Today Compromise Raising Debt Limit Goes to U.S. Congress Vote as Soon as

Congressional leaders, leaving no extra time before a default threatened for tomorrow, are racing to push through a compromise sealed with President Barack Obama last night to raise the U.S. debt limit by at least $2.1 trillion and slash government spending by $2.4 trillion or more. The House plans votes today and the Senate may follow suit to consider the agreement reached during a weekend of negotiations that capped a months-long struggle between Obama and Republicans over raising the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling. Both parties were working to sell the deal to their rank and file -- meeting resistance from social liberals who fault it for failing to increase taxes and from fiscal conservatives who say it’s insufficient to rein in the debt. “The leaders of both parties in both chambers have reached an agreement that will reduce the deficit and avoid default,” Obama said in an appearance in the White House briefing room last night as congressional aides were drafting the legislative language. “This compromise does make a serious down payment on the deficit-reduction we need. Most importantly, it will allow us to avoid default.” Stocks may rally after the deal, as futures on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index expiring in September gained 1.5 percent to 1308 as of 2:15 p.m. in Tokyo. Treasuries retreated after soaring July 29 in the wake of weaker-than-forecast U.S. economic growth figures. Ten-year notes yielded 2.84 percent, still less than their average 3.06 percent in the past year. Market Reaction The dollar rose 1.2 percent to 77.64 yen, gold fell 0.8 percent to $1,614.20 an ounce, and crude oil for September delivery rose 1.2 percent to $96.89 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The Treasury Department has said it will breach the borrowing limit and run out of options for avoiding default tomorrow without action by Congress to raise the debt ceiling. Congressional leaders expressed optimism they would avoid that risk -- however narrowly. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, said he was relieved to announce “a historic bipartisan compromise that ends this dangerous standoff,” adding that Republicans and Democrats would have to unite to push it through. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio told fellow Republicans in a conference call around the same time that the deal wasn’t the world’s greatest, yet showed that their party had changed the debate in Washington, according to an official familiar with the conversation. Two Installments Lawmakers who were to vote within hours on the measure were just learning its details. It would raise the debt ceiling in two installments, sufficient to serve the nation’s needs into 2013. The framework, as detailed by officials in both parties, would cut $917 billion in spending over a decade, raise the debt limit initially by $900 billion and assign a special congressional committee to find another $1.5 trillion in deficit savings by late November, to be enacted by Christmas. If Congress met that deadline and deficit target, or voted to send a balanced-budget constitutional amendment to the states, Obama would receive another $1.5 trillion borrowing boost. In the case of Congress failing to take either step, or not producing debt savings of at least $1.2 trillion, the plan allows the president to obtain a $1.2 trillion debt-ceiling extension. Still, that would trigger automatic spending cuts across the government -- including in defense and Medicare -- to take effect starting in 2013. The Medicare cuts would only affect provider reimbursements, not benefits. Borrowing Authority An initial $400 billion increase in borrowing authority couldn’t be blocked under the deal. While Congress would get a chance to avert both debt-limit increases through disapproval resolutions, there’s little chance opponents could muster the two-thirds majorities needed in both chambers to override Obama’s veto. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said the agreement wouldn’t be final until members of his party had the chance to evaluate it. “But at this point, I think I can say with a high degree of confidence that there is now a framework to review that will ensure significant cuts in Washington spending,” and that there would be no default, he said. Concessions Made In the final stage of negotiations, both sides made concessions. Republicans dropped their insistence on withholding some of the borrowing authority until future spending cuts had been made and a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution had been passed by both chambers of Congress. Those terms were included in a bill the House passed narrowly and along party lines July 29, only to see the measure defeated in the Senate less than 24 hours later. The White House agreed to forgo an automatic tax increase, a sticking point for Republicans, as one of the consequences to kick in if no debt-reduction law was enacted by Christmas. Even so, Obama has an opportunity to increase revenue in the future if he opts to allow the tax cuts enacted under George W. Bush to expire as scheduled in 2013. Even if Obama lost his re-election campaign next year, he could veto legislation to extend those cuts before leaving office -- producing an estimated $3.5 trillion. White House officials said the enforcement mechanisms will help them press Obama’s agenda as further deficit reductions are made, including additional tax revenue. Preserving Leverage The automatic spending cuts would include deep reductions in the defense budget, which Republicans oppose. That measure preserves leverage for Democrats in committee negotiations, the officials told reporters on condition of anonymity. Because any spending cuts would be delayed until 2013, timed to coincide with the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, Republicans would have an added incentive to agree to overhaul taxes, which Democrats want to use for raising revenue. Republicans argue that while the super-committee could propose tax increases, it wouldn’t likely do so, because the rules of the deal require that it assume -- as the Congressional Budget Office does -- the Bush tax cuts expire as scheduled at the end of 2012. That would mean that to count any new revenue toward deficit reduction, the committee would need to both erase the Bush tax reductions and then generate additional revenue on top of that. In addition to guaranteeing a vote on the balanced-budget constitutional amendment between October and the end of the year, the agreement could give Republicans a chance to renew their push for the measure at the height of 2012 campaigns. Constitution Amendment If Congress failed to enact the deficit-reduction package, it would either have to transmit the amendment to the states or automatic spending cuts would be trigged. Republicans could argue that the amendment -- which takes a two-thirds vote in both houses to be sent for ratification to the states -- was the only alternative to painful spending reductions. Some Democrats said they wanted no part of a deal that would omit any tax increase while cutting deeply into government spending and threatening still more reductions to safety-net programs such as Medicare. “This deal does not even attempt to strike a balance between more cuts for the working people of America and a fairer contribution from millionaires and corporations,” Representative Raul Grijalva, the Arizona Democrat who leads the Progressive Caucus, said in a statement. “I will not be a part of it.” Pelosi Noncommittal House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California offered no backing for the measure in a statement last night, nor promised any Democratic votes. With a morning gathering of Democrats planned behind closed doors, she said, “I look forward to reviewing the legislation with my caucus to see what level of support we can provide.” Some Republicans also voiced disappointment with the measure. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he was “highly concerned” about the size of the deficit narrowing being discussed, calling it too small to make a real difference in reining in the debt. “I’m afraid this is not going to fix the problem, and that’s the one reason I came here,” said Johnson, a first- termer elected with Tea Party support. While the compromise will probably assuage immediate concerns about a default in financial markets, “this relief will be short,” said Mohamed A. El-Erian, chief executive officer of Pacific Investment Management Co., the world’s largest manager of bond funds. If S&P “sticks to what it said, it will downgrade” the U.S. debt following the deal, El-Erian said in an interview on ABC News “This Week.” The ratings company warned that the U.S. may lose its top AAA sovereign grade depending on the contents of the debt deal. For more details click here >>>

The GDP grew at an annual rate of only 1.3 percent in the second quarter of 2011, announces the Commerce Department, which also revised first-quarter growth down to 0.4 percent

If there is not a deal by early next week, the government will have to prioritize its spending. The debt may get downgraded, and we could have all sorts of problems,” says Mr. Brown. In the report released on Friday, the Commerce Department sharply revised downward its estimate of first-quarter growth, from an annual rate of 1.9 percent to 0.4 percent. “In other words, the economy has barely budged this year,” wrote economist Joel Naroff, of Naroff Economic Advisors in Holland, Pa A major reason for the slow growth is a retrenchment by state and local governments, reflecting lower sales tax receipts and the reduction of the 2009 federal stimulus money. According to the report, real state and local governmen consumption and expenditures decreased 3.4 percent – the same decrease as in the first quarter. Before Friday's report, economists had expected the US economy would rebound from the slowdown in auto production due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the high gasoline prices. Instead, “we had some improvement, but not enough to offset other factors, especially the lack of spending by consumers and the lack of new hiring,” says Brown. Part of the reason for the slowdown in consumer spending – which rose just 0.1 percent – was related to the dearth of Japanese vehicles to buy. Auto vehicle purchases declined by 23 percent in the quarter, according to an analysis by Austan Goolsbee, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in Washington. That should start to improve, since many Japanese automobile manufacturers are now getting closer to normal production. However, gasoline prices are now up 17 cents a gallon over the past month, according to AAA. With higher gas prices, lower stock prices, and the political maneuvering in Washington, consumer sentiment is eroding. On Friday, the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey of consumers for July found consumer confidence has dropped to the lowest level in two years. The uncertainty surrounding the debt-ceiling negotiations contributes to the decline in confidence, according to Barclay’s Capital Research. “The percentage of consumers describing economic policy as doing a ‘poor job’ has recently spiked,” said the report on Friday. FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE >>>

US economy 'has barely budged': 1.3 percent growth in GDP Live

New York According to the US Commerce Department, the US economy only grew at a 1.3 percent rate in the second quarter – an improvement over the first quarter, now estimated to have experienced only 0.4 percent growth, but a slower pace than many economists had expected. Contributing to the economic malaise were a contraction of spending by state and local governments as well as a spending pullback by consumers hammered by rising food and gasoline prices. As a result of the slow improvement in the economy, many economists are now lowering their outlook for the second half of the year, which had been expected to show more spunk. Without higher growth, business is unlikely to hire more people, which will keep unemployment high, say economists. In addition, if businesses sense the economy is slowing, they may pull back on ordering new equipment and building new factories. “It is now clear: the economy is even less sturdy than we thought just one day ago,” says Richard DeKaser, economist at the Parthenon Group, a Boston-based consulting company. RECOMMENDED: Soft patch? Three reasons economic growth is slowing. The lackluster performance by the economy comes against the backdrop of the Washington debate over increasing the debt ceiling. Some economists are concerned that consumers and businesses are delaying purchases until they see how the impasse will be resolved. Many investors are starting to reduce their stock portfolios, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average off about 500 points in the past week including about another 60 points by noon on Friday. Some banks, in an effort to conserve capital, are starting to tighten their terms and conditions for loans,says Scott Brown, chief economist at Raymond James & Associates in St. Petersburg, Fla. In addition, he notes some disruptions taking place in the capital markets, as investors start to pull money out of some money market mutual funds. According to Lipper Analytical, some $32 billion has been withdrawn from the money market funds so far this week. FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE >>>

Now, Congress down to its last strike to avoid debt-ceiling default

By rejecting the bill passed by the House Friday, the Senate essentially now has one last shot to get a debt ceiling increase through Congress before the Aug. 2 deadline. enate majority leader Harry Reid (D) of Nevada speaks during a joint news conference with Sen. Charles Schumer (D) of New York (left) and Senate majority whip Dick Durbin (D) of Illinois (right) on debt ceiling crisis on Capitol Hill in Washington Friday. Yuri Gripas/REUTERS

Washington After a night of high drama on Capitol Hill, a legislative solution to the debt crisis now shifts to the Senate, where leaders of both parties must now try to guess what will pass in the House – perhaps the worst bet in all of politics. The situation is the result of strategic mistakes in the buildup to Friday's debt-ceiling votes, which produced an outcome exactly the opposite of what GOP leaders had hoped. Speaker John Boehner (R) of Ohio had hoped to win support from House Democrats this week by scaling back the House's earlier “cut, cap, and balance” bill. With Democratic support in the House, the bill would have had a credible shot in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Instead, his proposal alienated not only House Democrats but also the president and GOP conservatives. After an aborted attempt to hold a vote Thursday, an amended bill did at last pass the House Friday, 218 to 210, but without a single Democratic vote and without 22 Republican defectors. Later Friday, it failed in the Senate, which voted to table Mr. Boehner's bill, 59 to 41, effectively derailing it. RECOMMENDED: Who's who in the US debt crisis That makes the plan coming out of the Senate likely the last chance for Congress to vote to raise the debt ceiling before Aug. 2, when the country would default on some domestic spending obligations, which could include checks for Social Security recipients and veterans. In short, months of negotiation have come down to a situation where the Senate has one shot to get it right – a compromise that will pass both the Democrat-controlled Senate and the Republican-controlled House in three days. At a time when even the speaker of the House appears uncertain what his caucus will or will not support, it is a Herculean task. “We all know the Senate is the only way out of this mess,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D) of New York Friday night. But even getting a proposal through the Senate appears to be a big reach, since any bill would need at least seven GOP votes to reach the 60-vote threshold to avoid a filibuster. Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D) of Nevada introduced a plan earlier this week that would cut spending by $2.2 trillion over 10 years and raise the debt ceiling through 2012 immediately. But Republicans, burned by similar bargains in the past, want assurances that those cuts will, in fact, take effect – hence their insistence on an accompanying balanced-budget amendment. FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE >>>

Misinformation mars debt-ceiling battle: Editorial

In a scant few days, the government will be unable to pay all its bills, and instead of solving the problem — which shouldn't really be all that tough — Washington is caught up in an escalating game of chicken over the federal debt limit. Perhaps there will be an 11th-hour deal. It's not unusual. But rarely is a deadline pushed this hard with this much at stake — or with so much confusion and misinformation. As you listen to the fiery rhetoric, here are five leading myths about the debt ceiling to keep in mind. The debt limit is a blank check. Perhaps the most destructive misinformation about raising the limit is that it would give the president a "blank check" for more wasteful spending. Raising the debt limit —something that has been done 49 times under Republican presidents and 29 times under Democratic presidents since 1960 — just lets the government pay for spending that Congress has already approved: interest on the national debt, Social Security benefits, paychecks for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, tax refunds, highway construction and so on. Think of it this way: Refusing to raise the debt limit is like going to Best Buy, bringing home a 50-inch flat panel TV — and then arguing that you shouldn't pay the credit card bill. Not raising the debt limit puts President Obama in the bizarre situation of either not spending money that Congress already told him to spend, or attempting to spend money and exceeding the ceiling. Either way, he fails to execute the law. The time to get tough about deficits is when the tax and spending decisions are made in the first place, not when the bills are coming due. 'Default' warnings are just a scare tactic. Many of the Republicans who oppose lifting the debt limit have dismissed as phony the administration's warnings that failing to raise the limit will force the nation to default on its debts. Freshman Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., turned himself into a Tea Party hero when he put a videotape of himself on YouTube in which he says, "President Obama, quit lying!" It's true that the Treasury Department could probably avoid missing any interest payments on the national debt by making those payments the top priority for federal spending. Even with no more borrowing authority, Treasury would continue to collect more than enough tax revenue to cover debt interest and some of the nation's other bills. But a study by the respected Bipartisan Policy Center concluded that if the debt limit is not raised, Treasury will have to reduce federal spending by about 44%, forcing enormous, rapid cuts. It might be technically possible to keep paying bondholders in Beijing and Brussels while delaying or stopping some payments to American seniors, troops or businesses. But that wouldn't be politically sustainable for long once voters saw what was going on. There would be a default, and those who deny the inevitability are also in denial about the dire consequences, which takes us to our next myth. Failing to raise the limit is not that big a deal. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., has said that failure to increase the debt ceiling might cause some "disruption" similar to a "partial government shutdown." If only. The Bipartisan Policy Center study concluded that the 44% cut in federal spending would mean that "handling all payments for important and popular programs (such as) Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, defense, active duty pay … (would) quickly become impossible." Economically, forcing such a rapid reduction in spending in the midst of a weak economic recovery would be downright stupid. It would cost hundreds of thousands of people their jobs (in both the public and private sectors). The nation's Triple-A credit rating would be downgraded, increasing borrowing costs on the nation's massive debt. Because state, consumer and business loan rates are tied to the rate the federal government pays, everyone's borrowing costs would go up. That could plunge the nation back into recession — or worse. No wonder Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, top bankers and a host of corporate leaders are pleading with Congress not to let this happen. Aug. 2 isn't a real deadline. The federal government actually hit its $14.3 trillion borrowing limit back on May 16. Ever since, Treasury officials have been shifting money around in federal accounts to sustain a government that has to borrow about 40 cents of every dollar it spends. In May, Treasury forecast that it would run out of options for doing that on Aug. 2. Treasury insists it's a hard deadline, but various analysts have estimated that the government might have enough cash to last as much as another week or so, to Aug. 10. Who's right? Who knows? The crucial fact here is that Treasury will run out of options very soon. Once it does, the Bipartisan Policy Center says, officials will have "no secret bag of tricks to finance government operations." If Congress and the White House don't cut a deal, some legal experts say, Obama could assert authority under the 14th Amendment ("the validity of the public debt of the United States… shall not be questioned") without approval from Congress. That would likely provoke more political chaos, a legal confrontation and quite possibly an attempt to impeach the president by the same hard-liners who reject compromise now. An impeachment process amidst extraordinary economic challenges and two wars is about the last distraction the nation needs. All we have to do is tax the rich. In his speech Monday night, the president again played the class warfare card, railing against tax loopholes for corporate jets and hedge fund managers. Those loopholes deserve to be closed, and they represent the absurd extreme of the Republicans' anti-tax pledges. But the tax loopholes represent a minuscule part of the debt problem. Ending them would raise about $18 billion over 10 years, or 0.2% of the $9.5 trillion in deficits projected by the Congressional Budget Office. More broadly, Obama continues to insist any tax revenue in a plan to cut the deficit (and raise the debt limit) should come only from those who make more than $250,000 a year. Obama locked himself into this formula when he was running for the White House, but here's one campaign promise he should find a way to drop. Hiking taxes on the wealthy enough to provide $1 of revenue for every $3 of spending cuts under a balanced plan would mean raising the top tax rate from the current 35% to well more than 50%, according to calculations based on a Tax Policy Center analysis. That's both unfair and politically unrealistic. In the end, real deficit reduction will require some give from just about everyone. As it is, none of the surviving plans on Capitol Hill calls for tax increases or for significant changes in the benefit programs that are driving future deficits. Both are necessary. This suggests one more myth — that debt-ceiling brinksmanship is a good way to bring about needed change or run a country. For more details click here >>>

Execs blame business drag on Washington politics Live

NEW YORK — In the escalating blame game related to the debt crisis impasse on Capitol Hill, top executives at America's leading companies are increasingly pointing fingers at lawmakers for creating a drag on business. In comments to Wall Street analysts during calls related to their quarterly earnings reports, more than two dozen executives fired off comments this week related to the business fallout caused by Washington lawmakers' inability to strike a deal on the debt ceiling, according to a scan of conference call transcripts involving companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index performed by Bespoke Investment Group. After reviewing the transcripts, which included comments from CEOs running businesses in key sectors such as health care, financial services, transportation, technology, utilities and industrials, "we found no shortage of executives blaming Washington for the uncertainty in the economy and business outlooks," says Bespoke's co-founder Paul Hickey. The criticisms flung at Washington centered around how the uncertainty and loss of confidence caused by the debt crisis has ushered in a cautious, wait-and-see mindset that has created "a drag on businesses." The executives told analysts that it is more difficult for them to plan, predict the future and close deals in the pipeline. For more details click here >>>

Newly authorized Cuba trips sell out fast, run into controversy

As the walls between Cuba and the USA started to crumble, starting with the Obama administration loosening restrictions on Cuban-Americans visiting home and sending money, a controversy has arisen. Established and respected U.S. tour companies such as upscale Abercrombie & Kent recently began selling cultural tours to bring American vacationers to the Communist island, still off limits to the average tourist. A&K's trips -- due to start late this summer -- and those of Vantage Deluxe World Travel, just to name two, sold out fast and more departures were added. Here's part of what A&K said in its press release touting the trips: "Our guests will discover Cuba at its most intimate, authentic and in complete comfort," explains Abercrombie & Kent USA President, Scott Wiseman. "We have arranged an expedited immigration process on arrival, exclusive accommodations at Cuba's best hotels and a carefully-planned itinerary that includes private access to Hemingway's home, Finca Vigia, for an informative discussion with the curator and local staff involved in restoring the home and its lush surroundings. "Abercrombie & Kent has partnered with the Foundation for Caribbean Studies, a licensed people-to-people non-profit organization, on an itinerary that takes Americans beyond Havana to Trinidad in central Cuba, a Spanish colonial settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the rural countryside. There is time to explore Cuba's cultural and historical wonders, while meeting local people to talk about daily life in Cuba and to enjoy mojitos, salsa dancing and intimate dinners at paladars (privately-owned restaurants) for a first-hand introduction to Cuba's growing private business sector. "Learn the finer points of tobacco, rum and coffee: the 'triangle' of the Cuban economy. Try your hand at crafting one of Cuba's most enduring icons during a hands-on rolling workshop at a cigar factory, followed by a tour of a working tobacco plantation." Meanwhile, Scott Weiler of Vantage Deluxe World Travel, told USA TODAY weeks ago that "as it became public that things were loosening up (regarding travel to Cuba), that made us think that maybe we could get people into Cuba. .. There's a lot of pent-up demand to see Cuba." Vantage tours -- which involve going in under a religious visa and had participants meeting with Cubans of various faiths -- began selling out also and more were added. Then came a Monday advisory from the U.S. Treasury Department, which controls and licenses travel to the Caribbean island. People-to-people exchanges, certain cultural programs and journalists are allowed. Here's what the advisory said, in part: "The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") is aware of misstatements in the media suggesting that U.S. foreign policy, as implemented by OFAC, now allows for virtually unrestricted group travel to Cuba by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Although OFAC amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations ... to expand licensing of travel to Cuba for certain specific purposes, the amended Regulations still contain significant travel restrictions. "OFAC now specifically licenses organizations that sponsor and organize certain educational exchange programs to promote contact with the Cuban people ("People-to-People Groups"), provided that the requirements set forth .. are met. OFAC only licenses People-to-People Groups that certify that all participants will have a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interaction between the travelers and individuals in Cuba. Authorized activities by People-to-People Groups are not 'tourist activities.' " An Abercrombie & Kent spokeswoman issued a statement to USA TODAY that the advisory was construed as throwing trips into question and that "as a result all reservations will remain 'on hold' until such a time as we gain clarity on the regulations for travel to Cuba." Vantage's Weiler could not be reached for comment on whether the advisory is affecting its trips. Asked by USA TODAY to clarify whether it is trying to stop tours such as the A & K offerings, which include some traditional tourist activities, a Treasury Department spokeswoman issued a statement: "Authorized activities by People-to-People Groups are not 'tourist activities' under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000, which prohibits OFAC from licensing travel-related transactions for tourist activities." RELATED: Cuba's Varadero Beach aims for U.S. tourists Translation: The Treasury Department seems to want to make clear that no one has the impression that Cuba is open for U.S. mass tourism. What do you think? Should things stay as they are? Should Americans gradually ease up on restrictions on U.S. travel, or should U.S. tourists be allowed to visit freely? For more details click here >>>

Threw 4ara Manchester Utd Live

Attaching occasionally very good football, Manchester United crashed 4-0 to hand-picked group of players competing in the U.S. championship, which include David Beckham and Thierry Henry. The match was held in Harrison, New Jersey and finishes the "Bebi" obtained by Anderson (20 '), Park (45'), Berbatov (53 ') and Gouelmpek (69'). Concussion as "Tsitsarito" Unless action two weeks enters Javier Hernandez, who knocked in training Manchester United. The Mexican striker suffered a concussion before the game of "Red Devils" by the Joint MLS in New Jersey and moved to the hospital. The tests which showed that was not something more, but it will take two weeks rest. "They went to the hospital, did x-rays, everything was clean. It's back to the hotel. It is in his room and stay out for two weeks," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

Multiply the unemployed in France-NEW PRESSURES TO THE COUNTRY FOR REDUCING THE DEFICIT

The French government's belief that 2013 will reduce its deficit to 3% of GDP, considerably shaken by the IMF report on the country, but the data on-the-unexpected rise in unemployment, which were released yesterday. "Hesitation" titled the story on the economic issue "Lez Eco", with reference to the "surprise increase in unemployment in June," which translates to 33,600 people were out of work and seeking employment. This is the most significant increase in unemployment since 2009, which negates the promising decline observed in January. "Frustration, after a start of the year promising," writes conservative "Figaro," adding that France "has responded well to the true crisis, but difficult to benefit from recovery." The newspaper published a comparative table of all member states of the Union, noting the "unequal better job." In this table, where the average EU unemployment is 9.3% (prone to meiotic) and the "best student" in Germany (6%), Greece is at the other end with 15% and upward trend. France moves on average by 9.5% and the trend downward, which causes the author to use a French thymosofiki saying: "When I look disappointed, but when I compare with parigoroumai." Rising unemployment coupled with new pressure on France, which came to be added to the IMF report, which calls for a new extra effort of around 16 billion euros. Otherwise, the deficit will not be able to reach 3% in 2013 which provides, but in 2014. "If the Ministry of Economy", explains the financial newspaper "La Trimpin", "definitely wants to honor its commitments towards Brussels, will be getting new far-reaching measures" such as new restrictions on tax loopholes in the tax exemptions in various guilds. Measures are difficult to obtain a pre-election period, as is demonstrated by yesterday's confirmation of Sarkozy to restaurateurs that the reduced VAT of 5.5% achieved for France to apply to the field will be maintained, which is characterized by the press as " election gift. " Despite this, the new recommendations of the IMF comes to help Nicolas Sarkozy in his new effort to revise the Constitution and the inclusion in this so-called "golden rule" to reduce deficits. "The euro is not threatened" Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview in the magazine "Le Pointe» («Le Point»), the French head of the ECB Jean-Claude Trichet, "reveals the truth about the financial storm of century", as titled tribute. First, Mr. Trichet, in response to the question whether, after meeting in Brussels the euro was rescued, he argued that "the euro as their currency, they never threatened." The issue raised was the financial stability of the euro area, budgetary problems of Greece and not the single currency. The euro is not disputed, is stable, reliable and robust, he said. In French journalist's observation that France has released 4 billion last year and will have to borrow another 15 billion by 2014 for Greece, which worried the French who have their own problems, the president of the ECB seemed reassuring "Greece is committed to do everything and must do everything that the strict supervision of Europe which has always wanted to restore confidence, to regain stability and to repay loans in Europe. Europeans are subsidizing Greece without getting their money back. Invest in redeploying. Naturally, they must closely monitor their investment. "

Multiply the unemployed in France Live

The French government's belief that 2013 will reduce its deficit to 3% of GDP, considerably shaken by the IMF report on the country, but the data on-the-unexpected rise in unemployment, which were released yesterday. "Hesitation" titled the story on the economic issue "Lez Eco", with reference to the "surprise increase in unemployment in June," which translates to 33,600 people were out of work and seeking employment. This is the most significant increase in unemployment since 2009, which negates the promising decline observed in January. "Frustration, after a start of the year promising," writes conservative "Figaro," adding that France "has responded well to the true crisis, but difficult to benefit from recovery." The newspaper published a comparative table of all member states of the Union, noting the "unequal better job." In this table, where the average EU unemployment is 9.3% (prone to meiotic) and the "best student" in Germany (6%), Greece is at the other end with 15% and upward trend. France moves on average by 9.5% and the trend downward, which causes the author to use a French thymosofiki saying: "When I look disappointed, but when I compare with parigoroumai." Rising unemployment coupled with new pressure on France, which came to be added to the IMF report, which calls for a new extra effort of around 16 billion euros. Otherwise, the deficit will not be able to reach 3% in 2013 which provides, but in 2014. "If the Ministry of Economy", explains the financial newspaper "La Trimpin", "definitely wants to honor its commitments towards Brussels, will be getting new far-reaching measures" such as new restrictions on tax loopholes in the tax exemptions in various guilds. Measures are difficult to obtain a pre-election period, as is demonstrated by yesterday's confirmation of Sarkozy to restaurateurs that the reduced VAT of 5.5% achieved for France to apply to the field will be maintained, which is characterized by the press as " election gift. " Despite this, the new recommendations of the IMF comes to help Nicolas Sarkozy in his new effort to revise the Constitution and the inclusion in this so-called "golden rule" to reduce deficits. "The euro is not threatened" Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview in the magazine "Le Pointe» («Le Point»), the French head of the ECB Jean-Claude Trichet, "reveals the truth about the financial storm of century", as titled tribute. First, Mr. Trichet, in response to the question whether, after meeting in Brussels the euro was rescued, he argued that "the euro as their currency, they never threatened." The issue raised was the financial stability of the euro area, budgetary problems of Greece and not the single currency. The euro is not disputed, is stable, reliable and robust, he said. In French journalist's observation that France has released 4 billion last year and will have to borrow another 15 billion by 2014 for Greece, which worried the French who have their own problems, the president of the ECB seemed reassuring "Greece is committed to do everything and must do everything that the strict supervision of Europe which has always wanted to restore confidence, to regain stability and to repay loans in Europe. Europeans are subsidizing Greece without getting their money back. Invest in redeploying. Naturally, they must closely monitor their investment. " For more details click here >>>

All the doors open ... Live

In an attempt detection apodythikan common ground during yesterday's meeting of Christofias and Marios Garoyian the Presidential, which was a crucial prerequisite for a government reshuffle and the future of cohabitation. The meeting lasted about two hours and that outgoing President of the Democratic Party, a lakonikotati statement, the tone change in the President: "It is time for responsibility, hours of thought, time, reflection, many words are no use," said Mr. Garoyian, who then confirmed that it will continue the consultation: "The debate will continue," and given the participation of Secretary General AKEL Andros Kyprianou. Asked if they talked to the President of the points raised by pressing the Democratic Party, responded affirmatively. However, "now they have to say," he added. Asked also Garoyian before the start of the debate about what happens next, he replied "we'll see." Government Spokesman Stefanos Stefanou, a brief statement after the meeting, said "there was a discussion in in a very constructive atmosphere, "adding that the debate will continue. "I agree with what you have been told Garoyian," he said. reserved the President Reportedly, during yesterday's meeting, Marios Garoyian analyzed in detail to the President of the Republic on proposal of the Democratic Party to exit from the crisis, and there was no discussion of the Reformation. Christofias, after listening with great attention to the participant by submitting questions to clarify where deemed necessary, reserved its position on the various aspects of the proposal of the Democratic Party, which is expected to do at the next meeting of the two, which will host the final positions. According to the same information, the involvement of the Secretary AKEL Andros Kyprianou to the consultation will occur when establishing the existence of common ground and convergence, in substance, that is, if and when the Republican Party decided to participate in the new government. In terms of DIKO Marios Garoyian briefed after the meeting, individually, all senior officials of the Democratic Party, while after the second and decisive meeting with President Christofias, will convene a meeting of the Executive Board, which will decide on Data Consultation to participate or not in the new government. As we know, the deputy chairman of the Democratic Party C. Colocassides was not among the executives who advised the Great Garoyian. Tidying up soon ... As we learn during the meeting, Marios Karoyian suggested to the President the need for the consultation process has resulted in the earliest, indicating the seriousness of the circumstances. The President agreed in substance, indicated, however, to the President of the Democratic Party that is scheduled for today all-day meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu raises objective restrictions. Therefore, the two men agreed to try the next meeting take place tomorrow, Saturday. With these data, the Reformation placed on thyrais time next Tuesday. Concerned ... waiting in the Democratic Party yesterday's developments, leaving the prospects of government cooperation ... unspecified at the same point in DIKO creates a feeling of anxious waiting, as there are few executives who fear that, if entered into a consultation process with obstructive ... ambiguous, there is a risk to come to a muddy clearing and setting compensation, even if the proposal of M. Garoyian has the form of "take it or leave it". As noted in the "S" influential party member, the position of the party has never been more seamless and monolithic, as to the requirement to make the conditional imperative divorced, accepted in its entirety the proposed exit lodged M. Garoyian. He expressed, however, the assessment that, "although this time live the same scenario, with the Democratic Party to be towed to choices that are contrary both to the authorities and in positions within a logic of bargaining, then the reaction will be extreme" without, however, specify what it consists. "It's on now, and personal dignity for managers, not just for the party," he added, voicing, while the estimate that "the nascent government is extremely overdue, it is difficult to sustain beyond a few weeks, and will be catastrophic risk to participate in it. " He suggested further that any delay in settling the countryside, far from serving the political stability in the critical circumstances, such an approach will enhance the credibility crisis of the government and the general political system. I also agree with other sources , is widespread discontent in several strains of the Democratic Party by the decision of Mr Garoyian only handle such a critical issue without first consulting local authorities. "Key" proposals for Cyprus the key to the outcome of the consultation, as estimated in the Democratic Party, the proposals tabled by the President of the Cyprus Republic and the Democratic Party calls urge their withdrawal. As explained, a valid source of party to our newspaper, "the attitude of President Christofias against our claim for the removal of unacceptable proposals in the area of ​​governance, the property and the settlers will be a safe indicator of intentions but the willingness to continue cooperation ". Explain, in addition, it can also be a catalyst for consultation as well, any acceptance of their withdrawal will pave the way for consensus and for the remaining points of the proposal of the Democratic Party. "We know, however," he added, "how difficult it is for President Chrostofia agree, binding to an immediate withdrawal of these proposals." It failed, however, noted that statements by agents of the AKEL yesterday and the day before, it seems that "desire E. Papaioannou is to hold the Democratic Party in government, this alone, but not enough" he said. denies the DIKO for names Meanwhile, the Democratic Party last night denied a newspaper our information broadcast by a television statement on discussion and agreement on the allocation of members of the new cabinet. Moreover, in accordance with information adjacent to government sources, the new government will remain current four ministers, namely N. Sylikiotis, S. Charalambous, E. Kozakou - Marcoullis and D. Eliades. 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Christofias regretted the ...

Game a nail in a horseshoe to "play" the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, since after the day before yesterday ... threats, yesterday was interested, supposedly, about whether or not a clear mind in the negotiations, President Christofias due to developments in the Greek Cypriot side. New all-day face-to-face will be today at 10 am, the leaders of both communities, as part of intensive negotiations agreed at the meeting in Geneva with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. However, the premiere of intensive ... presented a problem, because Erdogan, who tried to solve yesterday, the advisers of the Christofias-Eroglu, and James Ozersai. But in the intervening period from Monday to Thursday, Turkish Cypriot leader as a chameleon changing faces, playing a double dash and hitting a nail in a horseshoe on. President Christofias and the leader Dervis Eroglu occupation during the first full day meeting, Monday, gave their views on capital "Governance and Shared Powers" and proceeded with their conversation, which would be expected to continue today. Also, frozen, according to the Special Representative of the Secretary the United Nations in Cyprus, Lisa Bantenchaim, such as ensuring the confidentiality of the talks is a prerequisite for progress. A commitment, however, that before the cock fonisai, three ... Dervis Eroglu broke upon his return to the occupied, revealing details of the first meeting and speaking of progress. The tricks of T / k of course, so, yesterday, the T / C leader tried in vain to seek the change after President Christofias urged to respect the principle of confidentiality in negotiations. A call for which the T / C Press wrote yesterday that there were reactions to the T / C side to the fact that "while in Geneva has decided not made ​​such statements or information given about the content of the meetings the two leaders and then decision to increase them, but the G / C side has given information to the media. " Also, left and statements of the occupation leader, among others, said "T / C side will not reveal anything to the press on the meeting and called and e / C side to do the same", and statements of the consultant the Kountret Ozersai who stressed that "such actions (the disclosure of the contents of the meetings) show that the G / C side has good willingness to work as claimed" and that "affect the positive outcome of negotiations." Yesterday, however, the T / C leader tried to reverse the climate and to show the international community that cares, despite statements Erdogan really solve the Cyprus problem. This is due to the emergence ... of generosity, since said in statements on the latest dramatic developments in the political scene, that "Christofias is not in the best position as a negotiator, as his head would not be quiet." With all this going on, wondered, "how can take part in meetings and have his mind clear and focused on the process?". Do not be affected the same time, the T / C leader Dervis Eroglu said that "a situation political life of the Cypriot government should not affect the direct negotiations. " In any case, he continued, "the head Christofias will continue to hurt 'and wondered:" With how this pain can be focused in the negotiations? ". Expressed it, for fear of a possible postponement of today's meeting because, as emphasized by President Christofias will certainly be worried. And this, he added, because "the end is his government resigned." He sees the failure Kasoulides Finally, statements in connection with the negotiations did yesterday and the MEP Rally Kasoulides. At the press conference convened stressed that "we must be prepared to face the probable failure of the talks forward before us officially, after placement of Mr Erdogan." He added that "the possibility, however, spent a long time without a solution to the Cyprus problem requires management strategy that prevents the loss of patience by the foreign agent, upgrading or recognition of the puppet regime and thus formalizing the division." For more details click here >>>

Free breakfast-Boy, 15, kills ex-girlfriend for bet

LONDON: A schoolboy in Britain faces a life term in jail for murdering his ex-girlfriend after a friend promised him free breakfast if he did away with her. The brutality of the crime moved the Judge, who in an unprecedented step allowed Joshua Davies, 16, to be named despite being a juvenile, saying it was in public interest to expose the brute. The jury at Swansea Crown Court heard how Davies, a year ago lured Rebecca Aylward, 15, to a secluded wood and then used a rock, the size of a rugby ball to smash her skull with at least six brutal blows. The schoolboy, just 15 when he turned killer, wept as he was remanded in custody by Justice Lloyd Jones to be sentenced later but was told to expect an "indefinite" term. he jury convicted him of murder by a majority verdict after hearing that Davies texted a friend to ask, "What would you do if I actually did kill her?" His friend mistook it for the latest in a long line of jokes about murdering Rebecca and replied, "Oh, I would buy you breakfast." The girl's body was found face down in the rain, after the day of the murder after one of Davies's friends contacted police and led them to the scene. For more details click here >>>

Checkpoint Jarinje Set On Fire, Kosovo Crisis Escalates

Two-day long crisis which started after Pristina decided to take over border posts Jarinje and Brnjak on the administrative line between Kosovo and central Serbia, has escalated Wednesday evening as the group of armed Serbs set the checkpoint Jarinje on fire. "The situation deteriorated at the customs post Jarinje and it was confirmed that an act of arson was committed against that position... There have also been confirmed reports of shots fired at KFOR personnel in the vicinity," NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) stated. According to reports from the spot, several hundred people were at the checkpoint Jarinje in the time of attack. The group of young men, who came from the direction of Kosovska Mitrovica, asked people to step away and then started to demolish and burn the facilities. No injured were reported. Kosovo police began their operation to take over the two checkpoints on the administrative line earlier this week but local Serbs resisted, took up arms and mounted roadblocks. The incident was "expected, because Serbs are not a nation that will allow anyone to humiliate and degrade them", state secretary of Serbia’s Kosovo Ministry told Beta news agency. The latest move of Kosovo Albanian authorities led by Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, alleged boss of a mafia group involved in drug and organs smuggling, is just another sign of Pristina’s determination to extent its government rule to the ethnic-Serb dominated northern part of Kosovo. The raid by Kosovo special police came shortly after Pristina banned all Serb products and Serbia refused to accept Kosovo's customs stamps, needed for cross-border trade. Serbia refuses to recognize the Kosovo self-proclaimed independence, and maintains close ties with the region north of Kosovska Mitrovica, where the majority of Kosovo Serbs live. For more details click here >>>

The Tantalizing Tale Of Similar Seductions, Sex And Food

Sex and food. Both needed for a different kind of sustenance yet uncannily possess tantalizing similarities. Both utilize all of our senses and follow the same pattern of intrigue, seduction, temptation, appetites, will-power, control and even decadence. Smell. With food, the more pleasingly aromatic it is, the heightened the anticipation of taste. How one smells goes a long way in attracting or repelling, the object of our desire. The perfume industry makes billions and everyone's is trying to capitalize because scent attracts. Our olfactory sensitivity spells big business for many, for we all fall prey to the sexual adventures it promises. Sight. What’s that old adage, “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder?” It certainly is. Sight is one of our more intoxicating senses. It’s the first blueprint on which we base our judgments. We shouldn’t but we do. I think it’s intrinsic. With sexual attractions, especially for males, sight is the heady prelude to deeper discoveries. With food, the same thing applies. If it looks enticing, we’re tempted to try it. Crave a taste. Taste. With sex, suffice it to say, it's an integral part of everything: "foreplay," the "main course," the "side dish" or the "whole enchilada." It's also interconnected with that other sense: smell. I don't have to paint the whole picture, you’re savvy enough to discern the details. With food, taste is the most gratifying of the senses. If it taste delicious, it harder to resist. Will power and self control is much more difficult to manage. Touch. “Can I touch you..there.“ Yea a little corny but I love that line. Heard it in a movie somewhere and found it incredibly sexy. Don’t judge me, I was young and impressionable then. With sex, touch is the most intense of all the senses. With both food and sex, touch satisfies that tactile need in us. In some parts of Africa, certain foods can only be eaten using your hands. No spoons and forks allowed. The feel of the food on the fingers add to the experience, they say. I agree. Hearing. Sound enhances everything around us. Can’t even fathom a world without sound. Wrote a poem once called "Life Is Music and I truely believe we're constantly living in chords. With sex and food, it’s no different. Sounds heightens the experience, deepens the sensory dance. I remember as a child, loving to wake up to culinary noises in the kitchen, especially at Christmas. The sounds and smells gave birth to the anticipation of taste and touch. I think you can connect the dots for sex. The same senses apply, only in a different sequence. For more details click here >>>

Australia beats Hungary at women’s water polo worlds, Netherlands also advances

                                                                                                                                                                       
SHANGHAI — Australia led by three goals with 3 minutes left and held on for a 10-9 win Saturday over two-time champion Hungary in a women’s playoff match at the water polo world championships.
Rowan Webster scored four goals for Australia, which advances to a quarterfinal match Monday against Spain. The Netherlands beat New Zealand 14-6 Saturday, advancing to the quarterfinals against Greece. Russia later overwhelmed Cuba 26-4 and will play the United States, winner of the past two world titles, in the quarterfinals. China beat Spain 15-6 in the final match of the day, advancing to a match against Canada in the quarters. Spain, Greece, the United States and Canada received byes in the opening playoff round after winning their round-robin groups. Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Boehner take cases on debt limit to nation, Obama

President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner faced off in back-to-back addresses to the nation Monday in prime-time, after House Republicans and Senate Democrats emerged with competing plans to address the U.S. debt ceiling. One of the biggest obstacles remaining: the size of the debt limit increase. House Republicans want an increase of $1 trillion — enough to last about six months, with future increases tied to finding more cuts and a House and Senate vote on a balanced budget amendment. The Senate wants $2.4 trillion, enough to get through the 2012 election. "Based on what we've seen these past few weeks, we know what to expect six months from now," Obama said during a prime-time address to the nation, calling on Americans to urge Congress to compromise. STORY: Deadline on debt debate may be later than expected House Speaker John Boehner said he tried to work with Obama, but the president "would not take yes for an answer." "The sad truth is that the president wanted a blank check six months ago, and he wants a blank check today," Boehner said. With a House vote scheduled for Wednesday on the Boehner plan and no timetable in the slower-paced Senate, few days would be left to reconcile the two before the government faces the prospect of default. But there is movement: Both plans take tax hikes off the table, something Democrats had insisted upon as part of a grand deficit-reduction deal. Republicans have also softened their demand to make an increase in the debt limit subject to an immediate vote on a balanced budget amendment. Both sides have settled on an immediate vote on at least $1.2 trillion in spending cuts. They've also agreed there should be a process to propose future cuts, and give them an up-or-down vote. The House Republican plan is a modified version of the bill passed by the House, but rejected by the Senate last week. The vote on a balanced budget amendment would be delayed, and many of the spending cuts would be up to a congressional commission. A number of conservatives said they won't support anything short of the original House position. "Washington wants a deal. Americans want a solution," said Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. The Senate plan, by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., proposes $2.7 trillion in cuts over 10 years, with no reductions in entitlement benefits like Social Security or Medicare. Reid said it also meets two Republican demands: No tax increases and spending cuts at least as large as the debt limit increase. For more details click here >>>

The drop-dead date on debt debate may be later than expected Live

That's when the United States runs short of cash to pay all its bills, a date that will come soon after Aug. 2 if Congress and the Obama administration fail to raise the debt ceiling. The problem is that no one knows exactly when the date will be. Increasingly, a number of experts say it's later than previously thought. The government's failure to meet any obligations would upset financial markets and risk a rating-agency downgrade of U.S. debt. Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin wrote in a note on Treasury.gov earlier this year that missing any payment is "default by another name, since the world would recognize it as a failure by the U.S. to stand behind its commitments." Market watchers for weeks predicted the U.S. wouldn't have enough funds to meet all of its payments starting Aug. 3, one day after the Treasury Department's borrowing authority is expected to be exhausted. But recent tax-receipt data indicate the U.S. might have another week, possibly longer, before it hits the wall on its balance sheet. That could give lawmakers more breathing room as they try to hammer out a deal on the budget and an agreement to lift the debt ceiling above its current level of $14.3 trillion. It also could extend what's been a contentious debate in Washington, dragging out a process that threatens to upend capital markets and causing more anxiety on Wall Street and throughout the world. This much is clear: On Aug. 2, Treasury says its ability to raise funds with debt will stop. Then, it will have to rely on cash on hand as well as incoming funds to pay the nation's bills. A crucial test comes Aug. 3, when the government has $32 billion in payments scheduled, including about $23 billion for Social Security. Barclays Capital Research previously estimated that Treasury would have only about $30 billion in cash in its coffers, meaning it would miss $2 billion in payments. Now, Barclays estimates the U.S. will have enough funds to meet all of its obligations until Aug. 10, based on government data showing inflows into Treasury were $14 billion higher in mid-July than the firm had previously assumed. Stone & McCarthy Research Associates estimates Treasury will be able to meet its obligations until Aug. 15, possibly longer. Wrightson ICAP, a research firm, also expects Treasury to have until Aug. 15 before it runs short of cash. The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) estimates that the U.S. will run out of cash some time between Aug. 2 and Aug. 10. Jay Powell, author of a widely followed BPC report on the debt limit, says it remains too difficult to project a drop-dead date. "It's easy to be wrong by $20 billion," he says. On Aug. 15, the U.S. has $41 billion in spending commitments, including a $29 billion interest payment on its debt, according to the BPC. The upshot: Even if Congress and the Obama administration fail to raise the debt ceiling by Aug. 2, the U.S. might be able to meet its obligations for at least another week. "We're saying they have more time," says Michael Pond, co-head of U.S. rates strategy at Barclays. "The bills won't go unpaid" immediately after Aug. 2. Events are fluid. If the government fails to act by Aug. 2, the U.S. will face significant risks, even with a larger chunk of cash on hand. Market turmoil could disrupt the bond market, causing interest rates to rise. On Aug. 4, the Treasury will need to refinance about $91 billion in debt. If the market is chaotic, as many experts predict, that could disrupt the rollover. Then there are the ratings agencies. Moody's Investors Service has indicated it doesn't plan to downgrade the U.S. unless it fails to meet a debt payment. Standard & Poor's is more of a wild card. The agency has taken an aggressive stance on the debt debate, pushing for a budget deal that shows the U.S. is taking meaningful action to control deficit spending. It could decide to take action if Aug. 2 comes and goes without a move to boost the debt ceiling. In testimony before Congress in July, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested that the U.S. could face a downgrade if it misses any payments — not just those on its debt. For more details click here >>>

Norway's terrorist in court to explain himself (Video gallery) Live

he first court appearance for Norway's twin terrorist is slated for Monday, according to BBC News. The terrorist says he wants to "explain himself," for the attacks that he says were "gruesome but necessary." VG News is calling it the September 11 attacks of Norway. The man who is admitting to the island youth camp massacre, Anders Behring Breivik, 32, has been called a far right believer, and has reportedly been preparing for that horrific day for many years. The death toll is at least 96 individuals thus far with bodies still being searched for as of Sunday. A moment of silence has been put on the agenda in Norway at 1200 local time (1000 GMT). Breivik is requesting the court be open to the public but authorities do not want that choice as they believe it will give Breivik a world platform to talk about his beliefs and motivations. The 1,500-page document posted online just before the attacks paint a different picture of him--his image he is desiring to portray is being a muslim immigation crusader. Many are wanting a psych evaluation completed so that they can see what they are dealing with as Breivik is one of the few after such a killing spree who did not kill himself before being arrested. It has not been released whether the court sessions will be open to the public or not--police have asked the court to be held privately, behind closed doors. 10 Videos in the: Video Gallery of terrorist of Norway attacks. For more details click here >>>

Breaking News Norway's terrorist in court to explain himself (Video gallery)

The first court appearance for Norway's twin terrorist is slated for Monday, according to BBC News. The terrorist says he wants to "explain himself," for the attacks that he says were "gruesome but necessary."

VG News is calling it the September 11 attacks of Norway. The man who is admitting to the island youth camp massacre, Anders Behring Breivik, 32, has been called a far right believer, and has reportedly been preparing for that horrific day for many years. The death toll is at least 96 individuals thus far with bodies still being searched for as of Sunday. A moment of silence has been put on the agenda in Norway at 1200 local time (1000 GMT). Breivik is requesting the court be open to the public but authorities do not want that choice as they believe it will give Breivik a world platform to talk about his beliefs and motivations. The 1,500-page document posted online just before the attacks paint a different picture of him--his image he is desiring to portray is being a muslim immigation crusader. Many are wanting a psych evaluation completed so that they can see what they are dealing with as Breivik is one of the few after such a killing spree who did not kill himself before being arrested. It has not been released whether the court sessions will be open to the public or not--police have asked the court to be held privately, behind closed doors.

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First Bond girl Linda Christian dies at 87 Live

The first-ever "Bond" girl, Linda Christian, has passed away at the age of 87. Christian was one of Hollywood's star icons in the 1940s. Christian's death was confirmed by her daughter, Romina Power, who said that the actress passed away as she gave in to the battle of colon cancer. This form of cancer is also known as bowel cancer; it is marked by neoplasia in the colon, rectum or vermiform appendix. Linda was a Mexican actress who acted in Mexican films as well as in Hollywood movies. The first film she ever acted in was ‘'Up In Arms''- a musical comedy. She co-acted with Danny KayeDanny Kaye in this musical. For this, she entered a seven-year contract with MGM. This was in 1944, a full decade before she became the "Bond Girl". In between, she had minor roles in "Club Havana", "Holiday in Mexico", "Green Dolphin Street", "Tarzan and the Mermaids" and "Showboat". She got her big break in 1954 when she was casted in the James Bond movie, "Casino Royale" (1966). Thus she became the first-ever Bond Girl. Linda Christan was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She was christened with the name Blanca Rosa Welter, but she changed it later on. Her father was a Dutch engineer and her Mexican-born mother was actually of Spanish, German and French descent thus making Linda an intricate genetic mix. She had three younger siblings. Her younger sister, Andrea Gloria Welter, also acted. Her original aspiration was to be a physician, but that soon changed after she graduated High School and met her screen idol, Errol Flyn. Christian was married to the then famous actor Tyrone Power. He was born in 1914 and died tragically at the age of 44 in 1958. His death was caused by a heart attack. The couple had divorced two years before Power's death. Christian was later also briefly married to the Rome-based British actor (and movie heartthrob) Edmund Purdom. Christian and Power had several opportunities to work together but they always rejected them. One of the more prominent of these opportunities came in 1953 while they were still married in the form of "From Here to Eternity". Like the rest, it was not taken. The couple tended to avoid each other in the workplace. The actress allegedly dated Spanish athlete Alfonso de Portago within 30 days of her divorce. They were often seen being cozy together, although Portago was married at the time and his wife had just given birth to his second child. He was only 28 years old at that time, while her husband was 42. Her flightiness led to the famous Life magazine to nickname her "An Atomic Bomb". Her life ended at the age of 87 when she finally gave in to her disease and ended her struggle. For more details click here >>>

Amy Winehouse dead from binge drinking, Amy Winehouse

Police had previously suspected that deceases 27-year-old singer Amy WinehouseAmy Winehouse had died of a drug overdose but are now saying that Winehouse apparently drank herself to death! Alone and still recovering from a breakup with her former boyfriend film director Reg Traviss, Winehouse had only just had lunch with her mother the day before, telling her, ‘I love you, Mum.’ The police believe that she had bought drugs the night before her death but a preliminary police investigation has revealed that there was no drug paraphernalia was found at Amy Winehouse’s home. They have thus concluded that she died following a drink binge. Per her PR spokesperson Chris Goodman Amy was on her own at home and in bed and her body had been found by her security guard, Andrew Morris, who they had appointed to help look after her over the past couple of years. It is now believed that Winehouse may have been dead for up to six hours before she was found by Morris as rigor mortis had set in. Sadly, her mother Janis said that the death of her daughter hasn’t quite fully hit her yet but that she had believed that her untimely death had been expected due to her alcohol and drug addictions. Many other famous musicians have also died at age 27, including Jim MorrisonJim Morrison of the Doors, guitarist Jimi HendrixJimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Brian JonesBrian Jones of the Rolling Stones and Janis JoplinJanis Joplin.

Star Sofia Vergara loves being a sex symbol ‘Modern Family’

Sofia VergaraSofia Vergara, who made it to Maxim’s “Hot 100” list and named one of People Magazine’s “Most Beautiful” star loves her sex symbol status in Hollywood. Being a hot property in Hollywood has its pros and cons. Just as Jessica Biel once revealed that being blessed with extraordinary beauty was “really a problem” when it came to getting more significant roles in films and Megan Fox declared that she was tired of being seen as nothing more than just a pretty face. On the contrary, Sofia Vergara, the ‘Modern Family’ actress who almost made it to the top spot in AskMen.com’s list of “Most Desirable Women" does not complain she is being branded as Hollywood’s sex bomb. At the promotion of her upcoming film “The Smurfs”, Vergara told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column, “I love it. Of course, it’s great at my age. It’s fantastic,” adding “I think that everything that is positive and good helps out with your career. Why not embrace it and take advantage?” Vergara, 39, says she has maintained a balanced approach towards her life. “Everything in moderation. Not too much food, not too much exercise, not too much anything. Everything in moderation," she reveals. "And of course, wearing sun block, doing the things that your dermatologist tells you to do—that helps with the aging process." The ‘Modern Family’ bombshell even has a self-titled Smurf name? “Sexy Mama Surf,” she laughs. The actress faced tragedy last year when her boyfriend, Florida politician Nick Loeb, was in a terrible car accident that left him temporarily unable to walk. “It was hard for us because it happened in the middle of the most fun, sexy time,” says Vergara. “And then he was in the hospital, and you know men, they become such little babies!” Loeb never felt depressed throughout the ordeal, she said, “He kept his sense of humor despite the situation…I don’t know if I could have stuck it out with him if he hadn’t been able to laugh at himself and be happy even under the worst conditions. When you see people in difficult times, that’s when their true nature comes out.” The Emmy-nominee recently warned her boyfriend to stay healthy for the Emmys this year. Vergara said, “Last year I was exhausted because four days before (the Emmys) he had the horrible accident, so when I was at the Emmys, I couldn’t really enjoy the afterparty. I had to go back early because I had nobody to stay with him in the hospital. So I warned him… ‘You better not ruin my Emmy afterparty this year’.” For more details click here >>>

Megan Fox Live

Megan Fox's Biography Megan Denise Fox (born May 16, 1986) is an American actress and model. She began her acting career in 2001 with several minor television and film roles, and played a recurring role on Hope and Faith. In 2004, she launched her film career with a role in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. In 2007, she was cast as Mikaela Banes, the love interest of Shia LaBeouf's character in the blockbuster film Transformers which became her breakout role and earned her various Teen Choice Awards nominations. Fox reprised her role in the 2009 sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Later in 2009, she starred as the titular lead character in the film Jennifer's Body. for more details click here >>>

Gymnasts Perfects and Fails Live

First look at these 10 beauties who flawlessly performed their exercises, and admire them. This perfection is result of years and years of hard trainings, and they doing it just because of love. After that, watch the video. You will see what happens when their concentration back down. Their injuries can be very serious. For more details click here >>>

Same sex couples & Midnight Same-Sex Marriages in New York

As the clock struck midnight, couples joined in matrimony. Same sex couples, that is. They have waited years and in some cases, decades to make their union legal. Midnight, Sunday morning EST, the first couples were wed. Gay-rights activists Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd were legally wed at Niagara Falls. The Falls were lit as the first couples to unite as one joined hands. Several other same-sex couples married at the same ceremony. Weddings across the state of New York were being held at Midnight as the state became the sixth in the Union to accept same-sex marriages. Lambert and Rudd, both grandmothers, have been waiting more than a decade for the right to be married. Mayor Paul Dyster presided over the ceremony. In Albany, the state capital, Mayor Jerry Jennings performed marriages in the Common Council’s Chambers. The 24-hour waiting period between the issue of a marriage license and the ceremony, was waved by a Supreme Court Judge. Jennings estimated that many ceremonies would occur in the following days. Anti-same-sex marriage groups staged protests in all areas expecting couples to tie the knot. Nothing could dissuade the brides and grooms from their destiny. Walking past demonstrators, several couples tied the knot at 12:01. Many more are expected. Several couples are from outside New York. They traveled, not only to be united, but to be joined in the latest state to adopt same-sex marriage. For more details click here >>>

Midnight Same-Sex Marriages in New York Live

As the clock struck midnight, couples joined in matrimony. Same sex couples, that is. They have waited years and in some cases, decades to make their union legal. Midnight, Sunday morning EST, the first couples were wed. Gay-rights activists Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd were legally wed at Niagara Falls. The Falls were lit as the first couples to unite as one joined hands. Several other same-sex couples married at the same ceremony. Weddings across the state of New York were being held at Midnight as the state became the sixth in the Union to accept same-sex marriages. Lambert and Rudd, both grandmothers, have been waiting more than a decade for the right to be married. Mayor Paul Dyster presided over the ceremony. In Albany, the state capital, Mayor Jerry Jennings performed marriages in the Common Council’s Chambers. The 24-hour waiting period between the issue of a marriage license and the ceremony, was waved by a Supreme Court Judge. Jennings estimated that many ceremonies would occur in the following days. Anti-same-sex marriage groups staged protests in all areas expecting couples to tie the knot. Nothing could dissuade the brides and grooms from their destiny. Walking past demonstrators, several couples tied the knot at 12:01. Many more are expected. Several couples are from outside New York. They traveled, not only to be united, but to be joined in the latest state to adopt same-sex marriage. For more details please click here >>>

GOP try to figure out way forward on debt, Obama

A day after budget talks collapsed amid acrimony and finger-pointing, President Obama and congressional leaders meet this morning in search of a way to raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling while staving off a government default. An angry Obama summoned the leaders Friday night, shortly after House Speaker John Boehner pulled out of month-long budget negotiations with the White House; the president said the Republicans walked away from a deal that would have cut the budget roughly $3 for every $1 in new tax revenue. "We have run out of time," Obama said. "And they are going to have to explain to me how it is that we are going to avoid default." Boehner -- who will be at the White House this morning -- said he broke off talks because Obama insisted on raising taxes as part of a debt ceiling debt, including a last-minute request for $400 billion in new revenues. The speaker said he will now work with Senate leaders on a fallback agreement to raise the debt ceiling and avoid default. "It's not in the best interests of our country to raise taxes during this difficult economy," Boehner said. "I'm confident that the bipartisan leaders here in the Congress can act. If the White House won't get serious, we will." The White House meeting is at 11 a.m. Leaders from both parties said they need to raise the $14.3 trillion by Aug. 2, a week from Tuesday. That's the day the Treasury Department says it loses borrowing authority needed to pay the nation's bills, risking default. The potential effects of a default include higher interest rates on all loans, and a downgrade in the country's credit ratings, government officials have said. There is also the prospect of unamailed government checks ranging from Social Security payments to veterans benefits. As Boehner works with the Senate on a new debt deal, they may well run into the same problem as the Boehner-Obama negotiations: Finding a deal that can pass both the Republican-run House and the Democratic-run Senate. Boehner and other House Republicans say they will only raise the debt ceiling if Democrats agree to debt reduction of the same amount or more, at least some $2.5 trillion over ten years -- without raising taxes. Obama and Democrats said reducing the $14 trillion-plus debt requires new tax revenues, and proposed eliminating tax breaks and loopholes for wealthy Americans such as oil company operators and private plane owners. Democrats also said that proposed Republican budget cuts threaten such programs as Social Security and Medicare. In blasting Boehner and the Republicans, Obama said Democrats were willing to cut $650 billion from Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, as well as other reductions that many Democrats had objected to. Overall, the agreement would have budget cuts of up to $3 trillion over ten years, with new tax revenues of up to $1.2 trillion. "I was willing to take a lot of heat from my party," Obama said. "It is hard to understand why Speaker Boehner would walk away from this kind of deal." Boehner said he had an agreement with the White House for $800 billion in revenue, but Obama added $400 billion at the last week. "I'm confident that the bipartisan leaders here in the Congress can act," Boehner said. "If the White House won't get serious, we will." Over the Senate, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic leader Harry Reid -- who will also be at today's White House meeting -- have been working on a complicated legislative deal that would basically allow Obama to raise the debt ceiling on his own, in exchange for about $1.5 trillion in budget cuts. But there's some question as to whether a Reid-McConnell plan could pass the Republican House. They've been talking about budget cuts of some $1.5 trillion, less than the GOP has been seeking. For more details click here >>>