Murray fights off Djokovic to win US Open

Murray fights off Djokovic to win US Open

Becomes the first British man in 76 years to win a Grand Slam men’s singles title
Sep 11 2012
Julian Linden

New York: Andy Murray fought off Novak Djokovic to win an epic US Open final on Monday and become the first British man in 76 years to win a grand slam singles title.
The Scotsman, beaten in his four previous grand slam finals, made it fifth time lucky with a nerve-jangling 7-6 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 victory at a windy Arthur Ashe Stadium where the players had to battle the elements as much as each other.
With both men struggling to control the ball in the gusting winds, and battling exhaustion in a final that tied the record as the longest at Flushing Meadows, the match became a test of courage and stamina and it was Murray who handled the decisive moments better.

Agreement reached for Sept. 11 museum's completion

Agreement reached for Sept. 11 museum's completion

September 10, 2012
Associated Press

NEW YORK — An agreement that paves the way for the completion of the Sept. 11 museum at ground zero was reached Monday, the eve of the 11th anniversary of the terror attacks.

The agreement between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the foundation that controls the National September 11 Memorial & Museum was announced Monday.

iPhone 5 ! and iPhone10?

The iPhone 5 is coming ... will there be an iPhone 10?

By David Goldman @CNNMoneyTech September 11, 2012

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Industry analysts are already predicting that Apple's iPhone 5, widely expected to be unveiled on Wednesday, will be the best-selling smartphone of all time. Each new iPhone has outsold the previous version, and the iconic device has been the top-selling mobile phone since its 2007 debut.
That raises the question: How much longer can Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) keep this up? Will there be an iPhone 10?

Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively Reportedly Tie Knot

Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively Reportedly Tie Knot

By Anthony Castellano
2012/9/10

Congratulations are apparently in order for Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who reportedly got married over the weekend.
The “Green Lantern” co-stars got hitched Sunday night at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, S.C., according to People magazine. Reps for the two actors have yet to confirm the marriage.
The magazine reported that Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine performed live at the nuptials. The couple’s wedding cake was transported all the way from Virginia, according to the magazine.

‘Wallflower’ gives Emma Watson new fantasy role as ordinary high school teen

‘Wallflower’ gives Emma Watson new fantasy role as ordinary high school teen

By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, September 10

TORONTO — Emma Watson is living out another fantasy — the life of a high school kid that she missed out on growing up in the Harry Potter fold.

For her first major film role since leaving the world of Potter behind, Watson chose “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” in which she plays an American teen who’s part of a clique of hip outsiders at a Pittsburgh school.
The 22-year-old British actress said it gave her a taste of a whole different life considering her cloistered upbringing on the set of the Potter franchise, in which she was cast as bookish young hero Hermione Granger at age 9.

It’s O.K. to Let Babies Cry It Out at Bedtime

It’s O.K. to Let Babies Cry It Out at Bedtime

Sleep training a crying baby isn't easy, but a new study finds that certain techniques work in the short term without causing psychological harm down the line
By ALEXANDRA SIFFERLIN  September 10, 2012
When infants can’t sleep, it usually means mom and dad aren’t getting much shut-eye either. That in turn can double the risk of depressive symptoms in mothers, cause strife in marriages and result in costly trips to the pediatrician.

For wiped-out parents wondering whether or not to “sleep train” their restless babies, a new study in Pediatrics has some good news: strategies that let babies cry it out for limited periods while teaching them to sleep on their own not only help families sleep better in the short term, but they also don’t cause long-term psychological damage in kids or weaken the bond between babies and parents.

Serena Williams comes back to win U.S. Open

Serena Williams comes back to win U.S. Open

September 10, 2012
By thehindu.com

Serena Williams rallied as Victoria Azarenka served for victory, with the American winning her 15th Grand Slam title and fourth at the US Open on Sunday 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.

The struggle gave the 30-year-old Williams a New York trophy 13 years after winning her first.

BP in Deal to Sell Some Gulf Fields

BP in Deal to Sell Some Gulf Fields

September 10, 2012
By ANUPREETA DAS, RYAN DEZEMBER and ALEXIS FLYNN
BP BP +1.79% PLC reached a deal to sell some of its Gulf of Mexico offshore oil fields to Plains Exploration & Production Co. PXP +1.41% for $5.55 billion, as BP continues to divest itself of assets to pay for the 2010 oil spill in the region.

The properties sold include the Marlin, Dorado and King fields, the Horn Mountain field, the Holstein field, as well as the Diana-Hoover field, which is operated by ExxonMobil Corp., XOM +1.05% and the Ram Powell field, which is operated by Royal Dutch Shell RDSB.LN +0.22% PLC unit Shell Offshore Inc., Plains said in a statement Monday.

Plains also said it concluded a separate deal with Shell to buy its controlling stake in Holstein for $560 million.

U.K.-based BP, among the largest global oil producers, has been selling off assets to help pay for cleanup and other costs related to the April 2010 drilling-rig explosion that killed 11 people and resulted in a massive oil spill. Of about $38 billion in assets earmarked for sale, BP has so far agreed to sell about $32 billion

Treasury to Cut A.I.G. Stake Below 50%

Treasury to Cut A.I.G. Stake Below 50%

BY MICHAEL J. DE LA MERCED
2012/09/09
The Treasury Department said on Sunday that it was planning its biggest sale of shares in the American International Group to date, making the federal government a minority shareholder in the bailed-out insurer for the first time since it took control of the company four years ago.

With the sale of at least $18 billion worth of shares in A.I.G., a number that could grow to $20.7 billion if investors prove enthusiastic, the Treasury Department could reduce its holdings to as little as 15 percent from 53 percent.

Taking the government’s stake in A.I.G. below 50 percent is the realization of a long-held goal by both the Obama administration and the company, helping to cut ties to one of the most controversial bailouts of the 2008 financial crisis. The Treasury Department expects to earn a profit on its investment in A.I.G., though it is unclear how large.
“This was always meant as a temporary measure,” Henry T. C. Hu, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law at Austin, said. “The faster we can do this as a practical matter, the better for everyone involved.”

Porter Magnificent in Denver Debuts

Manning, Porter Magnificent in Denver Debuts

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer
DENVER September 10, 2012 (AP)

Now that they're teammates, Peyton Manning can celebrate when Tracy Porter returns an interception for a touchdown.

Three seasons ago Porter denied Manning a second Super Bowl title when he returned an interception 74 yards to seal the New Orleans Saints' win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Their Denver debut Sunday night was a success thanks to Manning's magnificent return from a year's absence and Porter's 43-yard interception return for a score that sealed their 31-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Broncos' final drive stalled at the Steelers 8 and Matt Prater's short field goal left Roethlisberger with 3 minutes to erase a 25-19 deficit.

Top Iraqi Leader Call His Death Sentence ‘Unjust’

Top Iraqi Leader Call His Death Sentence ‘Unjust’

By OMAR AL-JAWOSHY and MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ
Published: September 10, 2012

BAGHDAD — The vice president of Iraq, a prominent Sunni Muslim who was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in a trial conducted in absentia, denounced the verdict on Monday as “false and unjust,” depicting the court’s finding as “an acquittal, confirming my innocence.”
The verdict on Sunday coincided with a wave of bombings and insurgent attacks that claimed at least 100 lives, making the day one of the bloodiest in Iraq since American troops withdrew last year.

Obama edges Romney in August fundraising

Obama edges Romney in August fundraising

By David Jackson, USA TODAY
Sep 10, 2012

President Obama's campaign raised $114 million in August, edging Mitt Romney's haul of $111.6 million and ending the Republican's three month winning streak in the money race.

"The key to fighting back against the special interests writing limitless checks to support Mitt Romney is growing our donor base, and we did that substantially in the month of August," said Jim Messina, Obama's campaign spokesman.

Chicago teachers strike for first time in 25 years; contingency sites ready, charters remain open

Chicago teachers strike for first time in 25 years; contingency sites ready, charters remain open

BY ROSALIND ROSSI and LAUREN FITZPATRICK Staff Reporters September 9, 2012
For the first time in 25 years, Chicago’s teachers are on strike
“Negotiations have been intense but productive, however we have failed to reach an agreement that will prevent a labor strike,” Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said at a dramatic 10 p.m. Sunday press conference. “Real school will not be open [Monday]. ... No CTU member will be inside our schools.

“Please seek alternative care for your children.”

The announcement was quickly blasted by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as “a strike of choice” that didn’t have to happen if talks continued. He repeatedly declared: “My team is available now.”

Man with scissors arrested at Miley Cyrus' house

Man with scissors arrested at Miley Cyrus' house
Published September 08, 2012
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – A man allegedly clutching a pair of scissors was arrested after police say he tried to force himself inside the Los Angeles home of Miley Cyrus.
Los Angeles police Lt. Brian Wendling says that employees inside the house in the Studio City area called police around 4 a.m. Saturday after the man came to the door and claimed to be a friend of the 19-year-old singer-actress.

Ryan V.P. debate prep intensifies

Ryan V.P. debate prep intensifies

2012/09/08
Posted by
CNN Political Producer Shawna Shepherd

San Ramon, California (CNN) – With the vice presidential debate five weeks away, Republican Rep. Paul Ryan will hold his first all-day prep session this weekend, campaign aides say.

The Wisconsin lawmaker will convene with aides in Oregon on Sunday, which has been described to reporters as the first of many sessions where they will discuss likely debate topics and counterpoints.

– Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker

Chicago teachers, school officials resuming talks to avert strike

Chicago teachers, school officials resuming talks to avert strike
By Mary Wisniewski
CHICAGO | Sun Sep 9, 2012

(Reuters) - Negotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union and the nation's third-largest school district were going down to the wire on Sunday, as teachers threaten to strike on Monday over Mayor Rahm Emanuel's demand for sweeping school reforms.

Both sides expressed varying degrees of optimism on Saturday night about chances for a resolution, although school district officials sounded more hopeful than union leaders. School board President David Vitale said he thought the district's latest proposal was "very close" to what was needed for a deal. Talks resume on Sunday morning.

Chicago Weekend Guide

Chicago Weekend Guide

A Whirlwind Tour of the Windy City
2012/9/8
by Erica Walsh
Filed Under: Chicago, Weekend

The Chicago metropolitan area, located along beautiful Lake Michigan, is also known as Chicagoland, and it's home to almost 10 million people. The city is full of breathtaking architecture and landscaped public parks. Here's a quick guide for seeing the best of the Windy City in just 48 hours.

Where to Stay
Hotel Burnham
Built by Daniel Burnham in 1895, this charming boutique hotel in the historic Reliance Building, served as a model for our nation's first skyscrapers. The hotel is an architectural treasure with a prime location near Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theater and Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The rooms feature plush beds and the mahogany writing desks echo the motif of the wood-paneled lobby. Its history is enhanced with modern design and amenities like complimentary Starbucks coffee in the lobby each morning and a wine reception each afternoon from 5 to 6 p.m.

Australian Outback Tours

Australian Outback Tours

Getting Down and Dirty Down Under
20129/8
by Erica Walsh
Filed Under: Australia, Oceania

In parts of the Australian Outback, it's possible to see the curve of the Earth's surface; at night, amidst this natural vastness, you can see more stars in the sky than almost any other place on Earth. The outback is begging to be explored, and we're showing you some of the best ways to do it.

By Bus
The most common way for travelers to experience the rugged Australian Outback is by partaking in a budget camping tour. Due to the popular demand for this type of exploration, there are a multitude of companies offering guided camping tours through the outback's popular Red Center.

Top 10 Mexican Beach Resorts

Top 10 Mexican Beach Resorts

South of the Border Sun and Sand
by Melanie M. Mize
Filed Under: Cancun, Resorts

For anyone with a dream of sun-drenched fun, Mexico's beaches are no longer just for the well-to-do. Today, resorts on the country's Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer something for every taste, and budget. What's more, most Americans can make the trip to Mexico in little more than a two-hour flight. So, before making plans for an adventure south of the border, read on for Travel Channel's list of the Top 10 Mexican Beach Resorts.

Melia Cabo Real Beach & Golf Resort

Fed head Bernanke joined refinancing crowd

Fed head Bernanke joined refinancing crowd

September 7, 2012
(AP) WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve's record-low interest rates have shrunk income for savers but cut costs for borrowers. Chairman Ben Bernanke is among the beneficiaries.

Bernanke's latest financial disclosure form, released Thursday, shows he refinanced his Washington home in 2011. He took out a 30-year mortgage with a fixed 4.25 percent rate, replacing one taken out in 2009 that carried a 5.375 percent rate.

Both mortgages were valued at between $500,000 and $1 million. The government requires top officials to estimate only ranges for their financial assets, rather than give exact figures.

The Fed has held its key short-term interest rate at a record low near zero since December 2008. It's also pursued unconventional programs to try to lower long-term rates and boost the U.S. economy after the

Victoria Azarenka beats Maria Sharapova to enter US Open final

Victoria Azarenka beats Maria Sharapova to enter US Open final

Associated Press
08, 2012

New York: Normally so good, so gritty, in the crucible of the third set, Maria Sharapova finally met her match against Victoria Azarenka. Coming all the way back from a set and a break down, the top-seeded Azarenka prevailed in a stirring third, beating four-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Friday to reach her first US Open final.
"This one didn't go my way," Sharapova said. "Frustrating, but it's the game of tennis. A lot of swings in the match today. Certainly had the lead and the advantage."

Miley Cyrus' Exclusive Pics and Video—Get a Sneak Peek at Her New Site!

Miley Cyrus' Exclusive Pics and Video—Get a Sneak Peek at Her New Site!

by Peter Gicas and Ken Baker Thu., Sep. 6, 2012

It's a good, no, make that great day for Miley Cyrus fans.
That's because the singer-actress has just launched her very own online community!
The site, mileycyrus.com, allows Cyrus to share pretty much anything and everything, including news, music, photos and videos—most notably, the "Backyard Sessions," which she shot earlier this summer in her very own, well, backyard. The clips show Cyrus and her band performing several of her favorite songs.

Orioles blast Yankees to move back into first-place tie

Orioles blast Yankees to move back into first-place tie

By Associated Press
Friday, September 7, 2012
BALTIMORE — The New York Yankees can’t deny it anymore. The Baltimore Orioles are good enough to take this pennant race down to the end.
Baltimore smacked six home runs — including three in a wild eighth inning — and pulled away to a 10-6 victory Thursday night that enabled the Orioles to climb back into a first-place tie with New York atop the AL East.


The Orioles have won 10 of 13, including three of four over the Yankees, and now lead the season series 8-7.

Clearly, this isn’t the same Baltimore team coming off 14 straight losing seasons, or the one that went 5-13 against New York in each of the three previous years.

“They are playing with a lot of confidence right now,” Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez said. “You have to tip your hat to Baltimore.”

Prince Harry Returns to War in Afghanistan

Prince Harry Returns to War in Afghanistan
By SIMON PERRY
UPDATED 09/07/2012

Prince Harry is back on the frontline.
The Prince, 27, arrived in Afghanistan early Friday morning to begin a tour of duty as a co-pilot of an Apache attack helicopter. Observers reported that he looked "relaxed, if slightly tired" after the overnight journey on a standard troop flight from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

In a series of photos released by British authorities on Friday morning, Captain Wales, as he is known in the army, is seen giving the thumbs up and walking along a line of choppers at Camp Bastion.

Stewart shines in Toronto; Pattinson underwhelms in L.A.

Stewart shines in Toronto; Pattinson underwhelms in L.A.

By Olivia Barker USA Today
2012/9/7

At the VMAs, host Kevin Hart told her to "move on." And it looks like Kristen Stewart has.

While her ex, Robert Pattinson, was onstage in L.A. making a (lackluster) introduction to a clip from the final "Twilight" flick, Stewart was on the red carpet in Toronto, making a sparkling post-scandal debut.

Gone was her typical black garb. Instead, Stewart wore a beaded floral dress from Zuhair Murad whose intricate embroidery called to mind Cate Blanchett's style-cementing Galliano frock from the 1999 Oscars.