Rebels claim to have downed a Syrian helicopter

Wildfires rage across southeast Australia

Syria: WE USED TO LIVE IN PEACE AND SECURITY

At a crowded market stall in Syria, a middle-aged couple, well dressed, shuffle over to press a folded note, furtively, into the hand of a foreign reporter.

It is the kind of silent cry for help against a reign of fear that has been familiar to journalists visiting Syria over the past two years. Only this is not the Damascus of President Bashar al-Assad but rebel-held Aleppo; the note laments misrule under the revolution and hopes Assad can defeat its "terrorism".

"We used to live in peace and security until this malicious revolution reached us and the Free Syrian Army started taking bread by force," the unidentified couple wrote. "We ask God to help the regime fight the Free Syrian Army and terrorism

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-syria-crisis-rebels-idUSBRE9070VV20130108

Two Boeing 787 incidents raise safety concerns

Boeing Co's new 787 Dreamliner suffered its second mishap in two days at the same airport with the same airline, extending a series of problems that have dogged the jet for more than a month and notched up concern about the plane.

A fuel leak on Tuesday forced a 787 operated by Japan Airlines to cancel takeoff at Boston's Logan International Airport. On Monday, an electrical fire erupted in a different 787 also operated by Japan Airlines at the Boston airport.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-boeing-japan-airlines-idUSBRE9070T320130108

Graham threatens to block Obama CIA nominee

A Republican senator threatened on Tuesday to block the confirmation of President Barack Obama's nominee to head the CIA until the administration provides more information to Congress about the September 11, 2012, attacks on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya.

Senator Lindsey Graham said his objection was not directed at Obama's CIA nominee - 25-year agency veteran John Brennan - but was an attempt to extract information about the Benghazi attacks from the White House.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-obama-nominations-brennan-idUSBRE90710S20130108

U.S. troops arrive in Turkey; rebels battle for airport in Syria

U.S. troops arrived in Turkey on Friday to man Patriot missile defense batteries near the Syrian border, Turkish state media said.

The move was made after Syria launched Scud missiles at cities near the Turkish border. In response, the U.S., Germany and the Netherlands have deployed Patriot air defense missiles to the border region to intercept any Syrian ballistic missiles.

U.S. officials: Syria using more accurate, Iranian-made missiles
The missiles and troops are under the control of NATO, but the missiles are to be operated by U.S. forces.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/04/world/meast/syria-civil-war/

Australia: Firefighters in a race against time

THOUSANDS of firefighters scrambled today to douse bushfires before more severe conditions prompt new blazes.

Victoria also counted the cost of yesterday's bushfires, with an historic house among properties lost in fires near Ballarat.

Yesterday's heatwave eased in parts of NSW today but areas of northern NSW were today still experiencing hot and windy conditions exceeding 40 degrees, and more hot weather is expected to hit NSW and Victoria on Friday and over the weekend.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/bushfires/bushfire-crisis-far-from-over/story-fngw0i02-1226550004251

David R Ellis Death A Mystery

Police are investigating the death in South Africa of David R Ellis, the director of Snakes On A Plane, the 2006 movie starring Samuel L Jackson.

The body of 60-year-old Ellis, who had worked as an actor and stuntman earlier in his career, was discovered in the bathroom of his hotel room in upmarket Sandton in Johannesburg.

He had last been seen by a friend in a restaurant last Saturday.

"Nothing was found to be missing from his room and no foul play is being suspected at this stage," said police spokesman Lt Col Lungelo Dlamini.

http://news.sky.com/story/1035199/snakes-on-a-plane-directors-death-a-mystery

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA - 9th January 2013

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 04:12:48 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 07:12:48 PM at epicenter
Location
55.334°N, 134.948°W
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
Distances
102 km (64 miles) S (190°) from Port Alexander, AK

Huge Fire Rages Through Lagos Lagoon Slum

A massive fire has ripped through one of the poorest suburbs in the Nigerian city of Lagos, burning down ramshackle homes and workshops.

Dozens of buildings were destroyed as flames tore through Ebute Metta, a community along the Lagos lagoon where sawmills process timber brought from across Nigeria.

http://news.sky.com/story/1035313/huge-fire-rages-through-lagos-lagoon-slum

UK Armed Forces Warned Over Cyber Attack Threat

The UK's armed forces are now so dependent on information and communication technology that they could be a "fatally compromised" by sustained cyber attacks.

The Defence Select Committee has produced a report that questions the military's contingency plans and urges the Government to do more to address the threat.

"It is our view that cyber security is a sufficiently urgent, significant and complex activity to warrant increased ministerial attention," said committee chairman James Arbuthnot MP.

http://news.sky.com/story/1035284/cyber-attack-threat-uk-armed-forces-warned

Rat plague hits penguin Island, Australia

A plague of black rats is destroying the native wildlife population on Penguin Island, threatening to ruin one of WA's best nature havens and ecotourism attractions.

Thousands of the rats have inundated the small island 700m off Rockingham to feed on hundreds of eggs and chicks of its famous little penguin colony and other birds.

Penguin Island was, as ever, an idyllic escape from the heat and bustle of the mainland yesterday but the scene belied the huge environmental threat.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/15788594/rat-plague-hits-penguins/

6.0 Magnitude Earthquake MYANMAR - 9th January 2013

Magnitude Mw 6.0
Region MYANMAR
Date time 2013-01-09 01:41:54.0 UTC
Location 25.37 N ; 95.09 E
Depth 99 km
Distances 68 km SE Phek, Myanmar

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake KURIL ISLANDS - 9th January 2013

Magnitude
4.6
Date-Time
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 00:17:52 UTC
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 11:17:52 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
46.805°N, 152.515°E
Depth
54.3 km (33.7 miles)
Region
KURIL ISLANDS
Distances
358 km (222 miles) SE of Vostok, Russia

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake CARLSBERG RIDGE - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.6
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 23:42:57 UTC
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 04:42:57 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
2.258°S, 68.030°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
CARLSBERG RIDGE
Distances
591 km (367 miles) WSW of Hithadhoo, Maldives

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake CARLSBERG RIDGE - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.8
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 23:38:43 UTC
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 04:38:43 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
2.063°S, 67.984°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
CARLSBERG RIDGE
Distances
923 km (573 miles) SW (221°) from MALE, Maldives

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake CARLSBERG RIDGE - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 23:31:49 UTC
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 04:31:49 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
1.977°S, 68.012°E
Depth
10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Region
CARLSBERG RIDGE
Distances
584 km (362 miles) WSW of Hithadhoo, Maldives

5.4 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTH OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
5.4
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 21:26:55 UTC
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 09:26:55 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
34.429°S, 179.170°E
Depth
8.4 km (5.2 miles)
Region
SOUTH OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS
Distances
378 km (234 miles) SSW of L'Esperance Rock, New Zealand

Cuomo Close To Announcing Sweeping New Gun Control Laws

A deal to give New York one of the toughest gun control laws in the nation is being negotiated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who, sources said Tuesday, is hoping to announce the plan Wednesday during his State of the State speech in Albany.

Cuomo hopes to jump-start the 2013 legislative session with a big deal that could dramatically alter gun control laws across the state.

Highly placed sources told CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer that Cuomo is negotiating with Assembly and Senate leaders for a package of gun control laws that would be a dramatic response to the gun violence besetting the nation, including the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

“It’s a very divisive topic,” Cuomo said on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of energy on both sides. Some people are vehemently against’ some people think we’re out of our minds for not passing it.”

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/01/08/exclusive-cuomo-close-to-announcing-sweeping-new-gun-control-laws/

Andrew Henderson films police, camera confiscated, and then he's charged for violating "health law"

Andrew Henderson watched as Ramsey County sheriff's deputies frisked a bloody-faced man outside his Little Canada apartment building. Paramedics then loaded the man, a stranger to Henderson, into an ambulance.

Henderson, 28, took out his small handheld video camera and began recording. It's something he does regularly with law enforcement.

But what happened next was different. The deputy, Jacqueline Muellner, approached him and snatched the camera out of his hand, Henderson said.

"We'll just take this for evidence," Muellner said. Their voices were recorded on Henderson's cellphone as they spoke. Henderson provided a copy to the Pioneer Press. "If I end up on YouTube, I'm gonna be upset."

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_22333563/little-canada-man-videotaped-sheriffs-deputies-and-got

Matt's thoughts:
Police: in the wrong. Man being filmed on the stretcher: right to sue to for harassment / invasion of privacy, since it was clear Henderson was just trying to be a pain in the behind and not a journalist. Still, frightening that the police can get away with this stuff. More frightening is the total lack of respect people have for others, especially younger people, who feel, "Just because it's not illegal means I can do it, no matter how it damages others." Typical me-first attitude. I honestly have little sympathy for people like Henderson who want to start trouble for trouble's sake, but at the same time equally dislike the forming police state.

5.2 Magnitude Earthquake SOLOMON ISLANDS - 8th January 2013

Magnitude M 5.2
Region SOLOMON ISLANDS
Date time 2013-01-08 20:14:57.6 UTC
Location 10.22 S ; 161.73 E
Depth 10 km
Distances 29 km NW Kirakira, Solomon Islands

Raw: Hot Air Balloon Wedding Crashes

Raw: 'Unruly' Airline Passenger Taped to Seat

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
5.0
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 19:04:00 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 06:04:00 PM at epicenter
Location
32.382°S, 14.178°W
Depth
9.8 km (6.1 miles)
Region
SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Distances
2921 km (1815 miles) ESE (123°) from Vitoria, Brazil

Govt Wins Vote On Capping Rise In Benefits

MPs have backed the Government's plans for a real-terms cut in working-age welfare payments and tax credits.

In the Commons, politicians voted to give the legislation a second reading by 324 votes to 268 - a majority of 56.

The Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill limits rises in most working-age benefits to 1% in 2014/15 and 2015/2016 instead of linking them to inflation.

Similar measures for 2013/14 will be introduced separately.

http://news.sky.com/story/1035220/govt-wins-vote-on-capping-rise-in-benefits

Farewell to 'Big Boy': Town holds candlelit vigil for its guardian ELK shot dead by off-duty cop who runs a taxidermy website

Townspeople in Boulder, Colorado gathered on Sunday night to remember the animal - lovingly called 'Big Boy - which was fatally shot by police officer Brent Curnow (left) , who has worked for the force for 14 years. It was also revealed that Curnow owns a taxidermy website offering 'quality taxidermy at an affordable price.' The incident is being investigated by Boulder police department. It is believed that the two officers were going to cut up the animal for meat.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258280/Elk-vigil-Boulder-Colorado-residents-remember-creature-killed-duty-officer-owns-taxidermy-website.html

Tom Sublett: Murder or suicide?

A body of Tom Sublett, a county commissioner from the picturesque St Simons Island off the coast of Georgia, was found floating in a marina one mile from his home, with his hands bound and a gunshot to his head. Police originally ruled the case a homicide but as the search for the killer has now been going on for nearly one month, the prospect of it being a fully-staged suicide is now being seriously considered. Sublett survived by his wife and four children including daughter Erin (left) and Leslie (right)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2259046/Murder-suicide-Death-beloved-town-official-married-father-shot-drowned-mystery-month-later.html

Amanda Sorensen 'kills her boyfriend's two-year-old daughter by force-feeding her CHILLI POWDER as a punishment'

Amanda Sorensen (pictured far right and, center, with the un-named girl who died), 21, of Apple Valley, California, was taken into custody for allegedly feeding the chilli powder to the child, who had a seizure and died. Police were called to the family home at 4.16pm on Sunday where they found the girl who was the daughter of Sorensen's boyfriend. Forcing a child to eat chilli powder can swell their airways and cause them to stop breathing.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258944/Woman-killed-boyfriends-year-old-daughter-force-feeding-chilli-punishment.html

Norovirus ruined festive season for 150,000 people - and it hasn't peaked yet, warn officials

More than 150,000 people had a miserable Christmas after they were struck down with the winter vomiting bug, figures suggest.

During the last two weeks of 2012, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed 529 cases of norovirus.

But for every reported case, an estimated 288 are not flagged up.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2259004/Norovirus-ruined-festive-season-150-000-people.html

University Professor: There were actors present at Sandy Hook shooting, if the shooting even happened at all

A communication professor known for conspiracy theories has stirred controversary at Florida Atlantic University with claims that last month's Newtown, Conn., school shootings did not happen as reported — or may not have happened at all.

Moreover, James Tracy asserts in radio interviews and on his memoryholeblog.com. that trained "crisis actors" may have been employed by the Obama administration in an effort to shape public opinion in favor of the event's true purpose: gun control.

"As documents relating to the Sandy Hook shooting continue to be assessed and interpreted by independent researchers, there is a growing awareness that the media coverage of the massacre of 26 children and adults was intended primarily for public consumption to further larger political ends," writes Tracy, a tenured associate professor of media history at FAU and a former union leader.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-fau-prof-newtown-20130107,0,4267958.story

Matt's thoughts:
Don't ask questions. Believe what you are told. Facts are not facts unless those above you give them to you. Behave yourselves, oh you who inquire.

UK coalition touts mid-term success to chorus of opposition ridicule

Healthy Distrust: Spain protests privatized medical cover to beat crisis

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
5.0
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 18:55:40 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 08:55:40 AM at epicenter
Location
52.405°N, 170.630°W
Depth
52.7 km (32.7 miles)
Region
FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA
Distances
133 km (83 miles) WSW (244°) from Nikolski, AK

5.5 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE COAST OF SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
5.5 (Preliminary magnitude — update expected within 15 minutes)
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 18:45:05 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 09:45:05 AM at epicenter
Location
55.426°N, 135.017°W
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
Region
OFF THE COAST OF SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
Distances
93 km (58 miles) SSW (194°) from Port Alexander, AK

Authorities are searching for two missing teenagers thought to have fallen through the ice into a northern New Jersey lake.

Of books and bombs: schooling in Syria's rebel zone

Elephant goes on rampage in Indian village

1,000 dolphins stampede toward Calif. boat

A phenomenon at sea and quite an incredible sight off the coast of Dana Point, Calif., happened when more than 1,000 dolphins put on a spectacular show for passengers and crew aboard Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Safari.

The pod of dolphins could be seen in the distance frolicking in the water.

It's not known what caused them to make a drastic move and stampede directly toward the boat, but it's a sight these people won't soon forget.

http://www.wdtn.com/dpps/entertainment/must_see_video/1000-dolphins-stampede-toward-calif-boat-nd12_5295125#.UOxsmm9E5_k

French tax-the-rich minister 'hid money in Swiss bank'

The French minister responsible for enforcing new taxes on the rich is to be investigated for tax evasion.

The Paris chief prosecutor announced today that he has started a preliminary investigation into media allegations that Jérôme Cahuzac hid money in an undeclared bank account in Switzerland until two years ago.

If proved, the allegations could be explosively embarrassing for a Socialist French government already facing constitutional complications, and an exodus by the wealthy, as it attempts to enforce President François Hollande’s plans for a 75 per cent “supertax”.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/french-taxtherich-minister-hid-money-in-swiss-bank-8443271.html

Chavez illness: Warning of 'Venezuela democracy threat'

Venezuela's opposition has issued a warning about a "threat to democracy" if President Hugo Chavez is not sworn in as scheduled on Thursday.

In a letter to the Organisation of American States (OAS), the coalition said his absence would be "a serious constitutional violation".

It is unlikely that Mr Chavez, who is in Cuba after a cancer surgery, will be able to attend his inauguration.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20950541

Israeli ex-security chief sees risk of Palestinian uprising

Israel faces the prospect of a new Palestinian uprising because of despair over the gridlock in peacemaking, a former head of the Israeli internal intelligence agency who is standing in the January 22 election said on Tuesday.

Yaakov Peri, running for the centrist Yesh Atid party, told Reuters in an interview that the next government must make peace negotiations with the Palestinians its foreign policy priority.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-israel-election-palestinians-idUSBRE9070PU20130108

Patriot missiles en route to Turkey

Freezing temperatures endanger Athens' homeless

Tunisia frees man held over attack on U.S. consulate in Libya

Tunisia has freed, for lack of evidence, a Tunisian man who had been suspected of involvement in an Islamist militant attack in Libya last year in which the U.S. ambassador was killed, his lawyer said on Tuesday.

Ali Harzi was one of two Tunisians named in October by the Daily Beast website as having been detained in Turkey over the violence in which Christopher Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Libya, and three other American officials were killed.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-tunisia-usa-benghazi-idUSBRE9070HY20130108

Teachers in Ohio, Texas flock to free gun training classes

School teachers in Texas and Ohio are flocking to free firearms classes in the wake of the Connecticut elementary school massacre, some vowing to protect their students with guns even at the risk of losing their jobs.

In Ohio, more than 900 teachers, administrators and school employees asked to take part in the Buckeye Firearms Association's newly created, three-day gun training program, the association said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-usa-guns-teachers-training-idUSBRE9070MV20130108

Gabrielle Giffords Takes On US Gun Lobby

Gabrielle Giffords has announced plans to take on America's powerful gun lobby, on the second anniversary of the Arizona shooting which almost killed her.

The former Congresswoman and her astronaut husband Mark Kelly are launching an initiative aimed at curbing gun violence in the wake of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

The couple wrote in an article published in USA Today that their Americans for Responsible Solutions initiative would help raise money to support greater gun control efforts and seek to "balance the influence of the gun lobby".

http://news.sky.com/story/1035025/gabrielle-giffords-takes-on-us-gun-lobby

Ivory Poachers Kill Elephant Family In Kenya

A family of 11 elephants has been killed by poachers in Kenya in what officials describe as the biggest single mass shooting of the animals on record in the country.

A gang of about 10 attackers hacked off the elephants' tusks in Tsavo East National Park on Saturday, officials said - the latest sign of a rise of mostly Asian demand for ivory jewellery and ornaments.

http://news.sky.com/story/1034987/ivory-poachers-kill-elephant-family-in-kenya

Terror Suspect 'Escaped In Black Cab'.......He called a taxi and got in it (No great escape just useless authorities)

Missing terror suspect Ibrahim Magag escaped surveillance by simply ringing for a black cab, the Shadow Home Secretary claims.

Yvette Cooper told MPs that a tweet from London taxi news service Cabwise suggested Somali-born Magag had evaded detection by picking up a ride less than half-a-mile from Euston station on Boxing Day.

In a fierce exchange with Home Secretary Theresa May, Ms Cooper said: "Are you worried that surveillance can be shaken off simply by jumping into a black cab?"

http://news.sky.com/story/1035051/terror-suspect-escaped-in-black-cab

India Gang Rape: Two Men To Plead Not Guilty

Two of the men accused of gang-raping and killing a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus in Delhi will plead not guilty to all charges, their lawyer has said.

Mukesh Singh and Akshay Thakur are among five suspects charged with abduction, rape and murder over the December 16 attack on the medical student.

A sixth accused, who is 17, will be tried in a separate court for juveniles.

http://news.sky.com/story/1035005/india-gang-rape-two-men-to-plead-not-guilty

4.3 Magnitude Earthquake OFF THE COAST OF MICHOACAN, MEXICO - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.3
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 15:50:10 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 08:50:10 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
15.405°N, 104.986°W
Depth
40 km (24.9 miles)
Region
OFF THE COAST OF MICHOACAN, MEXICO
Distances
394 km (244 miles) SSW of Coahuayana, Mexico

Oz Weather Map Scale Changed As Heat Rises

Record temperatures have forced the Australian government's weather bureau to increase its scale to 54C to reflect the extreme highs forecast for next week.

The temperature in parts of central Australia could soar to above 50C next Monday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Head of climate monitoring and prediction David Jones said the new scale, which features a purple and pink colour code for temperatures from 52 to 54C, shows there is potential for records to be smashed.

http://news.sky.com/story/1035107/weather-map-scale-changed-amid-australia-heat

Wiktoria Was Killed when her family's car was caught up in a police chase

A schoolgirl killed when her family's car was caught up in a police chase has been named as 13-year-old Wiktoria Was.

Wiktoria was a back seat passenger in the VW Polo when it was hit by another car that was being pursued by police through southeast London.

She was pronounced dead at the scene on Ilderton Road, close to Millwall Football Club on Sunday evening.

http://news.sky.com/story/1035075/teenager-killed-in-police-chase-is-named

4.0 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.0
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 14:46:33 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 05:46:33 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
56.008°N, 135.454°W
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
Region
SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
Distances
56 km (35 miles) WSW (243°) from Port Alexander, AK

5.7 Magnitude Earthquake AEGEAN SEA - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
5.7
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 14:16:08 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 04:16:08 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
39.658°N, 25.543°E
Depth
10.3 km (6.4 miles)
Region
AEGEAN SEA
Distances
47 km (29 miles) WSW of Bozcaada, Turkey

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest opens an emergency triage tent to care for the increased number of people with flu-like symptoms

It’s the most miserable time of the year for many people in the area. Flu season is in full effect and this one in particular is shaping up to be more extreme than usual.

The State Department of Health reports that four Pennsylvanians have already died of complications from the influenza virus.

In response to the early start of flu season, the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest had to open an emergency space to care for the increased number of people with flu-like symptoms.

The hospital tells NBC10's Katy Zachry why the tent was erected.

"If we can remove them from the main ED and put them in environment where everyone is masked and everyone can be protected, it's safer for them and certainly safer for the staff," said Terry Burger, hospital director of infection control.

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Growing-Number-of-Flu-Cases-Causes-Hospital-to-Open-Emergency-Space-185947762.html

Oops: School shooting drill takes place on same day as Sandy Hook shootings, just 19 miles away (Same thing happened on 9/11, interestingly)

Allison Wyatt: Cathy Gaubert Claims Her Daughter’s Photo Was Stolen From Flicker And Used As Sandy Hook Shooting Victim (Is this a 2nd Emilie Parker? Are both girls still alive?)

More interesting developments on the Sandy Hook shooting "conspiracy"… A women named Cathy Gaubert is claiming someone stole her daughter’s “first day of school” picture.

The photo was lifted  from their Flicker account and published  as a victim in the Sandy Hook shooting.

The mother took to Instagram posting this interesting message asking readers to put pressure on Facebook users to remove it from their pages.

According to the mother there is one page who is ignoring her request.

The above picture looks like its from the Daily Mail, although attempts to find a cashed version of the page were unsuccessful, as were attempts to contact the mother. You can view her Twitter page here  and Instagram here.

http://govtslaves.info/cathy-gaubert-claims-her-daughters-photo-was-stolen-from-flicker-and-used-as-sandy-hook-shooting-victim/

Added info:
It seems the mother may have now taken her accounts down, for obvious reasons. This whole Sandy Hook deal gets stranger and stranger every time one studies it. If you have any information regarding the shootings, be sure to send it in to us.

Three Days Before Shooting “United Way Extends Our Most Sincere Condolences To Sandy Hook Families” (Silence! How dare you disturb me and my crayon time with such information!?)

More twists to the Sandy Hook narrative. On December 11 Google indexed the United Way website  that offered condolences to the family’s of Sandy Hook.

This is a full three days before the actual shooting that  took place on December 14 2012. You can view the Google page here and the United Way page here.

Below is a excerpt from the December 11 united Way page. Don’t we all love a good conspiracy?

United Way extends our most sincere condolences and prayers to all those families affected by the devastating events in Newtown/Sandy Hook, Connecticut. While the eyes of the world may be on Newtown/Sandy Hook, to several staff, volunteers and contributors, Newtown is home. We will stand with the community and everyone affected directly and indirectly by this tragic event as we face the days and weeks ahead.
United Way of Western Connecticut is committed to providing support and resources where and when they become identified and needed. As people from our area and beyond respond to this heartbreaking tragedy, they are turning to United Way looking for ways to help. In response, United Way of Western Connecticut in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank has created the ‘Sandy Hook School Support Fund’ that will be able to provide support services to the families and community that has been affected.

http://govtslaves.info/three-days-before-shooting-united-way-extends-our-most-sincere-condolences-to-sandy-hook-families/

Australia continues to battle wildfires

Peru helicopter crash kills 7

Abid Naseer pleads not guilty to Bomb Plot

Confident, combative Obama risks overreaching

Just two weeks before his second inauguration, President Barack Obama is acting as if he believes he has a big mandate for his next term. The latest sign: his decision to defy a concerted campaign against his choice for defense secretary.

The Democratic president, re-elected in November, unveiled a more combative approach during the end-of-year "fiscal cliff" taxes and spending drama, exploiting disarray in Republican ranks that underscored Washington's legislative dysfunction.

Obama also showed a "get-tough" strategy in his determination to pursue gun control after last month's massacre of schoolchildren by a gunman in Newtown, Connecticut.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-obama-nominations-secondterm-idUSBRE90706D20130108

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake SUMBA REGION, INDONESIA - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.4
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 11:26:49 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 07:26:49 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
10.428°S, 120.163°E
Depth
38.7 km (24.0 miles)
Region
SUMBA REGION, INDONESIA
Distances
27 km (16 miles) SSW of Nggongi, Indonesia

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake KYRGYZSTAN - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 10:47:41 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 04:47:41 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
39.491°N, 71.740°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
KYRGYZSTAN
Distances
33 km (20 miles) NNE of Karakenja, Tajikistan

China calling for a peacefull solution to Syria unrest

Hezbollah says Syria threatened with partition

Conservationists turn poisoners in the Galapagos

National Geographic UFO Europe Untold Stories

The Mystery of The Black Death

Library of Congress digs into 170 billion tweets

An effort by the Library of Congress to archive Twitter posts has amassed more than 170 billion tweets, which the library is now seeking to make available to researchers and other interested parties.

Created in 1800, the Library of Congress serves as the unofficial library of the United States, as well as being Congress' official research library.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/07/tech/social-media/library-congress-twitter/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Aurora shooting: New details emerge in hearing for Colorado theater shooting suspect

Israel to build fence along Syrian border

Seven die in Peru helicopter explosion

Seven people, including at least two Americans, were killed when a helicopter crashed and exploded in central Peru, authorities said.

The crash happened Monday afternoon after the chopper took off from the Pucallpa Airport, according to the Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation.

Minutes after takeoff, communication with the pilot was lost, and a heavy smoke column could be seen in the distance from the control tower.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/08/world/americas/peru-helicopter-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

CHEPSTOWE FIRE CLAIMS HOMES, INJURES TWO

Two people have been injured and two homes have been destroyed by a fire at Chepstowe west of Ballarat in central Victoria.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has issued an emergency warning for the area, as the grass fire burns out of control.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/15780971/chepstowe-fire-claims-homes-injures-two/

TASMANIA STAYS ON BUSHFIRE ALERT

Tasmania remains on alert with 40 bushfires burning around the state and five blazes still considered a major threat.

A fire at Montumana northwest of Burnie was still cause for an emergency warning from authorities on Tuesday evening, while massive blazes on the Tasman Peninsula and in the Derwent Valley continued to burn out of control.

Two more fires, at Mathinna in the northeast, and Holwell, south of Beaconsfield, reached emergency-warning level on Tuesday but were downgraded.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/local/tas/a/-/local/15780441/tasmania-stays-on-bushfire-alert/

AUSTRALIA FIRES 2013: VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RICK HINDS IN FIGHT OF HIS LIFE

The wife of a firefighter, who was badly injured in a blaze yesterday, has spoken exclusively to 7News about the terrifying incident which nearly claimed her husband's life.

Father-of-three, Rick Hinds, was fighting his first fire since becoming a volunteer, when the flames turned on him.

Rick was flown to Sydney's Concord hospital for treatment yesterday, and regained consciousness this morning.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/latest/a/-/newshome/15786896/volunteer-firie-in-fight-of-his-life/

4.3 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHEAST OF TAIWAN - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.3
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 09:08:32 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 05:08:32 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
22.883°N, 123.064°E
Depth
19.1 km (11.9 miles)
Region
SOUTHEAST OF TAIWAN
Distances
175 km (108 miles) S of Yonakuni, Japan

Is this start of India's 'Arab Spring'?

The recent school shooting in Connecticut looked like a tipping point in U.S. public consciousness.

Americans have been asking themselves some tough questions: why does this happen so often and so much more in America than in other countries? What does gun violence say about us as Americans and what measures can we put in place to stop it?

A similar bout of public soul-searching was on display in India recently. Across the country, tens of thousands of people took to the streets to express outrage over the rape and death of one unnamed woman.

The latest on the case
The national attention over her death is shedding light on how unsafe Indian women actually are. According to the national crime records bureau, there were more than 24,000 registered rapes in 2011. That's one rape every 22 minutes in India.

http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/07/is-this-the-start-of-indias-arab-spring/?hpt=hp_c5

Report ties Syrian rebels to al Qaeda

A jihadist group with links to al Qaeda has become the most effective of the different factions fighting the in regime, according to a new analysis, and now has some 5,000 fighters.

The group is Jabhat al-Nusra, which was designated an al Qaeda affiliate by the United States government last month. It is led by veterans of the Iraqi insurgency "and has shown itself to be the principal force against Assad and the Shabiha," according to the study.

CNN obtained an advance copy of the analysis, set to be released Tuesday by the Quilliam Foundation, a counterterrorism policy institute based in London.

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/08/analysis-study-shows-rise-of-al-qaeda-affiliate-in-syria/?hpt=hp_c2

Australian firefighters battle bush blazes, intense heat

NASA space telescope shows there may be 17 BILLION Earth-like planets in outer space

Enough planets exist in the Milky Way to ensure that there is at least one for each of the hundred million stars in the galaxy, NASA has revealed.

Analysis of data from the Kepler space telescope shows that 17 billion planets in the galaxy are Earth-like in size.

The findings are making scientists increasingly confident of finding a rocky planet the same size as Earth, with a similar orbit and situated in the 'habitable zone' of a solar system.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2258842/NASA-space-telescope-shows-17-billion-Earth-like-planets-Milky-Way.html

AUSTRALIA: HOMES DESTROYED BY RAGING GRASS FIRES

At least two homes have been destroyed by an out-of-control grass fire and many more are under threat in Chepstowe, near Ballarat.

More than 120 firefighters have been sent to the area to help local crews tackle the 1000 hectare blaze.

The CFA says the fire could put lives and more homes at risk, and people should put their bushfire survival plans into action.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/15786744/homes-destroyed-by-raging-grass-fires/

Michael Nodianos apologises as he describes how his life has been ruined after being caught on Video laughing at horrific ordeal of Ohio teen 'raped by high school football team'

The attorney for 18-year-old Michael Nodianos right, who was featured laughing and joking over the fate of the alleged Ohio rape victim in a leaked YouTube video, has described his client's behaviour as, 'disappointing, insensitive and unfortunate.' Nodianos has been forced to drop out of Ohio State university after he and his family received a slew of death threats amid growing outrage over the case in Steubenville, Ohio. Attorney Dennis McNamara said: 'After some sober reflection he is ashamed and embarrassed himself. He's sorry to victims and his family.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2257996/Ohio-football-rape-girl-boy-filmed-joking-laughing-fate-16-year-old-apologises.html

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.7
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 08:29:42 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 06:29:42 PM at epicenter
Location
4.295°S, 141.985°E
Depth
119.2 km (74.1 miles)
Region
NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distances
197 km (122 miles) SSE (157°) from Vanimo, New Guinea, PNG

European shares, euro dip ahead of data rush

European shares and the euro dipped on Tuesday after an unexpected slump in German exports set a negative tone ahead of other data that will fill out the picture of the region's economic health.

Euro zone sentiment, employment and retail sales are due at 1000 GMT and economists have forecast a slight improvement.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-markets-global-idUSBRE88901C20130108

Syrian rebels target military base with rockets.

Shell oil rig reaches safe harbour

China holds man in secret under new law despite reform talk

A Chinese man who agitated for an investigation into the suspicious death of an activist has been detained at an unknown location, his lawyer said on Monday, describing him as possibly the first to be held under a controversial new law that allows secret detention.

Authorities in Shaoyang city in central Hunan province told family members of Zhu Chengzhi, 62, last Friday that he would be put under "residential surveillance" under "Article 73", Zhu's wife, Zeng Qiulian, told Reuters by telephone on Monday. Article 73 legalizes detaining people in secret.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-china-dissident-idUSBRE90707U20130108

Afghan man in army uniform kills NATO soldier in Helmand

A man wearing an Afghan army uniform shot dead one soldier from the NATO-led force in Helmand in the country's south, where mostly British and U.S. troops are based, officials said on Tuesday.

At least 63 NATO-led personnel were killed in 47 insider attacks across Afghanistan last year, far more than previous years, eroding trust between Afghan soldiers and their foreign counterparts as the coalition plans to withdraw most of its troops by the end of 2014.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-afghanistan-shooting-idUSBRE90706220130108

Fast-moving fire takes properties in central Victoria as NSW battles 135 blazes

DOZENS of homes remained under threat late today as NSW firefighters battled 135 blazes in 40-plus temperatures and often "catastrophic" conditions, and a fast-moving fire in central Victoria has destroyed at least two properties.

Fuelled by soaring temperatures and powerful winds, the worst fires were in the south of NSW near Cooma, Nowra, Bega and Wagga Wagga.

In Victoria, at least two properties have been burnt out by a bushfire in the area of Chepstowe.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/fast-moving-fire-takes-properties-in-central-victoria-as-nsw-battles-135-blazes/story-e6frg6n6-1226549351466

Chuck Hagel will initiate America's inevitable military decline

There has been a huge, vicious, and well co-ordinated campaign against the appointment of Chuck Hagel, the decorated Republican Vietnam hero, being appointed as Barack Obama's Secretary of Defense. Ostensibly, this has been based on his relatively dovish views on the Iraq War, defending Israel, and attacking Iran. But according to David Brooks in today's New York Times, all these policy considerations are "secondary".

The truth, Brooks says, is that Obama wants political cover for beginning the decades-long process of reducing America's expenditure on the military. The cost of healthcare, which American's essentially approve of because they like it, even if they are in denial about the cost, means that the country has to make very great cuts elsewhere. That includes at the Pentagon.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/iv-drip/chuck-hagel-will-initiate-americas-inevitable-military-decline-8442070.html

Police in Northern Ireland deploy plastic bullets and water cannon in fifth night of rioting

Washington: 9 Hanford Plutonium Finishing Plant workers checked for radioactive exposure

Nine workers at the Hanford Plutonium Finishing Plant are being checked as a precaution to determine whether they may have breathed in radioactive material.

Last week, radiation release alarms sounded as workers were completing the removal of contaminated material from within a glovebox. No contamination was found on the skin or personal clothing of those workers, who were using respirators.

However, nasal smears indicated radioactive material might have been breathed in by some of the workers who helped the glovebox workers remove the protective clothing worn over their personal clothing after the alarm sounded, according to CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/01/08/2427321/9-pfp-workers-checked-for-radioactive.html

Mexican officials: Wild dogs mauled, killed four in park

Wild dogs killed and mauled four people whose bodies were found over the past two weeks in a park on the edge of Mexico City, authorities confirmed Monday. In one case, a teenage girl frantically called her sister with her cellphone to plead for help as the attack took place.

Neighbors of the Cerro de la Estrella, a partly wooded, hilltop park surrounded by the city's poor and populous Iztapalapa district, found the bodies of a 26-year-old woman and a 1-year-old child in the area on Dec. 29, authorities in Mexico's capital said.

One of the victims, Shunashi Mendoza, was missing her left arm, and prosecutors said that both she and the boy had bled to death and been partially eaten.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57562648/mexican-officials-wild-dogs-mauled-killed-four-in-park/

Rodney Alcala Sentenced In 1970s Murders

A California serial killer has been sentenced in New York to an additional 25 years to life after pleading guilty to murdering two young women in the 1970s.

Rodney Alcala said last month he wanted to plead guilty to the two New York murder counts so he could get back to California - where he was sentenced to death for convictions on five other killings - to pursue an appeal there.

http://news.sky.com/story/1034781/dating-game-killer-sentenced-in-1970s-murders

Australia Bush Fires: CATASTROPHIC FIRE ALERTS AS HEATWAVE HITS

More than 130 fires are burning across New South Wales as dangerous fire conditions remain prevalent across much of southern Australia.

A total state-wide fire ban is in effect across NSW, with a catastrophic rating in place for the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Ranges and Riverina. Many other areas are experiencing extreme danger levels.

The mercury skyrocketed above 40 degrees this afternoon, accompanied by strong winds and humidity in the single digits but relief is on the way.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/15780785/live-catastrophic-fire-alerts-as-heatwave-hits/

OUTBACK TOWN SWELTERS THROUGH WEEK OF 45C

Residents in the outback town of Oodnadatta are preparing for their seventh consecutive day above 45 degrees Celsius.

The temperature at the town in South Australia's far north is forecast to reach 47C today after reaching 46C on Saturday and 47C on Sunday and Monday.

It will be the 10th day in a row above 40C.

The last time the town experienced a maximum below 35C was December 10.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/sa/latest/a/-/newshome/15781577/outback-town-swelters-through-week-of-45c/

EMERGENCY WARNINGS FOR MANY AUSTRALIAN TOWNS

Shortly before 10.30am (AEDT), RFS spokesman Ben Shepherd told reporters the fire burning out of control around 12km east of Cooma had jumped the Numeralla Bridge.

It's now headed towards around 20 properties in the Kybeyan valley. Those in the Kybeyan Valley should shelter where they are as it's now too late to leave.

Mr Shepherd said residents in the valley should leave now and head to Nimmitabel, a small town in the Monaro region.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/full-coverage/australian-bushfires/a/-/article/15780732/nsw-faces-worst-ever-fire-danger-day/

AUSTRALIA: RESORT EVACUATED AS FIRES BURN IN RED CENTRE

Emergency services are struggling to assess the scale of damage caused by a bushfire which has engulfed a Central Australian tourist resort.

Aerial spotters reported seeing flames surrounding the Kings Canyon Resort as a one-kilometre wide fire front raced through the Watarrka National Park.

A group of 11 rangers were forced to flee the blaze and have made it safely on to burnt out ground behind the firefront.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/15783095/resort-evacuated-as-red-centre-fire-threatens/

5.4 Magnitude Earthquake NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
5.4
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 07:51:31 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 04:51:31 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
40.208°N, 142.203°E
Depth
38.6 km (24.0 miles)
Region
NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances
67 km (41 miles) ESE of Hachinohe, Japan

4.3 Magnitude Earthquake CENTRAL TURKEY - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.3
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 06:15:06 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 08:15:06 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.682°N, 37.986°E
Depth
10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Region
CENTRAL TURKEY
Distances
11 km (6 miles) E of Besni, Turkey

4.5 Magnitude Earthquake CENTRAL TURKEY - 8th January 2013

Magnitude
4.5
Date-Time
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 06:05:09 UTC
Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 08:05:09 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
37.810°N, 37.952°E
Depth
10 km (6.2 miles)
Region
CENTRAL TURKEY
Distances
3 km (1 miles) ENE of Tut, Turkey

Mystery as American drone is found floating off the coast of the Philippines... 1,000 miles away from the nearest U.S. base

A Filipino naval officer said officials did not know how the UAV ended up near the island, more than 200 miles from the capital Manila.

The drones are frequently used by the U.S. military as targets during training exercises and weapons testing.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258572/Mystery-American-drone-floating-coast-Philippines--1-000-miles-away-nearest-U-S-base.html

Hunt for China's secret nukes: Obama orders the Pentagon to find ways to 'neutralize' store of up to 3,000 nuclear weapons

The United States military will need to consider conventional as well as nuclear means to ‘neutralize’ China’s underground nuclear weapons storage facilities, according to a Pentagon authorization signed into law this month.

The new National Defense Authorization Act, which President Barack Obama signed on Tuesday, January 2, orders the head of the U.S. Strategic Command to submit a report by August 15 on the ‘underground tunnel network used by the People’s Republic of China.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258793/U-S-military-need-look-ways-neutralize-Chinas-underground-storage-facilities-contain-3-000-nuclear-weapons.html

Vittorio Missoni kidnapped? New evidence emerges in search for aircraft that disappeared off coast of Venezuela

As the search for fashion heir Vittorio Missoni and his wife continues today, after a small plane carrying the couple disappeared off the coast of Venezuela on Friday, new evidence suggests that they may have been kidnapped.

According to Telecom Italia Mobile, the son of fellow passenger Guido Foresti received a text message from his father on the evening of January 6th that read, 'Call now, we are reachable.'

The phone company confirmed to a local Italian television station that the message was sent, but they cannot verify exactly when it was written, and subsequent calls to the number indicate the phone is off.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2258448/Was-fashion-heir-Vittorio-Missoni-kidnapped-New-evidence-emerges-search-aircraft-disappeared-coast-Venezuela.html

American may Create a Trillion $ Coin, then use it to pay their own DEBT!

American politicians are considering creating a $1trillion platinum coin which the US Treasury would pay to itself with the aim of reducing the country’s monumental debt.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has the authority to mint platinum coins in the denomination of his choosing, and experts say the idea is being taken seriously in Washington.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258832/Will-1trillion-coin-fix-US-debt-crisis.html

Colin Gregg arrested by child sex police as his luxury farmhouse is searched by officers

Colin Gregg, 71, son of Greggs' founder Jack, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on Saturday at his home in Gosforth, Newcastle, which was raided by police.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258311/Greggs-Child-sex-police-raid-luxury-farmhouse-baking-heir-Colin-Gregg.html

Oracle, Xerox, Dell, CSC Computer Sciences and Symantec paid no UK tax despite earning £500m from Government contracts

Five technology giants that earned nearly £500million from taxpayer-funded government contracts paid no UK corporation tax last year.

Oracle, Xerox, Dell, CSC Computer Sciences and Symantec had UK turnover of more than £7billion, MPs heard last night.

Microsoft, which took £700million in government contracts, paid only £19million in tax.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258735/Under-hi-tech-giants-paid-tax-despite-earning-500m-Government-contracts.html

India rocked by another death of young woman gang-raped and dumped half-naked

Four policemen have been suspended and a fifth transferred over the handling of a suspected new rape and murder case close to the Indian capital Delhi.

The father of the alleged victim, a 21-year-old factory worker, said she was gang-raped and killed before being dumped semi-naked in the street.

But he claimed in an interview with the BBC that police had failed to file a report until the family complained.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258321/Indian-police-suspended-father-claims-failed-file-report-daughters-suspected-gang-rape-murder.html

The economics of a flu epidemic

Witnesses testify against James Holmes in Aurora shooting spree hearing

US Latest drone strike kills eight in northwest Pakistan

A U.S. drone strike killed eight people in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, three intelligence sources said, the latest in a series of drone attacks that come as a retired U.S. general warns their overuse may threaten American foreign policy goals.

A foreign tactical trainer for al-Qaeda was reportedly among those killed in the latest strike, although reports differed on his nationality. Some intelligence officials said he was from Somalia but others said he was from the United Arab Emirates.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-pakistan-drone-idUSBRE90705320130108

Bahrain under pressure over refusal to reconsider activists' sentences

Britain has expressed "deep dismay" at a decision by Bahrain's highest court to reject an appeal by 13 opposition activists who were convicted of involvement in the Arab spring protests in 2011.

Eight of 20 defendants were given life sentences, part of a crackdown on dissent since anti-government demonstrations erupted in the Sunni-ruled kingdom, home to the US navy's fifth fleet.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/07/bahrain-pressure-opposition-activists-sentences

China hints at ending its labor prison camps

Hints emerged Monday that China may terminate its controversial system of labor prison camps this year.

The proposal to stop using the system was put forth at a working conference by the country's most senior law enforcement official, Meng Jianzhu, according to a post by the state-run CCTV on its Sina Weibo microblogging account. Meng is the secretary of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Politics and Law Commission.

The proposal requires the approval of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress-- the country's legislature-- although it is largely a rubber-stamp formality.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/07/world/asia/china-labor-camp-reform/index.html

Protest Grows Over Censoring of China Paper

Hundreds of people gathered outside the headquarters of a newspaper company in southern China on Monday, intensifying a battle over media censorship that poses a test of the willingness of China’s new leadership to tolerate calls for change.

The demonstration was an outpouring of support for journalists at the relatively liberal newspaper Southern Weekend, who erupted in fury late last week over what they called overbearing interference by local propaganda officials.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/08/world/asia/supporters-back-strike-at-newspaper-in-china.html?_r=0