(CNN) -- After actress Mackenzie Phillips spoke about her sexual relationship with her musician father, online and telephone calls to an anti-sexual assault hot line surged.

Mackenzie Phillips told Larry King that incest survivors are "incredibly underrepresented."

Her interviews in the past few weeks brought a spotlight to an uncomfortable topic.

Incest, a common but highly stigmatized form of sexual abuse, often leaves the victim ashamed, isolated and unable to tell others what's happening, because the perpetrator is someone related to him or her, mental health experts said.

"For any survivor of sexual trauma, it's challenging, and it takes a lot of courage to come forward," said Jennifer Wilson, director of the National Sexual Assault hot line. "With incest survivors, it's particularly difficult, because not only is there social stigma pressuring them to stay quiet, but also there's pressure that's within the family to stay quiet."

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, which calls itself the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization, said it had seen an 83 percent increase in activity on its online hot line and a 26 percent increase on its telephone hot line after Phillips' interview with Oprah Winfrey aired last week.

"Unfortunately, it's something we hear everyday in our hot line, so to have somebody speak aloud about it was empowering to a lot of victims and survivors who went through similar situations," Wilson said.

Phillips spoke about the taboo nature of incest in her interview with CNN's Larry King.

"There's very little in this world that is taboo today, but this subject is still, like, shove it under the carpet, sweep it away, protect the abuser, deny the reality. ... You're just on your own," the former child star said.

This makes it one of the most under-reported and least discussed crimes, experts said.

A U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics report found that of the 60,000 sexual assault cases reported in 12 states in 2000, about a quarter were perpetrated by family members. About half of the sexual assault cases with victims younger than 11 involved family members.

At times, a victim may feel unable to tell other family members what's happening. And if he or she tells a relative, that family member may have "a knee-jerk reaction," refusing to believe it. Relatives may try to protect the offender in order to keep the family together or to avoid the shame and stigma, Wilson said. This takes a devastating toll on a victim.

"Their sexual selves are damaged. Their emotional selves are damaged, because 'who do I trust?' " said Debra Laino, a sex therapist and counselor. " 'My father did this. My mother did this. Who can I trust if I can't trust my family?' "

Sometimes the reluctance to report the crime comes from the victim, because he or she doesn't want to see the family member in jail.

Although Phillips called the sexual relationship with her famed father, John Phillips, "wrong," she said, "I don't want bad things to happen to him, but I also don't want bad things to happen to me as a result of this. And I was convinced to let it lie."

Her father, a co-founder of the Mamas & the Papas, died in 2001.

Father- or stepfather-daughter incest is the most common form, although it also occurs between mother and child, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime.

A sexual assault victim could suffer physical effects of the crime such as sexually transmitted infections, genital trauma and urinary tract infections.

They could also experience many mental health effects: social withdrawal, isolation, post-traumatic stress disorder and regressive behavior such as bedwetting and thumb sucking. Some become hypersexual and engage in destructive behaviors, experts said.

Humans "have an instinct for avoiding incest or inbreeding," said Debra Lieberman, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Miami (Florida

What actress said about her sexual relationship with her father?

Who has the actress committed incest with?

What is one of the most under-reported crimes?

Answer: Mackenzie Phillips

Answer: that incest survivors are "incredibly underrepresented."

Answer: a common but highly stigmatized form of sexual abuse,

Answer: Mackenzie Phillips

Answer: sexual relationship

Answer: her musician father,

Answer: incest

Summary:
Actress said she had sexual relationship with her father for years .
Experts: Incest is one of the most under-reported and least discussed crimes .
Real healing after incest is possible, Phillips says .


(CNN) -- After actress Mackenzie Phillips spoke about her sexual relationship with her musician father, online and telephone calls to an anti-sexual assault hot line surged. Mackenzie Phillips told Larry King that incest survivors are "incredibly underrepresented." Her interviews in the past few weeks brought a spotlight to an uncomfortable topic. Incest, a common but highly stigmatized form of sexual abuse, often leaves the victim ashamed, isolated and unable to tell others what's happening, because the perpetrator is someone related to him or her, mental health experts said. "For any survivor of sexual trauma, it's challenging, and it takes a lot of courage to come forward," said Jennifer Wilson, director of the National Sexual Assault hot line. "With incest survivors, it's particularly difficult, because not only is there social stigma pressuring them to stay quiet, but also there's pressure that's within the family to stay quiet." The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, which calls itself the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization, said it had seen an 83 percent increase in activity on its online hot line and a 26 percent increase on its telephone hot line after Phillips' interview with Oprah Winfrey aired last week. "Unfortunately, it's something we hear everyday in our hot line, so to have somebody speak aloud about it was empowering to a lot of victims and survivors who went through similar situations," Wilson said. Phillips spoke about the taboo nature of incest in her interview with CNN's Larry King. "There's very little in this world that is taboo today, but this subject is still, like, shove it under the carpet, sweep it away, protect the abuser, deny the reality. ... You're just on your own," the former child star said. This makes it one of the most under-reported and least discussed crimes, experts said. A U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics report found that of the 60,000 sexual assault cases reported in 12 states in 2000, about a quarter were perpetrated by family members. About half of the sexual assault cases with victims younger than 11 involved family members. At times, a victim may feel unable to tell other family members what's happening. And if he or she tells a relative, that family member may have "a knee-jerk reaction," refusing to believe it. Relatives may try to protect the offender in order to keep the family together or to avoid the shame and stigma, Wilson said. This takes a devastating toll on a victim. "Their sexual selves are damaged. Their emotional selves are damaged, because 'who do I trust?' " said Debra Laino, a sex therapist and counselor. " 'My father did this. My mother did this. Who can I trust if I can't trust my family?' " Sometimes the reluctance to report the crime comes from the victim, because he or she doesn't want to see the family member in jail. Although Phillips called the sexual relationship with her famed father, John Phillips, "wrong," she said, "I don't want bad things to happen to him, but I also don't want bad things to happen to me as a result of this. And I was convinced to let it lie." Her father, a co-founder of the Mamas & the Papas, died in 2001. Father- or stepfather-daughter incest is the most common form, although it also occurs between mother and child, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime. A sexual assault victim could suffer physical effects of the crime such as sexually transmitted infections, genital trauma and urinary tract infections. They could also experience many mental health effects: social withdrawal, isolation, post-traumatic stress disorder and regressive behavior such as bedwetting and thumb sucking. Some become hypersexual and engage in destructive behaviors, experts said. Humans "have an instinct for avoiding incest or inbreeding," said Debra Lieberman, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Miami (Florida

Who did the actress have a sexual relationship with?

Answer: incest

Answer: her musician father,

Answer: incest

Answer: highly stigmatized form of sexual abuse, often leaves the victim ashamed, isolated and unable to tell others

Answer: incest survivors are "incredibly underrepresented."

Summary:
Actress said she had sexual relationship with her father for years .
Experts: Incest is one of the most under-reported and least discussed crimes .
Real healing after incest is possible, Phillips says .


(CNN) -- After almost 10 months, the FBI has zeroed in on a suspect in the case of missing Florida pilot Robert Wiles, who may have been kidnapped for ransom.

Missing Florida pilot Robert Wiles is thought to have been kidnapped for ransom.

"We're close to solving the case," said FBI special agent David Couvertier. He would not elaborate.

Agents also would not identify the suspect, and they said the person is not in custody. Investigators would only reveal that the "key suspect" is in Florida, either in Orlando, Lakeland or Melbourne.

"They're holding that back in hopes of getting additional information," said Couvertier.

The FBI says it's also looking at several persons of interest in those same three Florida cities.

Wiles, 27, was last seen in the family's aircraft maintenance business, National Flight Services, at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport on April 1, 2008.

The day Wiles disappeared, he left behind his bags, his computer, and even his car. His father says the next day, Wiles was supposed to be on a flight out of Orlando. He never showed up.

Two days after he vanished, Wiles' father, Thomas, received a ransom note. It demanded money and threatened to harm Robert Wiles if the terms weren't met.

Wiles' parents said they tried to comply but heard nothing back.

Nearly a year later, the FBI says their investigation shows that those involved "were very familiar with Robert's work, Robert's personal information and had knowledge of his parent's personal affairs."

Agents say they've tracked down leads in nine U.S. cities and as far away as Thailand where National Flight Services also does business. The Ohio-based company services aircraft in 50 countries and has been in business since 1972.

Investigators are reaching out to the public in hopes of sparking any additional information about Wiles to "close the loop," Couvertier said.

Investigators want to talk with "people who knew about his work routine, who might know someone who was obsessed with him, who was upset or jealous of him, or complained about him, anything that might be helpful," said Couvertier.

Wiles' parents told CNN they hope their son Robert is still alive.

"That is our hope until proven otherwise, ' said his mother, Pamela. "We don't know what happened to him. We don't know where he is. We just hope somebody will call and tell us what their needs are," she added.

"Sometimes, I stay up late and get up early and try to come up with any scenarios to make sense of this," said Wiles' father.

"I have my very low moments when I think I'll never see him again, " he added.

Occasionally, Wiles' mother says she plays back a voicemail message her son left her shortly before he disappeared. It said "Hey, mom. It's Robert. I just wanted to call and thank you for sending that stuff down to me. And I hope you have a good weekend, ... and I'll talk to you later."

"I still listen to it, and it breaks my heart," said Pamela Wiles.

The Wiles are still offering a $250,000 reward for information about their son and arrest of those responsible for his disappearance.

"But Tom and I don't think you can put a dollar on his head," said Pamela Wiles. "We want to provide them with security and a new life, if that's what they need," she added.

His father doesn't think whoever is responsible is working alone. He says his son is too strong to have left willingly or without knowing who his alleged captors are.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI.

Wiles' parents have a message for the FBI's unidentified suspect.

"I would say to him 'come forward and tell the truth and we hold no personal animosity,'" said Pamela Wiles.

"

Who says they are close to solving the case?

How long has Robert Wiles been missing for?

Who told the suspects to "come forward and tell the truth?"

What are some locations in Florida where the suspect might be?

What would the mother tell the suspect to do?

Answer: Robert Wiles

Answer: FBI special agent David Couvertier.

Answer: 10 months,

Answer: Pamela Wiles.

Answer: Robert Wiles,

Answer: Orlando, Lakeland or Melbourne.

Answer: in Florida, either in Orlando, Lakeland or Melbourne.

Answer: 'come forward and

Answer: Robert Wiles,

Answer: is in Florida, either in Orlando, Lakeland or Melbourne.

Summary:
FBI agent says they are "close to solving the case," have a "key suspect"
"Key suspect" is in Florida, either in Orlando, Lakeland or Melbourne, agent says .
Police believe missing pilot Robert Wiles may have been kidnapped for ransom .
Mother would tell suspect to "come forward and tell the truth"


(CNN) -- After being photographed using an inhaler prior to extra-time in his MLS Cup Final, the news that David Beckham has been an asthma sufferer since childhood has propelled the condition into the limelight. The England midfielder is not the first high-profile athlete to have dealt with asthma, a respiratory condition that affects people's airways -- the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. Despite the difficulties of performing with asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing, many athletes have dealt still managed to reach the peak of their respective disciplines. Read up on asthma in our health section A-Z. NBA star Dennis Rodman, footballer Frank Lampard and Olympic swimmers Nancy Hogsehead and Mark Spitz have all suffered from the condition, here are five more of sport's most high-profile asthmatics. 1. Paul Scholes Beckham's ex-Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes was diagnosed with asthma when he was 21-years-old. One of England's most well respected midfielders, despite keeping a low-profile in general Scholes has always been happy to raise awareness about asthma. In May 2009 he along with fellow English midfielder and asthma sufferer Frank Lampard took part in Asthma UK's campaign to "put asthma in the limelight." 2. Justine Henin Prior to announcing her (temporary) retirement in May 2008, Belgian tennis player Justine Henin had suggested she may have had to pull out of defending her gold medal at the Beijing Olympics because of worries the city's pollution would trigger her asthma. The grand slam winner had already withdrew from the China Open in September 2007 because of her condition. 3. Jerome Bettis NFL running back Jerome Bettis was diagnosed with asthma during a high-school football session and in 1997 suffered an attack triggered by the extreme heat in Florida. It did not stop the man nicknamed 'The Bus' and he went on to win the Superbowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis has been heavily involved with raising asthma awareness in America. 4. Paula Radcliffe English long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma as a result of her training when she was a teenager. Despite this she has become one of the most successful marathon runners of recent years, winning both the New York and London marathons among other events. 5. Jackie Joyner-Kersee American track and field legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee discovered she was asthmatic in 1983 after finding she couldn't catch her breath after periods of exercise. Failing to take her medication properly she suffered a life threatening asthma attack at one point. Eventually getting it under control, Joyner-Kersee went onto win three Olympic gold medals at the 1988 and 1992 games in heptathlon and long jump.

who has asthma
What does Beckham suffer from?
who are asthmatics
what does asthma do
What team does Beckham play for?

Answer: David Beckham

Answer: asthma

Answer: Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Answer: affects people's airways

Answer: England midfielder

Summary:
David Beckham was pictured taking his asthma inhaler during LA Galaxy's MLS Cup loss to Real Salt Lake .
Asthma can cause wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing, making exercise difficult .
High-profile athletes like Paul Scholes, Justine Henin and Dennis Rodman are all asthmatics .


(CNN) -- After deliberating for more than four hours, a jury convicted a Nevada man of 22 counts Tuesday for videotaping himself sexually assaulting a toddler, CNN affiliates report. Chester Arthur Stiles has been convicted of videtaping a sexual assault on a child. Chester Arthur Stiles, 38, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He was convicted of lewdness with a child, sexual assault with a minor, attempted sexual assault with a minor and other related charges. He showed no reaction as the verdict was read after more than four hours of jury deliberations, according to KLAS. Sentencing was set for May 8. The crime triggered a national manhunt and search for the girl when the tape surfaced in 2007. Jurors in Stiles' trial viewed the videotape, but the judge would not allow members sitting in the gallery to view it, and a screen was put up to block the jury box, said Michael Sommermeyer, spokesman for Clark County, Nevada, courts. Some members of the media were allowed to view the tape as well, but the judge did not want the reactions of reporters or the public to influence jurors, he said. The charges also related to another girl who Stiles was accused of sexually assaulting on videotape. The tape was given to authorities in September 2007 by a man who said he had found it in the desert five months before. On it, police found images of the small girl being sexually assaulted. After attempting unsuccessfully to find out the girl's identity, authorities turned to the media for help and released a picture of the girl, and the case drew nationwide attention. She was found in October 2007. An attorney for her mother said she was 7 years old and safe and healthy. The rape occurred before the girl's third birthday, while she was in the care of a baby-sitter her mother had hired, he said. The mother did not know the girl had been victimized. After the girl was found, authorities asked CNN and other news organizations to stop showing her picture. In an appearance on "The Dr. Phil Show," the girl's mother said the girl has no recollection of the assault. Stiles, a resident of Pahrump, Nevada, was arrested in a traffic stop in October 2007. Police said at the time they pulled Stiles' car over because it had no license plate, and became suspicious when the driver displayed an expired California license with a photo that did not match his appearance. Stiles eventually admitted who he was and that he was being sought, authorities said. The man who turned the tape over to authorities, Darrin Tuck, faced criminal charges because of the delay in turning it over, during which authorities alleged he showed it to others. A judge gave Tuck a one-year suspended sentence and three years of probation in April after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct a public officer, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He initially had faced a felony count of possession of child pornography.

What sentence could Chester Arthur Stiles receive?

Who was found guilty of all counts in a child sex video case?

When is sentencing scheduled for Chester Arthur Stiles?

In what charges Arthur Stiles is guilty?

How long could he be sent to prison for?

Answer: September 2007

Answer: life in prison.

Answer: October 2007.

Answer: Chester Arthur Stiles

Answer: May 8.

Answer: Chester Arthur Stiles

Answer: a man

Answer: May 8.

Answer: May 8.

Answer: September 2007

Answer: Chester Arthur Stiles

Answer: lewdness with a child, sexual assault with a minor, attempted sexual assault with a minor and other related

Answer: May 8.

Answer: life

Answer: has been convicted of videtaping a sexual assault on a child.

Summary:
NEW: Chester Arthur Stiles guilty of all counts in child sex video case .
NEW: Sentencing for Stiles scheduled for May 8 .
Stiles could be sent to prison for the rest of his life .
Tape surfaced in 2007, years after alleged assault .


(CNN) -- After eight months in hibernation, ABC's "Lost" returns to television tonight to finally explain, among other things, the dazzling white light that ended the 2009 season not with a whimper, but with a bang.

Was it a nuclear blast? A quantum-leaping time shift? A reboot to the story's preflight origins?

These are key questions as broadcast TV's most ambitiously complex drama series presents the beginning of the end -- the first of 16 final-season episodes before ending its time-rearranging, sympathy-shifting narrative. But the most important question of all, six years after "Lost" was launched in 2004, is this:

Who cares?

That's not a flippant question, because both TV and the audience have changed in the years since "Lost" pulled back from Jack's eyeball to reveal, slowly and masterfully, the panicked insanity of a remote island plane crash.

Little more than a decade ago, "Lost" would have been riveting "appointment television," but DVRs and DVD boxed sets have changed the rules of the game.

Instead of clearing calendars to watch in real time and line up for the water-cooler conversation the next morning, fans of such shows as "Lost" and Fox's similarly serialized "24" might just as easily record and time-shift their viewing, avoiding office chats until they watched on their own schedules. Or, even more aggressively, they might actively avoid the broadcasts of their favorite show, just for the delayed gratification of watching the entire season later on DVD -- gobbling up episodes at their own pace, and without commercials.

It's a very different TV world than in 1967, when the long-awaited ending of ABC's "The Fugitive," with David Janssen's Richard Kimble finally coming face-to-face with his wife's one-armed killer, drew enough viewers to set a TV record for entertainment programming that beat even The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" three years earlier.

Or in 1983, when the finale of CBS' "M*A*S*H," with its end to the Korean War, drew 77 percent of all TV viewers that night, and set a viewership record of 121.6 million that still stands. And, given the fragmentation of TV audiences, most likely will never be equaled.

"Lost," at its viewer zenith in season two, boasted an average of nearly 19 million viewers. By last season, that number was below 12 million. And the season finale -- the episode that, in a reverse-polarity nod to the abrupt blackout ending to HBO's "The Sopranos," concluded with an unsettling fade to white -- attracted about 10 million viewers.

In the interim, the broadcast networks attempted to copy the "Lost" formula of season-long mysteries and unanswered questions, but all the attempts ("Threshold" from CBS, "Invasion" from ABC, etc.) came up short, and vanished without concluding. "Lost," at least, is marching towards an actual ending -- and that alone makes it a TV event worth embracing.

iReporter: "Lost" lives up to expectations

After all, how many more opportunities like this will viewers get? On cable TV, perhaps many. But on broadcast TV, how many shows are left that are even worth caring about -- much less anticipating their conclusion?

It's likely that many viewers who gave up on "Lost" in years past will return for this final lap, hoping to witness something special. And they will. The creators and show runners of this labyrinthine drama series have known for years what the final image will be (my guess, and my hope: an extreme closeup of Jack's eye, ending the show just as it began), and are crafting this final season with an eye (so to speak) to the show's beginnings, as well as its endings.

Despite all the changes in technology and viewership, "Lost" is a series that rewards, if not demands, watching in real time. ABC did

How many months was lost "in hibernation"

What is returning to television after eight months in hibernation?

Answer: eight

Answer: "Lost"

Answer: "Lost"

Answer: "Lost"

Summary:
After eight months in hibernation, ABC's "Lost" returns to television Tuesday for its final season .
David Bianculli: "Lost" may be last opportunity for mass cultural experience on broadcast TV .
Shared TV experiences like "Lost," are fewer because of DVRs, DVDs, he says .


(CNN) -- After emerging as victor in the long and bruising contest to seize the Democratic nomination for the U.S. presidential race, Barack Obama's next move is to choose a running mate.

And that search for a vice president is getting some added support.

Caroline Kennedy has joined Obama's vice presidential selection team, a campaign spokesman said Wednesday.

Former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson is heading up the search team, and former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is also serving on the committee.

Kennedy, the daughter of President Kennedy, formally endorsed Obama late January in a New York Times op-ed piece titled, "A President Like My Father."

"I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them," Kennedy wrote. "But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president -- not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans."

Sen. Hillary Clinton, whose tenacious refusal to surrender the nomination contest turned the Democratic race into one of the most nail-biting in modern U.S. political history, has indicated that she would be willing to sign up on a joint ticket.

But while Clinton's appointment could help heal rifts in the party after weeks of divisive campaigning from both candidates, Obama has the pick of a broad field of candidates from across the political spectrum. iReport.com: Whom do you see as VP?

Here is a list of possible front-runners:

Other names mentioned in the running include: Former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, former Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sam Nunn and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.

CNN's Candy Crowley and Roland Martin contributed to this report.

Who has Obama picked for the search committee?

Who has indicated she is open to a joint ticket?

Answer: candidates from across the political spectrum.

Answer: Jim Johnson

Answer: to choose a running mate.

Answer: she would be willing to sign up on a joint ticket.

Answer: Sen. Hillary Clinton,

Summary:
NEW: Obama picks Caroline Kennedy, Eric Holder for search committee .
Obama faces tough choice of whom to pick for running mate .
Hillary Clinton has indicated that she is open to a joint ticket .
There is a wide field of contenders from across political spectrum .


(CNN) -- After expressing condolences and outrage over events in Pakistan, presidential candidates turned their discussion toward whose foreign policy credentials were better. Hillary Clinton, then U.S. first lady, meets with Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan in 1995. In a campaign that had been drifting toward economic issues, the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir  Bhutto and the turmoil in Pakistan could refocus voters on who is best qualified to deal with crises in other parts of the world. "My theme has been throughout this campaign that I am the one with experience, the knowledge and the judgment. So, perhaps it may serve to enhance those credentials," said Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona. Locked inside a tough three-way battle for the Democratic nomination in Iowa, Sen. Hillary Clinton has spent a year calling herself the most experienced, most qualified candidate in the field. She stressed her ties with Bhutto and the tragedy of her death. "This is one of the most important elections of our lifetime, and it certainly raises the stakes high for what we have to expect from our next president," the New York senator said.  Watch how the assassination is resonating on the campaign trail » Sen. Barack Obama's camp, which has spent a year pushing back on criticisms that he lacks experience, insisted they welcome the renewed talks on foreign policy and called attention to Clinton's "yes" vote on the Iraq war. "She was a strong supporter of the war in Iraq which we would submit is one of the reasons why we were diverted from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Al Qaeda, who may have been players in this event today. So that's a judgment she'll have to defend," said Obama adviser David Axelrod. The Clinton campaign said the suggestion that her vote caused unrest in Pakistan is baseless, adding that this is a time to focus on the people of Pakistan and not politics. When asked about Axelrod's remarks late Thursday, Obama told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that, "This is one of those situations where Washington is putting a spin on it. ... He in no way was suggesting Hillary Clinton was somehow directly to blame for this situation." The Illinois senator added that "it's important for us to not look at this in terms of short-term political points scoring."  Watch the showdown on foreign policy » But the candidates all reacted, in part because of the gravity of the event, in part because they are just days away from the January 3 Iowa caucuses. Conversation quickly moved from condolences to campaign issues. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani talked terrorism, connecting the attack in Pakistan to the September 11, 2001, attacks. "America feels a connection because of the attacks that took place here," he said. McCain, who along with Giuliani scores best on national security, bluntly challenged Giuliani's foreign policy experience.  Watch how the GOP candidates are reacting » "He did a great job post-9/11 in handling a post-crisis situation, but I don't know how that provides one the credentials to address national security issues," he said. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said he would call on Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf to step down. "What is in U.S. interest is for there to be a stable, democratic Pakistan that is fighting terrorists. Right now, we have the worst of all worlds," he said Friday on CNN's "American Morning." But Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson said calling for Musharraf to step down wouldn't be a good idea. "I hope that we as candidates out here don't start lobbying these ideas that get plenty of attention but are not very sound," Thompson told CNN. Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards said he called Musharraf and "urged him to continue this democratization process." Democratic hopeful Joe Biden, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Bhutto's death was a "genuine tragedy."  Watch how the Democrats are responding » "Ladies and gentleman, the stakes are incredibly high. They

Who is challenging Giuliani's foreign policy experience?

What do the campaign trail discussions turn to?

On who would Richardson call to step down?

What are candidates trying to portray themselves as?

Answer: McCain,

Answer: whose foreign policy credentials were better.

Answer: Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson

Answer: Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf

Answer: New Mexico Gov.

Answer: whose foreign policy credentials were better.

Answer: President Pervez Musharraf

Answer: most qualified

Answer: whose foreign policy credentials were better.

Summary:
Discussion on campaign trail turns to foreign policy, national security, terrorism .
Candidates trying to portray themselves as the one with the most experience .
Richardson says he would call on Musharraf to step down, Thompson disagrees .
McCain challenges Giuliani's foreign policy experience .


(CNN) -- After her crowning in January, Katie Stam, Miss America 2009, went from beauty queen to traveling machine -- within minutes. "The moment they put that crown on my head I started work...literally," she told CNN. Miss America Katie Stam is constantly on the road. The Indiana native will spend a year crisscrossing the country promoting her platform of community service. "I change locations every two or three days, and that's exactly how it's going to be all year," Stam says. From visiting children in hospitals in Pennsylvania to flipping pancakes for charity in California, Miss America lives a life on the road. And with such a hectic schedule, she has picked up a few tips on how to stay sane while traveling. "The most important tip I could offer anybody who does a lot of traveling is to stay as organized as possible," Stam says. To keep from losing items on the road, Stam keeps everything in the same place in her suitcase, including her crown. "It's really funny, but it helps me kind of keep a clear mind," she explains. She also unpacks a little as soon as she arrives in her hotel room. "You realize when you get on the road, and that's your life, your hotel becomes your home," Stam says. "And so you really need to feel that you're coming home to your room, to your place where all of your things are." Stam also stresses the importance of a good night's sleep. "It's absolutely essential to get a full night's rest or at least quality rest," she says. However she also acknowledges the difficulties of sleeping a full eight hours while traveling. But the ever chipper Miss America has a trick for getting around the wonky work hours: "If you know you only have 10 minutes, you take a quick 10 minute nap." With airplanes being her primary mode of transportation, the beauty queen also has advice for the frequent flyer on how to stay fresh while on the go. "It's tricky," she says. "A lot of people lose their luggage and stuff. So I always keep my makeup with me, put on a little powder before I go somewhere." And when you're Miss America, somewhere could be anywhere.

What does Miss America like to do when she arrives at her hotel?

Answer: arrives in her hotel room.

Answer: Katie Stam,

Answer: unpacks a little

Answer: keeps everything in the same place in

Answer: Katie Stam,

Answer: crisscrossing the country promoting her platform of community service.

Summary:
Miss America Katie Stam is spending a year on the road .
She likes to unpack a little as soon as she arrives at her hotel .
Keeping things in the same place helps her stay organized on the road .


(CNN) -- After his inauguration, if President Barack Obama needs real-time intelligence on crises around the world, he is likely to do it in the Situation Room, the ultra-secure conference room in the White House. It's a place this new president may be seeing a lot of.

Interconnected crises: Afghan children hold toy guns in an anti-Israel protest.

During the election campaign, Obama often talked about Iraq, a war he opposed, and his plan to withdraw troops within 16 months. He stressed the need to increase U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

He criticized Russia for moving its troops into Georgia. Ultimately, however, the campaign hinged on the economy. Substantive debate over the long list of international challenges facing the United States never happened.

As soon as he lowers his hand after taking the oath of office, this new president is responsible for steering the United States through the stormy waters of foreign policy dangers.

He must decide not only which issues to take on, but when to take them on. But, in this interconnected world, the U.S. president cannot dictate the timing of world events. Crises can hit at any time.

An effective president must be ready to act quickly while, at the same time, keeping his long-term focus on strategic priorities. And everywhere he looks, a raft of questions need answering. So, where does Obama start?

Israel-Palestinians

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians conflict flared up again with deadly results just as Obama prepares to take office. The Bush administration's last ditch efforts at forging a final status agreement between Israel and Palestine is in tatters.

Will the new president continue the Bush policy of close alliance with Israel? Or will he talk tough to his Israelis allies, urging them to refrain from air attacks and to stop building new settlements while, at the same time, pressing the Palestinians to stop their rocket attacks on Israel and crack down on terrorism?

Should he pull out all the stops, trying for a high-stakes strategy of brokering peace and a two-state solution? Or should he just try to put out the immediate fire?

Iraq

President Obama takes office as the new Strategic Framework Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq, along with the Security Agreement governing the presence of U.S. forces in the country, goes into effect.

U.S. forces will now operate under new rules with the Iraqi military officially taking the lead. U.S. forces are scheduled to be withdrawn by the end of 2011.

But will Iraqi soldiers and police be up to the task of guaranteeing security for Iraqi citizens? By December 31, 2011 will Iraq really be stable enough for U.S. troops to leave?

Afghanistan

Obama wants Afghanistan, not Iraq, to be the central front in the battle against terrorism.

With attacks by the Taliban and other extremist groups on the rise, Afghanistan is sinking into chaos.

Obama calls the situation "urgent" and wants to send more troops. Commanders in Afghanistan are asking for up to 30,000 additional troops, joining the 36,000 already there.

But, beyond the number of soldiers, what is Obama's strategy to win the war in Afghanistan?

Can he convince NATO allies to contribute more troops when they refused similar requests from President Bush? Can he "regionalize" his approach to the war, involving countries like Iran in the solution? How will he carry out his plan to target al Qaeda? Can U.S. forces finally capture Osama bin Laden?

Iran

Iran's political power in the region is growing. Tehran is moving forward with efforts to enrich uranium and, some fear, ultimately produce enough for a nuclear bomb.

In one of the most controversial issues of the U.S. presidential campaign Obama said he was willing to talk with the United States' enemies.

Will he follow through with Iran? What if Israel carries out a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities before the talking is over?

Pakistan

Pakistan's border regions have become havens for terrorists including, experts believe, Osama bin Laden.

The Bush administration focused its

which group flared up again?
what has flared up again
what will Obama need

Answer: Palestinians

Answer: The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians

Answer: real-time intelligence on crises around

Summary:
Israel-Palestinians flared up again during the presidential transition period .
Iraq and Afghanistan and their role in the war on terror .
Obama will need international help to battle the global financial meltdown .
How Obama reacts to crises will define his presidency .


(CNN) -- After his infamous "brain freeze" that drew laughter and ridicule from his detractors, Texas Gov. Rick Perry poked fun at himself Thursday night while delivering the "Top Ten" list on CBS' "The Late Show with David Letterman."

Perry sauntered on stage smiling, clapped his hands and saluted the crowd before rattling off the "Top Ten Rick Perry Excuses." Among them:

No. 6: "You try concentrating with Mitt Romney smiling at you. That is one handsome dude!"

No. 5: "Uh, El Nino?"

No. 4: "I had a 5-hour Energy drink six hours before the debate."

No. 2: "I wanted to help take the heat off my buddy Herman Cain."

No. 1: "I just learned Justin Bieber is my father."

Perry made sure he was in control of the jokes after Wednesday's GOP debate in Rochester, Michigan, when he said he would eliminate three federal agencies if elected president -- but could name only two of them.

That produced a painful period of more than 50 seconds during which Perry tried in vain to remember the third federal agency. It ended only after Perry conceded that he could not remember it -- even after appearing to consult his notes.

"Oops," he said.

Perry has a chance to redeem himself on the debate front Saturday, when he is scheduled face off with other Republican presidential hopefuls at the CBS News-National Journal debate in South Carolina.

The morning after the debacle, Perry said his "brain freeze" showed he is not "the slickest politician" among the field of Republican presidential hopefuls.

His campaign, meanwhile, sought to raise funds off the gaffe, encouraging supporters to send $5 for every government agency they "would like to forget."

Operatives from the left and the right slammed the moment as a potential sign of Perry's campaign imploding. The New York Times quoted Mark McKinnon, an aide to former President George W. Bush, as calling the moment the "human equivalent of shuttle Challenger."

Speaking to CNN's Christine Romans on Thursday, Perry said, "we need substance more than we need style" and tried to turn the incident into an attack on President Barack Obama.

When Romans said that the president has to be "debater in chief," Perry responded, "We've got a debater in chief right now. And you've got to ask yourself: How's that working out for America?"

His campaign sent out a note to supporters saying, "We've all had human moments."

The note from "Team Perry" points out that Obama, at a campaign stop during the 2008 election, referred to having visited "57 states."

"Ronald Reagan got lost somewhere on the Pacific Highway in an answer to a debate question," the note adds. "Gerald Ford ate a tamale without removing the husk. And tonight Rick Perry forgot the third agency he wants to eliminate. Just goes to show there are too damn many federal agencies."

In a 1984 debate against Walter Mondale, then-President Reagan delivered a closing statement that was widely viewed as rambling. He began by describing a day he had driven down the California coast. Reagan had to be cut off by the moderator. Ford, in 1976, was meeting voters in Texas when he bit into a tamale. Unaware of how to eat it, he did not first remove the husk.

At Wednesday's debate, Perry was facing Texas Rep. Ron Paul when he started to answer the question.

"I will tell you, it is three agencies of government when I get there that are gone," Perry said. "Commerce, Education, and the -- what's the third one there? Let's see. OK. Commerce, Education, and the ... "

"EPA?" Mitt Romney offered.

"EPA, there you go," Perry said.

When pressed by moderator John Harwood if the Environmental Protection Agency was

Who is scheduled to participate in a debate Saturday?

Who is scheduled to participate in another debate Saturday?

How many agencies was Perry able to name?

At At Wednesday's debate, Perry could name how many agencies he would eliminate?

Answer: Perry

Answer: Perry

Answer: two

Answer: only two of them.

Summary:
NEW: Rick Perry is scheduled to participate in another debate Saturday .
Perry delivers the "Top Ten" list on "The Late Show with David Letterman"
At Wednesday's debate, Perry could name only 2 of 3 agencies he would eliminate .
Perry's team points to gaffes by presidents Obama, Reagan and Ford .


(CNN) -- After hours of back and forth between members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America decided Friday evening to accept noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships. Previous Evangelical Lutheran Church policy allows gay and lesbian clergy, lay people to serve only if celibate. One of the country's largest Protestant denominations, the Lutheran church approved four recommendations to its ministry's policies that underscore a new approach to homosexuality. While the recommendations passed at the weeklong Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, Minnesota, do not address recognizing same-sex marriage or civil unions, they do allow congregations to support same-sex relationships among their members and allow individuals in same-sex relationships to hold clergy positions. The previous policy of the 4.6-million member church allowed gay people to serve as members of professional rosters only if they were celibate. Some members argued prior to the vote that the change would fly in the face of religious teachings. "Brothers and sisters, I ask you, before you dig yourselves deeper into this hole, if you are so absolutely certain that these behaviors are not sinful that you are willing to place yourselves and this church at the spiritual risk that comes from encouraging sin," said the Rev. Steven Frock of the Western Iowa Synod. Among those on the other side was Alan Wold of the Northern Illinois Synod. "If according to some I am going to be in err for supporting this... Let me err on the side of mercy, grace, justice, and love of neighbor. Let me err on the side of gospel, which makes all things new." Many feared the emotional debate could tear at the unity of the church. So the members voted to re-order their resolutions -- moving to the top a resolution that the church "commit itself to bear one another's burdens, love thy neighbor, and respect the bound consciences of all." It passed with overwhelming support. Other religious denominations, including Episcopalians and Unitarians, have made moves to accept gay clergy, and Evangelical Lutherans would not be the first to accept those openly in same-sex relationships, said David Masci, a senior researcher at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. But ELCA would be the largest to make such a move. The church is the third largest Protestant denomination, representing 2 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Pew Forum. The battle Friday was the latest in what Masci said many "socially moderate" denominations, including those in Judaism, are grappling with: balancing the growing acceptance of same-sex relationships with traditional teachings. As some have moved toward accepting same-sex relationships, within those same denominations "you see more conservative wings that are pushing back against it," said Masci. On hand for Friday's debate were hundreds of "interested parties" -- including some people who are not members of the church, said John Brooks, ELCA spokesman. When asked whether there had been protests or rallies on either side outside the convention site, he responded, "Interestingly, no." In the convention hall, Brooks said, "The debates haven't been rancorous or mean-spirited in any way. They've been quite civil. But people have been passionate with their feelings." The Rev. Terri Stagner-Collier of the Southeastern Synod said a vote in favor of the resolutions would cause members of her own family to leave the church. Her sister "felt her church was being ripped away from her," Stagner-Collier said tearfully, adding, I urge you not to do this to all of those people in the pew and in my family." Sara Gross of the Oregon Synod said some "dear members" of the church will be lost if the resolution passes. But, she said, "A vote to reject this recommendation sends a message to the world saying 'not all are welcome.'" In a "changing world," Gross argued, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America "needs to be a voice that stands up and says

what is the new policy of the evangelical lutheran church?

the evangelical lutheran church does allow what in the previos policy?

who allows the policy to serve as clergy?

What are evangelical Lutheran Church to accept?

what does the evangelical lutheran church accept?

The previous policy allowed gays, lesbians to serve as clergy, if what?

Who is accepting gay clergy in lifelong relationships?

What was the previous stipulation for gay clergy?

What kind of relationships would they clergy have to maintain?

What denomination will accept gay clergy?

Answer: accept noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships.

Answer: accept noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships.

Answer: gay and lesbian clergy, lay people to serve only if celibate.

Answer: gay and lesbian clergy,

Answer: Evangelical Lutheran Church

Answer: noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships.

Answer: accept noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships.

Answer: noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships.

Answer: accept noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships.

Answer: celibate.

Answer: Evangelical Lutheran Church

Answer: noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships.

Answer: allows gay and lesbian clergy, lay people to serve only if celibate.

Answer: people to serve as members of professional rosters only if they were celibate.

Answer: celibate.

Answer: accept noncelibate clergy members and lay leaders who are in "lifelong" and "monogamous" same-sex relationships.

Answer: Evangelical Lutheran Church

Answer: allows gay and lesbian clergy, lay people to serve only if celibate.

Summary:
Evangelical Lutheran Church to accept gay clergy in lifelong relationships .
New policy would allow them to serve if in monogamous relationships .
Previous policy allows gays, lesbians to serve as clergy, lay leaders if celibate .


(CNN) -- After meeting a number black couples in crisis, Nisa Muhammad and Dr. Rozario Slack were inspired to create Basic Training for Couples. Nisa Muhammad, who founded National Black Marriage Day, co-created the Basic Training for Couples program. The eight-week program educates dating, engaged or married couples about the value of commitment, responsibility to the black community, psychological differences between the sexes, sexual intimacy and conflict resolution.  Slack created the male-friendly portion while Muhammad, who founded National Black Marriage Day and the Wedded Bliss Foundation, created the female-friendly portion. In the program, couples also learn about the history of the African-American marriage and many for the first time plot their own family tree to trace marriage and divorces.  The following is rundown of the eight-week course:  Class No. 1: Why marriage? This class teaches the benefits of marriage for men, women, children and the community. It gives the history of marriage in the black community from slavery when marriage was illegal to today's trends. Icebreaker: Q & A: How couples met? Homework: 1. Choose songs to reflect their love for each other 2. Marriage family tree Class No. 2: From I to we; the sweetness of surrender This class helps couples transition from "I thinking" to "we thinking." It helps them understand the value of making their marriage a priority in their lives. Class No. 3: Communication; getting your message understood This class helps couples take responsibility for their communication and teaches skills to improve their communication techniques. Main lessons: • Respecting differences between men and women • Learning to talk to each other and not at each other • Format: Teaching session with dialogue. • Activity: The talking stick, during conversation only the individual holding the stick can speak. Class No. 4: Conflict management This class helps couples understand that conflict needs to be managed, or it will manage you. It helps to normalize some conflict that couples experience with the understanding that some conflict cannot be resolved and can only be managed. Lessons: • This class targets biases. When there's a difference of opinions, generally the stronger spouse wants his or her way. • How to bring closure to old issues instead of combining them into new issues/conflict. • Agree to disagree and not degrade your spouse for having a difference of opinion. Activity: Break up into gender groups to discuss current conflicts. The group works out ways to solve the issue Class No. 5: Let's make love When the sex is good in a marriage, it's only about 20 percent of what's going on. When it's bad, it's a significant problem. This class helps to solve some of those problems. The approach was from a physiological and biological perspective of the differences between the male's and female's body. Discussion included chemical bonding effect in women and men. Class No. 6: From yours and mine to ours Many couples in the black community bring children from other relationships to their marriage. This class helps to blend the family into one cohesive unit. It also talks about preventing in-laws from becoming outlaws. Class No. 7: Keeping the FIRE burning FIRE is an acronym for Faithful, Intimacy, Responsibility and Excitement. This class helps couples maintain the FIRE in their relationship. Class No. 8: From this day forward This class helps couples understand the value of commitment in their marriage and never to make divorce an option. They create their own place for success. Recap of all the lessons together: • Remembering people gravitate to the applause • Ways to appreciate and affirm your spouse • Setting time for just the two of you • Learning to communicate, getting your message heard and understood Bonus class: Hot monogamy Gets couples comfortable to discuss sex with their spouse. Graduation A ceremony of new beginnings, couples testify what the class brought to

How many weeks is the program?
How long is the program?
Who created a program for couples?
What is the program for?

Answer: eight-week

Answer: eight-week

Answer: Nisa Muhammad and Dr. Rozario Slack

Answer: Couples

Summary:
Nisa Muhammad and Rozario Slack created a Basic Training for Couples .
The eight-week program helps dating, engaged and married couples stay on track .
Unhealthy relationships give kids inaccurate views of marriage, says Muhammad .


(CNN) -- After months of bloodshed, intrigue and revenge that made Yemen seem like an Arabian version of Hamlet, President Ali Abdullah Saleh has finally transferred his powers to his vice president, and elections are to be held in three months.

At the ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to seal the transition deal worked out by the Gulf Cooperation Council, Saleh seemed relaxed and even chuckled as he signed several copies of the agreement, the result of intense diplomatic shuttling by U.N. envoy Jamal bin Omar and growing pressure from the international community.

But Saleh also took a parting shot at his opponents, saying they had destroyed in months everything that had been built over years.

April Longley Alley, Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group, says the Riyadh deal offers an "opportunity to move past the current political impasse and to deal with critical issues like deteriorating economic and humanitarian conditions as well as the very difficult task of institutional reform."

Even so, Longley Alley and other analysts expect the epilogue to be anything but predictable. There are plenty of competing elements left behind: the thousands of mainly young demonstrators who took to the streets of Sanaa and other cities in January to demand democratic change, the tribal alliance that took up arms against Saleh, secessionists in the south and a Shiite rebellion in the north, well-organized Islamist groups and a budding al Qaeda franchise.

Perhaps the most powerful figure in Yemen now is Brig. Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, commander of the 1st Armored Division. He defected in March and took a chunk of the army with him. His units now control northern districts of the capital and are facing off against powerful remnants of the Saleh clan. The president's son, Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh, long groomed to be his successor, and his nephew, Yahya Muhammad Saleh, command the most effective units.

Longley Alley says the Gulf Cooperation Council accord "does not deal effectively with lingering tensions between Saleh's family on one hand and Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar and the powerful al-Ahmar family on the other. Each of these power centers is heavily armed and still poised to fight."

As if to remind the diplomats of the scale of the task ahead, pro- and anti-Saleh factions clashed in Sanaa hours before the ceremony. The challenge of "securing a cease-fire, removing armed tribesmen from urban centers, returning the military to the barracks and engaging in military-security reform will be serious stumbling blocks post-signing," according to Longley Alley.

Al-Ahmar makes some Western officials nervous because of his links with radical Sunni Islamists. Yemeni observers say the Muslim Brotherhood has long been influential within al-Ahmar's military command, and he is known for his antipathy toward Yemen's Shiites. A U.S. diplomatic cable from 2005 said that "Ali Mohsen's questionable dealings with terrorists and extremists would make his accession unwelcome to the U.S. and others in the international community."

Others in this powerful clan include Hamid al-Ahmar, a leader of the Islamist party Islah and a prominent businessman who has long been an opponent of the president. His brother Sadiq also has armed supporters in and around Sanaa.

For generations, the Yemeni state has done little without the al-Ahmars' blessing. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hussein al-Ahmar, who died in 2007, was one of the few Yemenis to command widespread respect -- a man often described as the father of modern Yemen. He was an opposition leader but also speaker of the Parliament, and Saleh was careful not to cross him. Today, there seems no one of similar stature.

The tens of thousands of demonstrators who have braved gunfire, tear gas and pro-government gangs in Sanaa, Taiz and elsewhere are unlikely to be satisfied by Saleh's departure. They fear being marginalized by the transfer of power from one clique to another as part of some "tribal bargain" and oppose Saleh's immunity from prosecution, which is part of the Riyadh deal.

But Longley Alley says they have a role to play. "The independent youth in Yemen have at times been marginalized by the armed conflict

Which families remain at odds with each other?

How many anti-Saleh demonstrators are there?

Answer: Yemen

Answer: thousands

Answer: tens of thousands

Answer: President Ali Abdullah Saleh

Answer: Saleh's

Answer: Saleh's family on one hand and Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar and the powerful al-Ahmar family on the other.

Answer: tens of thousands

Summary:
Yemen's future is far from predictable after Saleh's departure, an analyst says .
Armed units from the Saleh family and the al-Ahmar family remain at odds .
The tens of thousands of anti-Saleh demonstrators are likely to play a role .
A combination of factors probably led Saleh to finally step down .


(CNN) -- 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 wasn'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 doesn't give a reason for the leveling off, but 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 statistics show that for the first time since the American Community Survey was fully implemented in 2005, the number of noncitizens decreased, Grieco said. There were about 21.6 million noncitizens in 2008, down from 21.9 million in 2007. The label noncitizens includes both legal residents and illegal immigrants. Along with the decline in the noncitizen population, however, there was a notable increase in the number of naturalized citizens, Grieco said. The number of individuals who are naturalized citizens increased to 43 percent of the foreign-born population in 2008 from 42.5 percent in 2007. The Census survey matches reports from the Department of Homeland Security on the rise of naturalization applications. "Naturalizations grew at a record pace between 2006 and 2008, with a total of 2.4 million immigrants becoming new citizens in the United States," according to a DHS statement. A significant fee increase imposed in 2007 for naturalization applications and an awareness of citizenship brought on during voter registration drives for the 2008 election help explain the increase, Mittelstadt said.

how much has the Mexican born population dropped by

When was there not much immigration change?

Answer: 300,000

Answer: between 2007 and 2008,

Answer: 12.6 percent

Answer: The Mexican-born population in the United States

Summary:
Bureau official: "Between '07 and '08 there really wasn't" much immigration change .
Notable increase in naturalized citizens, Census Bureau's Elizabeth Grieco says .
Mexican-born population in U.S. dropped by about 300,000 between 2007 and 2008 .


(CNN) -- After nearly going to war last year over a Colombian military raid inside Ecuador, the two nations seemed to be patching relations when their foreign ministers met a few weeks ago. Then an Ecuadorian judge issued an arrest warrant this week for the head of the Colombian armed forces, pushing relations back one giant step. Colombian Gen. Freddy Padilla, the armed forces chief whose arrest is sought, canceled a meeting scheduled for Friday with Ecuadorian Gen. Fabian Varela. Padilla thought he might be arrested if he traveled to Ecuador. It's not the first pothole on the path to normalization. Ecuador previously issued an arrest warrant for former Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos, who held the post during last year's raid. Colombia has dismissed both warrants, saying Ecuador has no jurisdiction to investigate and judge Colombian officials. Analyst Patrick Esteruelas of the Eurasia Group consulting firm calls Ecuador's actions "schizophrenic." Two former U.S. ambassadors to the area agree this is par for Ecuadorian foreign policy. "That's the history of Ecuador, unfortunately," said Peter Romero, ambassador to that nation from 1993 to 1996. "One step forward, two steps back." Myles Frechette, U.S. ambassador to Colombia from 1994 to 1997, said Friday that "Ecuador is a specialist in bonehead plays. It has been for years. Nothing's changed much." Former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Heinz Moeller, who served from 2000 to 2003, called the arrest warrant "lamentable." "It's absurd that these things happen," he said Friday. Tension between the two nations has existed for years. The latest enmity started in March 2008, when Colombia bombed a guerrilla base inside Ecuador. The raid killed a top leader for the Revolutionary Armed Force of Colombia, commonly known as the FARC. The Marxist guerrilla group has been waging war on Colombia since the 1960s and often takes refuge on the Ecuadorian side of the border. At least 25 people were killed, most of them said to be FARC guerrillas. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe hailed the attack, saying "terrorism ... does not respect borders." Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa called the attack "aggression" and a "massacre" and severed diplomatic relations with Colombia. Both nations went on war footing but stopped short of military action. Over time, tensions seemed to dissipate and Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez and his Ecuadorian counterpart, Fander Falconi, met last month. After the meeting, Colombia signed a statement saying it would never attack inside Ecuador again. Friday's meeting between the two nations' top generals was supposed to further repair the damage. Then came the arrest warrant. What happened? Perhaps politics. Definitely one branch of the government acting without the consent of the other. Falconi quickly pointed out that the nation's judicial branch, not Correa's administration, decided to issue the warrant. Analysts agree that it wasn't Correa's doing. "That's not a very coordinated government," said Frechette, the former envoy to Colombia. "The executive branch didn't issue that order." Moeller, the former Ecuadorian foreign minister, said the judge who issued the arrest warrant is "motivated by political criteria." "I don't have another explanation," said Moeller, who also served as president of the Ecuadorian Congress three times. Normalization of relations will be a slow process, Eurasia analyst Esteruelas said. "We're going to see a lot of stops and starts," he said. Alejandro Santos, editorial director of La Semana weekly news magazine in Colombia, said relations will not improve until the two countries "can close the chapter" on last year's bombing raid. "That chapter can be closed when the Colombian government promises not to do that. They have done that (promise)," Santos said. "Now Ecuador needs to start avoiding those types of judicial measures against Colombian officials." Esteruelas said Ecuador felt justifiably aggrieved over the attack and wants to make sure it never happens again. But he also sees another issue at play

Who did the Ecuadorian judge issue an arrest warrant for?

what was the nationailty of the judge who issued an arrest?

Where did the FARC rebels took refuge on?

What rebels are taking refuge in Ecuador?

Answer: Gen. Freddy Padilla,

Answer: Ecuadorian

Answer: the Ecuadorian side of the border.

Answer: The Marxist guerrilla group

Answer: Colombian Gen. Freddy Padilla,

Answer: Colombian Gen. Freddy Padilla,

Summary:
Ecuadorian judge issues an arrest warrant for head of Colombian armed forces .
Colombian Gen. Freddy Padilla cancels trip to Ecuador for fear of arrest .
Tensions between neighbors stem from FARC rebels taking refuge in Ecuador .


(CNN) -- After reviewing the case of a woman who died at New Orleans, Louisiana's Memorial Hospital in the days after Hurricane Katrina, coroner Frank Minyard said Thursday that he cannot classify her death as a homicide.

Minyard said he hopes his findings on the death of Jannie Burgess, 79, will mark "the end of the Memorial Hospital hurricane situation."

The review was initiated after an August 2009 New York Times article quoted a doctor as saying Memorial patients were given morphine and other drugs after Katrina struck in August 2005, with hospital staff knowing that it could hasten some of the patients' deaths.

Burgess' manner of death is unclassified, the coroner said, and the cause of her death undetermined.

"I don't think -- and I could be wrong -- I don't think the morphine contributed as much to her demise as her physical condition," said Minyard, who's served as the coroner of Orleans Parish since 1974.

"This patient was extremely sick," Minyard said of Burgess. The woman had had surgery a week before and had been on "morphine around the clock. She'd had kidney failure. She'd had liver failure." She also had developed sepsis, or blood poisoning, he said.

Burgess was being treated for advanced uterine cancer and kidney failure, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Dr. Ewing Cook told the New York Times that he asked a nurse to increase Burgess' morphine and give her "enough until she goes."

"If you don't think that by giving a person a lot of morphine, you're not prematurely sending them to their grave, then you're a very naive doctor," Cook told the Times. "We kill 'em."

On Burgess, he said, "I gave her medicine so I could get rid of her faster, get the nurses off the floor." He added, "There's no question I hastened her demise."

In response to a Times-Picayune report in September, Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro Jr. said he planned to look into the deaths but stopped short of calling it an investigation. Minyard said Thursday that he had delivered a detailed report to Cannizzaro on Wednesday.

Because she had been receiving morphine, Burgess had naturally developed some tolerance to it, Minyard said. He also took her weight, 240 pounds, into account.

Burgess had received seven 15-milligram shots of morphine and died 3½ hours after receiving the last one, he said. Deaths from morphine, or any narcotic, tend to happen immediately, he said.

Minyard said he believes that Burgess' blood poisoning, along with anemia she had before her surgery, mostly contributed to her death.

"I'm saying 'mostly' because we really don't know," he said. "And when you really don't know, you have to be 100 percent sure" when calling a death a homicide.

He said he doesn't believe that Burgess received enough morphine to kill her.

Minyard said Thursday that when he told Burgess' relatives about his findings, "they were very polite." He said they will come in to speak with him soon.

Katrina roared ashore near the Mississippi-Louisiana state line on August 29, 2005, rupturing three of New Orleans' protective levees and putting about three-quarters of the city under water.

Charles Foti Jr., who was then the state attorney general, launched an investigation after officials from Lifecare, an acute-care facility operating on the seventh floor of Memorial, reported allegations that several seriously ill, mostly elderly patients had been euthanized by medical staff at Memorial as the floodwaters rose around the hospital and conditions inside deteriorated.

In 2006, Foti ordered the arrest of Dr. Anna Pou and two nurses, Lori Budo and Cheri Landry, on preliminary charges of second-degree murder in the deaths of four of the patients.

Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie Jordan, who under Louisiana law was responsible for prosecuting crimes, gave Budo and Landry immunity in exchange for their testimony. In July

What did coroner say?
In what city did Burgess die?
Where did Burgess die?
What age was Burgess when she died?
Where Jannie Burgess died?

Answer: he cannot classify her death as a homicide.

Answer: New Orleans,

Answer: New Orleans, Louisiana's Memorial Hospital

Answer: 79,

Answer: New Orleans, Louisiana's Memorial Hospital

Summary:
79-year-old Jannie Burgess died in New Orleans hospital .
Newspaper quoted doctor as saying patients given morphine after storm .
"This patient was extremely sick," coroner says .
He said he doesn't think received enough morphine to kill her .


(CNN) -- After scathing criticism from the son of slain Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, police in Los Angeles, California, have apologized for including the clothes the senator was wearing when killed in an exhibit of high-profile homicide cases. The clothing -- a shirt, tie and jacket, with what appears to be bloodstains on the shirt -- was removed from the exhibit, "Behind-The-Scenes: The LAPD Homicide Experience," at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley and Police Chief Charlie Beck, in an open letter Thursday, apologized to any other victims' family members who might have been offended by the other items in the exhibit, running Tuesday through Thursday at the California Homicide Investigators Association's 2010 conference. "Based on the feedback we have received, it is now clear that a few of the items on display have offended some crime victims' families," the letter said. "We have both been to hundreds of murder scenes in our law enforcement career and we have consoled many family members. It was never our intent to cause grief to victims of crime or their families." In a statement issued last month, the LAPD had billed the exhibit as "a glimpse into some of the most notable homicides and critical incidents that occurred in Los Angeles over the past 100 years." "It's about the history of Los Angeles, as told through the eyes of homicide investigators of the Los Angeles Police Department," Beck said Tuesday on CNN's "Larry King Live." "This is an opportunity for homicide investigators from all over the country to get together, to share ideas, to share best practices and to talk about some of the most famous cases in Los Angeles history, as well as their current cases." But in an opinion piece in Wednesday's Los Angeles Times newspaper, Maxwell Taylor Kennedy, son of the late senator, called the display of his father's clothing "a cheap bid for attention." "The chief of police and the district attorney took my father's blood-soaked clothing and displayed it, as part of a macabre publicity stunt," he wrote. "It is almost incomprehensible to imagine what circumstances would have led to a decision to transport these items across state lines to be gawked at by gamblers and tourists. It is demeaning to my family, but just as important, it is demeaning to the trust that citizens place in their law enforcement officers." The exhibit also features evidence associated with the death of Marilyn Monroe, the 1963 "onion field" case in which LAPD Officer Ian Campbell was slain, the O.J. Simpson and Charles Manson cases, and the so-called "Black Dahlia" murder, according to the LAPD statement announcing it. Family members of some victims in those cases told "Larry King Live" the LAPD should have notified them about the exhibit. "From my perspective, it's very disturbing," said Debra Tate, sister of actress Sharon Tate, slain along with six others in 1969 by the Manson family killers. "Number 1, I didn't get any notice that this was going to occur. But these are very personal artifacts to me. These are things that bring back horrible memories, not only for myself, but other Manson family victims." The items include ropes used in the murders of Tate and others, and a fork used to stab one of the victims, said retired LAPD Sgt. Glynn Martin, the curator of the exhibit. "We certainly try to concern ourselves with the thoughts and concerns of victims, and certainly our hearts go out to them," Martin told King. "... Likewise, we have an obligation, both as a museum and then the bigger one as the police department, to train, educate and inform officers and the public about people that do this particular job of investigating people that have lost their lives." Debra Tate said she can see the educational value, and might consider seeing the exhibit, but "I think a little bit of notice

Who has apologized to the Kennedy family?

Answer: evidence associated with the death of Marilyn Monroe, the 1963 "onion field" case

Answer: at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Answer: "a cheap bid for attention."

Answer: apologized for including the clothes the senator was wearing when killed in an exhibit of high-profile homicide cases.

Answer: police in Los Angeles,

Answer: Maxwell Taylor Kennedy,

Answer: a shirt, tie and jacket, with

Answer: California,

Summary:
LAPD apologizes after son of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy objects to Las Vegas display .
Tie, jacket, shirt senator wearing when slain removed from exhibit .
Chief calls exhibit, which includes evidence from other high-profile crimes, educational .
In editorial, Maxwell Taylor Kennedy calls clothing display "a macabre publicity stunt"


(CNN) -- After several delays, NASA said Friday that space shuttle Discovery is scheduled for launch in five days. The space shuttle Discovery, seen here in January, is now scheduled to launch Wednesday. Commander Lee Archambault and his six crewmates are now scheduled to lift off to the International Space Station at 9:20 p.m. ET Wednesday. NASA said its managers had completed a readiness review for Discovery, which will be making the 28th shuttle mission to the ISS. The launch date had been delayed to allow "additional analysis and particle impact testing associated with a flow-control valve in the shuttle's main engines," the agency said. According to NASA, the readiness review was initiated after damage was found in a valve on the shuttle Endeavour during its November 2008 flight. Three valves have been cleared and installed on Discovery, it said. Discovery is to deliver the fourth and final set of "solar array wings" to the ISS. With the completed array the station will be able to provide enough electricity when the crew size is doubled to six in May, NASA said. The Discovery also will carry a replacement for a failed unit in a system that converts urine to drinkable water, it said. Discovery's 14-day mission will include four spacewalks, NASA said.

What time is the lift off scheduled for?

When is the  space shuttle Discovery  scheduled for launch?

What is scheduled for launch on Wednesday?

Answer: 9:20 p.m.

Answer: 9:20 p.m. ET Wednesday.

Answer: 9:20 p.m. ET Wednesday.

Answer: The space shuttle Discovery,

Answer: 14-day

Answer: 9:20 p.m.

Answer: Discovery

Answer: space shuttle Discovery

Summary:
NASA now says that space shuttle Discovery is scheduled for launch Wednesday .
Shuttle is set to lift off for the International Space Station at 9:20 p.m. ET .
The launch date had been delayed to allow additional testing .
Discovery's 14-day mission will include four spacewalks .


(CNN) -- After stints as a guard in the jails of Washington, D.C., and on the streets of post-Katrina New Orleans, Stephen Tyrone Johns had settled in to a job he liked at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, family members said. Security officer Stephen Johns reportedly opened the door for the man police say was his killer. "It seemed to be kind of laid-back -- it didn't seem to be that dangerous," Leroy Carter, the stepfather who helped raise Johns since he was 3, told CNN affiliate WUSA-TV in Washington. "He had wanted to be on the Metro Police force or places like that, but I would have rather him been where he was. "But it just backfired." Johns, 39, was shot and killed while on duty Wednesday -- allegedly gunned down by an 88-year-old white supremacist who stepped into the museum with a rifle and began firing. Johns is remembered by friends and family as a "gentle giant" -- he stood 6 feet 6 inches, according to Carter. And he lived up to the moniker to the very end. One of his last acts was reaching out and opening the door for the man who shot him, police said.  Watch museum officials pay tribute » James von Brunn, an outspoken Holocaust denier who had served six years in prison for a 1981 kidnapping attempt, was shot and wounded by Johns' fellow officers. He remained in critical condition Thursday at George Washington University Hospital. Johns, a six-year veteran of the museum's security staff, was a resident and native of Temple Hills, Maryland. In the hours following the shooting, friends and co-workers repeatedly remembered "Big John" for his quiet, friendly nature. "To look at him initially he was very intimidating," said Alan Burkee, a friend and former co-worker at the museum. "But he was very shy. ... He had a great demeanor -- very pleasant, very courteous to all the visitors that came in and the staff that worked there." Friends said Johns was an avid Washington Redskins fan and loved to travel, but lived just 10 minutes away from where his mother and stepfather raised him. He had an 11-year-old son, Stephen Jr., and recently had remarried, according to friends. "He was a pretty great guy," Stephen Johns Jr., known as "Little Stephen" to family, told WUSA. "He was always there for me when I was down or sad." Carter had picked up Stephen after school to tell him the news of the shooting, and the two were on the way to the hospital when Johns died. Steve Maritas is organizing director with the International Union of Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America -- of which Johns was a member. He said the way Johns and his fellow officers responded Wednesday saved lives -- and it flies in the face of the stereotype of the run-of-the-mill security guard. "If that was the case, there would have been 50 people shot yesterday," said Maritas, whose organization represents more than 30,000 officers nationally and about 5,000 in the Washington area. "These guys are very highly trained, highly paid officers. It's not like they're just there wearing a uniform." Johns had worked for Wackenhut Security Inc. since 2003. Maritas said Johns and his colleagues trained for days like Wednesday -- when years of safety and quiet give way to a sudden burst of terror. "Hopefully, you'll never have to use your gun," he said. "But you get a situation where you get a crazy guy like this -- it happens within two or three seconds." For Carter, there will always a clear reminder of the stepson he raised as his own. Little Stephen, he said, looks and acts just like his father did at that age. Carter said he takes comfort knowing that the roughly 2,000 people visiting the Holocaust museum at the time of the attack were able

What enabled  his killer to get into the museum?

Answer: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum,

Answer: 88-year-old white supremacist

Answer: opening the door for the man who shot him,

Answer: Security officer Stephen Johns reportedly opened the door for the man police say was

Answer: Washington Redskins fan and loved to travel,

Answer: loved to travel,

Answer: Stephen Tyrone Johns

Answer: 39,

Summary:
Stephen Johns was prison guard, worked in New Orleans before museum .
"Gentle giant" opened door for the man accused of killing him, police say .
Security guard, 39, loved Washington Redskins, traveling .
Eleven-year-old son says dad was "a pretty great guy"


(CNN) -- After the fire, all that was left of Jonathan Reyes' massive Hot Wheels collection was a piece of metal that once was part of a toy car. Jonathan Reyes shows off his new Hot Wheels cars sent by Mattel after they heard his own toys were lost in a fire. But on Wednesday, the arrival of two cardboard boxes at his grandparents' house sent 7-year-old Jonathan flying to the door, said his mother, Jan Reyes. Mattel, the company that makes Hot Wheels, sent racetracks, play sets, stickers, folders, T-shirts, hats and hundreds of toy cars. "He was speechless," Reyes said. "He didn't say anything. He just smiled. He opened it up. It was like Christmas. All of us were bawling, crying. He was so happy." Jonathan, who has autism, meticulously collected more than 500 Hot Wheels. But all that was destroyed when his Sylmar home, along with hundreds of other structures, were burned down by wildfires in Los Angeles County. Toys are like anchors for children with autism, psychologists say. They like to play with the same toys, eat familiar foods and be in a consistent environment. When faced with unpredictable changes, they can feel frustrated or anxious and become disruptive, according to experts. On Tuesday, Jonathan and his parents searched for his toys among piles of debris, but they found only a piece of a Hot Wheels car and a rusty tricycle. The rest of Jonathan's toys were reduced to ashes.  Watch the Reyes family return to their home. » Mattel, with headquarters in El Segundo, California, wanted to get involved after hearing on CNN that Jonathan, who had been collecting Hot Wheels since he was 2, had lost everything. Looking for hope in the ashes. "We wanted to send as many as possible," said Deborah Dicochea, associate manager of the Mattel Children's Foundation, which sends toys globally to children affected by crisis. "With autistic children, they like sorting them, arranging them." Offers of toys, a computer, resources to connect to other families dealing with autism and financial donations have been pouring into the family. "It's wonderful, because he literally lost every toy he had," Reyes said. "He had a personal attachment to all of his toys. Part of autism is they have a little connection to everything and his biggest thing was to his cars. For Mattel to send him the cars and tracks, it's just incredible. He is so happy." The toll of the disruption to Jonathan's life is starting to become evident. He has been throwing more frequent tantrums as his parents are trying to establish a new routine. But the toys definitely have helped, Reyes said. "The cars were like gold," she said.

Are toys important for children with autism ?

A box full of Hot Wheels was sent to who?

What was the mother reaction to the donations ?

What gift was sent to boy who lost everything ?

Familiar toys are what for children with autism?

Answer: arrival of two cardboard boxes

Answer: are like anchors

Answer: Jonathan Reyes

Answer: "The cars were like gold,"

Answer: racetracks, play sets, stickers, folders, T-shirts, hats and hundreds of toy cars.

Answer: like anchors

Summary:
Box full of Hot Wheels sent to boy with autism who lost everything .
Familiar toys are important for children with autism .
It was "like Christmas" to receive donations, mother says .


(CNN) -- After the gloom of December's postal strikes, Britain's Royal Mail has started the new year in the right tune with the launch of 10 stamps which feature iconic album covers.

And who better than guitar shaman Jimmy Page to give it the official stamp of approval? The Led Zeppelin guitarist launched the new set of stamps in London which went on sale Thursday.

The special New Year stamps feature classic album sleeves from the last four decades.

One of the 10 selected albums was Led Zeppelin's 32 million-selling album, "IV," which Page helped design. It shows a painting of an unknown faggot-bearing man which is said to have been found by Robert Plant in a Reading junk shop. It is not known who the painter was.

"Almost 40 years after the album came out, nobody knows the old man who featured on the cover, nor the artist who painted him," said Page in a media statement released by Royal Mail.

"That sort of sums up what we wanted to achieve with the album cover, which has remained both anonymous and enigmatic at the same time," he added.

It was after extensive research into lists and polls and trawling through thousands of album covers that the final list of 10 was agreed upon, the Royal Mail said.

They added that key factors in choosing the covers were the art and album design and not necessarily the music.

"For decades, the album sleeve has been the canvas for some of the most imaginative graphic artists in the world, and this issue celebrates this unique art form and some of its greatest examples," said Juliette Edgar, Head of Special Stamps at Royal Mail in the statement.

Other chosen album covers include The Rolling Stones' 1969 album "Let It Bleed," which features a cake on the cover baked by a then unknown Delia Smith, Pennie Smith's photography for The Clash's "London Calling" and a bent chrome pipe on the cover of Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells."

Which album of Led Zeppelin's was one of the albums selected?

Who heped design Zeppelin's album cover "IV"?

How many album cover stamps were launched?

how many iconoc album covers were launched

Answer: "IV,"

Answer: Page

Answer: 10

Answer: 10

Answer: 10

Answer: 10 stamps which feature iconic album covers.

Answer: "IV,"

Summary:
Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page launches 10 iconic album covers stamps for the Royal Mail .
One of the 10 selected albums was Led Zeppelin's "IV" which Page helped design .
Final list of 10 emerged after trawling through thousands of album covers .


(CNN) -- After traveling all year for business meetings or conventions and taking vacation to cover a child's inconvenient half days at school, many harried Americans are left with a dilemma. With a few weeks left in the year, their remaining precious vacation days are about to expire.

The average American worker has about six paid vacation days left unused at the end of the year, according to Hotwire.com's American Travel Behavior Survey, conducted earlier this year.

It's time to use 'em or lose 'em.

For the flexible traveler able to jump on a plane over the next two weeks, discounts are plentiful. That's because business travel is winding down for the year while many leisure travelers are saving their pennies for holiday expenses.

Hotels and airlines are cutting prices and bundling discounts to fill rooms and seats that would otherwise go unsold. "It's a great time to get last-minute deals if you're flexible and have time available," says Fiona O'Donnell, senior lifestyles and leisure analyst for the Mintel Reports Group. Here are a few deals:

Winter in the wine country (West Coast)

Winter is Cabernet season in the Napa Valley and hoteliers are celebrating the end of harvest with discounted winter room rates. While new wine ages in recently-filled barrels, the legendary Napa Valley Lodge in Yountville, California, has packages with room rates starting at $195 (Sunday through Thursday) and $245 (Saturday and Sunday) that include wine tasting passes, a bottle of wine, continental Champagne breakfast buffet and 20% off spa treatments. In contrast, Summer rates can start at $300/night. This offer is good now through January 31, 2012. Other Napa Valley offers, including restaurant month and vintner discounts are also available.

"The harvest season might be over, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit wine country in winter," says Anne Banas, executive editor of Smarter Travel. "Not only will the wines warm you up, but wine tastings and dining options offer plenty to do indoors. Plus, you can often find good discounts on hotels and B&Bs, often 30% to 50% off regular season rates."

Winter in wine country (East Coast)

Bundle up and head to the Finger Lakes region of New York, where the wine scene is low-key and travelers celebrate the cold with cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Banas recommends Atwater Estate Vineyards and the New York Wine and Culinary Center on Canandaigua Lake. Winter travelers can receive discounts or free nights with participating hotels and inns as well as discounts at local wineries and restaurants through March 31, 2012.

San Francisco --or Washington -- here we come

Even cities where hotel prices increased this year are experiencing a lull between the holidays. Prices for San Francisco hotels have jumped 22% over 2010, due to convention bookings and domestic and European visitors, says Hotwire.com's Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group. But rates for the first few weeks in December are down by about 10% from peak prices, according to Hotwire.

The nation's capital is almost always busy doing the people's work, so hotel prices tend to remain high in good times and bad. However, government also slows down around the holidays. Prices in Washington are down about 15% from peak rates, according to Hotwire. "We love sending people to D.C. when the weather is OK because there are so many free attractions in the area," says Bason. "You can see a lot of our nation's history for free."

Portland's perks

Portland, Oregon, has a "Portland Perks" winter special designed to lure travelers to this food-obsessed and environmentally green Oregon city: $50 cash received upon check-in, free overnight parking, complimentary continental breakfast for two and a Portland Perks coupon book. This offer at select hotels requires a two-night minimum stay and is valid for travel from November 1 to December 30, 2011.

Set sail for the Caribbean

With many cruise ships already committed to trips to the Caribbean this month, cruise lines are

which is the average number of days used per year paid by a US worker

whats Napa Valley hotels are celebrating the end of harvest with discounted winter rates?

Answer: six

Answer: Lodge

Summary:
The average American worker doesn't use about six paid vacation days annually .
Napa Valley hotels are celebrating the end of harvest with discounted winter rates .
Hotel perks include free wine, overnight parking and spa discounts .


(CNN) -- After two days of violence and looting that claimed the lives of at least 48 people, relative calm settled over Madagascar Wednesday. But the possibility of further violence loomed as anti-government protesters gathered in a central square, vowing future demonstrations.

At least 48 people were killed during the riots that broke out in Madagascar.

President Marc Ravalomanana and other senior government officials surveyed some of the damage Wednesday and vowed to restore order "whatever the cost," a government statement said. Ravalomanana ordered a member of his joint chiefs of staff to work with the protesters and opposition leader Andry Rajoelina to keep the calm.

Meanwhile, Rajoelina -- mayor of the capital, Antananarivo -- addressed the protesters at a downtown rally Wednesday afternoon, calling for two days of general strikes and another mass demonstration Saturday. The strikes would prevent stores and schools from opening.

On Tuesday the authorities tried to control protesters who set fire to the state-run media complex the day before. Ravalomanana said he initially held off on ordering troops to fight off looters, saying he wanted to avoid more casualties.

"It is better that equipment be destroyed rather than human lives," he said in the statement, adding that looters would not be prosecuted because he "understands the Malagasy people are poor and hungry."

A spokesman for Joseph Ravohanjy Hospital said 48 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in the violence since Monday. By Wednesday, a relative calm had fallen over the area and Rajoelina's rally at the square was peaceful, a Western observer told CNN.

The violence began when protesters stormed the government's radio and television station in Antananarivo, Monday morning in response to Ravalomanana shutting down Rajoelina's radio station hours earlier.

Ravalomanana's move came just weeks after closing Rajoelina's television station last month after the airing of an interview with ousted ex-President Didier Ratsiraka.

Viva Radio was back on the air Tuesday as the protesters broadened their focus from restoring freedom of speech to targeting businesses owned by Ravalomanana, including food distribution centers, according to an American community worker in Antananarivo.

By Tuesday afternoon, some of the protesters had broken from the group, looting private electronic shops and grocery stores that sat alongside the Ravalomanana-owned buildings, Christi Turner said.

"Today and yesterday, it's been a collective disappointment and shock and sadness for me and my friends and other aid workers," Turner told CNN on Tuesday night. "People have lost their heads in the mob mentality."

She added that the government "is not taking the most effective steps controlling the situation," noting that military and police didn't publicly address the looters until Tuesday.

Reports of injuries and deaths from resulting fires could not be immediately confirmed.

Rodney Ford, public affairs officer for the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, said the United States is calling for calm and pushing for dialogue between the president and the mayor. Both sides have offered to negotiate, which a group of ambassadors is working toward.

"We are worried about the loss of life," Ford said. "The Malagasy people need to work this out, it's not an issue outsiders can fix. The U.S. Embassy is calling for calm and restraint. We are working to mediate within both parties."

How many died in Madagascar?
How many were injured?
What caused the looting?
Is more violence anticipated?
Who were the people?
What is happening now?

Answer: 48

Answer: 100

Answer: Ravalomanana shutting down Rajoelina's radio station

Answer: But the possibility of further

Answer: anti-government protesters

Answer: calm settled over Madagascar

Summary:
NEW: At least 48 people die in the violence in Madagascar, official says .
After two days of violence and looting, relative calms settles over country .
Further violence looms as anti-government protesters gather .
United States is calling for calm and pushing for dialogue between sides .