Facebook shares valued at $100bn
Facebook prices its shares at $38 each ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated share flotations in recent stock market history. Thu, 17 May 2012 23:35:25 GMT
Moody's downgrades Spanish banks
Ratings agency Moody's cuts the credit ratings of 16 Spanish banks, as shares in struggling lender Bankia fell another 14%. Thu, 17 May 2012 22:12:10 GMT
Niger malnutrition crisis growing
Months of warnings have failed to stop a major malnutrition crisis in Niger, affecting more than six million people, Save the Children says. Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:41 GMT
Disco singer Donna Summer dies
US singer Donna Summer, famous for disco hits including I Feel Love and Love To Love You Baby, dies at the age of 63. Thu, 17 May 2012 18:23:48 GMT
US relaxes some Burma sanctions
The US says it has relaxed some sanctions on investments in Burma and named an ambassador to the country following political reforms. Thu, 17 May 2012 22:30:24 GMT
Taxpayer lost £2bn on Rock rescue
The taxpayer could lose about £2bn once the assets of collapsed bank Northern Rock are wound down, the National Audit Office estimates. Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:31 GMT
Search for missing fishing boat
A major search has been under way to find a fishing boat missing with a crew of three off the Dorset coast. Thu, 17 May 2012 22:52:49 GMT
Plaque to dead children stolen
Thieves steal a metal plaque commemorating the deaths of two young boys killed by IRA bombs in the Cheshire town of Warrington. Thu, 17 May 2012 23:34:46 GMT
Man charged with making explosive
A man is charged with making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose after police found items in a garage in Cheltenham. Thu, 17 May 2012 21:03:05 GMT
Court quashes murder conviction
A 24-year-old London man who has served more than seven years in jail for the murder of a trainee chef has his conviction quashed. Thu, 17 May 2012 18:25:39 GMT
VIDEO: Olympic torch handed over to UK
David Beckham and the mayor of London, Boris Johnson were part of an official delegation led by Princess Anne that travelled to Greece to collect the torch. Thu, 17 May 2012 22:42:03 GMT
VIDEO: Stolen scrap metal haul recovered
One of the biggest ever hauls of stolen scrap metal has been recovered by police in London. Thu, 17 May 2012 12:42:53 GMT
VIDEO: China activist's family claim torture
Relatives of the blind Chinese activist, Chen Guangcheng, have given detailed accounts of the torture and retribution they have allegedly suffered at the hands of Chinese authorities. Thu, 17 May 2012 21:48:58 GMT
From bbc.co.uk/news BBC News | Also in the news | UK Edition
Man held for 'swallowing diamond'
A man is being held in custody until a $20,000 diamond he is believed to have swallowed passes through his system, Canadian police say. Thu, 17 May 2012 16:40:54 GMT
Oldest living kidney donor at 83
An 83-year-old man becomes the oldest person in the UK to donate a kidney while still alive, the NHS Blood and Transplant service says. Wed, 16 May 2012 23:34:32 GMT
Man jumps in chute to escape girl
Rescuers in Tyumen, central Russia, free a man from a rubbish chute he had jumped into to hide from his girlfriend. Thu, 17 May 2012 10:39:26 GMT
Turks take bird for Israeli spy
Villagers in south-eastern Turkey sound the alarm after mistaking a migratory bird - a common European bee-eater - for an Israeli spy. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:38:47 GMT
'Terror' croc shot in Australia
Rangers in Australia's Northern Territory on Tuesday shoot dead a saltwater crocodile that had developed a taste for dogs and other oddities, local media report. Wed, 16 May 2012 12:13:10 GMT
Giant galaxy-packed filament revealed
Astronomers have discovered a giant, galaxy-packed filament ablaze with billions of new stars. The filament is the first structure of its kind spied in a critical era of cosmic buildup when colossal collections of galaxies called superclusters began to take shape. The glowing galactic bridge offers astronomers a unique opportunity to explore how galaxies evolve and merge to form superclusters. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:36:36 EDT
Slew of rare DNA changes following population explosion may hold clues to common diseases
Scientists have taken a first step toward understanding how rare genetic differences among people contribute to leading chronic illnesses. One-letter DNA code changes occur frequently in human genomes, but each variant is usually found in only a few individuals. This phenomenon is consistent with the population explosion of the past 5,000 years. Studying the evolution of rare genetic variants and their health impact is critical as low cost, rapid sequencing enters clinical use. Such information would help doctors interpret personal genomes. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:36:36 EDT
Babies' susceptibility to colds linked to immune response at birth
Innate differences in immunity can be detected at birth, according to new research. And babies with a better innate response to viruses have fewer respiratory illnesses in the first year of life. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT
In chemical reactions, water adds speed without heat
Scientists have discovered how adding trace amounts of water can tremendously speed up chemical reactions -— such as hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis —- in which hydrogen is one of the reactants, or starting materials. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT
Daughter of Sitar Legend Fuses Indian Songs With Spanish Rhythms
Shivan Sarna
WASHINGTON - Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the renowned Indian sitar player and composer Ravi Shankar, explores the unlikely pairing of the rapturous songs of India and the fervid rhythms of Spanish flamenco in her latest album titled “Traveller.”
The musician continued an international tour in support of her seventh album with a performance in Washington, DC.
“The music has a really fresh sound to it, while ... Thu, 17 May 2012 18:47:04 -0400
Experts Troubled by New Dengue Outbreaks in Western Hemisphere
Dengue fever - a tropical disease once confined mainly to Africa and Asia - has become a growing problem in the Americas. So far, there is no drug to treat the mosquito-borne viral disease or any vaccine to prevent the infection. Public health experts say it has the potential to become a global health problem - more costly and difficult to control than malaria.
“Dengue had been eliminated in this hemisphere for quite a while but unfortunately it got reintroduced and has been ... Thu, 17 May 2012 18:22:02 -0400
European Economy, African Food Security to Top G8 Summit
Europe’s economic crisis is expected to dominate the discussions when the Group of Eight nations hold their economic summit near Washington on Friday and Saturday. Food security in Africa will also be high on the agenda.
The meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat will be the first G8 summit to include France’s new president, Francois Hollande.
The French leader was elected on a promise to help move Europe toward a pro-growth economic plan, and away from the ... Thu, 17 May 2012 17:40:24 -0400
US Boosts Funding for Israel's 'Iron Dome' Defense System
The United States has fulfilled Israel's request for another $70 million to pay for Iron Dome, a missile defense system aimed at protecting Israelis from rockets fired by militants in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak came to the Pentagon Thursday, the latest of several visits in recent months to ask for additional funding for the surface-to-air missile system that already has stopped several militant rocket attacks on southern Israel.
In a statement, U.S. ... Thu, 17 May 2012 16:36:49 -0400
Afghanistan Starts Work on $30M TB Hospital
Afghanistan has begun work on a $30 million hospital for the treatment of tuberculosis, a disease that health officials say kills more than 10,000 Afghans every year.
The Japanese government is paying for the 80-bed center in the Afghan capital, which will also treat malaria and AIDS patients. Japan is the second-largest donor to Afghanistan, after the United States.
The World Health Health Organization reported 53,000 Afghans get tuberculosis each year. Afghanistan's Public ... Thu, 17 May 2012 16:23:25 -0400
This Day in History
Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 +0200
Muhammad Ali Becomes Four years after Ali, an Ottoman army commander, helped drive Napoleon from Ottoman-ruled Egypt, he was named wali—governor—of Egypt. He helped modernize Egypt and attempted to secure its independence. Though unsuccessful, his efforts established his progeny as the rulers of Egypt and Sudan for nearly 150 years and rendered Egypt a de facto independent state. He is thus considered one of the fathers of modern Egypt. How did Ali trick Egypt's Mameluke leaders into walking into a massacre? Discuss
Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT
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New paradigm needed to ensure global job creation and economic progress - UN officials
United Nations senior officials today stressed the importance of establishing a new paradigm for growth that ensures social inclusiveness, job opportunities for all, and more accountability from the financial sector to tackle the ongoing global economic crisis. Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST
On anti-homophobia day, UN calls for repeal of discriminatory laws
Marking International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, senior United Nations officials today drew attention to laws around the world which discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and called for equality and the repeal of such laws. Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST
UN declaration on rights of indigenous peoples inspired changes - Al-Nasser
The President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, today hailed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted five years ago, as a landmark document that has inspired positive changes in the protection of the rights of indigenous communities. Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST
Urging progress on Abyei, Security Council extends mandate of UN peacekeeper force
In a new resolution, the Security Council today extended by six months the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force for Abyei, an area contested by South Sudan and Sudan, and demanded that the two countries finalize the establishment of an administration for the area in line with an agreement signed last year. Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST
UN chief asks youth to make some noise ahead of Rio+20 conference
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today asked young people from all over the world to "make some noise" to help accelerate progress on the negotiations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Conference (Rio+20) which will take place in Brazil next month. Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST
Buffett makes big bet on small newspapers
BILLIONAIRE Warren Buffett's holding company has unveiled plans to pour millions of dollars into a chain of small newspapers.
Thu, 17 May 2012 13:36:10 GMT
Caretaker Greek cabinet is sworn in
GREECE'S caretaker cabinet has been sworn in after a deadlocked vote and will lead the country into next month's election.
Original Blade Runner Screenwriter to Write Sequel
Hampton Fancher is in talks to reunite with his Blade Runner director Ridley Scott to develop the idea for the original screenplay for the Alcon Entertainment, Scott Free, and Bud Yorkin produced follow up to the ground-breaking 1982 science fiction classic, it was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-Chief Executive Officers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:53:00 +0200
Relativity Unleashes Paranoia in 2013
Relativity Media announced today that it has acquired U.S. rights to market and distribute IM Global's currently-titled Paranoia , directed by Robert Luketic ( 21 ) and starring Liam Hemsworth ( The Hunger Games ), Oscar-nominee Gary Oldman ( The Dark Knight ), Oscar-nominee Harrison Ford and Lucas Till ( X-Men: First Class ). Production is targeted to begin this summer and the film will release in theaters on September 27, 2013. IM Global will handle international distribution. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:53:00 +0200
Juno Temple Joins Maleficent
The cast for Walt Disney Pictures' reimagining of the "Sleeping Beauty" fairy tale, Maleficent , has been coming together over the last few weeks and the new name joining the cast is Juno Temple, who will play Thistlewit, one of three pixies along with veteran British actresses Imelda Staunton and Lesley Manville. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:53:00 +0200
Morgan Freeman Confirmed for Last Vegas
CBS Films and Good Universe confirmed today that Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman will join fellow Oscar-winners Michael Douglas and Robert De Niro in the comedy Last Vegas . Fri, 18 May 2012 01:53:00 +0200
Release Date Set for Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
Dimension Films announced today that the sequel Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For will open nationwide on October 4, 2013. Casting is underway, with original cast members returning to work with directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, from their script co-written by Academy Award winner William Monahan . Academy Award nominee Mickey Rourke and Jessica Alba are already confirmed to return. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:53:00 +0200
Disco singer Donna Summer dies
US singer Donna Summer, famous for disco hits including I Feel Love and Love To Love You Baby, dies at the age of 63. Thu, 17 May 2012 18:23:48 GMT
Adele wins songwriter of the year
Adele picks up two prizes at the prestigious Ivor Novello songwriting awards - but misses out on two more trophies. Thu, 17 May 2012 18:40:13 GMT
Wiggles founder members bow out
Three of the four original members of Australian children's entertainers The Wiggles are to leave the group, paving the way for the group's first female performer. Thu, 17 May 2012 10:36:38 GMT
Renovated Rodin Museum re-opens
The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia is re-opening after a series of renovations. Thu, 17 May 2012 12:59:34 GMT
'Go-go' musician Chuck Brown dies
Guitarist and singer Chuck Brown, who mixed funk, soul and Latin styles to help create the "go-go" scene in Washington DC in the 1970s, dies at the age of 75. Thu, 17 May 2012 09:34:32 GMT
Broadway run for Priscilla ends
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is coming to an end on Broadway after months of weak ticket sales. Thu, 17 May 2012 11:01:04 GMT
Tate hits £45m renovation target
A £3m National Lottery grant helps the Tate Britain art gallery raise the £45m required to complete a major renovation. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:44:29 GMT
Thompson confirms Annie script
Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson confirms she is writing a modern version of the musical Annie starring Willow Smith. Thu, 17 May 2012 06:01:09 GMT
Mexico writer Carlos Fuentes dies
Carlos Fuentes, one of the most famous Latin American authors, known for fiction and political essays, dies in Mexico at the age of 83. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:43:41 GMT
Masseur drops Travolta sex claim
One of the two male masseurs who have accused actor John Travolta of sexual assault withdraws his legal action. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:16:53 GMT
From bbc.co.uk/news
Article of the Day
Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 +0200
Scabies, the "Seven-Year Itch" Scabies is a highly contagious—yet highly treatable—parasitic skin disease caused by tiny mites. Often contracted through contact with mite-infested persons, it is most prevalent in crowded, unhygienic areas and has plagued mankind for centuries. Female mites tunnel into the host's skin to deposit their eggs, triggering a massive allergic reaction that causes intense itching. Scratching the skin causes lesions that may then become infected. Most scabies infestations are caused by how many mites? Discuss
Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT
Picts The Picts were the ancient inhabitants of central and northern Scotland. Of uncertain origins, they were first mentioned in 297 CE by Roman writer Eumenius as northern invaders of Roman Britain. By the 7th century, they had a unified kingdom—Pictland—but later merged with the Scots. Their language is lost, and little is definitively known about their way of life, but their elaborately carved stelae depicting crosses and other symbols remain. What practice possibly resulted in the name "Pict"?
Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT
The Necklace of Harmonia The fabled Necklace of Harmonia is a cursed object of Greek myth. It was made as a means of revenge by Hephaestus, god of fire and metalwork, after he discovered that his wife, Aphrodite, was having an affair with Ares. He gave the lovely necklace to Harmonia, Aphrodite's daughter by Ares. The necklace was said to grant eternal beauty and youth, but it also cursed anyone who wore it. Generations later, it kept what widowed queen young and beautiful, allowing her to unwittingly marry her own son?
Composite of a Series of Images Taken From Space Aboard the Space Station
This is a composite of a series of images photographed from a mounted camera on the Earth-orbiting International Space Station, from approximately 240 miles above Earth. Expedition 31 Flight Engineer Don Pettit said of the about photographic techniques used to achieve the images: "My star trail images are made by taking a time exposure of about 10 to 15 minutes. However, with modern digital cameras, 30 seconds is about the longest exposure possible, due to electronic detector noise effectively snowing out the image. To achieve the longer exposures I do what many amateur astronomers do. I take multiple 30-second exposures, then ‘stack’ them using imaging software, thus producing the longer exposure." A total of 18 images photographed by the astronaut-monitored stationary camera were combined to create this composite. Image Credit: NASA Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT
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of this imageQuote Of The Day
Casey Stoner quits
At just 26, twice world motorcycling champion says he's had enough, sending a shockwave through the sport. Thu, 17 May 2012 16:04:10 GMT
Girls fighting for survival
A documentary reveals the lives of two of Thailand's 30,000 child boxers, writes Carolyn Webb. Thu, 17 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT
Finding their tempo
The Temper Trap are back, writes Craig Mathieson. Thu, 17 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT
Harry under the Hammer
Daniel Radcliffe feels the fear in a ghostly English tale, writes Craig Mathieson. Thu, 17 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT
Time to get a Wiggle on
Is it a mere changing of the guard or is it an early indicator of the decline and fall of the Wiggly empire? Thu, 17 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT
Today's Birthday
Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 +0200
Dennis Lee Hopper (1936) Hopper was an American film actor. He appeared in two films with James Dean in the 1950s but achieved fame of his own after directing and starring in 1969's Easy Rider. His career foundered in the 70s, but important roles in Apocalypse Now (1979) and Blue Velvet (1986) helped him revitalize his career in the 80s and 90s. In addition to acting, he was a noted artist. In 1983, he checked into rehab shortly after performing what daredevil stunt involving dynamite? Discuss
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