The Wire

Clinton daughter Chelsea engaged to be married

Turns out those discredited rumors of a possible Chelsea Clinton wedding last summer were mostly just premature: The 29-year old daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has become engaged to her longtime boyfriend, 31-year old investment banker Marc Mezvinsky. Complete Story...

Notre Dame fires Charlie Weis after 5 seasons

Notre Dame fired coach Charlie Weis on Monday after a string of disappointing seasons that was capped by an agonizing four-game losing streak. Athletic director Jack Swarbrick announced the decision, saying in a news release: "We have great expectations for our football program, and we have not been able to meet those expectations."

Iran holds yacht with 5 UK nationals

Iran is holding five British sailors after stopping their racing yacht in the Persian Gulf, the British government said Monday. The move could heighten tensions between Iran and major world powers, including Britain, that are demanding a halt to its nuclear program.

Black workers' crisis may linger after upturn

OAKLAND, Calif. - The recession has compounded a decades-long problem for black workers, who began the downturn facing a far higher jobless rate than the general population and have fared worse since.

CBO: Health bill would reduce premiums on average

Congressional budget experts say the health care bill on the Senate floor would lower the average price of insurance premiums if it passes, although millions would face higher costs.

US attorney drops lawsuit against Indy businessman

The government no longer is suing to seize bank accounts and other assets of an Indianapolis businessman whom it alleged was operating a Ponzi scheme.

Survey: Growing worker stress seen in benefits use

A survey of large companies shows the economy is prompting stressed-out workers to call in sick more and seek greater help from employee assistance programs.

Ban on fund raids may be put to New Jersey voters

Taxes paid by New Jersey businesses to fund unemployment, disability and family leave would no longer be diverted to other programs if voters approve a prohibition on such raids.

Ex-NBA star promising to repay Vegas casino debt

Former NBA all-star Antoine Walker has agreed to pay more than $900,000 to settle bad check charges with three Las Vegas casinos and avoid trial on felony criminal charges, a defense lawyer and prosecutor said Monday.

Models compete for Victoria's Secret runway spot

It's a choice most of us don't have to make: lingerie or loyalty?

Calif. court limits damages in harassment case

The California Supreme Court has reduced the punitive damages that McKesson Corp. must pay a former employee who claimed she was harassed because she suffered panic attacks and had body odor.

Sheryl Crow to perform at National Christmas Tree

The carols around the National Christmas Tree are going to have some serious star power this year.

New online chief appointed at Playboy

Playboy Enterprises Inc. said Monday it has promoted a veteran of the men's entertainment industry and new media platforms to head the brand's newly reorganized online content business.

Gift Guide: Adventures in the video game aisle

The video game aisle can be intimidating for aspiring Santas who haven't touched a joystick since "Pong." But it has something for everyone: riveting solo adventures, online multiplayer battles and fun-for-the-whole-family social games. Here are some of the best picks for this holiday season.

Jackson's `This Is It' out on DVD in January

"Michael Jackson's This Is It," a film about the King of Pop's final rehearsals before his death, will be released on DVD on Jan. 26, 2010.

PBS's `NewsHour' to use reporting from GlobalPost

PBS's "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" plans to beef up its international coverage with help from the startup news outfit GlobalPost.

ShopperTrak: Sales rise 0.9 for Friday, Saturday

A research firm says retail sales Friday and Saturday edged up 0.9 percent, while customer traffic fell 2.7 percent compared with last year.

Ore. anti-tax leader indicted on tax charges

Bill Sizemore, Oregon's high-profile anti-tax activist and Republican candidate for governor, has been indicted on tax evasion charges.

2 Guantanamo detainees arrive in Italy

Italy's justice minister says two Tunisians who had been detained at Guantanamo have arrived in Italy following lengthy negotiations with Washington.

Study tests blood pressure drugs for diabetics

A Swiss pharmaceutical company is financing a Michigan study of the effectiveness of drug combinations in treating high blood pressure among diabetics.

Falcons' Ryan to miss at least 1 game with injury

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan will miss this week's game against Philadelphia with a turf toe injury.

Injured speedskater Celski plans to be at Olympics

Short track speedskater J.R. Celski has no doubts he'll compete at February's Vancouver Olympics now that he's returned to the ice from a deep leg gash.

Movement under way in California to ban divorce

Til death do us part? The vow would really hold true in California if a Sacramento Web designer gets his way.

FHA proposes tighter rules for lenders

The Federal Housing Administration is proposing stricter rules for lenders to reduce its risk and insure it can cover future losses.

GameStop shares slip amid game sale jitters

Shares of GameStop Corp. retreated Monday amid worries that video games aren't selling as well early this holiday season as many had hoped.

The Vine
Chelsea Clinton to wed next summer
Source: msnbc.com

Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton has become engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Marc Mezvinsky, according to a spokesmanfor former President Bill Clinton. The couple will be married next summer.

This Is George Bush's Recession: Why Doesn't Anybody Talk About That?
Source: AlterNet.org

"It's certainly punchy, but perhaps unnecessarily oblique.

Rabidy Anti-Government White Guy in Akron Turns His Apartment Into A Bomb-Making Factory. Strangely, The Word "Terrorist" Does Not Appear In This Article
Source: Cleve-Blog

Following a pipe bomb explosion Monday night, police and federal law enforcement officials are trying to figure why a Center Avenue man turned his apartment into a bomb factory. Police said no charges have been filed against Mark Campano, 56.

Obama faces tough job selling Afghan policy
Source: msnbc.com

President Barack Obama is preparing to announce a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan on Tuesday, an addition of troops that will likely be one of the toughest sales jobs of his presidency.

Obama is having the best first year of any president since Franklin Roosevelt.
Source: Slate

About one thing, left and right seem to agree these days: Obama hasn't done anything yet.

Poll: GOP voters both united and divided
Source: msnbc.com

Opposition to President Barack Obama and his policy initiatives is strong, but Republicans are split on GOP's direction, leaders, according to a Washington Post poll.

Obama plans new efforts to combat foreclosures
Source: msnbc.com

With the foreclosure crisis showing no signs of relenting, the Obama administration plans to expand a program aimed at helping people remain in their homes.

Useful Definitions For Conservatives
Source: airamerica.com

Have you ever argued politics with a conservative counterpart and felt as if you were speaking two different languages? Well, you were. In order to bridge the divide, we have developed some definitions in the hopes of making things a bit easier.

Global warming exposed as UN-funded fraud
Source: zerohedge.com

Russian computer hackers have published emails and source code from the UN-affiliated Climate Research Unit showing profound corruption, fraud, and criminal activity. What's really behind the Copenhagen treaty?

Ex-autoworker goes on trial for 27,900 deaths
Source: msnbc.com

John Demjanjuk goes on trial on charges of being an accessory to the murder of 27,900 Jews at a Nazi camp, the final chapter of 30 years of efforts to prosecute the retired autoworker.

Alleged Killer of Abortion Doctor Fights for Necessity Defense
Source: splcenter.org

Scott Roeder, who has confessed to the fatal shooting of a Kansas abortion provider, is fighting prosecutors' attempts to ban the so-called necessity defense at his trial.

Debate grows over Swiss ban on minarets
Source: msnbc.com

A top Swiss official said that voter approval of a ban on minarets next to mosques could be struck down in court, as critics at home and abroad swiftly condemned the vote.

Notre Dame reportedly fires Weis as coach
Source: NBC Sports

Notre Dame fired Charlie Weis as football coach Monday, the New York Daily News reported, citing an unnamed source close to the program.

Navy set to arraign 3 SEALs who nabbed key terrorist

Getting scant coverage --- while stirring controversy, especially with active and former U.S.

"Sensational" Archaeological Find
Source: Sveiges Radio International

The Polar ice cap during the last Ice Age might not have been as extensive as previously thought, according to archaeologists looking at the remains of human settlements in the north of Sweden.

AIG now owns your water supply
Source: AlterNet.org

"We have long considered water infrastructure as an attractive investment opportunity and an excellent complement to [our] existing energy infrastructure portfolio. Utilities Inc.

Poll: Limbaugh Is Most Influential Conservative
Source: airamerica.com

By a wide margin, Americans consider Rush Limbaugh the nation's most influential conservative voice.

7 items you didn't know were in the Senate bill
Source: msnbc.com

The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" - better known as the Senate health care overhaul bill - is chock full of interesting but little publicized provisions.

How Did You Come Up With Your Screen Name?

I am always amazed at the names that people come up with, here and anywhere for that matter. I had a dickens of a time trying to think of just one name that I felt would be catchy, sassy (like me), and of course original.

Swiss ban mosque minarets in surprise vote
Source: Yahoo! News

Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on minarets on Sunday, barring construction of the iconic mosque towers in a surprise vote that put Switzerland at the forefront of a European backlash against a growing Muslim population. ...

Serena fined at least record $82,500 for tirade
Source: NBC Sports

Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock tells The Associated Press that Serena Williams has been fined a record $82,500 for her tirade at this year's U.S. Open and could be suspended from that tournament if she has another "major offense" in the next two years.

Does The "Free-est" Country In The World Have Too Many Of It's Citizens Locked Up?

• The United States has 5% of the world's population, yet possesses 25% of the world's prison population;

Dubai disclaims Dubai World's debt
Source: msnbc.com

The Dubai government disclaimed responsibility for the debts of its Dubai World conglomerate on Monday.

Obama's 'surge' may set sights on Kandahar
Source: msnbc.com

A year ago, mobile phones worked just fine in the pomegranate orchards and vineyards along the Arghandab river on the outskirts of Afghanistan's second largest city, Kandahar.

Nasrallah vows Hizbullah will continue arming to fight Israel
Source: JPost.com

Hizbullah will improve its weapons capabilities to face off any Israeli threat, the group's leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah's said Monday, adding that armed struggle was the only way to regain "Arab lands" captured by Israel.

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