Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Libyan government retakes Tripoli airport

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Sunday, June 3, 2012

Witnesses: Explosion strikes near church in north Nigeria city, causing unknown injuries

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Panetta open to military relations with Myanmar

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, right, and Australia's Defense Minister Stephen Smith, left, attend the opening session of the IISS Shangri-la Security Summit in Singapore on Friday June 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, right, and Australia's Defense Minister Stephen Smith, left, attend the opening session of the IISS Shangri-la Security Summit in Singapore on Friday June 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta delivers his speech on the " US Rebalance Towards The Asia Pacific" at the IISS Shangri-la Security Summit on Saturday June 2, 2012 in Singapore.(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

A Myanmar migrant worker holds a portrait of Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi with her father General Aung San while waiting for the arrival of Aung San Suu Kyi outside the airport in Mae Sot town near the Thai-Myanmar border Saturday, June 2, 2012. Suu Kyi turned her attention to Myanmar's long-standing refugee crisis Saturday with a visit to a sprawling camp on Thailand's border to get her first glimpse of the hardships faced by hundreds of thousands who have fled war in her homeland. (AP Photo/Apichrt Weerawong)

Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi waves from a vehicle to cheering Karen refugees as she tours Mae La refugee camp in Tha Song Yang district, Tak province, northern Thailand Saturday, June 2, 2012. Suu Kyi turned her attention to Myanmar's long-standing refugee crisis Saturday with a visit to a sprawling camp on Thailand's border to get her first glimpse of the hardships faced by hundreds of thousands who have fled war in her homeland. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta delivers his speech on the "US Rebalance Towards The Asia Pacific" at the IISS Shangri-la Security Summit on Saturday June 2, 2012 in Singapore.(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

(AP) ? The U.S. is open to improving military ties with Myanmar if the country continues to enact political and human rights reforms, Pentagon chief Leon Panetta told Asian leaders Saturday.

His comments at a defense conference in Singapore reflected new efforts by the Obama administration to ease penalties against the Asian nation, also known as Burma, as it moves to put in place democratic reforms.

Assuming Myanmar is able to make such changes and continue efforts to open up its political system, the Pentagon would be willing to have discussions about how the countries can improve their military relationship, Panetta said.

"In dealing with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, this is not a Cold War situation where the U.S. simply charges in, builds permanent bases and tries to establish a power base in this region," Panetta said, responding to a question after his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a prominent defense conference.

In the world today, he said, the U.S. must engage with other countries to help them build their own military capabilities so they can defend themselves.

"We will encourage that kind of relationship with every nation that we deal with in this region, including Myanmar," Panetta said.

A senior defense official traveling with Panetta said the secretary expects the government of Burma to continue on the path of reform and promotion of human rights, and once it shows progress then stronger military ties could be possible. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to reflect internal discussions.

Myanmar is emerging from decades of authoritarian rule and diplomatic isolation. Last month, President Barack Obama eased an investment ban on Myanmar, and named the first U.S ambassador to the country in 22 years.

Human rights activists, however, criticized the move, saying it was too soon to reward the country since hundreds of political prisoners are still being held there.

Panetta's speech was designed to promote America's new effort to focus more attention on the Asia-Pacific region, both militarily and diplomatically.

Also Saturday, Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi made her first foreign trip in 24 years, visiting Thailand for a firsthand look at her nation's long-standing refugee crisis.

The trip is seen as evidence of the confidence she has in her country's reforms. The 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner had spent 15 years over the past two decades under house arrest, and had previously refused to leave the country because she feared the ruling generals who were in charge would not let her return.

Associated Press

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Saturday, June 2, 2012

Getting A Carfax Before Buying Seized Cars - Auto Auctions Blog

The importance and necessity of Carfax vehicle report has gotten more important today when it comes to seized cars. Many people are trying to buy seized cars from seized car auctions or clearances; in fact, you will find a large collection different vehicle at seized auto auctions. These auctions are the best places for those people who need to have their own vehicle without spending the showroom price. You will find different auto auctions like public, private and Government auto auctions. Sized auto auction is a special Government auction, which allows people to buy seized cars from different authorities and administrative offices of any Government.

A complete report on about the history, status and condition of any vehicle is a common issue, which buyers need to see before confirm any purchase order from auto auctions. Such report is a must for any buyer, when he or she is going to buy vehicles from seized auto auction or clearance. You have a little chance to get a vehicle from the collection of sized autos, unless you are extremely lucky. Most of these seized cars have chased by the law enforcing agencies during any crime like robbery, kidnap, and drug smuggling and criminal activities. Sometimes real life chasing defeats the thrill of any action movie. Again, government has considered abandon vehicles as seized cars. Buyers also have their mindset about the worst condition of the vehicles, when they have planned to buy it from seized car collections. Here, comes the role of Carfax, which can let the buyer has a complete history of any seized cars from the stock.

Carfax is a very popular and useful web based service, which helps many people to get the report of any vehicle over the Internet. Carfax reports are available for both individuals and businesses. You can find Carfax reports on used cars and light trucks. Carfax vehicle report facility is available for American and Canadian vehicle markets. It is only a matter of a few mouse clicks in order to get a complete report on any cars or light trucks. Buyers can get the picture about the severity of damage in any seized cars from Carfax report. This is a web based service, and you need to provide some inputs to get Carfax report on any seized cars. VIN or Vehicle Identification number is the unique ID, which comes with every single vehicle. This VIN is enough as an input in order to extract a complete report on any given car. If you have failed to provide with the VIN, then you provide with the license plate and the name of the state as the input.

Carfax report will help the buyers to know about any accident, mileage, ownership status, physical damage, hail damage, flood damage, state owned, and warranty information. This information can help any serious buyer to make a decision about the purchase of any seized vehicle. It will cost you $34.99 if you would like to get Carfax report for one vehicle, and you need to spend $49.99 for unlimited access to the database of Carfax report.

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Hacker pod2g to speak and run hacking workshop at JailbreakCon's WWJC

ImageWhile WWJC's already got a healthy list of special guests to address fellow iOS hackers, word has it that pod2g -- a well-known and good-looking contributor to the iDevice jailbreak scene -- will be the latest guest to join JailbreakCon's show on September 29th. Better still, the self-professed iOS security researcher will be both speaking and running a workshop there, making it all worthwhile for attendees traveling all the way to San Francisco. For those who want to familiarize yourselves with pod2g, hit the Redmond Pie link below to see his interview by JailbreakCon's Craig Fox. Or, you know, you can head over to WWJC to meet the man up close and personal -- just make sure you get a ticket first before it's too late!

Hacker pod2g to speak and run hacking workshop at JailbreakCon's WWJC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diamond Jubilee: Britain marks Queen's reign

FILE This Tuesday, May 25, 2010 file photo shows Britain's Queen Elizabeth II returning to Buckingham Palace in a carriage after attending the Houses of Parliament in London for the official State Opening of Parliament. The patriotic bunting is ready, the golden carriage on standby, the boats freshly painted, the shops filled with royals souvenirs. The normal ebb and flow of British life gives way in the next four days to a series of street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and finally the appearance of an elderly great-grandmother on her balcony to wave to her subjects.The pageantry is very grand and very British. But at the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is a nearly universal sense of appreciation for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

FILE This Tuesday, May 25, 2010 file photo shows Britain's Queen Elizabeth II returning to Buckingham Palace in a carriage after attending the Houses of Parliament in London for the official State Opening of Parliament. The patriotic bunting is ready, the golden carriage on standby, the boats freshly painted, the shops filled with royals souvenirs. The normal ebb and flow of British life gives way in the next four days to a series of street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and finally the appearance of an elderly great-grandmother on her balcony to wave to her subjects.The pageantry is very grand and very British. But at the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is a nearly universal sense of appreciation for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

FILE This Friday April, 21, 2006 file photo shows Britain's Queen Elizabeth II meeting the public during a walkabout to celebrate her 80th birthday in Windsor, England. The patriotic bunting is ready, the golden carriage on standby, the boats freshly painted, the shops filled with royals souvenirs. The normal ebb and flow of British life gives way in the next four days to a series of street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and finally the appearance of an elderly great-grandmother on her balcony to wave to her subjects.The pageantry is very grand and very British. But at the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is a nearly universal sense of appreciation for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, Pool)

An office building by the river Thames in London is decorated with British flags in preparations for the weekend celebrations to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II Thursday, May 31, 2012. The capital is preparing to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

FILE This Wednesday Dec. 3, 2008 file photos shows Britain's Queen Elizabeth II speaking from the throne in the House of Lords, during the State Opening of Parliament in London. The patriotic bunting is ready, the golden carriage on standby, the boats freshly painted, the shops filled with royals souvenirs. The normal ebb and flow of British life gives way in the next four days to a series of street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and finally the appearance of an elderly great-grandmother on her balcony to wave to her subjects.The pageantry is very grand and very British. But at the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is a nearly universal sense of appreciation for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Arthur Edwards, pool)

Souvenirs to mark Britain's Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee are seen for sale in a shop in the City of London, Thursday, May 31, 2012. The capital is preparing to celebrate the queen's 60-year reign, which culminate in nationwide Jubilee celebrations on a 4-day weekend beginning June 2. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

(AP) ? The patriotic bunting is ready, the golden carriage on standby, the boats freshly painted, the shops filled with royals souvenirs.

The normal ebb and flow of British life gives way in the next four days to a series of street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and finally the appearance of an elderly great-grandmother on her balcony to wave to her subjects.

The pageantry is very grand and very British. But at the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is a nearly universal sense of appreciation for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne.

The queen was a vibrant young woman of 25 when she became the head of state of a faltering post-war nation. Today at 86 she remains strong of heart and stout of spirit, refusing to let age slow her pace or dim her smile, which if anything has grown more welcoming over the years.

Winston Churchill was prime minister when she became queen, and David Cameron, who wasn't even born then, is Britain's leader now. Elizabeth herself has no political role. But her royal mystique, the centuries of history she embodies and her own discreet charisma help define the very idea of Britain for the world.

Alan Watson, a member of the House of Lords who has written a book about the queen, said the Jubilee is a joyous occasion for many Britons who see the queen as a symbol of stability.

"These 60 years have been years of really dramatic change in the UK, the tectonic plates have moved," he said.

"The country has lost its empire and is no longer in the front rank of power, and I really think that change has been enormously eased by her and what she represents. My feeling is she has enabled change by her reassurance of essential continuity."

When Lord Watson joined the queen at a rain-soaked tree-planting ceremony in Richmond several weeks ago, he said he was struck by her buoyant mood as the Jubilee approached.

"I got the clear feeling that she is really enjoying things," he said. "It was pouring rain, but she really looked radiant, a happy person. I think she feels very content in herself. I think she is satisfied with how the reign has gone."

Elizabeth has weathered shaky times with her children, whose marriages have tended to break apart, and her popularity suffered after the 1997 death of Princess Diana, with some finding her response to the tragedy to be cold and out of touch with public sentiment.

The late princess was an international superstar. And the queen was seen by some as overseeing the royal push to cast her adrift after the breakup of her troubled union with Prince Charles, the heir to the throne.

But all evidence suggests the queen's connection to her subjects has recovered from those blows.

There was overwhelming support for Elizabeth at the last great celebration that focused on her role ? the Golden Jubilee bash that in 2002 marked her 50 years on the throne.

The event is remembered not just for the concerts and the parties but for the spectacle of an estimated 1 million people gathered in front of Buckingham Palace to wave to the queen and say: "Well done."

Palace officials are hoping this simple show of affection will be repeated on Tuesday when the festivities climax with another balcony appearance.

They have reason to be optimistic. Newspaper polls this week suggested that affection and appreciation for Elizabeth cut across all ages, social classes and political affiliations.

For many, she is a living link to the challenges and triumphs of World War II, when she was a young princess who helped with the war effort, even learning how to drive and service heavy vehicles with the Auxiliary Transport Service.

Her staying power is impressive. Elizabeth is the oldest person to reign over Britain, and only Queen Victoria, who took the throne at an earlier age, had a longer reign.

It is of course true that some are indifferent or hostile to the monarchy, with its vast inherited wealth and status, but few question the dedication or sincerity of the queen.

"She's done a very good job," said Jean Robson, a London retiree. "She works so very hard. The family's had problems like every family, and she's dealt with them very well."

Robson said she and her family admire the royal family and its longtime role in the nation's life.

"We're very lucky to have them," she said.

Others just feel good about the queen, even if they aren't exactly sure what she does or what she's really like.

"I personally like her, I think she's like the nation's grandma," said Sarah Mills, a 27-year-old from York. "She seems like such a nice old lady. You can't really know her though, can you?"

The queen, and the royal family, have benefited in the last few years by the newfound maturity of Prince William, who married the former Kate Middleton in a spectacular ceremony last year, and Prince Harry, who has put his partying days largely in the past as he focuses on a military career.

The young princes have stepped up their official duties, at times representing the queen abroad. Their natural flair has given what had been an aging monarchy a badly needed touch of cool.

This effect has been accentuated by the former Middleton, who has brought poise and fashion flair to her new position as the Duchess of Cambridge.

She has won raves for her ability to bring new pizazz to the royals, and her presence at the Jubilee festivities is expected to produce pictures and TV images that will be seen throughout the world.

But the Duchess of Cambridge is expected to make sure she does nothing to upstage the queen at the weekend events. She is likely to focus on honoring the queen, not making her own fashion statements or drawing attention to herself in any way.

William and Harry have used rare television interviews given in the run-up to the Jubilee to emphasize that the queen is just "granny" to the younger generation. Harry described her as an active, involved parent and grandparent trying to keep track of her large brood.

He said the queen is "really very, very normal. Very relaxed. But you know, she obviously takes a huge interest in what we all do. You know, that's her children, as well as her grandchildren."

The queen and her husband, Prince Philip, are also coping with his heart disease, which surfaced over the Christmas holidays when he required emergency treatment to clear a blocked artery.

The 91-year-old has cut back slightly on his public appearances and some of his charity work, but is expected to be at the queen's side for the Jubilee events.

___

Associated Press writer Sylvia Hui contributed to this report

Associated Press

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