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(CNN) -- The interesting news in the latest CNN/ORC International poll that Bill Clinton is pulling a 66% favorable rating among Americans suggests the 42nd president has the power to help or hurt Barack Obama as the 2012 campaign enters its final five months. The question is: Which has he been doing more of lately? The poll was a reminder that Americans tend to be more forgiving of their presidents over time, no matter how long they served, which party they hailed from or how voters may have felt about a commander in chief at the moment he stepped down. Jimmy Carter (54%), George Herbert Walker Bush (59%) and Clinton, who have been out of office between 31 and 11 years, all earned personal approval ratings north of 50%; only George W. Bush, who stepped down three years ago, is below 50%. But even his rating has improved since he returned to private life. Being an ex-president is almost always good for your approval rating. Photos: Secrets of the Presidents Club, from Truman to Obama . The CNN poll appears at the moment when Clinton has once again been playing an outsize role on the public stage, and many have suggested all sorts of theories and reasons for maneuvering. Some have read in his comments about Mitt Romney (he called his business record "sterling") a desire to undercut Obama or set the table for a run by his wife, Hillary, in 2016. This analysis gained momentum when Clinton told CNBC that economics demanded that the Bush tax cuts should be extended temporarily. That comment led Clinton to apologize. But the evidence doesn't really support a campaign of sabotage. A simpler explanation for Clinton's capering -- and one that better fits Clinton's record -- is that he is a permanent political consultant. And his "candidate" isn't paying close attention to his advice. Clinton is trying to change the debate in the presidential campaign from one about the past to one about the future. Fighting about who did what in the 1980s, Clinton thinks, is a sure loser. Better to focus on who has the better plan going forward. (Remember the chorus of his campaign song? "Don't stop thinking about tomorrow.") So he has taken his approach to the airwaves. It is easy to forget that Clinton has differed with the White House in the past about how to frame a political race. In 2010, working through Vice President Joe Biden, he urged Obama to make the case that the president had done a number of things to improve the lives of Americans in his first two years and suggested the president campaign on his record. But the White House resisted this approach, fearing the stimulus and health care reform were not popular enough to brag about and instead tried to make the Republican agenda the issue. Clinton disagreed but (mostly) kept his mouth shut about it. He doesn't seem willing to bite his tongue now. Photos: Clinton's last days in office . Clinton isn't the first president to meddle in presidential politics after his own presidency ended. So great was his dislike of Dwight Eisenhower that Harry Truman couldn't stay out of the 1952 race and even campaigned against Ike that fall. Richard Nixon made life unpleasant for Gerald Ford in the 1976 Republican primary (and seemed determined to undercut George Bush in 1992, to Clinton's benefit). But Clinton's grudge isn't personal; it's about how best to mount and run a campaign. How much of his personal popularity Clinton will spend to win this argument is unclear, but nearing age 66, as the new poll shows, the former president has time to earn it back.

Bill Clinton is riding high in the opinion polls, with a 66% favorability rating . Michael Duffy says it's a sign that former presidents' popularity increases after White House . He says some have suggested Clinton's comments have been an effort to undermine Obama . Duffy: Clinton is more likely acting as a campaign consultant, urging point of view on Obama .

(CNN) -- Who would have thought it? Team Brazil just scraping by in a cliffhanger penalty kick shootout. But from here on out, where every game means somebody's going home, there's a 12th man on the field, a true equalizer -- roaring determination. And it nearly snatched victory for Chile. But Brazil's dream of winning a World Cup on its own soil has survived. It meets Colombia in the quarterfinals after it sent Uruguay home to join striker Luis Suarez, whom FIFA suspended for biting an Italian player last week. That may have cost Uruguay the game, but at the same time, Colombia has hit the World Cup like a whirlwind, and fans are swooning for their stand-out midfielder James Rodriguez. He has shot half of Colombia's total 10 goals in the tournament so far. Newby fans of Team USA soccer who left the television on over the weekend instead of waiting for America's faceoff with Belgium on Tuesday, must certainly have caught footy fever from Saturday's exhilarating matches. More to come, in the Round of 16 knockout matches -- see viewing times and channels below. Also included: a nice treat at bottom. Here's what to watch for: . 1. Hangovers . They may be epidemic in Brazil after the celebration parties. Three factors are at work here: . A. It was a Saturday night. B. Brazil won. C. Duh, it's Brazil during World Cup. But Brazil fans have a lot of time to recover from the party, since Brazil doesn't play again until Friday. If they win that quarterfinal match against Colombia, get ready of a repeat of last night. In the meantime, fans can take in two games on Sunday while vegging in front of the TV. 2. Offense vs. Defense . Netherlands vs. Mexico, noon ET Sunday, ESPN and Univision . The Dutch players could easily be mistaken for a road repair crew if they wear their hunter-orange jerseys on Sunday. But the color should be taken seriously as a symbol of how on fire they are. They have shot the most goals in group play at this year's World Cup -- 10, topping Germany and Brazil, which had seven each. They dominated their group, roundly stomping reigning world champ Spain 5-1 in their first game. But offense isn't everything, as Mexico's team will attest. They practically put a brick wall in front of their goal during group play, allowing just one ball to get in. They held Brazil to a 0-0 tie. All they need to do now is score more. Javier Hernandez might just have it in him. He's been quite a goal-getter in the past. And Dutch fans certainly make an impression parading down Brazil's streets in those bright jerseys. 3. Feels like the first time . Costa Rica vs. Greece, 4 p.m. ET Sunday, ESPN and Univision . They've never met before, FIFA says. Not once. And at the World Cup, this is only Costa Rica's third appearance, and only Greece's second. Costa Rica has shot twice as many goals so far as Greece, while allowing only one and putting away major contenders Italy and Uruguay. Sound like Greece is the underdog? FIFA ranks the team 12th in the world and Costa Rica 28th. 4. Line-dance craze . Colombia has not only won each of its games so far, it has also won the hearts of millions of fans. The spirit of the team's play, the scoring surge by Rodriguez. But crowds also love Colombia's signature celebration group dance. If Colombia continues its winning streak, it may catch on. Watch for it in a disco near you. Click the pic to play!

Brazil has reason to party after its team squeaked past Chile . Offensive powerhouse Netherlands face Mexico's nearly airtight defense Sunday . Guess who has always won when Algeria has played Germany in the past? Everybody loves Colombia and James Rodriguez .

(CNN) -- President Obama faces a delicate balancing act in trying to contain Israel from launching a military strike while compelling Iran to halt its nuclear ambition. How he plays his hand will be a true test of his ability to pull a rabbit out of a hat. Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel recently, President Obama emphasized his strong preference for using sanctions and diplomacy, but he's not ruling out military force as an option. For war to be avoided, Iran or Israel will have to back down from its current position. For the Obama administration, the outcome of Iran's parliamentary elections provides an opportunity for furthering negotiations. Seen as a major test for the regime, the March elections resulted in a victory for the ultraconservative factions of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose supporters did not fare well at the polls, was weakened. After several years of internal division, the repudiation of Ahmadinejad consolidates Khamenei's claims of unified support, giving him a freer hand to act and his parties a majority control in the parliament. However, many reformists boycotted the elections and candidates supporting Ahmadinejad were disqualified. Turnout was likely much lower than the 64% that the government claimed. By most independent accounts, the election turnout was among the lowest in Iran's history, signaling ebbing support for the hardline leadership. Iran's election results, along with the strong rhetoric of the hawks from Tel Aviv, provide the Obama administration with a new but narrow opening to nudge Khamenei toward a compromise. While Iranian leaders remain defiant about their nuclear program, believing that a latent nuclear capacity is essential to the survival of the state, and hoping that the crippling impact of international sanctions would rally support to their cause, they do care about public opinion. They will be sensitive to the public's resentment of sanctions. By reiterating U.S. commitment to non-interference in Iran's domestic affairs (read: no regime change) and providing political and economic incentives for cooperation, the Obama administration could compel Khamenei to retreat from his pursuit of nuclear weapons. At the same time, the rise in President Obama's electoral prospects in November puts him in a much stronger position vis-a-vis Netanyahu. With the Republican candidates in mutually assured destruction mode, and a slowly reviving economy, President Obama's re-election chance has surged. It was an open secret that Netanyahu was strategizing with Republican heavyweights for regime change in the United States. Now it is more likely that Netanyahu is going to have to live with President Obama for another five years. While Netanyahu has no love for the president, the Israeli public knows that, in the end, they depend on the goodwill and support of the United States. As Time magazine reported on March 8, 58% of Israelis oppose a military strike on Iran without the support of the United States. Moving forward, the challenge for the Obama administration is to manage Israeli misgivings about the utility of an aggressive diplomatic approach toward Iran while simultaneously offering Iran a face-saving exit out of its defiant posture. Much like high-stakes diplomatic crises of previous eras involving nuclear weapons, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, averting war depends as much on decisions made in Tel Aviv and Tehran, as it does on the ingenuity of American policymakers. If President Obama plays his hand well, he may be able to succeed at containing Israel's military threat and compelling Iran to back down on its nuclear program. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Nina Tannenwald and Hussein Banai.

Nina Tannenwald and Hussein Banai: President Obama faces a delicate balancing act . They say he has to persuade either Israel or Iran to back down from its current position . Tannenwald and Banai: Iran's elections offer negotiation room for President Obama . They say President Obama's electoral prospects give him an upper hand in dealing with Israel .

Boulder, Colorado (CNN) -- Authorities in Boulder, Colorado, warned some residents to prepare to evacuate Thursday as winds gusting as high as 50 mph threatened to drive a raging wildfire out of the hills and into city limits. The Fourmile Canyon fire already had charred nearly 6,400 acres of countryside and destroyed 169 homes west of Boulder by mid-morning Thursday. High winds that could whip the fire toward the city were expected to kick up Thursday evening and last throughout the night, forecasters predicted. About 8,000 people in the hills west of Boulder have already been forced to evacuate. No evacuations have been ordered for city residents yet, but Boulder municipal spokeswoman Sarah Huntley said they should "think about the possibility of evacuating" and have clothing, important documents and needed medication ready to go if necessary. "We absolutely hope this won't be necessary, but this is a really good reminder that we live in a community that does potentially have a fire danger," Huntley told reporters. "Obviously, some of our neighbors have found that out, and our hearts definitely go out to them. We're asking city residents to be on notice." Huntley said people living on the northwestern edge of the picturesque university city should "do what they can to help us protect their home" by cutting grass short, removing combustible material from yards and moving propane tanks to the east side of their homes and making sure they're "clearly visible" to firefighters. Boulder is about 35 miles northwest of Denver, at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. The Fourmile Canyon fire was about 30 percent contained Thursay morning, and could be as much as 45 percent contained by the end of the day, said Winslow Robertson, operations chief for the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team. There have been no deaths or injuries, and four people who had been listed as unaccounted for have been contacted and are unhurt, Boulder County Sheriff's Cmdr. Rick Brough said. But while overcast skies and a bit of rain helped firefighters on Wednesday, the projected high winds raised new concerns Thursday. "It takes one spark outside the line with the conditions tonight, and it's a new race," firefighter Rob Bozeman told reporters earlier Thursday. He said some portions of the blaze were "as extreme a fire behavior as I've seen -- not a front a mile wide coming at me, but fingers coming up." Bozeman said "entire chains of trees" were ablaze, running up the sides of the hills into subdivisions and setting houses on fire. "The fire behavior was so intense that when that heat hits, the firefighters have to pull back," he said. If firefighters can get back into the area and start spraying water onto a home, "You can save it. But if it's happening all over the place, you can't get to all of them," he said. The fire started Monday morning. Its cause was still under investigation, Brough said. Three subdivisions reopened briefly to residents Thursday morning, but authorities shut them off again after conditions worsened. About 550 firefighters were battling the blaze Thursday, with 160 others arriving for duty, said Laura McConnell, a spokeswoman for the Boulder County Incident Management Team. Aircraft were also being used, with more than 100,000 gallons of fire retardant dropped from the air Wednesday, authorities said. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter declared a state of emergency this week, throwing $5 million into the battle to save homes and forests in the canyon. CNN's Jim Spellman contributed to this report.

NEW: Some Boulder residents should "think about" evacuating, city says . "Entire chains of trees" ablaze in Rocky Mountain foothills . Wind-whipped fire claims nearly 170 homes . No deaths or injuries reported since blaze started Monday .

(CNN) -- WikiLeaks has published a secret U.S. diplomatic cable listing places the United States considers vital to its national security, prompting criticism that the website is inviting terrorist attacks on American interests. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the disclosure "gives a group like al Qaeda a targeting list." The sites are included in a lengthy cable the State Department sent in February 2009 to its posts around the world, asking American diplomats to identify installations overseas "whose loss could critically impact the public health, economic security, and/or national and homeland security of the United States." The diplomats identified dozens of places on every continent, including mines, manufacturing complexes, ports and research establishments. CNN is not publishing specific details from the list, which refers to pipelines and undersea telecommunications cables as well as the location of minerals or chemicals critical to U.S. industry. The list also mentions dams close to the U.S. border and a telecommunications hub whose destruction might seriously disrupt global communications. Diplomats also identified sites of strategic importance for supplying U.S. forces and interests abroad, such as in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Panama Canal. The cable is classified secret and not for review by non-U.S. personnel. The United States and Great Britain condemned the disclosure. "There are strong and valid reasons for classifying vital information, including the identification of critical infrastructure that is important to not only our society and economy, but those of other countries," Crowley said Monday. "Without discussing any particular cable, the release of this kind of information gives a group like al Qaeda a targeting list," he said. "This is why we have condemned WikiLeaks for what it has done." Later, on the microblogging site Twitter, Crowley said WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange -- now facing extradition to Sweden in connection with a rape investigation -- "threatens to put others at risk to save his own hide." British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement that the publication is "damaging to national security in the United States, Britain and elsewhere." And Malcolm Rifkind, chairman of the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee in Britain, said the list was "a gift to any terrorist (group) trying to work out what are the ways in which it can damage the United States." "It is grossly improper and irresponsible" for Assange and his website to publish that information, he said. WikiLeaks, which facilitates the anonymous leaking of secret information, published the list of sensitive sites as part of a larger disclosure of what it says are 250,000 U.S. State Department documents that were never meant for public view. The site began publishing the first of those quarter-million documents last week. Since then, the site has been hit with denial-of-service attacks, which seek to make a website unavailable. It also has been kicked off servers in the United States and France, and it lost a major revenue source on Friday, when U.S.-based PayPal cut off its account. On Sunday, WikiLeaks appealed to supporters worldwide to mirror its website, saying the site "is under heavy attack. In order to make it impossible to ever fully remove WikiLeaks from the Internet, we need your help." In a message sent on Twitter on Monday, WikiLeaks said it had several hundred mirror sites -- websites at other online addresses that have the same content as WikiLeaks. Assange, 39, is wanted by Swedish authorities on allegations of sex crimes, including rape. He has denied the allegations, but his whereabouts have been undisclosed since WikiLeaks began publishing the documents last week. Investigators have focused much of their effort on finding Assange in Britain, where U.S. investigative activity is being conducted by the Defense Department, a senior law enforcement official said Friday.

NEW: State Department blasts WikiLeaks for publishing list . Locations listed worldwide could hurt national security if damaged or destroyed . WikiLeaks says several hundred sites now mirror its content .

(CNN) -- The Hole in the Wall experiments, known as HiW, were first implemented in 1999, when a computer with an internet connection was embedded into a wall for children to discover and use unsupervised. The wall adjoined a slum in India. Only a month later, it was evident that the children had taught themselves to use the computer and also picked up some skills in English and mathematics. This kind of design was then set up in more and more remote areas across the nation with almost identical results. These were computers embedded in walls or kiosks in easily accessible and highly visible public spaces, facilitating peer interaction, discovery and learning in groups of children. We concluded that groups of children from disadvantaged and remote settings can learn to use computers and access internet resources, on their own, if given appropriate free, public and unsupervised access. Watch an interview with Sugata Mitra . These earliest experiences also showed that children could develop some skills in English and mathematics. What came through unequivocally in this and further work on self-organizing systems in education was that groups of children -- irrespective of who or where they are, or what language they speak -- given free and public access to computers and the internet can: . 1. Become computer-literate on their own -- that is, they can learn to use computers and the internet for most of the tasks done by lay users. 2. Teach themselves enough English to use e-mail, chat and search engines. 3. Learn in a few months to search the internet for answers to questions. 4. Improve their English pronunciation on their own. 5. Improve their mathematics and science scores in school. 6. Be prepared to pass examinations several years ahead of grade level. 7. Change their social interaction skills and value systems. 8. Form independent opinions and detect indoctrination. We then went on to show that the quality of traditional schooling declines the farther schools are from the urban center of New Delhi. A similar decline is visible in the UK as one goes to more economically disadvantaged areas. This has been attributed to the lack of teachers willing to work in these areas. TED.com: Bill Gates on mosquitoes, malaria and education . Two landmark events took this work further. The first was a comment by the late Sir Arthur C. Clarke to me: "Teachers that can be replaced by a machine should be". The second was an experiment in a Tsunami-hit Indian village, where I was trying to prove that Tamil-speaking 12-year-olds cannot teach themselves biotechnology in English. At the end of the experiment, a little girl told me, "Apart from the fact that improper replication of the DNA molecule causes genetic disease, we have understood nothing else." Finally, we found that the presence of a friendly, but not knowledgeable, mediator can enable children to reach levels of learning similar to formal schools with trained teachers. TED.com: Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity . We went on to set up a "cloud" of "eMediators," mostly retired schoolteachers with broadband access from their homes. Schools can access this "cloud" over Skype and children can interact with the mediators over free videoconferencing. Interestingly, in the hands of good teachers, these methods can be powerful motivators for children, resulting in better performance. What started out as a solution for remote areas turned out to have universal applicability. Both HiW and the work done later are based on the concept of Minimally Invasive Education, a pedagogic method that motivates groups of children to learn in an environment with little or no intervention from teachers or other adults, and that formed the basis of the design of the 'HiW' computers. It is now possible to formulate a new approach to learning, using these findings. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Sugata Mitra.

Sugata Mitra: Experiments show students can teach themselves with computers . He says students showed remarkable progress by working in teams . Adult mediators can help further this kind of learning even without formal teacher training, he says .

Accra, Ghana (CNN) -- Thousands of mourners gathered Friday in the West African nation of Ghana to pay their respects to the late President John Atta Mills, as his funeral was held in the capital, Accra. Mills died last month at age 68, prompting outpourings of grief from many Ghanaians. Ghanaians from all walks of life, many dressed in the traditional black and red of mourning, thronged Independence Square in Accra to witness the ceremony, in a show of national unity. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was among the many foreign dignitaries who traveled to Ghana for the funeral. Ghana's Deputy Minister of Information Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa said 67 foreign delegations were represented from all over the world. More than 15 heads of state, including almost all the West African leaders, attended the ceremony, which ended with the release of 100 doves into the air. Can Ghana's economy prosper against the odds? After the ceremony, the casket was laid to rest near Osu Castle, the seat of government where Mills had lived and worked since he became president. The late president's body was laid out for public viewing Wednesday and Thursday. Some of the visiting heads of state took turns to file past the body Friday morning. Giant screens were set up around the country for those who could not travel to Accra to watch the ceremony. One Ghanaian mourner at the funeral said he prayed for the sense of unity that has followed Mills' death to continue. "I'm confident we will have an even more peaceful election this December because most Ghanaians I have spoken to say they enjoy the atmosphere and will urge the politicians to keep it that way", he said. Mills died suddenly at a military hospital a few hours after becoming ill, his Chief of Staff John Henry Martey Newman said in a statement at the time. The president had denied rumors about his health for months before his death. John Dramani Mahama, formerly Ghana's vice president, was sworn in as the country's new president within hours of his death on July 24. Ghana swears in new president after leader's death . Taking office, he paid tribute to Mills as a "prince of peace" who "brought a distinctive insight into Ghanaian politics." Mills, a former law professor and a tax expert, was Ghana's vice president from 1997 to 2000. He became president in 2009, narrowly winning a runoff vote, having unsuccessfully run for the top office in 2000 and 2004. Before his political career, he taught at the University of Ghana and also was a visiting lecturer at Temple University in Pennsylvania and Leiden University in the Netherlands. Mills' death came several days after he celebrated his 68th birthday. He had said he would run for re-election in December. U.S. President Barack Obama met with Mills when he visited Ghana in July 2009. Obama praised the country as a model for democracy and stability when Mills visited Washington this year, saying that it had become "a wonderful success story economically on the continent." British Prime Minister David Cameron described Mills as "a tireless defender of democracy in West Africa and across the continent." Part of a former British colony, Ghana was among the first African countries to gain independence, in 1957. It endured a series of coups before a military dictator, Jerry Rawlings, took power in 1981. Rawlings led Ghana through a transition to democracy about 10 years later. Journalist Israel Laryea contributed to this report.

NEW: Doves are released into the air as mourners pay respects to their late leader . NEW: Mills is laid to rest near Osu Castle in Accra, the capital of Ghana . U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is among the visiting dignitaries . John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as the new president within hours of Mills' death .

(CNN) -- A late Sergio Ramos goal earned Real Madrid a 2-1 win against Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Saturday as the La Liga leaders slumped to a second consecutive El Clasico defeat. Five days after being dumped out of the Copa del Rey by Jose Mourinho's side, the Catalan club were once again forced to play second fiddle to their archrivals. Read: Ronaldo double sinks Barca . Karim Benzema put the hosts ahead in the sixth minute, slotting home after Alvaro Morata had crossed from the left before Barca equalized 12 minutes later -- Lionel Messi collecting his 18th goal against Real Madrid and his 50th of the season. Cristiano Ronaldo came on as a sub in the second half and livened up proceedings, but it was Sergio Ramos who scored the winner eight minutes from the end, rising highest to head home Luka Modric's corner. Barcelona thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the final minute when, at the other end, Ramos appeared to trip Adriano but the referee didn't agree. An angry protest by Victor Valdes after the final whistle earned the goalkeeper a red card. The result takes Real to 55 points and within one point of second-place city rivals Atletico -- who travel to Malaga on Sunday. Despite the loss -- just their second in the league this season -- Barca are still way out ahead of on 68 points, but not in an unassailable position just yet, as the match winner Ramos pointed out. "In the league 13 points is better than 16. We have reduced the distance and whilst it is still possible mathematically we are obliged to fight," Ramos said. But thoughts are already turning to Tuesday's last 16 Champions League match up against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Defender Pepe believes back-to-back wins over Barcelona can inspire Real to victory in the second leg with the tie evenly poised at 1-1. Blog: Pedro's Point of View . "We are very happy with the victory and it was important to win. It gives us a lot of hope for the game on Tuesday, we have to go out and try to win the game in Manchester," Pepe said. In La Liga's other Saturday matches, Valencia played out a 2-2 draw with Levante while the game between bottom-of-the-table Deportivo La Coruna and ninth-place Rayo Vallecano ended goalless. Athletic Bilbao move up to 14th after a 1-0 win against Osasuna. Meanwhile in Serie A, Giampaolo Pazzini scored twice as AC Milan overran 10-man Lazio 3-0 at the San Siro on Saturday. Lazio's chances of getting anything from the game were dealt a fatal blow when Antonio Candreva was shown a straight red after 17 minutes for a foul on Stephan El Shaarawy. Milan proceeded to dominate and two quick-fire goals at the end of the first half -- Pazzini in the 40th minute and Kevin Prince Boateng four minutes later -- effectively killed the contest. Read: Juventus stay six points clear . Pazzini, who is deputizing for the injured Mario Balotelli, scored his second of the night on the hour mark to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors. The win extends Milan's unbeaten league run to nine games and lifts them to fourth -- two points above city rivals Inter who travel to Catania on Sunday. Third place Lazio, meanwhile, have taken just five points from their last seven games.

Sergio Ramos headed goal earns Real Madrid second El Clasico win in five days . Benzema gives Madrid early lead before Messi leveled with 50th goal of the season . Madrid play Manchester United in last 16 second leg Champions League tie on Tuesday . In Serie A, AC Milan beat 10-man Lazio 3-0 to move up to fourth in the table .

(CNN) -- Sitting in the first lady's box listening to the President Barack Obama push for movement on immigration reform, Cristian Avila no longer had to keep his head down and live in fear of being deported. While the President dedicated only a brief part of his State of the Union address to immigration, his message went beyond his speech, and the evidence was sitting among the guests invited to join the first lady in the viewing box. "I feel honored and excited to be here. If it wasn't for receiving my DACA last summer I wouldn't have been able to attend the State of the Union," Avila told CNN. The 23-year-old and his siblings are just one of the many thousands of recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Avila was illegally brought into the United States with his younger brother and sister when he was 9 years old . DACA is a government program enacted in 2012 that stopped deporting some undocumented young people and instead granted them temporary work authorization and a two-year reprieve from deportation. Obama hits the road to push State of the Union message . The recipients have become one of the most visible groups advocating for immigration reform. Avila caught the attention of the Obama administration during his 22-day fast on the National Mall in support of immigration reform last November. And, for the last two years, Avila's been working as a voter engagement coordinator for Mi Familia Vota, a non-profit Latino civic engagement program. "At the time, immigration reform seemed like it was dead. We won the hearts of the American people. We revived the conversation," Avila said. Obama pleaded for cooperation and pointed out how getting immigration reform done this year was important for the country's recovering economy. "If we are serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, and law enforcement -- and fix our broken immigration system," Obama said. Without attacking House Republicans, the President described how both parties in the Senate passed a comprehensive bill last summer and said both parties in the House want to do the same. He said immigration reform would not only help the economy but shrink the deficit by almost $1 trillion in the next two decades. "When people come here to fulfill their dreams -- to study, invent, contribute to our culture -- they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everybody. So let's get immigration reform done this year," he said. Obama spoke of immigration reform in broad strokes but that might have something to do with the plans of House Republican leaders to outline their principles for immigration reform at a party meeting this week. Opinion: Can Obama deliver action on inequality? "We're going to outline our standards, principles of immigration reform and have a conversation with members," House Speaker John Boehner said during a news conference after a party meeting. Obama steered clear of specific immigration reform policies. There was no mention of stopping the deportations of undocumented immigrants without criminal records, despite countless pleas from activists all over the country. Avila and his siblings no longer live in fear of being deported but his parents face that threat every time they leave their homes for work. "I grew up with the fear of being deported. My mom would always tell me to put my head down," Avila said. "I still have the constant fear of my parents being deported. They are fearful and targeted even though they earn their living in an honest way," said Avila, "One of the reasons that I keep strong is for them." Still, Avila remains optimistic that immigration reform will happen in 2014. "We are closer than ever before. It shouldn't take any longer," Avila said.

Sitting in the first lady's box was DREAMer Cristian Avila . "If it wasn't for receiving my DACA last summer I wouldn't be here," activist said . Avila caught the attention of Obama administration during his 22-day immigration fast . He's optimistic about immigration reform despite fearing his parents being deported .

(CNN)Charles Frederick Warner, who was convicted for the rape and murder of an 11-month-old girl, was executed Thursday, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. His was the first execution in Oklahoma since a controversial lethal injection, which was widely seen as botched, in April. Warner was convicted in 2003 for the first-degree rape and murder of his then-girlfriend's 11-month-old daughter in the summer of 1997. He was executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, about 130 miles east of Oklahoma City. Warner was pronounced dead at 7:28 p.m. CT (8:28 p.m. ET). "Justice was served tonight as the state executed Charles Warner for the heinous crime of raping and murdering an infant," said Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin. A reporter from the Associated Press, Sean Murphy, was among the witnesses. He recounted Warner's last words. "They poked me five times. It hurt. It feels like acid," Warner said, according to Murphy. "I'm sorry for all the pain that was caused. I'm not a monster. I didn't do everything they said I did. I love people. I love my family. I love Jesus," Warner said. He thanked his mother and sister for their support, and said to "tell my baby girl she means the world to me." According to Murphy, the execution began at 7:10 p.m. CT (8:10 p.m. ET). Once it started, Warner said: "My body is on fire." "No one should go through this. I'm not afraid to die. We's all going to die," he said. Other than his statements, Warner did not appear to be suffering and did not show any obvious signs of distress, Murphy told other reporters. Before the execution, a spokesman with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections had said that Warner was scheduled to be executed using a three-drug combination of midazolam, vecuronium bromide and potassium chloride. Midazolam, a benzodiazepine that is still not FDA approved, is supposed to render the prisoner unconscious. Vecuronium bromide is a paralytic, which is meant to paralyze all muscle movement and stop respiration. Potassium chloride's role is to activate nerves and induce cardiac arrest. Warner's attorney, Dale Baich, had filed a motion with the U.S. Supreme Court asking for a stay and asked the court to review Oklahoma's lethal injection policies in general. The court denied the requests. "Of particular concern is the use of midazolam, which has been involved in several extremely problematic executions, including the gruesome and horrific execution of Clayton Lockett in Oklahoma and the two-hour prolonged death of Joseph Wood in Arizona in July 2014," Baich said. Warner was originally scheduled for execution on the same night as Lockett -- April 29, 2014 -- but the execution was called off after the state took 43 minutes to execute Lockett, a controversial event that was witnessed by media and state officials. Witnesses said Lockett was convulsing and writhing on the gurney, as well as struggling to speak, before officials blocked their view. The execution was halted, but Lockett eventually died. A team of medical examiners later ruled that Lockett died from the state's lethal injection. The report, which was released in September by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, called the manner of death a "judicially ordered execution." Lockett's execution was the first time Oklahoma had used midazolam as the first element in its three-drug cocktail. Botched execution haunts inmate as death nears . CNN's Jason Morris contributed to this report.

"They poked me five times. It hurt. It feels like acid," Warner said before his death . His was the first execution in Oklahoma since a controversial lethal injection in April .

(CNN) -- Felipa Fabon waits outside a local fried chicken restaurant in Manila. Crouching near to feral cats and rubbish bins, she isn't there to meet friends for dinner but to search through the diner's trash bags. "I'm sorting the garbage, looking for 'pagpag'," she says. In Tagalog "pagpag" means the dust you shake off your clothing or carpet, but in Fabon's poverty- stricken world, it means chicken pulled from the trash. Pagpag is the product of a hidden food system for the urban poor that exists on the leftovers of the city's middle class. Fabon is the merchant and pays the trash dealer just over a dollar for tonight's supply of garbage and scraps. In the dim haze of the street lights, she holds up a half-eaten chicken breast. "This one, this is meat," she says. "Now what we do at home is clean it, put it in plastic, and then I sell it in the morning. It's very easy to sell because it's very cheap. People in my neighborhood want very cheap food." "If it's mostly bones, it's 20 pesos ($0.50) per bag," she says. After bagging up the chicken scraps she heads home to Tondo, a neighborhood infamous in the Philippines as one of the poorest slums in Manila. At dawn, about six hours after Fabon first got her trash delivery, she begins to divide up the pagpag. Fabon sniffs the chicken, which she says has a bad, sour smell. She's disappointed that she only has five bags to sell this morning that will sell out in just minutes. "Pagpag!" Fabon calls out, as she walks through the slums carrying her small cart. Morena Sumanda, a 27-year-old mother of two, is the first customer. Sumanda lives in a shanty that sits on top of one of Manila's biggest garbage dumps. She doesn't have the 20 pesos to pay Fabon until her husband comes home that evening. For him, 20 pesos is full day's pay, says Sumanda. Sumanda's toddler son, Nino, wails as she first washes the chicken, heats the pot and adds vegetables to the pagpag, which is mostly bones. "Sometimes it comes from the garbage," she says, as she hands a small, half-eaten chicken wing to her son. Sumanda, and others like her, have no other choice but to eat pagpag, says Melissa Alipalo, a social development specialist and a volunteer at the Philippine Community Fund (PCF). "It is a private humiliation of the poor to have to eat off someone else's plate. But it's a survival mechanism for the poorest of the poor," she says. The NGO is based in Manila and has built an elementary school in the heart of the Tondo slums. PCF's school educates 450 of the most poverty-stricken children in Tondo, with the aim of freeing families from poverty. The school survives on donations and provides students with two meals a day. Maria Theresa Sarmiento, PCF's manager of health and nutrition, says that when the school first opened she was treating children with a range of illness and disease. "Even though they cook the food, the disease is still there," she says. Sarmiento says that parents know pagpag is not a good source of food for their children, but that they don't have any choice. "They're being pushed to do that thing because they don't have enough money to buy the food that they should prepare," she says. For Sumanda this is all that she can afford and it's better than nothing. "By the mercy of God, this is enough," she says.

Many in Manila's slums survive on chicken scraps from trash bags . Called 'pagpag' it is part of a hidden food system for urban poor . Salvaged chicken is washed and resold by pagpag merchants .

(CNN) -- When you finish one video game in a series and begin the next, you're basically forced to start from scratch without carrying over any of your accomplishments from the previous game. But the popular "Mass Effect" sci-fi action trilogy aims to change that -- by allowing players to complete one game and transfer their character to the next one in the series. It is an ambitious project that involves nearly 35,000 lines of dialogue. "We wanted to create the biggest story we could tell," said Casey Hudson, BioWare's project director for "Mass Effect 2" and executive producer of the "Mass Effect" franchise. The just-released "Mass Effect 2" picks up the story as the lead character, named Shepard, has been brought back to life after a devastating attack by an invading race of machines bent on eliminating organic life. The action takes place shortly after the events of the first "Mass Effect," which was set in the year 2183 in the Milky Way galaxy. In a rare twist, players who played the first "Mass Effect" game are being given the opportunity to import their characters into the new game along with all their rewards, romances and consequences. Hudson said his team tried to create a fictional universe that players could explore over long periods of time to "have an epic experience." By carrying over the data from the original "Mass Effect," Hudson's team tried to show the consequences of characters' choices. But by accounting for so many variables in the first games, Bioware was faced with a daunting task going forward. "We used tech skills we developed going back to 'Baldur's Gate' [in 1998]," Hudson explained. "Writing for 'ME2' was the hardest thing we've ever done." "Mass Effect 2" has 15 to 20 percent more dialogue and 30 percent more key decisions -- choices that affect the game's outcome -- than the first game, said Hudson, who believes the voice acting in the new game is more movie-like than the first one. "It took several months of voice work, and often we would bring back an actor to get the right inflections for the character and the scene," he said. "There are hundreds of characters in the game that needed voices." Although "Mass Effect 2" is being billed as a dark second chapter in the trilogy, there are laugh-out-loud moments of dialogue. Playing the game reveals that even its tense moments are given a softer edge with unexpected comic exchanges between characters. For example, in one scene, Shepard tries to persuade a character not to follow orders that could lead to a "suicide mission." Without missing a beat, Shepard's squad mates look at each other as one says, "We can ignore suicidal orders? Why wasn't I told about that?" "Mass Effect 2" also offers players the opportunity to interrupt a conversation and create a whole new path. During a scene when another character is talking, icons will appear to let you change the conversation with a Paragon move (good) or Renegade move (bad). Side plots tie into the main story more than in the first game, so even these chat-interrupting choices could have an impact later on. "Things can happen in conversation," Hudson said when asked about the interrupt feature. "It makes the conversation feel alive." Work has already begun to complete the final chapter of the "Mass Effect" trilogy. And gamers shouldn't assume that Shepard makes it to the end of "Mass Effect 3." Hudson said Shepard can die a final death if the player makes wrong choices or inspires bad loyalty from his crew. "We made it so you'll still get a satisfying ending, but yes, Shepard can actually die," he said.

Players who played the first "Mass Effect" game can import their data into the new game . "Writing for 'ME2' was the hardest thing we've ever done," project director says . "Mass Effect 2" has 15% to 20% more dialogue and 30% more decision-making options .

(CNN) -- Cell phone video recorded from inside a car clipped by a FedEx tractor-trailer truck before it slammed into a bus carrying students in Northern California is being reviewed by investigators, the National Transportation Safety Board said Sunday. The driver of the Nissan Altima that passed the bus just before the crash reported seeing flames coming from underneath the FedEx truck, but investigators have found no physical evidence of a fire before the collision, said Mark Rosekind, an NTSB board member. The truck clipped the car occupied by Joe and Bonnie Duran before it crashed into the bus Thursday evening, killing 10 people -- five high school students, three chaperones and the drivers of both vehicles. More than 30 people, mostly teenagers, were taken to local hospitals. Bonnie Duran told the CNN affiliate KOVR the truck was on fire before it hit the bus. She said she made a quick decision to swerve to avoid a direct hit from the truck, sending their rental car into a ditch. The video captured from inside the Durans' vehicle is being examined for clues, Rosekind said. Despite the initial lack of physical evidence of a fire before the crash, "nothing is ruled out yet," Rosekind told reporters at a news conference Sunday. The NTSB team is looking at the FedEx driver's last 72 hours to determine whether he had enough rest and whether he was using his cell phone when he lost control of his truck, Rosekind said. "Fatigue, distraction and other human performance issues are at the top of our list." Dash-camera video from the first California Highway Patrol vehicle on the scene could also help investigators understand what happened in the minutes after the crash as both vehicles burned, he said. Investigators are interested in knowing whether passengers on the bus, which was new, were wearing seat belts, Rosekind said. Some bus passengers were ejected from the vehicle, including the ones who died, he said. The investigation shows the southbound truck did not brake as it crossed the median at a 10-degree angle and entered the northbound lanes, Rosekind said Saturday. Investigators found 175 feet of tire marks left by the bus, indicating the driver tried to avoid crashing into the truck. A computer on the truck that could have revealed how fast the truck was traveling -- known a the electrical control module -- was destroyed by fire, he said. The electrical control module on the bus survived but has not yet been examined, he said. Blood samples should be obtained from the bodies of both drivers, which will provide information about whether drugs or alcohol might have been in their systems, he said. Blood samples also might tell investigators if the drivers inhaled smoke from the fire, he said. Investigators are only collecting information now and aren't drawing conclusions about the cause of the accident, Rosekind said. Students traveling from the L.A. area . The students were traveling from the Los Angeles area to take part in a program at Humboldt State University, which allows prospective attendees to visit the campus. Their journey ended in the fiery wreck 90 miles north of Sacramento when the truck hit one of three buses taking the teens to the campus in Arcarta. The students on the buses represented 31 Southern California high schools. They were heading to "Spring Preview Plus," which invites low-income and first-generation prospective students to the university. As part of the program, students stay in residence halls, attend events and visit with staff and students from a program that helps historically underrepresented students, the university said. The two other buses in the caravan made it to the university. Those students were placed in dorms, and the university is offering them counseling. Engaged couple among victims of California bus crash .

"Nothing is ruled out yet," NTSB member says . Investigators look at truck driver's last 72 hours, including cell phone use . NTSB: "Fatigue, distraction and other human performance issues are at the top of our list" Crash kills 10 people -- 5 high school students, 3 chaperones and both drivers .

Paris, France (CNN) -- France's lower house of parliament Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a ban on any veils that cover the face -- including the burqa, the full-body covering worn by some Muslim women. The vote was 335 to 1. The measure must still go to the French Senate before it becomes law. The Senate is expected to vote on it in the week of September 20. Amnesty International immediately condemned the vote. "A complete ban on the covering of the face would violate the rights to freedom of expression and religion of those women who wear the burqa or the niqab in public as an expression of their identity or beliefs," said John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's expert on discrimination in Europe. French people back the ban by a margin of more than four to one, the Pew Global Attitudes Project found in a survey this spring. Some 82 percent of people polled approved of a ban, while 17 percent disapproved. That was the widest support the Washington-based think tank found in any of the five countries it surveyed. Clear majorities also backed burqa bans in Germany, Britain and Spain, while two out of three Americans opposed it, the survey found. The French Council of Ministers approved the measure in May, saying veils that cover the face "cannot be tolerated in any public place." Their approval sent the bill to parliament. The parliamentary vote is the latest step in France's efforts to ban the burqa, niqab and other Muslim garments that cover a woman's face. A panel of French lawmakers recommended a ban last year, and lawmakers unanimously passed a non-binding resolution in May calling the full-face veil contrary to the laws of the nation. "Given the damage it produces on those rules which allow the life in community, ensure the dignity of the person and equality between sexes, this practice, even if it is voluntary, cannot be tolerated in any public place," the French government said when it sent the measure to parliament in May. The bill envisions a fine of 150 euros ($190) and/or a citizenship course as punishment for wearing a face-covering veil. Forcing a woman to wear a niqab or a burqa would be punishable by a year in prison or a 15,000-euro ($19,000) fine, the government said, calling it "a new form of enslavement that the republic cannot accept on its soil." The measure would take effect six months after passage, giving authorities time to try to persuade women who veil themselves voluntarily to stop. The French Council of State has warned that the ban could be incompatible with international human rights laws and the country's own constitution. The council advises on laws, but the government is not required to follow its recommendations. If the French bill is approved by the upper house and signed into law, it will be the first national ban in Europe on the burqa, a full-body covering that includes a mesh over the face, and the niqab, a full-face veil that leaves an opening only for the eyes. The hijab, which tightly covers the hair and neck but not the face, and the chador, which covers the body but not the face, apparently would not be banned by either law. However, a 2004 law in France bans the wearing or displaying of overt religious symbols in schools -- including the wearing of headscarves by schoolgirls. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life estimates that France has about 3.5 million Muslims, or about 6 percent of the population. France does not keep its own statistics on religious affiliation of the population, in keeping with its laws requiring the state to be strictly secular. CNN's Saskya Vandoorne contributed to this report.

NEW: Amnesty International condemns the vote, saying the ban violates religious freedom . Ban passes the lower house of the French parliament by a huge majority . French people overwhelmingly favor a ban, the Pew Global Attitudes Project found this spring . The bill still needs Senate approval to become law .

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The notorious Iraq prison once called Abu Ghraib has reopened under Iraqi government control. And the Ministry of Justice has launched a public-relations campaign to show it has changed since the days when prisoners were tortured there -- first under Saddam Hussein, and later by American troops. The Iraqi Ministry of Justice gave journalists an inside look at the prison formerly known as Abu Ghraib. It is now called Baghdad Central Prison, and has water fountains, a freshly planted garden and a gym -- complete with weights and sports teams' jerseys on the walls. Under Saddam Hussein, tens of thousands of Iraqis were thrown behind bars here. There were horrific stories of torture, abuse, execution without trial. In 2004, the prison was once again thrown into the international spotlight, this time because of abuse by U.S. troops. Watch how the prison has been revamped » . Detainees were photographed in degrading positions, as Americans posed next to them smiling. The images -- naked prisoners stacked on top of each other, or being threatened by dogs, or hooded and wired up as if for electrocution -- caused outrage around the world when they were leaked to the news media in May 2004. Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski, commander of the Abu Ghraib prison at the time, was demoted in rank to colonel because of the scandal. Seven low-ranking guards and two military intelligence soldiers -- described by then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld as "bad apples" -- were disciplined after the scandal surfaced. Rumsfeld later said the day the scandal broke was the worst in his tenure as defense secretary. "Clearly the worst day was Abu Ghraib, and seeing what went on there and feeling so deeply sorry that that happened," Rumsfeld said shortly before leaving office at the end of 2006. "I remember being stunned by the news of the abuse." The United States always denied it was a matter of policy to torture detainees. But it shut down Abu Ghraib in September 2006 and turned the facility over to the Iraqis. They have revamped and reopened it. Rooms have been transformed and renovated. CNN was told, but not shown, that a few hundred prisoners are here already, in a revamped part of the facility that can hold up to 3,000 prisoners. The capacity is critical to help deal with overcrowding at Iraq's other facilities and the potential security threat. The Iraqi government is going to great lengths to try to change the image this facility has. It organized a tour for journalists, very carefully orchestrated by the Ministry of Justice. Murtada Sharif, the only Ministry of Justice official to speak to CNN on camera about the prison, admitted Abu Ghraib is synonymous in people's minds with the inhumane acts that took place there both before and after the fall of Saddam in 2003. "We want to change its image, to make it a place of justice," he said. A wing that used to hold a thousand prisoners In Saddam Hussein's time now is ready for 160. Cells that used to hold between 30 and 50 people now have a capacity of eight. Prisoners and their families actually get to see each other -- the prisoners behind a cage-like structure, the families on the other side of the fence, in a courtyard with a playground for the children. Again, it is part of the whole effort to create a different atmosphere. But human rights organizations in Iraq say abuse and torture remain routine in Iraq's detention facilities. Changing Abu Ghraib's infamous reputation may take more than fresh paint and fake flowers.

Abu Ghraib is now Baghdad Central Prison, with a garden and a gym . In 2004, photos of prisoners being humiliated by American guards were published . Ministry of Justice trying to show that the prison, now under Iraqi control, has changed .

(CNN) -- After a fine display against Manchester City in the Champions League, Barcelona couldn't back it up in La Liga. Combined with Real Madrid's victory, it means Barcelona was knocked off top spot in Spain. Barcelona suffered just its third league loss of the campaign when it was beaten 3-1 at Real Sociedad, with manager Gerardo Martino sent off for complaining to the referee. When Lionel Messi equalized in the 36th minute, most everyone must have thought Barcelona would go on to claim all three points. But two goals in a five-minute spell early in the second half handed Sociedad -- now unbeaten in four games -- all three points. For once Barcelona failed to convert its possession -- 65 percent -- to goals and midfielder Andres Iniesta admitted Sociedad was the better side. "Real played really well," Iniesta told Barcelona's website. "They were better than us, we were always trailing them. "I don't know if this is a step back, but the feelings after the match aren't good. We didn't interpret the game like we were supposed to, and we paid for it. Real had a better approach. "This defeat shouldn't make us give up. We have to work hard and turn this situation around. There are many points left, and we have games against direct rivals." Atletico Madrid can join city rival Real Madrid atop the standings and on 63 points, three more than Barcelona, if it wins Sunday. Barcelona defender Gerard Pique wasn't too concerned, though. "We're just one game off being league leaders so it's not too troubling," he said. "These things can happen. When you attack it's possible for them to score. Sometimes you don't feel comfortable on the pitch." Cristiano Ronaldo served the third game of his three-game suspension for Real Madrid but it didn't stop Real Madrid from easing past Elche 3-0 at home. Gareth Bale, who has struggled since moving to Spain from England's Tottenham, scored his team's second goal with a long-range effort into the top corner. "Bale didn't have confidence before scoring his great goal and after that he was totally different," Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti told reporters. "I am satisfied because we didn't concede. Our play could have been better but at this stage of the season we need to be solid and we were." Hamburg stunner . Hamburg escaped the relegation zone in Germany in style, thumping fading Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at home in Mirko Slomka's debut. Slomka replaced Dutchman Bert van Marwijk, who was sacked after Hamburg lost seven straight in the Bundesliga. Hakan Calhanoglu scored one of the goals of the season when he shot past keeper Roman Weidenfeller from near the halfway mark -- on a free kick. "I practice (free kicks) every single day," the Turkish under-20 international told the league's website. "If you don't, then you lose or forget your shooting technique. That's why I knew I could do it. I just thought to myself, 'Focus and hit it like in training.' "It was the best goal of my career." Nurnberg scored two goals a minute apart in the second half to down last-place Eintracht Braunschweig but the game was notable for this: Three penalties were missed, a first in Bundesliga history. Bayer Leverkusen's 3-1 loss to Wolfsburg meant idle Bayern Munich maintained its hefty 16-point lead in first. In Italy, Roma moved to within six points of leader Juventus with a 1-0 win at relegation threatened Bologna.

Barcelona suffers a rare defeat in Spain, losing at Real Sociedad . Lionel Messi scores for Barca but it's not enough to prevent a 3-1 reverse . Real Madrid leapfrogs Barcelona after coasting past Elche . In Germany, a wonder goal helps Hamburg sink Borussia Dortmund .

Washington (CNN) -- Not everyone subscribes to a New Year's resolution, but Americans will be required to follow new laws in 2014. Some 40,000 measures taking effect range from sweeping, national mandates under Obamacare to marijuana legalization in Colorado, drone prohibition in Illinois and transgender protections in California. Although many new laws are controversial, they made it through legislatures, public referendum or city councils and represent the shifting composition of American beliefs. Federal: Health care, of course, and vending machines . The biggest and most politically charged change comes at the federal level with the imposition of a new fee for those adults without health insurance. For 2014, the penalty is either $95 per adult or 1% of family income, whichever results in a larger fine. The Obamacare, or Affordable Care Act, mandate also requires that insurers cover immunizations and some preventive care. Additionally, millions of poor Americans will receive Medicaid benefits starting January 1. Thousands of companies will have to provide calorie counts for products sold in vending machines. Local: Guns, family leave and shark fins . Connecticut: While no national legislation was approved to tighten gun laws a year after the Newtown school shooting, Connecticut is implementing a final round of changes to its books: All assault weapons and large capacity magazines must be registered. Oregon: Family leave in Oregon has been expanded to allow eligible employees two weeks of paid leave to handle the death of a family member. California: Homeless youth are eligible to receive food stamps. The previous law had a minimum wage requirement. Delaware: Delaware is the latest in a growing number of states where residents can no longer possess, sell or distribute shark fins, which is considered a delicacy in some East Asian cuisine. Illinois and drones . Illinois: passed two laws limiting the use of drones. One prohibits them from interfering with hunters and fisherman. The measure passed after the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said it would use drones to monitor hunters. PETA said it aims through its "air angels" effort to protect against "cruel" and "illegal" hunting. Also in Illinois, another law prohibits the use of drones for law enforcement without a warrant. Gender and voting identity . California: Students can use bathrooms and join school athletic teams "consistent with their gender identity," even if it's different than their gender at birth. Arkansas: The state becomes the latest state requiring voters show a picture ID at the voting booth. Minimum wage and former felon employment . Workers in 13 states and four cities will see increases to the minimum wage. While most amount to less than 15 cents per hour, workers in places like New Jersey and Connecticut will see a slightly larger increase. New Jersey residents voted to raise the state's minimum wage by $1 to $8.25 per hour. And in Connecticut, lawmakers voted to raise it between 25 and 75 cents to $8.70. The wage would go up to $8 in Rhode Island and New York. California is also raising its minimum wage to $9 per hour, but workers must wait until July to see the addition. Rhode Island: It is the latest state to prohibit employers from requiring job applicants to signify if they have a criminal record on a job application. Social media and pot . Oregon: Employers and schools can't require a job or student applicant to provide passwords to social media accounts. Colorado: Marijuana becomes legal in the state for buyers over 21 at a licensed retail dispensary. (Sourcing: much of this list was obtained from the National Conference of State Legislatures). CNN's Christine Romans and Emily Jane Fox contributed to this report .

40,000 measures set to become law in 2014 . Obamacare mandate is the big federal law going into effect . But states and cities have laws impacting minimum wage, shark fins and gender identity . New gun control failed at federal level, but Connecticut acting on its own .

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former GOP presidential nominee John McCain warned Wednesday that the United States is losing the war in Afghanistan. Sen. John McCain recommended expanding the Afghan army to between 160,000 and 200,000 troops. The Arizona senator, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that while he approved of President Obama's recent decision to send 17,000 more troops to the country, he believed an additional allied military and civilian surge would be necessary to prevent it from once again becoming an al Qaeda safe haven. The Obama administration is conducting a review of overall U.S. policy in the troubled Islamic republic, the president said in his joint address to Congress on Tuesday. "With our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al Qaeda and combat extremism," Obama said Tuesday. "Because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not allow it." But McCain said on Wednesday, "When you aren't winning in this kind of war, you are losing. And, in Afghanistan today, we are not winning." He delivered his remarks at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington-based think tank. McCain claimed that while the situation in Afghanistan is "nowhere near as dire as it was in Iraq," the number of insurgent attacks had spiked in 2008 and violence had increased more than 500 percent in the past four years. Growing portions of the country "suffer under the influence of the Taliban," he added. McCain's comments echoed those of Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who acknowledged last Friday that the United States is facing a "very tough test" in Afghanistan. "But I'm sure we will rise to the occasion the way we have many times before," Gates told a news conference in Krakow, Poland, where NATO defense ministers were meeting. McCain said that the U.S. was winning the war in Afghanistan through early 2005, when some troops were withdrawn and "our integrated civil-military command structure was disassembled and replaced by a Balkanized and dysfunctional arrangement." A Vietnam War veteran, former prisoner of war and longtime member of the Armed Services Committee, McCain said that while he knows Americans "are weary of war ... we must win [in Afghanistan]. The alternative is to risk that country's return to its previous function as a terrorist sanctuary, from which al Qaeda could train and plan attacks against America." Among other things, McCain stated that the U.S. needs to establish a larger military headquarters capable of executing "the necessary planning and coordination for a nationwide counterinsurgency campaign." He also said plans to expand the Afghan army from 68,000 to 134,000 troops were insufficient. He recommended expanding the Afghan army to between 160,000 and 200,000 troops. At the same time, he said, the U.S. needs to boost the country's nonmilitary assistance to help strengthen "its [civilian] institutions, the rule of law, and the economy in order to provide a sustainable alternative to the drug trade." Southern Afghanistan provides about two thirds of the world's opium and heroin. Over the years, those two drugs have served as a major source of revenue for the insurgency, including the Taliban. McCain warned that, even if his recommendations are adopted, the violence in Afghanistan is "likely to get worse before it gets better. The scale of resources required to prevail will be enormous." The timetable, he concluded, "will be measured in years, not months."

McCain: "When you aren't winning in this kind of war, you are losing" While Afghanistan is "nowhere near as dire as it was in Iraq," attacks have spiked . U.S. needs to establish a larger military headquarters, McCain says . "The scale of resources required to prevail will be enormous," senator says .

(CNN) -- Fancy gadgets that can be used to jam cell phone signals are illegal and potentially dangerous, experts say. So, why was Google lighting up Monday with people searching for them? You can thank a guy in Philadelphia who got fed up with folks yakking during his daily bus ride and a local news reporter who happens to ride the same bus. Days after the story broke on Friday, the apparently fresh interest in the devices, which can be had online for anywhere from less than $40 to more than $1,000, is cause for concern among some security experts. "The general public doesn't realize what they're jamming if they were to start using these things," said Richard Mislan, an assistant professor of computer and information technology at Purdue University who specializes in cyberforensics. "What's not obvious is all the wireless connectivity systems that are in the background and maintaining data communications in our daily lives." Last week, Philadelphia TV station NBC10 reported on a man who admitted to using a cell-phone jammer during his bus commute to shut down fellow passengers when they were talking loudly. "I guess I'm taking the law into my own hands, and quite frankly, I'm proud of it," said the man, who the station identified only as "Eric." He called people using their phones on public buses irritating and rude. "A lot of people are extremely loud, no sense of, just, privacy or anything," said "Eric," who was first noticed by a writer for the station. "When it becomes a bother, that's when I screw on the antenna and flip the switch." The story spread. And, apparently, piqued people's interest. Throughout the weekend, and as recently as Monday afternoon, "cell phone jammer" was one of the top 10 searches on Google Trends, cropping up between searches for Lindsay Lohan's "Saturday Night Live" performance and news about the Super Tuesday primaries. The legality of the jammers varies from country to country. In the United States, it is generally illegal to sell, own or use one without the government's permission. The devices are offered for sale on a handful of websites. Mislan, a former communications electronic warfare officer in the U.S. Army, said law enforcement has "very specific worries" about how cell-phone jammers could be used by criminals. But even someone looking to do no more than hush an annoying neighbor on the bus could do some harm, he said. For example, in the Philadelphia case, the jammer could have cut off the bus driver's communication with a dispatcher who was trying to communicate emergency or traffic information. And that's not to mention other folks in the area (aside from the offensive loud talkers) who may have missed potentially important phone calls. "Who is he to play god with our cellphones?" Mislan said. Jammers work in much the same way online denial-of-service attacks on websites do -- transmitting a signal on the same frequency as mobile phone calls in the area. "In layman's terms, they basically just interrupt the signals in the area," Mislan said. "They are a louder signal, if you will, than anything else in the area. As a phone tries to connect to a tower, it can't because there's this other noise, if you will, in the way." Under federal law, illegally using a jammer can result in jail time and fines up to $16,000. So, if they're illegal and potentially harmful, why is it so easy to find a jammer online? "It's the Internet. I can buy anything I want, anywhere at any time," Mislan said. "Unfortunately, it's all about the dollar."

Philadelphia bus rider spurs interest in cell phone jammers . Local TV station interviews man "taking the law into his own hands" to quiet cell talkers . Experts say people using the devices could jam police, other communications, too . Still, jammers from $40 to more than $1,000 can be found online .

(CNN) -- Interpol has issued an international wanted notice for a French gangster who authorities say used explosives as part of a brazen escape from a prison in Lille, France, over the weekend, the organization said Monday. Redoine Faid held five people, including four guards, at gunpoint at the detention center Saturday, officials said. He then burst his way to freedom by detonating explosives that destroyed five doors, penitentiary union spokesman Etienne Dobremetz told CNN affiliate BFMTV. Interpol announced Monday that it issued its wanted notice, known as a red notice, within hours of Faid's escape. A European arrest warrant covering 26 countries also was issued for him Saturday. Red notices alert police agencies around the world that a person is wanted, but they are not arrest warrants. Each of Interpol's 190 member countries is expected to apply its national laws and standards in determining whether to detain the wanted person. Faid's escape has raised a number of questions: How did an inmate get guns and explosives? How did he manage to use those to force his way out? And, after all that, why is he still at large? The four guards whom Faid allegedly held hostage "are safe and sound," Lille prosecutor Frederic Fevre said. Still, officials from the prison guards' union pressed French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira to make prisons safer, including more thorough searches of those who enter, BFMTV reported. The escape may be due partly to a problem plaguing the prison that couldn't hold Faid: overcrowding. Built in 2005, the Lille-Sequedin penitentiary is not old, but it's not well designed to keep watch on prisoners, said Jimmy Delliste, a former associate director there. "The construction ... makes it particularly difficult to manage detainees, who are particularly difficult to watch," Delliste told BFMTV. And such a prison was holding a convict who fashioned himself as a modern-day gangster. Faid, 40, thought big, getting inspiration from the movies. He wore a hockey mask, like Robert DeNiro's character in the movie "Heat," and acted audaciously in attacking armored trucks among other targets. "He lives his life like a hero from a Hollywood film," said Pierre Fourniaud, who edited Faid's 2010 autobiography, "Robber: From Suburbs to Organized Crime." Faid wanted to be a robber from the age of 6, Fourniaud said. "He wants to be known as the greatest gangster -- public enemy No. 1, so this morning all the papers are calling him just that," Fourniaud said. "I think that's his satisfaction." In 1998, after three years on the run during which he fled to Switzerland, Faid was caught. Sentenced to 20 years, he spent time in high-security prisons around France. After more than a decade behind bars, the Frenchman insisted he'd changed. But this promise didn't last long, French authorities said. In 2011, Faid landed back behind bars. Jean-Louis Pelletier, Faid's lawyer, said he is not surprised by the breakout. Pelletier had planned to meet his client soon in preparation for an upcoming trial tied to a May 2010 attack in Villiers-sur-Marne, east of Paris, that left a 26-year-old policewoman dead. "He is remarkably intelligent, and he is using his intellect to serve his ambitions," Pelletier told BFMTV. "(And Faid) cannot stand being imprisoned any more."

NEW: "He wants to be known as the greatest gangster," escaped prisoner's former editor says . Redoine Faid is named in an Interpol notice and an arrest warrant covering 26 nations . Authorities say he held hostages, blasted his way out of a prison in Lille on Saturday . Faid, known for armored truck attacks, spent years in prison .

(CNN) -- President Obama threw down the gauntlet to congressional Republicans at his press conference on Monday. He will not, he asserted forcefully, allow the United States' credit rating be held hostage by hard-liners demanding budget cuts "or else..." In short, the president's message was that he would not negotiate with fiscal terrorists. He may have sounded adamant and unbending to some. But his position was hardly out of place. Speaker John Boehner and the Republicans in the House of Representatives are holding a gun to the head of the American economy and threatening to pull the trigger if the president doesn't bend to their will. On some level, they must realize that allowing the United States to default on financial obligations that Congress itself racked up would not only sow chaos in the financial markets and reignite the recession, but also sign the death warrant for the modern Republican Party. If the GOP -- already a party at odds with science, history, math, women, senior citizens, the poor and minority populations -- were to willfully and recklessly play politics with the full faith and credit of the United States, it would virtually ensure that by 2014, Democrats would retake the majority in the House of Representatives and expand their edge in the Senate. This could create a nightmare for many on the right: an Obama presidency in which Democrats could press through their full agenda with little resistance. Even the most rabid Republican partisans must recognize that they are playing with fire. News: Obama: We aren't a deadbeat nation . They are overreaching in part to help redeem what was widely seen as a defeat for them in the tax deal that was struck at the beginning of the year -- the slight tax increase that was approved for the top 2% of the population. Of course, it is baffling why any among them would so focus on that small increase and neglect the fact that, with Obama's assistance, they managed to do what George W. Bush could not and make Bush's tax plan permanent. No matter, the posturing of Boehner & Co. is designed to make them appear resolute. Unfortunately, it only succeeds in making them look demented. They say growth is the key to balancing the budget, but are pursuing the one policy most likely to derail it. They say they want to balance the budget to improve America's credit rating and international standing, but they seem willing to do more to damage either than any other Congress in memory. They say they want to force budget cuts but won't touch defense spending, the largest and most bloated area of discretionary spending in the budget. They seem to assume that the president will offer some cuts and that they will be able to say their toughness won the day. They think the American people will believe their use of the debt ceiling as a cudgel was principled and perhaps even courageous. They will offer themselves up as protectors of the national economic well-being. Opinion: Senate holds key to fixing Washington . This is a lot like a kidnapper expecting to be seen as a hero for releasing his captive. Both parties bear plenty of responsibility for getting America in the fiscal mess we are in today. Both will have to compromise to achieve real progress. Taxes will have to rise more. Defense will have to be cut. Entitlements will have to be sweepingly reformed. Real compromise and courage and principles will be required to a greater extent than either party has embraced or even publicly discussed. But just because neither party has done all it should, that does not mean both are equally responsible for this bizarre and dangerous episode. As the president rightly asserted, and as reasonable people in either party must acknowledge, playing politics with the debt ceiling must be put permanently out of bounds. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Rothkopf.

David Rothkopf: Obama challenged congressional GOP on debt ceiling . Rothkopf says Boehner and House GOP are bizarrely holding nation hostage . He says they must know it will hurt them, but continue; want budget cuts, but not to defense . Rothkopf: Playing politics with debt ceiling must be permanently out of bounds .

LONDON, England (CNN) -- British people love pubs -- so much, in fact, that a recent survey found that they cherish only fish and chips and the Queen more. A combination of factors including the smoking ban, higher taxes and cheap supermarket alochol are hurting pubs. Yet this enduring icon of British culture is under threat after having flourished for hundreds of years. Recent surveys found that more British pubs are closing than ever before -- victims of an indoor smoking ban, higher taxes and food prices, and changing times. Tuesday marks one year since England followed Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to ban indoor smoking at pubs, restaurants and bars. Some feared that would mark the death of the traditional British pub in all its smoky glory -- and they were quick to blame the ban when surveys found the pub numbers in sharp decline. Those findings, released in March by the British Beer and Pub Association and CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, showed that more than 1,400 pubs closed in 2007. That's a sharp increase from 2006, when 216 pubs closed; and 2005, when just more than 100 closed down. The advocacy groups, however, say the ban may be just one of many factors shutting pub doors. Watch more on the decline of British pubs » . Pub owners -- landlords, as they're called in Britain -- are turning in their leases for a variety of reasons. Some say it's hard to compete with cheap alcohol sold at supermarkets, a trend increasing amid the credit crunch. Others feel they could make more money operating as a wine bar or cafe. Patrons say two things in particular have had an impact on the decline of pubs -- one being the smoking ban. Those who used to enjoy a smoke along with their pint now must smoke outside, and many pubs -- particularly in urban areas -- have little space or shelter on the sidewalk. CAMRA says, however, that the effects of the smoking ban, introduced just halfway into 2007, are "not yet fully evident." Pubgoers were also turned off by a boost to alcohol taxes. "Rents and rates are shooting up," said Ian Lowe, a spokesman for CAMRA. "There's also things like excise duty. The chancellor kindly put another 4 pence [8 cents] on the price of a pint, and while supermarkets can probably absorb that, the pubs have to pass it on [to the customer]." Pubs are also passing higher food prices on to the customer, denting a plan by many proprietors to fall back on the menus to boost business. About 57,000 pubs remain in Britain, and while they may be under threat, they're not going away any time soon. A drink at "the local" -- where social and financial status cease to matter -- remains one of the average Briton's favorite pastimes. "If you took a guy from the 10th Century and brought him forward in time, the only things he would recognize in the world today are churches and pubs," said Peter Brown, the author of "Man Walks Into a Pub," a history of pubs and beer. The smoking ban may also be attracting a new kind of customer, Brown said. "[Smokers] stopped going to the pub immediately as soon as the ban came in, whereas a lot of other people who didn't used to go to pubs have now started to come back to the pub because they now prefer a smoke-free environment," he said. Advocates say pubs provide a safe place to drink and are a valuable part of British culture. They are lobbying the British government to help stop their rapid decline by cutting beer taxes and changing planning laws to prevent pub demolitions. CNN's Robin Oakley contributed to this report.

Traditional British pubs are facing tough times, with 1,400 closing in 2007 . Indoor smoking ban, higher taxes and cheap supermarket alcohol hurt pubs . About 57,000 pubs still remain in Britain despite decline in numbers .

Guangzhou, China (CNN) -- In a voice alternating between desperate and hopeful, Qu Feifei talked to her daughter continuously Tuesday afternoon through a window left ajar at the main military hospital in this southern Chinese city. "Yueyue, give Mom another chance to love you, OK?" she finally begged, sobbing. On the other side of the window, two-year-old Wang Yue -- affectionately known as Yueyue -- lay almost lifeless in bed inside the intensive care unit, with netting around her head and a respirator covering her small face. The toddler was gravely injured in two successive hit-and-run incidents last Thursday not far from her father's hardware store in the nearby city of Foshan. When CNN visited the scene Tuesday evening, the blood stains had long gone but two circled numbers on the ground made with black markers clearly indicated the locations of both collisions. Wang's condition remained critical, her brain showing little activity despite some earlier subtle movements in the lower body, her mother said. Gruesome security camera footage of the accidents and the girl, lying in her own blood, ignored by more than a dozen passersby in a busy market has outraged the nation, stirring an emotional debate on the state of morality in a fast-changing society. On Sina Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter, the story continued to be the No. 1 topic after generating more than 4.5 million posts along with a "stop apathy" online campaign. While the initial video went viral on Chinese Internet, state-run newspapers and television stations have since seized on the story, turning their spotlight on an unlikely hero as well as many villains. Opinion: Incident in China shows 'volunteer's dilemma' Chen Xianmei, a 58-year-old scavenger who was seen in the video moving Wang to safety, became an instant symbol of understated decency in a nation that many netizens say has become obsessed with climbing up the economic ladder. Camera crews chased Chen for interviews, while local government and businesses fought to award her money. "I didn't think of anything at the time," she told local reporters Sunday. "I just wanted to save the girl." Chen's overnight celebrity, however, appeared too overwhelming for her. Her neighbors told CNN Tuesday night she had gone home to the countryside with her son. Domestic media also tracked down some of the passersby in the video. While several denied seeing Wang lie on the ground, one pedestrian told Yangcheng Evening News that she noticed a girl crying next to a pool of blood. "I went to the closest store and asked a young man there if she was his child, but he said no," the newspaper quoted her as saying. "Nobody else dared to touch her, how did I?" "This is sort of classic bystander effect, where people have a diffusion of responsibility," Wendy Walsh, a psychologist based in Los Angeles, commented on CNN. Wang's mother said in tears that she still couldn't comprehend the behavior of the passersby but wanted to focus on the positive. "Granny Chen represents the best of human nature," Qu said of her daughter's rescuer at the scene. "It's the nicest and most natural side of us." Despite rising concerns over China's declining morality after the story broke, humanity now shines at the Guangzhou hospital where Wang is being treated. A steady procession of well-wishers surrounds her family throughout the day, offering gifts, money and support. "I'm so grateful for all the nice people," Qu said. "Yueyue won't let them down. "I know my girl -- she's strong and she'll wake up again."

"Give Mom another chance to love you," the unconscious child's mother begs . Video showing child being ignored after grave injury rocks China . One passerby says, "Nobody else dared to touch her, how did I?" The mother, Qu Feifei, wants to focus on the positive .

(CNN) -- The debate over teacher evaluations that's taken center stage in the Chicago schools strike could have major effects on the issue in the future, an education expert says. "Chicago absolutely matters," said Elena Silva, senior associate for public policy engagement at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. "I think what happens here will substantially matter for what we see happen with teacher evaluations nationwide," she said. In the last three years, 21 states have passed have legislation or implemented new regulations designed to highlight teacher accountability, according to a report by Bellwether Education Partners, a consulting firm. The changes came often by way of the kind of standardized testing that one Chicago Teachers Union board member referred to as "data-driven madness." My View: A parent's take on the CPS teachers strike . In many -- but not all -- cases, the reforms were hotly contested, with teachers unions saying the changes put jobs at risk without enough evidence they would work in the way both sides say reforms should work -- helping students learn, said Sara Mead, a Bellwether analyst who tracks teacher effectiveness policy nationwide. "In a lot of places, this has been fairly controversial, but that has not been universal," she said. For instance, in New York, teachers unions sued over a 2010 law implementing teacher effectiveness standards in return for funding under President Barack Obama's Race to the Top initiative. But in Colorado, unions and state officials worked together on a law that calls for incentive pay based on performance, according to Mead. Similar issues have arisen elsewhere. In Boston, negotiations on a new contract stalled for a while, in part over differences in teacher evaluations. In 2009, then-Washington schools Superintendent Michelle Rhee ignited a firestorm with a teacher evaluation model that put heavy emphasis on standardized test scores. At the time, the president of the Washington Teachers Union called the evaluation standard a "flawed instrument with many loopholes." Many of the state changes were part of what Mead's Bellwether report referred to as an "unprecedented wave of legislation," much of which could be traced back to the $4.25 billion Race to the Top program. The 2009 initiative offers states money under a competitive grant program in return for adopting teacher effectiveness standards and a host of other reforms. It's been an attractive proposition to reform advocates and to many cash-strapped state governors and legislatures -- do something to make teachers more accountable, among other things, and we'll give you more money, Silva said. And unions have moved on the issue of accepting updated evaluation standards, dropping wholesale opposition for nuanced support. Voices of the strike . Last year in Chicago, for instance, delegates to the National Education Association's annual conference approved a new policy statement that calls for "robust evaluations by highly qualified evaluators using multiple indicators, not a single narrow metric." But those same unions have hotly contested such changes, arguing that making high-stakes decisions about teaching jobs shouldn't flow from the results of standardized test scores alone. "Unions don't want teachers being evaluated on student achievement because, the strongest argument or the most common one is, there are too many factors outside control of teachers," Silva said. In Boston, where the teachers union has been fighting with city officials over evaluations, union officials wrote on their website that the Race to the Top money "will dry up shortly, leaving bad policy in its wake. We cannot afford to give up our fight to restore some common sense to what have been mislabeled reforms." Key issues in the strike . But the drumbeat for change is unlikely to abate, Silva said. "There is a clear sign that teacher evaluation is changing and will change," she said. "Where it will go and what it will look like is still up for grabs." Teachers: Why do you teach?

After Race to the Top initiative, fights over teacher responsibility have become more common . The initiative provides funding to states in exchange for reforms . The Chicago schools strike could influence the outcome of the debate, expert says .

(CNN) -- If one brings a gun to a fistfight, then the fight becomes a gunfight. Simple reasoning, of course, but it's also an unnecessary consequence of combining legislation that makes guns readily available with "stand your ground" laws. I can already hear the clicking of keyboards from my desk, as the drinkers of NRA-flavored Kool-Aid feverishly type their outrage and disgust with any suggestion that gun laws need to be reviewed. I own guns. They are kept in my home. I strongly believe in the "castle doctrine," which essentially means that homeowners have no duty or requirement to retreat in their home if they are attacked within it. If someone breaks into a stranger's home, the homeowner doesn't know whether the intruder is there to rob, rape, terrorize or have milk and cookies with them. Regardless, it's reasonable that a robber should have an expectation of death if he or she breaks into someone's home. Unstable ground: The fine line between self-defense and murder . Florida's stand your ground law was passed in 2005, under Gov. Jeb Bush's administration. This is the law that has garnered so much national attention since the Trayvon Martin shooting and George Zimmerman's arrest. Stand your ground legislation basically extends the castle doctrine to all places beyond the home. Retreat in order to avoid a confrontation becomes unnecessary even in a public place. Florida Statute 776.013 (3) states: . "A person who is not engaged in unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony." This law applies a confusing blend of subjective and objective standards. Stand your ground is appropriate in many circumstances, but the lack of clarity in the statute needs to be addressed and re-evaluated, particularly when firearms are so readily accessible in public places. The way the statute is written, an individual who observes a fistfight could conceivably shoot and kill the dominator in the fight if they reasonably believed that person was going to cause "great bodily harm" to the other. Even if the two combatants knew that the fight was nothing more than a "good ol' boy" disagreement, the way the statute is written could allow a gun to be used if the observer reasonably and actually believed that great bodily harm could occur. Moreover, merging the statute with overly relaxed gun laws could open the door for the guilty to walk away without consequence. Consider another gun-toting observer of the hypothetical fist fight, who is an enemy of one of the combatants. He could easily hide behind the claim that he reasonably believed that the other combatant was going to cause great bodily harm if the fight continued. The shooter could have every evil motive in the world, but so long as he stood behind the story that he reasonably believed the other person could suffer great bodily harm or death, then he could conceivably  walk. When guns are permitted in every public place and are mixed with such an obtusely written statute, a puzzling and perplexing standard of behavior regarding the use of guns occurs. This becomes a recipe for disaster and death. Gun laws and the stand your ground law need to be re-evaluated and addressed responsibly very soon.  If we don't learn lessons from the Trayvon Martin tragedy, then we are doomed to see similar events happen. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Mark NeJame.

Mark NeJame: Combination of guns and "stand your ground" laws are dangerous . He says laws enable people to use deadly force even if they're not at risk . "Castle doctrine" justifies use of deadly force to protect yourself in your home, he says . NeJame: Extending the castle doctrine everywhere raises questions .

(CNN) -- Italy's Matteo Manassero became the youngest ever winner at the PGA Championship. He had to work hard for it. Manassero edged England's Simon Khan on the fourth extra hole of a playoff after Scotland's Marc Warren exited on the first extra hole. The trio had finished at 10-under 278. Khan found the water with his second shot on the deciding hole in fading light at Wentworth, and when Manassero struck a birdie to clinch victory, he surpassed Bernard Gallacher as the youngest champion. At 20 years and 37 days, Manassero was two months younger than Gallacher when the Scot triumphed in 1969. As a result of winning the European Tour's flagship event, he'll move from No. 57 to inside the top 30 in the world rankings, leads the Race to Dubai and booked a spot at this year's U.S. Open. "I feel unbelievable, really emotional," Manassero was quoted as saying by the European Tour's Web site. "It's been an amazing week. I have always felt something really special about this place and this tournament. "Everything has come together this week. I managed to play well and managed to stay in contention after a tough day on Friday and pulled it off with this playoff." The dramatic finish at Wentworth helped make up for the early departures of Rory McIlroy, the world's second ranked golfer, and defending champion Luke Donald. Both missed the cut after underwhelming in the opening two rounds -- played in chilly conditions. The fans at Wentworth couldn't lift Ryder Cup stalwart Lee Westwood to victory, either. He was only a shot behind overnight leader Alejandro Canizares. Westwood, who recently moved his family from England to Florida, led at one stage on the front nine but was undone by a double bogey and two bogeys on the back nine. He finished the fourth round at one-over 73. He was bidding to better two runner-up finishes at Wentworth. "Obviously Lee had the most support at the beginning, but I had so much -- the crowd in general this week has been unbelievable, really," Manassero added. "I think the weekend that they got to see was a reward for the people that were here Friday with that weather to watch." Manassero and Warren had chances to win the title before the playoff but faltered. Khan, five shots off the pace going into the final round, made a charge with a 66. When Khan won the PGA Championship in 2010, he rallied from a seven shot deficit in the final round with another 66. He was playing his first event since March due to his wife's illness, the European Tour's Web site reported. "I wanted to prove to myself I've got it in me and that's been the great thing today," Khan was quoted as saying. "I've played great. After such a long layoff, to come back and lose in a playoff of this fantastic tournament, I can take a lot out of it definitely. "I felt great going into the playoff. It's just a shame that second shot (on the fourth extra hole) didn't carry another couple of yards or I would probably be going back out to 18 again." Canizares and Miguel Angel Jimenez, the oldest man in the tournament at 49, finished a shot off the pace. British Open champion Ernie Els tied for sixth following a final round 67, while Sergio Garcia, under fire last week for "fried chicken" jibe, ended up tied for 19th.

Italy's Matteo Manassero, at 20, becomes the youngest winner of the PGA Championship . Manassero beats Simon Khan and Marc Warren in a playoff at Wentworth . Ryder Cup stalwart Lee Westwood struggles on back nine and falls out of contention .

(CNN) -- Two years ago this week, the Obama administration hailed the advent of the "Summer of Economic Recovery." The president's stimulus bill had passed a Democratic-controlled Congress just over a year before, accompanied by rosy predictions on job creation from the administration. President Obama claimed that "the economy is headed in the right direction," and Vice President Joe Biden confidently predicted the creation of 250,000 to 500,000 new jobs a month. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner published an op-ed in The New York Times boldly entitled "Welcome to the Recovery." Two years later, Americans are still waiting for the recovery. Today's job figures are well below the 250,000 to 500,000 jobs per month that Vice President Biden forecast. This year, the economy created a dismal 77,000 jobs in April and just 69,000 jobs in May, less than half of the 150,000 jobs needed each month just to keep up with population growth. Unemployment, which the White House predicted would shrink below 6% by April 2012, has remained at or above 8% for 40 straight months. It doesn't take an economist to realize the president's economic policies have spectacularly failed to make things better. Yet, the president doesn't seem to understand just how badly Americans are hurting. Despite the more than 23 million Americans who remain unemployed or underemployed, the president recently claimed that the private sector is "doing fine" and that what America actually needs is more government spending and more government workers. In other words, more of the same. More stimulus spending from Washington that explodes the debt. More government picking winners and losers. More taxes. More regulation. It's time to try something new. Republicans have a plan to get our economy moving again. First, we need to ensure businesses are confident enough to expand and hire more workers. That means stopping the job-killing regulations that are strangling small businesses and reforming our burdensome and complicated tax code to fuel economic growth. It also means stopping a large tax increase, which is scheduled to hit next year unless Congress acts. The threat of this massive tax hike is creating serious economic uncertainty and discouraging companies from hiring more workers. We can create tens of thousands of new American jobs by encouraging the development of America's vast energy resources and supporting truly shovel-ready projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, which would create an estimated 20,000 jobs, according to TransCanada, while boosting domestic energy production. We also need to protect jobs by repealing the president's health care law, which is driving up health care costs and making it harder for small businesses to hire workers. The director of the Congressional Budget Office testified that the health care law will mean 800,000 fewer jobs over the next decade. Those are jobs Americans can't afford to lose. Finally, we need to cut reckless government spending and tackle the mounting debt crisis. America's brightest days are ahead. But if we don't take action soon, our country could end up in the kind of financial disaster Greece and Spain are facing. Our children and grandchildren should not have to pay for Washington's inability to stick to a budget. We owe it to the next generation to leave the country better than we found it. The first step on the road to real recovery is not doubling down on the failed policies we've seen over the past 3½ years. Republicans are ready to get to work to jump-start our economy. We hope Democrats will join us. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of John Thune.

John Thune: Two years ago this week, Obama claimed that economy will improve . Thune: Today, Americans are still waiting for the recovery . He says Republicans have a better plan: Repeal health care law, stop tax hike, cut spending . Thune: Road to real recovery is not doubling down on the failed policies of the past few years .

(CNN) -- Tiger Woods admits his personal problems are affecting his game, but the world's top golfer refused to blame media intrusion on his life for his disastrous return to the PGA Tour this week. Woods defied expectation when he tied for fourth on his comeback last month at the Masters, one of golf's four major events, but struggled at the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina as he missed the halfway cut for only the sixth time in 14 years as a professional. On Friday, he slumped to a seven-over-par 79 that saw him miss the weekend rounds by eight shots -- and a massive 17 behind leader Billy Mayfair. It was his second-worst single-round score behind the 81 he carded at the 2002 British Open, and his highest 36-hole total meant he missed the cut in a non-major for the first time since 2005. The 34-year-old, who took a five-month break from playing following the scandal over his admitted marital infidelities, admitted he was feeling pressure due to continued questioning about his private life. "Well, I get asked every day. Every day I do media, I get asked it, so it doesn't go away. Even when I'm at home, paparazzi still follow us, helicopters still hover around," Woods told reporters in quotes carried by his personal Web site. "Does it test you? Yes, of course it does. Is that any excuse? No, because I'm out there and I have the same opportunity as everybody else here in this field to shoot a good number, and I didn't do that." Woods will hope to address problems with his game ahead of the Players Championship at Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida starting next Thursday. "It'll be interesting because I'll probably get home and hit balls on the range, and I'm going to have to get up there to Ponte Vedra a little early to putt because Isleworth is all torn up," he said. "My short game was terrible. I three-putted there twice back-to-back, and you can't do that. I didn't get up-and-down at six and chipped the ball off the green at seven. Those shots, you're just throwing away shots when you do stuff like that. "You have to let it go. It's like baseball, you go 0 for 4 two days in a row like I did, you've got a whole new tournament next week, which is great." While Woods struggled at Quail Hollow, the 43-year-old Mayfair shot his second successive 68 to claim a one-shot lead from Argentina's Angel Cabrera. Last year's Masters champion, who played his first two rounds with Woods, fired a 67 featuring an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys. Current Masters champion Phil Mickelson also carded 68 to be in a tie for third another shot back on 138 along with fellow Americans J.P. Hayes (64), Dustin Johnson (65) and Paul Goydos (70). Meanwhile, England's Mark Foster will take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the Spanish Open in Seville. The world No. 363, seeking his second victory on the European Tour, carded a three-under-par 69 in his third round on Saturday. Spanish duo Alvaro Quiros (67) and Carlos Del Moral (70) were tied for second along with Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin (71).

Tiger Woods admits personal problems are affecting his golf, but refuses to blame media . World's top golfer misses cut at a U.S. PGA Tour event for first time since 2005 . He shot seven-over-par 79 at Quail Hollow, the second-worst score of his career . Woods will line up again at the Players Championship at Ponte Vedra next week .

Editor's note: CNN.com has a business partnership with CareerBuilder.com, which serves as the exclusive provider of job listings and services to CNN.com. If you've rewritten that résumé several times and sent out dozens of applications but your job search still shows no promise, you might not be the problem. One frequently overlooked but critical factor in finding a new job is your state's unemployment rate. You can have the experience and skills of an employer's dream, but they won't do you any good if there just aren't enough jobs available. The unemployment rate is the percentage of job seekers in the work force who are still looking for work. The higher the percentage, the more difficult it is to find a job. The national unemployment rate is 5 percent, based on the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you're looking for a job, you should see how your state compares to the rest of the country. Here are the 10 worst states to find work ranked by their unemployment rates. 1. Michigan Unemployment rate: 7.6 percent Population: 10,071,822 Mean annual wage: $41,230 Top industry: Trade, transportation and utilities (18.4 percent)*** . 2. Mississippi Unemployment rate: 6.8 percent Population: 2,918,785 Mean annual wage: $30,460 Top industry: Government (21.2 percent) 3. South Carolina Unemployment rate: 6.6 percent Population: 4,407,709 Mean annual wage: $33,400 Top industry: Trade, transportation and utilities (19.4 percent) 4. Alaska Unemployment rate: 6.5 percent Population: 683,478 Mean annual wage: $43,920 Top industry: Government (25.9 percent) 5. California Unemployment rate: 6.1 percent Population: 36,553,215 Mean annual wage: $44,180 Top industry: Trade, transportation and utilities (18.9 percent) 6. District of Columbia Unemployment rate: 6.1 percent Population: 588,292 Mean annual wage: $61,500 Top industry: Government (33.3 percent) 7. Ohio Unemployment rate: 6 percent Population: 11,466,917 Mean annual wage: $37,360 Top industry: Trade, transportation and utilities (19.3 percent) 8. Arkansas Unemployment rate: 5.9 percent Population: 2,834,797 Mean annual wage: $30,870 Top industry: Trade, transportation and utilities (20.6 percent) 9. Nevada Unemployment rate: 5.8 percent Population: 2,565,382 Mean annual wage: $36,000 Top industry: Leisure and hospitality (26.5 percent) 10. Kentucky Unemployment rate: 5.7 percent Population: 4,241,474 Mean annual wage: $33,490 Top industry: Trade, transportation and utilities (20.4 percent) *Unemployment rates, mean annual wages and industry percentages obtained from BLS in January 2008. Percentages based on nonfarm payrolls, seasonally adjusted. **Population figures based on U.S. Census Bureau data. ***Top industries are those that employ the largest percentage of a state's labor force. E-mail to a friend . Copyright CareerBuilder.com 2009. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority .

High unemployment rates can handicap job seekers . Michigan, Mississippi and South Carolina have highest rates . Alaska's top industry is government .

(CNN) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Sunday that American forces can "deal with any potential contingencies" in the Middle East, especially after the military's capabilities were recently "enhanced" after attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions. Speaking to reporters en route to Tokyo, Panetta said recent unrest underscores the importance of having vibrant, flexible U.S. military capabilities in the region. That unrest includes an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans, as well as violent protests near U.S. embassies in Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia and elsewhere. "The events of this week remind all of us of the need to maintain a strong presence in the Middle East," Panetta said. More arrests in U.S. Consulate attack in Libya . Some of that comes from U.S. forces' extensive roots in the region, including bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and elsewhere. Those troops make it easier to respond to crises in the region, which Panetta acknowledged, as do other recent moves, which include calling on members of small Marine Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams, or FAST, teams and moving warships in the region. "We have enhanced some of that presence with the FAST teams and others so that, if they are requested, they can respond more quickly," Panetta said. "It's a combination of FAST teams plus some ships in the region that we have to try to give us the full capability we need in order to respond," he added, while noting the didn't "anticipate a situation right now where we would have to ... do this on our own." Earlier this week, vigorous and sometimes violent protests broke out near U.S. embassies around the world over the "Innocence of Muslims," an obscure film mocking the Prophet Mohammed as a womanizer, child molester and ruthless killer. Two months after the film's trailer was posted online on YouTube, and days after it got attention in Egyptian media, Cairo residents first expressed their ire Tuesday, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks, with protests targeting the American embassy. Outpourings soon spread like wildfire across the Muslim world. As a result, Western diplomats found themselves and their missions under siege, even as American leaders criticized the film and emphasized the U.S. government had nothing to do with it. Afterward, U.S. officials said Marine FAST teams, with about 50 members each, were being dispatched to Libya, Sudan and Yemen to protect U.S. diplomatic missions in those countries. But Sudanese officials rebuffed the U.S. plan to send in troops, insisting their own security forces could protect the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum. And Yemen's parliament issued a statement early Sunday vehemently opposing the presence of U.S. troops in the country. One nation that hasn't voiced opposition to a small contingent of U.S. troops is Libya. Libyan officials have said they are cooperating closely with U.S. authorities in investigating Tuesday's attack in Benghazi, which they have strongly condemned. "I'm convinced that they want to do everything possible to be able to respond to what happened there," Panetta said of Libyan officials. "And I think they are taking steps on the security side to provide better security. ... I think they are making a strong effort to try to respond to this crisis and try to deal with the issues involved." Hezbollah calls for new film protests .

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta talks to reporters en route to Asia . He says recent events reinforce the need for a strong military presence in the Mideast . U.S. military capabilities in the region have been "enhanced" in recent days, he says . Panetta praises Libyan officials' "strong effort" in response to a deadly attack .

Abu Dhabi, UAE (CNN) -- France established Tuesday its first strategic foothold in the Gulf, when President Nicolas Sarkozy opened a French military base in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The new military presence, named the 'Peace Camp', will accommodate up to 500 French troops, and comprises a French facility at the Emirates' Al Dhafra air base. It can accommodate Mirage and Rafale jets and includes a naval base of about 20 acres at the port of Mina Zayed, which can handle any French naval vessel except aircraft carriers. There is also an army camp at Zayed, specializing in urban combat training, according to sources close to the government of UAE. "Through this base -- the first in the Middle East -- France is ready to shoulder its responsibilities to ensure stability in this strategic region," said President Sarkozy. The Gulf is of geopolitical importance both because of its gas and oil resources and because of its proximity to Iran. Iranian authorities did not comment Tuesday but has previously voiced displeasure at the new French presence. Sarkozy, in an interview with the UAE's official news agency WAM, described the base as a "concrete and strong testimony of our desire to stand, whatever might happen, at the side of the United Arab Emirates." "The permanent French military installation in Abu Dhabi shows the responsibility that France, as a global power, agrees to assume with its closest partners, in a region that is a fault line for the whole world," Sarkozy said. Analysts described the new French base, as "small in size but an important step." "Today France manage to break the United States' long monopoly to the Gulf region, which is important for the whole world," Mustafa Al'alani, from the Dubai based, Gulf Research Center. He added that the base Peace Camp gives France a strategic position on the vital Gulf shipping corridor, which carries about 40 percent of the world's petroleum supplies, and therefore, must be protected." The U.S. maintains the predominant foreign military presence in the Gulf, with key air bases and logistics operations, and its Fifth Fleet headquartered in Bahrain. U.S. officials were not reachable for comment Tuesday, but Fifth Fleet senior officials told CNN.com Arabic last year that they welcomed the step, and described it as an extra hand in combating piracy. The base is France's first new overseas outpost since the end of its colonial era 50 years ago and is small compared with its installation at Djibouti, on the Gulf of Aden. Djibouti remains the base for French warships on anti-piracy patrols. Paris and Abu Dhabi also updated bilateral defense accords that were signed in 1991 and 1995. Officials would not confirm their talks included the possible sale of 60 new Rafale jets to the UAE in a deal worth up to $11 billion. One senior UAE official said: "We always discuss with friends possible deals, and France is on the top of the list." The multi-role Rafale -- which has yet to find a foreign buyer -- could replace the Emirates' fleet of French Mirage 2000 combat planes. Sarkozy also discussed oil prices with the UAE officials - saying: "Why don't we agree, producer countries and consumers, on general price guidelines to give to the market? I would say even a price range which would guarantee investments over the long term but which would not overwhelm consumer economies." The other agreement signed Tuesday by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and his Emirati counterpart "outlines a cooperation framework for the assessment and possible use of nuclear energy for peaceful ends," WAM said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy opens military base in United Arab Emirates . Base can accommodate troops, jets and most of France's navy ships . France is ready to shoulder its responsibilities . Iran previously said it was not pleased at the French presence .

(CNN) -- An Illinois woman died Monday after participating in New York City's Nautica Triathlon on Sunday, the second athlete to do so. Amy Martich died at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City -- a day after a man died after participating in the swim portion of the triathlon, according to hospital spokeswomen Elizabeth Dowling and Terry Cavanaugh. New York Police Department spokesman Lieutenant John Grimpel identified the deceased athletes as Martich, 40, and Mike Kudryk, 64. Bill Burke, director for the triathlon, told CNN he was "deeply saddened" by the participants' deaths. Martich, of Elmhurst, Illinois, was rescued halfway through the swim portion of the triathlon and transported to 79th Street's Dock A, where she was treated by on-site emergency medical staff, Burke said. Kudryk was two-thirds of the way through the swim portion of the triathlon when a CNN employee, also competing, noticed a man floating on his back with his head beneath the water. "It didn't look like he was breathing, his lips were blue," remembered Jeff Kepnes, supervising producer for CNN Special Events. Shortly after, Kepnes says he struggled to help lift Kudryk's body onto a rescue sled along with another rescuer. "We tried to maneuver him," Kepnes said. "He was heavy, he wasn't moving. We were being weighed down." This is the third triathlon for Kepnes, who said the water was the choppiest he's ever seen it on Sunday. "I did notice that there were more people going into safety stroke. There were more conversations with rescue in the kayaks and Jet Skis," Kepnes said. Kudryk was driven to one of four New York City Fire Department boats stationed in the river, where he was treated by paramedics on board before being taken to the emergency medical station on Dock A, Burke said. Both Martich and Kudryk were transferred to St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center just after 8 a.m. on Sunday, Burke said. Kudryk died shortly after arriving at the emergency room, Cavanaugh said. The Nautical New York City Triathlon is an Olympic distance race, consisting of a 1,500-meter swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run, according to the event's website. Burke said the swim portion of the triathlon, which took place in the Hudson River Sunday, was staffed with "32 lifeguards, 53 kayakers patrolling the water, three launch boats, two Jet Skis with sleds" and three NYPD boats equipped with divers and paramedics. Burke said he initially delayed the race by several minutes due to inclement weather. "I was watching a line of thunderstorms come toward the course, I was waiting to see if it was going to materialize and if we would have a lightning problem," he said. In addition, Burke said an accident on the Hudson Parkway, which caused a downhill portion of the bike path to be slicked by oil and gasoline, pushed the race's starting time back by about 40 minutes. Burke said he got a phone call from NYPD that the bike path was cleared by 6:19 a.m., and the race began by 6:30 a.m. Manhattan Borough president Scott Stringer sent a letter to Burke Monday requesting a "top to bottom review of the safety protocol for the triathlon," he told CNN. "New Yorkers signed up for a triathlon -- not a game of Russian Roulette," Stringer said in a press release Monday. CNN's Kristina Sgueglia and Kristen Hamill contributed to this report.

Woman had been rescued halfway through swim portion of race . Man who died Sunday also rescued from water . Manhattan Borough president asks for review of safety protocol .

Homs, Syria (CNN) -- A freelance cameraman who visited Homs recently put together a video that provides a rare glimpse of life in the embattled city and an even rarer close-up of the opposition movement in Syria. At the headquarters of the government secret police, the cameraman -- who uses the name Mani to avoid retribution by the government if he returns -- finds himself in the thick of a battle. Some 200 members of the Free Syrian Army, made of military defectors, are involved in the attack. They explode a bomb below a rooftop position, where government snipers are trapped. In the video, portions of which CNN aired Friday, the opposition appears organized, their members communicating by walkie-talkie and engaging in fierce fighting. Casualties are taken via minibus to a makeshift field hospital, where they are placed on thin mats on the floor. "My eye! My eye!" shouts one man whose eye had been targeted by a bullet. Mani's camera follows opposition fighters as they enter the government building, where room-to-room and stairwell-to-stairwell fighting ensues. Finally, as bullets continue to fly, the opposition fighters make off with boxes of ammunition so they can return to fight another day. After 20 hours, 15 opposition fighters have been killed, 40 wounded. The next day, the building is gutted by local residents. Not all the battles are so bloody. Mani says they are sometimes able to persuade government forces to cede ground without firing a shot. "They always try, first, to make negotiations work," Mani says. "They talk with the officer, they talk with the soldiers, and they offer them either to defect, either to surrender, and leave the checkpoint. And sometimes it works." Civilian volunteers are plentiful; more and more, they are being joined by defectors from government forces, Mani says. Across Homs, some estimates put the FSA strength at more than 1,000. Each neighborhood has its own command, but they sometimes combine forces to improve their odds against the much larger and better-armed government forces. Some soldiers who don't desert nevertheless sell their weapons or ammunition to the opposition, the cameraman adds. "There are many people who are in favor of them, who feel they are in favor of the opposition," Mani says. Down one street, his camera shows a long line of residents lined up outside a bakery for bread. "Because of the snipers, people are taking more than they need," says the man who is handing out the loaves. "That's why it's crowded." Two days earlier, in a nearby district, hundreds of residents fill the streets to mourn the deaths of 138 people in overnight shelling by government forces. Without enough coffins to go around, many of the dead are wrapped in white shrouds. "Shelling people is what cowards and scoundrels do," the imam says. "Be careful of gathering in public." "We are going to heaven!" the crowd chants, their fists pumping the air. "There are millions of us!" Mani comes upon a woman just as she learns that her son has been fatally shot by a sniper. "He is my son! My rock!" she wails. "I have no man! He is my man!" Her son, a former supporter of the regime, bears a tattoo on his chest that says "Assad." Next to that is the entry point for the bullet. A couple of blocks away, the shelling that has pockmarked much of the city has spared a district where many residents belong to the Alawite sect to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs. Homs is now a patchwork divided along sectarian lines. CNN's Nic Robertson contributed to this report.

Cameraman gives a rare glimpse of fighting in the city of Homs . "My eye! my eye!" shouts a wounded man . Estimates put military defectors' strength at more than 1,000 in Homs .

Washington (CNN) -- Friday's government report showing a rise in unemployment shines a light on a new hurdle facing young people in need of work: The military isn't the reliable source of employment that it used to be. The Army and Marine Corps are getting smaller, and now there's a nearly year-long waiting list just to get into boot camp, no matter which branch you want to join. The shrinking Army and Marine Corps are part of a long-planned reduction in the size of the armed forces. But the backlog for enlistees is a new issue. Incoming recruits will spend quite a bit of time before they see a Pentagon paycheck. "Some may take a year or slightly longer, the typical new enlistee would probably be somewhere between 9 and 11 months," Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith wrote in an e-mail. A lot of it has to do with the economy. "In a tighter job market, young men and women may be more receptive to learning about the many opportunities the military has to offer, from competitive salaries and compensation packages, extraordinary education benefits, to valuable job skills and leadership training," Smith said. It's not just a tighter job market that has more people seeking to enlist. Defending America pays better than it used to. "The average junior enlisted member, typically with just a high school degree, earns approximately $43,000 per year," Smith said. And that doesn't include benefits like free medical care and a government-paid retirement package that kicks in with 20 years of active-duty service. Smith said that since the war in Afghanistan began, troop salaries and benefits have jumped significantly. "From 2002-2010, military pay rose 42%, housing allowances have risen 83%," she said. During the same time period, private-sector salaries rose 32%. That, in some ways, is a good thing for the Pentagon, because it allows the services to choose the best possible candidates to defend our country. And the backlog helped former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates end a controversial Army program called stop-loss, in which soldiers were forced to stay in the Army beyond their original enlistment dates in order to fill a personnel shortage. Last month, Gates announced that no more soldiers are being stop-lossed. But for young people who can't, as hard as they try, find a job in the private sector, the backlog means the military isn't the solution they might have hoped for. For example, even if they get in, they may not get the kind of enlistment bonuses that troops got just a few years ago. For example, the Army reports that "the average amount of bonus has gone down substantially over the past few years," said Doug Smith, a spokesman for the Army's recruiting office. He said that in 2008, the average bonus for Army enlistees was more than $18,000. It was less than $6,000 last year. But the services still pay bonuses for hard-to-fill jobs. For example, in the Marines, "the more challenging the occupational field positions are to fill, the higher the bonus," according to recruiting spokesman Maj. John Caldwell. "Currently, our cryptologic linguists and electronics maintenance technicians get the highest bonus offered at $10,000," he said. And don't expect the situation to get much better, at least for the Army and Marines. Both services are on a path to reduce the size of their active-duty forces starting next year. The Army will shrink by about 22,000 people, the Marines by at least 15,000. All that means, if the economy doesn't improve, would-be GIs and leathernecks will be competing with just as many people for even fewer jobs in uniform.

The military isn't the reliable source of employment that it used to be . The Army and Marine Corps are getting smaller . Average enlistment bonuses have also fallen .

(CNN) -- An 85-year-old American man detained in North Korea has apologized for his actions, including for killing troops and civilians during the Korean War, North Korea's state-run news agency reported Saturday. KCNA released a statement it claimed was from Merrill Newman -- a Palo Alto, California man who, his family says, has been held in North Korea for more than 30 days. "After I killed so many civilians and (North Korean) soldiers and destroyed strategic objects in the DPRK during the Korean War, I committed indelible offensive acts against the DPRK government and Korean people," Newman said, according to the "apology" reported by KCNA. Is U.S. man detained in North Korea a bargaining chip? His statement ends: "If I go back to (the) USA, I will tell the true features of the DPRK and the life the Korean people are leading." In addition to this statement, KCNA ran a story alleging Newman came to North Korea with a tourist group in October and afterward "perpetrated acts of infringing upon the dignity and sovereignty of the DPRK and slandering its socialist system." Searching for spies . This story claimed that Newman tried to "look for spies and terrorists who conducted espionage and subversive activities against the DPRK." Investigators determined that, as a member of the U.S. military, he "masterminded espionage and subversive activities ... and, in this course, he was involved in the killings of service personnel of the Korean People's Army and innocent civilians." "The investigation clearly proved Newman's hostile acts against the DPRK, and they were backed by evidence," the KCNA story added. "He admitted all his crimes and made an apology for them." Until now, Pyongyang had not explained why it was holding Newman. Family begs for his release . There was no apparent immediate response from the U.S. government to the reported apology or the accompanying North Korean official news report. Washington does not have diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, and it has been working through Sweden -- the U.S. protecting power in North Korea -- to obtain information about the American. The retired financial consultant was last seen aboard a flight from Pyongyang to Beijing. Just minutes before the plane was to depart, he was removed from the flight by North Korean authorities. According to his family, he had been on a 10-day organized private tour of North Korea. From phone calls and postcards he sent, the trip was going well and there was no indication of any kind of problem, his son said. Family begged for his return . Newman's family could not be immediately reached for comment about the North Korean claims or the reported apology. But in recent days, they had voiced their concern about him. In an interview with CNN on Monday, his wife said they hoped he'd be home for Thanksgiving. "We need to have Merrill back at the head of the table for the holidays. And we ask -- respectfully -- for them to release him and let him come home," Lee Newman told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. She said Newman has a heart condition and only packed enough medicine for the trip. She has sent packages of medication, but said she does not know whether he has received them. Other detained Americans . Newman is one of two American citizens being held in North Korea. The other one, Kenneth Bae, was arrested in November 2012 and sentenced in May to 15 years of hard labor. The North Korean government has said he was found guilty of "hostile acts" and attempts to topple the government. CNN's Chelsea J. Carter contributed to this report.

Merrill Newman was detained more than a month ago in North Korea, his family says . He issues an apology to North Korea for his actions, state news reports . "I committed indelible offensive acts against" North Korea, he reportedly says . State news claims investigators found Newman "masterminded espionage"

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Having won 24 trophies in 23 seasons, Alex Ferguson has established himself as the most successful manager in British football history. Sir Alex Ferguson: English football's most successful manager with 24 titles . But the 67-year-old Manchester United manager, who has brought 10 league titles to the Red Devils in his time there, established his name in football long before he moved to the Old Trafford club in 1986. Born Alexander Chapman Ferguson in Glasgow on New Year's Eve 1941, Ferguson started his playing career as an amateur at Scottish side Queen's Park when he was just 16, while working as an apprentice tool-worker at the local shipyards. His first move as a player was to St Johnstone, where he secured his big break. Ferguson scored a hat-trick in an unlikely win against top side Rangers and in the summer of 1964 Dunfermline Athletic offered him his first professional contract. Ferguson went on to score 66 goals for Dunfermline before a move to Rangers. In 1969 he was blamed for a goal through which Rangers lost the Scottish Cup Final. He eventually left and ended his playing career with stints at Falkirk and Ayr United. At just 32, Ferguson secured his first coaching contract with East Stirlingshire. He managed to bring an improvement in the team's results and soon moved to St. Mirren -- where he would enjoy his first major success. Ferguson brought the struggling second division team into the top flight, where they claimed the first division title in 1977. Aberdeen was the next challenge for Ferguson -- and it was here that he established himself as a world-class manager. See top moments from Ferguson's management career » . In 1980 he claimed the Scottish league crown with Aberdeen -- the first time in 15 years it had not been won by Rangers or Celtic. Success continued, and in the 1982-83 season he remarkably took Aberdeen to European Cup Winners' Cup glory, beating Spanish giants Real Madrid 2-1 in the final. Ferguson joined Manchester United in 1986 where, in his 23 years at the club, he has won the Premier League 10 times, the FA Cup five times, the European Champions League twice and the FIFA Club World Cup once. Despite some low points -- particularly in late 1989, when many believed he might be sacked after a terrible start to the season -- Ferguson has managed a team which has enjoyed consistent success through a period of rapid change in football. He has also nurtured players like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, bringing them to the top of their game. His success has not gone unnoticed off the field either. He has won the World Soccer Magazine World Manager of the Year accolade on four occasions and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1999, following his induction as both an Officer and Commander of the Order of the British Empire. On a personal note, he has been married to wife Cathy since 1966 and they have three sons. Darren is the current manager of English third-tier club Peterborough. At 67, it is not certain how much longer Alex Ferguson has left in the game and has hinted in recent years that he might step down. But, as he steers his team towards potentially another Premier League title this season, there is no doubting how he will be remembered: one of the greatest football managers ever.

Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in English football . Born in 1941, Ferguson has played and managed football at top levels . Players he has nurtured include David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo . He has hinted in recent years he may step down soon -- but keeps winning titles .

(CNN) -- Actress and filmmaker Ricki Lake has a special connection to CNN Heroes. Her friend and onetime nanny, Marie Da Silva, was chosen as a Top 10 CNN Hero in 2008 for her work starting a school for AIDS orphans in her native Malawi. Lake sat down with CNN Entertainment senior producer Denise Quan to talk about CNN Heroes. Below are excerpts from that interview. Denise Quan: You have a very personal connection with Marie Da Silva, don't you? Ricki Lake: Well, let me just say that I'm the one who discovered Marie. I knew! No, Marie was my employee; she worked as my nanny for a decade. I knew from the second Marie walked in to the interview there was something special about her. She leads her life in such a positive way that she's just a great example for me. Quan: So besides the personal connection, why is this cause so important to you? Lake: My grandfather died of AIDS back in the late '80s, when a blood transfusion in a hospital could give you HIV and AIDS. So I'm personally, obviously, connected to this disease and wanting to find a cure. But then you look at continents like Africa and how the population is completely annihilated by it. With Marie, to see her family members that have succumbed to the disease and the children in her village that are all left behind -- not only without parents, but without an education -- it just seems like an obvious cause to get behind. And it's just remarkable when you think of what one person, a nanny of all professions, was able to do while working for me full time. To me, Marie's picture is in the dictionary next to the word "hero." Quan: This is your third year of involvement with CNN Heroes -- . Lake: Riding Marie's coattails. [laughter] Yes, I'm so appreciative of all that you guys do and personally how I've been affected by what you do. Quan: How have you been inspired by some of the CNN Heroes that you've met? Lake: They're amazing. The fact that they do so much in their own lives, it's like they're so separate but so organically similar. There are so many parallels about these remarkable people that give so much of themselves to help others for very little fanfare. That's what I love about this event. It gives this, you know, just due recognition, knowing firsthand what Marie did pre-CNN Heroes acknowledgment, and post. She's been able to build a secondary school. Now they have a school bus. Now her goal is to change the curriculum of AIDS education in all of Africa. It feels like none of that would have been possible without the exposure that CNN Heroes has given her. Quan: Why do you think celebrities like you keep coming back to help us out, year after year? Lake: I think we're all inspired. We're all just regular people and want to do our part. I want to be close to what you guys are doing, I want to do more. I can't wait to see who's being honored this year. I look forward to that night and just being a part of it. Being there live, it's in your blood, you know? You just feel like you're walking on air to meet these people. Quan: Why do you think we need to honor everyday heroes? Lake: We all could use a little inspiring. To see what our neighbor is doing to help others, I think, makes us do better and be better. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel like you're doing something worthwhile. We all can do a lot more than we're doing.

Marie Da Silva, a top 10 CNN Hero in 2008, was once a nanny for actress Ricki Lake . Da Silva funds a school for AIDS orphans in her native country of Malawi . Lake has a personal connection to the disease; her grandfather died of AIDS in the '80s .

United Nations (CNN) -- The U.N. Security Council will take up a draft resolution that would establish an interim peacekeeping force for the disputed border region of Abyei, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told reporters Thursday. The draft resolution calls for the deployment of 4,200 Ethiopian National Defense Force peacekeepers to the region. "We are looking forward to discussions with council members in order to swiftly adopt a resolution authorizing this new interim security force for Abyei so that the agreement that both parties have reached, which is obviously urgent and fragile, can be implemented immediately and effectively," Rice told reporters after the Security Council met in closed session. The purpose of the interim security agreement is to allow for the withdrawal of forces from Abyei, she said. "At this stage that means the forces of the government of Sudan, which are now occupying Abyei, and that that area would become demilitarized and administered in a joint fashion and that would persist pending resolution of the critical underlying issues." Time for action over Sudan? The Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement signed an agreement Monday that allows U.N. peacekeepers in Abyei. The two sides agreed in principle on the need for a third party to monitor the ill-defined border between north and south before the scheduled July 9 independence for the south. Thursday's announcement came a day after U.S. President Barack Obama applauded the signing of the agreement, the latest effort to quell the violence in Sudan that has forced tens of thousands of people from their homes. "I commend the parties for taking this step forward toward peace, and I urge them now to build on that progress and agree to an immediate cease-fire in Southern Kordofan," the White House said in a statement. Southern Kordofan is the oil-rich northern border state where fighting has also erupted between government troops and forces loyal to the south. Rice said she was concerned about the humanitarian situation in Southern Kordofan. "We are deeply concerned about attacks on and threats to and intimidation of U.N. personnel, obstructions to freedom of movement and access for humanitarian goods, allegations and indeed verified reports of aerial bombardment and other attacks against civilian personnel," she said. "With a cease-fire in Southern Kordofan, alongside the agreement to deploy peacekeepers to Abyei, we can get the peace process back on track," she said. "But without these actions, the road map for better relations with the government of Sudan cannot be carried forward, which will only deepen Sudan's isolation in the international community." The people from the Nuba Mountains in Southern Kordofan are northerners but they aligned with the south's rebel movement during Sudan's decades-long civil war. They are viewed as a threat by Khartoum because Southern Kordofan will remain part of the north after independence. "The treatment of civilians in South Kordofan, including the reported human rights abuses and targeting of people along ethnic lines, is reprehensible," said Valerie Amos, the United Nations undersecretary general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Between Abyei and Southern Kordofan, about 160,000 people have been displaced from their homes, the United Nations has said. Southern Sudan voted for independence in a January referendum that was largely peaceful. But with its separation pending, tensions have heightened to what they were like during the civil war days and there has been little cause for celebration over the birth of a nation. The U.S. State Department issued a warning Wednesday, urging U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the border areas -- including Abyei and Southern Kordofan -- as well as to the Darfur region of Sudan.

Draft resolution would establish an interim peacekeeping force for Abyei . It calls for deployment of 4,200 peacekeepers to the region . Agreement's purpose is to allow for troop withdrawal from Abyei, ambassador says .

(CNN) -- Gold mining might have become a booming industry in resource-rich Ghana, raking in billions of dollars every year, but that wealth has failed to trickle down to many of the country's rural poor who live on the land where the gold is mined from. "Mining goes with a lot of myths, like it creates jobs, it brings development, it makes people's lives better," says Ghanaian activist and founder of the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM), Daniel Owusu-Koranteng. "That is the first deception: that you are sitting on gold and somebody is going to mine it. You cannot imagine for once the person can take the gold away and leave you in a bad state," he adds. Owusu-Koranteng has dedicated his life to championing the rights of Ghana's poor and helping communities that are adversely affected by large scale mining activity. He launched WACAM in 1998 and since then has been traveling to rural areas across the country to help the residents negotiate with the large multinationals who mine the land on which they live. Can Africa break its 'resource curse'? The mining advocacy NGO works to help farmers obtain better compensation packages and raise awareness about the dangers to the environment. At the same time, it wants multinational companies to contribute to the sustainable development of the communities affected. "It's a bad case because they are farmers and they're dependent on the farm lands for survival, so many of them are without regular source of income now," says Owusu-Koranteng. The West African country is the continent's second largest producer of gold after South Africa. Its gold exports totaled $2.25 billion in 2008, up from $1.3 billion in the previous year, according to U.N. stats. Former Ghana president: Fight poverty with wealth creation, not charity . The majority of the world's big gold mining companies are already operating in Ghana, with the precious commodity being the country's main foreign exchange earner, along with cocoa. All this growth creates opportunities for both exploration and investment but also brings change to the largely rural, agrarian population. "We also have a situation where our lands are taken over by mining," says Owusu-Koranteng. "They (the farmers) lost their jobs, their lands were gone, the river is polluted and the skills they had could not fit into the skills of the mining." A tireless activist, Owusu Koranteng spends a lot of time on the road, joined by his wife Hannah who is also committed to the cause. Together, they visit mining communities on a regular basis, offering education, training and legal support to the people at risk. "When I go to the communities and they say they are hungry, I know what it is," says Owusu-Koranteng. "When people have land and it's been taken away and they're not going to have anything to eat, I understand it," he adds. Through his organization, Owusu-Koranteng is trying to educate and energize communities and their leaders to understand that they are all responsible for what they leave behind. "We are a small group of thoughtful, committed people who want to change the world, who want to make a change, who want to make a difference. We think that once we have the truth with us, one day, this country will learn that we need to manage our resources well for generations yet to come and that we shouldn't become a selfish generation," he says. "The gold and the earth does not belong to this generation -- it belongs to the generations yet to come. That is what we should understand and we cannot mess it up," he adds. Teo Kermeliotis contributed to this report.

Daniel Owusu-Koranteng is founder of a mining advocacy group WACAM . The group offers education, training and legal support to people affected by large scale mining . Ghana is Africa's second largest producer of gold after South Africa .

(CNN) -- The attorney for Ohio State University's fired marching band director contends the university report that led to Jonathan Waters' firing was "deeply flawed." Waters, a former assistant band director and former sousaphone player in the marching band in the 1990s, was fired last week after a university investigation concluded he "knew or reasonably should have known about sexual harassment that created a hostile environment." "The report is deeply flawed. Out of 225 band members, over an eight-week period, Ohio State University managed to interview exactly four, including the person who made the complaint, and three people to whom she referred the university," Waters attorney David F. Axelrod said on Monday. Axeldrod added that of the thousands of local OSU alumni, the university interviewed just five during its two-month investigation. "With that sort of a skewed sample, the report does not accurately portray anything and cannot be relied on for the facts." The report, released last Wednesday, described longtime traditions in the band like sexually explicit nicknames and something called the "midnight ramp," in which band members entered the stadium through a ramp wearing only their underwear. The report alleged staff members, including Waters, were present for the annual event. Axelrod denied this allegation during an interview with CNN on Monday. "They did not march on the field in their underwear. That's something, even in that area, the report couldn't get it right," he said. Axelrod says the so-called "midnight ramp" was not a mandatory event but a "welcoming practice." He described an e-mail he received from a former band member. "No one who didn't want to participate had to participate. If you didn't want to march in your underwear, you didn't have to," the attorney said in detailing the e-mail. He went on to say the woman who sent him the e-mail "wore a tank top and gym shorts when she marched in it." "I've gotten e-mail after e-mail from former band members saying exactly the same thing," Axelrod said.. An audio recording, purportedly of Waters yelling and cursing at a band member, surfaced on Sunday. On the tape released by Ohio State University, the fired band director is heard shouting at a member who contradicted him during practice. "You ever do that again after we've given you a direct g*****n order, and you're done. Do you understand?" Axelrod conceded Monday that Waters knew about some of the band's bad behavior, but he said Waters did "everything he possibly could to end it." "You know he experienced inappropriate behavior as a rookie band member himself. He was deeply affected by it and that's why as band director he did everything he could to stop anything inappropriate," the attorney said. But the university didn't think Waters did enough in the 21 months he led the marching band, first as interim director, then as band director. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our students," OSU President Michael Drake said. "We expect every member of our community to live up to a common standard of decency and mutual respect and to adhere to university policies." The university has appointed former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery to lead an independent task force to further investigate the situation and ensure steps are taken to change the band culture, Drake said. The Ohio State University marching band is considered one of the best college marching bands in the country. The band calls itself "the best damn band in the land." It shot to fame with an amazing halftime show tribute to Michael Jackson in 2013 that has garnered millions of YouTube views. CNN's John Berman and Lorenzo Ferrigno contributed to this report.

Attorney: OSU report on marching band "sexualized" culture is "deeply flawed" OSU releases audio recording purportedly of Jonathan Waters yelling at a band member . Attorney David Axelrod says Waters tried to address "inappropriate behavior"

LONDON, England (CNN) -- In a tough job market, MBA graduates seeking top-tier jobs are turning to a career networking site created by and catering to young professionals. Doostang gets its name from the Latin for "reaching for talent." Doostang is an online community that seeks to match the brightest new grads with what it says are the crème de la crème of positions in finance, consulting and tech. Exclusivity is the cornerstone of this network, which connects graduates from elite schools with top employers. The site offers its members access to selective jobs that are not really available on the open market, according to founder Mareza Larizadeh. It's able to do that because recruiting managers are drawn by the caliber of its members, which includes students from the top business schools, he says. Schools like The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University's Fuqua School of Business have formed partnerships with Doostang that enable their students to access the network's premium job listings for free. "Our goal is to get great jobs in front of relevant people and relevant candidates in front of hiring managers," Larizadeh tells CNN. Larizadeh never intended to launch a career start-up. He was completing his MBA at Stanford University in 2005 when he got the idea for Doostang, which is a modified version of "reaching for talent" in Latin. Classmates were exchanging emails about career advice, and "I thought, why don't we give this some structure?" he recalls. Four years and a round of venture capital funding later, what started as a hobby designed to help friends share career information has turned into a network with approximately 600,000 members. Larizadeh estimates that roughly a dozen of the top 20 MBA programs have signed partnership deals with Doostang. While mostly U.S. focused, Doostang is also becoming more international and recently sealed a deal to provide job opportunities to INSEAD. In an age where social networking sites abound, Doostang sets itself apart by taking closely knit relationships developed offline in B-school and leveraging them online to make a better job searching experience, Larizadeh says. A member applying for a job at McKinsey, for instance, is able to connect with members of his or her Doostang network that may have a McKinsey link to gain an insider's perspective. Larizadeh believes it isn't just the quality of people and jobs that distinguishes Doostang from other careers sites like LinkedIn and executive search service The Ladders. Doostang is also distinctive in that it caters specifically to students in their 20s and 30s with most of the positions advertised geared towards people at the beginning or middle of their careers. Employers advertising positions on the site range from white shoe firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to Silicon Valley titans Google and Facebook. Users initially had to be invited to join the network, but now Doostang is open to everyone. Members, however, have to pay for access to the most exclusive job postings. This helps keep the membership selective, Larizadeh said. Generally, people won't pay for membership if they aren't qualified for the jobs being advertised, he explained. The fee for premium services, which gives access to the more exclusive job postings, ranges from $25 to $40 a month. The site, which has always featured jobs at hedge funds, private equity firms and investment banks prominently, experienced a surge when the financial crisis kicked off last fall. "Even though the economy is not as bad as it used to be, we are still seeing a good uptake. Our traffic is still going strong," Larizadeh says.

Doostang is a career networking site geared towards 20 and 30-somethings . Since it was founded in 2005, its membership has grown to 600,000 . Business schools like Wharton and INSEAD have partnered with Doostang .

Washington (CNN) -- For months now, the GOP has been complaining about Barack Obama's class warfare: He's pitting the wealthy against the middle class. He's unfairly asking the rich to pay more taxes. He's dividing the country along economic lines for his own political agenda. But wait. Has anybody looked at what's going on in the GOP lately? Can it be that class warfare is alive and thriving among Republicans? Sure looks that way. How else to explain Rick Santorum calling the president a "snob" for emphasizing the importance of a college education? And when Santorum says that John F. Kennedy's speech about the absolute separation between church and state made him want to "throw up," he's not exactly aiming for the academic theologians. In the meantime, Mitt Romney -- that establishment fellow -- is out there on the trail talking about his wife driving "a couple" of Cadillacs. Not to mention the fact that he knows the owners, not the drivers, of NASCAR teams. Contrast that to Santorum's venture into the Daytona 500: His campaign is sponsoring a car, not hobnobbing with team owners. Looks like the GOP is driving around some circular tracks of its own, wouldn't you say? In many ways, this detour into class distinctions isn't surprising; it's actually been percolating for years. Remember when Republicans first spoke about the "Sam's Club" members of their party -- that is, their working-class, socially conservative demographic? They were onto something. In fact, the less-educated, white voters have been shifting toward the GOP for some time -- and have given the party much of its grass-roots energy. So in scurries Rick Santorum, trying to differentiate himself from Romney and fill the populist void. As it turns out, it's pretty easy: He's the guy from blue-collar Pennsylvania, the grandson of a coal miner. And Romney is a member of the business elite, a platinum card-carrying member of the GOP establishment, son of a scion of the party. Better yet, Romney keeps reminding voters (inadvertently) that he's not like them, each time he tries to connect with the Average Joe. "It may be important for a voter to be able to relate to a president," a senior Santorum adviser told me. "But it's more important for a president to be able to relate to that voter." So Santorum is trying to relate to every anti-Romney voter. In Michigan, for instance, evangelicals could account for as much as half of the GOP primary electorate. And Santorum figures he's getting them pretty well locked up with his church-and-state talk. As for those who self-identify as strongly conservative, he figures he's handing them red meat with his chatter about Barack Obama's snobbery -- and Romney's flip-flopping on conservative issues. "We have a long and storied track record of fighting for conservative causes compared to the other candidate who is running here in Michigan at the top of the polls," said Santorum. "We have a clear difference between someone who has fought in the trenches of the country for conservative causes." Santorum's attacks on Romney just expose the huge chasm within the GOP between the old elite and the new insurgents. And no matter who becomes the nominee, one faction will be disappointed, and disaffected. The question that remains: whether their dislike of Obama can bring the unity that has so far eluded them. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Gloria Borger.

Gloria Borger says now it's the Republicans who are playing class warfare . She notes that the GOP criticized President Obama for "class warfare" on taxes . Rick Santorum is trying to make the case that he represents middle class, she says . Borger: Santorum trying to differentiate himself from Romney, who is much richer .

Washington (CNN) -- After appearing briefly on the Obama administration's short-list to run the Pentagon, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson now has to survive a congressional grilling on the president's new immigration policy. Testifying before the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, Johnson said he is "fully comfortable" that President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration reform is within the President's legal authority. Johnson helped draft the President's plan to shield up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation and will make undocumented criminals a priority for deportation. "Many of these individuals have committed no crimes and are not enforcement priorities. It is time that we acknowledge this as a matter of official policy and encourage eligible individuals to come out of the shadows, submit to criminal and national security background checks, and be held accountable," Johnson told the committee. Republicans on the committee, starting with Chairman Mike McCaul, questioned the authority and timing of Obama's executive action on immigration and the impact of Obama's action on illegal immigration. "The President's unilateral actions to bypass Congress on Nov. 20 undermine the Constitution and threaten our democracy," McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement before the hearing. McCaul questioned the timing of Obama's decision to act on immigration reform, which came after the midterm elections, calling it "more of a political decision than a policy decision." Johnson would not comment on Obama's statements before he decided to use his executive authority on immigration, when Obama suggested he may not have the authority to act unilaterally to reform the immigration system. Instead, Johnson stressed that administration officials "spent months" with lawyers to ensure all executive actions on immigration are legal and said the White House was repeatedly urged by members of Congress to hold off on executive action for months. And the incoming chair of the House's top oversight committee Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz hit Johnson with a "gotcha" question during his speaking time. Johnson found himself at odds with a statement Obama made just last week during an immigration speech while responding to hecklers . "What do you say to someone who believes the President took action to change the law?" Chaffetz said. "We did not change the law," Johnson replied before Chaffetz played the clip of Obama at the event last week, saying: "What you're not paying attention to is I just took an action to change the law." "So you say he didn't change the law, but the President says he changed the law," Chaffetz said. "Somebody plays me an eight-word excerpt from a broader speech, I know it to be suspicious," Johnson retorted to laughter. Johnson rejected Rep. Lamar Smith's claims that Obama's immigration action would lead to a surge in illegal immigration, insisting that the order will prioritize recent illegal migrants. "Recent arrivals are priorities for removal," Johnson said. "Wherever I go I intend to highlight the fact that these new reforms prioritize recent illegal entrance." The Obama administration had placed Johnson on a short-list to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. But an official said Tuesday that Johnson is no longer in contention for the job. Johnson stressed that he wants to work with Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, but another Republican Rep. Jeff Duncan said the issue is "a lack of trust of the American people in the administration to enforce the laws." "Why would you pass another law when the administration fails to enforce the current laws that are on the books. Why pass another one that's not going to be enforced either?" Duncan said. "I think congress can pass a bill when the American people start regaining trust in the administration to actually to their job and enforce the laws that are already on the books." Johnson pushed back and pinned the lack of a comprehensive bill on Congressional inaction. "The President has said that would be his preference. The problem is we have no partner in Congress," Johnson said.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson testified on Capitol Hill on Tuesday . He was there to explain and defend President Barack Obama's immigration action plan . Republicans grilled Johnson on what they see as contradictions on what the plan means .

(CNN) -- It was not the present cricket fans would have asked for when they woke up bleary eyed on Christmas morning. Jacques Kallis, arguably the greatest all-rounder in the history of the game, has announced he will retire from Test match cricket following the second Test against India which begins on December 26. Kallis, 38, made the announcement in a statement Wednesday following a career which has spanned 18 years and 165 Test matches. "It has been an honor and a privilege to have been part of the South African Test team since making my debut 18 years ago," he said. "I have enjoyed every moment out in the middle but I just feel that the time is right to hang up my Test whites. "It wasn't an easy decision to come to, especially with Australia around the corner and the success this team is enjoying, but I feel that I have made my contribution in this format." Kallis made his debut against England as a 20-year-old in December 1995 and has scored 13,174 runs at an average of 55.12, with 44 centuries and 58 half-centuries. He sits fourth on the list of leading run scorers behind the recently retired Sachin Tendulkar, Australia's Ricky Ponting and India's Rahul Dravid. Kallis, whose bowling was also a crucial part of his role in the South Africa team, gained him 292 wickets while he also held on to 199 catches. He will remain available for limited overs cricket and could feature in the Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh in March. Kallis hade made 11,574 runs in 325 one-day internationals and providing he remains fit, should be on course to play a key role in Australia and New Zealand at the 50-over World Cup in 2015. "The last two years specifically have been a memorable journey with an exceptional group of cricketers," Kallis said. "I am fortunate enough to have ended my Test career amongst a group of talented cricketers but more importantly, friends whom I will cherish for years to come. "I don't see it as goodbye because I still have a lot of hunger to push South Africa to that World Cup in 2015 if I am fit and performing. "Winning an IPL title with the Kolkata Knight Riders was a special achievement, and I am still determined to taste that success with South Africa at an ICC event." Kallis has been an integral part of the Proteas side which has risen to World No.1 in the Test match rankings. Under captain Graeme Smith, he has been one of the outstanding players alongside fast bowler Dale Steyn, batsman Hashim Amla and the talented AB de Villiers. He was named as the International Cricket Council's Player of the Year in 2005 along with England's Andrew Flintoff as well as being named Test match Player of the Year following an incredible season where he scored five centuries in consecutive matches. Team coach, Russell Domingo, says South Africa may never see a player like Kallis ever again. "The impact Jacques has made on South African cricket has been immense, not just as a player but as a human being," he said. "I'm not sure we will ever see another player of that stature very soon. "Jacques calmness, maturity and presence in the change room will sorely be missed and hopefully he will still be able to play a role in this team's success in the near future. "He has ambitions of playing in the 2015 World Cup and it will be important for us to manage him accordingly so that he is in prime form leading into the tournament."

Jacques Kallis to retire from Test match cricket . The 38-year-old remains available for limited overs cricket . Made debut as a 20-year-old against England in 1995 . Is the fourth highest run-scorer in history of Test match cricket .

(CNN) -- Not your typical Valentine's Day release, "Die Hard"'s fifth is Hollywood's counterpunch to chocolates, roses and romance. It's an anti-date movie. Well, unless your date is also your dad. Bruce Willis has been playing John McClane, off and on, for a quarter century now, and while he shows no inclination of throwing in the towel, it's hard to see much future for the geriatric action film he and his former Planet Hollywood cronies are peddling these days with "The Expendables." "A Good Day to Die Hard" is a more lavish demolition derby than "Bullet to the Head" or "The Last Stand," but it's also more slavish in its adherence to a formula that's all but spent. No one's heart seems to be in it, they're just going through the motions. Why 'Die Hard' is the perfect Valentine's Day movie for guys . A New York cop who scarcely seems to spend any time in the Big Apple, McClane heads out to Moscow to bail out a deadbeat son, Jack, who I don't recall featuring in the earlier movies. Jai Courtney, from "Jack Reacher" and "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," is what they call "fresh meat" and a more conventional action hero than Justin Long was in McClane's last escapade. But on this evidence McClane junior hasn't inherited any of his father's charisma or wry wit. Mostly he just looks put out, understandable as screenwriter Skip Woods makes sure senior always has the last word. Not that any of Willis' wisecracks are anything to write home about. That trademark smirk is stretched pretty thin. It's only after Jack has bust out of his trial, dragging a political prisoner with him (Sebastian Koch) that John finds out his boy is with the CIA. By then the extraction is blown, and father and son have a rogue militia wing tearing up the streets gunning for them. This is male bonding with a capital "B," but comparisons with the reinvigorated 007 series only show how far behind "Die Hard" has fallen. A lengthy chase on the Moscow ring road throws entire fleets of Russian commuters under the proverbial bus, but still feels like an inferior copy of a similar sequence in "Skyfall," while director John Moore ("Max Payne") defaults to the ADD editing style that's only good for disguising how thinly-imagined this show really is. Even a climactic showdown in Chernobyl, a potentially fascinating location for any movie, proves a damp squib. Moore gives us an abandoned industrial plant at night, and any radiation barely even registers as a factor (the McClanes don't need hazmat suits; they're indestructible). If there's something crassly opportunistic about exploiting a real life disaster on the scale of Chernobyl for cheap thrills, that's part and parcel of the film's cynicism. There's always been an undercurrent of xenophobia in the "Die Hard" series, but this movie's crude insistence on a corrupt, morally bankrupt Russia betrays simple-minded nostalgia for those Cold War days when the Berlin Wall demarcated good and evil. Do I ask too much from an action film? If so it's only because I haven't forgotten how good the first "Die Hard" was (and still is). The producers keep throwing more money at the franchise, but in this case more is less. Less attention to character, coherence and suspense, the very qualities that made "Die Hard" stand out in the first place. "A Good Day to Die Hard"? A good time to call it a day.

Bruce Willis is back for the latest installment in the "Die Hard" franchise . The film finds his character traveling to Moscow to find his son . Critic says it may be time to call it a day .

(CNN) -- Russia lashed out Friday against the latest round of sanctions over its involvement in Ukraine, accusing the United States of once again escalating the crisis -- undermining the chances for peace there as well as the greater quest for "global stability." This followed U.S. President Barack Obama's announcement Thursday that, in coordination with the European Union, "we will intensify our coordinated sanctions on Russia in response to its illegal actions in Ukraine." The United States and its allies, chief among them Ukraine's Kiev-based government, accuse Russia of implicitly and explicitly supporting separatists claiming territory and battling the Ukrainian military in the European nation's east and south. Moscow has voiced moral support for the rebels but denied any direct involvement, including countering NATO and others' claims that its forces have entered Ukraine and fired on Ukraine's military. Russia's foreign ministry issued a statement Friday responding to the latest sanctions, which it called "the latest hostile step on the confrontational course of the American administration." The ministry claimed Washington "is focusing on an escalation of the Ukrainian conflict" rather than a peaceful resolution. Levying sanctions against Moscow is counterproductive, the Russian government added, claiming they hurt American businesses and compromise international goodwill to address common issues like terrorism and drug trafficking. And sanctions won't spur Russia to change its policy, according to the foreign ministry. "We are not going to act in order to please the United States' geopolitical ambitions and the calculations of those overseas politicians who are trying to use a 'manageable Ukraine' to restrain Russia," the ministry said. The foreign ministry didn't respond back with counter-sanctions against Washington, which it characterized as "a last-ditch measure." Instead, it said it is "leaving the door open to constructive and honest bilateral cooperation, including working together to tackle the Ukrainian crisis if the U.S. administration is willing." "Washington needs to recognize: only respect for each other's interest can help us find a solution to the Ukrainian crisis that suits everyone," the Russian ministry said. New sanctions despite ceasefire . For months, Russia and the West have been at odds over Ukraine -- which continues to simmer with tension, despite a fragile, recently agreed-upon ceasefire. U.S. officials and their allies have not dispatched troops into Ukraine to help their allies there; in fact, Obama has ruled out such direct intervention. Instead, they have tried to press the issue diplomatically and through sanctions targeting Russian citizens, officials and industries. Their rationale is to compel the Kremlin to stop fueling, in their view, the crisis in Ukraine. That's even after Russian President Vladimir Putin played a role in brokering a ceasefire signed Friday after talks in Minsk, Belarus, between representatives of Ukraine, the rebels and Russia. Speaking about the new sanctions, Obama said Thursday, "We are implementing these new measures in light of Russia's actions to further destabilize Ukraine over the last month, including through the presence of heavily armed Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. "We are watching closely developments since the announcement of the ceasefire and agreement in Minsk, but we have yet to see conclusive evidence that Russia has ceased its efforts to destabilize Ukraine." A NATO military officer said Thursday that Russia has about 1,000 troops inside eastern Ukraine, down from a significantly higher number in recent weeks. NATO also sees 20,000 more Russian troops aligned along the border, according to the NATO office, who was not named according to standard practice in the organization. CNN's Laura Smith-Spark, Carol Jordan and Andrew Carey contributed to this report.

Russia's foreign ministry accuses the U.S. of again escalating the crisis in Ukraine . This comes after new sanctions were levied against Russia for its actions in Ukraine . Russia's ministry says it won't act to suit U.S. interests; urges mutual respect . The U.S. accuses Russia of aiding rebels in eastern Ukraine; Moscow denies this .

(CNN) -- US Airways Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles were reunited in the cockpit Thursday for the first time since Sullenberger safely landed a disabled passenger plane in the Hudson River in January. Thursday's flight was Chesley Sullenberger's first in his new role as an active management pilot for US Airways. "It was great to fly with Jeff again. Being back in the cockpit felt very familiar. It was like coming home," Sullenberger said of the flight from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina. "Even though several months had past since I've flown, it would seem like I had never left." It was the first time Sullenberger had flown the New York to Charlotte route since the water on landing on January 15. A bird strike in the engines forced Flight 1549 to make an emergency landing in the icy waters between New York and New Jersey. The landing made heroes of Sullenberger and the flight's crew, who managed to lead passengers to safety with only a few minor injuries. Watch Sullenberger talk about the flight » . Sullenberger has been honored with numerous awards, appeared on the "Late Show With David Letterman," spoke before a joint session of Congress and even went to the Super Bowl. Sullenberger said that, after the incident, he wanted to be reunited in the cockpit with Skiles and complete the flight. Cheers filled the cabin when Sullenberger introduced himself, adding he had "learned to wait" for applause to die down before giving preflight announcements. Four passengers from Flight 1549 returned for Thursday's trip, putting their lives once again in the hands of the man they affectionately call "Sully." Christie Spears, who survived the "miracle on the Hudson," reserved the same seat for today's trip. "What better flight to be on? What better captain to fly with? I wouldn't choose any other one," she said. Barry Leonard, a regular commuter on the New York-Charlotte route, said the flight was a healing process for him. Other passengers said they felt like they were taking part in a historic event. With "Sully" at the controls, Pat Martinez said she felt like she won the lottery. "It was a smooth, calm flight -- just what you would expect from Sully." Thursday's flight also was Sullenberger's first in his new role as an active management pilot for US Airways. In addition to his flying duties, Sullenberger will join the airline's flight operations safety management team, which helps airlines assess potential risks and act to mitigate them, US Airways said. Both men took time off before returning to the cockpit, US Airways said, during which they completed requalification training. Skiles returned to work in April, US Airways said. Since then, he has flown more than 60 flights. Sullenberger completed his training September 11, and since the crash, he has flown two flights between Charlotte and Atlanta. Sullenberger said he plans to step back from his flying duties while he goes on a book tour in two weeks and starts teach other pilots at the flight training school. Skiles said that even after eight months away from the controls, Sullenberger did everything perfectly, even reaching over to his radio to change the frequency. Sullenberger said the clear skies and nice weather made Thursday's flight go smoothly. "It was a beautiful day to fly," he said. "This flight today was a lot longer than that one in January, and I was able to give [CEO Doug Parker] back his airplane without getting it wet first." CNN's Adam Reiss contributed to this report.

NEW: Four passengers from ill-fated flight in January make trip on same route . NEW: Passenger reserves same seat she had on Flight 1549 for Thursday's flight . Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles reunite in cockpit . Sullenberger: "Being back in the cockpit felt very familiar. It was like coming home"

(CNN) -- What is happening in Tunisia? Following a month of largely leaderless popular protests against the government, Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country on Friday. Fouad Mebazaa, the speaker of parliament, was sworn in the following day as interim president, and new elections are due within 60 days. . What were the protests about? They were sparked by the suicide of an unemployed college graduate in December. The man set himself on fire in front of a government building in the town of Sidi Bouzid after police confiscated his fruit cart, saying he was selling without a permit, according to Amnesty International. He died January 4 from his injuries. The event tore the lid off what appears to have been long-simmering fury at Ben Ali and his associates. Tunisians accuse the ruling circle of rampant corruption and nepotism. Recent diplomatic cables from the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia obtained by WikiLeaks revealed growing disquiet with the government -- especially over nepotism. Why does Tunisia matter? It could be the canary in a coal mine, since it's far from the only Arab nation with a long-time president and a young, underemployed population. Riots broke out in neighboring Algeria after weeks of demonstrations in Tunisia, and Egypt, Libya and Yemen will certainly be watching closely to see what happens in Tunis. Libya's Moammar Gadhafi said he was "sad and hurt" after Ben Ali fled Tunisia, warning that the country was heading for "more unjustified chaos. "It used to be a safe, secure and friendly nation. Development was going on, with job opportunities, work training, education. And suddenly, one day people destroy their own houses," Gadhafi said in a nationally televised speech. With a population of just over 10 million, Tunisia is not one of the major players in the region. It's not an oil exporter, does not have disputes with its neighbors, and is relatively prosperous and liberal for north Africa. So if popular protest can topple a president there, the region's autocrats must assume they need to be on their guard. How violent have the protests been? At least 21 people died in protests before Ben Ali fled, according to the government. Local unions put the figure at more than 50. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, citing reports, said the protests had been peaceful and that security forces used excessive force. Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi on Thursday declined to answer a CNN question about whether live ammunition or snipers were used against demonstrators, saying those matters will be part of an investigation into the conduct of the security forces. . Does this mean Tunisia is becoming a fully-fledged democracy? It's too soon to say. The protests have been dubbed the "Jasmine Revolution," but CNN's Ben Wedeman in Tunis, the capital, says the military has moved quickly to fill the power void. Curfews are in place and tanks and armored personnel carriers were on the streets of the capital's main streets. . Are events like this unusual in Tunisia? They're very unusual, not only in Tunisia but across the Middle East. Ben Ali was only the second president of Tunisia since it gained independence from France in 1956. His predecessor, President Habib Bourguiba, ruled for more than 20 years until he was succeeded by Ben Ali -- then the prime minister -- in 1987. Ben Ali claimed victory in five successive presidential elections since then, most recently officially taking nearly 90% of the vote in November 2009. .

The country's longtime president fled on Friday . Popular protests toppled him after a month . He'd been in power since 1987 . Other long-serving leaders in the region will be paying close attention to Tunisia .

(CNN) -- An eclectic group of engineers, designers, artists, parents and lactation consultants came together at MIT over the weekend to improve a necessary, unpopular device: the breast pump. "They are loud, they are painful, they are very expensive, they can cause pain and tissue damage, and they are weird," said Alexandra Metral, a research affiliate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and mother of three. Together with a group of other MIT Media Lab researchers and students, Metral helped host a "Make The Breast Pump Not Suck" hackathon in Boston. The 120 participants broke into 18 teams. They tinkered with old pumps and materials, consulted with volunteer experts and low-income working moms and came up with prototypes for what they hope will be the next generation of breast pumps. The winning team designed a pump for people who aren't able to take breaks to pump breast milk. Pumping while working means stopping all activity and heading to a secluded room for half an hour, multiple times a day. That loss of productivity is bad for employers and employees, and it can be difficult to do with active jobs such as nursing. The Mighty Mom utility belt turned a pump into a hands-free portable device that is worn discreetly under clothes and can work while the wearer goes about her regular routine. Many of the teams saw potential in wearable sensors and data. The PumpIO design used a smartphone and sensors to log data such as pumping times and amounts. A mother could share the information with her doctor, a lactation support consultant or a larger community of other pumping mothers to troubleshoot any issues. A handful of teams focused on mimicking the natural feel of breastfeeding a baby instead of the vacuum technology used by current pumps. A hands-free compression bra used small bladders that fill up to massage and compress the breast, drawing the milk out. Another used technology similar to blood pressure cuffs. A soft baby sling with little ears on it doubles as a holder for a pump, mimicking the feel, look and weight of carrying a child. The technology already exists to fix many of the biggest issues with breast pump technology, such as loud motors and bulky, weak batteries. "There really is low-hanging fruit here," said Metral. To make the leap from cool idea to actual product, the hackathon teams need to attract funding or the interest of a major pump manufacturer. Luckily, the event drew executives from major maternal health companies, including Medela and Ameda. And the winning team gets to pitch its idea to Silicon Valley investors. The group started as an idea for an art project: to make a wonderful breast pump that everyone wanted to wear. Then Catherine D'Ignazio, Metral and Alexis Hope realized the idea wasn't so crazy after all. Spurred on by a piece in The New York Times' Motherlode blog, they got a Hack the Breast Pump group together and decided to do something about it. The first "Make the Breast Pump Not Suck" hackathon took place in May and included about 20 people. The response was huge. Over 1,000 people wrote in with their own problems, ideas and fixes on the group's Facebook page. Some had specific issues, such as breast cancer survivors who wanted to breastfeed. Parents also shared their own fixes and solutions. As it turns out, moms have been hacking their own pumps for ages. Some knit cozies to muffle the loud noise the pump makes, others have created custom flanges to fit their unique shapes. Instead of just encouraging manufacturers to improve their designs, the Hack the Breast Pump group is making some hacks publicly available. They'll publish 3D files online so anyone with access to a 3D printer can print custom accessories and parts that work with existing pumps.

120 people participated in a "Make the Breast Pump Not Suck" hackathon at MIT . The engineers, designers and parents created new takes on the breast pump . The winner was a pump on a utility belt that could be worn under clothes .

(CNN) -- Sri Lanka's quarter-century-long civil war is in its final phase, the government suggested Friday, as its troops pounded Tamil Tiger rebels in the country's north. This picture, released by the Sri Lankan defense ministry, is said to be of a dead Tamil Tiger body captured after fighting on May 14, 2009. The rebels -- formally known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) -- have fought for an independent state in Sri Lanka since 1983. As many as 70,000 people have been killed since the civil war began. President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the end of the current military push, which is often referred to as a civilian rescue mission, is less than 48 hours away. He spoke from Jordan on Friday, where he's attending an economic summit. "The Tamil civilians held hostage by the LTTE in small area of land in the north would be rescued, and the Tamils would be saved from the threat of LTTE terrorism," Rajapaksa said. In a rapid military push, Sri Lankan forces have squeezed Tamil Tiger fighters into approximately 1.5 square miles (four square kilometers) of coastal land. The United Nations estimates that more than 50,000 civilians are trapped there. CNN's Paula Newton reports on the plight of trapped civilians » . The chunk of land, known as the no-fire zone or civilian safety area, was under siege by government forces Friday, according to Tamilnet.com, a rebel Web site. "The entire safety zone area is in smoke ... as shelling by the Sri Lanka army was destroying all the structures within a narrow strip of coastal land, which is densely populated with tens of thousands of people," Tamilnet said. Humanitarian aid groups have reported mass civilian casualties in the fighting. "The government is moving forward in extremely difficult circumstances. After all, the ... Tamil Tigers are seeded amidst the middle of all these civilians. It's very difficult to weed out and identify who is a fighter and who is not," said Gordon Weiss, a U.N. spokesman. "It makes it very very dangerous for civilians, and it explains the very large toll on civilian life that we've seen at this point." Weiss called the fighting a "bloodbath" at the beginning of the week. The situation had worsened by Friday, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. It suspended evacuation and medical rescue operations in the no-fire zone. Aid agencies had been stuck offshore, unable to deliver badly needed relief supplies and evacuate civilians. "Our staff are witnessing an unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe," said Pierre Krahenbuhl, the Red Cross' director of operations. "No humanitarian organization can help them in the current circumstances. People are left to their own devices." The U.N. Security Council and U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday called for both sides to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid into the conflict zone. Watch frustration build at the United Nations » . In a statement at the White House, Obama urged Sri Lankan government troops to halt the "indiscriminate" shelling of civilians trapped with the remnants of the country's Tamil Tigers. He also prodded the rebels to stop using civilians as human shields. Security Council members issued a statement demanding "that all parties respect their obligations under international humanitarian law." A Red Cross worker was killed Wednesday during shelling in the conflict zone in Sri Lanka -- the third aid worker killed in six weeks -- the Red Cross said.

Sri Lanka president says end of current military push less than 48 hours away . U.N. estimates more than 50,000 civilians trapped in area under siege . Red Cross: "Staff are witnessing an unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe" Tamil Tigers have fought for an independent state in Sri Lanka since 1983 .

(CNN) -- CBS' newest "How I Met Your Mother" episode was supposed to serve as the latest and greatest installment in the series' ongoing gag about soundly, if humorously, slapping around a good friend. Only thing is, some in the Asian-American community saw it as a slap in the face. The sitcom's Monday show generated buzz on social media, but not for the reasons its creators intended. Instead, some reacted angrily to the decision to recast lead character actors -- all of them white -- in yellowface and to dress them in stereotypical Asian attire. 'DWTS' cohorts defend Julianne Hough's blackface costume . "Yellowface? Orientalism? Fu Manchu? What?" tweeted one person, referencing the term "oriental" that many Asian-Americans find offensive. "Not okay @cbs." On Wednesday, the creators of "How I Met Your Mother," which is in its final season, acknowledged the controversy and that some people had been offended by the portrayals in the show. Carter Bays tweeted that the episode aimed to be a "silly and unabashedly immature homage to Kung Fu movies." But Bays added that some didn't see it as funny at all, and for that, "We're deeply sorry." "We try to make a show that's universal, that anyone can watch and enjoy," Bays said, in remarks seconded by the show's co-creator, Craig Thomas. "We fell short of that this week, and feel terrible about it." The episode was titled "Slapsgiving 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra," continuing a tradition on the series about solitary, powerful, ritual slaps among friends. This one starts with the main characters sitting in their favorite bar, with Marshall Eriksen (played by Jason Segel) explaining how he had sought out "special training" to deliver Barney Stinson (played by Neil Patrick Harris) an especially epic slap. Lawmaker apologizes for blackface costume . A kung fu master spurned his first attempt at instruction, explaining, "Kung fu is an ancient and honorable martial art. It must be learned with great devotion and respect." Then a young boy in the studio comes out of nowhere and tells Marshall how he can master "the slap of a million exploding suns." Despite Barney's disbelief, Marshall explains his yearlong journey to Shanghai and Cleveland getting schooled by three masters who teach him speed, strength and accuracy. Each of these masters are played not by Asian actors, but other actors on the series adorned in Asian garb, yellowface and, in one case, a Fu Manchu mustache. The episode climaxes 17 hours before the wedding of Barney, who receives a mighty slap that literally leaves him red in the face. Out of nowhere, the group Boyz II Men then comes out and signs about the "so awesome" slap. Some viewers reacted angrily to the episode the next day, including several who used the #HowIMetYourRacism hashtag. There were a number of people who rallied to the show's defense, saying people were overreacting. But others didn't think anything about the ordeal was funny, with some jabbing the program for its lack of minorities and playing up Asian stereotypes. "Incredibly easy for white people to say 'that wasn't racist,'" one person tweeted. "Not so easy for PoC" -- shorthand for people of color -- "to be marginalized their entire life." Halloween costume campaign spawns meme, fuels race debate .

A "How I Met Your Mother" episode recast 3 of its actors, all white, to be Asian . They are in yellowface, stereotypical Asian clothes, even a Fu Manchu . Some find the portrayal of Asians offensive, tweet to #HowIMetYourRacism . The show's creators apologize, with one saying he feels "terrible"

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Al Qaeda is the strongest it has been since the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, a new U.S. government analysis concludes, according to a senior government official who has seen it. A Pakistani soldier mans a bunker near the Afghan border in a tribal area of Pakistan. Despite a campaign of military action and counterterrorism operations, al Qaeda has regained its strength and found safe haven in the tribal areas of Pakistan, the report says, according to counterterrorism officials familiar with the report. The five-page intelligence analysis remains classified and was prepared for senior U.S. policymakers. It was not issued in response to a specific threat. Two intelligence officials said the report's finding are similar to what is expected to be in the National Intelligence Estimate anticipated to be released later this summer. The NIE is the intelligence community's collective analysis of pressing national security issues. The White House's view is that "over the past six years, we have prevented attacks from al Qaeda by taking the fight to them," a senior administration official said. "But they are an enemy that adapts." This new report backs up warnings by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and other officials that al Qaeda remains a serious threat and that the United States is vulnerable despite the numerous security changes made since September 11, 2001. Watch Chertoff explain his "gut feeling" » . Chertoff said Wednesday, however, that there is no "specific, credible information" that terrorist attacks on the United States are imminent. In a House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday, several senior intelligence officials talked about how the terrorist group has found refuge in parts of Pakistan. "We actually see the al Qaeda central being resurgent in their role in planning operations," John Kringen, head of the CIA's intelligence directorate, testified at the hearing Wednesday. "They seem to be fairly well settled into the safe haven in the ungoverned spaces of Pakistan there. We see more training. We see more money. We see more communications." Thomas Fingar, deputy director of national intelligence, told lawmakers that al Qaeda leaders hiding in Pakistan are able to maintain relationships "with affiliates throughout the Middle East, North and East Africa and Europe." In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said it was no surprise al Qaeda has been able to reorganize and rebuild "given President Bush's stubborn dedication to keeping our overextended military mired in an Iraqi civil war." "It is a travesty that Osama bin Laden remains at large nearly six years after the 9/11 attacks and appears to have found new sanctuary to operate freely in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border regions," Reid said. "The Bush administration and most congressional Republicans would rather stubbornly stick with a flawed strategy and fight a war that senior military leaders say cannot be won militarily, than adapt to fighting the enemy who attacked us six years ago." In recent weeks, counterterrorism authorities have expressed concern about the possibility of another attack on U.S. soil, saying several factors, such as the thwarted terror plots in Britain, have them on edge. The FBI has created a small group of agents and analysts to examine new threats and leads over the summer, a bureau official told CNN. The group, which was created several weeks ago, is supplementing what agents and others are also doing in field offices across the country and is an example of how the government is trying to make sure no credible lead is missed, the official said. E-mail to a friend . CNN's Carol Cratty, Kevin Bohn and Pam Benson contributed to this report.

Despite counterterrorism efforts, al Qaeda has regained strength, report says . Report says al Qaeda has found a safe haven in the tribal areas of Pakistan . Sen. Harry Reid: It's no surprise al Qaeda has been able to reorganize . FBI has created a group of agents, analysts to examine new threats .

(CNN) -- In most of the country, employers can force pregnant workers out of the workplace when their pregnancy interferes with their normal job duties. Heather Wiseman, a retail sales associate, lost her job because consuming water while working, an activity necessary to maintain a healthy pregnancy, violated store policy. Victoria Serednyj, a nursing home activity director, lost her job because her pregnancy interfered with her ability to lift heavy tables. Her employer terminated her employment even though lifting tables "took up a small part, roughly five to 10 minutes" of her day and her co-workers volunteered to perform this task. Workers covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, by contrast, can continue working despite their physical limitations. The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 broadened the ADA to include many short-term and relatively minor physical conditions. Pregnant women who experience comparable physical limitations should also have the opportunity to receive accommodations that will enable them to continue working. According to EEOC regulations issued in 2011, the amended ADA requires employers to accommodate persons who experience "shortness of breath and fatigue when walking distances that most people could walk without experiencing such effects." It also requires employers to accommodate persons with back injuries resulting in a "20-pound lifting restriction that lasts or is expected to last for several months." In some circumstances, even a far more common 50-pound lifting restriction may qualify an individual for ADA coverage. To date, courts have balked at including pregnancy within the Americans with Disabilities Act. They've reasoned the physical limitations accompanying pregnancy are too short-term and minor to qualify as disabilities. The courts' remaining objection to providing ADA accommodations to pregnant workers is pregnancy is "the natural consequence of a properly functioning reproductive system" and therefore cannot be a disability. The Family and Medical Leave Act provides no protection to the approximately 40% of American workers who fall outside its scope. Even for workers covered by the act, it does little to enable women to continue working during their pregnancies. When a pregnant worker is unable to perform her usual job duties, her employer may force her to take unpaid leave under the act even when temporary job modifications would enable her to continue working. If the employer requires her to take leave before the 28th week of pregnancy, the worker will lose her FMLA-guaranteed right to reinstatement because she will exhaust her 12 weeks of FMLA leave before the baby arrives. Unlike pregnant workers, ADA-eligible employees can continue earning a paycheck whenever they are able to do their job with reasonable accommodations. And if ADA-eligible workers also enjoy FMLA coverage, they can save their FMLA leave for situations when their medical condition truly necessitates time off. The courts' objections misunderstand the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA significantly differs from earlier disability laws that viewed persons with disabilities as defective. The ADA recognizes much of the disadvantage associated with disability is more environmental than biological. For example, historical decisions to solely provide building access by stairs reflect the historical assumption wheelchair users would not, and should not, participate in public life. Had wheelchair users historically been considered full citizens, employers and architects would not have so frequently designed buildings that exclude them. Properly understood, the ADA's mandate to reimagine our social environment to accommodate historically excluded persons should encompass pregnancy. Like more traditional "disabilities," the interaction between pregnancy and many work environments constricts women's employment opportunities. It also reflects the historical workforce marginalization of childbearing women. If American culture is to value pregnant women as legitimate wage earners, work polices should accommodate pregnancy's physical effects. Accommodation rights for pregnant workers need to catch up to accommodation rights for persons with disabilities. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jeannette Cox.

Law professor: Americans with Disabilities Act should include pregnancy . Courts have balked, saying physical limitations are too short-term and minor to qualify . Work policies should accommodate pregnancy's physical effects, says author .

(CNN) -- At least 23 people died Friday when demonstrations across the country were met by a fierce government crackdown, activists told CNN. Seven fatalities occurred in the suburbs of Damascus and two in the city itself, six in Deir Ezzor and Boukamal, three in Daraa and one each in Lattakia and Hama, the activists said. In addition, security forces killed three soldiers when they tried to defect; another 13 were wounded, the activists said. Demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans marched in Damascus, Homs, Lattakia and other cities, and were frequently met by security forces who fired into the crowds and beat protesters, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The agency said some neighborhoods around Damascus, Hama, Homs and Idleb "saw gatherings" after Friday prayers but did not elaborate. Heavy gunfire was also heard near the Abraham Mosque in a Damascus suburb and in the area of a protest in another Damascus neighborhood. The group said it had also received reports of troops near mosques in several towns. A curfew had been imposed in Jabal al-Zawiya and people were not allowed to go to mosques. They had to pray in fields, instead, the group said. CNN could not independently verify the reports. Journalist Alexander Page, who said he was with protesters who were marching from Damascus' Midan neighborhood to Zahera, reported that he saw three people shot when security forces aimed into the crowd and fired. Four buses carrying "regime thugs and riot police" had arrived on the scene, and security forces were stopping cars and beating people, Page said. The wounded were picked up by security forces and taken away in buses, Page said. He said a man on a motorbike filmed the faces of protesters as he drove past them. They chased and beat him, Page said. In the Damascus suburb of Haja Al Aswad, heavy gunfire was heard as demonstrators departed Abraham Mosque. In another Damascus neighborhood, security forces dispersed hundreds of protesters who were chanting anti-government slogans. Meanwhile, state media said a terrorist attack was to blame for an explosion in an oil pipeline in Tal Kalakh, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of Damascus. The explosion happened around 4 a.m., according to the state-run news agency SANA and Syria TV. They described the explosion as a bombing and said it created a 15-meter (about 50-foot) crater. "Some citizens heard an explosion near a pipeline for transporting crude oil to Banyias," Homs Gov. Ghassan Abdel al-Aal told SANA. Procedures were taken to stop the oil spill and prevent it from spreading into the water of Tal Hosh Dam, the governor said. Syria has been wracked by violent government crackdowns on protests across the country since mid-March, when teens were arrested for writing anti-government graffiti in the southern city of Daraa. As the clashes intensified, demonstrators changed their demands, from calls for freedom and an end to abuses by the security forces to calls for toppling the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Syrian opposition groups have held a number of meetings in Turkey in recent months. The last one, organized by the Syrian National Salvation Council, took place in mid-July in Istanbul. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says that since the unrest in the country began, 1,513 civilians have died. It put the toll among government forces at 367, not including Friday's fatalities. CNN's Salma Abdelaziz contributed to this report.

Nine fatalities reported in Damascus and its suburbs . A journalist says security forces in Damascus fired into crowds . Syria has been wracked by violent crackdowns by government forces .

(CNN) -- Tom wasn't accustomed to not knowing the right answer. A business executive in his 50s, he had been suffering from agonizing back pain for nearly two years, and all his doctors could tell him was that they couldn't find the cause or an appropriate treatment. So Tom did what most people wouldn't -- he started researching to find a doctor anywhere in the world who could help him. The problem, as it turned out, was that Tom's doctors were looking at his spine for the source of his pain, and that's not where it was coming from. He was suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction, the deterioration of the two joints on the side of the lower spine that connect it to the pelvis. Studies have found that 20 to 25% of all chronic lower back pain comes not from the spine but from the sacroliac, or SI, joint, which bears and transfers weight and movement from your upper body to your legs. When the ligaments wear out and the SI joint becomes unstable, it can generate a similar kind of sharp back pain -- or sciatica-like pain down your leg -- as a ruptured disc. Most spine surgeons, however, aren't trained to look at the sacroiliac joint; they generally don't learn about it during their residency or fellowships. And it doesn't occur to most patients to ask. Then X-rays, MRIs and CT scans of aching, aging backs show narrowing spinal discs, without actually showing whether these discs are producing pain ... further confusing the diagnosis of the suffering patient. As a result, many people progress through the usual stages of back pain treatment, from physical therapy and chiropractic treatment to injections, laser procedures and finally to surgery, without ever addressing the true source of the pain. One study found that among "failed" spinal fusion patients -- people who had their lumbar vertebrae fused and were still in pain afterward -- the SI joint was the real culprit in more than half the cases. When you know to look at the SI joint, finding out whether it's the source of the pain is usually pretty easy. If an injection of the local anesthetic Lidocaine into the joint produces temporary pain relief, then that's likely where the problem resides. If so, all the treatments previously misdirected at the spine -- chiropractic, physical therapy and medication -- can be aimed at the proper target. If those treatments don't work, the next step is often surgery. Up until recently, that meant a major open fusion procedure, followed by several months of recovery. However, a new, minimally invasive procedure is now available that uses small titanium implants to stabilize the joint. The tiny incisions mean patients recover much more quickly. The procedure is being done regularly here at UCLA and at other top spine centers around the country. It worked for Tom -- he's living pain-free and is back in control of his life. And there are millions more Toms out there living with chronic back pain who could benefit from knowing more about where that pain may be really coming from and how it can be dealt with effectively. If you are suffering from lower back pain, make sure to ask your doctor to examine your SI joint in addition to the routine examination. You may want to seek out a spine surgeon who has experience with sacroiliitis -- the Internet is a good place to start but referrals are also valuable. Ask the surgeon directly if he/she has experience operating on patients with SI dysfunction in the past year. And don't accept a lumbar fusion surgery performed for back pain alone (versus leg pain) without having your SI joint checked out by an expert. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of Dr. Nick Shamie.

Studies show 20 to 25% of all chronic lower back pain comes from the sacroliac joint . Most spine surgeons aren't trained to look at this joint and may miss it in a patient . Finding out if the SI joint is the source of pain is usually pretty easy, Dr. Nick Shamie says .

(CNN) -- It was the goal that broke a thousand Chelsea hearts. Almost three years ago, Andreas Iniesta fired an incredible shot in the nail-biting final moments of a European Champions League semifinal at Stamford Bridge. Scored in the last minute of stoppage time, it secured a 1-1 draw and put Barcelona into the final on away goals. Iniesta's ecstatic team then took the title in Rome, beating Chelsea's English rivals Manchester United. On Wednesday, the Spanish champions will return to London to face Chelsea for the first time since that fateful day on May 6, 2009 in the first leg of this season's semifinal. Unsurprisingly, talk has centered on that goal, with 2010 World Cup winner Iniesta adamant that this time around Barca will not settle for a draw. "We are going there to get a win, to put in a good performance and commit as few errors as possible," the midfielder said on Barca's website. "I guess it's inevitable that that goal is being talked about again. It's good to remember it because it was a special and very intense moment -- not just for me, but for all of us. Life goes on though, and Wednesday is a different situation and a different game. I'm very proud of that goal and happy to have been able to have that experience. It's a feeling that is hard to describe." However, Iniesta warned that Chelsea's squad -- which now includes his compatriots Fernando Torres and Juan Mata -- will be a a strong opposition despite the London side's difficult first half of the season, which cost coach Andrew Villas-Boas his job. "They have more experience. They were strong in 2009 and they will be stronger now -- strong, dangerous and intense. That will all be multiplied by the atmosphere at their own ground," Iniesta said . Wednesday's match will be the fifth meeting between the two sides in the knockout stage of the European Champions League, with 2009's dramatic match still looming large in the fierce rivalry. That game is also remembered for Chelsea player Didier Drogba's foul-mouthed tirade at referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the Norwegian turned down four penalty appeals from his team in the second leg. The Ivory Coast striker is keen to move on from the outburst which landed him a three-game ban. "It is not about 2009 because I think about the other times we played Barcelona and it is not only bad memories, we have some good memories as well," he said on Chelsea's website. "So it is 50-50, even if Barcelona are set to be the best team in the world and they have the best player in the world. It is two games, anything can happen." Drogba has reason to be confident, with the Blues boasting a perfect record in the Champions League at home this season, winning all five games played. "The only thing I want is to play on Wednesday with my teammates and make a good result. Barcelona are the winners of last year's competition and nobody expected us to be in the semifinal so we have to show that we deserve to be there," he said. The match will be particularly loaded for Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola and his Chelsea counterpart Roberto di Matteo, who faced each other as players for the teams in the Champions League quarterfinals 12 years ago. Again, it was Barcelona who triumphed, beating the Blues 5-1 after extra time at Camp Nou to triumph 6-4 on aggregate.

Chelsea fans devastated after Barca score last-gasp goal to take historic 2009 semifinal . Almost three years later Barca's Andreas Iniesta is again hoping to make history in rematch . Chelsea's Didier Drogba hoping to redeem himself after 2009 sending-off . Managers Joseph Guardiola and Roberto di Matteo played against each other 12 years ago .

(CNN) -- Alton Alexander Nolen, 30, was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder and attempted murder in the beheading of a 54-year-old woman last week at his former workplace in Oklahoma and in the stabbing attack on another woman, said Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn. Nolen was also charged with a third felony, assault with a deadly weapon, the prosecutor said. The attempted murder charge is also called assault and battery with a deadly weapon, Mashburn said. "It is highly likely I will seek the death penalty in this case," he said, adding that he would first consult with the victim's family before making his decision. Nolen, a recent convert to Islam, is accused of carrying out the attacks Thursday at a Vaughan Foods processing plant soon after he learned he'd lost his job there. Nolen was trying "to get revenge on certain people he felt responsible" for his job loss, Mashburn said. The large kitchen knife used in the attack came from Nolen's home, Mashburn said. The FBI is also investigating the attack because Nolen "was saying Arabic terms in the attack," Mashburn said. Nolen's Facebook page uses the name Jah'Keem Yisrael. The cover photo appears to be of fighters holding weapons. The postings include all-caps messages about Islam and quotations from the Quran. Gov. Mary Fallin called the attack "an act of cowardice, brutality and barbarism." The Oklahoma Department of Homeland Security is also investigating the incident. "That investigation is still ongoing, and it is unclear at this time whether the crime was an act of terrorism, workplace violence or a gruesome combination of both," Fallin said in a statement. The attack . Police said Nolen walked into the Vaughan Foods front office Thursday and attacked one of the first people he encountered, Colleen Hufford, 54. He severed her head with a knife and then attacked Traci Johnson, 43. Johnson was one of three people Nolen was targeting, authorities said, and he wasn't able to reach the other two. Hufford was attacked despite not being one of the three intended targets, the prosecutor said. Court papers said Nolen grabbed Hufford from behind and "immediately began cutting her across the throat with the large knife, with a back and forth sawing motion." Nolen then grabbed Johnson and "cut her across the throat and left side of her face with the knife" in an attempt at a second beheading, according to a police affidavit. See copy of court papers and police affidavit . Mashburn said that while Nolen was employed at the plant, he made statements "saying he didn't like white people," which prompted Johnson to file a complaint with the plant's human resources department. The 'local hero' Mark Vaughan, the company CEO and a reserve deputy with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, confronted and twice shot Nolen, authorities said. Vaughan arrived at the plant with a rifle and shot Nolen as he was charging with knife in hand, Mashburn said. Nolen is now hospitalized, Mashburn said. Fallin called Vaughan "a local hero ... whose whose response saved at least one life and possibly saved others." "Mark's actions also serve as a reminder that the rights outlined in the Second Amendment, which protect the ability of law-abiding citizens to carry weapons, save lives," the governor added. In unrelated incidents, Nolen was convicted of assault and battery on a police officer, escape from detention and possession of marijuana, all in January 2011, according to court papers filed by prosecutors. CNN's Javier de Diego contributed to this report.

Governor says it's unclear whether attack was terrorism, job violence or both . Co-worker complained after Nolen spoke of not liking white people, official says . FBI involved because suspect "was saying Arabic terms" during attacks, official says . Alton Alexander Nolen, 30, is charged with murder, attempted murder, assault .

(CNN) -- It is a momentous day for Georgian democracy -- but a painful one for the man who has led the former Soviet republic for nearly a decade. For the first time in the strategically important former Soviet state, power is set to be transferred by free and fair elections instead of revolution. As the results became clear, President Mikheil Saakashvili, a larger-than-life figure who was swept to power in 2003, appeared on national television to accept defeat. After summing up the preliminary election results it is evident that the Georgian Dream coalition has achieved the advantage, he said, pledging not to hold up the process. But it must be a painful political blow to a man swept to power nine years ago in the popular Rose Revolution. Bogged down and damaged by accusations of authoritarianism and human rights abuse, including appalling images that emerged last month of prison inmates being physically and sexually abused in a Georgian jail, his once popular support appears to have slid away. Georgia's ruling party concedes defeat in parliamentary elections . Ambitions of Georgian membership into the European Union and the NATO military alliance tormented Russia with whom Georgia fought a brief war in 2008. They may be less of a priority for the new government now. The prime minister-elect, who will take the reigns of power from Saakashvili next year, is Bidzina Ivanishvili, a controversial 56-year-old billionaire who made his fortune in Russia during the 1990s. With interests in iron ore, banks, pharmaceuticals and real estate, Ivanishvili grew up in Georgia's rural west. He is now estimated by Forbes magazine to be the 153rd richest man in the world, with assets worth more than half of tiny Georgia¹s GDP. His eccentric tastes include a number of pet penguins he keeps in a private zoo, along with a zebra and other exotic beasts. A multi-million dollar art collection, including works by Picasso, Gilbert & George and Roy Lichtenstein, is mainly housed in secure vaults in London, while he displays exact reproductions in his towering, James Bond-style glass palace in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital. During a bitter election campaign, government officials accused him of wanting to turn his back on Europe, NATO and the United States, to return Georgia to Russia's sphere of influence. More darkly, critics accused him of being part of a Kremlin conspiracy to topple Georgia's pro-Western leadership. But that is an accusation he adamantly denies, telling CNN he merely wants to repair shattered links with Moscow and has no intention of turning his back on the West. "Restoring relations with the Kremlin is one of our main tasks, and we will strive in every way to do this," he said. "First, we have to convince the Kremlin that our strategy towards NATO and Europe is not harmful to and does not contradict Russian interests," he added. For its part, the Kremlin -- whose tanks still occupy two breakaway regions of Georgia that Moscow recognizes as independent countries -- remained tight-lipped throughout the Georgian campaign. Only now has there been comment from Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. "If these results will become a reality, then [the] Georgian political landscape will be more diverse," he told Russian media. "It should be welcome because it probably means that more responsible and constructive forces are coming to the parliament," he said. If that means Russia and Georgia can rebuild ties without sacrificing the achievements of the past decade, this may be a momentous day in Georgian democracy indeed.

For the first time, power is set to be transferred by free and fair elections instead of revolution . Prime minister-elect Bidzina Ivanishvili made his fortune in Russia during the 1990s . During a bitter election campaign, government officials accused him of wanting to return Georgia to Russia's sphere of influence . Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has welcomed the election result .

(CNN) -- When it comes to football, the New York-New Jersey divide is a long and complicated one. Both New York-branded NFL teams -- the Jets and the Giants -- share fans from across the tri-state area, blurring state lines and loyalties. And both teams play at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, where the Super Bowl will be held February 2. The official Super Bowl Host Committee estimates the game will bring in between $550 and $600 million in revenue to New York and New Jersey. In addition to the influx of Super Bowl-goers eating and staying in the region, there will be concerts, meet-and-greet events with the players and even a toboggan set up smack in the middle of Times Square. But James Cassella, the mayor of East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the game will be played, said it's unlikely his town will cash in much. "I'm hoping that we at least break even," said Cassella, who has been mayor of the town of 9,000 for 19 years. Tax revenue from the town's five hotels will provide a slight bump for East Rutherford, but Cassella is skeptical that it will reap many more benefits. Game-day transportation is set up so visitors must enter MetLife Stadium by bus or train. Cassella said he doubts local businesses will see significant gains from spectators. The town also has had to ramp up its police presence for the week. "This has already cost us," he said, adding that even though the event is in New Jersey, "It's a New York event." "People (of East Rutherford) are proud to say there will be 150 million people watching and looking at East Rutherford, even though all the outside shots will be of New York City," Cassella said. The NFL dismisses the theory that the Super Bowl is a New York-centric event. "There are more activities in New Jersey than New York," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. The players are staying in Jersey City and all their media appearances and training will be held in the state. Still, the issue is sensitive for some. On Monday, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey corrected one of his Twitter followers who tweeted the incorrect location of the game. "NO! The Super Bowl is in New Jersey," he responded. At a press conference on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey scoffed at the NFL's official Super Bowl program cover, which shows the Vince Lombardi trophy with New York as its backdrop. A small sliver of New Jersey can be seen in the background. "For all of those who are geographically challenged, welcome to New Jersey, welcome to the home of Super Bowl XLVIII," he said. The so-called Super Bowl Boulevard will be across the Hudson River from MetLife Stadium, in midtown Manhattan. Parts of Manhattan, including the stretch of Broadway from 34th to 47th streets, will be closed to traffic from January 26 through February 2 to make room for a toboggan run, a concert stage and an exhibit featuring the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Mayor Bill de Blasio said the Super Bowl is "hugely important" for New York and he believes the event will be "an extraordinary moment for New York City." De Blasio will be involved in Super Bowl festivities in some capacity, although it's unclear whether he will attend the game, said Marti Adams, chief spokesperson for the mayor. Cassella, East Rutherford's mayor, said he has not been invited to the game. He plans to attend a community tailgating party and then watch from home. "I'll be sitting in my recliner," he said, "enjoying the game."

New York and New Jersey fight for profits from Super Bowl XLVIII . Organizers estimate game will generate at least $600 million for the two states . East Rutherford, New Jersey, where game will be played, hopes to break even .

(CNN) -- Britons, Germans and other tourists on the Spanish island of Mallorca "can feel safe because they aren't targets of the ETA terrorist band," which recently bombed the popular resort, Spain's interior minister said Tuesday. Police cordon off the route leading to the location of the blasts in Palma de Mallorca. "People should feel safe because security forces are on top of this," Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba told a nationally-televised news conference in Madrid. Rubalcaba's comments followed the Sunday explosions on Mallorca of what he said were four small ETA bombs that caused no injuries, and two weeks after an ETA car bomb killed two Civil Guard officers on the same Mediterranean island. But Rubalcaba said police aren't sure if the ETA militants behind the bombings remain in hiding on the island or have left, and he warned repeatedly that the Basque separatist group could attack again. "We are on maximum alert in Mallorca and the rest of Spain," Rubalcaba said. "ETA, when it can, attacks, so you can't rule out that they won't attack again. We try to prevent them from doing so." Watch background behind ETA's decades-long struggle » . The island's regional government told CNN on Monday that since the bombings, there have been no "significant" tourist cancellations. Tens of thousands of Britons and Germans are vacationing on Mallorca, as is Spain's King Juan Carlos and the royal family. ETA is blamed for more than 800 deaths in its long fight for Basque independence. Police initially attributed three small bombs on Sunday to ETA, which is listed as a terrorist group by Spain, the United States and the European Union. But Tuesday, Rubalcaba confirmed that police believe a fourth bomb also was ETA's work. Some local authorities initially thought it might have been just an accidental gas explosion. Three of the bombs exploded in the restrooms of restaurants and a bar in the main city, Palma de Mallorca, and the other was placed in the restroom of an underground commercial area beneath a main square. Rubalcaba revealed that at least one of the bombs was in a male lavatory; previously it was reported they were all in women's restrooms. Rubalcaba said one of the three warning calls on Sunday preceding the attacks came from near Bordeaux, France --- ETA's traditional rear-guard base. The warning calls, he added, provided only scant details about the bombs' locations to police. The four small bombs were activated by timers, and one of them was hidden in a bar that had been closed since Friday. Rubalcaba reiterated the government's position that "these attacks don't do anything but strengthen our determination. Those who placed the bombs will spend long years in jail and recent experience says they will." ETA has been battered over the past 16 months by arrests of four suspected top ETA military chiefs and dozens of militants. Hours before Sunday's bombs, ETA claimed responsibility for a series of bombings across Spain in June and July: the one that killed two Civil Guard officers, another that killed a police officer, and another that heavily damaged a Civil Guard barracks, slightly wounded dozens, including children. In a statement released to the Basque newspaper Gara, ETA said those attacks were in retaliation for the Socialist government's crackdown on its ranks. The group said, "What ETA has been looking for during long decades is a negotiated political solution." But Rubalcaba recently ruled out a resumption of negotiations that his government tried without success in 2006 during an ETA cease-fire. Spanish media last week cited numerous politicians and analysts who suggested that ETA's recent spate of violence might be trying to force the government back to the negotiating table.

Spanish officials say ETA not targeting tourists on island of Mallorca . Four bombs detonated on Sunday with no injuries . Two Civil Guard officers killed on Mallorca two weeks earlier .

(CNN) -- The DUI manslaughter trial of former New York Yankees player Jim Leyritz is set to begin Monday in Broward County Circuit Court in Florida. Leyritz is charged with driving while intoxicated and causing a crash that killed 30-year-old Fredia Veitch on December 28, 2007. The fatal crash happened shortly after 3 a.m. at an intersection controlled by traffic lights. Leyritz, a hero of the 1996 World Series, had turned 44 the previous day and had spent the evening celebrating at bars in Fort Lauderdale. Attorneys in the case expect witnesses to disagree about whether Leyritz had a yellow or red light as he entered the intersection of S.W. 7th Avenue and S.W. 2nd Street. The front of Leyritz's Ford Expedition hit the driver's side of Veitch's Mitsubishi Montero, causing the car to spin and roll. Veitch, who lived in Plantation, was thrown from the car and died from her injuries. Leyritz stayed at the scene, where police administered and videotaped field sobriety tests. Police allege the former ballplayer failed the tests; his defense maintains Leyritz was not impaired at the time. More than three hours after the crash, Leyritz's blood was drawn at Broward General Hospital. His blood alcohol level was .14; the legal limit in Florida is .08. Both sides agree that Veitch was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Her blood alcohol was .18 and she was not wearing a seat belt. The defense also says that Veitch was driving without headlights and receiving calls and text messages on her cell phone around the time of the crash. A judge ruled last month that Veitch's conduct and state of mind are not relevant to the issue of whether she had a red or green light. Leyritz's attorney is barred from telling the jury that Veitch was intoxicated, that she did not wear her seat belt and that she may have been distracted by calls and texts on her cell phone. Leyritz maintains that he entered the intersection when his traffic light was yellow and that Veitch caused the crash by running a red light. Under Florida law, if Leyritz caused or contributed to the accident, he can be found guilty of DUI manslaughter, even if jurors believe Veitch shares the blame. He pleaded not guilty and if convicted, the former New York Yankee faces a minimum of four to 15 years in state prison. Leyritz settled a wrongful death case earlier this year, agreeing to pay an initial lump sum of $250,000. He also agreed to pay $1,000 a month for 100 months starting on April 15, 2011. The money is to be paid to Veitch's husband and two children. Leyritz played for the New York Yankees from 1990 to 1996 and returned for parts of the 1999 and 2000 seasons. He is best known for a three-run home run in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves, which turned the series around for the Yankees. Leyritz also played for the Anaheim Angels, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was mainly a catcher throughout his career. He retired from professional baseball in 2000. Now divorced, Leyritz lives in Florida, where he is raising his three sons.

Former Yankees player Jim Leyritz goes on trial in a fatal 2007 DUI crash . Leyritz is accused of running a light and killing Fredia Veitch, 30 . Veitch also was driving while intoxicated, but the jury can't consider that . Leyritz is famous for his three-run homer in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series .

(CNN) -- Ahead of upcoming nuclear talks, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad downplayed the threat Israel poses to Iran, comparing it to an annoying bug. "Israel is nothing more than a mosquito which cannot see the broad horizon of the Iranian nation," he said Saturday in northeastern Iran's Khorassan province, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. Ahmadinejad said "regional states" were being duped into buying billions in arms from "arrogant and imperial powers," driven in part by all the talk surrounding a potential war involving Iran and Israel, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. Such military purchases, he said, are unnecessary because there is no war on the horizon between those two nations. The Iranian president alluded to "rulers" who sold "their petrol" for $60 billion worth in arms, though he did not mention by name either the purchasing or selling country. Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a 20-year, $60 billion arms deal with the United States, including nearly $30 billion for F-15 fighter jets announced late last year. Ahmadinejad has long questioned the existence of the Holocaust and, months after taking office in October 2005, he participated in a lengthy protest called "World Without Zionism" and has repeatedly derided Israel. "With the force of God behind it, we shall soon experience a world without the United States and Zionism," he said then, according to another IRNA report. On Saturday, while seemingly backing away from the potential for an armed conflict, Ahmadinejad hardly signaled that Iranians should or will embrace Israel. He predicted Israel could fall if regional powers cut ties -- particularly by refusing to sell oil to Israelis. Tensions have ramped up in recent years over Iran's controversial nuclear program. Iran claims it is being developed for peaceful means, while Western powers and Israel say they think Iran is evading international inspections and intent on developing nuclear weapons. This sentiment has led to sweeping sanctions targeting Iran's economy, government and its leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been a particularly harsh, persistent critic of Iran's leadership and nuclear program, with rumors circulating for months that Israel may pre-emptively strike nuclear sites in Iran and possibly set off a regional war. And Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last Friday "blasted the U.S. war-mongering rhetoric against Iran," including President Barack Obama's assertion that "all options are on the table." He added war "can be 10 times more harmful to" the United States than Iran, according to a Fars report. Even with all the back-and-forth, there has been an apparent shift recently in the tone, and manner, of dialogue between the two sides. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton described nuclear talks last month in Istanbul, Turkey, between international and Iranian diplomats on nuclear matters as "constructive and useful." And Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said last week that he was optimistic that there would be progress in continued talks with the United States, Russia, China, Germany, France and Britain -- the so-called P5+1, Fars reported. Those parties are set to meet again May 23 in Baghdad. Before then, discussions in Vienna, Austria, will be held on Monday and Tuesday to address "outstanding issues and remove ambiguities," Iran's envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency Ali-Asghar Soltanieh said, according to Fars. CNN's Azadeh Ansari contributed to this report.

NEW: Ahmadinejad says "regional states" have little need to purchase arms . Iran's president calls Israel a mosquito, downplaying the prospect of war . Talks on Iran's nuclear program are set for next week in Austria, ahead of P5+1 talks . Iran's foreign minister recently said he's optimistic there will be progress .

Los Angeles (CNN) -- The Miss Universe organization announced Tuesday it is ending its ban on transgender contestants after coming under scrutiny recently when a Canadian competitor was told she would be disqualified because she was born male. Miss Universe officials insist the change is in spite of, not because of, legal threats from women's rights lawyer Gloria Allred made on behalf of contestant Jenna Talackova. "We made the decision two days before we even heard that (Allred) was involved," pageant owner Donald Trump told CNN Monday. "Had I known she was involved, maybe I wouldn't have made that decision because she's easy to beat." Allred launched a blistering attack on Trump at a news conference a week ago, saying his pageant had no right to question Talackova's sexuality. "She did not ask Mr. Trump to prove that he is a naturally born man or to see photos of his birth to view his anatomy to prove that he was male," Allred said. In a Twitter posting Monday, Trump called Allred a "third rate lawyer" who "actually hurts Jenna." "Is Gloria a man or a woman????---- few men would know the answer to that one," Trump tweeted in a personal retort to Allred. Allred did not immediately respond to CNN's request for a response to Trump's attack. The Miss Universe Pageant announced last week that Talackova, 23, could compete provided "she meets the legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions." Allred had criticized that announcement, saying the conditions were "ambigious." Trump later said Talackova could compete without conditions, but stopped short of a permanent rule change. Miss Universe President Paula Shugart, in a statement released Tuesday, said the credit for lifting the ban should go to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), not Allred. "The decision to include transgender women in our beauty competitions is a result of our ongoing discussions with GLAAD and not Jenna's legal representation, which if anything delayed the process," Shugart said. "We have a long history of supporting equality for all women, and this was something we took very seriously." Shugart joined GLAAD in a joint announcement Tuesday that the Miss Universe Organization "is close to finalizing an official policy change that will allow women who are transgender to participate in its beauty competitions." Discussions between the pageant and GLAAD began last month after news reports that Talackova had been disqualified from the Miss Canada Universe competition after winning a regional title, the joint statement said. The resulting change opens this fall's 2013 pageant season to transgender women, it said. "For more than two weeks, the Miss Universe Organization and Mr. Trump made it clear to GLAAD that they were open to making a policy change to include women who are transgender," said GLAAD spokesman Herndon Graddick. "We appreciate that (Trump) and his team responded swiftly and appropriately," Graddick said. Talackova, a 6-foot-1-inch blond Canadian, underwent sexual reassignment surgery four years ago. In a 2010 interview, she said she knew she was a girl at age 4. She said she started hormone therapy at age 14 and underwent sexual reassignment surgery at 19. She won a regional beauty crown qualifying her for Canada's national title, but she was then told the Miss Canada Universe pageant in Toronto on May 19 was only open to "naturally born females." "I am a woman," Talackova said in a prepared statement she read to reporters in Allred's conference room last week. "I was devastated and I felt that excluding me for the reason that they gave was unjust."

The pageant group says the decision came before Gloria Allred made legal threats . Allred attacked the pageant for disqualifying Jenna Talackova because she was born a man . The change opens the 2013 pageant season to transgender women .

GULFPORT, Illinois (CNN) -- All roads in the town of Gulfport, Illinois, lead to nowhere. They all hit a dead end into Mississippi River floodwaters. Most businesses and homes in Gulfport, Illinois, are underwater. Only 28 residents had flood insurance. The small town in western Illinois was devastated Wednesday when two levees failed about 45 miles south. Tuesday, all that was visible were a few signs and rooftops. "It almost looked like a tidal wave coming across the land," recalls Rick Gerstel, a resident of Gulfport. "Almost like the end of the world is what it looks like." The water barreled through with such force, it knocked Gulfport's town hall off of its foundation, and the walls of some brick and mortar buildings collapsed. Most businesses and homes are underwater. But none of this was supposed to happen -- at least that is what residents believed. Gulfport was protected by a levee rated to withstand a 100-year flood. Although it wasn't designed to protect the town from a flood on the scale of last week's, it was enough protection that the Federal Emergency Management Agency did not require business or homeowners to purchase flood insurance. Only 28 of the town's 200 residents had federal flood insurance. The rest trusted that the levees would hold. Residents Rick and Gina Gerstel, who lost everything, say no one from their bank to the municipal or federal governments ever told them they were at risk and ought to buy flood insurance. Some residents said they felt misled about the risks of not having flood insurance. They said they thought the chances of a catastrophic flood were miscalculated. Watch: Flooded residents gambled and lost » . Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut, agrees. He supports legislation that would require anyone living in an area protected by a levee to have flood insurance. "I don't know how you define 'protected' or call that protected when you're telling people 'you don't have to have this; you don't need it' ... and you're watching families being devastated," Dodd said. "But the opportunity to get on their feet again is going to be very difficult for many families. And that's one of the major shortcomings in the flood insurance program." FEMA says its risk assessment of Gulfport was accurate, and the agency is spending $1 billion to upgrade outdated maps and re-evaluate flood dangers. "We do our best to advertise the availability of flood insurance and encourage people to purchase it," said Terry Reuss Fell, regional chief of FEMA's floodplain management. "We implement the laws that are given to us and the laws right now deal with the floodplains management within that 100-year floodplain and the insurance purchase requirements in that area also." The flooding could have been worse, according to officials, if the federal government had not purchased low-lying land after the historic floods in 1993, which caused $12 billion in damage. Since then, the government bought out more than 9,000 homeowners, turning much of the land into parks and undeveloped areas that can be allowed to flood with less risk. FEMA has moved or flood-proofed about 30,000 properties. But those changes are little consolation for the Gerstels and other uninsured residents who have lost everything and can't afford to rebuild. "Will you ever go back to that house?" CNN asked the Gerstels. "No, sir. I would not go back to the town," Rick Gerstel said. "I would never live there again."

Nearly all homes, businesses in Gulfport, Illinois, were destroyed by floodwaters . FEMA didn't require flood insurance since levee rated to withstand a 100-year flood . Only 28 of the town's 200 residents have flood insurance; many can't afford to rebuild . Risk assessment was accurate and flood dangers being re-evaluated, FEMA says .

(CNN) -- China's President Xi Jinping's choice of Moscow as his first foreign capital visit is being seen by analysts as a symbolic move that demonstrates the increasing interdependence of the one-time Cold War foes. From energy deals, trade and geo-politics, China and Russia have been in lock-step over a range of thorny international issues such as Syria, Iran and North Korea. A key element of the talks will be how to steer the future of the increasingly intertwined economies. Trade between Moscow and Beijing grew 11.6% to a record $88.1 billion in 2012, according to figures from the China Institute of International Relations. "They want to move that to $100 billion in years to come - there's also a sense that they will want to push the domestic agenda and the foreign policy agenda as well," said CNN's David McKenzie. While China and Russia already form a powerful bloc on the U.N. Security Council, the warmer ties are also evidence of their perceived need to countervail a U.S.-led dominance in global affairs. "In Putin, the Chinese see someone who is a counterbalance to America in some areas," said Professor Kerry Brown, executive director of the University of Sydney's China Studies Center. "Russia is nowhere near as big as it was before but at least they see someone who can provide at least a bit of triangulation between China and the U.S." Long-stalled talks on a Russia-China gas pipeline gas deal will likely top the agenda during Xi's summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Vice-Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping and Russian ambassador to China Sergei Razov had recently struck a hopeful note in briefing in Beijing, saying that "significant progress" had been made and that both nations were looking forward to a breakthrough on the deal. Senior executives from state oil giants Petro China and Sinopec are accompanying Xi to Moscow where it is hoped the new Chinese president will give fresh impetus to pipeline talks. Nevertheless, the Russians have been cautious on the deal. "On the Russian side, state media and others, are less confident that that deal will come through," McKenzie said. "Certainly the Russians worry that this relationship will become more unequal over time. "Russia's own economy has stagnated somewhat not having the robust growth we've seen in China." Cheng told a briefing that Russia and China would co-ordinate reactions to U.S. plans to boost its missile defense in the Asia-Pacific region to counter the possibility of a potential North Korean attack. While Chinese and Russian officials have hailed the 48-hour visit as a demonstration of ties which they say are at an historic high, Professor Brown said that relations between the formerly fractious neighbors was often driven more by expedience than any real convergence of interests. "It's hard to think of a more paranoid relationship in some ways: 1950s, very close; 1960s, biggest enemies. There's never really been a heart-to-heart moment in many ways. "There's a quite deep distrust on one hand but on the other hand a pragmatic acceptance that this is a big relationship." Xi and Putin will also likely compare notes ahead of the regional summit in South Africa next week of the BRICS group of developing economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Even here, analysts say, China's perception is that this bloc is heavily influenced by the U.S. "The conviction in Beijing is that America is everywhere and they've got to find other ways of exercising their interests without America being right up beside them," Professor Brown said.

Xi Jinping to make first foreign visit to Moscow on Saturday . The choice is symbolic and demonstrates warming ties between the two countries . Trade between the two countries reached $88.1 billion in 2012 . Officials hope Moscow and Beijing will ink long-stalled pipeline project .

(CNN) -- For a second straight day, President Barack Obama touted proposals from his State of the Union address at a campaign-style event outside of Washington, this time visiting a Georgia preschool where youngsters on a winter break showed up to mimic a regular day. Obama's visit to the College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center, in the city of Decatur just outside Atlanta, followed his call in Tuesday night's speech to Congress for investments in high-quality early childhood education programs. The president spent time in a classroom where he hugged some students -- who told him they saw him on television -- and praised the teachers he said were giving their students a boost into the educational system. "This isn't baby-sitting," he said. Children who take prekindergarten classes are more likely to read at their grade level, graduate from high school and hold a job down the road -- but fewer than 30% of 4-year-olds are enrolled in prekindergarten programs like those at College Heights, he said. "Hope is found in what works. This works. We know it works," he said. "If you are looking for a good bang for your educational buck, this is it right here. That's why, even in times of tight budgets, states like Georgia and Oklahoma have worked to make a preschool slot available for nearly every parent who is looking for one for their child." In the classroom, Obama sat in a small chair and helped children with tablet blocks at one table. He then moved to another to engage in a brief game of I Spy, peering at little faces through a magnifying glass. And he took a moment to warn the parents of the young children that "they grow up to be, like, 5'10" -- and even if they're still nice to you, they basically don't have a lot of time for you during the weekends." "They have sleepovers and dates," he said to laughter. "So all that early investment just leads them to go away." Friday, he will head to Chicago to continue his campaign for the main proposals of the State of the Union address, which emphasized themes of his re-election campaign last year, including equal opportunity and middle-class growth. On Wednesday, Obama toured an auto parts plant in Asheville, North Carolina, and urged Congress to support the jobs agenda in his address the night before. In Chicago, he'll speak about the economy and the city's rampant gun violence. Obama and congressional Democrats are locked in a fierce political debate with Republicans over government spending and federal deficits, with a showdown pending on mandatory spending cuts set to take effect March 1. In his State of the Union address and again Thursday, Obama said making an early commitment to education saves money later for local governments and boosts graduation rates. He also spotlighted studies showing children who attend preschool have lower teen pregnancy rates and are less prone to engage in violent crime. The Thursday stop required some scheduling changes at the school, which had yet to fully return from a winter holiday. Parents with children enrolled there received an e-mail this week with the offer of a "one-day experience" Thursday for the president's visit. "This day would resemble a normal school day: same bus routes and times, same school beginning and end times, regular instructional day with the same staff, and breakfast and lunch offerings," the school's principal, Suzanne Kennedy, wrote. "President Obama's visit promises to be an amazing opportunity for our students to expand their worlds and for Decatur to celebrate its exemplary teaching and learning." The White House did not immediately respond to an inquiry for an explanation on the timing of the visit. Obama's emotional plea might lead to vote on guns . Obama challenges GOP to work with him, but Rubio signals no .

NEW: "This works. We know it works," Obama says at preschool near Atlanta . The president called for expanded early education in his State of the Union address . It is the second of three straight days of events outside Washington to tout his proposals . Obama and Republicans are in a fierce debate over government spending .

(CNN) -- Boston Marathon bombing victims were collateral damage in a strike meant as payback for U.S. wars in Muslim lands, the surviving suspect wrote in a message scribbled on the boat where he was found hiding, a law enforcement source told CNN Thursday. In the message, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev also proclaimed that an attack on one Muslim is an attack on all, and said he would not miss older brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev -- who died after a firefight with police three days after the bombing -- because he would soon be joining him, according to the source. The writing on the inside of the boat dovetails with what Dzhokhar, 19, told investigators questioning him in a Boston hospital room shortly after his capture, the source said. Friendly fire led to officer's shooting during Boston manhunt . CNN has previously cited U.S. officials in reporting that Dzhokhar said U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq were motivating factors behind the April 15 attack, which killed three people and wounded 275. According to authorities, the Tsarnaev brothers fashioned explosive devices from pressure cookers and other materials and detonated them near the finish line of the race. Three days later, authorities released their images to the public as suspects in the case. Investigators believe they then killed MIT police Officer Sean Collier and hijacked a car before battling authorities in a wild firefight on a Watertown, Massachusetts, street. Nearly 24 hours later, police found Dzhokhar hiding in the boat after the owner called police to report someone was inside of it. The final hours that paralyzed Boston . Dzhokhar -- who suffered gunshot wounds to the head, neck, legs and hands -- is being held a federal Bureau of Prisons medical facility in Devens, Massachusetts. He has been charged with using a weapon of mass destruction and could face the death penalty if convicted. Tamerlan was secretly buried in a rural Virginia cemetery this month following protests from Massachusetts residents and officials against burying him in that state. Authorities have said they believe the brothers acted alone, but are investigating whether they could have learned from or been aided by terror groups, including groups overseas. Of particular interest has been Tamerlan's 2012 trip to the semi-autonomous Russian republic of Dagestan, home to numerous Islamic militant groups that have warred against Moscow's rule. Source: Russia withheld details about Tsarnaev . Russian authorities asked U.S. officials to investigate Tamerlan before the trip, saying they believed he was becoming increasingly involved with radical Islam. The FBI investigated, but found no evidence of extremist activity, FBI Director Robert Mueller reiterated Thursday during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. Mueller said Russian authorities told the FBI that Tamerlan and his mother appeared to be "very religious" and that Tamerlan seemed "intent on returning and perhaps participating in jihad, in Russia." The FBI conducted a thorough investigation and found "no ties to terrorism," Mueller said. U.S. officials learned after the bombings that Russian officials had intercepted a 2011 phone call between the suspect's mother, living in Dagestan, and one of her sons, in which they reportedly had a vague conversation about jihad, a law enforcement official told CNN earlier. Some lawmakers, particularly Republicans, have been critical of how law enforcement, intelligence agencies and the administration of President Barack Obama handled the Russian tip. While Tamerlan and his mother were added to a terror database following the FBI investigation, Tamerlan was allowed to make his Russian trip in 2012, returning six months later. Timeline: Boston attack, aftermath . CNN's Michael Pearson contributed to this report.

NEW: FBI director reiterates investigation found no terror ties to Tamerlan Tsarnaev . Source: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev left a message in boat where he was found hiding . He wrote that the Boston Marathon bombing victims were collateral damage . Dzhokhar also said he expected to join his brother in death .

(CNN) -- It could've paid for some wedding. With fiancée Caroline Wozniacki watching, golf star Rory McIlroy thought they were in for an unexpected early gift in Dubai on Saturday. Seeking the record $2.5 million on offer for a hole-in-one at the 325-yard par-four 17th hole, the former world No. 1 saw his drive roll agonizingly past the cup. "I saw the pitch mark and it must have just run past the hole -- it could have paid for my wedding," joked the Northern Irishman, who proposed to his tennis star girlfriend in Sydney on New Year's Eve. "It's a great shot to get it on that green and try to get it in the hole. I'll go for it again tomorrow and see what happens," he told reporters. But perhaps foremost in the 25-year-old's mind on Sunday will be winning his first European Tour title in 14 months as he seeks to regain the lead from defending Desert Classic champion Stephen Gallacher. The Scot carded a sizzling nine-under-par 63 in Saturday's third round to claim a two-shot advantage over McIlroy, who shot 69. The 39-year-old was 10 under for the last 10 holes as he fired eight birdies and an eagle in his bid to become the first player to retain the title on the tournament's 25th anniversary. "That's a great stretch of holes and hopefully he doesn't continue it tomorrow!" said 2009 winner McIlroy, who played with Gallacher in the opening two rounds -- also carding 63 on the opening day before a bout of food poisoning saw him struggle to 70 on Friday. McIlroy was denied victory in Abu Dhabi last month after a two-shot penalty incurred in the third round following an incident flagged up by a playing partner's caddy. His last victory on the European Tour came at the season-ending championship in Dubai in November 2012, when he clinched a money-list double by adding to his PGA Tour title. "I got off to another shaky start," he said of Saturday's effort, in which he bogeyed the opening hole but rebounded with an eagle at the par-five third. "The conditions were tricky out there, it was breezy. It was tough to get close to some of these pins." Veteran Dane Thomas Bjorn, the 2001 champion, shot 65 to be tied for third with 23-year-old American Brooks Koepa, who signed for 70 -- both were four shots adrift of Gallacher. World No. 1 Tiger Woods, the winner in 2006 and 2008, was 11 strokes off the pace in a tie for 37th after four-birdie 70 which left the American on five-under 211. "I wasted a lot of opportunities out there," Woods told reporters. "I only hit a couple of bad shots, missed a ton of putts and just threw away a lot of shots." Meanwhile, former Masters champion Bubba Watson shared the halfway lead at the PGA Tour's Phoenix Open. Watson followed his opening 64 with a 66, but was caught at the top as Matt Jones carded a second successive 65. British Open champion Phil Mickelson was eight shots off the pace after his 67 on Friday.

Rory McIlroy two shots off the lead at the Dubai Desert Classic after a 69 on Saturday . Former world No. 1 comes close to earning a $2.5 million prize for a hole-in-one . He is upstaged by defending champion Stephen Gallacher, who shoots third-round 63 . Top-ranked Tiger Woods in a tie for 37th, 11 shots back after carding two-under-par 70 .

(CNN) -- Barack Obama and his wife released their tax returns from 2000 to 2006 on his campaign Web site Tuesday, and the Illinois senator challenged Sen. Hillary Clinton to release hers. Later, Clinton said she expected to release her tax returns "shortly, I hope within the next week." Sen. Barack Obama is challenging Sen. Hillary Clinton to release her 2006 tax returns. The Obama campaign said Clinton should immediately release her 2006 return, pointing to her decision to lend her campaign $5 million earlier this year. The Obama camp also cited former President Bill Clinton's $20 million payout from supermarket holding company Yucaipa as a reason why the couple should release the documents. The Obama campaign said that company invests in tax shelters in the Cayman Islands. Clinton has promised to release 2007 returns sometime after this year's April 15 income tax deadline, just a few days before Pennsylvania's April 22 primary. "Senator Clinton recently claimed that she's 'the most transparent figure in public life,' yet she's dragging her feet in releasing something as basic as her annual tax returns," Obama's communications director, Robert Gibbs, said in a statement. "Senator Clinton can't claim to be vetted until she allows the public the opportunity to see her finances -- particularly with respect to any investment in tax shelters." But Clinton made her own challenge to Obama during a press conference in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. "I am pleased that Senator Obama has released his tax returns. I think that's a good first step," she said. "Now he should release his records from being in the state Senate and any other information that the public and the press need to know from his prior experience." According to the 2006 return, Obama and his wife, Michelle, earned over $991,000 in 2006 and paid $277,431 on the income. More than half of the couple's income in 2006 -- nearly $507,000 -- came from royalties from his two books, "The Audacity of Hope" and "Dreams From My Father." In 2005, Obama earned over $1,210,000 from royalties, according to the couple's returns that year. The Obamas earned nearly $431,000 in wages in 2006, according to the returns. The documents do not show what Obama or his wife individually earned, but the senator's salary was $165,000 that year. They also earned more than $51,000 from Treehouse Foods, an Illinois-based food manufacturer. Michelle Obama served on Treehouse's board from June 2005 to May 2007. Before 2005, the couple had more modest incomes. Between 2000 and 2004, they earned between $207,647 and $275,123 a year. The returns were posted just minutes after the Clinton campaign attacked Obama for not releasing them. "In the public record, there are 20 years of Hillary's tax returns, hundreds of thousands of pages of records from her time in the White House and countless other documents detailing her time in public life. "Sen. Obama's record is far more opaque. Sen. Obama has not released his tax returns, except for 2006," Clinton spokesman Phil Singer said in a statement sent to reporters just as the Obama camp posted the Illinois senator's returns online. E-mail to a friend . CNN's Rebecca Sinderbrand and Alan Silverlieb contributed to this report.

Sen. Clinton says she expects to release returns "shortly" Obama campaign releases senator's 2000-2006 returns on Web site . Obama made nearly $1 million in 2006, returns show . Campaign challenges Clinton to release 2006 returns .

(CNN) -- You may tell your airline if you prefer an aisle seat to a window seat or if you'd rather have chicken than pasta. Some things, however, like the fact that you pick all the cashews from the mixed nuts, or that you always drink a gin and tonic in the airline lounge, you might not. Lately, though, airlines have a way of knowing your preferences, even when you don't tell them. The culprit? Social media, of course. Recently Qantas started a tryout to monitor digital conversations on social-media sites like Twitter or on Facebook. The technology comes from Australian start-up Local Measure, and it allows corporate clients to search not by keyword but by GPS coordinates. As a result, when a customer posts a picture on Instagram (even one without a caption) from one of ten Qantas airport lounges, the customer care team is alerted immediately. "It allows us to pinpoint customer feedback to a specific location. If someone raises an issue, it gives our lounge staff the ability to step in and resolve the problem," says Jo Boundy, head of digital communication at Qantas. If a customer groans on Twitter about a long line at the coffee counter or a broken printer in the business lounge, Qantas can respond in real time. According to Jonathan Barouch, chief executive at Local Measure, other airlines will be soon introducing the technology to their lounges as well, allowing the companies not only to respond to problems, but to anticipate them as well. "It helps our clients better understand what people are thinking about their experience," he says. Read more: How high-end airline meals are made . For example, Barouch says, a customer recently tweeted a picture of cereals on offer at the Qantas first-class lounge and noted that his favorite was absent. The next time he visited the lounge, the cereal was there. "Qantas knew how to surprise and delight the consumer. It's all little things, but they do add up," he says. Because of the speed with which a staff member can respond on Twitter or Facebook, social media has quickly become a favored platform for airlines' customer service. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines employs 130 people to monitor different social-media platforms, including VKontakte, a social networking website popular among Russian-speaking users, and Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. Social media has become such a popular medium for KLM customers that the company introduced an estimated service response time to their Twitter account, even though the ability to do so isn't built into Twitter (KLM works around this by updating the background image every five minutes). For the most part, response times hover around one hour. Read more: Airline upgrades are now up for action . "We decided to put our money where our mouth is and show our real-time performance," says Martijn van der Zee, senior vice president of e-commerce for Air France-KLM. Reflecting how attuned the company is to their online followers and customers, their suggestions help KLM create new products and services, including one introduced last week that allows non-passengers to purchase upgrades and gifts for friends and family traveling with the airline. Other ideas developed from social media are destination guides based on cabin-crew favorite spots, and a service that allows staff members sweep planes for forgotten wallets, tablets and mobile phones, and contact the customers (sometimes before they realize their item is missing). "If these were suggested to me four years ago, I might have said, 'These aren't relevant,' but now we know that they are, because we get messages coming in every day telling us they are," says van der Zee. "We have 30,000 interactions a week. That's a lot of input, and it's motivated us to keep pushing the envelope."

Social media has become a favored platform airlines' customer service . Qantas has started a tryout to monitor digital conversations on social-media sites like Twitter or on Facebook . KLM has staff members to monitor different social-media platforms .

(CNN) -- Maria Sharapova took aim at arch-rival Serena Williams Saturday as she told the World No.1 to stick to tennis rather than courting controversy. Earlier this week, Williams had to apologize for comments she made to Rolling Stone magazine over the rape of a 16-year-old girl by two high school American football players in Ohio. Eyebrows were also raised in the same article over a passage which appeared to reference Sharapova. It accused an unnamed player of being "boring" and made unflattering remarks about her choice of boyfriend. Sharapova is dating Bulgarian tennis player Grigo Dimitrov. Sharapova, the third seed at Wimbledon and bidding for her first title at SW19 since 2004, used the pre-tournament media conference to hit back. "We have a tremendous amount of respect for what we do on the court. I just think she should be talking about her accomplishments, her achievements, rather than everything else that's just getting attention and controversy,' the Russian was quoted by the UK's Press Association. "If she wants to talk about something personal, maybe she should talk about her relationship and her boyfriend that was married and is getting a divorce and has kids. "(She should) talk about other things, but not draw attention to other things. She has so much in her life, many positives, and I think that's what it should be about." 16-time grand slam winner Williams is reportedly in a relationship with her French coach Patrick Mouratoglou, but neither has spoken publicly about it. She has won three of last four grand slams under his guidance, the latest at the French Open where she beat defending champion Sharapova in a hard-fought final in Paris. On Tuesday, Williams came under fire, particularly on Twitter and other social media, when her reported remarks to Rolling Stone about the rape were made public on its website. "She's 16, why was she that drunk where she doesn't remember? It could have been much worse. She's lucky. Obviously, I don't know, maybe she wasn't a virgin, but she shouldn't have put herself in that position, unless they slipped her something, then that's different," she was quoted. The following day, Williams released a statement on her personal website, saying she was "deeply sorry for what was written in the Rolling Stone article. What was written -- what I supposedly said -- is insensitive and hurtful, and I by no means would say or insinuate that she was at all to blame," it said. Sharapova said Williams would do well to steer clear of such issues. "I obviously have many opinions about different things in life," she said. "But what I do on the court and what I talk about in my press conference is strictly about my career. I'm sure people want to know more, but yet I try to keep my personal life private. "If I speak to my friends, that's one thing. But I don't go out and try to create things that shouldn't be really talked about." Meanwhile, in the pre-Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Eastbourne, Sharapova's compatriot Elena Vesnina took the title, beating Jamie Hampton of the United States in the final. Simona Halep of Romania also warmed up by taking the title in s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands with a straight sets win over Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium. Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, renowned for his world record marathon match with John Isner at Wimbledon in 2010, took his maiden ATP title at the same event. He beat favorite Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, also in straight sets. .

Maria Sharapova hits out at World No.1 Serena Williams . Russian says American should stop courting controversy . Irked by apparent reference to her in article in Rolling Stone magazine . Elena Vesnina takes Eastbourne title beating Jamie Hampton of United States .

(CNN) -- Costume designer Mark Bridges can create eras with fabric. For "Boogie Nights" and "Blow," he evoked the 1970s. "The Fighter" showcased the early '90s. "There Will Be Blood" went back to gritty early 20th century California, and "8 Mile," "Punch-Drunk Love" and "The Italian Job" offered a range of contemporary looks befitting their locales -- and characters. With "The Artist," a black-and-white silent film, Bridges brings back that golden Hollywood age -- both the peak of its glamour and pit of its shabbiness. He earned an Oscar nomination for his work -- his first, perhaps surprising given his work on some of the most notable films of the past 15 years. He spoke with CNN about how his job combines the best of all worlds, and what (or "who," for those who prefer the favored Oscar pre-show word) he'll be wearing on the red carpet. The following has been edited and condensed from the original transcript. CNN: I understand you have a fondness for silent-era pictures. Mark Bridges: Ever since I was young. I have book reports from when I was in fifth grade or seventh grade on silent movies. My mother used to take us to revival houses because I was interested in it, so it's always been a lifelong interest of mine. And it combines with my vocation, and I was really, really excited with the possibility of doing this film. CNN: How did you go about getting the look of the time? Bridges: Without the color to communicate the language of telling the story, I was trying to tell the story through textures, whether it be lamé, sequins and beads for Hollywood, or very flat rough textured wools to communicate down-on-your-heels, or the elegance of satin lapels for evening wear, or the shimmer of a beautiful nightgown. It became a story of textures telling the story. CNN: How did working with director Michel Hazanavicius compare with working with Paul Thomas Anderson (who directed "Boogie Nights," "There Will Be Blood" and "Punch-Drunk Love") or David O. Russell (who directed "The Fighter")? Bridges: I don't see any difference, because my position remains the same: they give me the material, and I propose a way to contribute to the visuals of the story. Same thing when I read one of Paul's original scripts. I read it, we discuss it, then I go out and try to figure out what language of clothing are we making this story. It's always about how do I reveal this character, how do I reveal this moment through the character's external appearance. CNN: Actors say that it's getting into costume that allows them to become another person. It's like a personality change. Bridges: It's interesting when that happens in a fitting room. We start out with me and an actor, and then with the right combination of clothes or a talk about how a moment might be played or illustrated, suddenly there's this third person there who wasn't there when we started, and then we know we're on to something. CNN: How did you get into the business? Bridges: I was always involved in theater and drama. As a child, I loved movies, I always drew, I always loved fabric, I loved clothes, I loved color, I loved telling a story. So it's an amalgam of everything I enjoy, and it happens to be called costume designer. CNN: What are you going to wear? Bridges: I'm going to wear a single-breasted, peak-lapel Brooks Brothers tuxedo, which is very throwback to the period, and a custom tuxedo shirt from Anto of Beverly Hills.

"Artist" costume designer Mark Bridges up for Oscar . Bridges used texture to help tell story of silent-era Hollywood . Bridges sees job as "amalgam of everything I enjoy"

(CNN) -- DNA evidence links a now-dead American convict to the murder of a Canadian teenager who disappeared in 1974, authorities in British Columbia said Tuesday. Bobby Jack Fowler, who died in an Oregon prison in 2006, is responsible for the murder of 16-year-old Colleen MacMillen, Inspector Gary Shinkaruk of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said at a news conference. Authorities said while the case is closed on MacMillen's death, investigations continue into the abductions and killings of other women in the same region of Canada, and the search is still on for information in those cases. "Today's announcement and public plea for assistance is a significant milestone in our commitment to solving a series of missing and murdered women investigations in British Columbia," said Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, commanding officer of the RCMP in British Columbia. New DNA work may offer break in 36-year-old Michigan slayings . On August 9, 1974, MacMillen disappeared near Highway 97 in Lac La Hache, British Columbia, according to Shinkaruk. She was found dead 47 kilometers (about 29 miles) south of her last known location. A DNA profile of an unknown male was established in 2007 from evidence in her case, but Canada's National Crime Scene Databank did not turn up a match, Shinkaruk said. A higher-quality sample was submitted to INTERPOL in 2012, and the new sample was matched with Fowler. The development brings to a close one of 18 open cases in British Columbia involving women who went missing, with some later found murdered, stretching back to 1969. The cases are being investigated by a task force named Project E-Pana. The mission of the Project E-Pana is to solve the homicides of 13 women and the disappearances of another five women who remain missing, according to Shinkaruk. The name of the task force comes from an Inuit word describing the spirit goddess that looks after souls, according to the RCMP website. Fowler has been ruled out as a suspect in eight of the eighteen cases, though he remains a "person of interest" in the remaining nine open cases. Fowler also has been named as a suspect in the 1995 murders of two Oregon teenage girls and as a person of interest in a 1992 double homicide, according to the district attorney's office in Lincoln County, Oregon. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the victims of these crimes," Canadian Minister of Public Safety Victor Toews said in a statement. "Anyone with information about this individual should come forward as soon as possible," he added, referring to Fowler's movements through the region during the time that the killings and abductions occurred. Fowler, 66, was arrested in 1995 for a violent attack on a woman in Oregon, and died in a prison there six years ago. Shinkaruk said his office has released photos and a video of Fowler. The RCMP has also created a timeline for Fowler's movements over the last 40 years, and Shinkaruk called on citizens of Canada and the United States to think back to the 1970s, '80s and '90s and contact the RCMP with any new information in the still-open cases. More from CNN Justice: . Suspect in St. Maarten deaths in court . High school soccer players accused of hazing, sexual assault . Family, volunteers, police search for missing Florida student .

16-year-old Colleen MacMillen was murdered in British Columbia in 1974 . On Tuesday, Canadian authorities said DNA tied an American man to her death . The man, Bobby Jack Fowler, died in a U.S. prison in 2006 . But he remains a "person of interest" in 9 cases of missing or murdered Canadian women .

Los Angeles (CNN) -- The recent recovery of one of his stolen trophies and several scrapbook items at a Los Angeles park left tennis legend Pete Sampras "a little more optimistic" that the rest of his coveted memorabilia will soon be found, his agent said Monday. Thieves last month broke into a public storage facility that the 14-time Grand Slam titleholder was renting as he and his family moved from their Thousand Oaks, California, estate to nearby Brentwood. Afterward, Sampras learned that 51 of his 64 championship trophies -- including one marking his first Australian Open cup -- were among the coveted items stolen. His agent, Grant Chen, said authorities contacted Sampras after one of those trophies and several other items were found late last week at the Griffith Park Recreation Center in Los Angeles. The park, one of the nation's largest situated south of Burbank and west of Glendale, is about 20 miles east of the West Los Angeles storage site from which the trophies were stolen. Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Andrea Epstein declined to comment on the find, referring inquiries to Los Angeles Police. That office would not talk about the investigation. Sampras and his wife Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, an actress, recently listed their Thousand Oaks property, which is on the grounds of the Sherwood Country Club, for sale at $25 million. "The moving company we hired is very well trusted, and we've used them before," said Chen, who helped the Sampras family -- including sons Christian, 8, and Ryan, 5 -- pack and move. "Only a few people knew the contents of the 50 to 60 tightly sealed boxes that we stored." Sampras can account for all but one of the 14 Grand Slam trophies -- given for his wins at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Most of them Sampras brought personally to his new home, while he loaned his 1993 Wimbledon men's singles trophy, 1997 Australian men's singles title and one Davis Cup trophy to the Nike headquarters in Oregon. The only one stolen was his 1994 Australian Grand Slam title, said Chen. Steven Glick, a spokesman for Public Storage in West Los Angeles, told CNN that his company is "fully cooperating" with investigators, but he declined to elaborate. Sampras, 39, was awarded five season-ending Association of Tennis Professional World Tour trophies and six trophies for finishing No. 1 in the world from 1993 to 1998. Those valuables, as well as seven ESPY awards, two Davis Cup medallions and an Olympic ring, were among those stolen from two rental units, Chen said. In addition to his titles, Chen said thieves took framed photographs of Sampras with Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as some personal letters written by Bush. Other stolen items included a piano bench signed by singer Elton John and a signed guitar from Carlos Santana. Sampras, who grew up in Southern California, defeated Andre Agassi at the 2002 U.S. Open before retiring the following year with the most Grand Slam wins in tennis history. Roger Federer later surpassed his record with 16 major titles. "Sampras pleaded with the public as a last resort, (hoping) that someone will offer a tip or come forward," said Chen. "Those stolen items represent memories of a lifetime, and Pete wants nothing more than to share those memories with his sons."

Pete Sampras is "a little more optimistic" his stolen mementos will be found, his agent says . One of the tennis legend's stolen trophies was found late last week in a Los Angeles park . Thieves took 51 of Sampras' championship trophies and other items last month, police say .

Juba, South Sudan (CNN) -- East African leaders on Friday gave South Sudan's warring factions four days to lay down their arms after nearly two weeks of widening violence. If they don't, the leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) warned they'll "take action" to stop the conflict that the United Nations says has killed more than 1,000 and forced some 121,000 from their homes. The warning came the same day the United Nations said the first of 5,500 additional peacekeepers had arrived in the country. The leaders of the IGAD didn't specify what sort of action would be taken. But a communique issued Friday in Nairobi, Kenya, appears to throw the group's weight behind South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. In a joint statement by the leaders of the IGAD said they would not accept a violent overthrow of the country's democratically elected government, and said any change must come through the democratic process. Kiir has accused rival politician Riek Machar, his former vice president, of trying to stage a coup. Machar has denied involvement in a coup. Fighting broke out between Kiir's government and supporters of Machar on December 15 in the capital city of Juba. It quickly spread across the country, with reports of mass killings as evidenced by mass graves. Kiir and Machar are longtime rivals from two different tribal clans -- Kiir is from the Dinka tribe, Machar from the Neur. South Sudan's government said it has agreed "in principle" to a cease-fire demanded by the IGAD, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth told CNN. Leith said Kiir's government is open to "unconditional dialogue" to end the violence. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development appointed envoys from Kenya and Ethiopia to help broker a deal. Machar hasn't responded to the proposal, leaving it unclear Friday what immediate impact the agreement would have on the fighting. The news of a possible deal comes as United Nations officials work feverishly to finalize details of sending peacekeeping reinforcements to South Sudan. The U.N. hopes to send them in no later than Saturday to help protect the 50,000 people now crowding U.N. bases, seeking shelter from the fighting. On Friday, 72 peacekeepers arrived in Juba, according to the United Nations. It was the first group of an additional 5,500 peacekeepers approved by U.N. Security Council. The additional personnel will increase the total peacekeeping force in South Sudan to 12,500 soldiers and 1,323 police officers. Meanwhile, U.N. officials and aid workers struggled to protect and provide food, shelter and medical care to those who have fled the fighting, which has spread to seven of South Sudan's 10 states, according to the United Nations. More than 63,000 people have crowded on to U.N. bases in South Sudan seeking shelter from the violence, requiring a massive influx of aid. U.N. workers on Friday were able to resupply a U.N.-operated hospital in Malakal, U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Toby Lanzer said on Twitter. The U.N. Humanitarian Air Service also began flying in aid workers and supplies, he said. CNN's Azadeh Ansari, Nana Karikari-apau, Moni Basu, Chelsea J. Carter in Atlanta, and journalist Kenneth Mijungu in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report.

NEW: 72 of 5,500 new peacekeepers have arrived in Juba, the U.N. says . East African leaders tell South Sudan government, rebels to stop fighting or else . Group says it will take unspecified action if fighting doesn't stop within four days . South Sudan's government says it's ready to adopt a cease-fire .

(CNN) -- The United Nations on Friday made its largest appeal ever -- for more than $5 billion -- for relief aid to Syrians across the country. "Syria as a civilization is unraveling, with as many as half of its citizens in need of urgent help as a result of this savage conflict," said Antonio Guterres, the world body's high commissioner for refugees, who announced the goal in Geneva. "The funds we are appealing for are a matter of survival for suffering Syrians, and they are essential for neighboring countries that are hosting refugees." More than 1.6 million Syrians have fled the country since the conflict began in March 2011; another 4.25 million are estimated to have been displaced inside it. UNHCR noted that it had appealed in December for $1 billion, but increased the figure after the number of refugees exceeded predictions. The announcement came as the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs predicted that 3.45 million inside Syria could have crossed its borders by the end of the year and another 6.8 million people remaining inside Syria will need aid. That's nearly half of the nation, which has a population of 22.5 million. On Thursday, the European Union said it would contribute as much as $530 million to aid Syrians by year's end. Two days after Syrian government forces seized control of the strategically important city of Qusayr from rebel forces it describes as "terrorists," the army sought to restore security and stability to surrounding villages, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported Friday. "An official source told SANA reporter that units of our armed forces are continuing their missions in pursuing the terrorists' remnants and inspecting operations," it said. The U.N. Security Council urged on Friday that Syrian authorities protect civilians and allow humanitarian access to the town. UNHCR said this week that it had received reports that up to 1,500 wounded civilians were trapped in the town. At least 52 people -- including three women and four children and one under torture -- were killed Friday nationwide, the rebel Local Coordination Committees of Syria said. In addition, two French journalists working for Europe1 are missing in Syria, the French radio station said Friday, prompting fears that they may have been kidnapped. Reporter Didier Francois and photographer Edouard Elias were on their way to the northwestern city of Aleppo when they went missing, the radio station said. Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that one person was killed and several were wounded in clashes in Tripoli. Deteriorating security conditions near the Golan Heights headquarters for U.N. peacekeepers in the region prompted Austria to say Thursday that it will pull out its 370 troops, more than a third of the force assigned to help keep Israel and Syria at bay. The announcement came amid fighting over the Quneitra crossing, Syria's only access point to the Golan Heights. Rebel forces first captured but then lost control of the crossing in heavy fighting. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was prepared to replace them, Russia's Itar-Tass news agency reported. The developments come amid longstanding concerns that the conflict could expand to other parts of the region. U.N. spokeswoman Josephine Guerrero said Filipino and Indian peacekeepers will remain in the region to enforce the peace deal between Israel and Syria reached in 1974, nearly seven years after Israel first captured Quneitra in the Six-Day War. Syria retook it in 1973. Quneitra is important to the Syrian regime because it represents former President Hafez al-Assad's attempt to liberate Israeli-occupied territory. CNN's Hamdi Alkhshali contributed to this report.

The world body announces its largest appeal ever: $5 billion . 1.6 million people have fled Syria as fighting rages on . 2.45 million are displaced . Those figures are predicted to grow .

(CNN) -- The world of professional cycling suffered another blow Friday, as Dutch bank Rabobank announced it is to end its sponsorship of pro cycling teams in the wake of the Lance Armstrong doping scandal. Rabobank will pull its backing for both men's and women's professional cycling teams on December 31, it said in a statement. The company will continue to sponsor amateur cycling, including the youth training and the cyclocross team, it said. The activity is hugely popular in the Netherlands, where millions of people cycle routinely. The bank made clear its decision was a direct response to the controversy that has engulfed Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency last week detailed what it called "overwhelming" evidence of his involvement as a professional cyclist in "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program." Doping scandal costs Armstrong sponsors, charity . "Rabobank has come to this decision following publication of the report from the American doping authority USADA last week," its statement said. "This report speaks volumes." Rabobank -- a century-old business which began its involvement in professional cycling 17 years ago "full of conviction and with a clear mission" -- had previously seen cycling as a good fit with the company, its clients and its employees, it said. But all that has changed since the USADA report alleging doping by Armstrong and the U.S. Postal Service team. "It is with pain in our heart, but for the bank this is an inevitable decision," Bert Bruggink, of Rabobank's managing board, is quoted as saying. Opinion: With Armstrong's disgrace, will anything change? "We are no longer convinced that the international professional world of cycling can make this a clean and fair sport. We are not confident that this will change for the better in the foreseeable future." In its report, the anti-doping agency made public testimony from Armstrong's teammates and others who said Armstrong was among team members who used banned performance-enhancing substances and tried to hide it from testing officials. The seven-time Tour de France winner has consistently denied the allegations against him. But a long chain of accusations trailing Armstrong has begun to erode support even among those who have steadfastly backed him in the past. On Wednesday, Armstrong walked away from the chairmanship of the cancer charity he founded 15 years ago, Livestrong, saying he wanted to spare it any negative effects from the controversy surrounding him. He will remain on the charity's board of directors. Bruyneel becomes first victim of investigation into Armstrong and doping . On the same day Nike, which initially stood by Armstrong, dropped him with a terse statement citing what it called "seemingly insurmountable evidence" that he participated in doping. Hours later, brewery giant Anheuser-Busch followed suit, saying it would let Armstrong's contract expire at the end of the year. Nike and Anheuser-Busch said they still planned to support Livestrong and its initiatives. The USADA report is part of its request to international cycling officials to strip Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles. The International Olympic Committee is also reviewing the evidence and could consider revoking Armstrong's bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney games. Armstrong is already banned from competing in events sanctioned by U.S. Olympic governing bodies. Armstrong has said he never has failed a drug test and has consistently denied participating in any banned practices. Armstrong's legacy may withstand accusations . CNN's Saskya Vandoorne contributed to this report.

Rabobank will end its sponsorship of professional men's and women's cycling teams this year . A report alleging doping by cyclist Lance Armstrong and others "speaks volumes," it says . The Dutch bank doubts the world of professional cycling "can make this a clean and fair sport" Armstrong denies the allegations against him; he has lost important backers this week .

(CNN) -- In the spring of 2005, Arlene Castro appeared on an "America's Most Wanted" segment pleading for help in finding her best friend, Georgina "Gina" DeJesus, who'd mysteriously gone missing along a busy Cleveland avenue one year earlier. Little did she know. At that time, DeJesus was alive but captive in an older man's house about three miles away, authorities said. There, she was chained, threatened and sexually assaulted repeatedly. The man who police say was responsible for the girl's hell? Arlene Castro's own father, Ariel. Speaking Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America," Arlene Castro said she had "no idea" her father allegedly was holding DeJesus and two other young women, Michelle Knight and Amanda Berry, as well as Berry's 6-year-old daughter, who was born in captivity. Arlene and her father -- with whom she was not living when her friend went missing, instead being with her mother -- "were never really that close," she said. The last time the father and daughter talked was late last month, and their conversations were typically short and confined to niceties. "'Let me know if you need anything,' and that was it, every time," Arlene Castro recalled. Now, she would like to talk with her longtime friend, DeJesus, to introduce her to her kids and tell her much, much more. "I would like to say that I'm absolutely so, so sorry," a tearful Arlene Castro told ABC. "... I'm so sorry for everything." According to the FBI, the then 14-year-old DeJesus disappeared on April 2, 2004, as she was walking home from middle school. She was last seen at a pay telephone booth between 2:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. along Cleveland's Lorain Avenue. And with her at that telephone booth was Arlene Castro. Castro told "America's Most Wanted" -- as seen in archived video posted online, including on Slate's website -- that her friend loaned her 50 cents, so she could use the phone and ask her mother if the two could spend the afternoon together at DeJesus' house. Daughter: 'He is dead to me' "I told her I couldn't and she said, 'Well OK, I'll talk to you later.' And she walked," the then-teenage Castro said, with the "America's Most Wanted" reporter explaining that DeJesus would have taken the bus but had loaned out the change she'd normally use for bus fare. Authorities have begun spelling out what they say happened to DeJesus next. Ariel Castro, Arlene's father, lured the girl into a vehicle, then took her to his home and forced her to stay, according to charging documents. She was not alone. Two other captive women were already inside the 1,400-square foot house -- Amanda Berry, who "America's Most Wanted" mentioned in its report had gone missing one year earlier, and Michelle Knight, who had last been seen in August 2002. Today, all three women are free, including DeJesus who is now 23-years-old. Ariel Castro, meanwhile, is being held on $8 million bond after being charged with kidnapping and rape. As for his daughter Arlene, she's crushed. "I'm really disappointed, embarrassed, mainly devastated," she said.

Arlene Castro said she was with Gina DeJesus just before she went missing in 2004 . "America's Most Wanted" featured Arlene Castro in 2005 story on DeJesus . Authorities say DeJesus was held captive for years by Arlene's father, Ariel . "I'm ... embarrassed, mainly devastated," Arlene Castro says now .

(CNN) -- "Who is the nicest person you've met in showbiz?" It's a question I'm often asked after nearly 20 years working at CNN. My encounter with Joe Cocker was relatively brief, but it left a lasting impression of a man who not only contributed a great deal to music, but also conducted himself with a rare professionalism and courtesy. The date was September 11, 1998, when Joe played Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta -- an open-air venue which accommodates more than 5,000 people, but manages to maintain an intimate atmosphere, festooned with candlelit tables closer to the stage. It was a humid evening bedeviled by mosquitoes as I stood at the side of that stage with my cameraman awaiting the arrival of the rock legend -- a term with which Joe Cocker always felt uncomfortable. The plan was for a quick chat for CNN's global music show World Beat before his performance, but Joe was running late and the prospect of the interview was quickly disappearing. A publicist emerged from a side door to warn us that the window for the interview was about to close. He was unusually apologetic and appeared to be sincere. The singer's big band had already taken to the stage as we stood and watched the flurry of activity as roadies, sound techs and the other members of the touring family attended to last-minute duties. Then a single figure emerged from another doorway and walked briskly through the production area towards us. Dressed in what appeared to me to be a light-colored linen suit, he strode forward, shook our hands and said: "Alright lads, I'm Joe. I'm really sorry to keep you waiting but if it's not too late for you, we can have a chat now." He answered all the standard questions about his role in rock music, his iconic flailing appearance at Woodstock, the changing face of the business, his latest music, as a handful of increasingly fidgety minders checked their watches and glanced repeatedly over their shoulders. He appeared to consider his answers carefully and chuckled amiably, exhibiting none of the stress of the anxious assistants behind him. During our last question the band struck up what turned out to be the opening number with a great swell of brass joining the familiar rock sound. The audience cheered but Joe Cocker didn't bat an eyelid and continued with his answer. At its conclusion he smiled and said in the English Yorkshire accent which never left him: "Well lads, it's been great to meet you and I've enjoyed chatting but I'd better be off now -- they're playing my tune." And with a parting handshake he walked, unhurried, onto the stage and without breaking step, approached the microphone and began to sing, his distinctive voice booming out into the Georgia evening. A man confident in his craft, unassuming in his demeanor and impeccable in his manners. It shouldn't be remarkable and I won't claim to have got to know the man from such a snapshot moment but it left a very warm first impression of a man whose music has made an impression on millions around the world. Read more: People we lost: Benjamin Bradlee and Lorin Maazel, by Christiane Amanpour . Read more: People we lost: Phil Everly, by Jonathan Hawkins . Read more: People we lost: Joe Cocker, by Neil Curry . Read more: People we lost: Football legend Eusebio, by Duarte Mendonca . Read more: People we lost: Christophe de Margerie, by John Defterios . Read more: Loved ones we lost in 2014 .

British-born singer Joe Cocker died aged 70 after a battle with lung cancer . Cocker had hits with "You are So Beautiful" and "Up Where We Belong" Cocker conducted himself with rare professionalism and courtesy, Curry says . "A man confident in his craft, unassuming in demeanor and impeccable in manners"

(CNN)A woman believed to be the world's oldest Facebook user has died at the age of 114, her family said. Anna Stoehr of Plainview, Minnesota, gained widespread attention in October when she said she'd had to lie about her age to sign up for the social network. Facebook responded by celebrating her impressive longevity on her birthday. "She turned 114 in October of this year and received a huge bouquet of 114 flowers from Facebook after they learned that she was not able to sign up without putting in a fake age of 90 or 95," Harlan Stoehr, her 84-year-old eldest son, told CNN on Tuesday. He told CNN that his mother -- who leaves 5 children, 27 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren -- died Sunday. No phone, no car, no electricity . She was born in 1900, the year before the assassination of President William McKinley and the death of Queen Victoria. Her family had no telephone, car or electricity at the time. Facebook isn't set up to accommodate such venerable users. The network's sign-up page only allows people to put dates of birth going back to 1905. Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg had attempted to reach Anna Stoehr after his company sent an apology about the age restriction, according to her daughter-in-law Marlene Stoehr. "She was not available when he had his assistant call to get hold of her because of a medical appointment, and then Mark Zuckerberg was out of the country so it never happened," she said. "But it was an exciting time for everyone with all the attention." The company didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Lived on a farm until she was 112 . Facebook isn't the only area where Anna Stoehr stood out -- she was also the oldest person in Minnesota. She even threw out the first pitch at a Minnesota Twins game (via a video-taped throw) at the age of 113, according to her son. "They asked her if she would pitch it overhand or underhand, and she said, 'Overhand, of course, it's baseball,'" he said. Harlan Stoehr said his mother was always very active and had lived on a farm near Elgin, Minnesota, from 1936 until 2013. She was left alone there after the death of her husband in 1998. At the age of 112, she moved to an apartment in a retirement community in Plainview. "She loved gardening and always had huge flower gardens and strawberries," her son said. "She grew all kinds of things, and when an apple tree on her farm blew down, she planted another one. She was 105 years old at the time." Signed up for Facebook at 113 . Her interest in getting onto Facebook at the age of 113 grew out of a friendship with a Verizon salesman. Joseph Ramireza was selling an iPhone to Stoehr's 85-year-old son, who started talking about his mother. Ramireza said he had to meet her. "She's become something of a kindred spirit," Ramireza told CNN affiliate KARE-TV in October. He helped her use FaceTime to video chat with friends on an iPad and has been teaching her to use email and Google search. When Facebook didn't have her birth year as an option, Ramireza helped Stoehr write a letter to Zuckerberg -- on a typewriter. "I'm still here," she said in the letter.

Anna Stoehr of Plainview, Minnesota, lied about her age to get on Facebook . The company sent her a huge bouquet of flowers on her 114th birthday, her son says . She died Sunday, leaving 5 children, 27 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren . Stoehr lived on a farm until she was 112-years-old .

(CNN Student News) -- April 24, 2014 . President Obama heads overseas on a week-long, four-nation trip. Today on CNN Student News, find out where he's going and some of the challenges he'll be facing. Also included: a historic canonization of two popes, the birthday of America's 2nd oldest professional sports stadium, and an explanation of how one grocery store is literally raising the bar. On this page you will find today's show Transcript, the Daily Curriculum, and a place for you to leave feedback. TRANSCRIPT . Click here to access the transcript of today's CNN Student News program. Please note that there may be a delay between the time when the video is available and when the transcript is published. DAILY CURRICULUM . Click here for a printable version of the Daily Curriculum (PDF). Media Literacy Question of the Day: . How might news coverage of a world leader's trip differ between media in his or her own country and media in the host countries? Key Concepts: Identify or explain these subjects you heard about in today's show: . 1. national sovereignty . 2. canonization . 3. Wrigley Field . Fast Facts: How well were you listening to today's program? 1. What four countries are scheduled stops for President Obama's trip to Asia? According to the video, what kinds of concerns do some of these countries have regarding China? How did the president respond to the question of disputed islands between Japan and China? 2. What is canonization? What two popes are about to be canonized on the same day? Why is this historically significant? According to the report: What are some possible reasons why the current pope will canonize these two former popes on the same day? How might many Catholics respond to this event? 3. What team plays its home games at Wrigley Field? What milestone birthday is the park celebrating this year? What are some of the moments of joy and heartbreak that fans have experienced at Wrigley Field? How is history present almost everywhere at the park? Who are some of the players and personalities that have been associated with Wrigley Field? Discussion Questions: . 1. What is meant by the term "national sovereignty"? Why do you think that this is an important principle for governments? How is sovereignty factored into some recent news stories? What tensions surrounding the issue of sovereignty exist in each case? 2. Why do you think that presidents often travel to other countries? What might world leaders discuss on these trips? Do you think that these trips are effective? If so, why? If not, why not? 3. How might a sports venue contribute to a community's history and culture? How might a sports venue be an important backdrop for one's personal history? Have you ever visited a sports arena or park that held special meaning for you? If so, why is that place a part of your personal story? CNN Student News is created by a team of journalists and educators who consider the Common Core State Standards, national standards in different subject areas, and state standards when producing the show and curriculum. We hope you use our free daily materials along with the program, and we welcome your feedback on them. FEEDBACK . We're looking for your feedback about CNN Student News. Please use this page to leave us comments about today's program, including what you think about our stories and our resources. Also, feel free to tell us how you use them in your classroom. The educators on our staff will monitor this page and may respond to your comments as well. Thank you for using CNN Student News! Click here to submit your Roll Call request.

This page includes the show Transcript and the Daily Curriculum . Use the Transcript to help students with reading comprehension and vocabulary . The Daily Curriculum offers the Media Literacy Question of the Day, Key Concepts, Fast Facts and Discussion Questions . At the bottom of the page, please share your feedback about our show and curriculum .

(CNN) -- The Las Conchas fire in New Mexico swelled to 92,735 acres burned Thursday, and strong winds threatened to be firefighters' greatest challenge moving in to the fifth day battling the flames. "We have seen fire behavior we have never seen before," Fire Chief Doug Tucker told reporters Thursday. Tucker said no fire was coming from the south and that Thursday the fire would keep moving north towards Santa Clara. Officials also dispelled rumors that residents, who were worried about their homes, could return to Los Alamos. "Folks right now are hurting us," said Police Chief Wayne Torpy Thursday. "Los Alamos County called the evacuation and Los Alamos County will be the one that repeals the evacuation ... You're going to erase the success of our evacuations." Torpy also said that residents' homes had not been impacted by the fire. However, the nearby flames will keep the Los Alamos National Laboratory closed through at least Friday, a statement on the lab's website said. "What I witnessed today was an incredibly professional job by men and women who are risking their lives to save our community and this laboratory," Charles McMillan, the lab director, said Wednesday. "I could feel the heat of the fire on my face as I watched from the roof of our Emergency Operations Center." The Los Alamos fire, which is officially called the Las Conchas fire, has forced nearly 10,000 people from their homes in the town. Jerome MacDonald, operations section chief for the multi-state southwest area Incident management team, said fire officials flanked the fire on the east side Thursday in an attempt to curb high winds from the southwest. Concerns were raised that the wildfire could put the Los Alamos lab at risk, as well as waste or other toxic materials stored at the site. But Tucker said that the waste is stored in drums that are kept on a blacktop with no vegetation around and are safe from fire. If the fire should get too close to the drums, firefighters were ready to use foam to ensure that nothing would be released into the environment, he said. The Las Conchas Fire began on private land Sunday and expanded into the Santa Fe National Forest and Jemez Ranger District, according to InciWeb, an online database that keeps track of natural disasters such as fires and floods. The fire was 3% contained Thursday. In a news statement released Wednesday, the Santa Fe National Forest and Valles Caldera National Preserve said that parts of both preserves would close to the public until the fire is more controlled. Parts of the national forest have been placed under "stage III" fire restrictions, meaning all areas are off-limits for use unless otherwise posted. The Las Conchas Fire touches the south border of the lab's 40-square-mile facility, and comes close to the west border, according to Tucker. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez warned citizens to avoid using fireworks on the July Fourth holiday and the rest of the season. The Las Conchas Fire is one of several burning in the region. The Donaldson and Game Fires south of the town of Hondo and U.S. Highway 70 have merged into one fire that has consumed an estimated 43,290 acres and is 0% contained, according to the New Mexico Fire Information website. Evacuations were ordered for Alamo Canyon Wednesday as the Donaldson fire continues to threaten parts of Lincoln County. The Pacheco Fire continues to burn in the Pecos Wilderness, two miles north of the Santa Fe Ski Basin. It has scorched 10,000 acres since it began June 18. The blaze was 24% contained Thursday, with the potential for growth considered low, according to InciWeb. CNN's Ed Payne, Molly Green and Craig Bell contributed to this report .

NEW: Fire consumes 92,735 acres by Thursday . National preserve lands begin closing in response to the fires . Los Alamos lab remains closed through at least Friday .

(CNN) -- It's time again for the Primetime Emmy Awards, being held in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 22. And what better way to celebrate than with some of the most surprising stats involving the awards? Emmy Awards are named after "Immy," an abbreviation for the image orthicon tube, part of an early television camera. It was later changed to Emmy. This year is the 65th annual ceremony. Disclaimer: There was not a statistic for the percentage of actors and show teams who are sincere when they say it is an honor just to be nominated. $5 -- Price of a ticket to attend the first Emmy Awards ceremony, on January 25, 1949. 6 pounds, 12.5 ounces -- Weight of a Primetime Emmy statuette. 28 -- Number of different award categories. 37 -- Record for the most Emmys won by one series: "Frasier." 97 -- The most nominations in a single year for one broadcast network. NBC got the nods in 2000. 44 -- The most Emmys won by a single network in one year. CBS set the record in 1974. 8 -- Most Emmys won by a female performer: Cloris Leachman. 7 -- Most Emmys won by a male performer: Ed Asner. 35 -- Number of people thanked by Martin Scorsese after his 2011 win for outstanding directing for a drama series, for "Boardwalk Empire." 52 and 1 -- The number of actors and actresses nominated in 1980 versus the number who actually attended the ceremony that year, which took place in the middle of two actors' union strikes. Luckily, the lone nominee there, Powers Boothe, won something -- outstanding actor in a limited series or special. 3 hours, 59 minutes, 40 seconds -- Longest Emmy Awards telecast, in 1987. 17 -- Nominations received by AMC's "Mad Men" in 2012. Matthew Weiner and company went home empty-handed, though, setting a new record for most nods in one year without a win. 2 seconds -- Difference in the average speech time by male winners (1:21) and female winners (1:19), as calculated by "New York" magazine in 2012, for the past three ceremonies. 8 -- Percentage of winners from 2009 to 2011 who cried during their speeches. 15,000 -- Members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the group that sponsors the Emmys. 14 -- Age of the youngest Emmy Award winner. Roxana Zal won in 1984 for the TV movie, "Something About Amelia." 171 -- Nominations earned by NBC's "Saturday Night Live." It has won 36 times. 22 -- Official Primetime Emmys parties or receptions. Many occur as far as a month in advance of the ceremony. 13.2 million -- Total number of 2012 Emmy Awards viewers, according to Nielsen ratings. 25,000 -- Tweets sent out immediately after 2012 host Jimmy Kimmel asked viewers to tweet that comedian Tracy Morgan had collapsed on stage. 1.6 million -- Social media "interactions" online about the 2012 Emmys, according to Trendrr, a group that analyzes data about activity on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

$5 -- That's the price for a ticket to the first Emmy Awards ceremony . 37 -- That's the record for the most Emmys won by one series . 3 hours, 59 minutes, 40 seconds -- Whew! That was the longest Emmys telecast . 13.2 million -- That's the number of 2012 Emmy Awards viewers .

(CNN) -- After learning what was going on across the nation in regulating food and drink, especially the edict by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg banning large sugary drinks, I could clearly see we needed a way to prevent government from placing additional regulation on small business owners in Mississippi. A judge has invalidated Bloomberg's ban on sugary drinks bigger than 16 ounces, which is a good move. But as a state legislator, and a restaurant owner, I wanted to prevent our industry from being regulated out of business. Working with trade organizations, I came up with what's being called the "anti-Bloomberg" bill -- Senate Bill 2687. It simply says that the Mississippi legislature retains the authority to make decisions about the regulation of food. This bill has been passed overwhelmingly by both the state House and Senate, and we are expecting Gov. Phil Bryant to sign it. Mississippi governor reviews 'Anti-Bloomberg' bill . It will prevent a hodgepodge of regulations put in force by various municipalities. Imagine owning a restaurant and, all of a sudden, your menu doesn't meet regulations. An owner might have to restructure a menu and have new nutritional analyses conducted, which are very costly. Many men and women have worked long hard hours just to make a living, and adding additional regulations and costs could simply force them out of business. The free market should determine what a business chooses to sell. If the market demands healthier choices, then business owners will meet the need. A regulation banning you from selling a sugary drink larger than 16 ounces will not have any impact on obesity. If people want a bigger size, they can simply buy two or more. Opposing view: Banning large sodas is legal and smart . Cities across the country are restricting consumers' food choices in misguided attempts to battle obesity. The ideas for restrictions are endless: limiting the size of soft drinks, requiring calories to be posted, prohibiting toys in kids' meals, prohibiting fast food restaurants in certain neighborhoods, and more. In Mississippi, from the farm to the grocery, the convenience store to the restaurant, all food is already regulated to ensure safety by divisions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the state Department of Health and the state Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The "anti-Bloomberg" bill simply assures consumers freedom of choice on what food and what size soft drinks they want to buy, and which restaurants they want to patronize. To be clear, SB 2687 does not restrict debate on food policy as it relates to public health and welfare. By making sure the debate takes place at the state level and not at hundreds of local levels, we can prevent a patchwork of regulations that create an uneven playing field. Consistent and uniform application of food policy will actually benefit the public. It also doesn't change current law for restaurants that operate 20 or more franchises, such as McDonald's, Hardee's and Subway. Those will still be required to provide nutritional information to customers. So what role can local government play? Consider these positive and proactive initiatives: . • Create community gardens to provide fresh fruits and vegetables. • Help create more walking paths and bike trails. • Work with school districts to mandate physical education. • Promote local farmers markets. • Expand or set up weight loss programs through local parks and recreation departments. • Create educational programs using social media to educate young people. Local government can and should play a large role in public health. Strategic initiatives focusing on incentives and promotions will have a positive effect on the community. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Tony Smith.

Tony Smith, a Mississippi legislator and restaurant owner, wrote the "anti-Bloomberg" bill . Bill prohibits local jurisdictions from regulating food and drink; only state can do it . Smith says it will protect small businesses from hodgepodge of local overregulations . Free market should guide what's sold, he says; other measures can combat obesity .

(CNN) -- An electrical fire on board a Boeing Dreamliner caused the plane to lose primary electrical power during a test flight Tuesday, the company said. The crew relied upon backup systems to land the aircraft. "The pilots executed a safe landing and at all times had positive control of the airplane and all of the information necessary to perform that safe landing," Boeing spokeswoman Lori Gunter said Wednesday. Boeing is analyzing flight data from the plane, a process it says will take several days, to determine the exact cause of the fire. The company's initial inspection of the aircraft indicated damage to a power control panel in the rear of the aircraft. Boeing employees were conducting a test of a system designed to prevent fires when smoke began filling the back of the cabin of the next-generation 787 Dreamliner, according to the company. The crew was testing a "nitrogen generation system," which separates nitrogen from ambient air and pumps it into fuel tanks as jet fuel is burned during a flight, Boeing said. The system is designed to prevent oxygen from filling the empty space and potentially igniting the fuel. There is no indication, however, that Tuesday's fire was caused by the nitrogen generation system, according to Boeing spokesman Jim Proulx. Boeing is grounding its entire fleet of test Dreamliners pending results of its analysis of hundreds of different data measurements to determine the cause of the fire. The Dreamliner departed from Yuma, Arizona. After about six hours of flight, smoke entered the cabin as the plane was on approach to Laredo, Texas. "It's something that needs to be taken very seriously," said Proulx. "We need to know what happened before we can determine the likelihood of its repeatability." The 42 people aboard evacuated using the plane's emergency slides, Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Lynn Lunsford said. One person was injured during the evacuation. "We are continuing to gather data regarding this event," Gunter said in a statement. "It's too early to tell what may have gone wrong." The plane is the second of six test Dreamliners, having undergone 179 flights and 558 hours of flight, according to Boeing data posted on its website. The company does not intend to sell the test plane to any airline customers. Boeing says it still intends to deliver the first 787-08 Dreamliner to ANA Airlines in the middle of the first quarter of next year. ANA has 55 Dreamliners on order, which Boeing plans to deliver over the course of several years. The Dreamliner is Boeing's new passenger jet, touted as a highly fuel-efficient aircraft made largely with composite materials. It made its maiden flight in December 2009 after two years of delays, but the head of Boeing's commercial aircraft division told CNN in July that the Dreamliner could still make its debut in early 2011. The company has nearly 900 orders for the jet around the world. Aviation experts say Boeing's testing problems are not indicative of the Dreamliner's ultimate safety. "If I were a prospective passenger in a 787 I wouldn't be concerned," said Snorri Gudmundsson, assistant professor of aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. "All these bugs will be weeded out." "Boeing is quite thorough, not just because of requirements from the FAA but because of Boeing's position in the industry," added Todd Curtis, a former Boeing electrical engineer. CNN's Frances Causey and Jason Kessler contributed to this report.

NEW: An electrical fire cause the plane to lose power, Boeing says . NEW: The crew relied on backup systems to land the aircraft . The crew was testing fire prevention system . Boeing says no new flights will be scheduled for now .

(CNN) -- Young women at a party attended by about 50 Central Washington University students and other young people were the primary target of spiked drinks, authorities said Saturday. The incident resulted in "multiple" reports of overdoses. Some of the victims said they had consumed only one or two beverages before becoming ill, Cle Elum-Roslyn Police Chief Scott Ferguson said. "Their level of intoxication just didn't seem to make sense," he told CNN Radio. Central Washington University students who attended the party told CNN affiliate KOMO on Saturday that they believe a bottle of vodka at the party had been spiked with a date-rape drug known as "roofies." They said several people at the party used vodka from the bottle to make mixed drinks. Those who brought their own alcohol, drank beer or didn't drink any alcohol were not affected, the students told KOMO. Ferguson would not comment on the type of drug placed in the beverages. He said he will ask the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory to expedite test results. Police do not know who spiked the drinks. "Whatever occurred up there wasn't consensual," Ferguson told CNN. Officers initially responded to an 11:09 p.m. call Friday about a female found unconscious in a vehicle in a grocery store parking lot, Ferguson said. Friends of the victim told authorities to go to a residence in Roslyn, according to a statement from the Cle Elum Police Department. An officer entered one room and took a man into custody who was having sex with a semi-conscious young woman, said Ferguson. Police later determined the woman was the girlfriend of the young man. She exhibited signs of having ingested a spiked drink, Ferguson said, and was taken to the hospital and later released. Her boyfriend was detained and questioned, but not booked. The investigation of that incident -- which authorities described earlier as a "possible sexual assault" -- continues, Ferguson said. Several others at the party appeared to be suffering from overdoses at the residence. None of the underage people who overdosed meant to get high or unconscious, said Ferguson, and none had more than one or two drinks, KOMO reported. Rather, he said, they appear to be victims of a scheme to render them unconscious and unable to resist or defend themselves. The woman found in the parking lot remained in the hospital Saturday in stable condition, police said. Twelve people, 11 of them female, initially were taken to hospitals, police said. All except one were released. The party took place at a rental home about 30 minutes from the university campus in Ellensburg, police said. The owner of the home was not at the party, police said. Police interviewed about 35 others who attended the party, which they said was organized by a Central Washington student. The university said it is "shaken and saddened" about the incident. "CWU strictly enforces state law and university policy on underage drinking and illegal drug use," it said, adding that freshmen are educated on drug and alcohol abuse and sexual assault. "Despite our best efforts, however, students sometimes make bad choices," the university said. Students identified as being involved with the party will have a conduct hearing that could result in an intensive education course, referral to counselors or suspension, it said. The school will hold information sessions Saturday and Sunday at residence halls, the statement said. Police and schools typically warn young people to be careful about ingesting beverages. "Roofies," a street name for Rohypnol, is a tasteless and odorless drug, Boston University says in a fact sheet on its website, and easily dissolves in beverages. The fact sheet advises students to watch their drinks, avoid punch bowls and not to accept opened beverages. CNN's Barbara Hall, Nick Valencia and Jeremy Ryan contributed to this report.

Central Washington University says students may face discipline . Man arrested at party, police said . Substance used to spike drinks is unknown .

(CNN) -- Air carriers are watching the situation at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant closely, making contingency plans and routing adjustments to keep operations running smoothly and protect passengers and crew from radiation risks. German airline Lufthansa and Italian carrier Alitalia have rerouted flights to and from the Tokyo area to other Japanese airports. Lufthansa's flights to and from Frankfurt and Munich are going to Osaka and Nagoya instead of Tokyo/Narita "in an effort to ensure that [the airline's] operations to Japan remain as stable as possible and provide sufficient capacity for its passengers," Lufthansa said in a statement. The altered schedule is expected to last as least through the weekend. Since Sunday, the airline has been scanning aircraft returning from Japan for radiation. "To date, none of the tests has detected any radioactivity," the statement said. Alitalia started rerouting all of its flights in and out of Tokyo airports to Osaka on Wednesday. Spokesman Clemente Senni said the change is designed to guarantee uninterrupted service to its passengers. Travelers will receive a refund for the trip between Tokyo and Osaka, Senni said. "We are obviously testing planes for radiation, but nothing has been registered so far," he said. British Airways is routing its Tokyo flights through Hong Kong for a brief stopover, and its flights bound for Tokyo's Haneda Airport will now land in Narita instead. Tokyo is more than 150 miles from the damaged nuclear power plant in Fukushima. U.S. airlines are in close contact with the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies and regulators in the U.S. and abroad, monitoring conditions around the nuclear facility, according to the FAA. American Airlines is operating its normal schedules in and out of Tokyo's airports, according to spokesman Tim Smith. The majority of customers have traveled as scheduled, he said. "At this point, we're monitoring things very closely and have not made any immediate decisions to change," Smith said. Delta and Continental airlines did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday afternoon. Japanese aviation authorities have imposed a no-fly zone within 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) of the Fukushima Daiichi plant. The FAA is alerting pilots to that restriction, spokeswoman Laura Brown said. On Wednesday, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission advised U.S. residents within 50 miles of the Fukushima reactors to evacuate. The commission's statement did not reference airspace. Representatives from the Allied Pilots Association, the union that represents American Airlines pilots, said its members, flight attendant union members and others are working closely with American Airlines management to make contingency plans should the situation at the reactors deteriorate. "What we're hearing at Narita is basically things are pretty normal," said Captain Sam Mayer, the association's communications director. The real concern, he said, will come if the situation worsens. First Officer Scott Shankland, a national union representative, said he believes the airline is in a good position to react to new developments. Mayer and Shankland said government security officials routinely scan U.S. airliners for radiation as part of normal operations. On Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it was monitoring the situation in Japan carefully. "Out of an abundance of caution, CBP has issued field guidance reiterating its operational protocols and directing field personnel to specifically monitor maritime and air traffic from Japan," the agency said in a statement. "No aircraft entering the United States today tested positive for radiation at harmful levels," it said.

Lufthansa and Alitalia have moved Japan departures and arrivals out of Tokyo . American Airlines continues to operate its normal schedule in Tokyo . FAA, other agencies and regulators are in close contact with airlines, Japanese officials . U.S. Customs: No aircraft entering U.S. today found to have "radiation at harmful levels"

(CNN) -- Refugees at a settlement in southwestern Uganda have barricaded all roads into the camp to protest a food-aid disruption they say has caused the deaths of several children, refugee leaders said Tuesday. "We have spent three months without any food supplies from government nor from any food relief or humanitarian agency," Congolese refugee leader Serugendo Sekalinda said by telephone. The protest began Tuesday after the deaths of three children Monday night, refugees said. Those were the latest of dozens of children who have died in the past two weeks due to hunger, refugee leaders said. But Needa Jehu Hoyah, a spokeswoman for the United Nations refugee agency, known as the UNHCR, told CNN by telephone from the Ugandan capital, Kampala, that no children have died in the Nakivale settlement, which has tens of thousands of refugees. "We have a malnutrition program [in Nakivale] for children, [but] no children have died of hunger there," she said. The UNHCR, along with the U.N.'s World Food Program and the Ugandan government, will deliver a food shipment to the settlement Wednesday, Hoyah said. Uganda's disaster preparedness and refugees minister, professor Tarsis Kabwejyere, told CNN that the refugees living in that camp -- most of whom fled fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo -- would have their full rations Wednesday. For a time they've been getting half rations, he said. "By tomorrow there will be no food crisis at that settlement," Kabwejyere said. "We do our best to make sure humanity survives, even in the hardships in refugee settlements, so people have a reasonable existence." The food shortage came about as a result of a disruption in the food supply chain and a shortage of money for food, the minister said. Hoyah agreed that there "were issues with the food pipeline." Protesters at the Nakivale settlement, about 400 kilometers (248 miles) southwest of Kampala and 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of the Ugandan border with Tanzania, gathered at the homes where the most recent deaths of children have occurred, Sekalinda said. "We are demanding to be relocated to another country where we can be protected from death caused by hunger," he said. While the settlement's population is composed mainly of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, it also houses refugees from conflicts in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea and Kenya. Nakivale is the largest and oldest of the five refugee settlements in Uganda, having opened more than two decades ago. People living there are provided small plots of land on which to grow crops, and they often build huts made of mud, water and thatched grass. As many as 155,000 refugees live in all the camps in Uganda, according to the UNHCR. As of January of this year, there were also an estimated 853,000 internally displaced persons, or IDPs, the UNHCR says on its Web site. The IDPs were forced from their villages in the past decade by attacks from the Lord's Resistance Army, which wants to create a democratic government in Uganda based on the Bible's Ten Commandments. Last week, an African Union summit in Kampala endorsed a declaration to end the forceful displacement of people in all of Africa. Delegates to the poorly attended summit also pledged to aid refugees and IDPs by training them in vocational skills so they could find work during and after their forced displacement. Journalist Samson Ntale in Kampala, Uganda, contributed to this report .

Lack of food causing deaths of children, refugees at Ugandan settlement say . Protest began after three children died Monday, refugee leader says . United Nations refugee agency denies any child has died of hunger at Nakivale . But agency acknowledges supply problem, says food coming Wednesday .

(CNN) -- If you asked me -- and God knows nobody has -- I would have to guess that never in the history of humankind has anyone ever actually slipped on a banana peel. Believe me. I've tried. When things get slow in my house we experiment with fruit. (To which he immediately realized the suggestiveness of that last sentence.) Now, while I maintain my strong conviction that nobody has ever slipped on a banana peel, Japanese researchers have proven that these things can, in fact, decrease the friction under a shoe sole by one-fifth. Which means ... it's possible. And I applaud this research, for it is delightfully pointless. At least until slipping on banana peels becomes a real thing and turns into an epidemic. "News flash! This just in from Los Angeles, where 600 more people have slipped on banana peels. One eyewitness on the scene described it as, quote: Hilarious." But this was real research. Done by real scientists. Who received real awards for their banana study. Real awards! You see, every year in September there is a gala held at Harvard where great minds come together to celebrate the Ig Nobel Prizes. Which are just like the Nobel Prizes, but with an "I" and a "g" in front, thus suggesting nobody here has managed to cure cancer. At the Ig Nobels (Think Ignobles, but pronounce it Ig-NOH-bells), instead of celebrating life-changing achievements, they honor those who "first make people laugh, and then make them think." Really, it sounds like the kind of event I could attend without pants. At first, people would laugh. And then they would think. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Wait. Why is this man covered with rainbow sprinkles?" The overall goal of the Ig Nobels is to encourage interest in science, medicine and technology by highlighting the absurd and the unusual. Like banana peel studies. Because they're light and fun. And, in the end, you might actually learn something. As opposed to what you are reading now, which, while light and (quite debatably) fun, will ultimately leave you with nothing more than a permanently burned image in your brain of my naked body covered in rainbow sprinkles. You're welcome. Anyway, that's the concept behind the Ig Nobels. And their 24th annual celebration was just held on Thursday. The theme was: Food. So, in addition to Team Banana from Japan, which won the physics prize, other awards were given out to such important studies as how cured pork can stop a nose bleed, and what happens in the brain when people somehow see the face of Jesus in a piece of toast. The latter was the winning study of the neuroscience prize. I didn't read the actual research, but I'm pretty sure seeing Jesus in your toast suggests that your brain wiring suddenly made the connection that you have an eBay account and -- hark! -- you also love being on the local news. That's when you see it. But my favorite award was the prize for public health. This year, that went to a study investigating whether or not owning a cat is mentally hazardous for humans. It is. The cat study was a slight variation from the food theme (I hope) but good science nonetheless. I mean, it was that or banana peels. Or Jesus toast. Or pork in the nose. Heck, come to think of it, maybe I should've been a scientist. After all, I like experimenting with meat. (To which he immediately realized the suggestiveness of that last sentence.) Follow @JarrettBellini on Twitter. And prepare to be underwhelmed. See more content with questionable news value at CNN Comedy.

A Japanese study of the slipperiness of banana peels won an Ig Nobel prize on Thursday . The Ig Nobels are a parody award for science, presented at Harvard University . Another winner was for research explaining whether or not cats are bad for human mental health .

(CNN) -- A Kenyan-born designer is taking African art to America's Deep South -- and finding his way into the pages of U.S. fashion glossies. "You don't hear about the incredible art coming out of Africa, stories of people digging themselves out of poverty," says jewelry designer Zia Sachedina. He often runs into fellow Africans at trade shows across the U.S. and remains an avid supporter of their "Africa-inspired, Western-designed" fashion. Sachedina has applied the same formula to his own business -- selling exotic jewelry with signature African patterns and striking color combinations tweaked for the western market. And trendsetters are taking notice -- with his designs featured in fashion bibles like Vogue and Glamour as well as TV series "Gossip Girl." Glorious colors in the desert: Darfur's fashionable women . Though most of his clients are middle-aged women who favor conservative jewelry, he mentions "Big Momma's House" actress Nia Long as the ideal "Zia Woman." "She wore our jewelry in Ebony (magazine) and looked amazing," he says. "It's that kind of sophisticated, confident woman, in touch with her culture and African origin that I'm trying to exert." Based in Savannah, Georgia, for the last decade, Sachedina says his work stands out like a "sore thumb" in the traditional southern town. "A lot of people are scared that it won't sell, but that's something that's never scared me." His store Zia Boutique ships collections to other jewelers around the U.S. and beyond -- including countries such as Canada, Colombia and Costa Rica. The Africa-inspired Kalahari collection is his most popular line. Dedicated followers of fashion: Congo's designer dandies . To his surprise, it has even sold well in the rural areas of Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. This has been encouraging for Sachedina, who relishes the opportunity to try something new. "We won't push something that doesn't look good on you," he says. "I want people to walk down the streets and go wow, you look incredible, where did you get that?" Sachedina says his work is a celebration of his unique life experience for men and women of all nationalities to enjoy. Struggling to define his cultural identify while growing up, he was born to an East African Asian father and a Japanese American mother. He describes his mother as a "free spirited hippie" and his father as a "traditional Muslim Indian." After his parents separated, he relocated to Kansas with his mother, where she was born. Sachedina enjoyed a happy childhood there, but recalls many friends couldn't identify with his "other life" in Kenya. Why African designers are finally in the fashion spotlight . As a teenager, he developed a deep longing to better understand his Indian side and realized that only spending school breaks in Kenya wasn't enough. Sachedina returned to Nairobi and enrolled at the International School of Kenya. He was surrounded by students and faculty from over 70 countries -- which he describes as the best experience of his life. It was also a period that helped shape the "global citizen" he views himself as today. At 32, Sachedina feels he has developed the ability to connect with others regardless of race, culture or religion. But he insists taking on that approach to life didn't happen overnight. Instead, it involved embracing the best parts of his parents' cultures -- as well as welcoming influences from his many travels around the world . He is currently in the process of scouting locations for more U.S. branches of Zia Boutique -- with the goal to operate five stores before turning 35.

Kenyan-born designer Zia Sachedina creates jewelry inspired by his heritage . He was born to an East African Asian father and a Japanese American mother . Sachedina has a flagship boutique in Savannah, Georgia . His work has been featured in Vogue and Glamour magazines, and TV show Gossip Girl .

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Men taking any of three erectile dysfunction drugs -- Viagra, Levitra or Cialis -- may be at increased risk for sudden hearing loss, prompting Food and Drug Administration officials to require label changes for the medications. The FDA is requiring label changes for drugs that may increase the risk of sudden hearing loss. The FDA said manufacturers must change the labels "to display more prominently the potential risk of sudden hearing loss," according to the agency's Web site. Labeling must also be changed for the blood pressure medication Revatio, which has the same active ingredient as the other drugs. Men taking any of the ED drugs and experiencing hearing loss should immediately stop taking the drug and see their physician, the FDA said. Patients taking Revatio and experiencing hearing loss should not discontinue taking the drug because it is used to treat a potentially life-threatening condition, the FDA said. Those patients are urged to see their physicians immediately. The FDA is requiring the label change for the entire class of drugs -- called Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor, or PD-5 inhibitors. The FDA says all manufacturers have agreed to the change their labels. "This is basically a public health announcement to let people decide if they want to take the drug," Dr. Robert Boucher said. Boucher is an ear, nose and throat specialist for the FDA who reviewed reports of sudden hearing loss in patients taking these drugs. The FDA began investigating the possible link between hearing loss and ED drugs after the publication of an article for ear, nose and throat specialists in last April's Journal of Laryntology and Otology, according to FDA spokeswoman Rita Chappelle. The study reported on a man taking Viagra who had experienced sudden hearing loss. This prompted the FDA to look for other reports of sudden hearing loss. The FDA found a total of 29 reports, which involved patients experiencing ringing in their ears, vertigo and/or dizziness. In most cases, the hearing loss only occurred in one ear, and for about one third of patients, the hearing loss was temporary. Boucher said "these 29 adverse event reports date back to 1996, when Viagra, the first impotence drug, was approved." "So, we're only talking about a couple cases per year," he said. He said 40 million prescriptions of all four drugs have been filled worldwide so far. "This is a very small number of cases, but because we're talking about a person's ability to hear, we thought it was important to make the label clear that this is a possible event," Chappelle said. There are about 4,000 new cases of sudden hearing loss in the United States each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Hearing loss can be caused by blood flow blockage as a result of diabetes or other illness, smoking, age and antibiotics. Pfizer manufactures Viagra and Revatio and Eli Lilly manufactures Cialis. Levitra, developed by GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer HealthCare, is jointly promoted in the United States by GSK and Schering-Plough Corporation. Representatives from Pfizer and Eli Lilly stressed that this is a "class label change" for all such drugs. In separate statements, Pfizer and Lilly representatives said "the FDA is making this change in the interests of patients so that patients can make informed decisions regarding PD-5 medications." GlaxoSmithKline did not return calls, but Schering-Plough noted that "based on patient reports, all occurrences of sudden hearing loss in patients taking Levitra were temporary." E-mail to a friend . CNN's Amy Burkholder and Ben Leach contributed to this report.

FDA requiring label changes for Viagra, Levitra, Cialis and Revatio . Labels must clearly display potential risk of sudden hearing loss . FDA says all manufacturers have agreed to change their labels . There are about 4,000 new cases of sudden hearing loss in the U.S. each year .

(CNN) -- President Obama on Thursday called on business leaders from the private sector to generate ideas that will "accelerate job creation" and stimulate investment in the United States. "While I believe that government has a critical role in creating the conditions for economic growth, ultimately, true economic recovery is only going to come from the private sector," Obama told attendees of the at the White House Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth. More than 100 CEOs, small-business owners, business leaders, mayors and academics attended. "We don't have enough public dollars to fill the hole of private dollars that was created as a consequence of the crisis. It is only when the private sector starts to reinvest again; only when our businesses start hiring again and people start spending again and families start seeing improvement in their own lives again, that we're going to have the kind of economy that we want," Obama said. The summit took place amid allegations from members of Obama's own party that the White House and the Democratic congressional leadership are not doing enough to help the unemployed. Critics called the summit nothing more than a publicity stunt, and some are threatening to organize a march on Washington of jobless Americans if efforts to get more aid fail. "Obviously, there's something that's not getting through to them," said Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Illinois. "We'll get the American people involved. You know, I can see a day, unless we get some real cooperation and real help, I can really see a day where there will be a jobless march on Washington." Rush and Reps. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, and Candice Miller, R-Michigan, chair the new congressional Jobs Now Caucus, which is made up of 112 Democrats and 17 Republicans. Proposals being floated by members of the caucus include redirecting stimulus and TARP money to jobs programs and pressing for a new jobs bill, which they're careful not to call a "stimulus." The summit also fell on the eve of the release of the government's November unemployment report. The nation is expected to have lost another 114,000 jobs, with unemployment remaining at 10.2 percent, the highest in 26 years, according to a survey by economists. Yet Obama projected a positive tone as he recounted some of the day's discussions, on topics from clean energy and tax incentives to the export market, and the overlap among them. "When we were in the infrastructure session, there was a strong emphasis on needing to plan not just for existing road projects, but also, how do we think about the fact that, in the future, we need a cleaner transportation industry?" he said. "When we were in the clean energy session, there was an emphasis on how do we get small businesses and small contractors to get certified and get the financing needed to move forward and take advantage of these clean energy sector opportunities," he said. "There's a lot of overlap between all these different breakout sessions that we engaged in," he said. "We're going to have to figure out how to break out of these silos and integrate these strategies if we're going to be able to get the most bang for the buck." Coinciding with the jobs forum, organized labor and religious leaders in several cities sponsored events featuring unemployed and underemployed people to raise the public profile of the issue. Events were held in Dayton, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; and Sacramento, California, on Wednesday, and in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Toledo, Ohio, on Thursday. CNN's Jessica Yellin and Kevin Bohn contributed to this report.

"True economic recovery is only going to come from the private sector," says Obama . Forum attendees include CEOs, small-business owners, mayors, academics . Summit occurs amid allegations that White House is not doing enough to help unemployed . Critics call summit a publicity stunt, some threaten to organize march on Washington .

(CNN) -- Marcos Ugarte was doing his homework when he heard the screams. Outside, the high school freshman saw flames shooting from a house several doors down. A man ran through the smoke with devastating news: A 7-year-old boy was trapped on the second floor. Marcos scaled a ladder, broke through a screen, forced open a window and carried the boy to safety. That was six months ago, less than three weeks into the 14-year-old's freshman year. It's not how you usually think of a high school student kicking off classes in the fall. And this week, Marcos is having a far-from-average spring break. The Oregon teen received a national award in Washington on Monday, picked in part by people who've won the prestigious Medal of Honor. Awareness of the medal Marcos won -- the Citizen Service Before Self Honor -- isn't as widespread. But organizers say they hope to turn the spotlight on ordinary Americans to show the acts of courage and self-sacrifice that they say symbolize the country's spirit. They describe the award as "the most prestigious civilian award in America." Marcos was the youngest person to receive the award, according to his high school, which hailed the news on its website. Candidates are nominated by police, fire officials, mayors, governors and everyday citizens. Recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award for valor in action, pick the winners. "The honorees we celebrate today ... are seemingly ordinary Americans, but far from it, really," said Jim Miklaszewski, the award ceremony's emcee and the Pentagon correspondent for NBC News. "They represent the true spirits of our country, going above and beyond for their communities, our nation and their fellow Americans." Three other people were honored this year: . Jesse Shaffer III and Jesse Shaffer IV refused to give up in August of last year as floodwater rose and torrential rain pelted their Louisiana neighborhood, even though local officials had called off rescue efforts. The father-and-son team used their boat to rescue 120 people during Hurricane Isaac, according to award organizers, including a family of five that was clinging to the roof of a trailer. Monsignor Joe Carroll ran a transitional housing center to help homeless people get back on their feet in San Diego, helping more than 1,000 people every day. He "has gone above and beyond to improve the lives of the homeless in Southern California, and by example throughout the United States," award organizers said. The annual awards, which officials from the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation started giving out in 2008, do make a difference, Brandon Wemhoff said. The 31-year-old won last year for pinning a masked robber to the ground at a Walgreens in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2011. People are still giving him hugs of thanks. "If more people cared about other people and they did things that were actually nice without expecting to get anything out of it, things would work out a lot nicer," Wemhoff said. "We'd have a lot less crime and a lot less BS, excuse my language, and more people helping people." As he prepared to head to Washington to receive the prestigious award, Marcos told The Oregonian newspaper that he'd told only a few of his friends. Some classmates, he said, have resented all the attention he's received. "They think I've gotten too much fame from it," he told The Oregonian. "I'm not trying to make it into a bigger deal." In some ways, he's still a typical high school student.

A 14-year-old boy climbed a ladder to pull a child from a fiery Oregon home . The teen is among four Americans chosen for Citizen Service Before Self Honor . A father and son used their boat to rescue 120 people during Hurricane Isaac . A cleric ran a housing center to help homeless people in San Diego .

(CNN) -- An international court in the Netherlands ruled Thursday to uphold the 50-year sentence handed down last year to Liberia's former president, Charles Taylor, after he was convicted of aiding war crimes in neighboring Sierra Leone. The ruling by the appeals judges in the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague brings to an end a lengthy legal battle. Taylor, 65, was found guilty last year of supplying and encouraging rebels in Sierra Leone in a campaign of terror, involving murder, rape, sexual slavery, looting and the conscription of children younger than 15. He was also convicted of using Sierra Leone's diamond deposits to help fuel its civil war with arms and guns while enriching himself with what have commonly come to be known as "blood diamonds." Both the defense and prosecution lodged appeals after the court convicted the former president of all 11 counts against him, following a trial lasting nearly four years. Taylor's defense appealed the court's judgment and sentence on multiple grounds, arguing that the trial chamber had made mistakes in evaluating the evidence and in applying the law. But the appeals judges rejected those arguments, saying that the trial chamber had "thoroughly evaluated the evidence for its credibility and reliability," and that its assessment of Taylor's criminal responsibility and liability was in accordance with international laws. The appeals judges also dismissed defense claims that Taylor was not given a fair trial. The defense also argued that the 50-year sentence handed down was "manifestly unreasonable," while the prosecution had argued that it should be increased to 80 years to adequately reflect the gravity of his crimes. The appeals judges dismissed both claims, saying the sentence was fair and reasonable. Rights group Amnesty International welcomed the ruling, saying it sent a clear message to leaders around the world. "The Court's landmark ruling underlines that no one is above the law," said Stephanie Barbour, head of Amnesty International's Centre for International Justice in The Hague. "The conviction of those responsible for crimes committed during Sierra Leone's conflict has brought some measure of justice for the tens of thousands of victims. The conviction of Charles Taylor must pave the way for further prosecutions." Role in atrocities . Taylor was the first former head of state to be convicted of war crimes since the Nuremberg trials that followed World War II. The trial chamber heard that rebels from the Revolutionary United Front, which the former president backed, committed horrendous crimes against Sierra Leone civilians, including children. Some were enslaved to mine the diamonds used to fund the rebels' fight. The presiding trial judge described Taylor as responsible for "aiding and abetting as well as planning some of the most heinous and brutal crimes recorded in human history." But Taylor said during his sentencing hearing in May 2012 that his role in the conflict was much different than represented. "I pushed the peace process hard, contrary to how I have been portrayed in this court," he said. A pivotal figure in Liberian politics for decades, he became president in 1997 and was forced out of office under international pressure in 2003. He fled to Nigeria, where border guards arrested him three years later as he was attempting to cross into Chad. The United Nations and the Sierra Leone government jointly set up the special tribunal to try those who played the biggest role in the atrocities. The court was moved to the Netherlands from Sierra Leone, where emotions about the civil war still run high. Opinion: Do war crimes trials really help victims? CNN's David McKenzie contributed to this report.

NEW: Amnesty International welcomes ruling, says it shows that no one is above the law . Court in The Hague upholds Charles Taylor's conviction and 50-year sentence . He was president of Liberia from 1997 until 2003, when he fled under pressure . He was convicted of supplying, encouraging rebels in Sierra Leone in a campaign of terror .

Los Angeles (CNN) -- A federal immigration court judge in San Francisco put a deportation proceeding on hold Friday for a gay California man who is an undocumented immigrant and married to a U.S. citizen, the couple's attorney said. Alfonso Garcia, 35, who came to the United States as a boy with his parents, and his husband, Brian Willingham, 37, are petitioning the federal immigration service for legal residency based on their marriage, said attorney Lavi Soloway. The judge put Garcia's deportation proceeding on hold while Garcia's legal residency, or green card, application is being processed, Soloway said. The next immigration court hearing is October 25, the attorney said. The couple lawfully married in New York and are registered domestic partners in California living in the San Francisco Bay area, but the federal immigration court doesn't recognize gay marriage under the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between opposite sex couples, Soloway said. The federal law is being challenged on constitutional grounds, with rulings expected this summer in federal appeals court, but the case hasn't reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The couple is hoping the federal marriage law is nullified before the October 25 hearing, Soloway said. "If they were an opposite-sex couple, we wouldn't have this discussion right now," Soloway said of Garcia's efforts to secure legal U.S. residency as a man married to a U.S. citizen. "What this case is about is a Mexican man who was brought to the United States as a child and has lived here for 20 years, as has his whole family," Soloway said. "But he doesn't have lawful status." "We have a whole campaign around this case and other cases like it," Soloway said, referring to the Stop the Deportations campaign and its website, in which gay and lesbian bi-national couples are fighting deportation, separation and exile caused by the Defense of Marriage Act and U.S. immigration law. Garcia's undocumented status was discovered during a routine traffic stop in July, which led to a background check, the couple said. Garcia's parents are legal residents applying for U.S. citizenship, the attorney said. Garcia and Willingham met in October 2001. "As a gay American citizen, the federal government offers me zero, zilch, nada, null access to the federal rights that all married couples have," Willingham said on the couple's Web page. "This is not an issue of separate but equal. There are no separate federal rights for married gay couples. There are no rights at all. This is not a front of the bus, back of the bus issue. This is the federal government telling us to get the hell off of the bus." President Barack Obama has called for a legislative repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, and while Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted last year to send a repeal to the full Senate floor, the measure is seen as having no chance of getting passed by the Republican-led House. If Garcia is deported, he will be barred from returning to the United States for 10 years, his attorney said. "I've spent most of my life in the United States. This country is my home, and Brian is my husband. I don't want to lose everything we have built together and be told I can't come back to the U.S. for 10 years. I just want to know we can be together. I just want to know the solemn oath we made to one another will count in the eyes of the law," Garcia said in a statement.

NEW: Deportation on hold for Alfonso Garcia, an undocumented immigrant . He and Brian Willingham, 37, were married in New York . The couple says Garcia, 35, should be allowed to stay here as the husband of U.S. citizen . Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage as between opposite-sex couples .

(CNN) -- Mexico's foreign minister says he's summoning the U.S. Ambassador following fresh reports of spying. "Shared security and responsibility between respectful neighbors cannot be constructed by violating the law and violating trust," Mexican Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Meade said Tuesday. "Mexico is convinced that the practice of espionage committed constitute a violation of norms, an abuse of the trust built between partnering countries and does not honor the historic friendship between our nations," he added. Speaking in Geneva, Meade said he would summon U.S. Ambassador Anthony Wayne upon his return to Mexico. His comments come days after Germany's Der Spiegel news magazine published allegations that the U.S. National Security Agency "systematically" eavesdropped on the Mexican government and hacked the public e-mail account of former Mexican President Felipe Calderon. Der Spiegel named former NSA contractor Edward Snowden as the source of its information. On Sunday, Mexico's government said such spying would be unacceptable, illegitimate and against the law. Meade demanded a swift investigation, noting that U.S. President Barack Obama had vowed to investigate when earlier allegations of spying surfaced in September. "Mexico finally reiterates its confidence in the conviction of President Obama that international law is not an empty promise," Meade said. "We are sure that the promise of an investigation made with Mexico is not either." Mexico will also conduct its own investigation, Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong told reporters. The new allegations drew a sharp response from Calderon in a series of Twitter posts on Monday. "More than personal, it is an assault on the institutions of the country, given that it was done when I was the president," Calderon said. "I will be following the steps the Foreign Ministry takes to demand explanations from the United States and the corresponding account of responsibility." A senior U.S. State Department official told CNN the Mexican government reached out about the report and that the two governments will be discussing it via diplomatic channels. The NSA said it would not "comment publicly on every specific alleged intelligence activity, and as a matter of policy we have made clear that the United States gathers foreign intelligence of the type gathered by all nations. U.S. spy chief says reports of NSA logging French phone calls are false . "As the President said in his speech at the U.N. General Assembly, we've begun to review the way that we gather intelligence, so that we properly balance the legitimate security concerns of our citizens and allies with the privacy concerns that all people share," the agency added. The statements were the latest sign of international fallout over apparent Snowden leaks. Mexico summoned Wayne in September after a report alleging the U.S. government had spied on Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto during last year's presidential campaign. Separately, the United States and Brazil agreed in September to postpone Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's state visit to Washington over reports the United States spied on her communications. That case of alleged NSA surveillance was also linked to apparent Snowden leaks. And on Monday, the U.S. ambassador to France met with French diplomats over allegations the NSA intercepted more than 70 million phone calls in the European nation over a 30-day period. Those allegations were reported by France's Le Monde newspaper, citing documents leaked by Snowden. Snowden has admitted to leaking documents about U.S. surveillance programs and faces charges of espionage and theft of government property in the United States. He is living in Russia after receiving asylum. CNN has not independently verified the reports citing leaked documents by Snowden. CNN's Dana Ford contributed to this report.

Mexico calls reported U.S. spying an abuse of trust . Mexico's foreign minister demands swift investigation . His comments follow Der Spiegel report on fresh allegations of U.S. spying . It's the latest sign of international fallout over documents leaked by Edward Snowden .

(CNN) -- Hot summers when the city is crammed with tourists; cooler winters when the rain can swell the Arno: Florence is an all-year-round destination. Here are some of the city's seasonal highlights. A Verdi player finds a gap in the Azzurri team's defence during the 2003 Calcio Storico . Vintage clothes For a long time, image-conscious Italians wouldn't be seen dead in second-hand clothes. But recently they have started to catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to coveting the nearly new and Florence is host to the biggest used clothes fair in Italy. It's held twice yearly in February and July (Stazione Leopolda; +39 055 246 6198). Christmas in Florence Not only is the city wonderfully deserted at this time of year, but the lights that adorn every shop window give the place an almost magical feeling. You can buy everything from amber to reindeer skins at the Christmas market (Mercato di natale) in the Piazza Santa Croce from the beginning of December. Go ice-skating in the Piazza della Liberta or make for the Piazza della Republicca, home to Florence's enormous Christmas tree sparkling with 16,000 lights. On Christmas day, High Mass at the Duomo is an unforgettable experience. Scoppio del Carro, Easter Sunday Exploding the cart, or "scoppio del carro," at Easter is one of the oldest and most important Florentine traditions. Decorated white oxen drag an elaborate cart stuffed full of fireworks from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza del Duomo. A dove-shaped rocket in the Duomo is lit and shoots along a wire to the cart where it ignites the rest of the fireworks: impressive pyrotechnics ensue. Tradition has it that if the first rocket flies straight, it will be a lucky year for Florentines. Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, April to June The May Music Festival is a series of classical music concerts, recitals, and operas and ballet held in venues across the city. It is internationally acclaimed and tickets are hot property, so check the Web site for scheduling and book in advance (www.maggiofiorentino.com ) Calcio Storico Fiorentino, June 24-28 This traditional game is a testosterone-fueled mix of football and fighting played by young men from the four Florentine quarters: San Giovanni, Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito and Santa Croce. They may look amusing in their medieval-style pantaloons but there is nothing funny about the level of competition in this fierce sport -- players often seem more preoccupied with fighting each other than getting the ball in the net, which runs the length of the pitch. An amazing spectacle, especially because it is held in the shadow of the beautiful Santa Croce church in the piazza below. Festa del Grillo (Cricket Festival), Ascension Day If you are feeling low on luck, the cricket festival, which heralds the start of spring, could boost your fortunes. Singing crickets are thought to bring good luck and in days gone by children would fashion cages and hunt for crickets to take to the Parco delle Cascine. Nowadays, the crickets are likely to be fake, but you can buy them housed in endearing pastel-painted confections with windows and roofs -- and they are still considered lucky. .................................. What sights have you enjoyed in Florence? Send us your tips and suggestions in the "Sound Off" box below and we'll print the best.

Florence's seasonal highlights include twinkling lights at Christmas . Easter brings "Scoppio del carro," an exploding cart stuffed with fireworks . In late June, Florentine men play a fierce combination of football and fighting . The cricket festival on Ascension Day is thought to bring good luck .

(CNN) -- Even though urinary incontinence affects about 25 million Americans and there are many treatment options to improve symptoms, talking about the often unexpected and always urgent need "to go" is still taboo, even with your doctor. In my own practice, I see patients who have been living in a constant state of anxiety about their urinary incontinence, mapping out restroom locations for every trip outside their home. It is not uncommon for my patients to avoid wearing light-colored clothing or to carry an extra set of clothes in their car. Many times, patients don't realize that the issue could have been treated in its earliest stage, before it controls their life. There are five common misconceptions that keep patients from speaking with their doctors about their loss of bladder control. It's time we dispel these myths. Myth: I'm the only person with incontinence. The 24.999999 million other Americans with incontinence would disagree with you. Most individuals with incontinence fall into one of two categories: . • Stress urinary incontinence: leakage of urine when you laugh, cough, exercise, etc. It usually results from weakened pelvic floor muscles. • Urgency urinary incontinence/overactive bladder: loss of urine associated with a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. It can be "idiopathic," meaning there's no underlying cause, or it could result from a neurologic disorder. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Occasionally, loss of bladder control is the first noticeable symptom of a larger problem like multiple sclerosis or pelvic organ prolapse. Myth: It's irreversible. The goal of speaking with your doctor is to regain the bladder control you once had and restore your quality of life. In many cases, this is a reasonable objective. When preparing for this appointment, be sure to describe in detail any other conditions you have as well as all of the medications you take. This can affect the treatment plan your doctor develops for you. You may even want to keep a log or a diary as to when, how much and under what conditions you leak. This will help your physician get a good snapshot of your daily life. Myth: It's a 'normal' part of aging. Although loss of bladder control is commonly associated with aging, it is not an inevitable part of the aging process. Although it is more common in women older than 40, incontinence can happen to anyone -- men or women, young or old. Too often, I have had patients who thought that treatment wasn't an option because of their age. This is not the case. If you happen to lose urine every time you sneeze, or if you suddenly have an uncontrollable urge "to go" when you turn the faucet on to wash the dishes, consider talking to your doctor about your symptoms. This is not "normal," regardless of your age, and a doctor can help you manage this condition before it gets worse. Myth: Medications are your only option. This is not the case at all. In fact, treatment options can range from the most basic lifestyle and behavioral changes, medications, interventional therapies such as Onabotulinumtoxin A, medical devices like neuromodulation or surgery. No two patients are the same; some may need instructions on behavioral changes to improve their control while others may need a combination of therapies. Myth: It's annoying but not serious. Incontinence is an inconvenience. However, the seriousness of this condition is measured by the level of undue stress it causes a patient -- and the negative impact it has on your quality of life and those in close contact with you. Talk to your doctor in the early stages, before you become a prisoner to your bladder.

Urinary incontinence, the uncontrollable urge to "go," is still taboo for many people . Incontinence affects about 25 million Americans . Treating incontinence early can help, doctor says .

(CNN) -- Not everyone wishes others well in fulfilling their New Year's resolutions. Giyen Kim has gone from 190 to 186 pounds in four weeks. A doctor says that's "very reasonable." On a video that Giyen Kim recently posted on iReport.com about her frustration with trying to lose weight, one user commented, "Who cares how much you have lost you are still a fat a**. Stop eating and go to the gym." In the past, Kim might have cried and turned to a pint of ice cream for comfort, she reflected. But this time, she hit the gym -- a reaction she views as a revelation. "I think that when you are doing what you need to be doing, things like that don't matter," she said. See Kim talk about losing weight . Kim, 34, is one of many CNN readers who are using CNN's iReport.com to share frequent updates of progress on their New Year's resolutions. iReport.com: Share your journey to change . Kim started out at 190 pounds on January 1 with the intention of losing about a pound or two a week throughout the year. Lately she has been cooking more for herself and trying to stay away from foods that have refined carbohydrates. She also tries to eat one vegan meal every day, but still occasionally indulges in bacon, the namesake for her blog Bacon is My Enemy. She exercises six days a week, mostly cardio, but wants to work on strength training and resistance training. She would also like to take step classes. So far she's shed four pounds in four weeks, but the pace feels slow compared with her diet regimens in the past, she said. She found that those extreme diet plans were not realistic options in the long run for maintaining a comfortable weight. Still, Kim maintains a positive outlook on her situation. "No matter if you get derailed, if you just pick yourself up again and get back on track, it makes a big difference," she said. "If you're in a place of feeling good about yourself, regardless of how your self-image has been in the past, it propels you to go forward." Dr. Melina Jampolis, a physician nutrition specialist from San Francisco, California, said losing a pound per week is very reasonable. At most, Kim could probably lose an additional half-pound to pound a week, "but any more than that and she would probably be losing water weight and muscle," Jampolis said. Jampolis recommends that Kim keep a daily journal of what she eats, and review it to see where she might be able to cut 50 to 100 calories, and where there might be hidden calories in her diet. Kim should also make sure she is varying the intensity, duration, and type of workout, Jampolis said. "As she loses weight and becomes more fit, she is burning fewer calories doing the same thing, so it is critical to change things up," Jampolis said. But generally Kim's current pace is great -- "At that rate, she will be down another 20 pounds by summer!" Jampolis said. As far as Kim's professional goals, she has secured an interim position at a non-profit organization, and continues to do video blogs for Momversation.com. The market for freelance writers is tough, particularly with many newspapers struggling, she said. Still, Kim is optimistic about following her dream to become a writer. "I'm not optimistic about our economic future as a country, but as far as me and my journey to find happiness, and accomplish some of these goals that I've had -- weight loss and following my writing passion -- absolutely, I'm still really positive about it," she said.

iReporter Giyen Kim has been losing a pound per week since the start of 2009 . She exercises six days a week, eats one vegan meal per day . Dr. Melina Jampolis says a pound a week is a reasonable pace . Share your journey to change with iReport.com .

(CNN) -- The aid package being negotiated to bail out Greece is worth 120 billion euros (about $160 billion) through 2012, according to Vassilis Papadimitriou, a spokesman for Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou. But the International Monetary Fund and European Union are demanding further austerity measures as a price for the bailout, according to a top Greek labor union official. Greece will be required to cut civil servants' salaries, freeze their pay increases, reduce their pension payments, change tax rates and increase the value-added tax consumers pay on purchases, according to Ilias Iliopoulos, the general secretary of the public sector union ADEDY. The International Monetary Fund did not respond immediately to a CNN request for confirmation of the value of the package. Its head, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, said Wednesday the agency did not release information about deals in the works until they were done. "Until we reach this point there is no precise information to give because the information doesn't exist," he said. Greece's credit rating has been slashed twice in the past two weeks -- most recently being downgraded to "junk" -- raising fears for the euro currency used by 16 nations across Europe. Markets worldwide tumbled when Standard & Poor's downgraded Greece earlier this week. It's the first European country to fall below investment grade. What Greece's debt rating downgrade means . The downgrade -- which makes it harder and more expensive for a country to borrow money -- was a major problem for Athens as it struggles to crawl out from beneath the country's massive debt. The national debt of 300 billion euros ($394 billion) is bigger than the country's economy, and some estimates predict it will reach 120 percent of gross domestic product in 2010. Germany is expected to contribute the lion's share of EU funding to bail out Greece. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday her country will do what it can to help Greece out of its financial crisis, "but also Greece has to do its part." She was meeting with Strauss-Kahn to hammer out specifics of the deal. "Obviously what Greece has to do is a difficult thing, but I think they are committed to doing it," he said in an appearance with the German leader. Merkel is being pulled in two directions -- toward bailing out Greece in order to stabilize the euro, and away from forking out cash because it is unpopular with German voters, with local elections coming up soon. Former Greek Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said Thursday that German taxpayers have nothing to worry about. "German taxpayers are going to make money" when Greece repays the loans, he said on CNN's "Quest Means Business." "Greece will never default," he added. He said the country needed the aid package because it no longer had the options it used to have for raising funds. "The markets have closed, we cannot rely on the markets as we have relied on the markets for so many years," he said. Standard & Poor's slashed Spain's debt to a "AA" rating Wednesday, down from "AA+," as Merkel and Strauss-Kahn focused on Greece. Who are the credit rating agencies? Spain's economy is among the largest in the European Union, significantly bigger than Greece's. Greek civil servants and private sector workers are planning a 24-hour strike May 5 to protest government austerity measures, the unions announced Wednesday. Sporadic demonstrations have already taken place in several cities, with sometimes violent clashes between police and protesters angry about the coming changes. Journalist Mary Retiniotis contributed to this report.

IMF, EU are seeking further austerity measures, Greek spokesman says . Greece's credit rating has been slashed twice in the past two weeks . Greece is negotiating for aid package worth 120 billion euros ($160 billion) Germany expected to contribute the lion's share of EU funding .