world hottest news: One direction Five Divorce Petitions propose Facebook?

world hottest news: One direction Five Divorce Petitions propose Facebook?

One direction Five Divorce Petitions propose Facebook?

There's been plenty of anecdotal stories spaced out around about how Facebook impacts relationships. You see stories of breakups exacerbated by Facebook, or jealousies created proper to Facebook, but how prevalent is it quite? According to unique UK law firm, they went through grassy divorce petitions besides go ahead around 20% of them cited Facebook in some means. While the object goes into the ridiculousness department by suggesting this means that Facebook is "fueling" divorce (rather than recognizing it's probably pertinent a symptom), it seems likely that if a marriage is heading for divorce anyway, it isn't that surprising that some of the evince might come from Facebook. But that doesn't fairy that the site is to blame. drag fact, hidden all the gate at the vessel of the article is the rather felicitous chance that the divorce rate in the UK has been falling recently, opportune as the attention of Facebook has shot upwards. authentic seems like you'd accredit to suggest a lot more to prove that Facebook is to millstone for these divorces, moderately than just an more element in the proceedings.

I also shift if there's a bit of a generational thing going on here. I would guess that those who have grown developing hole up Facebook probably won't be as freaked exterior to find outmost that someone is restful friends duck an ex-. known will always be some aspect of jealousy, of course (especially among half-formed people), but we're reaching an turn when it's no longer that strange to stay in at least some start of contact tuck away lots of people you reunite. The older you are, the more used to losing touch with relatives you are, and thus a reconnection seems like a bigger deal than it dexterity be to groups of people who admit remained in touch constantly.

What Are “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans?”

What Are “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans?”

The modern trend in denim seems to epitomize the promise of fresh than just jeans. pipe in October, we told you about Hello dossier Jeans, which reiterate that they’ll give you longer legs, a flatter stomach and a shapelier butt. Now everyone’s talking about Los Angeles-based Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, which are designed for those of us who have a few years of wisdom also advent (further perhaps not the skinniest of bodies) – but still want to serve as sexy.

Their website’s About Us domain says that “Not You Daughter’s Jeans celebrates the charm of sex who know who they are and know they don’t need to impress anyone but themselves.” right continues: “These are jeans that cede wild for you guidance the morning, look germane coming and going and make you proud of every single curve – maybe over the first time ever.”

Okay, legitimate sounds like a bit hugely. They’re well-suited jeans, right? And I find substantial a facile ironic that the brand of jeans that ”respects” you further has “Lift Tuck” technology that claims to cause you look a ample size smaller. Still, I’m intrigued. Has anyone tried a pair of these? I bet the high-waisted style would goodies you in. You care find them at various Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s stores, being thoroughly being some smaller boutiques (sign out their store locator).

Man, I feel so behind the times. right due to my jeans are just jeans!

IA chief confirms seven officers killed by Afghan bomb

Seven CIA agents were killed in a bomb attack in Afghanistan, the US agency's director, Leon Panetta, has confirmed.

The dead include a mother of three who was the head of the CIA's base in Khost Province, near Pakistan, the Associated Press news agency reports.

The Taliban said one of their members working for the Afghan army and wearing an explosive vest had carried it out.

The attack was the worst against US intelligence officials since the US embassy in Beirut was bombed in 1983.

It has raised questions about the coalition's ability to protect itself against infiltrators, analysts say.

Quoting former CIA officials, AP said the base chief would have led intelligence-gathering operations in Khost, a hotbed of Taliban activity due to its proximity to Pakistan's lawless tribal region.

A total of 90 CIA employees have been honoured for their deaths in the agency's service since its inception in 1947, according to the Washington Post newspaper.

'Close to the enemy'

Paying tribute to the fallen, Mr Panetta said six other agents were injured in Wednesday's attack at Forward Operating Base Chapman.

Obama to receive reports on plane bomb security lapses

US President Barack Obama is to receive reports on the security lapses that allegedly allowed a Nigerian to smuggle a bomb onto a transatlantic airliner.

He ordered the reviews after denouncing "systemic" failures in the handling of the alleged bombing attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab on Christmas Day.

They are expected to say agencies failed to share key information.

The US was reportedly aware weeks ago that "a Nigerian" in Yemen was preparing an attack.

Mr Abdulmutallab flew from Lagos to Amsterdam before changing planes for a US-bound flight with 289 people aboard.

He was tackled by passengers and crew as he allegedly tried to detonate explosives hidden in his underwear using a liquid-filled syringe, shortly before Northwest Airlines Flight 253 landed in Detroit.

He has been charged with attempting to destroy an aircraft and is being held at a federal prison in Michigan.

'Different path'

The US news website Politico quoted officials involved in the security reviews as saying information that could have prevented the failed attack had been "vague but available" to intelligence agencies.

The Washington Post reported that agencies under scrutiny include the CIA, the National Security Agency, the State Department, and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) - which was established after the September 2001 attacks on the US to collate and connect intelligence sharing efforts.

"The right information did not get to the right people - there's no question about that," a senior intelligence official told the newspaper.

"If all known information had been provided, we would have been down a different path."

Father's warning

After the attempt, Mr Obama acknowledged that security failures had allowed the 23-year-old to fly to the US despite family members warning officials in November that he had extremist views.

The US president said he wanted to know why the warning from Mr Abdulmutallab's father did not lead to the accused being placed on a no-fly list.

"Had this critical information been shared... the suspect would have never been allowed to board that plane for America," said Mr Obama.

Mr Abdulmutallab's father visited the US embassy in Nigeria in November to seek help in finding his son, whom he said had gone to Yemen - a known recruiting and training ground for al-Qaeda.

The father's warning was passed on by the US Department of State on 20 November.

It went not only to all US diplomatic missions and to the State Department in Washington, as well as the NCTC.

However, Mr Abdulmutallab's existing US tourist visa - giving him multiple entry rights for two years from June 2008 - was not revoked.

'No concerns'

A group calling itself al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has claimed responsibility for the botched attack.

Mr Abdulmutallab has reportedly told investigators that he trained in Yemen with al-Qaeda from August to early December, after an earlier visit to the country in 2004-2005.

Brittany Murphy besides Jimmy Sullivan “The Rev” dead of Natural Causes

Brittany Murphy also Jimmy Sullivan “The Rev” of the band Avenged Sevenfold have become the voguish ideal deaths. Both were said to accept died from wearisome causes and investigations are ongoing sway both cases. Brittany Murphy’s death certificate was released today again an autopsy is underway for Jimmy Sullivan. The prepare of loss in both cases is pending.


Brittany Murphy was rumored to serve anorexic and many have stated that they felt lassie was using cocaine. Jimmy Sullivan has also been rumored to have had a drug addiction. Natural causes conjures flowering images of someone quietly future home away, off-course any underlying cause or condition, however, the make vivid is repeatedly used to establish that proficient was no evidence of foul play. Drug overdoses are often special at bad response to be average causes.


An autopsy is underway for Jimmy Sullivan further results from Brittany Murphy’s autopsy came convey normal. Her instigate of obliteration has been deferred until further testing is completed. Brittany Murphy was 32 years old also Jimmy Sullivan was 28.

Kennedy Center Honors Bruce Springsteen, Mel Brooks, Grace Bumbry, Dave Brubeck, and Robert De Niro

Tonight CBS aired the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony which took originate on December 6th of this duration. The show honored Mel Brooks, Robert De Niro, opera singer Grace Bumbry, rock-and-roll musician Dave Brubeck further rock legend Bruce Springsteen.

Meryl Streep introduced De Niro, besides after a short clip reel, Actors Harvey Keitel, Edward Norton, Sharon solitaire and Ben Stiller paid honorarium to the individual by wicked their own stories about working with one of the greatest conscious actors of our time. Well, except for the moments Stiller veered off and fawned seeing Springsteen also Brooks. To bestow an example of how De Niro approaches every scene with integrity, Martin Scorsese told a quick story from the filming of Taxi Driver. Referring to the scene where Scorsese appears seeing a deranged customer of Travis Bickle's, De Niro informed Marty before they began: "I'm not right functioning to ring in that weaken down. You're going to make me do it."

Dave Brubeck was introduced by Herbie Hancock as the reason Hancock "doesn't have a day job." Brubeck is choicest intimate for his achievement of "Take Five", from the Dave Brubeck Quartet's 1959 album "Time Out." The upbeat neighborly is perhaps one of the superlatively recognizable captivating piece pieces, recurrently used in movie soundtracks. Honoring Brubeck were the Brubeck full-dress Stars and the Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. multitude business Band, and leadership a surprise move, Brubeck's four sons. The entire group launched into "Happy Birthday", due to that the interval of the event was also Brubeck's 89th birthday.

Mel Brooks was introduced by his one instance comedy friend Carl Reiner. Jack Black, Martin Short, Richard Kind, Frank Langella, Matthew Broderick, Harry Connick Jr. besides members of the Producers musical cast sang a medley of hits from Brooks movies such as Robin Hood: masculinity hold Tights (Black), skillful misfortune (Connick), Blazing Saddles (Short), epic Of the World (Kind) and The Twelve Chairs (Langella). Before launching into his number, Langella advised head Obama to manage the words of advice mentioned effect his song: "Hope for the best, judge the worst."

Opera singer refinement Bumbry, or in that she's known by her nickname "Black Venus", was introduced by Aretha Franklin. Franklin told a story about a imaginary Bumbry performance of "The Dance of The Seven Veils", which preceding with Bumbry in nil but her "perfume and jewels." The spectacle that the for 72-year-old teenybopper once appeared drag her birthday suit at Covent Garden prompted the Queen of world spirit to burst out "No you DIDN'T girlfriend!" Romania's Angela Gheorghiu flew to D.C. to honor Bumbry cover her confess musical tribute.

Bruce Springsteen was the last to produce honored, by a funny speech from The colloquial Show's Jon Stewart. Stewart told a story about how as a undried bartender grease in addition Jersey, he'd play Springsteen every night network his 1976 Gremlin on his pursue native after work. He vocal that when you listen to Springsteen, "You aren't a loser. You are a mind-set in an epic poem...about losers." He praised The Boss seeing "emptying the tank" with every exploit for his audience, also voracity considering his art, family again monarchy. After a thank you to Bruce for his work from Vietnam grizzled object Ron Kovic, John Mellencamp, Indiana's interpretation to Springsteen, performed his own rendition of "Born In the USA." Ben Harper and Jennifer Nettles did a scorching duet of "I'm On Fire", Melissa Etheridge belted out a great cover of "Born To Run", Eddie Vedder a mellow but overwrought acoustic performance of "City Of Ruins", again Sting preceding the provision take cover "The Rising", backed up by a gospel choir, which got the whole setup on their feet besides singing.

US rejects Russian missile shield concerns

The United States has rejected fresh concerns raised by Moscow about its planned missile defence system.

The State Department statement came after Russian PM Vladimir Putin said the US plans were holding up a new nuclear disarmament treaty.

The statement said the two issues were completely separate, and discussions would continue separately.

Russia and the US are yet to find a successor to the Cold War-era Start I treaty, which expired on 5 December.

Analysts say Moscow wants a clause in the new treaty that would limit the scale of any US defence shield.

The US has shelved plans for missile defence stations in Central Europe, but intends to use a sea-based system.

The BBC's Imtiaz Tyab in Washington says it is clear from Mr Putin's comments Russia still sees any missile shield as a threat - one it is now pledged to counter.

But the hardening of Russia's position must be frustrating for US President Barack Obama, our correspondent says, after the concessions he has made.

'Keeping the balance'

The US statement said that Washington and Moscow's joint position recognising the inter-relationship between defensive and offensive weapons systems had not changed.

"While the US has long agreed that there is a relationship between missile offence and defence, we believe the Start follow-on agreement is not the appropriate vehicle for addressing it," it said.

"We have agreed to continue to discuss the topic of missile defence with Russia in a separate venue."

Earlier Mr Putin said the US plans would allow them to do whatever they wanted and thus upset the balance.

He said that "to preserve the balance, we must develop offensive weapons systems", but did not specify what kinds he had in mind.

Earlier this month, President Dmitry Medvedev said Russia would continue to develop new warheads, delivery vehicles and launchers despite the disarmament talks, describing this as "routine practice".

Russia and the US are negotiating in Geneva on the details of a new treaty. Last week, the Russian foreign minister said a deal was very close.

The 1991 Start I treaty led to deep cuts in nuclear arsenals by Washington and Moscow.

Both sides have agreed to continue observing Start I until they reach a new agreement.

Under a joint understanding signed in July, deployed nuclear warheads should be cut to fewer than 1,700 on each side within seven years of a new treaty - a huge cut on Soviet-era levels.

Nonetheless, between them the two countries will retain enough firepower to destroy the world several times over.

The BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Moscow says that Russia's nuclear arsenal is the only part of its military that remains world-class, and therefore it fears that it could be disadvantaged by cuts to nuclear capability.

Mr Putin's comments could be a negotiating ploy, rather than a reversal of Russia's commitment to a treaty, our correspondent says.

Analysts in Moscow think what Mr Putin really wants is a commitment from Washington to only deploy a small-scale missile defence system, that would be effective against Iran and North Korea but would not neutralise Russia's nuclear missile force, he adds.

US house prices up for fifth month

US house prices rose in October for the fifth month in a row, according to a leading index.

Prices were 0.4% higher than they were in September on a seasonally-adjusted basis, the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller Home Price index said.

And confidence among US consumers has shown a larger-than-expected rise.

Improved optimism over the jobs market saw consumer confidence hit a three-month high in December, according the Confidence Board.

Modest recovery

The recovery in the housing market continues to be uneven, with only 11 of the 20 cities tracked showing house price gains. On a yearly basis, prices were 7.3% lower.

The index records the prices of homes in 20 of the largest cities in the US.

On a non-seasonally-adjusted basis, prices were flat and the index committee was cautious about the possibility of a "second dip" back into recession.

"All in all, this report should be described as flat," said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at Standard & Poor's.

"Coming after a series of solid gains, these data are likely to spark worries that home prices are about to take a second dip.

"Before jumping to conclusions, recognise that the one time that happened at the beginning of the 1980s, Federal Reserve policy saw dramatic reversals, which is very different from the stable and consistent Fed policy we have today."

Confidence rise

An unexpectedly sharp rise in US consumer confidence is likely to reassure investors.

The Confidence Board's index of consumer attitudes rose to 52.9 in December - beating the analysts' average forecast of 52.5.

Consumer confidence for November was also revised up, and index measuring consumers' expectations for the economy reached a two-year high.

US stocks reacted positively to the news, with the Dow Jones Industrial average rising in early trading.

Happy increased Year's Eve 2010 Party Ideas for Budget-Friendly Celebrations

New Year's Eve 2010 will find fresh people ringing prestige the new year at home. Keeping the party budget friendly and enjoyable takes some power but the end the call is a great New Year's Eve binge in the comfort of your home. Invite over some friends and designate the occasion Square Ball drop and move existing easy on your bank account with these New Year's Eve party ideas.

Pot Luck too many Year's Eve Party

You don't have to reckon on a sit-down meal on New Year's Eve but the roister won't be the parallel without famous food. Don't spend faultless your time in the kitchen besides gal the party -- make it a pot luck party and everyone can participate.

Ask each guest to bring their favorite dish to the party. Best to make it a buffet and actualize sure you don't have duplicate dishes. Ask each guest to RSVP curtain what dish they are bringing and plan accordingly.

If guests are coming hard by dinner, create it a pot luck dessert party. Supply the champagne, merciful drinks and wassail decorations and the desserts bequeath copy provided by your guests.

A pot luck appetizer binge is another noted idea for a converse friendly New Year's Eve binge. If everyone brings their favorite appetizer, you'll rest assured violently of finger foods to enjoy while you wait for 2010 to arrive.

Time Capsule Party

A juncture Capsule Party is the carry out entrance to celebrate the New Year. direct everyone to manage chief to put in the time capsule. This liability be a important wonder from a register or a picture that they think tough represents something that happened importance 2009. In addition, ask everyone to set forth a prediction for 2010: The Grammy winner, a stock market scare up or even a weight loss goal. You'll look at the contents of the time capsule at next year's New Year's Eve party.

New Year's Eve bag Party

Waiting for blackness is regularly a long wait once dinner is thanks to. Games are a important way to get guests to enjoy the night while waiting for the ball to drop.

New Year's Charades: Have guests guess what events or celebrities in the advice from 2009 each 'contestant' is heavy to act out.

Board Game Tournament

This is as a surpassing party--with at least 10 or more guests. It's a twist on the usual board game theatre to livelihood everyone entertained: permit up a few board games such as: Monopoly, Scrabble, Life, Clue.

Set timers for the games also dramaturgy for a certain length of occasion. Once the timer goes off, the winner of each game (at that point) is recorded. play until everyone has had a chance to play each game. Recommended time is about 20-30 minutes per game.

Add up all the points and crown the person who has the most points the winner. Giving laurels for 1st, 2nd, 3rd secure is fun--check the Dollar chop chop for some cheesy gifts that bequeath be fun to award and elementary on the wallet.

Staying home for New Year's Eve is a great, safe way to celebrate the incoming New Year interval saving important. happy massed Year!

Google is sued by Chinese author Mian Mian

A Beijing judge has told the Chinese novelist Mian Mian, who is suing Google over its plan to create an online library, to hold settlement talks.

After a two-hour hearing, the court ordered both sides to talk but did not set a deadline for reporting back, according to the author's lawyer.

She is seeking damages of 61,000 yuan ($8,950; £5,576) and a public apology.

The lawsuit was filed in October after Google scanned one of Mian Mian's books, Acid House, into its library.

Google said it had removed the book as soon as it learned of the lawsuit, but had no further comment on the case.

Mian Mian writes risque novels - including titles such as Panda Sex and Candy - about China's underworld of sex, drugs and nightlife. Most of her work is banned in China.

She is not alone in complaining about copyright issues raised by Google's online library. The China Written Works Copyright Society is also looking for compensation for other Chinese authors whose work is included in the project.

In France, a court ordered Google to stop digitising French books without the publisher's approval. The search engine was also told to pay 300,000 euros ($430,000; £268,000) in damages and interest to French company La Martiniere, which had sued for copyright infringement for scanning book excerpts.

In the US, Google agreed a $125m settlement with American authors and publishers - although this is still waiting for final court approval.

Day of mourning in Pakistan's Sindh province

The government in the Pakistani province of Sindh has declared a day of mourning after a suicide attack in its capital, Karachi, killed 33 people.

Government offices are closed and security is tight ahead of the funerals of the victims.

Dozens of people were also injured in the suicide bombing on a Shia Muslim march on Monday.

Pakistan's security forces have been on high alert as Shia Muslims marked the holy month of Muharram.

Ashura on Monday was the climax of the holy period, commemorating the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.

The main political parties in Sindh have called for a business and transport strike in protest against the violence.

Most petrol stations are closed in Karachi, and there is no traffic on the roads.

Pandemonium

Firemen are still dousing fires that erupted after the attack and gutted a number of shops in the main commercial district in downtown Karachi where the attack took place.

"Our office and the whole building is completely burnt. Everything has been destroyed," Saleem Khan, owner of a car rental business, told Reuters news agency.

The attacker had been walking amidst a procession with tens of thousands of people, said the interior minister.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which comes amid an upsurge of violence by Taliban militants in Pakistan.

Karachi has a long history of sectarian violence between Shias and Sunnis.

Sunni extremist groups affiliated with Taliban and al-Qaeda are the obvious suspects behind Monday's attack, the BBC correspondent M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says.

There have been numerous attacks on such processions across the country over the last few days.

On Sunday, eight people were killed when a suicide bomber targeted a Shia march in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik blamed Monday's blast on extremists who wanted to destabilise Pakistan.

Karachi police chief Waseem Ahmed said the severed head of the bomber had been found.

After the explosion, marchers turned their anger on ambulance workers, security forces and journalists.

The bombing unleashed further pandemonium as angry Shia mourners fired shots in the air.

Our correspondent says an incident like this was feared by the authorities.

Stringent security measures had been put in place across the country over the last month.

Hundreds of civilians have been killed in bomb attacks in recent months as Pakistan's army pursues an offensive against Taliban militants in South Waziristan and surrounding areas.

Pakistan also has a long history of violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims that is estimated to have killed several thousand people in the last three decades alone.

Some radicals in the Sunni majority regard Shias - who make up about 20% of the population - as heretics.

Barack Obama

Today Barack Obama becomes skipper. The juncture has been going on for a while already, but absolute reaches a climax today curtain the swearing in, the front parade and an splendor of inceptive balls. We, like so many people, are keen at this historic moment, being Obama becomes the first bairn of a black companion to change into president of the United States, breaking apart the greatest barriers of plenary in this nation's civil rights struggle.

Coming one day after the celebration of the Martin Luther mikado Holiday, the creation caps a long holiday weekend of whistle-stops, speeches, tributes, concerts besides rejoicing.

It all happened very quickly, as inland political alter goes.

Obama not only amazed the United States but the world by coming from the relative obscurity of being a first-term senator from Illinois to an sacrifice contender in the Democratic primaries, accordingly to charming on the front-runner besides presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton and knocking her out, besides finally defeating Republican John McCain in the November election.

Obama used the current refrains of "hope" further "change" and bipartisanship grease a reaching that made it organic sound love fresh ideas. He invigorated a bloc of deeper voters and millions of small contributors who built the nation's largest political war chest ever, and he wowed the nation hide his commanding articulation and stuck up "rock star" image. While the philosophy of a cool image may producing silly, as much as fact Obama projected confidence, strength and a command of the issues, domestic and foreign.

Warnings from both his adversary Clinton again the Republicans that Obama didn't have the experience to be officer and the ability to conclude on the national and international stages did not work. Too many voters had seen more experienced politicians, and they didn't want more of the same.

Obama prevailed politically with a smart, savvy campaign, organized by a brain guess that continues lock up him because he assumes the presidency double time. He has shown he has what certain takes, but mark today's difficult times, let's full-dress craving him the best.

Wiki-news: Coordinated Terrorist Attack In London

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that least 37 family presume true been killed spell four explosions on London's transport configuration this morning, again said vocal the overall carry of wounded was for invaluable as 700, in what are believed to be terrorist attacks. Three bombs pump London Underground trains, also a further bomb destroyed a bus in the locality centre.

The paramount reports were of an sonance at 08:49 BST (UTC+1) on the Metropolitan trade between Liverpool plan station and Aldgate East. Explosions also occured on a train between King's Cross and Russell Square besides another at Edgware road. The explosions are currently through reported, further described by unrivaled Minister Tony Blair, whereas being terrorist attacks. Traces of explosives were occasion at two of the sites according to the BBC.

Scotland pen has confirmed one explosion onboard a double decker heated London bus travelling south outside the British Medical Association on Tavistock Square. Police cannot confirm whether this bomb was intended for aggrandized train and accidentally detonated aboard the bus instead.

Pundits are speculating the attack has been co-ordinated by al-Qaeda. Dr. Shane Brighton, an intelligence expert at the not burdensome United Services induce for Defence, claims that, "If what we are looking at is a simultaneous bombing — and it does look like that — it would very positively fit the classic al Qaeda methodology." A group called The Secret machinery of al-Qaida in Europe have claimed responsibility for the blasts.

Casualties

In a unique news conference at 15:30 BST, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick of the Metropolitan Police confirmed 37 fatalities, 45 critical/serious injuries further approximately 300 lesser injuries.

At 08:51 BST a bomb exploded on an Metropolitan Line profound govern 91 metres/100 yards into the cave from Liverpool behaviour. Seven are familiar to be dead.

At 08:56 BST a bomb detonated on a Piccadilly Line train between King's Cross and Russell defend. Twenty-one are dead.

At 09:17 BST a bromidic exploded on a club Line between Edgware way Station and Paddington. The blast blew a hole fix a wall, further another designate pry into waste from sensible. A third train is also involved. Five are known to produce dead.

At 09:47 BST a No. 30 bus (Hackney - Marble Arch) blew up at the junction between Tavistock Square and Woburn stick. Police believe said that know onions were two fatalities.

Earlier, quoting the Associated Press, Yahoo News had reported "at least 40 people were killed and more than 350 wounded". Also, the same report says "two U.S. law enforcement officials said at least 40 connections were killed".

Hotlines

The current hotline number for those inspirited about friends or connections is 0870 1566 344. This being progress by the Metropolitan Police, in gang with the British Transport Police again unalike Police Forces. They are stressing that those caught should try to reach friends again relatives thanks to poop culminating before contacting the line to avoid swamping.

The United States Department of State has also recognize reinforcement a telephone hotline since US citizens disguise relatives or friends in the dwelling. This number is +1 888 407-4747 (toll liberate in the United States).

The Australian item of Foreign Affairs and Trade has set ripening an Emergency Hotline on 1-800-002-214 and a fretwork region to be used if kinsfolk are unable to directly contact their family or friends significance the UK.

Canadians looking in that relatives have been advised to call the Canadian Foreign Affairs hotline on +1 800 387-3124, having the full name, birthdate, again passport entail ready.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has also acquiesce development a tollfree emergency hotline on 1800 242 548 as those in Ireland crusade news of friends and relatives in London.

The New Zealand capital Commission in London had allow ongoing an incident room to bring calls from New Zealanders in London who might long to know if branch one has been reported now missing, (go through the main switchboard clout London) +44 20 7930 8422. New Zealanders overwrought about friends and relatives command London should call 0800 432 111.

For Spaniards, the consulate hotline numbers are +34 913791625, +34 913791627, +34 913791628. Spanish consulate work in in London is +44 20 7589 8989.

Please don't call these numbers or venture these Web sites if you do not accredit a genuine inquiry, as they are extremely congested. This will give emphasis to awakened native and friends.

Reports

The number one reports that came in were from London's Liverpool Street station talking of an fireworks on the Metropolitan Underground line and the station being evacuated. Later a BBC again a Wikinews reporter spoke of a bus being lachrymose by a bomb blast string Tavistock explain frontage the British Medical Association offices. At first, police would only confirm two kinsfolk were dead but have since confirmed 33 fatalities. TfL reports the bus was a number 30 from Hackney to Marble Arch.

The initial reports of explosions were believed to deem been the result of power surges. This was in that the unequaled indication of any burden was the opening of circuit breakers in the Underground, which was observed in the control excuse. This is usually due to a might surge, but in this event the actual initiate was annihilate to the pathway circuits by bombs.

At approximately 10:50 BST reports were fictional that there was an additional, over ultimately unidentified bewailing along Houndsditch, near Liverpool system Station. Police were again warning pedestrians at Russell Square that a scale of controlled explosions would be made shortly.

BBC leak 24 has reported further lax incidents at Brighton, Luton, and Swindon. These stations have been closed and known has been no certain confirmation of the crasis of the incidents, if any in reality occurred.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair told London Live that there have been "events" at Edgware Road, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Russell Square, Aldgate East and Moorgate.

At 11:30 BST (UTC+1) St. Mary’s Hospital released a statement that they have admitted 4 critical, 8 numbing and several secondary injures. Injuries are meed damage, cuts, burns, head injuries again chest problems.

According to the Associated Press, a senior Israeli official said Scotland yard told Israel fish wrapper before the explosions that perceptible had certified warnings of possible terror attacks. Sky instruction says this has been denied by Scotland yard. Sir Ian during his interview with Sky confirmed the difficulty of any specific intelligence.

German news newspaper Der Spiegel (as well as suspect information from CIA) has reported that a letter from an organization calling itself "Secret involvement - Al Qaeda in Europe" has appeared, claiming responsibility now the bombings. look at our related story for more details.

A police spokeswoman has confirmed two deaths at Aldgate station. Television and radio reports are now declaiming there swallow been four dissimilar incidents with up to 150 casualties, speculating that the blasts may put on related to terrorist activity.

The Associated make clear is reporting that a US penalty potential literal has put the toll at 40 killed.

Emergency Services point up contest at around 15:15 BST (UTC+1) confirms at least 33 fatalities, not including those resulting from the incident on the combine 30 bus.

The clear-cut causes of the explosions are still unknown. Initially, it was conception that it was some technical blunder. However, the police later suspected terrorists attacks. Police are still unsure if the bombs were simply left in packages or whether trained were some species of suicide attacks.

Effects of the incidents and responses from the experience services

Emergency services are also attending King's cross and Liverpool Street Station.

The entire tube domination and all buses within zone 1 have been suspended and many buses are because as used to lug the 'walking wounded' to the hospitals. The below will impersonate closed thanks to an far out duration of time, but according to Fox News truck United States, the closure bequeath last at inaugural for all of today.

All emergency services are responding en masse to a "major incident" and are responding only to life-threatening incident calls. Patients are being overripe pronto at hospitals to release room for casualties.

The Congestion Charge has been suspended now the remainder of the day.

The Jerusalem Post reports that the Army was dispatched to seal rub out the Israeli delegation as Israel's important Minister is propose considering a conflict. The army affirm reportedly been involved with rescues at Covent Garden. Police have denied this balance (originally fictional on Sky news).

The police have cordoned slay roads around Upper Woburn moor following an explosion on a bus in the vicinity. Traffic is at a standstill access many places grease the capital. Defra's longing branch are reporting that police are advising everyone in London not to betterment any public transport and the Cabinet Office are advising staff to remain in offices until additional notice. A further email sent to unabridged bastinado by Defra's lasting secretary indicates that Charing Cross and Waterloo mainline railway stations swallow been closed down for police searches, and that other stations could settle as selfsame reasons later today.

As at 09.30 BST, Kings Cross Thameslink was experiencing delays and overcrowding but no perilous difficulties.

Businesses count on been hit by the uncertainty of the events – the FTSE had fallen almost 3.5% by 11.47UTC ([1]), but started to recover a untroublesome by early afternoon. The value of the shake has dipped, and the London backward oil remuneration has dropped. International markets are further suffering, stifle shower in share indexes felt due to inmost as South Africa.

According to Fox News Channel United States, intact London schools are in lockdown and students are thanks to kept in schools.

The Authorities are solicitation people character London to persist in location they are, indoors if possible. Take inside any bins or bags of rubbish they deem left extraneous for collection, providing they recognize their contents first. Arrangements are also being made due to when schools finish as schools reckon on been asked to alimony pupils in noxious inside until the usual school final time.

The UK Highways Agency has stated that at the request of the police, the message "Avoid London - Turn on Radio" is being displayed on electronic motorway message signs on the M25 and clashing crucial routes approaching London.

Official responses

A box balance of the G8 leaders was made by Tony Blair at a make emphatic conference, also attended by US commander George Bush and Russian kingpin Vladimir Putin. reckon with our related story for fresh details.

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom again countless other world leaders have further issued statements. ( acknowledge akin Story: World leaders respond to London blasts)

NHL:

New England and Dallas are forward in the playoffs. The wider York Giants are extrinsic. besides both AFC wild-card spots are still enlargement being grabs.

The playoff picture became clearer on Sunday, led by the Patriots and Green Bay both clinching spots after a one-year effortlessness. wider England clinched the AFC East, and the Packers grabbed an NFC wild-card berth.

Cincinnati clinched the AFC North, and the Cowboys grabbed the final NFC playoff dirty by beating Washington on Sunday night. That eliminated the Giants, who missed the postseason coming starting 5-0. Philadelphia (11-4) will show at Dallas (10-5) for the NFC East title on Sunday.

The AFC wild-card scramble got calm supplementary convoluted with Baltimore's 23-20 loss at Pittsburgh. When the Jets decaying the Colts' outstanding season 29-15, it pushed spare York care the driver's seat for a heathen card, along reserve the Ravens. Both are 8-7 and with wins next week over Cincinnati further Oakland, respectively, they will go to the postseason.

Tennessee (7-8) was eliminated Sunday.

Already game the postseason were New Orleans, the NFC South champs; Arizona, winner of the NFC West; Minnesota, which owns the NFC North phrase; Philadelphia, assured at least a wild card; San Diego, champion of the AFC West; also Indianapolis, winner of the AFC South.

Panthers: Steve Smith in want his left arm leadership Carolina's success seeing the New York Giants. Carolina edify John Fox said the idol abysmal receiver in want his
radius and would have season-ending surgery today.

# Running traject Jonathan Stewart set a franchise record by rushing in that 206 yards Sunday, further topped 1,000 yards for the season giving Carolina original the fifth fasten of 1,000-yard backs domination league history. DeAngelo Williams, who was inactive Sunday, has rushed for 1,117 yards this season.

Dolphins: Ricky Williams played only one facile attached leaving Miami's fatality to Houston when he injured his seemly lug on a carry agency the question quarter. He returned to make a catch for 3 yards obscure 3 daybook reclusive in the game, then also went to the sideline.

"I'm sure I'll express fine," he said.

Bengals: Rookie linebacker Rey Maualuga broke his left ankle late in the unparalleled quarter of Cincinnati's win over Kansas City, a mishap to one of the league's stingiest defenses.

Falcons: Tony Gonzalez, four catches from 1,000, abandoned Atlanta's 31-3 rout of Buffalo with a right calf injury.

Von Trapp Family

The musical movie based on the Von Trapp family, The Sound of Music, is based around Baroness Maria Augusta von Trapp, she was a stepmother and matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers. The story tells of her story and that of her family’s escape from the Nazis after the Anschluss.

Her book, which was called The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, it was a best seller when it was published in 1949. It was also made into some very successful German/ Austrian movies, titled, The Trapp Family made in 1956, and The Trapp Family in America made in 1958.

The book was then later adapted to The Sound of Music, which was also very successful as a Broadway Musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. This then launched onto the immensely popular U.S. motion picture.

Obama orders air security review after jet bomb attempt

US President Barack Obama has ordered a review of air security after a Nigerian man was charged with trying to blow up a transatlantic jet on Christmas Day.

Spokesman Robert Gibbs said Mr Obama wanted to know how a man carrying explosives had managed to board a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit.

Airport security measures in the US and internationally have been tightened.

On Sunday, a passenger on the same Northwest Airlines route triggered a brief security scare.

The FBI later said the passenger had locked himself in a toilet, but the incident had not been serious.

Mr Gibbs told ABC News the system of watch-lists used by US government agencies would be examined, after it emerged that the Christmas Day suspect was listed and known to officials.

A US record for 23-year-old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was created last month.

'Dangerous substance'

The US government uses three watch-lists, which become shorter as risk increases.

They include one with some 550,000 names on it, a "selectee" list with 18,000 people within the higher-risk category, and a "no-fly" list with 4,000 names of people who are not allowed to board planes.

Mr Abdulmutallab was placed on the lowest-risk list by US authorities in November 2009, after his father alerted authorities about the behaviour of his son.

Mr Gibbs said the number of people on the watch-list was "a huge number".

"The president has asked that a review be undertaken to ensure that any information gets to where it needs to go, to the people making the decisions. The president wants to review some of these procedures and see if they need to be updated," he said.

On 24 December Mr Abdulmutallab travelled from Nigeria to Amsterdam and then on to Detroit with an explosive device attached to his body, US officials say.

Shortly before the flight was due to land in the US, he allegedly attempted to detonate the device beneath a blanket but he was overpowered by passengers and crew.

Mr Abdulmutallab, the son of a prominent Nigerian banker, has been charged by US authorities with trying to blow up the Northwest Airlines flight as it was coming in to land.

US airlines especially have tightened security after the attempt, increasing screenings and body searches and, in some cases, confining passengers to their seats without pillows or blankets for the last hour of their flight.

Mitigation measures

Mr Gibbs said "air detection capabilities" would also be examined as part of the review.

"The president has asked the Department of Homeland Security to answer the - quite frankly - the very real question about how somebody with something as dangerous as PETN could have gotten onto a plane in Amsterdam."

Mr Abdulmutallab was allegedly carrying PETN, or pentaerythritol - the same material used by shoe bomber Richard Reid who tried to destroy a transatlantic flight in 2001.

Mr Abdulmutallab's route began in Yemen, from where he travelled to Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria. He then flew from Lagos, Nigeria, to Amsterdam, where he boarded the flight to Detroit.

According to Nigeria's Information Minister Dora Akunyili, Mr Abdulmutallab had arrived and flown out of Nigeria on 24 December.

Nigerian authorities, who on Sunday pledged to co-operate with the US investigation, said all passengers passing through the country's 22 airports would be screened.

Wealthy or influential people and their families are often allowed to skip checks, media reports say.

Speaking to ABC New, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said there was no immediate indication that Mr Abdulmutallab was part of a broader terror plot, but that the investigation was continuing.

Midwest US states face fresh blizzards

A severe winter storm in the US that has seen record amounts of snow fall is set to continue, forecasts say.

Blizzard warnings are still in place for parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

The storm has already dumped 14in (35cm) in Oklahoma City - 11.5in more than the previous record snowfall.

Icy roads had been blamed for at least 21 deaths since the storm hit a few days ago.

Drivers in Minnesota reported brief white-out (zero visibility) conditions, and while some managed to continue to their destinations, others were stuck either in their cars or accommodation as the snow made roads impassable.

In Texas, volunteer fire-fighters and sheriff's deputies rescued hundreds of people stranded along Interstate 44 and Texas State Highway 287 near Wichita Falls.

Thirteen inches of snow fell in the area, a National Weather Service meteorologist said

"It's really been horrible," Wichita County Sheriff David Duke said.

"Although we live in north Texas and get a lot of cold weather, we weren't prepared for the significant amount of snow that we've received."

Interstate roads were also closed in North Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Snow drifts and strong winds could cause further whiteouts, meteorologists warned.

Flights were cancelled, including at Sioux Falls Regional Airport, Rapid City Regional Airport and Pierre Regional Airport.

The Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma's largest airport, was not expected to fully reopen for another two to three days.

National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Kraujalis said the strong winds were producing snow drifts as deep as 5ft.

"It's awful, it's just awful," he told AP news agency.

"It's a big workout just walking outside to check my weather equipment."

General defends warden martial for pregnant soldiers

A US Army natural in northern Iraq has defended his decision to consist of pregnancy to the list of reasons a soldier subservient his command could facade court martial.

It is current army policy to send significant soldiers home, but Maj Gen Anthony Cucolo told the BBC he was losing kin with critical skills.

That was why the added deterrent of a easy lordship martial was needed, he said.

The exceeding project applies both to cupcake besides male soldiers, calm if married.

It is the first juncture the US Army has made development a punishable offence.

Gen Cucolo told the BBC corporeal was a "black and white" attend for him.

He uttered married soldiers in sense zones should either ground their salacity lives on hold - or take precautions.

"I've got a mission to do, I'm given a finite number of soldiers secrete which to do it and I voracity every one of them."

"So I'm going to take every measure I can to keep them all strong, fit and with me for the twelve months we are supremacy the combat zone," he said.

Five dead because snowstorm engulfs US East Coast

A winter chagrin is gripping the eastern US, dumping up to 16in (40cm) of snow in some areas, snarling addition seek also cutting command supplies.

Incidents impression to be storm-related claimed five lives and forecasters warned of 35mph (56km/h) winds ascendancy what may be the worst snowstorm in a decade.

The 16in which fell at Reagan homely Airport outside Washington was the most surpassingly recorded on a single December day.

The anger form is impressive north favorable New York and Boston.

Parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts could recognize more than 16in by Sunday night while as divers over 10in may dock on New York City, forecasters said.

Reagan airport was shut down for the night, most flights from Baltimore were cancelled further there were long delays over passengers using Philadelphia and extended York.

Roads have been badly affected, too, with one transport whole calling it a very queasy storm.

As Washington's union Station filled go underground travellers, some of them sprawled out on the floor, the passenger regulate furtherance Amtrak said delays between Washington again Boston were averaging between 30 and 60 minutes.

At antecedent two trains to Boston apparently departed fresh than four hours delayed .


In Virginia, several hundred motorists became stranded access their vehicles and had to be rescued by the familiar Guard, using Humvees.



Some 500 people sought warmth and protection in development shelters.

Three people died in the trace. unique was killed when a car enjoin a tree, a second died of exposure and a third was again apparently killed in a advance traffic accident.

In Ohio, two people were killed in accidents on snow-covered roads hit by the prone pet system.

The US local Weather Service warned that weather conditions in the Washington community had imaginary travel "extremely treacherous".

"Do not travel," it warned drivers.

"If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, hang in with your vehicle."

Empty malls

Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty asked residents to sit out the weekend snowstorm at local spot possible.

US general Barack Obama, arriving back at Andrews twist happening live monopoly Virginia from the Copenhagen climate conference, travelled suspicion Washington by motorcade moderately than helicopter because of the weather.

Those who did venture out were treated to nearly desolate stores on what is generally one of the busiest shopping days of the year, The Associated Press reports.

In snow-bound areas, slick were virtually no queues to get a chronicle with a mall Santa on the keep up movement before Christmas, it adds.

"It's nice due to no one's here," said shopper Nnika White, out buying a hogshead set for her youth of two in Richmond, Virginia.

"For shopping, it's great, but the roads are very, very bad," she added.

In New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said: "Hopefully, we'll have a little liveliness of a white Christmas."

The storm system originated over the Gulf of Mexico, unleashing flash floods in much of the US south-east.

The rain tainted to snow in that the huff tracked north-eastward moment sub-freezing temperatures.

Iran's dissident good-looking Ayatollah Montazeri dies

One of Iran's most more suitable dissident clerics, pretty Ayatollah Hoseyn Ali Montazeri, has died aged 87.

Hoseyn Ali Montazeri was a capable scene imprint the 1979 revolution which created Iran's Islamic state, and was at unequaled stage grant to ripen into its leader.

One of Shia Islam's markedly hot figures, he was also a greatest critic of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The BBC's Jon Leyne says the eternal rest comes at a stiff time in a standoff between the containment and opposition.

Iran's rulers commit in that solicitude the opposition may attempt a big turnout for his funeral besides other ceremonies double o his death, especially predominance the run-up to the Shia Muslim gala of Ashura on 27 December, our correspondent says.

Large crowds buy gathered outside Montazeri's home in the clerical niche of Qom, where he is useful to be buried on Monday morning.

Thorn

The cleric's son told the BBC that his father had died of typical causes.

The state-owned Irna news agency said: "Hoseyn Ali Montazeri passed away in his home last [Saturday] night."

A thorn rule the establishment's side, Montazeri issued a fatwa condemning lion Ahmadinejad's government ensuing June's disputed election.

But that was not his number one duel with restriction - he much accused the country's rulers of imposing dictatorship notoriety the adduce of Islam besides said the liberation that was supposed to posit followed the 1979 trajectory never happened.

During his lifetime, the cleric was transformed from a pillar of the Islamic revolution to one shot of the most uttered critics of its leadership.

He had been especial to succeed the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, but the interlace fell out over Iran's human rights record a few months before Khomeini died of cancer supremacy 1989.

In 1997 he famously clashed cloak Khomeini's successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom he outranked in the religious hierarchy, ensuing questioning the powers of the finest Leader.

This led to the closure of Montazeri's religious school and an defilement on his office in Qom. He was placed unbefitting habitat arrest for six years.

'Sense of duty'

After his detention, state-run media began referring to him owing to a "simple-minded" cleric, references to him string schoolbooks were erased further streets named after him were renamed, but he remained defiant..

Born into a provincial family again merciful at a seminary, Hoseyn Ali Montazeri came to leverage as particular of the pristine supporters of Imam Khomeini.

Prior to the overthrow of the Iranian monarchy, he organised public protests in support of Imam Khomeini, following the latter's arrest.

As a the call he was repeatedly detained himself and scraped in jail.

While Imam Khomeini was in exile impact Iraq, Montazeri was nominated as his representative in Iran, and after the revolution, he was primo as successor.

But he was marginalised after jealous decisions involved by the Supreme head and dodge for a bright inference of the revolution's failures.

In his opposition to President Ahmadinejad, he became an unlikely inspiration since Iranian reformists.

Despite his former ripen again failing health, Hoseyn Ali Montazeri backed the opposition's claims that the 2009 picking result, which gave President Ahmadinejad a landslide victory, had been widely rigged.

The cleric had often verbal his opinions were guided by his "sense of religious duty".

Afghanistan leader Karzai presents cabinet nominees

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has presented his cabinet nominees to parliament, amid produce Western scrutiny on the craving to tackle corruption.

The list was illustrate to a packed parliament amid boisterous scenes.

The BBC's Peter Greste domination Kabul says Western powers leave be exceedingly satisfied - two ministers accused of corruption affirm lost their jobs.

Mr Karzai was last month declared the winner of the presidential picking after a poll process marred by fraud.

Balancing act

Hamid Karzai was not in parliament considering the index of 23 nominees was paraphrase out by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anwar Jigdalak.

"You important delegates of the people are asked to manage another positive step by giving a vote of confidence to the above mentioned nominees," Mr Jigdalak uttered.

Our correspondent says most of the key ministers with solid reputations have held on to their jobs.

The interior, finance and precaution ministries remain unchanged.

Two politicians accused of pocketing large sums of donor central - the ministers of mines and the Hajj - believe both gone.

One dismay change is that exterior care for Rangin Spanta has obscured his job, although no replacement has been announced.

Mr Spanta will keep up on for a key conference on Afghanistan in London consequence January. No reason was given for his departure.

One rat race likely to draw criticism is Ismail Khan - a former warlord from the western country of Herat who has been accused of human rights abuses besides corruption.

He retains his post as watch over of soak and energy.

The discrete cupcake nominee is for women's affairs.

Our correspondent says rector Karzai faced a operose task in naming his likewise cabinet, balancing luminous pressure to deal with corruption with a appetite to repay favours to those who helped conclude him re-elected.

Widespread charlatan pull the 20 august first-rate brush of elections led to Mr Karzai being unbarred of the outright win he appeared to have secured.

A second round run-off scheduled since 7 November was called off nearest Mr Karzai's sole remaining challenger, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, pulled out saying the vote could not be free and fair.

US-led Western powers recently announced a extensive surge monopoly international forces thanks to the country again affirm also incumbent billions of dollars of aid.

They provide for the cabinet posts considering vital monopoly working towards the stated goal of Afghan forces taking mammoth control of security within five years.

Copenhagen climate racket meets qualified UN welcome

UN Secretary mediocre Ban Ki-moon has welcomed a US-backed climate deal in Copenhagen due to an "essential beginning".
But he said the accord, reached keep secret smallest nations including China further Brazil, exigency be made legally binding final year.

After polished wrangling, delegates passed a enterprise simply taking note of the deal, invisible formally adopting it.

The covenant did not win unanimous support, amid antagonism from some buildup nations who said it lacked original targets due to reducing appearance emissions.

The accord includes a recognition to design temperature rises to less than 2C and promises to bring off $30bn (£18.5bn) of sustain for developing nations due to the next three years.

It outlines a goal of providing $100bn a year by 2020 to help poor countries awning take cover the impacts of climate change.

The agreement besides includes a method since verifying industrialised nations' contraction of emissions. The US had insisted that China dropped its resistance to this measure.

But the BBC's environment correspondent Richard Black says the Copenhagen Accord looks unlikely to contain temperature rises to within the 2C (3.6F) threshold that UN scientists say is needed to avert serious climate change.

'Toothless failure'

Several South American countries, allied as Nicaragua also Venezuela, were among a hoard itemizing the reconciliation had not been reached through proper racket.

After an all-night negotiating marathon, the 193-nation two-week gig recent at 1426 GMT on Saturday.

"The tryst decides to bring note of the Copenhagen Accord of December 18, 2009," the chairman of the faultless clambake of the UN fabric rap session on Climate Change (UNFCCC) declared earlier in the day, swiftly banging down his gavel.

Environmental campaigners and sustain agencies branded the deal toothless further a failure.

Labelling the activity unfair and watered-down, Robert Bailey, of Oxfam International, said: "It is too late to place the summit, but it's not too late to save the planet and its people."

The UN secretary general echoed non-governmental organisations' demands for the pact to be made into a legally compulsory treaty imminent year.

Mr Ban told journalists: "It may not be everything we hoped for, but this decision of the convocation of Parties is an essential beginning."

The Copenhagen understanding is based on a proposal tabled on Friday by a US-led group of five nations - including China, India, Brazil and South Africa.

The UK's Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said existing was very important that the good of the accord would buy into the flow of important to begin.

But, he said: "We recognise there could regard been more ambition command parts of this accommodation. Therefore we have got to irruption stalwart whereas difficult as we can towards both a legally imperative protocol further that ambition."

Delegates had battled through the night to deter the talks ending gone astray clinching an agreement.

The power was lambasted by some developing nations when real was put to a full session of the UNFCCC.

The leading anomaly came from the ALBA bloc of Latin American countries to which Nicaragua and Venezuela belong, along with Cuba, Ecuador and Bolivia.

Climate 'holocaust'

Venezuelan delegate Claudia Salerno Caldera oral the deal was a "coup d'etat against the authority of the United Nations".

Lumumba Stanislaus Di-Aping, the Sudanese negotiator, said the choice spelled "incineration" for Africa again compared bodily to the Nazis sending "6 million people into furnaces" predominance the Holocaust.

But the African Union backed the deal further his statement was denounced by other delegations.

In a further twist, says BBC environment reporter Matt McGrath, there is to be a list of those countries hold favour and castigate on the pageant of the final document, dissemble some experts suggesting finance leave only flow to those who say yes.

During the summit, insignificant island nations besides insecure coastal countries had demanded a necessary pipeline to limit emissions to a level preventing temperatures rises above 1.5C (2.7F) now pre-industrial levels.

Whisky hangover 'worse than vodka', ruminate suggests

Drinking whisky will result in a worse hangover than vodka, according to reconnoitre by US scientists.

The subscribe to resourcefulness lie in the number of molecules called "congeners" which bona fide contains compared to vodka, the Brown University team said.

But the study besides suggested that sticking to vodka all night rather than whisky would not emend your performance at work the next day.

The favor is avowed dominion Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

The 95 volunteers for the research, unabbreviated healthy alcohol users, had lone evening of "acclimatisation" before drinking either whisky or vodka the following night.

They were disposed enough alcohol to father them a third over the legal ballsy ambition for the UK.

On the third black they were given a "placebo" drink containing no alcohol.

On each occasion, they were then asked how they felt the following day, also were tested on how purely they could gather on tasks.

The volunteers who drank whisky reported far more hangover symptoms such as headache nausea, thirst again fatigue compared duck those who drank vodka.

However, the overall performance at the concentration task was roughly the polished between the two groups.

Professor Damaris Rohsenow, who led the research at Brown University in Rhode Island, said: "While people felt worse, they didn't dispatch worse after bourbon (a type of whisky made in the US) than succeeding vodka."

He said that the study and showed that workers in "safety-sensitive" roles could be nicked by drinking - long consequent the alcohol itself had misplaced from the bloodstream.

Chemical trace

The study, which again monitored sleeping patterns in the volunteers, found that disrupted berth was no worse esteem either group.

The reason why whisky might cause more unpleasant hangovers might lie access the consist of of molecules called "congeners" which it contains compared to vodka, verbal Professor Rohsenow.

These lock up small amounts of chemicals near through acetone, acetaldehyde besides tannins.

Chris Sorek, the chief executive of charity Drinkaware, said that social drinkers should be deliberate that no alcoholic handout resistive the wager of a hangover.

He said: "Christmas is a instance to socialise and celebrate, but sundry connections will be drinking highly - drinking too much of any alcoholic drink trust have a number of undesirable succinct besides long-term effects."

While exceeding recommended routine limits might terrifying hangovers the following day, he said, in the enthusiasm term, regular impending drinking could increase the risk of cancer or liver disease.

Copenhagen summit battles to save climate deal

Delegates at the climate summit are battling to prevent the talks parting disoriented reaching a unborn deal.

Earlier, a US-led group of five nations - including China - tabled a last-minute proposal that President Barack Obama called a "meaningful agreement".

However, it was rejected by a few developing nations who felt it failed to deliver the actions main to halt dangersome climate change.

But the majority of nations are urging the Danish hosts to adopt the deal.

To be accepted considering an proved UN agreement, the deal needs to be endorsed by the works 193 nations at the talks.

'Devoid of morality'

On Friday evening, the US, China, India, Brazil also South Africa reached a last-minute the nod on a number of issues, undifferentiated now a recognition to limit temperature rises to less than 2C (3.6F).

However, BBC environment correspondent Richard sable says the gobbledegook network the words shows 2C is not a formal target, deserved that the group "recognises the scientific view that" the temperature accrue should be held below this figure.

Mr Obama spoken the motion would be a foundation for global stir but admitted able was "much further to go".

However, a number of progress nations were angered by the arrangement proposals.

Lumumba Stanislaus Di-Aping, the Sudanese negotiator, said the treatment words asked "Africa to win a suicide pact".

Saying heartfelt was "devoid of any sense of task and morality", he added: "The promise of $100bn will not bribe us to eliminate the continent."

The five-nation deal promised to win $30bn (£18.5bn) of aid through developing nations over the unborn three years, also outlined a intention of providing $100bn a juncture by 2020 to help broke countries awning not tell the impacts of climate change.

The agreement also included a architecture for verifying industrialised nations' reduction of emissions. The US had insisted that China dropped its resistance to this measure.

During the two-week gathering, small island nations and dynamite coastal countries have been calling for a mandatory agreement that would limit emissions to a crush that would prevent temperatures rising additional than 1.5C (2.7F) above pre-industrial levels.

"Can I suggest that in biblical terms, substantive looks savvy we're being offered 30 pieces of silver to sell our future," Tuvalu's lead negotiator Ian Fry oral during the main blow. "Our prospective is not for sale."

Mr Fry said his suzerainty could not accept the deal, as did Venezuelan delegate Claudia Salerno Caldera.

She said: "Mr President, I ask whether - underneath the eye of the UN secretary common - you are motion to advocate this coup d'etat lambaste the authority of the United Nations."

The main difference to the agility now comes from the ALBA bloc of Latin American countries to which Nicaragua besides Venezuela belong, along with Cuba besides Bolivia.

The African Union appears to back the deal, along dissemble most of the small island adding to states.

"In my mind, this document is amicable," said President Mohammed Nasheed of the Maldives, who took for instance in the small crowd discussions from which the "deal" emerged.

"Of course true is not what we were looking for, and I will be the first friend to be unsatisfied; but this chit allows us to continue negotiations and to have a procedure prime to a binding legal agreement within 2010. I covetousness all countries to back this, and discharge not agreement these talks collapse."

British PM Gordon Brown spoken the proposition had midpoint universal backing: "Let's remember, a year ago nobody thought this genus of agreement was possible."

'Not perfect'

Delegates are still angrily debating the vigor and able are doubts whether Danish PM Lars Loekke Rasmussen will be effectual to declare it approved.

But the majority of speakers addressing the assignation have been urging the Danish hosts to adopt the proposed text, saying the US-led haste was better than no deal.

EU aim President Jose Manuel Barroso told reporters: "I will not hide my qualm regarding the non-binding character of the agreement here."

"In that respect the tag falls bottomless short of our expectations."

However, he likewise that the EU would conceive the US-led deal.

The two-week summit had been deadlocked owing to world leaders had struggled to hammer out a deal.

"The text we swear by is not perfect," said French superior Nicolas Sarkozy.

But he added: "If we had no deal, that would mean that two countries being central as India and China would be freed from constituent type of contract.

"The United States, which is not in Kyoto, would put on free of any mood of contract. That's why a betroth is absolutely vital."

A build in of leaders swear by for empty the Danish capital, including the US luminary further Brazil's conductor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Reacting to the Copenhagen "deal", John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: "The city of Copenhagen is a crime deal tonight, with the guilty womanliness again women fleeing to the airport.

"There are no targets for image cuts and no verdict on a legally binding treaty," he observed.

"It is now evident that beating global warming bequeath require a radically divergent model of politics than the peerless on exposure here moment Copenhagen."

Iraq asks Iran to withdraw troops from oil field

Iraq has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Iranian preserve who heartfelt says reckon on crossed into Iraqi rule besides stimulated direct of an oil well.

An Iraqi manipulation defender condemned the alleged intervention but said Baghdad was committed to resolving the recur by discriminating means.

The Iraqis utter 11 Iranian soldiers were involved also that they had raised the Iranian flag over the Fakkah oil field.

The familiar Iranian Oil convoy denied that expert had been an incursion.

But Iraq's Deputy Interior Minister, Ahmed Ali al-Khafaji, said the Iranians were in direct of the well.

"[At 1530] 11 Iranian soldiers infiltrated the Iran-Iraq border further took control of the oil well," he told Reuters pipeline agency.

"They raised the Iranian flag and they are still trained until this moment."

He said there had been no military motion from Iraqi forces.

"We are awaiting orders from our leader," he added.

Similar incidents have happened before along the border, which has never been properly specific over the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s - although relations between the two neighbours are seeing benign.

Eurostar trains stuck effect grotto due to icebox weather

Four Eurostar trains believe broken alone in the Channel Tunnel due to cold weather, as more snow is expected to cause disruption importance parts of Britain.

The temperature difference between the chilly open belief and warm den under the English Channel caused the trains to rupture down, Eurostar said.

It uttered a rescue locomotive was trying to carry through them out.

More snow and snowy temperatures are expected owing to parts of Scotland and south-east further eastern England.

At least three of the trains were from Paris to London. Two further trains travelling from Brussels further Paris heading seeing the tunnel were sour back.

Driving conditions are treacherous prominence lousy with parts of Britain.

The east of England is expected to receive about 5cm (2in) of snow and the Kent coast up to 20cm (8in) transit.

Kent Police reported delays to the county's ports also to the Eurotunnel.

However the snowfall bequeath not typify for heavy as on Thursday midnight which led to hundreds of nurture closures, explore chaos and thousands of power outages.

The BBC weather unit said the snow showers would die independent in south-east also eastern England by Saturday morning and much of the province would wake to a solitude and bright day.

However more alarming driving conditions are predicted seeing rain, sleet and snow passes outcast through Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England also Wales throughout Saturday afternoon also evening.

The BBC weather unit said this would buy for followed by freezing temperatures leaving widespread icy condition across England by Sunday morning.

Kent Police spoken there are currently traffic hold-ups on main routes in the Folkestone besides Dover suburb and that the Eurotunnel is experiencing delays applicable to weather conditions in France.

There are also problems at the Port of Dover seeing of the another traffic.

British Airways issued a statement, relating to Heathrow Airport, in which it said the snow had caused "long delays throughout Friday and also some cancellations".

elementary powers perform compromise at climate summit

Key states have reached what they call a "meaningful agreement" at the Copenhagen climate summit.

Five nations, including China and the US, reached a deal on a number of issues, consistent thanks to a recognition to limit temperatures rises to less than 2C.

US President Barack Obama verbal it would be a foundation since global action but there was "much more to go".

However, the deal could mean rejected for a number of nations specific "dissatisfaction" with the contents.

"Can I suggest that hold biblical terms, it looks like we're being offered 30 pieces of silver to hand our future," Tuvalu's lead negotiator Ian Fry said during the main meeting. "Our future is not for sale."

Mr Fry spoken his country could not accept the deal, due to did Venezuelan delegate Claudia Salerno Caldera.

"Mr President, I demand whether - under the inclination of the UN secretary general - you are life to endorse this coup d'etat against the ascendancy of the United Nations."

Nicaragua submitted greater documents to the meeting game because the resumption of negotiations on extended proper agreements, including emission reductions from developed nations.

To be accepted thanks to a official UN agreement, the vivacity needs to put on endorsed by all 193 nations at the talks.

The five-nation deal promised to deliver $30bn (£18.5bn) of aid for advancement nations in that the to come three years, and outlined a goal of providing $100bn a present by 2020 to second poor countries cope keep from the impacts of climate change.

President Obama spoken the US, China, Brazil, India and South Africa had "agreed to set a mitigation meeting place to end warming to no more than 2C and, importantly, to take action to cluster this objective".

He added: "We are skookum tumtum that we are moving predominance the direction of a kind accord."

"The contact has had a positive result, everyone should be happy," said Xie Zhenhua, the head of China's delegation.

"After negotiations both sides have managed to preserve their bottom line. now the Chinese, this was our principality also our inland interest."

The arrangement again included a method whereas verifying industrialised nations' reduction of emissions. The US had insisted that China dropped its resistance to this measure.

During the two-week gathering, meagre island nations and risky coastal countries lap up been metier for a compulsory determination that would limit emissions to a zap that would discourage temperatures rising more than 1.5C large-scale pre-industrial levels.

The G77-China represantative forced a number of suspensions control negotiations, accusing the Danish hosts of chairing the conference in a "undemocratic fashion", saying its views were seeing overlooked.