News Headlines (69) 15 November 2012

Driving in the USA

by HISHEdotcom

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How It Should Have Ended : How Return Of The Jedi Should Have Ended || How It Should Have Ended : How The Avengers Should Have Ended



► Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AssociatedPress. In his first news conference since winning a second term, President Obama was pressed for a deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" -- and saidhe doesn't think national security was breached in the sex scandal that brought down his CIA chief. (Nov. 14) (VIDEO)

► Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AssociatedPress.  The Deputy Directors of the CIA and FBI meet with Congressional Intelligence Leaders on Wednesday, to discuss the investigation that led to David Petraeus' resignation as CIA Director. (Nov. 14) (VIDEO)

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Rolling Stones Rock the Red Carpet in NY

► Veteran FBI Agent Frederick Humphries Got Ball Rolling on Petraeus Probe
► Clinton-Lewinsky "spinners" resurface in generals scandal - By Mark Hosenball | Reuters 
► Panetta unaware of any more names in Petraeus case - By ROBERT BURNS | Associated Press
► How important will David Petraeus' Benghazi testimony be? By The Week's Editorial Staff 
► The David Petraeus affair: Why the media's coverage is sexist - By The Week's Editorial Staff
► China's new leadership faces obstacles to rule - By CHARLES HUTZLER
► China Leadership May Have 1st Woman - By Gloria Riviera | ABC News 
► Top Republicans say Romney didn't offer specifics - By PHILIP ELLIOTT | Associated Press
► War looms after Hamas rocket kills 3 Israelis - By Nidal al-Mughrabi | Reuters
► Obama Talks With Israel, Egypt on Gaza Attacks - ABC OTUS News 
► U.N. chief urges Israel, Hamas to avoid escalating Gaza violence- Reuters
► Oil rises as Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza - By SANDY SHORE 
► Amid political storm, Obama to view Sandy recovery - By MATTHEW DALY
► France wants to review EU ban on arming Syria rebels - Reuters
► Libya swears in first elected government - By Marie-Louise Gumuchian and Ali Shuaib 

► Paralyzed dog runs for first time. Four-year old Billy, whose hind legs are paralyzed since birth, ran for the first time on Nov. 9 with the aid of the roll car. 'Rehatechnik fuer Tiere' (medical engineering for animals) owner Marco van den Boom, custom builds a range of roll cars for disabled or infirm dogs and animals, to help aid their mobility or paralysis needs. (PHOTOS)

► 'Orphan' Alien Planet Found Nearby Without Parent Star - By Mike Wall | SPACE.com – Wed, Nov 14, 2012

LATEST:
► 15 November 2012 - Burma to free hundreds of prisoners before Obama visit
► 15 November 2012 - India 2G telecom auction falls short of target
► 15 November 2012 - Jordan police kill 'gunman' amid fuel price unrest
► 15 November 2012  - Petraeus scandal: Broadwell and Kelley's access revoked 

BREAKING NEWS: The eurozone falls into recession after the bloc's economy contracted by 0.1% in the July-to-September quarter

► 15 November 2012 - Gaza rocket fire kills three Israelis, violence escalates
► 15 November 2012 - Israel ready to widen Gaza operations, says Netanyahu

► 15 November 2012 - China confirms leadership change 

Xi Jinping is confirmed as the man to lead China for the next decade, as reformist contenders miss out on membership of the top decision-making body. 121
* China's new leaders Live
* China's leaders revealed - VIDEO 
* Profiles: New leaders 
* Leaders' elusive promises 
* China media reaction New 
* Full coverage 

► Gaza rocket fire kills Israelis

Three Israelis have been killed by rocket-fire from Gaza, where 11 Palestinians have died in Israeli air strikes since it killed a Hamas chief on Wednesday.
*As-it-happened: Israel strikes Gaza
* In pictures: Israeli air strikes
* Obituary: Ahmed al-Jabari 
* What will follow this? 

► 15 November 2012  - World's leggiest millipede put under microscope | By Rebecca Morelle Science reporter, BBC News 


► 15 November 2012 - Will mobile sensors revolutionise healthcare?
► Why Gladwell's 10,000-hour rule is wrong
► The perfect trip: Vietnam
► Living in: Melbourne
► 14 November 2012 -  Day in pictures: 14 November 2012
► 15 November 2012  - Jose Mujica: The world's 'poorest' president | By Vladimir Hernandez BBC Mundo, Montevideo
► 14 November 2012 - Aung San Suu Kyi was 'a quiet and inquisitive student'
► 15 November 2012 - Viewpoints: What next for the BBC?
► 15 November 2012  - Who, What, Why: Who first called it a 'fiscal cliff'?

► FBI discovers classified Pentagon files on computer of Petraeus' mistress. Published: 14 November, 2012 

► 'Commander curse in Afghanistan both domestic rivalry & policy backfire'. Published on Nov 14, 2012 by RussiaToday :: The US campaign in Afghanistan has suffered a military-grade blow with at least two celebrity generals and veterans of the intervention falling from grace. A sex scandal that started with revelations of the ex-CIA chief having an affair, has now claimed the reputation of the current Afghan campaign commander. Dr. Sreeram Chaulia, from the Jindal School of International Affairs in India believes the generals' main mistake was total failure in Afghanistan. (VIDEO)

► Israel calls up reservists, gets ready for Gaza invasion.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by RussiaToday. Hamas says that it is now in a state of "open war" indefinitely with Israel after the killing of the Hamas commander Ahmed Jabari by an Israeli airstrike  (VIDEO)  - READ MORE - Hamas says now in 'open war' with Israel, promises 'gates of hell'   || SIMILAR VIDEO : Hamas military chief Ahmed Jabari killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Published on Nov 14, 2012 by RussiaToday :: The Israeli Air Force (IAF) killed Jabari in an airstrike on his car in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Israel's TV Channel 2 says his son also died in the missile attack (VIDEO)

■ Israeli army refused to follow Netanyahu's order to attack Iran in 2010: paper - From the Newspaper | Masood Haider | 6th November, 2012
■ Security chiefs refused order from PM in 2010 to prepare military to strike Iran within hours if necessary, TV report says. According to Channel 2, chief of staff and Mossad chief adamantly opposed demand to initiate highest level of military readiness, and Netanyahu and Barak backed down - By Times of Israel staff November 4, 2012

► 'Diamond Ring' solar eclipse plunges Australia into darkness. Published on Nov 14, 2012 by RussiaToday :: A rare total eclipse lasting over two minutes has wowed spectators and astronomers alike in Far North Queensland, while the surrounding wildlife also seemed dazzled by the phenomenon, going completely quiet throughout the spectacle. (VIDEO)

► CrossTalk: Syrian Reshuffle.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by RussiaToday ::The Syrian opposition has reached a new unity deal. How representative is this new body and how will it change the course of the civil war? Many months of crisis and Assad is still going strong -- is he staying after all? Is the new Syrian opposition merely a puppet of the West? And as this conflict continues, what is Russia's role? CrossTalking with Rim Turkmani, Roy Gutman and Josef Olmert. (VIDEO)

► Dramatic tornado video: Rare twin twisters sweep through Japan.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by RussiaToday :: (Video courtesy: Fuji TV) A massive waterspout and a tornado have swept through the western region of Japan on Wednesday. No injuries or damages were reported. Japanese broadcaster Fuji TV showed dramatic footage of a large waterspout over the ocean in Wakayama Prefecture. According to the meteorological agency, the waterspout lasted about 10 minutes and disintegrated before arriving on land. Additionally, around the same time as the tornado developed in Wakayama, a smaller tornado was witnessed in Ishikawa Prefecture after a hail storm and lightning shook the town. Tornadoes are relatively rare in Japan. (VIDEO)




►Plane crashes, slides off runway in Brazil.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by RussiaToday :: Security camera footage shows a small plane that slipped off the runway and crashed into a fence at Sao Paulo's Congohas airport on Tuesday. The three people flying aboard the Cessna Citation CJ3 plane from Florianopolis were injured but are no longer in life-threatening conditions. The pilot Michael Rumpf Gaail received the worst injuries. (VIDEO) 

► 'We have no future!' EU anger unites millions in protest (PHOTOS, VIDEO). Published: 15 November, 2012
► New man at helm: Xi Jinping elected to lead China (PHOTOS). Published: 15 November, 2012 - Edited: 15 November, 2012

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Love Is: When China, US chitchat 'tricky'. Uploaded by RussiaToday on Feb 15, 2012 || Engdahl: Tensions between US and China very real. Published on Nov 8, 2012 by RussiaToday



► 700,000 Americans petition the White House to secede from the US. Published: 14 November, 2012
► Obama secretly signs the most aggressive cybersecurity directive ever. Published: 15 November, 2012
► Moscow votes to end Washington's 52-year Cuban embargo. Published: 14 November, 2012 - Edited: 14 November, 2012
► Some demands by opposition 'fair' – Medvedev. Published: 14 November, 2012
► First Twitter war declaration? Israel announces Gaza operation on social media site. Published: 14 November, 2012 - Edited: 15 November, 2012
► Gaza under Israeli attack: LIVE UPDATES. Published: 14 November, 2012 -  Edited: 15 November, 2012
► Hamas, not Israel is responsible for civilian deaths' - IDF spokesperson. Published: 15 November, 2012

► Diamonds are forever: Multi-million dollar rare rocks break records in Geneva. Published: 15 November, 2012  || DAILYMAIL - Diamonds aren't forever: The decline of the gem industry - By Dan Mcdougall 19 December 2008  

► Billionaire politician Prokhorov gets a comic book bio. Published: 14 November, 2012

(Haaa ... this is wonderful, Mike! wahh ... I can't wait for news coverage when you become an icon of the world, such as the celebrity and politician from Russia. Mmm, ... president candidate after Putin 2012, maybe? ahahaa .... why not?)

(Note: Mikhail Prokhorov is handsome .. eeehh ... what the hell? He also has style ... eeeh, stop typing, Cisca!)

► The Stream - Argentina's message war.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: How much is social media fueling Argentina's #8N protest movement? (VIDEO)

► Israel 'prepared to expand' Gaza operation.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Israeli air strikes have continued into the night in Gaza, after a missile killed Ahmad Jabiri, the military commander of Hamas. Israel says its assault on Gaza may continue for days and the armed wing of Hamas says it has fired at least 20 rockets into Israel since the killing of its commander. Al Jazeera's Nadim Baba reports from Gaza. (VIDEO) 

► Obituary: Ahmad Jabari.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Ahmad Jabari was a high-ranking member of Hamas and in command of the movement's military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in the Gaza Strip. He was killed in an Israeli air strike on his car in Gaza on November 14. Al Jazeera's Hydar Abbasi reports. (VIDEO) 

► Interview with Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan speaks to Al Jazeera about the latest Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, following the killing of Hamas's Ahmad Jabari. "Now they have started not only an attack, but it's a long operation against Gaza. They are working to target the local leaders and also some political leaders; because of that we are expecting some days of violence," he said. "Everyone knows that Ahmed Jabari was the leader of al-Qassam troops during the war on Gaza 2008-2009 and he was the man behind the [2006] kidnapping of Gilad Shalit. So [the Israeli military] has started with this man because they believe they have a long revenge for him. "We will respond, that must happen. I have to say clearly we know that this road of retaliation is very long and we have to sacrifice. And we have sacrificed a lot."

[Update: Since this interview was carried out, Al Jazeera has confirmed that Ahmad Jabari's son was not killed in the Israeli attack as Osama Hamdan mentioned.] (VIDEO )

► Interview: Ali Abunimah on the situation in Gaza.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Israeli air strikes have continued into the night in Gaza, after a missile killed the military commander of Hamas, Ahmed Jabari. Dozens of rockets have been fired back into southern Israel following the strike. One has hit a shopping centre in a major Israeli city.  At least eight people have been reported killed in Gaza so far - including three civilians. Residential buildings are among those destroyed.  Al Jazeera's Shakuntala Santhrian interviews Ali Abunimah, a Palestinian American journalist, and co-founder of Electronic Intifada, an online publication about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (VIDEO)

► Putin passes new controversial treason law. Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish.  Its been seven months since Vladimir Putin returned to power as Russia's President. In that time he has passed a number of laws that rights groups say undermine civil liberties and freedom of speech. The latest controversial law passed is on treason. Rights activists say it's so vague that it would mean any dissenter could be branded a traitor. Al Jazeera's Charles Stratford reports from Moscow. (VIDEO) 

► Talk to Al Jazeera - Moaz al-Khatib: a united Syrian opposition.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: After more than a year of division, infighting and a lack of international support, the Syrian opposition leaders are finally presenting a united front. (VIDEO) 

► Nigeria's Gbagyi people fight for land money.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Nigeria's Gbagyi people have been waiting for more than 30 years to be paid for lost land. They say the government evicted them in 1976 and demolished their homes to build the capital.
Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege reports from Abuja. (VIDEO) 



► Inside Story - Driving towards a greener future? Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish ::  A plug-in electric car develped by a start-up company in the United States is leaving its conventional rivals behind. The Tesla Model S has been named Car of the Year by Motor Trends magazine, in one of the auto industry's most prestigious, closely watched awards. It is the first time a battery-powered vehicle has scooped the coveted accolade. But questions remain as to whether electric cars can provide a realistic and commercial alternative to conventional vehicles, and whether they really are that green. (VIDEO) 




► China frets over US ties with Australia.  Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Barack Obama, the US president, says the Asia Pacific region is key to his country's future. But as co-operation with Australia grows, so does Chinese suspicion of US goals in the area. Al Jazeera's Andrew Thomas reports from Perth. (VIDEO) 



► Pakistan agrees to free ten Afghan Taliban. Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Pakistan has agreed to free several Afghan Taliban prisoners, officials from both countries said on Wednesday. The talks between Pakistani diplomats and Afghan peace negotiators came as Salahuddin Rabbani, chair of the Afghan High Peace Council, is on a three-day visit to Islamabad. AL Jazeera's Bernard Smtih reports from Kabul. (VIDEO) 



► Inside Story - What is the future of US-Cuban relations? Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: We ask if President Obama in his second term will take more steps to thaw relations between the two countries. Kimberly Halkett, discusses with Larry Luxner, Peter Kornbluh & Jose Cardenas. (VIDEO) 

► Fault Lines - The Battle for the Arctic. Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Fault Lines looks at the potential environmental impact of resource extraction in the Arctic, and what that might mean for the people who live there. The UN has imposed a 2013 deadline for the submission of scientific claims to the Arctic seabed. It is the precursor to a resource boom which would see Canada, the US, Russia, Norway and Greenland all attempt to exploit the region's resources. These Arctic countries are desperately mapping out their territories so they can tap into the fossil fuels and minerals locked beneath the fast melting ice. And with global warming speeding up the melting of the Polar ice caps, potential shipping routes are opening up - raising concerns about oil spills, and control over these new passageways. Fault Lines' Josh Rushing heads to the Far North to see first-hand how Arctic countries are responding to the potential bonanza. (VIDEO)

Latest Headlines

■ Rocket Attack from Gaza Strip Kills 3 Israelis
■ Xi Takes Helm of China as Powers and Problems Grow 
■ Panetta Unaware of Any More Names in Petraeus Case 
■ Pelosi To Stay On As House Democratic Leader
■ Cambodia Arrests 8 over 'SOS' Messages for Obama 
■ Burma Says 450 Prisoners to be Freed in Amnesty 
■ U.S. Deplores Murder of Honduran Teen by Military
■ Japan, N. Korea Open Bilateral Talks on Abductions
■ Venezuela Deports Alleged Drug Lord to Colombia 
■ Software Founder McAfee Denies Killing Neighbor 
■ Armstrong's Cancer Foundation Drops His Name 
■ California Begins Cap-and-Trade System 
■ People: Sexiest Man Alive – Channing Tatum
■ CNN: 3 Held in Killing of McAfee's Neighbor 

► Ireland Abortion Scandal Prompts Soul Searching 

By Sorcha Pollak / London
* Ireland's Abortion Debate Heats Up 
* Q&A with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny

► Ireland abortion refusal ignites uproar. Published on Nov 14, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish. Hundreds of people have protested in Ireland over the death of a woman who was refused an abortion. Savita Halappanavar was admitted to hospital while miscarrying and in severe pain, but doctors refused to complete the spontaneous abortion. Halappanavar later died of blood poisoning. Al Jazeera's Laurence Lee reports Dublin, Ireland. (VIDEO)


► The Next Generation: Meet China's New Rulers 
► Israel Rolls the Dice: Will There Be Another Gaza War?

* The Pomp in Gaza: Hamas Makes a Stately Move

► Facebook: The Unspoken College Admissions Test

► Petraeus: Controversial General, Complex Legacy 

* Obama: No Evidence of Security Breach in Scandal

► Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi Returns to India, Renewing Frayed Ties
► Aleppo's Deadly Stalemate: A Visit to Syria's Divided Metropolis
► Lost in Space: A Starless Planet Floats Alone
► Turn Out the Light! It May Be Making You Moody
► PHOTO ESSAY - In Sandy’s Shadow: How the Redfern Houses' True Ordeal Began After the Storm 
► PHOTOS- Europe Rises Up: Day of Anti-Austerity Rage Grips the Continent 

► America in Vietnam, 1963: Deeper Into War

► China unveils new leaders

By Barbara Demick
Xi Jinping is named party general secretary, making his ascension to president next year official. The Standing Committee roster signals little political change.
* Profiles: 7 named to the Standing Committee of the Politburo 

► China's new leadership led by Xi Jinping. Published on Nov 15, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish. China's leadership transition has formally concluded. Vice President Xi Jinping was chosen as General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party. With his new leadership post, Xi also becomes the commander-in-chief of China's military.  Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna reports from Beijing. (VIDEO) 


► China presents its new leadership 
► Japan steers clear of 'fiscal cliff,' plans December elections 
► New opposition coalition gaining recognition in Syria 
► Security forces clash with protesters in Jordan

► Romney attributes loss to 'gifts' Obama gave minorities. The former nominee says in a phone call to donors that the president gave 'a lot of stuff' to African Americans, Latinos and young people during his first term in order to secure their votes. 

► Medical response time lags in many pricey L.A. neighborhoods - A Times investigation finds wide geographic disparities in how quickly LAFD rescuers deliver aid in response to 911 calls. 
► Weekend Escape: Celebrate 50 years of Seattle's Space Needle
► VIDEO - PHOTO Nature close up with the Bird Photo Booth
► 1941 Los Angeles Civic Center
► FRAMEWORK - Pictures in the News | November 14, 2012 Posted By: Marc Martin 

News Headlines (68) 14 November 2012

► How Many Photos Have Been Taken? Published on Nov 10, 2012 by Vsauce 

► A Real No-Brainer. Published on Oct 24, 2012 by Vsauce 

► Frog Legs Dancing With A Little Salt. Uploaded by thearchipelagos on Jun 2, 2009  
 


► If you are genius solve this. Uploaded by sarijaradat on Mar 18, 2008 :: pause the video after you see the rules and examples then try to solve it... after that you can see the solution

► 5300 Homemade Dominoes. Uploaded by Mike Perrucci on Apr 14, 2007::  My brother Steve and I hand-cut and hand-painted 5,292 wooden dominoes plus some bigger-sized blocks after efforts to find large amounts of professional quality toppling dominoes fell short. This is the result of about $100 worth of materials and a whole lot of man-hours.  We were happy with the outcome. We tried several new stunts and although one of them failed to trigger, the course never needed to be restarted. For close-up photos of key stunts and explanations on how they work, visit :: http://www.mazeguy.net/basement.html

► 'Terminator' arm is world's most advanced prosthetic limb. Published on Nov 5, 2012 by jonmillsswns. A father who lost his arm in an accident six years ago has been given a new lease of life by a hi-tech bionic hand which is so precise he can type again. Nigel Ackland, 53, has been fitted with the Terminator-like carbon fibre mechanical hand which he can control with movements in his upper arm. The new bebionic3 myoelectric hand, which is also made from aluminium and alloy knuckles, moves like a real human limb by responding to Nigel's muscle twitches. Incredibly, the robotic arm is so sensitive it means the father-of-one can touch type on a computer keyboard, peel vegetables, and even dress himself for the first time in six years. . More info about this amazing prosthetic can be found here

► Terminator Make-Up and Arm Tutorials : Your FX.  Uploaded by indymogul on May 11, 2009 ::Indy Mogul has created a special Terminator-themed Your FX this month in honor of the New Terminator Salvation film.  Our first tutorial shows you how to make the inside of your arm look like it has a robotic skeleton, the second tutorial shows you how to recreate the Terminator make-up and faceplate. And of course, there's another great user-submitted clip montage with guns, explosions, and other great effects.  Thanks to everyone who has been submitting to the show!

► The Athlete Machine - Red Bull Kluge. Published on Nov 11, 2012 by redbull. Derived from the German adjective Klug (meaning "clever"), Red Bull Kluge combines complex machinery patched together with the energy and prowess of world-class athletes, to see what happens when physics gets physical. Experience the world of Red Bull like you have never seen it before. With the best action sports clips on the web and YouTube exclusive series, prepare for your "stoke factor" to be at an all time high.

► 10 Bets You Will Never Lose. Published on Jun 10, 2012 by Quirkology 

► Another 10 bets you will always win. Published on Nov 11, 2012 by Quirkology  

► 10 Abandoned Places Explained. Uploaded by alltime10s on Jan 19, 2011.From the mysterious to the bizarre, here's why these 10 notable places were abandoned.

► 10 World Biggest Holes Created By Human and Nature. Uploaded by stiggi94 on Feb 8, 2011. Song: Unknown Artist - American Beauty (Breakbeat Rmx of Jakatta - Amercian Dream by Thomas Newman). Pictures are taken from http://intradayfun.com/2011/01/10-world-biggest-holes-created-by-human-and-nature/

► Who's who in Petraeus scandal. News of David Petraeus resigning his position as CIA director over an affair with his biographer has evolved into a wider–and complicated–cast of characters. The swiftly unfolding drama is unearthing a web of intrigue, politics, and, yes, email. Here, a who's who of the scandal. 

► Jill Kelley and Twin Closely Tied to Top Brass - By CHRISTINA NG, MARTHA RADDATZ and LUIS MARTINEZ | ABC News 

► China slams Dalai Lama; Tibetan self-immolates - by GILLIAN WONG | Associated Press – Mon, Nov 12, 2012 

► 14 November 2012  - China's party congress wraps up 

China's Communist Party brings its week-long congress to a close, a day before unveiling the country's new leadership line-up.
* China at a crossroads 
New generals in charge of guns
* Set for fifth generation 
* Change and challenge facing China 

► Obama backs Allen amid email probe 

The White House backs Gen John Allen after reports he "flirted" with a woman who was harassed by the lover of CIA Director David Petraeus.
* A modern morality tale 
* Petraeus 'shared no secrets' - VIDEO 

► 14 November 2012 - Petraeus affair: Why the cult of the American general? By Daniel Nasaw BBC News Magazine, Washington 
► 14 November 2012  - Neda Soltani: 'The media mix-up that ruined my life'
► 14 November 2012 - France backs anti-Assad coalition 

France's President Hollande becomes the first Western leader to recognise Syria's newly formed opposition coalition as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people.
* Syria's displaced 'number 2.5m' 
* Profile: New opposition leader
* What chance for new opposition? 

► EU workers in austerity protests

Workers across the European Union are set to stage a series of protests against rising unemployment and austerity measures.
* Greece secures short-term finance
* What if Greece quits euro?
* Euro crisis in graphics

► Fatal floods spread across Italy

Heavy flooding in Italy kills four people in Tuscany, reports say, as downpours cause power cuts and transport disruptions.
* In pictures: Venice floods 
* Six killed in Italy flash floods 
* Many rescued from Italian floodwaters by helicopter- VIDEO

►
Raw: Heavy Flooding Across Central Italy



► 7 November 2012 -  European Parliament :: Merkel: Euro 'more than just a currency'

► 8 November 2012-US-Cuba ties: Obama win stirs little hope among Cubans  By Sarah Rainsford BBC News, Florida, Central Cuba

► 'Worst Case Scenario': France recognizes Syrian opposition coalition. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by RussiaToday.  France, first of the European countries, recognizes Syrian opposition coalition as "legitimate representative of the Syrian people" - READ MORE   (VIDEO)

► Enemy inside the gates: Syria's main foe is 'foreign-sponsored terrorists'. Published: 13 November, 2012
► Pain in the brass: Petraeus joins sullied trinity of fallen generals (Op-Ed). Published: 14 November, 2012 - Edited: 14 November, 2012
► Google confirms: 'Government surveillance is on the rise'. Published: 13 November, 2012 
► McAfee bugs out: AntiVirus guru hits rock bottom after fleeing murder charge. Published: 13 November, 2012
► White House to respond after 70,000 demand secession of Texas from US. Published: 13 November, 2012
► Bloggers' fear: Russian crackdown on illegal web content causes stir. Published: 13 November, 2012 - Edited: 14 November, 2012
► Crime of the century: S. Africa’s $2mn art heist. Published: 13 November, 2012  

► 'Iran Hawk Petraeus pushed out for warmongering'. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by RussiaToday.  As if losing CIA director David Petraeus over having an affair last week wasn't enough - now Washington's chief commander in Afghanistan has become embroiled in the same scandal. Petraeus stood-down last Friday after admitting to infidelity. Former MI5 intelligence officer Annie Machon says that Petraeus' downfall could be the result of infighting within the intelligence community. (VIDEO)  ||  RELATED VIDEO - Lady Killers: US general in Afghanistan snared by e-mail catfight Published on Nov 13, 2012 by RussiaToday. The fall out from CIA Director David Petraeus' resignation continues, with the man who replaced him as US commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen, now embroiled in the scandal. Petraeus stood-down last Friday after admitting to an extramarital affair.

► 'Immoral' Big Biz: Starbucks, Google, Amazon tax-scams exposed in UK. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by RussiaToday :: Three of the world's most-recognised brands - Starbucks, Google and Amazon - are under fire in the UK for depriving Britain of millions of pounds through elaborate tax avoidance schemes (VIDEO) || Story  - 'Immoral' business: Google, Starbucks, Amazon grilled over UK tax avoidance. Published: 13 November, 2012 - Edited: 13 November, 2012

► Italy floods: Helicopter rescue helmet-cam video Published on Nov 13, 2012 by RussiaToday.  Parts of central Italy including Tuscany and Umbria have been submerged by floodwaters following heavy rains and strong winds. In Albinia firefighters used a helicopter to winch a person to safety after they had been forced to climb onto their rooftop to avoid the rising waters. (VIDEO)

► Communist Party Congress closes in China. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish ::China's Communist Party is bringing their National People's Congress to a close, a day before unveiling its leaders for the coming decade. David Kelly, research director at China Policy tells Al Jazeera the winder challenges and hopes for the new Chinese leadership. (VIDEO)

► China party congress comes to a close. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish ::China's Communist Party is bringing their National People's Congress to a close, a day before unveiling its leaders for the coming decade. President Hu Jintao and premier Wan Jiabao are expected to step down in favour of the anointed successors, Vice President Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang in what would be only the second orderly transfer of power in 63 years. Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna reports. (VIDEO)

► The Stream - Young scientists. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: How do you change the world? We talk to a group of teenage scientists who are doing just that. (VIDEO)

► US general Allen now under investigation. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: The scandal that's cost CIA Director David Petraeus his job, has now dragged in the United States' top military commander in the Afghan war. The FBI says General John Allen emailed tens of thousands of pages to the woman who led investigators to Petraeus' affair. From Washington, Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan explains. (VIDEO)

► Inside Story Americas - David Patraeus: A US war hero? Published on Nov 13, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: A scandalous affair has brought down a man referred to by many as one of the greatest generals in US history. But how successful have David Petraeus' strategies really been in Iraq and Afghanistan? Until a few years ago, few people had heard of Petraeus. But in Washington DC, he has been long revered. His counter-inserguency strategies in Iraq and Afghanistan have been hailed as great sucesses. But his critics say, the legacy of his career is not that stellar and deserves far more scrutiny than the US media and politicians are willing to give it. (VIDEO)

► Inside Story - Probing Yasser Arafat's death. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said that Russian experts will join a team of Swiss and French investigators in exhuming the remains of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat later this month. Abbas made the announcement during a ceremony to mark the eighth anniversary of Arafat's death on Sunday, in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Abbas says he hopes the Russian involvement will help the investigation. (VIDEO)

► Activate - Israel: No Place to Go. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: African refugees in Israel face violence, discrimination and an uncertain future. Tensions came to a head in Tel Aviv this April with a Molotov cocktail attack on African homes and a creche. In a country where refugees are seen as 'infiltrators' and a 'cancer', Isayas is a refugee attempting to change the situation on the ground. (VIDEO)

► BBC news chief and deputy quit over scandal. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Britain's national broadcaster, the BBC, has admitted making basic journalistic errors, specifically when it wrongly implicated a politician in a child sex abuse scandal. The scandal has led to the resignation of the Director General on Saturday, and on Monday, two senior journalists were relieved of their duties. Al Jazeera's Emma Hayward reports from London. (VIDEO)

► US to decide Afghan troops numbers post 2014. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: The United States defence secretary has said Washington is close to deciding how many troops to keep in Afghanistan after their mission ends in 2014. Many have questioned whether the country is ready to defend itself against the Taliban once international forces pull out. Al Jazeera's Steve Chao reports from Helmand province. (VIDEO)

Latest Headlines

■ China's Next Leaders Named to Central Committee
■ New Opposition Head Gives Renewed Hope to Syrians 
■ U.S. Government Runs $120B October Deficit 
■ Elmo Puppeteer Accuser Recants Teen Sex Allegation
■ China's Communist Party Conclave Nears End 
■ Scandal Widens; U.S. General's Emails 'Flirtatious'
■ General Demoted for Lavish Travel, Spending 
■ Woman Convicted of Murder in Texas Day Care Fire
■ Saudi Man Gets Life in Prison in U.S. Bomb Plot
■ FBI Preparing Timeline of Its Petraeus Probe
■ Somalia News Website Is Run by the U.S. Military 
■ Petraeus Scandal: E-Mail Not as Private as You Think 
■ CNN: Facebook Friends Abandon Romney 
■ CNN: Belize Police Look for McAfee Founder
■ China's Communist Party Shuffles the Deck  PHOTOS)

► Will the Global Economy Tumble Off America's Fiscal Cliff?

By Michael Schuman
* The Pessimist's Guide to Surviving the Fiscal Cliff
* Viewpoint: Why We Should Go Over the Fiscal Cliff

► Syria's Body Count: Exile Tracks the Death Toll 

* Syria Opposition Wins Western Backing 

► Beneath Glowing Image, Petraeus Had His Critics

* For Petraeus, the CIA Was an Uncomfortable Fit

► Will the U.S. Emerge Energy Independent by 2030?

* TIME Explains: U.S. Energy Independence (VIDEO)  

► Gas Prices Are Finally as 'Cheap' as a Year Ago
► Report Finds Some Religious Reform Schools Are Havens for Child Abuse 
► Study: Soccer Players Without Concussions Still Have Brain Changes 
► Who Should Be TIME's 2012 Person of the Year? Our Panel Sounds Off - By Stephanie AbrahamsNov. 13, 2012



► Split in Two, Mali Readies for War By Amy Pereira - Nov. 13, 2012 (PHOTOS)

► PHOTO ESSAY - Root of the Nation: Zhang Kechun Photographs China's Yellow River :: http://lightbox.time.com/2012/11/13/root-of-the-nation-zhang-kechun-photographs-chinas-yellow-river/#1 || Zhang Kechun Photographs

► Yellow River - Wild China - BBC. Published on Mar 25, 2012 by BBCWorldwide :: The Yellow River, China's second largest river, carries billions of tonnes of sediment from the fertile Loess Plateau eastwards to the crop fields of the Chinese Heartland. Today, this raging river is responsible for half of China's wheat production. Great clip from BBC documentary series Wild China.


► Photographer Spotlight: John Dominis 

► GOP senators cool to idea of Susan Rice as secretary of State 
► As lame-duck Congress gathers, new class gets intro to Washington
► Obama reassuring liberal allies, prepping for 'fiscal cliff' talks 
► Pelosi: Petraeus scandal no threat to national security 
► David Petraeus scandal hits White House at awkward time
► Poll: Majority think Obama-Congress will go over 'fiscal cliff'

► MARIJUANATODAY

  US authorities crack down on medical cannabis. Published on Apr 21, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: California is one of more than a dozen US states where marijuana is legal for medical purposes, even though those states' laws are a violation of federal drug policy. Federal authorities have renewed a crackdown on state-sanctioned medical marijuana facilities despite promises by Barack Obama, the president, to keep the issue low on his list of priorities. Local authorities are now also trying to stop people from making money off the medicinal cannabis industry, as it is meant to be a non-profit venture. Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds reports from Oakland, California. (VIDEO) || ► Colorado and Washington State legalize recreational marijuana. Published on Nov 7, 2012 by RTAmerica :: On Tuesday night, the people of America made it clear that Obama was their president of choice. And although Obama's victory took the spotlight, other key ballot measures were also up for a vote. The people of Colorado and Washington have voted to legalize marijuana. So what does this mean for the US? Kristine Frazao and Abby Martin join us to discuss the issues. (VIDEO) 

■ Marijuana legalization: States send message, feds aren't listening
■ Unlikely allies behind marijuana votes in Washington, Colorado 
■ Some thoughts from pot-smoking skaters. Surprisingly, a group of young men in L.A. are as ambivalent as the rest of California about legalizing the drug. 

►
100 million Americans say yes to marijuana. Uploaded by RussiaToday on May 18, 2009 :: A legal battle has broken out over a Californian law permitting the use of marijuana for medical purposes. A pro-pot advocate in Washington, Aaron Houston, who is the Director of Government Relations for the Marijuana Policy Project, said marijuana is Americas largest cost crop. It is bigger than corn and wheat combined with a value of about $36 billion per year; and if marijuana wholesale is legalized, not just for medical purposes, the US would make between $14 and $40 billion from the drug. (VIDEO) || ► US gains from legalising cannabis. Uploaded by RussiaToday on Mar 4, 2009 :: A bill to legalise marijuana has been introduced in the U.S. Aaron Houston, the only full time marijuana lobbyist on Capitol Hill, says taxing the drug will bring millions into the U.S. budget. (VIDEO)



► Young Afghan survivors recall night of terror 

* American 'just started shooting me' 
* DNA and fiber evidence
* Afghan cop doubts Bales acted alone 
* 'You guys are going to thank me' 

► FRAMEWORK

■ Venice flooded by record high tides | November 13, 2012 - Posted By: Marc Martin 
■ Pictures in the News | Nov. 13, 2012 - Posted By: Marc Martin

ONLINE TODAY

► How to define the mood of 2012? Try 'Omnishambles' - the top phrase used to describe a string of blunders and mismanagement -By Anna Edwards. PUBLISHED 14 November 2012

► Brain Structure Helps Guide Behavior by Anticipating Changing Demands - ScienceDaily (June 24, 2012)

► Controlling Depression Is Associated With Improved Health for Heart-Failure Patients 

PICTURES

A costumed performer takes part in a traditional folk festival in San Martin, in the province of Meta November 11, 2012. The annual event, also known as the Folclorico y Turistico del Llano festival (or the international tourism festival of the Llano folk), has at least 272 years of history and commemorates the native people's struggle for freedom against Spanish colonization. REUTERS/Fredy Builes

The crowd is reflected in the glasses of a bearded competitor at the third annual National Beard and Moustache Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 11, 2012. (AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN)

News Headlines (67) 13 November 2012

►
CIA insider tells 911 truth. Time to re-examine your World-view, America!


► Headstone finally placed on unmarked grave of 'Little Rascals' star Chubby Chaney 
► Judy Garland's 'Wizard Of Oz' Dress Sold At Auction $480,000 (PHOTO) 
► Honey can ease childhood cough. Giving a teaspoon of honey to a child with a cough before they go to bed can ease their symptoms and help them sleep more soundly, a study has found - By Nick Collins, Science Correspondent | 06 Aug 2012 .

► Koala Has Lucky Escape From Australian Bushfire. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AssociatedPress :: An injured koala was found with burnt paws and singed fur on Monday following a massive bushfire in Australia. Reports say the fire started near Port Lincoln and has destroyed several homes. (Nov. 12) (VIDEO)

► Petraeus case shows FBI's authority to read email - By RICHARD LARDNER  Associated Press  || PHOTOS 

► Petraeus Shocked at Girlfriend's Emails to Friend - ABC OTUS News 

► General investigated for emails to Petraeus friend - By ROBERT BURNS | Associated Press 

► General Petraues affair details emerge. Published on Nov 11, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Further details have emerged about the resignation of the CIA's director. The FBI, which had been investigating David Petraeus, appears to have been tipped off by a family friend that he was having an extra-marital affair. Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds explains. (VIDEO) 

► Raw: FBI Agents at the Home of Petraeus Lover.  Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AssociatedPress ::  FBI agents are at the North Carolina home of the woman whose affair with retired Gen. David Petraeus led to his resignation as CIA director. A spokeswoman for the FBI says that agents went to Paula Broadwell's home in Charlotte on Monday night. (Nov. 12)  (VIDEO) 

► Holly Petraeus Is Beyond 'Furious' - By MARTHA RADDATZ | ABC OTUS News 

► Veteran: Paula Broadwell 'Not the Type' to Have Affair - By REENA NINAN and ALYSSA NEWCOMB  Good Morning America –  Sun, Nov 11, 2012  || VIDEO - Petraeus: Inside the Mind of a Modern Warrior - By Christiane Amanpour, Matthew Drake, Iva Zoric & David Miller  Tue, Feb 7, 2012 

►  Why Men Like Petraeus Risk It All to Cheat - By Stephanie Pappas, LiveScience Senior Writer  || in LIVESCIENCE 
► Did the media fall for David Petraeus' hype? - By The Week's Editorial Staff | The Week
► Timeline of events in Petraeus case - By JOSH LEDERMAN | Associated Press 

► Unusual pets - Some pet owners love their dogs and cats. These pet owners love their pigs, tigers and snakes. A look at owners with peculiar pets. ( PHOTOS)

► Analysis: Obama Faces Bumps With Russia Policy - ABC OTUS News

► Russia says Syrian opposition should seek dialogue - By Steve Gutterman (Reuters)  ||  VIDEO

► New Syria opposition seeks recognition; Israel fires from Golan - By Rania El Gamal and Yasmine Saleh - Reuters || VIDEO 

► Israeli tanks hit inside Syria, but Israel not eager to enter conflict. Israel is likely to stick with its policy of just routing for the downfall of President Bashar Assad while refraining from throwing its lot in with any of the opposition groups. - By Joshua Mitnick | Christian Science Monitor  

► NATO chief says alliance will defend Turkey over Syria - Reuters 
► "What border?": Syria war reaches Turkey - By Jonathon Burch | Reuters 
►
Raw: Syrian Bombs Encroach on Turkish Border. Published on Nov 13, 2012 by AssociatedPress. Syria's air force bombed a rebel-held region near the border with Turkey for a second day Tuesday, killing at least one person and wounding three others, an official said. (Nov. 13)



► Analysis: European austerity protests far from revolution - By Nicholas Vinocur and Mark John | Reuters
► France eyes Libya deals after unfreezing $2 bln assets - Reuters
► Radical cleric Abu Qatada wins deportation appeal - By DAVID STRINGER | Associated Press

►
Interview: Abu Qatada case. Uploaded by AlJazeeraEnglish on Jan 17, 2012 :: The European Court of Human Rights has blocked the extradition of Jordanian national Abu Qatada, who is alleged to have been Osama bin Laden's right-hand-man in Europe. The court also said it would be willing to consider diplomatic assurances from Jordanian authorities that Abu Qatada would not be tortured. But Amnesty International says that is a position it finds disappointing. Alice Wyss, a researcher at the UK-based rights organisation, discussed the Abu Qatada case with Al Jazeera's Felicity Barr. (VIDEO) || ► UK frustrated by new delay in Abu Qatada case. Published on Apr 19, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Britsh government is blaming the European Court of Human Rights for the latest setback in its efforts to deport Muslim cleric Abu Qatada to Jordan. (VIDEO) 




► Total Solar Eclipse Today is Last Until 2015 - By Mike Wall | SPACE.com 

► $2M worth of art nabbed in heist. Thieves posing as eager art students with their teacher stole more than $2 million worth of paintings from a museum in South Africa's capital in a daring armed robbery, authorities said Nov. 12. (PHOTOS) || in REUTERS - "Shopping list" thieves steal $2 million South African art 

► Cloned animals. Scientific success has added to the growing list of animals that have been cloned from adult cells, including Dolly the sheep, fish, pigs, goats, cattle, mice and even an ox-like creature called a gaur. (PHOTOS)

►13 November 2012  - Gulf states back Syria opposition 

Six Gulf states recognise a new Syrian opposition coalition as the country's "legitimate representative", a day after factions united.
* What chance for new opposition? 
* Profile: New opposition leader
* Israeli tanks 'hit Syrian units'
*UK arrest over terror offences 

► 13 November 2012 - FBI search Petraeus lover's home 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation searches the home of the woman who had an extramarital affair with former CIA director David Petraeus.
* Petraeus wife 'furious' over affair - VIDEO 
* Petraeus affair: The women 
* Profile: David Petraeus 
* John Simpson: Huge loss for US

► 13 November 2012 - Aung San Suu Kyi in India visit 

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi makes her first visit to India in nearly 40 years, a return to the country where she studied.

* India seeks influence in Burma 
* Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi 

What are you doing in India, ma'am? Visits? A pragmatic approach? Further Ado? Do not you see, the Rohingya are waiting for your democratic struggle? Why are you just silent? ehhhee? oh, I see? What else? Again and again :political motives? What's up? Election 2015? Fear of losing support for your party, hm? You fear that if you support the Rohingya Muslim minority, then it would harm your campaign? ehehhe? ... indeed, it is difficult to "unchanged"?

Well, later I will ask the thousands of nights, what has been said by a cup of coffee to them?

► 13 November 2012  - In pictures: India prepares for Diwali
►
Diwali - Festival of Lights || Inflation knocks spark out of Hindu festival of Diwali



► 13 November 2012 - Five photos that sparked body image debates | By Lucy Wallis BBC News 
► 13 November 2012 - Watching Japan and China square off in East China Sea | By Rupert Wingfield-Hayes BBC News, Japan 
► 13 November 2012 - In Pictures: Light from the Middle East 

► Will China's new regime bring 'crucial' change? 12 November 2012  - China's ruling Communist Party will later this week unveil a new set of leaders. Economic reforms have transformed China into the world's second-largest economy but its 1.3 billion population and continental size mean the problems these new leaders face are still daunting. Will the ruling class keep pace with the change in contemporary Chinese society? John Simpson reports.  (VIDEO) 

► 11 November 2012 - Viewpoint: What Chinese women really need 
► 12 November 2012  - China eyes more foreign investment as it raises quotas 
► Floods cause chaos in Venice after heavy rain (VIDEO )
►
Raw: Tourists Battle High Flood Waters in Venice


► Double agent George Blake (=Georgy Ivanovich) celebrates 90th birthday (VIDEO)  || in RIANOVOSTI - Putin Congratulates Famous Spy Blake on His 90th Birthday 

►
Cold War Spies George Blake


► Theresa May: We will appeal Abu Qatada deportation ruling (VIDEO)   ||  in DAILYMAIL
► 12 November 2012 - Is world peace possible? 
► 12 November 2012 - Ditch the asteroid mission, Mr President 
► 13 November 2012  - Major flamingo breeding event begins on Lake Natron 

►
Africa's Treasures: The Lesser Flamingos || Tanzanian factory threatens survival of Flamingos. Published on Oct 17, 2011 by AFP :: Lake Natron in Tanzania is the main breeding ground for lesser flamingo in Africa -- but it is under threat. The Tanzanian government wants to build a soda ash factory there, which will bring some much needed development to one of the poorest areas of the country. But which is more important, development, or conservation? Duration:  02:10



► S u n

► Petraeus Gagged? 'Scandal timing may mean political cover-up'. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by RussiaToday :: The resignation of the director of the CIA and one of America's most decorated military commanders David Petraeus has dominated headlines and air-time in American media recently. But while his extramarital affair's been in the spotlight, the real cause for concern are the ramifications for the country as a whole. For more RT talks to James Corbett - editor of The Corbett Report. (VIDEO) 

► Who's the real enemy? 'Merkel lying, Portugal bankrupt'. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by RussiaToday :: Protests have started in Portugal's capital Lisbon, where Chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting. People there blame the German leader for their nation's economic hardships. The country had to adopt severe austerity measures to receive a bailout worth almost 80-billion-euros last year. RT's Sara Firth is in the Portuguese capital. Also, to discuss the latest events in the Eurozone, RT's joined by Oliver Yanich, the leader of the libertarian German Party of Reason, journalist and author. (VIDEO) 

► What's Left To Cut? 'Greece sacrifice on Euro altar'.  Published on Nov 12, 2012 by RussiaToday :: Another year of pain looms for Greece as the country's Parliament approves an austerity budget which will force more biting cuts upon an already struggling population. It's been a pre-condition from international lenders who've been delaying another bailout cash injection for months now. Thousands of Greeks gathered outside Parliament to voice their opposition to next year's budget. It's approval follows another even more extensive austerity package, that sparked violent protests last week. For more on the story RT talks to joined by John Laughland, director of studies at the Institute of Democracy and cooperation in Paris. (VIDEO)

► Video: Koala lucky escape from massive bushfire in Australia.  Published on Nov 12, 2012 by RussiaToday :: A koala which was injured in a massive bushfire in Australia was found with burnt paws and singed fur on Monday. Local resident Clint Woods spotted the animal sitting in the debris of a burnt tree in a scorched field near Port Lincoln in South Australia state. Woods said he gave the koala some water before it was taken to a local animal hospital for treatment. The bush fire, which started on Sunday, destroyed seven homes and was threatening a town near Port Lincoln, local media reported. The fire had destroyed about 2000 hectares of mainly scrub, no injuries were reported. Firefighters gained the upper hand on Monday following some favourable weather conditions. (VIDEO) 


► Rebel Kill List: 'Govt supporters dead men walking in Syria'. Published on Nov 11, 2012 by RussiaToday :: The new Syrian opposition coalition is now seeking official recognition from abroad, and aims to administer the flow of funds and potentially arms to rebels. But the anti-Assad forces may see direct assistance from foreign troops, as a British top soldier has said hundreds of UK troops could be deployed to Syria if 'the humanitarian situation worsens'. Meanwhile, fears are mounting that rebel fighters are increasingly targeting civilians for simply showing allegiance to the government, as Maria Finoshina explains. (VIDEO) 

► CrossTalk: Fiscal Agony.  Published on Nov 12, 2012 by RussiaToday :: What is Obama going to do with the fiscal cliff? Or will he just continue kicking the can down the road? Neither political party has changed its position on taxes. Obama made a promise to the middle class not to raise their taxes. That leaves the rich. Does he now have a mandate to get what he wants CrossTalking with Mark Levine, Edward Harrison and Anthony Randazzo. (VIDEO) 

►'People able to make difference end up dead'.  Published on Nov 11, 2012 by RussiaToday :: It's four more years in the White House for US president Barack Obama but the tight race and an expensive election has left some voters less than satisfied. RT's Lori Harfenist takes a political pulse check in the Big Apple. (VIDEO)


► Petraeus mistress reveals real motive behind Benghazi attack (VIDEO). Published: 12 November, 2012 - Edited: 13 November, 2012 
► Support for Greece's far-right Golden Dawn swells amid wave of racial violence. Published: 12 November, 2012 
► Big Brother UK: 8 million children recorded on massive secret database. Published: 12 November, 2012 
► Teenager who took down CIA.gov gets 6 years' probation. Published: 13 November, 2012 
► Putin forms new human rights council. Published: 12 November, 2012 
► Western democracy 'unacceptable' for Belarus - Lukashenko. Published: 12 November, 2012 - Edited: 13 November, 2012
► Petraeus could be court-martialed. Published: 12 November, 2012 
► Petraeus resignation: 'Scandal may be political not sexual'. Published: 12 November, 2012 

► Protests greet Merkel in Portugal. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been met by protests on a short visit to Portugal.  Merkel was in Lisbon to show her support for the country's economic reforms.  Portugal is half-way through a three-year, $99bn bailout program and but public unrest over austerity is growing with many people blaming Germany.  Al Jazeera's Nick Spicer reports from Lisbon. (VIDEO) 

► Eye on China's next military leader. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: China's vice president, Xi Jinping, is widely expected to take over from President Hu Jintao at the Communist Party congress under way in Beijing. The gathering ushers in a once-in-a-decade leadership change in the country.  However, whether Hu will stay on as China's military leader is still unclear.  Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna reports from Beijing. (VIDEO ) 

Unlike the U.S. presidential election full of arguments in public, China's leadership election through to the 18th congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was held in reverence. The results are even known to the in advance.

Without debate and argumentation, Xi Jinping almost certainly going to be the president of China to replace Hu Jintao. The 18th CCP Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing has been related to the preparation of a plan that will be executed by Xi in leading China over the next decade.

In the opening speech at the congress last week, Hu has confirmed there would be no change in terms of policy and politics of China. Country, according to Hu, would still uphold the Chinese socialism. "We will not imitate the Western political system," Hu asserted in front of 2268 delegates from across the country.

The party's outline dominated the system of governance and decision-making so that there is no need to debate. Congress is like a show for the party. Major decisions are made. People do not have a voice in politics in China, including 82 million members of the CPC. All decisions are determined by the Politburo and Central Committee of CPC.

The real question is not about who's up and who's collapsed, but rather on their ability to work together and have the capacity to introduce reforms through economic restructuring.

Apart from his appointment process, Xi Jinping (with his leadership talents has been sniff by former President Jiang Zemin in 1993-2003) will lead China amid massive social change that could threaten the integrity of the country.

Along with the economic transformation, China's increasingly exposed to the world's information. The Chinese government must apply the sensors in the virtual world so that the turmoil of the Arab Spring did not spread to the youth. Urbanization began to be a major problem. Nearly half of the country's 1.4 billion people living in big cities.

In his speech, Hu Jintao has warned Xi Jinping about the situation. The pressure to flatten the development and support for the poor in rural areas will be even louder. Environmental problems as a result of development in China has also emerged.

At the same time, the scandals begin to befall the party bigwigs. The most horrendous, of course, is the case of Bo Xilai which involved the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood. Bo is not the only high-ranking party involved in the scandal. A government official in Nanjing is now also being under investigation after it's revealed that he and his family have more than 20 properties. In fact, his salary as an officer only about 10 thousand yuan.

Of all the challenges raised, corruption may be the most serious problem that must be addressed by Xi. According to the Pew Global Attitudes Project, in 2008,  the officials involved in corruption were estimated below 40%. But this year, the level of corruption is estimated to have increased by more than 50%. Local media reported 600 thousand officials threatened punishment for disciplinary offenses in the last five years.

Hu Jintao awares of it. In a speech opening the Congress last week, he warned that failure to tackle corruption could lead to crash the party and the state. Therefore, he called for severe punishment indiscriminately for all perpetrators. "No one is above the law. Anyone involved should be prosecuted indiscriminately, "he said.

Chinese officials recognize that the legitimacy of the party now rely on their performance to provide services and improve living standards. Now, along with the increasing problems faced by China, Xi Jinping ability in handling issues will determine the sustainability of the CPC. Failure to deal with the problems can bring China to the brink of destruction and collapse like other communist countries.

The driver of reform hope someday Jinping will cut privileges held by government-owned companies,  facilitate the movement of people, improving the fiscal system, and to strengthen local government. Without a change in current conditions, the China's growth at the end of next decade is no more than 5% a year. If the direction of change is correct, China's annual economic growth can increase by up to 8% in the next two decades.
***

■ As China enters new era, how much of Mao will stay? By John Ruwitch - BEIJING | Tue Nov 6, 2012
■ Key quotes from Hu Jintao's report to CPC national congress
■ Group interview held by press center of 18th CPC National Congress
■ Tian'anmen Square decorated with flowers ( PHOTOS)
***
(CZ-Lacalifusa111312)

► Arab League legitimises Syria National Council. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: For more on the Arab League meeting about on Syria's newly formed opposition bloc, Jacky Rowland reports from the Egyptian capital, Cairo. And to discuss the developments inside Syria and the recent diplomatic moves, Al Jazeera speaks with Michael Weiss, a Syria expert at The Henry Jackson Society, a UK foreign policy think tank. (VIDEO)

► The Stream : Kuwait's demand for democracy.  Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish ::  With ongoing protests and calls for an election boycott, is Kuwait plunging into turmoil? (VIDEO) 

► Inside Story - Defusing China's demographic timebomb.  Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: World's most populous nation may review birthing policy after societal imbalances places strain on younger generation. How will China and other countries deal with this inevitable challenge of an ageing population? Tony Harris speaks to Andrew Leung, Hafiz Khan and Yong Cai. (VIDEO) 


► Indonesia defies global convention on smoking. Published on Nov 12, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Taxes on cigarettes, advertising and smoking bans will be discussed at the World Health Organisation's Tobacco summit opening in Seoul on November 12. Representatives from 170 countries are participating in the event, which aims to curb smoking, which according to the world body, kills nearly six million people every year, eight million by 2030. But one of the world's most populous country, Indonesia, is skipping the meeting. The country's tobacco lobby has pressured the government the defy the global effort. Al Jazeera's Step Vaessen reports from Jakarta. (VIDEO) 

► Cubans 'disappointed' with migration reforms - Published on Nov 11, 2012 by AlJazeeraEnglish :: Cuba last month announced changes to migration rules to allow people more freedom to travel. It was seen as another sign of the government moving towards reform. But, some now say the measures have left them worse off. Al Jazeera's Teresa Bo reports from Havana. (VIDEO) 

As part of the work carried out to update the migration policy, in order to comply with the conditions that prevail at present and in the future, the Cuban government has decided to abolish the Travel Permit. And therefore, since January 14, 2013, need only submit regular passport to be updated and visa issued by the country of destination, in cases when needed. Ordinary passports will be issued to the Cuban people which meets the requirements of Migration Act, as amended in accordance with the provisions of the Law, which will take effect ninety days after publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba.

Those who already have a regular passport, and who have been issued at the time before the decision is valid should be immediately asked to be updated by the relevant authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Cuba without charge. Similarly  for those who have a valid travel permit will be immediately depart without additional procedures. The Cuban government has also decided, that the Cubans to travel abroad for private business will still get a permit for a period of twenty four months from the date of departure.

To be able to stay longer, they are required to obtain evidence related to the extension of stay from the Cuban consulate. In Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba, the Cuban Government has issued Decree Law of the State Council to modify the current Migration Act and various other ancillary regulations. In time, other measures relating to migration issues will soon be adopted, and that will certainly help in the consolidation of the changes made efforts toward full normalization of relations between Cuba with its emigrants.
***
(CZ-Lacalifusa111312)

Latest Headlines

■ Israel Considers Resumption of Gaza Assassinations
■ General Investigated for Emails to Petraeus Friend 
■ Asia Stocks down on Greek, India Economic Woes
■ Israel Reports 'Direct Hits' on Syrian Target
■ China Slams Dalai Lama; Tibetans Self-Immolate 
■ Greece to Get 2 More Years But Delay to Bailout 
■ UPS Ends Grants to Boy Scouts over Discrimination
■ Trout, Harper Voted Rookies of the Year 
■ West Refusing to Concede in Fla. House Race
■ Gas Company: No Calls About Furnace at Blast Site 
■ Armstrong Cuts Livestrong Charity Ties 
■ U.S. to Become Top World Oil Producer by 2020 
■ Afghans Find Hope for Justice in Video Testimony
■ CNN: Cantor Knew of Petraeus Affair in October?

► Venice's Hungry Tide: Floods Hit the Italian City 

By TIME Staff
* A Tale of Two Floods Shows the Gap Between Rich and Poor 
* Temps Plunge Across Europe: Climate Change?

► BBC Crisis: Britain's Public Broadcaster in Turmoil 

* Rupert Murdoch Gleeful at BBC Debacle in Britain

► China's Communist Party Shuffles the Deck 

* TIME Explains: China's Future

► The Fiscal Cliff: Don't Hold Your Breath for a Deal

* TIME Explains: The Fiscal Cliff

► Viewpoint: Petraeus Scandal — Are We Guilty of a Double Standard?
► What Apple and HTC's Landmark Pact Means for the Patent Wars 
► Mali's Looming War: Will Military Intervention Drive Out the Islamists?
► For Obama, Survival Is the New Winning - By David von Drehle Nov. 07, 2012
► Editor's Desk: The Unfinished Work That Lies Ahead - By Richard Stengel Nov. 08, 2012
► Why the GOP Will Double Down on a Losing Strategy - By Michael Grunwald Nov. 07, 2012 
► Los Angeles City Council Declares Mondays "Meatless" - By Alexandra Sifferlin | Nov. 12, 2012 
► Matilde Gattoni: The Swallows of Syria (PHOTO ESSAY)
► Gateway to a New World: Rare Photos From Ellis Island
► Displaced History and the Art of Collective Memory (PHOTOS) 

►
Immigration Through Ellis Island - Award Winning Documentary Video Film. Uploaded by rosaryfilms on Jun 4, 2008

►  Gen. John Allen investigated for emails to Petraeus friend 

From the Associated Press - The Pentagon says the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Allen, is under investigation for alleged "inappropriate communications" with Jill Kelly, a woman linked in Petraeus scandal.
* Associates: Petraeus shocked to hear of Broadwell emails

► On the spot: Airlines have an eye on you. The traveler shopping for a fare tends to do a lot of clicking. Technology keeps a close watch on those tickets — and on you.
► Legal drugs, deadly outcomes -  By Scott Glover, Lisa Girion. Video and photos by Liz O. Baylen |  November 11, 2012 
► 2016 presidential possibilities (PHOTOS) 
► Has America gone from center-right to center libertarian? 
► Woman who received threatening emails revealed in Petraeus scandal
► Obama honors military in Veterans Day address 
► Op-Ed - Goldberg: The right isn't waving a white flag | There are signs of dismay and despair among Republicans but none of surrender.

► Meatless Monday? Can we vote for a No-Cute-Campaigns year? || Meatless Mondays--a smart idea 


►
Meatless Monday Declared By Los Angeles City Council



► FRAMEWORK - Pictures in the News | November 12, 2012 -  Posted By: Marc Martin