December 2011 Archives
by Richard Stearns
Continue reading 2011: A Bad Year for World's Bad Guys.
Victims of the Alexandria church bombing being carried out by fellow Christians.
Hundreds of Egyptians held protests Saturday outside a Cairo courthouse and in the port city of Alexandria to demand answers over who was behind a bombing outside a church a year ago that killed 21 worshippers.
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Ohio on Saturday, a week after a similar but smaller tremor rattled the region, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
Continue reading 4.0-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Eastern Ohio.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin wishes Russians a happy New Year during an interview in his residence of Novo-Ogaryovo, outside Moscow, in Russia, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexei Druzhinin, pool)
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has sent New Year's greetings to all Russians, though with some sarcasm toward those protesting his 12 years in power and his plans to return to the presidency for at least six more years.
Texas A&M running back Ben Malena (23) celebrates his touchdown run against Northwestern during the second quarter of the Car Care Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Ryan Tannehill threw for 329 yards and a touchdown and Ben Malena ran for two more scores to lead Texas A&M to a 33-22 win over Northwestern on Saturday in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Continue reading 33-22: A&M Survives Late NU Rally for Meineke Bowl Win.
Novak Djokovic: Winner of the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament
Novak Djokovic showed he remains the player to beat in 2012, routing David Ferrer 6-2, 6-1 Saturday to win the World Tennis Championship exhibition tournament.
Continue reading Novak Djokovic Wins First Abu Dhabi Exhibition to End 2011 In Style.
Blackburn Rovers' Ayegbeni Yakubu, center right, is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Manchester United during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday Dec. 31, 2011. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Blackburn pulled off the biggest surprise of the Premier League season, defeating Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday to spoil Alex Ferguson's 70th birthday.
Continue reading 3-2: Blackburn Stuns Man U On Fergie's 70th.
Fireworks burst over the Sydney Opera House, right, as New Year's celebrations begin in Sydney, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
With glittering fireworks and celebrations from New Zealand to Times Square, the world eagerly welcomed a new year and hope for a better future Saturday, saying goodbye to a year of hurricanes, tsunamis and economic turmoil that many would rather forget.
Continue reading From New Zealand to Times Square, World Bids Farewell to 2011.
Reverend Father Issac Achi (L) speaks with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan during a visit to St. Theresa's Catholic church, the scene of a Christmas day bomb attack, just outside the capital Abuja, December 31, 2011. (REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde)
President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency on Saturday in parts of Nigeria plagued by a violent Islamist insurgency, and ordered shut the borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger in the northeast.
Security forces and bystanders are seen outside a damaged house following clashes in Assuit, Egypt, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. (Mamdouh Thabet/Associated Press)
Egyptian authorities have detained a Coptic Christian student accused of posting a drawing of Islam's prophet on Facebook that triggered two days of violence in southern Egypt.
Landmark Signs workers install 288 sparkling new Waterford Crystal triangles featuring this year's "Let There Be Friendship" design on the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball, Dec. 27, 2011 in New York. (Mary Altaffer / AP)
Times Square was awash in hopeful sentiments as it prepared to welcome hordes of New Year's Eve revelers looking to cast off a rough year and cheer their way to something better in 2012.
Continue reading Americans Full of Hope for New Year After a Sour 2011.
A woman cried out after a mass inside the Saints Church in Alexandria, Egypt, where 21 people were killed in a New Year's bomb attack. (Ben Curtis/Associated Press)
Update at 6:25 p.m. ET: Facebook has apparently taken down the account of at least one group threatening a New Year's attack on Egyptian Christians. An Arab-language Facebook page (not linked to in the story but monitored by msnbc.com reporters) no longer loads.
The scene after a car bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, just outside Nigeria's capital Abuja, Dec. 25, 2011. (Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters)
There are ominous signs in Nigeria that the campaign of violence by the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is leading to wider and more explosive sectarian tensions -- in a country where Christian-Muslim relations are often tense and sometimes bloody.
Continue reading Nigeria Remains On Edge After Christmas Bombings.
The inside of the Martyrs of Uganda Catholic Church, which closed in 2006, is seen in Detroit on Dec. 18, 2011. (Mark Blinch / Reuters)
Emmanuel Miller comes to Saint Leo Catholic Church at least twice a month.
Continue reading What Went Wrong In Detroit? Many Churches Perishing, Fighting to Survive.
Damisha Bostic, 24, shows off the kitchen of her new Detroit home, one of 90 built in the area of Wyoming and Fenkell with help from the nearby Northwest Unity Baptist Church. (MANDI WRIGHT/Detroit Free Press)
Riding in a church van with "Jesus Saves" written on the back, the Rev. Oscar King III pointed to a row of new homes he helped build on Detroit's west side.
Continue reading Detroit Church Helps Community by Building 90 Homes In 4 Years.
Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby Dodd, right, speaks with the Rev. Tim Reid, pastor of Mosaic church, during Friday's hearing at the Hamilton County Courthouse. (Jenna Walker/Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Late-night dance parties at a downtown Chattanooga church were halted Friday by a judge just days after nine people were shot leaving a gathering early Christmas morning.
Continue reading Tennessee Church Dances Halted After Nine Partygoers Are Shot.
The Rev. Gardner C. Taylor in the chapel of the convalescent home where he moved this month. (Travis Dove for The New York Times)
Several hours before the other ministers were to arrive, a young preacher named Reginald High drove up to a tidy town house here, the home in retirement of the greatest black churchman in America, the Rev. Gardner C. Taylor.
Continue reading Despite Age, Gardner C. Taylor Ministers to Generations to Come.
Steven Brigham and Nicola Riley are awaiting extradition hearings to bring them back to Maryland, police said.
Authorities say they traveled to Maryland to perform late-term procedures.
Continue reading Two Doctors Charged with Murder After Performing Late-Term Abortions.
National Religious Broadcasters President Frank Wright says research shows Christian radio and television aren't just preaching to the choir.
Continue reading NRB President Says Non-Christians Are Tuning Into Religious Broadcasts.
President Obama has long relied on his oratorical gifts to ease him through tricky political situations.
Continue reading Obama Content to Let Staff Talk Up Gay Rights Support - For Now.
Health groups and school districts are using Web sites and texts to reach teenagers. (Peter Hoffman for The New York Times)
While heading to class last year, Stephanie Cisneros, a Denver-area high school junior, was arguing with a friend about ways that sexually transmitted diseases might be passed along.
Continue reading Teenagers Being Taught Sex Education Online and Through Texts.
Tropical Cyclone Thane has moved westwards toward southern India. (AP)
At least 33 people died when Cyclone Thane hit coastal southern India near the former French colony of Pondicherry, officials said on Saturday, causing thousands to evacuate and damaging roads, buildings and power lines.
Continue reading At Least 33 People Dead In India from Cyclone Thane.
Lionsgate's big-screen adaptation tops the final installment in the hugely successful "Twilight" movie franchise.
Continue reading 2012's Most Anticipated Film Is 'The Hunger Games', MTV Poll Says.
Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates as he walks off the field after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium on December 30, 2011 in Tempe, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
Oklahoma dodged a big rally and a falling camera to pull out a gritty win.
Continue reading 31-14: Oklahoma Stops Iowa In Insight Bowl.
Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat pulls down a rebound against Wesley Johnson #4 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half on December 30, 2011 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dwyane Wade wasn't about to let the Minnesota Timberwolves spoil LeBron James' birthday.
Continue reading 103-101: Wade's Last-Second Shot Holds Off Timberwolves.
Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, who scored 18 points, looks to shoot against Raptors forward Amir Johnson during the first half Friday night. (Mike Stone / Reuters)
Dallas snaps season-opening 3-game skid with 99-86 victory over Raptors
Continue reading 99-86: Mavs Rally Past Raptors for Season's First Win.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano celebrates a win over the Iowa State Cyclones in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 30, 2011 in the Bronx Borough of New York City. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)
All year long Eric LeGrand inspired Rutgers from his wheelchair.
Continue reading 27-13: Rutgers Tops Iowa State in Pinstripe Bowl.
Miles Plumlee and Duke slam-danced their way to 110 points Friday night.
Seth Curry scored a season-high 22 points, Austin Rivers added 20 and No. 7 Duke routed Western Michigan 110-70 on Friday night.
Continue reading 110-70: Curry's Season-High 22 Paces Duke In Easy Win.
Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls and Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers set for a play at Staples Center on December 30, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)
Derrick Rose had 29 points and 16 assists, and the Chicago Bulls pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 114-101 Friday night.
Continue reading 114-101: Bulls Weather Clips' Fast Start to Pull Away in 4th.
Coach Dan Mullen, Charles Mitchell #4 and Vick Ballard #28 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrate after a win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during at the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl at LP Field on December 30, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images North America)
Capping a tough season playing in the Southeastern Conference with a bowl victory means the Mississippi State Bulldogs are celebrating how they finished rather than lamenting what might have been.
Continue reading 23-17: Ballard Runs Mississippi St. Past Wake Forest.
Riley Nelson #13 of the Brigham Young Cougars throws against the Brigham Young Cougars during the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 30, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)
BYU quarterback Riley Nelson was thinking about Dan Marino when he ignored the play called by his coach.
Continue reading 24-21: Late BYU TD Wins Armed Forces Bowl.
Stu Bickel #41 of the New York Rangers assists goaltender Henrik Lundqvist #30 defend the net against the Florida Panthers on December 30, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images North America)
Henrik Lundqvist started smiling before the question was even finished.
Continue reading New York Rangers Ready for Winter Classic.
Novak Djokovic (R) after a handshake with Roger Federer (L) after his one-sided win in Abu Dhabi.
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic swept aside Roger Federer 6-2, 6-1 Friday and will play David Ferrer in the final of the World Tennis Championship exhibition.
Continue reading Federer, Nadal Upended at Abu Dhabi Exhibition.
After a customer backlash, Verizon Wireless on Friday dropped a plan to start charging $2 for every payment subscribers make over the phone or online with their credit or debit cards.
Continue reading Verizon Wireless Drops $2 Plan After Customer Backlash.
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks about the payroll tax bill in the Oval Office December 23, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Pool/Getty Images North America)
Opinions about President Obama are divided sharply along lines of faith and religious participation.
Continue reading President Obama's Job Approval Drops Among Churchgoers.
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (L) applauds for his wife Ann Romney as she introduces her husband during and event at Elly's Tea and Coffee December 28, 2011 in Muscatine, Iowa. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)
Mitt Romney rarely talks about his faith in detail, but if he becomes the GOP presidential nominee, he will be the first Mormon to have done so, and he will be one step closer to becoming the nation's first Mormon president.
Continue reading Romney: I Pray Everyday, Read Scripture Regularly.
ABC's hit series "Wife Swap" is back in January 2012 - but this time its featuring celebrities with lots and lots (and lots) of baggage.
A flower sits on one of the panels containing names of the victims of the terrorist attacks from September 11, 2001, at the 9/11 Memorial. (Getty Images)
In the 16 weeks since it opened to the public, the September 11 Memorial in New York has seen more than 1 million visitors, officials announced Thursday.
Continue reading Over 1 Million Have Made Visits to New York's 9/11 Memorial.
Fox Latin America has apologized for a poll on whether Jews killed Jesus Christ that one of its staffers put on a Facebook page promoting the National Geographic Channel's Christmas special.
Continue reading Fox News Apologizes for Poll Asking Whether Jews Killed Jesus.
In this Monday, Aug. 31, 2009 file photo, bottles of alcohol are seen lining the shelves of a liquor store in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
Parents of teens: If you think a drinking disaster at your kid's party can't happen at your house, not with your kid, because he's a good kid, it's time to wake up and smell the whiskey bottle tossed on your lawn.
Continue reading Parents Being Held Responsible for Underage Drinking.
In this Tuesday, April 19, 2011 file photo, British actor Russell Brand and his wife Katy Perry arrive for the European premiere of Arthur, in London. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
Russell Brand and Katy Perry are getting a divorce, the British comedian told The Associated Press Friday.
Continue reading Russell Brand and Katy Perry Ending Their Marriage.
Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)
Tom Brady is practicing with the New England Patriots after being limited in Thursday's session by an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.
Continue reading Tom Brady Practicing with Patriots After Injury.
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the Christmas Eve game against St. Louis Rams on December 24, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)
Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and safety Troy Polamalu each attended a full practice Friday and are listed as probable for the regular-season finale in Cleveland on Sunday.
Continue reading Roethlisberger, Polamalu Probable for Steelers vs Browns On Sunday.
This nativity display in front of the Claremont United Methodist Church was vandalized over Christmas weekend. (KTLA-TV)
Vandalism of a church's Nativity display that includes depictions of gay and lesbian couples was being investigated as a hate crime, police said.
Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Westport Presbyterian Church, 201 Westport Road, in Kansas City, Mo, on Thursday evening. (Jill Toyashiba/The Kansas City Star)
Flames shot through the roof of Westport Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening as a powerful fire devastated one of Kansas City's oldest congregations.
Continue reading Historic Kansas City Church Burns In Powerful Fire.
An offshoot of Egypt's top religious institution, Al Azhar, has called on the government to take a Christian television station off the air, allegedly for offending Muslims, the semi-official Al-Ahram newspaper reported Thursday.
Continue reading Egyptian Muslim Group Wants Christian TV Station Off Air.
The decades-old routine of handing out free Gideon Bibles in public schools has sparked renewed passions amid complaints the practice is discriminatory and no longer has a place in a secular education system.
Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin with Patriarch Kirill I, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, in May. (Pool photo by Alexsey Druginyn)
Among the thousands of Russian voices raised against the Kremlin this month after parliamentary elections widely dismissed as fraudulent, perhaps the most surprising was that of Patriarch Kirill I, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who defended popular protests as a "lawful negative reaction" to corruption.
Continue reading Russian Orthodox Church Turns From Kremlin Ally to Critic.
A Texas teenager whose YouTube videos inspired viewers worldwide during his shortened life has been remembered at his funeral in Austin as someone who loved life -- and God.
Continue reading Ben Breedlove Remembered at Funeral as Someone Who Loved Life and God.
Whitechapel's Gabe Crisp, left, and Alex Wade, purveyors of the subsubgenre deathcore. (Brian Harkin for The New York Times)
Fear not, rockists: all is not lost.
Continue reading Metal, Christian Rock, Dubstep - What's the Next Grunge?.
New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly speaks at a news conference as Mayor Michael Bloomberg listens in Brooklyn, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Muslim leaders intent on showing Mayor Michael Bloomberg that they have no appetite for his support of the police department's efforts to gather intelligence on their neighborhoods are poised to make an impression by their absence at his annual interfaith breakfast Friday.
Continue reading Muslims Will Be Absent at Mayor Bloomberg's Interfaith Breakfast.
Kim Jong Un salutes besides the convoy carrying the body of his father Kim Jong Il at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang Dec. 28. (KCNA via AFP - Getty Images)
North Korea warned the world Friday there would be no softening of its position toward South Korea's government after Kim Jong Il's death as Pyongyang strengthened his son and heir's authority with a new title: Great Leader.
Continue reading North Korea Warns Country Will Not Soften.
Donald Carter poses for a photograph Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
At age 62, Donald Carter knows his arthritis and other age-related infirmities will not allow him to live indefinitely in his third-floor walk-up apartment in Philadelphia.
Continue reading Advocates Push for Gay Seniors to Receive Better Housing Service.
Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, left, celebrates with Baylor head coach Art Briles after the Alamo Bowl college football game, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Darren Abate / AP)
If that really was Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III's final college game, what an incredible way to go out.
Continue reading 67-56: Baylor, RG3 Win High-Scoring Alamo Bowl.
Coach Jimbo Fisher of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a victory against the Notre Dame Fight Irish in the 2011 Champs Sports Bowl December 29, 2011 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. FSU won 18 - 14. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
There were moments during the Champs Sports Bowl when Florida State and Notre Dame resembled the dominant programs they were a decade ago.
Continue reading 18-14: Noles Stun Irish In Champs Sports Bowl.
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks to pass as Oklahoma City Thunder's Nick Collison (4) defends during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Kevin Durant thought he might have just given away a victory and let the Dallas Mavericks steal another one in heartbreaking fashion.
Continue reading 104-102: Mavericks Lose Third Straight as Durant Keeps OKC Perfect.
Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures, as Bill Walker #5 of the New York Knicks looks on in the second half at Staples Center on December 29, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America)
Kobe Bryant scored 28 points in yet another dynamic performance against the Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away in the fourth quarter for their ninth straight victory over New York, 99-82 Thursday night.
Continue reading 99-82: Kobe Puts On Dynamic Performance, Lakers Dominate Knicks.
Rutgers guard Eli Carter puts up the winning basket against Florida's Patric Young (4) tonight at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway. (Jim O'Connor/US Presswire)
Freshman Eli Carter scored a career-high 31 points and hit the go-ahead basket in the second overtime as Rutgers rallied to stun No. 10 Florida 85-83 on Thursday night.
Continue reading 85-83: Rutgers Shocks Florida After Two OTs.
Online retailer Amazon says 2011 was the best holiday ever for its Kindle-brand e-readers and tablet computers.
Continue reading 2011 Was Best Holiday Ever for Amazon's Kindle.
Scientist Stephen Hawking of "Into The Universe With Stephen Hawking" speaks via satellite during the Science Channel portion of the 2010 Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Langham Hotel on January 14, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)
Can you help make Stephen Hawking's voice heard?
China is the third country after the U.S. and Russia to put a human in space
Continue reading China's Ambitious New Space Plans.
Oregon researchers say those who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables fare better as they age
Continue reading Study: Diet Affects Brain Health.
Yvette Prieto (L) and Michael Jordan attend the Exclusive FABULOUS 23 Dinner hosted by Jordan Brand during All-Star Weekend on February 12, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Getty Images)
One of Charlotte's most eligible bachelors is now engaged, NewsChannel 36 has learned.
Continue reading Michael Jordan Asks Longtime Girlfriend, Yvette Prieto, to Be His Wife.
Rev. Ayo Oritsejafor, left, meets with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja yesterday (AFP/GETTY)
A Christian leader in Nigeria urged his faithful to defend themselves in the wake of violence against churchgoers by the Islamist sect Boko Haram.
Continue reading Nigeria: Christians Defend Themselves from Extremists.
by Cindi McMenamin
Continue reading 10 Ways to Grow Spiritually in 2012.
More than 4,400 students were trained at 2011 summer camps with the Dare to Be a Daniel 5-session resource, and 2012 looks to be another big year with the ministry deploying in Australia, Haiti, Canada and the U.K.
Continue reading BGEA's Dare to Be a Daniel Expands Borders.
Mitterfirmiansreut opened its snow church on Wednesday night to commerate the 100th anniversary of the erection of a similar structure in the mountain village in Bavaria, Germany. (DPA)
A church built entirely of ice and snow has opened in Bavaria -- a century after villagers first built a snow church in an act of protest.
Continue reading Germany's Snow Church Dubbed as "God's Igloo" Opens.
Have you cried yet today? No? Here, we can fix that.
At a memorial for Rev. Zachery Tims of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka his former wife takes the podium to speak. (George Skene, Orlando Sentinel)
Riva Tims filed legal action just before announcement that Paula White is the Apopka church's new pastor
Technicians monitor production at a recent service at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Ga. The church is developing custom apps for congregants and their children. (Rick Holliday)
Andrea Davis has created a new wing of her church: her car.
Catholic Charities turned away Rick Wade, left, and Tim Kee of Marion, Ill., when the couple tried to adopt a child three years ago. (Dan Gill for The New York Times)
Roman Catholic bishops in Illinois have shuttered most of the Catholic Charities affiliates in the state rather than comply with a new requirement that says they must consider same-sex couples as potential foster-care and adoptive parents if they want to receive state money.
Republican presidential candidate and Texas governor Rick Perry poses for pictures after a campaign meet and greet at The Button Factory restaurant on December 21, 2011 in Muscatine, IA. (Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images North America)
Texas Gov. Rick Perry says it'll be up to God if his White House bid ends after the Iowa caucuses on Tuesday.
Continue reading Rick Perry: It's Up to God If White House Bid Ends After Iowa Caucuses.
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney hands a microphone back and forth with an audience member during a question and answer session with people with his wife Ann Romney (R) at Elly's Tea and Coffee December 28, 2011 in Muscatine, Iowa. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)
He has had one marriage, five kids, no hint of personal or financial scandal, a position of responsibility in his church, and he doesn't drink, smoke or chew.
Two politically active pastors in Iowa's robust evangelical conservative movement said Wednesday that an effort has been under way to persuade either Rick Santorum or Michele Bachmann to consider quitting the Republican presidential race and endorsing the other to avoid splintering this influential voting bloc's influence in the state's caucuses.
Continue reading Iowa Pastors Ask Rick Santorum or Michele Bachmann to Quit Race.
After twelve years of making music, including six studio projects, participation in over 21 compilations and additional recordings, two books and over 1.6 million albums sold, the GRAMMY ® recognized David Crowder*Band will unveil their seventh and last record, Give Us Rest or (a requiem mass in c [the happiest of all keys]) on January 10, 2012 (sixstepsrecords).
Continue reading David Crowder*Band to Release Final, Epic Collection of 34 Songs.
Designed to be Sung at Church Watch Night Services and Christian New Year's Eve House Parties
Miami Heat's Chris Bosh, front, is fouled as he drives to the basket as Charlotte Bobcats' Bismack Biyombo, left, and Byron Mullens, center, defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Dwyane Wade hit a bank shot over Gerald Henderson with 2.9 seconds left to lift the Miami Heat to a 96-95 victory over the pesky Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday and remain unbeaten.
Continue reading 96-95: Wade's Late Winning Shot Helps Heat Remain Unbeaten.
Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after his team scored a touchdown during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America)
Despite a record-setting rookie season, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was not selected to the Pro Bowl.
Continue reading Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton Honored to be Pro Bowl First Alternate.
The scene outside the Safeway supermarket in Tucson, Ariz., on Jan. 8 after the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz. Six people died in the shooting and Giffords and 12 others were wounded. (Matt York/AP)
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, other survivors of the Tucson shooting rampage and countless others will come together in the close-knit southern Arizona city on Jan. 8 to commemorate the one-year mark of that tragic day and remember those who died.
Americans are hopeful for what 2012 will bring for their families and the country, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll, though most say 2011 was a year they would rather forget.
Continue reading Most Americans Ready to Forget 2011, Optimistic About 2012.
Chad Poston of VTrans moves a sign on Route 107 in Bethel, Vt. in preparation for its reopening, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. The state highway is the last to reopen after being washed out by flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Irene. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
After hundreds of thousands of tons of rock were hauled out and tens of thousands of man-hours were spent, Vermont celebrated the completion of the biggest single engineering challenge following the flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Irene.
Continue reading Vermont Reopens Last Highway Destroyed by Hurricane Irene.
Syracuse's CJ Fair, Seton Hall's Jordan Theodore, Syracuse's Fab Melo. and Hall's Patrik Auda fight for a loose ball rebound in the second half at the Carrier Dome. (Dennis Nett/The Post-Standard)
A year ago as a raw freshman with little stamina, Fab Melo watched most of Seton Hall's stunning triumph over then-No. 9 Syracuse from the bench.
Continue reading 75-49: Top-Ranked Syracuse Beats Seton Hall.
Texas quarterback David Ash throws a pass during the Longhorns' victory over California in the Holiday Bowl on Wednesday. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press / December 28, 2011)
The next time Texas coach Mack Brown sees Joey Harrington, the memory shouldn't be quite so painful.
Continue reading 21-10: Ash Leads Texas Over Cal in Holiday Bowl.
Toledo players including Diauntae Morrow (5) celebrates with the trophy after they won the Military Bowl college football game against Air Force, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, in Washington. Toledo won 42-41. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Back and forth they went. A kickoff return for 87 yards. A pitch around the left end for 60. Touchdown passes for 49 and 37 yards. Two touchdowns scored on fourth downs. A pair of botched onside kicks.
Continue reading 42-41: Toledo Holds Off Air Force in Military Bowl.
People gather around the wreckage of a car following a bomb blast at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Dec. 25. (Sunday Aghaeze/AFP/Getty Images)
Northern Nigerian Christians said on Tuesday they feared that a spate of Christmas Day bombings by Islamist militants that killed over two dozen people could lead to a religious war in Africa's most populous country.
Continue reading Northern Nigerian Christians Fear Religious War Is Coming.
This undated photo provided by the Allen County Sheriff's Department shows Aliahna Lemmon. (AP Photo/Allen County Sheriff's Department)
A babysitter and trusted neighbor has confessed that he bludgeoned a 9-year-old Indiana girl to death with a brick then dismembered her, hiding her head, hands and feet at a home where he was staying and dumping the rest of her remains nearby, police said Tuesday.
Continue reading Babysitter Confesses to Murdering 9-Year-Old Indiana Girl.
Rick Pitino the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals gives instructions to his team during the game against the Memphis Tigers at KFC YUM! Center on December 17, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Rick Pitino said Tuesday that he won't coach past the 2016-2017 season when his current contract ends at Louisville.
Continue reading Rick Pitino to Quit Louisville When Contract Ends.
Wide receiver Braylon Edwards #17 of the San Francisco 49ers eludes cornerback DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at FedExField on November 6, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America)
Struggling wide receiver Braylon Edwards was released by the San Francisco 49ers following surgery on his right knee earlier this season that limited him.
Continue reading San Francisco 49ers Release Wideout Braylon Edwards.
Welcome back to Hobbiton.
Continue reading Peter Jackson Releases 5th 'Hobbit' Production Video.
Singer/Songwriter Danny Gokey performs during CMA Music Festival Day 1 at LP Field on June 10, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images North America)
The engagements just keep on rolling in.
Continue reading 'American Idol's' Danny Gokey to Remarry after Losing First Wife.
TV Host Bill Maher speaks during the HBO portion of the 2011 Summer TCA Tour held at the Beverly Hilton on July 28, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)
HBO is catching some flak in the wake of comedian Bill Maher's crack about Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.
In a Dec. 15, 2011 photo, a group of Army wives and girlfriends discuss a topic during a meeting of an independent prayer group in Clarksville, Tenn. (Kathy Waters-Grayson / AP)
With husbands deployed or off preparing for war, some young wives at this sprawling Army installation have spent much of their marriages so far alone.
New Birth Christian Academy is closing after 18 years, sending hundreds of students scrambling to find a new school by next week.
Continue reading Long's New Birth Christian Academy Forced to Close.
"I definitely think that we should try to get our relationship with Christ back into the schools," said Christian Chapman, who describes himself as a "traveling evangelist" and often speaks at schools. (Anne McQuary for The New York Times)
It has been nearly 50 years since the Supreme Court ruled that officially sponsored prayer in public schools violated the separation of church and state.
Continue reading Battle Over Religion in Public Schools Still Rages On.
Alex and Brett Harris, twin home-schooled evangelicals from suburban Portland, Ore., who were prominent supporters four years ago of Mike Huckabee's campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, have announced their support for Rick Santorum's GOP presidential bid.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fuad Twal (C) leads the Christmas midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on December 25, 2011, urging the return of calm and reconciliation in Syria, Egypt, Iraq and North Africa. (Getty Images)
An unholy row erupted between Greek Orthodox and Armenian clergy on Wednesday over the cleaning of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, an AFP correspondent said.
President Obama holds a wide lead among Hispanic voters when matched against potential Republican challengers, even as widespread opposition to his administration's stepped-up deportation policies act as a drag on his approval ratings among that group, according to a new poll.
Continue reading Hispanic Voters Favor Obama Over GOP Rivals Despite Deportation Policies.
Obama is seen on Aug. 28, 2008, during his first presidential run. (Alex Brandon/AP/File)
For two years running, President Obama is the man Americans most admire, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is again the most-admired woman, a new Gallup survey shows. But the public's views of other politicians shifted noticeably in 2011.
Continue reading President Obama, Hillary Clinton Top America's 'Most Admired' List.
Texas governor and Republican candidate for president Rick Perry speaks during a campaign stop at Adams Street Espresso on December 27, 2011 in Creston, Iowa. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)
Rick Perry was actually for some abortions before he was against them.
Continue reading 'The Gift of Life' Film Changed Rick Perry's Mind on Abortion.
A lawsuit brought by the parents of Phoebe Prince, a 15-year-old Irish immigrant in Massachusetts who committed suicide after relentless bullying, was settled for $225,000, according to documents made public Tuesday.
Continue reading Parents of Phoebe Prince Paid $225,000 by Town to Settle Lawsuit.
Lauren Scruggs is recovering after losing her left hand and damaging her face when she walked into the propeller of a small plane. (ABC News)
Friends and community members came out for a fundraiser to assist model and fashion editor Lauren Scruggs with her medical bills after a horrible accident sliced off her hand and left her face disfigured.
One woman claimed to have been there for songs, but band never performed
Continue reading Two Charged Over False Claims in Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse.
Justin Bieber's grandfather Bruce Dale poses next to 'Never Say Never' movie posters before a premiere in Stratford on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley)
Ontario police confirmed Wednesday that pop star Justin Bieber's grandparents were in a car crash but say they are both fine.
Continue reading Justin Bieber's Grandparents Both OK After Car Crash.
In this file film publicity image released by Warner Bros. Pictures, from left, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe are shown in a scene from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2." (Jaap Buitendijk / AP)
Hollywood has more tricks in its bag than ever with digital 3-D and other new film tools. Yet as the images on screen get bigger and better, movie crowds keep shrinking -- down to a 16-year low as 2011's film lineup fell well short of studios' record expectations.
Continue reading Movie Crowds Shrink to 16-Year Low Despite Big-Budget Productions.
In this Dec. 12, 2011 photo, Irvis Orozco, 24, a senior studying international relations at the University of California, Davis, poses on campus in Davis, Calif. A new law that will take effect Jan. 1, 2012, will allow Orozco, who was brought to the country illegally from Mexico when he was an infant, to receive private financial aid at California's public colleges. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Girls seeking abortions in New Hampshire must first tell their parents or a judge, some employers in Alabama must verify new workers' U.S. residency, and California students will be the first in the country to receive mandatory lessons about the contributions of gays and lesbians under state laws set to take effect at the start of 2012.
Continue reading Abortion, Immigration Changes Among New 2012 Laws.
Kim Jong-un cries as his father, North Korea's late leader Kim Jong-il, lies in state during the run-up to his funeral in Pyongyang. (Korean Central News Agency/Reuters)
North Korea declared Kim Jong Il's son and successor "supreme leader" of the ruling party, military and the people during a memorial Thursday for his father in the government's first public endorsement of his leadership.
Veiled Saudi women take photos of their children during a ceremony to celebrate Saudi Arabia's Independence Day in Riyadh.
Women in Saudi Arabia will not need a male guardian's approval to run or vote in municipal elections in 2015, when women will also run for office for the first time, a Saudi official said Wednesday.
Continue reading Saudi Women to Run, Vote Without Male Approval in 2015 Elections.
(L-R) Alex Rodriguez #13 and Nick Swisher #33 of the New York Yankees walk back out to the field after they were stranded on base after a pop out by Brett Gardner #11 with the bases loaded to end the bottom of the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 6, 2011 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Nick Laham/Getty Images North America)
The New York Yankees say star third baseman Alex Rodriguez is totally fine after having special treatment on his right knee and left shoulder in Germany earlier this month.
Continue reading A-Rod Fine After Treatment On Knee, Shoulder.
Quarterback Christian Ponder #7 of the Minnesota Vikings takes a hit from from Washington Redskins defenders in the first quarter at FedEx Field on December 24, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America)
Christian Ponder has passed all his concussion tests and is expected to start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the season finale against Chicago on Sunday.
Continue reading Ponder Returns to Practice for Vikings, Will Start.
Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Raja Bell #19 of the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on December 27, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)
After finishing three games in roughly 56 hours with their best effort yet, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers demonstrated why their demise might not be as imminent as many thought.
Continue reading 96-71: Lakers Rout Jazz, Easily Avoid 0-3 Season Start.
Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat goes up for a dunk against Sasha Pavlovic #11 of the Boston Celtics during a game at American Airlines Arena on December 27, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
Norris Cole stepped to the foul line with 9.3 seconds left, set to clinch the game as cries of "M-V-P! M-V-P" rained down upon him from the sold-out stands.
Continue reading 115-107: Cole Comes Up Big, Heat Beat Celtics.
Britain's government says experts are considering developing a bespoke iPad app that would deliver key data straight to Prime Minister David Cameron's tablet computer.
Continue reading Britain's David Cameron to Receive App to Aid Him In Running Country?.
The Google+ social network has topped 60 million users, according to Ancestry.com founder Paul Allen, who also made the bold prediction late Tuesday that Google+ would reach 400 million users by the end of 2012.
Continue reading Google+ Tops 60 Million Users.
Facebook now reaches 55 percent of global audience.
Continue reading Report: 98 Percent of U.S. Online Population Uses Social Networks.
A Russian Soyuz 2 rocket launches on Dec. 28, 2011 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan carrying six new Globalstar communications satellites into orbit. (RIA Novosti)
Flight that comes less than a week after a similar rocket crashed in Siberia
Continue reading Russian Rocket Launches Pak of 6 Satellites Into Space.
A pit in Mare Ingenii, possibly the result of a collapsed lava tube. Natural tunnels like this would be ideal sites for an alien moon base. (Nasa)
Online volunteers could be set task of spotting alien technology, evidence of mining and rubbish heaps in moon images
Continue reading Scientists Say We Should Search the Moon for Traces of Aliens.
In this Oct. 1, 2011 photo, rapper Heavy D, also known as Dwight Arrington Myers, performs during the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta. (AP photo)
The Los Angeles coroner's office says Jamaican-born rapper Heavy D died of natural causes.
Continue reading Rapper Heavy D Died of Natural Causes.
This Monday, July 18, 2011 file photo shows swimsuit model Chrissy Teigen, and singer John Legend pose for photos after the Dineila Brazil swim show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter, FILE)
John Legend will no longer be a bachelor: He's engaged.
Continue reading John Legend Engaged to Marry Model Chrissy Teigen.
Britain's Prince Philip smiles and waves as he leaves Papworth, a specialist heart hospital, in Cambridge, England, Tuesday Dec. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Radburn, PA)
Britain's Prince Philip returned to the royal family's country estate Tuesday, after a spell in the hospital undergoing treatment for a blocked coronary artery.
Continue reading Prince Philip Leaves Hospital.
In the doldrums between rumor-mongering about Apple's iPhones and iPads, speculation about the company's plans for Apple TV is heating up.
Continue reading Apple TV Rumors Surface Again.
The Gallery Church in Chelsea, started by Freddy T. Wyatt, has about 100 members. (Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times)
As a Southern Baptist, Freddy T. Wyatt knows he is a minority in New York. But, he said, that was exactly what prompted him to move to the city from Clarksville, Tenn.
Continue reading Southern Baptists Plan New Churches in New York Area.
The scene of a bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church, just outside Nigeria's capital Abuja on Christmas Day (REUTERS)
Hundreds of residents in two restive northern Nigerian cities have fled their homes, fearing more violence after a series of bombs swept the country, killing 40 people.
Continue reading Nigerians Flee Cities Fearing More Violence.
A boy's miraculous interaction with a horse inspires a best-selling novel, an award-winning play and a hotly anticipated movie.
Continue reading The Story Behind "War Horse".
The "Marry the Night" singer scores the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive year, while "Glee's" Lea Michele made her charitable debut. Also big in philanthropy this year: power couples like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert.
Continue reading Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber Top 2011 List of Most Charitable Celebs.
TV Host Bill Maher speaks during the HBO portion of the 2011 Summer TCA Tour held at the Beverly Hilton on July 28, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)
The comedian said the Denver Broncos quaterback got "f--ked" by Jesus after his Christmas Eve loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Continue reading Bill Maher Jokes About Tim Tebow, Jesus on Twitter.
Relatives mourn during a mass burial for typhoon victims in a cemetery in Iligan city, Tuesday. (Charlie Saceda / Reuters)
The death toll from killer floods in the Philippines surged by more than 200 on Tuesday, more than a week after the disaster struck, with officials expecting more corpses to be found.
Continue reading Philippine Floods: Death Toll Rises to Nearly 1500.
A helicopter that was on its way to retrieve a heart for transplant crashed in northern Florida, killing all three on board and leaving the transplant patient having to wait for another organ to become available.
This undated photo provided by the Allen County Sheriff's Department shows Aliahna Lemmon. (AP Photo/Allen County Sheriff's Department)
A missing 9-year-old Indiana girl has been found dead, and the neighbor who was watching her before she disappeared was arrested on a murder charge Monday night, authorities said.
Kris Humphries (43) of the New Jersey Nets shoots against Rashard Lewis (9) of the Washington Wizards during the game on Monday in Washington, DC. (Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kris Humphries shrugged off loud booing to finishwith 21 points and 16 rebounds, and Deron Williams had 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, helping the New Jersey Nets beat the Washington Wizards 90-84 Monday night in the season opener for both teams.
Continue reading NBA Roundup: Humphries, Nets Rally Past Wizards.
Quarterback Drew Brees #9 and the offensive line of the New Orleans Saints pose after the game for a photo after Brees threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles #43 and broke the single-season passing record in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 26, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Falcons 45-16. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images North America)
After Drew Brees broke an NFL passing record that stood for nearly three decades, his teammates called on him to make a speech in the Saints' locker room.
Continue reading 45-16: Brees Tops Marino's Passing Mark In Saints Rout.
New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30), Ryan McDonagh (27) and Brian Boyle (22) defend against New York Islanders' John Tavares (91) in the first period on Monday in New York. (Kathy Kmonicek/Associated Press)
Blueshirts blank the Islanders 3-0 for top spot in conference
Continue reading Rangers Blank Isles to Take 1st Place in East .
Nuggets center Chris Andersen pulls down a rebound against Mavericks guard Vince Carter in the second half Monday night. (Brandon Wade / Associated Press / December 26, 2011)
Ty Lawson and the Denver Nuggets opened their season with a performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA.
Continue reading 115-93: Mavs Drubbed Again, Carlisle Takes Blame.
Referee Scott Twardoski separates DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers during their game at Power Balance Pavilion on December 26, 2011 in Sacramento, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)
Marcus Thornton scored 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and the Sacramento Kings opened the season in grand fashion, beating the Los Angeles Lakers at home for the first time in more than three years, 100-91 on Monday night.
Continue reading 100-91: Lakers Winless as Kings Take Opener.
Missouri quarterback James Franklin tries to break away from the North Carolina defense Monday night at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. (Shane Keyser, The Kansas City Star)
Missouri made sure its final football game as a member of the Big 12 was decided early.
Continue reading 41-24: Missouri Runs by UNC to Win Independence Bowl.
Omer Asik #3 of the Chicago Bulls boxes out Kwame Brown #54 of the Golden State Warriors on December 26, 2011 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. (Photo by Steve Yeater/NBAE via Getty Images)
Stephen Curry had 21 points and 10 assists, Monta Ellis scored 26 points and the Golden State Warriors beat the Chicago Bulls 99-91 on Monday, giving rookie coach Mark Jackson his first victory at any level.
Continue reading 99-91: Curry Rolls Ankle Again as Warriors Clip Bulls.
Pictured: Asia Bibi
A Pakistani Christian on death row after being convicted of blasphemy has described how she has to cook her own meals for fear of being poisoned in her first interview since being condemned to hang.
Continue reading Jailed Pakistani Christian Cooks Own Food for Fear of Poisoning.
Lee Hee-ho, wearing glasses, widow of late former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, and Hyundai Group chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun, right, prepare to depart from the Inter-Korean Transit Terminal en route to North Korea from the border village of Paju in the demilitarized zone (DMZ), South Korea, Monday, Dec. 26, 2011. (Wally Santana / AP
North Korea's next leader burnished his diplomatic skills Monday, welcoming a private South Korean mourning delegation as state media revealed a new title that gives Kim Jong Un authority over political matters.
Continue reading Kim Jong Un Welcomes South Korean Delegation to Country.
Soon Google could show tablet makers like ASUS, HTC, Lenovo, and Motorola how a real Android tablet is made.
Continue reading Android Tablet to be Ready in 6 Months?.
Shonn Greene during the loss to the Giants. The Jets were done in by penalties and turnovers. (Julio Cortez/Associated Press)
Toward the end of his first year with the Jets, Rex Ryan offered what by now has become a familiar refrain -- a bold, but incorrect, prediction.
Continue reading Glory Still Evades Jets.
When Ben Helton signed up for an online dating service, under "religion" he called himself "spiritually apathetic."
Continue reading Many Say 'So What?' to God but Don't Label Themselves as Atheists.
Men looked at the wreckage of a car following a bomb blast at Saint Theresa Catholic Church outside Abuja on Sunday. (Sunday Aghaeze/Agence France-Presse -- Getty Images)
A series of Christmas Day church bombings rocked Nigeria on Sunday in what appeared to be a coordinated assault by a radical Islamist sect with suspected training links to Al Qaeda, raising the sect's violent antigovernment struggle to a new and more dangerous level that the Nigerian authorities seem powerless to contain. At least 25 people were killed.
Continue reading When Will Boko Haram Be Stopped?.
Former Arkansas governor and FOX new personality Mike Huckabee speaks during the 2011 Republican Leadership Conference on June 16, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)
The results of the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses depend on the weather, former Arkansas Gov. and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said on "Fox News Sunday."
Continue reading Romney Will Probably Win Iowa Caucuses, Huckabee Says.
Christian pilgrim prays during the Christmas midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem early Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, Pool)
The population is succeeding at school and at work, but their numbers are barely growing.
Continue reading Christians Face Discrimination in Israel?.
Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with Chris Paul #3 against Golden State Warriors during the season opener at Oracle Arena on December 25, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images North America)
Prize acquisition Chris Paul had 20 points and nine assists in his much-anticipated Clippers debut, Blake Griffin added 22 points and seven rebounds and Los Angeles beat the Golden State Warriors 105-86 on Sunday night to spoil Mark Jackson's opener as a first-time coach.
Continue reading 105-86: Chris Paul Delivers In Debut as Clips Rout Warriors.
President Obama heads to church at the Marine Corps base at Kaneohe, Hawaii, with wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha. (AP photo)
President Barack Obama and his family went to church in Hawaii and visited US Marines and their families to celebrate Christmas Day on Sunday, during his vacation in his native state of Hawaii.
Continue reading Obamas Go to Church, Visit US Marines on Christmas Day in Hawaii.
The home of Madonna Badger, overlooking Long Island Sound, was destroyed in a predawn fire on Sunday. Her daughters were all under age 10. (Tina Fineberg/Associated Press)
The three children and the parents of a well-known advertising executive were killed when a predawn fire tore through the family's Victorian house in a neighborhood overlooking Long Island Sound.
Continue reading Conn. Woman Loses Her Parents, 3 Daughters In House Fire.
Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a touchdown pass to James Jones #89 during the first half against the Chicago Bears on December 25, 2011 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (David Banks/Getty Images North America)
Aaron Rodgers threw five touchdown passes for the first time in his career to help the Green Bay Packers nail down the No. 1 seed in the NFC and claim another round of bragging rights in the NFL's most storied rivalry by knocking the Chicago Bears out of the playoff chase.
Continue reading 35-21: Packers Nab Top Seed as Rodgers Fleeces Bears.
Ronnie Brewer #11 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 88-87 at Staples Center on December 25, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images North America)
Derrick Rose scored 22 points and hit a short go-ahead jumper with 4.8 seconds to play, and the Chicago Bulls rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final four minutes for an 88-87 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
Continue reading 88-87: Bulls Rally Late as Rose Finishes Lakers.
Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts to the game action during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2011 in New York City. (Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images North America)
Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks know it will never be easy against the Celtics.
Continue reading 106-104: Anthony, Knicks Clip Celtics.
Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic looks inside as Nazr Mohammed #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends during the NBA season opening game December 25, 2011 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Brett Deering/Getty Images North America)
Kevin Durant scored 30 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder win their season opener with a 97-89 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night.
Continue reading 97-89: Durant Pours In 30 as Thunder Handle Magic.
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat takes a shot against Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA season opening game at American Airlines Center on December 25, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)
LeBron James and the Miami Heat couldn't keep the Dallas Mavericks from winning the most recent NBA championship. They did a nice job, however, of getting the Mavs' title defense off to an ugly start.
Continue reading 105-94: LeBron, Heat Blister Mavericks in Finals Rematch.
Xavier guard Mark Lyons (10) splits Southern Illinois guard Kendal Brown-Surles, left, and forward Antonio Bryer on the way to the basket during Sunday's game in Honolulu. (Eugene Tanner, AP)
Southern Illinois will leave Hawaii empty-handed.
Continue reading No. 15 Xavier Tops SIU to Break 3-Game Skid.
Head coach Ron Wilson of the Toronto Maple Leafs talks with his players during a time out in the third period against the Boston Bruins on December 3, 2011 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images North America)
Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson has gotten his Christmas wish.
Continue reading Leafs Coach Wilson Rewarded with New Contract.
Actors Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise attend the "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" U.S. premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre on December 19, 2011 in New York City. (Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images North America)
Tom Cruise's latest mission has won a holiday weekend that's shaping up with some silent nights at movie theaters as business continues to lag.
Continue reading 'Mission: Impossible' Wins Sluggish Christmas Box Office with $26.5M.
Google has recruited the Muppets-a fond icon for many Gen Xers and the stars of a new movie-to promote Google+ Hangouts on TV.
Continue reading Google Recruits the Muppets to Promote Google+ Hangouts.
Jordan Romero became the youngest person to climb Everest last year, aged 13 (AFP/File, Prakash Mathema)
A 15-year-old American has become the youngest person to climb the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, completing the feat by summiting Antarctica's Mount Vinson over the weekend.
Continue reading 15-Year-Old American Teen Sets Seven-Peak Climbing Record.
SUNDAY EVENING EVANGELISTIC MESSAGE
WITH DANIEL WHYTE III
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Continue reading 6 Reasons Why Jesus is So Precious (Part 2).
For many of us, Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year. It is nice to get a break from our normal routines and to spend time with our family and friends. Many families have special Christmas customs and traditions, involving decorations, meals, songs, and the exchanging of gifts with loved ones. All of these things are very nice, but is this the true meaning of Christmas?
Continue reading Christmas Has No Meaning Outside Of Jesus Christ.
The Angel said in Matthew 1:21, "And she [Mary] shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins."If you don't know who Jesus Christ is, allow me to introduce you to Him from the powerful testimonies of others:
Onlookers and security staff gather around a car destroyed in a blast next to St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Nigeria, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011. (Dele Jones / AP)
Terror attacks across Nigeria by a radical Muslim sect killed at least 39 people Sunday, with the majority dying on the steps of a Catholic church after celebrating Christmas Mass as blood pooled in dust from a massive explosion.
Continue reading A Deadly Christmas in Nigeria: 39 Killed in Church Terror Attacks.
Bishop Shlemon Warduni arrives to lead a mass in Baghdad (AFP, Ahmad al-Rubaye)
Iraq's dwindling Christian population marked Christmas on Sunday with religious leaders calling for peace, days after attacks across Baghdad killed dozens and a political row raised sectarian tensions.
Continue reading Iraqi Christians Celebrate Christmas, Call for Peace.
Members of Hungarian Saint Angela choir sing during the Christmas midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem early Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, Pool)
Hundreds of worshippers, dressed in their holiday best and clutching umbrellas to shield them from a lashing rain, packed the church on Bethlehem's Manger Square Sunday to celebrate Christmas Mass at Jesus' traditional birthplace.
Continue reading Hundreds Pack Bethlehem Church For Christmas Mass.
Pictured: Asia Bibi
A Christian mother of five sentenced to death on charges of "blasphemy" against Islam and over a dozen other Christians held in Pakistani jails spent Christmas Day without their families, after authorities refused requests to allow prison visits, well-informed Christians said.
Continue reading Jailed Pakistani Christians Refused Visitors On Christmas Day.
Queen Elizabeth II stands in the 1844 Room of Buckingham Palace after recording her annual Christmas Day television broadcast to the Commonwealth on December 9, 2011 in London, England. (WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe)
Queen Elizabeth II has stressed the importance of family and friendship in her annual, pre-recorded Christmas message to the nation.
Continue reading Queen Stresses Importance of Family In Christmas Message.
In this Dec. 6, 2011 photo, Eric Poe stands in front of his new home, in Bastrop, Texas. The Poes lost their home to a Labor Day weekend wildfire and are one of the first to rebuild. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Concrete foundations that have been cleared of rubble sit eerily empty amid charred remains of once majestic loblolly pines. Driveways, some still complete with patio furniture and basketball hoops, snake their way to nothing but a slab of stone.
Continue reading Uncertainty Over Rebuilding After Texas Wildfires.
The search for a Thor 2 director to replace Patty Jenkins has ended. Sources confirm to The Hollywood Reporter that Alan Taylor, best known for directing episodes of HBO's fantasy series Game Of Thrones, has nabbed the job.
Continue reading Alan Taylor Replaces Patty Jenkins as 'Thor 2' Director.
In this Sept. 14, 2011 photo, Matt Hammitt reads a book to his 1-year-old son, Bowen, at their home in Perrysburg, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Seewer)
Told that his unborn son had only half a heart and little chance to survive, the lead singer of the Christian rock band Sanctus Real began pouring his fears and doubts into music.
Shouwang Church members have been forced to worship outdoors.
Embattled Beijing house church to celebrate last open-air service on Christmas Day.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
Michael Vick threw two touchdown passes to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a 20-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday in a game that had all the intensity of a preseason dress rehearsal.
Continue reading 20-7: Philly Eagles Knock Out Tony Romo, Beat Up Cowboys.
Across the country volunteers are teaming up with Rev. Franklin Graham and Samaritan's Purse to stuff shoe boxes full of gifts for the needy.
Continue reading Operation Christmas Child Still Making Christmas Possible for Needy Kids.
Tamara Scott and former Iowa state Rep. Danny Carroll, increasingly visible surrogates for Michele Bachmann, speaking at an Ottumwa, Iowa, restaurant Thursday night. (James Novogrod / NBC News)
Michele Bachmann's 99-county bus tour reached the eight-day mark Friday, and the candidate was losing her voice. In a whisper she circulated tables at the Oasis Coffee House, greeting voters, autographing yard signs and posing for photos.
Continue reading Bachmann Supporters Make Their Pitch to Evangelicals.
Calvin Johnson scores a touchdown as he runs past Steve Gregory during a NFL game at Ford Field on Saturday. (Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
After a decade of losing, the Detroit Lions are in the playoffs.
Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Winslow Townson/Getty Images North America)
The New England Patriots emphasize playing well for 60 minutes every game. On Saturday, 30 was enough - barely.
Continue reading 27-24: Patriots Clinch First-Round Bye.
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants drops back to pass during the first half against the New York Jets on December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images North America)
As far as bragging rights go, this was far from one to boast about.
Continue reading 29-14: Giants Sack Jets, Near NFC East Crown.
Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Oakland Raiders passes during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 24, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)
Carson Palmer and the Oakland Raiders are still alive in the AFC West.
Continue reading 16-13: Raiders Tied for First in AFC West.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson (89) flips over Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington (58) for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game, Dec. 24, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Darron Cummings / AP)
The Bengals had just enough left to get a victory that moved them to the verge of the playoffs.
Continue reading 23-16: Bengals Win, Take Wild Card Lead as Jets Lose.
Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Chris Kelsay (90) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos' comeback train were derailed by an opportunistic Buffalo Bills defense.
Continue reading 40-14: Bills Bury Tebow, Broncos.
Charlie Batch #16 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the St. Louis Rams during the Christmas Eve game on December 24, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)
Charlie Batch played well enough on two good ankles to keep Ben Roethlisberger from having to play on a bad one.
Continue reading 27-0: Roethlisberger Sits Out, Pittsburgh Steelers Crush Rams.
Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens hauls in a pass for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 24. 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Larry French/Getty Images North America)
After the Baltimore Ravens completed their first unbeaten season at home, all that's left to accomplish during the regular season is securing at least one playoff game on their own turf.
Continue reading 20-14: Ravens 1 Win from Locking Up North Title.
Flood-affected residents queue up for relief goods being distributed at an evacuation center on Thursday following last Friday's flash flooding brought about by a tropical storm, in Cagayan de Oro city, southern Philippines. (Bullit Marquez/AP)
Despite the great tragedy that befell them, thousands of victims of tropical storm "Sendong" will still celebrate Christmas Day today in their respective evacuation centers, reconstructed houses, makeshift huts and tents in the various village communities in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.
Continue reading Philippine Storm Survivors In Christmas Spirit Despite Devastation.
Sgt. Scott Dawson holds his daughters Mia, 5, left, and Victoria, 7, with his wife, Capt. Jessica Dawson, as U.S. Army 1st Cavalry 3rd Brigade soldiers return home from deployment in Iraq, on Christmas Eve at Fort Hood, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. (Erich Schlegel / AP)
1st Sgt. Scott Dawson has spent several Christmases overseas during four deployments to Iraq, but he arrived home for this holiday Saturday - and he and his family hope it's for good.
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, commander of Expedition 26 aboard the International Space Station, poses for a holiday photo near the station's miniature Christmas tree in 2010. (NASA)
Decorations, cards, gifts, big meals and a party also celebrate new arrivals
Continue reading Astronauts Celebrate Christmas Season In Space.
Pau Gasol #16 and Matt Barnes #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers go for a rebound against Chauncey Billups #1 and Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on December 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Harry How/Getty Images North America)
Finally, the conversation changes.
Continue reading NBA Games Begin Tomorrow - Finally.
Singer Demi Lovato performs onstage during Z100's Jingle Ball 2011, presented by Aeropostale at Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2011 in New York City. (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images North America)
The former 'Sonny with a Chance' actress did not like the way the network took light of a joke about eating disorders.
Continue reading Demi Lovato Protests Disney Show for Eating Disorder Joke.
The Queen will ask the nation and the Commonwealth to recognise their 'common bond, shared beliefs, mutual values and goals'.
The Queen's Christmas speech is to be released as a free download for Amazon's Kindle e-book reader after its broadcast.
Continue reading Queen's Christmas Speech Will be Released as Download for Amazon Kindle.
Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts to running for a first down during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America)
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton broke Peyton Manning's single-season rookie record for most yards passing in a season Saturday.
Continue reading Cam Newton Breaks Peyton Manning's Rookie Passing Record.
Luke 2:14 reads, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Peace on earth? It doesn't look like it. The world is full of conflict. Since the angels' announcement we have seen an endless string of wars. The peace announced by the angels and brought by Jesus was very different than the end of war itself because fighting and war has gone on since the time of Jesus.
Continue reading "Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards Men" -- What it Really Means.
While they faithfully looked after their sheep at night in the fields outside of Bethlehem, suddenly "the glory of the Lord shone round about them," and an angel proclaimed in their ears a message of good tidings for all.
Continue reading What the Shepherds Heard and Did About the Birth of Jesus Christ.
For many, it's an annual December conundrum - greet people with the traditional "Merry Christmas" or the secular "Happy Holidays"?
Continue reading Most Americans Prefer "Merry Christmas" Over "Happy Holidays".
Salvation Army workers say they're not allowed to use their bells at Fashion Island; center says it's up to the tenant's discretion to allow it.
Continue reading Newport Beach Mall Bans Salvation Army Workers from Ringing Bells.
South Korea said on Saturday a former first lady and the chairwoman of the giant Hyundai business conglomerate will be permitted to cross into North Korea next week to join ceremonies marking the death the North's leader, Kim Jong-il.
Continue reading Former South Korean First Lady to Visit North to Mark Kim's Death.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have failed to qualify for Virginia's March 6 Republican primary, a setback in their bids for the Republican presidential nomination.
Demonstrators gather at a protest against in Moscow on Saturday. The placard makes a reference to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's remarks that he mistook white ribbons worn by protesters for condoms. (Tatyna Makeyeva/Reuters)
Tens of thousands of demonstrators on Saturday cheered opposition leaders and jeered the Kremlin in the biggest show of outrage yet against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's 12-year rule.
Continue reading Tens of Thousands of Russians Protest Kremlin, Putin.
President Raul Castro delivers the closing speech during a parliamentary session in Havana, Cuba, on Friday. (Ismael Francisco/ Prensa Latina/AP)
Cuba will release 2,900 prisoners in the coming days for humanitarian reasons in a sweeping amnesty ahead of a visit next spring by Pope Benedict XVI, the Cuban government said on Friday.
Continue reading Cuba to Release 2,900 Prisoners in Sweeping Amnesty.
In this file photo taken April 25, 2011, Donald Trump is interviewed in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
Billionaire businessman Donald Trump has changed his voter registration in New York state from Republican to unaffiliated.
Continue reading Donald Trump Quits Republican Party.
Shoppers walk out of stores without paying for Christmas gifts and goodies for themselves
Continue reading 'Tis the Season for Shoplifting.
Fifteen-year-old Wati, second right, with her father Yusuf, right, mother Yusniar, left, and younger brother Aris at their home in Meulaboh, Aceh province, Indonesia, Dec. 23. (AP photo)
A girl who was swept away in the Indian Ocean tsunami seven years ago said Friday she broke down in tears this week after tracking down her parents, who had long lost hope of finding her alive.
Continue reading Indonesia Girl Reunited with Family Seven Years after 2004 Tsunami.
Google's doodle for the 2011 holidays. (Google)
As it's done in years past, Google's put a bit of holiday cheer on its usually stark white search page.
Continue reading Google Rocks Latest Holiday Doodle.
Angelina Jolie at the "Money Ball" premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 9. (Associated Press)
Aside from 'Blood and Honey's' contrived plot points, first-time director Angelina Jolie accomplishes much in such a difficult area as the Bosnian war.
Continue reading Angelina Jolie Impresses In Directorial Debut.
Taylor Swift has an early holiday present for her fans - and fans of "The Hunger Games."
The Green Bay Packers, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) at the helm, have become the NFL's favorite team across the nation. (Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)
Green Bay easily outpolls the Dallas Cowboys, self-proclaimed 'America's Team,' according to Public Policy Polling.
Continue reading Poll: Green Bay Packers Are America's Favorite Team, Tebow Favorite QB.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on from the sidelines as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Miami Dolphins during the Thanksgiving Day game at Cowboys Stadium on November 24, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images North America)
Whether Jerry Jones was attempting to motivate his team or just speaking the truth, he isn't going back on his word.
Continue reading Jerry Jones 'Scared' of Cowboys Facing Eagles Again?.
The Rangers' Anton Stralman checks Philadelphia's Matt Read into the boards in the first period Friday night at Madison Square Garden. (Henny Ray Abrams / Associated Press)
Henrik Lundqvist made 28 saves in his second victory over Philadelphia this season, and rookie defenseman Stu Bickel had two more assists for the New York Rangers, who beat the Flyers, 4-2, and moved into first place in the Atlantic Division on Friday night.
Continue reading 4-2: Rangers Stay Hot, Top Flyers for Division Lead.
(NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA)
NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) is getting into a festive mood this Christmas after imaging a beautiful nebula called Barnard 3, or IRAS Ring G159.6-18.5.
Continue reading A 'Merry Christmas' Wreath from Space.
It was only a matter of time. The dipped and decorated cake pops -- long the rage at birthdays and weddings -- are beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Continue reading Cake Pops Get Decorated for Christmas.
A Muslim woman takes a picture of the Nativity scene at the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. (Abed al Hashlamoun, European Pressphoto Agency)
Today Christmas lights illuminate the town of Christ's birth, while crowds mill about holiday markets and purchase gifts for families and friends.
Continue reading Little Town of Bethlehem: Christmas Today In the Place of Christ's Birth.
A southern Sudanese voter queues to vote on the first day of polling in the independence referendum in Juba, Sunday. (Tim McKulka/Reuters)
Hanging from the wall of Bishop Ezekiel Kondo's living room -- a few blocks from a silver-coated dome marking the tomb of Sudan's 19th-century Muslim leader, the Mahdi -- are a cross, pictures of fellow clergy members and a photo of him with the former archbishop of Canterbury above a small plastic Christmas tree.
The President and First Lady tape a holiday message in the Roosevelt Room (White House Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on Saturday thanked US troops and their families for their sacrifice and service to the country as they wished all Americans happy Christmas holidays.
Continue reading President Obama, First Lady Remember U. S. Troops in Christmas Address.
A Christian pilgrim prays inside the Church of Nativity, believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Thousands of pilgrims, tourists and local Christians gathered in the biblical West Bank town of Bethlehem on Saturday to begin Christmas Eve celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
Continue reading Thousands Flock to Bethlehem for Christmas Eve Celebrations.
Like many Americans, Bill Cosby owns multiple Bibles -- eight, in fact. And, like many Americans, he doesn't read any of them regularly.
Continue reading In New Book, Bill Cosby Takes Comic Look at the Bible.
Jim Dougherty is a Christian who is in favor of the sign hanging above Broadway in the town of Pitman, N.J. (Stefanie Campolo/The Star-Ledger)
Located just 17 miles southeast of Philadelphia, Pitman, N.J., has the rural feel of fictional Bedford Falls in "It's a Wonderful Life."
Angels don't just sing at Christmastime. For most Americans, they're a year-round presence. A new Associated Press-GfK poll shows that 77 percent of adults believe these ethereal beings are real.
Continue reading Nearly 8 In 10 Americans Believe In Angels.
Local residents light a candle at a park during a memorial event marking six months after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Iwanuma city, Miyagi prefecture, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
Christmas may be a time for family and hope, but for family members of those dead from Japan's earthquake and tsunami, this season finds them searching for answers.
Continue reading Japan Facing First Christmas Since Devastating Tsunami, Earthquake.
American churchgoers are just as likely to use Twitter, Facebook and the Internet as non-churchgoers, according to a new study that shows the impact that technology can have on spreading a church's message.
Continue reading American Churchgoers Use Technology as Much as Non-Churchgoers.
The invitation was rescinded for the Rev. Roland Stringfellow, shown blessing Maria Ydil (left) and Vanessa Judicpa's union. (Chad Ziemendorf / The Chronicle)
A Roman Catholic church in San Francisco that canceled a series of pre-Christmas services featuring gay ministers from other denominations is being criticized for sending a negative message to its predominantly gay and lesbian congregation.
Thomas E. Perez, the Department of Justice's Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. (Associated Press)
The Justice Department on Friday rejected South Carolina's law requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls, saying it makes it harder for minorities to cast ballots. It was the first voter ID law to be refused by the federal agency in nearly 20 years.
Continue reading Justice Department Blocks Controversial South Carolina Voter ID Law.
Mel Gibson has finalized his divorce from his wife of 28 years.
Continue reading Mel Gibson Finalizes Divorce from Wife.
A newly-purchased Air Jordans sneaker is shown in front of a line of customers at the Nike Store at Union Square Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Scuffles broke out and police were brought in to quell unrest that nearly turned into riots across the nation Friday following the release of Nike's new Air Jordan basketball shoes - a retro model of one of the most popular Air Jordans ever made.
Continue reading Riots, Mayhem as Nike Releases New Air Jordan Basketball Shoes.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh leave in a car following a visit to the Museum of Liverpool on December 1, 2011 in Liverpool, England. (WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe)
Queen Elizabeth II's husband was hospitalized Friday evening after experiencing chest pains, British royal officials said.
Iraq's christian community has dwindled since the attack on Our Lady of Salvation church (AFP/File, Sabah Arar)
Iraq's Christians, markedly fewer in number following attacks on their minority community, are increasingly fearful in the face of a rise in sectarian tensions after the withdrawal of US troops.
Continue reading Small Christian Community In Iraq Fearful after Withdrawal of US Troops.
The number of people who call themselves Christians in England and Wales has fallen by almost 10% in five years, an official survey suggests.
Continue reading Survey: Number of Christians in England, Wales Falls by 10%.
Charlie Batch, 37, will make his first start for the Steelers since Week 4 of last season. (Karl Walter/Getty photo)
Team might rest him until playoffs because of high left ankle sprain
Continue reading Steelers QB Roethlisberger to Sit Out Game vs Rams.
Micah Huebner performs with the LifePoint Singers at a service at LifePoint Church in Smyrna. LifePoint is one of several churches not holding service on Christmas. (Jeanne Reasonover / The Tennessean)
Because Christmas falls on Sunday this year, some churches are opting to close that day so that families can spend the morning together at home.
Continue reading Most Churches Will Be Closed On Christmas Sunday.
Christmas week is not only about last-minute shopping, it's last-minute dropping as think tanks jam out any lingering reports that might connect to the godly.
Continue reading Churchgoing Americans Most Active In Civic, Social Groups.
U.S. President Barack Obama signs the payroll tax bill in the Oval Office December 23, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Pool/Getty Images North America)
Barely beating Santa's sleigh, Congress delivered a last-minute holiday tax-cut extension to 160 million American wage-earners on Friday, just when it looked like they and millions of unemployed workers were going to be left with coal in their stockings.
Continue reading President Obama Signs Payroll Tax-Cut Extension Bill.
U.S. President Barack Obama greets people who will be affected by a tax increase after making a statement December 22, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)
President Barack Obama will travel Friday afternoon to Hawaii for a delayed Christmas vacation.
Continue reading President Obama to Join Family In Hawaii.
A group of people look on at an apartment fire in the Western Addition area of San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Firefighters were scrambling Friday to replace toys lost when the city's biggest blaze in more than seven years left as many as 60 people homeless at the height of the holiday season.
Continue reading Families Left Homeless After Fire Destroys San Francisco Apartment.
David Ivins, a 50-year-old homeless man who was living in a wooded area of Wall Township, was beaten by a 20-year-old from Belmar while a being videotaped by a 17-year-old boy from Wall Township. The video was posted to YouTube earlier this week. (Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger)
A New Jersey 20-year-old and his teen friend are charged with aggravated assault after a video of them allegedly beating, taunting and stealing from a homeless man surfaced on YouTube.
Continue reading Arrests Made in Beating of NJ Homeless Man.
A damaged car at the site of a car bomb attack in Damascus on Friday. (Sana/Reuters)
The United States strongly condemned two blasts that hit Syria's capital on Friday, saying they should not be allowed to impede an Arab League plan aimed at ending a bloody nine-month crackdown against anti-government protests.
Continue reading Over 40 Killed in Syrian Blasts.
Chen Wei convicted of incitement to subversion over four essays he wrote
Continue reading Chinese Court Gives Veteran Activist Nine Years In Prison.
Tymoshenko's legal team had boycotted the appeal (AFP, Sergei Supinsky)
A Ukrainian court on Friday rejected an appeal by former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko against her seven-year jail term on charges of abuse of power that sparked a crisis in relations with the EU.
Continue reading Ukrainian Court Rejects Tymoshenko Appeal.
"The Dark Knight Rises" has made iTunes history.
Continue reading Trailer for Batman 3 Smashes iTunes Viewing Record.
Where are the stars from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" these days? Hanging out at a charity event, apparently.
Continue reading All Together Again: 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air' Cast Reunites.
Retitled Frozen and due in late 2013
Continue reading Frozen: Disney's "The Snow Queen" Gets a Release Date.
As holiday retailers make their final pushes for a spot in consumers' stockings, the latest numbers show that Apple's iPad was still leading the tablet market headed into the holiday season.
Continue reading Apple's iPad Still Leads Tablet Market.
Sorry Galaxy S owners -- even though your device has a near-identical spec sheet to the ICS-friendly Nexus S, Samsung has announced on their corporate blog that the company's first Galaxy device won't be getting the offical bump to Android 4.0.
Continue reading Samsung: No Ice Cream Sandwich For Galaxy S, Galaxy Tab.
A screen shot of Amazon's Best of Digital store.
Haven't gotten that holiday shopping wrapped up just yet? Amazon.com, the world's largest online retailer, has plenty of stuff to sell and on Thursday launched a Best of Digital store full of items it recommends.
Continue reading Amazon.com Opens Best of Digital Store.
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg (AP photo)
Facebook was the most searched for word on the internet during 2011 for the third year running, according to a new report.
Continue reading 2010 Repeat: Facebook Is Most Searched Term in 2011 .
A Soyuz TMA-03M rocket launches earlier this week in Kazakhstan. Soyuz rockets have been the backbone of Moscow's space program for decades but are still prone to problems. (Carla Cioffi/NASA via Getty Images)
A Russian satellite on Friday crashed into Siberia minutes after its launch due to rocket failure, the defence ministry said, in the latest humiliating setback for Russia's embattled space programme.
Continue reading Satellite Crash: Russia's Space Program Suffers Another Setback .
The elephant's five conventional toes point forwards but the extra "toe" points backwards to give extra support (AFP/File, William West)
A bony growth in elephants' feet is a sixth "toe" that helps the world's heaviest land mammal keep its balance, scientists said on Friday.
Continue reading Scientists Find Elephants Have a Sixth "Toe" to Give Extra Support.
The hollow ball has a 1.1-metre (14-inch) diameter and weighs 6 kg (13 pounds) (AFP)
A large metallic ball fell out of the sky on a remote grassland in Namibia, prompting baffled authorities to contact NASA and the European space agency.
Continue reading Hollow Metal Ball Falls Into Namibian Grassland.
Officials at Travis Air Force Base in California are refusing to remove this nativity scene.
Travis Air Force Base in California has decided it will not remove or relocate a nativity scene and a Menorah in spite of a threat from The Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
Continue reading California Air Force Base Refuses to Remove Nativity Scene.
The Maspero massacre represented the worst outbreak of violence since the January 2011 uprising that ousted former president Hosni Mubarak.
The Cairo Criminal Court decided this week to accept the appeal and release, pending investigations, the remaining 27 Coptic detainees arrested in connection with the events of Maspero Massacre on October 9, where 27 Copts were killed and 329 injured.
Eighth-century script claims the ancient 'Magi' stargazers came from 'as far away as China'
Continue reading Did Hundreds of Wise Men Come to See Christ at His Birth?.
Release Date: December 23, 2011
Rating: PG (for language, some thematic elements)
Genre: Drama, Adaptation
Run Time: 124 min.
Director: Cameron Crowe
Actors: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford, Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Angus Macfadyen, Elle Fanning, Patrick Fugit
Continue reading Review: 'We Bought a Zoo' Captures Your Heart.
Release Date: December 25, 2011
Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of war violence)
Genre: Drama, Adaptation, War
Run Time: 146 min.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Neils Arestrup, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Celine Buckens, Eddie Marsan, David Kross
Continue reading Review: 'War Horse' Epic to Watch but Slow in Plot.
Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after catching the game-winning touchdown pass against Kareem Jackson #25 of the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 22, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images North America)
The Houston Texans had so much to gain with a win against the Colts.
Continue reading 19-16: Colts Stun Texans for 2nd Win.
National bestselling author, Daniel Whyte III, has released an updated version of his book titled "How to Forget the Troubles, Problems, and Failures of the Past and Make the New Year the Best Year of Your Life."
Debris crushed a car outside the Christchurch Catholic Cathedral after an earthquake rocked Christchurch, New Zealand, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011. (AP Photo/NZPA, David Wethey)
The earthquake-devastated New Zealand city of Christchurch was rocked by a powerful 5.8 magnitude tremor Friday forcing evacuations from buildings, residents said.
Continue reading New Zealand City of Christchurch Again Rocked by Powerful Quake.
The Salvation Army band plays at a charity distribution in Los Angeles.
The Salvation Army is wrapping up its Red Kettle program for the year and hopes to top last year's record $142 million collected nationwide.
Continue reading The Salvation Army: A 365-Day-a-Year Evangelical Christian Church.
Hundreds of people! Thousands of lights! Flying angels! Fireworks! Sequins! The megachurch extravaganzas explained.
Continue reading How Did Megachurch Christmas Spectaculars Get So Glitzy?.
U.S. President Barack Obama walks toward Marine One while departing the White House, on December 20, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)
Catholics who have pushed back against a White House policy that would require many religious insurers to cover contraception are getting a high-profile assist from dozens of evangelical leaders.
Continue reading Evangelicals, Catholics Agree On Opposing Obama Insurance Mandate.
Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population -- and polls show that more and more are embracing evangelical Christianity.
Continue reading Israel Finds Support Among Hispanic Christians.
Larisa Martin waits to have her book signed by Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow at the Tattered Cover Book Store, in Denver, CO, Saturday June 4, 2011. Martin said, "Tim Tebow - he's a nice dude. He helps orphan kids and I was adopted from Romania." (Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post)
Critics have hammered Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow for everything from his throwing style to his trademark professions of evangelical faith. But this much is now beyond dispute: the guy has a gift for selling books.
Continue reading Tim Tebow Outsells Rob Bell to be 2011's Top Religion Author.
An elderly Christian woman in Pakistan stands among the ruins of her home that was destroyed by mob violence.
Continue reading Pakistani Christians Show Courage, Faith Amid Persecution.
Group wants Tims' ex-wife, Riva, to be considered for post
The comedian engages with users upset over his views on evolution and religion.
Sam Schmid, a 21-year-old college student from Arizona, astounded doctors by recovering from traumatic brain injuries just hours before being readied to be an organ donor. (Barrow Neurological Institute)
Sam Schmid, an Arizona college student believed to be brain dead and poised to be an organ donor, miraculously recovered just hours before doctors were considering taking him off life support.
Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley announces that he is forgoing the opportunity to make himself available for the NFL football draft and will play his senior year during a news conference at the university in Los Angeles, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond)
Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley believed he was prepared to play in the NFL and the draft prognosticators agreed with him.
Continue reading USC's Matt Barkley to be a Trojan for 1 More Year.
Kurt Busch is introduced during NASCAR After the Lap at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on December 1, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America)
Kurt Busch will drive the No. 51 for Phoenix Racing in 2012, saying the deal was finalized with owner James Finch late Wednesday night over a "beer and a handshake."
Continue reading Kurt Busch to Drive for Phoenix Racing in 2012.
Michael Jacques leaves federal court on April 14. (AP photo)
A white man convicted of burning down a predominantly black church because he was angry about President Barack Obama's election was sentenced Thursday to nearly 14 years in prison.
Colorado Christian University has a filed a lawsuit challenging the Barack Obama administration's health care legislation requirement that the morning-after pill be provided by health insurance plans.
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) arrives for a news conference to announce that he and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) had negotiated deal on the payroll tax cut that was set to expire at the end of the year at the U.S. Capitol December 22, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)
Their isolation complete, House Republicans on Thursday caved to demands by President Barack Obama, congressional Democrats and fellow Republicans for a short-term renewal of payroll tax cuts for all workers.
Continue reading House Republicans to Pass Bill Extending Payroll Tax Cuts.
Former President George H. W. Bush speaks at an event honoring the 20th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War on January 20, 2011 in College Station Texas. (Ben Sklar/Getty Images North America)
Former President George H.W. Bush is calling Mitt Romney the Republican Party's "best choice" in the 2012 race, the latest and perhaps most prominent statement of support for the former Massachusetts governor from the GOP establishment.
South Carolina Governor-elect Nikki Haley speaks to voters at Hudson's Smokehouse on November 3, 2010 in Lexington, South Carolina. (Chris Keane/Getty Images North America)
South Carolina is barred from enforcing several key areas of its new law aimed to curb illegal immigration, a federal judge ruled on Thursday, the sixth state to have an immigration law stymied by the courts.
Continue reading South Carolina's Immigration Law Blocked.
Iraqi security forces inspected the damage caused by a car bomb attack in Baghdad's Karada neighborhood on Thursday. (Hadi Mizban/Associated Press)
A terrifying wave of bombs tore through mostly Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 69 people and evoking fears that Iraq could dissolve into a new round of sectarian violence now that American troops have left.
Continue reading 69 Killed in New Wave of Baghdad Bombings.
President Dmitri A. Medvedev delivered the state-of-the-nation address on Thursday. (Pool photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko)
President Dmitry Medvedev responded to protests over the fraud-tainted election by proposing some reforms Thursday to liberalize Russia's political system, but sternly warned that the government won't allow "provocateurs and extremists" to threaten stability.
Continue reading Medvedev Launches Sweeping Reforms in Last Address to Country.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs talks about the iPod Nano during an Apple Special event September 5, 2007 in San Francisco, California. (Getty Images North America)
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is receiving a posthumous Grammy for his technological innovations in the arts.
Continue reading Apple's Steve Jobs Awarded Posthumous Grammy.
Film formerly dubbed a prequel to 'Alien' still shares striking similarities to 1979 classic
Continue reading Ridley Scott's "Prometheus" Trailer Debuts, Shares "Alien" Similarities.
Digital music service Rhapsody says it has passed a million paying subscribers in the U.S.
Continue reading Rhapsody Passes a Million Paying Subscribers in the U.S..
In this Jan. 6, 2010 file photo, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division President Robbie Bach speaks at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, file)
Microsoft Corp. is pulling out of the International Consumer Electronics Show, the largest trade show in the Americas. It's joining Apple in saying that it prefers to put on its own events when the time is right to show off its products.
Continue reading Microsoft to Hold Last International Consumer Electronics Show in 2012.
Facebook Inc. has agreed to make several changes to its services to improve transparency and better protect the personal data of its millions of users outside of the U.S., following an in-depth audit of its international headquarters that was released Wednesday.
Continue reading Facebook Agrees to Improve Transparency, Give Better Protection to Users.
The Amazon Kindle Fire tablet. (Armand Emamdjomeh / Los Angeles Times)
Good news if you own a Kindle Fire: Amazon has issued a software update for the device. It'll take a bit of time to download and install, but it's worth it thanks to a pile of performance and bug fixes.
Continue reading Amazon Issues Software Update for Kindle Fire .
This photo provided Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, by the Holman Howe Funeral Home, shows Avery Cornett of Lebanon, Mo., who died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Holman Howe Funeral Home)
Wal-Mart and health officials awaited tests Thursday on a batch of powdered infant formula that was removed from more than 3,000 stores nationwide after a Missouri newborn who consumed it apparently died from a rare infection.
Continue reading Wal-Mart Pulls Powdered Formula after Baby Dies in Missouri.
A game-changing study that showed how drugs can prevent the transmission of HIV has been named Science journal's Breakthrough of the Year.
Continue reading HIV Transmission Study Named Breakthrough of the Year by Science Journal.
A baby boy with two perfectly formed heads was born in Brazil this week, the country's media reported.
Continue reading Healthy Twins Born with 2 Heads, 1 Heart in Brazil.
Palestinian children gather around a Christmas tree at a house in the West Bank city of Jenin on December 18. (AFP)
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, headed by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, will provide food for Christmas to 1,000 needy Arab families in five communities with large Christian populations.
Coptic Christians in Los Angeles, U.S.A. protest against the killings of people during clashes in Cairo between Christian protesters and military police, and what the demonstrators say is persecution of Christians, photo taken October 16, 2011. (REUTERS/David McNew)
Attacks spark wave of sympathy from Christians abroad; Copts fear too much aid could trigger Muslim backlash
Continue reading Egypt's Coptic Christians Wary of Too Much Foreign Support.
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is facing the death penalty for apostasy.
by Roxana Saberi
Anita Perry, the wife of Republican presidential candidate and Texas Governor Rick Perry, campaigns with her husband at the Iowa State Fair August 15, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images North America)
Texas First Lady Anita Perry says Washington needs "Christian values" in a new television advertisement that tells the story of her relationship with her husband, Rick.
FaithWords has signed a deal with Dr. James Dobson for a fiction trilogy (to be coauthored with Kurt Bruner). Dobson (Dare to Discipline, Love Must Be Tough) is the founder and chairman emeritus of Focus on the Family.
Continue reading James Dobson to Write First Fiction Trilogy.
The ruling by a New York judge that the city's Medical Examiner can release the cause of death of Apopka megachurch preacher Zachery Tims could take weeks to become official -- giving Tims' family plenty of time to prepare an appeal.
Continue reading Zachery Tims Death Ruling Delayed.
A pastor of a small Christian church said Wednesday that the city's Housing Authority has ordered him to stop holding a worship service in the community room of a public housing project.
Continue reading Bronx Church Ordered to Stop Holding Services in Public Room.
A bishop has voiced his disappointment after a survey showed that little more than one in 200 Christmas cards sold individually by Britain's four major supermarkets featured religious themes, it was reported today.
Continue reading UK Bishop Disappointed at Lack of Religious Christmas Cards in Stores.
Republican presidential candidate former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney discusses jobs and the economy with workers and guests at Missouri Valley Steel on December 16, 2011 in Sioux City, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images North America)
Pastor Steven Andrew of USA Christian Ministries calls Franklin Graham to repent and to retract his statement that a Christian can vote for a Mormon.
Recording artist Kid Rock performs during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas on December 2, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)
Kid Rock is teaming up with a Detroit church to give away hundreds of gift baskets and retail gift certificates to needy families in the area where he got his start and still calls home.
Continue reading Kid Rock Partners with Detroit Church to Help Needy for Christmas.
by Jeff Goins
Continue reading Who Does Christmas Belong To?.
She appears frail, in poor health. Grateful for prayers and calls for help and support, that she may soon return to embrace her husband and daughters. Despite the suffering, Asia has forgiven her captors and wonders how many more Christian victims will fall beneath the specter of the "black law".
Continue reading Pakistani Christian, Asia Bibi, to Spend Another Christmas in Prison.
Children and retailers love it. Parents spend months paying for it! Still, when it's all said and done--and paid for!--Christmas means family, friends, gifts, and lasting memories. Ever wonder what Christmas means to God? After all, it began as the celebration of His Son's birth. The Christ Child is more than just a convenient backdrop for holiday festivities. In fact, Jesus Christ came to earth on a mission. His birth set in motion a plan that eventually led Him to die...for all of us. The real meaning is not wrapped up in the Baby in a manger, but in what His birth, life, death, and resurrection accomplished.
Continue reading Why Jesus Christ is the Real Reason for the Season.
Affected residents eat their meals at a makeshift tent they set up along a road Monday, Dec. 19, 2011, four days after a flash flood swept away their homes Iligan city in southern Philippines. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
Nearly 1,000 are dead in the Philippines as a result of the weekend's flash flooding disaster.
Free speech and religious liberty are two of America's most cherished protections. But if the Organization of Islamic Cooperation gets its way, that could change not only in the United States, but around the world.
Thousands have rallied on an East Texas courthouse lawn in response to an effort to remove a Nativity scene.
Continue reading Thousands Rally to Keep Nativity Scene on Texas Courthouse Lawn.
Release Date: December 21, 2011 (3D/2D theaters and IMAX 3D)
Rating: PG (for adventure action violence, some drunkenness and brief smoking)
Genre: Action Adventure, Animation
Run Time: 107 min.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Voices of Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Cary Elwes, Toby Jones
Continue reading Review: "Tintin" is Solid Gold.
Author Teresa Tomeo notes porn's role in consensual and coerced behavior
Continue reading Survey: 1 in 13 Teen Girls Have Participated in Group-Sex.
Gov. Robert Bentley won't support a repeal of the state's get-tough immigration law, rejecting a Christmas appeal from a group of top religious leaders.
If Dec. 10 had been an average day for Doctors Without Borders, the Swiss charity that sends medical help into crisis areas, its website would have logged 4,000 hits.
Continue reading Atheists Aim to Change Scrooge Image.
James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches his team warm up prior to the game against the New England Patriots on October 30, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison understands his helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy was illegal by the letter of the law.
Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, and his attorney, Karen Winckler, listen as he is sentenced in Clark County District Court, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a perfect 42-0 in the ring and has dodged significant jail time several times in domestic violence cases in Las Vegas and Michigan.
Continue reading Mayweather Given 90-Day Jail Term.
TCU players celebrate their come-from-behind Poinsettia Bowl victory, the Horned Frogs' final game before joining the Big 12 next season.
Casey Pachall and the TCU Horned Frogs are headed to the Big 12 Conference on an eight-game winning streak.
Continue reading 31-24: TCU Edges La. Tech to Capture Poinsettia Bowl.
Obama was a man alone with his dog since his family is on vacation in Hawaii. (Reuters)
President Barack Obama took a break from wrangling with House Republicans on Wednesday afternoon for a quick pre-Christmas shopping trip to buy gifts for his daughters and Bo the dog.
Continue reading President Obama Goes Christmas Shopping with Bo.
Republican presidential candidate and Texas Gov. Rick Perry waits to speak at a campaign meet and greet at The Button Factory restaurant on December 21, 2011 in Muscatine, Iowa. (Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images North America)
Pray away the gaffe?
Continue reading Rick Perry: 'I Pray a Lot, Because I'm Prone to Make a Lot of Mistakes'.
From left, Kay Warren, Dr. Talal Beydoun and Rick Warren pose for a photo in front of the PEACE Center during it's grand opening at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest on Tuesday. (CARLOS DELGADO, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER)
Sandi D'Alessandro sipped a cup of green hot tea as she walked through the food pantry at Saddleback Church.
It is just before noon on a Sunday and Carl Fields is rushing through narrow aisles in a busy kitchen at a rehabilitation center.
Continue reading Christian Worker Keeps the Faith, Bounces Back from Job Layoff.
New York Times Best-Selling Book Engages Children in a Whole New Way
Continue reading Thomas Nelson Releases Interactive "Heaven Is for Real" for Kids App.
Bob Vander Plaats urged Michele Bachmann to end her 2012 run, a source said. (AP Photo)
Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats called Michele Bachmann and urged her to drop out of the race and endorse Rick Santorum, a source with knowledge of the conversation told POLITICO Tuesday.
Continue reading Michele Bachmann Urged to Drop Out of Race by Bob Vander Plaats?.
Kim Jong-un (center), son of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (not pictured) visits Mokran Video Company in Pyongyang in this undated picture released by the North's official KCNA news agency on September 11, 2011. (Reuters/KCNA)
Kim Jong-un, North Korea's new leader, will share power with an uncle and the military after the death of his father Kim Jong-il as the isolated country shifts to collective rule from strongman dictatorship, according to reports.
Continue reading Report: Kim Jong-un to Share Power with Uncle, NK Military.
Foreign migrant workers from the Philippines Celebrate an annual Christmas-Hannukah party in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
The founders of Neve Shaanan, a neighborhood in southern Tel Aviv, planned their streets in the shape of a seven-branched candelabra - a symbol of their Jewish faith.
Continue reading Christianity Flourishes in Israel.
In this photo taken on Sept. 9, 2000, Eva Ekvall competes in the Miss Venezuela 2000 beauty contest in Caracas, Venezuela. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Former Miss Venezuela Eva Ekvall, whose struggle with breast cancer was closely followed by Venezuelans, has died at age 28.
Continue reading Former Miss Venezuela Eva Ekvall Dies of Breast Cancer at Age 28.
It happened: Taylor Swift , America's squeaky clean sweetheart, is under fire for being too unrealistic.
Continue reading Taylor Swift's CoverGirl Campaign Causes a Major Stir.
Academy Award winner Matt Damon says he can relate to Benjamin Mee, the character he plays in the new Cameron Crowe film, "We Bought a Zoo."
Continue reading Actor Matt Damon Talks Fatherhood and Family with Anderson Cooper.
After devoting four decades and tens of millions of dollars to saving the gray wolf, the federal government wants to get out of the wolf-protection business, leaving it to individual states - and the wolves themselves - to determine the future of the legendary predator.
Continue reading Gray Wolves Rebound in U. S..
In this Nov. 8, 2011 file photo, students greet Penn State coach Joe Paterno as he arrives at his home in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
More than 340 players once coached by Joe Paterno have shown support for their former Penn State coach through a letter released in time for his 85th birthday Wednesday.
Continue reading Over 340 Former Players Support JoePa in Letter.
Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato (12) throws a pass against Florida International during the fourth quarter of the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl college football game Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Once Marshall got the lead, Rakeem Cato was determined to finish off Florida International in the Beef `O' Brady's Bowl.
Continue reading 20-10: Marshall Wins Beef `O' Brady.
People show off their newly purchased PlayStation Vita portable games in Tokyo Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
Sony has issued an apology and software update following user complaints about its new handheld console.
Continue reading Sony Issues Apology for Users' PlayStation Vita Complaints.
Mozilla on Tuesday said that it has renewed a deal making Google the default search engine in the nonprofit organization's open-source Firefox Web browsing software.
Continue reading Mozilla Keeps Google as Default Search Engine.
Two thousand years ago, a baby was born in a stable. The stable was in a small town that was part of a defeated nation occupied by the Romans. The nation was Israel, the town was Bethlehem, and the baby's name was Jesus. Over two thousand years later, people all over the world still celebrate His birth... but why?
Continue reading Why Millions Still Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ.
Facebook Inc., the world's most used social-networking service, can be sued by people who claim showing advertisements that their friends apparently like violates a California law regarding commercial endorsements.
Continue reading Facebook Can be Sued for Showing Advertisements.
Derrick Rose says there isn't much that excites him. A maximum contract extension, though, just might.
Continue reading Derrick Rose Gets Contract Extension with Chicago Bulls.
The perfect gift! You would like to receive it. You would like to give it. You read the ads; you look through the catalogs. Unfortunately, there is no perfect gift--at least not in any store.
Continue reading The One and Only Perfect Gift.
Flowers and branches of the Boswellia sacra tree, the species from which most frankincense is derived (Wikipedia)
It could well be enough to make the Magi turn in their graves.
Continue reading Magi Gifts: Making of Frankincense in Decline.
If you enjoy wrapping your hands around a warm cup of tea, you may want to make it a habit. And grab a second and third cup as well because the evidence continues to mount that the brew is good for you.
Continue reading Drinking Tea Is Really Good for You.
'I believe Rick Santorum comes from us,' Vander Plaats said. (AP Photo)
Rick Santorum's endorsement Tuesday by two leading Iowa social conservatives offers the former Pennsylvania senator a major boost in his campaign-within-a-campaign against Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann --if he can seize it.
Continue reading Santorum Gets Evangelical Boost.
Matt Katz and Aaron Lafrenz of Brooklyn, N.Y., were surprised to receive a letter from President Barack Obama congratulating them on their marriage.
Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) speaks at the town hall in the Erickson Public Library during a campaign stop on December 8, 2011 in Boone, Iowa. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America)
Suddenly, Ron Paul is in contention to win the Iowa caucuses and doing well in the New Hampshire primary two weeks before the first votes are cast, reflecting the fluidity of the Republican presidential race as well as the inability of the party's social conservative, tea party and establishment wings to coalesce behind a favored candidate.
Continue reading The Ron Paul Factor In the Iowa Caucuses.
Food and medicine is distributed to victims of Typhoon Sendong (aka Typhoon Washi) in Iligan city, Philippines December 19, 2011. (REUTERS/Erik De Castro)
The official death toll from last week's massive flash flooding in two southern Philippine cities topped 1,000 on Wednesday, while authorities said they lost count of how many more were missing in one of the worst calamities to hit the coastal region.
Continue reading Philippines Flood Death Toll Over 1,000.
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug.
Continue reading Return to Middle-earth: First Trailer for 'The Hobbit' Is Here.
Mars Hill Church congregation pastored by Rob Bell.
Editor's Note: Rob Bell, 41, the founding pastor of Mars Hill church in western Michigan, bid adieu to his congregation in a 5,000-word epistle about grace and peace, which he preached Sunday to thousands in the converted strip mall that has housed the "Jesus community" for a decade.
Continue reading Rob Bell Writes Parting Epistle to Mars Hill Congregation.
Rick Santorum was endorsed by the head of Iowa's Family Leader on Wednesday.
When Newt Gingrich's campaign announced Tuesday morning that it had won an endorsement from Don Wildmon, president of the evangelical American Family Association, it seemed like one more bit of evidence that the former House speaker has become the unlikely favorite of conservative Christian activists.
Father Vince Gulikers examines a replica of the Shroud of Turin that was on display in Windsor. (Dan Janisse, The Windsor Star)
A new study suggests that one of Christianity's most prized but mysterious relics - the Turin Shroud - is not a medieval forgery and could be the burial robe of Christ.
Continue reading Study: The Shroud of Turin Could be the Burial Robe of Christ.
Televangelist Pat Robertson is not laughing over "Saturday Night Live's" Tim Tebow skit.
Continue reading Pat Robertson Slams 'SNL' Tim Tebow, Jesus Skit.
The body of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is laid in the memorial palace in Pyongyang, North Korea (AP)
by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Continue reading Kim Jong Il's Death, Atheism and Dictatorships.
For a morning, the sky looked like a surfer's dream: A series of huge breaking waves lined the horizon in Birmingham, Ala., on Friday (Dec. 16), their crests surging forward in slow motion.
Continue reading Alabama Receives Weird Tsunami-Shaped Clouds.
Visitors look at an exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Discovery Times Square in New York, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011. (Associated Press)
It is an irony of history that the Ten Commandments that Moses brought down from Mount Sinai on two stone tablets are found in their purest form on a strip of ancient parchment so delicate that it is hardly ever seen by the public.
A rising number of children are learning about sex from watching pornography because sex education lessons are inadequate, researchers have found.
Release Date: December 20, 2011
Rating: R (for brutal violent content including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity, and language)
Genre: Drama,Thriller, Adaptation
Run Time: 158 min.
Director: David Fincher
Actors: Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer, Robin Wright, Stellan Skarsgard, Yorick van Wageningen, Goran Visnjic, Joely Richardson, Julian Sands
Continue reading Review: "Dragon Tattoo" Film As Disturbing as the Book.
Funding for abstinence education has returned to the federal budget in the spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Obama.
Continue reading Funding for Abstinence Education Returns to Federal Budget.
The church-made film "Courageous" has become the top-grossing film by Sherwood Baptist Church, passing its previous top film, "Fireproof."
Continue reading 'Courageous' Becomes Top-Grossing Film Made by Sherwood Church.
John Elway, Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos, looks on from the bench as the Broncos warm up prior to facing the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 9, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)
A year ago, John Elway agreed to another comeback with his beloved Denver Broncos shortly after the ouster of Josh McDaniels, whom many felt had doomed the franchise to mediocrity for years to come.
Continue reading Elway Gives Tebow Biggest Endorsement Yet.
During the Christmas holiday, it is so easy to get caught up with all of the commercialism that surrounds the season.
Republican presidential candidate former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) fields a question during the Fox News Channel debate at the Sioux City Convention Center on December 15, 2011 in Sioux City, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images North America)
A prominent Christian conservative group in Iowa is not endorsing a Republican candidate for president, underscoring the divisions among influential evangelicals in the state whose leadoff caucuses are just two weeks away.
Speaking to reporters in the White House Briefing Room, President Obama blasted Republicans for opposing a bipartisan Senate bill to extend a payroll tax cut. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
The House Tuesday rejected legislation to extend a payroll tax cut and jobless benefits for two months, drawing a swift rebuke from President Barack Obama that Republicans were threatening higher taxes on 160 million workers on Jan. 1.
Continue reading House Rejects Legislation to Extend Payroll Tax Cut for 2 Months.
In this Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 photo, immigrant Francisco Barranco, right, stands in his bakery La Tapatia, as employee Lorena Vasquez prepares gelatin in the Fair Haven neighborhood in New Haven, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Already known as a refuge for people from other lands, New Haven is tightening its embrace of newcomers as its mayor seeks to extend voting rights to illegal immigrants and other noncitizens, a policy challenge that comes shortly after attacks on "sanctuary cities" by Republican presidential candidates.
Continue reading Connecticut Mayor Seeks to Let Illegal Immigrants Vote.
In this Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 photo, Erin Turner poses for a photo in her apartment in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
As a 20-something, Erin Turner feels she made all the right moves dating wise. She graduated from college and spent three and a half years with a boyfriend before they moved in together.
Continue reading Barely Half of U. S. Adults Interested in Marrying.
This June 1, 2007 file photo shows a Mayan statue stands in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, where people will gather before making their way across the Yucatan Channel, to the Cozumel Island, in a ten mile pilgrimage in honor of the Mayan goddess Ixchel. (AP Photo/Israel Leal)
Seize the day.
Continue reading Mayans in Mexico Prepare for the 2012 Apocalypse by Partying.
Women protested against the military council violations against female demonstrators in Cairo, on Tuesday. (Asmaa Waguih/Reuters)
Around 10,000 women marched through central Cairo demanding Egypt's ruling military step down Tuesday in an unprecedented show of outrage over soldiers who dragged women by the hair and stomped on them, and stripped one half-naked in the street during a fierce crackdown on activists the past week.
Continue reading Egyptian Women Take to the Streets in Anger Over Violence.
In this image made from video, CNN interviewer Piers Morgan answers questions Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011at an ethics inquiry in London. (AP)
A tense and sometimes confrontational Piers Morgan stood his ground before a judge-led inquiry into media ethics Tuesday, denying any connection to illegal phone hacking which has resulted in the closure of the newspaper he once edited and the arrest of friends and former colleagues.
Continue reading Piers Morgan Denys Any Connections to Illegal Phone Hacking.
In this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency and distributed in Tokyo by the Korea News Service, Kim Jong Un, third from left, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's youngest known son and successor, bows with No. 2 man Kim Yong Nam, fourth from left, as he visits the body of the senior Kim with top military and Workers' Party officials in a memorial palace in Pyongyang, North Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service)
North Korea's anointed heir Kim Jong Un led a solemn procession of mourners Tuesday to the glass coffin of his father and longtime ruler - a strong indication that a smooth leadership transition was under way in the country known for secrecy and unpredictability.
Continue reading Kim Jong Un Leads Nation in Mourning for Father.
Former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel looks on from the sidelines during pre game warm ups at the University of Iowa Hawkeyes NCAA football game at Kinnick Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. (David Purdy/Getty Images North America)
Urban Meyer's first Ohio State team won't be bowl-bound.
Continue reading Ohio State Hit with One-Year Bowl Ban, Other Penalties.
The biggest draw in television is going mobile.
Continue reading Super Bowl to be Streamed Online, to Mobile Phones for First Time.
Rebecca Black's infamous "Friday" video has topped all other YouTube videos of 2011 with 180 million views.
Continue reading Rebecca Black's "Friday" Video Tops All YouTube Videos of 2011.
Jon Bon Jovi wants duped fans to know he's not dead, and he has posted a photo proving it.
Continue reading Jon Bon Jovi Is Alive and Well.
Actor Gerard Butler speaks onstage during the 69th annual Golden Globe Award Nominations announcements at The Beverly Hilton hotel on December 15, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America)
Gerard Butler is OK after being held underwater by some big waves while filming for a movie about a surfer at Mavericks, a famed Northern California surf break known for treacherous, stories-high waves.
Continue reading Gerard Butler OK After Surfing Accident.
This illustration provided by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics shows artist's renderings of planets Kepler-20e and Kepler-20f compared with Venus and the Earth. (AP Photo/Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)
Scientists have found two Earth-sized planets orbiting a star outside the solar system, an encouraging sign for prospects of finding life elsewhere.
A Christian pilgrim lights a candle in the Church of Nativity, believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Monday. The Middle East and North Africa have the lowest concentration of Christians in the world, according to a new study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. (Abed al Hashlamoun / European Pressphoto Agency)
The Christian population has shifted dramatically over the last century away from Europe to Africa, Asia and the Americas, yet Christians overall remain the largest religious group in the world, according to a new analysis released Monday.
This file photo taken on October 10, 1995 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il (R) waving at a military parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). (AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIA KNS /Getty Images)
A day after authorities announced the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, several Christian organizations are calling for prayers for the nation's persecuted Christians, one of many so-called dissident groups that have suffered under the North Korean regime.
After more than four months, the cause of death for Apopka megachurch preacher Zachery Tims could be released later this week.
Continue reading Zachery Tims Cause of Death to be Released.
There's outrage about the woman possibly tapped to replace Zachery Tims as pastor of a Central Florida megachurch.
Republican presidential candidate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during a town hall meeting at the Memminger Auditorium on December 17, 2011 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Richard Ellis/Getty Images North America)
A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds a nation more downbeat, more dissatisfied with its political leadership and more concerned about the country's direction than at almost any other point in modern times.
Continue reading Most Americans Dissatisfied with 2012 Field of Candidates, Poll Finds.
Two Islamic religious leaders from Tennessee claim a Delta pilot prevented them from flying after they were cleared to board.
Two Islamic religious leaders from Tennessee filed a lawsuit against two airlines Monday, claiming they were discriminated against and not allowed to fly on a plane in May because of the way they looked.
Continue reading Muslim Imams File Lawsuit Against Delta, Atlantic Southeast Airlines.
During a 2008 visit to North Korea, Franklin Graham presented a Korean Bible and other gifts to Kim Yong Dae, Vice President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly.
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, issued the following statement Monday afternoon about the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il:
Continue reading Franklin Graham on Death of Kim Jong Il, North Korea.
Recording artist Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson (L) and television host Piers Morgan attend the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at The Shrine Auditorium on December 11, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)
CNN star interviewer Piers Morgan faces questions Tuesday about his time at the top of Britain's tabloid industry - widely anticipated testimony that may dredge up allegations his British newspaper career was colored by wrongdoing.
Continue reading CNN Star Interviewer Piers Morgan Faces UK Media Inquiry.
Egyptian soldiers beat a protester wearing a veil in Tahrir Square in Cairo on Friday. The graffiti depicts members of the military ruling council and says "Killer." (Ahmed Ali/Associated Press)
Egyptian troops and riot police raided Cairo's Tahrir Square early on Tuesday in their latest attempt to evict protesters who want the ruling military to immediately step down, according to a field hospital doctor.
Residents are rescued by volunteers Saturday following a flash flood in Cagayan de Oro city, Philippines. (Erwin Mascarinas / AP)
President Benigno Aquino of the Philippines declared a state of national calamity on Tuesday after visiting areas in the south of the country that were devastated by a tropical storm over the weekend.
Visitors arrive with flowers to pay respect to the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il at the North Korean embassy in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Chinese President Hu Jintao offered his condolences Tuesday on the death of Kim Jong Il as the government hinted at an early invitation for a visit by his son and successor.
Continue reading China Offers Condolences on Death of Kim Jong Il.
Gregory King, the father of Larry F. King, center right with glasses, and supporters gather outside the Ventura County Hall of Justice in Ventura, Calif., on Monday morning Dec. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Ventura County Star, Karen Quincy Loberg)
A teen who fatally shot a gay junior high classmate in the back of the head during a computer lab nearly four years ago was sentenced Monday to 21 years in state prison, capping an emotional case that focused attention on how schools deal with sexual identity.
Continue reading California Teen Sentenced to 21 Years for Killing Gay Student.
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit.
The wait will soon be over for Hobbit fans: Peter Jackson will unveil the first trailer for his hugely anticipated movie tomorrow.
Continue reading Peter Jackson Prepares to Release First Trailer for 'The Hobbit'.
As the countdown continues toward Christopher Nolan's eagerly-awaited Batman sequel, fans have been given a proper look at the film in time for Christmas. And it seems all is not well in Gotham City, as you can see from the video below.
Continue reading Full Theatrical Trailer for 'The Dark Knight Rises' Released.
Paul McCartney performs Dec. 5 during his European Tour, his first since 2004. He has a new album out Feb. 7. (Joel Ryan/Associated Press)
Paul McCartney is releasing an album of standards - plus two new songs of his own.
Continue reading Paul McCartney Writing Songs for New Album.
The freshly released promo video shows Perseus' new adventure as he embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.
Continue reading First 'Wrath of the Titans' Trailer Debuts.
Director/actor James Franco and actor Val Lauren attend the 68th Venice Film Festival on September 4, 2011 in Venice, Italy. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Europe)
James Franco might have moved on from his endeavors at NYU, but the actor is still a publicity machine for the university, but maybe not in the way NYU would have hoped for this time around.
Continue reading Former James Franco Professor Claims He Was Fired for Giving Actor a 'D'.
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers fumbles the ball after being sacked by Aldon Smith #99 and Justin Smith #94 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)
Ben Roethlisberger threw a few extra passes in near darkness after the lights went out at Candlestick Park.
Continue reading 20-3: Niners Beat Big Ben, Steelers.
Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers drives to the basket on Metta World Peace #15 and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Harry How/Getty Images North America)
Chris Paul had 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in his Los Angeles Clippers debut and Chauncey Billups made an equally impressive first impression with his new club, scoring 23 points in a 114-95 victory over the Lakers on Monday night.
Continue reading 114-95: Los Angeles Clippers Beat Lakers in Preseason Game.
Relief pitcher Yu Darvish #11 of Japan throws a pitch against Korea during the finals of the 2009 World Baseball Classic on March 23, 2009 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
After losing a pair of aces in the last two years, the Texas Rangers are going global to land a new one.
Continue reading Texas Rangers Win Yu Darvish Sweepstakes.
Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers stretches during batting practice against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Two of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 10, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)
National League MVP Ryan Braun's failed drug test was the result of medication he was taking for a "private medical issue," a source told TMZ Monday.
Continue reading Braun's Failed Drug Test was Result of Medication.
HTC said it would soon remove an infringing feature from its phones. Above, shoppers view HTC phones in a Taipei, Taiwan, store last week. (Bloomberg News)
Apple Inc. was handed a legal victory that is bad news for rival Google Inc., as a U.S. trade agency ruled that some HTC Corp. smartphones that use the Internet company's Android software infringe an Apple patent.
Continue reading Android Faces Setback in iPhone Battle.
Scientists on Antarctica have discovered a fossil of a tail bone belonging to a titanosaur, the family of giant plant-eating dinosaurs.
Continue reading Giant Dinosaur Remains Found on Antarctica.
Central Pyongyang, capital of North Korea, is seen at dusk on April 12, 2011. (David Guttenfelder / AP)
In the wake of the death of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is calling on the North Korean regime to bring an end to the brutal oppression of its citizens, amounting to crimes against humanity.
Kim Jong-un, the youngest son of Kim Jong-il, watched a performance to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang in October 2010. (Yao Dawei/Xinhua, via Associated Press)
With the abrupt death of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, the fate of his isolated, nuclear-armed regime has dropped into the hands of his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, who is such an unknown that the world did not even know for sure what he looked like until last year.
Continue reading Kim Jong-un Expected to Succeed Father in North Korea.
In this image made from video, North Koreans lay flowers in front of a giant statue of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang, North Korea Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, a day after North Korea announced the death of leader Kim Jong Il. (AP Photo/APTN)
The body of North Korea's long-time ruler Kim Jong Il was laid out in a glass coffin Tuesday as weeping mourners filled public plazas and state media fed a budding personality cult around his third son, hailing him as "born of heaven."
Continue reading Body of Kim Jong Il on Display as Country Mourns Leader.
Residents retrieve belongings from a house that was swept away by flash floods caused by Typhoon Sendong (Washi) in Iligan city, southern Philippines December 19, 2011. (REUTERS/Erik De Castro)
Typhoon Sendong (aka Typhoon Washi) left more than 600 dead this weekend as flash floods hammered the Philippines. There are also more than 800 people missing in the wake of Typhoon Sendong.
Continue reading Recovery Efforts Begin in Philippines after Deadly Typhoon .
Northbound traffic on I-25 approaches Santa Fe, N.M. in a single file as snow accumulates on the road, Monday Dec. 19, 2011 as a winter storm hit the area. (AP Photo/The Albuquerque Journal, Dean Hanson)
A late-autumn snowstorm lumbered into the central U.S., unleashing snow and fierce winds that turned roads to ice, reduced visibility to zero and jeopardized thousands of holiday motorists' travel plans just two days before the official start of winter.
Continue reading Deadly Snowstorm Hits Central US, Stalls Holiday Travel.
The number of violent crimes reported in the United States fell 6.4 percent in the first six months of 2011 (AFP/File, Jonathan Alcorn)
The number of violent crimes reported in the United States fell 6.4 percent in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period last year, the FBI reported Monday.
Continue reading Number of Violent Crimes Down in First Half of 2011.
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) (R) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) hold a brief news conference after a House GOP caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol December 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)
Partisan to the core, Congress careened toward a holiday-season standoff Monday on legislation to prevent a Social Security payroll tax increase for 160 million workers on Jan. 1.
Continue reading Congress Moves to Prevent Social Security Payroll Tax Increase.
The Supreme Court building. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)
The Supreme Court announced Monday that it will use an unprecedented week's worth of argument time in late March to decide the constitutionality of President Barack Obama's historic health care overhaul before the 2012 presidential elections.
Continue reading Supreme Court Schedules Week of Health Care Arguments for March 2012.
John 8:12 reads, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
If there is one truth that leaps out at us from the pages of Scripture at Christmas, it is this: Jesus came to be the Light of the world! Light came into this dark world when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Continue reading Jesus is the Light of Christmas.
Beyonce Knowles, left, poses for photos with her mother, Tina Knowles, right, at the University of Houston MD Anderson Library, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, in Houston. (Houston Chronicle / Melissa Phillip)
Beyonce Knowles' parents Tina and Mathew have finalized their divorce.
Continue reading Beyonce Knowles' Parents Finalize Their Divorce.
Actress Selena Gomez (C) with her mother Mandy Cornett (R) and step father Brian Teefey (L) attend the UNICEF Ball honoring Jerry Weintraub held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on December 10, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for UNICEF)
Selena Gomez's mother, Mandy Teefey, has reportedly miscarried, forcing the young star to cancel two concerts to be by her mother's side, according to a report.
Continue reading Selena Gomez's Mom Suffers Miscarriage, Report Says.
KSC workers and media watch as the payload bay doors of shuttle Discovery are closed for the final time in the Orbiter Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. on Dec. 16. (Craig Bailey/Florida Today/AP)
NASA powered down the space shuttle Discovery for a final time Friday, Dec. 16 -- more than 28 years after the agency's retired fleet leader first came alive.
Continue reading NASA Shuts Down Space Shuttle Discovery for Last Time.
Close to one in three teens and young adults get arrested by age 23, suggests a new study that finds more of them are being booked now than in the 1960s.
Continue reading Study: 1 in 3 Teens, Young Adults Get Arrested by Age 23.
Android app now has 58.8 million daily active users, while the iPhone version has 57.6 million
Continue reading Android's Facebook App Tops iPhone's App for First Time.
Google on Monday added a few updates to its Google+ social network, including a more detailed notifications bar, redesigned photo viewing, and the ability to hide or highlight certain people.
Continue reading Google Adds New Updates to Google+ Social Network.
In this Dec. 15, 2011 photo, Steven Isaac, left, CEO of TouchFire and Brad Melmon, right, director of product development, pose for a photo, in Melmon's Seattle design studio. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Even if you love the iPad, you're probably not keen to write your next novel using its on-screen virtual keyboard. You may not be thrilled to type up a lengthy email with it, either.
Continue reading Software Designer Seeks to Make the iPad Easier to Type On.
Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and his investment company said Monday they are investing a combined $300 million into Twitter, giving the microblogging site a cash boost as it looks to entice more users and paying advertisers.
It's a good time to be a gamer, as studios continue to release thrilling adventures with clever stories, tight gameplay and spectacular production values. So many fine games have been released in 2011 - particularly in the last few months - that you'd need to use up a lot of sick days to catch up to them all.
Continue reading 2011 Was Exciting Year for Games.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (2nd L) and his youngest son Kim Jong-un (3rd R from Kim Jong-il) visit the cemetery for Chinese soldiers who died during the 1950-53 Korean War in Hoechang County, North Korea, Oct. 26, 2010, in this picture released by North Korea's official KCNA news agency.
North Korea announced the death of supreme leader Kim Jong Il and urged its people to rally behind his young son and heir-apparent Monday, while the world watched warily for signs of instability in a nation pursuing nuclear weapons.
This picture taken on October 18, 2011 shows a young monk walking past the door of a monastery in Hongyuan county in China's Sichuan province. (Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images)
Religious practice among Chinese Communist Party members is increasing and threatens its unity and national leadership, a top party official said in remarks reported Monday.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is taking over the Crystal Cathedral. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / November 14, 2011)
U.S. homes entering the foreclosure process hit a seven-month high in October. Some 77,733 properties received an initial default notice during the month, up 10 percent from September, according to foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc.
Continue reading Church Foreclosures Hit All-Time High.
Gluttony: 5 Reasons Why Pastors Don't Preach on it, and 3 Why They Should...
Continue reading Gluttony: The Ignored Deadly Sin.
by Francis S. Collins
Continue reading Francis Collins Remembers His Friend Hitch.
"Professional Christians" are people who say the right things and do the right things.
A view of a damaged neighborhood in the Canape-Vert area on January 13, 2010, after an earthquake the day before in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
Just two years after the disaster, there are signs that things still aren't improving much in Haiti, as many Haitians continue to struggle with issues such as homelessness, lack of employment, extreme poverty and a cholera outbreak.
Republican presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) greets people following the Fox News Channel debate at the Sioux City Convention Center on December 15, 2011 in Sioux City, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images North America)
Jenifer Bowen, the executive director of Iowa Right to Life, spent a recent evening at the Hoyt Sherman Place theater here listening to four Republican presidential candidates deliver faith-infused pitches to about 1,000 evangelicals representing one of this election's most critical and conflicted voting blocs.
Continue reading GOP Candidates Vying for the Faith of Iowa Evangelical Voters.
Republican presidential candidate Texas Governor Rick Perry speaks with guests gathered at the Copper Cup coffee shop during a campaign stop on December 16, 2011 in Cherokee, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images North America)
Gov. Rick Perry called upon churchgoers Sunday to ignore the "political correctness police" and express their faith in the public square.
Newt Gingrich's marital problems have come back to haunt him in Iowa where Christian conservatives are split over whether they can look beyond his past infidelities and endorse him for the January 3 caucuses.
Continue reading The Family Leader Stuggling to Give Endorsement to Newt Gingrich.
The latest St Matthews billboard shows Mary with a positive pregnancy test.
A provocative billboard erected by an Auckland church will remain in its vandalised state after being attacked by a Catholic lobby group member over the weekend.
Continue reading Virgin Mary's Positive Pregnancy Test Billboard Slashed with Scissors.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, Open Doors will release its annual 2012 World Watch List of 50 countries that are the worst persecutors of Christians around the globe.
Bieber performs onstage at Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, on April 28, 2011. (Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images)
Singer says his mom didn't want him to mistrust her when she told him about God
San Diego wide receiver Vincent Jackson sprints after making a catch during the first half of the Chargers' victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. (Denis Poroy / Associated Press / December 18, 2011)
Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers looked playoff-ready, even if their postseason hopes remain slim.
Continue reading 34-14: Streaking Chargers Pound Ravens.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) cannot hold on to the ball as Cleveland Browns free safety Mike Adams defends during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
A difficult week came to a frustrating end for the Cleveland Browns, and a bad season got worse.
Continue reading 20-17: Cleveland Browns Lose Fourth Straight.
Connecticut's Heather Buck attempts to knock the ball away from Baylor center Brittney Griner in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Brittney Griner can finally forget about those missed free throws in Baylor's one-point loss at Connecticut in another 1-2 matchup.
Continue reading 66-61: Griner, Bears Put On Late-Game Show to Drop Huskies.
No. 8 Xavier was without three starters during its loss to Oral Roberts on Sunday.
All the three players could do was sit and watch one of the worst moments in Xavier's recent history.
Continue reading 64-42: Previously Unbeaten Xavier Falls to Oral Roberts.
The Church of the Fedorovskaya Icon of the Virgin Mary, at the central Moscow campus of the Russian State Social University, was consecrated in 2006 after debate about religion's place. (James Hill for the International Herald Tribune)
Just over 20 years ago, any religious education outside church walls was still banned in the Soviet Union.
Continue reading Russian Orthodox Church Eyes Educational Reform.
Saudi security forces have detained 42 Ethiopian Christians at a prayer gathering in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, the latest in a series of raids on worship meetings, a rights official said Saturday, December 17.
There has been previous anti-Christian violence in Orissa.
A prominent rights activist of India's main umbrella group of evangelical churches has been killed by suspected Hindu hardliners in the volatile state of Orissa, local Christians confirmed to BosNewsLife Satuday, December 17.
Continue reading Christian Rights Activist Killed In Orissa.
After ringing his hand bell to solicit donations for 51 hours without food or sleep, Salvation Army volunteer Marcelino Soriano had reached his limit Saturday.
Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) speaks during an event at the World War II Memorial April 12, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images North America)
Republican elder statesman and former Senate leader Bob Dole on Sunday endorsed Mitt Romney to be the Republican presidential nominee, a day after the former Massachusetts governor received the backing of Iowa's main newspaper.
An aerial view of areas affected by flash floods in Cagayan de Oro on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. (European Pressphoto Agency)
As a storm that killed more than 650 in the southern Philippines raged outside the store where she works, Amor Limbago worriedly called home to check on her parents, but their cellphones just kept ringing and later went dead.
Continue reading More Than 650 Killed from Philippines Storm, 900 Missing.
Vaclav Havel waves to thousands gathered in Prague's Wenceslas Square to celebrate the Communist capitulation. Havel died Sunday at age 75 after a lengthy illness. (Getty Images / December 10, 1989)
Thousands of Czechs paid tribute to Vaclav Havel on Sunday, braving cold and snow at the spot where the leader of the peaceful anti-communist revolution rallied protesters.
Continue reading Thousands of Czechs Remember Playwright-Turned Politician Havel.
Palestinian relatives of prisoner Younis Jahjouh decorate the street ahead of his release from Israeli prisons in the Qalandia refugee camp near the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Dec 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners late Sunday, the second and final phase of a swap with Gaza Hamas militants that brought home an Israeli soldier after five years in captivity.
The "Kolskaya" oil drilling rig is seen in the Sea of Okhotsk in this undated handout photo. (Arktikmorneftegazrazvedka/REUTERS)
A drilling rig with 67 crew on board capsized and sank off Russia's far eastern island of Sakhalin on Sunday while being towed through a winter storm, leaving more than 50 dead or missing in the icy Sea of Okhotsk.
Continue reading More Than 50 Feared Dead after Russian Drilling Rig Sinks.
The vault lid during the burial of Army Specialist David Hickman with full military honors at Lakeview Memorial Park, on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, in Greensboro, N.C. (News & Record, Joseph Rodriguez / AP)
As the last U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq on Sunday, friends and family of the first and last American fighters killed in combat were cherishing their memories rather than dwelling on whether the war and their sacrifice was worth it.
Continue reading David Emanuel Hickman Was Last U. S. Troop Killed in Iraq.
Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow fumbles the ball during the second quarter against New England. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
Not this time, Tim Tebow.
Continue reading 41-23: Brady, Pats Shut Down Tebow Time, Clinch Berth.
New Orleans Saints' Lance Moore (16) breaks away from Minnesota Vikings' Jamarca Sanford (33) for a 47-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Minneapolis. (Morry Gash / AP)
The way Drew Brees is playing as the heart and soul of the New Orleans Saints, nothing is safe.
Continue reading 42-20: Drew Brees Leads Surging Saints to Sixth Win In a Row.
Mike McCarthy never put a whole lot of stock in a perfect season, except as a means of gaining home-field advantage and setting the Green Bay Packers up for another Super Bowl run.
Continue reading 19-14: Chiefs Halt Rodgers, End Packers' Perfect Run.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) stiff-arms Oakland Raiders cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke (23) as defensive back Matt Giordano (27) approaches during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Ndamukong Suh provided the perfect exclamation point to the Detroit Lions' thrilling comeback in his return from a two-game suspension.
Continue reading 28-27: Stafford, Lions Use 98-Yard Scoring Drive for Win.
Brent Celek of the Eagles scored a touchdown while being tackled by the Jets' Brodney Pool during the first half. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The NFC East is up for grabs and the Philadelphia Eagles are back in the mix.
Continue reading 45-19: Eagles Rout Jets, Still in Hunt for NFC East Title.
Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman, right, hands the ball to Niles Paul during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
If the Washington Redskins proved anything, it might be that the New York Giants don't belong in the playoffs.
Continue reading 23-10: Redskins Hurt Giants Playoff Bid.
In the first message of this two-part Christmas series, Daniel Whyte III shares three reasons why Jesus Christ is so precious.
Continue reading 6 Reasons Why Jesus is So Precious (Part 1).
Indianapolis quarterback Dan Orlovsky passes the ball during the Colts' 27-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. (John Grieshop / Getty Images / December 18, 2011)
The Indianapolis Colts finally won without Peyton Manning. It just took 14 games and three quarterbacks to get there.
Continue reading 27-13: Colts Earn 1st Win of the Season Over Titans .
Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) reaches to put the ball across the goal line and score despite the efforts of Houston Texans cornerback Jason Allen in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Cam Newton threw two touchdown passes, DeAngelo Williams ran for a score and the Carolina Panthers ended Houston's seven-game winning streak with a 28-13 win over the Texans on Sunday.
Continue reading 28-13: Newton, Panthers Curtail Texans' 7-Game Run.
Jude Law, Robert Downey Jr. and Guy Ritchie at the 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' premiere at the Empire Leicester Square cinema. (Getty Images)
Sherlock Holmes is facing his worst enemy: declining crowds at theaters as this year's domestic movie attendance dips to the lowest in 16 years.
Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after the Cowboys scored against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter at Cowboys Stadium on December 11, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images North America)
Tony Romo was nearly flawless in getting the Dallas Cowboys back on track in the NFC East.
Continue reading 31-15: Dallas Cowboys Roll vs Struggling Buccaneers.
Jimmy Rollins #11 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a single against the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh inning of Game Two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 2, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Drew Hallowell/Getty Images North America)
Jimmy Rollins is bringing his swagger back to the Phillies.
Continue reading Jimmy Rollins Agrees to 3 Year Deal with Philadelphia.
Tyler Tettleton scored on a 1-yard keeper with 13 seconds left to give Ohio its first bowl victory, 24-23 over Utah State on Saturday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Continue reading 24-23: Ohio Beats Utah State in Potato Bowl.
J.R. Martinez danced his way to the top on "Dancing with the Stars" Season 13, claiming the coveted mirrorball trophy alongside professional partner Karina Smirnoff. Now, the Iraq war vet is about to receive an even more precious prize - a baby!
Continue reading 'Dancing with the Stars' Champ, J. R. Martinez, Expecting First Child.
Google's Chrome browser just became the globe's most popular, StatCounter is reporting.
Continue reading Report: Google Chrome Is Most Popular Browser.
Google, in keeping with adding hidden search result features to entertain the masses, has released a latest coded search result to celebrate the seasonal holiday.
Continue reading Want Snow for Christmas? Google Delivers!.
Facebook has threatened to sue Mark Zuckerberg, an Israeli entrepreneur who recently took the social network founder's name. The new Zuckerberg, born Rotem Guez, legally changed his name Dec. 7.
Continue reading Facebook Threatens to Sue Israeli Version of Mark Zuckerberg.
2 Corinthians 9:15 reads, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."
Continue reading The Unspeakable Gift -- Promised, Given, and Accepted.
Continue reading Why So Many Christians Loved Christopher Hitchens.
Linda Hanick, left, and Matt Heyd of Trinity Wall Street, with Laura Gottesdiener, right, an Occupy Wall Street demonstrator. (Chang W. Lee/The New York Times)
For months, they were the best of neighbors: the slapdash champions of economic equality, putting down stakes in an outdoor plaza, and the venerable Episcopal parish next door, whose munificence helped sustain the growing protest.
Continue reading Occupy Wall Street Protesters Make Bid for New Home: Trinity Church.
Release Date: December 16, 2011 (IMAX); December 21, 2011 (wide)
Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Sequel
Run Time: 133 min.
Director: Brad Bird
Actors: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Josh Holloway, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Samuli Edelmann, Anil Kapoor, Lea Seydoux, Miraj Grbic
Continue reading Review: Cruise's 'Ghost Protocol' Is Worth Seeing.
Release Date: December 16, 2011
Rating: G
Genre: Family, Animation, Comedy
Run Time: 87 min.
Director: Mike Mitchell
Actors/Voices by: Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Amy Poehler, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate, Andy Buckley, Jenny Slate
Continue reading Review: 'Chipwrecked' Is a Whole Lot of Fun.
Release Date: December 9, 2011 (limited); December 16, 2011 (wide)
Rating: R (for language and some sexual content)
Genre: Comedy
Run Time: 94 min.
Director: Jason Reitman
Actors: Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, Patton Oswalt, Elizabeth Reaser, Jill Eikenberry, Richard Bekins, Mary Beth Hurt
Continue reading Review: 'Young Adult' Critiques Perpetual Adolescence.
Panetta will meet with members of the transitional government. (AP Photo)
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said "the torch of freedom" has passed to the Libyan people and he pledged during a historic visit Saturday to Tripoli that the United States will do all it can to help the country move toward democracy.
Continue reading U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Visits Libya.
Colton Harris-Moore, also known as the "Barefoot Bandit," glances at the courtroom gallery as he walks to the defense table, in Island County Superior Court, Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, in Coupeville, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
At times, Colton Harris-Moore's two years on the run were euphoric - the nights of beatific solitude in the woods, the soaring adrenalin rush of his first moments airborne in the cockpit of a stolen plane.
A boy walks past debris in the town swept away by rampaging flood waters. (Dennis M. Sabangan / EPA)
Flash floods devastated a southern Philippines region unaccustomed to serious storms, killing more than 400 people while they slept, rousting hundreds of others to their rooftops and turning two coastal cities into muddy, debris-filled waterways that were strewn Saturday with overturned vehicles and toppled trees.
Continue reading Over 500 Dead from Devastating Flash Floods in Philippines.
With Yabloko party flags in the background, Russian protesters listen to a speaker during a rally to protest against alleged vote rigging at Bolotnaya Square, on an island in the Moscow River adjacent to the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
About 1,000 demonstrators demanding a rerun of parliamentary elections gathered Saturday in central Moscow for a second weekend of protests against Russia's fraud-tainted vote, a comparatively small crowd that underlined the challenge to the opposition of keeping up public pressure on authorities.
Former Major League Baseball player Barry Bonds is surrounded by members of the media as he leaves federal court following a sentencing hearing on December 16, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)
Eight years of being investigated for steroid allegations ended for home run king Barry Bonds on Friday with a 30-day sentence to be served at home. No more - and maybe less.
Continue reading Bonds Gets Probation, House Arrest.
In this Feb. 13, 2010, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, attend the skills competition at the NBA basketball All-Star Saturday Night in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
Kobe Bryant's wife, who stood by her husband when he was charged with sexual assault in 2003, filed for divorce on Friday from the Los Angeles Lakers star, citing irreconcilable differences after a decade of marriage.
Continue reading Kobe, Vanessa Bryant Divorcing after Decade of Marriage.
Alexis Thompson from the U.S. poses with the trophy after winning the Dubai Ladies Masters golf tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
American teenager Lexi Thompson has made history as the youngest winner on both the LPGA and Ladies European Tours.
Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns lays on the ground while speaking to athletic trainers after a helmet to helmet hit from James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 8, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)
Colt McCoy is expected to recover from his concussion and play for the Browns again this season. Benjamin Watson isn't as fortunate.
Continue reading Colt McCoy Expected to Recover from Concussion.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra poses during media day at American Airlines Arena on December 12, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat have agreed on a contract extension, ending any speculation that Pat Riley's protege would be a lame-duck coach this season.
Continue reading Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Agree on Contract Extension.
Rapper Slim Dunkin, whose real name is Mario Hamilton, was fatally shot at a music studio in southeast Atlanta on Friday. (Channel 2 Action News)
Atlanta police say the rapper Slim Dunkin was gunned down Friday evening in a city music studio as he was preparing to record a video.
Continue reading Rapper Slim Dunkin Gunned Down in Atlanta Music Studio.
Jason Trawick, left, and Britney Spears arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday Aug. 28, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP / Chris Pizzello)
Britney Spears is ready to walk down the aisle for the third time. The 30-year-old pop star has agreed to marry her longtime boyfriend and former agent Jason Trawick.
Continue reading Pop Star Britney Spears Engaged for Third Time.
Recording Artist Etta James performs at the 2009 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at the Fair Grounds Race Course on April 26, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images North America)
"At Last" and "Tell Mama" blues singer Etta James, whose health has been fading in recent years, is now terminally ill, and her live-in doctor is asking for prayers.
Continue reading Etta James Now Terminally Ill, Doctor Asks for Prayers.
In this photo released by Warner Bros, performer Justin Bieber poses with Principal Sherrie Gahn of Whitney Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nev. on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011.
Fifth-grader Jolie Leach says she "was gonna explode" with excitement when Justin Bieber performed a concert at her Las Vegas school, and vowed she'd never wash her hand after he gave her a high-five.
Continue reading Justin Bieber Performs for Students at Low-Income School in Las Vegas.
This handout image provided by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, taken, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, shows the Comet Lovejoy approaching the sun and interacting with the sun's corona which is several million degrees. (AP Photo/NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory)
A small comet survived what astronomers figured would be a sure death when it danced uncomfortably close to the broiling sun.
Continue reading Comet Lovejoy Brushes Past Sun, Doesn't Die.
People show off their newly purchased PlayStation Vita portable games in Tokyo Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
Sony's long-awaited PlayStation Vita portable game machine hit stores in Japan on Saturday as thousands of game enthusiasts lined up early in the morning to be among the first to buy it.
Continue reading PlayStation Vita Portable Games Hit Stores in Japan.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit in New York City, on November 30, 2011. (Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)
When Emily Russell's two young sons wake up on Christmas morning, they'll find that Santa left them a note instead of the videogames they requested.
Continue reading Weak Economy Causes Some to Delay Christmas.
British Prime Minister David Cameron leaves Number 10 Downing Street to greets Hamad Al-Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, on December 12, 2011 in London, England. (Oli Scarff/Getty Images Europe)
Christianity provides a 'moral code' to counter riots, expense scandals and Islamist extremism, says the prime minister
Continue reading PM David Cameron Urges Britons to Return to Christian Values.
Laura Sessions Stepp says young church dropouts are tired of being told how they should live their lives.
Because of social issues, former evangelicals may very well vote Democratic
As Newt Gingrich makes gains in the polls, GOP candidate Mitt Romney is speaking more about his faith, and the role religion has played in his life.
Continue reading Franklin Graham: Voting for a Mormon Not a Problem for Me.
Author and speaker Christopher Hitchens, a leader of an aggressive form of atheism that eventually was dubbed "New Atheism," died Thursday from pneumonia, a complication of his oesophageal cancer. He was 62.
Continue reading Christian Leaders React to Death of Christopher Hitchens.
An Iranian pastor who potentially faces a death sentence for being a Christian will remain in prison at least four more months and perhaps up to a year, according to conflicting reports.
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) (C) answers questions from the media after he met with fellow Senate Democrats on a deal on payroll tax cut that has been struck with the Senate Republicans December 16, 2011 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Once thought lost, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom wins reauthorization in Congress
Continue reading U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Wins Reauthorization.
Christmas is a season of great joy. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Jesus was born so one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong.
Continue reading Why This is a Season of Great Joy.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) (L) speaks to members of the media during a news briefing after the weekly Democratic policy luncheon December 13, 2011 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
The Senate passed legislation Saturday extending a Social Security payroll tax cut and jobless benefits for just two months, handing President Barack Obama a partial victory while setting the stage for another fight in February.
Release Date: December 16, 2011
Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, and some drug material)
Genre: Action/Adventure/Crime/Sequel
Run Time: 129 min.
Director: Guy Ritchie
Actors: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Stephen Fry, Kelly Reilly, Eddie Marsan, William Houston
Continue reading Review: Sherlock Sequel Has Same Energy as 2009's Surprise Hit.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivers a keynote address during the Facebook f8 conference on September 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)
Facebook on Thursday began transforming profile pages into interactive digital scrapbooks that let members of the world's leading online social network tell the stories of their lives.
Continue reading Facebook's 'Timeline' Now Available to All Users .
Amazon announced today that Kindle devices, and the Kindle Fire in particular, continue to fly out of the warehouse in dizzying numbers.
Continue reading Amazon Kindles Sell Like Crazy.
Android and Me suggests that Google's answer to Siri is named Majel, and will be released early next year (if not sooner), with engineers at Google's X laboratory working "around the clock" on the new app.
Continue reading Google to Challenge Apple's Siri with Majel?.
Facebook and Greenpeace have called a truce over a clean energy feud that had the environmental group using the social network's own platform to campaign against it.
Continue reading Facebook and Greenpeace Friend Each Other.
As fans of Google's Android mobile software well know, each new version is named after a sugary treat, such as Gingerbread or Honeycomb. Android is about to get even sweeter with Ice Cream Sandwich - a smooth, feature-rich operating system that will run first on the delectable Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone.
Continue reading Ice Cream Sandwich Makes Samsung's Galaxy Nexus Smartphone Pretty Sweet.
Egyptian Coptic Christian women help voters find their registration numbers outside a polling station in the Manshiet Nasser district of Cairo on November 29, 2011. (Wissam Nassar / Corbis)
Egypt's Islamists appeared to sweep the vote in the mostly poor and rural areas of Egypt that voted on Wednesday and Thursday in the second round of a three stage parliamentary election.
Continue reading Egypt's Christians Back Parties Most Likely to Beat Islamists.
Shepherds gathered their flowing robes to hurry to Him; the Magi braved deserts and mountains to find Him; in the blazing noonday sun a defeated Samaritan woman came to Him; a skeptic exclaimed, "my Lord and my God" when he found Him. And today millions on every continent acknowledge with the Apostle Paul that He is "the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me".
Continue reading Wise People Still Seek Christ.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addresses the Women In Public Service Project at the Department of State December 15, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrapped up a summit of international leaders this week to explore specific steps to combat intolerance, discrimination and violence on the basis of religion or belief.
Continue reading Clinton Hosts Summit On Religious Intolerance.
Christopher Hitchens poses for a portrait at The Hay Festival, May 30, 2010 in Hay-on-Wye, Wales. (David Levenson/Getty Images)
Cancer weakened, but did not soften Christopher Hitchens.
Continue reading Atheist Hitchens Dies at 62 after Battle with Cancer.
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a "We Can't Wait Event" in the Old Executive Office Building December 15, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Pool/Getty Images North America)
Entering 2012, President Barack Obama's re-election prospects are essentially a 50-50 proposition, with a majority saying the president deserves to be voted out of office despite concerns about the Republican alternatives, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll.
Continue reading Majority of Americans Say Obama Deserves to be Voted Out of Office.
South Carolina Governor-elect Nikki Haley speaks to voters at Hudson's Smokehouse on November 3, 2010 in Lexington, South Carolina. (Chris Keane/Getty Images North America)
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is endorsing Mitt Romney for president.
Continue reading South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley Endorses Romney for President.
LifeWay Christian Resources has pulled its "Cancer Awareness Bible" from Wal-Mart and other stores.
Lifeway said the sale of the Bible violated its core values
A coalition of Christian, Muslim and civil rights groups said it's planning a demonstration Saturday outside a suburban Detroit Lowe's store to protest the home improvement chain's decision to pull ads from a reality TV show about U.S. Muslims.
Continue reading Christians, Muslims Unite to Protest Detroit Lowe's Store.
Chinese police and government officials scuffled with Christians and smashed sound equipment for a public Christmas celebration in an eastern village known for unofficial house churches and producing ornaments.
Continue reading Chinese Police Shut Down Christian Christmas Celebration.
A white church secretary is suing her former employer, arguing that she was fired for marrying a black man.
Continue reading Church Secretary Says Interracial Marriage Got Her Fired.
An image of the crash in which Dan Wheldon of England driver of the #77 Bowers & Wilkins Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara Honda was involved during the Las Vegas Indy 300, part of the IZOD IndyCar World Championships presented by Honda on October 16, 2011 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Robert Laberge/Getty Images North America)
Dan Wheldon was killed when his head hit a post in the fencing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - contact that created a "non-survivable injury" to the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.
Continue reading Report: Wheldon Killed When Head Hit Post.
Britain will have up to 13,500 troops deployed on land, at sea and in the skies to help protect next summer's Olympics - twice as many as had been expected.
Continue reading Britain to Have 13,500 Troops on Duty for 2012 Olympics.
Sam Hurd #81 of the Chicago Bears catches a pass over Roman Harper #41 of the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome on September 18, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd was in federal custody Thursday, charged with trying to set up a drug-dealing network after authorities arrested him with a kilogram of cocaine during a sting.
Continue reading Chicago Bears' Hurd Busted on Drug-Dealing Charges.
Chris Paul watches a game between the Duke Blue Devils and Michigan State Spartans during the 2011 State Farm Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2011 in New York City. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America)
Chris Paul will supply the Los Angeles Clippers with so much more than alley-oop passes to Blake Griffin when he arrives in Hollywood on Thursday night.
Continue reading Chris Paul Goes to Clippers for 3 Players, Pick.
Brogan Rafferty, has been charged with attempted murder, complicity to attempted murder, aggravated murder, and complicity to aggravated murder. (Scott Newell/WEWS)
A 16-year-old charged with the killing of one man and attempted murder of another who responded to a Craigslist ad touting a job on an Ohio farm will be tried as an adult, a judge ruled on Thursday.
Continue reading 16-Year-Old Involved with "Craigslist" Killings to be Tried as an Adult.
Vikki Hill protests in front of an atheist group's display in a spot formerly occupied by nativity scenes in Santa Monica's Palisades Park. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Organizers of Santa Monica's well-known Christmas nativity scene at Palisades Park are accusing atheists of "hijacking" the tradition.
Tim Tebow has quickly become a superstar in the world of football. But who are the stars that he likes to watch?
Continue reading Tim Tebow Reveals Some of His Favorite Entertainers.
Galatians 4:4 reads, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son".How old is the story of Christmas? While it's true that the events of Christmas--the birth of Jesus Christ--took place 2,000 years ago, the story of Christmas was being written for hundreds and even thousands of years before that blessed day.
Continue reading Have You Become a Part of the Christmas Story?.
In a presidential election year, we felt there was no better place for Q to host 700 cultural leaders than our nation's capital.
Continue reading Q 2012 to be Held in Washington, D.C..
How would you feel about taking a razor blade to a Bible?
In the last few years, Lonny Sundvall has developed a peculiar morning ritual.
The killing of Osama bin Laden was voted the top story of the year by the Religion Newswriters Association, beating out Rep. Peter King's hearing on the radicalization of U.S. Muslims and Catholic Bishop Robert Finn's failure to report the suspected abuse of a child.
Continue reading Top Religion News of 2011: The Killing of Osama bin Laden.
Don't let the strains of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" over the store's audio system fool you. Barnes & Noble is "against" Christmas.
Continue reading Conservatives Rate 'Naughty And Nice' Christmas Retailers.
Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, right, and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis address reporters at the National Press Club.
A group of African-American church leaders announced Wednesday their intention to join ranks with the Occupy movement in the nation's capital, bolstering what some consider a mutual message of condemning income inequality and social injustice.
Continue reading Church Leaders Joining Washington, DC Occupy Movement.
Ann Romney (L) wife of Republican Presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and their son Josh Romney look on during a town hall meeting at Diamond V South Plant on December 9, 2011 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America)
Mitt Romney is starting to open up.
Continue reading Mitt Romney Talking More Openly About His Mormon Faith.
The latest St Matthews billboard shows Mary with a positive pregnancy test.
St Matthews-in-the-City Church has again rolled out a provocative billboard in time for Christmas - their latest showing Mary with a positive pregnancy test.
Continue reading Virgin Mary's Positive Pregnancy Test Billboard Sparks Controversy.
Continue reading Newsboys Announce "God's Not Dead" Tour.
Local resident Herbert Borum picks a piece of a pie during the annual Safeway Feast of Sharing November 23, 2011 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Squeezed by rising living costs, a record number of Americans, almost 1 in 2, have fallen into poverty or are scraping by on earnings that classify them as low income.
Continue reading Record Number of Americans Now Classified as Poor or Low-Income.
Girl Scouts USA's recent revelation that its local chapters sometimes induct boys who try to live as girls, considered transgendered, is already having repercussions in Louisiana, where three troops at a Christian school have disbanded in disappointment.
Continue reading Girl Scouts' Admitting of Boy Draws Backlash.
Panetta said the United States' relationship with Iraq would only grow stronger in the days ahead. (AP Photo)
The U.S. war in Iraq -- a conflict that killed more than 4,500 American troops, cost $800 billion and divided the nation -- officially ended with a ceremony held under tight security.
Continue reading Leon Panetta Officially Brings U.S. War in Iraq to an End.
An execution room is shown Nov. 18 at the Oregon State Penitentiary, in Salem, Ore. (Rick Bowmer/AP)
The number of state executions continued to decline in 2011, according to an annual report issued Thursday, and for the first time in 35 years, the number of new death sentences meted out fell to below 100.
Continue reading Death Sentences Hit 35-Year Low.
President Barack Obama greets troops at Fort Bragg, N.C., on Wednesday, where he spoke a day before the formal end to the war in Iraq. (Reuters)
President Barack Obama welcomed home some of the last U.S. troops from Iraq on Wednesday, marking a symbolic end to the nearly nine-year war that strained America's armed forces and damaged its standing worldwide.
Continue reading President Obama Welcomes Home U. S. Troops from Iraq.
When it comes to saying "I do," more and more Americans seem to really mean, "Not so much," according to a new analysis of the increasingly troubled institution of marriage.
Continue reading Marriage Rates Hit Record Low.
LAPD officers run with guns drawn to the suspected gunman after the shooting rampage Friday on Vine Street in Hollywood. (Gregory Bojorquez)
Music producer John Atterberry, who was fatally shot by a gunman on a Hollywood street Friday, was working on a Christian-themed movie about spiritual awakening.
Eve Carson, student body president at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was found dead on March 5, 2008, lying on a street not far from the university's campus. She was shot five times with a 12-gauge shotgun. (CBS/WRAL)
UNC-Chapel Hill student body president Eve Carson pleaded for her life and asked her assailants to pray with her in the moments leading up to her shooting death three years ago, according to witness testimony at Laurence Alvin Lovette Jr.'s murder trial.
Egyptian men line up to vote in Giza during the second round of parliamentary elections. (Mohammed Hossam, AFP/Getty Images / December 14, 2011)
Egyptians turned out in large numbers Wednesday for a second round of parliamentary elections, with Islamists looking to boost their already overwhelming lead and liberal voters concerned the outcome will push the country in a more religious direction.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (left) and Parliamentary Speaker Boris Gryzlov enter the Duma in 2010 (AFP, Natalia Kolesnikova)
A leading ally of Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he was quitting his post as Russian parliament speaker, after polls that saw the ruling party lose support and face protests against vote-rigging.
Host Ellen DeGeneres, right, welcomes Paris Jackson, daughter of the late pop star Michael Jackson during a taping of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Dec. 13, 2011. (AP/Warner Bros.)
Paris Jackson, daughter of the late pop-superstar Michael Jackson, shared with Ellen DeGeneres the best advice her father gave her in a rare televised interview for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
Continue reading Paris Jackson Remembers Dad, Talks Future Plans on 'Ellen'.
Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a turnover to the Atlanta Hawks during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)
The Orlando Magic abruptly pulled Dwight Howard off the trade market Wednesday in the midst of discussions with other teams, according to sources close to the process.
Continue reading Sources: Magic Not Trading Dwight Howard.
Head coach Todd Graham of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers signals to his players during the 2011 Backyard Brawl against the West Virginia Mountaineers on November 25, 2011 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)
Running down a checklist of qualities for a new football coach, Arizona State athletic director Lisa Love said she wanted someone who was energetic, liked to play up-tempo on offense and preferably had previous head-coaching experience.
New Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan concludes a news conference at the NFL owners meeting in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Illinois businessman Shahid Khan has been approved as the new owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, it was announced Wednesday.
Continue reading Shahid Khan Officially New Owner of Jacksonville Jaguars.
Cigarette and alcohol use by US teenagers are at their lowest point since the mid-1970s (AFP/Getty Images/File, Justin Sullivan)
Cigarette and alcohol use by US teenagers are at their lowest point since the mid-1970s, but marijuana use remains steady, according to the findings of a national survey released Wednesday.
Continue reading Teen Smoking, Alcohol Use Down; Use of Marijuana Up.
Working Part Time May Be Better for Mothers' Health Than Staying Home When Children Are Young
Continue reading Are Working Moms Healthier and Happier Than Stay-at-Home Moms? .
Jeff Bezos, chief executive officer of Amazon.com Inc., introduces the new Kindle Fire tablet computer at a news conference in New York. (Emile Wamsteker/Bloomberg)
Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive officer of Amazon.com Inc., and his wife donated $15 million to Princeton University to fund neuroscience research.
Continue reading Jeff Bezos Donates $15 Million to Princeton for Brain Research.
Boris Chertok (AFP/File, Natalia Kolesnikova)
One of the last surviving architects of the Soviet space program that put Yuri Gagarin into orbit half a century ago died on Wednesday, officials said. He was 99.
Continue reading Soviet Space Program Architect, Boris Chertok, Dies at 99.
There is a special blessing in the Christmas message which is frequently missed by many. The birth of Jesus is not simply an interesting fact of history wholly unrelated to your present life, but rather it has a direct bearing upon it.
Continue reading The Christmas Blessing.
It's a startling number: 1 in 4 women surveyed by the government say they were violently attacked by their husbands or boyfriends.
Continue reading 1 in 4 Women Surveyed by Government Have Experienced Severe Violence .
Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns lays on the ground while speaking to athletic trainers after a helmet to helmet hit from James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 8, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)
Browns president Mike Holmgren said quarterback Colt McCoy was not checked for a concussion on the sideline following a hit by Pittsburgh's James Harrison because he didn't exhibit signs of having a head injury.
Continue reading Colt McCoy Wasn't Checked for Concussion .
Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts sits on the bench during the second of the Colts game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 11, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
Peyton Manning has started throwing the football again.
Continue reading Manning Is Throwing Football Again, Colts Coach Says.
Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips of the Houston Texans goes over plays with linebacker Matt Marcorelle #63 during practice on the first day of training camp at Reliant Park on August 1, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Bob Levey/Getty Images North America)
Wade Phillips, the veteran coach who has turned the Houston defense into the NFL's best, will have surgery this week to resolve a kidney condition and will be away from the team for a week to 10 days.
Continue reading Texans D Guru Phillips Taking Medical Leave.
Tech giant Google announced Wednesday it is donating $11.5 million to several coalitions fighting to end the modern-day slavery of some 27 million people around the world.
Continue reading Google Donating $11.5 Million to Bring Modern Day Slavery to an End.
Ren Bishop is one of many American drivers who texts, tweets and talks on her cellphone while she's behind the wheel - and thinks it should be up to drivers to use their discretion when it comes to safety.
Women mourn as they sit at a bus stop where a grenade-lobbing gunman killed three people and injured 123, in the city center of Liege, Belgium, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)
A card at a memorial to the victims asked the question haunting all of Belgium: "Why?"
Continue reading Belgian City in Mourning after Deadly Rampage Leaves 3 Dead.
James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns during the game on December 8, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has carved out a niche as one of the NFL's most feared defenders over the last five years by straddling the line between clean and dirty play.
Continue reading Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker Harrison Suspended 1 Game for McCoy Hit.
Luke Donald of England tees off at the par 4, 1st hole during the final round of the Dubai World Championship on the Earth Course at the Jumeirah Golf Estates on December 11, 2011 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)
Already No. 1 in the world, Luke Donald now is No. 1 in the eyes of PGA Tour players.
Continue reading Luke Donald Wins PGA Tour Player of the Year Award.
It's exactly one year to the day until The Hobbit arrives in UK cinemas, and to commemorate this milestone, Warner have released the film's first official synopsis.
"The Protester" has been named Time's "Person of the Year" for 2011.
Continue reading Time's 2011 Person of the Year Revealed: The Protester.
A federal watchdog panel that monitors religious freedom around the world is preparing to shut down next Friday (Dec. 16) unless Congress passes a last-minute measure to save it.
Continue reading Religious Freedom Watchdog USCIRF Begins Winding Down Operations.
A passerby looks at a display of an Atheist message along Ocean Avenue at Palisades Park in Santa Monica, Calif. on Tuesday. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / AP)
In Santa Monica's Palisades Park this Christmas season, the baby Jesus had to make space for others at the inn -- nonbelievers.
Continue reading Atheists Step Up Attacks Against Christmas.
Even by the depressed metrics of Southern California's real estate market, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange negotiated a pretty sweet deal when it purchased the iconic Crystal Cathedral, the longtime pulpit of the Rev. Robert H. Schuller and backdrop to his popular "Hour of Power" television broadcasts.
Continue reading Catholics Purchase of Crystal Cathedral a Great Deal or Big Gamble?.
Harry Pangemanan, 41, has been told to report to immigration officials, with plane tickets in hand, three days before Christmas. He's hoping for a reprieve. (Marcus Santos/Marcus Santos For The News)
Many fear religious persecution in their homeland if ICE deports them
Continue reading Indonesian Christian Immigrants at Risk of Being Deported.
A federal judge is dismissing a lawsuit challenging Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's proclamations declaring a state "day of prayer."
Continue reading Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Arizona Day of Prayer.
The Fourth District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana has upheld the decision of a lower court ruling in favor of Red Hill Lutheran Church of Tustin, pictured, to fire its preschool director, Sara Henry, for continuing to live while unmarried with her boyfriend with whom she had a child. (KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER)
Sara Henry contested her firing by a Tustin church after the institution let her go for living with her boyfriend and raising their child without being married.
Continue reading Appeals Court Backs Church's Right to Fire Teacher Living with Boyfriend .
Can believers find a way to disagree without hating each other?
Continue reading Can Christians Agree to Disagree?.
Two Christian schools will take over former public school sites in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District following approval Tuesday night by district board members of lease agreements with the organizations.
Continue reading Christian Schools to Take Over Former Public School Sites in California.
Rescuers evacuated injured people at Saint Lambert Square in Liège after a grenade attack on Tuesday. (Reuters)
A man armed with grenades and an assault rifle attacked holiday shoppers Tuesday at a central square in the Belgian city of Liege. Five people died, including the attacker, and 122 others were wounded, officials said.
Continue reading Liege, Belgian Attack: 5 Dead, 122 Others Wounded .
In this Thursday, March 22, 2007 file photo two engineers works to assemble one of the layers of the world's largest superconducting solenoid magnet (CMS, Compact Muon Solenoid) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)'s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particule accelerator, in Geneva, Switzerland. (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Martial Trezzini, File)
Physicists are closing in on an elusive subatomic particle that, if found, would confirm a long-held understanding about why matter has mass and how the universe's fundamental building blocks behave.
Continue reading Physicists Closing In on Finding Elusive 'God Particle'.
Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky (C) and his attorney Joe Amendola (R) talk with the media following a hearing at the Centre County Courthouse on December 13, 2011 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky stunned a packed courtroom and backed out of a preliminary hearing at the last minute Tuesday, avoiding a face-to-face confrontation with accusers who his lawyer said were just trying to cash in by making up stories of child sex abuse.
Continue reading Jerry Sandusky Backs Out of Preliminary Hearing, Vows to Fight.
Heisman Trophy finalist Andrew Luck of the Stanford University Cardinal speaks during a press conference at The New York Marriott Marquis on December 10, 2011 in New York City. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)
The drama was gone by the first drive of the game, not that anyone expected the Indianapolis Colts to be competitive Sunday in Baltimore. Another loss, another miserable performance, and the countdown to imperfection still ticks away.
Continue reading After Miserable Season Can Stanford QB Bring Luck to Colts?.
The Palestinian flag flutters after a flag raising ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris December 13, 2011. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)
Palestinians raised their flag at the headquarters of the U.N. cultural agency in Paris on Tuesday as the agency's 195th member, a historic move and symbolic boost for their push for an independent state.
Continue reading Palestinians Raise Flag at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) (C) speaks as Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) (L), and House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) listen during a media availability after a Republican Conference meeting December 13, 2011 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
The White House promised a veto Tuesday for a Republican bill renewing a payroll tax cut next year for 160 million workers, complaining that spending cuts that pay for the measure would whack the middle class and require no sacrifice from the rich.
Continue reading White House Promises to Veto Republicans' Payroll Tax Cut Bill.
A military police officer walks near Army vehicles, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, near where two U.S. Army helicopters crashed Monday night at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Remains of four aviators killed after two helicopters crashed during training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord were removed from the scene Tuesday as members of their unit took time to grieve the loss.
Continue reading Washington Base Mourns Soldiers after Helicopters Crash.
Facebook is making it easier for people who express suicidal thoughts on the social networking site to get help.
Continue reading In Effort to Improve Safety, Facebook Aims to Help Prevent Suicides.
Protesters shout as they demonstrate inside the building where the UN climate change conference was taking place in Durban, South Africa, Friday. (Schalk van Zuydam/Associated Press)
Canada pulled out of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change Monday, saying the accord won't help solve the climate crisis. It dealt a blow to the anti-global warming treaty, which has not been formally renounced by any other country.
Continue reading Canada Pulls Out of Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change.
Former Penn State associate head football coach Jerry Sandusky is escorted to a police car, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Bellefonte, Pa., after being arrested on new child sex abuse charges brought by two new accusers, including one who claims Sandusky molested him numerous times in a basement bedroom, according to authorities. (AP Photo/Centre Daily Times (Knight Ridder), Christopher Weddle)
As former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky faces his accusers on Tuesday for the first time since he was indicted on child sex abuse charges, his pastor of 20 years says he will be there at the courthouse.
Undocumented Guatemalan immigrants are searched before boarding a deportation flight to Guatemala City, Guatemala at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport on June 24, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. (John Moore/Getty Images)
An emotional pastoral letter to immigrants from the U.S. Hispanic and Latino Catholic bishops offers love, encouragement, welcome, sympathy and assurance that "you are not alone or forgotten."
Continue reading Hispanic Catholic Bishops Offer Encouragement, Support to Immigrants.
The conservative group that got Lowe's to pull its ads from a reality TV show about American Muslims has been fighting for more than two decades against gay rights, strip clubs and most anything else that offends evangelical Christians.
A Nativity display in Santa Monica (KTLA-TV)
For nearly 60 years at Christmastime, Christian congregations from Santa Monica have come together to organize a life-sized Nativity scene, using 14 display areas in a city park to illustrate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Continue reading Atheists Get Santa Monica Nativity's Display Spaces in Park.
The sequel to "G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra" is set for release on June 29, 2012.
Continue reading First Trailer for 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Released.
Wide receiver Doug Baldwin #15 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against Darian Stewart #20 of the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field on December 12, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images North America)
Doug Baldwin picked a national stage to remind the rest of the NFL what they passed up in last April's draft.
Continue reading 30-13: Seahawks Cruise Past Rams on MNF.
Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots passes against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on December 11, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images North America)
Tom Brady and Tim Tebow are set to meet Sunday afternoon when the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots.
Continue reading Tom Brady Prepares to Face Tebow's Broncos, Praises QB.
Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos is interviewed prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Invesco Field at Mile High on December 11, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)
Tim Tebow's pastor, Wayne Hanson, says he knows why the Denver Broncos are 7-1 since installing Tebow as quarterback - it's the player's faith.
Continue reading Tim Tebow's Pastor Says Denver Broncos are 7-1 Because of God's Favor.
Manager Tony La Russa, left, celebrates with Albert and Deidre Pujols after winning the World Series. (Getty Images)
Albert Pujols' wife Diedre, in an interview with a radio station with ties to the former St. Louis Cardinals slugger, said the couple was prepared to take less money to stay in St. Louis, but were greatly disappointed when the team initially offered him a five-year deal.
Continue reading Albert Pujols' Wife Diedre Says Angels Decision Wasn't About the Money.
Evangelicals in Iowa are at odds over which candidate to endorse in the upcoming Republican caucus. Gary Peitzman, at church in Des Moines, Iowa, said he is supporting Michele Bachmann for now. (Eric Thayer for The New York Times)
Bob Vander Plaats, president of the Family Leader, a conservative advocacy group popular with evangelical Christians here, has been saying supportive things recently about Newt Gingrich, suggesting that social conservatives are open to looking past his extramarital affairs and two divorces as they make a choice in the Republican presidential race.
Continue reading Iowa Evangelicals Remain Undecided Over GOP Candidates.
Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich (R) and his wife Callista Gingrich (C) sign autographs after a town hall meeting on December 3, 2011 in the Staten Island borough of New York City. (Michael Nagle/Getty Images North America)
When the Iowa social conservative group The Family Leader unveiled a sweeping pledge on marriage and abortion over the summer, Newt Gingrich was one of the candidates who passed on signing it.
Continue reading Newt Gingrich Pledges to Remain Faithful to Wife Callista.
Egyptian Copts carry the coffins of victims of deadly clashes, during a funeral at Abassaiya on the road to Cathedral in Cairo on Oct. 11, a day after 24 people, mostly Christians, died in clashes with Egyptian security forces. (Owaise Mahmoud / AFP - Getty Images)
Christian Solidarity International (CSI) issued a Genocide Warning last week for endangered religious minorities in the Islamic Middle East.
Continue reading Genocide Warning Issued for Middle East Christians.
As members of The Gathering began to hear of the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments after Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols had signed a $254 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, they decided to act.
Meryl Streep may be one of the finest actresses around, yet she says she believed her career was over 20 years ago.
Continue reading Meryl Streep Becomes Vogue's Oldest Cover Girl Ever at 62 Years Old.
The approval of a specialty Texas vehicle license plate which says "One State Under God" and shows three crosses has again put Texas Governor Rick Perry on the spot in the Republican presidential race.
Continue reading "One State Under God" Texas License Plate Approved.
Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos prays on the field prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 11, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images North America)
Even the world's dictionaries could soon be forced to take note of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.
Continue reading 'Tebowing' Officially Enters English Language.
Jubilee Duggar's Wednesday memorial service will be for friends and Duggar family members.
After suffering the miscarriage of their 20th child, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar will hold a memorial service on Wednesday, December 14, for the baby girl they have named Jubilee Shalom Duggar.
Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney talks to Bob Garon during a campaign stop at the Chez Vachon Restaurant , Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 in Manchester, N.H. (Jim Cole / AP)
When Mitt Romney sat down next to a patron wearing a Vietnam veteran's cap, Romney wanted to ask him about his military service.
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (2L) participate in a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery December 12, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia. (Pool/Getty Images North America)
President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki have placed a wreath by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of the thousands of casualties from the Iraq war.
Defense Undersecretary for Policy Michele Flournoy testifies before the House Armed Services Committee about missile defense October 1, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)
Michele Flournoy, the most senior female Pentagon official in history, told The Associated Press on Monday she is stepping down as the chief policy adviser to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center on December 1, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
The tests indicate Sidney Crosby doesn't have a concussion. Crosby's body isn't quite so sure.
Continue reading Sidney Crosby Out Indefinitely Again as Concussion-Like Symptoms Return.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley stands on the sidelines during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)
The Kansas City Chiefs fired coach Todd Haley on Monday with the team he led to the AFC West title less than a year ago stuck at the bottom of the division following a series of devastating injuries and discouraging blowouts.
Continue reading Kansas City Chiefs Fire Coach Todd Haley.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid shakes hands with Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Soprano after a game at Sun Life Stadium on December 11, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
The Miami Dolphins fired coach Tony Sparano on Monday, owner Stephen Ross announced.
Continue reading Miami Dolphins, with 4-9 Mark, Fire Coach Tony Soprano.
Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs's biography was Amazon's best-selling book this year (AFP/Getty Images/File, JOE RAEDLE)
A biography of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was Amazon's best-selling book this year despite hitting store shelves and electronic readers only in late October, Amazon said Monday.
Continue reading Amazon's Best-selling Book of 2011 was Steve Jobs' Biography.
Predictions for the Kindle Fire have ranged from it being the iPad killer to its less expensive equal, but one thing the New York Times' David Streitfeld writes almost everyone can agree on -- it has some kinks to work out.
Continue reading Amazon Gets Kindle Fire Complaints, Software Update Planned.
Developer stays firm on 'Twin Towers' despite fierce objection from the US and 9/11 victims.
A South Korean developer says it will not alter the design of a twin-tower project despite complaints in the United States that it mimics the explosions at New York's World Trade Centre in 2001.
Continue reading South Korean Developer Won't Change 'Twin Towers' Design.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) plans to continue its research of the structure the universe, using the facility's Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Swiss and French authorities added 17 miles of lights to the ring of the LHC, lighting up the night sky. (AP Photo/Keystone, Martial Trezzini)
The world of physics is abuzz with speculation over an announcement expected Tuesday, Dec. 13, from the CERN laboratory in Geneva -- home of the world's largest particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
Continue reading Will the Finding of the 'God Particle' be Announced Tomorrow?.
In this undated image provided by Fauna & Flora International, a monkey with "Elvis" hairdo is seen. (AP Photo/Fauna & Flora International, Martin Aveling)
A psychedelic gecko and a monkey with an "Elvis" hairdo are among 208 new species described last year by scientists in the Mekong River region of Southeast Asia, a conservation group announced Monday.
Continue reading 208 New Species Found in Southeast Asia .
Russian tycoon and Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov on Monday announced his intention to run against Vladimir Putin in next year's presidential election. (AFP/Getty Images)
After a week of surprising challenges to his authority, Vladimir Putin faces a new one from one of Russia's richest and most glamorous figures: The billionaire owner of the New Jersey Nets says he will run against him in March's presidential election.
Supporters of President Joseph Kabila celebrate his re-election in Goma on Saturday (AFP/File, Simon Maina)
The chorus of voices calling into question the results from Congo's recent election is growing louder, and on Monday the country's influential clergy as well as the United Nations joined those that are now casting doubt on the victory of President Joseph Kabila.
Continue reading Church Head Criticizes Results of Congo's Election.
In this Sept. 28, 2010 photo, a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent drives along the international border fence near Nogales, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
The Supreme Court stepped into the fight Monday over a tough Arizona law that requires local police to help enforce federal immigration laws - pushing the court deeper into hot, partisan issues of the 2012 election campaign.
Continue reading Supreme Court to Review Arizona Immigration Law.
CNN's Anderson Cooper joins honorees Patrice Millet, Bruno Serato, Diane Latiker, Sal Dimiceli, 2011 CNN Hero of the Year Robin Lim, Amy Stokes, Eddie Canales, Richard St. Denis, Taryn Davis and Derreck Kayongo.
Robin Lim, an American woman who has helped thousands of poor Indonesian women have a healthy pregnancy and birth, was named the 2011 CNN Hero of the Year on Sunday night.
Continue reading Robin Lim Named 2011 CNN Hero of the Year.
Lowe's Home Improvement has found itself facing a backlash after the retail giant pulled ads from a reality show about American Muslims.
Continue reading Lowe's Attacked for Pulling Ads from TLC's 'All-American Muslim'.
Ritalin and other drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder are safe for adults' hearts, even though they can increase blood pressure and heart rate, according to the largest study of these medicines in adults.
Continue reading ADHD Drugs Safe for Adults' Hearts, Research Finds.
Sony Pictures is using it vast array of platforms on Monday to release the first teaser trailer for its upcoming blockbuster "Men in Black 3," due out May 25, 2012.
Continue reading First 'Men in Black 3' Trailer Released.
Singer Demi Lovato performs onstage during Z100's Jingle Ball 2011, presented by Aeropostale at Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2011 in New York City. (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images North America)
Hey Justin Bieber - Selena Gomez already has plans for New Year's Eve.
Continue reading Teen Stars Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez to Ring In New Year for MTV.
'Twas 1 p.m. on Sunday, and all through the National Building Museum, hundreds of creatures are stirring -- just not Justin Bieber, who's off dreaming about sugarplums.
In this Oct., 11, 2011, file photo first lady Michelle Obama hosts local children on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington as they attempt to break the Guinness World Records title for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
Michelle Obama now holds part of a world record.
Apple said Monday that downloads for its Mac App Store have topped 100 million, just shy of its first birthday.
Continue reading Apple's Mac App Store Tops 100 Million Downloads.
Posters outside a GameStop Corp. store advertise the highly anticipated video game, "Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" November 6, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)
Activision Blizzard, the biggest U.S. video game publisher by market capitalization, said its game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 crossed $1 billion in sales since its launch on November 8.
Continue reading 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3' Crossed $1 Billion in Sales .
Barnes & Noble said Monday that people who have Nook Color tablets can get a free update with video streaming from Netflix right now by visiting this page.
Continue reading Updated Nook Color Includes Video Streaming from Netflix.
The fresh one-sheet of the superhero movie shows the supervillain standing alone in the rain, while Batman's mask is left crushed on the ground.
Continue reading Supervillain Bane Featured on New 'Dark Knight Rises' Poster.
Bishop T.D. Jakes often preaches at his Potter's House church in Dallas, Texas, from an iPad rather than from handwritten notes.
Continue reading More Churches Using Technology to Reach the Masses.
Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 11, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)
Eli Manning and the New York Giants finally have something to show for all their hard work - first place in the NFC East.
Continue reading 37-34: Eli Manning Leads Giants in Comeback to Stun Cowboys.
Head coach Jim Caldwell of the Indianapolis Colts (L) looks at Peyton Manning #18 (R) on the sidelines during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 11, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
Ever the optimist, Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell remains confident there's still a victory - or more - to be had in the weeks ahead.
Continue reading 24-10: Suggs, Ravens' D Overwhelm Winless Colts.
Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles calls a play during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 11, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
Early in the game, Michael Vick's helmet went rolling into his end zone, an apt symbol for the direction of the Philadelphia Eagles' season.
Continue reading 26-10: Michael Vick Returns, Eagles Beat Dolphins.
Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos is congratulated by quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears after the Broncos defeated the Bears 13-10 in overtime at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 11, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)
Tim Tebow did it again. Matt Prater's 51-yard field goal 6 1/2 minutes into overtime gave the Broncos a 13-10 win over the stunned Chicago Bears on Sunday. Prater's 59-yarder with 3 seconds left in regulation tied the score after Tebow led another rally.
Continue reading 13-10: Tebow Stuns Again, Broncos Beat Bears in OT After Long FGs.
T. J. Yates #13 of the Houston Texans celebrates after the Texans 20-19 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 11, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
A rookie quarterback led the biggest drive in Houston Texans history, one that took them to the end zone and their first playoff berth.
Continue reading 20-19: Texans Clinch First Playoff Berth, Division Title.
Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers participates in warm-ups before a game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field on December 11, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)
Winning every week is one thing. On Sunday, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers made a legitimate playoff contender look like a team that was ready to pack its bags.
Continue reading 46-16: Rodgers, Packers Embarrass Raiders to Hit 13-0.
Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks for an open man during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)
Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets got going in a hurry - for a change - and never stopped.
Continue reading 37-10: Sanchez's Four TDs Power Jets in Rout of Chiefs .
Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles the ball late in the fourth quarter and the ball is recovered by Cliff Avril #92 of the Detroit Lions during the game at Ford Field on December 11, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Leon Halip/Getty Images North America)
Joe Webb faked a pass before moving slightly to his left, trying to cap an improbable comeback with yet another scramble.
Continue reading 34-28: Detroit Lions Stop Vikings Rally.
Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 11, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America)
Rob Gronkowski got his record, and the New England Patriots' bend-but-don't-break defense almost broke.
Continue reading 34-27: Patriots Escape with Win Over Redskins.
Cincinnati forward Yancy Gates, right, punches Xavier guard Landen Amos during a fight in the closing moments their game on Saturday. Xavier defeated crosstown-rival Cincinnati, 76-53. (Al Behrman / Associated Press / December 10, 2011)
Cincinnati forward Yancy Gates got a six-game suspension on Sunday for throwing punches during a brawl with No. 8 Xavier in the closing minute of their annual crosstown rivalry game.
Continue reading Cincinnati, Xavier Both Suspend 4 Players After Brawl.
Heisman Memorial Trophy Award winner Robert Griffin III of the Baylor Bears speaks at a press conference at The New York Marriott Marquis on December 10, 2011 in New York City. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)
Robert Griffin III's four years at Baylor have included a serious knee injury, 46 school records, the best season the Bears have had in decades, and now a Heisman Trophy.
Continue reading Heisman Trophy Winner Robert Griffin III to Jump to NFL?.
Penn State University head football coach Joe Paterno arrives at his house on November 9, 2011 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
Joe Paterno fractured his pelvis again following a fall at his home but will not need surgery, a person close to the family told The Associated Press on Sunday.
Continue reading Paterno Re-fractures Pelvis in Fall, Report Says.
Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks during a news conference at the Lakers training facility on May 11, 2011 in El Segundo, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America)
After all he had done in his seven years for the Los Angeles Lakers, forward Lamar Odom was so hurt by being included in a three-team trade for Chris Paul that was vetoed by the league, that he requested a trade Friday, according to a Lakers team source.
Continue reading Lakers Team Source Says Lamar Odom Requested Trade.
In this Jan. 2, 2008, file photo, heating oil is delivered to a home in Barre, Vt. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File)
Mary Power is 92 and worried about surviving another frigid New England winter because deep cuts in federal home heating assistance benefits mean she probably can't afford enough heating oil to stay warm.
Brogan Rafferty, has been charged with attempted murder, complicity to attempted murder, aggravated murder, and complicity to aggravated murder. (Scott Newell/WEWS)
An Ohio 16-year-old charged with murder in a deadly Craigslist robbery scheme says in a letter to his father that he believes God will keep him from a long incarceration.
North Korea accuses the South of displaying Christmas lights to spread Christianity to its people and soldiers (Reuters)
North Korea has warned South Korea of "unexpected consequences" if it lights up a Christmas tree-shaped tower near their tense border.
Continue reading North Korea Warns South Over Putting Up Christmas Lights.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg answers questions at the UpRising project in Birmingham on September 17, 2011 in Birmingham, England. (WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe)
Deep cracks are emerging in Britain's coalition government, with one of its top officials lashing out at Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday for deciding to block European Union treaty changes designed to save the euro.
Continue reading European Financial Crisis Divides Britain's Coalition Government.
A general view of Jos (AFP/File, Tony Karumba)
Three bomb attacks blamed on a feared radical sect killed one person and wounded 11 others in a volatile central Nigerian city, an official said Sunday.
Continue reading Three Bombs Explode in Nigeria, 11 Wounded.
Opposition activists protest at the Bolotnaya Square in central Moscow, on December 10, 2011. (Yuri Kadobnov / AFP - Getty Images)
President Dmitry Medvedev ordered an investigation on Sunday into allegations of fraud in Russia's parliamentary election, one day after tens of thousands of protesters demanded it be annulled and rerun.
Continue reading Medvedev Gets Insults from Protesters on Facebook.
Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michele arrive for the world premiere of "New Year's Eve" in Hollywood, CA, December 5, 2011. (Getty Images)
Hollywood's holidays are off to a dreadful start: Fewer people went to the movies the last two weekends than during the box-office hush that followed the Sept. 11 attacks 10 years ago.
U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama (L) and daughters Malia Obama (R) and Sasha Obama (2L) walk from the White House across Lafayette Park to St. John's Church for Sunday services December 11, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Pool/Getty Images North America)
President Barack Obama and his family attended a worship service Sunday morning at an Episcopal church just across the street from the White House where presidents frequently have visited.
Continue reading President Obama, Family Attend Church at St. John's.
(L-R) Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) stand at their podiums during the GOP debate on the campus of Drake University on December 10, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Pool/Getty Images North America)
Attacked as a lifelong Washington insider, newly minted Republican front-runner Newt Gingrich parried criticism from Mitt Romney in campaign debate Saturday night, telling the former Massachusetts governor, "The only reason you didn't become a career politician is because you lost to Teddy Kennedy in 1994."
Continue reading Newt Gingrich Emerges Unbloodied from GOP Iowa Debate.
Jon and Nina Clark of Germantown with children, from left, Andy, Emma, Elizabeth, Abby, Matthew and Jacob. After Emma was born with Down syndrome, the family adopted two girls with the condition. (The Washington Post)
Everything was in place: the four balloons, the "Welcome home, Elizabeth" banner, a ready supply of tissues, a gaggle of family and friends.
Continue reading Adopting Kids with Special-Needs.
It's perhaps one of the most told stories in the Bible. Cartoon sketches of Noah's ark fill children's books, and Hollywood even produced a modern-day adaptation in 'Evan Almighty'. Now, a group of scientists say they've found parts of the biblical ark.
Continue reading Group of Scientists Say They've Found Parts of Noah's Ark.
Christians in the United Kingdom took to the streets this week to boldly proclaim they're not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The headquarters of the Southern Baptist Convention is shown on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP photo)
Results come as denomination considers changing its name
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner (L) announce new sanctions against Iran at the State Department on November 21, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)
After nearly 200,000 Americans petitioned the U.S. government to intervene on behalf of an Iranian pastor facing death for his faith, State Secretary Hillary Clinton has finally called for his release.
Continue reading Hillary Clinton Calls for Release of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.
People stand on a sidewalk outside a building in Mexico City on Saturday after a powerful magnitude-6.5 earthquake shook Mexico, killing at least two people, knocking out lights in parts of the capital city, and sending people rushing into the streets. (Reuters)
A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck in Mexico's western Guerrero state Saturday night, shaking buildings and causing panic in the nation's capital and the Pacific resort of Acapulco.
Continue reading 6.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes in Mexico, 3 Confirmed Dead.
The Walter Reed military hospital says it has rescinded a ban on Bibles or other religious materials being used or given away during visits to wounded troops.
Continue reading Bibles Now Allowed at Walter Reed Military Hospital.
Chris Columbus, the director of the first two Harry Potter films, is to produce an adaptation of Anne Rice's novel about the childhood of Jesus Christ.
Continue reading 'Harry Potter' Director Looks to Produce Film about Jesus' Childhood.
The organizers are planning to stage protests the next two weekends. (James Hill for The New York Times)
Regular viewers of government-controlled television were treated to a curious sight when they tuned in to the evening news on Saturday.
U.N. climate official Christiana Figueres, right, talks with delegates at the climate change summit as it nears it's end in the city of Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
A U.N. climate conference reached a hard-fought agreement Sunday on a far-reaching program meant to set a new course for the global fight against climate change.
Continue reading U.N. Climate Conference Reaches Agreement on Landmark Deal.
Zachary Levi is seen onstage at Spike TV's Video Game Awards on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, in Culver City, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
"The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" flew away with the game of the year trophy at the Spike Video Game Awards.
In this handout provided by the Heisman Trophy Trust. Robert Griffin III of the Baylor Bears poses with the trophy after being named the 77th Heisman Memorial Trophy Award winner at the Best Buy Theater on December 10, 2011 in New York City. (Kelly Kline/Heisman Trophy Trust via Getty Images)
Robert Griffin III beat out preseason favorite Andrew Luck for the Heisman Trophy, dazzling voters with his ability to throw, run and lead Big 12 doormat Baylor into the national rankings.
Continue reading QB Griffin Wins 77th Heisman Trophy for Baylor.
Republican presidential candidates former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (L) and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) participate in a debate at Constitution Hall November 22, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)
Newt Gingrich has leapfrogged Mitt Romney to become the GOP front-runner and prime target of his rivals at their latest presidential debate less than a month before the leadoff vote to determine President Barack Obama's challenger.
Continue reading Current GOP Front-runner Gingrich in Spotlight at Iowa Debate.
A demonstrator holds a poster showing a manipulated photograph of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and bearing the words, "No! 2050" during a mass rally to protest against alleged vote rigging in Russia's parliamentary elections. (Mikhail Metzel / AP Photo / December 10, 2011)
Tens of thousands of people held the largest anti-government protests that post-Soviet Russia has ever seen to criticize electoral fraud and demand an end to Vladimir Putin's rule.
Continue reading Russians Break Out, Protest Elections and Putin's Long-time Rule .
Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner, center, arrives at the Congress for her swearing-in ceremony in Buenos Aires on Saturday. (Natacha Pisarenko/ Associated Press)
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez took the oath of office for the second time Saturday, the only female leader in Latin America to ever be re-elected, in an inauguration marked by a tearful tribute to her late husband and political partner.
Continue reading Argentina's Cristina Fernandez Takes Oath of Office for 2nd Time.
Supporters of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe are seen before his arrival for the official opening of the Zanu PF Congress in Zimbabwe's second city of Bulawayo, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011. (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi / AP)
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said Saturday that he has no intention of retiring, saying doing so would be an act of "cowardice."
Continue reading Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe to be President Again?.
A lunar eclipse and the Hollywood sign are seen from the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / AP)
Moon watchers in the western U.S., Hawaii and elsewhere across the globe were treated Saturday to a rare celestial phenomenon: a total lunar eclipse.
Continue reading Moon Watchers Experience Total Lunar Eclipse.
Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts after he hit a grond rule double against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Two of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 10, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)
National League MVP Ryan Braun, who last season led the Milwaukee Brewers to their first division title in nearly three decades, has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and faces a 50-game suspension if the initial finding is upheld, two sources familiar with the case told "Outside the Lines."
Continue reading Brewers Slugger Ryan Braun Tests Positive for PED.
Kevin Sumlin, head coach of the University of Houston Cougars waits to take the field against the Tulane Green Wave at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 10, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images North America)
Texas A&M has hired Houston's Kevin Sumlin as its new coach.
Continue reading Texas A&M Hires Houston's Kevin Sumlin as New Coach.
Navy quarterback Kriss Proctor rushes the ball as he is pressured by Army defenders Zach Watts and Nate Combs in the first half in Landover, Md., Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Playing his last game before he goes to SEAL training, Alexander Teich absolutely, positively, emphatically did not want to be known as a member of the Navy team that finally lost to Army.
Continue reading 27-21: Navy Defeats Rival Army for 10th Straight Time.
Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a turnover to the Atlanta Hawks during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)
Dwight Howard wants out of Orlando, putting one of the NBA's most dominant big men on the block at the start of training camp.
Continue reading Dwight Howard Wants Out of Orlando, Formally Requests Trade.
Head coach Jim Mora of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 6, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images North America)
Although Jim Mora hasn't coached college football in a quarter-century, the longtime NFL coach has spent the last two years preparing for a chance to go back to school.
Continue reading Jim Mora Hired as UCLA's New Football Coach.
Cincinnati forward Yancy Gates, right, punches Xavier guard Landen Amos during a fight in the closing moments their game on Saturday. Xavier defeated crosstown-rival Cincinnati, 76-53. (Al Behrman / Associated Press / December 10, 2011)
Xavier center Kenny Frease used a white cloth to soak up the blood streaming from a gash below his eye. Coaches from both teams bear-hugged their players and tried to yank them away from the bedlam.
Continue reading 76-53: Xavier Beats Cincinnati in Chaotic Game.
Ohio State guard William Buford (44) is covered by Kansas guard Conner Teahan (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Thomas Robinson scored 21 points, Elijah Johnson added 15 and No. 13 Kansas never trailed in a 78-67 victory Saturday over second-ranked Ohio State, which had to play without star forward Jared Sullinger due to an injury.
Continue reading 78-67: Ohio State Suffers First Loss of Season.
Xavi Hernandez celebrates after scoring Barcelona's 2nd goal during the match against Real Madrid. (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Barcelona overcame conceding one of the fastest goals in clasico history to win 3-1 at Real Madrid on Saturday, ending its arch rival's 15-match winning run and moving ahead in the Spanish league title race.
Continue reading 3-1: Barcelona Tops Real Madrid, Ends 15-Match Winning Run.
Ralph Lauren and Oprah Winfrey attend an evening with Ralph Lauren hosted by Oprah Winfrey and presented at Lincoln Center on October 24, 2011 in New York City. (Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America)
Haitian President Michel Martelly said Friday he will host Oprah Winfrey when she visits the Caribbean nation.
Continue reading Oprah Winfrey to Visit Haiti.
Hungarian sculptor Erno Toth works on a bronze statue of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in his foundry in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011. The statue will be inaugurated in the Graphisoft Park, Budapest, Dec. 21. (AP Photo/MTI,Zsolt Szigetvary)
In the Hungarian capital, Steve Jobs has been cast in bronze.
Continue reading Hungary Remembers Steve Jobs with Bronze Statue.
The album 21, by the singer Adele, has become the biggest-selling album of the century.
Adele is named No. 1 artist of 2011 but says fans will have to wait for follow up to best-selling album 21.
Continue reading Fans Will Have to Wait to Hear New Music from Adele.
When the Rev. John McCausland crafted his Christmas Eve sermon at his Episcopal church in Weare, N.H., he always followed a basic formula.
Continue reading Pastors Wrestle with Where to Place Santa in the Christmas Story.
It happened again. An Intervarsity Christian Fellowship chapter is suspended from another campus. This time it happened at New York's University at Buffalo.
Alabama's governor said Friday he's working to clarify and simplify Alabama's tough immigration law, which critics say has damaged the state's international reputation and caused hardships for legal residents.
Continue reading Alabama's Immigration Law to be Changed.
Republican Presidential hopeful and former speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA) speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition 2012 Presidential Candidates Forum December 7, 2011 at Ronald Reagan Building and International Center in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich is telling a Jewish cable channel that Palestinians are an "invented" people and that they are really Arabs who chose not to live elsewhere.
Continue reading Newt Gingrich Calls Palestinians an 'Invented' People .
Paul Vander Tuig, trademark licensing director at Kansas University, pose for a photograph in his office in Lawrence, Kan. Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The University of Kansas is buying up website names such as http://www.KUgirls.xxx and http://www.KUnurses.xxx. But not because it's planning a Hot Babes of Kansas site or an X-rated gallery of the Nude Girls of the Land of Aaahs.
Continue reading Colleges Buying Up .xxx Sites to Stop Porn.
This photo provided by the Virginia State Police shows Ross Truett Ashley, age 22. (AP Photo/Virginia State Police)
The man who authorities say killed a Virginia Tech police officer was described as a typical college student in many ways, making it difficult to understand why he would commit an armed robbery and then, apparently at random, target the patrolman before killing himself.
(Left to right) Nobel Peace Prize winners Yemeni human rights activist Tawakul Karman, Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf pose with their awards at the ceremony in Oslo on Dec. 10, 2011. (Cornelius Poppe/Scanpix/Reuters)
Three women who fought injustice, dictatorship and sexual violence in Liberia and Yemen received the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in the Norwegian capital on Saturday.
Continue reading 3 Women Activists Receive Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo.
Pictured: Human rights activist Tawakkol Karman of Yemen
Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkul Karman says she believes the pro-democracy revolts that have swept the Arab world will help "drive out" al-Qaida terrorists.
Continue reading Will the Arab Spring Do Away with al-Qaida Terrorists?.
A lone man confronted the police in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during a violent protest challenging the results of the recent presidential election. (Jerome Delay/Associated Press)
Police in an unmarked car are rounding up young men in opposition neighborhoods in Congo's capital a day after election results declared the incumbent president the winner.
Fire officials rescue a patient as he cries in a pain, from the window of a nursing home after it caught fire in Kolkata, India, Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. (Bikas Das / AP)
A private Indian hospital where 90 people died in a massive fire had failed to update its safety procedures despite being ordered to do so months ago, officials said Saturday.
Continue reading Deadly Hospital Fire in India Kills 90 after Medical Staff Flees.
Release Date: December 9, 2011
Rating: PG-13 (for language including some sexual references)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Run Time: 118 min.
Director: Garry Marshall
Actors: Hilary Swank, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Jessica Biel, Seth Meyers, Halle Berry, Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michelle, Abigail Breslin, Jon Bon Jovi, Sarah Jessica Parker, Katherine Heigl, Ludacris, Sofia Vergara
Continue reading Review: Stars Fail to Lift 'New Year's Eve' .
Release Date: December 9, 2011 (limited)
Rating: R (for violence, some sexuality/nudity and language)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Run Time: 127 min.
Director: Tomas Alfredson
Actors: Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Toby Jones, Ciarán Hinds, Benedict Cumberbatch, Simon McBurney, David Dencik, Christian McKay
Continue reading Review: 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' Follows Spies Spying on Spies.
Release Date: December 9, 2011
Rating: R (for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, drug material and some violence)
Genre: Comedy
Run Time: 80 min.
Director: David Gordon Green
Actors: Jonah Hill, Max Records, Landry Bender, Kevin Hernandez, Sam Rockwell, Kylie Bunbury, Ari Graynor
Continue reading Review: 'The Sitter' Isn't Worth Going to See .
Lead singer of Christian rock band to play Freddie Mercury role in upcoming tribute tour
Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson arrives at the Las Vegas premiere of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino December 3, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)
13-year-old Paris Jackson has sealed a lead role in 'Lundon's Bridge and the Three Keys', a novel adaptation film which also stars TV mogul Larry King and his wife Shawn.
Continue reading Paris Jackson to Star in Lundon O'Malley Movie Series.
The women cast members of "Jersey Shore", from left to right, Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola, Angelina Pivarnick, Jenni "JWOWW" Farley and Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, pose backstage at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles June 6, 2010. (REUTERS / Danny Moloshok)
Think most of the misogyny on MTV comes from men?
Continue reading Women on Reality Shows Trash Themselves.
A TLC reality show offering a positive portrayal of Muslim life has come under protest and at least one advertiser has pulled its support.
Continue reading Lowe's Pulls Ad from TLC's 'All-American Muslim'.
Health experts are warning of the dangers associated with eating cookie dough. (iStock)
Generations of neophyte bakers have shrugged off parental warnings about how eating chunks of cookie dough could make them sick to their stomachs.
Continue reading You've Been Warned: Stop Eating Cookie Dough.
The verdict is in on WebOS: Hewlett Packard will release the star-crossed operating system to open source software developers.
Continue reading HP Releasing WebOS to Open Source Software Developers.
Google is rolling out a feature that lets members of its online social network automatically find themselves in photos posted by friends.
Continue reading Google+ Rolling Out "Find My Face" Facial Recognition Feature.
Facebook is promoting a new "Subscribe" button that can be embedded on websites that is essentially its version of Twitter's "follow" button.
Continue reading Facebook Launches 'Subscribe' Button to Rival Twitter.
Continue reading Google Announces Chrome-Only Games.
A Dutch architectural firm says its design for a South Korean housing complex is simply meant to convey the feeling of being in the clouds, but others see something they'd rather not remember: the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2011.
SpaceX will fly its Dragon capsule on an unmanned mission to the International Space Station in February (AFP/Getty Images, Brendan Smialowski)
SpaceX will fly its Dragon capsule on an unmanned mission to the International Space Station in February, marking the first-ever bid by a private company to dock at the orbiting lab, NASA said Friday.
A panel of federal health advisers said Friday that a birth control patch from Johnson & Johnson probably carries a higher risk of blood clots than older drugs, but should remain available as an option for women who have trouble taking a daily pill.
Continue reading FDA Supports Birth Control Patch Despite Risks.
The headquarters of the Southern Baptist Convention is shown on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP photo)
What if Southern Baptists were no longer called Southern Baptists?
Continue reading Possible New Name Chosen for Southern Baptist Convention.
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich laughs while answering questions from reporters after leading a forum with South Carolina business leaders at The Global Trading Consortium on December 8, 2011 in Greenville, South Carolina. (John W. Adkisson/Getty Images North America)
At a private gathering of pastors in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a contrite Newt Gingrich pitched his story of personal redemption Thursday.
Continue reading GOP Candidates Keep Courting Evangelical Voters.
Flowers lie on the ground as a memorial to Virginia Tech police Officer Deriek Crouse who was gunned down Thursday during a traffic stop on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Investigators believe the gunman who killed a Virginia Tech policeman acted alone and that he changed clothes after fleeing the scene, then killed himself with his handgun when another officer spotted him, state police said Friday.
Continue reading Virginia Tech Shooting: Murdered Police Officer Was Father of Five.
The NBA's decision to reject a proposed trade involving All-Star guard Chris Paul set the stage for an awkward opening to training camps on Friday in New Orleans, Los Angeles and Houston.
Continue reading NBA Rejects Chris Paul Trade Deal to LA Lakers.
Ben Roethlisberger #7 (C) of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tended to after he was injured in the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 8, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)
Ben Roethlisberger needed only one good leg for the Pittsburgh Steelers to continue their mastery of the Cleveland Browns.
Continue reading 14-3: Gritty Roethlisberger Lifts Steelers Over Browns.
Sea Shepherd ships have often clashed in open waters with Japanese whale hunters in a bid to stop the killing (AFP, Greg Wood)
Japan's whaling authorities said Friday they are suing militant environmentalist group Sea Shepherd and its head in the United States in a bid to stop them interfering in the annual whale hunt.
Continue reading Japan's Whaling Authorities Sue Sea Shepherd.
A particle detector used by the CMS team at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. (Michael Hoch, CERN / December 9, 2011)
Scientists eagerly await data that may prove the existence of the Higgs boson, which is key to understanding mass in the universe. Or the hints may be a false alarm.
Continue reading Scientists Still Have Hope of Finding 'God Particle'.
If there is a "best-of" list for music this year, it's a safe bet to put Adele on top.
Continue reading 2011's Top Artist Is Adele.
An Arkansas woman who stars on the TLC reality show "19 Kids and Counting" has suffered a miscarriage after announcing she was expecting her 20th child.
New Single "Prove It" Impacting CHR Radio Now
Continue reading Rachel Chan To Release "Go" January 10.
The parents of model and fashion blogger Lauren Scruggs said today that their daughter is responsive and making a slow recovery after she suffered severe injuries from accidentally walking into the propeller of a small plane.
Katharine Hayhoe speaks about climate change to students and faculty at Wayland Baptist University in West Texas. She's a climatologist and an evangelical Christian. (Geoffrey McAllister, Chicago Tribune / November 9, 2011)
A climatologist in West Texas takes on skeptics with scientific data -- and her own faith as an evangelical Christian.
Continue reading Global Warming Evangelist Has a Message for West Texas.
Most Americans believers do not see preventing climate change or the spread of nuclear weapons as "spiritual obligations," although they see both as important goals, according to a new poll.
U.S. President Barack Obama participates in a news conference with Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada in the South Court Auditorium, next to the White House December 7, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Pete Marovich/Getty Images North America)
President Barack Obama said Thursday it was just common sense to keep girls under the age of 17 from being able to buy a morning-after contraceptive pill off a drugstore shelf. Citing his own two daughters, Obama said: "I think most parents would probably feel the same way."
Continue reading Obama: Keeping Plan B Pills Off Drugstore Shelves Is 'Common Sense'.
Business was brisk at The Last Place on Earth in Duluth, Minnesota, June 29, 2011, before the ban on synthetic drugs went into effect at midnight. These are some of the Bath Salts that are included in the ban. (MCT/Newscom)
The House voted Thursday to ban synthetic drugs nicknamed "bath salts" and other compounds that mimic marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines.
Continue reading House Votes to Ban Synthetic Drugs.
Jerry Robinson and prized original art from the golden age of DC Comics. Robinson drew the cover on the left. (ComicConnect.com)
Without Jerry Robinson, there would have been no Joker.
Continue reading Jerry Robinson, Influential Comic-Book Artist, Dies at 89 .
Twitter is changing to address a paradox about a service that revolves around messages limited to just 140 characters. As simple as it sounds, the concept remains too confusing and frustrating for a lot of people.
Continue reading Twitter Gets Simpler.
This product image provided by OnLive Inc, shows tablets displaying a variety of games using the OnLive game controller. (AP Photo/OnLive Inc.)
OnLive, the startup whose technology streams high-end video games over an Internet connection, is expanding its service to tablets and mobile devices.
Continue reading OnLive, Streaming Game Service, Expanding to Tablets and Mobile Devices.
Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals scores on a two-run double by David Freese #23 in the first inning during Game Seven of the MLB World Series against the Texas Rangers at Busch Stadium on October 28, 2011 in St Louis, Missouri. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)
St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols is leaving the only team he ever played for, and with whom he won the World Series last year, and is taking the big money ($250 million and 10 years) offered by the Los Angeles Angels.
For all the criticism and new legal bans, texting by drivers just keeps increasing, especially among younger motorists.
Continue reading Texting by Drivers Keeps Increasing.
Forward Shane Battier #31 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during a 114-101 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2011 at Oklahoma City Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)
Shane Battier said at this point in his career, he only wants "a winning role."
Continue reading Shane Battier to Sign with Miami Heat.
The snowboarder Kevin Pearce at the National Rehabilitation Hospital Victory Awards earlier this month. Pearce is set to ride again. (Riccardo S. Savi/Getty Images for National Rehabilitation Hospital)
Instead of riding for Kevin, snowboarders can ride with Kevin again.
This undated handout photo provided by the journal Science shows the presence of a rat trapped in a restrainer elicits focused activity from his cagemate, leading eventually to door-opening and consequent liberation of the trapped rat. (AP Photo/Science)
Rats don't always act like, well, rats.
Continue reading Scientists: Rats Are Actually Compassionate Creatures.
Virginia Tech is on lockdown after reports of shots fired on campus on Dec. 8, 2011. (WDBJ)
A man killed a police officer and another person after a traffic stop Thursday at Virginia Tech, sending a shudder through campus as students and faculty were told to stay inside and police searched for the gunman, school officials said.
Continue reading Virginia Tech Shooting: 2 Shot Dead on Campus.
DEVELOPING: A police officer was shot Thursday on Virginia Tech's campus, the university announced on its website.
Continue reading Police Officer Shot on Virginia Tech's Campus, Potential Second Victim.
Lindsey Vonn emulates Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow as she kneels before taking the podium after winning the women's Super G on the Birds of Prey at the Audi FIS World Cup on December 7, 2011 in Beaver Creek, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)
Lindsey Vonn is the latest to be swept up by Tebow-mania.
Continue reading Lindsey Vonn Wins World Cup Super-G Race, Strikes 'Tebowing' Pose.
Chris Martin of Coldplay performs live on the pyramid stage during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 25, 2011 in Glastonbury, England. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images Europe)
On Thursday (Dec. 8), Coldplay has announced a 21-date 2012 North American tour, in support of its just-released fifth album, "Mylo Xyloto."
Continue reading Coldplay's 2012 North American Tour Dates Released .
Pictured: Liverpool Church of England Cathedral
The Church of England will not allow its churches to be used for civil partnership ceremonies unless the full General Synod gives consent, it says.
The practice of sex-selection abortion, usually targeting a female fetus due to parental preference for a son, has few defenders in the United States.
Continue reading Proposed Federal Ban Aims to End Practice of Sex-Selective Abortions.
Virginia Tech says gunshots have been reported on campus, and authorities are seeking a suspect.
Continue reading Reports of Shots Fired on Campus of Virginia Tech.
Television personality Erin Andrews attends a private dinner hosted by Audi during Super Bowl XLV Weekend at the Audi Forum Dallas on February 5, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Michael Buckner/Getty Images North America)
ESPN reporter Erin Andrews has filed a new $10 million invasion of privacy lawsuit over a 2008 incident in which she was videotaped in the nude through the peephole of her Nashville hotel room.
Continue reading Erin Andrews Files $10 Million Invasion of Privacy Lawsuit.
Former chief judge of the United States District Court Vaughn R. Walker speaks at a news conference about his past and future at the Phillip Burton Federal Building in San Francisco, California, in April. (Beck Diefenbach/REUTERS)
Proponents of California's Prop. 8 gay marriage ban say the 2010 ruling against it should be vacated because the judge failed to disclose that he was in a long-term gay relationship.
Continue reading Same-Sex Marriage: Court Weighs Validity of Prop. 8 Ruling by Gay Judge.
First baseman Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals waves to the crowd during the World Series victory parade for the franchise's 11th championship on October 30, 2011 in St Louis, Missouri. (Ed Szczepanski/Getty Images North America)
Albert Pujols could have been a wealthy Cardinal for life, planning for the day his statue would be erected outside Busch Stadium next to those of Stan Musial, Bob Gibson and the other St. Louis greats.
Continue reading Albert Pujols to Join Los Angeles Angels for $254 Million.
What happened to the penny-pinching Marlins executives we used to know and deride? (US Presswire)
Mark Buehrle joined Heath Bell and Jose Reyes in baseball's Miami migration as the Marlins got tired of waiting for Albert Pujols and pulled their offer.
Continue reading Mark Buehrle Joins Miami Marlins.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, shake hands at the end of their joint news conference at the Elysee Palace, Paris, Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Europe's conservative political leaders on Thursday warned of dire consequences if an 11th-hour EU summit failed to save the euro from the crush of crippling state debts.
Continue reading Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy Urge EU Leaders to Agree on Debt Plan .
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks at a meeting of the Popular Front in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011. (AP Photo/RIA Novosti, Alexei Druzhinin, Pool)
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin strongly criticized U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday, accusing her of encouraging and funding Russians protesting election fraud, and warned of a wider Russian crackdown on dissent.
Two Yemeni army soldiers who defected stand guard as protesters march during a demonstration demanding the prosecution of Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
A leading international rights group on Thursday urged authorities in Yemen to set 18 as the minimum age for marriage to improve girls' opportunities for education and protect their human rights.
Continue reading International Rights Group Urges Yemen to Ban Child Marriage.
It's the morning after and the controversy over how to sell emergency contraception still looms.
Continue reading Plan B to Stay Behind Pharmacy Counters for Now.
Hong Kong government representatives and Google officials pose during the groundbreaking ceremony of Google's Data Center in Hong Kong Thursday Dec.8, 2011. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Google Inc. says it will spend $300 million on a new data center in Hong Kong that will be up and running by 2013 as it beefs up infrastructure to keep pace with rapidly rising Asian Internet use.
Continue reading Google to Spend $300M on New Data Center in Hong Kong.
For all the children who have been overlooked for the leading roles of Mary or Joseph in the nativity play, consolation is at hand.
The Washington National Cathedral says two longtime supporters have each offered to match donations made to the earthquake-damaged edifice.
Continue reading Two Supporters Offer Donations to Fix National Cathedral Damages.
Great Harvest Bread Company owners Rick and Debbie Sands are building a bakery in Haiti, training workers and offering nutrition education as part of their personal ministry. (Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal)
Rick Sands has always had a heart for feeding the hungry.
Continue reading Ohio Bakers Launching Bakery in Haiti to Share the Gospel.
A federal appeals court agreed Wednesday to take another look at whether a St. Louis suburb can enforce a funeral protest ordinance drafted in response to the picketing of an anti-gay Kansas church -- a move that could push the issue closer to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Xavier's Tu Holloway is fouled by Butler's Chrishawn Hopkins as he goes up for a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Indianapolis. (Darron Cummings / AP Photo)
Butler is a long way from the Final Four.
Continue reading Butler Bulldogs Struggle, Lose Back-to-Back Home Games.
Republican Presidential hopeful and Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition 2012 Presidential Candidates Forum December 7, 2011 at Ronald Reagan Building and International Center in Washington. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Evidently, Gov. Rick Perry thinks his August prayer rally, where the podium was packed with pastors from the far right evangelical extreme, didn't stamp "CHRISTIAN" on the GOP candidate's forehead in bold enough letters.
Republican Presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition 2012 Presidential Candidates Forum December 7, 2011 at Ronald Reagan Building and International Center in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
After delivering a vague response when asked Tuesday if he believed that humans are responsible for global warming, Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman Jr. said Wednesday that he has "faith and trust in science."
Continue reading Jon Huntsman's Faith and Trust Is In Science.
Republican Presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition 2012 Presidential Candidates Forum December 7, 2011 at Ronald Reagan Building and International Center in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Republican presidential hopefuls took turns lambasting President Barack Obama's policy toward Israel on Wednesday, accusing him of being timid in the face of Iran's attempt to build nuclear weapons and allowing a dangerous distance to develop between the U.S. and its long-time ally in the Middle East.
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich leaves his home to go to his sentencing hearing December 7, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images North America)
The Rod Blagojevich who once challenged a prosecutor to face him like a man, the glad-handing politician who took to celebrity TV shows to profess his innocence, was nowhere to be found Wednesday as he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption.
Continue reading Rod Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 Years for Corruption.
In this undated image provided by ABC, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad speaks with ABC News Anchor Barbara Walters for an interview airing Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, on ABC. (AP / ABC, Rob Wallace)
Syrian President Bashar Assad said in a rare interview broadcast Wednesday that he never ordered the brutal suppression of the uprising in his country and insisted only a "crazy person" would kill his own people.
Continue reading Syrian Leader Assad Denies Killing His Own People.
Al-Saadi Gadhafi, third son of the Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi, speaks to the media arrives in Sydney, Australia on Feb. 5, 2005. (AP / Dan Peled)
One of Moammar Gadhafi's sons planned to slip secretly into Mexico shortly after his escape from Libya, but the international plot was thwarted by Mexican intelligence agents, a top Mexican government official said today.
Continue reading Gadhafi Son's Alleged Plan to Sneak Into Mexico Thwarted.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg prepares to speak to reporters at Harvard University November 7, 2011 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Darren McCollester/Getty Images North America)
Newly unearthed private photos of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg may be a letdown if you were expecting raucous party scenes like the ones in "The Social Network" movie.
Continue reading Facebook Security Flaw Reveals CEO Zuckerberg's Private Pictures.
BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion has been forced to change the name of its new operating system from BBX after the company lost a trademark ruling.
Continue reading BlackBerry-Maker RIM Forced to Change Name of New Operating System.
Black curtains, top, obscure the Apple Store in Grand Central Terminal, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 in New York. The store opens Friday, Dec. 9, according to the company website. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
One of the world's largest Apple stores is opening at the landmark Grand Central Terminal.
Continue reading Huge Apple Store Set to Open at NYC's Grand Central Terminal.
Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts has words with Dan Orlovsky #6 of the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at Gillette Stadium on December 4, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)
Nobody took the debate seriously, not at the start, anyway. The last letter of MVP, after all, stands for "Player," as in someone who actually takes part in the game.
Continue reading Can Peyton Manning Be NFL MVP Without Setting Foot on a Field? .
Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow readies to take the field with teammates in Minnesota. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
The NFL, after a one-day delay, announced Wednesday it will not flex CBS' New England vs. TV star Tim Tebow's Denver Broncos on Dec. 18 to NBC's primetime slot.
Former Penn State associate head football coach Jerry Sandusky is escorted to a police car, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Bellefonte, Pa., after being arrested on new child sex abuse charges brought by two new accusers, including one who claims Sandusky molested him numerous times in a basement bedroom, according to authorities. (AP Photo/Centre Daily Times (Knight Ridder), Christopher Weddle)
Ex-Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was arrested and jailed Wednesday on new child sex abuse charges brought by two new accusers, including one who claims Sandusky molested him numerous times in a basement bedroom.
Continue reading Jerry Sandusky Arrested, Jailed on New Child Sex Abuse Charges.
Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins and Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins wait for the puck drop on a face off on December 5, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images North America)
Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby's will miss the next two games as a precaution following a collision with teammate Chris Kunitz in Monday night's loss to Boston.
Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's final singles match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena on November 27, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Tennis icon Roger Federer will play for round of-five affair that will be staged on red clay in 12.
Continue reading Roger Federer to Play Davis Cup Against U.S. in 2012.
In this Feb. 2, 2011 file photo, hundreds of cars are seen stranded on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago after a winter blizzard of historic proportions wobbled an otherwise snow-tough Chicago. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)
America smashed the record for billion-dollar weather disasters this year with a deadly dozen - and counting.
Continue reading America Smashes Record for Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters This Year.
In this Thursday June 16, 2011 file photo, the moon exhibits a deep orange glow as the Earth casts its shadow in a total lunar eclipse as seen in Manila, Philippines, before dawn. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The last total lunar eclipse of the year is Saturday. And there won't be another one for three years.
Continue reading Last Full Lunar Eclipse for 3 Years Happening this Weekend.
(Katrina Kenny, University of Adelaide)
With large claws and toothlike serrations in its mouth, it was already menacing enough
Continue reading Ancient Sea Beast Sported Huge Eyes on Stalks.
Scientists from Japan and Russia believe it may be possible to clone a mammoth after finding well-preserved bone marrow in a thigh bone recovered from permafrost soil in Siberia, a report said Saturday.
Continue reading Japan, Russia Plan to Recreate Mammoth Through Cloning.
Finding the difference between colonialism and Christ-following.
Continue reading Missions Responsible for Destroying Culture?.
A victims' relative cries as rescue workers take part in an operation to salvage people from a collapsed building following an earthquake in the province of Van, eastern Turkey, on October 24, 2011. (ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Christian organisations including Elam Ministries (www.elam.com) are providing relief to the victims of the devastating earthquake which hit the Turkish city of Van on October 23, 2011.
Continue reading Christian Organizations Minister to Turkey Earthquake Victims.
The federal government Wednesday rejected a request to let young teenage girls buy the controversial morning-after pill Plan B directly off drugstore and supermarket shelves without a prescription.
Continue reading Health Chief: Plan B Won't Be Sold Over Counter to Young Teens .
A Nigerian bill spells out a 14-year jail term for anyone entering a same-sex marriage (AFP, Luis Robayo)
Nigeria's parliament pushed ahead with a bill on Wednesday that would harshly crack down on gay rights despite moves from US President Barack Obama's administration to counter such legislation.
Continue reading Nigeria Moves Forward with Anti-Gay Bill Despite Obama Admin. Warning.
The Nov. 8 defeat of the "personhood" amendment in Mississippi is galvanizing supporters to have a do-over in the state and also push measures in Colorado, Virginia and at least eight other states, say leaders of the anti-abortion movement.
Rick Perry says that if he's elected president, he'll end what he calls President Barack Obama's "war on religion."
Continue reading In New Ad, Rick Perry Promises to End Obama's 'War on Religion'.
An employee at a Macy's in San Antonio was fired for not allowing a transgendered shopper to use the store's women's fitting room, saying doing so would violate her Christian beliefs, according to the Liberty Counsel, a religious advocacy organization that's helping her fight the store's policy.
Lisa Miller, left, and Janet Jenkins, of Fair Haven, Vt., shown in these file photos, were joined in a Vermont civil union in 2000 but broke up three years later after having a child. (AP Photos)
A Virginia man who federal prosecutors say helped a woman leave the country with her daughter so she wouldn't have to turn custody of the girl over to her former lesbian partner surrendered Tuesday to face charges he aided in international parental kidnapping.
Continue reading Virginia Man Surrenders in Lesbian Custody Case.
Kimberli Lile, left, helped Ms. Hynes deal with some of her fears during treatment for cancer. (Uli Seit for The Wall Street Journal)
Doctors and nurses were preparing Kathleen Hynes for a stem-cell transplant at Long Island's North Shore University Hospital last June when she asked them to page another member of the medical team--hospital chaplain Kimberli Lile.
Continue reading Hospital Chaplains Seek to Play Bigger Roles in Hospitals.
A woman admires the view as she stands on top of Mount Arbel in the Lower Galilee near the city of Tiberias on April 25, 2009. (AFP PHOTO/JONATHAN NACKSTRAND)
Perched on Tel Kinrot, a hill above the Sea of Galilee, Winston Mah turned his face toward the warm sun and took in the tranquil view before him.
Continue reading Holy Land Tourists Now Able To Follow Jesus' Steps on the 'Gospel Trail'.
Video games such as "Modern Warfare," "Grand Theft Auto" and "Madden NFL" are popular among kids, teens and adults today, but how do games with a religious focus fare in the multimillion dollar electronics gaming industry?
Continue reading Left Behind Games, Inc. Releasing More Games for Christmas.
Amidst an unprecedented run of award shows, nominations, non-stop travel for holiday performances and a television series taping underway, the star sister duo, Mary Mary's Erica and Tina Campbell, is regretfully forced to cancel their much anticipated first ever "Have A Mary Mary Christmas Tour" as Erica's February due date draws near.
Continue reading Mary Mary Cancel Christmas Tour.
Note to believers everywhere: God apparently wants a do-over.
Continue reading Former "Daily Show" Producer Writes Blasphemous Memoir by God.
Johnny Depp attends The UK Premiere of 'The Rum Diary' at on November 3, 2011 in London, England. (Stuart Wilson/Getty Images Europe)
When you sing about Jesus getting drunk and passing out, you're going to outrage a few people. Or a lot, if you're Johnny Depp.
Continue reading Christians Outraged with Johnny Depp for Singing Drunk Jesus Song.
Nineteen years ago, when the first text was sent that was a 'cya l8er' to communication as we knew it.
Continue reading First Text Message Was Sent 19 Years Ago.
The "Monster" helmer, who is leaving the project due to "creative differences," tells THR that she and Marvel parted "on very good terms."
Continue reading Patty Jenkins No Longer Directing 'Thor 2'.
Attorney Matt Bowman, left, talks during a news conference with nurses from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A teaching hospital will hire additional staff to help perform abortions after a group of nurses claimed they were forced to participate in the procedures despite religious objections.
Continue reading NJ Teaching Hospital Agrees Nurses Don't Have To Assist In Abortions.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking at the United Nations in Geneva, urged an end to discrimination worldwide against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people. (Sebastien Feval/AFP/Getty Images)
The United States put the fight against gay and lesbian discrimination at the heart of its foreign policy Tuesday, but stopped short of warning transgressor nations they could be stripped of US aid.
Continue reading Obama, Clinton Warn International Community Against LGBT Discrimination.
Troy Mayor Janice Daniels' posting on Facebook that called gays "queers" has sparked a petition that asks for a boycott of the city. (Robin Buckson / The Detroit News)
A Michigan mayor has apologized for anti-gay comments she apparently posted on Facebook over the summer.
Continue reading Michigan Mayor Apologizes for Anti-Gay Comments on Facebook.
It's a moral and ethical problem that has been studied before: you see a train heading towards five hikers and you have the power to save them.
Continue reading Virtual Reality Ethics: Most Would Kill One to Save Five.
With concern mounting over the crisis in Syria and President Bashar Assad's crackdown on dissent, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, below right, meets with a small group of expatriate Syrian opposition members, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, Pool)
Dozens of bodies were dumped in the streets of a Syrian city at the heart of the country's nearly 9-month-old uprising, a grim sign that sectarian bloodshed is escalating as the country descends further toward civil war.
Continue reading Sectarian Violence in Syria Escalating .
Congolese riot police stands in front of the parliament building in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Monday Dec. 5, 2011.(AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Congo was in limbo Tuesday as the government dispatched helicopters to the remote corners of the country to pick up missing tally sheets, and officials announced a 48-hour delay in the publication of election results from last week's disputed presidential ballot.
Continue reading Congo Delays Election Results by 48 Hours.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings attends the Netflix $1 million Netflix prize event & announces 2nd $1 million challenge at Four Seasons Hotel New York on September 21, 2009 in New York City. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images North America)
Internet-streamed video will overtake cable to dominate home video viewing within three to five years, Netflix chief executive Reed Hastings predicted Tuesday, with stiffer competition to come.
Protesters rallying against the .xxx domain name. (AP photo)
For some, today's official grand opening of the .xxx domain is the best thing to happen to Internet pornography since it was injected with life in the 1990s, as depicted in the movie Middle Men.
Continue reading New .xxx Domain for Porn Debuts.
Google's Android Market has topped 10 billion downloads, the company announced Tuesday in a company blog post.
Continue reading Google's Android Market Exceeds 10 Billion App Downloads .
Brick-and-mortar retailers complain that their stores have become showrooms for Web businesses. Amazon.com is encouraging that trend with a holiday promotion.
Continue reading Amazon to Give Customers Discounts for Using Price-Comparing App in Stores .
The European Union's antitrust watchdog is probing whether Apple helped five major publishing houses illegally raise prices for e-books when it launched its iPad tablet and iBookstore in 2010.
Continue reading European Union's Antitrust Watchdog Probing Apple, E-book Publishers.
Amazon.com, the country's largest online bookseller, will itself be the subject of a book coming out in 2013.
Continue reading Brad Stone to Write Book about Amazon.com.
This Sept. 7, 2011 file photo shows construction underway at the Miami Marlins' new downtown stadium in Miami. The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating the financing of the stadium. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Jeffrey Loria watched the news conference from the second row, beaming like a proud parent as Heath Bell talked about his new love for the Miami Marlins and reuniting with Jose Reyes.
Continue reading Miami Marlins Becoming Big Players, Pujols Migrating to Florida Next?.
Water levels in the Dead Sea have been dropping over the last few years as towns and villages in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria suck up run-off water that would normally fill the extra-salty lake.
Continue reading New Research Suggests the Dead Sea "Died" Once.
U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a statement urging Republicans in Congress to join Democrats to ensure taxes don't go up on middle class families in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House on December 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
Gray hair and a wrinkled brow beset most US presidents soon after they take office, but a study Tuesday said most live longer than average men due to their wealth and access to medical care.
Continue reading Study: U. S. Presidents Don't Actually Age Faster.
Health officials are weighing stricter labels on the widely used new generation of birth control pills, based on data showing they may put women at a higher risk of dangerous blood clots.
Continue reading FDA Eyes Placing Stricter Labels on Popular Birth Control Pills.
In this Dec. 20, 2010 file photo, evangelist Billy Graham, 92, is interviewed at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. (AP photo)
The Rev. Billy Graham was released from hospital Tuesday after spending six days recovering from pneumonia, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Continue reading Billy Graham Released from Mission Hospital in North Carolina.
by Timothy Willard & Jason Locy
Continue reading The Misconceptions of Manhood.
Bishop Eddie L. Long took New Birth Missionary Baptist Church from 300 members to 25,000. (Jessica McGowan for The New York Times)
When Bishop Eddie Long was accused of sexual misconduct by former church members, his congregation rallied around him and his wife stood by his side.
Continue reading New Birth Membership Dwindling, Church at a Crossroads.
Bonnie Anderson, president of the Episcopal Church's House of Deputies, is concerned that a plan to downsize the church's internal bureaucracy and streamline operations will mute the voice of the laity. (Jim De La/Episcopal News Service)
A list of the Episcopal Church's 75 commissions, committees, agencies and boards spilled over eight PowerPoint slides during a recent presentation by its new chief operating officer, Bishop Stacy Sauls.
Continue reading Mainline Protestants Seek Change.
Dr. John C. Willke, one of the founders of the modern anti-abortion movement, said that after a career promoting more modest restrictions, "it's time to take a bold step forward." (Andrew Spear for The New York Times)
A widening and emotional rift over legal tactics has split the anti-abortion movement, with its longtime leaders facing a Tea Party-like insurrection from many grass-roots activists who are impatient with the pace of change.
Continue reading Ohio Fetal Heartbeat Bill Splits Anti-Abortion Forces on Legal Tactics.
One of the highest ranking cardinals in the Vatican has said that the United States is "well on the way" to the persecution of Christians.
Continue reading U.S. Well on the Way to Christian Persecution, Vatican Cardinal Says.
Some U.S. scientists who are atheists and have children are involved in religious institutions for social and personal reasons, researchers say.
Continue reading Some Atheist Scientists Attend Religious Services, Research Shows.
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., speaks at the book-signing event for her book "Core of Conviction" Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, in South Carolina. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt))
Social conservative Phyllis Schlafly has endorsed Michele Bachmann for president and is urging Iowans to caucus for her, Bachmann's campaign told The Des Moines Register tonight.
Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers warms up prior to playing the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 5, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
No matter how many interceptions he threw, no matter how many turnovers he committed, Philip Rivers refused to play it safe.
Continue reading 38-14: Chargers, Rivers Reverse Slide in Rout of Jaguars .
Stanford's Andrew Luck is returning to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist, just not as the favorite.
Continue reading Luck, Richardson Top Heisman Finalists.
Former Penn State football defensive coordinator Gerald "Jerry" Sandusky, center, arrives in handcuffs at the office of Centre County Magisterial District Judge Leslie A. Dutchcot while being escorted by Pennsylvania State Police and Attorney General's Office officials on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in State College, Pa. (Andy Colwell/The Patriot-News/AP Photo)
All eight of the boys allegedly sexually abused by former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky will testify against him when preliminary hearings in the case begin next week, according to people close to the case.
Continue reading Report: All Eight Victims Will Testify Against Jerry Sandusky in Court.
In this Dec. 1, 2011 photo, Bronx Household of Faith co-pastor Robert Hall poses for a portrait in front of P.S. 15 in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
The U.S. Supreme Court let stand on Monday a ruling that religious groups cannot use public schools facilities for worship services outside of normal school hours in a case about church-state separation.
Continue reading Supreme Court Rejects Worship at Public School Appeal.
Gov. Peter Shumlin, left, holds a Team Kale T-shirt during a news conference with Bo Muller-Moore in Montpelier, Vt., Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
The state of Vermont threw its support Monday behind a folk artist whose T-shirt business is being threatened by the nation's second largest chicken restaurant chain because of his use of the phrase "eat more kale."
Continue reading State of Vermont Supporting Kale Over Chick-fil-A.
Vincent Guest, right, leads a social justice meeting at Theological College.
At 51, Vincent Guest could well be the professor at a table filled with 20- and 30-year-olds. He is leading a lunchtime social justice meeting for seminarians at Theological College at Catholic University in Washington.
Continue reading Baby Boomer Generation Returns to the Seminary.
The American Civil Liberties Union sued in federal court Monday, claiming that public schools in Chesterfield County are unconstitutionally promoting Christianity.
Continue reading ACLU Sues, Accuses SC Public Schools of Promoting Christianity.
Former President George H. W. Bush (R) greets former Vice President Dan Quayle at an event honoring the 20th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War on January 20, 2011 in College Station Texas. (Ben Sklar/Getty Images North America)
Former Vice President Dan Quayle is endorsing Mitt Romney for president.
Continue reading Former Vice President Dan Quayle to Endorse Romney for President.
A riot policeman detains an opposition supporter during a rally in central Moscow on Monday. (Andrey Smirnov / AFP - Getty Images)
Several thousand protesters took to the streets Monday night and accused Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party of rigging this weekend's parliamentary election in which it won the largest share of the seats.
Continue reading Russian Protesters Accuse Putin's Party of Rigging Vote.
This is an undated photo provided late Sunday Dec. 4, 2011 by the Syrian official news agency SANA, which they claim shows Syrian soldiers kneeling next to a multiple rocket launcher as they fire missiles during a maneuver at an unknown location, in Syria. (AP Photo/SANA)
Syria said Monday it would agree to allow Arab League observers into the country as part of a plan to end almost nine months of bloodshed, but placed a number of conditions, including the cancellation of deeply embarrassing economic sanctions.
Continue reading Syria Agrees to Arab Observers Under Conditions.
Driver Kurt Busch speaks to the media after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon at the Bellagio on December 1, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Todd Warshaw/Getty Images North America)
Kurt Busch and Penske Racing parted ways Monday after six bumpy seasons, a split that clouds the former champion's future in NASCAR as he embarks on a personal journey to reclaim his passion for racing.
Continue reading Penske Racing, Kurt Busch Part Ways .
This undated handout artist rendering provided by NASA shows Kepler-22b, a planet known to comfortably circle in the habitable zone of a sun-like star. (AP Photo/NASA/Ames/JPL-Caltech)
A newly discovered planet is eerily similar to Earth and is sitting outside our solar system in what seems to be the ideal place for life, expect for one hitch. It's a bit too big.
Continue reading Astronomers Find Planet Similar to Earth.
An artist's impression of a black hole surrounded by matter waiting to fall in (AFP/NASA/M. WEISS-Chandra X-ray Center, M. Weiss)
Scientists have found the biggest black holes known to exist - each one 10 billion times the size of our sun.
Continue reading Newly Discovered Black Holes Break Records.
This product photo provided by Spin Master Ltd, shows the Appblaster. The $19.99 AppBlaster, a plastic gun for kids over 8 years old. After slipping an iPhone or iPad touch on top of the AppBlaster, kids can shoot at aliens that pop up on the screen. (AP Photo/Spin Master Ltd, Tom Szuba)
Make room in the toy box for the iPad.
Continue reading Toy Makers Turn Apple Gadgets Into Playthings for Kids.
Facebook has hired the team behind Gowalla, the location service that lets people share where they are using their mobile phones.
Continue reading Facebook Hires Team Behind Gowalla.
The Xbox interface will allow users to search using Microsoft's Bing across many services, returning results in various forms.
Microsoft Corp. is rolling out a new interface for its Xbox game console, one that allows you to navigate through music, movies, TV shows and games with the wave of your hand or the sound of your voice.
Continue reading Microsoft's Xbox Game Console Gets an Update.
Just weeks before Angelina Jolie is scheduled to release her directorial debut, In the Land of Blood and Honey, the actress/filmmaker has been sued by Croatian journalist James Braddock, who claims the forthcoming movie about a love affair during the Bosnian Civil War violates his copyright on a book, The Soul Shattering.
In this Dec. 1, 2011 photo, Bronx Household of Faith co-pastor Robert Hall poses for a portrait in front of P.S. 15 in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
A Christian congregation with just 48 members and not even a storefront is hoping the Supreme Court will overturn a ruling that says holding its Sunday service in a Bronx public school is unconstitutional.
In the wake of a series of attacks, Iraqi police, pictured, guard St. Barbara Church in the Nineveh Plain in northern Iraq, a region to which Christians are being encouraged to relocate. (Ayman Oghanna/The Wall Street Journal)
The plight of Iraqi Christians since the fall of Saddam Hussein has been agonizingly personal for Aram Butrus Matti.
Continue reading Iraqi Christians Face Increased Violence.
Egyptian Copts attend a service at Cairo's Abbassiya cathedral (AFP/File, Mahmud Hams)
Egyptian Copts, the Middle East's biggest Christian community, headed to mass on Sunday fearful of what an Islamist landslide in the country's election will mean for their community.
Continue reading Egyptian Copts Worried about Islamist Landslide in Elections.
Tiger Woods poses with the trophy after winning the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club on December 4, 2011 in Thousand Oaks, California. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images North America)
After going more than two years and 26 tournaments without a win, and after so much turmoil in his personal life and with his golf game, Tiger Woods stood over a 6-foot birdie putt Sunday to win the Chevron World Challenge and felt as though nothing had changed.
Continue reading Tiger Ends Two-Year Winless Drought with Chevron World Challenge Victory.
Quarterback Drew Brees #8 of the New Orleans Saints drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images North America)
Drew Brees made a little more history for the New Orleans Saints and kept the mistake-prone Detroit Lions struggling.
Continue reading 31-17: Brees, Saints Blitz Suh-less Lions .
Aaron Rodgers #12 and Jordy Nelson #87 of the Green Bay Packers react in the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 4, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Nick Laham/Getty Images North America)
Tied with less than a minute to play and 80 yards from the end zone, Aaron Rodgers wasn't going to wait until overtime.
Continue reading 38-35: Rodgers, Packers Foil Giants' Rally.
LaRod Stephens-Howling #36 of the Arizona Cardinals scores the overtime game winning touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Norm Hall/Getty Images North America)
Add another excruciating loss for the Dallas Cowboys in the desert.
Continue reading 19-13: Cowboys Miss FG, Fall in OT.
(L-R) Christian Ponder #7 of the Minnesota Vikings and Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos talk after the game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 4, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images North America)
Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos were close to being knocked out again. They haven't flinched in more than a month.
Continue reading 35-32: Tebow Rallies Broncos to Victory Again.
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off to teammate Rashard Mendenhall #34 during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed just 15 minutes to provide the Cincinnati Bengals a refresher course on what it takes to win in December.
Continue reading 35-7: Steelers Rip Bengals.
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the St Louis Rams at Candlestick Park on December 4, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America)
Jim Harbaugh delivered exactly what the San Francisco 49ers hired him for back in January: a playoff berth and NFC West title in his first season running the show. So much for the lockout slowing him down.
Continue reading 26-0: Niners Clinch First West Title Since '02 .
Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers rushes upfield against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 4, 2011 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images North America)
Cam Newton didn't beat Tampa Bay single-handedly. It just seemed like it.
Continue reading 38-19: Cam Sets QB Rush TD Mark in Panthers' Win .
Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on December 4, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
Another shaky performance for three quarters by Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets. And then, another fourth-quarter comeback.
Continue reading 34-19: Sanchez Leads Jets to Top Redskins.
Quarterback T.J Yates #13 of the Houston Texans tries to rush for a touchdown before being tackled by outside linebacker Mike Peterson #53 of the Atlanta Falcons on December 4, 2011 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images North America)
Houston coach Gary Kubiak would've told anyone who asked that the Texans were going to be fine with rookie T.J. Yates playing quarterback.
Continue reading 17-10: Texans Hold On to Beat Falcons.
Play it again, LSU and Alabama. The Crimson Tide edged out Oklahoma State in the final round of voting Sunday and will play the top-ranked Tigers in the BCS national championship game on Jan. 9 in New Orleans.
Continue reading LSU and Alabama to Play Again in BCS Title Game .
Quarterback Case Keenum #7 of the Houston Cougars salutes the crowd for the last time after scoring in the fourth quarter against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the Conference USA championship game at Robertson Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Bob Levey/Getty Images North America)
No. 24 Penn State will close its tumultuous season on Jan. 2 in the Ticket City Bowl against No. 20 Houston.
Continue reading Penn State to Close Season in the Ticket City Bowl vs. Houston.
Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field on September 27, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America)
The suddenly splurging Miami Marlins landed their second big free agent in a matter of days, agreeing Sunday night to a $106 million, six-year contract with All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
Continue reading Report: Miami Marlins Agree to 6 Year Contract with Reyes.
Designated hitter Manny Ramirez #24 of the Tampa Bay Rays bats against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Tropicana Field on April 3, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (J. Meric/Getty Images North America)
Manny Ramirez applied for reinstatement to Major League Baseball, and his suspension for a second failed drug test was cut Sunday from 100 games to 50 because he sat out nearly all of last season.
Continue reading Manny Ramirez Suspension Cut to 50 Games.
Teen sexting of nude photos online or via cellphone may be far less common than people think, new research suggests.
Continue reading Teen Sexting Less Common than Thought, Research Says .
In this Aug. 24, 2009 file photo, singer Madonna performs during her concert in Belgrade, Serbia. (Srdjan Ilic, File / AP Photo)
The Material Girl will be taking the stage on football's biggest night.
Continue reading Madonna to Perform at Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show.
Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner attend the UK premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 at Westfield Stratford City on November 16, 2011 in London, England. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images Europe)
The latest "Twilight" movie cast the longest shadow with $16.9 million for a third-straight No. 1 finish during one of the year's slowest weekends at the box office.
Continue reading 'Twilight' No. 1 for Third Straight Week.
Vanessa and Eddie Long, the beleaguered pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, have been married for more than two decades. (John Amis, AP)
Megachurch leader Bishop Eddie Long announced Sunday he's taking time off to focus on his family after his wife filed for divorce.
Stella Harville and her fiance, Ticha Chikuni are seen in Richmond, Ky., in a Nov. 2010 photo provided by Stella Harville. (Stella Harville/AP Photo)
An eastern Kentucky church under a firestorm of criticism since members voted to bar mixed-race couples from joining the congregation overturned that decision Sunday, saying it welcomes all believers.
Continue reading After Criticism, Kentucky Church Overturns Ban on Interracial Couples.
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) claps for actress Barbara Cook (L), singer Neil Diamond (2nd L), musician Yo-Yo Ma (3rd L), musician Sonny Rollins (3rd R) and actress Meryl Streep during a Kennedy Center Honors reception in the East Room on December 4, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Pool/Getty Images North America)
President Barack Obama in lauding the actors, musicians and others receiving Kennedy Center Honors Sunday night, also was looking for advice.
Continue reading President Obama Lauds Artists at Kennedy Center Honors.
Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann speaks at the Family Research Council Action headquarters November 7, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)
A day after Herman Cain shuttered his Republican candidacy for president, struggling GOP hopefuls looked to pick up the fallen candidate's tea party following and upset a primary dynamic that has pushed Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich to the forefront.
Continue reading Herman Cain's Former Rivals Go After His Supporters.
In this Sept. 15, 2011, file photo Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe speaks at a news conference on changes to the Postal Service that could potentially save as much as $3 billion in Washington. ( AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Facing bankruptcy, the U.S. Postal Service is pushing ahead with unprecedented cuts to first-class mail next spring that will slow delivery and, for the first time in 40 years, eliminate the chance for stamped letters to arrive the next day.
Continue reading U.S. Postal Service Making Cuts to First-Class Mail.
A US Predator B unmanned aircraft lands after a mission at the Naval Air Station in Texas. (AP photo)
Iran's armed forces have shot down an unmanned U.S. spy plane that violated Iranian airspace along the country's eastern border, the official IRNA news agency reported Sunday.
Continue reading Iran Claims to Have Shot Down Unmanned US Spy Plane.
Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich speaks at a town hall meeting on December 3, 2011 in the Staten Island borough of New York City. (Michael Nagle/Getty Images North America)
Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich has carved out a clear lead in what's become a three-candidate race in Iowa, according to The Des Moines Register's new Iowa Poll.
Continue reading Newt Gingrich Has Clear Lead in Iowa, Poll Shows.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, with the emblem of the United Russia party in the background, visits the United Russia party headquarters in Moscow, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2011. (AP Photo/RIA Novosti, Alexei Nikolsky, Pool)
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party was struggling to reach 50 percent in Russia's parliamentary election, polls and official results showed Sunday, suggesting Russians were wearying of the man who has dominated Russian politics for more than a decade.
Continue reading Putin's Party Struggling in Russia's Parliamentary Election.
Up to 45,000 Germans had to be evacuated before the bomb could detonated
A massive British World War II-era bomb that triggered the evacuation of about half of the 107,000 residents of Germany's western city of Koblenz was successfully defused Sunday, authorities said.
Continue reading Germany Successfully Defuses WWII Bomb; 45K Evacuated.
Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle, center, scores past Oklahoma defenders defensive back Aaron Colvin (14), linebacker Corey Nelson (7) and linebacker Tom Wort (21) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Mike Gundy didn't feel comfortable campaigning for No. 3 Oklahoma State to play for the national title until his Cowboys had at least won a conference crown.
Continue reading 44-10: Oklahoma State Rocks OU, Makes BCS Case.
Socrates was a member of the Brazilian squad in 1986 in Mexico, but it was in 1982 in Spain that he made history with Brazil, which is known to have had one of the greatest teams in World Cup history but failed to win the trophy. (Bongarts/Getty Images)
On and off the field, former Brazil star Socrates stood out above the rest.
Continue reading Socrates, Brazil Captain at 1982 Cup, Dies at 57.
Montee Ball #28 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates along with his teammates afte he scored his second 6-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans during the Big 10 Conference Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)
Wisconsin got the late touchdown it needed, the late stop it needed and the big break it needed Saturday night.
Continue reading 42-39: Ball, Wisconsin Win Big Ten Title.
Tajh Boyd #10 of the Clemson Tigers hands off to Andre Ellington #23 during the ACC Championship game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bank of America Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
So much for Tajh Boyd's late-season slump. Clemson's, too.
Continue reading 38-10: Clemson Rips Va. Tech to Win ACC.
(L-R) Team captain Albert Costa, Feliciano Lopez, Marcel Granollers, Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco of Spain celebrate with the Davis Cup trophy during the third and last day of the final Davis Cup match between Spain and Argentina on December 4, 2011 in Seville, Spain. (Jasper Juinen/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal recovered from a terrible start and beat Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (0) Sunday to give Spain its fifth Davis Cup title.
Continue reading Davis Cup: Spain Beats Argentina for 3rd Title in 4 Years.
Miguel Cotto (L) of Puerto Rico connects with a left handed punch against Antonio Margarito of Mexico during the WBA World Junior Middleweight Title fight at Madison Square Garden on December 3, 2011 in New York City. (Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Miguel Cotto battered a one-eyed Antonio Margarito over nine lopsided rounds then won a TKO decision amid confusion in the corner before they came out for the 10th on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
Continue reading Miguel Cotto Batters Margarito, Wins TKO Decision.
(Alex Coppel/Herald Sun)
Five years after the death of her famous father Steve, Bindi Irwin, 13, is firmly installed as the face of the Australia Zoo empire. But is she for real? Wendy Tuohy is pleasantly surprised.
Continue reading Jungle Girl Bindi Irwin Ready to Follow in Father's Footsteps .
The prologue to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's much-anticipated final "Batman" movie will be shown in 32 IMAX theaters across the U.S., Warner Bros. announced Friday.
Continue reading "Dark Knight Rises" Prologue to Be Shown in 32 IMAX Theaters.
For anyone who needed official word, a new study confirms that many of us - and the majority of young adults - go online for no good reason at all.
Continue reading Study: Many Go Online for No Reason.
Continue reading Amazon's Kindle Fire Expected to Take Second Place in Tablet Market.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 (CBS Interactive)
Samsung on Saturday welcomed a ruling by a US court rejecting Apple Inc's request for a preliminary injunction against sales of some of its Galaxy smartphones and tablet computers.
Continue reading Apple Request for Injunction on Samsung Sales Rejected.
Swearing really can relieve pain but only for the polite who don't curse often, researchers have found.
Continue reading Researchers Say Swearing Provides Relief from Pain .
A teacher ruined Christmas for a class full of second-graders when she told them that there is no Santa Claus during a lesson about the North Pole at their Rockland County, N.Y., school.
Continue reading Second Graders Told There Is No Santa Claus by Teacher.
It is hard to believe it's that time of the year again. From now until Christmas Eve, retailers are vying for the same prize, your hard-earned dollar. In the misguided and too often materialistic focus of the Christmas holiday, it has become too easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas.
Continue reading The Greatest Christmas Gift of All Time.
He is ranked as one of the greatest and most innovative coaches in NFL history. He invented the now popular 4-3 defense, and the "flex defense" system made famous by the "Doomsday Defense" squads he created during his 29 year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys.
Continue reading Tom Landry: Because of Jesus He Didn't Worry About Tomorrow.
Religious freedom is nonexistent in China, ChinaAid founder and president Bob Fu will be telling the European Parliament on Wednesday.
Continue reading Religious Freedom in China Is Nonexistent, ChinaAid Reports.
Hospital officials say the Rev. Billy Graham is continuing his "successful" treatment for pneumonia.
Continue reading Billy Graham Remains in Hospital, Continues to Improve.
Vanessa and Eddie Long, the beleaguered pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, have been married for more than two decades. (John Amis, AP)
The reconciliation of Vanessa and Eddie Long didn't make it through the day, as the wife of the charismatic New Birth Missionary Baptist pastor has decided against withdrawing her petition for divorce filed late Thursday afternoon.
Continue reading Lawyer: Bishop Eddie Long's Wife Says Divorce Is Back On.
In this March 5, 2009 file photo, the offices of Angel Food Ministries in Monroe, Ga., are shown. (John Bazemore, File, Associated Press)
The founders of Angel Food Ministries, a Monroe-based nonprofit group that dispersed discounted food nationwide before closing in September, have been indicted by a federal grand jury and will surrender to authorities, an attorney for one of the founders said.
Continue reading Founders of Angel Food Ministries Indicted for Fraud.
Stella Harville and her fiance, Ticha Chikuni are seen in Richmond, Ky., in a Nov. 2010 photo provided by Stella Harville. (Stella Harville/AP Photo)
When Stella Harville brought her black boyfriend to her family's all-white church in rural Kentucky, she thought nothing of it.
Herman Cain announces that he is suspending his campaign as a Republican presidential candidate as his wife Gloria Cain looks on during the scheduled opening of a local campaign headquarters on December 3, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Scott Olson/Getty Images North America)
With the implosion of Herman Cain's campaign amid accusations of adultery and sexual harassment, the once-crowded 2012 Republican presidential field appears to be narrowing to a two-man race between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.
Continue reading After Cain's Exit, GOP Race Largely Focused on Romney and Gingrich.
Gunmen armed with machine guns and explosives attacked a town Sunday in northern Nigeria, bombing a local police station and raiding at least one bank, witnesses said.
Continue reading Nigerian Town Attacked by Gunmen.
From left, Eric Ferguson and brothers Mehdi and Reza Farsi opened State Bicycle Co. right out of college. (State Bicycle)
Mehdi Farsi, Reza Farsi and Eric Ferguson didn't send out resumes seeking a corporate job after they graduated from Arizona State University a few years ago.
Continue reading Millennials Skip the Unemployment Line, Start Their Own Business.
Head coach Les Miles and the LSU Tigers celebrate their 42-10 win over the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2011 SEC Championship Game at Georgia Dome on December 3, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)
LSU slogged its way through a brutal first half. The nation's top-ranked team had only 12 yards and not even a single first down.
Continue reading 42-10: LSU Champs Win SEC Title.
In this handout photo dated Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, and provided by The Amy Winehouse Foundation Amy Winehouse's parents, Mitch Winehouse, left, and Janis Winehouse, second from left, visited Little Havens Children's Hospice in Essex, England where they met Callum Miller, bottom, his mother Jane Morgan, second from right and Callum's grandmother Victoria Morgan, right, to meet the people benefiting from the foundations £10,000, euro 11,624, $15.695 grant. (AP Photo, The Amy Winehouse Foundation, HO)
Amy Winehouse's father says meeting the first children to be helped by the foundation set up in his late daughter's name has been both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Continue reading First Donations from Amy Winehouse Foundation Given Out.
Pictured: A chocolate cat
A mesmerizing chocolate theme park brings incredible -- and edible -- artworks to Shanghai.
Continue reading China's Chocolate Wonderland .
A tech visionary, a veteran talk show host, two presidents -- current and former -- a preacher and a baseball player with good attendance are among the people under consideration for the first-ever postage stamp to honor a living or recently deceased American, according to U.S. Postal Service officials not authorized to speak publicly.
Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain delivers a speech about foreign policy at Hillsdale College November 29, 2011 in Hillsdale, Michigan. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images North America)
His once-surging presidential campaign all but over, Herman Cain told supporters Friday he would make an announcement Saturday about the future of his Republican White House bid.
Continue reading Will He Drop Out? Herman Cain to Make Announcement on Campaign Saturday.
In this Nov. 14, 2011 file photo, job seekers line up to speak to recruiters during a career expo in Las Colinas, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
The unemployment rate, which has refused to budge from the 9 percent neighborhood for two and a half frustrating years, suddenly dropped in November, driven in part by small businesses that finally see reason to hope and hire.
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) (R) questions Defense Secretary Leon Panetta while Chairman Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) (L) listens during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on November 15, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)
The US Senate approved a vast military spending bill that tied strings to military aid to Pakistan and aimed to stem the spread of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles from Libya.
Continue reading US Senate Approves Vast Spending Bill for Military .
Thai residents clean up a Buddhist temple after flood receded on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
As Thailand's floodwaters continue their slow journey to the sea, large swaths of the country have drained and dried, leaving behind a stinky, thick grime on everything touched by the nation's worst deluge in more than a half century.
Continue reading Thailand Begins Clean Up from Flood Damage.
A voter in Siberia casts his ballot in early voting on Thursday. (Reuters)
President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday made a final push to ensure ruling party United Russia keeps its dominance in legislative polls, saying the country needed a stable parliament untroubled by divisions.
Continue reading Medvedev Makes Final Push for United Russia Party Votes.
Quarterback Donovan McNabb # 5 of the Minnesota Vikings passes during the game against the Chicago Bears on October 16, 2011 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)
Donovan McNabb is available again. The Minnesota Vikings waived the 13-year veteran quarterback on Thursday, giving him the opportunity to sign with another team for the stretch run in a parting coach Leslie Frazier described as mutual.
Continue reading Where Will Donovan McNabb Go Next?.
Head Coach Mike Sherman the Texas A&M Aggies works the sidelines in a game against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field on November 24, 2011 in College Station, Texas. (Darren Carroll/Getty Images North America)
Mike Sherman was fired as Texas A&M's coach Thursday after the Aggies finished the regular season a disappointing 6-6.
Continue reading Texas A&M Fires Coach Mike Sherman After Disappointing Season.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning talks to reporters in the locker room at the NFL football team's practice facility in Indianapolis, Friday, Dec. 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Peyton Manning could soon be throwing footballs to his teammates, the best news Colts fans have heard since this miserable season began.
Continue reading Colts' Manning Encouraged, Still Eyes Return .
New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony smiles while speaking to the media after working out at their practice facility in Greenburgh, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony returned to work Thursday - and immediately were asked about working together.
Continue reading NBA Players Return to Work.
Kicker Tyler Bitancurt #40 of the West Virginia Mountaineers celebrates after kicking a 28-yard, game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter against the South Florida Bulls December 1, 2011 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images North America)
Tavon Austin returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, Pat Miller scored on a 52-yard interception return and Tyler Bitancurt kicked a 28-yard field goal as time expired, helping No. 22 West Virginia clinch a share of the Big East championship with a 30-27 victory over South Florida on Thursday night.
Doron Lamb # 20 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball while defended by Nurideen Lindsey #10 of the St.John's Red Storm during the game at Rupp Arena on December 1, 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Freshman Anthony Davis scored 15 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and had eight of a school-record 18 blocks in No. 1 Kentucky's 81-59 victory over St. John's on Thursday night.
Continue reading 81-59: Davis Shines in Kentucky's Win Over St. John's.
Chris Kunitz #14 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Richard Park #12 as John Erskine #4 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the third period at Verizon Center on December 1, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
Chris Kunitz scored the tiebreaking goal at 2:36 of the third period, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat Washington 2-1 Thursday night to keep the Capitals winless under new coach Dale Hunter.
Continue reading 2-1: Penguins Victorious Over Capitals.
Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings eludes a check by Tim Kennedy #8 of the Florida Panthers in the third period at Staples Center on December 1, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Not only were the Los Angeles Kings short-handed on the ice because of undisciplined penalties, they also were short-handed on the bench because injuries took out a couple of key players.
Continue reading 2-1: Los Angeles Kings Overcome Player Shortage to Beat Panthers .
YouTube has reprogrammed its website to make it easier for viewers to find and watch their favorite channels.
Continue reading YouTube Updates Site With Much Needed New Look, Format.
While Google Chrome has quickly become popular in the United States, the browser has been growing even faster globally and just knocked Mozilla's Firefox into third place.
Continue reading Report: Google Chrome Moves Into Second Place Globally.
Australia's High Court has extended a ban on selling Samsung's Galaxy 10.1 tablet for at least another week (AFP/File, Park Ji-Hwan)
Australia's High Court Friday extended a ban on selling Samsung's Galaxy 10.1 tablet for at least another week, despite a lower court allowing the device to compete in stores with Apple's iPad.
Continue reading Samsung Tablet Ban Extended in Australia .
Google may have a fast shipping challenger to Amazon's Prime product, which could be launched sometime in 2012
Continue reading Google Aims to Deliver Online Orders on Next Day.
After years of decline, measles is on the rise in Europe, according to a new report released Thursday.
Continue reading Measles Is On the Rise in Europe .
It's true - apple juice can pose a risk to your health. But not necessarily from the trace amounts of arsenic that people are arguing about.
Continue reading Consuming Lots of Apple Juice Might Be Bad for You.
Arctic ice is melting at a near record pace, and it's darkening and absorbing too much of the sun's heat. (NOAA/AP)
Federal officials say the Arctic region has changed dramatically in the past five years - for the worse.
Continue reading Arctic Changing Dramatically for the Worse.
The approximate position of the alien planet Kepler-21b and its parent star HD 179070 is indicated by the circle. (P. Marenfeld ,J. Glaspey)
Astronomers have found an alien planet not much bigger than Earth, but so blisteringly hot that life has no shot of gaining a foothold there.
Continue reading Astronomers Find Alien Planet So Hot It Can Melt Iron.
Illustration of a star merger that could have spawned a GRB (Aurore Simonnet, NASA E/PO, Sonoma State University)
On December 25, 2010, a NASA telescope spotted a bright "star" that suddenly appeared in the sky.
Continue reading Has the 'Christmas Burst' Finally Been Explained?.
Goodbye, free plastic toys inside Happy Meals -- at least in one major California city.
Continue reading Toys in San Francisco, CA Happy Meals No Longer Free.
Men may be helping more in the home but working women still do more multitasking in U.S. families than their partners and are finding it stressful, according to a new study.
Continue reading Study Women Do More Multitasking than Men, Find It Stressful.
Vanessa and Eddie Long, the beleaguered pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, have been married for more than two decades. (John Amis, AP)
Hours after announcing she had filed for divorce from megachurch pastor Bishop Eddie Long, his wife, Vanessa, issued a statement saying she had withdrawn her petition.
General view of the World AIDS Day Discussion at George Washington University on December 1, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Kris Connor/Getty Images North America)
A star-studded array of political and religious leaders -- from President Obama to rock legend Bono to AIDS activist Kay Warren -- came together Thursday (Dec. 1) for World AIDS Day to call for an entirely AIDS-free generation by 2015.
Continue reading On World AIDS Day, Calls for AIDS-Free Generation Ring Out .
The Rev. Derrick Harkins performing a baptism at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, which the Obamas have attended. (Andrew Councill/The New York Times)
The reception room at the Democratic National Committee felt more like a sanctuary than a politician's meeting space as a quartet of congressional leaders testified Wednesday about their faith.
Continue reading Democrats Talk Up Faith Beliefs Ahead of 2012 Elections.
The Rev. Billy Graham was in good spirits at a North Carolina hospital Thursday after being given his second pneumonia diagnosis since May.
Continue reading Billy Graham In Good Spirits Despite Pneumonia Diagnosis.
Televangelist and senior pastor of Houston's Lakewood Church Joel Osteen explained on Fox News Channel's "Huckabee" over the weekend that President Barack Obama reached out to Osteen and Lakewood.
Living like a biblical woman, as Christian author Rachel Held Evans discovered, can be a real pain in thy rump.
Conservatives are striking out against what they perceive as left-wing propaganda aimed at their kids, and a movie about adorable penguins isn't their only target.
In this image released by Paramount Pictures, actors Emily Mortimer, left, and Asa Butterfield listen to director Martin Scorsese on the set of "Hugo." (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures, Jaap Buitendijk)
The National Board of Review picked Martin Scorsese's 3-D "Hugo" as the year's best film, an unusually kid friendly choice sure to add further intrigue to the Oscar hunt.
Continue reading NBR Picks 'Hugo' as Year's Best Film.
Brandon Heath and Chris Tomlin, two of Christian music's biggest acts, heard their names called three times each during Wednesday night's Grammy Nominations Concert.
Continue reading Full List of the 2012 Grammy Gospel Nominees.
Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks scores as he out runs Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles at CenturyLink Field December 1, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Jay Drowns/Getty Images North America)
During his time playing in San Francisco, Michael Robinson said the mention of the Seattle Seahawks came with a label no NFL team wants to have.
Continue reading 31-14: In Beast Mode, Lynch Carries Seahawks by Eagles.
President Barack Obama (L), Marion Robinson, first lady Michelle Obama, and daughters, Sasha and Malia, help light the National Christmas Tree on December 1, 2011 at the Ellipse, south of the White House, in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)
The new National Christmas Tree is settling into its new digs just south of the White House.
Continue reading Obamas Light Up 2011 National Christmas Tree.
Christian activists wear biblical costumes as they participate in a procession outside the U.S. Supreme Court November 22, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)
It made for an incongruous sight on Wednesday morning, as volunteer actors playing Mary and Joseph walked in procession in front of the U.S. Supreme Court with Baby Jesus (a 4-month-old).
Continue reading Project Leaders Hope Live Nativity in Front of Supreme Court Resonates.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (L) speaks as Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (R), U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (2R), U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey, and U.S. soldiers attend a special ceremony at Camp Victory, one of the last American bases in this country where the U.S. military footprint is swiftly shrinking, December 1, 2011 in Baghdad, Iraq. (Pool/Getty Images Europe)
Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday "we're not claiming victory" in Iraq, but he believes the emerging government in Baghdad is capable of defending itself.
Continue reading Iraq Ready to Survive on Its Own, Biden Says.
Myanmar's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton embrace after their meeting at Suu Kyi's residence laying out a framework for reforms on December 2, 2011 in Yangon, Myanmar. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images AsiaPac)
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, two of the world's most recognizable women leaders, pledged on Friday to work together to bring democracy to Suu Kyi's long isolated and repressive nation.
Continue reading Clinton, Suu Kyi Vow to Promote Myanmar Reforms.
Egyptian election officials count ballots at the end of the second voting day (AFP/File, Mahmud Hams)
Egypt announced a second delay Thursday for results of its first election vote since its February revolution which are set to reveal hardline Salafi Islamists as important new powerbrokers.
Continue reading Islamists Claim Victory in Egypt's Election Vote.
Los Angeles City firefighters look over a eucalyptus tree that fell on a house and knocked down power lines, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Some of the most powerful Santa Ana winds in years ripped through Southern California, causing diverted and delayed flights, toppling trees and power lines, and knocking out power to thousands.
Continue reading Powerful Santa Ana Winds Topple Trees, Leave Many in the Dark.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit by energy efficient LED lights in the 79th annual lighting ceremony, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York City rang in the holiday season Wednesday night as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, with its 30,000 lights, lit up for tens of thousands people watching.
Continue reading Rockefeller Center Lights Christmas Tree.
Christian Bale attends the 83rd Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. (Getty Images)
Aronofsky targets Michael Fassbender for Paramount, New Regency epic
Continue reading Christian Bale Passes on Aronofsky's "Noah".
Penn State President Rodney Erickson, left, responds to a question as Acting Executive Vice President and Provost Rob Pangborn, center, and Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims look on during a town hall forum organized by students at the university's main campus, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/John Beale)
Penn State University officials on Thursday said they will donate $1.5 million in bowl proceeds to a pair of sex-crime advocacy organizations in the wake of shocking sex-abuse allegations levied against a once-revered assistant football coach.
Continue reading Penn State to Donate $1.5 Million to Sex-Crime Advocacy Organizations.
Head coach Randy Carlyle of the Anaheim Ducks reacts on the bench during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on November 23, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
Randy Carlyle appeared relieved after his Anaheim Ducks snapped a seven-game skid Wednesday night, figuring his talented club had turned a corner.
Continue reading Randy Carlyle, Staff Fired by Anaheim Ducks.
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball during the men's singles match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena on November 24, 2011 in London, England. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal insists he is mentally and physically prepared to lead Spain's challenge for a fifth David Cup title when they face Argentina despite complaining he had lost "a bit of passion for the game" during the ATP World Tour Finals last month.
Continue reading Rafael Nadal Ready for Davis Cup Win.
In a letter to Rep. Edward Markey, Amazon this week reiterated that the Silk browser on its Kindle Fire tablet does not collect identifying information about its users, but Markey said he was not satisfied with Amazon's responses.
In this Nov. 23, 2011 photo, an Associated Press reporter is shown demonstrating an app for shopping in front of an Old Navy store in San Francisco. If you're trying to save cash and time this holiday season, a slew of smartphone apps can help. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Even if you love to shop, it can be a pain this time of year. Stores are crowded, gift options seem endless and it's hard to determine if you're getting the best prices.
Continue reading The Best Apps to Make Your Holiday Shopping Easier.
Japan country manager for Twitter Inc. James Kondo, left, and mixi Inc. founder and President Kenji Kasahara shakes hands at a joint press conference in Tokyo Wednesday, November 30, 2011. (Photo by AP)
Twitter Inc. and Japan's biggest homegrown social networking site mixi Inc. joined forces Wednesday to strengthen their ground against a rapidly expanding Facebook.
Continue reading Twitter Joins Forces with Japan's Biggest Social Networking Site.
An advocacy organization for persecuted Christians has asked the 2012 presidential candidates to sign a pledge stating they would make religious freedom a priority in the United States and overseas if they win the White House.
Continue reading 2012 Presidential Candidates Asked to Sign Religious Freedom Pledge.
A young woman with a kerchief on her head lit a candle and prayed Sunday beneath a mosaic of Mary and Jesus at a packed Mass at St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church.
Continue reading Egypt's Christians Face a Different Political Future after Elections.
Lincoln Chafee is taking some heat for Yuletide semantics. (AP Photo)
The governor said Tuesday that lawmakers upset with his decision to call the blue spruce erected in the Statehouse a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree should focus their energy on feeding the poor.
Continue reading RI's Holiday Tree Upsets Lawmaker, Bishop.
Pictured: Iran's Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi
It seems that Iran's government is finally taking off the gloves.
Continue reading Iranian Government Declares House Churches a Threat .
In a move to "promote greater unity" among its body and the Pike County community it serves, a small Kentucky church voted to ban interracial couples from membership and from participating in certain worship activities, Kentucky.com reports.
Continue reading Small Kentucky Baptist Church Votes Against Interracial Couples.
Four times a week, Mark Hall ministers to youth at a suburban Atlanta megachurch, working from an office where the walls are lined with vintage Marvel comic books and that also houses a stone-like desk decorated with symbols from "The Avengers."
Continue reading Casting Crowns: The Band At The Top Of The Christian Music Charts.
Musician Bruno Mars onstage during The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live! Countdown to Music's Biggest Night at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 30, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America)
It was Adele's year, and when the Grammy Awards are revealed next February, it very well may be her night.
Continue reading Kanye West Leads Grammy Noms but Year Belongs to Adele.
Philadelphia 76ers president Rod Thorn, left, and coach Doug Collins take questions during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's training facility Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
These are the kinds of negotiations NBA fans have been waiting for.
Continue reading Sports Focus Back on Basketball as Lockout Nears End.
After rights groups criticized Apple for Siri's inability to field requests regarding abortion clinics and birth control, a company spokesperson has said the omissions were "not intentional," while reminding that the service is still in beta.
Continue reading Is Apple's Siri Pro-Life?.
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