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VIDEO: Cop, Clown Have Street Corner Tussle

No joke: A guy dressed in a clown suit kept running in and out of traffic in Milwaukee. He resisted a police officer's attempt to make him stop. That's when a fistfight/wrestling match began. And it was all recorded by a guy with a camera phone. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Source: VIDEO: Cop, Clown Have Street Corner Tussle

Study: Happiness May Lead to Wealth

Money may not buy you happiness, but happiness can improve your financial bottom line.

 A study by researchers from University College London finds that young people who report a higher level of happiness and satisfaction with their lives earn higher levels of income later in life. The impact is significant: using a 5-point scale, a 1-point jump at age 22 made a $2,000 difference in yearly salary at age 29, or $8,000 between the happiest and gloomiest brackets.

 While the study did not find a ...

Source: Study: Happiness May Lead to Wealth

UN Group Reports Sharp Declines in HIV Infections

A United Nations agency says that since 2001, the rate of new HIV infections has been cut in half, in 25 low- to middle-income countries, a majority of them in Africa.

 The findings are in an annual report released Tuesday by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS known as UNAIDS.

 UNAIDS also says AIDS-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa have dropped by one-third over the last six years while the Caribbean region has experienced a 48-percent reduction in deaths for the same period.

 ...

Source: UN Group Reports Sharp Declines in HIV Infections

UNAIDS: Sharp Drop in New Infections

The latest Global Report on HIV/AIDS says the number of new infections continues to fall, with the sharpest declines in the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa.

 The UNAIDS report says overall there are about 34-million people living with the disease, nearly 70 percent of them in sub-Saharan Africa. The region remains the ?most severely affected with nearly one in twenty adults living with HIV.? The next hardest hit regions are the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.


 UNAIDS also says ...

Source: UNAIDS: Sharp Drop in New Infections

Building Resilience Key to Restoring Sahel Food Security

Severe food shortages have hit 18 million people across nine countries this year in Africa's Sahel region, following unpredictable and insufficient rains. The region bordering the Sahara Desert has had three severe food crises in four years, and international aid agencies say it is time to break the cycle of food insecurity in the Sahel.

 As this year's emergency winds down, the question on aid workers' minds is, "How can the Sahel break from its recurring cycle of food ...

Source: Building Resilience Key to Restoring Sahel Food Security

World Prematurity Day Aims to Lower Rates of Premature Births



Source: World Prematurity Day Aims to Lower Rates of Premature Births

Night Time Light Exposure Linked to Depression



Source: Night Time Light Exposure Linked to Depression

Polio Mostly Eradicated Globally



Source: Polio Mostly Eradicated Globally

Cold-Storage Requirement Dropped for Life-Saving Meningitis Vaccine

New research has shown that a vaccine against bacterial meningitis, which previously required cold storage to transport across Africa, can be shipped and administered safely for up to four days without refrigeration. Public health experts are calling this a potentially game-changing development for immunization efforts in resource-poor tropical countries.

 The fact that the meningitis A vaccine can be removed from the so-called "cold chain" and transported throughout Africa at ...

Source: Cold-Storage Requirement Dropped for Life-Saving Meningitis Vaccine

Ebola Claims 2 New Victims in Uganda

Health authorities in Uganda said the Ebola virus has claimed the lives of two people, just over a month after the World Health Organization said the country's Ebola outbreak was over.

 Ugandan Health Minister Christine Ondoa told reporters Thursday that two people in the same family died of the disease in Luwero district, about 50 kilometers from the capital, Kampala.

 She said the Uganda Virus Research Institute had confirmed the findings and added that five more people suspected of ...

Source: Ebola Claims 2 New Victims in Uganda

Congressional Panel Probes US Meningitis Outbreak

A U.S. congressional panel has heard emotional testimony from the widow of a Kentucky judge who was among the first to die in a meningitis outbreak linked to 32 deaths and more than 400 illnesses.

 Joyce Lovelace told a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee that better state and federal regulations are needed in order to prevent tragedies, such as the one that resulted in her husband's death in September.

 "We have lived a nightmare," Lovelace said. "We will be living this ...

Source: Congressional Panel Probes US Meningitis Outbreak

UN: Family Planning Pays Huge Benefit for Developing Countries

A new report finds greater access to family planning methods would save developing countries more than $11 billion a year in reduced costs for maternal and newborn health care. In this year's State of the World Population report, the United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA] also says that family planning and the resulting drop in family size pays additional economic dividends.

 The report by the U.N. Population Fund says 222 million women in developing countries currently lack access to ...

Source: UN: Family Planning Pays Huge Benefit for Developing Countries

Ethiopia Is Using Radiation to Eradicate Tsetse Flies



Source: Ethiopia Is Using Radiation to Eradicate Tsetse Flies

UN Mobilizing to Contain Darfur Yellow Fever Outbreak



Source: UN Mobilizing to Contain Darfur Yellow Fever Outbreak

Study Reveals Need to Tailor Vaccines to Developing World



Source: Study Reveals Need to Tailor Vaccines to Developing World

Study:  Graphic Photos on Cigarette Packages Prevents Smoking



Source: Study:  Graphic Photos on Cigarette Packages Prevents Smoking

New Treaty Aims to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade



Source: New Treaty Aims to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade

UN Calls for Action on Pneumonia in Children

The United Nations is observing World Pneumonia Day on November 12 by calling on country leaders to spring into action to reduce child deaths from pneumonia. U.N. and other health agencies say the world has the means to save hundreds of thousands of children?s lives from this preventable disease.

 Pneumonia kills more children than any other disease in the world. The U.N. Children?s Fund reports every 25 seconds a child dies from pneumonia. It kills 3,400 children a day or 1.3 million a year. ...

Source: UN Calls for Action on Pneumonia in Children

Experimental Malaria Vaccine Falls Short

The world's first experimental malaria vaccine produced disappointing results in a large-scale test among African infants, raising questions about its potential for fighting the disease.

 The vaccine, promoted as a new weapon in the malaria fight, reduced the risk of malaria by only 30 percent. The study involved more than 6,500 babies aged six to 12 weeks.

 The results, released Friday, showed the vaccine providing less than half the protection it did in a previous smaller trial ...

Source: Experimental Malaria Vaccine Falls Short

Disappointing Results for Malaria Vaccine in African Babies



Source: Disappointing Results for Malaria Vaccine in African Babies

In Nigeria, Time Running Out for Kids Poisoned by Lead



Source: In Nigeria, Time Running Out for Kids Poisoned by Lead

UNHCR: Hepatitis E Epidemic Growing in S. Sudan



Source: UNHCR: Hepatitis E Epidemic Growing in S. Sudan

Nigerian Flood Victims at Risk of Waterborne Diseases



Source: Nigerian Flood Victims at Risk of Waterborne Diseases

Routine Exercise Found to Extend Life Almost Five Years

People who engage in regular leisure-time physical activities, such as walking, biking or swimming, can live years longer than those who don?t do any leisure-time exercise, according to a large survey of adults.

 The study of more than 650,000 adults found that those who engaged in routine leisure time physical activity, even if they were overweight or obese, lived as many as 4 1/2 years longer, on average, than those who did no exercise.

 The finding by researchers with the U.S. National ...

Source: Routine Exercise Found to Extend Life Almost Five Years

South Sudan Women Choose Family Planning, Longer Lives



Source: South Sudan Women Choose Family Planning, Longer Lives

Experimental Device Uses Heartbeat to Power Pacemaker

Patients whose hearts need a bit of help keeping the beat are often given a pacemaker, which delivers electrical pulses to regulate heartbeats. The tiny electronic devices, surgically implanted beneath the skin on the chest, must be replaced every five to seven years when their batteries run out.

 But an experimental device that converts energy from the heartbeat itself could provide enough electricity to operate the pacemaker indefinitely. The cardiac energy harvester uses piezoelectricity, ...

Source: Experimental Device Uses Heartbeat to Power Pacemaker

Child Malnutrition Is Major Problem in Northern Mali



Source: Child Malnutrition Is Major Problem in Northern Mali

California to Vote on Labeling Genetically Modified Foods

As Republicans and Democrats battle for votes this November, another fight is brewing in the western U.S. state of California. Voters there will decide if foods made with genetically modified ingredients must carry a special label.

 Backers say people have a right to know what they are eating. But opponents say labels would be costly, confusing and unnecessary.

 GMO foods widespread

 Walk into any American supermarket today and you are surrounded by genetically modified foods. Corn sugar, ...

Source: California to Vote on Labeling Genetically Modified Foods

Studies Show Maternal Smoking Triggers Asthma in Grandchildren

Everyone knows that smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products is bad for your health... and for those around you. Now, there?s new evidence from studies with lab rats that the habit can cause asthma not only in smokers' children, but in their grandchildren, as well.

 Researchers at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, have found evidence of a generational effect of tobacco-smoking on lung development. The scientists gave a group of pregnant rats injections of ...

Source: Studies Show Maternal Smoking Triggers Asthma in Grandchildren

Color-Coded HIV Test Detects Infection Quickly and Cheaply



Source: Color-Coded HIV Test Detects Infection Quickly and Cheaply

Study Links Puberty Education, Attendance

Helping African teenage girls deal with puberty has the added benefit of increasing their attendance at school. A new study in the journal PLOS ONE says simple, low-cost interventions can have long-term positive results.


 Oxford University Professor Paul Montgomery led the study of 120 teenage girls in secondary schools in Ghana.

 ?Women are the driving force of economic development across Africa. And so it?s particularly important to do what you can to keep girls going to school,? he ...

Source: Study Links Puberty Education, Attendance

'Quick Release' Bandage Peels Off Painlessly



Source: 'Quick Release' Bandage Peels Off Painlessly

Funding New Challenge in Fight against Malaria in Southeast Asia

World Health Organization and United Nations authorities say a growing challenge in combating malaria is the increasing evidence of drug resistant strains in Southeast Asia. Health officials are meeting in Australia this week to better organize a regional approach to combating the disease.

 A global partnership led by the World Health Organization says, despite gains with falling mortality rates in the past decade, malaria remains a global health problem, claiming the lives of more than ...

Source: Funding New Challenge in Fight against Malaria in Southeast Asia

Climate Information Can Protect Public Health



Source: Climate Information Can Protect Public Health

Nigeria Tackles Maternal Mortality



Source: Nigeria Tackles Maternal Mortality

Environmentalists Worried Over Increased Production of Autos



Source: Environmentalists Worried Over Increased Production of Autos

Autoimmune Disease Antibodies Help Fight Cancer



Source: Autoimmune Disease Antibodies Help Fight Cancer

Smartphone Apps Encouraging Young People to Smoke



Source: Smartphone Apps Encouraging Young People to Smoke

Antiviral Therapy Cuts Liver Cancer Risk in Hepatitis C patients



Source: Antiviral Therapy Cuts Liver Cancer Risk in Hepatitis C patients

Outdated Drugs Slow Nigerian Malaria Treatment



Source: Outdated Drugs Slow Nigerian Malaria Treatment

Uganda Faces Fresh Outbreak of Hemorrhagic Fever



Source: Uganda Faces Fresh Outbreak of Hemorrhagic Fever

NYC Schools Expand Birth Control Availability



Source: NYC Schools Expand Birth Control Availability

French Experts Question GMO Cancer Study

French officials and experts have added their voices to the chorus of criticism over a recent study linking genetically modified corn to tumors in experimental rats.

 The French national food safety agency joined six scientific academies in concluding the study was too badly done to support its conclusions.

 The debate comes as voters in the U.S. state of California consider whether to require labels on all foods with ingredients from genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.

 Disturbing ...

Source: French Experts Question GMO Cancer Study

Tough TB Responds to Drug Treatment

An antibiotic used to treat severe infections shows promise against a very resistant and deadly form of tuberculosis. XDR-TB is resistant to at least four of the drugs used most often against the disease.


 Extensively drug resistant tuberculosis ? or XDR-TB ? is still considered rare, although cases have been reported in nearly 80 countries. Health officials believe the number of XDR-TB cases is underreported because there?s no specific test for it.

 It can be cured, but the odds against ...

Source: Tough TB Responds to Drug Treatment

Spain Gets Mixed Reviews on Handling Economy

One year ago Tuesday, November 20, Mariano Rajoy's Partido Popular (PP) won a landslide victory in Spain's parliamentary elections, but it is facing mounting criticism from voters on its handling of the economic crisis. Experts counter results will take time.

 When Spain?s conservative Partido Popular won an absolute majority in the November general elections last year, the country?s economy was already sliding on a downhill slope, headed towards its second recession in three years. A ...

Source: Spain Gets Mixed Reviews on Handling Economy

Report Calls for End to Hunger in a Generation

Ending hunger within a generation is achievable, and should be one of the goals in the next round of United Nations development targets, according to a new report by an anti-hunger advocacy group.

 Bread for the World is urging the United States to take the lead to end world hunger by 2040.

 "The world made more progress against poverty in the 2000s than in any other decade in human history," says David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World.

 Part of the credit for that ...

Source: Report Calls for End to Hunger in a Generation

Eurozone Finance Chiefs Resume Greek Bailout Talks

Eurozone finance chiefs are meeting in Brussels in another effort to decide whether to release more bailout money to debt-ridden Greece.

 Greece hopes the finance ministers on Tuesday will approve a $40 billion rescue segment the Athens government says it needs to avoid a default on its financial obligations. The payment is part of Greece's second bailout in two years.

 The head of the finance ministers, Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, says he thinks there is a good chance ...

Source: Eurozone Finance Chiefs Resume Greek Bailout Talks

Asian Leaders Discuss Vast Free Trade Region

Asian leaders say they will launch negotiations into what could become a massive free trade area. On Tuesday, the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to launch discussions on a possible free-trade zone that could link its economies with those of China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

 ASEAN leaders officially launched negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, during the last day of the leaders' summit in Cambodia ...

Source: Asian Leaders Discuss Vast Free Trade Region

South China Sea Dispute Remains Problem for ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN] emerged from a key leader summit Tuesday with progress on potential trade alliances and the economy. It still appeared divided, though, on what continues to be a controversial issue: the South China Sea and multiple countries claiming territorial ownership.

 Going into this week's leaders summit, ASEAN members had hoped for a resounding show of unity following explosive meetings in July that exposed divisions through the 10-member bloc.

 ...

Source: South China Sea Dispute Remains Problem for ASEAN

As Sanctions Ease, US Companies Start Investing in Burma

With the easing of longstanding U.S. economic sanctions against Burma, major American companies are quickly starting to invest in the Southeast Asian nation.

 Competing soft drink giants Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Co. are returning to Burma for the first time in many years. Meanwhile, both MasterCard and Visa have reached deals with Burmese banks for use of their internationally-known credit cards. The ConocoPhillips and Chevron energy companies have been looking for investment opportunities as ...

Source: As Sanctions Ease, US Companies Start Investing in Burma

Activists Wary of US Easing Ban on Burmese Imports

Burma rights activists are greeting the U.S. decision to ease its ban on Burmese imports with caution, warning that rewarding the long-repressive government too rapidly could hinder sustainable reform.

 The U.S. State and Treasury Departments say they are allowing Burmese goods that have been banned for nearly a decade to enter the United States as a way to support the Burmese government?s reform efforts and encourage further change. The decision does not affect the ban on Burmese jadeite and ...

Source: Activists Wary of US Easing Ban on Burmese Imports

'Gangnam Style' Boosts S. Korean Tourism



Source: 'Gangnam Style' Boosts S. Korean Tourism

Zimbabwe Finance Minister Allocates Funds for 2013 Polls



Source: Zimbabwe Finance Minister Allocates Funds for 2013 Polls

Another Recession Hits Eurozone



Source: Another Recession Hits Eurozone

Afghan Economy Slows



Source: Afghan Economy Slows

South African Platinum Miners End Strike

Striking miners in South Africa have returned to work at Anglo American Platinum, after a two-month work stoppage that crippled operations at the world's top platinum producer.

 The company said Thursday production will not restart for at least a week while employees attend safety seminars.

 Workers launched the strike in the September demanding higher wages amid a wave of similar actions by miners working for other companies in South Africa.

 Anglo American, or Amplats, offered workers ...

Source: South African Platinum Miners End Strike

HTC Faces Taiwan Insider Trading Probe

U.S.-based computer giant Apple and its chief Taiwanese competitor, HTC, have settled a series of patent lawsuits involving, among other things, the iPhone. But, since the two consumer electronics companies made the unusual announcement on Sunday, Taiwan's stock market authority has started investigating why once-troubled HTC share prices shot up to their daily limit.

 The Taiwanese firm, whose name stands for High-Tech Computer, watched its global smartphone market share grow to 8.5 ...

Source: HTC Faces Taiwan Insider Trading Probe

In Europe, Angry Workers Protest Austerity



Source: In Europe, Angry Workers Protest Austerity

DRC Cuts Budget for Agriculture



Source: DRC Cuts Budget for Agriculture

Toyota Issues Another Major Recall

Toyota is recalling more than 2.7 million vehicles worldwide because of steering and water pump problems. It is the second major recall in as many months for the world's largest automaker.

 The Japanese auto giant said Wednesday no accidents have been reported because of the defects, which it says could be fixed in about one hour.

 The problems affect 14 models, including the second generation of the popular Prius hybrid. The Corolla, Wish and other vehicles made between 2000 and 2011 ...

Source: Toyota Issues Another Major Recall

Asia Leaders to Discuss Cooperation, Rights, and Disputes With China



Source: Asia Leaders to Discuss Cooperation, Rights, and Disputes With China

Obama Meeting With Labor Leaders on US 'Fiscal Cliff'



Source: Obama Meeting With Labor Leaders on US 'Fiscal Cliff'

Greece Sells Bonds to Avoid Default Friday

Cash-strapped Greece has raised the money it needs to help it avoid a default later this week, but says it still urgently needs more bailout funds in the coming days.

 The Athens government sold more than $5 billion in bonds Tuesday, which coupled with other cash will allow it to pay off more than $6 billion in financial obligations it owes on Friday.

 Greece has adopted another round of austerity measures demanded by its international lenders in an effort to secure another $40 billion ...

Source: Greece Sells Bonds to Avoid Default Friday

Zimbabwe Officials Dismiss Report on Diamond Stealing



Source: Zimbabwe Officials Dismiss Report on Diamond Stealing

China?s Next Leaders Inherit Economy at Critical Crossroad

China's leaders have renewed pledges to boost the economy over the next 10 years during meetings this week in Beijing. But the economic challenges China's incoming leaders face are much more difficult than the challenges their predecessors faced a decade ago.

 China?s aspirations for its economy over the next decade have come up repeatedly at the National Party Congress, in discussions on the sidelines of the meeting and in state media?s coverage of the event. It also figured ...

Source: China?s Next Leaders Inherit Economy at Critical Crossroad

Report: $2 Billion in Diamonds Stolen From Zimbabwe Fields

A rights group says nearly $2 billion worth of diamonds have been stolen from Zimbabwe's Marange diamond fields since 2008, with the money going to cronies of President Robert Mugabe.

 Partnership Africa Canada says Zimbabwe's minister of mines, Obert Mpofu, has allowed military and security officials to plunder the fields for personal gain instead of using the diamonds to help turn around Zimbabwe's ailing economy.

 The Canada-based non-profit says "hundreds of millions of ...

Source: Report: $2 Billion in Diamonds Stolen From Zimbabwe Fields

Report: US Could by 2017 Be World's Biggest Oil Producer



Source: Report: US Could by 2017 Be World's Biggest Oil Producer

China Promises New Approach on Industrial Development

The days of pursuing profits and growth no matter what the cost may be coming to an end in China.

 China's minister for environmental protection said Monday all future industry projects will be required to include assessments of the risk they pose to social stability.

 Zhou Shengxian told reporters the change was motivated by growing concern about the environmental impact such projects were having as well as to problems with the current evaluation and approval process.

 He also said it ...

Source: China Promises New Approach on Industrial Development

Lenders View Greece's Austerity Favorably



Source: Lenders View Greece's Austerity Favorably

Obama, Congress Face Budget Showdown



Source: Obama, Congress Face Budget Showdown

NY Enacts Odd, Even Gas Rationing

An even-odd gas rationing system has been put into place in New York City and Long Island that officials hope will ease shortages.

 There were few smiles on the faces of motorists when they heard this directive from New York City Hall.

 ?Beginning 6 a.m., Friday, November 9th, there is an emergency order to establish an odd-even license plate system for gasoline and diesel purchases to reduce wait times and lines at gas stations in the five boroughs. It will remain in effect until further ...

Source: NY Enacts Odd, Even Gas Rationing

Obama, House Speaker Take Positions on Budget Before Negotiations

After a contentious election, another political battle is brewing in Washington, this one with potentially serious consequences for the U.S. economy. Both sides staked out their positions Friday on what to do about the so-called "fiscal cliff" - a combination of tax hikes and spending cuts that would automatically take place at the end of the year. Economists warn failure by U.S. lawmakers could send the economy into another tailspin.

 Fresh from his election victory, President ...

Source: Obama, House Speaker Take Positions on Budget Before Negotiations

Obama, Congress Face 'Fiscal Cliff'

Newly re-elected U.S. President Barack Obama and his political opponents in Congress are facing an end-of-the-year deadline to reach a deal on taxes and spending cuts that has proved both contentious and elusive for the last two years.

 As it stands, $600 billion in spending cuts for key defense and domestic programs are set to take effect January 1, and tax cuts affecting all American workers would expire, with the government then taking more money out of their paychecks.

 The country's ...

Source: Obama, Congress Face 'Fiscal Cliff'

Britain to Stop Aid to India



Source: Britain to Stop Aid to India

China?s State Enterprises Pledge to Push Forward With Reform



Source: China?s State Enterprises Pledge to Push Forward With Reform

Obama, Republicans Lay Out Positions for Fiscal Negotiations

U.S. President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans have set out initial positions ahead of difficult negotiations on deficit and debt reduction and taxes. As Mr. Obama has invited congressional leaders from both major political parties to the White House for talks next week to forge consensus.

 After Obama's election victory, both sides are talking about common ground, although actually finding it and seizing opportunities for bipartisan compromise will be hard.

 ??A combination of ...

Source: Obama, Republicans Lay Out Positions for Fiscal Negotiations

US Immigrants Want Obama to Address Economy, Immigration



Source: US Immigrants Want Obama to Address Economy, Immigration

Activists Fear Diamonds Will Fund Mugabe Power Grab



Source: Activists Fear Diamonds Will Fund Mugabe Power Grab

The US 'Fiscal Cliff' Explained



Source: The US 'Fiscal Cliff' Explained

Germany Says Quick Greek Aid Unlikely

Germany, the economic leader of the euro currency bloc, says Greece should not expect quick action on new bailout funds even though it has approved another unpopular austerity plan.

 German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said Thursday he does not expect eurozone finance chiefs meeting next Monday to immediately release another $40 billion rescue package to the Athens government, as Greek leaders had hoped after agreeing to $17 billion in spending cuts. Greece says its needs the money to ...

Source: Germany Says Quick Greek Aid Unlikely

Obama Campaign Machine May Be Turned Loose On Fiscal Cliff Climbing Congress

President Obama's campaign operation apparently isn't going to be totally retired just yet. Instead, the Obama team is considering deploying some of its grass-roots elements to push Congress to solve the fiscal cliff problem and help pass the president's agenda.

Source: Obama Campaign Machine May Be Turned Loose On Fiscal Cliff Climbing Congress

Speaking Of Turkeys ... It's ScuttleButton Time!

Before you carve up your turkey this week, you might want to carve up the new ScuttleButton puzzle.  You may win a Political Junkie t-shirt and Official No Prize Button!

Source: Speaking Of Turkeys ... It's ScuttleButton Time!

Democrats Poised To Pick Up Seats In Final House Tally

Two weeks after Election Day, it appears the partisan makeup of the new House of Representatives will be 234 Republicans and 201 Democrats, although the outcome is not yet official in two states. That would be a gain of eight seats for the minority Democrats.

Source: Democrats Poised To Pick Up Seats In Final House Tally

Tough Turkey: People Have A Harder Time Getting Pardons Under Obama

Every year, the president pardons a turkey in a lighthearted Thanksgiving tradition. But while the business of pardoning humans is more serious, it's also increasingly rare. President Obama has granted just 1 pardon for every 290 applications ? a much lower rate than other recent presidents.

Source: Tough Turkey: People Have A Harder Time Getting Pardons Under Obama

Tea Party Favorite Allen West Concedes Florida Race

Two weeks after votes were cast, Tea Party firebrand Allen West conceded he lost his Florida Congressional race to Democrat Patrick Murphy. He was one of just a few Tea Party activists to be defeated.

Source: Tea Party Favorite Allen West Concedes Florida Race

Former Sen. Warren Rudman Dies

A Republican who sometimes worked across party lines, he was known for an effort to narrow budget deficits and for a pre-2001 commission report that warned America would "become increasingly vulnerable to hostile attack."

Source: Former Sen. Warren Rudman Dies

Will U.S. Try To Snuff Out State Marijuana Laws?

The Justice Department has a big decision to make. Parts of new laws in Colorado and Washington that legalize recreational marijuana take effect next month. The Obama administration must decide whether it will sue to stop that or let the states go their own way, despite federal law.

Source: Will U.S. Try To Snuff Out State Marijuana Laws?

Rubio Dodges Question On Earth's Age

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, already being mentioned as a possible 2016 presidential hopeful, responded to a question about the Earth's age with, "I'm not a scientist, man." While he sits on the Senate's science subcommittee, Rubio called it a "dispute amongst theologians."

Source: Rubio Dodges Question On Earth's Age

Federal Workers Keep Eye On Looming Fiscal Cliff

Federal lawmakers and the White House are looking for solutions to the problem of the looming fiscal cliff. Meanwhile, many federal workers are worried about their future. Guest host Celeste Headlee talks with Joe Davidson, the Federal Diary columnist for The Washington Post, about potential consequences for the federal workforce.

Source: Federal Workers Keep Eye On Looming Fiscal Cliff

President Makes History, Stirs Controversy In Asia

President Obama wraps up his Asia tour in Cambodia tomorrow. His trip included a historic visit to Myanmar, also known as Burma, making him the first sitting American president to visit that country. Guest host Celeste Headlee speaks with freelance reporter Michael Sullivan, about the significance of the president's trip.

Source: President Makes History, Stirs Controversy In Asia

Both Sides Itching For A Confirmation Fight Over Susan Rice

The election is over. Or is it? Both sides look ready to start fighting again should President Obama nominate U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to succeed Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.

Source: Both Sides Itching For A Confirmation Fight Over Susan Rice

In Fiscal Cliff Talks, Higher Taxes Vs. Closing Loopholes

The White House and Congress continue to work on a deal that avoids the fiscal cliff and cuts deficits in the long run. President Obama wants to raise tax rates for the wealthy. Republicans want to raise revenue by closing loopholes and limiting deductions for high-income people. But could that raise enough money?

Source: In Fiscal Cliff Talks, Higher Taxes Vs. Closing Loopholes

At Burmese Dissident's Cafe, A Taste Of Politics And Salad

Myat Thu knew early that he was destined as a cook to make salads. His restaurant on the Thai side of the border with Myanmar specializes in Burmese salads. Thu has been cautiously watching Myanmar's political change, hoping to go home one day.

Source: At Burmese Dissident's Cafe, A Taste Of Politics And Salad

Letters: Banning High School Football, Shoplifting

NPR's Neal Conan reads from listener comments about past segments on the topics of banning high school football and shoplifting.

Source: Letters: Banning High School Football, Shoplifting

Working On Thanksgiving? Reasons To Be Grateful

The line between Black Friday and Thanksgiving gets blurrier every year. This year, employees and consumers are circulating petitions protesting retailers' plans to open on Thanksgiving. Journalist Lewis Turner says he's worked on eight of the last ten turkey days, and it's not all bad.

Source: Working On Thanksgiving? Reasons To Be Grateful

Pterrifying Pterodactyl Meets Sexy Detective



Source: Pterrifying Pterodactyl Meets Sexy Detective

Inspecting The Trend Of Autistic-Spectrum Characters

As diagnoses of autism have risen, so too have autistic characters in literature. Tasha Robinson explains how an "intelligent outsider's view of humanity" has led to a growing number of autistic characters in young adult fiction.

Source: Inspecting The Trend Of Autistic-Spectrum Characters

If The Pretzel Chicken Isn't Awesome, Why Review It?

In a week in which the news has been filled with a fiscal cliff, rockets, sex and security, a restaurant review also raised a ruckus. New York Times critic Pete Wells took on Food Network star Guy Fieri's new restaurant, but his motives for doing so remain elusive.

Source: If The Pretzel Chicken Isn't Awesome, Why Review It?

Week In Politics: Fiscal Cliff, Romney, Benghazi

Audie Cornish talks with our regular political commentators, E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Brookings Institution, and David Brooks of The New York Times. They discuss the fiscal cliff, Mitt Romney's post-election comments and the ongoing investigation into the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Source: Week In Politics: Fiscal Cliff, Romney, Benghazi

Five Surprising Things About Philanthropy

Can fundraising actually be fun? Howard H. Stevenson debunks some of philanthropy's biggest myths ? and offers five gems about the art of doing good.

Source: Five Surprising Things About Philanthropy