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, '' he wrote . He added : `` I have been lucky , that my condition has progressed more slowly than is often the case . But it shows that one need not lose hope . '' The disease has left him paralyzed -- he is able to move only a few fingers on one hand . Hawking is completely dependent on others or technology for virtually everything -- bathing , dressing , eating , even speech . He uses a speech synthesizer with an American accent . Hawking has been married and divorced twice . In 2004 , police completed an investigation into accusations by Hawking 's daughter that his second wife was abusing him . Authorities said they found no proof . His Web site says he has three children and one grandchild . Hawking was born in Oxford , England , on what turned out to be an auspicious date : January 8 , 1942 -- the 300th anniversary of the death of astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei . A Cambridge University spokesman told CNN : `` Professor Hawking is very ill and has been taken by ambulance to Addenbrookes Hospital , Cambridge . '' Professor
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Scientist and author Stephen Hawking is `` very ill '' and has been hospitalized , according to Cambridge University , where he is a professor . Stephen Hawking in Pasadena , California , in March . Cambridge University said the 67-year-old is `` comfortable '' and will stay overnight at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge . Hawking , one of the world 's most famous physicists , is also a cosmologist , astronomer , and mathematician . Wheelchair-bound Hawking is perhaps most famous for `` A Brief History of Time , '' which explored the origins of the universe in layman 's terms . The book is considered a modern classic . Hawking has Lou Gehrig 's Disease -LRB- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis , or ALS -RRB- , which is usually fatal after three years . Hawking has survived for more than 40 years since his diagnosis . On his Web site , Hawking has written about living with ALS . `` I try to lead as normal a life as possible , and not think about my condition , or regret the things it prevents me from doing , which are not that many
death '' `` At this stage the cause of this tragic death is unknown , '' the company said in a statement posted on their Web site . `` Following immediate quarantine of the batch involved last night , we have taken the decision to voluntarily recall this batch as a further precautionary measure while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Natalie 's death is conducted . '' On Tuesday several NHS clinics and schools indefinitely postponed immunizations . `` As a purely precautionary measure , we have asked the NHS to quarantine all stocks of HPV vaccine from the batch related to this case , '' a spokesperson for the NHS said . `` Where the local NHS has supplies of vaccine from other production batches , they should continue with the vaccination program . '' Many clinics were forced to close as they checked the numbers on their batches of the vaccine . What is HPV ? HPV stands for human Papilloma virus . Although there are more than 100 types of HPV , only a few of them are known to cause cervical cancer . Most strains of HPV are harmless or cause genital warts . HPV
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The death of a 14-year-old girl in England after she received a vaccination for Human Papilloma virus -LRB- HPV -RRB- has prompted a widespread freeze on the country 's national vaccination program . Millions of girls have received vaccinations for HPV since 2008 , the virus that causes 99 percent of cervical cancers . More than 1.4 million girls have received the vaccination in England since the National Health Service -LRB- NHS -RRB- started administering it in September 2008 . Natalie Morton 's sudden death Monday occurred within hours after she received a shot of the vaccine Cervarix at the NHS at her school in Coventry . Three other girls at the Blue Coat Church of England school suffered mild symptoms of dizziness and nausea after receiving the vaccine , according to media reports . It remains unclear if the vaccine caused Morton 's death . Only an autopsy will be able to determine the exactly cause of death . Glaxo Smith Kline , the manufacturer of Cervarix , issued a recall of the batch of vaccine used in Coventry as a `` precautionary measure . '' Watch reaction to Natalie Morton 's
animus towards gay and lesbian people , '' the state wrote in the lawsuit , which was filed Wednesday in federal court . Massachusetts , the first state to legalize gay marriage , said that about 16,000 same-sex couples have been married there since 2004 , when it began issuing marriage licenses . Since that time , the lawsuit said , `` the security and stability of families has been strengthened in important ways throughout the state . '' The state is challenging Section 3 of the law , which defines marriage as '' a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife '' and a spouse as `` a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife . '' Before the act , the lawsuit argues , defining marital status was the prerogative of the states . The law `` eviscerated more than 200 years of federal government deference to the states with respect to defining marriage , '' it said . The lawsuit also argues that the law forces Massachusetts to treat same-sex married couples differently from heterosexual married couples , particularly through determining who qualifies for the state 's
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Massachusetts sued the U.S. government on Wednesday , challenging the constitutionality of a federal law that defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman . The state of Massachusetts says the Defense of Marriage Act denies same-sex couples essential rights . `` We 're taking this action today because , first , we believe that -LSB- the Defense of Marriage Act -RSB- directly interferes with Massachusetts ' long-standing sovereign authority to define and regulate the marital status of its residents , '' Attorney General Martha Coakley said Wednesday afternoon . `` Massachusetts has a single category of married persons , and we view all married persons equally and identically , '' she said . `` DOMA divides that category into two distinct and unequal classes of marriage . '' The lawsuit argues that the act , which became law in 1996 , denies same-sex couples essential rights and protections , including federal income tax credits , employment and retirement benefits , health insurance coverage and Social Security payments . `` In enacting DOMA , Congress overstepped its authority , undermined states ' efforts to recognize marriages between same-sex couples , and codified an
himself Emmanuel and had done some handyman work at the Smarts ' home . The month after Smart was kidnapped , prosecutors alleged , Barzee and Mitchell attempted to break into the home of her cousin , but were unsuccessful . The girl was 15 years old at the time , according to CNN affiliate KSL . She is not named in court documents . `` Mr. Mitchell 's attempt was thwarted when the minor child awakened , which caused Mr. Mitchell to flee , '' the court documents said . Following her arrest in 2003 , Barzee told authorities that she and Mitchell went to the home in order to abduct the girl , and planned to hold her , along with Smart , in the couple 's camp in the mountains , according to court documents . Sentencing is set for May 21 on the state charge , Volmer said . Barzee faces between one and 15 years in prison , but prosecutors have agreed to allow that sentence to run concurrently with her federal sentence , according to court documents . Federal prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 15 years in prison for her in exchange for
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A woman convicted in the 2002 kidnapping of Utah teenager Elizabeth Smart pleaded guilty in the attempted kidnapping of Smart 's cousin a month later , court officials said Monday . In exchange for Wanda Barzee 's plea of guilty but mentally ill to one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping , prosecutors dropped state charges against her in Smart 's abduction , said Nancy Volmer , spokeswoman for Utah state courts . Barzee , 64 , pleaded guilty in November to federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor in connection with Smart 's abduction . As part of that plea agreement , she agreed to cooperate with the state and federal cases against her husband , Brian David Mitchell , federal prosecutors have said . Barzee and Mitchell were accused of abducting Smart , then 14 , at knifepoint from her bedroom in her family 's Salt Lake City home in June 2002 . Smart was found nine months later , walking down a street in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy , Utah , in the company of Barzee and Mitchell , a drifter and self-described prophet who calls
seeking Bout 's extradition to the United States . The indictment alleges that Bout made agreements with FARC between November 2007 and March of this year . In their news release , federal prosecutors said Bout agreed to sell weapons `` to two confidential sources '' working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration , who had `` represented that they were acquiring these weapons for the FARC , with the specific understanding that the weapons were to be used to attack United States helicopters in Colombia . '' The news release also refers to a `` covertly recorded meeting in Thailand on March 6 , 2008 . '' `` With the unsealing of this indictment , we are one step closer to ensuring Bout has delivered his last load of high-powered weaponry and armed his final terrorist , '' DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Loenhart said in the news release . Attorney General Michael Mukasey last month singled out Bout as a leading example of a new breed of organized crime leaders who operate across international boundaries to amass wealth without regard to political ideology . `` Viktor Bout has long been considered by the international community as one of
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. government has charged an international arms dealer with conspiring to sell a rebel group millions of dollars in weapons `` to be used to kill Americans in Colombia , '' federal prosecutors announced Tuesday . Viktor Bout is accused of selling missiles , rockets and other weapons to FARC , a Colombian rebel group . Viktor Bout , who was recently captured in Thailand , had agreed to sell the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia -LRB- FARC -RRB- surface-to-air missiles , armor-piercing rocket launchers , `` ultralight '' airplanes , unmanned aerial vehicles , and other weapons , the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release . There was no immediate public response from Bout , who remains in custody in Thailand . Federal authorities unsealed an indictment charging Bout with four terrorism offenses : conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals , conspiracy to kill U.S. officers or employees , conspiracy to acquire and use an anti-aircraft missile , and conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization . FARC is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department . Justice Department officials said they are
warrant and his associate Moreno Godoy was arrested in Romania . Both were extradited to the United States . The arrests stemmed from an undercover sting operation involving U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents posing as members of FARC . During the 16-month operation , the agents arranged to buy more than 12,000 weapons from the two men , according to the indictment . Al-Kassar agreed to provide surface-to-air missiles for the FARC to shoot down American helicopters , and also offered to send 1,000 men to fight with the FARC , plus explosives and men who could train the FARC in how to use them , the indictment charged . Al-Kassar demanded 3,500,000 euros -LRB- $ 4.4 million -RRB- as `` partial payment '' for the weapons , it said . Justice Department officials say al-Kassar has been a source of weapons and military equipment for armed combatants since the 1970s . Kassar had told journalists before he was arrested that he had retired from arms dealing , but the United States says he had been involved since the 1970s , providing weapons and military equipment to armed factions in Nicaragua , Cyprus , Bosnia , Croatia , Iran ,
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Syrian arms dealer was sentenced to 30 years in a U.S. federal prison for conspiring to sell weapons as part of a plot to kill Americans in Colombia , according to prosecutors . Syrian-born arms dealer Monzer al-Kassar , seen in a file photo , tried to sell weapons to undercover U.S. agents . Monzer al-Kassar was also ordered Tuesday to forfeit all of his assets , according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney 's Office for the Southern District of New York . Al-Kassar 's co-defendant Luis Felipe Moreno Godoy received a 25-year prison sentence for his role in the conspiracy . Both men were convicted in November of five charges , including conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals , conspiracy to acquire and export anti-aircraft missiles , conspiracy to provide support for FARC guerrillas in Colombia , and money laundering . The federal indictment paints al-Kassar as an international arms dealer with a hand in conflicts in nearly every part of the world , with a web of bank accounts and front companies across Europe and the Middle East . Al-Kassar was arrested in Spain in 2007 on a U.S.
2007 , N.C. State christened the court in Raleigh 's Reynolds Coliseum in her name . Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 , Yow had been active in efforts to raise awareness and money to battle the disease , which forced her to miss two games during the 2004-05 season and another 16 in the 2006-07 season , the university said . She helped establish the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund , which raised money for the cause . About three weeks ago , Yow announced that she was stepping away from coaching duties for the remainder of the 2008-09 season , after missing four straight games because of an extremely low energy level . `` Stepping away from coaching is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make , '' Yow said January 6 , according to N.C. State . `` Even though I do n't feel well enough to coach , I 'm hopeful to feel well enough to attend some ACC games and show my support for the team as well as N.C. State University , '' she added . Yow was born in 1942 in Gibsonville , North Carolina , about 16 miles
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- North Carolina State University women 's basketball coach Kay Yow , who won more than 700 games in nearly four decades of coaching , died Saturday after a long struggle with breast cancer , the university said . North Carolina State University 's Kay Yow , in 1996 , was one of only six coaches to amass 700 wins . She was 66 . Yow , who was in her 38th season as a coach , had amassed numerous awards , including inductions into the Women 's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame . In her 34 years on the sidelines for the Wolfpack , her teams won four Atlantic Coast Conference titles , averaged 20 wins a season , appeared in 20 of 27 NCAA tournaments and reached the Final Four in 1998 . She was one of only six coaches in the women 's game to win at least 700 games , the university said . She also coached the 1988 women 's Olympic basketball team to a gold medal in Seoul , South Korea . Yow was beloved by her players , colleagues and fans , and in
civilians ever . Al-Majeed was sentenced to death separately for his role in putting down a Shiite uprising against Hussein in 1991 , and for his part in putting down a Baghdad revolt in 1999 . Estimates of the Shiite death toll in the 1991 rebellion range from 20,000 to 100,000 . Al-Majeed was convicted of playing a key part in the slaughter during the revolt in southern Iraq that followed the 1991 Persian Gulf War . One of his co-defendants in the Anfal case , Sultan Hashem , is a prominent Sunni leader who is considered a key player in efforts to reconcile the country 's once-dominant Sunni community with the Shiite majority that now wields political power . Hashem was also sentenced to death , but Iraq 's Sunni Arab Vice-President Tariq al-Hashimi has long refused to sign his execution order . That delayed the execution of al-Majeed and another defendant as well . Iraqi law requires all three members of the Iraqi presidency council -- the president and two vice-presidents -- to sign execution orders . It does not say what happens if they do not sign . CNN 's Yousif Bassil contributed to this report .
Baghdad , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Saddam Hussein 's cousin Ali Hassan al-Majeed -- also known as Chemical Ali -- was executed Monday , an Iraqi government spokesman said . He was hanged after having been convicted on 13 counts of killings and genocide , Ali al-Dabagh said . Al-Majeed had been sentenced to death in four separate trials , including one that focused on his involvement in a poison gas attack against Iraqi Kurds that killed about 5,000 people . His execution had been delayed for political rather than legal reasons . It is not clear what change , if any , led to the reported execution . Al-Majeed had been held in United States custody since his capture in 2003 . But he was handed over to the Iraqi authorities in the 24 hours before his execution , U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill told CNN 's Diana Magnay on Monday . The 1988 poison gas attack on the village of Halabja , which earned al-Majeed his nickname , was part of the Anfal campaign , in which the Hussein regime killed at least 100,000 Iraqi Kurds . The campaign is believed to be worst poison gas attack on
was reportedly nominated for the Nobel Prize 13 times without ever winning -LRB- though nominations are kept secret , so we do n't know for sure -RRB- . This makes her the Dynasty of the Nobel Prize scene -- that show was nominated for 24 Emmy Awards but never won . Other analogies we 'd accept : The Color Purple -LRB- 11 Oscar nominations in 1985 , no wins -RRB- , the Buffalo Bills or Minnesota Vikings -LRB- 4 Super Bowl losses each without a victory -RRB- and William Jennings Bryan -LRB- three-time Democratic nominee for President , losing twice to McKinley and once to Taft . -RRB- 3 . People who refused the prize : • Le Duc Tho was awarded the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize with Henry Kissinger for their roles in brokering a Vietnam cease fire at the Paris Peace Accords . Citing the absence of actual peace in Vietnam , Tho declined to accept . • Jean Paul Sartre waved off the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature . His explanation : `` It is not the same thing if I sign Jean-Paul Sartre or if I sign Jean-Paul Sartre , Nobel Prize winner . A writer
-LRB- Mental Floss -RRB- -- It 's Nobel Prize announcement week , and if you had Carol W. Greider , Elizabeth Blackburn , or Jack Szostak in your office pool , you 're off to a good start -LRB- the trio will share this year 's Nobel Prize in Medicine -RRB- . As we await news of the rest of the winners , here are some stories about past Nobel laureates . Nobel Prize winners receive a medal and a cash award . 1 . Robert Lucas , winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on the theory of `` rational expectations , '' split his $ 1 million prize with his ex-wife . If there were a Nobel Prize for Foresight or Timing , she should be nominated , based on a clause in their divorce settlement from seven years earlier : `` Wife shall receive 50 percent of any Nobel Prize . '' The clause expired on October 31 , 1995 . Had Lucas won any year after , he would have kept the whole million . 2 . Physicist Lise Meitner , whose work helped lead to the discovery of nuclear fission ,
among the United States , Iran and the international community , '' the president said in his message Friday . Obama said the United States seeks engagement with Iran that is `` honest and grounded in mutual respect . '' The president 's message is part of a dramatic shift in tone from that of the Bush administration , which branded Iran as part of an `` axis of evil '' along with North Korea and Iraq . It also echoes Obama 's inaugural speech in which he told the Muslim world , `` We seek a new way forward , based on mutual interest and mutual respect . '' Ahmadinejad said last month that Iran would welcome talks with the United States `` in a fair atmosphere with mutual respect . '' Khamenei also said world powers have come to realize they are not able to block Iran 's nuclear progress . He looked back on the February 25 testing of Iran 's first nuclear power plant , at Bushehr , as one of the `` joyful developments '' of the past year . Last month , the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security released a report saying
TEHRAN , Iran -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iran 's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday he sees no change in U.S. policy toward Iran despite the U.S. promise of a `` new beginning . '' Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran would change its policy when the U.S. did so as well . Khamenei said a change in rhetoric is not enough , and Washington must practice what it preaches , according to the English-language Press TV channel in Iran . He also promised that Iran will change its policy if the United States does so as well , Press TV reported . Khamenei 's comments , which he made in a televised address to mark the start of the Iranian New Year on Friday , come a day after U.S. President Barack Obama reached out to Iran in a videotaped message . A spokesman for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad condemned U.S. foreign policy Friday in response to the video . Obama 's message spoke of `` new beginnings '' with the promise of a new year . `` My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us , and to pursuing constructive ties
Center in Tampa , Florida , and the trials ' principal investigator , `` The data clearly demonstrates that there was a benefit to men in receiving Gardasil . Overall , we saw a 90 percent reduction in disease -- genital warts and pre-cancerous lesions -- caused by HPV in men and an 89 percent reduction in genital warts incidence . `` Essentially , we have a really fantastic opportunity to extend the benefit of the vaccine to men , '' Giuliano said . `` This is a sexually transmitted infection ; if we can reduce infection and related diseases in men , we have the potential to have a much broader public health impact by reducing the overall burden of infection and disease in the community at large . '' Giuliano said there were no serious adverse events related to the vaccine . There were some minor side effects such as pain at the injection site and low-grade fever . The vaccine would be administered in boys and young men exactly as it 's been given to girls and young women : three doses over a period of six months . Merck spokeswoman Pam Eisele said the cost will
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Boys may soon be able to get Gardasil , the vaccine given to girls and young women to prevent infection by four types of human papillomavirus . Gardasil , a vaccine against human papillomavirus , would be given to boys exactly as it is to girls . A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted Wednesday to recommend that the vaccine be made available to boys and young men aged 9 to 26 for protection against genital warts caused by HPV . The vaccine protects against four types of HPV , and two of those are believed to be responsible for 70 percent of cervical and anal cancers , and HPV-associated penile and throat-and-neck cancers . The other two cause 90 percent of genital warts cases , researchers say . At Wednesday 's advisory committee meeting , pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. , maker of Gardasil , presented data from three clinical trials that the company claims supports broadening the distribution of the vaccine to include males . The trials included more than 5,400 boys and men from six continents and 23 countries . According to Anna Giuliano , an independent scientist at Moffit Cancer
'' Vitamin D is often called the `` sunshine vitamin '' because the human body makes it only when exposed to sunlight -- although it only takes 10 to 15 minutes a day to make an adequate amount . Vitamin D , which helps the bones better absorb calcium , is also added to multivitamins and milk . In Melamed 's study , the researchers looked at the vitamin D levels of more than 6,000 people ages 1 to 21 . They checked for vitamin-D deficiency , which is defined as less than 15 nanograms per milliliter of blood -LRB- ng/mL -RRB- , and vitamin-D insufficiency , which is defined as 15 to 29 ng/mL . Overall , 7.6 million , or 9 percent , of U.S. children were vitamin-D deficient , and another 50.8 million , or 61 percent , had insufficient levels of this important vitamin in their blood . Children with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to have high blood pressure and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein , also known as good cholesterol -- two factors that are considered major risk factors for heart disease later in life . Health.com : How cholesterol affects
A whopping 70 percent of American kids are n't getting enough vitamin D , and such youngsters tend to have higher blood pressure and lower levels of good cholesterol than their peers , according to two new studies published this week in the journal Pediatrics . Low vitamin D levels also may increase a child 's risk of developing heart disease later in life , experts say . People who drank milk less than once a week were among those most at risk for vitamin-D deficiency , a study found . `` We were astounded at how common it was , '' says study author Dr. Michal Melamed , an assistant professor of medicine , epidemiology , and population health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine , in the Bronx , New York . `` There is a lot of data that suggests adults with low vitamin-D levels are at risk for diabetes , high blood pressure , cardiovascular disease , and a lot of cancers , and if kids start out with low levels and never increase them , they may be putting themselves at risk for developing all of these diseases at a much earlier age .
a luncheon hosted by the U.S.-India Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce . He addressed the Council on Foreign Relations later in the day . Obama will receive the prime minister at the White House on Tuesday , and Singh and his wife will be the guests at an official state dinner Tuesday night . On Wednesday , Singh will meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates and will later attend a reception for the Indian community hosted by Indian Ambassador to the United States Meera Shankar . Singh will leave Washington Thursday morning and fly to Port of Spain , Trinidad , to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit . Singh , 77 , is a Cambridge - and Oxford-educated economist who was governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985 and the nation 's finance minister from 1991 to 1996 . A member of the Congress Party , he is serving a second five-year term as prime minister . He was sworn in as prime minister in May 2004 and again this past May . He and his wife of 51 years , Gursharan Kaur , have
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama will welcome Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for an official state visit Tuesday . The two leaders will discuss a range of global , regional and bilateral issues , the White House said . Those discussions are likely to center on Afghanistan , climate change and nuclear energy cooperation . Singh has been quoted as saying that a Taliban victory in Afghanistan would be disastrous for Central and South Asia . Singh 's visit will be the first state visit hosted by the administration , the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary . It will be Singh 's second visit to Washington ; he has also met with former President George W. Bush . Grammy - and Oscar-award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will entertain the black-tie crowd , several sources involved in the planning outside the administration said . Hudson , raised in Chicago like first lady Michelle Obama , sang the National Anthem at the Democratic National Convention in August 2008 at the request of the Obama campaign , when Obama became the Democratic presidential nominee . Singh arrived Sunday for his five-day visit . On Monday , he attended
sale of Wrigley Field . Blagojevich said he was `` dying '' to show his innocence , but maintained he would reserve his comments for an appropriate forum . `` I 'm not going to do what my accusers and political enemies have been doing , and that is talk about this case in 30-second sound bites on ` Meet the Press ' or on the TV news , '' he said . `` I have on my side the most powerful ally there is , and it is the truth . '' Watch Blagojevich speak at the news conference '' Quoting Rudyard Kipling 's poem , `` If , '' Blagojevich called on the public to be patient and reserve judgment until the facts unfold in criminal proceedings . `` If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you ; if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you , but make allowance for their doubting , too ; if you can wait and not be tired by waiting ; or being lied about , do n't deal in lies ; or being hated , do n't give way
CHICAGO , Illinois -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich vowed Friday to fight federal corruption charges and stay on the job , despite calls for his resignation amid allegations that he attempted to sell President-elect Barack Obama 's former Senate seat . Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich spoke to reporters at a news conference Friday but did not take questions . `` I will fight , I will fight , I will fight until I take my last breath . I have done nothing wrong , '' Blagojevich said in a brief news conference in Chicago . `` I 'm not going to quit a job that people have hired me to do . '' The spirited comments were the first public statements from the second-term governor about the allegations since his arrest December 9 on federal corruption charges . Federal prosecutors have accused the governor of trying to sell Obama 's former Senate seat . Prosecutors also allege the governor and his former chief of staff , John Harris , tried to have Chicago Tribune editorial board members fired by leveraging state assistance to the parent company of the newspaper , the Tribune Co. , in its
is under a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch , as are St. Kitts and Nevis , the hurricane center said . As Omar approached , Hovensa , a 500,000-barrel-a-day oil refinery on St. Croix , began shutting down all processing and auxiliary equipment `` except those necessary to maintain power supply in the complex , '' refinery spokesman Alex Moorhead said in a statement . Watch Venezuelans try to save homes , dogs '' The move was to ensure the safety of employees and the operation of the refinery , which is jointly owned by Hess Corp. and Venezuela 's state oil company . The U.S. Coast Guard closed the Christiansted Harbor , where the refinery is located , on Tuesday , and it will remain closed until the order is lifted , Moorhead said . `` Once Hurricane Omar has passed , we will conduct an inspection of our facilities as soon as it is safe to do so . If no damage is found that would impact safe operation of the refinery , the start-up of processing units will begin in sequential order , '' Moorhead said . Puerto Rico and some portions of the northern
MIAMI , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hurricane Omar became a major Category 3 storm Wednesday night as it barreled toward the Virgin and Leeward Islands in the West Indies , the National Hurricane Center said . A man watches waves crash into the shore Tuesday at Club Nautico in Falcon state , Venezuela . Omar is expected to continue gathering strength as it passes east of the Virgin Islands in the next few hours and makes its way to the northern Leeward Islands Thursday morning , the hurricane center said . At 11 p.m. , Omar was moving northeast at about 20 mph with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph . The hurricane 's center was about 30 miles -LRB- 45 km -RRB- southwest of St. Croix and about 105 miles -LRB- 165 km -RRB- southwest of St. Martin . A hurricane warning -- meaning winds of 74 mph and higher are expected within a day -- is in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands , the islands of Vieques , Culebra , St. Martin , Saba , St. Eustatius , St. Barthelemy , the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla . See where Omar is headed '' Puerto Rico
be wonderfully free of tourists . '' The Eiffel Tower -- described by Hardy as `` frustratingly overcrowded and overpriced '' -- was dubbed the most disappointing international sight . Britain 's biggest letdown was Stonehenge , a sacred Druid sight in the rural south of England , which was dismissed as `` an isolated pile of rocks in a usually muddy field '' by Hardy . The Diana fountain resembled `` a colorless wet skateboard park '' while as far as Big Ben was concerned : `` Once you 've seen it , you 'll know what time it is -- time to go somewhere else . '' Three of America 's most famous sights -- New York 's Times Square and Statue of Liberty plus The White House in Washington also made the list of shame . But the 1,267 adults questioned by Virgin Travel Insurance also nominated the best places to visit in the world , with the Treasury in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan topping the list . Other unmissables included the Grand Canal in Venice , Italy , the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya and Australia 's Sydney Harbor Bridge . Alnwick
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A visit to the Eiffel Tower , the Statue of Liberty and the Pyramids is on the itinerary of most jet-setting travelers . Visiting the Eiffel Tower was voted the most overrated experience by tourists . But some of the most famous and iconic tourist attractions in the world are the most disappointing to actually visit , according to a survey of British tourists . And those questioned did n't think too highly of their own country 's best-known landmarks either , with Big Ben , Buckingham Palace and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain also turning people cold . Travel expert Felice Hardy explained why many tourists , often after spending inflated amounts on reaching and then viewing the most famous places , are left with a feeling of anti-climax . `` It 's easy to be swayed by brochures that opt for the mainstream and focus on clichéd tourist sights around the world , '' she said . `` But many of them are overcrowded and disappointing . `` Pick carefully and do n't always go for the obvious . Natural phenomena are usually more exciting than the man-made , and can
, challenge each student to compare Dr. King 's dream to the reality of life in the U.S. in the year 2008 . Direct each student to compose a written response to Dr. King , explaining what life is like in the U.S. today and to what extent his dream has been realized . -LRB- Encourage students to be creative in their responses . For example , students could write a letter , a speech , a song or a poem . -RRB- After students share their responses to Dr. King , pose the following questions for class discussion : Do you think that in today 's society individuals are judged by the content of their character and not by their race ? Give examples to support your opinion . Correlated Standards United States History Standard 29 . Understands the struggle for racial and gender equality and for the extension of civil liberties Level II -LSB- Grade : 5-6 -RSB- Benchmark 1 . Understands the development of the civil rights movement -LRB- e.g. , the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education and its significance in advancing civil rights ; the resistance to civil rights in the South between
-LRB- CNN Student News -RRB- -- Students will examine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's famous `` I Have a Dream '' speech . Also , they will compose written responses to Dr. King in which they compare his historic vision of racial equality in the United States to the reality of present-day life . Procedure On August 28 , 1963 , Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his vision of racial equality in America in his historic `` I Have a Dream '' speech . Now , efforts are under way to build on that dream by constructing a monument to Dr. King on the banks of the National Mall 's Tidal Basin in Washington , D.C. . In class discussion , have students define the following terms : racism , prejudice and discrimination . Have them give examples of each . Then , point out that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of being judged not by the color of one 's skin , but by the content of his or her character . Direct your students to read Dr. King 's famous `` I Have a Dream '' speech and discuss its content in class . Then
with two counts of vandalism , two counts of grand theft and two counts of battery , Mateljan said . If convicted of all charges , West could face up to two years and six months in jail , while Crawley could face up to five years , he said . Their arraignment hearing is set for April 14 at the Los Angeles Airport Courthouse , he said . West , a 10-time Grammy winner , and Crawley were in the airport to catch a flight to Honolulu , Hawaii , police said . The pair were outside of passenger security screening when the incident occurred . CNN could not immediately reach the star 's publicist for comment . The celebrity Web site TMZ posted a video of the incident shot by one of its reporters , who was also in the terminal when the altercation occurred . The video was short and chaotic , and the man whom TMZ identifies as West never shows his face , which is shrouded in the hood of a gray sweatshirt . According to the Web site , after West grabbed the camera from the photographer , Crawley took it from him ,
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rapper Kanye West and his business manager face vandalism , battery and grand theft charges in connection with a scuffle with photographers at Los Angeles International Airport last September . Rapper Kanye West has been charged after an incident last year involving two photographers . The Los Angeles County district attorney declined to file felony charges , but L.A. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo decided to charge West , 31 , and Don Crawley , 33 , with misdemeanors Wednesday . Police arrested West on September 11 , 2008 , after an altercation with two paparazzi , airport police said . The incident , which took place near the airport 's Terminal 4 , occurred between the rap star and Crawley -- his road manager and bodyguard -- and a photographer and a cameraman who were taking their photos , airport police said . The cameras of the paparazzi were damaged in the altercation , police said . West was charged with one count of vandalism , one count of grand theft and one count of battery , according to Frank Mateljan , the spokesman for the city attorney . Crawley was charged
center said . Paula 's tropical storm-force winds have expanded to 70 miles -LRB- 110 km -RRB- outward from the center , altering the landscape of a storm that has been roughly half that size for most of its duration . Forecasters said the storm was likely to stick to an east to east-northeast track , moving across western and central Cuba Thursday night and Friday . The hurricane center said that tropical storm force winds should continue to spread eastward across western and central Cuba Thursday night , primarily along the north coast . The center discontinued an earlier tropical storm watch also was for the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas . Emergency management officials in the Keys said Wednesday they were keeping an eye on the progress of Paula and expected some gusty winds and rain , but no protective actions had been initiated . Forecasters predict the center of Paula will remain south of the Keys . Paula is likely to dump an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain over portions of western and central Cuba over the next two days , the National Hurricane Center said . Total maximum amounts could be 10 inches in
Miami , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tropical Storm Paula pushed across western Cuba Thursday evening with wind gusts just under hurricane strength in some places , bringing heavy rain and high winds to the island nation , forecasters said . The storm is gradually weakening and is expected to become a tropical depression Friday , the Miami , Florida-based National Hurricane Center said As of 8 p.m. ET , the center of Paula was about 25 miles -LRB- 45 kilometers -RRB- east of Havana , the center said . It was moving east at 14 mph -LRB- 22 kph -RRB- . Paula passed just south of the Cuban capital around 6 p.m. Thursday -- with sustained winds of 41 mph -LRB- 67 kph -RRB- and a gust of 54 mph -LRB- 87 kph -RRB- recorded in Havana -- after making landfall at about noon near Puerto Esperanza . The storm 's maximum sustained winds have weakened to 55 mph -LRB- 90 kph -RRB- , the center said Thursday night , but wind gusts of 68 mph had been recorded earlier near Puerto Esperanza . Stronger gusts were confined to a small area near the storm 's center , the
. The 20 '' is powered by a 2.66 GHz processor ; the 24 '' has processor speed options of 2.66 GHz , 2.93 GHz -LRB- for $ 1,799 -RRB- , or 3.02 GHz -LRB- for $ 2,199 -RRB- . The 24 '' comes with a 640GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM expandable to 8GB ; the 20 '' comes with a 320GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM expandable to 8GB . `` Our flagship 24-inch iMac with twice the memory and twice the storage is now available for just $ 1,499 , '' Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook , currently standing in at the helm of the company in place of iconic CEO Steve Jobs , said in a release . `` The Mac mini is not only our most affordable Mac , it 's also the world 's most energy efficient desktop computer . '' As for the new Mac Mini , the big upgrade is NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics that Apple says will improve its graphics performance as much as fivefold . The monitor-free machine costs either $ 599 for a lower-end edition -LRB- 1GB RAM , 120GB hard drive -RRB- or $
-LRB- CNET -RRB- -- Well , here 's what we 've all been waiting for . Apple put out a couple of announcements on Tuesday related to its desktop computers . Apple on Tuesday announced a new Mac Pro high-end desktop powered by Intel 's `` Nehalem '' processor . The company unveiled a new Mac Pro high-end desktop powered by Intel 's `` Nehalem '' processor , a new and more graphics-intensive Mac Mini machine , and updated iMacs that include the lowest price point yet for the consumer desktops . Let 's look at the new Mac Pro first : priced at $ 2,499 for the quad-core version and $ 3,299 for the eight-core version , those Intel `` Nehalem '' Xeon processors run at 2.93 GHz , and the interior of the machine has been cleaned up to make physical expansions easier . On the green front , it meets the new Energy Star 5.0 requirements that will go into effect later this year . The new iMac desktop is a 24 '' machine that is priced at $ 1,499 , the cost of Apple 's previous 20 '' iMac . The 20-inch is now $ 1,199
testing for HIV infection from the U.S. immigration medical screening process and eliminates the need for a waiver for entry into the United States . U.S. laws and regulations enacted since 1952 have made persons `` who were afflicted with any dangerous contagious disease '' ineligible to receive a visa to enter the country . People infected with HIV have been restricted since 1987 , when Congress directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to add HIV to its list of diseases of public health significance . The United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS , Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 , which President Bush signed on July 30 , 2008 , removed the statutory requirement that mandated the inclusion of HIV on the list of diseases of public health significance that barred entry in the United States . The legislation did not , however , automatically change the existing regulations , administered by HHS , that continued to list HIV as a `` communicable disease of public-health significance '' and required the more cumbersome visa process . The United States was one of 13 countries that restricted entry of HIV-positive visitors , according to amfAR ,
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Foreign nationals who are HIV-positive will find it easier starting Monday to visit the United States . The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed HIV infection from the list of diseases that prevent non-U.S. citizens from entering the country . HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus -- the virus that causes AIDS . Advocates for HIV-positive people said the new policy was long overdue , calling it `` a significant step forward for the United States . '' `` The end of the HIV travel and immigration ban is the beginning of a new life for countless families and thousands who had been separated because of this policy , '' said Steve Ralls , spokesman for Immigration Equality , a national rights organization for lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and HIV-positive individuals . `` This is a new beginning for them . '' The final rule was approved in November and went into effect Monday . The new regulation takes HIV infection out of the category of `` communicable diseases of public health significance , '' the CDC said . It also removes required
Baumann and Nemberg were each released in lieu of a $ 125,000 bail , authorities said . The two other accused teenagers are minors , whose names were n't released , the sheriff 's office said . A 17-year-old boy from Oak Park , California , was charged with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance , the sheriff 's office said . He is being held at Sylmar Juvenile Hall without bail , authorities said . Investigators found `` deplorable '' living conditions during the search of the boy 's home and took five children from the residence into protective custody , said authorities . The fourth teen , also a 17-year-old boy , of Agoura Hills , was charged with possession of a controlled substance , the sheriff 's office said . He was released to his parents ' custody , according to police . Police allege Griffen , Nemberg and a juvenile met at Sumac Park in Agoura Hills on October 29 and drove to a nearby cul-de-sac , where Griffen injected narcotics , causing him to instantly become ill and unconscious , authorities said . Nemberg allegedly dragged the unconscious Griffen into his car and
Los Angeles -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Four southern California teenagers have been charged following the apparent drug overdose death of an 18-year-old high school quarterback whose father is a retired NFL player , the Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department said Saturday . Three of the teens have been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Griffen Kramer , son of former pro quarterback Erik Kramer , who played for several NFL teams including the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions , officials said . Griffen Kramer played quarterback at Thousand Oaks High School , which lists him as a 6-foot 210-pound senior . Kramer was found dead October 30 in a friend 's bedroom in Agoura Hills , the sheriff 's office said in a statement . That friend , David Nemberg , 19 , of Agoura Hills , is charged with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance , authorities said . After investigating several of Kramer 's acquaintances who were involved in narcotics-related activities , police also charged Corey Baumann , 19 , also of Agoura Hills , with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance for sales , the sheriff 's office said .
. A 25-yard strike from Mata restored parity for Chelsea in the 80th minute , but van Persie put Arsenal ahead again five minutes later , pouncing on a mistake by John Terry to slot home his second before lashing home his third in injury time to seal a remarkable win . Manchester United bounced back from the 6-1 battering from their city rivals last weekend edging past Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park . Havier Hernandez was on hand to side-foot home from a Patrice Evra cross in the 19th minute to give United the lead after they had made a bright opening to the match . Everton battled their way back into the match and came close to an equalizer -- Leighton Baines hitting the crossbar from a free-kick , while David De Gea saved smartly from Leon Osman . But despite the pressure , United held firm to cement second place in the table behind leaders , Manchester City who enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers . Edin Dzeko opened the scoring for City in the 52nd minute with Aleksandar Kolarov adding a second 15 minutes later . City 's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany was sent
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Robin van Persie hat-trick earned Arsenal a thrilling 5-3 win over their west London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the English Premier League on Saturday . Chelsea started the match strongly taking the lead in the 14th minute when Juan Mata delivered an inch-perfect cross for Frank Lampard to guide a header past Szczesny in the Arsenal goal . The home side continued to dominate possession but Arsenal hit back in the 36th minute when Aaron Ramsey threaded the ball through to Gervinho who selflessly squared the ball back for van Persie to side-foot past Petr Cech . Chelsea had a goal disallowed two minutes later with Ramires being ruled offside , but earned a deserved halftime lead when John Terry bundled the ball home from a corner kick in the 45th minute . Arsenal were far from finished though and hit back four minutes after the break as Alex Song played in Andre Santos who squeezed a shot underneath Cech to level the scores at 2-2 . Six minutes later , Theo Walcott gave the Gunners the lead -- unleashing a fierce shot inside Cech 's near post after outwitting three Chelsea defenders
the first inscription choice of D.C. voters , which was `` taxation without representation , '' in protest of the district 's lack of voting representation in Congress . Edward Kennedy `` Duke '' Ellington received 13 Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize , among numerous other honors . His orchestra 's theme song , `` Take the A Train , '' is one of the best-known compositions in jazz . Ellington was born in the district in 1899 and composed more than 3,000 songs , including `` Satin Doll , '' `` Perdido '' and `` Do n't Get Around Much Any More . '' `` It Do n't Mean a Thing If It Ai n't Got That Swing '' helped usher in the swing era of jazz . Ellington performed with other famous artists , including John Coltrane , Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald , and he traveled around the world with his orchestras . He died in 1974 at the age of 75 . The first African-American to appear on a circulating coin was York , a slave who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their `` Corps of Discovery '' adventures across America at the dawn of
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United States Mint launched a new coin Tuesday featuring jazz legend Duke Ellington , making him the first African-American to appear by himself on a circulating U.S. coin . The District of Columbia coin honoring Duke Ellington was introduced Tuesday in Washington . Ellington , the composer of classics including `` It Do n't Mean a Thing If It Ai n't Got That Swing '' appears on the `` tails '' side of the new D.C. quarter . George Washington is on the `` heads '' side , as is usual with U.S. quarters . The coin was issued to celebrate Ellington 's birthplace , the District of Columbia . U.S. Mint Director Ed Moy introduced the new coin at a news conference Tuesday at the Smithsonian Institution 's National Museum of American History . Members of Ellington 's family were present at the ceremony , and the jazz band of Duke Ellington High School performed . Ellington won the honor by a vote of D.C. residents , beating out abolitionist Frederick Douglass and astronomer Benjamin Banneker . Also on the coin is the phrase `` Justice for all . '' The Mint rejected
up $ 900 billion from 2007 . Watch who 's up and who 's down '' This year 's survey finds an increasing number of the world 's richest coming from emerging markets , including China , India and Russia . Two years ago , 10 of the top 20 billionaires were from the United States . This year , there are only four . India is now home to four of the 10 richest people in the world , the highest number for a single country . But the United States still holds the top spot as the country with the most billionaires -- Americans account for 42 percent of the world 's billionaires and 37 percent of the total wealth , according to Forbes . With 87 billionaires , Russia is now in second place , overtaking Germany , with 59 billionaires , which had held that position for six years . It is also a record-breaking year for young billionaires , with Forbes listing 50 billionaires under the age of 40 . Check out the youngest billionaires '' Over half of them are self-starters , including Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page , and India 's
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Forbes ' list of the world 's wealthy has named Warren Buffett the richest person on the planet , surpassing his friend and philanthropic partner Bill Gates who had held the title for 13 consecutive years . American investor Warren Buffett has been named world 's richest person . The American investor and philanthropist is worth an estimated $ 62 billion , up $ 10 billion from a year ago thanks to surging prices of Berkshire Hathaway stock , according to Forbes magazine 's annual ranking of the world 's billionaires . Gates , the co-founder of Microsoft , is now ranked as the world 's third richest person . At $ 58 billion , his net worth is up $ 2 billion from a year ago . Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim Helu was named the world 's second richest man , with a net worth of around $ 60 billion , up $ 11 billion since last March . For the first time , Forbes ' rich list named more than 1,000 billionaires from around the world , with 226 newcomers . The total net worth of the group is $ 4.4 trillion ,
Saudi Arabia . `` I want on behalf of our country to say to those who were wounded , and certainly to the families of those who were killed , that our condolences are with them , '' she added . It was not clear whether the blast was caused by a suicide attack or by a remotely detonated car bomb . A communique issued by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut said the embassy vehicle was apparently the intended target of the attack , and identified the driver and passenger as Lebanese security personnel for the embassy . But McCormack cautioned against jumping to any conclusions on the intended target . `` We do n't yet have a full picture of exactly what happened , who is responsible , who is exactly being targeted , '' he told reporters during the State Department 's daily briefing . `` We will see over the next day or two ... where the facts lead us . '' Citing security concerns , McCormack would also not address unconfirmed reports that the vehicle was part of a convoy for departing U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman . A U.S. Embassy statement said Feltman canceled
BEIRUT , Lebanon -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A car bomb struck a U.S. Embassy vehicle Tuesday as it traveled along a coastal highway north of Beirut , killing at least three Lebanese civilian bystanders , according to American and Lebanese officials . Lebanese soldiers and Red Cross workers stand near charred cars at the site of the explosion in Beirut . The driver of the embassy vehicle suffered minor injuries , and the sole passenger walked away unscathed , U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said . Both were Lebanese nationals , he said . An American citizen who happened to be in the area suffered non-life-threatening injuries , the spokesman said . Lebanese internal security forces said three Lebanese civilian bystanders were killed in the explosion in Beirut 's Dora area , contradicting earlier reports of four . Twenty-one others -- including the American bystander -- were wounded in the explosion , which was caused by a 15-kilogram -LRB- 33-pound -RRB- bomb placed in a car before the explosion , the security forces said . The United States is outraged by the terrorist attack , said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice , who is traveling with President Bush in
the possibility of running as vice president . `` This has been a long campaign , and I will be making no decisions tonight , '' she said . Watch Clinton congratulate Obama '' There were reports earlier in the day that she would concede , but her campaign said she was `` absolutely not '' prepared to do so . Two New York lawmakers also told CNN on Tuesday that during a conference call Clinton expressed willingness to serve as Obama 's running mate in November . Watch the latest on a possible joint ticket '' ' One source told CNN that Clinton told those on the call that if asked by Obama , she would be interested in serving as his running mate . One of the lawmakers said Clinton 's husband , former President Bill Clinton , has been pushing the idea privately for several weeks . The Clinton campaign maintains the New York senator merely said she would do whatever is in the party 's best interest , and that her comments Tuesday are no different than what she has been saying for weeks . Clinton said she would meet with supporters and party leaders in
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In what he called a `` defining moment for our nation , '' Sen. Barack Obama on Tuesday became the first African-American to head the ticket of a major political party . Sen. Barack Obama on Tuesday told supporters he will be the Democratic nominee . Obama 's steady stream of superdelegate endorsements , combined with the delegates he received from Tuesday 's primaries , put him past the 2,118 threshold , CNN projects . `` Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another -- a journey that will bring a new and better day to America , '' he said . `` Tonight , I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States . '' Watch Obama say he 'll be the nominee '' Obama 's rally was at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul , Minnesota -- the same arena which will house the 2008 Republican National Convention in September . Speaking in New York , Sen. Hillary Clinton , congratulated Obama for his campaign , but she did not concede the race nor discuss
court and was sentenced to three consecutive and five concurrent life terms . The general court-martial at Fort Bragg then tried him and in April 1988 convicted him of two murders , an attempted murder and three rapes . In July , President George W. Bush approved the Army 's request to execute Gray . `` The president took action following completion of a full appellate process , which upheld the conviction and sentence to death , '' the Army said in the news release . `` Two petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court were denied during the appellate processing of Pvt. Gray 's case . '' Members of the U.S. military have been executed throughout history , but just 10 have been executed with presidential approval since 1951 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice , the military 's modern-day legal system . The Army also sought Bush 's authorization to execute another condemned soldier , Pvt. Dwight Loving , who was convicted of robbing and killing two cab drivers in 1988 . The last U.S. military execution was in 1961 , when Army Pvt. John Bennett was hanged for raping and attempting to kill an 11-year-old Austrian girl
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A U.S. soldier convicted of rape and murder two decades ago will be executed December 10 in the nation 's first military execution since 1961 , the Army said Thursday . Pvt. Ronald Gray has been on the military 's death row at Fort Leavenworth , Kansas , since 1988 . A court-martial panel sitting at Fort Bragg , North Carolina , unanimously convicted him of committing two murders and other crimes in the Fayetteville , North Carolina , area , and sentenced him to death . Gray 's execution by injection will be carried out by Fort Leavenworth soldiers at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute , Indiana , the Army said in a news release . Gray was convicted of raping and killing a female Army private and a civilian near his post at Fort Bragg . He was also convicted of the rape and attempted murder of another fellow soldier in her barracks at the post . Both military and civilian courts found Gray responsible for the crimes , which were committed between April 1986 and January 1987 . Gray pleaded guilty to two murders and five rapes in a civilian
. The 20 '' is powered by a 2.66 GHz processor ; the 24 '' has processor speed options of 2.66 GHz , 2.93 GHz -LRB- for $ 1,799 -RRB- , or 3.02 GHz -LRB- for $ 2,199 -RRB- . The 24 '' comes with a 640GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM expandable to 8GB ; the 20 '' comes with a 320GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM expandable to 8GB . `` Our flagship 24-inch iMac with twice the memory and twice the storage is now available for just $ 1,499 , '' Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook , currently standing in at the helm of the company in place of iconic CEO Steve Jobs , said in a release . `` The Mac mini is not only our most affordable Mac , it 's also the world 's most energy efficient desktop computer . '' As for the new Mac Mini , the big upgrade is NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics that Apple says will improve its graphics performance as much as fivefold . The monitor-free machine costs either $ 599 for a lower-end edition -LRB- 1GB RAM , 120GB hard drive -RRB- or $
-LRB- CNET -RRB- -- Well , here 's what we 've all been waiting for . Apple put out a couple of announcements on Tuesday related to its desktop computers . Apple on Tuesday announced a new Mac Pro high-end desktop powered by Intel 's '' Nehalem '' processor . The company unveiled a new Mac Pro high-end desktop powered by Intel 's `` Nehalem '' processor , a new and more graphics-intensive Mac Mini machine , and updated iMacs that include the lowest price point yet for the consumer desktops . Let 's look at the new Mac Pro first : priced at $ 2,499 for the quad-core version and $ 3,299 for the eight-core version , those Intel `` Nehalem '' Xeon processors run at 2.93 GHz , and the interior of the machine has been cleaned up to make physical expansions easier . On the green front , it meets the new Energy Star 5.0 requirements that will go into effect later this year . The new iMac desktop is a 24 '' machine that is priced at $ 1,499 , the cost of Apple 's previous 20 '' iMac . The 20-inch is now $ 1,199
sexual abuse . After a court battle , the Texas Supreme Court ordered the children returned in June , saying that the state had no right to remove them and that there was no evidence to show the children faced imminent danger of abuse on the ranch . Jeffs , 52 , is the leader and `` prophet '' of the estimated 10,000-member FLDS , an offshoot of the mainstream Mormon church . The FLDS openly practices polygamy at the YFZ Ranch and in two towns straddling the Utah-Arizona state line : Hildale , Utah , and Colorado City , Arizona . Jeffs , who is facing a sentence in Utah of up to life in prison and is awaiting trial in Arizona , could face another life sentence in Texas if convicted on the latest charge . In Utah , he was convicted on accomplice to rape charges for his role in the marriage of a sect member to a 14-year-old . He faces similar charges in Arizona . His attorney in Arizona , Michael Piccarreta , has questioned the motives of Texas authorities . He said in July that the state 's investigation into Jeffs and his followers
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Three more members of a polygamous sect led by Warren Jeffs are facing sexual assault charges , Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said Tuesday . The latest charges come two months after Warren Jeffs and five followers were indicted in Texas . On Tuesday , a Texas grand jury indicted the three male members of Jeffs ' Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints compound outside Eldorado , Abbott said . Each faces one felony count of sexual assault of a child . Two of them also face felony bigamy charges . The identities of the men were not released because they had not been arrested as of Tuesday afternoon . In July , the Schleicher County grand jury indicted Jeffs and four of his Texas FLDS followers on child sexual assault charges . Jeffs was charged with sexually assaulting a child under 17 . A fifth follower was charged with failure to report child abuse . The charges stem from a state and federal investigation into the sect 's Yearning for Zion Ranch . In April , child welfare workers removed more than 400 children from the compound , citing allegations of physical and
`` must have known that visiting the World Trade Center site would infuriate many Americans . '' `` Well , I 'm amazed , '' he said , surprised by the question . `` How can you speak for the whole of the American nation ? The American nation is made up of 300 million people . There are different points of view over there . '' More than 2,700 people died in the attack on the World Trade Center , when al Qaeda terrorists flew hijacked passenger jets into the twin towers . A third jet hit the Pentagon , and a fourth crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers resisted their hijackers . Iran is ruled by a Shiite Muslim government hostile to the fundamentalist Sunni al Qaeda . Ahmadinejad 's predecessor , Mohammed Khatami , condemned the attacks and cooperated with the U.S.-led campaign to topple al Qaeda 's Taliban allies in Afghanistan that followed . But the United States calls Iran the world 's top state sponsor of terrorism because of its support of the Lebanese Shiite Muslim militia Hezbollah and other militant groups . Washington and Tehran have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1980
NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday that he wo n't push to visit the site of the destroyed World Trade Center during his visit to the United Nations next week . Iran 's president said he wanted to `` pay his respects '' and lay a wreath at the site of the 2001 al Qaeda attacks . The controversial leader asked to `` pay his respects '' and lay a wreath at the site of the 2001 al Qaeda attacks , but New York city officials on Wednesday denied that request , citing safety concerns at what is now a construction site . Ahmadinejad said he would try to visit the site `` if we have the time and the conditions are conducive . '' But if local officials can not make the proper arrangements , `` I wo n't insist , '' he said in an interview to be aired Sunday on CBS ' `` 60 Minutes . '' The Bush administration considers Iran a state sponsor of terrorism , and State Department spokesman Tom Casey called the request `` the height of hypocrisy . '' CBS correspondent Scott Pelley told Ahmadinejad he
to everyone who has been hurt in this matter and he thanks all of the people who have offered him and his family prayers and support during this time , '' Martin 's statement said . CNN Senior Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin speculated that Vick started his sentence early `` to get it out of the way . '' Watch Toobin explain why Vick would surrender early '' On September 25 , a Virginia grand jury indicted Vick and the three co-defendants -- Purnell Peace , 35 , of Virginia Beach , Virginia ; Quanis Phillips , 28 , of Atlanta , Georgia ; and Tony Taylor , 34 , of Hampton , Virginia -- on state charges of running a dogfighting ring at Vick 's home outside Newport News . The Surry County grand jury brought two charges against the four men : one count of unlawfully torturing and killing dogs and one of promoting dogfights . Each is a felony charge that could result in a five-year prison term . In addition , Taylor faces three additional counts of unlawful torture and killing of dogs . A hearing in that case is set for November 27 , but
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Michael Vick turned himself in to authorities on Monday to get a head start on serving his sentence for running a dogfighting ring , the U.S. Marshals Service said . Michael Vick leaves court in Richmond , Virginia , in August after pleading guilty to dogfighting charges . The Atlanta Falcons quarterback is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10 on a federal conspiracy charge of bankrolling the dogfighting operation . Vick , 27 , voluntarily turned himself in around noon , said Kevin Trevillan of the Marshals Service , and is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw , Virginia , until the sentencing hearing . The quarterback , who has been suspended indefinitely by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell , faces 12 to 18 months in prison on the charge . Vick pleaded guilty in August after three associates admitted their own roles in the operation and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors . `` From the beginning , Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for his actions and his self-surrender further demonstrates that acceptance , '' Vick 's attorney , Billy Martin , said in a statement . `` Michael wants to again apologize
`` Van Helsing . '' In second with $ 10.4 million was the political thriller `` The Ides of March . '' The R-rated film -- which George Clooney directed , co-wrote , and co-stars in along with Ryan Gosling , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Paul Giamatti , Evan Rachel Wood , and Marisa Tomei -- particularly appealed to older women . According to Sony , 58 percent of the audience was female and 60 percent was over the age of 35 . The $ 12.5 million movie earned a `` B '' grade from CinemaScore participants , which is a bit lower than expected considering its awards buzz and positive reviews . `` The Ides of March '' will need to hold up well the next few weeks if it wants to keep its Oscar hopes alive . The rest of the top five consisted of prior releases that all dropped around -LRB- a very commendable -RRB- 35 percent from last week . In third place , the family film `` Dolphin Tale '' slipped 34 percent for $ 9.2 million , pushing the film 's cumulative tally to $ 49.1 million . The Brad Pitt baseball drama ``
-LRB- EW.com -RRB- -- `` Real Steel '' showed what it was made of , as the robot-boxing action drama won the weekend with an estimated $ 27.3 million . That 's the strongest opening ever for a boxing-themed picture , beating `` Rocky IV '' 's $ 20 million debut in 1985 -LRB- when not adjusting for inflation -RRB- . DreamWorks ' $ 110 million film , which was released by Disney 's Touchstone Pictures , scored a superb `` A '' rating from CinemaScore graders . That bodes well for the movie 's box-office stamina , especially since there are no other major family films hitting theaters until `` Puss in Boots '' pounces on October 28 . Unsurprisingly for a movie about mechanical fighters beating up one another , `` Real Steel '' skewed male -- 66 percent of the audience according to Disney . It also attracted a younger crowd , with 44 percent under the age of 25 . The PG-13 movie 's respectable opening must also come as a relief to star Hugh Jackman , who has n't had a non-X-Men film open to more than $ 20 million since 2004â $ ² s
need to know that their government will protect them from violence , and provide appropriate justice for victims and their families . '' Several religious groups have expressed concern that a hate-crimes law could be used to criminalize conservative speech relating to subjects such as abortion or homosexuality . Attorney General Eric Holder has asserted that any federal hate-crimes law would be used only to prosecute violent acts based on bias , as opposed to the prosecution of speech based on controversial racial or religious beliefs . Holder called Thursday 's 68-29 Senate vote to approve the defense spending bill that included the hate crimes measure `` a milestone in helping protect Americans from the most heinous bias-motivated violence . '' Watch survivor of attack discuss legislation '' `` The passage of this legislation will give the Justice Department and our state and local law enforcement partners the tools we need to deter and prosecute these acts of violence , '' he said in a statement . Joe Solmonese , president of the Human Rights Campaign , called the measure `` our nation 's first major piece of civil rights legislation for lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender people
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Senate passed groundbreaking legislation Thursday that would make it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity . President Obama has said the country must make significant changes to ensure equal rights . The expanded federal hate crimes law now goes to President Obama 's desk . Obama has pledged to sign the measure , which was added to a $ 680 billion defense authorization bill . President George W. Bush had threatened to veto a similar measure . The bill is named for Matthew Shepard , a gay Wyoming teenager who died after being kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998 , and James Byrd Jr. , an African-American man dragged to death in Texas the same year . `` Knowing that the president will sign it , unlike his predecessor , has made all the hard work this year to pass it worthwhile , '' said Judy Shepard , board president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation named for her son . `` Hate crimes continue to affect far too many Americans who are simply trying to live their lives honestly , and they
addition , one woman who was pregnant at the time of the illness had a miscarriage . Cases have also been reported in Alabama , Arkansas , California , Idaho , Illinois , Montana , North Dakota , Oregon , South Dakota , Texas , Virginia , West Virginia and Wisconsin . Groups at high risk for listeria include older adults , people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women , officials have said . The grower , Jensen Farms of Granada , Colorado , issued a voluntary recall of its Rocky Ford brand cantaloupes on September 14 . The tainted cantaloupes should be off store shelves , the CDC said . Cantaloupes from Jensen Farms should be disposed of immediately , even if some of them have been eaten , the CDC said . If consumers are uncertain about the source of a cantaloupe , they are urged to ask their supermarket . If the source remains unknown , the fruit should be thrown out , officials have said . Refrigerating a cantaloupe will not kill the bacteria , which can grow at low temperatures , authorities have said , and consumers should not try to wash off the
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The number of deaths linked to cantaloupes contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria has risen to 23 , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Wednesday . At least 116 cases of listeria have been reported in 25 states , the agency said . The two latest fatalities came in Louisiana . The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirmed this week that an 87-year-old Baton Rouge woman died earlier this month . Last week the department also indentified a Shreveport-area woman , 81 , who died from the same strain . Health officials have said the number of cases could continue to grow , citing reporting lags and the fact the disease can develop slowly in some people , taking up to two months . The listeria outbreak is the deadliest food-borne illness outbreak in the United States since 1998 . Five people each have died in New Mexico and Colorado from consuming the tainted fruit , along with two people each in Kansas , Texas and now Louisiana . One has died in Indiana , Maryland , Missouri , Nebraska , New York , Oklahoma and Wyoming , the CDC said . In
guilty for the simple reason -LSB- that -RSB- he did not kill Lana Clarkson , '' Weinberg said . Watch Spector receive his sentence '' `` Obviously , he 's not very happy , '' Spector 's wife , Rachelle , told reporters about her husband . `` I 'm going to stand by him and get him out of that awful place so he can come home where he belongs . '' Clarkson , 40 , was found dead -- slumped in a chair in the foyer of Spector 's Alhambra , California , mansion with a gunshot wound through the roof of her mouth -- in February 2003 . View a timeline of the case '' Spector 's trial , which began in October , ended last month when jurors deliberated for 30 hours and then announced a guilty verdict on the second-degree murder charge . Fidler had ruled jurors also could consider the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter . Spector 's first murder trial in 2007 ended in a mistrial as jurors said they could n't reach a verdict after 15 days of deliberations . Jurors then were deadlocked 10-2 in favor of conviction . Fidler declined
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Music producer Phil Spector was sentenced Friday to the maximum sentence of 19 years to life for the murder six years ago of actress Lana Clarkson . Phil Spector 's first murder trial in 2007 ended in a mistrial as jurors said they could n't reach a verdict . That means Spector , 69 , would be 88 before he would be eligible for parole . Slumped , stone-faced and wearing a dark suit and bright red tie , he sat silently throughout his sentencing by Judge Larry Paul Fidler . Spector 's lawyer gave a $ 17,000 check to Donna Clarkson , the victim 's mother , to pay for her funeral expenses -- part of the court-ordered sentence . `` All of our plans together are destroyed , '' the mother said , reading a statement on behalf of her family . `` Now , I can only visit her at the cemetery . '' Fidler denied a motion for a new trial by defense attorney Doron Weinberg , who said he would file an appeal . `` The evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he is
'' he said . `` If we do nothing , we 'll be paying twice as much on health care in 10 years as we do today . '' Daschle served as Democratic leader in the Senate from 1995 until he lost a re-election bid in 2004 . Representing South Dakota , he was first elected as a congressman in 1978 and served in the House until he was elected to the Senate in 1986 . He recently wrote a book on health care titled `` Critical : What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis . '' In the book , he pushed for universal health care coverage to reach 46 million uninsured Americans by expanding the federal employee health benefits program to include private employer plans together with Medicaid and Medicare . Most Republicans oppose any such plan , saying it would give too much power to the government . They 've also questioned Daschle 's recent work for a Washington lobbying firm . His wife , Linda Daschle , is a registered lobbyist for a firm that includes health care clients . But a source close to Daschle told CNN that Linda Daschle would be leaving
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former Sen. Tom Daschle will be announced Thursday as President-elect Barack Obama 's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a Democratic source said Wednesday . Former Sen. Tom Daschle , shown with his wife , Linda , says he will write Obama 's health care plan . CNN has previously reported that the 61-year-old former Senate majority leader from South Dakota would be Obama 's choice , but not the announcement date . In November , Daschle said he was excited about the possibility of serving as point person in Obama 's effort to change the nation 's health care system . Daschle is on the health care advisory group of Obama 's transition team and said he plans to write the health care plan that Obama submits to Congress next year . `` I hope to have the plan enacted by next year , and then it will take several years to implement , '' Daschle said last month . Daschle said reforming health care in the United States must be a priority in the current economic climate . `` We ca n't afford not to do it ,
not confirm the detention of Masood Azhar , the leader of another militant group , Jaish-e-Muhammad . But he said his government has launched its own investigation into India 's allegations that the gunmen who killed more than 160 people in Mumbai had links to Pakistan . The acknowledgment came three days after Pakistani security forces raided an LeT camp near Muzaffarabad , the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir , in the first sign of government action against Lashkar-e-Tayyiba since the three-day siege of India 's financial capital . Both LeT and Jaish-e-Muhammad were formed to battle Indian rule in the divided Himalayan territory of Kashmir , and both were banned after a 2001 attack on the Indian parliament that brought the South Asian nuclear rivals to the brink of war . The United States has listed LeT as a terrorist group with ties to Osama bin Laden 's al Qaeda network . According to the U.S. government , Lakhvi , 47 , has directed LeT 's military operations in southeast Asia , Chechnya , Bosnia and Iraq . Pakistan 's Defense Minister Choudhry Mukhtar Ahmed told CNN 's sister network in India , CNN-IBN , that Lakhvi and Azhar had
ISLAMABAD , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistani authorities have arrested two top leaders of the Islamic militant group India blames for the November massacre in Mumbai , Pakistan 's prime minister confirmed Wednesday . Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistani security forces had rounded up a number of militant figures . The top military officer in the U.S. on Wednesday said he is `` encouraged '' by Pakistan 's recent arrests of `` significant players '' in the Mumbai attacks . U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen said the arrests amount to `` first steps '' toward determining who plotted the three day siege last month that killed 160 people in Mumbai , India 's financial capital . `` There are more steps to follow , '' he noted . He also thanked India for showing restraint against Pakistan , which it has accused of harboring the terrorist groups behind the November massacre . Zarar Shah , a top operational commander of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba , and Zakir Rehman Lakhvi , whose arrest had been reported Tuesday , were among the militant figures rounded up in recent days , Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told reporters . Gilani would
Chihuahua , specifically Ciudad Juarez , is of special concern , '' the alert says . `` Mexican authorities report that more than 2,600 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2009 , '' the report states . `` Additionally , this city of 1.3 million people experienced more than 16,000 car thefts and 1,900 carjackings in 2009 . U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez , avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours , and remain alert to news reports . '' But the problems are not limited to Juarez , the State Department says . `` Mexican drug cartels are engaged in violent conflict -- both among themselves and with Mexican security services -- for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border , '' the report says . `` In order to combat violence , the government of Mexico has deployed military troops throughout the country . U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways . `` Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat , with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades . Large
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United States has renewed a travel alert to Mexico , citing increased violence in the country . The alert , issued Sunday by the State Department , is in effect until August 20 and supersedes an alert issued August 20 , 2009 . `` Recent violent attacks have caused the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to delay unnecessary travel to parts of Michoacan , Durango , Coahuila and Chihuahua ... and to advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution , '' the alert says . `` Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view as a threat to their organization . These attacks include the abduction and murder of two resident U.S. citizens in Chihuahua . '' More than 16,000 people have died in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon declared war on the drug cartels shortly after assuming office in December 2006 . Ciudad Juarez , in Chihuahua state across the border from El Paso , Texas , is the most violent city in the nation . `` The situation in the state of
`` Our combat mission will end '' '' Between 35,000 and 50,000 troops will remain to help execute a drawdown plan under which all U.S. forces will be out of Iraq by December 31 , 2011 . That was a deadline set under an agreement the Bush administration signed with the Iraqi government last year . `` Let me say this as plainly as I can : By August 31 , 2010 , our combat mission in Iraq will end , '' Obama said in a speech at the Marine Corps ' Camp Lejeune , North Carolina . Meanwhile , Iraqi President Jalal Talabani visited neighboring Iran , where the supreme leader warned him that the United States is planning a prolonged stay in Iraq . `` Occupying military forces are laying the groundwork for a long-lasting stay in Iraq , and that is a great danger , '' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Talabani on Saturday , according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency . `` Occupying military forces should leave Iraq as soon as possible , '' Khamenei said , according to IRNA . `` Every day their exit is delayed will be a detriment to the Iraqi
BAGHDAD , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iraqi leaders are applauding President Obama 's plan to withdraw most U.S. troops from the country by August 2010 . U.S. troops will cede security measures to Iraqi security forces including the police , shown here , and the army . Iraq 's Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi 's office released a statement Saturday saying he received a call from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton informing him of Obama 's announcement of the withdrawal . `` Mr. al-Hashimi welcomed the American administration 's commitment to withdrawing its troops from Iraq according to the agreed-on schedule and stressed that every possible effort should be exerted to increase the readiness of Iraqi security forces and improve their performance , '' the statement said . Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said Obama called him to tell him about the plan Friday . The prime minister said Iraqi security forces have proven their ability to provide security across Iraq `` which qualifies them to take over full security responsibilities from American forces . '' Obama said Friday he plans to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010 . Watch Obama say
Barkley 's `` performance on the field sobriety test revealed there was probable cause to make an arrest . '' Barkley declined to take a breath test to measure his blood-alcohol level , Shuhandler said earlier . `` When he arrived at the station , police administered a blood test , which is customary of our police department to do , '' he said , adding that Barkley consented to the blood test . It will take `` a few days '' for the crime lab to test the blood sample and determine Barkley 's blood-alcohol level , Shuhandler said . The former NBA power forward was cited for driving while impaired and released . `` It was a pretty routine arrest , '' Shuhandler said . Barkley 's sport-utility vehicle was impounded under mandatory vehicle impound laws , police said . Shuhandler said Barkley behaved professionally during the booking and was `` very respectful and cordial with our officers . '' Watch Shuhandler describe the arrest '' Barkley , 45 , is a commentator for TNT 's coverage of the NBA . In October , he told CNN 's Campbell Brown that he plans to run for governor of
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Basketball commentator and former hoops star Charles Barkley was arrested Wednesday in Scottsdale , Arizona , on suspicion of drunken driving , a police spokesman said . Charles Barkley was driving an Infiniti SUV through a trendy area of Scottsdale on Wednesday , police say . Barkley issued a brief statement , saying , `` I am disappointed that I put myself in that situation . The Scottsdale police were fantastic . I will not comment any further as it is a legal matter . '' Lt. Eric Shuhandler of the Gilbert Police Department said an officer pulled Barkley over after he ran a stop sign in Scottsdale 's Old Town area , a trendy spot known for its nightclubs and bars . Gilbert and Scottsdale are in the Phoenix metro area . `` The officer identified the driver of the 2005 Infiniti as Charles Barkley , '' according to a written statement from police . `` Mr. Barkley was administered the standard field sobriety tests after the odor of intoxicating liquor was detected . '' Watch : Barkley ` disappointed ' by arrest '' At a news conference later in the day , Shuhandler said
both . '' Health.com : How fibromyalgia is diagnosed Previous research has shown that tai chi can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other pain conditions , but this study is the first controlled trial to examine its effectiveness as a treatment for fibromyalgia , which affects an estimated 10 million Americans . The study included 66 fibromyalgia patients who were randomly assigned to take one-hour tai chi classes with an experienced teacher or one-hour classes that taught coping skills , pain-management techniques , and stretching . Participants were also asked to practice tai chi or stretch on their own for 20 minutes each day , depending on which group they were in . Health.com : 13 mistakes fibro patients make After three months , Wang and her colleagues asked the patients to rate their pain symptoms , physical functioning , fatigue , and mood , all of which were combined on a single scale ranging from 0 to 100 , with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms . -LRB- The patients completed the same survey before the study began . -RRB- The average score among the tai chi patients dropped from 63 to 35 , while the average
-LRB- Health.com -RRB- -- Doctors often recommend exercise for patients with fibromyalgia , but the chronic pain and fatigue associated with the condition can make activities like running and swimming difficult . Tai chi -- a slow , meditative martial art -- may be an effective alternative , a new study suggests . Fibromyalgia patients who took tai chi classes twice a week for three months experienced less pain , stiffness , and fatigue than a control group that attended lifestyle education and stretching sessions , according to the study , which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine . Tai chi involves a series of slow , fluid movements that focus on balance and deep breathing . Although it 's not clear from the study how exactly tai chi might improve fibromyalgia symptoms , both the physical activity and the meditative aspects are likely beneficial , says Chenchen Wang , M.D. , the lead researcher and an associate professor at the Tufts University School of Medicine , in Boston , Massachusetts . `` Some people need the physical improvement ; some people need more mental improvement , '' she says . `` Tai chi can help with
'' he said . Abbasi said the centrifuges , which are used to enrich uranium , were shown to the deputy of IAEA , Director-General Yukiya Amano , but he did not say when . It was not immediately clear whether an IAEA representative had in fact been to Iran and seen the centrifuges . The new centrifuges will enable Iran to enrich uranium over the current purity level of 5 % , according to experts cited by the news agency . Uranium enriched to between 3 % and 5 % is necessary to make fuel for reactors . Uranium enriched to 93.5 % is considered weapons-grade . The construction of Bushehr -- a civilian , not military , plant -- started in 1975 when Germany signed a contract with Iran . Germany , however , pulled out of the project following the 1979 revolution that created the current Islamic republic . Iran then signed a deal with Russia in 1995 , under which the plant was originally scheduled to be completed in 1999 , but the project was delayed repeatedly . Bushehr finally opened in August 2010 . The United States and other Western nations have expressed concerns that
Tehran , Iran -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iran 's Bushehr nuclear power plant is just weeks from operating at full capacity , the country 's top nuclear official said Saturday . Feireidoun Abbasi , the head of Iran 's Atomic Energy Organization , also said Tehran has shown its new Iranian-made centrifuges to a representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency -LRB- IAEA -RRB- . The Bushehr plant , located along the Persian Gulf coast , will reach its full capacity of 1,000 megawatts by February 1 , Abbasi said , according to the country 's official news agency , IRNA . The plant was connected to the country 's electric grid in September with a capacity of 60 megawatts . At 1,000 megawatts , Bushehr will be able to provide 2.5 % of Iran 's current electricity consumption , the IAEA said . Abbasi made the announcement about Bushehr while attending a meeting on Iran 's nuclear achievements held in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas . He told the meeting that Tehran had shown the new generation of its homemade centrifuge machines to the IAEA `` in a bid to demonstrate the ability of Iranian scientists ,
Karolina Sprem 3-6 6-1 6-2 . The 26-year-old 's career had nosedived following her highly-publicized split from controversial mentor and father Damir . Dementieva will next play Australian 30th seed Samantha Stosur , who won her second-round match in straight sets against Belgium 's Yanina Wickmayer . Earlier on Thursday , the Williams sisters also progressed through to the third round with contrasting victories . Second seed Serena crushed Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-2 6-0 to set up a clash with another unseeded Spaniard , Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez . Third seed Venus survived a scare against unseeded Czech Lucie Safarova before completing a match that was halted on Wednesday night due to bad light . The American saved a match point at 5-4 down in the third set before managing to hold , break her opponent and then serve out to love for a 6-7 -LRB- 5-7 -RRB- 6-2 7-5 success . Venus , who lost the 2002 final to Serena , will next play Hungarian 29th seed Agnes Szavay . Fifth seed Jelena Jankovic had no such troubles in beating Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-1 6-2 , setting up a third-round clash with unseeded Austrian Jarmila Groth . Seventh-seeded
Fourth seed Elena Dementieva avoided an embarrassing early exit when comeback queen Jelena Dokic 's French Open hopes were ended by a back injury on Thursday . Jelena Dokic was left in tears after being forced to retire hurt against Elena Dementieva at the French Open . Dokic , taking part in her first French Open since 2004 following well-documented family problems , won the first set 6-2 and -- after her first break for treatment -- broke the 2004 finalist to lead 3-2 in their second round clash . But the Russian won the next two games as the tearful former world No. 4 was reduced to walking pace before calling it quits . `` I went for a return and I just went down and could n't get back up , '' she said . `` It 's very painful and very disappointing because I felt as if I had the match in my hands . '' Dokic , now ranked 80th after reviving her career with a run to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in January , had won her opening match on Tuesday when she came back from a set down to beat Slovenia 's
people who then killed Tutsis . Renzaho also supervised a selection process at a refugee site where about 40 Tutsis were abducted and killed , the court found . Renzaho participated in an attack at the Sainte Famille church in which more than 100 Tutsis were killed . People across Rwanda sought refuge in churches all over the country as the genocide unfolded . He also made remarks encouraging the sexual abuse of women , according to the court , and was found criminally liable for the rapes that followed . The genocide ended when Tutsi-led militias backing Rwandan President Paul Kagame ousted the Hutu government supporting the massacre . Renzaho was arrested in September 2002 in the Democratic Republic of Congo . His trial began in January 2007 and closed in September that year after hearing from 53 witnesses , including Renzaho . Throughout the trial , Renzaho maintained his innocence and said he had no association with the militia . Renzaho 's lawyer blamed the case on political interference by the Rwandan government . Renzaho has the right to appeal the verdict . The decision is the third judgment on charges of genocide delivered this year by the
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A United Nations court convicted a former governor of Rwanda to life in prison for his role in a 1994 genocide that left about 800,000 dead in the central African country . An estimated 800,000 people -- mainly Tutsis -- were killed in Rwanda in 1994 . Tharcisse Renzaho was found guilty of genocide , crimes against humanity and war crimes . The verdict , delivered Tuesday , is the third judgment on charges of genocide delivered this year by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda -LRB- ICTR -RRB- . The U.N. court is holding hearings in Arusha , Tanzania , where it is based . Renzaho was governor of the capital , Kigali , and a colonel in the Rwandan Armed Forces in 1994 during the country 's genocide , when extremist militias made up of ethnic Hutus slaughtered ethnic Tutsis across Rwanda . It began in April of that year and within 100 days , an estimated 800,000 people were killed . The court found that Renzaho ordered soldiers , police and militias to set up roadblocks to identify Tutsi civilians to be executed . It found he ordered the distribution of weapons to
26 . A total of 10 pairings were drawn with the prize for the winners a place in the lucrative group stages of the world 's most prestigious club competition . The losers will drop down to play in the Europa League , formerly the UEFA Cup . Five of the pairings feature match-ups between the champions of lower-rated leagues such as Latvia and Cyprus . European governing body UEFA effectively ring fenced five places in the group stages for these sides by separating them in the draw from teams from stronger leagues such as England , Italy and Spain . It has led to a series of intriguing clashes with Panathinaikos of Greece facing Spanish side Atletico Madrid . Portugal 's Sporting Lisbon take on Fiorentina of Italy , deposed French champions Lyon play Anderlecht of Belgium and Romainian side Timisoara face Stuttgart of Germany . Timisoara surprisingly beat Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukraine in the previous qualifying round . Shakhtar won the UEFA Cup last season and will now be able to defend their title under the guise of the revamped Europa League . They were paired against Turkish side Sivasspor when the draw for the competition was
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Arsenal will face Celtic in a mouthwatering all-British tie later this month to decide who reaches the Champions League group stages . Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will see his side face an early-season test against Celtic . Scottish side Celtic went into the final qualifying round with a superb 2-0 away win over Dinamo Moscow earlier this week , overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg . Arsenal , who reached the semifinals of the Champions League last season where they lost to Manchester United , will be favorites to go through , but according to their former striker Charlie Nicholas , who also played for the Celtic , they will not be relishing the task . `` They would have wanted to avoid each other , '' he told Sky Sports News . `` For Arsenal , the concern is the lack of players they 've brought in and injuries . I think it will be very tight . '' The first leg matches will be played on August 18 and 19 , the same week as the start of the English Premier League season , the return matches are on August 25 or
Democrats but fiercely opposed by both Republicans and key Democratic moderates . It also eliminates a deeply unpopular provision in the Senate bill worked in by Sen. Ben Nelson , D-Nebraska , that would exempt his Midwestern state from paying increased Medicaid expenses . Administration officials said Obama 's measure would cut the deficit by $ 100 billion over the next 10 years . They estimate the total cost of the bill to be $ 950 billion in the next decade . The Senate bill would cost an estimated $ 871 billion , according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office , while the more expansive House plan has been estimated to cost more than $ 1 trillion . The release of Obama 's plan sets the stage for a critical televised health care summit Thursday with top congressional Republicans . The White House is trying to pressure GOP leaders to present a detailed alternative proposal in advance of the meeting . `` We view this as the opening bid for the health meeting '' on Thursday , White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer told reporters . `` We took our best shot at bridging the differences '' between the House
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Obama administration raised the stakes in the health care debate Monday , releasing a new blueprint that seeks to bridge the gap between measures passed by the Senate and House of Representatives last year . If enacted , the president 's sweeping compromise plan would constitute the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid more than four decades ago . The White House said it would extend coverage to 31 million Americans . Among other things , the White House said it would expand Medicare prescription drug coverage , increase federal subsidies to help people buy insurance and give the federal government new authority to block excessive rate hikes by health insurance companies . It increases the threshold -- relative to the Senate bill -- under which a tax on high-end health insurance plans would kick in . As with both the House and Senate plans , it includes significant reductions in Medicare spending in part through changes in payments made under the Medicare Advantage program . President Obama 's plan does not include a government-run public health insurance option , an idea strongly backed by liberal
against him January 26 . Through his attorney , he denied any responsibility in his father 's death . According to Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Keeley , police responded to a 911 call at approximately 1:30 a.m. January 24 from Brenda Kerrigan , wife of Daniel and mother to Mark and Nancy Kerrigan . Keeley told District Court Judge Mark Sullivan during the arraignment for Mark Kerrigan that there was a violent argument and struggle between the father and his son , resulting in the elder Kerrigan falling or collapsing on the kitchen floor . Keeley said Mark Kerrigan told authorities `` that he did in fact have an argument with his father , the argument became physical , he grabbed his father around the neck , and at some point the father collapsed to the floor . '' According to Keeley , police found Mark Kerrigan in the basement of the house , `` clearly intoxicated '' and `` extremely combative . '' He refused to comply with police officers , said Keeley , and they had to subdue him with pepper spray before forcibly removing him from the home . Mark Kerrigan 's attorney , Denise
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The medical examiner has ruled that the death of Daniel Kerrigan , the father of figure skater Nancy Kerrigan , was a homicide , the Middlesex County district attorney 's office said Tuesday . The skater 's brother , Mark , was arraigned in January on assault and battery charges in an incident involving his father , but the district attorney 's office would not say if other charges might be filed against the younger Kerrigan in light of the medical examiner 's finding . Daniel Kerrigan , 70 , died January 24 after an alleged altercation with his son at the Kerrigan home in Stoneham , Massachusetts . The Kerrigan family released a statement through their attorney expressing disappointment `` that the medical examiner would release a cause of death without having all of the relevant facts . We believe this finding to be premature and inaccurate . '' `` The Kerrigan family does not blame anyone for the unfortunate death of Dan Kerrigan , who had a pre-existing heart condition , '' said the family statement , released by attorney Tracy Miner . Mark Kerrigan , 45 , pleaded not guilty to the charges
Mark Emmert said in a statement . `` This is a profound loss for the Oklahoma State women 's basketball family , the entire university and future women 's basketball players as well . '' University officials credited Budke for turning the school 's women 's basketball program around , culminating with a top-10 national ranking and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA tournament last season . He was in his seventh season with the school . `` Kurt was an exemplary leader and a man of character who had a profound impact on his student-athletes , '' Oklahoma State President Burns Hargis said . `` He was an outstanding coach and a wonderful person . We send our deepest sympathies to his wife , Shelley , and their children , Sara , Alex and Brett . '' Serna was also in her seventh season with OSU after coming to the school to work for Budke from Louisana Tech , where they both previously worked . She served as the program 's recruiting coordinator , according to the school . Hargis called her `` an up-and-coming coach and an outstanding role model for our young ladies .
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Oklahoma State University women 's basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna were killed when their plane crashed on the way to a recruiting trip in Arkansas , university officials said Friday . Former Oklahoma state Sen. Olin Branstetter and his wife , Paula , also died in the crash Thursday , university spokesman Gary Schutt said . `` It 's a terribly sad day , '' he said . The crash occurred in Perry County , Arkansas , leaving no survivors . The plane , a Piper Cherokee PA-28 , according to FAA records , crashed under `` unknown circumstances '' in a wooded area about four miles south of Perryville , Arkansas , about 4:30 p.m. CT on Thursday , agency spokesman Lynn Lunsford said Friday . No additional information about the crash was immediately available . The National Transportation Safety Board has sent investigators to the crash site , the agency said Friday . Budke and Serna were on a recruiting trip to Little Rock , Arkansas , the university said . `` For any coaching community to lose bright stars like Kurt and Miranda is tragic , '' NCAA President
-- Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash , $ 6 at drugstores . Exfoliant -- St. Ives Elements Microdermabrasion Scrub , $ 7 at drugstores . Dry skin How often : Cleanse skin at night , when it 's dirtiest . Rinse with cool water in the morning to help maintain natural oils . If skin is flaky , exfoliate once a week , says Lisa Donofrio , a professor of dermatology at Yale University . What to look for : A cleansing oil or creamy wash that has moisturizing ingredients , such as glycerin . If you have sensitive skin to boot , avoid products that contain fragrances or alcohol , which can irritate . Where to find it : Cleanser -- Laura Mercier Purifying Oil , $ 40 , www.sephora.com ; or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser , $ 11.50 at drugstores . Exfoliant -- Your safest bet is to use a wet washcloth . Oily/acne-prone skin How often : Lather up two to three times a day -LRB- as needed -RRB- but never more ; overwashing kicks oil glands into overproduction . Exfoliate once or twice a week , but skip this if you have acne ; the friction can make
-LRB- RealSimple.com -RRB- -- Overwashing , overapplying , and product overkill wo n't improve your skin . Rein in your regimen to get real results . Want beautiful skin like model Megan Gale ? Do n't overdo it , experts say . Cleansing and exfoliating You do n't need to wash or scrub as often -- or as vigorously -- as you may think . `` Many women go overboard here , figuring it will make their skin look better if they do both more frequently , '' says dermatologist Leslie Baumann . `` But that only damages the skin 's natural barrier and creates dryness and irritation . '' Combination skin How often : Wash your face twice a day , and gently exfoliate once or twice a week ; this is enough to keep skin balanced and encourage cell turnover , according to experts . What to look for : A mild cleanser that is n't too rich or too drying , says Mary Lupo , a dermatologist in New Orleans , Louisiana . Use an exfoliant that contains gentle particles or acids to remove dead cells without abrading your skin . Where to find it : Cleanser
`` not a word of it is true . '' `` I work in clubs , and I am a businesswoman , '' Uchitel said . `` I do not have sex with celebrities , and I have not had an affair with Tiger Woods . '' Speculation has swirled around Woods since a wreck outside his Florida home early Friday left him with minor injuries and a citation for careless driving . The Florida Highway Patrol said Tuesday that its citation closes its investigation of the crash . Woods was not required to talk to state police about the wreck and did not sit for an interview with investigators . He issued a statement Sunday saying he alone was responsible for the crash and denouncing `` the many false , unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me . '' Opinion : Woods is only human The 33-year-old golf phenomenon has won the Masters tournament and the PGA tournament each four times , as well as three U.S. Open titles . Investigators have said they do n't have details on why Woods was driving away from his home at such an early hour .
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tiger Woods apologized on Wednesday for `` transgressions '' that `` let his family down . '' `` I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart . I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves , '' he said in a statement on his official Web site . `` I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect . I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family . Those feelings should be shared by us alone . '' Woods made the comments in a statement posted on his Web site the same day that a gossip magazine published a story alleging that Woods had an affair with a 24-year-old New York cocktail waitress . The nightclub hostess , identified by a supermarket tabloid as Tiger Woods ' mistress had called allegations that she is romantically involved with the golf superstar false and `` ridiculous . '' In an interview published Tuesday , Rachel Uchitel told The New York Post that a disgruntled acquaintance sold the story to the National Enquirer and that
in February , Barzee pleaded guilty but mentally ill to one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping in the attempted kidnapping of Smart 's cousin . In exchange for her plea , prosecutors dropped state charges against her in Smart 's abduction , said Nancy Volmer , spokeswoman for Utah state courts . The month after Smart was kidnapped , prosecutors alleged , Barzee and Mitchell attempted to break into the home of her cousin , but were unsuccessful . The girl was 15 years old at the time , according to CNN affiliate KSL-TV . She is not named in court documents . `` Mr. Mitchell 's attempt was thwarted when the minor child awakened , which caused Mr. Mitchell to flee , '' the court documents say . After her arrest in 2003 , Barzee told authorities that she and Mitchell went to the home to abduct the girl , and planned to hold her , along with Smart , in the couple 's camp in the mountains , according to court documents . Barzee faces between one and 15 years in state prison . But prosecutors have agreed to allow that sentence to run concurrently with
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A woman who pleaded guilty to kidnapping Utah teenager Elizabeth Smart in 2002 -- and attempting to kidnap Smart 's cousin a month later -- will be sentenced for both offenses in state and federal court Friday . Wanda Eileen Barzee , 64 , pleaded guilty in November to federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor in Smart 's kidnapping . As part of that plea agreement , she agreed to cooperate with the state and federal cases against her husband , Brian David Mitchell , federal prosecutors have said . Barzee and Mitchell were accused of abducting Smart , then 14 , at knifepoint from her bedroom in her family 's Salt Lake City , Utah , home in June 2002 . Smart was found nine months later , walking down a street in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy in the company of Barzee and Mitchell , a drifter and self-described prophet who calls himself Emmanuel and had done some handyman work at the Smarts ' home . Federal prosecutors have recommended Barzee be sentenced to 15 years in prison in exchange for cooperation against Mitchell . In state court
any state in the nation . The Delegates About 2,300 delegates and 2,200 alternates delegates are expected to journey to the twin cities for the event , and the Minneapolis/St . Paul economy is expected to benefit to the tune of $ 150 to $ 160 million . The Candidates , past and present John McCain turned 72 last week ; if elected , he 'll be the oldest president sworn in to a first term . Two GOP presidential nominees were older than McCain ; Ronald Reagan was 73 in 1984 when he was running for his second term and Bob Dole was 73 in 1996 . Dole lost that election to Bill Clinton . John McCain was a prisoner of war in Vietnam from 1967 to 1973 ; his service awards include the Silver Star , the Bronze Star , the Legion of Merit and a Purple Heart . McCain 's father and grandfather were both U.S. Navy admirals ; they were the first father and son to achieve that rank . McCain represented Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1987 ; he has served in the U.S. Senate since 1987 . McCain was
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Republican National Convention is kicking off in full force Tuesday in the Twin Cities -- the first time the GOP has held a presidential convention there since 1892 . Laura Bush and Cindy McCain speak at a shortened first day of the Republican National Convention Monday . The convention , delayed briefly when Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf Coast , is also being held later in the year than any nominating convention in history . Check out these tidbits of convention history and political trivia . Location The Republican National Convention is being held in the Xcel Energy Center , the home of the National Hockey League team the Minnesota Wild . To prepare the Xcel center for the GOP convention , workers removed 3,000 seats and installed more than 25 miles of cable Sen. Barack Obama gave his first speech as the Democrats ' presumptive 2008 presidential nominee at the Xcel Center on June 3 . The Twin Cities and Denver have each received $ 50 million each in federal funds for convention security . No Republican since Richard Nixon has carried Minnesota in a presidential general election -- the longest Democratic streak of
would not confirm the detention of Masood Azhar , the leader of another militant group , Jaish-e-Muhammad . But he said his government has launched its own investigation into India 's allegations that the gunmen who killed more than 160 people in Mumbai had links to Pakistan . The acknowledgment came three days after Pakistani security forces raided an LeT camp near Muzaffarabad , the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir , in the first sign of government action against Lashkar-e-Tayyiba since the three-day siege of India 's financial capital . Both LeT and Jaish-e-Muhammad were formed to battle Indian rule in the divided Himalayan territory of Kashmir , and both were banned after a 2001 attack on the Indian parliament that brought the South Asian nuclear rivals to the brink of war . The United States has listed LeT as a terrorist group with ties to Osama bin Laden 's al Qaeda network . According to the U.S. government , Lakhvi , 47 , has directed LeT 's military operations in southeast Asia , Chechnya , Bosnia and Iraq . Pakistan 's Defense Minister Choudhry Mukhtar Ahmed told CNN 's sister network in India , CNN-IBN , that Lakhvi and Azhar
ISLAMABAD , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistani authorities have arrested two top leaders of the Islamic militant group India blames for the November massacre in Mumbai , Pakistan 's prime minister confirmed Wednesday . Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistani security forces had rounded up a number of militant figures . The top military officer in the U.S . on Wednesday said he is `` encouraged '' by Pakistan 's recent arrests of `` significant players '' in the Mumbai attacks . U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen said the arrests amount to `` first steps '' toward determining who plotted the three day siege last month that killed 160 people in Mumbai , India 's financial capital . `` There are more steps to follow , '' he noted . He also thanked India for showing restraint against Pakistan , which it has accused of harboring the terrorist groups behind the November massacre . Zarar Shah , a top operational commander of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba , and Zakir Rehman Lakhvi , whose arrest had been reported Tuesday , were among the militant figures rounded up in recent days , Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told reporters . Gilani
substitute . An angry Mancini told reporters : `` I asked him to go on and help the team . We have 11 players -- maybe he was disappointed because he did n't play from the start . If I have my way he will be out of the club . '' The result leaves Bayern top of the table with a maximum six points from their two games , with Napoli second on four points after the Italian side beat Villarreal 2-0 in Naples . They opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Marek Hamsik chested down Ezequiel Lavezzi 's cross at the back post , before firing home with his left foot . And Edinson Cavani added a second from the penalty spot just three minutes later after Lavezzi was fouled by Gonzalo Rodriguez in the area . Big-spending City , who are joint top of the English Premier League with five wins and a draw from their six games so far , are back in third with just a single point following their opening home draw against Napoli , while Spanish side Villarreal are bottom of the group without a point , or a goal ,
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Champions League newcomers Manchester City are still waiting for their first win in the competition as a double from Mario Gomez gave in-form Bayern Munich a 2-0 Group A victory at the Allianz Arena . Bayern went into the match on the back of nine successive victories and they always looked dangerous in the first half , with Bastian Schweinsteiger volleying over the crossbar from close range in the 36th minute . However , the home side took the lead just two minutes later when goalkeeper Joe Hart did superbly to keep out shots from Frank Ribery and Thomas Mueller , but Gomez was on hand to stab home from three meters out . And the same player added a second goal on the stroke of half-time when Daniel Van Buyten 's header was wonderfully saved by Hart , only for Gomez to be on hand again from close range . City could find no response after the break , and a bad night for them was made worse when manager Roberto Mancini later confirmed that former captain Carlos Tevez refused to come onto the pitch in the second half after being named only as a
in either half . Meanwhile in Italy , Juventus remain top of Serie A after a 2-1 win at Inter Milan on Saturday . All the goals came in an action-packed first half with Juve taking an early lead thanks to a 12th minute strike from Mirko Vucinic . Maicon equalized for the hosts in the 28th minute , but it was n't long before the visitors were back in front -- Claudio Marchisio scoring in the 33rd minute . The win gives Juve a two-point lead at the top of Serie A , but that will be reduced to one point if Udinese beat Palermo on Sunday . Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as AC Milan beat Roma 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico to send the reigning league champions up to second in the table . The Swedish striker opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Nicolas Burdisso equalized for the home side in the 28th minute . Alessandro Nesta restored Milan 's lead two minutes later before Ibrahimovic made it 3-1 in the 78th minute to all but clinch three points . Bojan Krkic pulled one back for Roma three minutes before the end but it was n't
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A first-half hat-trick by Lionel Messi helped Barcelona to a 5-0 win over Mallorca at the Nou Camp on Saturday . The Argentina international opened the scoring after 13 minutes with a spot kick after Emilio Nsue had handled the ball in the penalty area . Eight minutes later he tapped in after a miscue from Adriano before completing his hat-trick on the half-hour mark , expertly guiding home a cross from Dani Alves . Twenty-year-old Issac Cuenca scored his first senior goal for the club five minutes into the second half , while Alves rounded things off with a superbly taken goal in injury time . A ninth-minute goal from Argentina striker Higuain earned Real Madrid a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday night . The win puts them one point ahead of Barcelona at the top of La Liga with 25 points , although Levante will depose them if they win at Osasuna on Sunday . Two goals from Frenchman Sofiane Feghouli and one for Aritz Aduriz earned fourth-placed Valencia a 3-1 win over Getafe , while Villareal were comfortable 2-0 winners over Rayo Vallecano -- Bruno Soriano and Borja Valero scoring goals
the type of bacterium that now bears his name -- famed epidemiologist Theobald Smith isolated the bacteria in 1885 -- he ran the research program in which the discovery occurred . Smith and his colleagues named the bacteria salmonella in honor of their boss . Mental Floss : Margherita pizza , other foods named after people 3 . Parkinson 's disease James Parkinson was a busy fellow . While the English apothecary had a booming medical business , he also dabbled in geology , paleontology , and politics ; Parkinson even published a three-volume scientific study of fossils . Following a late-18th-century foray into British politics where he advocated a number of social causes and found himself briefly ensnared in an alleged plot to assassinate King George III , Parkinson turned his attention to medicine . Parkinson did some research on gout and peritonitis , but it was his landmark 1817 study `` An Essay on the Shaking Palsy '' that affixed his name to Parkinson 's disease . 4 . Huntington 's disease George Huntington was n't the most prolific researcher , but he made his papers count . In 1872 , a fresh-out-of-med-school Huntington published one of two
-LRB- Mental Floss -RRB- -- Having a disease named after you is a decidedly mixed bag . On the one hand , your scientific developments are forever commemorated . On the other hand , though , you 're stuck with the knowledge that no patient will ever be happy upon hearing your name . Who are the scientists and doctors behind some of our most famous diseases and conditions , though ? Here are a few of the physicians and their eponymous ailments : 1 . Crohn 's disease The inflammatory digestive disease could just have easily ended up with the name Ginzburg 's disease or Oppenheimer 's disease . In 1932 , three New York physicians named Burrill Bernard Crohn , Leon Ginzburg , and Gordon Oppenheimer published a paper describing a new sort of intestinal inflammation . Since Crohn 's name was listed first alphabetically , the condition ended up bearing his name . 2 . Salmonellosis Yes , the salmonella menace that haunts undercooked chicken is named after a person . Daniel Elmer Salmon was a veterinary pathologist who ran a USDA microorganism research program during the late 19th century . Although Salmon did n't actually discover
two private schools in Manhattan -- St. Davis Academy and Horace Mann -- have decided on their own to close after a number of students exhibited flu-like symptoms , according the schools ' Web sites . In the city 's news release , city Health Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden repeated what has become a familiar refrain : `` We continue to see a rising tide of flu in many parts of New York City . As the virus spreads , we will look to slow transmission within individual school communities by closing individual schools . '' Late last week the city closed 11 schools in Queens and one in Brooklyn after confirming cases of the virus at Intermediate School 238 in Queens and unusually high levels of flu-like symptoms in the others . Mitchell Wiener , an assistant principal at I.S. 238 who died Sunday after being hospitalized with the disease , had an underlying condition , according to Frieden . The death in Utah was the first associated with the swine flu , or H1N1 , virus . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked eight U.S. deaths to the flu outbreak , but had not confirmed
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Utah man with chronic health problems died Wednesday from complications associated with swine flu , a local health official said . If confirmed , it would be the ninth U.S. fatality associated with the flu outbreak . Memorials appeared at the door of I.S. 238 in Queens , New York , this week after the death of an administrator . The man , who was from around Salt Lake City , was between 18 and 25 years old and `` had chronic medical conditions that may have contributed to severe complications from influenza , '' said Gary Edwards , executive director of the Salt Lake Valley Health Department . Also on Wednesday , health and education officials in New York announced that 21 of the city 's public schools had been closed after an increase of reports of students with flu-like symptoms . A school administrator in Queens died after being hospitalized with the H1N1 virus , commonly called swine flu . Nineteen of the schools closed at the recommendation of the Health Department are public and two are private , the city 's Education Department announced in a news release . In addition ,
so does everyone else . '' Parker 's attorney did not return a call from CNN on Thursday . Authorities said Parker knew she had hepatitis C , a contagious liver disease . Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Parker believes she contracted the virus through using heroin and sharing needles with other users while she lived in New Jersey in 2008 , authorities said . According to an affidavit filed by an investigator with the Food and Drug Administration , Rose Medical Center knew Parker tested positive for hepatitis C . She was counseled on how to limit her exposure to patients . Parker worked at Rose Medical Center from October 2008 to April 2009 , said Jeff Dorschner , a spokesman for the U.S. attorney for Colorado . Parker 's employment was terminated after she failed a hospital-ordered drug test , said Leslie Teegarden , spokeswoman for Rose Medical Center . The tests were ordered after co-workers reported `` suspicious behavior , '' Teegarden said Thursday . Rose Medical Center contacted about 4,700 patients who may have been exposed to the virus , according
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nineteen former patients at a Denver , Colorado , hospital have tested positive for hepatitis C , federal prosecutors said Thursday as they announced new charges against a former hospital employee accused of exposing the patients to the virus . A hospital worker is accused of injecting herself and using unclean syringes for patients . Prosecutors charged Kristen Diane Parker with 21 counts of tampering with a consumer product and another 21 counts of obtaining a controlled substance by deceit or subterfuge , according to an indictment . Parker , 26 , had previously faced three federal counts from earlier this month . Parker , who worked as a surgical technician at Rose Medical Center in Denver , is accused of injecting herself with syringes that held patients ' pain medication Fentanyl , then replacing the pain medication in the syringes with saline , according to a statement from the office of the U.S. attorney for Colorado . In a statement to police during the investigation , Parker said , `` I ca n't take back what I did , but I will have to live with it for the rest of my life , and
after Carney 's ruling was read . Chung , a native of China who is a naturalized United States citizen , was employed by Rockwell International from 1973 until Boeing acquired its defense and space unit in 1996 , and by Boeing thereafter . He retired from Boeing in 2002 , but returned as a contractor , a position he held until September 2006 , prosecutors said . Chung held a `` secret '' security clearance , authorities said . `` For years , Mr. Chung stole critical trade secrets from Boeing relating to the space shuttle and the Delta IV rocket -- all for the benefit of the government of China , '' said David Kris , assistant attorney general for national security , in the prosecutors ' statement . `` Today 's verdict should serve as a warning to others willing to compromise America 's economic and national security to assist foreign governments . '' The case against Chung resulted from an investigation into another engineer who obtained information for China . That engineer , Chi Mak , and several of his relatives were convicted of providing defense articles to the PRC , authorities said . Mak was
LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A former engineer for Rockwell International and Boeing was convicted Thursday of economic espionage and acting as an agent of China , authorities said . A Delta IV rocket launches on March 10 , 2003 at Cape Canaveral , Florida . Dongfan `` Greg '' Chung , 73 , was accused of stealing restricted technology and Boeing trade secrets , including information related to the space shuttle program and the Delta IV rocket . U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney convicted him on charges of conspiracy to commit economic espionage ; six counts of economic espionage to benefit a foreign country ; one count of acting as an agent of the People 's Republic of China ; and one count of making false statements to the FBI , according to a statement from federal prosecutors . Carney presided over Chung 's three-week bench trial last month . In a bench trial , there is no jury and the judge decides whether to convict a defendant after hearing testimony . Chung was free on bond after his arrest by FBI agents and NASA investigators in February 2008 . He was taken into custody
of the United States matter greatly or moderately , with 47 percent saying that Muslim opinions of the United States do n't matter very much or at all . The poll 's release comes hours before the president flies to Saudi Arabia for meetings with King Abdullah . Following the stop in Saudi Arabia , Obama will head to Egypt , where he 'll deliver a long-awaited speech Thursday on relations between the United States and the Muslim world . Watch the challenges Obama faces with the speech '' At a town hall in Turkey earlier this year , the president declared that `` the United States is not , and will never be , at war with Islam . '' Many Americans seem to agree with the president : Sixty-two percent of those surveyed say they do n't think the United States is at war with the Muslim world , with 36 percent indicating that the country is at war with Muslim countries . Those numbers have remained stable since CNN 's 2002 poll . But the poll suggests that six out of 10 think that the Muslim world considers itself at war with the United States . ``
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Shortly before President Obama departs for a trip to the Middle East , a new national poll suggests that one in five Americans has a favorable view of Muslim countries . President Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visit an Istanbul mosque in April . That view compares with 46 percent of the people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey who say they have an unfavorable opinion of Muslim countries . That 's up 5 percentage points from 2002 , when 41 percent indicated that they had an unfavorable view . Meanwhile , three in 10 say they have a neutral opinion of Muslim countries . The poll also suggests that most Americans suspect people in Muslim countries do n't think highly of the United States . Nearly eight in 10 questioned say people in Muslim countries have a unfavorable opinion of the United States , with 14 percent saying Muslims hold a favorable view . iReport.com : Your perspectives on the Muslim world But the poll indicates Americans seem to be split on whether such negative opinions by Muslims matter . Fifty-three percent of those questioned say they think Muslim views
the prosecutors ' statement . Authorities allege he engaged in several instant messaging `` chats '' and e-mail communications with the undercover detective , posing as the woman and her daughter , from August to September . He is charged with five counts of distributing child pornography in interstate commerce . If convicted on each count , he would face a sentence of up to 140 years in prison -- up to 20 years for the first count and up to 40 years for each additional count , prosecutors said . Singer allegedly initiated contact with the undercover detective , posing as the mother , in an America On Line chat room called `` Cuties . '' The chat room attracts people who `` are known to trade in pornographic images , including child pornography , '' according to an affidavit filed in the case by a special agent who investigates child pornography and child exploitation for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement . `` On five separate occasions in August 2007 , Singer sent several images of child pornography over the Internet to the mother and the daughter , including images depicting sexual acts between minors and adults and images
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The chief operating officer of the National Children 's Museum was arrested Tuesday and is charged with distributing child pornography over the Internet , authorities said . Robert A . Singer is accused of sending images depicting child pornography to people he believed to be a 12-year-old girl and her 33-year-old mother , according to a statement issued by U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia of the Southern District of New York . In reality he was communicating with an undercover detective for the New York Police Department . Some of the pornographic images were sent from Singer 's computer at the museum , according to an affidavit filed in support of the charges by a special agent who investigates child pornography and child exploitation for U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement . The Washington museum posted a message on its Web site saying officials there are `` horrified '' by news of Singer 's arrest . They reported that he has been suspended from his post , effective immediately , and is barred from the property . Singer , 49 , was arrested at his home in Falls Church , Virginia , by federal agents , according to
in Afghanistan and Pakistan . That also does not include training , and it does n't include the maintaining of a security force . It 's very , very , very expensive . '' But , Gibbs added , `` I think the president , throughout this process , has talked about the cost in terms of American lives and in terms of the cost to our treasury , and I think he 'll continue to talk about it . '' The president ordered more than 20,000 additional troops to Afghanistan in March . Gen. Stanley McChrystal , the U.S. commander in Afghanistan , reportedly has called for up to 40,000 more to wage a counterinsurgency campaign against the Taliban , the Islamic militia originally ousted by U.S. military action in 2001 . Obama has weighed several options for bolstering the American contingent , ranging from sending a few thousand troops to the 40,000 McChrystal requested . A defense official told CNN earlier this week the Pentagon is making detailed plans to send about 34,000 more troops to Afghanistan in anticipation of Obama 's decision on the 8-year-old war . There had been no final word on Obama 's decision
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama will announce the U.S. troop strategy for Afghanistan in a speech at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point , New York , White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday . In the speech , Obama will explain why the United States is in Afghanistan , its interests there and his decision-making process , Gibbs said , but `` the president does not see this as an open-ended engagement . `` Our time there will be limited , and I think that 's important for people to understand , '' he said . `` We are in year nine '' in Afghanistan , Gibbs told reporters . `` We 're not going to be there another eight or nine years . '' Obama will meet with members of Congress at the White House on Tuesday afternoon before the speech . Cost issues are among the topics the president will address , Gibbs said . `` It 's a million dollars a troop for a year , '' he said . `` Ten thousand troops is $ 10 billion . That 's in addition to what we already spend
on this matter , but the key for the administration is the 55 percent of independents who approve of how the president responded to the incident on Christmas Day , '' said Keating Holland , CNN 's polling director . The poll also indicates no increase in overall concern about terrorism . `` In October , about a third said they were worried that a family member would become a victim of terrorism , and that number is unchanged in the wake of the attempted attack in December , '' Holland said . `` The public seems to react calmly to individual incidents , possibly because most Americans believe that the government can not prevent every single terrorist plot from occurring . '' Six in 10 said terrorists always will find a way to launch an attack , no matter what the government does , he added -- identical to the number who felt that way during the Bush administration . The poll indicates a majority , 57 percent , think suspect Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab should be tried in military court and not a civilian criminal court . Forty-two percent back handling the case in civilian court . According to
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In the wake of the Christmas Day attempt to blow up a U.S. airliner , most Americans remain confident the Obama administration can protect the country from terrorism , according to a new national poll . A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Monday also indicates the vast majority of Americans believe that full-body scanners should be used in airports across the country . Nearly two-thirds of people questioned in the poll said they have a moderate or great deal of confidence in the administration to protect the public from future terrorist attacks , up 2 percentage points from August . Thirty-five percent said they have not much or no confidence , down 1 percentage point from August . Read the full poll results -LRB- PDF -RRB- A number of Republicans have criticized President Obama over his handling of the attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam , Netherlands , to Detroit , Michigan . But according to the survey , 57 percent approve of the way Obama has responded , while 39 percent disapprove of how he handled the situation . `` Only a third of Republicans have a positive view of Obama
house at 8:30 a.m. -LRB- 12:30 a.m. ET -RRB- , Orlov said . An unidentified man grabbed her and shoved her into the car , he told CNN . `` This is a kidnapping , '' she yelled , he said . Estemirova studied history at Grozny University , then taught history before turning to journalism and human rights in 1998 , Memorial said . She joined the organization in March 2000 . In a written statement , U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said the United States is `` deeply saddened '' by the report of Estemirova 's death . `` We call upon the Russian government to bring those responsible to justice , '' he said . He described Estemirova as `` uncompromising in her willingness to reveal the truth regardless of where that might lead . She was devoted to shining a light on human rights abuses , particularly in Chechnya . '' The Committee to Protect Journalists , in a written statement , demanded that the killing be thoroughly investigated immediately . `` As she uncovered massive , ongoing human rights violations in Chechnya by the federal and regional authorities , Estemirova was often at odds
MOSCOW , Russia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A leading human rights activist was abducted and killed in Russia Wednesday , the organization she worked for told CNN . Estemirova , pictured in 2007 , had been openly critical of Chechnya 's president , Ramzan Kadyrov . Natalya Estemirova , of the Russian human rights group Memorial , was kidnapped outside her home in Grozny , Chechnya , Oleg Orlov said , citing eyewitness reports . She was later found dead in the neighboring Russian republic of Ingushetia , said Orlov , the head of the organization 's Moscow office . Estemirova , 50 , was a leading human rights activist in the North Caucasus area who had been openly criticizing Chechnya 's authoritarian president , Ramzan Kadyrov , and his methods . Russian President Dmitry Medvedev expressed indignation at the murder and said her killers should be punished to the full extent of the law , his office said . He expressed his condolences to her family , press secretary Natalya Timakova said . Estemirova shouted that she was being kidnapped as she was forced into a white Lada automobile that had stopped on the road in front of her
his wife , Nancy , have pleaded not guilty to 29 felony charges , including rape and kidnapping , stemming from Dugard 's disappearance when she was 11 years old . Investigators believe Garrido kidnapped Dugard in 1991 in South Lake Tahoe , California , fathered two daughters with her and held her captive in a well-hidden compound behind his home in Antioch . After the Garridos were arrested in August , investigators used cadaver dogs to search the couple 's ramshackle home and the surrounding rural property for possible connections to unsolved crimes . Police in Hayward , California , are trying to determine whether Garrido is linked to the 1988 kidnapping of Michaela Garecht , Hayward Police Lt. Chris Orrey said last week . Garecht and Dugard were of similar age and appearance , both were abducted in daylight and a sketch of a suspect resembled Garrido , Orrey said . In Dublin , California , investigators said last week they were looking into whether Garrido was connected to the 1989 disappearance of Ilene Misheloff , who was 13 when she was abducted . Garrido was convicted of kidnapping and raping Katie Callaway Hall in 1976 . He
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The bone fragment found near the California home where Jaycee Dugard is said to have been confined for 18 years is `` probably human , '' a sheriff 's spokesman said Tuesday . Jaycee Dugard was locked in a shed tucked under a blue tarp in her alleged captor 's backyard . Investigators said they found the bone last week on a neighbor 's property in an area that Dugard 's accused captor and rapist , Philip Garrido , had access to . The fragment , which was analyzed by an outside expert , will go on to the state DNA lab for testing , Jimmy Lee , director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa County 's Sheriff 's Office said in an e-mail . `` The expert has determined that the bone fragment found in the backyard of Garrido 's neighbor is probably human , '' Lee said . `` We will be requesting the state to see if it can develop a DNA profile on the fragment . It should be noted that it is not uncommon to find Native American remains in Contra Costa County , '' he said . Garrido and
NFL . '' Stallworth 's suspension is effective immediately , the league said . Goodell wrote in the letter that `` in due course '' the league would contact his attorney to schedule a meeting with him , after which a final determination would be made on discipline . Stallworth was driving his black Bentley GT east on the MacArthur Causeway , which connects Miami , Florida , to the South Beach area of Miami Beach , when he struck Reyes on the morning of March 14 , according to prosecutors . He had been drinking at a Miami Beach club , according to court documents . His blood alcohol level was 0.126 percent , prosecutors said ; Florida 's legal limit is 0.08 . Reyes , 59 , reportedly was heading to a bus stop after work when he was struck . Court documents said he suffered `` critical head , chest and abdominal injuries '' and died at a hospital . When police arrived at the scene , Stallworth told them he was the driver of the car and admitted striking Reyes . During Tuesday 's hearing , Stallworth offered his `` deepest condolences to the Reyes family
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth has been suspended indefinitely by the National Football League , days after he pleaded guilty to killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol , the NFL said . Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth on Tuesday pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter . Stallworth , 28 , pleaded guilty in a Florida court Tuesday to DUI manslaughter charges in the March death of construction worker Mario Reyes . Under terms of a plea agreement , he will serve 30 days . Prosecutors said he began serving his sentence immediately . `` The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable , '' NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told Stallworth in a letter Thursday , the league said . Excerpts from the letter were posted on the NFL Web site . `` While the criminal justice system has determined the legal consequences of this incident , it is my responsibility as NFL commissioner to determine appropriate league discipline for your actions , which have caused irreparable harm to the victim and his family , your club , your fellow players and the
the team , the Cowboys went 31-17 , but 0-2 in the playoffs . While Owens has produced solid numbers on the field , his career has been plagued with controversy . After Owens left the San Francisco 49ers in 2003 , he insinuated in an interview with Playboy magazine that his then-quarterback , Jeff Garcia , was homosexual . As a Philadelphia Eagle , Owens made headlines for coming back to play in Super Bowl XXX after suffering a severely sprained ankle and a fractured fibula weeks earlier . The following season , he voiced his displeasure with QB Donovan McNabb and Eagles management , which led to a four-game suspension without pay and his eventual deactivitation from the team . In September 2006 , police responded to Owens ' home after his publicist found the wide receiver unresponsive with an empty bottle of painkillers . Owens refuted reports that it was a suicide attempt and claimed a combination of painkillers and supplements made him groggy . This past season , Owens was reportedly jealous of Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo 's relationship with tight end Jason Witten . According to published reports , Owens believed Romo and Witten held
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Terrell Owens , a former San Francisco 49er and a former Philadelphia Eagle , is now a former Dallas Cowboy . The Cowboys released Owens late Wednesday , according to published reports . The Dallas Cowboys have decided to part ways with wide receiver Terrell Owens , according to published reports . Questions surrounding the future of the controversial wide receiver have swirled since the Cowboys ' season ended with a 44-6 loss at Philadelphia that kept Dallas out of the playoffs . Owner Jerry Jones had said in recent weeks that he had not decided whether to keep or release Owens . In early February , Jones struck down an ESPN report that Jones ' son , Stephen , who is the team 's vice president , was lobbying his father to cut the wide receiver . Owens signed a three-year , $ 25 million contract with Dallas in March 2006 . He signed a new four-year , $ 34 million deal that included a $ 12 million signing bonus , in June 2008 . Owens finished the 2008 season 69 receptions for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns . In Owens ' three seasons with
be hidden '' Coderre did not say who sent the ambulance away . Efforts by CNN to reach Coderre have been unsuccessful . A resort spokeswoman said a statement was being prepared in response to the latest report . An earlier statement from the resort said a paramedic from its ski patrol `` arrived on the scene within minutes '' after Richardson , 45 , fell during a lesson on a beginners ' trail . The ski patrol paramedic `` did not find any visible sign of injury , '' it said . `` As standard protocol , the ski patrol insisted Ms. Richardson be transported to the base of the hill in a rescue toboggan , '' it said . `` Once at the base of the hill , Ms. Richardson was advised by staff to consider seeking additional medical attention which was declined . '' The resort 's statement said Richardson , accompanied by her instructor , returned to her hotel but about an hour after the fall was `` not feeling good , '' the statement said . Another ambulance was later called to the hotel , where paramedics found her conscious , but she `` was
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Actress Natasha Richardson died of injuries caused by blunt impact to the head , the New York City Medical Examiner 's Office confirmed Thursday . Natasha Richardson fell on a beginners ' ski slope in Canada . The death was ruled an accident , the office said . Paramedics dispatched to help Richardson minutes after she fell on a Canadian ski slope Monday were turned away and did not have a chance to check her injury , the ambulance service director told a Toronto , Canada , newspaper . Richardson -- a film star , Tony-winning stage actress and member of the famed Redgrave acting family -- died two days later in a New York hospital from a head injury suffered at a Quebec resort about 80 miles northwest of Montreal . Yves Coderre , operations director for Ambulances Radisson , told Toronto 's The Globe and Mail newspaper on Wednesday that his company sent an ambulance to the slopes at Mont Tremblant Ski Resort after a call from the ski patrol . `` They never saw the patient , '' Coderre said . `` So they turned around . '' Watch how brain injuries can
and charged with inciting subversion of state power , the organization said . Liu is on the PEN board of directors . The case was turned over to the prosecutor 's office December 8 -- one year from the time Liu was detained . Liu co-authored Charter 08 , `` a declaration calling for political reform , greater human rights , and an end to one-party rule in China that has been signed by hundreds of individuals from all walks of life throughout the country , '' PEN says on its Web site . The group said Liu was arrested before the formal release of Charter 08 . `` Liu has been engaged in agitation activities , such as spreading of rumors and defaming of the government , aimed at subversion of the state and overthrowing the socialism system in recent years , '' according to a police statement reported by China 's state-run Xinhua news agency . The statement claimed Liu confessed to the charge during a preliminary police investigation . Liu served as an adviser to student leaders during the demonstrations at Tiananmen Square in 1989 . Along with three other intellectuals , he took part in hunger
Beijing , China -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Prominent Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo , who was arrested in 1989 for his role in the Tiananmen Square protest , faces trial Wednesday for allegedly `` inciting subversion '' in a more recent case . Liu , a former university lecturer and literary critic , faces a possible 15-year jail sentence , amid growing international outrage over his yearlong detention , according to media reports . The trial begins Wednesday at 9 a.m. local time -LRB- Tuesday 8 p.m. ET -RRB- . On Monday , the Times of London quoted Liu 's wife , Liu Xia , as saying , `` I have no hope whatsoever , I ca n't even attend the trial . '' She said she planned to wait outside the courthouse . `` I think he will be sentenced to more than ten years , '' she said . Liu , 53 , was detained on December 8 , 2008 , and held under `` residential surveillance '' as police investigated the case , according to the PEN American Center , a U.S. literary and human rights organization . On June 23 of this year , he was arrested
in sexual intercourse with someone younger than 17 . Taylor also was charged with third-degree patronization for allegedly paying the underage victim $ 300 to have sex , Brower said . According to Brower , the rape charge carries a possible four-year prison term , and the patronization charge , a misdemeanor , could bring up to a year in prison . Asked whether Taylor knew that the victim was underage , Brower said `` ignorance is not an excuse '' for having sex with a minor . Aidala said after the bail hearing that Taylor `` is denying and preparing to fight each and every one of those charges . '' Aidala said that `` no violence , no force , no threat , no weapons '' was involved in the case . He noted that the rape charge against Taylor was for consensual sex with a minor and said Taylor denied it . St. Lawrence and Brower said the alleged victim , since March a runaway from New York 's Bronx borough , was allegedly brought to Ramapo by a pimp on Wednesday night . When the pimp and the girl returned to New York early Thursday ,
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hall of Fame football linebacker Lawrence Taylor was charged Thursday with rape and patronizing a prostitute in a case involving a 16-year-old girl , police in Ramapo , New York , said . Taylor 's attorney said the former New York Giants star denied the charges and will fight them . `` My client did not have sex with anybody . Period , '' Arthur Aidala said , adding : `` Lawrence Taylor did not rape anybody . '' Taylor appeared at an afternoon court hearing where a judge set bail at $ 75,000 . Taylor was not asked to enter a plea and left the courthouse after posting bail . Seeing television cameras outside the courthouse , Taylor said , `` I 'm not that important '' as he walked away . Taylor , 51 , was arrested in a Holiday Inn room a few hours after the alleged rape took place , according to Christopher St. Lawrence , the town supervisor and police commissioner in Ramapo , about 30 miles northwest of New York City . Police Chief Peter Brower said Taylor was charged with third-degree rape , a felony , for allegedly engaging
beginning to affect the U.S. East Coast , where dangerous rip currents and battering waves were developing , said CNN meteorologist Jacqui Jeras . Rip currents form as wind and waves push water against the shore , where it is caught behind an obstacle such as a sandbar until it breaks free , sending a strong channel of water flowing away from the shoreline . The large swells are expected to affect most of the U.S. East Coast within the next couple of days , the hurricane center said . There were reports of waves at the center of the storm as high as 54 feet , Jeras said . With Bill advancing , the Bermuda Weather Service forecasts the storm tide will raise water levels by as much as 3 feet along the coast and produce large , battering waves . Large swells were affecting Puerto Rico , the island of Hispaniola and the Bahamas to the south , the agency said . Bermuda remained under a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch . The warning means winds of at least 39 mph are expected within 24 hours , while the watch indicates winds of at least 74
MIAMI , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hurricane Bill weakened Friday afternoon to a Category 2 hurricane , with its maximum sustained winds at 105 mph , forecasters said . Hurricane Bill is expected to pass between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast over the weekend . As of 11 p.m. Friday , Bill 's center was about 180 miles west-southwest of Bermuda , and about 545 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras , North Carolina . Its forward speed had increased to about 20 mph as it continued moving north-northwest , forecasters said . The storm was expected to gradually turn toward the north late Friday and into Saturday . See Bill 's projected path '' If the storm follows its current track , it should pass over the open water between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast on Saturday , forecasters said . Earlier Friday , Bill 's outer bands began producing rain in Bermuda as the storm neared the British territory , the hurricane center said . Forecasters expect Bill to pelt Bermuda with 1 to 3 inches of rain , although up to 5 inches is possible . iReport.com : Bermuda 's preparations The storm also was
study and the associate director of the University of Kansas Alzheimer 's Disease Center , in Kansas City . Health.com : 25 signs and symptoms of Alzheimer 's disease Well before memory loss and other symptoms appear , Alzheimer 's may trigger metabolism changes that promote weight loss , Burns says . `` In general , we think of Alzheimer 's as a brain disease , but this is evidence that there are systemic problems throughout the body in the early stages of Alzheimer 's . '' Burns and his colleagues analyzed data from the Alzheimer 's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative , a huge study spanning 58 hospitals and universities that 's funded by the National Institutes of Health and an array of nonprofit organizations and drug companies . The goal of the initiative is to find ways to measure the progression of Alzheimer 's and the precursor condition known as mild cognitive impairment . The researchers looked at 101 people who underwent brain scans designed to identify the plaques and abnormal tangle of proteins that are the hallmark of Alzheimer 's , and another 405 people whose cerebrospinal fluid was analyzed for fragments of these proteins -LRB- beta-amyloid peptide and
-LRB- Health.com -RRB- -- Over the past several years , researchers have noticed an odd pattern in the relationship between body weight and Alzheimer 's disease : Middle-aged people have a higher long-term risk of developing the disease if they 're overweight or obese , while older people have a lower risk of the disease if they 're carrying excess weight . A new study , published this week in the journal Neurology , may offer a clue to this so-called obesity paradox . Non-overweight individuals in their late 60s , 70s , and early 80s who have no outward symptoms of Alzheimer 's are more likely than their heavier peers to have biological markers -LRB- or biomarkers -RRB- of the disease , the study found . This finding raises the possibility that weight loss or a low body mass index -LRB- BMI -RRB- later in life may be an early warning sign of mental decline , the researchers say . `` Weight changes or body composition changes may actually be a manifestation of disease , which would explain the obesity being an apparent protective factor , '' says Jeffrey M. Burns , M.D. , the lead author of the
Babbitt announced his resignation , LaHood called Babbitt a `` dedicated public servant and outstanding leader . '' `` I 'm proud to say that we have the safest aviation system in the world , and thanks to Randy 's stewardship , it became safer and stronger , '' LaHood said . `` He worked tirelessly to improve relations with the labor community and bolstered employee engagement among his 49,000 colleagues at the FAA . '' Fairfax City police arrested Babbitt late Saturday night after they allegedly saw Babbitt driving on the wrong side of the road . The police put out a news release on Monday morning detailing the incident . Babbitt was alone in the car , and was cooperative , police said . He was released on personal recognizance , meaning no bail was required . The police department said Babbitt failed a sobriety test , but they did not release the results of any blood-alcohol test . On Monday , DOT officials appeared to be caught off-guard when the police department , in accordance with its policies , issued a news release saying Babbitt had been arrested . DOT officials Monday afternoon issued a statement saying
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt resigned Tuesday , three days after he was arrested on a drunk driving charge near his suburban Washington home . In a brief statement released to the media , Babbitt said he had submitted his resignation to his boss , Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood , and that LaHood had accepted it . Babbitt , 65 , a former airline pilot and president of a major pilots ' union , said serving as FAA administrator had been `` the highlight of my professional career , '' adding , `` But I am unwilling to let anything cast a shadow on the outstanding work done 24 hours a day , 7 days a week by my colleagues at the FAA . '' His statement made no mention of his arrest , although it was clearly the event that precipitated his action . Earlier in the day , Secretary LaHood told reporters he was `` very disappointed '' that he had learned about Babbitt 's Saturday night arrest only after the Fairfax City , Virginia , police department issued a news release about the incident . In a statement released just minutes after
more than 9,000 members of a joint UN-African Union peacekeeping force were deployed to the region to address the fighting and humanitarian suffering . The force will eventually number 26,000 . Speaking on Tuesday , el-Bashir said that the fighting only affects 10 percent of the region . In the majority of Darfur , there is little to no conflict and people are living normal lives , he said . Citing Sudanese government statistics , el-Bashir said that less than 10,000 people have died in the conflict and less than 500,000 have been displaced . International figures , including United Nations ' data , put the death toll in Darfur at approximately 200,000 , with another 2.5 million people displaced by the violence since 2003 . The conflict started five years ago when ethnic African tribesmen took up arms , complaining of decades of neglect and discrimination by the Sudanese government . Sudan 's Arab-dominated government is accused of responding by unleashing the tribal militias known as janjaweed , which have committed the worst atrocities against Darfur 's local communities . El-Bashir , however , rejected claims that the Darfur conflict is being fought along ethnic lines . E-mail to
DUBAI , United Arab Emirates -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir on Tuesday accused the international media of `` exaggerating '' the situation in Darfur to detract from atrocities in Iraq , the Palestinian territories and Somalia . Refugees from Darfur gather at a camp in Chad . Sudan 's president says the crisis in Darfur is a `` media fabrication . '' El-Bashir spoke at a news conference in Dubai following a three-day visit to the Persian Gulf emirate . He said the crisis in Sudan 's western Darfur region is a `` media fabrication . '' El-Bashir 's government has been blamed by the United Nations of supporting militias that conduct `` indiscriminate attacks '' on civilians in the Darfur region , including torture , rape , and killings . Rebels fighting the government-backed militias have also been accused by the U.N. of widespread human rights abuses . During Tuesday 's news conference , el-Bashir restated his position that foreign intervention in Darfur was an obstacle in achieving peace in the region . The Sudanese president has been outspoken in his opposition to allowing non-African forces in Darfur . At the start of this year ,
and a smile , and he loved the Yankees , '' Ian said . Musician Slash summed up the loss in one sentence : `` Ronnie died at 7:45 a.m. , but his music will live for eternity . '' Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx , who became friends with Dio while touring Europe , said the rocker will be missed . `` I still have this image of him standing on stage in front of 100,000 belting out ` Man on the Silver Mountain ' and remember the shivers it sent up my spine , '' Sixx said . He called Dio `` one of the kindest souls I have ever met and his talent was beyond inspirational to so many of us . '' `` Those of us that had the opportunity to know Ronnie can tell you what a wonderful and passionate man he was , '' Sixx said . Dio most recently was touring with Heaven and Hell , a version of Black Sabbath renamed for legal reasons . All shows were canceled last March because of his illness . His last public appearance was in April at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards when he accepted
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Condolences continued to pour in late Sunday night following the death of heavy metal rocker Ronnie James Dio , who lost his battle with stomach cancer earlier in the day . `` Today my heart is broken , Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. 16th May , '' his wife , Wendy Dio , said in a message on his official website . Dio , 67 , followed Ozzy Osbourne as Black Sabbath 's lead vocalist in 1979 . `` Many , many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away , '' she wrote . `` Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all . '' The rock community paid tribute to Dio in messages late Sunday . `` In addition to his powerhouse vocal ability , Ronnie was a true gentleman who always emanated great warmth and friendship to us and everyone around him , '' KISS said . `` We will miss him . '' Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian called Dio 's death a big loss . `` So many memories of Ronnie . Toured together many times . He always had a kind word
credits , like his plays , span the decades and include `` The Quiller Memorandum '' -LRB- 1965 -RRB- and `` The French Lieutenant 's Woman '' -LRB- 1981 -RRB- . Pinter also wrote the screenplay for his 1978 play `` Betrayal , '' the story of a doomed love affair told backward , which was made into a 1983 film with Ben Kingsley , Jeremy Irons and Patricia Hodge . He received the Nobel Prize in literature in 2005 . Pinter 's later plays were more overtly political , with works such as `` One for the Road '' -LRB- 1984 -RRB- and `` The New World Order '' -LRB- 1991 -RRB- focusing on state torture . In commentaries , he became a blistering critic of the United States , writing in his Nobel lecture that the country `` quite simply does n't give a damn about the United Nations , international law or critical dissent , which it regards as impotent and irrelevant . It also has its own bleating little lamb tagging behind it on a lead , the pathetic and supine Great Britain . '' But Pinter could also be a man of great humor .
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Harold Pinter , the Nobel Prize-winning playwright and screenwriter whose absurdist and realistic works displayed a despair and defiance about the human condition , has died , according to British media reports . He was 78 . The much-honored Harold Pinter received the French Legion d'honneur in 2007 . Pinter 's wife , Lady Antonia Fraser , confirmed his death . Pinter , who had been suffering from cancer , died on Christmas Eve , according to the reports . Fraser told the Guardian newspaper : `` He was a great , and it was a privilege to live with him for over 33 years . He will never be forgotten . '' Pinter was known for such plays as `` The Birthday Party '' -LRB- 1957 -RRB- , `` The Homecoming '' -LRB- 1964 -RRB- , `` No Man 's Land '' -LRB- 1974 -RRB- , `` Mountain Language '' -LRB- 1988 -RRB- , and `` Celebration '' -LRB- 2000 -RRB- . The works caught a linguistic rhythm -- the legendary `` Pinter pause '' -- and an air of social unease that resonated throughout the English-speaking world and in myriad translations . His movie
forced deportation of Kosovo 's ethnic Albanian population . The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia had heard during the two year tribunal how military forces of the former Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia waged a campaign of terror against Kosovo Albanians . The court said Milutinovic did n't have `` direct individual control '' over the army and that `` in practice '' then-Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic `` exercised actual command authority '' over the army during the NATO campaign . Milosevic eventually surrendered to Serbian authorities in 2001 and had been extradited to The Hague , where he was on trial between 2002 and 2006 for the alleged offences in Kosovo and for alleged crimes in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina . He died from natural causes in March 2006 before the trial ended and before a judgment was made . He was the first sitting head of state to be charged for war crimes when he was indicted in 1999 . Kosovo 's government declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008 after being administered by the United Nations since 1999 . The U.S. , Britain and France have recognized Kosovo 's independence , but China
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former Serbian President Milan Milutinovic was Thursday found not guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Kosovo by a U.N. tribunal . Milan Milutinovic had was cleared of war crimes in Kosovo . Five other former high-ranking Serb officials -- Nikola Sainovic , Dragoljub Ojdanic , Nebojsa Pavkovic , Vladimir Lazarevic and Sreten Lukic -- were found guilty on all or some of the same charges . The judgment was the first by The Hague , Netherlands-based tribunal for crimes by the former Yugoslav and Serbian forces during a military campaign against Kosovo 's ethnic Albanians in 1999 . Their crimes took place during a Serb-led military campaign against Kosovo 's ethnic Albanian population during the first six months of 1999 before a NATO bombing campaign forced a halt to the operation . Sainovic , former Yugoslav deputy prime minister and Pavkovic , a former Yugoslav army general were each sentenced to 22 years in prison for crimes against humanity and war crimes . Watch Milutinovic receive not guilty verdict '' Lazarevic , another ex-general and Ojdanic , who was chief of general staff , were each sentenced to 15 years on charges of
trial , Aziz was acquitted . Aziz , one of the best-known faces of the Hussein regime , was Iraq 's deputy prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and also served as minister of foreign affairs for part of that time . He was captured by U.S. forces in April 2003 , shortly after the U.S. invasion of Iraq . Meanwhile , car bombs in the northern Iraqi cities of Mosul and Kirkuk killed six people on Wednesday , officials told CNN . The Mosul car bomb , which targeted troops , killed four people and wounded 14 others , an Interior Ministry official said . The car , parked near the city 's medical college , blew up near an Iraqi army patrol . Of the dead , three were soldiers . Four other soldiers were among those wounded . Mosul , which has long been a volatile city , has had a strong militant presence . In Kirkuk , a parked car bomb exploded near a police patrol , killing two civilians and wounding seven others . The oil-rich and ethnically diverse city is known for sectarian and political tension . People were injured in wo other incidents
BAGHDAD , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The top court in Iraq sentenced two of Saddam Hussein 's half-brothers to death Wednesday for crimes against humanity . Tariq Aziz , seen in 2002 , was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in jail for crimes against humanity . The court also sentenced former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and a former senior official known as '' Chemical Ali '' -- Ali Hassan al-Majeed -- to 15 years in custody for crimes against humanity , an official with the Iraq High Tribunal told CNN . The men were sentenced for their roles in the 1992 execution of 42 merchants . In an unrelated trial last week , Al-Majeed was sentenced to death for his role in putting down an uprising in Baghdad a decade ago , Iraqi state TV reported . It was the third death sentence for al-Majeed , a cousin of Hussein , the former dictator of Iraq who was toppled from power by the U.S.-led coalition in 2003 . Al-Majeed and other former members of Hussein 's regime remain in U.S. custody . His execution has been delayed for political rather than legal reasons . In last week 's
among those who took part in Monday 's conference with Obama and other top advisers , which broke up at 10 p.m. Vice President Joe Biden , Defense Secretary Robert Gates , Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen and Karl Eikenberry , the U.S. ambassador in Kabul , were among the other senior officials in the meeting . Obama said Tuesday that the deliberations have been `` comprehensive and extremely useful . '' `` It 's going to be important to recognize that in order for us to succeed there , you 've got to have a comprehensive strategy that includes civilian and diplomatic efforts , '' he said at a news conference Tuesday with visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh . The military has planning under way to send these units : three U.S. Army brigades , totaling about 15,000 troops ; a Marine brigade with about 8,000 troops ; a headquarters element of about 7,000 ; and between 4,000 and 5,000 support troops -- a total of approximately 34,000 troops , according to a defense official with direct knowledge of Pentagon operations . CNN reported last month that this was the preferred option within the Pentagon
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Pentagon is making detailed plans to send about 34,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan in anticipation of President Obama 's decision on the future of the eight-year-old war , a defense official said Tuesday . Obama held a lengthy meeting with top advisers Monday night and said Tuesday that he would announce plans for Afghanistan after the Thanksgiving holiday . A Defense Department official with direct knowledge of the process said there has been no final word on the president 's decision . But planners have been tasked with preparing to send 34,000 additional American troops into battle with the expectation that is the number Obama is leaning toward approving , the official said . Obama ordered more than 20,000 additional troops to Afghanistan in March . Gen. Stanley McChrystal , the U.S. commander in Afghanistan , reportedly has called for up to 40,000 more to wage a counterinsurgency campaign against the Taliban , the Islamic militia originally ousted by the U.S. invasion in 2001 . The president has weighed several options for bolstering the American contingent , ranging from sending a few thousand troops to sending the 40,000 McChrystal requested . McChrystal was
a bill before the end of the year , spent much of the day tarring their Republican colleagues as defenders of a broken status quo benefitting rich insurance companies at the expense of ordinary American families . Republicans , in turn , slammed Democrats for pushing a bill that conservatives insist will force millions of Americans to drop insurance plans they like while boosting premiums , raising taxes and leading to government rationing of care . Read the health care bill -LRB- PDF -RRB- `` Today we -LSB- decide -RSB- whether to even discuss one of the greatest issues of our generation , '' Reid , a Nevada Democrat , said shortly before the vote . `` Whether this nation will finally guarantee its people the right to live free from fear of illness and death , which can be prevented by decent health care for all . '' The Republicans `` are frightening people , '' said Sen. Tom Harkin , D-Iowa . `` Now is not the time to go wobbly in the knees . Now is the time to stand strong ... and move this country forward . '' `` This bill ... is a massive monument
Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Health care reform backers won a key victory Saturday night as the Senate voted to move ahead with a floor debate on a sweeping $ 848 billion bill . The 60-39 vote to prevent a Republican filibuster against the start of debate on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid 's legislation broke down along strict party lines . All 58 Senate Democrats -- along with independent Sens. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont -- supported bringing the measure to the floor . Thirty-nine of the 40 Senate Republicans opposed the motion . Sen. George Voinovich , R-Ohio , did n't vote . `` Tonight 's historic vote brings us one step closer to ending insurance company abuses , reining in spiraling health care costs , providing stability and security to those with health insurance and extending quality health coverage to those who lack it , '' White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement . The polarized vote set the table for a holiday season now virtually certain to be marked by acrimonious deliberations on President Obama 's top domestic priority . Top Senate Democrats , who are trying to pass
it 's too soon to determine whether autism rates have been affected . Do these findings suggest that autism is n't linked to mercury in vaccines ? Dr. Sanjay Gupta , chief medical correspondent : Let me explain . In 1999 , manufacturers began removing thimerosal - which is a mercury-based preservative - from vaccines . Some people believed autism would decrease as a result , because they thought the two were connected . A new study in the Archives of General Psychiatry says this just did n't happen . Researchers looked at cases of autism in California after 1999 . They reasoned that if mercury exposure in vaccines was a major cause of autism , the number of affected kids should have dropped after thimerosal was removed . Just the opposite happened . From 2004 to 2007 , when exposure to thimerosal dropped significantly for 3 - to 5-year-olds , the autism rate continued to go up , from 3 per 1,000 children to 4 per 1,000 children in California . A child psychiatrist who supported the study said it `` very clearly shows that autism did not arrive through a vaccine . '' But advocacy groups say it
One doctor says the study `` very clearly shows that autism did not arrive through a vaccine . '' A new study published in the January 2008 issue of Archives of General Psychiatry found the prevalence of autism cases in California children continued to rise after most vaccine manufacturers started to remove the mercury-based preservative thimerosal in 1999 , suggesting that the chemical was not a primary cause of the disorder . Researchers from the State Public Health Department found that the autism rates in children rose continuously during the study period from 1995 to 2007 . The preservative , thimerosal , has not been used in childhood vaccines since 2001 , except for some flu shots . The latest findings failed to convince some parents and advocacy groups , who have long blamed mercury , a neurotoxin , for the disorder . For years , parents have been concerned that a mercury-containing vaccine preservative may play a role in autism . But a study conducted in California found that autism rates increased even after thimerosal was removed from most vaccines . The study authors say this is evidence that thimerosal does not cause autism , although advocacy groups say
killed , and 4,000 wounded in those attacks , most of them Kenyans . The United States targeted Nabhan in an airstrike in southern Somalia near the Kenyan border in March 2008 , U.S. officials said at the time . In February 2006 , the FBI announced that Nabhan was wanted for questioning in connection with the 2002 suicide bombing of an Israeli-owned hotel and the unsuccessful attack on an Israeli charter jet in Mombasa , Kenya . Ten Kenyans and three Israelis -- including two children -- were killed when three suicide bombers detonated a car bomb outside Mombasa 's Paradise Hotel in November 2002 . The bombing took place within minutes of an unsuccessful missile attack on an Israeli charter jet , which was taking off with 261 passengers and 10 crew members . President Obama signed off on Monday 's operation , a senior U.S. official said . The United States had been monitoring the situation for days and had intelligence that Nabhan was in the area , the U.S. officials said . The officials who talked to CNN are familiar with the latest information on Monday 's strike but did not want to be identified because
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Somalia said a senior al Qaeda operative tied to several attacks in East Africa was killed Monday in a U.S. strike in southern Somalia . Saleh ali Saleh Nabhan , pictured on the FBI 's Web site , reportedly was tied to al Qaeda 's East Africa operations . Intelligence sources have confirmed to the Somali government that Saleh ali Saleh Nabhan was killed , Information Minister Dahir Mohamud Gelle said Tuesday . `` We welcome that attack because those people targeted were murderers , and they are unwanted and unwelcome in Somalia , '' Gelle said . Nabhan 's death will have `` a major impact '' on al Qaeda 's operations in the Horn of Africa , according to one regional analyst . U.S. special operations forces used a helicopter to fire on a car Monday in southern Somalia , killing several people , including one they believed was Nabhan , U.S. officials told CNN earlier . Nabhan , 30 , was born in Kenya and had been tied to attacks that included the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania , according to the sources . More than 200 were
in 2002 about an `` incident in the shower of our locker room facility . '' `` It was obvious that the witness was distraught over what he saw , but he at no time related to me the very specific actions contained in the Grand Jury report . Regardless , it was clear that the witness saw something inappropriate involving Mr. Sandusky . As Coach Sandusky was retired from our coaching staff at that time , I referred the matter to university administrators , '' Paterno said . Sandusky , who served 23 years as defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions , faces seven counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse , and numerous other charges , including aggravated indecent assault and endangering the welfare of a child . In some cases , Sandusky promised boys gifts or invited them to football games and sleepovers , according to the grand jury . `` One of the most compelling and disturbing pieces of testimony in this investigation came from an eyewitness to a late-night sexual assault that allegedly occurred in March of 2002 , in the locker room of the Lasch Football Building on the University Park Campus , '' Pennsylvania
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno said Sunday the string of sexual child abuse charges against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky are `` shocking . '' Sandusky , 67 , allegedly engaged in fondling , oral and anal sex with young boys over a period of more than 10 years , according to an investigative state grand jury 's summary of testimony . He maintains he is innocent . Also named in the state grand jury report are Penn State Athletic Director Timothy Curley , 57 , and Gary Schultz , 62 , the university 's senior vice president for finance and business . They face one count of perjury each in connection to an alleged cover-up of the abuse . `` If true , the nature and amount of charges made are very shocking to me and all Penn Staters . While I did what I was supposed to with the one charge brought to my attention , like anyone else involved I ca n't help but be deeply saddened these matters are alleged to have occurred , '' Paterno said in a statement . The legendary coach said an assistant coach told him
, and al Qaeda threatens America from its safe haven along the Afghan-Pakistan border , '' Obama wrote in submitting the funding request . `` There is no question of the resolve of our military women and men . Yet , in Afghanistan , that resolve has not been matched by a comprehensive strategy and sufficient resources , '' Obama wrote . About $ 75 billion of the latest request would pay for military operations , including $ 9.8 billion for body armor and protective vehicles and $ 11.6 billion to replace worn-out equipment . The rest would go to diplomatic programs and development aid -- including $ 1.6 billion for Afghanistan , $ 1.4 billion for Pakistan and $ 700 million for Iraq . The request would also provide about $ 800 million for the Palestinian Authority , including humanitarian aid for Gaza , the Hamas-ruled territory that was heavily bombarded by Israel in December and January ; $ 800 million to support U.N. peacekeeping missions in Africa ; and $ 30 million to the Department of Justice to manage the closure of the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay , Cuba . The supplemental spending bill is likely
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Obama administration will ask Congress for another $ 83.4 billion to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through the end of September , Democratic congressional sources said Thursday . President Obama 's spending measure is likely to be the last supplemental request submitted to pay for the wars . The request is expected to pay for those conflicts for the rest of the 2009 budget year , two Democratic congressional sources said . The money would bring the running tab for both conflicts to about $ 947 billion , according to figures from the Congressional Research Service . More than three-quarters of the $ 864 billion appropriated so far has gone to the war in Iraq , the agency estimated . Since taking office in January , President Obama has announced plans to shift troops out of Iraq and beef up U.S. forces in Afghanistan , where American troops have been battling al Qaeda and Taliban fighters since al Qaeda 's 2001 attacks . In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Obama said the situation in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan `` demands urgent attention . '' `` The Taliban is resurgent
fill the empty slot , Fox said . Watch Jackson discuss what DeGeneres brings to the show '' `` We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the `` American Idol '' judges ' table this season . She is truly one of America 's funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it 's like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day , '' said Mike Darnell , president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox . `` We feel that her vast entertainment experience , combined with her quick wit and passion for music , will add a fresh new energy to the show . '' DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience as the host of `` The Ellen DeGeneres Show , '' now in its seventh season , and the host of the 79th Annual Academy Awards . In her new role , the Emmy Award-winning talk show host faces the task of winning over Abdul 's supporters , who lamented that her departure would irreparably alter the show . The singer-dancer turned `` Idol '' judge was known for her positive comments to the singers participating in
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will join the judges ' panel on `` American Idol '' for the show 's ninth season beginning in 2010 , a Fox spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday . Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience to her role . `` I 'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol , '' DeGeneres said Wednesday . `` I 've watched since the beginning , and I 've always been a huge fan . So getting this job is a dream come true , and think of all the money I 'll save from not having to text in my vote . '' The popular comedian and entertainer will fill a seat left vacant by Paula Abdul , who announced she was leaving the show in August after eight seasons . Was DeGeneres the right replacement ? DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell , Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi after auditions are completed for the popular talent show , which starts in January . Until then , guest judges including Mary J. Blige , Kristin Chenoweth , Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris will
lung cancers arise because of smoking and men have always been more affected by lung cancer than women . However , a rise in female smoking worldwide has started reversing the trend . Treatments Not all lung-cancer patients are suitable for surgery . Surgery on non-small cell lung cancers is more common than in small cell lung cancer , but can still only happen in a minority of cases . Other options are radio therapy and chemotherapy . Developments In December 2008 , scientists pinpointed a gene that protects against lung cancer . It is hoped the discovery of the role of the tumor suppressor gene -- LIMD1 -- may lead to new treatments and techniques to pick up the disease earlier . The disease is often not picked up until it has reached an advanced stage and many patients die within a year of being diagnosed . Skin Cancer Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin . It generally develops in the outermost layer of skin , so a tumor is usually clearly visible and easier to detect than most other cancers . Skin cancer is the most diagnosed form of the disease , surpassing lung ,
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- There are around 200 known types of cancers . Some are far more widespread than others . Australian Professor Ian Frazer has developed a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and is working on a vaccine for skin cancer . Cancer researchers are making significant breakthroughs in unlocking the complete genetic makeup of many common cancers . Through extensive studies and research , they are understanding exactly how the rogue cells differ from normal cells , and modifying treatments so they work on just the cancer cells . We take a look at some of the most common types of cancers plus some possible causes , treatments and developments . Lung Cancer Lung cancer develops when cells of the lungs divide and grow in an uncontrolled manner . There are two types of lung cancer : non-small cell lung cancer -LRB- NSCLC -RRB- and small cell lung cancer -LRB- SCLC -RRB- . The latter is more likely to spread further in the body in its early stages . Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide , according to the World Health Organization , with 1.2 million new cases every year . Nearly all
, a six-term senator , earlier had hinted he would run for re-election despite some criticism of his role in the controversial firings of U.S. attorneys . One of the prosecutors , David Iglesias , contends Domenici and U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson , R-New Mexico , wanted him to push harder on a corruption investigation of state Democrats before the 2006 midterm elections . Iglesias said he felt `` leaned on '' when Domenici called him to inquire about when indictments would be brought . The senator , who nominated Iglesias for the post , apologized for making the call but said he never pressured Iglesias . Domenici said he had complained to Justice Department officials about the pace of prosecutions in Iglesias ' office . Then-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Domenici had complained to him about Iglesias in the fall of 2005 , saying the U.S. attorney `` was in over his head . '' Iglesias , a Naval Reserve lawyer listed in a Justice Department evaluation as a `` diverse up-and-comer '' before 2006 , was told to resign that December . Domenici , 75 , was first elected to the Senate in 1972 and has n't faced
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Republicans ' tough task of taking back control of the Senate next year now looks even tougher . Sen. Pete Domenici , R-New Mexico , says he will retire at the end of his term . Republican Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election . `` For the past 35 years my friends and neighbors have given me the honor of allowing me to serve them as their United States senator , '' he said . `` Who could ask for anything more ? Domenici joins three other Republican senators who also are retiring at the end of their terms next year . Democrats took back both houses of Congress last November , but hold thin majorities . In the Senate , they have a 51-49 margin . Their advantage in the House of Representatives is 233-202 . Of 34 Senate seats being contested next year , Republicans hold 22 . With the four senators retiring and four others facing difficult re-election bids , the numbers are stacked against GOP hopes of recapturing the upper chamber of Congress . Read more about the senators who are retiring '' Domenici
, a city northwest of Acapulco on the Pacific Coast in southern Mexico , the Mexican attorney general 's office said . Zihuatanejo is in Guerrero state , but Lopez was transferred to a jail in neighboring Michoacan state , officials said . The arrest came about after investigation and intelligence work by Mexican authorities , the attorney general 's office said . According to the FBI , Lopez abducted his girlfriend , Rebecca Ramirez , and her two young sons from her father 's house in Nyssa , Oregon , on July 30 , 2002 . The car he had been driving was found nearly two weeks later on a rural road near Mountain Home , Idaho , officials said . It had been torched with the three bodies inside . The suspect 's brother , Simon Lopez Orozco , and Simon 's wife , Maria Cruz Garcia , have been charged with accessory to first-degree murder , the FBI said . Garcia was arrested in California three years ago , but Simon Lopez Orozco is believed still at large . Mexican officials captured another FBI Top 10 fugitive on July 17 . Emigdio Preciado Jr. was wanted in
MEXICO CITY , Mexico -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Mexican federal police have arrested a fugitive on the FBI 's 10 Most Wanted list , Mexican authorities said . Jorge Alberto Lopez Orozco allegedly murdered his girlfriend and her two young sons . Jorge Alberto Lopez Orozco is wanted in Elmore County , Idaho , on charges that he shot and killed three people , the FBI said . The charred remains of a woman and her sons , ages 2 and 4 , were found inside a burned-out vehicle on August 11 , 2002 , it said . Each victim had been shot in the head or chest . The FBI was still working Friday to confirm the identity of the man in custody , said Debbie Dujanovic , a spokeswoman in the agency 's Salt Lake City , Utah , field office . The Salt Lake City office has jurisdiction in the case . An extradition order was issued in January 2007 , the Mexican attorney general 's office said in a news release Thursday . A reward of up to $ 100,000 was being offered , the FBI said . Lopez , 33 , was captured in Zihuatanejo
which appeared to contradict Tejada , the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform asked the Justice Department to investigate whether Tejada `` made knowingly false statements to the committee . '' The investigators concluded he had lied . `` Defendant Tejada unlawfully withheld pertinent information from the committee because defendant Tejada before and during his interview with the committee staff , then and there well knew that Player # 1 -LSB- unidentified -RSB- , one of his teammates on the Oakland Athletics , had used steroids and HGH , '' the document says . Tejada played for the Athletics from 1997 to 2003 . He is scheduled to appear at 11 a.m. Wednesday before a magistrate judge , indicating the charge against him will be a misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentence of a year in jail . However , a government official familiar with the case said that under sentencing guidelines , Tejada could get from zero to 6 months , which means he may receive probation without jail time . Tejada , who started his MLB career in 1997 , hit at least 30 home runs from 2000 through 2004 with the exception of 2003 , when he
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada is expected to plead guilty Wednesday in federal court to a count of lying to Congress about his knowledge of Major League Baseball players using performance-enhancing drugs , according to officials familiar with the case . Miguel Tejada , a shortstop for the Houston Astros , has been charged with lying to Congress . In a document filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia , Tejada is charged in a criminal `` information , '' a document that routinely signals a plea bargain agreement . The document does not directly accuse Tejada of using steroids or other substances . However , the court document says that in 2003 Tejada gave another player more than $ 5,000 in checks `` for substances which he believed to be HGH -LSB- human growth hormone -RSB- . '' The document says Tejada lied to congressional investigators when he told them on August 26 , 2005 , that he had never heard discussions about steroids by other players , and that he never knew of any other player using steroids . After the December 2007 Mitchell Report on steroid use in baseball ,
earn them promotion to the top-flight Serie A league . Since then he has managed Parma and Juventus , before taking on the San Siro-based giants AC Milan . Is Ancelotti 's appointment the right move for Chelsea ? Tell us in the Sound Off box below . As a manager he has enjoyed plenty of success , particularly in his time at the Rossoneri . He steered Milan to the Coppa Italia in 2003 , the Serie A title in 2003 -- 04 , the UEFA Champions League in both 2002 -- 03 and 2006 -- 07 , the UEFA Super Cup in 2003 and 2007 and the FIFA Club World Cup crown in 2007 . Before entering management , Ancelotti had a significant playing career as a midfielder with AS Roma and AC Milan . During his time at both clubs he amassed three Serie A titles , two European Cups , and he also won the Coppa Italia four times with Roma . He is one of only six people to ever win the Champions League as both a player and manager -- a list which includes current Barcelona manager and this year 's winner , Josep
LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Italian football manager Carlo Ancelotti has gone from Milan to London in less than a day . Carlo Ancelotti will take over as manager of Chelsea from July 1 this year . Just 24 hours after resigning from his highly-successful eight-year stint at Italy 's AC Milan , he has been announced as the new manager of English Premier League club Chelsea -- replacing temporary manager Guus Hiddink . Chelsea , who won the FA Cup at the weekend , were looking for a permanent manager for the start of next season -- and Ancelotti has been signed on a three-year deal to the west-London club . A statement on Chelsea 's web site read : `` Carlo was the outstanding candidate for the job . He has proved over a long period his ability to build teams that challenged for , and have been successful in , major domestic and European competitions . '' Ancelotti , who turns 50 next week , has been in management since 1995 , when he took charge of Italian Serie B club Reggiana . Although he only spent one season at Reggiana , he managed to
the cantaloupe that you have is not Jensen Farms , then it 's OK to eat , '' CDC Director Tom Frieden told reporters during a conference call Wednesday . `` But if you 're in doubt , then throw it out . '' The recalled cantaloupes may bear a green-and-white sticker that says , `` Product of USA-Frontera Produce-Colorado Fresh-Rocky Ford-Cantaloupe , '' or a gray , yellow and green sticker that says , `` Jensen Farms-Sweet Rocky Fords . '' But not all cantaloupes may have a sticker , Frieden said . Consumers are urged to ask the supermarket or supplier if they know where the cantaloupes came from . If the cantaloupe 's origins remain unconfirmed , it should be disposed of , he said . However , the likelihood of tainted cantaloupes in the nation 's food supply is decreasing , thanks to the fruit 's short shelf life -- about two weeks , officials said . The recalled cantaloupes were shipped from July 29 through September 10 , `` so we really are nearing the end of the shelf life of the product in addition to its recalled product , '' Sherri McGarry , a
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In the wake of a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis linked to bacteria-tainted cantaloupe , authorities assured the public that cantaloupe grown in places other than Colorado 's Jensen Farms is safe . But if in doubt about a fruit 's origin , they said , it 's best to throw it out . The outbreak -- blamed on the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes -- was first reported September 12 . As of Wednesday , it had grown to 72 cases in 18 states and had killed 13 people , officials with the Centers for Disease Control said . The number of cases is expected to rise , as it can take one to three weeks for a person who ingests the bacteria to show symptoms . All of the tainted cantaloupes were grown at Jensen Farms in Granada , Colorado , although they were shipped to 17 states -- Illinois , Wyoming , Tennessee , Utah , Texas , Colorado , Minnesota , Kansas , New Mexico , North Carolina , Missouri , Nebraska , Oklahoma , Arizona , New Jersey , New York and Pennsylvania . `` It 's important to know that if you know
than three feet -RRB- through the air and can be deposited on the mouth or in the nose of people or on surfaces . Those who develop influenza often shed large amounts of virus in their respiratory secretions for several days after they become ill . Experience with other viruses suggests that individuals with influenza can contaminate their hands when coughing , sneezing or blowing their noses . The virus can survive on the hands for at least one hour . If a person whose hands are heavily contaminated touches a surface such as a doorknob , table or computer keyboard , they can deposit the virus onto that surface , where it can survive for minutes to several hours . One study conducted with a regular seasonal strain of influenza virus found that the virus could survive on facial tissues for several minutes and for two to eight hours on stainless steel or plastic surfaces . If another person touches a contaminated surface with his hands when the virus is still alive and then touches his own mouth or nose , he may become infected . Infection might also occur when a person with influenza shakes hands with another
Editor 's note : Dr. John Boyce , chief of the Infectious Diseases Section at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven , Connecticut , was lead author of the Centers for Disease Control 's national hand hygiene guidelines for health-care workers and heads the Hand Hygiene Resource Center . Dr. John Boyce says hands contaminated with virus are often a pathway for people to develop flu . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The rapid spread of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus -LRB- also known as swine flu -RRB- from Mexico to at least 19 other countries in less than 10 days is a cause of major concern . It emphasizes the need for the public to become familiar with how influenza is spread and which preventive measures they can use to reduce their chances of becoming infected . Although little information is available at this time , it appears that this influenza virus spreads from one person to another in the same way as other influenza viruses -- by `` droplet spread . '' Respiratory droplets are generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes and expels droplets of fluid . Those droplets travel short distances -LRB- usually less
, Sir Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson , were British stage and film actors . Her paternal grandparents , Roy Redgrave and Margaret Scudamore , were stage and silent film actors . Redgrave teamed with daughter Annabel Clark in 2004 to produce the book `` Journal : A Mother and Daughter 's Recovery from Breast Cancer . '' `` I thought I was living very fully before this happened , '' she said in 2005 . `` But in comparison , no , I really was n't . I was n't taking the time to notice things . I did n't see things as brightly or as sharply or as memorably as I do now . `` I really do n't let a moment slide by . I just do n't . It 's a big price to pay , is n't it , to have to have cancer to learn that ? But it is in the end , I have to say , a price worth paying , '' Redgrave said . Redgrave 's professional acting debut was in 1962 at London 's Royal Court Theatre in a production of `` A Midsummer Night 's Dream . ''
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Actress Lynn Redgrave died Sunday after a seven-year battle with breast cancer , according to her family . Redgrave , 67 , was surrounded by her children at her Connecticut home when she died , the family said in a statement Monday morning . The star of stage , film and television was twice nominated for an Academy Award : for best actress in 1966 for her role in `` Georgy Girl '' and for best supporting actress in the 1998 film `` Gods and Monsters . '' `` She lived , loved and worked harder than ever before , '' the family said . `` The endless memories she created as a mother , grandmother , writer , actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives . Our entire family asks for privacy through this difficult time , '' the statement said . Redgrave is from `` a family of actors , embracing as it does more than five generations , '' she wrote on her official website . She is the younger sister of Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave and the aunt of the late actress Natasha Richardson . Her parents
campaign focused on `` trying to change the way people think . '' Watch Gore describe what he calls a ` planetary emergency ' '' Earlier Friday , a White House spokesman said President Bush was pleased that Gore , Bush 's opponent in the 2000 presidential race , had won the award . `` Of course , he 's happy for Vice President Gore , happy for the International Panel on Climate Change scientists , who also shared the Peace Prize , '' White House deputy press secretary Tony Fratto said . `` Obviously it 's an important recognition , and we 're sure the vice president is thrilled . '' Fratto said Bush would not be under any pressure to adopt mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions , a policy Gore has advocated . Gore 's ex-boss , former President Clinton , also said he 's `` thrilled by this well-deserved recognition , '' and credited Gore with `` warning and educating us about the dangers of climate change for decades . He saw this coming before others in public life . '' The Nobel committee 's announcement cited Gore and the IPCC `` for their efforts to
PALO ALTO , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize helps underscore the urgency of the climate crisis , said former Vice President Al Gore on Friday . `` This is a chance to elevate global consciousness about the challenges that we face now , '' said Al Gore . Gore 's comments came hours after the Nobel committee announced he would share the award with the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for their work to raise awareness about global warming . `` This is a chance to elevate global consciousness about the challenges that we face now , '' Gore said , speaking to reporters in Palo Alto , California . `` It truly is a planetary emergency , and we have to respond quickly . '' The former vice president said he would donate his half of the $ 1.5 million prize to the Alliance for Climate Protection , an organization he founded to persuade people to reduce global warming by cutting pollution . `` That amount is very small compared to the enormous challenge that lies ahead , '' Gore said , including organizing a massive grass-roots movement and a mass advertising
the oath '' Roberts made brief preliminary remarks , telling the audience of about 60 that after the swearing-in , Sotomayor can `` begin her duties as an associate justice without delay . '' `` Congratulations and welcome to the court , '' he said afterward . Sotomayor made no statements and did not answer questions . She hugged her mother and several people in the front row . The newest justice can begin moving into her chambers and preparing for the upcoming fall term . The other justices plan to return early from their three-month recess to hear a case September 9 on free speech and campaign finance laws . Sources close to Sotomayor say she has already begun reading up on the caseload , and will soon formally hire four law clerks . She also will have two secretaries and a messenger to assist her . Justice Anthony Kennedy was the only current Supreme Court member on hand for the swearing-in ceremony . David Souter , whom Sotomayor replaces on the bench , was not there . He has retired to New Hampshire . The Senate confirmed Sotomayor on Thursday in a 68-31 vote . President Obama ,
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sonia Sotomayor , who rose from humble roots in a Bronx , New York , housing project to a high-powered legal career , was sworn in Saturday as the 111th justice of the U.S. Supreme Court . Judge Sonia Sotomayor takes the judicial oath Saturday as her mother , Celina , holds the Bible . With friends and family looking on , the 55-year-old jurist took the judicial oath in the court 's wood-paneled East Conference Room , pledging to `` faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me . '' It was the first time such a ceremony was televised . Chief Justice John Roberts administered the 62-word oath required of all federal judges . In a private ceremony just moments before , Sotomayor took a separate , constitutional oath across the hall . Both oaths are necessary for her to assume her new duties . As her mother , Celina , held a ceremonial Bible , Sotomayor beamed as she waved to relatives and guests when she entered the room for the public ceremony . Among those in the room was her brother , Juan Sotomayor . Watch Sotomayor take
. Put simply , HIV testing saves lives . As a CDC official , I 've spoken with hundreds of people who have made the decision to get tested . Many described the relief they felt when they found out they were HIV-negative . Thanks to the HIV test , they could take steps to make sure they and their partners stay that way . I 've also met people who found out they were HIV-positive . Although initially worried about their diagnosis and their future , they were thankful they had their infection diagnosed early , and were able to live long , healthy and productive lives with HIV . They had the knowledge and will to protect their partners from infection , or to prevent their infants from becoming HIV infected . I recently met one young woman who learned about her HIV infection after being diagnosed during routine HIV testing in pregnancy . By getting tested early , and having access to effective treatment , her child was born without HIV , and she now has two healthy children . She is a living testament that life does not stop with this disease . Instead , knowledge
Editor 's note : Kevin Fenton is director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS , Viral Hepatitis , STD and TB Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Fenton has written for journals including The Lancet , AIDS , the British Medical Journal and the Journal of Infectious Diseases . After graduating from medical school , Fenton earned his Masters in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and his Ph.D. in Epidemiology from University College London . Dr. Kevin Fenton urges Americans to get tested for HIV . ATLANTA , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Every 9 1/2 minutes someone 's brother , mother , sister , father , or neighbor becomes infected with HIV in the United States . That 's 56,000 people every year . But there 's something we can all do to help protect ourselves and our partners from this disease -- get tested for HIV . In the fight against HIV , I can tell you that few things are more important than testing . It 's an essential step in reducing the number of new HIV infections and extending the lives of those who are infected
apparently told the hotel they were journalists , something that the media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders has criticized . `` We hope these two advisers are freed quickly , but we are shocked that they were passing themselves off as journalists , '' Reporters Without Borders said . `` They were on an official mission and had no need of cover . Their behavior endangers journalists in a region where media personnel are already in danger . '' Sharmarke said the two hostages were kidnapped by the militant group Hizbul Islam but later were transferred to Al-Shabaab . Both Islamic insurgencies are trying to topple the current Somali government . Eyewitnesses said a group of gunmen stormed into the Sahafi hotel , which is frequented by foreigners , and took the two blindfolded and bound hostages on foot toward Mogadishu 's Bakara market , a stronghold for Islamist insurgents fighting against the Somali government . The Somali prime minister said that the government will hold Hizbul Islam responsible for the safety of both men . He did not say if any demands had been made for the hostages ' release . Hizbul Islam is led by Sheikh Hassan Dahir
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Somalia 's interim prime minister said Thursday that he has spoken to one of two French hostages seized earlier this week by gunmen who stormed their hotel in Mogadishu . Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke said the government will hold Hizbul Islam responsible for the safety of both men . Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke told a news conference at the presidential palace in the Somali capital that the hostage said he was in good health and is being treated well . Sharmarke said three low-level security officials have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping . The Somali government is negotiating the release of the hostages , who are being held by Islamist militants , he added . The two French nationals -- who have not been identified -- were abducted Tuesday when a group of about 10 armed men raided the hotel where they were staying . The French Foreign Ministry said the two were on an official mission to help the Somali government with security . The ministry has not divulged any details of its efforts to release the hostages , saying only that it is `` mobilized . '' The two advisers had
Under Pol Pot 's leadership , the Khmer Rouge regime was responsible for the deaths of millions of ordinary Cambodians during a four-year reign of terror that was eventually halted in 1979 by invading Vietnamese forces . In 1975 , the Khmer Rouge ordered people out of Phnom Penh , the capital , and other cities in Cambodia to work in the countryside . It is said to be responsible for about 1.7 million deaths , roughly a quarter of the population at the time . Its stated aim was to create a Communist utopia , but instead the regime forced Cambodians into what has been described as a living hell . Soldiers marched city-dwellers into the countryside and forced them to work as farm laborers . Those already living in rural Cambodia were expected to produce enough food for the country while teaching farming to those who had never done it before . The regime abolished currency , and considered anyone with an education a threat . It did not allow modern medicine , and it isolated Cambodia to make it completely self-sufficient . The results were disastrous : People died of starvation and disease as soldiers tortured and
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hundreds of Cambodians packed a courtroom in Phnom Penh on Monday as three top Khmer Rouge leaders went on trial for their role during the bloody four-year regime in the mid-1970s . The U.N.-backed Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia has scheduled four days of opening statements for the defendants , who are all in their 80s . On trial are Ieng Sary , the former Khmer Rouge foreign minister ; Khieu Samphon , the nominal head of state ; and Nuon Chea , the prime minister , also known as Brother Number 2 . The head of the Khmer Rouge , Pol Pot , was known as Brother Number 1 . He died in 1998 , long before the U.N.-backed court came into existence . A fourth defendant , Ieng Thirith , was ruled unfit to stand trial because she suffers from dementia and could be set free , prosecutor said . She is Sary 's wife and served as the social affairs ministry during the regime . Prosecutors have charged the defendants with crimes against humanity , grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions , genocide , homicide , torture and religious persecution .
experts pointed to the economic downturn and the resulting high unemployment as factors behind the shift . `` The recession has had a significant effect on immigrants ' decisions on whether to come to the U.S. , '' said Michelle Mittelstadt , director of communications at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute . Would-be unauthorized immigrants and legal temporary workers are mostly the ones who have decided to stay put in their home countries for now , Mittelstadt said . The largest declines in the foreign-born population were in states that were hardest hit by the recession , including California , Florida and Arizona . Mittelstadt noted , however , that those immigrants already in the United States appear to be staying . A recent study by the Pew Hispanic Center concluded that emigration from Mexico , the largest source of immigrants to the United States , slowed at least 40 percent between mid-decade and 2008 , based on national population surveys in the United States and Mexico , as well as Border Patrol apprehension figures . The Mexican-born population in the United States dropped by about 300,000 between 2007 and 2008 , according to census data . The new Census
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- After nearly 40 years of recorded increases , the number of immigrants living in the United States remained flat between 2007 and 2008 , recent statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau show . The number of naturalized citizens in the U.S. increased , partly attributed to voter drives for the 2008 election . According to the Census Bureau 's American Community Survey , the U.S. foreign-born population represented about 12.5 percent of the population in 2008 , down from 12.6 percent in 2007 . Taking into account the margin of error , it was possible that the immigrant population remained even . `` Between '07 and '08 there really was n't that much of a change , '' said Elizabeth Grieco , chief of immigration statistics staff at the Census Bureau . But given the steep upward trend in the foreign-born population since 1970 , no change is big news . The American Community Survey collects data from about 3 million addresses each year , and provides one of the most complete pictures of the population , according to the bureau . The survey does n't give a reason for the leveling off , but