Stories for October 2011 Lovin' Life After 50 | The Southwest’s leading senior publicationLovin' Life After 50

Friday, October 21

Your forgotten feet: How to ensure your fitness is on solid footing

If you were asked to name 10 factors that contribute to good fitness, strong and flexible feet might not be at the top of your list. Yet any deviations in the health of our feet and ankles will affect how we strike the ground and roll through each step of our day.

Secrets of the pantry: Get healthy with these 5 natural home remedies

Whether you’re struggling with insomnia or just need a Band-Aid, there’s no need to head to the pharmacy to make it all better. Shop your pantry for these natural home remedies to everyday health concerns.

More sex, less stress: How firing up your love life can reduce anxiety

Firing up your love life can naturally reduce stress. Studies show that the more time you spend with your partner between the sheets, the lower your cortisol levels.

Monthly check-up: A round-up of news in the medical industry

Making a lifestyle change: Tips on becoming a vegetarian

Ready to trade in your hamburgers for salads? The key to any successful dietary change is to gradually incorporate new habits into your daily routine.

Is your medication making you sick?: How to avoid pill overload

As we age, our bodies naturally need extra help to stay healthy and prevent the onset of chronic conditions. When diet, exercise and positive lifestyle choices are not enough, many prescription drugs can make a difference. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to become “overmedicated,” especially if you see several different healthcare providers and specialists.

Is this yoga the right level for you? The secret ways your body tells you

Here’s a secret your yoga instructor already knows: Your body is constantly advertising whether you’re working at a level that’s right for you. Here are five ways to decode those hidden messages for yourself:

How to pick a pet that matches your personality and lifestyle

How to pick a dog that matches your personality and lifestyle

Wednesday, October 19

How to (diplomatically) tell your family you're not a built-in babysitter

When you reach retirement age, you may notice your family thinks you're always available to babysit. Certainly you love your grandchildren, and you'd like to spend time with them when you can, but keep in mind that you have a life of your own and it's absolutely OK to go on living that life without the everyday distraction of children in your home.

Finding assisted living that's full of life

As you get older, you may have to think about an assisted living facility. That can be an uncomfortable prospect for many people, because it conjures up visions of nursing homes full of elderly people. Fortunately, there are many assisted living facilities that don't operate that way—and that will keep you busy and enjoying life for a long time to come.

It's never too late to train for your first triathlon: A how-to guide

Think you’re too old for a triathlon? Think again!

How to achieve calm with meditation

For many of us, stress doesn’t end when the kids leave home. Daily pressures, such as work, finances and even family matters, can continue to create stress throughout our lives...

Introduction to alternative remedies: Aromatherapy, acupuncture, massage and homeopathy

Would you let someone stick you with thin needles to manage chronic pain? Or ingest small amounts of a harmful substance if it could cure illness? Acupuncture and homeopathy, respectively, are two alternative medical treatments that have become increasingly popular in the last decade.

Eat this, not that: Healthy snack foods that really aren't

Looking for a healthy breakfast snack? It’s easy to be fooled by labels like “fat-free,” “low-sugar” and “diet.” But when you take a closer look, you’ll find that many of these so-called “healthy” breakfast snacks are packed with refined sugars, preservatives and artificial ingredients. Watch out for these common diet saboteurs.

Boomers' smartphone adoption

Boomers adoption of smartphone devices such as Blackberry, HTC smartphones, iPhones, and Android smartphones continue to increase as those 55+ consumers look for ways to better connect with friends and family.

Footloose and fifty-something: Top travel destinations for singles over 50

Most people over the age of 50 probably have different memories of what their parents were like at their age and the kinds of things they did to keep themselves busy in their “senior years.”

Grandchildren's education

SPOT55.com is a great resource for grandparents to get tips on how to contribute to their grandchildren's education. It is estimated that grandparents contribute $17 billion a year to the grandchildren's education, in the form of tuition, college savings plans, after-school programs, textbooks and supplies.

Tuesday, October 18

Falling in love after 55: How it's better the second time around

If you're 55 or over and you're divorced or don't have a spouse or long-term partner, you might feel like you'll never fall in love again. That's not true; there are many chances at love after 55, and it's often a better love than what you felt as a teenager.

Celebrating marriage: Anniversary gifts and traditions

Celebrating marriage can be a beautiful thing, no matter how long it has been since you took your vows. Depending on where you're from and the culture in which you find yourself living, there are different gifts and traditions you might be involved in or want to explore for your anniversary.

Best online dating sites for 55+ adults

If you’re single and over the age of 55, you don’t have to limit yourself to “traditional” methods of meeting people.

Friday, October 14

3 easy ways to lower your risk for heart disease

Between 1950 and 2000, the death rate from heart disease dropped by almost 70%. That’s good news, right? Think again. While the death rate may have decreased, more Americans than ever before are being diagnosed with heart disease. And it is still the leading cause of death for both women and men in America.

What are the most popular investments for those over 55?

Investing as a retiree is different from investing during the career years. Safety of principal and income production move to the forefront of investment requirements for those over 55.

The revolving door: Handling the financial burden of a returning child

What happens when your empty nest is invaded by adult children that have returned to the roost?

The Feds tax your Social Security; so do 23 states

If you're looking to relocate after retirement, keep in mind these 14 states will tax your social security income.

Stashing the cash: Tips on tending to liquid assets

How can I make sure I have enough cash within reach when I need it?

Starting a business after 55: Become a pet sitter

Is 55 too late to start a new career?

Saving for a rainy day and the unexpected

We all need a rainy day fund to cover life's unexpected incidents.

Retire abroad on $600 a month. Really?

Each year Yahoo, Forbes, AARP and others publish lists of the best places to retire. In 2011 some of the top U.S. cities included Cape Coral, FL, Boise, ID, and Danville, KY. As for international locations, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, France and Argentina show up on many lists.

Thursday, October 13

Pros and cons of reverse mortgages

You may have seen ads touting reverse mortgages as the solution for cash-strapped retirees. The mortgage is structured such that homeowners have their home pay them monthly payments until they die or sell the house. These slick ads promise an easy transaction with no danger of ever being kicked out of your own home. While reverse mortgages can make perfect sense in the right circumstance, the truth is there are pros and cons of which you should be aware.

Managing inflation-sensitive expenses on a fixed income

How can I avoid the impact of inflation if I'm on fixed income?

Becoming a parent to a grandchild - advice and resources

More and more grandparents today are finding themselves caring for their grandchildren. These are people who have raised their own children and thought they were done being parents, but now they have found themselves in that role once again.

Baking projects for grandparents and grandkids

Finding fun and stimulating activities to share with your grandkids is one of the many perks of being a grandparent. A baking project or two is an excellent way to spend a morning or afternoon with your grandkids because it’s creative, it's a skill they’ll use for the rest of their lives, and it's, well, tasty.

Wednesday, October 12

Gardening in style - the latest in garden fashion

Just because gardening makes you dirty does not mean it has to make you frumpy. The latest in garden fashion falls right into line with the same trends out on the street—or even in designer showrooms.

Fun and freaky Halloween food ideas the grandkids will love

Even little ghosts and beasties need to eat, and you can whip up fun and freaky Halloween foods your grandkids will love.

Easy craft projects for when you're babysitting the grandchildren

Babysitting the grandchildren can be a joy—as long as you keep them occupied. Rather than plopping them in front of yet another banal TV show, you can instead stir up their creativity with an easy craft project.

At-home New Year's Eve party ideas

Throwing a party at home with all your closest  friends and family can be a great way to ring in the New Year. Spending it at home is a fantastic opportunity to bond, have fun together and celebrate new year with your loved ones, rather than with a crowd. Here are some tips of what you'll need to make sure your New Year's Eve is very festive and easy on the wallet.

Beat the winter blues: Zap seasonal depression before it starts

The changing seasons mean shorter days and less sunlight, which can lead to a medical condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Stop seasonal depression before it starts with these easy tips.

Younger skin without the botox

Spent too many summers outside without any sunscreen? Wish you could make those fine lines and wrinkles disappear? Follow these 10 steps to turn back the clock without the Botox.

Wiggle your eyes, save your memory: Simple tips for exercising the brain

Simple activities can strengthen the brain, form new neural pathways, and enhance memory-recall. Here’s how to boost brain activity.

Fit and fifty (plus): Three sports you have to try

s boredom beginning to set in with your regular workouts? Are you tired of going to the same old places to do the same old things every weekend? And are you absolutely up for a fun challenge that could become a lifelong hobby? Then maybe one of the following three sports is just what you’re looking for.

Hand hobbies: Glassblowing, woodworking, and ceramics

Just because you may have spent the majority of your life using your hands to make a living doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to use your hands to make beautiful artistic inventions. Besides, if what they say about idle hands being the devil’s tools is true, you may need something constructive to do to keep you out of trouble.

Going with the group: Options for over 55 travelers who'd rather not vacation solo

Some people were born travelers, and others come to it a bit more slowly and cautiously. If you're over 55 and consider yourself a member of the latter category, but you still haven’t done much traveling, there’s no reason why you should allow your caution to keep you from experiencing some of the things you’ve always wanted to experience.

Five romantic places to tie the knot ... again

Romance just seems to get better as you get older. So when you want to tie the knot or renew your vows, what could be more romantic than choosing the perfect setting—no matter where it is on Earth? Read on to find out more about our top picks for places to tie the knot (again).

Embracing your character: Going on a literary pilgrimage

There comes a point in every reader’s life where the urge strikes hard to get up and physically visit the places you’ve only ever seen in your mind’s eye. Luckily, there are some fictional characters whose steps it is entirely possible to recreate, and some authors whose fictional worlds are, as it turns out, very real.

Tuesday, October 11

Adrenaline rush: Adventure sports for the young at heart (skydiving, whitewater rafting, bungee)

Whoever said that adventure sports were for kids under 50 wasn’t just mistaken, he was dead wrong. As most people who have blown through the 55 barrier can tell you, there’s an awful lot of spit ‘n' vinegar still left in the tank when you hit your mid-50s—and not everyone who gets there is anywhere near eager to trade in their hiking boots for a pair of house slippers. If this describes you and you’re steadfast in your determination not to let age dictate what you can do, consider any one of these top four adventure sports for the eternally young at heart.

Discovering your inner Indiana Jones: Best travel locations for archaeological adventures

Perspective is a heck of a thing. It can make a proud woman humble and it can make a strong man weak. The next time you’re starting to feel a bit long in the tooth and are fretting that your best days are behind you, consider rubbing elbows with the ancients. There’s really no better way to make yourself feel youthful in comparison than to walk in the footsteps of those who lived long ago and left behind the evidence of their existence.

Budget travel ideas: House swap!

Have you always wanted to see the world but are worried you can’t afford to? Well, think again. Across the globe, thousands of retirees are making the most of their golden years by visiting foreign countries without paying a dime for accommodation. How do they do it? It’s simple—they house swap!

Antiquing! Tips and tricks for finding hidden treasures

Every time a priceless treasure turns up on Antiques Roadshow, people are inspired to head out to flea markets or thrift stores to try their luck and collecting eye. Before starting the search for discarded antiques and collectibles, take some time to learn a few basics. A little effort can prevent costly mistakes. Here are tips for finding gems among the junk.

Monday, October 3

Olympics: Intelligence key to anti-doping in 2012

LONDON (Reuters) - Intelligence gathered from everyone from cleaning staff to customs officials will help authorities to target drug testing at the athletes, sports and nations most likely to cheat at the London 2012 Olympic Games, anti-doping experts said on Monday.

LA Dodgers press to widen battle with baseball league

(Reuters) - The Los Angeles Dodgers said a bankruptcy judge has unfairly limited the team in its fight to prove Major League Baseball overstepped its bounds, according to new court documents filed on Monday.

Nobel Foundation says Steinman to remain Nobel laureate

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The Nobel Foundation said on Monday a decision to award the 2011 Nobel Prize for medicine or physiology to Canadian scientist Ralph Steinman would remain unchanged despite his death.

Appeals court to decide whether shooting suspect may be drugged

PHOENIX (Reuters) - A federal appeals court will consider an emergency plea by lawyers for Tucson shooting suspect Jared Loughner to overturn a ruling ordering four more months of psychiatric treatment.

Senate aims at China's yuan with eye on jobs

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lawmakers will take aim at one of China's core economic policies Monday when the Senate begins debating a bill aimed at pressing China to let its currency rise in value in the hope of creating jobs.

Wall Street extends losses as banks weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks extended declines on Monday on investor concern about the banking sector's exposure to a possible sovereign default in Greece and its effect on European lenders.

"Sunny" Meredith, victim, forgotten at Italy trial

PERUGIA, Italy (Reuters) - Four years after her brutal murder, British student Meredith Kercher has been virtually forgotten as the media spotlight shifted to Amanda Knox, the fresh-faced American girl appealing against her conviction for killing her.

Top court considers California Medicaid cuts

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court opened its new term on Monday and considered whether Medicaid recipients and medical providers may sue California for cutting reimbursement rates in the healthcare program for low-income Americans.

Michael Jackson lives again in "Immortal" stage show

MONTREAL (Reuters) - Michael Jackson's music, moves and imagination live again in Cirque du Soleil's new show "The Immortal World Tour" which opened in Montreal to screams, cries and a standing ovation on Sunday ahead of a 10-month North American tour.

Despair and resignation in Greece as more pain looms

ATHENS (Reuters) - The slogans on the street are about storming the barricades, but when you talk to Greeks about the financial crisis that has brought their country to its knees, their anger quickly gives way to resignation and despair.

Returned Libyan Jew says driven from Tripoli synagogue

TRIPOLI (Reuters) - A Libyan Jew who returned to the country in hopes of resurrecting its Jewish community after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi said Monday that armed men had forced him from the Tripoli synagogue which he had hoped to restore.

Dexia summons board after concerns smash shares

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Franco-Belgian financial group Dexia called an emergency board meeting on Monday after concerns about its exposure to Greece and a Moody's warning about its liquidity position raised pressure on Belgium and France to act.

Incoming Penney CEO recruits senior Target exec

(Reuters) - J.C. Penney Co Inc's incoming boss has lured a senior executive from Target Corp as he assembles his team before taking the reins of the department store chain next month.

Tapie courts new controversy with Full Tilt rescue

PARIS (Reuters) - French entrepreneur Bernard Tapie risks fresh controversy by leading a rescue of betting site Full Tilt Poker which U.S. prosecutors accuse of running a Ponzi scheme.

Kenya says kidnapping provocation by al Shabaab

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya said on Monday the weekend kidnapping of a French woman was a serious provocation by Somalia's Islamist al Shabaab group which threatens the east African country's multi-million dollar tourism industry.

Bank shares lead Wall St lower

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks extended losses on Monday as investors fretted over the banking sector's exposure to a possible sovereign default in Greece and its effect on European lenders.

US House leader Cantor expects trade deal passage

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - House Republican Leader Eric Cantor said on Monday he expects the House of Representatives to pass long-delayed trade deals with South Korea, Panama and Colombia this month.

SAIC CEO to retire next year, shares down

(Reuters) - SAIC Inc , a provider of technical services to the U.S. Defense and Homeland Security departments whose results been bruised by contract delays, said its chief executive would retire next year for personal reasons, and its shares fell about 2 percent.

Severed heads found near Mexican defense ministry

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The severed heads of two men were found near the Defense Ministry in Mexico City on Monday in one of the most brazen drug-linked killings in the capital, which so far has been spared the worst of gang violence.

Insight: South Korea stares down demographic dilemma

SEOUL (Reuters) - Kim, a doctoral student in her 30s, personifies many of the qualities that make South Korea such an economic force -- relative youth, education and ambition.

Iran court likely to revoke pastor's death sentence: lawyer

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme court is likely to revoke the death sentence passed on a Christian pastor for apostasy, his lawyer said on Monday.

Wall St lower as financials weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks turned lower, with the Nasdaq falling 1 percent on Monday, led down by financial shares.

Analysis: New plans may not save public pensions

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - To fix their persistent pension problems, some U.S. states are looking to reshape their retirement plans to resemble those in the private sector, but they may find may employees resistant and the savings elusive.

Manufacturing may help fight off new recession

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Factories grew more quickly in September as production and hiring increased, suggesting that manufacturing would help keep the economy from slipping into a new recession.

South Carolina to hold presidential primary on January 21

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (Reuters) - South Carolina Republicans on Monday announced they will hold their presidential primary on January 21 as states jostle for increased influence in the presidential nominating process.

U.S. sees missile defense deal with Russia by May

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to Russia was quoted on Monday as saying he was confident Russia and NATO would reach an agreement by May to cooperate on missile defense despite Moscow's statements that the former foes are far from a deal.

Cancer kills Nobel physician before hears of prize

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A scientist who won the Nobel prize for medicine on Monday used his own discoveries to treat himself for cancer, but died of the disease just days before he could be told of the award.

For Sirte wounded, frontline triage comes in a mosque

SIRTE, Libya (Reuters) - On one side of the one-room mosque is a clock showing both local and Mecca time, and a stack of Korans.

Blood vessel condition tied to MS, with caveats

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new analysis of past studies concludes that there seems to be some link between multiple sclerosis and narrowed head and neck veins -- but more research is needed to be sure.

September auto sales up, allaying fears of recession

DETROIT (Reuters) - Major automakers posted double-digit percentage U.S. sales gains for September in a rebound that General Motors Co said showed the economy was likely to steer clear of a double-dip recession.

Wall Street flat as data offsets Greece

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks were little changed on Monday as positive U.S. economic data helped to offset fears Greece may require increased euro zone financial assistance after news it will exceed its deficit targets.

American Airlines shares tumble 18 percent on outlook

(Reuters) - Shares of American Airlines parent AMR Corp fell more than 18 percent on Monday as analysts debated the prospects for a bankruptcy filing for the third- largest U.S. airline, which lags its industry peers.

Cracks appear in Asian demand for contemporary art

HONG KONG (Reuters) - The Asian art market juggernaut showed signs of weakness on Monday in Sotheby's sales of Chinese 20th century and Asian contemporary art as global stock markets plunged on a darkening global economic outlook.

Obama says expects jobs bill vote by end of October

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Monday he expects the Congress to vote on his $447 billion jobs package by the end of October.

Four Loko drink cans to show true alcohol content

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Super-sized Four Loko drinks, beloved by college students as a "blackout in a can," have the same amount of alcohol as four to five beers, and packaging that compares them to one or two beers will be changed under a U.S. government settlement.

NHTSA upgrades probe of 382,000 Saturn Ion cars

DETROIT (Reuters) - Safety regulators have upgraded an investigation more than 382,000 Saturn Ion cars for possible steering problems.

Supreme Court won't review drug case text message search

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court on Monday let stand a ruling that the police can search text messages from an arrested criminal suspect's cell phone without obtaining a warrant.

Euro zone finmins back Asmussen for ECB: source

Luxembourg (Reuters) - Euro zone finance ministers on Monday endorsed Joerg Asmussen as the candidate to replace Juergen Stark on the executive board of the European Central Bank, a euro zone source said.

Thorntons recalls salads over salmonella threat

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Kentucky's Thorntons Inc is recalling two types of packaged salads carried at its convenience stores because of the potential for salmonella contamination, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.

Grand jury indicts 55 for $250 million in tax scams

(Reuters) - A U.S. grand jury has indicted 55 people for participating in scams that tried to bilk the U.S. government out of more than $250 million in undeserved tax refunds, U.S. prosecutors in California said on Monday.

Nobel researcher was a subject of his own discovery

LONDON/CHICAGO (Reuters) - Ralph Steinman proved the importance of his Nobel prize-winning research in a most personal way, using his own discoveries to fight the pancreatic cancer that eventually killed him just days before the award was announced.

South Carolina to hold presidential primary Jan 21

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (Reuters) - South Carolina Republicans Monday announced they will hold their presidential primary on January 21 as states jostle for increased influence in the presidential nominating process.

Turbulence injures at least 20 on planes landing in Boston

CONWAY, Mass (Reuters) - At least 20 people were injured when two commercial flights encountered severe turbulence before landing at Boston's Logan International Airport late Sunday, airport and airline officials said on Monday.

South Carolina to hold presidential primary election on Jan 21

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (Reuters) - South Carolina Republicans on Monday announced they will hold their U.S. presidential primary on January 21, making the move to keep their contest ahead of Florida's primary contest.

Rappelling team resumes check of Washington Monument

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Engineers resumed rappelling down the earthquake-damaged Washington Monument on Monday after high winds forced a weekend delay in their checks of the 555-foot-high obelisk.

Obama: announcement on trade deals in days

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Monday he would make an announcement in the next several days on his plans for sending long-delayed trade deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama to Congress.

Arbitrator rules against Illinois lay-offs, closures

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Plans by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to close seven state facilities and lay off more than 1,900 workers violate the state's agreement with an employee union, an arbitrator ruled on Monday.

US court won't review drug case text message search

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court on Monday let stand a ruling that the police can search text messages from an arrested criminal suspect's cell phone without obtaining a warrant.

Syrian forces raid town, Assad's foes unite

AMMAN (Reuters) - Syrian forces hunted for insurgents in the central region of Homs Monday to crush armed resistance that is emerging after six months of protests against President Bashar al-Assad's rule.

Telecom companies lash out at EU fiber proposal

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Telecom operators hit out at a new European Union proposal that aims to spur investment in faster fiber optics networks by reducing profits generated on copper-based networks, saying it was wrongheaded and would actually stunt progress.

Supreme Court won't review gun rights outside of home

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider whether an individual's right to own guns includes carrying a firearm outside the home, staying out of one of the nation's most divisive social, political and legal issues.

Court rejects request to freeze Berlusconi sex trial

MILAN (Reuters) - Milan judges Monday rejected a request by Silvio Berlusconi's lawyers to put on hold a trial where he is accused of paying for sex with an underage prostitute, in a new legal setback for the Italian prime minister.

Top court won't review gun rights outside of home

Euro zone finance ministers and officials

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Euro zone finance ministers and officials were meeting on Monday to discuss the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) bailout fund and the economic situation in Greece.

Rooney signs off on "60 Minutes" but "not retiring"

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - In his final regular appearance on the CBS newsmagazine "60 Minutes," Andy Rooney expressed gratitude for a "lucky" life and thanked his fans, but not without adding a touch of the curmudgeonly grumbling that has become a signature element of his TV essays.

Bullet holes mark Norway islet, officials voice regret

UTOEYA, Norway (Reuters) - The island is now eerily silent and bedecked in autumn colors, but bullet holes still pockmark the walls of a cafeteria where Norwegian confessed killer Anders Behring Breivik fired on his young victims.

Target exec in charge of Canada expansion quits

(Reuters) - Target Corp said its marketing head, who earlier this year was tapped to oversee the company's entrance into Canada, has resigned. The discount retailer did not say why.

Wall Street drops as Greece overshadows ISM data

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock fell on Monday as new evidence surfaced that Greece would have trouble clawing its way out of a debt crisis, even as data indicated some strength in the U.S. economy.

GM's September U.S. auto sales up 20 percent

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co and Chrysler Group reported September U.S. auto sales gains of at least 20 percent, a sign that consumers have returned as vehicle inventories have risen after being crimped by the March earthquake in Japan.

Danish government aims to cut emissions by 40 percent by 2020

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark's new center-left government adopted a target on Monday to reduce Denmark's greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2020 from 1990 levels and boost renewable energy to cover half of Denmark's electricity need.

BRICs push for bigger say in running of Internet

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Campaigners for a loosely regulated Internet are alarmed at the risk to Web freedom from fast-growing BRIC and other emerging economies seeking more say in how the online realm is policed.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg takes stand in larceny trial

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg took the stand on Monday in the trial of a Republican political consultant charged with stealing more than $1 million from the mayor during his 2009 re-election campaign.

W.House still reviewing China currency bill: officials

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House is still reviewing a proposed Senate bill on China's currency and does not yet have a position to deliver on it, senior administration officials said on Monday.

Supreme court rejects Internet music download case

(Reuters) - The Supreme Court let stand on Monday a ruling that a traditional Internet download of sound recording does not constitute a public performance of the recorded musical work under federal copyright law.

Tearful Amanda Knox pleads with court for freedom

PERUGIA, Italy (Reuters) - American student Amanda Knox tearfully begged an Italian court to acquit her of murdering her British roommate during what prosecutors said was an extreme sex game that went wrong, declaring she was paying for a crime she did not commit.

Americans' lawyer barred from leaving Iran

TEHRAN (Reuters) - The defense lawyer for two Americans released by Iran after more than two years in jail on spying charges has been barred from leaving the country, a judiciary official told the ISNA news agency on Monday.

Wall Street cuts gains as Europe weighs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks erased gains that came after a stronger-than-expected ISM manufacturing report on Monday and traded around breakeven as investors continued to focus on Europe's debt crisis.

Investigation blames Cyprus leader for arms blast

NICOSIA (Reuters) - An independent investigator accused Cypriot President Demetris Christofias on Monday of direct personal responsibility for a munitions blast that destroyed the island's main power station and hammered its economy.

Roddick defeated in first round of China Open

BEIJING (Reuters) - Sixth seed Andy Roddick was sent packing by South African Kevin Anderson 6-4 7-5 in the first round of the men's draw at the China Open on Monday after an unavailing series of last gasp match point saves.

California governor prevents ban on male circumcision

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill preventing local authorities from banning the practice of male circumcision.

Mayor Bloomberg takes stand in operative's trial

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg took the stand Monday in the trial of a Republican operative charged with stealing more than $1 million from the mayor during his 2009 re-election campaign.

Christie faces White House decision this week: source

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Chris Christie discussed a possible run for president with top advisers over the weekend and needs to decide by week's end, a Republican familiar with the discussions said on Monday.

Fifth Tibetan monk in China burns self in protest: group

BEIJING (Reuters) - A Tibetan monk set himself alight in a market in mountainous western China Monday, extending a burst of immolation protests at a monastery that has become a center of defiance of Beijing, a group advocating self-determination for Tibet said.

Instant view: Manufacturing grew faster in September

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Factory activity expanded at a faster pace than expected in September as production and hiring increased, the latest sign of resilience in manufacturing despite faltering economic growth.

Factbox: Winners of 2011 Nobel Medicine Prize

(Reuters) - The 2011 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, was awarded on Monday to Bruce Beutler and Jules Hoffmann jointly "for their discoveries concerning the activation of innate immunity" and the other half to Ralph Steinman "for his discovery of the dendritic cell and its role in adaptive immunity".

Yahoo joins ABC in online news partnership

(Reuters) - Yahoo Inc and ABC News will create a news partnership that brings ABC's news-gathering operations to the Web search and advertising company's 100 million visitors each month.

Iraqi forces battle bombers, gunmen to end siege

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi security forces on Monday killed several suicide bombers and gunmen to rescue hostages seized by insurgents after they attacked a local government compound and a police station in Anbar province.

Wall Street cuts losses after ISM data

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks cut losses on Monday after September manufacturing data came in better than expected, assuaging fears that the United States is heading back into recession.

Exclusive: Megrahi says his Lockerbie role exaggerated

TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Abdel Basset al-Megrahi, the man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing that killed 270 people, said his role in the attack had been exaggerated and the truth about what really happened would emerge soon.

Manufacturing sector grows faster in September

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Factory activity expanded at a faster pace than expected in September as production and hiring increased, the latest sign of resilience in manufacturing despite faltering economic growth.

Chrysler U.S. September auto sales up 27 percent

DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group LLC's U.S. sales rose 27 percent in September as the No. 3 U.S. automaker had its best performance for that month since 2007.

Nuclear seaps back into favour as Japan begins energy

TOKYO (Reuters) - Former Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan concluded in March that nuclear power was no longer worth the risk after the world's worst nuclear accident in 25 years. His successor seems less convinced.

Nobel prizewinner dies before announcement

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A scientist who won the Nobel prize for medicine on Monday for work on fighting cancer died of the disease himself just three days before he could be told of his award, and after using his own discoveries to extend his life.

India abandons poverty rate benchmark for social programs

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's government said on Monday it would stop a controversial rate of 32 rupees ($0.65) a day being used as a benchmark for access to anti-poverty programs, a move which could raise the cost of its pro-poor agenda as it battles political storms.

Wall Street down early on Greece concerns

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Monday as concerns over Greece's teetering finances returned to the forefront, extending losses from the previous week.

Vermillion blood test shows promise in identifying patients

(Reuters) - Vermillion Inc said its experimental blood test showed promise in identifying patients with risk of blood vessel clots, sending its shares up 10 percent in morning trade.

Kodak shares rise after bankruptcy denial

(Reuters) - Shares of Eastman Kodak rose more than 35 percent on Monday after the company said it had no intention of filing for bankruptcy.

Wall Street opens lower on Greece troubles

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell at the open on Monday as concerns over Greece's teetering finances returned to the forefront and after equities suffered their worst quarter since 2008.

Alibaba's Ma: "very interested" in buying Yahoo

PALO ALTO, California (Reuters) - Jack Ma, the founder and CEO of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, is keen on buying Yahoo Inc if the opportunity presents itself and has held discussions with other potential buyers about options.

Sarkozy election hopes brighter after rival's exit

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy's uncertain reelection prospects gained a small boost on Monday after popular former environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo, a centrist, said he would not run for president next April.

Bahrain says jails 14 for killing Pakistani

DUBAI (Reuters) - Bahrain handed out life sentences Monday to 14 men for killing a Pakistani national during pro-democracy protests led by the Gulf kingdom's Shi'ite majority earlier this year, the state news agency BNA said.

Parents delaying, skipping recommended vaccines

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - More than one in 10 parents use an "alternative" vaccination schedule for their young children, including refusing vaccines altogether, according to a U.S. survey.

Panetta urges Israel, Palestinians to negotiate

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Monday called for "bold action" from Israeli and Palestinian leaders to achieve peace after cautioning that Israel was becoming increasingly isolated in the Middle East.

Futures point to lower open on Greece concerns

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Monday as concerns over Greece's teetering finances returned to the forefront and after equities suffered their worst quarter since 2008.

Oracle's Ellison shows off new tech hardware

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Oracle chief executive Larry Ellison unveiled new all-in-one data center products as the world's No.3 software maker steps up its move into the hardware market.

Stella McCartney puts pyjama party feel into summer

PARIS (Reuters) - Stella McCartney wove a playful pyjama party feel into her spring-summer 2012 collection on Monday with a breezy array of silk tunic dresses and loose-fitting print pant suits that could be effortlessly slipped into for a lazy country picnic.

Analysis: Yemen sinks deeper in conflict as Saleh clings on

SANAA (Reuters) - After months of protests, bloodshed and diplomacy, Yemen is mired in a contest between the president and his rivals that risks tipping a dirt-poor nation bordering oil giant Saudi Arabia into civil war and economic collapse.

Kenyans protest against weak security after kidnapping

LAMU, Kenya (Reuters) - Dozens of Kenyans protested Monday against the government's lax security measures after gunmen seized a French hostage and escaped into Somalia, the second incident of its kind in recent weeks which locals fear will hit Kenya's lucrative tourism industry.

Novavax vaccine shows promise in early trial

(Reuters) - Novavax Inc said an early-stage trial showed that its experimental vaccine for a virus causing respiratory infections was well tolerated and induced immune reactions similar to natural immunity.

S&P warns UK against wavering on deficit cuts

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's prized triple-A sovereign debt rating could come under pressure if the government strays from its path of public deficit cuts in the face of weaker growth, credit agency Standard & Poor's said on Monday.

-Obama's healthcare law tops new high court term

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's sweeping healthcare overhaul will top the agenda in the new U.S. Supreme Court term that opens on Monday and could be the most momentous in decades.

Nobel medicine prize honors work on body's defenses

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Three scientists who unlocked secrets of the body's immune system, opening doors to new vaccines and cancer treatments, won the 2011 Nobel prize for medicine Monday.

Exclusive: Megrahi says his role in Lockerbie bomb exaggerated

TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Abdel Basset al-Megrahi, the man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing that killed 270 people, told Reuters his role in the attack had been exaggerated and the truth about what really happened would emerge soon.

Libya's Megrahi: my role in Lockerbie exaggerated

Rowan Atkinson back as spoof spy Johnny English

LONDON (Reuters) - Rowan Atkinson is back as bumbling spy Johnny English in the sequel to his 2003 hit, but despite work on comic classics "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Blackadder," the comedian does not find filming much fun.

Management Tip of the Day: Networking traps to avoid

BOSTON (Reuters) - Developing certain networks -- especially those that are merely echoes of yourself -- can impair your career rather than boosting it, says Harvard Business Review.

Starbucks starts fund to spur U.S. job creation

(Reuters) - Starbucks Corp CEO Howard Schultz, decrying a lack of leadership in Washington, said his coffee store chain is helping launch a nationwide fund designed to stimulate U.S. job creation.

Several dead after Iraq forces end hostage siege

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Up to 15 people were killed on Monday after Iraqi security forces fought gunmen and suicide bombers who had seized hostages during attacks on a local government compound and a police station in Anbar province, officials and police sources said.

Stock futures dip on Greece, Yahoo rallies

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures were modestly lower on Monday as concerns over Greece's teetering finances returned to the forefront and after equities ended their worst quarter since 2008.

Stock futures dip on Greece concerns, Yahoo rallies

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures were modestly lower on Monday as concerns over Greece's teetering finances returned to the forefront and after equities ended their worst quarter since 2008.

Martina McBride turns NYC pink to fight breast cancer

NASHVILLE (Reuters) - Country singer Martina McBride is lighting up New York City this month, setting the Empire State Building awash in a pink glow to fight breast cancer as she launches an album that breaks new ground.

US-NET Summary

Oracle's Ellison shows off new tech hardware

US-TECH Summary

Oracle's Ellison shows off new tech hardware

Tim Cook's time to shine with new Apple iPhone

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Tim Cook finally gets his chance to stride out from under Steve Jobs' shadow, and he could not have picked a better time or device to mark his unofficial debut as Apple Inc's CEO.

Stock futures dip on concerns about Greece, Yahoo rallies

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures were modestly lower on Monday as concerns over Greece's teetering finances returned to the forefront and after equities ended their worst quarter since 2008.

Chinese city takes big step toward regulating private loans

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - The Chinese city of Wenzhou, an entrepreneurial city in the eastern province of Zhejiang, has set a legal threshold for interest rates on private loans, taking its first step to regulate the rampant underground loan market.

Three killed in Maoist attack on Philippine nickel mine

MANILA (Reuters) - Hundreds of Maoist guerrillas killed three men, took hostages and torched equipment and facilities in an attack on a major nickel mine in the southern Philippines on Monday, security officials said.

Greek economy stuck in recession, complicates fiscal efforts

ATHENS (Reuters) - The Greek economy will remain stuck in recession next year, underlining the challenge the country faces in creating enough growth to claw its way out of a debt crisis shaking the euro, Greek budget figures showed on Monday.

Fighting halts aid mission into Libyan siege city

SIRTE, Libya, Oct 3 - A Red Cross convoy carrying aid to relieve a worsening humanitarian crisis in Libya's besieged city of Sirte had to turn back on Monday because Libyan interim government forces unleashed a barrage of gunfire.

Li Na endures storm of criticism after first round exit

BEIJING (Reuters) - Li Na, the first Asian woman to win a grand slam singles title, has been served a volley of criticism after her shock first round exit at the China Open.

Starbucks starts fund to spur U,S. jobs

(Reuters) - Starbucks Corp on Monday said it is helping create a nationwide fund to help individuals and small businesses borrow money at low cost in a bid to spur U.S. job creation.

Germany releases 3 men suspected of Unity Day plot

COLOGNE, Germany (Reuters) - German police said on Monday they had released three men suspected of planning an attack at celebrations marking the 21st anniversary of German reunification due to a lack of evidence.

Berlusconi's lawyers try to have sex trial suspended

MILAN (Reuters) - Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's trial on charges he paid for sex with an underage prostitute should be put on hold for months until Italy's top court decides which judges have jurisdiction, his lawyers said on Monday.

Stock futures dip on concerns about Greece

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures were modestly lower on Monday, extending equities losses from the previous session as concerns over Greece's teetering finances returned to the forefront.

Ex-Beatles on red carpet for Harrison documentary

LONDON (Reuters) - Surviving ex-Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr joined director Martin Scorsese on the red carpet late on Sunday for the premiere of "George Harrison: Living in the Material World."

Fish slips Harrison's net in Tokyo

TOKYO (Reuters) - Fourth seed Mardy Fish survived a scare to beat teenager Ryan Harrison 6-4 3-6 7-5 at the Japan Open on Monday in a titanic struggle between the present and future of American tennis.

Hague court to investigate Ivory Coast election

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The international war crimes court said on Monday it would investigate killings and rapes committed in the Ivory Coast when violence erupted after disputed presidential elections last year.

Don't fear us: Tunisian Islamist leader

TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisia's Islamist party will uphold women's rights and not try to impose strict Muslim values if, as many expect, it wins the first election since Tunisia's revolution, its leader said.

Potential Sarkozy rival quits election race

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy's re-election prospects may have improved after popular former environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo said he would not run for president next April.

HK regulator fines Citi $770,000 for employees' Ponzi scheme

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's securities regulator has fined Citigroup HK$6 million ($770,000) for failing to report a Ponzi scheme involving one of its former employees.

US-POLITICS Summary

Christie White House bid talk spurs obesity debate

Senators court 2012 voters with China currency

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - For U.S. lawmakers eyeing their re-election prospects next year, this week provides a chance to show they mean business about cracking down on China's currency practices and returning jobs to America.

US-SPORTS Summary

Ravens defense downs Jets with three TDs

Wozniacki rallies to advance in Beijing

BEIJING (Reuters) - World number one Caroline Wozniacki saw off a tenacious challenge from Lucie Hradecka to open the defense of her China Open title with a 3-6 6-0 7-5 first round victory on Monday.

Fighting halts Red Cross mission into Libya's Sirte

SIRTE, Libya (Reuters) - A Red Cross convoy trying to take medical supplies into Libya's besieged city of Sirte had to turn back on Monday because forces seeking to capture the city from fighters loyal to Muammar Gaddafi opened fire on the town.

Justice minister regrets errors over Norway killings

OSLO (Reuters) - Norwegian Justice Minister Knut Storberget has expressed regret for errors in the response to the killing of 77 people by Anders Behring Breivik in July, the clearest acknowledgement by the government to date that some criticism of the police was justified.

At least 13 killed after Iraqi hostage siege: police

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - At least 13 people were killed on Monday after the Iraqi army stormed a local government compound in Anbar province to rescue hostages seized there by at least six suicide bombers, police sources said.

US-USREPORT Summary

Anti-Wall Street protesters vow to keep up fight

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Anti-Wall Street protesters vowed to keep up their fight on Sunday despite the arrests of more than 700 people the previous day for blocking traffic lanes on the Brooklyn Bridge in an unauthorized protest.

Record Arctic ozone hole raises fears of worse to come

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A huge hole that appeared in the Earth's protective ozone layer above the Arctic in 2011 was the largest recorded in the Northern Hemisphere, triggering worries the event could occur again and be even worse, scientists said in a report on Monday.

Europe, Asia September factory activity slumps

LONDON (Reuters) - Factory activity in Europe and Asia slumped in September to levels not seen since the depths of the financial crisis as export demand dropped, surveys showed on Monday, reinforcing fears of a return to recession.

Analysis: EU carbon costs may force refiners to relocate, close

LONDON (Reuters) - European Union plans to make oil refiners pay for carbon emissions from 2013 could accelerate European refinery closures and encourage them to relocate outside the EU to avoid higher operating costs that could run into millions of euros a year.

Immune system discoveries win 2011 medicine Nobel

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Three scientists who uncovered key secrets of how the body's immune system works have won the 2011 Nobel prize for medicine or physiology, the prize-awarding institute said on Monday.

Independent probe blames Cyprus leader for blast

NICOSIA (Reuters) - An independent state-appointed investigator on Monday blamed Cypriot President Demetris Christofias for negligence leading to the blast of decaying munitions in Cyprus in July that triggered a government crisis and fanned speculation the island could be the fourth recipient of an EU bailout.

Angry Pakistan rejects Afghan charges on Rabbani

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan has angrily rejected allegations from Afghan officials that its intelligence agency masterminded the assassination of Kabul's chief peace negotiator with the Taliban.

US-HEALTH Summary

Three share medicine Nobel prize for immune system work

US-SCIENCE Summary

Three share medicine Nobel prize for immune system work

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Bruce Beutler, Jules Hoffmann and Ralph Steinman won the 2011 Nobel prize for medicine or physiology for increasing understanding of the immune system, the prize-awarding institute said on Monday.

Philippine flood waters start to recede

MANILA (Reuters) - Rescue helicopters and boats distributed food, water and medicine to thousands of Filipinos marooned in flooded towns north of the capital on Monday and authorities said water levels were starting to recede.

Iraqi forces battle armed hostage-takers

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi security forces fought their way back into a local government compound on Monday after it was attacked by suicide bombers and gunmen who took about 15 people hostage in a police station there, authorities said.

Tearful Amanda Knox pleads for freedom

PERUGIA, Italy (Reuters) - American student Amanda Knox made a tearful plea on Monday to be acquitted of murdering her British roommate during a brutal erotic game, saying she was paying with her life for a crime she did not commit.

Greek gloom rocks markets, troubles lenders

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece's admission that it will miss its deficit targets this year and next despite harsh new austerity measures sent stock markets reeling on Monday and raised new doubts over a planned second international bailout.

Insight: Brokers point fingers over "naked access" rule

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Broker-dealers are taking very different approaches to a new rule that requires them to scrutinize customers' credit positions and block reckless orders before trades are executed, setting off finger-pointing and new challenges for regulators.

Workplace fitness is good for business

NEW YORK (Reuters)- Stuck on a problem at work? The best way to solve it could be to get moving and take a walk.

Gunmen, bombers hit local Iraqi government compound: sources

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Heavily armed gunmen and suicide bombers stormed a local Iraqi government building in western Anbar province on Tuesday, taking around 15 people hostage including a police chief, local authorities said.

US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary

Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed tie the knot

Nobel Literature winner to be announced October 6

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - This year's Nobel Prize for Literature will be announced on Thursday, the Swedish Academy, which hands out the 10 million Swedish crown ($1.46 million) award, said on Monday.

Hague court to investigate Ivory Coast killings

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The International Criminal Court granted the prosecutor on Monday the right to launch an investigation into post-election violence committed in the Ivory Coast since late last year.

Emotional Amanda Knox says did not murder roommate

PERUGIA, Italy (Reuters) - American student Amanda Knox on Monday made an tearful plea on Monday to be acquitted of murdering her British roommate, saying she was paying with her life for a crime she did not commit.

US-NEWS Summary

Stock futures signal more losses for equities

(Reuters) Stock index futures pointed to a weaker open on Wall Street on Monday after steep declines in the previous session, with futures for the S&P 500, for the Dow Jones and for the Nasdaq 100 down 0.6-0.9 percent.

PwC reports record $29.2 billion revenue, regains lead

(Reuters) - Growth in its consulting business helped PwC increase revenue 10 percent in fiscal 2011, allowing it to regain its position as the world's largest accounting and consulting firm.

"Sunny" Meredith, the victim, forgotten at Italy murder trial

PERUGIA, Italy (Reuters) - Four years after her brutal murder, British student Meredith Kercher has been virtually forgotten as the media spotlight has shifted to the fresh-faced American girl convicted of killing her.

US-LIFE Summary

Latter-day Saints launch "I'm a Mormon" ad campaign

Taste of cherished fish eludes many Bangladeshis

DHAKA (Reuters) - From time immemorial, Bangladeshis have been passionate about hilsha fish, a strongly flavored, white-fleshed fish known for its mouthwatering smell while cooking -- and a required menu item at New Year's and other family celebrations.

Mosque fire in Israel blamed on Jewish extremists

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A mosque in a Bedouin village in northern Israel was set on fire and graffiti sprayed on its walls overnight on Monday, locals said, in an attack blamed on Jewish extremists.

US-ENVIRONMENT Summary

Analysis: World divided on new plan to combat global warming

Japan begins energy debate as nuclear forces fight back

TOKYO (Reuters) - As Japan's leader when the Fukushima nuclear crisis began in March, Naoto Kan concluded atomic power simply was not worth the risk. His successor seems less convinced.

Clear Channel promotes Pittman to CEO

(Reuters) - Radio and advertising company Clear Channel Media Holdings said on Sunday it had promoted Bob Pittman to the position of chief executive officer.

Greece, banking worries drive world stocks lower

LONDON (Reuters) - World stocks kicked off the final quarter of the year sharply lower on Monday while the yen and government bonds rose as concerns grew that a broader Greek debt default may be in the works after figures showed Athens would miss a deficit target.

US-INTERNATIONAL Summary

Jittery Amanda Knox awaits verdict in murder trial

Libyans run gauntlet of bullets to escape Sirte

SIRTE, Libya (Reuters) - Ali Ramadan's family were on the move for 10 days, dodging artillery fire and sleeping in the open, before they were finally able to get out of the besieged Libyan city of Sirte.

US-BUSINESS Summary

Asia's factories downshift to crisis-era lows

Sunday, October 2

Asia's factories downshift to crisis-era lows

(Reuters) - September factory activity in some of Asia's biggest economies slumped to levels last seen during the depths of the financial crisis as export demand dropped, reinforcing fears that fading U.S. and European growth will spare no one.

US-NEWS Summary

Special Report: A "great haircut" to kick-start growth

US-INTERNATIONAL Summary

Jittery Amanda Knox awaits verdict in murder trial

PERUGIA, Italy (Reuters) - American Amanda Knox will tell an Italian court she did not murder her British roommate during a frenzied sex game that turned violent when she makes her final plea to judges on Monday to overturn her 26-year jail sentence.

US-NEWS Summary

Greece to miss deficit targets despite austerity

US-INTERNATIONAL Summary

Shortages "killing patients" in Libya siege hospital

Angry Pakistan rejects Afghan charges on Rabbani

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan has angrily rejected allegations from Afghan officials that its intelligence agency masterminded the assassination of Kabul's chief peace negotiator with the Taliban.

US-INTERNATIONAL Summary

Shortages "killing patients" in Libya siege hospital

Angry Pakistan rejects Afghan charges on Rabbani

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan has angrily rejected allegations from Afghan officials that its intelligence agency masterminded the assassination of Kabul's chief peace negotiator with the Taliban.

US-BUSINESS Summary

Oracle's Ellison shows off new tech hardware

Chinese city takes big step toward regulating private loans

US-NEWS Summary

Greece to miss deficit targets despite austerity

US-NEWS Summary

Greece to miss deficit targets despite austerity

US-HEALTH Summary

Parents delaying, skipping recommended vaccines

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - More than one in ten parents uses an "alternative" vaccination schedule for their young children, including refusing vaccines altogether, according to a U.S. survey.

US-NEWS Summary

Greece to miss deficit targets despite austerity

Analysis: Europe's leaders weakened when bold action needed

PARIS (Reuters) - Just when Europe needs strong leadership to overcome its sovereign debt crisis, its pivotal leaders, Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, have both been weakened at home.