Keepingitreal

14th Amendment Section 4

Validity of public debt

[Section 4 14th Amendment] confirmed the legitimacy of all United States public debt appropriated by the Congress. It also confirmed that neither the United States nor any state would pay for the loss of slaves or debts that had been incurred by the Confederacy. For example, several English and French banks had lent money to the South during the war.[48] In Perry v. United States (1935), the Supreme Court ruled that under Section 4 voiding a United States government bond "went beyond the congressional power."[49] Legal analyst Jeffrey Rosen has argued that Section 4 gives the president unilateral authority to raise or ignore the national debt ceiling, and that if challenged the Supreme Court would likely rule in favor of expanded executive power or dismiss the case altogether for lack of standing.[50] Erwin Chemerinsky, professor and dean at University of California, Irvine School of Law, has argued that not even in a "dire financial emergency" could the President raise the debt ceiling as "there is no reasonable way to interpret the Constitution that [allows him to do so]". [51] The issue of the 14th Amendment and the debt ceiling has been categorized as an unsettled question in the legal community.

Today's News Highlights 07.30.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Boehner debt bill passes House, fails in Senate
The House narrowly passed GOP debt-limit legislation Friday after Republican leaders revised it to gain the support of recalcitrant tea party conservatives, but the Senate swiftly moved to block it from consideration in their chamber.
(By Lori Montgomery and Paul Kane)

Senate headed for critical vote Sunday
Talks were underway about methods to circumvent some of the chamber’s most cumbersome procedures to allow the Senate to act more quickly if a compromise is reached.
(By Rosalind S. Helderman)

How a flush country could be in debt trouble
The country has plenty of resources. It’s just that over many years Americans and their leaders have chosen not to tap them to pay the government’s growing bills.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb)

Making the hard choices in case of default
The Treasury Department was making difficult political and financial calculations Friday as officials finalized contingency plans if the debt ceiling is not raised.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb and Lisa Rein)

U.S. economy slows in second quarter
U.S. economic growth slowed sharply during the second quarter as consumers cut back on spending and the economic recovery failed to gain traction.
(By Renae Merle)

POLITICS
Boehner debt bill passes House, fails in Senate
The House narrowly passed GOP debt-limit legislation Friday after Republican leaders revised it to gain the support of recalcitrant tea party conservatives, but the Senate swiftly moved to block it from consideration in their chamber.
( by Lori Montgomery and Paul Kane , The Washington Post)

AP Exclusive: Ivory Coast leader defends officer accused of atrocities
WASHINGTON — Ivory Coast’s president said he knows nothing about brutal killings committed by his forces the day after his inauguration and defended a senior officer accused of separate atrocities as one of the country’s best soldiers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

GOP presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty turns early summer lumps into renewed effort in Iowa
ANKENY, Iowa — Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty has been reading his own political obituary for weeks. But he’s still alive as he campaigns across Iowa.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AP Exclusive: Ivory Coast leader defends officer accused of atrocities
WASHINGTON — Ivory Coast’s president says he knows nothing about brutal killings committed by his forces the day after his inauguration.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

South Carolina senator is tea party's maestro on reducing government by halting deficits
WASHINGTON — He calls himself Sen. Tea Party.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Ask Amy: Grammy’s photos don’t click with parents
Her mother had professional photos taken of her son without letting her or her husband know. Does she have a legitimate reason to be upset?
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Ten favorite pet hints
A Top Ten list from Heloise’s files.
(, King)

Moving on — alone?
The boyfriend isn’t ready to go where her job is.
(, The Washington Post)

Three generations of Omega Psi Phis
Andrew Corley Jr. of Brookland, his son and grandson all belong to the black fraternity founded at Howard University and celebrating its centennial.
( by Vanessa Williams , The Washington Post)

‘Dinner’ for 4, with a side of bicker
Meet the Goodmans, a suburban London family who get together once a week to have a meal and mortify one another.
( by Hank Stuever , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Friday's Sports in Brief
Nnamdi Asomugha had a tough choice: the New York Jets or the Dallas Cowboys?
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Italian rider Pasquale Muto banned for 2½ years for using EPO
ROME — Italy’s national Olympic Committee (CONI) says it has banned cyclist Pasquale Muto for 2½ years after he tested positive for the endurance-boosting hormone EPO.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tulsa Shock reach halfway mark with just 1 win, on pace for worst season in WNBA history
TULSA, Okla. — Interim coach Teresa Edwards has found a way to cope with a season that’s spiraling toward the worst in WNBA history for the Tulsa Shock.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

With departure of Mike Vrabel and Brian Waters, Chiefs losing lots of leadership
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs could be facing a serious leadership void as Brian Waters and Mike Vrabel move on with their lives and careers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Stunning move to add Nnamdi Asomugha caps whirlwind 2 days for Eagles
PHILADELPHIA — With one big move after another over two wild days, the Philadelphia Eagles became strong favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
North Korean video shows flooding from recent heavy rains
SEOUL, South Korea — Heavy rains in recent days have inundated rice fields in North Korea and flooded parts of a city near the border with South Korea.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Provincial official says 7 Afghan soldiers, translator, killed along with 2 NATO troops
KABUL, Afghanistan — An Afghan official says seven Afghan soldiers and a translator were killed alongside two NATO service members in a bombing and ambush in eastern Paktia province.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Mullen hears litany of budget, debt worries from troops as he travels Afghanistan
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — A half a world away from the Capitol Hill deadlock, the economy and debt crisis are weighing heavily on U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Libyan rebels say rogue fighters killed general
Officials of the rebel government say rogue fighters killed Gen. Abdul Fattah Younis.
( by William Booth and Joby Warrick , The Washington Post)

Police say gunmen kill 11 minority Shiite Muslims in sectarian attack in southwestern Pakistan
QUETTA, Pakistan — Police say gunmen have killed 11 minority Shiite Muslims in a sectarian attack on a minibus in southwestern Pakistan.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
How The Hell Is This My Fault?

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

360: TeliportMe Brings Its Killer Panorama App To Android (Oh, And It Works On Over 200 Phones)

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Three Companies Chi-Hua Chien Of Kleiner Perkins Would Love To Invest In

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Android’s Matias Duarte: Ice Cream Sandwich Will Help Devs Cope With Myriad Form Factors

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Chamillionaire Pleads With Android Design Lead To Give Him A Decent Device

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Democrats, GOP still deadlocked with timing running out to head off market-rattling default
WASHINGTON — The GOP-controlled House and the Democratic Senate remain at loggerheads over debt legislation required to avoid a first-ever default on U.S. financial obligations as lawmakers and the White House head into a pressure-packed weekend in search of compromise.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

How The Hell Is This My Fault?

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

John E. Anderson, billionaire and major LA-area benefactor, dies at 93
LOS ANGELES — Billionaire businessman John E. Anderson, who founded Topa Equities and gave his name and millions to the school of management at the University of California, Los Angeles, and other Southern California institutions, died Friday, the school said.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New fuel standards aim to save consumers money and cut back on heat-trapping gases from autos
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and automakers ushered in what could be the largest cut in fuel consumption since the 1970s on Friday with a deal that would save drivers money at the pump and dramatically cut heat-trapping gases coming from tailpipes.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

2 Delta Airlines planes collide on tarmac at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport
CHICAGO — Two Delta Airlines aircraft have collided on the tarmac at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 07.28.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Boehner orders GOP to fall in line on debt
As investors grew increasingly anxious, House Republican leaders delivered a tongue-lashing to their most conservative lawmakers and cast Thursday’s roll call as nothing less than a vote of confidence in their stewardship of the chamber.
(By Paul Kane and Lori Montgomery)

House GOP purists vs. realists
The run-up to the vote on House Speaker John A. Boehner’s proposal to debt-ceiling proposal is quickly turning into a moment of clarity for the chamber’s Republicans.
(By Rosalind S. Helderman and Felicia Sonmez)

Obama, White House seek to reassure base
The White House is seeking to reassure Democratic activists after liberals feared that President Obama has given too much ground in his debt-ceiling talks with Republicans.
(By Peter Wallsten)

McNabb, Redskin parting ways
Donovan McNabb was brought to Washington to stabilize the team’s quarterback situation. His tenure lasted just one season as the Redskins will trade him to the Vikings for a pair of late-round picks.
(By Rick Maese)

At Ohio factory, Romney says Obama has been bad for business
The Republican candidate criticizes the president’s economic policies.
(By Philip Rucker)

POLITICS
Gov't report: US health care tab to hit $4.6 trillion in 2020, averaging $13,710 per person
WASHINGTON — The nation’s health care tab is on track to hit $4.6 trillion in 2020, accounting for about $1 of every $5 in the economy, government number crunchers estimate in a report out Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

House GOP sets vote on revamped debt-limit bill despite veto threat and naysaying Senate Dems
WASHINGTON — House Republicans are pressing ahead with a vote on a newly modified plan to stave off an unprecedented government default next week even though the legislation faces a White House veto threat and unanimous opposition among Senate Democrats.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Boehner team's pitch for debt votes features movie clips, coarse talk, flared tempers
WASHINGTON — Movie clips, some coarse talk and behind-the-scenes hardball.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Presidential hopeful Herman Cain apologizes for comments after meeting with Muslim leaders
WASHINGTON — Republican Herman Cain is apologizing to Muslim leaders for vitriolic remarks he made about Islam while campaigning for the presidential nomination.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

GOP leaders seek debt fix votes despite White House veto threat and internal tensions
WASHINGTON — Crisis concerns rising, House Republican leaders shrugged off a White House veto threat and an outbreak of tensions within their own party Wednesday as they built support for legislation to stave off the government default threatened for next week. Worried Wall Street sent stocks plunging on fears that political gridlock would prevail.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Date Lab ... then what?
A roundup of where some of our “success” couples ended up.
(, The Washington Post)

Five years of Date Lab
As Date Lab celebrates its fifth anniversary in matchmaking, we take a look at where some of our experiments in sparkage have led, from weddings to disasters.
( by Christina Breda Antoniades , The Washington Post)

Theater: ‘Clybourne Park’ at Woolly Mammoth
Bruce Norris’s Pulitzer-winning play about racial anxiety over two eras in a Chicago neighborhood is reprised.
( by Peter Marks , The Washington Post)

Husband wants to leave wife but also date her
Her spouse of 30 years has decided he wants to try the single life.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Charting medications
Tips for taking and storing medications.
(, King)

---

SPORTS
Wednesday's Sports in Brief
Butch Davis had seemingly survived the most dangerous days of the NCAA investigation into improper benefits and academic misconduct within his North Carolina program.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Orioles reliever Uehara faces 'dilemma' as baseball's trade deadline nears
BALTIMORE — Koji Uehara is thankful for the faith, patience and money bestowed upon him by the Baltimore Orioles.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

North Carolina fires football coach Butch Davis 9 days before start of preseason
Butch Davis appeared to have support from North Carolina’s leaders as he guided his football program through an NCAA investigation. The same people who publicly backed him through the height of that scrutiny have decided someone else should lead the Tar Heels in the probe’s aftermath.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

17 hits and 9 runs adds up for Seattle to a 9-2 win over the Yanks that ended a 17-game skid
NEW YORK — Dustin Ackley spoke of an eagerly awaited cross-country trip home to Seattle as the lyrics, “It’s OK. I know nothing’s wrong, nothing,” from a Talking Heads song blared in the Mariners clubhouse.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Wayne Rooney set up 2 goals as Manchester United rolls past MLS All Stars 4-0
HARRISON, N.J. — All that stands in the way of a perfect U.S. tour for Manchester United is the team that has stood in its way for years — FC Barcelona.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
3 Indonesians found guilty in brutal Islamic sect attack; sentences blasted as too lenient
JAKARTA, Indonesia — The ringleader of a frenzied mob attack that killed three members of a minority Muslim sect was sentenced Thursday to five months in prison in a ruling decried by critics as too lenient and a blow to religious freedom in Indonesia.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Jordan sentences mentor of slain al-Qaida in Iraq leader to 5 years in prison
AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan’s military court has convicted the mentor of the slain al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi on terrorism charges.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

10 killed in suicide bombing outside Iraqi bank
BAGHDAD — A local official says a suicide bomber has blown himself up outside a bank in Saddam Hussein’s hometown, killing 10 people and wounding about 30 ,pre.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Malaysia urged to halt amnesty for illegal workers amid concerns migrants will be cheated
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian labor activists urged the government Thursday to halt an amnesty program for illegal workers until clear guidelines are drawn to ensure migrants are not victimized or cheated.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Officials say 10 killed in suicide bombing outside Iraqi bank in Saddam Hussein's hometown
BAGHDAD — Officials say 10 killed in suicide bombing outside Iraqi bank in Saddam Hussein’s hometown.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Struggling Nintendo drops 3DS prices amid quarterly loss, lower forecasts
TOKYO — Nintendo Co. stayed deep in the red in the latest quarter, forcing the Japanese video game giant to cut its full-year forecasts and slash prices on its new 3DS handheld device.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

SKorea says hacking attack that originated in China hits millions of Internet users
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea says an alleged hacking attack that originated in China compromised the personal information of millions of the cyber-savvy country’s Internet users.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Jon Stewart Makes Fun Of Twitter Pundits

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Nintendo Cuts Price Of 3DS In Japan By 40% To $190, Other Markets To Follow

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Daily Crunch: Type

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Las Vegas company gambles on desert shrimp farm; calls product sustainable, organic
NORTH LAS VEGAS — In an arid field of Joshua trees and desert brush 30 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, an isolated farm is raising thousands of recently hatched shrimp in salt-water tanks filled from a nearby well.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Panasonic reports a 30.4 billion yen ($389 million) loss for quarter on quake, tsunami
TOKYO — Panasonic slumped to a 30.4 billion yen ($389 million) quarterly loss, hit by lower sales after the earthquake in northeastern Japan, and announced the sale of part of its refrigerator and washing machine business to Chinese rival Haier.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

East Asia economic growth threatened by inflation, weakness in developed countries, ADB says
HONG KONG — Surging inflation, a weak post-tsunami economic recovery in Japan and debt woes in the U.S. and Europe threaten East Asia’s economic outlook, the Asian Development Bank said Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Struggling Nintendo drops 3DS prices amid quarterly loss, lower forecasts
TOKYO — Nintendo Co. stayed deep in the red in the latest quarter, forcing the Japanese video game giant to cut its full-year forecasts and slash prices on its new 3DS handheld device.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World stocks markets sink as investors worry about US edging closer to default
HONG KONG — World stocks sank Thursday as U.S. lawmakers struggled for another day to come up with a compromise that would prevent a debt default in the world’s biggest economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Today's News Highlights 07.27.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Boehner, Reid scramble to build support for rival plans
House Speaker John A. Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid scrambled to build support for rival debt plans, but both appeared doomed without major bipartisan modifications.
(By Lori Montgomery, Felicia Sonmez and Paul Kane)

Al-Qaeda could collapse, U.S. officials say
The assessment reflects a widespread view at the CIA and other agencies that a relatively small number of blows could effectively extinguish the group.
(By Greg Miller)

70 million government checks a month? It’s even more than that.
The number President Obama used falls short of the real reach of the federal government.
(By Alec MacGillis)

Boehner, Reid give ground on debt proposals
Judging by their plans, both sides appear to have already conceded. The big question is whether these concessions constitute reasoned compromises or weary capitulation.
(By Rosalind S. Helderman and David A. Fahrenthold)

Report: Vikings strike a deal for McNabb
The Redskins have reportedly agreed to the framework of a trade that would send QB Donovan McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings for a sixth-round pick in 2012, and possibly another sixth-rounder in 2013.
(By Mike Jones and Rick Maese)

POLITICS
Lawmaker: More than 40 Americans radicalized and joined Somali terror group to fight
WASHINGTON — More than 40 Americans have been recruited and radicalized by al-Qaida-linked terrorists in Somalia and have gone to the war-torn country to fight, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee says.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Terror arrests prompt delays for Iraqis hoping to move to US; 2011 numbers dramatically down
WASHINGTON — Hussein Ibrahim al-Tikriti has a name and a resume that can create a lot of enemies in Iraq.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Few concrete savings in rival debt-reduction and budget plans by Boehner, Reid
WASHINGTON — They may promise to reduce federal spending by $3 trillion or thereabouts, but the immediate spending cuts in rival budget and debt proposals by House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid only measure a few billion dollars. The rest are mostly promises — and in Reid’s case, a glaring $1 trillion ploy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Default fears abound as lawmakers seem at a loss on how to agree on raising US debt limit
WASHINGTON — Neither the House nor the Senate has a clear path forward for must-pass legislation to allow the government to continue to borrow to pay its bills, putting lawmakers and financial markets alike on edge less than a week before the deadline for heading off a first-ever U.S. default.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama changes tone, not message
With each appearance about the debt ceiling crisis, Obama has not altered his message as much as his persona.
( by David Nakamura , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
MTV plans tribute to Amy Winehouse
Recommended viewing for Wednesday, July 27.
(, The Washington Post)

Hints From Heloise: From herbs to club soda
Favorite food hints from Heloise Central.
(, King)

Ask Amy: If Freddy Krueger visits you, call on Scooby-Doo
At 23, reader is getting tired of being afraid of the dark.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Too much attention from future in-law
Her future father-in-law commented about how flattering her dress was. Was he making a pass at her?
(, The Washington Post)

Last call for best tomato recipes
This is the sixth annual Washington Post Food section contest that features the best of our readers’ tomato recipes.
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
London confident as 1-year Olympic countdown is marked by aquatics center opening, ceremony
LONDON — With one year to go until the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games, London organizers completed the last of the Olympic Park’s permanent venues Wednesday and promised to put on a safe and spectacular event that will captivate the world.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tuesday's Sports in Brief
SALT LAKE CITY — Olympic silver medalist Jeret “Speedy” Peterson was found dead in a remote canyon in Utah in what police are calling a suicide.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Clueless boss runs Bengals like mom-and-pop store while players keep rushing for the exits
There’s a chilling moment in the movie classic, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” every time a human who doesn’t realize he’s fallen asleep opens his eyes and doesn’t realize his mind and will are no longer his own.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

With agreement in place, Chicago Bears can shift their focus to business on field
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The fun has officially started for the Chicago Bears.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Detroit Lions begin returning to camp after lockout ends, hope to build on strong 2010 finish
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Cliff Avril pulled up to the gate and opened his window as a crowd of reporters converged on his Escalade.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Athletes rally in Baghdad, demand release of Iraqi football player detained in Bahrain
BAGHDAD — Dozens of athletes rallied in Baghdad on Wednesday, demanding the release of a 16-year-old Iraqi football player detained in Bahrain earlier this year when the country was swept by anti-government protests.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Britain officially recognizes Libyan rebels as country's legitimate government
LONDON — Britain officially recognizes Libyan rebels as country’s legitimate government.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

N. Korea demands peace treaty with U.S.
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea demanded Wednesday that the United States sign a peace treaty formally ending the Korean War, as a senior North Korean diplomat visited New York to negotiate ways to restart six-nation nuclear disarmament talks.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Jewish group urges Iran be barred from Olympics until Iranians end boycott of Israeli athletes
JERUSALEM — A Jewish organization says Iran should be barred from taking part in the Olympics and other international sporting events until its athletes stop boycotting their Israeli counterparts.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Foreign Office: Britain to expel all Libyan embassy staff
LONDON — The British government says it is expelling all remaining staff from the Libyan embassy, as it recognizes the country’s rebels as the legitimate government.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Barbara Hawthorn, the DC-based designer who decorated the Capitol Hill home in this week's section, joins Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza in the weekly Home Front chat.
Barbara Hawthorn, the DC-based designer who decorated the Capitol Hill home in this week's section, joins the weekly chat.
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
iOS 5 To Have Powerful Face Detection

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

SAP Now Allows Businesses To Layer Big Data With Google Maps And Earth

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Daily Crunch: Handset

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

BuddyTV Turns Your iPhone Into A Smarter Viewing Guide And Remote

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Olympus E-PL3 Gets Price And September Shipping

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
French carmaker Peugeot Citroen posts higher 1st half earnings, warns on rising costs
PARIS — French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen SA has warned that repercussions from this year’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan will weigh on its earnings in the second half of the year, sending its share price sharply lower Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Nissan quarterly profit drops 20.3 percent on quake disruption, rising yen and material costs
TOKYO — Nissan’s quarterly profit dropped a smaller-than-expected 20 percent as Japanese automakers took a battering from the quake and tsunami disaster that disrupted car production and destroyed dealerships.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

iOS 5 To Have Powerful Face Detection

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Asian stock markets mostly lower, weighed down by US debt concerns as deadline looms
HONG KONG — World stock markets wallowed Wednesday as the U.S. government edged closer to defaulting after lawmakers in the world’s biggest economy failed to make significant progress on raising its borrowing limit.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Moody's downgrades Nokia's credit rating amid concerns over its smartphones
LONDON — Moody’s has downgraded its credit rating on Finnish mobile phone company Nokia by two notches partly because of a loss of competitiveneses of its smartphones.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Shemar Moore on the cover of Maximum Fitness

I think that it’s time to show Shemar Moore a little love. I mean I haven’t  had a chance to catch Criminal Minds for a very long time. I used to watch it all the time. Shemar is shirtless on the July/August 2011 cover of Maximum Fitness.  In the issue he talks about cheating death and his strong commitment to remain fit. Here’s what he said on cheating death:

“It was the scariest moment of my life. On that day, I did everything right. What went wrong was that I got hit by a 70-year-old in an old-school Cadillac going 40 miles per hour! I didn’t see him or hear him coming—not a thing. I don’tremember spinning or flipping off my bike—nothing. I got lucky—and then some.”

In that three seconds the was weightless and airborne. He could have died or been paralyzed but he made it. I know how a near-death experience can change your whole thinking.

 

 

Hot Water Cornbread presents The Foreign Exchange

Today's News Highlights 07.26.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

President Obama, House Speaker Boehner present dueling debt-limit plans to nation 

House and Senate leaders formally unveiled dueling backup plans Monday afternoon to raise the federal debt limit after intense negotiations failed Sunday to break a partisan impasse that threatens to throw the government into default next week.
(By Paul Kane and Lori Montgomery) 

Achieving political ends, but little else 
Both Obama and Boehner delivered a partisan message blaming the other for a breakdown that threatens the nation’s credit rating, its financial markets and the fragile economy. 
(By Dan Balz) 

Whatever happened to the art of the deal? 
The current debt-ceiling debate in Congress is occurring in an atmosphere that seems to make compromise almost impossible.
(By David A. Fahrenthold) 

More Americans unhappy with Obama on economy, jobs 
A growing number of Americans believe President Obama has hurt the economy, and have lost confidence in his ability to create jobs.
(By Ylan Q. Mui and Jon Cohen) 

Wealth gap is wider than ever 
The wealth gap between whites and minorities is at a historic high, according to new census data analyzed by the Pew Research Center.
(By Peter Whoriskey) 

POLITICS 
China orders 2-month nationwide rail safety inspection after train crash; minister apologizes 
BEIJING — The Chinese government on Tuesday ordered a two-month, nationwide safety campaign for its railway system after a collision between two bullet trains killed at least 39 people. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Dubai ruler shakes up leadership of emirate's international banking hub; regulator tapped 
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai’s ruler is replacing the head of the emirate’s prominent Dubai International Financial Center banking hub with the man charged with overseeing its regulation. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Troops, vets get smartphone help for stresses or battlefield; there's an app for that 
WASHINGTON — When terrifying battlefield memories come rushing back to mind, in night sweats, flashbacks or a panic attack, some troops and vets now find comfort by reaching for their smartphones. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

After losing $8 billion last year, Postal Service to consider closing 3,600 retail outlets 
WASHINGTON — The Postal Service is considering closing more than one in 10 of its retail outlets. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Rival debt ceiling plans drive Congress into gridlock; Obama appeals for compromise 
WASHINGTON — Rival Democratic and Republican plans to raise the government’s borrowing ability have thrust Congress into a standoff just one week away from a potentially devastating debt crisis. President Barack Obama made a last ditch call for compromise, but House Speaker John Boehner said negotiations with the White House had been futile. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

STYLE 
Ask Amy: Friend rejects secrecy of platonic friendship 
His old landlady is keeping their platonic friendship secret from her new husband, and it just doesn’t feel right to him. 
(, Tribune Media Service) 

Miss Manners: Refusing to do a favor doesn’t require an excuse 
A reader keeps schlepping her friend to a faraway airport when she really doesn’t want to. Apparently she’s under the mistaken belief that “politeness” means catering to everyone’s whims. 
(, Universal Press) 

Hints From Heloise: Introducing Heloise II 
Present-day Heloise finds the column she wrote in 1977 while working for her mother. 
(, King) 

Prime time for a debt showdown 
For Obama, it was practically a regularly scheduled program. For Boehner, it was a pilot episode. 
( by Jason Horowitz , The Washington Post) 

The music charts, they are a-changin’ 
Who’s on top in music? With so many outlets for tunes, it’s hard to say, but plenty of companies are trying. 
( by Chris Richards , The Washington Post) 

---

SPORTS 
Alberto Contador to skip Spanish Vuelta, says he needs to rest 
MADRID — Spanish rider Alberto Contador said late Monday that he won’t compete in this year’s Spanish Vuelta after losing his Tour de France crown to Cadel Evans last week. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Monday's Sports in Brief 
WASHINGTON — NFL players voted to OK a final labor deal Monday, days after the owners approved a tentative agreement, and the sides finally managed to put an end to the 4½-month lockout, the longest work stoppage in league history. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Hungary edges US 9-8 in quarterfinals of men's water polo worlds 
SHANGHAI — Daniel Varga and Denes Varga scored two goals each to lead Hungary to a 9-8 win over the United States in the quarterfinals of the world water polo championships on Tuesday. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Rangers pound out baseball-best 20 runs in rout of Twins 
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers put on an offensive display — scoring early and often in baseball’s biggest outburst this season. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Not so sweet 16: Mariners extend club record to 16 straight losses, fall to Yankees 10-3 
NEW YORK — The Seattle Mariners found nothing sweet about this 16. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

WORLD 
Vietnam sends ailing dissident priest back to jail after more than a year of medical parole 
HANOI, Vietnam — Authorities in Vietnam have sent an ailing Catholic priest and one of the country’s best-known democracy activists back to jail more than a year after his release on medical parole, an official said Tuesday. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Vietnamese prime minister to stay for 2nd term as economic woes deepen 
HANOI, Vietnam — Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung was given a second term at the communist country’s helm Tuesday as the nation tries to overcome economic woes that deepened under his watch. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

35 killed as Taliban try to regain Afghan territory 
KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan and NATO forces battling insurgents said Tuesday that 35 people have died in escalating violence as the Taliban try to regain territory lost during the winter months to the U.S.-led alliance. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Israeli PM announces reforms aimed at defusing growing protests over housing costs 
JERUSALEM — Israel’s prime minister is responding to growing protests over housing prices with a string of reforms aimed at defusing the crisis. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Helicopters join search for American surfer who disappeared in Indonesian waters 
JAKARTA, Indonesia — A helicopter joined fishing boats and divers scouring waters off western Indonesia on Monday in search of an American surfer who disappeared after coming off a powerful 10-foot (3-meter) wave. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS 
NFL lockout, Redskins chat with Rick Maese 
Redskins reporter Rick Maese answers questions about the Redskins and end of the NFL lockout. 
(, vForum) 

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron 
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns. 
(, vForum) 

The Web Hostess: Online manners, memes and must-see video 
A weekly chat about the best ways to kill time online. Our Web Hostess, Monica Hesse, sifts the Internet so you don't have to, searching for meaning, manners and the next great meme. 
(, vForum) 

The Reliable Source Live 
Washington Post columnists Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts discuss your favorite gossip, celebrity sightings and their recent columns. 
(, vForum) 

The Live Fix with Chris Cillizza 
Get your Friday Live Fix as Chris Cillizza discusses the 2012 Presidential race and everything that goes with it. 
(, vForum) 

---

TECHNOLOGY 
Coming Attractions: Wal-Mart launches online digital movie rental and purchase service 
NEW YORK — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is now renting and streaming movies online, many the same day they come out on DVD, in a second bid for a share of popular movie rental and streaming website Netflix Inc.’s business. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Nintendo 1Q earnings likely to highlight struggling sales, strong yen 
TOKYO — Nintendo’s earnings for the April-June quarter are likely to be lackluster, underscoring how sharply the company’s fortunes have turned since the days when the Wii seemed to be an unstoppable retail force. The Japanese video game and console maker reports results on Thursday. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Chinese search site Baidu says quarterly profit up 95 percent on traffic growth 
BEIJING — Baidu Inc., which operates China’s dominant search engine, said Tuesday its quarterly profit jumped 95 percent on traffic growth and strong spending by big advertising customers. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

BUSINESS 
World stock markets mostly rise as investors anticipate compromise in US debt deadlock 
SEOUL, South Korea — World stocks mostly rose Tuesday as investors anticipated a compromise would resolve the U.S. debt deadlock even as President Barack Obama described his country as being dangerously close to default. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Summary Box: Wal-Mart to offer video-streaming service on Web site 
NEW YORK — THE NEWS: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Tuesday started a service streaming many movies the day they come out on DVD, a second bid for some of movie rental and streaming website Netflix Inc.’s business. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Poland's jobless rate drops to 11.8 percent in June as economy keeps up growth 
WARSAW, Poland — Government statistics show that Poland’s jobless rate fell to 11.8 in June from 12.2 percent in May. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

BP Q2 earnings below forecast at $5.6 billion even as costs of Gulf of Mexico spill diminish 
LONDON — BP PLC on Tuesday reported lower than expected earnings for the second quarter as it struggled to lift production in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Wal-Mart launches online digital movie service 
NEW YORK — Now playing: Movies at Walmart.com. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Today's News Highlights 07.20.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
New Senate debt plan gains support
Meanwhile, House Republicans pass a balanced-budget measure.
(By Lori Montgomery and Rosalind S. Helderman)

Post-ABC poll: Public sees dire consequences of budget deal failure
Neither Republicans nor President Obama are seen as willing to compromise, though the GOP fares worse.
(By Dan Balz and Jon Cohen)

Murdoch denies knowledge of hacking
A parliamentary committee grills power brokers who have been tainted by the phone-hacking scandal, including Rupert Murdoch and his son James and Rebekah Brooks.
(By Anthony Faiola)

Murdoch’s pieing is nothing new
A pie in the face is the prankster’s eternal signature.
(By Manuel Roig-Franzia and Monica Hesse)

Two charged in alleged spy scheme
The Justice Department alleges that a Kashmiri American group is a financial front for Pakistan’s intelligence services.
(By Dan Eggen)

POLITICS
Obama to talk economy, debt ceiling with more TV stations as deficit talks press on
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama continues his push for an agreement to raise the debt ceiling by sitting down this morning for more broadcast interviews.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Minn. congressman offers plan to make dairy industry more profitable, less costly to taxpayers
MILWAUKEE — When milk prices plummeted in 2009, wiping out years of savings and causing hundreds of dairy farms to go under, struggling farmers pleaded for the government to do something to help stabilize prices and inspire growth.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

As conservatives balk, House Speaker seeks bipartisan majority to raise federal debt ceiling
WASHINGTON — The terms “billions” and “trillions” are tossed around in the nation’s debt ceiling debate. Probably no number, however, is more important than 217.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Harrisburg city council rejects Pa. appointee's financial recovery plan
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The city council in Pennsylvania’s financially troubled state capital on Tuesday rejected a recovery plan written by state-appointed consultants, forcing the mayor to write her own plan and keeping alive talk of seeking federal bankruptcy protection.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Justice corrects anthrax filing
The Justice Department said it is not altering its position regarding the 2001 anthrax attacks.
( Associated Press , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE


(, The Washington Post)

Ask Amy: Ex-stepmother claims the kids as her own
Seeing her husband’s ex-wife claiming to be her kids’ mother on Facebook really irritates this single mother, to the point where she’s considering consulting an attorney.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Caught between unyielding parents
Her parents complain about each other but won’t do anything about it, and she’s caught in the middle.
(, The Washington Post)

Good to Go: Fettoosh in Arlington
Fettoosh in Arlington will transport you to the Mediterranean with its fresh Lebanese fare.
(, The Washington Post)

First Bite: Seasonal Pantry
Chef Daniel O’Brien offers a meal three nights a week in his small food shop in Shaw.
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
9 players from 7 countries make World Series of Poker final table in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS — Nine poker players from seven countries made the final table of the World Series of Poker main event early Wednesday after a 23-year-old from Costa Rica busted out of the no-limit Texas Hold ‘em tournament in 10th place.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

A glance at the final 9 players in the World Series of Poker main event in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS — The final nine players in the World Series of Poker main event, as determined Tuesday night after an eighth session of no-limit Texas Hold ‘em at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The finalists emerged from a field of 6,865 players and will compete Nov. 5-7 for the tournament’s top prize of $8.71 million. Ninth place will win $782,115, to be paid Wednesday; higher finishers will win at least $1,009,910 and be paid the difference from ninth-place money in November. Players are in order of their seating arrangement at the final table.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tuesday's Sports in Brief
FOOTBALL
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

After tough time at British Open, Bernhard Langer hopes for better luck at senior version
WALTON ON THE HILL, England — After struggling in the rainswept British Open, Bernhard Langer hopes he’s back in his element in the senior version on a course that holds fond memories.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Chinese star Yao Ming retires, ending basketball career cut short by foot and leg injuries
SHANGHAI — The NBA’s version of the Ming Dynasty is done. After helping pro basketball gain a foothold in the world’s most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Clinton nudges India to broaden interests, influence in China's backyard
CHENNAI, India — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is urging India to expand its traditional sphere of interest beyond South Asia to compete with China’s increasing assertiveness around the continent.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Serbia arrests last war crimes fugitive
BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbian TV station B92 says authorities have arrested Goran Hadzic, the last remaining fugitive sought by the U.N. war crimes court.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Cameron to face parliament day after Murdoch accepts no personal blame for hacking scandal
LONDON — Prime Minister David Cameron faces lawmakers Wednesday at an emergency parliament session on Britain’s spreading hacking and bribery investigation, a day after media mogul Rupert Murdoch accepted no responsibility for wrongdoing in the scandal that is threatening some of Britain’s most powerful people.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

UN: Parts of Somalia suffering from famine and tens of thousands have died, mostly children
NAIROBI, Kenya — Parts of southern Somalia are suffering from famine, a U.N. official said Wednesday, and tens of thousands of Somalis have already died in the worst hunger emergency in a generation.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Rupert Murdoch's Australian company distances itself from phone hacking scandal in Britain
SYDNEY — Rupert Murdoch’s Australian media company insisted Wednesday it has no connection with the phone hacking controversy in Britain and said it is willing to answer any questions about its local operations.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Free Range on Food
Free Range on Food is a forum for discussion of all things culinary.
(, vForum)

The Web Hostess: Online manners, memes and must-see video
A weekly chat about the best ways to kill time online. Our Web Hostess, Monica Hesse, sifts the Internet so you don't have to, searching for meaning, manners and the next great meme.
(, vForum)

Adrian Higgins gives advice on grooming your garden in the spring and summer
How to improve your garden in the summer
(, vForum)

D.C. Mayor's Office Live: Vincent Gray on teacher evaluations, council changes
District Mayor Vincent C. Gray will answer reader questions about recent public school teacher firings, changes on the D.C. Council and more in his monthly live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
South Korea moves to replace paper with digital textbooks for its tech-savvy students
GOESAN, South Korea — Outside the classroom a hot summer day beckons, but fourth-grade teacher Yeon Eun-jung’s students are glued to their tablet PCs as they watch an animated boy and a girl squabble about whether water becomes heavier when frozen.
(Associated PressAssociated Press, AP)

Roku hopes addition of 'Angry Birds' game spurs sales of its latest flock of set-top boxes
SAN FRANCISCO — Roku is ready to hatch the popular “Angry Birds” video game on a new version of its set-top box for streaming online entertainment to TVs.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Venture-capital investments rise in second quarter, along with first-time financings
SAN FRANCISCO — Venture capitalists invested more in U.S. startups in the second quarter than they did during the same period a year ago, suggesting that investors are ramping up their search for the next Facebook or Twitter.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Apple results surpass expectations in third quarter, with record iPhone, iPad sales
NEW YORK — Apple Inc.’s results trumped expectations for yet another quarter, with iPhone and iPad sales setting new records.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Summary Box: Venture-capital investments rise in 2nd quarter, along with first-time financings
FUNDING UP: During the April-June period, venture capitalists invested more in U.S. startups than they did a year earlier, according to a study slated for release Wednesday. While the IPO and acquisition markets are still rough, more startups received their first round of financing in the quarter — a sign that more investors are looking for hot, new companies.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

BUSINESS
South Korea moves to replace paper with digital textbooks for its tech-savvy students
GOESAN, South Korea — Outside the classroom a hot summer day beckons, but fourth-grade teacher Yeon Eun-jung’s students are glued to their tablet PCs as they watch an animated boy and a girl squabble about whether water becomes heavier when frozen.
(Associated PressAssociated Press, AP)

Spain's Bankia savings bank group stock float to test investor confidence
MADRID — Spain’s third-largest banking group will test investor confidence when it floats on the Madrid exchange Wednesday in an attempt to raise money to meet new capital requirements.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

No change in July in Bank of England voting on key rate as growth concerns heighten
LONDON — Seven of nine members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep the key interest rate at a low of 0.5 percent in July, according to minutes suggesting heightened growth concerns had reduced the likelihood of a hike in coming months.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Asian stocks rise as investors are encouraged by healthy earnings reports from US companies
HONG KONG — World stock markets rose Wednesday, boosted by healthy earnings reports from U.S. companies and optimism that U.S. and European politicians may be closer to working out their debt problems.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Samsung sets Galaxy S II smartphone's US rollout for August
SEOUL, South Korea — Samsung plans to roll out its top line Galaxy S II smartphone in the United States next month.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Lifestyle Photo shoot with Swagga Digital Magazine

Swagga Digital Magazine "Lifestyle Photoshoot" from Ron Fulcher on Vimeo.

Today's News Highlights 07.18.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Scotland Yard chief quits
Sir Paul Stephenson steps down amid Britain’s phone-hacking scandal, just hours after former editor Rebekah Brooks is arrested.
(By Anthony Faiola)

Congress preparing crucial votes on debt limit
The growing sentiment for raising the federal limit on U.S. borrowing sets the stage for a week of largely scripted actions on Capitol Hill, where leaders in both chambers are looking to build support for the plan being crafted by Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb)

How they spent $32 million
First major spending reports of the 2012 presidential campaign demonstrate styles and priorities.
(By Dan Eggen and T.W. Farnam)

Questions arise about Miranda warnings
An episode at a Virginia school illustrates some of the questions raised about Miranda warnings as the police presence has grown in public schools and after a Supreme Court ruling.
(By Donna St. George)

In Japan, an overflowing cup of pride
For Japan, the victory in the Women’s World Cup is a break from victimhood and a chance to go wild with joy.
(By Chico Harlan)

POLITICS
Remember death panels? New Medicare board, not yet active, is denounced as 'rationing' panel
WASHINGTON — So long death panels. Hello “rationing” board.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Remember death panels? New Medicare board, not yet active, is denounced as 'rationing' panel
WASHINGTON — An independent panel created under President Barack Obama’s health care law to control excessive increases in Medicare costs is drawing heavy fire from Republicans.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tea party takes its turn in debt battle as 'cut, cap and balance' plan is set for House vote
WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders are giving tea party-backed Republican freshmen the run of the House this week with a plan to let the government borrow another $2.4 trillion — but only after big and immediate spending cuts and adoption by Congress of a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

GOP-leaning group launches TV ads targeting vulnerable House Democrats in 10 districts
WASHINGTON — A conservative group linked with Republican strategist Karl Rove has launched an ad campaign targeting 10 vulnerable House Democrats up for reelection in 2012.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama picks former Ohio AG Cordray to lead consumer agency; GOP set to oppose
WASHINGTON — Reigniting a partisan fight over banking regulations, President Barack Obama intends to nominate former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray to lead a consumer protection bureau that was a central feature of a law overhauling the rules that govern the financial sector.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
In ‘Squirrel,’ it’s Charles Darwin and a rodent
Michael Merino’s “Squirrel, or the Origin of a Species” has Charles Darwin going head to head with a funny squirrel.
(, The Washington Post)

Ask Amy: Family plays ‘please pass the kidney’
A reader’s reluctance to donate a kidney to an ailing relative has in-laws fuming.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: The automated voice
A cry in the wilderness against automated answering systems.
(, King)

She thinks her boss is her real soul mate
A newly married woman has taken a job where the boss is more attractive than her husband.
(, The Washington Post)

Hisham Matar shares tales of two Libyan fathers
A missing dad and a country’s “father figure” inspire the author.
( by William Booth LONDON , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Clarke wins British Open
Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland wins with a 5-under 275, following the path of younger countrymen Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell as a major champion.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Li Shixin wins, China finishes 1-2 in men's 1-meter diving at world championships
SHANGHAI — Li Shixin slipped into the water with barely a splash on his final dive, then climbed out of the pool and held up his index finger to signal No. 1.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ryan Newman holds off car owner Tony Stewart for first victory of season
LOUDON, N.H. — Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart delivered quite the 1-2 punch in New Hampshire.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Weekend Sports in Brief
SOCCER
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tour leader Thomas Voeckler surprises himself, spurs French fans, but doubts victory in Paris
MONTPELLIER, France — Thomas Voeckler stayed with the big Tour de France favorites in the mountains.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
64 missile warheads stolen from Romanian train; authorities say not dangerous on own
BUCHAREST, Romania — Authorities say they are investigating the theft of 64 missile warheads from a train transporting military equipment to Bulgaria.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

British PM: Parliament should delay summer break so he can brief lawmakers on phone hacking
LONDON — British Prime Minister David Cameron, under huge political pressure over the intensifying phone hacking scandal at Rupert Murdoch’s embattled U.K. newspaper empire, said Monday that Parliament should delay its summer break so he can brief lawmakers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Petraeus hands over command in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan — Gen. John Allen took over command of American and coalition forces in Afghanistan on Monday from Gen. David Petraeus, assuming responsibility as Afghanistan’s international allies draw up exit plans from the nearly 10-year conflict.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New agreement offers more autonomy to India's ethnic Gorkha separatists
NEW DELHI — The government of the Indian state of West Bengal plans to sign an agreement Monday offering greater autonomy to the Gorkha ethnic group in hopes of ending their often violent agitation for a homeland in the Himalayan foothills.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

UN court orders back Thai, Cambodian troops
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The U.N.’s highest court Monday ordered troops from both Thailand and Cambodia to immediately withdraw military forces from disputed areas around a World Heritage temple straddling their border.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Fix Faceoff: 2012 Presidential Election
Political blogger Chris Cillizza's fast-paced video Q&A about the 2012 presidential election.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Ask Boswell
Sports Columnist Tom Boswell will take your questions about baseball, the Redskins, the Wizards and more.
(, vForum)

Women's World Cup Final: U.S. vs. Japan recap
A live discussion on the 2011 Women's World Cup final between the U.S. and Japan hosted by Washington Post soccer reporter and blogger Steven Goff.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Key dates in the phone hacking scandal that has engulfed Rupert Murdoch's media empire
— November 2005: News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman writes story saying Prince William has a knee injury. Buckingham Palace complaint prompts police inquiry.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

South Korea's Samsung LED seeks US import ban on Osram products amid patent dispute
SEOUL, South Korea — A Samsung unit is raising the ante in a patent dispute with a German rival over energy-saving LED lighting amid intensifying legal disputes among global companies jockeying for supremacy in key consumer technologies.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

BUSINESS
European debt contagion fears haunt markets; Italian, Spanish yields up as euro drops
LONDON — Worries that Europe’s debt crisis will spread to Italy and Spain weighed on markets Monday after stress tests into the continent’s banks failed to ease tensions ahead of an emergency meeting of EU leaders.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

EU asks states to give citizens access to bank accounts regardless of residency, income
BRUSSELS — The European Union is asking states to make it easier for EU citizens to open a basic bank account, regardless of where they live, their income or credit history.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Fitch says it expects more corporate fraud accusations, probes at Chinese companies
HONG KONG — Chinese companies will continue to be hit by corporate fraud accusations and investigations as the country struggles to improve corporate governance standards, Fitch Ratings said on Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Philips posts $1.9B loss in Q2 after big writedown in goodwill; operating profits also worsen
AMSTERDAM — Royal Philips Electronics NV, the world’s largest lighting company, reported a €1.35 billion ($1.9 billion) loss for the second quarter on Monday, mostly due to a writedown on the value of its goodwill — the amount paid in excess of the fair value of companies that it has acquired in the past.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World stock markets mostly lower, dragged down by debt worries in Europe, US
HONG KONG — Worries about Europe’s banking woes and debt problems in the U.S. dragged global stock markets lower on Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 07.15.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
‘Decision time’ on debt, Obama says
As negotiation falters, Senate works on framework to raise debt limit.
(By Lori Montgomery and Paul Kane)

Banks, investors show no default leeway
U.S. outreach seeking ways to soften blow of possible debt-limit breach proves unfruitful.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb)

Ahmed Wali Karzai’s killer had been a Taliban foe
Afghan officials are exploring signs that Taliban convinced the police commander to switch sides.
(By Joshua Partlow)

Woman, child survive Beltway bailout
A woman holding a toddler in her arms jumps out of a moving car after a man forced his way into the vehicle, police say.
(By Justin Jouvenal)

Why is the world so wild about Harry Potter?
With the release of the final movie, where does a cultural touchstone that defined a decade go now?
(By Monica Hesse)

POLITICS
Murdoch protege Rebekah Brooks resigns
LONDON — News International says that CEO Rebekah Brooks has resigned.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Phone hacking scandal casts light on Murdoch's political role around the globe
WASHINGTON — Rupert Murdoch is a political kingmaker in Britain and his native Australia. In the United States, he’s best known for promoting conservative opinion through media properties like the Fox News Channel. And in China, he’s primarily a businessman working to give his News Corp. empire a toehold in that country’s tightly controlled media market.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Campaign finance reports give hint into Republicans' presidential hopefuls and their viability
WASHINGTON — Six months before the first votes are cast, Republican presidential contenders are disclosing how much cash they have available — and how much debt they have to overcome — to win the GOP’s nomination.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama's hands-on negotiations with lawmakers each day 'the only option' as debt crisis deepens
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s decision to haul lawmakers in day by day to negotiate a debt deal comes down to reality: He has no other choice. The president has essentially cleared his agenda to deal with one enormous crisis.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Cool places, high prices
Al Kamen’s In the Loop, on a BIA budget meeting in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Donald Rumsfeld’s TSA pat-down.
(, The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
Hints From Heloise: Grout in doubt
Tips on cleaning stubborn tile grout.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Family joins elephant in the room for visits
A well-meaning grandmother arranges reunions with her deadbeat son and his disinterested adult child. What she nor her son will acknowledge, though, is his absence and neglect during her grandson’s youth
(, Tribune Media Service)

Absence made the heart grow distant
A reader’s boyfriend has changed since a three-week overseas trip.
(, The Washington Post)

‘Chinese Flowers’ at Freer
Every blossom tells a story in “Chinese Flowers,” the latest in the Freer Gallery’s series of season-related exhibitions.
( by Mark Jenkins , The Washington Post)

Blazing a lot of firsts as top lady
Betty Ford blazed trails as a progressive political wife, but the office of the first lady has not done much with those trails.
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Re-Bjorn: Returning to site of 2003 meltdown, Dane roars to 65 for early British Open lead
SANDWICH, England — Enough about 2003. Thomas Bjorn is trying to create some new memories at Royal St. George’s.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Thursday's Sports in Brief
FOOTBALL
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

On Baseball: With Bonds and Clemens, you can't put a baseball star on trial without a mistrial
NEW YORK — Seems you can’t put a baseball star on trial without a mistrial.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Cesar Cielo's doping case overshadows preparations for swimming world championships
SHANGHAI — Cesar Cielo’s doping case overshadowed the preparations of other athletes a day before the opening of the world swimming championships.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

St. Louis Cardinals finally healthy for 2nd-half run at division, playoffs
ST. LOUIS — Tony La Russa rapped his head several times, part a superstitious plea that the tough times are finally past for the St. Louis Cardinals.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Thai Foreign Minister visiting Germany in bid to rechieve the Crown Prince's impounded plane
BERLIN — Germany says Thailand’s foreign minister is coming to Berlin in a bid to retrieve Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s plane, which was impounded earlier this week.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Pirates holding S. Korean hostages demand compensation for deadly Korean navy raid
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali pirates holding South Korean hostages demanded on Friday that the South Korean government release pirate prisoners and pay compensation for a commando raid that killed several pirates earlier this year.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Belgian court upholds acquittal of sleepwalker who sexually assaulted 9-year-old girl
MONS, Belgium — A Belgian court says it believes a man accused of sexually fondling a 9-year-old girl is not guilty because he did it in his sleep.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Indian army kills 3 suspected rebels during raid in disputed Kashmir
SRINAGAR, India — The Indian army says it has killed at least three suspected rebels in a raid in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Washington's former ambassador to UN says Palestinian campaign for recognition means little
JERUSALEM — A Palestinian attempt to gain U.N. recognition without a peace agreement with Israel means “next to nothing” even if it succeeds, a former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. said Friday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Women's World Cup final: U.S. vs. Japan preview
Previewing the 2011 Women's World Cup soccer final between the United States and Japan in a live discussion between Washington Post readers and Navy women's soccer coach Carin Gabarra.
(, vForum)

Emmy nominations: Lisa de Moraes on the TV Column
Post TV columnist Lisa de Moraes is back and ready to chat about all the drama, comedy and heartbreak of the world of television -- both onscreen and behind-the-scenes!
(, vForum)

Free Range on Food
Free Range on Food is a forum for discussion of all things culinary.
(, vForum)

Five myths about Jane Austen
Carol Adams separates Jane Austen fact from fiction.
(, vForum)

Got Plans? Discuss great ideas for local entertainment, dates and family fun with the Going Out Gurus.
The Going Out Guide staff discuss great ideas for local entertainment, dates and family fun.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Japan Earthquake Pushes Sony Ericsson To A Q2 Loss; Smartphones Account For 70 Percent Of Sales

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Daily Crunch: Smart Home

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

DoAT Quickly Adds Google+ Sharing From The iPhone In A Clever Way

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

AP source: FBI opens investigation into whether News Corp tried to hack 9/11 victims' phones
NEW YORK — The FBI has opened an investigation into allegations that media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. sought to hack into the phones of Sept. 11 victims, a law enforcement official said Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Nintendo DS Still Outselling 3DS Two To One

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Volkswagen AG announces record 1st-half group sales of more than 4 million vehicles
BERLIN — Germany’s Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest automaker, said Friday it set a new first-half group sales record, as strong growth in the Asia-Pacific region boosted deliveries.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Europe awaits bank stress test results with hope
FRANKFURT, Germany — Ninety European banks get their test results back Friday, as regulators seek to increase transparency and convince the markets that the global financial system can withstand big shocks like a possible Greek debt default.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

SKorean lawyer and iPhone fan wages legal fight against Apple over privacy
SEOUL, South Korea — A South Korean lawyer and self-described iPhone fan is waging a legal battle against Apple Inc. over the device’s tracking capabilities.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Italy to give final approval to austerity measures seen as key to avoiding debt crisis
ROME — The lower house of Italy’s parliament has begun discussing a €70 billion ($99 billion) austerity package ahead of a final vote on the measures seen as crucial to averting a debt crisis in the eurozone’s third largest economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Justice Department probing Credit Suisse
GENEVA — Swiss bank Credit Suisse says its cross-border business is the subject of a U.S. Justice Department investigation.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

Today's News Highlights 07.13.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
McConnell offers debt-limit plan
A leading Republican accused the White House Tuesday of “smoke and mirrors,” as the deadline to increase borrowing loomed and Republicans and Democrats seemed farther apart than ever.
(By Lori Montgomery and Paul Kane)

Business lobby speaks up on debt ceiling and deficit
The country’s most powerful business lobbying groups made their loudest call yet Tuesday for the White House and Congress to come to an agreement on the debt ceiling and deficit reduction.
(By Jia Lynn Yang and Dan Eggen)

Rick Perry has ‘huge’ opening, some in GOP say
With Republican bigwigs largely undecided on their top contender for the 2012 presidential race, Texas Gov. Rick Perry may have a ‘huge’ opportunity.
(By Philip Rucker and Perry Bacon Jr.)

Drug dealer’s death sentence thrown out
Veteran Prince William County prosecutors withheld or ignored crucial evidence and potential testimony in the capital murder case, a federal judge rules.
(By Josh White)

Medal of Honor awarded to Petry
Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry, an Army Ranger, is awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan.
(By Jason Ukman)

POLITICS
Obama reports $86M in combined fundraising
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama collected $86 million combined for his re-election campaign and the Democratic party during the past three months, giving him a large fundraising advantage over the Republican field seeking to challenge him in 2012.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama reports more than $86 million in combined fundraising for campaign, Democratic party
WASHINGTON — Obama reports more than $86 million in combined fundraising for campaign, Democratic party
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Lithuanian president signs law ending Gazprom control of local natural gas market
VILNIUS, Lithuania — Lithuania’s president has signed a law that will break Gazprom’s control over natural gas supplies and distribution in the Baltic country.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AP sources: Gadhafi facing pressure from dwindling supplies of fuel and cash, low troop morale
WASHINGTON — Pressure appears to be building against the regime of Moammar Gadhafi after months of apparent stalemate between the Libyan leader and rebel forces, according to new U.S. intelligence reports, U.S. officials tell The Associated Press.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Lawmaker: US airports still vulnerable to terror nearly 10 years after 9/11
WASHINGTON — Despite billions of dollars in security enhancements, U.S. airports are still vulnerable to terror attacks, according to a Republican congressman who is probing these deficiencies.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Hints From Heloise: Husband’s effort gets panned
Hubby put the nonstick pans in the dishwasher. Uh-oh.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Get to know brother before fixing his life
An older sibling wants to help floundering younger brother. Amy’s advice: Ask open-ended questions and let him know he’s got support.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Mom’s blissful unconcern about crime
A mother is intelligent but carefree about basic security advice, such as leaving doors unlocked.
(, The Washington Post)

Pita and Rye in Fulton
Sandwich orders at this certified kosher deli in Howard County come unadorned.
(, The Washington Post)

Backstage: ‘Birds of a Feather’
The Hub Theatre in Fairfax County is staging the world premiere of Marc Acito’s comedy “Birds of a Feather,” which tells the tale of two pairs of birds that caused very different sensations in Manhattan.
( by Jane Horwitz , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Report: NKorean IOC member expresses hope for Koreas to jointly host 2018 Winter Olympics
SEOUL, South Korea — A North Korean official expressed hope that his country could co-host the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics with South Korea, a news report said Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Does game really need another meaningless exhibition? Players vote 'no' with absentee ballots
Absent from the endless discussions about how to improve baseball’s All-Star game was the one that would solve all the problems immediately.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Prince makes NL king: Fielder's HR propels Nationals to 2-game All-Star winning streak
PHOENIX — Heath Bell sprinted in from the bullpen and slid across the infield grass, tearing up the turf just short of the mound. It was that type of night: The National League never stopped moving.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tuesday's Sports in Brief
BASEBALL
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

NY lawyer: Paralyzed Chinese gymnast will get health care and money after injury at US games
NEW YORK — A champion Chinese gymnast who was paralyzed in an accident at the 1998 Goodwill Games is grateful toward the United States after reaching a deal with insurance companies to provide her with medical care and rehabilitation in China, along with financial help, her lawyer said Tuesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Hamas says PM candidacy of Western-backed Fatah official imperils Palestinian reconciliation
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A senior Hamas official says a planned reconciliation with Fatah will be deeply threatened if the rival Palestinian movement insists Western-backed economist Salam Fayyad stays on as prime minister.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei's firm granted hearing to challenge tax bill
BEIJING — Outspoken Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s design firm will use a closed hearing Thursday to challenge a $1.85 million tax bill delivered by authorities after the dissident was released from nearly three months’ detention.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AP Exclusive: Indonesia workers for Nike's Converse brand say bosses slap them, call them dogs
SUKABUMI, Indonesia — Workers making Converse sneakers in Indonesia say supervisors throw shoes at them, slap them in the face and call them dogs and pigs. Nike, the brand’s owner, admits that such abuse has occurred among the contractors that make its hip high-tops but claims there was little it could do to stop it.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Thousands join Afghan president for funeral of assassinated powerful half brother
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Thousands of people joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday in a dramatic funeral ceremony for his slain half brother, assassinated the day before in his home by a close associate.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Chinese official says country is drawing up plan to improve human rights record
BEIJING — China is drawing up a four-year plan to improve the country’s human rights record, state media reported Wednesday, but it will likely focus on improving living standards rather than granting greater freedoms.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Free Range on Food
Free Range on Food is a forum for discussion of all things culinary.
(, vForum)

Grover Norquist discusses debt negotiations
Grover Norquist takes questions about shrinking the national debt and his stance on negotiations.
(, vForum)

Free Range on Food
Free Range on Food is a forum for discussion of all things culinary.
(, vForum)

DC Metro: General Manager discusses safety, escalators and more.
WMATA General Manager discusses Metro safety, new schedules and lines, escalators and more.
(, vForum)

What Ahmed Wali Karzai's assassination means for Afghanistan
Afghanistan expert discusses what Ahmen Wali Karzai's assassination means for stability in Afghanistan.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
34% Of iPhone Owners Think Their Phone Is 4G

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

The iHit iPhone Case Ineffectively Hides Your Stash

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Microsoft’s Android Plan: Evil Genius Or Just Evil?

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Google Voice Adds Spam Filter, Identifies “Problem” Callers

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Hitler Also Hates Our Redesign

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
BSkyB shares slide further as market no longer believes News Corp will pursue takeover bid
LONDON — Shares in British Sky Broadcasting keep falling as markets no longer believe Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. will pursue its takeover bid due to increased political opposition.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

34% Of iPhone Owners Think Their Phone Is 4G

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Italian markets calm following debt jitters as lawmakers accelerate austerity measures
MILAN — Italian financial markets are in a calmer mood as lawmakers accelerated work on austerity measures.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Spanish premier says economy expanded in second quarter, forecasts more growth ahead
MADRID — Spain’s prime minister says data due for release in a few weeks will show the economy grew in the second quarter.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

20 Turkish companies to seek legal action against Turkmenistan for construction debts
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish companies are preparing to take legal action against Turkmenistan to recover more than $1 billion in unpaid construction bills.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Serving Up Color « Clutch Magazine

Serving Up Color « Clutch Magazine.

Football Legend Michael Irvin Covers Out, Remembers Gay Brother

Pro football legend, Michael Irvin lends his support to gay and lesbian rights in the August issue of Out. Breaking down the stereotype of the macho, homophobic athlete, Irvin says he was inspired to speak up for gay rights issues in honor of his late brother, Vaughn Irvin, who was gay.

Irvin, who has had a troubled past of drug abuse, womanizing, and run-ins with the law, says that his brother’s lifestyle may have affected the way he behaved.

“And through it all we realized maybe some of the issues I’ve had with so many women, just bringing women around so everybody can see, maybe that’s the residual of the fear I had that if my brother is wearing ladies’ clothes, am I going to be doing that? Is it genetic?” Irvin said to Out. “I’m certainly not making excuses for my bad decisions. But I had to dive inside of me to find out why am I making these decisions, and that came up.”

Irvin says that he’s speaking out now for gay rights and marriage equality because he doesn’t want to look back on his life and only be known for his athletic prowess. CONTINUE READING

Today's News Highlights 07.11.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Debt talks at a stalemate
Both sides appeared Sunday to dig further into their positions, leaving the talks deadlocked, a historic default looming and a fragile economy increasingly vulnerable to the consequences of Washington’s entrenched partisanship and ideological divide over taxes and entitlements.
(By Scott Wilson and Lori Montgomery)

‘Big deal’ motivates, eludes president and speaker
President Obama and House Speaker John A. Boehner tried and failed to reach a big deal together that would have settled the impasse over the debt ceiling.
(By Paul Kane)

Iran sanctions target shipping lifeline
U.S. and international sanctions have slowly undermined the country’s ability to conduct trade.
(By Thomas Erdbrink and Joby Warrick)

Military aid to Pakistan on pause
The Obama administration is withholding millions to signal its dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s lagging security cooperation.
(By Karen DeYoung)

Molinaro Koger caught in legal storm
Hotel brokerage firm Molinaro Koger failed to return millions in escrow deposits, several firms allege in lawsuits filed in the past 30 days against the Vienna company.
(By Danielle Douglas)

POLITICS
BSkyB shares slide on growing doubts over News Corp. bid as UK government seeks fresh advice
LONDON — Shares in British Sky Broadcasting dropped sharply Monday on growing doubts over News Corp.’s ability to take full control of the lucrative satellite broadcaster amid signs that the government is looking at ways to block the deal.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

US, Mideast mediators to discuss old, new problems in gloomy Israeli-Palestinian peace process
WASHINGTON — The United States and other Mideast mediators meet Monday in Washington, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in shambles and an upcoming U.N. confrontation over whether to admit Palestine as an independent country only likely to make the decades-old deadlock even more intractable.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

With steady growth in seafood imports, new federal policy aims to expand US fish farming
INDIANAPOLIS — The federal government is moving to open up large swaths of coastal waters to fish farming for the first time in an effort to decrease Americans’ dependence on imports and satisfy their growing appetite for seafood.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama, congressional leaders still divided over debt deal, plan to meet again Monday
WASHINGTON — Grasping for a deal on the nation’s debt, President Barack Obama and congressional leaders remained divided Sunday over the size and the components of a plan to reduce long term deficits. Noting the need to work out an agreement over the next 10 days, the president and lawmakers agreed to meet again Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Debt talks at a stalemate
Both sides appeared Sunday to dig further into their positions, leaving the talks deadlocked, a historic default looming and a fragile economy increasingly vulnerable to the consequences of Washington’s entrenched partisanship and ideological divide over taxes and entitlements.
( by Scott Wilson and Lori Montgomery , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
AGING AMERICA: Communities take creative steps to prepare for silver tsunami of baby boomers
NEW YORK — America’s cities are beginning to grapple with a fact of life: People are getting old, fast, and they’re doing it in communities designed for the sprightly.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ask Amy: Suspicious wife wants to hire gumshoe
She’s diagnosed her husband as a narcissist, and believes he’s having an affair. How can she find a private eye?
(, Tribune Media Service)

Pregnant and ‘girl crazy’
She’s six months pregnant and desperately wants the child to be a girl.
(, The Washington Post)

Hints From Heloise: A permanent mark?
Removing permanent marker from clothes can be tricky, but Heloise has a method to try.
(, King)

Capital Fringe Festival: ‘Please Don’t Beat Me Up’
Author Adam Ruben’s memoir that comes straight from adolescence is partially successful.
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Yao Ming's expected retirement put NBA popularity in China at risk
BEIJING — Yao Ming’s expected retirement could diminish the NBA’s once-burgeoning popularity in China, with many fans saying they would no longer watch games.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Weekend Sports in Brief
SOCCER
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Clemens not even half way to getting a jury in his trial on charges of lying about steroids
WASHINGTON — Roger Clemens is still not half way to getting a jury in his perjury trial.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Police detain Trabzonspor president, others in Turkish match-fixing probe
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish police have detained the president of Trabzonspor and a former official of the Turkish Football Federation for questioning in a growing probe into match fixing.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

On Basketball: Though injuries shortened career, China's Yao Ming did plenty in a short time
Those beat-up legs that cut short seasons, and eventually a career, would never have sat still for China’s greatest moment.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
UK deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg calls on Rupert Murdoch to reconsider BSkyB bid
LONDON — UK deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg calls on Rupert Murdoch to reconsider BSkyB bid.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Zimbabwe police briefly detain 3 Cabinet ministers from party opposed to president's
HARARE, Zimbabwe — An independent Zimbabwe newspaper says three government ministers from the smallest group in Zimbabwe’s troubled coalition have been briefly detained.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Gunpowder store explodes at Cypriot naval base, at least 10 feared dead, widespread damage
NICOSIA, Cyprus — A huge explosion — likely sparked by a brush fire that set light to containers of gunpowder — tore through a Cypriot National Guard naval base Monday, causing widespread damage and leading to extensive power cuts, the Defense Ministry said. At least 10 people were feared dead.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Outgoing US commander says violence waning in Afghan cities, fight continues in rural areas
KABUL, Afghanistan — An outgoing American military commander in Afghanistan says violence is down in some heavily populated areas of the country where coalition troops have been concentrated, but that violence continues in rural areas.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler's family says Rebekah Brooks should resign in hacking scandal
LONDON — Murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler’s family says Rebekah Brooks should resign in hacking scandal.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Talk about Travel
Have a travel-related question, comment, suspicion, warning, gripe, sad tale or happy ending? The Post Travel section's editors and writers are at your service.
(, vForum)

Muslims in America: One man against lure of terrorism
Activist Abdirizak Bihi discusses keeping young Muslims from violent extremism.
(, vForum)

Carolyn Hax Live: Advice columnist tackles your problems (Friday, July 8)
Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax takes your questions and comments about the strange train we call life.
(, vForum)

Real Wheels Live
Live online discussion with Real Wheels columnist Warren Brown about car-buying and the auto industry.
(, vForum)

Carolyn Hax Live: Advice columnist tackles your problems (Friday, July 15)
Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax takes your questions and comments about the strange train we call life.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
UK deputy prime minister calls on Rupert Murdoch to reconsider bid for BSkyB
LONDON — Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has called on News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch to reconsider his bid for broadcaster BSkyB.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Is Nothing Sacred? First Broadway Cam Surfaces

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Nissan works on recharging Leaf electric vehicle with solar power, mulling business
YOKOHAMA, Japan — Japanese automaker Nissan is testing a super-green way to recharge its Leaf electric vehicle using solar power, part of a broader drive to improve electricity storage systems.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

College2Startup Wants To Connect Startups To The Best Young Talent (And Vice Versa)

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

OMG/JK: Yes, Of Course You’re In My ‘Friends’ Circle. Swear.

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
UK deputy prime minister calls on Rupert Murdoch to reconsider bid for BSkyB
LONDON — Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has called on News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch to reconsider his bid for broadcaster BSkyB.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Weak US jobs, China inflation batter world stock markets
TOKYO — World stock markets slid Monday, dragged by global economic angst after an unexpectedly weak U.S. jobs report and surging inflation in China.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Democrats may want to raise taxes, GOP may want to protect loopholes, but they won't say it
WASHINGTON — Call it eliminating an unfair break, or removing an unjust loophole, or even “taking a balanced approach.” Just don’t call it raising taxes.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Is Nothing Sacred? First Broadway Cam Surfaces

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Cambodian stock exchange opens but no companies listed yet for trading
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia officially launched its long-delayed stock exchange Monday although no companies are yet listed for trading.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Beyoncé - Year of 4

Today's News Highlights 07.07.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
N. Korea said to have paid for nuclear secrets
The father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb program says the government of North Korea bribed top military officials in Islamabad to obtain access to sensitive nuclear technology in the late 1990s.
(By R. Jeffrey Smith)

Obama proposes Social Security cuts
The president is offering reductions in exchange for Republican support for fresh tax revenue.
(By Lori Montgomery)

In Libya, rebels gaining in the west
Fighters in western mountains appear to be closing in on key government supply routes.
(By Ernesto Londono)

Men getting jobs faster than women
And they’re doing it partly by taking work in fields long dominated by females.
(By Neil Irwin and Brady Dennis)

The skinny on calorie labels
Evidence is mounting that calorie labels do not steer most people to lower-calorie foods. Some see the labels but eat more than usual, and some who use the labels often don’t need to (skinny people).
(By Michael S. Rosenwald)

POLITICS
Documents show Exxon reassured regulators that failed Montana pipeline was deeply buried
BILLINGS, Mont. — People living near the oil-smeared shoreline of Montana’s Yellowstone River are raising concerns about the risks and damage from a pipeline break that sent tens of thousands of gallons of crude into the watercourse.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

House and Senate panels differ on worker aid as they take up 3 trade bills
WASHINGTON — House and Senate committees are disagreeing over how to handle American workers laid off because of foreign competition as they take up legislation to implement long-pending free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

FACT CHECK: Short but not sweet; Obama's Twitter facts off a bit
WASHINGTON — The debt-ceiling deal that President Barack Obama hopes to negotiate with Republicans won’t solve the nation’s problem with red ink, as he stated in his first Twitter session with the public. And no, the payroll tax cut he got out of Congress isn’t putting an extra $1,000 into the pockets of “almost every single American.”
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Scientist claims NKorea paid $3.5 million to Pakistani military officials for nuclear tech
WASHINGTON — The founder of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program claims that North Korean officials paid kickbacks to senior Pakistani military officers in exchange for critical nuclear technology.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Study: Medicaid coverage improves personal health and financial security for the uninsured
WASHINGTON — Signing up for Medicaid could improve your overall health and financial security, says a surprising new study that offers clues on how President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul might affect millions of low-income uninsured Americans.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Hints From Heloise: Is ‘force-flushing’ okay?
An old hint that hails back to the original Heloise’s column.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Smoking hot vs. smoking not
He’s recently rejoined the dating scene, and wonders: What should he do when his date leaves the dinner table to smoke?
(, Tribune Media Service)

Miss Manners: Mom’s birthday is non-event for kids and divorcing spouse
Her estranged spouse didn’t have their children buy her a birthday present. She always has them get something for him. Is she overreacting, or is he underreacting?
(, Universal Press)

A pregnant pause
A mom-to-be is worried about breaking the news to her own mother.
(, The Washington Post)

‘Tiny belly’ ads are a scheme, FTC says
Ads promoting “1 Tip” for a flat belly have proliferated on the Internet, popping up in front of tens of billions of viewers. But federal officials say the companies behind the ads make inflated claims about their products and use deceptive marketing practices.
( by Paul Farhi , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Bin Hammam complains about leaks in his FIFA bribery probe, still hopes for fair hearing
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — FIFA executive Mohamed bin Hammam is disappointed with the way the FIFA bribery investigation against him has proceeded, but insisted Thursday that he still hopes to get a fair hearing.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Japan says Tokyo might drop 2020 Summer Olympics bid after 2018 win by Pyeongchang
TOKYO — The Japanese Olympic Committee says Tokyo will consider dropping its bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics after South Korea’s Pyeongchang was awarded the 2018 Winter Games.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Indian government fires more officials over string of doping cases
NEW DELHI — India’s sports ministry has fired four officials and a star athlete has lost a sponsor in the fallout from the country’s doping scandal.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Wednesday's Sports in Brief
BASEBALL
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Union says there is 'adequate basis' to question NBA's reported financial losses
NEW YORK — The NBA players’ association will keep doubting the league’s financial losses, because it made inaccurate projections before.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
More alleged victims in phone hacking by UK tabloid, PM Cameron urges new investigation
LONDON — Britain’s tabloid phone hacking scandal dominated the airways Wednesday as it swelled to allegedly involve more missing schoolgirls and the families of London terror victims. Lawmakers held an emergency debate, companies hastily pulled their ads and the prime minister demanded two new inquiries.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Police arrest man wanted in attempt to assassinate the king of Spain
LONDON — A man who is wanted by Spanish authorities in connection with a plot to assassinate the king of Spain was arrested in Britain on Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Albanian charged in slaying of U.S. airmen
BERLIN — German federal prosecutors say they have filed murder charges against a 21-year-old Kosovo Albanian in the slaying of two U.S. airmen outside the Frankfurt airport.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

NATO helicopter crashes in eastern Afghanistan; no injuries reported
KABUL, Afghanistan — A NATO helicopter crashed Thursday in eastern Afghanistan but no one was hurt, the U.S.-led coalition said.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

China's state news agency says reports of former President Jiang's death are rumors
BEIJING — China on Thursday dismissed reports that retired President Jiang Zemin, who led the country through massive changes after the crushing of the 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy movement, has died.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Free Range on Food
Free Range on Food is a forum for discussion of all things culinary.
(, vForum)

Sports talk with Steve Goff
Steve Goff chats about D.C. United, the Women's World Cup and everything else soccer
(, vForum)

The Weather Gang Lab with Jason Samenow (Video)
Capital Weather Gang's Jason Samenow digs into this week's big weather story. Join the chat to find out what will happen -- and why.
(, vForum)

D.C.'s biggest stories: Lunchline's Clinton Yates breaks them down (video)
Clinton Yates a news junkie and pop culture fanatic who scours The Washington Post and its partner sites every weekday to find the gems that you want to read but don't have time to search for.
(, vForum)

Internship Overload Live with Jenna Johnson
Jenna Johnson answers your questions about college life, on and off campus.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Exec: Wii U Arriving After April 1, 2012

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Josh Harris Takes His Wired City To Kickstarter

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Zuckerberg’s Not So Subtle Dig At Google Circles

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

I’m Quitting Email

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

On heels of Google Plus, Facebook rolls out group chat, Skype-powered video calling features
NEW YORK — Quick on the heels of Google’s launch of its latest social-networking venture, Facebook said Wednesday that its 750 million users will now be able to make video calls on the site.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

BUSINESS
Oil rises to above $97 in Asia after report shows US crude supplies drop more than expected
SINGAPORE — Oil prices rose to above $97 a barrel Thursday in Asia as a report showed U.S. crude supplies fell more than expected for a second week, suggesting demand is improving.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Extreme coupon cutters save hundreds on grocery bills, teach craze to new disciplines
BOISE, Idaho — The women sat expectantly as Monica Knight told them she once routinely spent $600 a month on groceries for her family of four. Breaking into a broad smile, Knight says that figure has been reduced to only $100 to $150 a month.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama to meet with congressional leaders about standoff over debt limit, deficit reduction
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama sits down with congressional leaders this morning to take another stab at reducing the nation’s deficit.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World stock markets follow Wall Street higher, brushing off China interest rate hike
BANGKOK — World markets managed modest gains Thursday, shrugging off a weak U.S. growth report and an interest rate hike in China.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Swedish government clears way for Saab's plan to raise $40 mln in property sale
STOCKHOLM — The Swedish government has approved Saab’s plan to improve its ailing finances by selling and leasing back property, clearing the final hurdle for the $40 million deal.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 07.06.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
U.S. indicts Somali on terrorism charges
The U.S. military secretly detained a terrorism suspect for more than two months aboard a U.S. Navy ship before flying him this week to New York, where he has been indicted.
(By Karen DeYoung, Greg Miller and Greg Jaffe)

Obama to call lawmakers to White House for debt talks
President Obama will summon lawmakers to the White House this week in an effort to break a stalemate over how to rein in the soaring national debt.
(By Lori Montgomery)

Violence stemming migrant flow to U.S.
Attacks are discouraging Central American migrants from heading north to U.S., experts say.
(By William Booth and Nick Miroff)

Leslie Johnson moves up resignation date
Leslie Johnson moves up her resignation date to July 31, but council members vote to urge her immediate resignation.
(By Miranda S. Spivack)

Casey and the court of public opinion
While the Fla. mother is found not guilty of murdering her 2-year-old, the public debate rages on.
(By Paul Duggan)

POLITICS
Documents detail Exxon's Yellowstone response as surging river raises fears spill could spread
LAUREL, Mont. — Federal documents show it took Exxon Mobil nearly twice as long as it publicly disclosed to fully seal a pipeline that spilled roughly 1,000 barrels of crude oil into the Yellowstone River.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Clemens trial begins Wednesday with selection of jurors to judge whether he lied about drugs
WASHINGTON — Roger Clemens, one of the most imposing and accomplished pitchers in baseball history, is going on trial Wednesday to fight allegations that he used drugs to enhance his power on the mound.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

House Republicans push back on Obama administration's effort to limit food ads for kids
WASHINGTON — House Republicans are siding with food companies resisting the Obama administration’s efforts to pressure them to stop advertising junk food for children.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Twitter coming to White House for presidential town hall on jobs and the economy
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will face questions from Twitter users around the country Wednesday during a town hall hosted by the popular social media service.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Vt. attorney general to announce results of nuke plant criminal probe
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell is to announce the results of his criminal investigation into whether officials from the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant lied to state officials about the presence of an underground piping system at the plant.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Hints From Heloise: Seasoning wooden bowls
Also: saving bacon; panko bread crumbs; more.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Mom’s getting dumped is game-changer
She invited her mom in Europe to visit with her boyfriend and his kids. Shortly before the trip, mom and boyfriend broke up. But they want the plans to stay the same. She feels the breakup was a deal-breaker; her mom thinks that’s rude.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Who has the power in this relationship?
His beautiful girlfriend is always texting other guys but won’t tell him who. It feels like she is “just playing me.”
(, The Washington Post)

How to join the KidsPost book club
Sign up for KidsPost’s Summer Book club.
(, The Washington Post)

For Bachmanns, faith and politics
Marcus Bachmann, husband of Michele Bachmann, built a business on his conservative Christian beliefs. But with a new same-sex marriage law in New York suddenly making homosexuality a topic for national discussion again, the Bachmanns have been surprisingly quiet on what has been a signature issue throughout their careers.
( by Jason Horowitz LAKE ELMO, Minn. , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Suspended FIFA official Bin Hammam to face election bribery hearings July 22
ZURICH — Suspended FIFA official Mohamed bin Hammam will face its ethics committee July 22 to answer allegations of bribery during his presidential election campaign, the soccer governing body said Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tuesday's Sports in Brief
BASEBALL
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

LeBron James spending part of his summer increasing involvement in education programs
LeBron James is spending part of his summer thinking about school.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

No questioning who Sundhage supporting when Americans face Sweden at Women's World Cup
WOLFSBURG, Germany — There’s no questioning Pia Sundhage’s loyalties, regardless of the passport she carries.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Defending champion Alberto Contador tests his climbing legs on first Tour de France hill
MUR-DE-BRETAGNE, France — The very first sight of a hill at the Tour de France was enough to get Alberto Contador up out of his saddle in a narrow second-place finish behind stage winner Cadel Evans in the Tour de France on Tuesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Israeli FM threatens tough response to planned Palestinian declaration of independence at UN
JERUSALEM — Israel’s hardline foreign minister says there will be a tough response if the Palestinians follow through on a plan to declare independence at the United Nations this fall.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Japan grounds its F-15 fighter jet fleet for probe after crash
TOKYO — Japan has grounded its entire F-15 fighter fleet following the crash of one of the jets into the East China Sea, officials said Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Cargo plane crashes on Afghan mountaintop
KABUL, Afghanistan — A cargo plane crashed into a mountaintop in eastern Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

European banks meeting to hash out terms for private sector role in 2nd Greek bailout
PARIS — The biggest banks in the eurozone are discussing how the private sector can contribute to any new financial rescue package for Greece.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Berlin Fashion Week kicks off outside Brandenburg Gate highlighting many young designers
BERLIN — Berlin’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is opening its catwalk outside the city’s landmark Brandenburg Gate with more than 50 shows presenting spring/summer collections for 2012.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
The Mil Life: Military research psychologist discusses Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
Capt. Paul Lester discusses resilience and coping skills for military families
(, vForum)

The Web Hostess: Online manners, memes and must-see video
A weekly chat about the best ways to kill time online. Our Web Hostess, Monica Hesse, sifts the Internet so you don't have to, searching for meaning, manners and the next great meme.
(, vForum)

Fix Faceoff: 2012 Presidential Election
Political blogger Chris Cillizza's fast-paced video Q&A about the 2012 presidential election.
(, vForum)

Fix Faceoff: 2012 Presidential Election
Political blogger Chris Cillizza's fast-paced video Q&A about the 2012 presidential election.
(, vForum)

Outlook: Five Myths about NASA
In his recent Outlook piece, "Five Myths about NASA," NASA's former associate deputy administrator for policy and planning Eric Sterner discussed the benefits of a space program and debunked some misconceptions about what NASA is and how it operates.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
App Store Analytics Startup App Annie Gets Backing From IDG, Preps Premium Service

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

JailBreakMe.Com Will Jailbreak iPads 2 And Other iOS Devices

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

History Made As 15 European Investors Agree On A Standard Term Sheet For Startups

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Blippy’s New Direction? Daily Deals For Artisanal Goods At Heartsy.me

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Technology company claims Ford violated its patents with 'SYNC' system and other car features
TACOMA, Wash. — A technology company has filed a lawsuit against Ford Motor Co., claiming several of the electronic features the automaker includes in its vehicles violate the company’s patents.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

BUSINESS
App Store Analytics Startup App Annie Gets Backing From IDG, Preps Premium Service

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

ConocoPhillips says it responded quickly to contain China oil spills
BEIJING — American energy giant ConocoPhillips on Wednesday defended its response to a pair of oil leaks off China’s northeast coast, saying it acted quickly to contain damage caused by the spills and that cleanup work is almost finished.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Oil hovers below $97 in Asia as traders bet on stronger crude demand led by emerging markets
SINGAPORE — Oil prices hovered below $97 a barrel Wednesday in Asia amid investor optimism that strong crude demand from developing countries will offset weaker consumption growth in rich nations.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Nokia abandons Japan market after brief foray with luxury handsets
TOKYO — Nokia Corp., battered by the popularity of smartphones, is abandoning the Japanese market, after a brief foray with luxury cell phones costing as much as 20 million yen ($250,000).
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

JailBreakMe.Com Will Jailbreak iPads 2 And Other iOS Devices

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Today's News Highlights 07.05.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Army program works to make soldiers fit in body and mind
The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, which aims to make soldiers psychologically resilient, is part of a culture change for the Army.
(By Michael E. Ruane)

Race is on to match U.S. in drones
Defense spending on drones has become the most dynamic sector of the world’s aerospace industry, according to a report.
(By William Wan and Peter Finn)

Outside groups wage shadow 2012 campaign
But it is not clear whether the agendas of independent groups will always mesh with those of the candidates.
(By Dan Eggen)

Republican race has two starting points
Fourth of July events draw Romney and Huntsman to New Hampshire, and Gingrich and Bachmann to Iowa.
(By Nia-Malika Henderson and Rosalind S. Helderman)

Corporate fitness programs survive hard times
Research shows that corporate fitness programs offer companies a return on investment by cutting health-care costs. Employees value them, but precisely what works is still unclear.
(By Lenny Bernstein)

POLITICS
Mountain snowmelt swells Yellowstone River, complicating Exxon's oil spill cleanup in Montana
LAUREL, Mont. — The initial cleanup along the oil-fouled Yellowstone River could be tested Tuesday as rising waters make it harder for Exxon Mobil Corp. to get to areas damaged by the crude spilled from a company pipeline.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

GOP using budget, nomination fights to nibble away at Obama's financial overhaul law
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s financial overhaul law is nearly a year old. For congressional Republicans, the fight to weaken it is just starting.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Government efforts to modernize air traffic control system at crossroads, delays possible
WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration is creating a new air traffic system that officials say will be as revolutionary for civil aviation as was the advent of radar six decades ago. But the program is at a crossroads.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Clemens brings his insatiable desire to win to trial on charge of lying about drugs
WASHINGTON — Roger Clemens’ tenacious pursuit of victory on the pitcher’s mound is re-emerging as he enters federal court this week to fight charges he lied about using drugs and to try to ruthlessly discredit the former friend who says he did.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Exxon ramps up Montana oil spill cleanup, but where it all went still unclear as river rises
LAUREL, Mont. — The scope of Exxon Mobil Corp.’s oil leak into the Yellowstone River could extend far beyond a 10-mile stretch of the famed waterway, the company acknowledged under political pressure Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Ask Amy: Depressed daughter throws household off-key
Their daughter just graduated with honors in music performance, but right now her only activities are arguing with her boyfriend and crying jags. The student loans are piling up. What to do?
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: A sales strategy
A saleswoman offers her perspective on pushy salespeople.
(, King)

Miss Manners: Simple solution could cure man’s complex drinking behavior
I have noticed a trend in myself of overall poor behavior, especially while enjoying social events that include alcohol. As I have developed myself professionally since the days of university, my behavior has not.
(, Universal Press)

When minds change about having kids
A husband said he wanted kids, then changed his mind. How do you prevent a bait-and-switch like this?
(, The Washington Post)

Top 10 films
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” set a new Independence Day weekend box office record.
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
2018 Olympic vote at a glance
WHAT: Site selection for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Monday's Sports in Brief
CYCLING
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

On July 4, record 10 Americans competing at Tour de France bask in growing fan base at home
REDON, France — A record-tying 10 U.S. cyclists spent the Fourth of July on the roads of the Tour de France.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Leader Thor Hushovd transforms into perfect teammate at Tour de France, helps Tyler Farrar win
REDON, France — Thor Hushovd is the world champion, wears the race leader’s yellow jersey and has 10 Tour de France stage victories.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Notables and ballplayers expected to be part of Roger Clemens' steroids trial
WASHINGTON — Some of the key figures expected at Roger Clemens’ trial, scheduled to begin Wednesday, on charges he lied about using steroids and human growth hormone:
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Parts of southern India paralyzed by strike demanding creation of new state
NEW DELHI — Shops and businesses were shut and public transport was halted Tuesday as a two-day strike demanding the creation of a new state in southern India paralyzed the region.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Sister of ousted PM wins Thai election in landslide 5 years after coup, announces coalition
The sister of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has announced an accord to form a five-party coalition government after her Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory in Thailand’s parliamentary elections.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Activists say they'll show how prison guards' beating contributed to Russian attorney's death
MOSCOW — Activists plan to present evidence Tuesday that a Russian lawyer who accused officials of corruption died after a brutal beating by prison guards, saying investigators’ findings that a lack of medical treatment killed the man fell short of the full truth.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Srebrenica victims' families win civil suit against Dutch state on appeal
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Netherlands was responsible for the deaths of three Bosnian Muslim men slain by Serbs during the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, appeals judges ruled Tuesday, ordering the Dutch government to compensate the men’s relatives.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Japan reconstruction minister resigns
TOKYO — A week into his new job, Japan’s disaster reconstruction minister resigned Tuesday after making remarks widely criticized as offensive during a visit to the tsunami-devastated northeastern coast, where he refused to shake a governor’s hand, scolded the official and threatened to withhold aid.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Fix Faceoff: 2012 Presidential Election
Political blogger Chris Cillizza's fast-paced video Q&A about the 2012 presidential election.
(, vForum)

POSTPONED - Eric Prisbell on Maryland coach Mark Turgeon
Washington Post college basketball writer Eric Prisbell will take your questions on Maryland basketball coach Mark Turgeon and other college basketball news and issues at a future date.
(, vForum)

Outlook: What's the right price for oil?
In his recent Outlook piece, "The unpredictable forces behind oil prices," Post energy reporter Steven Mufson explained the forces behind the oil market chaos.
(, vForum)

Ask Boswell
Sports Columnist Tom Boswell will take your questions about baseball, the Redskins, the Wizards and more.
(, vForum)

Eric Prisbell on Maryland coach Mark Turgeon
Washington Post college basketball writer Eric Prisbell takes your questions on Maryland basketball coach Mark Turgeon and other college basketball news and issues.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
End of an error? Space shuttle's promise of frequent flights, small costs didn't materialize
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The space shuttle was sold to America as cheap, safe and reliable. It was none of those.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Chinese search giant Baidu to use Microsoft's Bing for some English-language results
BEIJING — Chinese search giant Baidu Inc. will use Microsoft’s Bing for some English-language results as the software giant tries to expand its small share of China’s search market.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Stars Versus Great Teams

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Realtime search on hiatus while Google and Twitter figure themselves out
Google Inc. has temporarily shut down a search engine feature that allows users to find real-time updates from Twitter, Facebook, FriendFeed and other social networking sites.
( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Mark Zuckerberg Is The Most Followed User On Google+

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Eurozone retail sales slump 1.1 percent in May, biggest fall since April 2010
LONDON — Retail sales in the 17 euro countries dropped by 1.1 percent during May, official figures showed Tuesday, in a further sign that the eurozone economy is slowing down sharply from a largely export-based rebound.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World markets stall after agency warns Greece that debt crisis plan could lead to default
BANGKOK — World stocks stalled Tuesday after comments on Greece by Standard & Poor’s underlined that the debt laden country may be unable to avoid defaulting.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

US airlines in legal challenge to EU's emission cap
BRUSSELS — U.S. airlines are challenging the European Union’s imposition of emissions caps on non-European air carriers, saying it breaches international law.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

End of an error? Space shuttle's promise of frequent flights, small costs didn't materialize
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The space shuttle was sold to America as cheap, safe and reliable. It was none of those.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

General Motors says China sales rose 5.3 percent in first-half, to record 1.27 million
SHANGHAI — General Motors Co.’s ventures in China sold a record 1.27 million vehicles in the first half of the year, the company says, though growth slowed sharply from the double-digit pace of recent years.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 07.01.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Questions about accuser shake up Strauss-Kahn sexual-assault case
Former IMF chief may be freed after lawyers request unexpected hearing.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb and Howard Schneider)

Treasury Secretary Geithner considering leaving post after debt talks
He has told the president that he may seek to resign as soon as this summer, sources say.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb)

U.S. to investigate deaths of two detainees in CIA custody
The Justice Department will open full criminal investigations of the deaths of two detainees in CIA custody, including one who perished after questioning at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison.
(By Peter Finn and Julie Tate)

Chavez says he had cancer
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez told his countrymen Thursday night that he underwent a “major” operation in Cuba to remove a cancerous tumor.
(By Juan Forero)

Elaborate ruse behind Kabul Bank fraud
Fake names and forged documents were used to funnel large sums to top Afghan officials, documents show.
(By Joshua Partlow)

POLITICS
Tens of thousands vent anger at Hong Kong rally over wealth gap, gov't policies
HONG KONG — Tens of thousands of people vented anger over Hong Kong’s skyrocketing property prices and government policies Friday at an annual march marking the former British colony’s return to Chinese rule.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

National Portrait Gallery opens 'One Life: Ronald Reagan' to chronicle 40th president's life
WASHINGTON — The National Portrait Gallery is chronicling the life and political career of President Ronald Reagan in a new exhibit.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama travels to Camp David presidential retreat for the weekend
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will be taking a break for the Independence Day holiday weekend.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

In shifting from role as CIA chief, Panetta takes over a Pentagon facing myriad problems
WASHINGTON — It’s a short hop down the Potomac from CIA headquarters, where Leon Panetta headed the spy agency for 2½ years, to the Pentagon, where he takes over Friday as secretary of defense. The two jobs, however, are worlds apart.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Nigerian American gets through airport checks with invalid pass to board New York to LA flight
LOS ANGELES — A Nigerian American clutching another traveler’s expired boarding pass made it through a New York airport federal security checkpoint and boarded a Virgin America jetliner to Los Angeles International Airport, authorities said Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Hints From Heloise: Cleaning a barbecue
Heloise flashback column addresses cleaning a grill and a handy use for nail polish.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Internet history reveals X-rated searches
I recently found porn sites listed in my computer’s history. I check the history every day, and I know that it is my dad who is looking at them, as my mother and sister have to be at work early and I have school.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Visual variations at Carroll Square Gallery
“Pattern” addresses the link between ’60s abstraction and its descendants by placing a 1967 work at the show’s center.
( by Mark Jenkins , The Washington Post)

Long-neglected Great Lakes get top-5 rankings from 'Dr. Beach'; Sleeping Bear Dunes is No. 1
GLEN HAVEN, Mich. — A gentle breeze ripples Lake Michigan’s deep blue surface as a gull circles lazily overhead. The sun is bright, the temperature is a comfy 70 degrees and the view of the water and the distant Manitou Islands is spectacular. The beach is wide and sandy — and almost deserted.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Far from an ordinary ‘Normal’
With an achingly poignant score and an actress who owns the lead role, ‘Next to Normal’ tears at the heartstrings — in a good way.
( by Peter Marks , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
When teammate diagnosed with cancer, runner puts own dreams on hold to pursue friend's
AURORA, Ill. — Lukas Verzbicas sat in silence, trying to absorb the news that Kevin McDowell, his friend and longtime triathlon teammate, had been diagnosed with cancer.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Thursday's Sports In Brief
NEW YORK — The NBA locked out its players Friday when its collective bargaining agreement expired, becoming the second pro sports league shut down by labor strife.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Sarkozy skipping IOC meeting, signaling low hopes in Annecy's bid for 2018 Olympics
PARIS — The French president’s office says that Nicolas Sarkozy will not go to South Africa to press his country’s bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in Annecy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

NBA in lockout after players, owners fail to reach new labor deal on deadline day
NEW YORK — Union chief Billy Hunter says owners are locking out players after failing to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, potentially putting the 2011-12 season in jeopardy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Maria Sharapova and her shaky serves reach Wimbledon final, where Petra Kvitova awaits
WIMBLEDON, England — Maria Sharapova whacked some serves long and blasted others straight into the net, and all too often she did it one after another.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
UN: 2 killed in riot as Somalis flee to overcrowded Kenya refugee camp
GENEVA — The United Nations says two people were killed and dozens injured after a riot broke out at Africa’s biggest refugee camp in Kenya.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

United Nations to open 8 new military bases in western Ivory Coast
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — The United Nations says it will open eight new peacekeeping bases in western Ivory Coast to restore law and order ahead of upcoming legislative elections.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Key Hezbollah ally slams international tribunal indictments in assassination of Lebanese ex-PM
BEIRUT — A key Hezbollah ally is warning there could be civil strife in Lebanon now that an international tribunal has accused Hezbollah’s members of killing former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

UN team finds Congo troops raped 121 women, pillaged village in restive east
GENEVA — Government troops in Congo raped at least 121 women over a three-day period, then pillaged their village in the restive east of the country, the U.N. human rights office said Friday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Calls for a boycott drowned out by huge campaign for new Morocco constitution
RABAT, Morocco — Moroccans voted Friday on whether to adopt a new constitution that the king has championed as an answer to demands for greater freedoms — but that protesters say will still leave the monarch firmly in control.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Got Plans? Discuss great ideas for local entertainment, dates and family fun with the Going Out Gurus.
The Going Out Guide staff discuss great ideas for local entertainment, dates and family fun.
(, vForum)

D.C.'s biggest stories: Lunchline's Clinton Yates breaks them down (video)
Clinton Yates a news junkie and pop culture fanatic who scours The Washington Post and its partner sites every weekday to find the gems that you want to read but don't have time to search for.
(, vForum)

Rabbi Brad Hirschfield on the week's biggest stories
Join Rabbi Brad Hirschfield as he talks about the ethical and moral issues raised by the week's biggest stories.
(, vForum)

Celebritology Live
Join Celebritology blogger Jen Chaney to gab about the latest celebrity gossip and pop culture news making waves across the Web.
(, vForum)

Celebritology Live
Join Celebritology blogger Jen Chaney to gab about the latest celebrity gossip and pop culture news making waves across the Web.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Who Won The 6,000+ Nortel Patents? Apple, RIM, Microsoft — Everyone But Google

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Buddy Media CEO Michael Lazerow Joins SavingStar Board of Directors

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Turn Google+ Into Facebook

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Behold: Path Comes To Android In Public Beta

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Bing Gordon: Every Startup CEO Should Understand Gamification

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Greece's prime minister urges Europe to deliver on promised rescue loan pledge after cuts made
VOULIAGMENI, Greece — Prime Minister George Papandreou is urging the European Union to deliver on promises to provide more rescue loans after Greece approved a massive package of tax increases and spending cuts that triggered riots and tested his party’s unity.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

SKorea-EU free trade agreement takes effect as Seoul-Washington deal remains unratified
SEOUL, South Korea — A landmark free trade agreement between South Korea and the European Union took effect Friday amid expectations of a boost to already booming commerce between the two sides.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World markets rise after Greece approves austerity measures to avoid debt default
SHANGHAI — World markets posted muted gains Friday, with Tokyo rising to an eight-week high, as investors took heart from debt-strapped Greece’s approval of harsh austerity measures but remained wary following signs of slowing growth in China.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

South Korean consumer price index rose to 4.4 percent in June defying rate increases
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s inflation rate accelerated in June, the government said Friday, as higher interest rates have yet to rein in rising prices.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Who Won The 6,000+ Nortel Patents? Apple, RIM, Microsoft — Everyone But Google

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)