Keepingitreal

2nd Year Anniversary Issue Swagga Digital Magazine Winter 2011

Today's News Highlights 06.29.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Kabul hotel attacked by suicide bombers
A squad of bombers and gunmen attacked a landmark hotel in the Afghan capital late Tuesday, exploding a vehicle at its gate and then entering the building.
(By Pamela Constable)

New IMF chief Lagarde faces immediate tests
Lagarde faces immediate tests in Greece, as well as a longer-range commitment to giving developing nations more power within the IMF.
(By Howard Schneider)

FBI looks at Arlington Cemetery procedures
A broad criminal inquiry also seeks evidence of possible contracting fraud and falsification of records, people familiar with the investigation said.
(By Jerry Markon and Christian Davenport)

Kerry, McCain share long friendship
Their personal bonds and foreign policy views have been shaped by war.
(By Paul Kane)

D.C. seeks foothold in online gambling
D.C. officials are scrambling to launch an online casino in the city, which is the first jurisdiction in the United States to sanction Internet gambling.
(By Michael Laris)

POLITICS
Latest scandals show South Korea still struggles to shed corrupt, collusive ways
SEOUL, South Korea — Allegations of multibillion dollar fraud at banks and revelations by South Korea’s top business conglomerate of shady dealings are forcing the country to grapple anew with a legacy of deep-seated corruption.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Republicans turn labor dispute with Boeing into political headache for Obama
WASHINGTON — The government’s labor dispute with Boeing Co. is turning into a political headache for President Barack Obama, giving his Republican rivals a fresh opening to bash the administration’s economic policies.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama, Biden to meet Senate Democratic leaders in debt discussions
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden plan to meet with Senate Democratic leaders Wednesday, the latest step in debt negotiations with Congress.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Matching Supreme Court justices
The Supreme Court term that ended Monday appeared to make clear that Bush and Obama got what they hoped for when they nominated the justices who will shape the court’s future.
( by Robert Barnes , The Washington Post)

DC readies nation's first government-run online poker operation, and stakes will be low
WASHINGTON — Residents of the nation’s capital could be able to play government-sponsored Texas Hold ‘Em poker and other online games on their laptops within three months even though such wagering is essentially banned in the rest of the country.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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STYLE
Ask Amy: Couple can’t agree to disagree about exes
My boyfriend and I are thinking about becoming engaged. He keeps in regular contact with his exes, and I think this is really weird.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Ketchup concern
In a Heloise flashback, a reader wonders: Should ketchup be refrigerated after it’s opened?
(, King)

Marriage or cohabitation?
After two years of dating he’s ready to move in with her. But after lots of divorces in his family he’s not ready for marriage.
(, The Washington Post)

Shylock’s the highlight in contrived ‘Merchant’
Mark Nelson is a superb Shylock in Shakespeare Theatre’s otherwise forcibly contrived handling of “The Merchant of Venice.”
( by Peter Marks , The Washington Post)



(, The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
General Electric extends global Olympic sponsorship through 2020 Summer Games
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — General Electric Co. extended its global Olympic sponsorship through 2020 on Wednesday in a four-games deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tuesday's Sports In Brief
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court won’t revive baseball star Roger Clemens’ lawsuit against his former personal trainer for claiming he injected the pitcher with steroids and human growth hormones.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ndamukong Suh says he sees 'positive light' in talks to end the NFL lockout
WALLED LAKE, Mich. — Ndamukong Suh is spending his offseason traveling, working out, rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder and spending time with family and friends.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

South Carolina repeats as national champion with 5-2 win, sweep of CWS finals over Florida
OMAHA, Neb. — Michael Roth pitched 7 2-3 innings on three days’ rest, and South Carolina won its second straight national championship with a 5-2 victory Tuesday night that completed a two-game sweep over Florida in the College World Series finals.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Interim financing deal will allow Dodgers to keep playing during bankrutpcy, but battle looms
WILMINGTON, Del. — Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt may have won the first round in a bankruptcy court fight with Major League Baseball, however the two sides are gearing up for what could be a protracted battle for control of one of the most storied teams in baseball.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
AP IMPACT: FBI's hunt for al-Qaida's 'third man' merges identities of two different people
LONDON — The FBI’s most-wanted list features a dated black-and-white photograph for the man wanted in connection with the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya. Saif al-Adel, reads the glaring red banner, alias Muhammad Ibrahim Makkawi.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

North Korea says it will retaliate militarily for South Korea army units' anti-Pyongyang signs
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s military vowed Wednesday to retaliate for anti-Pyongyang signs posted at front-line South Korean army units, as rare talks between the rivals on a stalled joint tourism project broke down.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Sizzle of fizzle? Britain faces mass strikes as unions try to increase the heat on government
LONDON — Thousands of British schools will close and travelers will face long lines at airport immigration this week when three quarters of a million workers go on strike — the first blast in what unions hope will be a summer of discontent against the cost-cutting government’s austerity plans.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Myanmar state media warn democracy leader Suu Kyi that planned tour could trigger riots
YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar’s state media warned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday that her plans to travel outside Yangon to meet supporters could trigger riots.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Embattled Sudan president visits chief diplomatic backer, China
BEIJING — Sudan’s embattled president conferred Wednesday with his chief diplomatic backer, China, reaching agreements on economic support just days before the southern part of his country becomes independent.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS
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)

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

Don't make the economy worse: Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Dana Milbank Live
Dana Milbank is recruiting cabin stewards, apologists and Tiffany's liaisons to help Newt Gringrich on his 2012 campaign.
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
Toyota to recall 82,200 vehicles in the US due to possible faulty computer boards
TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will recall about 82,200 hybrid SUVs in the U.S. due to computer boards with possible faulty wiring.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

That Was Quick: Chrome Extension Adds Facebook, Twitter Sharing To Google+

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Good First Sign: I Have A Strong Desire To Keep Using Google+

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Kodak looks to vanquish Apple and RIM in patent forum, brightening its turnaround picture
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Innovation turned Eastman Kodak Co. into one of the world’s most recognizable brands. Imitation by its rivals might help keep the picture-taking pioneer from fading into history.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Square Closes That $100 Million Round, Mary Meeker Joins Board

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

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BUSINESS
Toyota to recall 82,200 vehicles in the US due to possible faulty computer boards
TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will recall about 82,200 hybrid SUVs in the U.S. due to computer boards with possible faulty wiring.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World stock markets rise on signs that Greece may adopt controversial austerity measures
BANGKOK — Hopes that Greece will enact an unpopular set of austerity measures to prevent the country from defaulting on its massive debts sent world stocks higher Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek austerity bill set to pass as all bar one Greek Socialist deputy appear in favor
ATHENS, Greece — Greek deputies are poised to back a deeply unpopular austerity bill Wednesday that is essential for the country to get crucial bailout funds and avoid a devastating default on its debts.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

That Was Quick: Chrome Extension Adds Facebook, Twitter Sharing To Google+

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

France to name new finance minister after Lagarde chosen to head IMF
PARIS — France is expected to name a new finance minister to replace Christine Lagarde, who is leaving to take up the top job at the International Monetary Fund next week.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 06.27.11

 TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
At Fort Campbell, mixed reviews for Afghan plan
Pfc. Rob Nunez, who spent eight months in Konar province near the Pakistani border, and some of his fellow soldiers have vastly different reactions to the plan.
(By Kevin Sieff)

Nancy Pelosi pursues her own ‘faith-based initiative’
House minority leader has her sights on winning back the speaker’s gavel for Democrats.
(By Karen Tumulty and Paul Kane)

Does GOP have a compromise on debt?
As President Obama prepares to meet with Senate leaders to try to restart talks over the debt, some Republicans see a potential path to compromise: Significant cuts in military spending.
(By Lori Montgomery and Paul Kane)

DNA links fugitive to professor’s slaying, FBI says
DNA evidence links a fugitive in Mexico to the killing of an American University professor, the FBI says.
(By Dan Morse)

A pair of veteran spies cross paths
Betty McIntosh and Doris Bohrer served in the OSS and CIA, but their remarkable friendship didn’t form until they moved to the same retirement community.
(By Ian Shapira)

POLITICS
President Barack Obama talks spending and debt limit with Senate leaders
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama takes over negotiations on spending cuts and raising the government’s borrowing limit when he holds separate meetings Monday with Senate leaders.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Supreme Court to rule Monday on Arizona law giving extra cash to publicly funded candidates
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is expected to rule Monday on an Arizona campaign finance law that gives extra cash to publicly funded candidates who face privately funded rivals and independent groups.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AP IMPACT: Once-rural populations skyrocket near some US nuclear plants, evacuations unlikely
BUCHANAN, N.Y. — As America’s nuclear power plants have aged, the once-rural areas around them have become far more crowded and much more difficult to evacuate. Yet government and industry have paid little heed, even as plants are running at higher power and posing more danger in the event of an accident, an Associated Press investigation has found.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Supreme Court to rule Monday on California ban on sale, rental of violent video games to kids
WASHINGTON — Is it unconstitutional to ban the sale or rental of ultraviolent video games to children?
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Supreme Court to rule Monday on Arizona law giving extra cash to publicly funded candidates
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is expected to rule Monday on an Arizona campaign finance law that gives extra cash to publicly funded candidates who face privately funded rivals and independent groups.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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STYLE
Recession-wary performers turn Las Vegas Strip into parade of cartoon, movie characters
LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Strip is teeming with Spidermen, Elmos and Elvis Presleys of all waistlines.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ask Amy: Husband ’fesses up to old affairs; wife is torn
Her husband confessed to indulging in two affairs years ago. She went to counseling with him and was told by the counselor to “get over it.” A) She’s not ready to and B) What kind of therapist is that?
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: A unique wedding gift
Why not donate food left over from a wedding reception to a homeless shelter?
(, King)

Can sisters’ estrangement be avoided?
My religious-convert sister told my gay sister that she, her husband and children will not ever meet our gay sister’s 1-year-old twins.
(, The Washington Post)

Documentary presents case against tort reform
Susan Saladoff’s compellingly persuasive, no-nonsense documentary, “Hot Coffee,” explores the effects of the American war on “frivolous lawsuits.”
( by Hank Stuever , The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
Sunday's Sports In Brief
LEON, Mexico — Two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton won the Mexico Open for his first Nationwide Tour title, closing with a 7-under 65 on Sunday for a two-stroke victory over Richard H. Lee.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Former Tar Heels star Jessica Breland recives Honda Inspiration Award at dinner
NEW YORK — Jessica Breland is always happy to share her story of overcoming Hodgkin’s lymphoma with the hope it can be helpful to someone else.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

PGA Tour: Travelers win is Jacobson’s first title
CROMWELL, Conn. — Fredrik Jacobson closed out his first PGA Tour title on Sunday, shooting a 4-under 66 in the Travelers Championship for a one-stroke victory over John Rollins and Ryan Moore.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Knee, hamstring injuries had Mitts fearing World Cup 'jinx' but she's with US in Germany
DRESDEN, Germany — When Heather Mitts felt that familiar pain in her hamstring during training last month, it was almost too much for the U.S. defender.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tseng runs away with LPGA Championship
Top-ranked Yani Tseng wins the LPGA Championship by 10 strokes and, at 22, become the youngest player to win four LPGA Tour majors.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
Malaysia says women must hold 30 percent of top corporate posts by 2016 for gender equality
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia’s government says women must hold 30 percent of top corporate posts by 2016 in a move toward gender equality in the boardroom.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syrian opposition to meet in Damascus for first time since start of uprising
BEIRUT — Some 200 critics of President Bashar Assad’s regime are gathering in the Syrian capital for the first time since the start of the three-month uprising against his family’s rule.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

China says arrival of Sudanese president in Beijing for talks has been delayed
BEIJING — A planned visit by Sudan’s president to China, which was criticized by rights groups because he is wanted on international war crimes charges, was delayed Monday, though officials gave no reason.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to strike trade deals worth $1.6 billion in UK talks
LONDON — Britain says the U.K. and China are sealing trade deals worth 1 billion pounds (US$1.6 billion) at a summit between national leaders.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Palestinians fan out across globe to seek support for recognition at UN
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian delegations will make the rounds of nearly a dozen countries to try to drum up more support for their bid to have the United Nations recognize a Palestinian state, senior officials said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS
The Mil Life: Keeping spouses' careers, education off the chopping block
Military wives discuss keeping a career and educational goals through deployments.
(, 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)

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

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)

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)

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TECHNOLOGY
The Celebrity Moment

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Startups Don’t Die, They Commit Suicide

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Fanvibe Signs A Letter Of Intent To Be Acquired By beRecruited

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

RunKeeper Adds New Integration To Its Health Graph In Hopes Of Building ‘The Facebook Of Fitness’

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

World stock markets mixed on fears that Europe's debt crisis is about to get worse
BANGKOK — World markets were mixed Monday as Greece’s parliament began debating harsh new austerity measures that must pass for the country get its next batch of emergency financial aid.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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BUSINESS
Greek deputies to begin debate on crucial austerity plans before votes
ATHENS, Greece — Greek lawmakers begin debating new austerity plans Monday that must pass this week if the debt-ridden country is to receive the critical next installment of loans from its international bailout plan and avoid default.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

The Celebrity Moment

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Saab says $18.4 million car order from China could pay staff's wages
STOCKHOLM — Troubled car maker Saab Automobile AB has received a €13 million ($18.4 million) car order from a Chinese company that could help pay salaries to its employees, its owner Swedish Automobile AB said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Akzo Nobel, world's biggest paintmaker, warns 'adverse factors' will hurt Q2 earnings
AMSTERDAM — Akzo Nobel NV, the world’s largest maker of paint, warned Monday that second-quarter earnings will be hurt by commodity price rises, weak business in some regions and maintenance delays at some plants.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Oil falls to near $90 a barrel in Asia as US dollar gains amid Greek debt crisis
SINGAPORE — Oil prices fell to near $90 a barrel Monday in Asia as a stronger U.S. dollar made crude more expensive for investors with other currencies.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 06.20.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
McIlroy captures history at Congressional
Rory McIlroy posts the lowest mark in tournament history, shooting a final-round 69 for a total of 16-under 268, as he runs away with the 111th U.S. Open.
(By Barry Svrluga)

CEO Pay: What the area’s executives make
Hefty stock awards and bonuses drove total compensation up over 20 percent for Washington’s highest-paid chief executives last year, reflecting a nationwide trend among the largest public companies.
(By Danielle Douglas)

With executive pay, rich pull away from America
A mounting body of economic research indicates that the rise in pay for company executives is a critical feature in the widening income gap.
(By Peter Whoriskey)

Rise in charitable giving may signal economic rebound
Charitable giving in the United States rose last year for the first time in two years, signaling a rebound in the economy.
(By Annie Gowen)

Hospitals courting primary-care doctors
The push is forcing doctors to make decisions about how to deliver care to patients.
(By Lena H. Sun)

POLITICS
PROMISES, PROMISES: No action yet from Obama on guns despite call for steps
WASHINGTON — More than five months after Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head, the White House has yet to take any new steps on gun violence, even though that’s what President Barack Obama called for in the wake of the shooting.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Black slaves, freedmen risked their lives to work as Union spies down South during Civil War
WASHINGTON — In the Confederate circles he navigated, John Scobell was considered just another Mississippi slave: singing, shuffling, illiterate and completely ignorant of the Civil War going on around him.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

PROMISES, PROMISES: No action yet from Obama on guns despite call for steps
WASHINGTON — More than five months after Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head, the White House has yet to take any new steps on gun violence, even though that’s what President Barack Obama called for in the wake of the shooting.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Michelle Obama aims to inspire youth leaders during upcoming visit to South Africa, Botswana
WASHINGTON — Michelle Obama is fond of saying there’s no magic to her being first lady.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

First lady departs for trip to to Africa
First lady Michelle Obama, along with her two daughters, left for Africa on Sunday, her second official solo journey abroad.
(, The Washington Post)

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STYLE
Ask Amy: Words of love, uttered and ... forgotten?
During a weekend outing, her boyfriend told her he loved her, would marry her “in a week” and wanted her to have his baby. The next day, he couldn’t remember what he said. Yes, there was drinking involved.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Special guest request
Heloise asks: Is it fair to ask for unusual, specialty or hard-to-find food items when you are a guest in someone’s home? Readers, what do you have to say?
(, King)

Why a mom may have stayed with an abusive husband
Mom didn’t leave her abusive husband and now a daughter won’t forgive her. Did Mom have a good reason for staying — such as loss of her children?
(, The Washington Post)

Calm by the green, crazed by the pitch
At the U.S. Open and the Gold Cup, vastly dissimilar cultures were on display — entirely different, yet very much the same.
( by Rick Maese , The Washington Post)

FTC vs. National Gallery
Republican lawmaker’s push to have the National Gallery take over the historic FTC building has sparked a turf battle in Washington.
( by Ned Martel , The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
Giants fan beating suspect up for parole revocation hearing at Los Angeles jail
LOS ANGELES — The main suspect in the brutal beating of a San Francisco Giants fan outside Dodger Stadium in March faces a court hearing to determine whether he should remain in jail for violating terms of his parole.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Sunday's Sports In Brief
BETHESDA, Md. — On another brilliant day of golf, Rory McIlroy ran away with the U.S. Open title, winning by eight shots and breaking the tournament scoring record by a whopping four strokes.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Franchitti wins in Milwaukee, pulls even with Power in IndyCar points standings
WEST ALLIS, Wis. — With Sunday’s win in Milwaukee, Dario Franchitti pulled even with Will Power in the IndyCar Series points standings.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Even with White Sox, Cubs under .500, crosstown series could provide some drama
CHICAGO — Ozzie Guillen’s kidney stone just might be the perfect metaphor for this baseball season in Chicago.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ticket to Augusta: Kevin Chappell's strong US Open comes to a Masters-ful conclusion
BETHESDA, Md. — The top eight finishers at the U.S. Open qualify for next year’s Masters, and that’s a big deal for someone like Kevin Chappell.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
Reports: Japan's prime minister under pressure to resign next month
TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, criticized for his handling of the tsunami disaster and the country’s sluggish economy, is under pressure to resign next month if budget bills are passed by parliament, reports said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syria’s president: ‘Saboteurs’ are trying to exploit a movement seeking legitimate reforms
Syria’s embattled president says “saboteurs” are trying to exploit legitimate demands for reform in the country.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

British foreign secretary says Syrian leader Assad must reform or go, asks Turkey's help
LUXEMBOURG — Britain’s foreign secretary said Monday that Syria’s leader must reform or go, as the country’s regime continues a brutal crackdown on dissent.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek power company workers start strikes against privatization, potentially causing shortages
ATHENS, Greece — Greece faces potential power outages as employees at the main power utility strike to protest the company’s privatization, part of austerity plans essential for the country to avoid a default.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Handful of Melbourne-Sydney flights canceled as volcanic ash moves over southern Australia
SYDNEY — Qantas and Virgin Australia plan to cancel flights into and out of the southern city of Adelaide on Tuesday, when an ash cloud from a Chilean volcano is expected to again move into Australian airspace. Some service on a budget carrier between the country’s two largest cities was also suspended.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS

Outlook: Faux lesbians and anonymity online
Join Washington Post bloggers Melissa Bell and Elizabeth Flock as they discuss the quest to unmask the real blogger behind the "Gay Girl in Damascus" blog.
(, 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)

Outlook: Faux lesbians and anonymity online
Join Washington Post bloggers Melissa Bell and Elizabeth Flock as they discuss the quest to unmask the real blogger behind the "Gay Girl in Damascus" blog.
(, vForum)

From devoted, to deadbeat, to cannibal: How animal fathers survive in the wild
Join Dr. Stephen Vessey as he chats about the various ways animals choose to rear their young. How different are they from human dads?
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
‘Reminder: Call Dad,’ Another Notch In Google’s Belt Of Social Fail

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Adobe Software Updates To Help Devs Build iOS, PlayBook And Android Apps

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

The Bitcoin Trials Continue: Mt. Gox Exchange Collapses Due To Compromised Account

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

VillageVines Relaunches As Savored, Expands Discount Dining To 10 Cities

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Yup, YouTube Counts Video Ads As Regular Views

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

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EDITORIAL
More questions about those erasures
D.C. school officials wonder why the popular Singapore math program hasn’t worked at an elementary school.
(, The Washington Post)

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BUSINESS
Athens will get loan to avoid default, but must act on spending, privatization laws
LUXEMBOURG — The markets were in jittery mood once again Monday after eurozone finance ministers failed to agree to release the next bailout loan installment to Greece — money that is needed to prevent a debt default that could trigger financial chaos.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Athens will get loan to avoid default, but must act on spending, privatization laws
LUXEMBOURG — European stocks and the euro slipped Monday after eurozone finance ministers came up short of a final deal to get Greece its next installment of bailout money that is needed to prevent a default that could cause financial chaos.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Airbus superjumbo A380 grounded at Paris Air Show after clipping a wing
LE BOURGET, France — Airbus’ star jet has been grounded after clipping a wing on a taxiway structure, the latest in an embarrassing string of incidents for the European jet maker at the aviation industry’s premier showcase.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Japanese exports drop 10.3 percent in May as impact from quake and tsunami lingers
TOKYO — Japan’s exports dropped for the third straight month in May, hit by massive production losses in the auto sector following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disasters, the government said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

‘Reminder: Call Dad,’ Another Notch In Google’s Belt Of Social Fail

Today's News Highlights 06.16.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
White House defends Libya action
The administration’s stance puts it at odds with GOP leaders and some anti-war Democrats.
(By Scott Wilson)

Greek default fears sharpen
Growing political turmoil intensifies concerns that Greece may be spiraling toward default, potentially igniting a new phase in Europe’s debt crisis.
(By Anthony Faiola and Howard Schneider)

A new low for U.S., Pakistan
Officials say the security relationship between the two nations is the rockiest it’s been since 2001.
(By Karen DeYoung and and Griff Witte)

Arizona Rep. Giffords released from Houston hospital, 5 months after being shot
HOUSTON — Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was released from a Houston hospital on Wednesday, five months after being shot in the head during a Tucson political event.
(By Associated Press)

Bruins hoist the Stanley Cup
Boston captures the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years with a 4-0 victory over the Canucks in Game 7 in Vancouver.
(By Associated Press)

POLITICS
AP source: House Democratic leaders plan to meet Thursday to consider next step in Weiner case
WASHINGTON — House Democratic leaders are planning to meet Thursday to consider the next step in handling the scandal embroiling Rep. Anthony Weiner, who has resisted calls to resign in the midst of a sexting scandal that has been a major distraction for his party for nearly three weeks.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Study finds dads are spending much more time with kids than they did a few generations ago
WASHINGTON — The percentage of American fathers who live apart from their children has doubled over the last half-century. But, to their credit, many of today’s dads are spending more than twice as much time with their kids as they did back then.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

White House report on Libya does little to soothe anger among lawmakers on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON — The White House is vigorously defending President Barack Obama’s right to keep the U.S. military engaged in Libya without seeking congressional approval, a move that appears to have done little to soothe anger among Republican lawmakers and anti-war Democrats over the president’s consultations with Congress during the nearly three month-long campaign.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

White House report on Libya does little to soothe anger among lawmakers on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON — The White House is vigorously defending President Barack Obama’s right to keep the U.S. military engaged in Libya without seeking congressional approval.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Hackers who breached Senate computer system say they hit CIA website
WASHINGTON — A group of hackers who breached the Senate computer system earlier this week claimed responsibility for problems with the CIA’s website Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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STYLE
Carolyn Hax: Money matters
How to handle a situation in which you loan an old friend money.
(, The Washington Post)

Ask Amy: Teacher needs to go to spending school
Retiree scrimped and saved so much during her working years that she’s at a loss now on how to enjoy her hard-earned money.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Miss Manners: Who wins in ‘culture’ clash?
Dear Miss Manners: When cultural differences result in different expectations of the hostess and guest obligations, to whose culture should we defer; the hostess’s or the guest’s?
(, United Media)

Is it a musical? Or a textbook? ‘Canto’ can’t decide
GALA Hispanic Theatre’s final offering of the 2010-11 season trips over its wordiness.
(, The Washington Post)

‘Green Lantern’ is plausible and none too illuminating
‘Green Lantern’ is neither amusing nor exciting enough to ensure a long-running franchise.
( by Mark Jenkins Special to The Washington Post , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Wednesday's Sports In Brief
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Tim Thomas drew a virtual line in his crease throughout the crazy, contentious Stanley Cup finals, and Boston’s brilliant goalie just wouldn’t allow the Vancouver Canucks to cross it whenever it really mattered.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Vancouver fans set cars on fire, fling bottles after Stanley Cup loss to Bruins
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Parked cars were set on fire, others were tipped over and people threw beer bottles at giant television screens following the Vancouver Canucks’ 4-0 loss to the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Luongo insists Canucks will compete for Stanley Cup again after falling to Bruins in Game 7
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Roberto Luongo insists the Canucks will be back.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Boston Bruins end 39 years of futility beat Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 for Stanley Cup
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Zdeno Chara thrust the Stanley Cup high above his 6-foot-9 frame, knocking off his own championship hat and nearly falling down. The Boston Bruins’ captain passed it to 43-year-old Mark Recchi, who raised the shiny silver trophy for a third and final time.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Malaysian soccer coach is third suspect charged with match-fixing in youth tournament
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian authorities have charged a second soccer coach in a widening scandal over match-fixing at a domestic youth tournament.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Countries back treaty recognizing labor rights for millions of domestic workers
GENEVA — Countries have voted to to back a new convention that will recognize labor rights for millions of maids, nannies and cooks around the world
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

ConocoPhillips, Bangladesh sign contract to explore for gas in deep waters of Bay of Bengal
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladesh has signed a production-sharing contract with American energy giant ConocoPhillips to explore for gas in the virtually unexplored deep waters of the Bay of Bengal.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

French health authorities recall hamburgers after 5 children sickened from E. coli
PARIS — French health authorities have ordered a recall of hamburger patties after five children were contaminated with E. coli.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Second governing Socialist party deputy resigns his parliamentary seat in Athens
ATHENS, Greece — Second governing Socialist party deputy resigns his parliamentary seat in Athens.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syrian authorities detain hundreds of young men in the northwest, activists say
GUVECCI, Turkey — Syrian security forces made sweeping arrests Thursday, randomly detaining males above the age of 16 in a northwestern province that has been under military siege for a week, a Syrian human rights activist said.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Campus Overload Live with Jenna Johnson
Jenna Johnson answers your questions about college life, on and off campus.
(, 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)

Elementary graduations, D.C. best for families, Catholic U ditches co-ed dorms: 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)

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)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Citigroup says hackers stole data on 360,000
HONG KONG — Hackers stole account information of more than 360,000 of Citigroup Inc.’s U.S. credit card customers in a recent data breach, the bank said Wednesday, almost double the number initially thought.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Hell Yes, Mayor Bloomberg. I’m With You.

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Citigroup says hackers stole account information of 360,000 customers in recent data breach
HONG KONG — Citigroup Inc. says hackers stole the account information in a recent data breach of more than 360,000 U.S. credit card customers, much higher than initially thought.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Yahoo Tries Its Hand At Mobile App Search

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Attn Sports Fans, Journalists, And Parents Of Young Athletes, GameChanger Is On Line Two

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Korean Air takes first A380 to the skies with unique configuration for business travelers
INCHEON, South Korea — Korean Air showed off its first Airbus A380, outfitted with a unique full business class upper deck, in a pair of special flights Thursday, a day before the launch of regular international service.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Asian markets tumble on unrest over Greek debt crisis, China ecomomy fears
HONG KONG — World stocks tumbled on Thursday, hammered by continuing fears that Europe’s debt crisis could spiral out of control and worries over China’s economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek PM may resign amid austerity riots
Greece’s beleaguered government was in power-sharing talks with the opposition conservatives and negotiating the resignation of Prime Minister George Papandreou, an effort to ensure approval of new austerity measures required to avoid bankruptcy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

UK retail sales fall 1.4 pct in May after royal wedding spending spree in April
LONDON — Officials figures show that retail sales in Britain fell by a worse than expected 1.4 percent in May as consumers turned their attention from a royal wedding to their own economic worries.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Citigroup says hackers stole data on 360,000
HONG KONG — Hackers stole account information of more than 360,000 of Citigroup Inc.’s U.S. credit card customers in a recent data breach, the bank said Wednesday, almost double the number initially thought.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 06.15.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
A tough mission in Afghanistan 
A low-key Marine, Gen. John R. Allen, is set to take over the war at high-stakes moment.
(By Craig Whitlock) 

Nuclear waste dump is mired in inertia 
Yucca Mountain is a case study in government dysfunction and bureaucratic inertia. The project dates back three decades. It has not solved the problem of nuclear waste.
(By Joel Achenbach and Brian Vastag) 

Bachmann basks in newfound momentum 
Rep. Michele Bachmann enjoyed a day of fundraising, media exposure and glowing analysis of her newfound momentum on Tuesday, following a strong presidential debate performance.
(By Amy Gardner and Sandhya Somashekhar) 

States seeking to save on Medicaid 
Republican governors step up their resistance to rules requiring states to maintain current levels of health-care coverage for the poor and disabled under Medicaid.
(By Michael A. Fletcher) 

Graduating from elementary school? 
Dozens of elementary students in the D.C. area are celebrating what some critics call graduation inflation, the growth of ceremonies to mark the end of elementary school. 
(By Steve Hendrix) 

POLITICS 
Ambassador post blocked as US adoptive families fight for release of Vietnamese orphans 
HANOI, Vietnam — Marsha Sailors painted the nursery pink and green at her Missouri home, put up princess pictures and built a crib for her new little girl. They hadn’t yet met, but she already was in love with the smiling 6-month-old in a photo sent from Vietnam. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Detainee who provided key information about bin Laden courier rejoins al-Qaida 
WASHINGTON — The terrorist described as the linchpin in the hunt for Osama bin Laden has rejoined al-Qaida after the Bush administration released him from a secret CIA secret prison under pressure from Pakistan, according to former and current U.S. intelligence officials. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

House Democrats hoping pressure from colleagues and wife's return will prod Weiner to resign 
WASHINGTON — House Democratic colleagues of scandal-scarred Rep. Anthony Weiner are looking for him to step down this week amid a growing chorus for him to resign. Even President Barack Obama has suggested he should leave. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Detainee who provided key information about bin Laden courier rejoins al-Qaida 
WASHINGTON — The terrorist described as the linchpin in the hunt for Osama bin Laden has rejoined al-Qaida after the Bush administration released him from a secret CIA secret prison under pressure from Pakistan, according to former and current U.S. intelligence officials. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

New era sees more, bigger wildfires, echoing blazes a century ago as control policies change 
WASHINGTON — The fires searing parts of the West are an eerie echo of the past, a frightening reminder of a once terrible danger that had been held largely at bay for decades. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

STYLE 
Group lists Coltrane house, Chicago hospital among endangered sites; Charleston on watch list 
WASHINGTON — Jazz musician John Coltrane’s home on Long Island, N.Y., a cloverleaf-shaped Chicago hospital building and a Pillsbury plant in Minneapolis that once was the world’s most advanced flour mill are among America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Ask Amy: Military couple failing basic training 
A military couple who live in separate states, decided to set up joint checking and savings accounts to strengthen their bond. Alas, one side didn’t practice complete transparency. 
(, Tribune Media Service) 

Hints From Heloise: A change in dishwasher detergent 
After years of using the same dishwasher and the same detergent, a white film developed on a baffled reader’s dishes. 
(, King) 

Carolyn Hax: The ‘other woman’ first needs to face the truth 
She’s in love with a guy who’s seeing someone else. He won’t take her out in public and bad-mouths the woman he’s with. Ditch him? Well . . . 
(, The Washington Post) 

U.S., Russian actors connect without words 
President Obama’s reset of relations with Russia takes center stage, this time with California students in a Moscow theater. 
( by Kathy Lally , The Washington Post) 

---

SPORTS 
Defending champion Serena Williams seeded No. 8 at Wimbledon; Nadal and Wozniacki both No. 1 
WIMBLEDON, England — Defending champion Serena Williams was seeded No. 8 for Wimbledon on Wednesday and will avoid playing the highest-ranked players until at least the quarterfinals. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

JOC president Takeda says Tokyo nearing a decision on whether to bid for 2020 Olympics 
TOKYO — Japanese Olympic officials expect to know within weeks if Tokyo will bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Tuesday's Sports In Brief 
NEW YORK — An end to the NFL lockout might not be imminent, but it does appears much closer than at any point in the last three months. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Singaporean faces 20 years in prison after being charged in Malaysia for match-fixing 
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian prosecutors have charged a Singaporean man with match-fixing at a youth football tournament. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Earning spot in Gold Cup quarterfinals with sloppy 1-0 victory can't disguise US problems 
Less than a year after Spain won the World Cup, it’s already time to kick off qualifying for the 2014 tournament in Brazil. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

WORLD 
South Korea's capital turns ex-military command with painful past into modern art museum 
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea is trying to make peace with its painful past by turning a building once allegedly used as a torture center into a modern art museum. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

New flooding kills 7, leaves 7 others missing in China as torrential rains continue 
BEIJING — More flooding in central and south China has killed another seven people over the past three days, the government said Wednesday, as the country continued to be battered by seasonal rainstorms. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Former Bahrain editor claims outside plot to plant false stories 
MANAMA, Bahrain — The former chief editor of Bahrain’s main independent newspaper says he has evidence of an apparent effort to plant false news stories during Shiite-led protests for greater rights in the Gulf island kingdom. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Attack on Afghan governor’s office kills 8 
MAIDAN SHAR, Afghanistan — A suicide bomber killed eight people and wounded four in a strike Wednesday on the governor’s office in a northeastern province, while a mortar targeted a building where NATO and Afghan officials were attending the inauguration of the country’s largest police training center in central Afghanistan. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Putin says Russia's economy has two-thirds recovered from global financial crisis 
GENEVA — Russia’s prime minister says his nation’s economy remains well below the level it was at before the global financial crisis. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS 
Parenting advice: Help for raising children of all ages 
Family Almanac columnist Marguerite Kelly discusses the ups and downs of parenting, and tips for helping children through challenging times. 
(, vForum) 

Tuesdays with Moron: Chatological Humor Update 
Gene Weingarten brings you an update to his monthly Chatological Humor live chat. 
(, 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) 

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

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

---

TECHNOLOGY 
Crowd-Source Your Night In The City With The AreaNow iPhone App (TCTV) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

Exposed: Facebook’s Secret iPhone Photo Sharing App (Which Looks Amazing) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

Could Efficiency 2.0 Eclipse Solar? CEO Tom Scarmellino Thinks So (TCTV) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

On BizSpark And Bubbles: Q&A With Microsoft VP Dan’l Lewin (Video) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

Internet radio service Pandora delivers latest IPO hit as strong demand drives shares to $16 
SAN FRANCISCO — Pandora Media Inc. sold its initial public offering of stock at $16 per share late Tuesday, fetching twice as much as the popular but unprofitable Internet radio service expected less than two weeks ago. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

---

BUSINESS 
Crowd-Source Your Night In The City With The AreaNow iPhone App (TCTV) 

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com) 

Oil falls below $99 in Asia as traders eye mixed signs on US economy 
SIGNAPORE — Oil prices fell below $99 a barrel Wednesday in Asia as traders eyed mixed signs about the strength of the U.S. economy and crude demand. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

World stock markets down as investors anticipate rate hikes in India, China 
BANGKOK — World stock markets mostly slipped Wednesday as investors anticipated growth-denting rate hikes by central banks in India and China to contain stubbornly high inflation. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

UK unemployment rate holds steady at 7.7 percent as wage growth remains moderate 
LONDON — Official data show Britain’s unemployment rate held steady at 7.7 percent in the three months ending April, matching the rate reported a month ago. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

UK government to back proposals to separate banks 
LONDON — The British government intends to force banks to insulate their retail operations from their more volatile investment banking, a Treasury source confirmed Wednesday. 
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP) 

Today's News Highlights 06.10.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Newt Gingrich’s 2012 campaign implodes
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s presidential campaign imploded Thursday afternoon with virtually his entire senior staff leaving en masse, according to multiple sources familiar with the moves.
(By Chris Cillizza and Karen Tumulty)

Romney will skip Iowa straw poll in August
Former Massachusetts governor, widely regarded as the front-runner in the GOP presidential race, has decided not to participate in this year’s Iowa straw poll nor any other early tests in advance of the 2012 primaries and caucuses, his campaign announced Thursday night.
(By Philip Rucker and Chris Cillizza)

Ex-NSA official Thomas Drake pleads guilty to misdemeanor
The plea brings an end to a troubled prosecution that was one of the Obama administration's most prominent efforts to punish accused leakers of classified information.
(By Ellen Nakashima)

Senate legislation may slow, but quorums continue
The old ritual of calling senators to the Senate floor to bide time, “quorum calls,” has increased dramatically. Meanwhile, the amount of legislative business the body conducts is down.
(By David A. Fahrenthold)

An embassy-in-exile
American diplomats who evacuated from Libya are still working — in a makeshift mission at the State Department.
(By Mary Beth Sheridan)

POLITICS
Americans, Africans debate future of program that links trade opportunities to good government
LUSAKA, Zambia — Americans and Africans are debating the future of a program that links trade opportunities to with the U.S. to good government.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Alaska set to release emails from Palin's time as governor as she considers White House run
JUNEAU, Alaska — The nation is about to get a new look at Sarah Palin’s tenure as Alaska governor.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Citigroup credit card data taken from 200,000 customers in latest hack of major company
NEW YORK — Citigroup Inc. has become the latest victim in a string of high-profile data thefts by hackers targeting some of the world’s best-known companies.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Not even summer yet: Heat grips half the country; scientists say sign of things to come
WASHINGTON — Public schools in Philadelphia and parts of New Jersey and Maryland cut their days short, worried about students sweltering in temperatures in the 90s.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Redistricting stalemate in Virginia
The GOP-controlled Virginia House of Delegates and the Democratic-led state Senate approved conflicting plans for redistricting.
( by Rosalind S. Helderman , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
In wake of staff walkout, questions abound about Newt Gingrich's viability in White House race
ATLANTA — Rocked by the stunning walkout of his entire senior campaign brain trust, Newt Gingrich is nonetheless vowing to remain in the race for president.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Is age the only thing keeping them apart?
A reader wonders why she can’t get to the next level with a guy 13 years her senior.
(, The Washington Post)

Ask Amy: Learning the truth about the past
I come from a very large family — eight sisters and three brothers. By the time I was 8, my father and mother had both died. I went to live with my oldest sister (also the oldest child in the family) and her husband and his son.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Sanitizing a spa tub
I am requesting a suggestion for deep-cleaning or sanitizing my spa tub. I’ve just cleaned it and scrubbed the jets with an old toothbrush. I want to be certain that all bacteria is gone so I can feel good about getting in my spa tub.
(, King)

Music review: ‘Juggler in Paradise’ at NSO
Christoph Eschenbach conducts the emphatic work’s American premiere in his last program of his first season.
( by Anne Midgette , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Thursday's Sports In Brief
OSLO, Norway — Usain Bolt ran the fastest time in the world this season as he eased to victory in the 200 meters at a Diamond League meet, while Caster Semenya finished third behind Halima Hachlaf in the 800 meters.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Softball, baseball considering joint Olympic pitch for 2020 reinstatement effort
OKLAHOMA CITY — The sport of softball could be facing an identity crisis.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Mathis matches best PGA round for 1st lead on tour with 5-under 65 after 1st round at St. Jude
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — David Mathis certainly took the long way around to grabbing the first PGA Tour lead of his career.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Already connections for the four new men's basketball coaches in the Big 12 Conference
Before they became new Big 12 head basketball coaches, Missouri’s Frank Haith and Texas A&M’s Billy Kennedy had already known each other nearly two decades.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Alex Smith 'absolutely' expects to be 49ers starting QB, says there's no beef with Crabtree
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Alex Smith finds it awkward that a free agent quarterback is organizing the San Francisco 49ers workouts during the NFL lockout.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Vietnam announces naval live fire drill as South China Sea dispute with China heats up
HANOI, Vietnam — A squabble over territory in the South China Sea escalated Friday when Vietnam announced a live ammunition drill in an apparent reponse to China’s demand that the Vietnamese halt all oil exploration in the area.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Gates says NATO has a ‘dim’ future
BRUSSELS — America’s military alliance with Europe — the cornerstone of U.S. security policy for six decades — faces a “dim, if not dismal” future, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday in a blunt valedictory address.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Japan government says tsunami survivors need long-term mental care to prevent suicide
TOKYO — Survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami need long-term mental health care to protect them from debilitating conditions that could lead to suicide, Japan’s government said Friday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Karzai arrives in Pakistan for reconciliation talks
Afghan President Hamid Karzai arrived in Islamabad Friday for talks with top Pakistani leaders amid cautious hopes that the two nations can forge a coordinated strategy for reconciling with insurgents.
( by Griff Witte and Pamela Constable , The Washington Post)

German disease control center says cause of E. coli outbreak locally-grown vegetable sprouts
BERLIN — Investigators have determined that locally grown vegetable sprouts are the cause of the European E. coli outbreak that has killed 29 and sickened nearly 3,000, the head of Germany’s national disease control center said Friday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
We're having a heatwave: 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)

Palin vs. Bachmann, 2012 Elections and more: The Live Fix with Chris Cillizza
Get your Friday Live Fix as Chris Cillizza discusses Mitt Romney's Presidential candidacy, Weinergate, the Worst Week in Washington, and all the latest political news.
(, vForum)

Weiner's confession and Palin's emails: Dana Milbank Live
Dana Milbank answers your questions about politics and his columns and judges your "Etch-a-Sketch" submissions.
(, vForum)

Carolyn Hax Live: Advice columnist tackles your problems (Friday, June 17)
Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax takes your questions and comments about the strange train we call life.
(, vForum)

Carolyn Hax Live
Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax takes your questions and comments about the strange train we call life.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Lipdub? No. Founders Forum Re-creates Bond Movie Featuring Europe’s Startup Stars

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Groupon Was “The Single Worst Decision I Have Ever Made As A Business Owner”

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Citigroup says hackers accessed credit card data of some North American customers
HONG KONG — Citigroup Inc. said Thursday that hackers have accessed the credit card information of tens of thousands of its North American customers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Apple Just Handed Twitter The Keys To The iOS Kingdom — Here’s Twitter’s Take

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Interview: Martin Rae, President Of The Academy Of Interactive Arts And Sciences

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
World stock markets mostly down on concerns global growth is slowing
BANGKOK — World stock markets moved lower Friday over concerns global economic growth is slowing, despite news of a narrower U.S. trade deficit that sent Wall Street up after a weeklong slump.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Probe finds that NRC head manipulated information to make case for closing proposed nuke dump
WASHINGTON — While he apparently broke no laws, the head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission withheld and manipulated information to make the case for shutting down the proposed radioactive waste dump at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, according to an internal investigation.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Dutch government, unions, employers agree to increase retirement age to 67
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Dutch government says it has brokered a new pact with unions and employers to lift the retirement age to 67 to ease the financial burden of a graying population and rising life expectancy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Lipdub? No. Founders Forum Re-creates Bond Movie Featuring Europe’s Startup Stars

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

British industrial production slides 1.7 percent in April, far worse than forecast
LONDON — Industrial production in Britain plunged by 1.7 percent in April, far worse than expected and partly due to disruptions caused by the extra public holiday for the Royal Wedding, according to official figures published Friday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Morning News 06.06.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Yemen’s Saleh flies to Saudi Arabia
President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s departure raised the prospect that a key U.S. ally in the fight against al-Qaeda had lost his grip on a nation tumbling into chaos.
(By Ernesto Londono and Sudarsan Raghavan)

Redesigning Metro’s map
Lance Wyman, the creator of the transit system’s colorful map, has the challenge of redesigning the map more than three decades later.
(By Dana Hedgpeth)

Wireless Net access, GPS on collision course
Two of 21st-century America’s favorite gadgets — the smartphone and the GPS device — are on a collision course, according to a report delivered Friday to the FAA.
(By Ashley Halsey III)

Housing bust still hurts in Fla.
Once a booming area, Flagler County, Fla., illustrates the problem President Obama faces in politically pivotal places hit hardest by the recession.
(By Michael A. Fletcher)

Egyptians say economy is top concern
A U.S. government-funded poll finds most Egyptians say they backed the revolution because of their economic difficulties, not a lack of democracy.
(By Mary Beth Sheridan)

POLITICS
AP Interview: Huntsman's not yet in 2012 White House race, but he's mapping campaign strategy
NORTH CONWAY, N.H. — Toeing the 2012 line, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman sounded like a full-fledged White House candidate Saturday set to join the field this month as he mapped out a campaign strategy that bypasses early-voting Iowa to focus on New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Lawrence Eagleburger, career foreign service officer who rose to secretary of state, dies
WASHINGTON — Lawrence S. Eagleburger, the only career foreign service officer to rise to the position of secretary of state, died Saturday, according to two of his one-time bosses, former President George H.W. Bush and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Cut the costs, cache the cash
A new cost-cutting effort by Montgomery County is encouraging employees to come up with ways to save taxpayers money.
( by Michael Laris , The Washington Post)

Sulaimon Brown shows money orders
The former D.C. mayoral candidate says they were given to him by Howard Brooks as part of payments he says he received to disparage Mayor Fenty during the campaign.
( by Nikita Stewart , The Washington Post)

Waiting for the promise of high-speed rail
Critics say Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell missed an opportunity when his administration decided not to apply for federal funds.
( by Anita Kumar , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
Miss Manners: Overwhelmed by photo requests
I seem to be the only person in the last several years who has taken a camera to parties, family gatherings, school plays, etc.Afterward and sometimes during the event, I am asked to take pictures and “send” them to several people.
(, United Media)

Ask Amy: This mom has had it with gift tradition
Dear Amy:How can I (or should I?) tactfully end obligatory gift-giving among relatives who barely know one another? I suggested a couple of times that we end this tradition, but it was poorly received each time.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Carolyn Hax: Can she get over husband’s ‘emotional affair’?
Last month I found out that my husband of four decades had an “emotional affair” for the past year.
(, The Washington Post)

Honduras, on the rise
The view from Honduras’s Lenca Trail is of a country back on the right path.
( by Nancy Trejos , The Washington Post)

Terrific summer toys for outdoors and on the go
Here are some great toys to make playing outdoors more fun this summer, along with five fun games to take along on vacation.
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Marcos Mondaini scores in 70th minute, Chivas USA beats expansion Timbers 1-0
CARSON, Calif. — Marcos Mondaini scored in the 70th minute off a pass from Paulo Nagamura and Chivas USA won for the second time this year at home, beating the expansion Portland Timbers 1-0 on Saturday night.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Asia hails Li Na's French Open win, China urges others to follow her example
BEIJING — Li Na’s landmark French Open victory sparked celebrations and recognition throughout Asia on Sunday, while China’s state media told its athletes to learn from her as they prepare for the London Olympics.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Josh Parr had 3 RBIs, Illinois eliminates Kansas State 5-3 in Fullerton Regional
FULLERTON, Calif. — No. 9 hitter Josh Parr had a two-run triple and an RBI double to help Big Ten champion Illinois beat Kansas State 5-3 on Saturday in an elimination game in the NCAA Fullerton Regional.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Florida, Baylor join Tide, Sun Devils in Women's College World Series semis
OKLAHOMA CITY — With Whitney Canion putting an endless line of zeros on the scoreboard and unlikely heroes providing extra-inning homers, the Baylor Bears are getting just enough to stay alive in the Women’s College World Series.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

NCAA Tournament Capsules
AUSTIN, Texas — David Lyon hit a grand slam to key Kent State’s six-run sixth inning and the Golden Thrashers stunned Texas 7-5 in the Austin Regional on Saturday night.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
Defense chief Gates meets with US troops in farewell tour of Afghan war zone
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WALTON, Afghanistan — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressed his concern about pulling troops out of Afghanistan too soon as he embarked Sunday on two days of farewell visits to remote U.S. bases in this war-weary country.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syrian television reports 2 killed, 5 wounded in Israeli gunfire along the border
BEIRUT — Syrian television reports 2 killed, 5 wounded in Israeli gunfire along the border.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

NATO jets target military barracks in Tripoli, following on from first helicopter strikes
TRIPOLI, Libya — British jets hit a military barracks in the Libyan capital early Sunday, further intensifying NATO pressure on Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi nearly four months into an uprising to end his erratic 42-year rule.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Pope denounces 'disintegration' of family in Europe, urges couples to marry, not live together
ZAGREB, Croatia — Pope Benedict XVI denounced the “disintegration” of family life in Europe on Sunday and called for couples to make a commitment to marry, not just live together, as he reaffirmed traditional Catholic family values during his second and final day in Croatia.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Qatar bans imports of cucumber, tomato, lettuce from Germany and Spain over E. coli outbreak
BERLIN — The Gulf nation of Qatar has temporarily banned imports of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuces from Spain and Germany because of concerns about a deadly strain of E. coli.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Recovering from the 2011 Post Hunt
The Washington Post Hunt is a game of brainteasers, humor, puzzles and family fun dreamed up by Dave Barry, Gene Weingarten and Tom Shroder. The 2011 Post Hunt is set for June 5 in downtown Washington, D.C.
(, vForum)

Outlook: Are 'SlutWalk' protests the future of feminism?
Author Jessica Valenti will be online Monday June 6 at 2 p.m. ET to chat about her recent Outlook piece "SlutWalks and the future of feminism."
(, vForum)

The 2011 Post Hunt: Are you ready?
The Washington Post Hunt is a game of brainteasers, humor, puzzles and family fun dreamed up by Dave Barry, Gene Weingarten and Tom Shroder. The 2011 Post Hunt is set for June 5 in downtown Washington, D.C.
(, vForum)

Carolyn Hax Live: Advice columnist tackles your problems (Thursday, June 9)
Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax takes your questions and comments about the strange train we call life.
(, vForum)

Over-harrumphing, pregnant teens, quadruple weddings, and more: Carolyn Hax Live
Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax takes your questions and comments about the strange train we call life.
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
A TechCrunch Disrupt Proposal

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

When Facebook Captured Beluga, They May Have Harpooned It In The Head

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Hornik on VC’s Secondary Mania: “If It’s Just Money, We’re All Fungible” (TCTV)

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Why The Groupon IPO Feels Like A Swindle

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

OMG/JK: iCloud, gWallet, and tPhotos

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

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BUSINESS
Economically struggling Belarus to get $3 bln Russia-led loan in exchange for privatizations
MOSCOW — The financially struggling former Soviet republic of Belarus is to receive a $3 billion loan from a Russia-dominated group in exchange for privatizing a large chunk of its state-controlled economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Oil storage tank attacked in southern Iraq, officials say
BASRA — Iraqi officials say an oil storage tank has been attacked in the southern province of Basra.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Nintendo says it was targeted in recent online data attack, reports no data loss
TOKYO — Nintendo was targeted in a recent online data attack, but no personal or company information was lost, the Japanese maker of the Wii game console said Sunday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

US agency allows restart of Canadian oil pipeline; oil flow could resume as soon as Sunday
WASHINGTON — U.S. regulators have allowed a Canadian company to restart its Keystone oil pipeline after completing repairs and safety tests.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

A TechCrunch Disrupt Proposal 

Morning News 05.27.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
CIA to search bin Laden compound
The arrangement would allow the CIA for the first time to enter a complex that it had previously scrutinized only from a distance.
(By Greg Miller and Karen DeYoung)

Serbia arrests Ratko Mladic on war crimes charges
Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb general charged with orchestrating the largest mass killing of civilians in Europe since World War II, was arrested Thursday in Serbia, ending a nearly 16-year manhunt.
(By Colum Lynch)

Chinese Communist Party focuses on its history
A new official history of the Chinese Communist Party ventures into treacherous territory from a tumultuous past.
(By Andrew Higgins)

Online letters claim innocence in Md. slaying
An interest in yoga brought a businessman-poet and AU professor together. Now he’s accused in her death. In online letters, the man — believed to be in Mexico — says he’s not guilty.
(By Dan Morse)

Mitt Romney launching campaign on June 2
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney will formally announce his presidential campaign next Thursday, June 2, in New Hampshire.
(By Chris Cillizza and Rachel Weiner)

POLITICS
Obama signs Patriot Act extension; will continue anti-terror surveillance powers
WASHINGTON — Congress on Thursday passed a four-year extension of post-Sept. 11 powers to search records and conduct roving wiretaps in pursuit of terrorists. Votes taken in rapid succession in the Senate and House came after lawmakers rejected attempts to temper the law enforcement powers to ensure that individual liberties are not abused.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Congress passes four-year extension of roving wiretaps, other government anti-terrorism powers
WASHINGTON — Congress passes four-year extension of roving wiretaps, other government anti-terrorism powers
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Congress approves extension of Patriot Act provisions
Racing against the clock, Congress passed an extension to key provisions of the USA Patriot Act that allow investigators to keep using aggressive surveillance tactics.
( by Paul Kane and Felicia Sonmez , The Washington Post)

Gingrich casts self as ‘comeback kid’
The roughly 600 people who came to see Newt Gingrich during his two-day campaign swing through New Hampshire were largely uninterested in his purchases at Tiffany & Co.
( by Nia-Malika Henderson and Dan Eggen , The Washington Post)

Romney to announce presidential bid next Thursday in New Hampshire
WASHINGTON — Mitt Romney said Thursday he planned to formally join the GOP race for president during an appearance next week in New Hampshire, a state that is central to his White House strategy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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STYLE
29 million tune into ‘Idol’ finale
About 29 million people watched Fox’s “American Idol” finale Wednesday, when Scotty McCreery was crowned the winner.
(, The Washington Post)

Spaceport America taking shape, officials renew commitment to commercial space industry
SPACEPORT AMERICA, N.M. — The wind is still whistling through the massive unfinished steel hangar doors at Spaceport America. The exterior is waiting to be clad with custom metal panels, and the hangar floor, where a pair of sleek spacecraft will one day sit, is still dirt.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Wildwoods are top NJ beaches again; Cape May County takes 5 of top 10 spots
WILDWOOD, N.J. — Need more proof that New Jerseyans hate having to pay for beach badges?
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New Mexico's Gila Cliff Dwellings and campgrounds reopening for holiday weekend
SILVER CITY, N.M. — The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Gila National Forest campgrounds are reopening for the Memorial Day weekend.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Paul and the Other Paul
The most memorable moment of Paul Simon’s concert comes with the star attraction happily observing.
( by David Malitz , The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
Tillman’s tactics help Terps
The Final Four-bound Maryland men’s lacrosse team has responded to first-year Coach John Tillman’s team-building techniques.
( by Christian Swezey , The Washington Post)

Luke Donald opens with 64, leads Lee Westwood by 8 shots in battle for No. 1 at Wentworth
VIRGINIA WATER, England — Luke Donald shot a 7-under 64 on Thursday to take the lead in the suspended first round of the BMW PGA Championship, leaving him eight stroke ahead of No. 1 Lee Westwood in their battle for the top spot in the world ranking.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Pay to play? Hunter-Reay's deal to drive No. 41 for Foyt shows role sponsors play in IndyCar
INDIANAPOLIS — Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti watched the number of Indianapolis 500 qualifying spots dwindle in the final minutes of Bump Day last weekend, and the Andretti Autosport teammates knew one of them could end up knocking the other out of the race.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AL Capsules
DETROIT — Jacoby Ellsbury hit a three-run homer in a five-run second inning, and the hot-hitting Boston Red Sox went on to rout the Detroit Tigers 14-1 in an eight-inning, rain-shortened game Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Danica has been Indy's saving grace, but time for the open-wheelers to stand on their own
INDIANAPOLIS — Danica Patrick was holding court at the Brickyard and, as always, no one had more reporters crowded around them.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Rights group says extrajudicial killings by Venezuela's police officers escalating
CARACAS, Venezuela — Unjustified killings by police officers are escalating and occurring across Venezuela, a human rights group charged Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Libya calls for cease-fire
Prime minister’s offer stops short of saying all military personnel would be returned to barracks
( by Michael Birnbaum , The Washington Post)

British government puts Apache helicopters at NATO's disposal
LONDON — The British government has given clearance for the use of its attack helicopters in Libya, putting the final decision on deployment in NATO’s hands.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Scientists claim they've found farthest-ever explosion more than 13 billion light years away
LONDON — A group of researchers claim they’ve found the most distant explosion ever detected, a pulse of high energy radiation sent by a disintegrating star near the very edge of the observable universe.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Under intense international pressure, Libyan premier says he's ready to talk with rebels
TRIPOLI, Libya — Libya’s government pushed a cease-fire proposal Thursday and said for the first time it was prepared to speak with its rebel adversaries, signaling that months of fighting and NATO bombardment may be closer to forcing some concessions.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Goodbye Oprah, hello Scotty, and congrats Hines Ward: Lisa de Moraes' TV Column
Post TV columnist Lisa de Moraes will be chatting about Oprah Winfrey's final three episodes of her popular TV show.
(, vForum)

Sports talk with David Sheinin
Usually Tracee Hamilton goes weekly with her chat about sports, life and everything else. This week David Sheinin will be subbing in for her.
(, vForum)

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

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)

Carolyn Hax Live: Advice columnist tackles your problems (Friday, June 3)
Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax takes your questions and comments about the strange train we call life.
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
Facebook hires 2 former Bush aides as lobbyists, stepping up efforts to friend Washington
NEW YORK — Facebook said Thursday that it hired two aides of former President George W. Bush as lobbyists. The world’s largest online social network is stepping up efforts to friend Washington as it grows.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

EcoMotors Chief Don Runkle: “Electric Vehicles Are Not Zero Emissions”

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Facebook hires 2 former Bush aides as lobbyists, stepping up efforts to friend Washington
NEW YORK — Facebook is hiring two aides of former President George W. Bush as lobbyists. The world’s largest online social network is stepping up efforts to friend Washington as it grows.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Gmail’s ‘People Widget’ Takes On Rapportive, No Browser Plugin Required

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Now You Can See Twitter The Way I See Twitter

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

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EDITORIAL
Ed Schultz suspended from MSNBC after calling Laura Ingraham a ‘right wing slut’
MSNBC suspended host Ed Schultz after he called rival pundit Laura Ingraham “a right-wing slut” during a radio broadcast Tuesday.
(, The Washington Post)

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BUSINESS
8 manufacturers recall pool, in-ground spa drain covers due to incorrect ratings
WASHINGTON — Eight manufacturers have voluntarily recalled about one million pool and in-ground spa drain covers because of incorrect water flow ratings.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Supreme Court upholds Ariz. law punishing employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has sustained Arizona’s law that penalizes businesses for hiring workers who are in the United States illegally, rejecting arguments that states have no role in immigration matters.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Competing plans on job growth
President Obama and Congressional Republicans unveil competing plans to reduce the cost of doing business for U.S. companies.
( by Zachary A. Goldfarb , The Washington Post)

War-weary lawmakers send Obama a message by narrowly rejecting accelerated Afghan withdrawal
WASHINGTON — War-weary Republicans and Democrats on Thursday sent the strongest message yet to President Barack Obama to end the war in Afghanistan as the commander in chief decides how many U.S. troops to withdraw this summer.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ex-Nasdaq exec pleads guilty to fraud
Former executive traded on confidential information about companies listed on the Nasdaq, reaping more than $755,000 from 2006 to 2009.
( by David S. Hilzenrath , The Washington Post)

Today's News in Brief

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

Looking for answers down tornado alley
The latest tornado in Missouri has experts asking why 2011 has spawned so many deadly storms, with many blasting through heavily populated areas.
(By Brian Vastag and Ed O’Keefe)

A costly ‘special relationship’?
Obama visits London at a time when Britain is debating whether it can afford its global role.
(By Anthony Faiola)

U.S., allies weigh Yemen options
Officials, however, acknowledge that any action they pursue to force Saleh’s resignation poses risks in this strategic but turbulent and fragile country.
(By Karen DeYoung)

High court upholds order to reduce Calif. prison population
The Supreme Court says prison conditions there are “incompatible with the concept of human dignity.”
(By Robert Barnes)

Report tracks earnings among the majors
Over a lifetime, the earnings of workers who have majored in engineering, computer science or business are as much as 50 percent higher than the earnings of those who major in the humanities, the arts, education and psychology.
(By Peter Whoriskey)

POLITICS
Congress races to extend Patriot Act, send to Obama in Europe before Friday deadline
WASHINGTON — The tortoise-like Senate is under uncommon pressure to pass a four-year extension of the anti-terrorist Patriot Act before key provisions expire Friday. But the deadline is even tighter, because President Barack Obama is in Europe.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Advocates to military: Keep evidence in rape cases to enable prosecution, disability claims
WASHINGTON — The military too quickly destroys records from the hundreds of rapes and sexual assaults reported confidentially each year, say victims’ advocates and some members of Congress.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Top Supreme Court lawyer says WWII-era predecessor hid key information on Japanese internment
WASHINGTON — Nearly 70 years after the Supreme Court upheld the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, the government’s top high court lawyer says one of his predecessors concealed critical information that could have tipped the cases.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

In reminder of al-Qaida's strength without bin Laden, Yemeni bomber leaves fingerprint behind
WASHINGTON — The FBI has a fingerprint and forensic evidence linking al-Qaida’s top bomb maker in Yemen to a trio of explosive devices used in recent attacks on the United States, tangible reminders that Osama bin Laden’s death has not eliminated the threat from the group’s most active and dangerous franchise.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Despite his worries about cutting US military strength, Gates sets path for lower budgets
WASHINGTON — One of Robert Gates’ final tasks before retiring as defense secretary is to set the Pentagon on a budget-cutting course he had spent much of his 4 1/2-year tenure trying to avoid — a path that could shrink the military’s role in the world.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

STYLE
Ask Amy: Adults stuck on childhood favoritism
Dear Amy:During childhood, my husband’s parents blatantly favored him at the expense of his siblings.For the 25 years we have been married, he, I, and our two children have been the target of his brother’s resentment, acted out at their family’s frequent gatherings.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Does tip include alcohol?
Dear Heloise: I read the restaurant tipping hint in the Houston Chronicle. The reader suggests doubling the tax as an easy way to figure out the tip. This will work only if you don’t order alcoholic beverages. (Heloise here: This is not the case everywhere and in every situation.)
(, King)

Miss Manners: Artist doesn’t want to give away personal information
Dear Miss Manners:I live on a disability pension for a condition that is not readily apparent. I also occasionally sell works of art. When I am asked what I “do,” I usually state that I am an artist. Few are willing to leave it at this and persist with comments like “But you certainly can’t pay the rent with THAT!”
(, United Media)

Frank Stewart’s Bridge: See declarer’s hand

(, Tribune Media Service)

Take time to adjust to newly single status
Getting divorced, and have reconnected with a 20-years-ago lost love. We’ve hit it off great, but she wants to be neither the rebound nor the transitional person.
(, The Washington Post)

SPORTS
A's shut down by Weaver, get runner thrown out at plate by Hunter in 4-1 loss to Angels
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Josh Outman did the job in his first major league outing in almost two years. The Oakland Athletics offense didn’t. Of course, Jered Weaver had something to do with that.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Hunter throws out runner at plate, drives in go-ahead run for Angels in 4-1 win over A's
ANAHEIM, Calif. — If given a choice of cutting down the potential tying run at home plate or delivering a tiebreaking hit late in the game, Torii Hunter would always go with the clutch defensive play.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

All Night Long: Florida State League game goes 23 innings, Jupiter beats Clearwater 2-1
JUPITER, Fla. — A minor league game in the Class-A Florida State League lasted 23 innings Monday night before the Jupiter Hammerheads finally beat the Clearwater Threshers 2-1.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Padres lose again as Pujols ends longest HR drought with solo shot in 3-1 win
SAN DIEGO — Hours after shaking up their lineup by demoting light-hitting leadoff batter Will Venable, the San Diego Padres went out and lost again with little offense.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Pujols ends longest HR drought with solo shot as Cardinals beat Padres 3-1
SAN DIEGO — One ball left the yard and another one didn’t, both providing highlights for the St. Louis Cardinals.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

WORLD
Palace says Prince William and the former Kate Middleton to meet Obamas during state visit
LONDON — Palace says Prince William and the former Kate Middleton to meet Obamas during state visit.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ash cloud from Iceland volcano reaches western Norway and Denmark, disrupting air traffic
OSLO, Norway — Authorities say the ash cloud from the erupting volcano in Iceland has swept over western Norway and Denmark, stalling air traffic in part of Norway and causing delays in Copenhagen.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarchy, resists pressure to reform in PM comments
MBABANE, Swaziland — The prime minister of sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarchy says Swaziland will resist pressure from the West over democratic reforms.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Roadside bomb kills 10 Afghan laborers
A roadside bomb hit a truck packed with laborers, killing at least 10 of them onTuesday in Afghanistan’s restive southern Kandahar province, a doctor at a local hospital said.
( by Sayed Salahuddin , The Washington Post)

Moscow court hears Khodorkovsky appeal on 2nd conviction, oil magnate calls charge 'absurd'
MOSCOW — A Moscow court is expected to decide whether to overturn imprisoned oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s conviction for stealing from his company and laundering the proceeds.
( 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)

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

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

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)

D.C.'s big 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)

TECHNOLOGY
Twitter Buys TweetDeck For $40 Million

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Yahoo's giving email service long-promised facelift in bid to widen appeal, attract more users
SAN FRANCISCO — Yahoo Inc. is giving its popular email service a long-promised facelift in an attempt to make it more appealing to people who are increasingly using Facebook, Twitter, Google and other online alternatives to communicate.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Jeff Jarvis: When It Comes To New Journalism, ‘Transparency Is The New Objectivity’

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Symantec Continues Move Into eDiscovery, Acquires Clearwell Systems For $390 Million

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Happy Toy Machine Allows You To Build Your Own Plush Toys

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

BUSINESS
Ford sees chance to woo Japanese buyers as rivals battle production delays
TOKYO — Ford sees a big chance in coming months to snatch buyers away from the Japanese automakers that are battling production delays caused by the March earthquake and tsunami.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Investor decides to sell Va ethanol plant, lays off majority of workers
HOPEWELL, Va. — Osage Bio Energy says it’s throwing in the towel on plans to brew ethanol from Barley at a plant in Hopewell.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Malaysia to export durians to China in July, but faces tough task breaking Thai dominance
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia will start exporting durians to mainland China from July, challenging Thailand’s virtual monopoly on shipments of the spiky, stinky delicacy that many Southeast Asians hail as “the king of fruits.”
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

DNA evidence said to link ex-IMF leader with NYC hotel maid who says he sexually assaulted her
NEW YORK — DNA taken from former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn matches material on the uniform of a hotel maid who says he sexually assaulted her, two people familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Brazil's Congress debates changes to forest law that environmentalists say threatens Amazon
SAO PAULO — Brazilian legislators are pushing to resume debate Tuesday on changes to an environmental law that watchdog groups warn will speed destruction of the Amazon rain forest.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)   

Supreme Court orders California to release tens of thousands of prison inmates

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ordered California on Monday to release tens of thousands of its prisoners to relieve overcrowding, saying that "needless suffering and death" had resulted from putting too many inmates into facilities that cannot hold them in decent conditions.It is one of the largest prison release orders in the nation's history, and it sharply split the high court. Justices upheld an order from a three-judge panel in California that called for releasing 38,000 to 46,000 prisoners. Since then, the state has transferred about 9,000 state inmates to county jails. As a result, the total prison population is now about 32,000 more than the capacity limit set by the panel.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, speaking for the majority, said California's prisons had "fallen short of minimum constitutional requirements" because of overcrowding. As many as 200 prisoners may live in gymnasium, he said, and as many as 54 prisoners share a single toilet.

Kennedy insisted that the state had no choice but to release more prisoners. The justices, however, agreed that California officials should be given more time to make the needed reductions.

In dissent, Justice Antonin Scalia called the ruling "staggering" and "absurd."

He said the high court had repeatedly overruled the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for ordering the release of individual prisoners. Now, he said, the majority were ordering the release of "46,000 happy-go-lucky felons." He added that "terrible things are sure to happen as a consequence of this outrageous order." Justice Clarence Thomas agreed with him.

In a separate dissent, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said the ruling conflicted with a federal law intended to limit the power of federal judges to order a release of prisoners.

State officials and lawyers for inmates differ over just how many prisoners will have to be released. In recent figures, the state said it had about 142,000 inmates behind bars, and the judges calculated the prison population would need to be reduced to about 110,000 to comply with constitutional standards.

Kennedy said the judges in California overseeing the prison-release order should "accord the state considerable latitude to find mechanisms and make plans" that are "consistent with the public safety."

The American Civil Liberties Union said the court had "done the right thing" by addressing the "egregious and extreme overcrowding in California's prisons."

David Fathi, director of the ACLU national prison project, said "reducing the number of people in prison not only would save the state taxpayers half a billion annually, it would lead to the implementation of truly rehabilitative programs that lower recidivism rates and create safer communities."

Meanwhile, the court took no action on another California case in which a conservative group is challenging the state's policy of granting in-state tuition at its colleges and universities to students who are illegal immigrants and have graduated from its high schools.

The justices said they would consider the appeal in a later private conference.

Morning News 04.14.11

1. A Man, A Plan, A Deficit
   President Obama outlined his plan for tackling the national debt Wednesday, drawing on liberal values and proposing tax cuts for the rich.
   Read original story in New York Times | Thursday, April 14, 2011

2. Nuclear Safety? Please Refer to Industry Guides.
   When it comes to nuclear regulatory guides, industry often writes the rules say critics.
   Read original story in ProPublica | Thursday, April 14, 2011

3. For Libyan Rebels, Cell Phones Replace Semaphore
   A young telecom entrepreneur has helped rebels pinch Qaddafi's wireless network.
   Read original story in | Thursday, April 14, 2011

4. FAA Ends Solo Air Traffic Night Shifts
   After another incident of a controller nodding off, federal authorities now insist each night shift must be a sleepover with more than one controller at the party.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Thursday, April 14, 2011

5. States Seek to Ban Animal Farm Exposes
   Undercover photos and videos are a favored tool of animal advocates looking to reveal squalid conditions and inhumane practices. Some states want to make them illegal, because not all animals are equal.
   Read original story in New York Times | Thursday, April 14, 2011

6. Kobe Bryant Fined $100,000 for Anti-Gay Slur
   NBA commissioner slapped a fine on the Lakers star after he made homophobic comments during a game on Tuesday night.
   Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Thursday, April 14, 2011

7. Civil War Lesson Plan: Auction Black Students
   A Virginia schoolteacher divided her classroom by race and then told white students to bid for black ones.
   Read original story in TPM | Thursday, April 14, 2011

8. Big Mac, Brought to You by Identity Theft
   McDonald's managers in Georgia have been charged with hiring prospective workers using the stolen identity cards of U.S. citizens.
   Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Thursday, April 14, 2011

9. Top CIA Spooks Leave for Private Firms
   The private sector has steadily chipped away at the CIA's top talent since 9/11 in the hope of securing government contracts.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

10. Congress Yanks Wolf Off Endangered Species List
    In last week's budget, Congress took the unprecedented step of removing wolves from the Endangered Species List and handing their management over to pro-hunting states.
    Read original story in New York Times | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

11. Donald Trump, Harbinger of Doom
    The popularity of the real estate magnate shows just what a bad position the GOP is in when it comes to presidential candidates.
    Read original story in FiveThirtyEight | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

12. Blogger Sues Huffington Post
    Ariana Huffington is a "robber baron" who has made millions off the backs of unpaid bloggers, says one contributer who's filed suit against the site.
    Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Morning News 04.11.11

1. Obama To Deliver Deficit-Reduction Speech Wednesday
   Senior adviser David Plouffe told the Sunday shows that the president will outline his plan to reduce federal budget deficits and debt, including a call for wealthier Americans to pay more taxes.
   Read original story in USA Today | Sunday, April 10, 2011

2. Qaddafi Agrees to Peace Plan
   Libya's leader has agreed to the African Union's proposed cease-fire and "dialogue." But rebels say they will accept nothing less than the despot's resignation.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Monday, April 11, 2011

3. Concern Grows Over Debt Ceiling Vote
   If it was so difficult to reach a deal on a budget until September that cut $38 billion, many are growing worried about the possibility that a divided Washington won't be able to agree on raising the current $14.25 trillion federal debt ceiling.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Sunday, April 10, 2011

4. General McChrystal is Back
   After dismissing McChrystal following his Rolling Stone debacle, Obama has asked the former Afghanistan commander to lead a program for military families.
   Read original story in New York Times | Monday, April 11, 2011

5. New Quake Hits As Japan Widens Nuclear Evacuation
   A 7.1 earthquake rocked Japan on Monday as officials said they would evacuate more areas around the Fukushima nuclear plant.
   Read original story in Reuters | Monday, April 11, 2011

6. In GOP Presidential Field, the Sound of Crickets
   Congressional Republicans are worried that no promising presidential candidates have emerged for 2012.
   Read original story in Politico | Monday, April 11, 2011

7. Krugman: "What Have They Done With President Obama?"
   The NYT columnist says the president has gone from inspiring to spineless.
   Read original story in New York Times | Monday, April 11, 2011

8. Deadly Chinese Milk Poisoned on Purpose
   Milk that killed three children appears to have been tainted intentionally.
   Read original story in Guardian | Monday, April 11, 2011

9. U.N. Hammers Ivory Coast President
   President Laurent Gbagbo is vying for the title of most tenacious dictator, which means the U.N. and France have started bombarding his forces again.
   Read original story in CNN | Monday, April 11, 2011

10. Retired Justice O'Connor Under Ethics Fire
    Critics say she needs to choose between hearing cases in U.S. appeals courts or playing a role in public policy issues because doing both is a clear conflict of interest.
    Read original story in The Associated Press | Sunday, April 10, 2011

11. Unusual Device Led To Confusion in Synagogue Blast
    First, officials said it was a bomb, then they said it was an accident, and now it's a bomb again. Part of the issue had to do with the fact that the explosive was layered under hundreds of pounds of concrete, making it difficult to identify.
    Read original story in The Los Angeles Times | Sunday, April 10, 2011

12. Mubarak Denies he Was a Corrupt President
    In his first comments since he was ousted from the Egyptian presidency, Hosni Mubarak denied he had abused his power and vowed to cooperate in any investigation.
    Read original story in Al Jazeera | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Morning News 04.07.11

1. Budget Dispute Drags on
   Obama, Boehner, and Reid met for 90 minutes in the Oval Office on Wednesday, and say they are inching closer to a deal.
   Read original story in New York Times | Thursday, April 7, 2011

2. Liberal Judge Declares Victory in Wisconsin
   Challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg leads the unwitting anti-union avatar David Prosser by 204 votes, but a recount may be necessary.
   Read original story in Politico | Thursday, April 7, 2011

3. Fox Drops Glenn Beck
   Ding-dong! The demagogic host announced his departure from Fox News Wednesday, but not before likening himself to Paul Revere.
   Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Thursday, April 7, 2011

4. Portugal Begs for Bail-Out
   The E.U. will ride to the debt-stricken country's aid to the tune of billions.
   Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Thursday, April 7, 2011

5. Ivory Coast Megalomaniac Still in Denial
   Despite French diplomacy, the Ivory Coast's Gbagbo refuses to leave his palace, saying Sarkozy wants to assassinate him.
   Read original story in Guardian | Thursday, April 7, 2011

6. Qaddafi to Obama: Be My Pen Pal?
   "Our dear son, Excellency, Baraka Hussein Abu oumama, your intervention is the name of the U.S.A. is a must," the Libyan dictator wrote in a letter.
   Read original story in AP | Thursday, April 7, 2011

7. Granny Cuts Armenia Off From Internet
   An old woman on a scrap hunt severed a cable with her spade, plunging the whole of Armenia into internet darkness.
   Read original story in Guardian | Thursday, April 7, 2011

8. YouTube Wants to Rival TV
   Google is revamping YouTube by adding channels featuring original programming.
   Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Thursday, April 7, 2011

9. Japan Plant Plugs Leak Into Pacific
   Workers have stopped the flow of radioactive water into the Pacific, preventing the tragedy of fluorescent sushi.
   Read original story in Washington Post | Wednesday, April 6, 2011

10. Stuff White People Like? Not Breeding.
    The numbers of Hispanic and Asian children are rising, while white kids are on the decline in the U.S.
    Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Wednesday, April 6, 2011

11. Archaeologists To Exhume Macabre Mona Lisa
    A team of Italian researchers hopes to find the withered remains of the Florentine woman whose face may solve the secret behind that enigmatic smile.
    Read original story in Telegraph | Wednesday, April 6, 2011

12. Berlusconi to Bunga Bunga Another Day
    Both the Italian Prime Minister and his alleged escort, "Ruby Heartstealer," skipped their first day in court. The trial will resume May 31.
    Read original story in NPR | Wednesday, April 6, 2011

iphone morning news 02.28.11

1. The King's Speech Triumphs at Oscars
   The period costume drama won best picture while its star Colin Firth picked up the best actor Oscar. Natalie Portman of Black Swan won best actress in a ceremony critics are calling anticlimactic.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

2. Rebels Closing In on Qaddafi
   Armed forces opposed to the Libyan dictator are in control of a town 30 miles west of Tripoli that is now surrounded by government forces. Is Oman next?
   Read original story in The New York Times | Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

3. Pro-Union Activists Rally Across the Country
   Despite steady snow, as many as 100,000 people gathered in Madison in what may have been the city's largest protest since the Vietnam War.
   Read original story in The Los Angeles Times | Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

4. Protests Spread to Oman
   Six are dead after demonstrators demanded their rights from yet another oppressive U.S.-backed sultanate.
   Read original story in Reuters | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

5. JPMorgan Wants a Piece of Twitter
   The investment bank is in talks to buy a 10 percent stake that would value the social networking service at $4.5 billion.
   Read original story in The Daily Telegraph | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

6. Hacktivists Target Koch-Backed Web Site
   "Anonymous" strikes again, this time against the Web site of Koch-backed conservative group Americans for Prosperity.
   Read original story in Politico | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

7. Sullivan Takes Blog to Daily Beast
   Andrew Sullivan will move his blogging fiefdom from the Atlantic to the Daily Beast in April.
   Read original story in The Huffington Post | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

8. Last Doughboy Dies at 110
   Born in 1901, Frank Buckles bluffed his way into the army at age 16 and crossed the seas to fight in World War I.
   Read original story in The Washington Post | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

9. Beverly Hills Child Psychiatrist Busted for Lewd Facebook Photos
   Public bum flashing? Crystal meth and Rentboy.com? A child custody expert defends his antics as "satire."
   Read original story in The Los Angeles Times | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

10. London Parlor Offers Breast Milk Ice Cream
    Baby Gaga--frozen human milk infused with vanilla and lemon zest--costs $20 per scoop and comes in a cocktail glass.
    Read original story in The Guardian | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011

11. U.K. Medical Chiefs: Abortion Is Safer Than Delivery
    The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that those who are advising women considering an abortion say that terminating a pregnancy is "generally safer" than having the baby.
    Read original story in The Telegraph | Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

12. The Last Airbender Named Worst Picture
    Sarah Jessica Parker and Ashton Kutcher also got awards. Meanwhile, Black Swan wins big in the Independent Spirit Awards.
    Read original story in The Hollywood Reporter | Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

Morning News 02.23.11

1. Campaign of Terror Engulfs Libya's Capital
   Qaddafi says he will kill protesters "house by house" in Tripoli.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

2. Rahm Emanuel Wins in Chicago
   The former White House chief of staff will be the Windy City's next mayor.
   Read original story in Chicago Tribune | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

3. New Zealand Earthquake: 75 Dead, 300 Missing
   The search continues for survivors trapped in the rubble while some buildings teeter on the brink of collapse.
   Read original story in AP | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

4. Cell Phones Set Brain Whirring
   Using a cell phone speeds up activity in the part of the brain next to the device, researchers find. But is that harmful?
   Read original story in The New York Times | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

5. Federal Judge Upholds Health Care
   And dismisses the Commerce Clause argument as "pure semantics" that "ignore reality."
   Read original story in TPM | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

6. Baby Dolphin Deaths Spike in Gulf
   Are baby dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico tied to the BP oil spill?
   Read original story in The Mississippi Clarion-Ledger | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

7. Harry Reid Calls for End to Prostitution
   The senator's appeal to Nevada's puritanical side was met with silence.
   Read original story in Politico | Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011

8. Indiana Democrats Ditch Capital To Avoid Vote on Anti-Union Bill
   Illinois is now sheltering renegade Democrats from both Wisconsin and Indiana.
   Read original story in Indianapolis Star | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

9. 100,000 Protest in Bahrain
   One-fifth of the country's population was in the streets Tuesday.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

10. Boehner: We're Not Going To Let the Government Shut Down
    The speaker of the House said Tuesday that Republicans will pass "a short-term bill to keep the government running," but it will also cut spending.
    Read original story in Reuters | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

11. Sarah Palin Uses Alternate Facebook Account To Praise Sarah Palin
    Someone using Palin's personal Gmail address and the name "Lou Sarah" has a Facebook account that they use almost exclusively to "like" Sarah Palin's official page and post nice things about Bristol.
    Read original story in Wonkette | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

12. Even Atheists Get Mad at God
    In a survey of people's attitudes toward God, nonbelievers reported experiencing more anger at God during their lives than believers.
    Read original story in CNN | Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

Morning News 02.10.11

1. Republicans Face Mutiny in the Ranks
   House GOP leaders have proposed deep budget cuts, but they don't go far enough for some Republicans.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

2. Taliban Teen Kills 27 in Pakistan
   The boy in a school uniform walked into a Pakistani army camp Thursday and blew himself up, killing 27 troops.
   Read original story in AP | Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

3. Egyptian Protesters Block Access to Parliament
   Protests continued to expand in scope Wednesday, with demonstrations, strikes, or attacks on government facilities in at least a half-dozen cities.
   Read original story in BBC | Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011

4. India and Pakistan To Restart Peace Talks
   Talks may resume for the first time since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
   Read original story in AFP | Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

5. Fetal Spine Surgery Helps Children Walk
   Babies who had surgery for spina bifida as fetuses were twice as likely to walk by themselves than those that underwent the procedure after birth.
   Read original story in San Francisco Chronicle | Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

6. Is Twitter Worth $10 Billion?
   Investors are drooling at the prospect of tapping Twitter's trove of user data, but the social networking service is playing hard to get.
   Read original story in The Wall Street Journal | Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

7. Gabrielle Giffords Would Like Some Toast
   The wounded congresswoman has recovered enough to eat three meals a day - and make requests about what those meals are.
   Read original story in Politico | Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011

8. Activision Unplugs Guitar Hero
   After five years of hits, the popular video game will become a relic of the noughties.
   Read original story in Reuters | Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

9. L.A. Seeks To Force Condoms on Porn Industry
   But producers say safe sex is a turn-off and will cut into sales.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

10. Lindsay Lohan Charged With Stealing $2,500 Necklace
    "You're no different than anyone else, so please don't push your luck," a judge told the starlet.
    Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

11. Sen. Jim Webb Won't Seek Reelection
    Republicans are salivating over the very real possibility of picking up a Senate seat from Virginia, but Dems hope they can hang on if they convince former Gov. Tim Kaine to throw his hat in the ring.
    Read original story in Politico | Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011

12. GOP Rep Resigns Over Shirtless Snapshots
    Rep. Christopher Lee hit the exit just hours after Gawker published e-mails and photos the "fit, fun, classy" married congressman exchanged with a lady friend he met on Craigslist.
    Read original story in Gawker | Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011

Morning News 02.07.11

1. Egypt Makes New Concessions to Protesters
   After meeting with a number of representatives of opposition groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, the country's vice president vowed to allow a free press, lift the emergency laws and set up a committee to study reforms.
   Read original story in The Associated Press | Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011

2. Green Bay Packers Triumph at Super Bowl
   The Florida team took down the Pittsburg Steelers 31-25.
   Read original story in The Chicago Sun Times | Monday, Feb. 7, 2011

3. AOL Buys Huffington Post
   The $315 million deal will put Huffington Post founder Ariana Huffington at the head of editorial content for both companies.
   Read original story in Los Angeles Times | Monday, Feb. 7, 2011

4. Google Exec To Be Released in Egypt
   The 30-year-old Google employee and political activist will be freed from government custody after disappearing over a week ago.
   Read original story in The Wall Street Journal | Monday, Feb. 7, 2011

5. Super Bowl: Christina Aguilera Flubs National Anthem
   "At the twilight's last reaming"? Really?
   Read original story in The Washington Post | Monday, Feb. 7, 2011

6. Obama and O'Reilly Face Off
   Politico reports the two "seemed to enjoy each other's company" during a pre-Super Bowl interview.
   Read original story in Politico | Monday, Feb. 7, 2011

7. U.S. Special Envoy Embarrasses Administration
   The White House's envoy to Europe shocked Western leaders in Munich when he seemed to speak fondly of Egypt's president, underscoring the disagreements that exist in Washington over how to proceed.
   Read original story in The Guardian | Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011

8. Americans in Iran Deny Spying Charges in Court
   Two men held in Iran for the last 18 months pleaded not guilty, insisting they were hiking in the mountains of northern Iraq when they inadvertently crossed an unmarked border.
   Read original story in Reuters | Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011

9. User-Generated Ads Score at Super Bowl
   A Doritos dog ad and a Pepsi MAX commercial made on the cheap by ordinary people won competitions for the coveted Super Bowl spots. Meanwhile, Groupon bombed with its off-color ad about Tibet.
   Read original story in USA Today | Monday, Feb. 7, 2011

10. Scrabble for New Domain Names Begins
    The ubiquitous .com is about to be joined by a host of new suffixes. But who will control .nazi, .god, .abortion, and .gay?
    Read original story in The Washington Post | Monday, Feb. 7, 2011

11. Sumo Contest Scrapped After Match-fixing Scandal
    Sumo wrestling's major spring contest has been cancelled after players admitted that the ancient sport is now basically WWF with loincloths.
    Read original story in The Wall Street Journal | Monday, Feb. 7, 2011

12. Bush Calls Off Trip After Protests, Legal Threats
    The former president canceled what would have been his first trip to Europe since leaving office after activists called for demonstrations and a group threatened legal action.
    Read original story in The Washington Post | Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011

Morning News 01.26.11

1. Obama Calls for Innovation, Cooperation in State of the Union Address
   The president said Americans are facing a 21st-century "Sputnik moment" that will require renewed investment in technology and innovation as the U.S. seeks to remain competitive in the global marketplace.
   Read original story in The Washington Post | Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

2. Two Parties Sit Together for Obama's Big Night
   The State of the Union had a prom-night feel as lawmakers frantically sought out "dates" from the rival party to sit with.
   Read original story in The Wall Street Journal | Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

3. SOTU Response: Ryan Warns of America's Decline
   The telegenic, young(ish) chair of the House budget committee warned that "America's best century will be considered our past century" if government deficits are not reduced.
   Read original story in CBS | Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

4. Financial Crisis Could Have Been Avoided
   A federal inquiry has concluded that the Federal Reserve and its recent chairman could have forseen--and prevented--the 2008 economic meltdown.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

5. 3 Dead in Egyptian Protests
   As police clash with protesters, commentators caution that "Egypt is not Tunisia" but say the demonstrations rocking Cairo could still be significant.
   Read original story in Foreign Policy Foreign Policy | Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

6. Bachmann's SOTU Rebuttal Blunder
   CNN was the only network to air Rep. Michele Bachmann's Tea Party response to the State of the Union live. Unfortunately she never looked into CNN's camera.
   Read original story in Politico | Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

7. Talking Heads React to SOTU
   Motivational or yawn-inducing? The pundits have their say.
   Read original story in The Daily Dish | Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

8. Grand Piano Appears on Sandbar Off Miami Coast
   Authorities have no idea how the 650-pound instrument got there, and they have no plans to move it.
   Read original story in Miami Herald | Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

9. Illinois Supreme Court Will Rule on Rahm
   The state's high court agreed to hear Rahm Emanuel's appeal on whether he's qualified to run for mayor of Chicago, and ordered the city not to print any ballots without Emanuel's name on them.
   Read original story in The Chicago Tribune | Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

10. Embassy Bomber Sentenced to Life in Prison
    Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, the first former Guantanamo to be tried in civilian court in the U.S., was sentenced to life in prison for participating in the 1998 embassy bombings that killed more than 200 people.
    Read original story in BBC | Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

11. With 12 Nods, "The King's Speech" Leads Oscar Pack
    The monarchy drama about a stammering George VI will face off against "The Social Network" in a "showdown between classy, traditional Oscar bait and edgy, youthful, up-to-the-minute drama."
    Read original story in Associated Press | Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

12. NBC: Feds Can't Link Manning to Assange
    Sources tell NBC that although investigators can prove that suspected leaker Bradley Manning downloaded and passed off classified documents, there's no definitive connection between him and WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange.
    Read original story in MSNBC | Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011

Morning News 01.20.2011

1. House Votes to Repeal Health Care Reform
   Three Democrats joined House Republicans in a primarily symbolic vote to repeal the Obama Administration's health care bill.
   Read original story in Reuters | Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

2. Loughner Indicted in Arizona Shooting
   The 22-year-old has been indicted on charges of the attempted murder of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her two aides.
   Read original story in The Washington Post | Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

3. Military Tribunals to Start Again in Guantanamo
   Congress has made it next-to-impossible to bring detainees to the U.S. for trial, which means they'll face prosecution in Cuba.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

4. Obama and Hu Announce $45 Billion Trade Deal
   President Obama mentioned human rights in a joint press conference with Chinese President Hu Jintao, but he focused on trade and the common interests of the United States and China.
   Read original story in The Washington Post | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

5. Obama's Approval Ratings Up
   While Sarah Palin's popularity hits an all-time low, President Obama is gaining support in the lead-up to next week's State of the Union.
   Read original story in Wall Street Journal | Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

6. Wal-Mart Goes Healthy With Michelle Obama's Help
   The retail giant will cut salts, fats, and sugars and lower prices on fruit and vegetables.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

7. UK Bans Pastor Terry "Burn A Koran" Jones
   Jones tried to organize a mass burning of the Koran on the most recent anniversary of 9/11. The Brits aren't too keen on him promoting his book, Islam Is of the Devil, in the UK.
   Read original story in CNN | Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

8. NASA Swaps Astronaut After Bike Accident
   Timothy Kopra will no longer be part of the crew piloting the space shuttle Discovery next month after falling off his bike. In related troubles, NASA has already selected a backup commander of the Endeavour to step into the boots of commander Mark Kelly, husband of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
   Read original story in AP | Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011

9. Philadelphia Abortion Doc Charged With Murder
   Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who performed late-term abortions in West Philadelphia for decades, allegedly severed babies' spinal cords with scissors after they were born alive and operated on women in conditions so dangerous that one of them died.
   Read original story in CBS Philly | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

10. Obama Administration Tells Congress CableGate Wasn't That Bad After All
    In public, the Obama administration has presented the WikiLeaks cable dump as a grave threat to national security, but in private briefings with congressional officials, the revelations are described as "embarrassing but not damaging."
    Read original story in Reuters | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

11. Giffords Will Leave Hospital Friday
    Less than two weeks after being shot in the head, the congresswoman will leave Tucson for a Houston rehabilitation hospital.
    Read original story in Politico | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

12. Patients Can Finally Choose Who Visits Them In the Hospital
    Regulations that took effect Tuesday will allow patients at any hospital that accepts Medicare or Medicaid to designate approved visitors.
    Read original story in ABC | Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011