Northeast Italy biggest quake

Northeast Italy shaken by biggest quake there since the 1300s

The 6.0-magnitude temblor left at least four dead and cracked bell towers, crumbled church facades, and caved in roofs in the region around Bologna early Sunday.

By Luca Bruno, Associated Press / May 20, 2012

SANT'AGOSTINO DI FERRARA, ITALY

One of the worst quakes to hit northeast Italy in hundreds of years rattled the region around Bologna early Sunday, killing at least four people, collapsing factories and sending residents running out into the streets, emergency services said.

The magnitude-6.0 temblor struck at 4:04 a.m., with its epicenter about 22 miles north of Bologna at a relatively shallow depth of 3.2 miles, the US Geological Survey said.

Civil defense agency official Adriano Gumina said the quake was the worst in the region since the 1300s. It left bell towers cracked, chunks of church facades lying in the streets, and roofs caved in.

Agency chief Franco Gabrielli put the death toll from quake damage at four — all overnight-shift factory workers who died as buildings collapsed in three separate locations. In addition, he said, two women died — apparently of heart attacks possibly sparked by fear, shortly after the quake rocked the area.

Homestead Act offering free land

U.S. marks 150th anniversary of Homestead Act offering free land

OMAHA, Nebraska | Sat May 19, 2012 7:45pm EDT
(Reuters) - The United States on Sunday marks the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln signing the Homestead Act, the law that gave away 270 million acres of land and transformed the vast American interior.

Representatives from 30 states will take part in a ceremony at the National Monument of America in the Nebraska town of Beatrice, representing the states where nearly 2 million people each received 160 acres of free land under the program.

The monument is the site of what is considered the nation's first claim under the act by Daniel Freeman, a Union Army scout, on January 1, 1863.

First tropical storm

First tropical storm of the season forms off S.C

5/19/2012 By Donna Leinwand Leger, USA TODAY

RALEIGH, N.C. —The first tropical storm of hurricane season formed off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center said.

A ship near the center of the storm reported pressure data that indicates the storm's wind speed is 60 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in a 7 p.m. advisory. That speed is about 15 mph stronger than originally reported.
On Saturday evening, Tropical Storm Alberto was 130 miles east of Charleston and 120 miles south of Cape Fear, N.C. It was moving at about 3 mph to the southwest.
National Weather Service meteorologist Sandy LaCorte in Wilmington said the system will continue moving to the southwest before reversing course and heading northeast over the next several days. She said the center of the storm is not expected to get close to the Carolinas' coast.
LaCorte said Alberto will produce increased waves at beaches in the Carolinas. There is a high risk of

Chelsea beats Bayern Munich

Chelsea beats Bayern Munich for Champions League title

5/19/2012

Didier Drogba scores in the 88th minute to draw the English club even, 1-1, and later scores the winner in a penalty-kick shootout.

Associated Press
May 20, 2012
MUNICH -- Didier Drogba tied the match with a header in the 88th minute, and then scored the decisive goal in the shootout as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League final, 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw Saturday.

Will Smith is latest star to slap someone on red carpet

Posted at 04:07 PM ET, 05/19/2012

In other news. . .: Will Smith is latest star to slap someone on red carpet (video)

By The Reliable Source
Red carpets — so stressful! Last fall it was Omar Sharif slapping a pesky fan at a film festival in Qatar. Now it’s Will Smith, who was caught on video swatting at a reporter who, he said later, had tried to kiss him on the lips at a “Men in Black 3” premiere in Moscow. “What the hell is your problem, buddy?” Smith says in the instantly-viral clip as he pushes him away and then cuffs the man lightly on the cheek with the back of his hand. What kind of reporter would try to kiss an A-lister on the red carpet? Turns out it was Ukrainian TV journalist Vitalii Sediuk, reports the AP — the same guy who caused a botanical incident last fall when he foisted a bouquet upon Madonna at the Venice Film Festival; her eye-rolling whisper, “I absolutely loathe hydrangeas,” was caught on a live mic and also went viral. So, Vitalii Sediuk — watch out for that guy, stars. See video. . . 

China Approves Google ...

China Approves Google Acquisition of Motorola Mobility

By Marc Ferranti, IDG News    May 19, 2012 6:50 pm

Chinese regulatory authorities have approved Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility, paving the way for the deal to close within the week, company officials confirmed Saturday.

The companies announced last August that they had entered into an agreement for Google to acquire mobile phone and tablet maker Motorola Mobility for about US$12.5 billion.

"We are pleased that the deal has received approval in all jurisdictions," Motorola spokeswoman Jennifer Erickson said Saturday. "We expect to close early next week."

A Google spokeswoman confirmed the deal was approved early Saturday and that it should close within the week.

G-8 leaders agree to

G-8 leaders agree to boost growth, protect oil supplies

5/19/2012 By Richard Wolf, USA Today

CAMP DAVID, Md. – Leaders of the world's major economic powers agreed Saturday to boost their emphasis on economic growth and job creation, and they vowed to seek the release of oil reserves if needed to compensate for reduced imports from Iran.

Agreements on those and other issues — including the need for a political transition in Syria that even its ally, Russia, apparently did not dispute — emerged as victories for President Obama as he hosted the Group of 8 summit amid the bucolic ambience of the presidential retreat.
"I think the surroundings gave us an opportunity to hold some intimate discussions and make some genuine progress," Obama said from the tree-shaded driveway of Aspen Cabin, the president's home here, at the end of the two-day summit.
"The direction the debate has taken recently should give us confidence. Europe has taken significant steps to manage the crisis," the president said. "There's now an emerging consensus that

never seems to come

Europe's stricken banks wait for a rescue that never seems to come

5/19/2012 by Heather Stewart

There are four weeks to go before the Greek elections – and, it seems, even longer to wait before a German change of heart on bailing out lenders. But fearful markets, and hard-pressed electorates, may not be patient much longer

For battle weary euro politicians, four long, tough weeks lie ahead between now and the next round of Greek elections, which could see recession-hit voters restating their determination to reject the savage austerity measures that are the price of Greece's latest €130bn (£105bn) bailout.

I'll Have Another

I'll Have Another captures Preakness Stakes

By Bob Velin, USA TODAY5/19/2012

BALTIMORE – I'll Have Another captured a thrilling Preakness Stakes on Saturday to give him victories in the first two legs of the Triple Crown, and will try to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the coveted title when he runs in the Belmont Stakes on Jun 9.

I'll Have Another reprised his Kentucky Derby victory at Pimlico, staying off the pace most of the race, then running down speedy Bodemeister, who led from the start, passing him right near the finish line to win the 137th running of the Preakness by a neck at sun-splashed Pimlico Race Course.
"I can't even put it into words, it's just incredible" said I'll Have Another's trainer Doug O'Neill. "What a ride. (Jockey) Mario (Gutierrez) was so patient. We're thinking Triple Crown, baby. Come on, why not.

Chen Guangcheng arrives in U.S.

Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng arrives in U.S.

By Lisa Mascaro and Barbara Demick
May 19, 2012

WASHINGTON — After years of detention and a bold escape to the U.S. Embassyin Beijing, blind Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng arrived in the United States, a bittersweet moment in a harrowing journey that had touched off a diplomatic crisis and poses continued challenges for U.S.-Chinese relations.

The human rights leader and his family were whisked quickly and suddenly out of Beijing, as Chen expressed gratitude but also concerns about the safety of the relatives he was leaving behind in China. He arrived Saturday night in Newark, N.J.

Chen has emerged as a political hero among Chinese dissidents and some U.S. officials for his activism in China — where his name is banned from the Internet — a status that became magnified after his

G8 summit leaders gather

Eurozone dispute brews as G8 summit leaders gather

18 May 2012

bbc news.uk

Claims that German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested debt-stricken Greece vote on whether it should stay in the eurozone have sparked a row.

The Greek allegation, which Berlin denies, comes as President Barack Obama welcomed G8 leaders to a dinner at Camp David, opening a summit expected to be dominated by the eurozone turmoil.

Mr Obama said talks on Saturday would promote a "strong growth agenda".

Investors fear a Greek eurozone exit could trigger a fresh global crisis.

Talks With Iran...

Heading Into Talks With Iran, U.S. Sees Hopeful Signs

By MARK LANDLER

Published: May 18, 2012

WASHINGTON — American negotiators, heading into a crucial round of talks with Iran over its nuclear program next week in Baghdad, are allowing themselves a rare emotion after more than a decade of fruitless haggling with Tehran: hope.

With signs that Iran is under more pressure than it has been in years to make a deal, senior Obama administration officials said the United States and five other major powers were prepared to offer a package of inducements to obtain a verifiable

Justin Verlander

May 18, 2012

Justin Verlander loses no-hitter in the ninth

By Scott Boeck, USA TODAY

Detroit's Justin Verlander came within two outs of his third career no-hitter Friday night in a 6-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison singled up the middle with one out in the ninth to spoil the bid by the reigning American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner.

Harrison played the spoiler roll on Sunday against the Houston Astros when he had a walk-off hit in the 12th inning.

BOX SCORE:  Tigers 6, Pirates 0

Verlander struck out 12 ans walked two and

A Greek Exit?

A Greek Exit? Euro Zone May Be Ready

5/18/2012

By BINYAMIN APPELBAUM | New York Times

WASHINGTON — It is increasingly conceivable that Greece may leave the euro zone, not just because of its own political dysfunction but also because the consequences of such an exit for the rest of the Europe and the global economy no longer seem quite so scary.

The foot-dragging and brinkmanship of the last few years have won the other members of the currency

Facebook IPO

Facebook IPO Makes Zuckerberg Richer Than Google Founders

By David De Jong and Devon Pendleton | Bloomberg5/18/2012

Facebook Inc. (FB)'s $16 billion initial public offering has made 28-year-old Mark Zuckerberg the 29th richest person on Earth.

Facebook, the world's most popular social networking company, sold 421.2 million shares for $38 each. At that price, the 503.6 million shares and options Zuckerberg owns are valued at $19.1 billion, making him

Clippers-Spurs Preview

Clippers-Spurs Preview

5/18/2012

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Hours before turning 30 years old, Tony Parker grinned Wednesday as though his lowest-scoring playoff game since his early twenties was an early birthday gift from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Across town, Chris Paul wasn't in such high spirits.

The marquee Paul vs. Parker matchup was a scoring bust for both All-Stars in the Western Conference semifinals opener, which the San Antonio Spurs won 108-92 despite their playmaking point guard scoring just seven points on 1-of-9 shooting. Paul didn't shine any brighter, scoring six while going 3 for 13.

Paul finished third in the league MVP voting this season, and Parker was fifth. Yet heading into Game 2 on Thursday night, they're so far together being outscored by Spurs rookieKawhi Leonard.

Dwyane Wade, Erik Spoelstra exchange words

Pacers crush Heat to take series lead; Dwyane Wade, Erik Spoelstra exchange words

Published: Friday, May 18, 2012

NDIANAPOLIS—Dwyane Wade and Erik Spoelstra stood face to face, looking more like two boxers promoting a fight than player and coach. They continued to exchange words and Wade’s Miami Heat teammates worked to quell the confrontation.

“Dwyane and I have been together for a long time,” Spoelstra said. “We’ve been through basically everything—a lot of different roles and a lot of different teams. That really is nothing.”

Wade’s response: “I don’t even know what y’all are talking about.”

Reality TV

Reality TV, celebrity obsession hit Cannes screens

By Alexandria Sage

CANNES | Fri May 18, 2012

(Reuters) - Obsession with celebrity is the focus of Italian director Matteo Garrone's new movie "Reality" at the Cannes film festival, one of two pictures in the lineup exploring the corrosive power of instant fame and the desire to be watched.

Garrone is best known for his last film, the gritty "Gomorrah" about a Naples crime syndicate. But with "Reality" he switches gears, creating a modern day fairy tale whose protagonist's soul is slowly and

Disco Queen ...

Disco Queen Donna Summer endured after era faded

5/18/2012By MESFIN FEKADU, Associated Press

Like the King of Pop or the Queen of Soul, Donna Summer was bestowed a title fitting of musical royalty — the Queen of Disco.

Yet unlike Michael Jackson or Aretha Franklin, it was a designation she wasn't comfortable embracing.

"I grew up on rock 'n' roll," Summer once said when explaining her reluctance to claim the title.

China Warns

China Warns Solar-Panel Tariff May Backfire

By WAYNE MA 5/18/2012

BEIJING—China unleashed a storm of protest across multiple outlets criticizing the U.S. decision to impose a 31% antidumping tariff on Chinese solar-panel makers and said the action could backfire on U.S. industries.

The U.S. decision against China raises trade tensions, which already were heightened because of issues ranging from China's export quota on rare-earth minerals to imports of Iranian crude. It also comes during a U.S. election year, in which the Obama administration has been criticized for not getting tough on China's trade activities or currency valuation.

Greek banks

Greek banks strain for cash

By Chris Isidore @CNNMoney May 18, 2012

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The Greek financial system is straining hard for cash.

Consumers and businesses are making massive withdrawals from Greece's banks -- leading to concern the beleaguered nation could be forced out of the eurozone by a banking crisis even before its government runs out of cash.

Deposits are the lifeblood of any bank, and Greeks pulled 800 million euros out of the banking system on Tuesday alone, the most recent day for which figures are available.

At the same time, the European Central Bank this week cut back -- at least temporarily -- on how much it was willing to lend to some Greek banks. (Greece downgraded deeper into junk territory)

The central bank, whose loans have provided banks with much-needed cash, said it believed the loan

Wal-Mart sales jump

Wal-Mart posts strong profit as U.S. sales jump

5/17/2012By Jessica Wohl

REUTERS - Wal-Mart Stores Inc posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday, including a 2.6 percent rise in sales at its Walmart U.S. division's stores open at least a year, as warm weather and an earlier Easter enticed shoppers to spend.

The world's largest retailer, which was recently rocked by allegations of bribery in Mexico, earned $1.09 per share from continuing operations, compared with a profit of 98 cents a year earlier.

Wal-Mart had forecast earnings per share of $1.01 to $1.06. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn $1.04

Buffett's Berkshire buy...

Buffett's Berkshire to buy Media General papers

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway to buy 63 newspapers from Media General for $142M

5/17/2012

NEW YORK (AP) -- Billionaire Warren Buffett's company is making its largest foray into newspapers yet, agreeing to buy 63 papers from Media General Inc.

Richmond, Va.-based Media General says the $142 million deal includes the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Winston-Salem Journal. The company is selling all its papers except those in Tampa, Fla., most importantly the Tampa Tribune. Media General says it is in talks with others for those papers.

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has owned the Buffalo News of New York for decades and recently bought its hometown paper, the Omaha World-Herald.

Buffett has defended newspapers. He has said that even though they face competition from the Internet, they will have a decent future if they continue delivering information that can't be found elsewhere and stop offering news free online.

beach-ready body

Chrissy Teigen's tips for a beach-ready body

5/17/2012

By Sarah Bernard | The Thread
While you're committing to a pre-summer regimen filled with grilled chicken lunches and hours at the gym think about this: Supermodels also have some prep work to do before putting on a bikini. So says gorgeous Chrissy Teigen, the Thai-Norwegian stunner who has appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue since 2010. Chrissy loves to eat -- which is one of the reasons why we love her -- and before a shoot forces herself to go hard with Pilates and a low-carb diet. We spoke to Teigen, who is engaged to singer John Legend, about her routine, how we can all feel confident while wearing relatively little, and her new swimwear line with diNeila Brazil. Watch this episode to see her suits which are made to flatter girls with curves and learn a surprising fact about Chrissy that we still can't believe!

10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow at Home

5/17/2012By Tina McCarthy 
 
Gardening is hot, hot, hot. And why not? Planting a few seeds on your deck or in your backyard yields delicious, organic results - and money savings, too. You know the basics of how to start your own vegetable garden, but where do you go from here? Here are some crops that even the least green thumbed among you can tackle, and tips on how to make them flourish.