Olympian Pistorius charged with murder

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius was charged Thursday with the murder of his girlfriend who was shot inside his home in South Africa, a stunning development in the life of a national hero known as the Blade Runner for his high-tech artificial legs.Reeva Steenkamp, a model who spoke out on Twitter against rape and abuse of women, was shot four times in the predawn...

Read More..

Africa 'must think big for its children'

Children at school in the Mukuru kwa Njenga slum in Nairobi, Kenya.STORY HIGHLIGHTSNew report shows that policies across Africa are helping children's developmentBut laws must improve to help children reach potential, says Catherine MbengueScrapping fees in Malawi saw entry to primary school jump from under 50% to 99%At secondary level, education in much of the region is deeply limited, Mbengue saysEditor's...

Read More..

A Minute With: Michael Haneke and the story behind “Amour”

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Austrian director Michael Haneke said his stark drama “Amour,” which has scored a surprising five Oscar nominations including for Best Picture, was inspired by his own experiences dealing with an aged aunt facing death.The unflinching take on devotion, growing old and illness has also picked up Oscar nominations for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Foreign Film...

Read More..

Wall Street up modestly, extends recent rally

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose modestly on Wednesday, putting the S&P near its highest intraday level in more than five years as the market's recent streak of slight gains on low volume continued. Equities have been strong performers of late, buoyed largely by healthy growth in corporate earnings, with the S&P 500 gaining 6.5 percent so far this year. The Dow is about 1...

Read More..

IOC president Rogge to meet with wrestling leader

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — IOC President Jacques Rogge says he will meet with the head of wrestling's governing body to discuss ways the sport can fight to save its place in the 2020 Olympics.The IOC executive board dropped wrestling from the program of the 2020 Games on Tuesday, removing it from the list of 26 sports at last year's London Olympics.The decision, which still must be ratified by the...

Read More..

Why pope will long be remembered

Tim Stanley says Pope Benedict will be seen as an important figure in church history.STORY HIGHLIGHTSTimothy Stanley: Benedict XVI's resignation is historic since popes usually serve for lifeHe says pope not so much conservative as asserting church's "living tradition" He backed traditionalists, but a conflicted flock, scandal, culture wars a trial to papacy, he saysStanley: Pope kept to principle,...

Read More..

Netflix, DreamWorks Partner for Original Kids Series

Days after launching “House of Cards,” Netflix is applying the same approach to children’s content. It’s teaming with DreamWorks Animation (DWA) (DWA) to create Netflix’s first original series for kids.The series, “Turbo: F.A.S.T.,” is based on DWA’s movie “Turbo,” which is scheduled to open in theaters this summer. “Turbo: F.A.S.T.” will debut exclusively on Netflix in the U.S. and 40 other countries.Netflix...

Read More..

Wall Street opens flat with Obama speech on deck

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks were little changed on Tuesday, hovering near multi-year highs as traders awaited President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. The economy will be one of the main topics of Obama's speech at 9 p.m. (0200 GMT Wednesday). Investors will listen for any clues on a deal with Republicans in Congress to avert automatic spending cuts due to take effect March...

Read More..

IOC drops wrestling from 2020 Olympics

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — IOC leaders dropped wrestling from the Olympic program on Tuesday, a surprise decision that removes one of the oldest Olympic sports from the 2020 Games.The IOC executive board decided to retain modern pentathlon — the event considered most at risk — and remove wrestling instead from its list of 25 "core sports."The IOC board acted after reviewing the 26 sports on the...

Read More..

What beats Grammy? Immortality

Legends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeSTORY HIGHLIGHTSBob Greene: Grammy nominated acts should remember the real prize comes later in lifeHe says at a hotel he ran into a group of singing stars from an earlier era, in town for a showHe says the world of post-fame...

Read More..