Why the world is arguing over who runs the internet

The ethos of freedom from control that underpins the web is facing its first serious test, says Wendy M. Grossman WHO runs the internet? For the past 30 years, pretty much no one. Some governments might call this a bug, but to the engineers who designed the protocols, standards, naming and numbering systems...

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Jackie Chan wills HK$2.2 billion fortune to wife, charity

HONG KONG: Hong Kong superstar Jackie Chan revealed in a recent interview with a Hong Kong newspaper that he will leave his entire fortune, estimated to be worth about HK$2.2 billion (S$347 million), to his charity and his wife, Joan Lin, reported Hong Kong media.Chan said he decided to do so after Lin stood by him, even when he strayed and had a daughter, Etta, with Hong Kong actress...

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Obama, Boehner tackle fiscal cliff face-to-face

STORY HIGHLIGHTSPresident Obama and House Speaker Boehner meet at the White HouseTheir spokesmen issue identical statements about the first such talks in 23 daysDemocrats and the GOP have been sparring about efforts to avert the fiscal cliffSen. Corker joins some Republicans as open to hiking tax rates on the wealthy Washington (CNN) -- Twenty-three days since they last met face-to-face and 23 days...

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Fiscal Cliff Talks: Boehner, Obama Meet Face-to-Face

For the first time in more than three weeks, President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner met face-to-face today at the White House to talk about avoiding the fiscal cliff.White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest would offer no details saying only, "The lines of communication remain open."Erskine Bowles, the co-creator of a debt reducing plan, who was pessimistic...

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Kenyan elephant numbers plummet by 1000 in four years

IT'S a case of up then down for Kenya's second largest population of elephants. After a promising growth spurt, the elephants are now dying faster than they are being born. The decline is being blamed on illegal poaching, driven by Asia's demand for ivory. ...

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Two killed, dozens hurt in clashes in Bangladesh

DHAKA: At least two people were killed and dozens hurt across Bangladesh on Sunday when police and ruling party activists clashed with protesters blocking roads to demand early polls under a caretaker government.Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up rallies in a dozen places in the capital Dhaka. Demonstrators threw scores of small hand-made bombs, burned tyres and torched...

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Chavez says his cancer is back, talks of a successor

From Patrick Oppmann, CNNupdated 12:56 AM EST, Sun December 9, 2012STORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: Parliament will convene special session over Chavez's trip to Cuba, an official says"An operation like this, an illness like this, always carries risk," says Hugo ChavezHe says his vice president should succeed him if his health worsensChavez, who won reelection this year, will return to Cuba for the operationHavana...

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Venezuela's Chavez says cancer back, plans surgery

CARACAS, Venezuela Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced Saturday night that his cancer has returned and that he will undergo another surgery in Cuba. Chavez, who won re-election on Oct. 7, also said for the first time that if his health were to worsen, his successor would be Vice President Nicolas Maduro. "We should guarantee the advance of the Bolivarian Revolution," Chavez said on television,...

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Gay Marriage: Will Justices Follow Popular Opinion?

The Supreme Court's announcement that it would hear two cases challenging laws prohibiting same-sex marriage has reinvigorated one of the most hotly contentious social debates in American history, a debate that has been fueled by a dramatic change in attitudes.With some states taking significant steps towards legalizing gay marriage, the hearings come at a critical moment.This...

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