 -  Bewick's swans: Baby boost for threatened birds | By Michelle Warwicker

► 24 December 2012 - Bogeymen: Five scary visitors in the night By Lucy Proctor BBC World Service

► 24 December 2012 -  Charles Dickens: My year with four million words of the master | By Matthew Davis BBC News

► 23 December 2012 - In pictures: Winners of 2012 

► Christmas decorations 'getting smaller'. 24 December 2012 - Christmas is shrinking - at least, trees and baubles are, according to the Chinese factories that make most of the world's festive decorations. The BBC's Shanghai correspondent John Sudworth went to the factory town of Yiwu to see the effects of falling global demand. || NEWS  - 20 December 2012 Welsh 'Tinseltown' raises Christmas mystery -By Justin Rowlatt Presenter, Business Daily, BBC World Service


► Giant Christmas tree lit up near North Korea border. 23 December 2012 - Church groups in South Korea have illuminated a giant Christmas tree-shaped tower near the border with North Korea for the first time in two years. The event has been banned since 2010 by the South Korean government due to concerns it could escalate tensions between the two countries. The message at the top reads 'peace in the whole world', but a number of local residents are said to fear it will spark retaliation from the North. Last year, North Korea warned of "unexpected consequences" if the tower was lit. (VIDEO) 

►
'West faces dangerous game choosing 'bad' vs 'acceptable' terrorism' - Lavrov (EXCLUSIVE). Published on Dec 23, 2012 :: As the Syrian war grows more sectarian and violent with each day, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov tells RT that Western powers' habit of dividing terrorists between "bad and acceptable" could have lasting consequences for the whole world.



► Nicht So Gut: 7.5 mln Germans 'functionally illiterate'. Published on Dec 23, 2012 :: To become one of the world's industrial titans you need a work force that's ready for anything, but grim statistics in the heart of Europe show millions of adults are being left behind because they have trouble reading and writing. (VIDEO)

►
'Iran in crosshairs': UK may deploy more troops to Gulf. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: The United Arab Emirates is said to be close to ordering some 60 combat jets from the UK, and may be getting a contingent of British troops to sweeten the deal. British PM David Cameron told soldiers that they may be headed to the Gulf state as they pull out of Afghanistan. Rights groups though aren't happy - saying dealing with the Emirates, which the EU called on to stop the mass torture of political dissidents, sends all the wrong messages. Geopolitical analyst Patrick Henningsen says there's an ulterior motive behind the sale.



► Lavrov: 'Either secure Syria's chemical weapons, or arm its rebels' (EXCLUSIVE) 
► Money vs. Lives: Can Obama battle the NRA's gun-loving rhetoric?
► N. Korea develops missiles capable of reaching US – Seoul
► Montreal deacon known for criticizing pedophiles charged in child porn case 
► Red alert issued for Chilean volcano (PHOTOS)
► Russia, India common goal – a more just, democratic & secure world 
► Turkey lifts veto on Israel;s NATO activities despite frictions – report 
► 'IKEA monkey' to celebrate Christmas behind bars of animal sanctuary 

►
NRA defends response to Newtown massacre. Published on Dec 23, 2012 :: The powerful pro-gun lobby group in the United States has began a full media offensive. The National Rifle Association is defending its response to the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut that left 26 people dead - including 20 children. Al Jazeera's John Terrett reports from Washington DC.



► The Frost Interview - Craig Venter: Designing life. Published on Dec 22, 2012 :: Sir David Frost meets the scientist who first sequenced the human genome and went on to create artificial life. (VIDEO)

►
Inside Syria - Syria's dwindling resources. Published on Dec 22, 2012 ::The war in Syria has taken a heavy toll on the economy, despite the government's best efforts to keep it afloat. Inside Syria, with presenter Hazem Sika, discusses the plight of civilians caught in the middle of fighting with guests: Durmus Aydin, vice president of Humanitarian Relief Foundation, a Turkish aid agency which has operated in Syria for over 10 years; Samer Abboud, a Syrian economist at Arcadia University whose research is focused on capital flight in Syria; and Alan George, a senior associate at Oxford University and author of, "Syria: Neither Bread nor Freedom".



►
Special Programme - Dawkins on religion. Published on Dec 22, 2012 :: An interview with renowned atheist Richard Dawkins on whether religion is a force for good or evil.



► Inside Story - Are women safe in India? Published on Dec 23, 2012 :: Thousands protest demanding justice a week after a medical student was brutally gang-raped on a moving bus in New Delhi. So, are women safe in India and are existing laws an effective deterrent? Guests: Kavita Krishnan, Rajeev Aswathi, Lawrence Saez. (VIDEO)


► Analysis: Russia-India arms deal. Published on Dec 24, 2012 :: Russia has agreed a deal to sell India military helicopters and jet parts worth almost $3 billion. It's the first of a number of multi-billion dollar deals the two countries are considering during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Ajai Shukla is the editor of the Strategic Affairs Business Standard and joined Al Jazeera from New Delhi via Skype. (VIDEO)

Latest Headlines

■ Egypt Opposition Alleges Vote Fraud in Referendum
■ Police Say Afghan Policewoman Kills U.S. Adviser 
■ Monti Says He Is Open to Leading Next Government 
■ Putin to Focus on Economic Ties on Trip to India
■ Official: Navy SEAL Died of Apparent Suicide 
■ Rihanna Donates $1.75 Million to Barbados Hospital 
■ Unwavering NRA Opposes Any New Gun Restrictions
■ Richard Adams, Early Figure in Gay Marriage, Dies 
■ Audits of Businesses for Undocumented Immigrants Rising
■ Syria Jets Kill Tens As International Envoy Visits 
■ Ho Ho Holy Discount: Vatican Tax-Free Store Busy 
■ Russia Welcomes Any Offer to Give Assad Refuge 
■ Judge OKs Settlement in BP Gulf Class Action Suit 
■ CNN: Asteroid to Miss Earth in 2040, NASA Says 


■ CNNMoney: How to Survive the Fiscal Cliff 

► 15 Minutes of Fame: The Year in Fleeting Celebrity

By Joel Stein
* TIME's Person of the Year: Barack Obama
* The Most Surprising Photos of 2012
* The Coolest Person of the Year

► Why Is Congress Protecting the Gun Industry? 

* Viewpoint: Why More Guns in Schools Is Not the Answer

► In India, a Rape Sparks Violent Protests

* Police Shut Down Roads to Stop India Rape Protests

► Antarctica: It's Getting Hot at the Bottom of the Planet
► Lawmakers See 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal as Elusive 
► A Hobbit Holiday: Bilbo Beats Babs and Tom
► Study Finds Kids Give Cheese and Veggies the Thumbs Up

Featured

► Beauty for the Beasts: 11 Manly Skincare Lines
► Vacation Robo-Post: The Worst TV of 2012 
► 'Santa Claus Special' Train Comes to Appalachia
► Truly Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Options

► The Brink of Oblivion: Inside Nazi-Occupied Poland, 1939-1940 
► Ho Ho Hollywood: Celebrities Visit Santa
► TIME's Best of 2012: The Photobooks We Loved

► L.A. City Hall is one of painter's masterpieces - Joe Nicoletti has painted a lot of historic buildings and celebrity homes over the years, but City Hall remains a favorite subject. 
► Scientists aim to build a better Christmas tree. Scientists with a USDA grant try to breed better Christmas trees – beauties that won't drop needles on your floor. 
► TSA testing faster passenger screening program
► Sen. Daniel Inouye gets hero's farewell at Hawaii funeral 

► Funeral Service for Senator Daniel Inouye.  Published on Dec 21, 2012 by whitehouse :: President Obama and Vice President Biden speak at the funeral service for Senator Daniel Inouye. December 21, 2012.


► Obama and family arrive in Hawaii for Christmas holiday
► Obama offers a scaled-down budget plan to avert 'fiscal cliff' 
► Party leaders in Senate trade accusations of blame for Plan B failure
► The Times 'Santa Claus Expeditions' (PHOTOS)

News Headlines (91) 11 December 2012

ONLINE TODAY

►
Un oeil sur la planète - A quoi joue le Qatar ?  Published on Oct 4, 2012 by rapfrancais30




► Death Rate Two to Four Times as High Among Childless Couples -  Dec. 5, 2012 — Despite the popular belief among parents that having children shortens their lives, the reverse seems to be true, particularly for women, indicates a large study of childless couples, treated for infertility, and published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

► Skills That Make Us a Good Partner Make Us a Good Parent -  Dec. 6, 2012 — Being a good partner may make you a better parent, according to a new study. The same set of skills that we tap to be caring toward our partners is what we use to nurture our children, researchers found. 

► Can Going Hungry as a Child Slow Down Cognitive Decline in Later Years? Dec. 10, 2012 

► Global climate change predictions on target: New Zealand-U.S. study  || Climate Science Predictions Prove Too Conservative. Checking 20 years worth of projections shows that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has consistently underestimated the pace and impacts of global warming - By Glenn Scherer and DailyClimate.org

► The eyes have it - Computer interfaces: The ability to determine the location of a person's gaze is opening up an enormous range of new applications - Dec 1st 2012 

► Lenovo Group's parent plans China IPO as early as 2014: report -SHANGHAI | Sun Dec 9, 2012 

►
President Obama Denounces Right-to-Work Laws at Visit to Auto Plant.  Published on Dec 10, 2012 by ABCNews :: President Obama, in Detroit, remarks on the looming fiscal cliff and workers' rights.

► Argentine mom rescues hundreds of sex slaves - By By EMILY SCHMALL | Associated Press 
► Obama tax plan no small deal to small businessmen - By By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER | Associated Press
► Russia opposes external political "recipes" for Syria
► Syria's Assad Will Use Chemicals, Ex-General Says - By ALEXANDER MARQUARDT 
► Chemical weapons agency "ready" on Syria - By Stephanie Nebehay 
► Israel's Netanyahu: World has double standards - By By JOSEF FEDERMAN 
► Iranian nuclear challenge must be tackled in 2013: Israel - Reuters  
► Georgia, Russia to hold first bilateral talks since war - Reuters 
► Taliban to attend Paris meeting on Afghanistan - By PATRICK QUINN and AMIR SHAH 
► Where in the World Is Mitt Romney? - By SARAH PARNASS | ABC OTUS News 
► Scientists Discover How Toxoplasma From Cats Affects Your Brain - By Vonda J. Sines | Yahoo! Contributor Network
► The Brontosaurus never existed: A tale from the Bone Wars -By Eric Pfeiffer, Yahoo! News
► Scientists create brain cells from human urine - By Eric Pfeiffer, Yahoo! News 
► The world of 2030: U.S. declines; food, water may be scarce -  By Olivier Knox, Yahoo! News 

► Genius Apple Cake -By Food52 | Shine Food –  Thu, Dec 6, 2012 
► Feliz Navidad! 7 Traditional Latin Christmas Recipes 
► 10 of Hanukkah's Greatest Food Hits 
► Dinner recipes for every night this week 
► Miss Ida's Simple Eggnog



► Best sushi restaurants in the U.S. 
 

► Mali PM Diarra quits after arrest 

Mali's PM Cheik Modibo Diarra is arrested as he tries to leave the country, on the orders of March's coup leader Capt Sanogo, say officials.
* Is the world ready to take on Mali's Islamists? 
* On patrol with the Mali Army
* Mali forms new unity government

► Egypt braced for rival protests 

Egypt's capital Cairo steels itself for for rival rallies ahead of a referendum on a new constitution ordered by President Mohamed Morsi.
* Entrenched divisions 
* Protesters polarised over Morsi 
* 'Major compromise' - VIDEO
* Profile: National Salvation Front

► 11 December 2012 - Asia 'set to eclipse' US by 2030

Asia will wield more global power than the US and Europe combined by 2030, a forecast from the US intelligence community has found.
* The growth of megacities - VIDEO
* Which is the world's biggest city?

► 'Drone strike killed my grandmother outside our house'. 10 December 2012-  Over the past eight years, there have been more than 300 American drone strikes against al Qaeda and other militant targets in Pakistan's tribal areas. While the US says it is a precision tool that is helping them to win the war on terror, others say the unmanned planes that drop bombs are being used indiscriminately - resulting in untold civilian casualties. Jane Corbin recently travelled to Waziristan for BBC Panorama and met some of those affected.  (VIDEO)  || Panorama: The Secret Drone War, BBC One, Monday, 10 December and then available in the UK via the BBC iPlayer. 

► 10 December 2012 - North Korea: On the net in world's most secretive nation 
► 10 December 2012 - Interview: The Nobel prizes in the 21st century 


► 10 December 2012 -  Rhino poaching: South Africa and Vietnam sign deal 

South Africa signs a deal with Vietnam to fight the escalating illicit trade in rhino horn, used in traditional medicine in Asian countries.
* Record number of SA rhinos killed 
* Could legal horn trade save rhinos? 

► 10 December 2012  -  Day in pictures: 10 December 2012 
► 10 December 2012 - Surf and turf gambling in the Bahamas
► 11 December 2012 In pictures: Humpbacks feed close to shore in Norway 


► Rare clouded leopard filmed in wild. 10 December 2012 - Footage of a Sunda clouded leopard, one world's most rare and elusive cats, has been captured by a biologist on holiday in Malaysia. Dr Jyrki Hokkanen, a wildlife videographer, spoke to BBC World to explain how he came across the young female leopard, which was resting in the forest. (VIDEO) 

► Can The Hobbit live up to the hype? 10 December 2012  - With the much-anticipated first instalment of The Hobbit set to hit the big screen in the UK, the film's stars have been speaking about their roles in the trilogy. Based on Tolkien's 1937 book, the film promises to take viewers on an epic fantasy adventure. | Lizo Mzimba reports.(VIDEO)

►
CrossTalk: Separatism Surge. Published on Dec 10, 2012 :: Are concepts of self-determination and state sovereignty out of balance today? Should the Scots strive for independence? What about the Basques, the Catalonians, the Irish and other peoples? Is this problem undermining democracy in Europe? Should Europe be more, or less involved in the world? And what about the 'European identity?' CrossTalking with Christian Wenning, Anthony Rosato and Xose Manuel Nunez.



► 'Jihadists may use chemical weapons to ethnically cleanse Syria'. Published on Dec 10, 2012 :: Syrian political activist Yazan Abdallah shared with RT information that jihadist groups inside Syria might use chemical weapons to conduct "ethnic cleansing" against certain sectarian groups. (VIDEO)  || NEWS - 'Patriot missiles in Turkey will tighten rebel grip on Syrian north'

► 'US backing blinkers Israel from growing UN isolation'. Published on Dec 10, 2012 :: The militant group Hamas will not to give up an inch of Palestinian territories. That's according to the organization's political leader Khaled Meshaal, speaking on the last day of his trip to Gaza. He also slammed Israel for the occupation of Palestinian lands, and refused to recognize the country's legitimacy. Israel responded it would never unilaterally withdraw from the West Bank, saying that would undermine it's security. Journalist Gideon Levy weighs in on the standoff. (VIDEO)

  Israel was facing a major dilemma in finding a partner with the Palestinians. Israel's relations with its main partners in the West Bank -- Fatah -- was deteriorating. On the other hand, confidence and popularity of Hamas post-cease-fire with Israel in mid-November in central Gaza was mounting.

Israel's relations with the Palestinian government in the West Bank began to fail associated with the rising status of Palestine at the United Nations. In reply attitude toward the Palestinians, the Israeli authorities to build Jewish settlements, although it was condemned by the Western countries.

Such conditions encouraged a number of West prominent urged the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ease the tensions on Sunday (12/9). He was also asked to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's insistence which was backed by the West.

Netanyahu's political rival -- former prime minister Ehud Olmert -- warned that the latest violence was not 'long'. Nevertheless, Netanyahu remained calm. Moreover, towards the Israel election in 2013 Netanyahu is almost certainly not going to do the new initiatives.

"We in the government are not under any illusions. We want the true peace with our neighbors (the Palestinians), but we do not close our eyes and bury our heads in the sand." Netanyahu told his ministers.

Last November, Netanyahu had taken a stance that apparently accidentally uniting the Palestinian leaders in Gaza Strip and West Bank (which has always been in the hostilities). He ordered the army to launch an offensive into Gaza for eight days. The attack was in response to rockets from Gaza controlled by Hamas.

At a business conference on Sunday (12/9), Israeli President Shimon Peres said the incident happened in Gaza was different from the attitude shown by Mahmoud Abbas. "We have two clear choices. Nobody is perfect. If one is true, then the other is wrong. Therefore, we must choose between Hamas leader (Khaled Mashaal) or Abbas, "Peres said.
***

►
Not so noble, or peaceful: EU Nobel Peace Prize disappointment. Published on Dec 10, 2012 :: The European Union's three presidents are in Oslo to receive this year's Nobel Peace Prize, on behalf of the group. It's being given to commend the EU for fostering peace. But not everyone agrees - hundreds marched through the Norwegian capital in protest. RT's Peter Oliver looks at why many believe the EU doesn't deserve the prize, and why the whole Nobel institution may need a rethink.  With the EU mired in economic strife, it's hardly looking peaceful with anti-austerity protests and riots. RT talks to Max Otte who's a business professor and an independent investment fund manager. (VIDEO)



► 'Moderate Islam will help Egypt; strict religiosity harmful'. Published on Dec 10, 2012 :: Once hailed as the poster country for the Arab Spring, Egypt is now embroiled in a violent constitutional crisis. RT talked to one of the people at the heart of the political battle -- former presidential candidate and Arab League chief Amr Moussa. (VIDEO) ||  NEWS - Amr Moussa: 'The changes we wanted after the revolution have not happened' 

► Not so noble: EU's Peace Prize win sparks debate over legitimacy
► Russians don't want revolutions – P U T I N 
► Communists set up new movement to counter 'Western oppression' 
► Israel behind bogus Iran nuclear data leak - reports
► US detained hundreds of Afghan teenagers
► World's most dangerous religion: Atheists face worldwide persecution – report
► Amr Moussa: 'The changes we wanted after the revolution have not happened'
► Ecuador may consider political asylum for Syria's Assad
► In shining armor: Apache-piloting Prince Harry to 'help oust Assad'
► Doctors 'cure' leukemia by using HIV to rewire immune system 
► Superhumans, supercities and supercomputers: US intelligence's vision of 2030 
► Over a million Americans officially became poor in two months

►
Inside Story - The politics of European technocrats. Published on Dec 10, 2012 :: Technocrat prime ministers are supposed to rise above the political bickering and drive through unpopular policies. Has Italy's government improved the economy or was it merely a quick-fix? Guests: Vincenzo Scarpetta, Ettore Greco, Andrea Teti.



►
Italians wary of return of Berlusconi. Published on Dec 10, 2012 :: Mario Monti, Italy's prime minister, has announced his intention to resign after the party of Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister, withdrew its support from the government. Germany says his decision to leave should not destabilise the eurozone, however, with an election looming in February and the possible return of Berlusconi to politics, should Italy be worried? Al Jazeera's Paul Brennan reports from Rome.

► 6 In Italy, Will Monti's Exit Mean Berlusconi's Return? 
By Stephan Faris

* Top 10 Worst Silvio Berlusconi Gaffes 
* Interview with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti

(I wonder, ....Is there no one else in all corners of Italy whose ability more than Berlusconi's capabilities in terms of running the country? Particularly in improving the Italian economy? Ah, ...did I see Berlusconi's kinda a jerk?)

Latest Headlines

■ Mali's PM Resigns, After Being Arrested by Junta
■ Meeting Delay a Sign of Cooling U.S.-Vietnam Ties 
■ Police: Apple Maps Has Dangerous Australian Error
■ Israel's Netanyahu: World Has Double Standards 
■ Extortion of American Stings Bolivian Officials
■ Egypt's Military Takes Over Security Ahead of Vote 
■ Judge: Turn Over LA Priest Files to Court
■ Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye Hospitalized
■ HSBC to Pay $1.9B to Settle Probe
■ U.K. Police Arrest 6th Person in Sex Abuse Probe
■ Judge: Strauss-Kahn, NYC Hotel Maid Settle Suit
■ Afghan Attacks Down Overall, Insider Threat Rises
■ Argentine Mom Rescues Sex Slaves, But Not Daughter
■ CNN: Hugo Chavez' Long Cancer Fight 
■ CNN: Stocks End Higher as Tech Shares Gain 

► Detained, Tortured and Without Trial, a Saudi Political Prisoner Returns Home 

By Jacob Templin
* Saudi Arabia Implements SMS-Tracking System 
* Saudi Dissent Is Alive, but Only in Private

► Fiscal Cliff Stalemate Spurs Anxiety at State Level 
► Chávez's Cancer Relapse: Can Venezuela's Socialists Survive? 

* Chávez Wins a Third Term in Venezuela (PHOTOS) 

► Drones with Lasers: A High-Tech Double Threat 
      *  'Dronestagram': Mapping Strike Sites Using Social Media
► Massive Discounts Kick Off Big Week for Online Retail
► Why Veterans Should Watch Gay-Marriage Laws Closely 
► Can Too Much Salt Trigger Childhood Obesity? 
► Syria's Agony: The Photographs That Moved Them Most (PHOTOS)
► 10 Iconic LIFE Magazine Covers

► California Tales

* Group aims to restore 1915 schoolhouse, teach local history inside 
* Dinosaur statue in San Juan Capistrano not loved by all
* L.A. literary stalwart selected as city's first poet laureate 
* Intersection near L.A. library named for Ray Bradbury

► Obama and Boehner seem to get along fine; politics is the problem 
► Obama blasts 'right to work' in Michigan, presses 'fiscal cliff' 
► A prayer as 'fiscal cliff' talks continue
► Republicans less likely to compromise than Democrats, poll says 
► Haley not considering a 'placeholder' to replace DeMint 

► 911 cost-cutting brings a warning 

By Los Angeles Times Staff - L.A. officials want to put dispatchers on eight-hour shifts, saving $3.2 million in annual overtime costs. But a top commander says it's unsafe: On some shifts, the number of call-takers could drop 40%.
* Interactive: How fast is LAFD where you live?
* Photos: Inside new 911 dispatch center
* Full coverage: Life on the line: 911 breakdowns at LAFD

By LAFD027

► Los Angeles Fire Department In Action! Uploaded on Apr 24, 2010 :: Amazing footage! Meet the 2nd largest fire department in the United States. This short teaser is the prelude to a new series about fire and life safety. We'll take you behind the scenes and show you never before seen footage of firefighters and paramedics in action. Learn to make your family safer, at home, in school, and at work. Share your thoughts and we'll point you in the right direction. We're On Fire!  || ► LAFD Grass Fire Along the 101 Fwy in Hollywood. Uploaded on May 23, 2009

► F R A M E W O R K  - Pictures in the News | December 10, 2012 - Posted By: Marc Martin