American jailed in Pakistan a CIA staffer

Raymond Davis, the American Held in Pakistan is a Double Murder Charges for a shooting last month, is employed by the CIA as a Contractor, Bout was Not Involved in Covert Operations, U.S. Sources Closely Following the case said on Monday.

Davis, Who Is Being Held in a Lahore Jail amid a tense US-Pakistan Diplomatic Dispute Over Whether they Diplomatic immunity has, was working as a "protective officer," the sources said.

Davis's Duties as a protective Officer of Essentially a Bodyguard were Thurs Provide Physical Security to U.S. Embassy and consular officers, as well as visiting American dignitaries, U.S. Officials WHO Declined To Be Identified Told Reuters.

Officials strongly denied the news reports alleging Davis was part of a Covert CIA-led team of operatives Conducting surveillance is Militant groups in Pakistan. The Officials insisted Davis was Not Part of Any Undercover Operations team.

Two U.S. Sources familiar with the matter CONFIRMED Reuters Thurs That Davis, a former member of the U.S. Special Forces, had occurred Previously has worked as a contract security officer for Xe Services, a controversial private Contractor formerly known as Blackwater.

Oil prices rise as investors fret over Mideast unrest

Worried That violent protests in Libya 'Could Spread Across the oil-rich Middle East, investors Continued Thurs send the price of a barrel of crude Thurs record levels on Tuesday.

In New York, crude oil futures hit a two-year high as the benchmark West Texas Intermediate jumped Nearly 7 per cent, to U.S. $ 92 Fri barrel on the last trading day for the March contract. Trading on the April contract was also Life at ITS Highest point since Oct. 2, 2008, Up Nearly 6 per cent to U.S. $ 95.59 Fri barrel.

In London, Brent crude oil futures for April delivery Also hit a new two-and-a-half-year high of $ 107, But Analysts Predicted the price nudged climb to $ 110 a Barrel Within weeks, said BNN's Michael Kane, noting it nudged plane Go Even Higher Than That.

"This is undoubtedly going to show up at the pump"One of These Days. Political Turmoil in the Middle East is having "a direct effect is Prices for oil," Kane Told CTV's Canada AM on Tuesday.

The knock-on effect has seen Already a host of airline stocks - Including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines parent AMR Corp., U.S. Airways Group and Continental United - all fall by 5 per cent "when trading resumed on the Canadian and U.S. Financial markets were closed for the long weekend.
read more stories at http://winnipeg.ctv.ca

Oil prices rise as investors fret over Mideast unrest

Worried That violent protests in Libya 'Could Spread Across the oil-rich Middle East, investors Continued Thurs send the price of a barrel of crude Thurs record levels on Tuesday.

In New York, crude oil futures hit a two-year high as the benchmark West Texas Intermediate jumped Nearly 7 per cent, to U.S. $ 92 Fri barrel on the last trading day for the March contract. Trading on the April contract was also Life at ITS Highest point since Oct. 2, 2008, Up Nearly 6 per cent to U.S. $ 95.59 Fri barrel.

In London, Brent crude oil futures for April delivery Also hit a new two-and-a-half-year high of $ 107, But Analysts Predicted the price nudged climb to $ 110 a Barrel Within weeks, said BNN's Michael Kane, noting it nudged plane Go Even Higher Than That.

"This is undoubtedly going to show up at the pump"One of These Days. Political Turmoil in the Middle East is having "a direct effect is Prices for oil," Kane Told CTV's Canada AM on Tuesday.

The knock-on effect has seen Already a host of airline stocks - Including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines parent AMR Corp., U.S. Airways Group and Continental United - all fall by 5 per cent "when trading resumed on the Canadian and U.S. Financial markets were closed for the long weekend.
read more stories at http://winnipeg.ctv.ca

Miss America 2011 Winner Is Teresa Scanlan Miss Nebraska (Video)

Teresa Scanlan, Miss Nebraska, beat out 52 Other Competitors Thurs Become Miss America in 2011 she and her crown Accepted with humble tears Filing Her Eyes. The new Miss America 2011 is the youngest winner in over 90 years as she is only 17 years old. The 2011 Miss America Pageant was Held last night as Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is the first time a Miss Nebraska has won the Miss America Pageant Also so Teresa Scanlan has Given the Cornhusker State a Reason to Be Proud. Teresa Graduated early from Gering High School Where She Took courses Thurs double finish in the eleventh grade. She Plans to go Thurs Law School and Eventually Would like to Become a Judge. We talked to a friend of Teresa's who Told CMR, "She deserves this more than just anybody. Teresa is always so kind Thurs everyone and is always there Thurs Lend a hand if we need help. "It is good to Know Such Teresa has a kind heart and she Will Be Able Thurs help a lot of people as she tours this year as Miss America in 2011. Congratulations Teresa Scanlan, the Miss America 2011 Winner. A You Tube Video of Teresa is below:

National Emergency Declared in Tunisia

The Tunisian government declared a national state of emergency, as a result of rioting That has left 13 people dead. According to reports, the Tunis Airport is now under the control of the army and Airspace countries has Been Closed.

Tunisia is a popular resort for holiday makers across Europe. Major UK Tour Operators've Already Taken the precaution of evacuating tourists, with others are putting extra flights EARLIER Thurs accommodate Those WHO Would Prefer Thurs return home early.

The current president in power in Tunisia, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, is seen as corrupt by Many. High levels Unemployment has Increased the current level of anger against him. They Came into the power as a result of a coup in 1987. They Known To Have Sent Many of his opponents to Jail or into exile. They also Life has put Many Restrictions is a media and social networking sites in the countryside.

President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has Been Asked to stand down. Today Thousands of demonstrators have Taken to the Streets in Protest Demanding That they Resign. 10 People Have Been Killed in Tunis, According to reports, along with three in the town of Ras Jebel. According to witnesses somethings, somethings Police Have Been firing live rounds into Crowds.

UFC 120 Results: Mike Pyle Defeats Previously Unbeaten John Hathaway

Mike Pyle was supposed To Be A showcase Opponent for the British Welterweight Previously undefeated John Hathaway. Pyle defeated Hathaway by Unanimous Decision in the Brits homecoming fight. Pyle Hathaway-controlled to a Unanimous Decision.

Pyle shoots inside and pushes Hathaway Across the cage and trips him to the ground. Hathaway uses the fence to get to His feet. Hathaway is on top, But Can not Improve his position, Hathaway then lets him up. Pyle shoots for a takedown and Hathway stuffs it. Hathaway lands somethings sharp Punches. Pyle answers with a shot That forces Hathaway to back away. Pyle lands is more Punches Hathaway. Hathaway is Trying Thurs moving away from Pyle. Pyle takes down Hathaway and the round ends with Pyle is the top.

Hathaway is working his andb early in the second round. Pyle shoots for a takedown and Hathaway stuffs. Hathaway Pyle pushes up against the fence and starts landing strikes in the clinch. Hathaway is now consistently landing strikes is Pyle, Pyle is Trying to get this fight to the floor. Pyle achives a takedown and starts Punishing Hathaway with strikes from top position. Pyle moves Thurs mount with a inverted triangle and Begins Thurs unleash strikes is Hathaway's face. Pyle has Been in mount for about a minute and a half now. Pyle Continues Thurs ruthlessly hit Hathaway in Mount Until the round ends.

Hathaway looks like they are is going to go out on his shield. Pyle yet again Drags Hathaway down to the mat. Hathaway is looking for a triangle, But Plye sees it coming a mile away and moves away from danger .. Hathaway tries Thurs Escape Pyle's guard, But Hathaway is too tired. Pyle Controls and Lands Punches him in half-guard. Round ends with Pyle and onto the boos from the London crowd.

All Three Judges score the bout 30-27.

Mexican Independence Day, Mexico Bicentennial: The History of Mexico

September 16 Is the day "when me a shout" Viva Mexico! "Because this is the day" when a Roman Catholic Priest called the Followers Thurs at his Rise Against the Conquerers and demand Independence from Spain. And 2010 is the year of the Bicentennial Mexico, a reason for mayors across the country to Organize bigger parties in the main plaza Thurs mark this special occasion.

That priest was Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costa holds from Dolores. In the early hours of 16 September 1810 the priest called the bell from the church and at his Asked the people of Dolores Thurs stand up and fight next to him. This has remained in the history of Mexico as "El Grito de Dolores".

The history of Mexico starts in 1521, that's the year "when 500 Spanish soldiers, leaded by Hernán Cortés landed in Mexico and decided Thurs They attack the Aztecs empire (the Aztecs Ruled all over Mesoamerica). The Indigenous people lived Ken the lands of Mexico before the Aztecs Thought That Helping the Spanish soldiers, I should get the best way to live Their lives As They wanted so They started Helping the Spanish Conquerors. So in 1521 the last Aztec emperor was captured and the people from the what was left of the Empire Fell in the hands of a more authoritarian empire: the Spanish. They Ruled Mexico for-three centuries, making the former Aztec empire a colony named Nueva España, wakes MEANS the New Spain.

It was a terrible period for the Indigenous people. The Conquerors brought on Not Many unknown and treatable diseases, New Spain was the full of sick people or workers were over Ken Worked. The colony was Falling into pieces as Many Indians perished. From Almost 20 million the Indians inhabiting lands, on the one century of Spanish rule, only 1 million of Indians were left.

Things got a little hope on Napoleon invaded Spain and imposed at his brother, José Bonaparte, as king of Spain (1808-1810). They only Rules 2 years Because the Mexican people started a war seeking Their Independence from Spain. They had the models from France and the United States and in 1810 They Planned to start the war is October 2nd. The Spanish found out about Their Plans and the mexicans had Thurs move fast with Their plan Thurs Revolt immediately.

And This Was The Beginning of a 10-year-long war ended That With The Independence of Mexico.

So in order Thurs Honor the brave men and women fought for Ken Their Freedom, let's shout out loud: "Viva Mexico!

How are you Celebrating Mexico Independence Day?

Mexican Independence Day 2010 As Drug War Overshadows Activities

Mexican Independence Day 2010 Should Have Been a massive celebration, as it is Mexico's 200th birthday (Bicentennial). HOWEVER, the Independence Day celebrations are overshadowed by the horrific reality of a brutal drug war Raging Within the country. Yesterday, we shared a video and commentary about How Many in the countryside Some do not feel as if They CAN Truly celebrate. You Can view the video here.

Mexico and the Mexican Drug Cartels Have Been Involved in or Accused of Several Acts of Violence in Recent Years. Despite That, Americans still visit the country - namely Areas resorts around Cancun. An executive at the Mariott in Cancun says "crime is Mostly a border issue. Cancun is 1.100 miles from Juarez, M most of the Incidents have Taken Place. There's somethings Confusion about the geography of the country. "

And it's true in Juarez Those That Are Not Celebrating the National Holiday. The Silver City Sun News Reports That There Is Still Going On Drug Violence, and public celebrations to Therefore Are Not Possible. It's a victory for the violent drug cartels That rule the area.

The SCSN reports "More than 6.700 people Have Been Killed in the city since the Sinaloa Cartel Moved in to fight the Juarez Cartel for control of this area's drug-running Operations Almost Three years ago.

Since Mexican President Felipe Calderon cents his army and his Law-Enforcement personnel against the drug cartels in 2006 More Than 28.000 People Have Been Killed. "

Did the Los Zetas Gang Seize Two ranches in Texas? Click here to find out.

It's sad, But true. In Addition Thurs Mexican Independence Day 2010 woes felt by the country, the U.S. is also Life Dealing with Mexico's Drug Cartel problem. Many border states Want to pass controversial legislation Thurs keep Illegal immigration at bay, citing drug Violence as a partial reason. More on the controversial legislation Can be found here.

Michele Bundy Accuses Shannon Sharpe of Sex Assault; CBS Analyst Steps Aside

ATLANTA (CBS / AP) Shannon Sharpe is a leave-taking of from disabilities to remain at his post as an analyst at CBS 'NFL Today show in light of a sexual assault allegation.

The former NFL tight end for the Denver Broncos was slapped with a temporary restraining order by Michele Bundy, Ken Sharpe forced her Claims To Have sex with him, threatened her life, and stalked her, court According to documents obtained by Sports by Brooks.

Sharpe Said in a statement, "I have decided Thurs step aside from the NFL Today" - the CBS Pregame Show - "Until this Matter is resolved."

Bundy's Petition, Filed WCG was a Thursday in Atlanta's Fulton County Superior Court, has Been Classified under the "Family Violence" category Because she is Caring for a child.

A hearing Regarding the allegations is Scheduled for Sept. 20.

Sharpe, Who Is Being Considered for the NFL Hall of Fame, has Not Been Charged with a crime, nor has their Been Arrested.

LeslieAnne Wade, a spokeswoman for CBS Sports Told Sports by Brooks, "We accept Shannon's Decision. Beyond That, Thurs Decline me comment on a pending legal Matter."

Astra Zeneca staff Have Been on the Pickett line for a second time in the ongoing fight Thurs reverse Changes to Their pensions.

More than 120 GMB union members Staged not have a walk out at the pharmaceutical giant's Hurdsfield site in protest at Thurs Curb Plans Pension Benefits.

A four hour strike today (Wednesday) Followed two hour industrial action seven days ago. More protests are Planned next Wednesday, with union bosses demanding a return to the Negotiating table.

GMB members at the Hurdsfield and Alderley Park sites, wakes Between Them employ 6.500 people, had balloted in Favour of industrial action last month.

Workers on the Pickett line today were joined by general secretary of the GMB, Paul Kenny and again spoke of Their Anger at the Planned changes ".

One employee said: "It is scandalous. We Given not have more than just 20 years service Thurs this company and not have Previously Thought what a good company it is vain people will drop by this Thousands hi. Their Bosses not have upped the pots and Taken off ours and it is wrong. "

News That AZ chief executive David Brennan is set Thurs walk away with at his pension pot of more than just £ 12million has Angered Further union members.

Mr Kenny said: "It is a Scandal and an outrage. We will not have a damn good fight; That is what We can GUARANTEE."

Mexican Independence Day 2010: Happy Bicentenario Mexico

Mexican Independence Day 2010: Happy Bicentenario Mexico - Viva Mexico! Few hours from now, it'll be the September 16, 2010, and it's 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence Day or in Spanish "Bicentenario Mexico." Back in September 16, 1810, Mexican Independence Day was declared by Miguel Hidalgo y Costa holds, a Catholic priest of progressive ideas in the small town of Dolores with a Proclamation known as the "Grito de Dolores."

The Grito de Dolores or "Cry of Dolores" is a battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence against Spanish colonial government. About 200 years ago, just before the midnight of September 15, 1810, Hidalgo ordered the church bells to Be Rung ™ for and at his Congregation. Flanked by Ignacio Allende, the captain of the Spanish Army in Mexico and Juan Aldama, a Mexican revolutionary rebel soldier, they addressed the mexicans in front of at his church, Encouraging Them Thurs Revolt Saying:

"My children: a new dispensation was random to us today. Will you Receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you Recover the lands stolen by Three Hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once ... Will you Defend your religion and your rights as true patriots? Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad government! Death to the gachupines! "

Since then, Hidalgo y holds Cost's "Cry of Independence" has Become emblematic of Mexican Independence. Each year on the night of September 15, the President of Mexico rings the bell of the National Palace in Mexico City. He repeats a cry of patriotism (a Grito Mexicano) based upon the "Grito de Dolores" from the balcony of the palace to the Crowd Assembled in the Plaza de la Constitución, one of the largest public plazas in the world. This event Draws up to half a million spectators. This year 2010, President Calderon'd call upon mexicans-to-use the Mexican Independence Day Thurs reflect is Where The country has Been Thurs and think about what kind of Mexico Descendents will inherit in the future.

It is the dawn of September 16 or the Mexican Independence Day Itself, the National Military parade starts in the Zócalo, passes the Hidalgo Memorial and ends on the Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City's main boulevard. All of Mexico's 31 states and the Federal District of Mexico City not have set up Their own Bicentennial commissions is Mexican Independence Day, with the first meeting of state commissions in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, WCG has Been declared the "Capital Of The Bicentennial. Happy 200th anniversary of the Mexican Independence Day To all mexicans! VIVA Mexico!

Follow us on Twitter to get free up-to-date news via tweets from the World Correspondents, Shoutbox or subscribe to us by Entering your e-mail below. You can order Confirm your free subscription by clicking the confirmation link That will be sent to your e-mail address. Once you've CONFIRMED, then you're good to go.

Mexican Independence Day Celebrations Ahead

1810 marks the commemoration of the Independence Day for Mexico. The event is marked as the day of El Grito de la Independencia or The Cry of Independence That started from the small town of Mexico named as Dolores.

The history That suggests there was a priest Ken revolted against the Spanish colonists. They rang the bells of the church Thurs gather people in order to join him Thurs fight for Freedom.

Ken mexicans not have settled around the world commemorate the Independence by Ringing bells while in Churches They chant "Viva Mexico" to celebrate.

This will be the second 100th year celebration of Independence of the Mexican community. There Have Been Other Stories Associated with the Independence of all wakes are commemorated on the celebrations of Independence.

Michael Jackson Birthday: Do You Miss The King of Pop ?

Michael Jackson's birthday was August 29 and today, The Man Who left behind an incredible musical heritage and also Life Style millions of grieving fans'd not have celebrated at his 52 nd anniversary.

Unfortunately they Passed away in 2009 Because of an overdose of medication vain, they will be forever remembered by Not only at his family & His-three children, Paris, Prince Michael and Blanket vain Also by the wholesale world.

Prove this Thurs at his home town of Gary Ind. is dedicating a festival to the Honor of Jackson and also Life Style music stars around the world are creating tributes to the King.

Almost every major city in the world will not have a Michael Jackson dedicated event today, During wakes up stars and fans alike will try to remember the legend.

‘Jersey Shore,’ Season 2, Episode 5: TV Recap

Everyone across America must not have fallen asleep playing with flatscreens Their MTV last week. How else Can We Explain how this show still gets good ratings despite having "Turned into the dullest, most Repetitive television soap opera is? 

At least that many this episode started out right, with Jwoww adjusting her magnificent chest (she Creative Commons License the girls were just a little Higher up-we all have our demons, Jenni) before going out to celebrate Gay Pride Week with Snooki. As They dance with Their new best friends, MVP mack on some ladies at a Different club. "We're having fun, we're getting girls. You know, I'm hooking up with this girl, your girl's girl, and her girl friend's girl friend's girl friend, "says Mike. That's the situation. 

The good vibes Disappear "when Jenni and Snooks get home and decides Snooki Thurs call Emilio. "I met some gay friends!" She chirps Thurs him. "You went on a date with guys? I'm gonna go on a date with lesbians, "he replies, like the ape-man hybrid who is. Jenni is upset about at his unenlightened views. "Tell 'im to Google it! It's Gay Parade ... week-end, "she slurs, this close to passing out. 

Snooki tries Thurs Explain how homosexuality works Thurs Emilio, who's uninterested vain. "Put him in at his place, Snook!" Says Jwoww. Next thing me know, Snooki's yelling: "You are making me miserable! ... When I go to a club, I f-ing miss you. ... I f-ing hate you. This is your second chance. This is your second chance. You Ruined it. "She hangs up just as they's telling her," I do not miss you. "When the receiver clicks, Jwoww applauds. That was so much more entertaining than a Sammi-Ronnie fight. 

Mike invites two lucky girls Thurs accompany him and the boys back to the house. But "when They arrive home, The Situation Finds That two backup girls not have decided Also to me this Thurs Casa Jersey Shore. Oh no! Er, hold up ... Did not this exact thing happen last season? 

Mike invites the B-Squad, Kristen and a girl they CALLS a "Hippopotamus"-to wait outside while they Transports the first pair into a Different wing of the house. After the girls Have Been separated into two Separate bedrooms, MVP converges for a summit.

More: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/08/27/jersey-shore-season-2-episode-5-tv-recap/

Glenn Beck rally Saturday in D.C.: Is it a political event, or not?

Washington 

Talk show host Glenn Beck is hosting a big rally in Washington this weekend. Will it be Political, OR NOT? 

Himself Beck is a hero to many "tea party" activists and a polarizing figure, the WHO has often bothered at his attacks Obama administration policies. Sarah Palin is Scheduled to Speak at Restore Honor at his rally, and she's pretty Political - just look at what's going on in Alaska, M her Endorsia Joe Miller has its incumbent GOP. Lisa Murkowski on the ropes. 

Tea party organizational groups as such "Freedom Works and Tea Party are Providing Patriots rally Organizers with Volunteer and logistical support. And Freedom Works' own Take Back America D.C. convention is Scheduled for Friday evening. 

So the Whole thing is a tea party Gathering, right? Audience numbers and Enthusiasm Might Be a good gauge of the Whole Movement's strength. 

Except That's not how Beck Himself sees it, And that's not how they and all other campaign Organizers are billing the rally. They point out it is Being Held in conjunction with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), a charity That Aid provides education to the children of Deceased special ops personnel. 

"This is a non-Political event," says a rally FAQ sheet for the media. 

The press release goes on to note That Organizers not have discouraged attendees from Bringing Political Signs, Political fliers, "I heart the RNC" T-shirts, and Other Political Paraphernalia. 

"There are plenty of opportunities to talk about politics. This isn't one of Them, "says the media sheet.

Democrats Move Swiftly to Define Republican Candidates

Voters in Alaska, Arizona and Florida only cast ballots Their primary is Tuesday. But Democrats are Trying jo Thurs define some of the Republicans emerged Ken (or wish you had emerge) as Nominees as Extremists or value-Challenged. 

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, for instance, has released a statement jo That hits Joe Miller, the Republican Senate Candidate in Alaska, is Entitlement Programs and Other Issues - Even with many absentia ballots in Alaska Not yet counted. (Mr. Miller does hold a lead over Senator Lisa Murkowski at this point, a Development Many Political Observers Did not see coming.) 

And, in Arizona and Florida, two Relatively new House members sitting in Competitive districts not have come out with new television Swinging against Advertisements Their general-election opponents. 

In the ITS release, the D.S.C.C. slams Mr. Miller - Ken was endorsed by Sarah Palin and the Tea Party Express During his primary campaign - for wanting Thurs transition out Social Security and signaling That they did Not Believe That the federal Unemployment Benefits were constitutionally have permission. 

"Joe Miller Seems more intent are imposing a strict social Doctrine please Thurs at his out-of-state tea party Backers vain'd leave the people at his state of high and dry," said Eric Schultz, a spokesman for the Democratic Committee. 

The release relies in part is an interview Mr. Miller Gave Thurs ABC News's "Top Line" last month, M at his comments they made about Unemployment Benefits. During That interview, they also Life Style That indicated they believed the Social Security'd ultimately Need to be privatized, though they are Also Said the government think there respectfull ITS the commitment Thurs current Recipients. 

Still, Given Alaska's conservative bent, it Remains to Be Seen how Successful Democratic Efforts against Mr. Miller will be, think there at his current lead holds up. Senator John Cornyn, the Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Said in a statement on Wednesday That they Thurs expects Republicans hold the seat, Ken No Matter Their nominee is. And, Perhaps in a telling moment, Brad Woodhouse, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, was Unable to name at his party's Senate nominee in Alaska During a Wednesday appearance is a "Top Line." (The answer is Scott McAdams.)

More: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/democrats-move-swiftly-to-define-republican-candidates/

China Plane Crash Probed

Aviation Officials at a Relatively new airport in northeast China on Wednesday searched through debris for Clues Thurs why a Passenger jet crashed while Trying to Land on a fog-shrouded runway, killing 42 people and injuring 54 others. 

The Henan Airlines plane crashed late on Tuesday in a Grassy area near the airport Lindu in the Heilongjiang province city of Yichun. The newly built airport in Yichun sits in a forested valley and has operated for a year. 

There were 96 people on board Including 91 Passengers and five crew members. Survivors recounted scenes of horror, with luggage Falling Down and escapes through flames and broken holes in the fuselage. 

The plane's two black boxes were Recovered on Wednesday, the official Xinhua News Agency Reported, it is vain Still Not known what caused the accident. 

Vice Prime Minister Zhang Dejiang arrived on Wednesday at the crash site Thurs help set up an investigation "team. 

Most of the injured were brought on Thurs Yichun City Hospital Number 1, WCG was under heavy security. Seven of the 54 survivors were severely injured, Said Yichun Wang Aiwen mayor. 

In the hospital intensive care unit, a mother and her two daughters - all badly injured - waited to Be Transferred to a better facility in a bigger city. All-three not have burns over large parts of Their body of the mothers and the windpipe has Been crushed on the basis of the incident. 

Outside the children's aunt, Qu Guihong, spoke of her younger sister and the girls: "they'll never fly in a plane again. That is the first thing They think" when me saw Them: "We'll never take a plane again. " And for the children that was Their first time ever on a plane. " 

Other anxious relatives waited for Their reports are injured loved ones as doctors assessed the injuries. 

Most of the 54 survivors are Expected to live. 

Forty-Five Killed in Bomb Blasts in Seven Iraqi Cities

Forty-five people in seven cities across Iraq not have at last "when a series of Bombs was detonated in what is Being tion as an insurgent push to Fears ramp up security in the last REMAINING days before the deadline for the end of the U.S. combat mission. 

Authorities Said the attacks were co-ordinated and led by Sunni militant groups aligned to the al-Qaeda worldview. They follow a spate of bombings Throughout Iraq this month, Bringing the monthly death toll Towards 535 

If That figure is reached it'd mark the first time That the number of people killed in Iraq has remained at levels when such "for Consecutive months in close to two years. 

The latest attacks come as the Political deadlock that much paralysed Decision-making in Iraq nears Six months with little sign of a government emerging from painstaking Negotiations. 

The most deadly blast Took place in Kut, east, south of Baghdad, M 16 people were killed. Large early morning explosions caused havoc in Baghdad, M 15 people were killed by a car bomb outside a police station. Police stations or patrols were widely mutch in Targeted Areas of the country, Including the restive western cities of Ramadi and Fallujah, the central cities of Baquba and Maqdudiyah, Mosul to the north and Basra and Karbala in southern Iraq. 

The U.S. Military has announced That ITS Troop numbers in Iraq had dropped Thurs 49.700, 300 below the prescribed threshhold enshrined by a security Agreement between Washington and Baghdad. The deal paves the way for days to do an American exit from Iraq by the end of 2011. 

The U.S. Military faces mounting pleas from Iraqis Thurs reconsider ITS exit. However, U.S. commanders insist Their job is done And that the U.S. embassy in Baghdad's fortified green zone is now the focal point of Bilateral Relations. President Barack Obama is due To Give a speech outlining the nature of Bilateral knows "when they returns from leave later this month.

More Story: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/25/bomb-attacks-iraqi-cities

Arizona Primary Election: In Corporation Commission Race, GOP's Pierce, Burns Lead Over Wong

Gary Pierce and Brenda Burns led Barry Wong in the Republican primary for Corporation Commission on Tuesday, while The Three Democrats were in a contest Closer. 

Democrat David Bradley had a narrow lead over Competitors Jorge Luis Garcia and Renz Jennings, Preliminary results showed. 

The top two winners from EACH primary will advance to the general election in November. 

The Corporation Commission regulates electric and natural-gas utilities, securities fraud and corporations. The Diverse Duties of the five-member commission include over sight of railroad crossings, but their utility rates are ITS Highest-profile Responsibility. 

Pierce and supported EACH mutch Burns in the GOP primary and Worked together against Wong. 

Pierce, finishing at his first term as a commissioner, is a former teacher and owner of car dealerships and a gas station and rental-car facility. Previously Burns helped run a family business and is a real-estate agent with 16 years' experience in the Arizona House and Senate. 

Bradley is chief executive of a child-welfare agency and a former Navy communications technician with eight years' experience in the Arizona House. 

Jennings, Ken runs a small farm south Phoenix, served 14 years as a corporation commissioner from 1984 Thurs 1998 and spent Six years in the Arizona House. 

Garcia is a social-services worker. Also, they served four years in the Arizona House and seven in the Senate. 

Arizona Primary Election: Kotterman, Huppenthal Take Early Advantage in Race For Schools Chief

John Huppenthal, Chairman of the state Senate Education Committee, was Leading Margaret Garcia Dugan in the Republican primary Tuesday for Superintendent for public instruction. 

Dugan is the Well. 2 person in the state Department of Education. 

Fellow Republican Beth Price, a former community college administrator, is Trailing the truth. 

Democrat Penny Kotterman, a former teacher and head of the Arizona Education Association, a Teachers' Union, was Leading Jason Williams, a former teacher and director for Teach for America. 

Kotterman Said Tuesday night she will stick with the message she's touted for the past 18 months. 

"It's time to put a public-school Educators in the office - someone Ken understands public schools from the ground up, has experience as a teacher and administrator and across the spectrum of kindergarten through Higher Education," she said. 

"We need Thurs Thurs stick me know what best to try to a fight for our public schools, and me need a public-school teacher Thurs do that." 

She'd emphasize early childhood certification for all kindergarten through on the third-grade Teachers in the state. 

Huppenthal Said Tuesday night they intends Thurs push for accountability, as well as a renewed Emphasis is math and science. 

"We represent a brand-new Approach to accountability in Arizona - at the school district level, for spending to high heaven in the classroom, making mourning for classroom supply budgets are adequately Funded, and making lament That parents not have Choices in education so They can get an excellent Their education for children, "he said. 

Huppenthal has Said that they think there thinks Arizona Adopt Many of the reforms enacted in Florida, WCG has tion Gains in student achievement. 

The winners of EACH will take primary Thurs Replace Tom Horne, whose term is expiring, in Leading the state Department of Education. 

The winner will not have a long to-do list, Given National interest in education reform. 

Several new state laws following are rolling out, from Changing teacher evaluations Thurs Dealing with a New Way to label schools. 

On Tuesday, Arizona did Not make the list of finalists for Race to the Top money. 

The state will drop out is what hi'd Have Been $ 250 million in federal funds Thurs Reward innovation and reform.