January 2012 Archives

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TV personality Kim Kardashian arrives at the Cinema For Peace event benefitting J/P Haitian Relief Organization in Los Angeles held at Montage Hotel on January 14, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images North America)

Kim Kardashian wants to start a "bible study group" with her friends.
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Belief in God and evolution not incompatible, says Sir David Attenborough
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A controversy is brewing over three reputable Christian organizations, which are based in North America, whose efforts have ousted the words "Father" and "Son" from new Bibles.
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An Egyptian man holds a copy of the Koran in one hand and a wooden cross in the other during a mass rally in Tahrir Square. (Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty Images)

From her home in a labyrinth of stonewalled alleyways, Samia Ramsis holds a key chain bearing the face of the Virgin Mary as she sits in her yellow pajamas on the morning of Orthodox Christmas.

The Battle Over Cleveland's Unwanted Churches

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The Euclid Avenue Church of God and the former Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration sit empty on this city's former Millionaires' Row, remnants of a heyday when mansions marched east from downtown.

Has the Republican Party Forsaken Compassion?

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Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA) addresses a campaign rally at the Tampa Jet Center January 30, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

by Amy Sullivan
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This is a copy of a recent Carmo family photo of Adriana, from left, Leticia, 17, Jose, and Lidiane, 15, as seen in the family home on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. (Family)

Full of fresh ideas and renewed faith, 15 members of a small Cobb County church headed home following a three-day conference in Florida. But hours into the return trip home, the group faced the ultimate test of faith.
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Lieutenant General WIlliam G. Boykin speaks at his retirement ceremony at United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg N.C. (Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)

A retired U.S. lieutenant general who made comments denigrating Islam has withdrawn from speaking at a West Point prayer breakfast after a veterans' advocacy group protested his invitation.
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Workshops Set for March 13-15 at Hope Center, Plano, Texas

Black Segregation at Century Low, Study Finds

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Joann Boyd, one of the first blacks to move to Kansas City suburb Overland Park, welcomes the growing diversity in race and income in her community. (Chris Cummins, USA TODAY)

Black segregation from other racial groups has hit its lowest point in more than a century -- declining in all 85 of the nation's largest metropolitan areas -- but social and income inequality persist.
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Rick Santorum held his daughter, Isabella, in June before announcing his run for the Republican presidential nomination in Somerset, Pa. (Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press)

Most people had never heard of Trisomy 18 until Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum started talking on the campaign trail about his 3-year-old daughter, Isabella (Bella), who was born with the genetic disorder.
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American Idol alum Danny Gokey got married for the second time on Sunday, Jan. 29,  PEOPLE reports.
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Warner Bros. has also inked a deal to release a separate line of toys in conjunction with Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit."
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During church services on Sunday, Catholics around the country were read a blistering letter assailing the Obama administration for an "assault on religious liberty" in the form of a coming requirement that most church-linked organizations - among them hospitals, schools and universities - offer birth control coverage as part of their health care plans.
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Protesters burn tires in a street after Senegal's highest court ruled that the country's increasingly frail, 85-year-old President Abdoulaye Wade could run for a third term in next month's presidential election, in Dakar, Senegal, Friday, Jan. 27, 2012. (AP Photo)

Paramilitary police in northern Senegal opened fire Monday on men and women protesting the president's plan to run for a third term, killing a woman in her 60s and a high school student, a witness and a rights group said.
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A Somali man accesses a water point at the Dadaab refugee camp on July 4, 2011. With a population of 370,000, Dadaab is the world's largest refugee camp even though it was built for just 90,000. (ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

A major United Nations report on sustainability has warned time is running out to ensure there is enough food, water and fuel to meet the needs of the world's rapidly growing population.
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President Obama talks with Jennifer Weddel during Monday's Google+ Hangout. (via YouTube)

President Barack Obama is trying to rebuild the American economy, one job at a time -- literally.
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Actress Demi Moore attends the premiere of 'Margin Call' on Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, in New York. (AP / Peter Kramer)

While Demi Moore has yet to be seen in public since checking out of a Los Angeles-area hospital a few days after her health scare last week, her kids are getting some quality time with dad.
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Actress Cynthia Nixon attends "The Case for Gay Marriage" panel during the 2010 New Yorker Festival at SVA Theater 1 on October 2, 2010 in New York City. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images North America)

Actress Cynthia Nixon is trying to clarify her earlier remarks that got her in hot water with some fellow gay rights activists.

Dungy Hopes Peyton Manning Stays with Colts

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With Super Bowl XLVI in town, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and on-the-mend quarterback Peyton Manning have put a lid on exchanges over Manning's uncertain future.
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Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on January 30, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Blake Griffin's jaw-dropping one-handed jam over Kendrick Perkins sent Los Angeles Clippers fans into a frenzy, fired up his teammates, lit up the Twitterverse and burned the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball to teammate Thaddeus Young #21 during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 30, 2012 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The 76ers had one of their worst performances of the season to open a rugged stretch on the schedule.

61-45: UConn Women Break Duke's Home Streak

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Duke's Shay Selby (3) battles for a loose ball over Connecticut's Bria Hartley (14) during the second half of an NCAA women's college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, in Durham, N.C. Hartley led her team with 15 points. (AP Photo/Sara D. Davis)

Bria Hartley scored 15 points and No. 3 Connecticut beat No. 5 Duke 61-45 on Monday night to snap the Blue Devils' 34-game winning streak at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against defense during the game between the Miami Heat and the New Orleans Hornets on January 30, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. (Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade each scored 22 points, Mike Miller added 14 off the bench and the Miami Heat shook off a slow start to run away from the New Orleans Hornets 109-95 on Monday night.

Samsung Galaxy Note Coming to AT&T Feb. 19

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On Monday, Samsung announced that it will bring the Samsung Galaxy Note to the United States beginning Feb. 19 for AT&T customers.
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A man takes a photograph using his iphone 4S at an Apple store in London in October. (Getty Images)

We love documenting our lives. If we didn't, well, there probably wouldn't be a hugely successful online behemoth called Facebook. And smartphone photography wouldn't be the thriving phenomenon that it is today.

Texas Drought Continues as Wells Run Dry

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Mike Stone of Lower Colorado River Authority prepares a water transfer to well on Monday Jan. 30, 2012, in Spicewood, Texas. (Austin American-Statesman, Ricardo B. Brazziell)

Under dark clouds and rain, two tanker trucks for the first time delivered thousands of gallons of water Monday to a Texas town that came precariously close to becoming the state's first community to run out of water during a historic drought.
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In this November 14, 2009 photo provided by the University of Florida, University of Florida researchers hold a 162-pound Burmese python captured in Everglades National Park, Fla. Therese Walters, left, Alex Wolf and Michael R. Rochford, right, are holding the 15-foot snake shortly after the python ate a six-foot American alligator. (AP Photo/ University of Florida, Michael R. Rochford)

A burgeoning population of huge pythons - many of them pets that were turned loose by their owners when they got too big - appears to be wiping out large numbers of raccoons, opossums, bobcats and other mammals in the Everglades, a study says.
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A mysterious imprint discovered by ocean explorers bears a bizarre resemblence to the Millennium Falcon in 'Star Wars.' (CNN; LUCASFILM)

Deep down on the bottom of the Baltic Sea, Swedish treasure hunters think they have made the find of a lifetime.
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This photo provided by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium shows one of three leopards that were captured by authorities Wednesday, a day after their owner released dozens of wild animals and then killed himself near Zanesville, Ohio. (AP Photo/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Grahm S. Jones)

One of six animals that survived the Oct. 18 slaughter at a Zanesville, Ohio, exotic animal farm is dead, euthanized Sunday after a gate struck it in the neck.
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Professional Boxer Manny Pacquiao (pictured) sings during the press conference for his World Welterweight Championship Fight with Juan Manuel Marquez at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on September 6, 2011 in New York City. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images North America)

The influential Catholic church in the Philippines said Monday it had asked boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to follow in the footsteps of NFL hero Tim Tebow and become a "bible ambassador".
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Christians in the U.S. who labeled themselves politically liberal or conservative told researchers Jesus wouldn't necessarily agree with their social views if he were alive today, according to a study.
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The Southern Baptist Convention's top public-policy expert says that Christians who still support President Obama are not using their heads.
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A new law could require church-run schools, hospitals and charities to provide free contraceptives to their employees. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

The healthcare law's mandate to require religious-affiliated employers to pay for contraception for their workers has prompted two lawsuits. If the matter gets to the Supreme Court, it will go before justices who recently affirmed -- in a 9-0 ruling -- that the 1st Amendment gives special leeway to religious employers.
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Lieutenant General WIlliam G. Boykin speaks at his retirement ceremony at United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg N.C. (Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)

A veterans' advocacy group asked the Army chief of staff Monday to rescind a West Point prayer breakfast invitation to a retired U.S. general who made comments denigrating Islam.
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Ken Babington of Satellite Beach pastors First Baptist Church of Cocoa Beach and led the opening prayer for a Newt Gingrich campaign stop in Cocoa last week. (Craig Rubadoux/FLORIDA TODAY)

He has a wife and two teenage daughters, has publicly professed Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior, advocates fatherhood, believes marriage is between a man and a woman, all while supporting faith-based initiatives to help communities across the nation.
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With 46 No. 1 singles, including "Do Everything," which topped charts last month; 56 GMA Dove Awards; five GRAMMY awards; and more than 200 songs recorded on 17 original albums spread across an illustrious 25-year career, Steven Curtis Chapman has already amassed a collection of songs worth celebrating.

Remedy Drive Signs With Centricity Music

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New Album To Be Released Fall 2012

Ravens Hire Caldwell to Tutor Flacco, Other QBs

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on January 1, 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images North America)

Jim Caldwell is back in the NFL, this time as the Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach.
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Manager Ron Washington walks off the field during Game Seven of the MLB World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on October 28, 2011 in St Louis, Missouri. (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America)

Texas manager Ron Washington has signed a two-year contract extension through the 2014 season after leading the Rangers to consecutive World Series.
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Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat dunks over Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls during a game at American Airlines Arena on January 29, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

LeBron James scored 35 points, while reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose wasted two chances in the final 23 seconds and the Miami Heat escaped with a 97-93 win Sunday over the Chicago Bulls.

4-0: U.S. Defeats Canada Behind Wambach

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Tobin Heath #17 of the United States celebrates with Rachel Buehler #17 and Abby Wambach #20 after scoring a goal against Costa Rica during first half of semifinals action of the 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament at BC Place on January 27, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Rich Lam/Getty Images North America)

Now Abby Wambach only has Mia Hamm to beat.
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Lamar Odom #7 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Richard Jefferson #24 and Danny Green #4 of the San Antonio Spurs on January 29, 2012 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jason Terry was more than willing to take the big shots, with Dirk Nowitzki just getting back into the Dallas Mavericks' lineup. Terry made them when they mattered, too.
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Only one in twelve Facebook users is in favor of the company's Timeline feature, shortly to become compulsory for all.
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A new study finds having both arms measured during a blood pressure check could save your life.

The next time you get your blood pressure checked, make sure it's measured on both arms. Doing so could save your life, a new study has found.
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Decision could come in time for arrival of the Super Bowl.
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Religious leaders and elected officials joined a massive march to protest the ban on religious gatherings in public schools.
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The synod will decide next week on a series of motions about women bishops, including a draft code of conduct which sets out how they would be introduced and what would be on offer to Anglicans who remain opposed to their creation (ALAMY)

The Church of England is on an unstoppable path to women bishops, their most senior traditionalist opponent has conceded.
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Nadia Eweida was asked by her employer, British Airways, to conceal her crucifix pendant.

Oxford academic Roger Trigg points to 'clear trend' privileging secular values over religious conviction
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Bridgette Dunlap organized an off-campus clinic staffed by volunteer doctors to provide prescriptions for birth control because Fordham University's student health service does not do so. (Michael Nagle for The New York Times)

Bridgette Dunlap, a Fordham University law student, knew that the school's health plan had to pay for birth control pills, in keeping with New York state law.
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Mitt Romney's 2010 tax return, along with an estimated version of his 2011 filing, was released on Tuesday and attracted attention for a number of reasons -- chief among them his high income and low tax rate.
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Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich with his wife, Callista Gingrich, speaks during a meet and greet at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance on January 28, 2012 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Newt Gingrich's personal and political baggage is giving even the most hard-core Republicans pause in a conservative swath of the state.

59-41: Marshall Catches 4 TDs; AFC Wins Pro Bowl

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Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl against the NFC team at Aloha Stadium on January 29, 2012 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images North America)

Brandon Marshall isn't taking time in the islands to relish his record-breaking Pro Bowl performance. He's ready to get back to work.

Winter X: White Nets Flawless Gold

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Shaun White soars above the spectators as he competes in men's snowboard superpipe elimination during Winter X Games 2012 at Buttermilk Mountain on January 29, 2012 in Aspen, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Was there every any doubt? Shaun White proved yet again that he is the world's top halfpipe snowboarder with an unprecedented perfect score of 100 in the superpipe final at Winter X Games.
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Christian poet and YouTube sensation Jefferson Bethke has created and performed poems that pierce the heart and mind with their intensity, their fervor, and their resonance, thus compelling audiences to respond, whether positively or negatively, to his impact on their souls and their beliefs. 
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A Republican primary voter enters a polling station in Columbia, South Carolina, January 21, 2012. (MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)

Newt Gingrich won more than 40 percent of the evangelical Christian vote in last week's South Carolina primary, easily besting Rick Santorum, long considered a social conservative favorite, in the early primary where bible-believing Christians hold the most sway.
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Pictured: Lord Carey

Leading church figures including the former  Archbishop of Canterbury  have sparked controversy by championing a psychotherapist who believes gay men can be 'cured' of their homosexuality.

Egyptian Christian Blogger Freed from Prison

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Egyptian blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad revealed he remains an unabashed critic of the military regime at a press conference (Mohamed Omar/EPA)

An Egyptian blogger recently pardoned by the military junta urged activists to continue their revolution against the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.
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An Indonesian priest gestures during a Sunday mass outside the presidential palace in Jakarta. (AFP Photo/Adek Berry)

Indonesian Christians held a prayer vigil in Jakarta on Sunday urging President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to re-open their church and stop intimidation by Muslim hardliners.
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Republican presidential candidates former CEO of Godfather's Pizza Herman Cain (L) and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich participate in a debate at Constitution Hall November 22, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Former presidential hopeful Herman Cain threw his support behind Newt Gingrich Saturday night, providing the former House speaker with a late boost just days before Florida's primary.

Rick Santorum's 3-Year-Old Daughter Hospitalized

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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum speaks at his primary-night event on January 21, 2012 in Mark Clark Hall at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum canceled his Sunday morning campaign events and planned to spend time with his hospitalized daughter.
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Beware the Liam in Winter.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the men's final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day fourteen of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Robert Prezioso/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Novak Djokovic wore down Rafael Nadal in the longest Grand Slam singles final ever, winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 after 5 hours, 53 minutes to claim his third Australian Open title.
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Robert Rock of England (R) and Tiger Woods of the USA walk off the eighth tee during the final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 29, 2012 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images Europe)

Tiger Woods talked all week about his improved ball control - then it let him down when he needed it most.

Agent: Crosby Also Injured Neck

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Sidney Crosby isn't just dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion. A California doctor says the Pittsburgh Penguins' star also is recovering from a neck injury.

Arsenal Erases 2-0 Deficit to Win FA Cup Match

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Robin van Persie of Arsenal (L) celebrates with Theo Walcott (C) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (R) as he scores their third goal from the penalty spot during the FA Cup with Budweiser Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on January 29, 2012 in London, England. (Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe)

Arsenal kept its bid to end a seven-year trophy drought on track Sunday, scoring three times in eight second-half minutes to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.

100-89: Undermanned Bucks Keep Lakers Struggling

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Luc Mbah a Moute #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 28, 2012 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

Drew Gooden scored 23 points and the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks made sure the Lakers' road struggles continued, beating Los Angeles 100-89 on Saturday night.
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Google+ is now accepting teenagers aged 13 and up in the U.S. and most other countries, as it seeks to expand the footprint of its fledgling social network.

First Winter Youth Olympic Games - 2012

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Glory Ndudi, a Christian, and her five children board a bus headed out of town on Wednesday. The recent bomb attacks that have targeted churches in Kano, Nigeria, have led to an exodus of Christians from the city. (Grant Clark/NPR)

The New Road bus station in the heart of Kano is a scene of bedlam.
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LifeChurch.tv's new location on State Road 7 south of The Mall at Wellington Green. (Brandon Kruse/Palm Beach Post)

The new $6 million LifeChurch Wellington that opened its doors Jan. 15 is debt-free.
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Bishop T.D. Jakes, left, discusses the doctrine of the Trinity with James MacDonald (center) and Mark Driscoll. (Elephant Room II)

Bishop T. D. Jakes says he has moved away from a "Oneness" view of the Godhead to embrace an orthodox definition of the Trinity -- and that some in the Oneness Pentecostal movement now consider him a heretic.
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Evangelicals are expected to account for about 40% of the Republican vote on Tuesday's primary in Florida.

Conservative Christian activist Ralph Reed has called the Bible Belt home for decades, but he grew up in Miami in the 1970s, when the city was emerging as a diverse megalopolis.
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Sometime in the next few weeks, Rabbi Kliel Rose of West End Synagogue in Nashville hopes to pick up a copy of the New Testament and learn a little more about Jesus.

'Courageous' Movie No. 1-Selling DVD Nationwide

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The church-made film "Courageous" is once again surprising the pundits thanks to strong DVD sales that have made it the No. 1-selling DVD nationwide.
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Fighting between Islamic militants and armed forces in northern Nigeria during the last two days has killed 12 people, including a policeman, according to military and police officials.
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Inset: 16-year-old Amira Gamal Saber (ASSIST News Service)

A Middle East journalist is reporting that an Egyptian court has ordered a 16-year-old Christian girl to be held in a state-owned care home, instead of returning her to her family, allegedly for expressing her wish to convert to Islam.

Tiger Grabs Share of Abu Dhabi Lead

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Tiger Woods of the USA watches his tee shot on the 15th hole during the third round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 28, 2012 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images Europe)

Tiger Woods put himself in position to win his second straight tournament Saturday, and this one would leave little doubt about which direction his game is going.
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Victoria Azarenka of Belarus kisses the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after winning her women's final match against Maria Sharapova of Russia during day thirteen of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Victoria Azarenka started celebrating, then suddenly did a double-take to ask her coach, "What happened?"
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Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky sits in his car with his wife Dottie after departing from a preliminary hearing in Bellefonte (Pat Little Reuters, REUTERS / December 13, 2011)

Former Penn State University football coach Jerry Sandusky, who is under house arrest on charges of child sexual abuse, has asked a Pennsylvania court to allow supervised visits with his grandchildren that are now prohibited.
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Business and social media leaders teamed up Friday to tackle the transmission of HIV from mothers to babies, saying the medicine and the money are largely in place, and with the right organizational skills they can eliminate HIV-infected births by 2015.

Android-Powered Devices Gain Ground on iPad

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When it comes to selling tablets, Apple is still the boss, but sales of Android-powered devices edged upward during the fourth quarter of 2011, according to new data from Strategy Analytics.

Apple 'Attacking Problems' with Supply-Chain

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Apple Inc. is "attacking problems" with conditions at its supply factories and is committed to educating workers about their rights, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in an e-mail to his employees.
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Pictured: Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu

Marriage must remain a union between a man and a woman, says the Archbishop of York, and David Cameron will be acting like a "dictator" if he allows homosexual couples to wed.
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Mullen Plans Tour Dates In United States And Overseas In 2012
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Residents pass by a burning police headquarters in Kano (AFP/GETTY)

When a city of 9 million people comes under almost daily assault, the police would normally step up their presence. But not in Kano.
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A common misbelief about sex trafficking is that the United States is only a destination country, that all of the victims of sex slavery within the U.S. have been carried across international borders.
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Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin speaks during the Republican Party of Florida's fundraising event at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort on November 3, 2011 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Roberto Gonzalez/Getty Images North America)

Sarah Palin has written to Alaska Airlines, her favourite carrier, to complain about a decision to end its decades old practice of giving passengers prayer cards during flights.
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British author Richard Dawkins attends his Honourary Doctorate ceremony at the Antwerp University on April 29, 2009 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Mark Renders/Getty Images)

Plans to build a £1 million ($1.47 million) ''temple for atheists'' among the international banks and medieval church spires of London have sparked a clash between two of Britain's most prominent non-believers.
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Students at Liberty University have created a video that's now getting attention all over the world.
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The Rev. Herman Henderson, right, prays with Brent Cherry in the middle of his destroyed business in Center Point, Ala., Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

It's hard to imagine the scene after this week's tornado ripped through the state of Alabama. A 16-year-old girl was thrown from her home and found dead 40 feet away, lying on her mattress. An 83-year-old man died after his mobile home was thrown 200 feet.
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Actress Cynthia Nixon attends "The Case for Gay Marriage" panel during the 2010 New Yorker Festival at SVA Theater 1 on October 2, 2010 in New York City. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images North America)

Cynthia Nixon learned the hard way this week that when it comes to gay civil rights, the personal is always political. Very political.
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Shaun Casey, the religious affairs adviser to presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008, said at a discussion on Tuesday about  "God and Politics" that the demise of religious society in the United States is a good thing.
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(Julea Ward / Alliance Defense Fund)

An Eastern Michigan University student who was expelled from a counseling program because she refused to counsel gays and lesbians about their lifestyles won a key victory today in the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Kids will be kids, and in high school that can lead to being reprimanded for being a class clown, passing notes in class or pulling pranks on others.
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Colton Harris-Moore talks with one of his lawyers at his sentencing in Island Superior Court in Coupeville, Washington in this Dec. 16. (Marcus Donner  /  Reuters file)

A federal judge on Friday sentenced "Barefoot Bandit" Colton Harris-Moore to 6 1/2 years in prison for his infamous two-year, international crime spree of break-ins, and boat and plane thefts that ended in 2010.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning match point in his semifinal match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during day twelve of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Defending champion Novak Djokovic moved into an Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal after edging Andy Murray in a five-set, almost five-hour semifinal late Friday night.

Tiger Putts Way to Within Two of Abu Dhabi Lead

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Tiger Woods of the USA during the second round of Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on January 27, 2012 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Europe)

Tiger Woods moved into contention in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship with a 3-under 69 Friday.
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What is God's State of the Union? What does God want to tell Americans? Pastor Steven Andrew answers these timely questions to give Americans God's hope. He is president of USA Christian Ministries, author of "Making A Strong Christian Nation" and a rising national pastor.

Liam Neeson Considering Becoming a Muslim

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Liam Neeson, pictured in the film Five Minutes of Heaven, has spoken of his interest in the Muslim faith. (HWT Image Library)

Hollywood star Liam Neeson is considering giving up his Roman Catholic beliefs and becoming a Muslim.
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Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign event at Paramount Printing January 26, 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney's tax returns reveal that the Republican presidential candidate does something fewer Americans do these days: He tithes.

On Religious Freedom, Years of Battles Ahead

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Release Date: January 27, 2012
Rating: PG-13 (for violence and brief strong language)
Genre: Action, Thriller
Run Time: 102 min.
Director: Asger Leth
Actors: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Edward Burns, Anthony Mackie, Jamie Bell, Genesis Rodriguez, Kyra Sedgwick
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Albert Pujols may have left the Cardinals to play for the Los Angeles Angels, but his family foundation that benefits people with Down syndrome and the poor in the Dominican Republic remains committed to St. Louis.

'Toddlers' Mom Sues Media for Sexualizing Tot

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Isabella Barrett prepares for TLC's 'Toddlers & Tiaras' event to benefit her anti-bullying bracelets in December. (MARC ANDREW DELEY/GETTY IMAGES)

She's not sexy and she doesn't know it!

Two Spans of Kentucky Bridge Collapses

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The Delta Mariner, an ocean freight vessel sits under the collapsed 200-foot segment of the Eggner's Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Kylie, The Murray State News)

Two spans of a southwest Kentucky bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship that carried aviation parts. No injuries were immediately reported, state transportation officials said.

Twitter to Censor Tweets by Country

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A Twitter page is displayed on a laptop computer (Mario Anzuoni / Reuters file)

Censorship of some posts is a huge change for social media tool
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The board of directors of Sovereign Grace Ministries announced Wednesday that it had unanimously decided to reinstate C.J. Mahaney as president of the Maryland-based church-planting ministry, effective immediately.
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Mitt Romney spoke to core Mormon beliefs on a Wednesday call with conservatives.

In a recent conference call with conservatives across the country, Mitt Romney expounded upon subjects he usually doesn't talk much about: Jesus and eternity.
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Jessica Ahlquist, 16, an atheist student at Cranston High School West, outside the school in Cranston, R.I., Jan. 24. (Gretchen Ertl  /  The New York Times)

State Representative calls girl, who has been escorted by police to school, 'an evil little thing'
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More than 560,000 people around the world have signed a petition asking the Pakistani government to release Asia Bibi, a Christian wife and mother falsely accused of blasphemy against Mohammed and sentenced to death by a Pakistani court.
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American Jessica Buchanan, from the Danish Refugee Council's de-mining unit is seen in this undated handout photo. (Danish Refugee Council)

CBN News has more information about Jessica Buchanan, the missionary who was rescued from Somali kidnappers last weekend by the U.S. Navy's SEAL Team 6.
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Inset: Adoniram Judson

When America's first ordained missionaries sailed from here to India 200 years ago, they kicked off a movement to spread the faith and created America's most potent export: Christianity.
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The Republican presidential candidates debate at the University North Florida on January 26, 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney, forced to prove his resilience after a stinging loss in South Carolina, is showing why the so-called Republican establishment thinks he has the best discipline, organization and campaign smarts to challenge President Barack Obama this fall.
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Indiana legislators are moving forward on a bill that would allow creationism to be taught alongside other theories in the state's public school system.
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Kirk Cameron at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Monumental Movie/Facebook)

Fireproof star Kirk Cameron is trying to put out a major inferno, and he is hoping American families can help him.
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Newark Mayor Cory Booker expressed criticism toward Gov. Chris Christie's comments.

Influential black leaders in the state said today they were stunned by comments made by Gov. Chris Christie that civil rights pioneers of the 1950s and '60s would have gladly put the rights they were fighting for to a vote, and suggested he needed a history lesson.
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The South Dakota House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a resolution supporting and encouraging the "academic study of the Bible in South Dakota public schools."

Parenting 'Matters Most' to Michelle Williams

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Actress Michelle Williams poses in the press room with the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy award for "My Week With Marilyn" at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America)

Hard to imagine, but on the morning Oscar nominations were announced, Michelle Williams had blanked on the significance of the day and was in the midst of her daily routine: Getting 6-year-old daughter Matilda up and ready, putting on her snowsuit -- the usual mom things.

Surprising 30 Percent Rise In Home Births

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Jessica Wilcox thinks her in-laws still view her ideas about childbirth as kind of out there, but it's hard to argue with success:
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In this Oct. 5, 2011 file photo, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks at the Newseum in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File)

A Hispanic-American U.S. senator from Florida who's considered a rising star in the Republican Party says too much is being made of the significance of immigration to his community.
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Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano waits to take the field against 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)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired Rutgers' Greg Schiano to become the team's next coach.
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Prince Fielder gets to wear the Tigers uniform again, just like he did as a kid, except now he'll get paid handsomely for it. (Carlos Osorio, AP)

Saying "dreams come true," Prince Fielder was introduced Thursday by the Detroit Tigers.
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New York Police Department Commissioner Ray Kelly points as Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance (R) looks on at a news conference announcing the indictment of 35 members of a large scale PCP drug ring on January 18, 2012 in New York City. (Mario Tama/Getty Images North America)

Muslim groups are calling for New York's police commissioner to step down because of his appearance in a film they say paints their religion and its adherents in a bad light.
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New York City's police commissioner Ray Kelly with son, Greg Kelly.

The son of New York City's police commissioner, also a co-host of a popular New York City morning television show, has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman, a person familiar with the investigation said Thursday.
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In this photo taken Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, an employee views a computer screen showing a helicopter and engineers of the Israeli Electric Company installing devices, at the Israeli Electric Company head-quarters in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israel is often referred to as "Startup Nation," thanks to its long history of high-tech breakthroughs produced by scrappy little companies. But in one critical area, the speed of Internet connections, Israel has fallen behind other tech-savvy countries.

Young South Africans Are Most Active Tweeters

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Gertrude Kitongo poses with her Blackberry mobile phone in Johannesburg, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011. (AP / Denis Farrell)

Young people tweeting from BlackBerrys and iPhones are driving the growth of Twitter in Africa, with South Africans by far the most vociferous, according to new research published Thursday.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland during day eleven of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in an Australian Open semifinal on Thursday night, the longtime rivals playing with the intensity they normally display when they meet in Grand Slam finals.

Tiger Opens 2012 with Bogey-Free 70

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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Tiger Woods of the USA shake hands on the 18th green during the first round of Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on January 26, 2012 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Europe)

Tiger Woods weathered putting woes to open his 2012 season with a 2-under 70 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship on Thursday, three shots behind clubhouse leaders Rory McIlroy and Robert Karlsson.

Colts Hire Ravens DC Pagano as Next Coach

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Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (R) and defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano (C) talk with the defense during training camp at M&T Bank Stadium on August 6, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)

The next chapter in the Peyton Manning saga could take a decidedly defensive turn.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell smiles while speaking to fans during a Q&A prior to the AFC Divisional playoff game between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 15, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America)

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's contract was extended Wednesday through the 2018 season.
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Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers talks with Kobe Bryant #24 and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit for a 96-91 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night in another testy edition of their cross-hallway rivalry.
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Director/producer Steven Spielberg poses in the press room with the Best Animated Film award for "The Adventures of Tintin" at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America)

Steven Spielberg and Warner Bros. have been doing a slow dance towards one another over the last couple months.

Coming Soon: Atheist Church?

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Atheists have long criticised devout followers of faith. But now it seems Atheism is stealing from that very religious tradition by erecting a temple of worship.
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Alaska Airlines is ending decades of giving passengers prayer cards with their meals, saying Wednesday the decision was made out of respect for all passengers.
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Bill Gates leaves the G20 Summit on November 3, 2011 in Cannes, France. (Getty Images Europe)

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is donating $750m through his charitable foundation to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
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Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney campaigns at American Douglas Metals in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday. A Univision/ABC poll showed him with a 15-percentage-point advantage over Gingrich among likely Hispanic GOP voters. (Charles Dharapak, Associated Press / January 25, 2012)

It may come as a surprise to you to learn that Hispanic evangelicals are a key constituency in swing states.
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Pastor Shi Enhao, Deputy Chairman of the Chinese House Church Alliance, was unexpectedly released from labour camp last Friday, 20 January, after serving six months of a two-year re-education through labour (RTL) sentence. The reason for his early release is unknown.

Catholics Blast Obama On Contraception Rule

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A requirement to cover contraceptives sparked an outcry by Catholics. (Getty Images)

Catholic leaders lashed out at the Obama administration's decision to require religious employers' health plans to cover contraceptives, accusing the White House of betraying them on the issue.
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Mary Rich worked for a hospital in northern New Jersey for 25 years, first as a registered nurse and later as an executive. One of the job's benefits was a traditional pension that she expected to receive at retirement.
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U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) arrives prior to the start of U.S. President Barack Obama's State of the Union speech on January 24, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)

In an emotional moment on the House floor that left many in tears and smiles, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords walked into the chamber Wednesday morning in her last appearance as a member of Congress, while hundreds of her colleagues gathered in an extraordinary show of support to say goodbye and pay tribute to the beloved congresswoman from Arizona.
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An SUV sits submerged in high water in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday. A woman was safely rescued from the vehicle. (LM Otero / AP)

Buckets of rain and powerful winds that likely spawned three tornadoes swept across Texas on Wednesday, causing minor flooding in some areas but not dropping enough water to make up for a historic dry spell.
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Fear not, Carrie Underwood diehards: the country superstar will be unveiling new music in less than a month.
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Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will launch the first U.S. leg of the 2012 "Wrecking Ball" World Tour on March 18 in Atlanta, the singer announced today. Springsteen's 17th studio album, "Wrecking Ball," will be released on Columbia Records on March 6.
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Listen To "Mine To Love" Here; Barnes Tour Dates Announced
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Former Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., center arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, for President Barack Obama's State of the Union address. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann swept aside doubts about her political future on Wednesday, declaring less than a month after ending her presidential bid that she will seek a fourth term in Congress.
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Mary Mary attend the world premiere of "Joyful Noise" in Hollywood, CA (Getty Images)

Erica Campbell of the Grammy-winning sister duo Mary Mary has given birth to a new daughter.
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Actor William Baldwin poses for a picture at the Creative Coalitions Healthcare Policy Roundtable luncheon held at The Four Seasons Hotel January 31, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California. (Getty Images North America)

William Baldwin has played many roles in a long list of movies, but the actor is walking into a role he has never played before, the coach of a blind football player.

Jay Leno Sued for Using Sikh Religion In a Joke

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Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and the Golden Temple in Amritsar (EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images/AP)

Jay Leno has been sued by a Bakersfield, CA man offended by a joke about a sacred Sikh temple that Leno told in his "Tonight Show" monologue last Thursday.
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World War II Memorial in Washington

The House on Tuesday passed two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials. One writes into law the propriety of displaying religious markers at war memorials while the other orders that the Interior Department add to the World War II Memorial in Washington a plaque with Franklin Roosevelt's prayer to the nation on D-Day.
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Most Americans love football and faith. Mixing the two, NFL quarterback Tim Tebow has reinvigorated the debate about public expressions of religion.

RED To Headline "REDvolution" Tour

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All-Star Ticket to Include Thousand Foot Krutch, Manafest, Nine Lashes, KIROS 
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Peter Furler is adding more fuel to the digital edition of his popular debut solo album, On Fire ("a thought-provoking, immensely entertaining project" - Jesus Freak Hideout).
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Arizona's public and charter high-school students could soon earn credit for learning about the influence of the Old Testament on art or how biblical references are found throughout literature.
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Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos warms up against the New England Patriots prior to their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)

All Will Brockman wants is to play soccer for a few more years.

63-Year-Old Son of Oral Roberts Arrested for DUI

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Richard Roberts, 63, was observed traveling about 93 mph, according to his arrest report. (Tulsa County Jail)

The son of late evangelist Oral Roberts and former president of Oral Roberts University was arrested early Tuesday on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding, authorities said.
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In this image from video, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels delivers the Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/APTN)

President Barack Obama has resorted to "extremism" with stifling, anti-growth policies and sought to divide Americans, not unite them, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said in the formal Republican response to the president's State of the Union address.
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U.S. President Barack Obama hugs U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) before delivering his State of the Union address on January 24, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)

The chair between Reps. Jeff Flake and Raul Grijalva stood empty at last year's State of the Union address, reserved for their colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. They could hardly have imagined that just one year later she would actually be able to join them one more time.
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About 750,000 children in Yemen under five are malnourished and reaching crisis point, says UNICEF.

A year of Yemen's turmoil has increased the number of malnourished children under the age of 5 to around 750,000, UNICEF said yesterday, appealing to the government and the international community to help develop the country's infrastructure to tackle the problem.
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Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (AFP/Getty Images/File, Jerod Harris)

Actors in adult movies filmed in Los Angeles will be required to use condoms under an ordinance signed into law by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and porn industry leaders say the regulation could lead them to abandon the nation's porn capital.
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As past and present Penn State football players stand guard, mourners pay respect to former Penn State Football coach Joe Paterno during a public viewing at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the campus of Penn State on January 24, 2012 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The second day of a three-day period of public mourning for Joe Paterno will culminate with the funeral and burial for the Hall of Fame football coach who became the face of Penn State University.
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Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates a point in her quarter final match against Ekaterina Makarova of Russia during day ten of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Appearing uncomfortable for much of the match, defending champion Novak Djokovic held on to beat David Ferrer 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-1 Wednesday night and complete a blockbuster semifinal lineup at the Australian Open.

Source: Tigers Land Fielder with $214M Offer

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Prince Fielder #28 of the Milwaukee Brewers bats against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Five of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 14, 2011 in St Louis, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)

With Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera in the middle of the lineup, the Detroit Tigers look ready for a season of slugging at Comerica Park.

Saunders Fired by Wizards Amid 2-Win Start

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Flip Saunders of the Washington Wizards questions a call with referee Jason Phillips (l) at Philips Arena on December 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)

Flip Saunders was fired Tuesday as coach of the NBA-worst Washington Wizards and replaced by assistant Randy Wittman, who has the job for the rest of the season.
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Carli Lloyd #10 of the United States celebrates after scoring her second goal of the game against Mexico during second half of the 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament at BC Place on January 24, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Rich Lam/Getty Images North America)

Not this time, Mexico.
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It is a "myth" that regularly eating fried foods causes heart attacks, researchers have found, as long as you use olive oil or sunflower oil.

School Meals About to Get a Lot Healthier

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Schoolchildren's favorite lunch - the ubiquitous frozen pizza - is about to get healthier.
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Facebook will start requiring people to switch to a new profile format known as Timeline, making photos, links and personal musings from the past much easier to find.
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In this May 23, 2011 file photo, customers look at the Apple MacBook Air and the iPad 2 at the Apple Store in San Francisco. Apple Inc., reports quarterly financial results Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, after the market close. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

The iPhone is taking over Apple.
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Dutch appeals judges ruled Tuesday that Samsung's Galaxy Tab tablet is not a copy of Apple's popular iPad, handing the Korean consumer electronics maker its latest legal victory over its American rival.
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Liberty University is sponsoring The Elephant Room: Round 2 simulcast this week featuring some of the country's most influential pastors discussing controversial topics in the ministry.
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Mark DeMoss has a message for his fellow evangelicals: You can't attack and demean Mormons or President Barack Obama and still consider yourself a follower of Jesus Christ.
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When Mormons proudly call themselves "a peculiar people," they mean it in the biblical sense -- set aside by God, chosen.
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Rick Warren told his church that he gave up carbonated drinks, dairy and fast food. His trainer says he works out twice a day. (Saddleback Church)

The epiphany occurred at a baptism.
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U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledges members of Congress before delivering his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill January 24, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Pool/Getty Images North America)

President Barack Obama didn't turn his State of the Union speech into an overt pitch for his reelection, but he did push back against his Republican rivals in his address.
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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during the luncheon of 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)

Governor wants same-sex unions put to referendum

Kari Jobe Launches To No. 1 on iTunes

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First Sparrow Records Album For Jobe Releases Today Amidst Acclaim, Gathers Billboard Radio Hit, "We Are" 

'Hugo,' 'The Artist' Top Nominees In Oscar Race

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(L-R) Asa Butterfield, Martin Scorsese and Chloe Moretz attend 'Hugo Cabret 3D' premiere at Cinema UGC Normandie on December 6, 2011 in Paris, France. (Francois Durand/Getty Images Europe)

American master Martin Scorsese journeyed to France, putting Hollywood's newest technology to work for his dazzling 3-D re-creation of 1930s Paris in "Hugo." French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius came to America, reviving old-time Hollywood with his charming resurrection of early cinema in the silent film "The Artist."

Solar Storm Brings Show of Northern Lights

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The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, are seen near the city of Tromsoe, northern Norway, late Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Scanpix Norway, Rune Stoltz Bertinussen)

A storm from the broiling sun turned the chilly northernmost skies of Earth into an ever-changing and awe-provoking art show of northern lights on Tuesday.

Joe Paterno Memorialized

January Storms In Alabama

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Oprah Winfrey interviews Joel and Victoria Osteen for OWN

Following recent features on Joel Osteen and George Lucas, Oprah Winfrey has booked future specials with TD Jakes, Deepak Chopra, Paula Deen and Tony Robbins for 'Oprah's Next Chapter'. 
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Here's the first official trailer for the T.D. Jakes-produced thriller Woman Thou Art Loosed On The Seventh Day, which Codeblack Entertainment will release on April 13th via its new AMC Independent agreement, after the film premieres at the Pan African Film Festival next month as its closing night film.

An Introduction to Boko Haram

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A car burns at the scene of a bomb explosion for which Boko Haram took credit at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla (Reuters)

The African terrorist group has been in the news lately, but they're more complicated than you might think.
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You try to write a book on marriage and sex with your wife and next thing you know there are a lot of ants crashing your picnic.
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A record-breaking achievement for Thomas Nelson, Inc., the world's largest Christian publisher, was revealed in the January 22, 2012 "New York Times" Best Seller lists -- Thomas Nelson titles hold 11 different best-selling positions. This is the most the Company has ever held in a single week.
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Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney greets supporters and gives autographs after a speech at the National Gypsum Company January 24, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney paid about $3 million in federal income taxes in 2010, having earned more than seven times that from his investments. Those earnings, $21.7 million, put him among the wealthiest of American taxpayers. Romney's campaign said Tuesday he followed all tax laws.
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Federal job discrimination complaints rose to an all-time high last year, led by an increase in bias charges based on religion and national origin.

6-Year-Old Girl Swept Away by Frigid Oregon River

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A member of the Multnomah County Sheriff Search and Rescue team searches along the Clackamas River for a 6-year-old who on Sunday had fallen into the stream and was swept on downriver Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, in Mount Hood National Forest, near Estacada, Ore. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

An Oregon man raced along the rain-swollen Clackamas River but couldn't keep up with his 6-year-old daughter who had fallen into the stream and was swept downriver, authorities said.

Posada Retires After 17 Seasons and Five Titles

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Jorge Posada #20 of the New York Yankees hits a eighth inning two run single against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 21, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

With tears filling his eyes, Jorge Posada announced his retirement from baseball on Tuesday. Posada began the press conference by reading from a prepared statement, calling his experience as a Yankee "priceless."
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Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning match point and his quarter final match against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina during day nine of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

A dominating win by Roger Federer in his 1,000th career match and a more difficult workout for Rafael Nadal set up a rare Grand Slam marquee semifinal between the former top-ranked players.
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Kim Clijsters of Belgium celebrates winning her quarter final match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark during day nine of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Pool/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Kim Clijsters is moving on to the Australian Open semifinals, and Caroline Wozniacki is moving out of the top spot.
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Rudy Gay #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies throws down a dunk after penetrating the Golden State Warriors defense on January 23, 2012 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. (Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Rudy Gay scored 23 points, three in the final 23 seconds, and the surging Memphis Grizzlies rallied from 20 points down in the second half to beat the Golden State Warriors 91-90 on Monday night.
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Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic drives the ball against Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics on January 23, 2012 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Steve Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Paul Pierce and former Magic forward Brandon Bass each scored 19 points to carry the injury-riddled Boston Celtics to an 87-56 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
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YouTube, Google Inc's video website, is streaming 4 billion online videos every day, a 25 percent increase in the past eight months, according to the company.

NBC News Launching Into Digital Publishing

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NBC News is launching a new unit dedicated to digital publishing.
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Facebook, Twitter and MySpace have created a new web tool to direct users' attention to what it considers are biased search results from Google.
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Google is relaxing a requirement that real names be used on its Plus social network.
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The largest solar storm for seven years is expected to send a shower of radioactive solar particles racing towards Earth at almost 1,400 miles a second this week, according to NASA.

The largest solar storm for seven years is expected to send a shower of radioactive solar particles racing towards Earth at almost 1,400 miles a second this week, according to NASA.
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The Northern Lights dancing across the horizon were photographed in Britain. The aurora borealis are rarely seen in the UK, but specialist photographer Reed Ingram Weir took this photograph on the A1 near Alnwick Northumberland. (MASONS)

The Northern Lights have lit up the skies above Scotland and northern England after the biggest solar storm in more than six years bombarded Earth with radiation.
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Sumatran elephants take a bath on a river in Tesso Nilo national park, Riau Province, Indonesia (EPA)

The Sumatran elephant could be extinct in the wild within three decades unless immediate steps are taken to slow the breakneck pace of deforestation, environmentalists warned Tuesday.
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The embryonic skeleton of Massospondylus, a prosauropod dinosaur, is seen at what is believed to be the oldest dinosaur nesting site ever discovered at an excavation site in South Africa. (D. Scott/CBC News)

A Canadian-led team of international researchers has unearthed the 190-million-year-old nesting site of the prosauropod dinosaur Massospondylus -- predating previously known nesting grounds by 100 million years -- at an excavation site in South Africa.

Study: Women Report More Intense Pain Than Men

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Tiiu Leek, a former television newscaster from Los Angeles, has suffered from chronic pain for more than a decade. (Courtesy of Tiiu Leek)

Tiiu Leek's pain began suddenly nearly a decade ago, upending her successful career as a television newscaster for KCLA in Los Angeles.
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(L-R) Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA) and Republican presidential candidate, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) as they participate in the NBC News, National Journal, Tampa Bay Times debate held at the University of South Florida on January 23, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential contenders Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich clashed repeatedly in heated, personal terms Monday night in a crackling campaign debate, the former Massachusetts governor tagging his rival as a Washington "influence peddler," only to be accused in turn of spreading falsehoods over many years in politics.
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New charity website HopeMob takes a cue from Reddit by letting users vote-up their favorite content. Or in the case of HopeMob, users vote for what they think is the most compelling plea for help.
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An opponent of gay marriage hands out buttons outside an overflow room for a Senate committee hearing on proposed legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (Ted S. Warren / AP)

As lawmakers held their first public hearing on legalizing same-sex marriage, a previously undecided Democratic senator on Monday announced her support for the measure, all but ensuring that Washington will become the seventh state to allow gay and lesbian couples to get married.

The Joe Paterno In Us

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People gathered around a statue of Joe Paterno on the Penn State campus after hearing of his death on Sunday. (Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press)

by Shaun King
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First Single,"Sparrow," Available on iTunes ® Now
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Jefferson County road crews clear Tyler Loop Road in the Paradise Valley area of Clay Chalkville, Alabama, after the area was hit by tornadoes early Monday. (Marvin Gentry/Reuters)

Nine months after powerful tornadoes plowed across Alabama and killed 238 people, the state again is looking for victims and assessing damage, this time from rare January tornadoes that killed two and left scores more injured.

Starbucks to Sell Beer, Wine In Select Stores

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People walk past the Starbucks outlet on 47th and 8th Avenue in New York. (LILY BOWERS/REUTERS)

Food will also be available in select cafes as it looks at expansion beyond coffee

Report: 1/4 Web Users are 'Music Pirates'

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The report also revealed that Bruno Mars, Just the Way You Are, was the top-selling single of 2011, shifting more than 12.5 million copies. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)

One in four internet users are illegally accessing music through unauthorised sites every month, according to a new report.
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Thousands of abortion opponents marched to the Supreme Court on Monday to mark the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, and supportive lawmakers urged them to further their cause by working to defeat President Barack Obama in the fall.
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Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum speaks during a night rally Jan. 21 in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)

by Jonathan Merritt
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Kabir Ahmed, left to right, Razwan Javed and Ihjaz Ali (PA)

In the first case of its kind, a British court has convicted three Muslim men -- who claimed they were acting under teachings of their religion -- of openly advocating the execution of gays.
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The Minnesota Court of Appeals has revived a lawsuit that challenged the state's ban on gay marriage.
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A new movie sheds light on the faith, friendship and fortitude of the trailblazing Tuskegee Airmen.

The Root of Spending Problems

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Have you ever noticed how everyone around you always seems to say the right things about money?

Funeral, Memorial Services Set for Joe Paterno

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A private funeral for former Penn State coach Joe Paterno will be held Wednesday, and his family has scheduled three days of public memorial events this week.

Eli's Busy: Panthers' Newton Going to Pro Bowl

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Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers talks to his team in the huddle while playing the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America)

Cam Newton will cap off his remarkable rookie season with a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Yankees' Posada to Retire from Game Tuesday

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Jorge Posada being interviewed at The Jorge Posada Foundation's Decade of Difference celebration on November 9, 2011 in New York City. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images North America)

The New York Yankees say Jorge Posada is going to announce his retirement Tuesday at Yankee Stadium.

Dad: 49er Williams Received Death Threats

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Kyle Williams #10 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball on a punt return in overtime against Devin Thomas #15 of the New York Giants during the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park on January 22, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)

Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams questioned the "culture of sports" after his son Kyle received death threats on social media outlets following Sunday's NFC Championship Game.
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Not really a follow-up to T.D. Jakes 2004 film Woman Thou Art Loosed, the indie thriller On The Seventh Day about a couple in search for their missing daughter, has just released its first poster and film image.
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Aretha Franklin performs during the BET Honors 2012 at the Warner Theatre on January 14, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Kris Connor/Getty Images North America)

Aretha Franklin won't be getting fitted for a wedding gown after all: She's called off her engagement. A statement released Monday by her representative said Franklin's wedding to Willie Wilkerson wasn't going to happen.
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Producer Peter Jackson poses for a portrait during the 2012 Sundance Film Festival at the Getty Images Portrait Studio at T-Mobile Village at the Lift on January 20, 2012 in Park City, Utah. (Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America)

Peter Jackson is making his hobbits and dwarves march double-time in his "The Lord of the Rings" prequel, which he's shooting in a faster film speed than the Hollywood standard.
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Rep. Gabby Giffords posted this picture on twitter of her hugging Daniel Hernandez, the former intern who saved her life. (Twitter/GabbyGiffords)

In one of her last acts in office, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords met Monday with other survivors and supporters more than a year after gunfire interrupted a spontaneous meet-and-greet with constituents outside a Tucson grocery store.
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This colorized NASA image, taken Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, shows a flare shooting out of the top of the sun. (AP Photo/NASA)

The sun is bombarding Earth with radiation from the biggest solar storm in more than six years with more to come from the fast-moving eruption.
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Tablets and e-readers were a popular gift over the holidays, so much so that the number of people who own them nearly doubled between mid-December and January, a new study finds.
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Danica Patrick, driver of the #10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, walks through the garage area during Daytona Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway on January 14, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images North America)

Danica Patrick will not run the Indianapolis 500 this season.

China Welcomes the Year of the Dragon

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U.S. President Barack Obama greets guests during an event celebrating the 2011 Major League Baseball World Series champions St. Louis Cardinals in the East Room of the White House January 17, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

President Barack Obama is marking the 39th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision by saying that the ruling was more than just about establishing a woman's right to an abortion.
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The Rev. Otis Moss III, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, visits the site of a planned sustainable community on Chicago's South Side. (Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune / January 11, 2012)

With fewer distractions these days, Trinity United in Chicago plans a sustainable urban community as part of a growing green ministry.
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Occupy Wall street demonstrators protest on the streets of lower Manhattan near the New York Stock Exchange during what organizers called a "day of action" in New York, November 17, 2011. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)

There's no longer room at the inn at a Manhattan church that's sheltering Occupy Wall Streeters after a holy vessel disappeared from the altar last week.
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U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly wave goodbye to the thousand in attendance at the 'Remembering January 8th Candlelight Vigil' held at the University of Arizona Mall Jan. 8 in Tucson. (Jonathan Gibby/Getty Images)

Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced she will resign from Congress this week -- but not before finishing her "Congress On Your Corner" event that was interrupted by the shooting rampage that left six people dead and Giffords with a gunshot wound to her head.
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President Barack Obama plans to "hang out" in a video chat room to answer questions about his upcoming annual State of the Union address, part of a White House effort to test new social networking tools and the latest evidence of the growing intersection of social media and politics.
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Anti-government protesters shout slogans as they react to departure of Yemen's outgoing President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa on Sunday. (AP photo)

The Obama administration will allow Yemen's outgoing president to come to the U.S. temporarily for medical treatment, a move aimed at easing the political transition in Yemen, a key counterterrorism partner.
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Coach Joe Paterno leads his Penn State team onto the field in 2004 for a game against Akron in State College, Pa. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)

Other than family, football was everything to Joe Paterno. It was his lifeblood. It kept him pumped.
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Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants celebrates in the locker room with the George Halas Trophy NFC Championship trophy after the GIants won 20-17 in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park on January 22, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)

In a season of fabulous finishes, Eli Manning and the Giants had another one in them.
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Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during their AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)

Tom Brady got all the help he needed to get the New England Patriots into the Super Bowl.
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Ekaterina Makarova of Russia celebrates a point in her fourth round match against Serena Williams of the United States of America during day eight of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Serena Williams' 17-match winning streak at the Australian Open ended Monday in a stunning 6-2, 6-3 loss to Ekaterina Makarova, the lowest-ranked woman in the fourth round.
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Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers is defended by Lou Amundson #17 and Lance Stephenson #6 of the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on January 22, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Roy Hibbert scored eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter playing with a broken nose, and five of his teammates also scored in double figures to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 98-96 on Sunday night.
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Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers battles for the rebound during the game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on January 22, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Mo Williams scored 19 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, Blake Griffin had 18 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers sent the Toronto Raptors to their eighth straight loss, 103-91 on Sunday.
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LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat shoots against Ersan Ilyasova #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks on January 22, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. (Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Brandon Jennings scored 23 points, Ersan Ilyasova added 16 off the bench and the Milwaukee Bucks held Miami to 37 percent shooting on the way to beating the Heat 91-82 on Sunday night.

Sahel, West Africa Needs Aid as Drought Returns

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A man from Niger is pictured in his ravaged field due in 2011 (AFP/File, Boureima Hama)

For the third time in the past decade, drought has returned to the arid, western shoulder of Africa, bringing hunger to millions. Aid agencies are warning that if action is not taken now, the region known as the Sahel could slip into crisis.

Sri Lanka Among the World's Largest Eye Donaters

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In this Nov. 4, 2011 photo, people wait in a line to get their eyes examined as a staffer, foreground, examines the eye of a cataract patient at the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

At 10:25 a.m., a dark brown eye was removed from a man whose lids had closed for the last time. Five hours later, the orb was staring up at the ceiling from a stainless steel tray in an operating room with two blind patients - both waiting to give it a second life.
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Co-chief executive Mike Lazaridis, left, and co-chief executive Jim Balsillie at the Research in Motion annual meeting in Waterloo, Ont., Tuesday, July 12, 2011. (Dave Chidley / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

BlackBerry maker Research in Motion's co-CEOs, Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis, announced they have stepped down as co-CEOs and co-chairmen of the once-iconic company that has struggled to compete in recent years.
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Children of overweight or obese fathers might be at greater risk for obesity themselves, a study finds. (David Paul Morris / Bloomberg)

Kids might be at higher risk for obesity if dad is overweight, a study suggests.
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Red Cross officials carry the victim of a bomb attack in Nigeria's northern city of Kano on Saturday. (Reuters)

Gun and bomb attacks by Islamist insurgents in the northern Nigerian city of Kano last week killed at least 178 people, a hospital doctor said on Sunday, underscoring the challenge President Goodluck Jonathan faces to prevent his country sliding further into chaos.

How Will Joe Paterno Be Remembered?

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Penn State Coach Joe Paterno in 2007 before a game against Purdue in State College, Pa. (Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press/November 3, 2007)

The legendary Penn State football coach built a national powerhouse on ethics and dignity. His swift demise leaves a baffling question: How did a man of such greatness for so long fall so fast?

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This video image provided by the office of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords shows Giffords announcing her plans to resign, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012. (Office of Gabrielle Giffords)

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona announced Sunday she intends to resign from Congress this week to concentrate on recovering from wounds suffered in an assassination attempt a little more than a year ago that shook the country.
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Cast member Kate Beckinsale arrives at the premiere of "Underworld Awakening" in Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. "Underworld Awakening" will be released in theaters Jan. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Kate Beckinsale is back with a vengeance, with her latest "Underworld" movie opening at No. 1 this weekend.
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Head coach Joe Paterno of the Penn State Nittany Lions walks out onto the field during warmups before facing the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)

Full text of statement by the Paterno family on the death of Joe Paterno:
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Rally before 8th Annual Walk for Life West Coast at SF Civic Center Plaza. (Walk for Life West Coast)

Tens of thousands of pro-life activists massed in front of San Francisco's City Hall and then filled the city's main thoroughfare, walking about two miles down Market Street to the Embarcadero.
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Shalom Church claims to have more than 50,000 members. (Jason Beaubien/NPR)

On Jan. 12, for the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake, thousands of people flocked to the Shalom Church in Port au Prince, Haiti. The "church" is just a plywood stage under a patchwork of tattered tarps.

On Tuesday, Mitt Romney Will Release Tax Returns

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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) stands with his wife, Ann Romney, during his primary night rally January 21, 2012 in Columbia, South Carolina. (John Moore/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Sunday that he will release his 2010 tax returns and 2011 estimates on Tuesday, acknowledging it was a mistake for his campaign not to have done so earlier.
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Penn State head coach Joe Paterno addresses the media after the game against the Indiana State Sycamores on September 3, 2011 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America)

Joe Paterno, the longtime Penn State coach who won more games than anyone in major college football but was fired amid a child sex abuse scandal that scarred his reputation for winning with integrity, died Sunday. He was 85.
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In poll after poll, Americans say the economy is the paramount issue facing the nation, with hot-button social issues trailing far behind. Nonetheless, abortion will likely be in the election-year spotlight in a slew of states facing possible votes on sweeping abortion bans.
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The image of Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is projected on a screen at a primary night rally as he is announced as the winner of the South Carolina primary January 21, 2012 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who just a few days ago seemed poised to capitalize on his New Hampshire primary victory to win South Carolina, failed to appeal to conservative, lower-income, and evangelical Christian voters in the state, which led to Saturday's victory for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
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Private clinics that undertake abortions for profit will be allowed to advertise their services on television and radio for the first time, watchdogs ruled yesterday.

A Growing Crime In America: Human Trafficking

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A University of Michigan janitor. A Ukrainian nightclub owner. A Detroit man nicknamed "Gruesome."

Abortion Ads to Air During Super Bowl

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It was tongue in cheek, blogger Sophia Brugato said, because let's be honest: Tim Tebow, for all his athletic attributes, isn't the biggest scorer.
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In this Friday, March 4, 2011 file photo, an Iraqi officer, left, hits and detains a journalist Mohammed al-Rased, center, during a demonstration in Basra, Iraq's second-largest city, 550 kilometers (340 miles) southeast of Baghdad, Iraq. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani, File)

Iraq's Shiite-led government cracked down harshly on dissent during the past year of Arab Spring uprisings, turning the country into a "budding police state" as autocratic regimes crumbled elsewhere in the region, an international rights groups said Sunday.
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Kim Clijsters of Belgium celebrates winning a point in her fourth round match against Na Li of China during day seven of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Down four match points and hobbling on her injured left ankle, defending champion Kim Clijsters somehow rallied for a dramatic 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-4 win over Li Na at the Australian Open on Sunday.

Nadal Cruises Into Australian Open Quarters

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Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his fourth round match against Feliciano Lopez of Spain during day seven of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Lucas Dawson/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Rafael Nadal stayed on course for a blockbuster Australian Open semi-final match-up against great rival Roger Federer on Sunday after winning through to the last eight.
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NL MVP Ryan Braun at the Baseball Writers Association of America dinner Saturday night. (JAMES KEIVOM/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

Ryan Braun referred only in passing to his positive drug test and possible 50-game suspension as he accepted the National League MVP award at a black-tie dinner Saturday night.

1-0: U.S. Edges Venezuela On Clark's Late Goal

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Ricardo Clark #15 (R) of USA celebrates with teammates after scoring against Venezuela during the final moments of the friendly match at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 21, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

Ricardo Clark's header in the seventh minute of injury time lifted the United States to a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in a friendly international football match.
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Dutch sailor Laura Dekker, center left, is hugged by her father Dick Dekker, right, sister Kim Dekker, center, in red, and mother Babs Muller, left, after arriving to Simpson Bay, St. Maarten, on Saturday. (AP Photo/Stephan Kogelman)

A teenager from the Netherlands sailed into St. Maarten harbor on Saturday, ending a yearlong solo journey around the globe aboard a ketch named "Guppy."
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Penn State University head football coach Joe Paterno watches his team during practice on November 9, 2011 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)

Joe Paterno's doctors say the former Penn State coach's condition has become "serious" after he experienced complications from lung cancer in recent days.
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Notre Dame forward Jack Cooley, center right, grabs a rebound around Syracuse players, from left, James Southerland, Rakeem Christmas and Kris Joseph in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday Jan. 21, 2012, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)

Jack Cooley scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Saturday night as Notre Dame upset No. 1 Syracuse 67-58 and handed the Orange their first loss after 20 straight victories.
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Florida State's Michael Snaer (21) and Ian Miller celebrate Snaer's game-winning basket against Duke during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Florida State won 76-73. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Michael Snaer acknowledged he never felt comfortable playing in one of college basketball's most hostile environments, from the rowdy fans perched on the sideline to the way Duke tried to pressure the Seminoles out of their offense.

Mavs' Nowitzki Out Next Four Games to Rest Knee

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Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Hakim Warrick #21 of the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center on January 4, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)

Dirk Nowitzki will sit out for at least the next four games for the Mavericks, starting with Saturday night's contest in New Orleans, so the star forward can get in better game shape while strengthening his sore right knee.
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New York Rangers' Marian Gaborik (10) celebrates his game-winning goal in overtime with teammate Ryan Callahan during an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins in Boston, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. The Rangers won 3-2. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Gaborik's second goal of the game comes with 3.6 seconds left in overtime, ending duel between top two teams in the Eastern Conference.
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Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich stormed to an upset victory in the South Carolina primary Saturday night, dealing a sharp setback to former front-runner Mitt Romney and abruptly scrambling the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Magnitude-6.2 Quake Strikes Southern Mexico

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A magnitude-6.2 earthquake that hit off the coast of the southern Mexican state of Chiapas on Saturday shook as far away as El Salvador but brought no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
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Gingrich was buoyant while Romney took pains to start dialing back expectations. (AP Photos)

Newt Gingrich went into the last night before Saturday's South Carolina primary acting like he thought he was on the verge of a win. And Mitt Romney seemed to agree.
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A rescue worker inspects the burnt-out wreckage of cars and motorcycles destroyed by multiple explosions and armed assailants in the Marhaba area of the northern Nigerian city of Kano, on January 21, 2012. (AMINU ABUBAKAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Coordinated attacks claimed by a radical Islamist sect killed at least 143 people in north Nigeria's largest city, a hospital official said Saturday, as gunfire still echoed around some areas of the sprawling city.
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Egyptian election officials Abdel Moez Ahmed Ibrahim, right and Mohamed Sayed Omar on Saturday announce the results of parliamentary elections. (European Pressphoto Agency)

Egypt's Islamists led by the once-banned Muslim Brotherhood clinched two thirds of seats in parliament in historic polls after the ouster of strongman Hosni Mubarak, official results showed on Saturday.
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Indonesian police say a civil servant who posted "God does not exist" on Facebook faces a maximum penalty of five years behind bars for blasphemy.
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Powerhouse vocalist Natalie Grant will make her football debut at the 13th Annual National Football League's Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.
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U.S. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) 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)

Caving to a massive campaign by Internet services and their millions of users, Congress indefinitely postponed legislation Friday to stop online piracy of movies and music costing U.S. companies billions of dollars every year. Critics said the bills would result in censorship and stifle Internet innovation.
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Release Date: January 20, 2012 (wide)
Rating: PG-13 (emotional thematic material, some disturbing images, and language)
Genre: Drama, Adaptation
Run Time: 129 min.
Director: Stephen Daldry
Actors: Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn, Zoe Caldwell, Max von Sydow, John Goodman, Viola Davis, Jeffrey Wright

Elizabeth Smart Engaged to Marry

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Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour, seen in this photo from Facebook on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, are engaged to be married this summer.

Elizabeth Smart is engaged to marry.
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Serena Williams of the United States of America plays a forehand in her third round match against Greta Arn of Hungary during day six of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Serena Williams was so dominant in her 6-1, 6-1 third-round win over Greta Arn at the Australian Open that there's probably only one shot she'll remember more than most.
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Kevin Love #42 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is congratulated by his teammates after shooting the game winning basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on January 20, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kevin Love hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer after Ricky Rubio's tying 3 with 20 seconds to play, lifting the Minnesota Timberwolves to a pulsating 101-98 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.

Settlement Struck In Roethlisberger Lawsuit

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Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands on the field prior to their AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images North America)

Lawyers for Ben Roethlisberger and a woman who accused him of raping her at a Lake Tahoe hotel-casino in 2008 have reached a settlement that ends her civil lawsuit against the Steelers quarterback.
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U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius listens during a news conference December 19, 2011 at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)

Many church-affiliated institutions will have to cover free birth control for their employees, the Obama administration announced Friday in an election-year decision certain to upset conservatives and add to the national debate about the reach of government.
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US mayors, including Michael Bloomberg (C) and Antonio Villaraigosa, unveiled a campaign to win support for gay marriage (AFP, Tom Ramstack)

A group of 80 US mayors unveiled a campaign Friday to win support for same sex marriage during a conference in the US capital.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum listens to a question during a campaign stop at Captain Steve's Restaurant January 20, 2012 in Fort Mill, South Carolina. (John W. Adkisson/Getty Images North America)

Presidential candidates who share their faith on the campaign trail may not be helping their bid for the nomination, according to a recent LifeWay Research survey of American adults.
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Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos looks on durng warm ups against the New England Patriots during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)

Some say quarterback's public displays made the biggest impression on other athletes but won't change the way others share their faith
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Ann Romney reads while sitting next to her husband Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as they ride on the campaign bus after leaving a campaign stop at Barn, Harmon Tree Farm on January 20, 2012 in Gilbert, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney says the South Carolina race is neck and neck between him and rival Newt Gingrich.
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Scores of bomb blasts in Nigeria's north have been blamed on the Islamist group Boko Haram (AFP/GETTY)

A coordinated series of bombings and gun attacks Friday claimed by a radical Islamist sect killed at least seven people in the largest city in Nigeria's Muslim north, witnesses said, threatening to engulf the whole region in violence.
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Aleeza Adelman teaches Jewish studies at a Jewish school, yet she considers herself a teacher whose subject is religion, not a religious teacher. She's rethinking how to define her job after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling left her wondering what could happen if she ever needed to defend her right to keep it.
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Etta James' performance of the enduring classic "At Last" was the embodiment of refined soul: Angelic-sounding strings harkened the arrival of her passionate yet measured vocals as she sang tenderly about a love finally realized after a long and patient wait.
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In this Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011 file photo Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears play during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London. (AP Photo/David Azia, File)

The St. Louis Rams took the first step to becoming Britain's "home" team Friday, agreeing to play a regular-season NFL game in London in each of the next three seasons.
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It is fairly likely that if you're signing up for a new Google account these days, it is because you would like a Gmail account. Or perhaps you just want to keep track of favorite videos and subscriptions on YouTube.
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Thought to be extinct, the Miller's grizzled langur has been rediscovered in eastern Borneo. (Eric Fell/AP)

Miller's grizzled langur was thought to be extinct, but scientists in Borneo capture images of creature using camera traps
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They Are Currently on the Road as One of the Headlining Acts on the 2012 Winter Jam Tour
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Casey Anthony, who was acquitted last year in the death of her daughter, speaks out in a video that was posted on YouTube. (YouTube)

She's reportedly seen living at Palm City complex, playing basketball
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Concordia Seminary in suburban St. Louis gets an eclectic mix of students in a program allowing them to train for the ministry online - electricians, farmers, entrepreneurs - and even a founder of one of the best-known thrash metal bands.
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Republican presidential candidate former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R), next to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, makes a point during the opening question of a debate at the North Charleston Coliseum January 19, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina. (John Moore/Getty Images North America)

Presidential contender Newt Gingrich on Thursday angrily denied that he asked his second wife for an "open marriage" that would allow him to have a mistress as she claims in an interview broadcast two days before the South Carolina primary.
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U.S. President Barack Obama greets employees at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom after his speech January 19, 2012 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Roberto Gonzalez/Getty Images North America)

Shortly after taking the stage tonight for a fundraiser at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, President Obama broke into song.
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Former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain speaks at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, on January 19, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Herman Cain seems to be having something of a Sarah Palin moment.
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A man taking part in a demonstration last month protesting alleged fraud in Russian parliamentary elections wears a white ribbon, a symbol of the protest, at a Moscow rally. Behind him is an image of onetime oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a political foe of Vladimir Putin who has long been imprisoned. (Kirill Kudryavtsev / AFP/Getty Images / December 24, 2011)

The opposition's dilemma is the result of its inability to find a leader and a program acceptable to Putin foes varying from Communists to pro-business forces, and of a Kremlin campaign to weaken it.
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File photo of South Korea's trucks carrying 530 tons of flour for North Korean flood victims on September 16, 2010.

The South Korean government on Friday approved the first shipment of food aid to North Korea since the death of dictator Kim Jong Il last month.
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Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark plays a forehand in her third round match against Monica Niculescu of Romania during day five of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)

In the same half of a Grand Slam singles draw for the first time since 2005, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are taking similar paths to a potential semifinal matchup at the Australian Open.
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LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat is guarded by Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game at American Airlines Arena on January 19, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

LeBron James shook off flu-like symptoms to score 31 points, Chris Bosh scored 15 and the Miami Heat won their second straight, topping the Los Angeles Lakers 98-87 on Thursday night.
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Utah Jazz guard Devin Harris (5) fouls Dallas Mavericks guard Delonte West (13) as he drives to the basket during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)

After back-to-back last-possession losses, the Dallas Mavericks easily could have let another one get away.

Report: MVP Braun Begins Appeal of Drug Test

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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)

Ryan Braun's appeal of his positive drug test began Thursday before baseball arbitrator Shyam Das.
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With 150 million registered users, about 50 million hits daily and endorsements from music superstars, Megaupload.com was among the world's biggest file-sharing sites. Big enough, according to a U.S. indictment, that it earned founder Kim Dotcom $42 million last year alone.
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Nike+ FuelBand displays your progress on its LED display. 

The Nike+ Fuelband is a wristband that uses an accelereometer to track the wearer's activities throughout the day.

The Best Place to Work In America Is Google

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Google CEO Larry Page and co-founder Sergey Brin often get props for their brains. But Google being named the best place to work in America by Fortune on Thursday may also have something to do with their noses.
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Intel Semifinalist Samantha Garvey, 17, is all smiles after Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced the placement of the homeless Garvey family into a three bedroom home in neighboring Bay Shore, during a news conference, Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at Brentwood High School in Brentwood, NY. (AP Photo/John Dunn)

The accolades continue for a homeless New York teen who's a semifinalist in a prestigious national science contest.

Researchers: Babies With Three Parents Possible

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The child would inherit their identity from their mother and father but would take their mitochondrial DNA from the donor (ALAMY)

Babies with three biological parents could be a reality within three years using an IVF technique which eradicates hereditary disease by using the undamaged DNA of a third party.
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Having access to junk food at school did not cause middle schoolers to gain weight, according to a longitudinal study.

Snowstorm Hits Seattle, Portland

Sarah Burke: Canadian Freestyle Skier

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Members of the "amen section" shout during Wednesday night's sermon at Elevation Church's "Code Orange Revival" at the sanctuary in Charlotte. (Robert Lahser/The Charlotte Observer)

So this is what tailgating for the soul looks like.
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Presbyterians opposed to gay clergy split from the church on Thursday, announcing in Orlando a new denomination called the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians.
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The number of church weddings has risen for the first time in several years, new figures show.
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Republican presidential hopeful and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) shakes hands with Family Research Council president during a campaign event on January 19, 2012 in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. (John Moore/Getty Images North America)

Last Friday, a significant group of social conservative leaders, gathered at the ranch of influential Southern Baptist layman, and retired Texas Civil Appeals Court Judge, Paul Pressler.
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Destroyed cars at the site of the bomb blast at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Nigeria (AP Photo/Sunday Aghaeze)

The chief suspect in Nigeria's Islamists' Christmas Day bombings on a church has escaped from custody less than 24 hours after his arrest, police have said.
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THE PROBLEM
There's an ongoing war within urban culture. Confusion over what manhood is has plagued our cities, families and lives. The concept of a biblical man has been lost in our generation. Unfortunately, many churches struggle to provide its urban members, much less those beyond their walls, with a tangible definition of a real man.

Over 200 Injured after Quake Hits Iran

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Earthquake in Iran (EPA)

Iran's state TV says the number of people injured by a Thursday earthquake of moderate strength affecting the northeastern city of Neyshabour has increased to around 230.
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If the Super Bowl's sexiest advertising has an epicenter, this is it.
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Release Date: January 20, 2012
Rating: R (for some violence and language)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Thriller
Run Time: 93 min.
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Actors: Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, Michael Angarano, Michael Fassbender, Bill Paxton
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NHCLC will distribute Focus marriage and worldview resources to the 16 million Hispanic born-again Christians it serves
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Ginger Strivelli and daughter Sybilsue (FOX News)

A pagan mother's challenge to the distribution of donated Bibles at a local school has prompted the Buncombe County Board of Education to reevaluate its policies regarding religious texts.
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After a recent shutdown, the financially-strapped New Birth Christian Academy will reopen its doors Thursday without much of the staff it once had.
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A Massachusetts court on Tuesday overturned a ruling by a judge who ordered a mentally ill woman to undergo an abortion against her wishes and be sterilized.
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A driver tries to free his vehicle from the snow in Olympia, Wash. A widespread snowstorm walloped western Washington on Wednesday with the heaviest blow missing Seattle and hitting the Olympia area. (Michael R. Baker/Associated Press)

A monster Pacific Northwest storm coated the Seattle area in a thick layer of ice Thursday and brought much of the state to a standstill, sending hundreds of cars spinning out of control, temporarily shutting down the airport and knocking down so many trees that members of the Washington State Patrol brought chain saws to work.
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The monument was damaged last year by an earthquake. (AP Photo)

The billionaire co-founder of Carlyle Group private equity company is donating $7.5 million to restore the Washington Monument, which has been closed since it was damaged by an earthquake in August.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum signs a campaign poster for a supporter prior to speaking during a campaign stop at the Capitol Theatre January 18, 2012 in Laurens, South Carolina. (John W. Adkisson/Getty Images North America)

Buoyed by news he had edged rival Mitt Romney in Iowa's Republican caucuses, presidential candidate Rick Santorum said Thursday he remained conservatives' best option and urged them to resist calls to rally behind Newt Gingrich.
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A new government study suggests a lot of teenage girls are clueless about their chances of getting pregnant.
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Sarah Burke of Whistler, Canada poses with her gold medal after winning the Women's Skiing Superpipe at Winter X Games 13 on Buttermilk Mountain on January 23, 2009 in Aspen, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Sarah Burke was an X Games star with a grass-roots mentality - a daredevil superpipe skier who understood the risks inherent to her sport and the debt she owed to it.
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning tosses a football during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Tough luck, Frisco fans. Eli Manning's tummy is just fine.
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Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks towards the sideline against the Denver Broncos during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images North America)

Tom Brady is back practicing. Everyone associated with the New England Patriots is acting like he never missed a snap.

Injured Andy Roddick Out of Australian Open

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Andy Roddick of the United States looks on between points in his second round match against Lleyton Hewitt of Australia during day four of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Andy Roddick lunged for a shot by Lleyton Hewitt and felt a sharp pain in his right leg. He stayed down on his hands and one knee for a few seconds, wondering if his Australian Open was finished.

Apple Launches Digital Textbooks Service

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Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, speaks about Apple's plan to "reinvent" textbooks at an event at the Guggenheim Museum on January 19, 2012 in New York City. (Mario Tama/Getty Images North America)

Apple Inc. on Thursday launched its attempt to make the iPad a replacement for a satchel full of textbooks by starting to sell electronic versions of a handful of standard high-school books.
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Getting more small companies wired will help their businesses grow, and help their country fight unemployment, officials said Thursday as Google launched a project that makes it easy to showcase South African entrepreneurship on the Internet.
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Publication of Christopher Hitchens' last book Mortality, originally scheduled for April, has been put back to the autumn. The title, a collection of essays on death first published in Vanity Fair, will now appear in September.
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In the first public photos to emerge since she accidentally walked into a plane propeller six weeks ago, Dallas-area model and fashion blogger Lauren Scruggs is a vision of hope.
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Gov. Rick Perry dropped out of the presidential race on Thursday, endorsed his old friend Newt Gingrich and returned home to Texas, where the failed White House candidate has three years left to serve as the chief executive.

Unsafe Pregnancy Terminations Rise Globally

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Unsafe pregnancy terminations are rising, according to a report published by The Lancet (AFP/File, Loic Venance)

A long-term fall in the global abortion rate has tapered off and the number of unsafe pregnancy terminations is rising worryingly, according to a report published by The Lancet on Thursday.
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Two-year-old Aden Salaad looks up toward his mother as she bathes him in a tub at a Doctors Without Borders hospital, where Aden is receiving treatment for malnutrition, in Dagahaley Camp, outside Dadaab, Kenya (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)

Thousands of people died needlessly and millions of dollars were wasted because the international community did not respond fast enough to early signs of famine in East Africa, aid agencies said Wednesday, while warning of a new hunger crisis in West Africa.
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Megachurch pastor Mark Driscoll's candid new book on sex and marriage combines experiences with his wife, quotes from the euphemism-filled Song of Solomon and Driscoll's take on divine directives.
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In Montgomery, Ala., people rally against House Bill 56 at the Alabama Capitol and Children's March to the Governor's Mansion on Dec. 17, 2011. (Lloyd Gallman / File / Montgomery Advertiser / AP)

Immigration debate divides believers
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A decade ago, Rene Lebouvier requested that his local Catholic church erase his name from the baptismal register. The church noted his demands on the margins of its records and the chapter was closed.

Christians Have Lowest Growth Rate In Israel

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Christians have the lowest growth rate among the Israeli population, according to a recent report from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics.
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Islam devotees go on defense after acid attack on preacher
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People hold up photographs of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney during a campaign rally at a grassroots rally at Winthrop University on January 18, 2012 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Using a practice that made him eligible for large tax deductions, Mitt Romney gave the Mormon church substantial stock holdings that he obtained through his private equity firm, according to documents filed with the government and to Romney associates.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum poses for a photo with a supporter after speaking during a campaign stop at the Capitol Theatre January 18, 2012 in Laurens, South Carolina. (John W. Adkisson/Getty Images North America)

New precinct totals showing Rick Santorum beat Mitt Romney by 34 votes in Iowa instead of losing by eight aren't just more than four times as bad as the original results for the GOP frontrunner.
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In an exclusive broadcast interview, Newt Gingrich's ex-wife Marianne speaks to ABC News' Brian Ross. (ABC News)

Newt Gingrich sought an "open marriage," his former wife, Marianne, told ABC News in an interview airing tonight.
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Eddie Long has returned to public ministry.
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The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a North Carolina county commission over the mostly Christian prayers offered at the beginning of its public meetings.
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A business management course was withdrawn from the ISU spring schedule after professors objected.
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Ariane Noelle Patterson died hours after tweeting she was glad to celebrate another year of life (Twitter)

Ariane Noelle Patterson was in religion class when she collapsed; 'Thank you God for another year of life'
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From left, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, the "American Idol" judges. (Danny Moloshok/Associated Press)

American Idol kicked off its 11th season Wednesday in Southern style. And the year's first audition show, shot in Savannah, Ga., had enough characters to populate a Tennessee Williams play.

Report: Angelina Jolie 'Expecting Baby'

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Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt arrive at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America)

Angelina Jolie is three-months pregnant with her seventh child, according to reports.
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As expected, Adele's "21" spends its 16th week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart (104,000 sold according to Nielsen SoundScan; down 16%). Its reign is the longest since the "Titanic" soundtrack also earned 16 weeks at No. 1 in 1998. 
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Singer/songwriter Bruce Springsteen performs during the 2012 Light of Day Concert Series "New Jersey" at the Paramount Theatre on January 14, 2012 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America)

Bruce Springsteen's new album, "Wrecking Ball," will be out March 6, and he's just released a new single, "We Take Care of Our Own."
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Justin Bieber is helping his hometown of Stratford, Ontario raise money to rebuild a local skateboarding park. 
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An unidentified person enters Kodak Headquarters in Rochester, N.Y., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012. (AP / David Duprey)

Eastman Kodak Co., running short of cash and unable to sell 1,100 digital imaging parents that could have rescued it, filed Thursday for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
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Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) (R) and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) hold a press briefingat the U.S. Capitol January 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

President Barack Obama and Congress are back where they were before Christmas, locked in an election-season tussle over a proposed 1,700-mile oil pipeline from Canada to Texas.
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Bundled up for winter, a pedestrian makes his way though a snow shower on Howard Street near Main Avenue, Tuesday Jan. 17, 2012, in downtown Spokane, Wash. (DAN PELLE/AP)

A widespread snowstorm walloped western Washington on Wednesday, with the heaviest blow missing Seattle and hitting the Olympia area, causing accidents, closing schools and canceling flights at Sea-Tac Airport.
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Republican presidential candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) holds a "meet and greet" on Trade St. on January 18, 2012 in Greer, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Rick Perry is dropping his bid for the Republican presidential nomination as early as today, CBS News confirms.

Yu Darvish Signs 6-Year Deal with Texas Rangers

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Yu Darvish #11 of Japan pitches against Korea during the 2009 World Baseball Classic Round 2 Pool 1 Game 4 on March 17, 2009 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Yu Darvish impressed the Texas Rangers with his big body, durability and desire.
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Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants looks on prior to the NFC Divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning missed part of Wednesday's practice session with an illness that coach Tom Coughlin called "a stomach bug, hopefully a 24-hour deal."
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David Beckham watches from the stands during the FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on January 8, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Resisting the lure of Paris for the sake of his family, David Beckham pledged his future to America's Major League Soccer on Wednesday by signing a new two-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

2-1: Barcelona Rallies to Defeat Real Madrid

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Carles Puyol (C) of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his sides equalizing goal with his teammates Xavi Hernandez (R) and Cesc Fabregas during the Copa del Rey quarter final match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 18, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Jasper Juinen/Getty Images Europe)

Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal scored rare goals to rally Barcelona over defending champion Real Madrid 2-1 Wednesday night in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal.
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Head coach Mike Shanahan of the Washington Redskins speaks with LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets after a game at FedExField on December 4, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America)

LaDainian Tomlinson has never seen a locker room as troubled as the one he was in with the New York Jets this season.
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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul Jabbar at the State Department January 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

In a move to engage young people worldwide, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as a global cultural ambassador.
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At a meeting with local media heads yesterday, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin criticized opposition leaders for a lack of dialog after tens of thousands of people protested against alleged violations during parliamentary elections won by his party last month. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images)

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Wednesday he is ready for dialogue with the country's newly energized opposition forces but doubts whether their leaders want to talk, according to Russian news reports.
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Author/chef Paula Deen appears on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno at NBC Studios, October 24, 2011 in Burbank, California. (Kevin Winter/NBCUniversal/Getty Images)

Celebrity chef Paula Deen on Wednesday pledged a portion of her earnings from a lucrative endorsement deal with a diabetes drugmaker to the nonprofit American Diabetes Association.
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Intel Semifinalist Samantha Garvey, 17, right, gets a hug from her science research teacher, Rebecca Grella, left, after an announcement by Suffolk County officials, Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at Brentwood High School in Brentwood, NY. ( AP Photo/John Dunn)

A homeless New York teen who's a semifinalist in a prestigious national science contest has been invited to watch President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.
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GRAMMY ® Nominees Honored with Highest Debut of 12 Year Career 
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Multi-Grammy Award-winning My Block/Columbia recording artists Mary Mary kicked off the New Year with 2 Stellar Music Award wins.

Dave Barnes Has "Stories To Tell" March 13

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Barnes Celebrates Recent Songwriting GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Country Song "God Gave Me You" (Recorded by Blake Shelton)

'Courageous' Movie Out On DVD

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The church-made film "Courageous," the top grossing film of all time from Sherwood Baptist in Albany, Ga., is now on DVD.
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George Clooney with Stacy Keibler on the red carpet at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on January 15, 2012 (Getty Images)

A star-studded group of A-listers will help George Clooney perform in the Los Angeles premiere of the gay marriage play "8."
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Recording artist LL Cool J, right, and actor Chris Tucker, left, sit court side as they attend the NBA basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

After seven years with a no-host format, the Grammys will have an emcee -- LL Cool J.

Father of Blake Shelton Dies

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Singer Blake Shelton accepts the Music Video of the Year Award at the American Country Awards 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 5, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)

Blake Shelton's father has died, forcing "The Voice" star to reschedule several tour dates.
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Vince Wilfork #75 and Rob Ninkovich #50 of the New England Patriots sack Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow played through considerable pain in Saturday night's AFC divisional playoff game against New England.

Colts Ax Caldwell After 2-14 Year

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Jim Caldwell the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts watches the action during Colts 27-13 win over the Tennessee Titans in the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)

Jim Caldwell endured everything thrown at him during his first two seasons as the Colts' coach -- replacing a friend, rebounding from losses and fighting through injuries.

120-98: Down 17, Heat's 39 in 3rd Sink Spurs

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Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs wipes his face during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 17, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

LeBron James scored 33 points, Chris Bosh added 30 and the Miami Heat used a historic third-quarter turnaround to erase a big deficit and beat the San Antonio Spurs 120-98 on Tuesday night, snapping a three-game slide.
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Serena Williams of the USA plays a backhand in her first round match against Tamira Paszek of Austria during day two of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 17, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)

If anything, it was the insects buzzing around Rod Laver Arena that bugged Serena Williams the most.

Rafa Rolls In Australia; Fish Flattened

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Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his second round match against Tommy Haas of Germany during day three of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Nadal, the No. 2 seed, fought off eight aces and beat error-prone Tommy Haas 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday, while the third-seeded Federer moved on after his opponent, Andreas Beck, pulled out of their match with a bad back.

Gunner Kiel Joins Notre Dame

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Gunner Kiel, Indiana's Mr. Football in 2011, reconsidered his college decision after committing to Louisiana State in late December. (Andrew Laker/The Republic, via Associated Press)

Prized quarterback recruit Gunner Kiel is joining Notre Dame.
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Tiger Woods will make his US debut at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am with National Football League star Tony Romo as his playing partner, American broadcaster ESPN reported.
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Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang is leaving the struggling Internet company, as it tries to revive its revenue growth and win over disgruntled shareholders under a new leader.

Big Sites On the Net Blackout In Protest of SOPA

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In this Nov. 1, 2011 file photo, Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia speaks during the opening session at the London Cyberspace Conference in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, file pool)

Can the world live without Wikipedia for a day? The shutdown of one of the Internet's most-visited sites is not sitting well with some of its volunteer editors, who say the protest of anti-piracy legislation could threaten the credibility of their work.

Apple iPad 3 Might Make Its Debut Soon

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Apple's next-generation iPad might make its debut in early February, Japanese site Mackotakara (via Google Translate) has claimed.
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Apple CEO Steve Jobs (L) jokes with Scott Forstall, Senior VP of iPhone Software as he delivers the keynote address at the 2011 Apple World Wide Developers Conference at the Moscone Center on June 6, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

The senior VP's chief weakness, writes Fortune's Adam Lashinsky, is his naked ambition
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Wozniak demonstrates Siri, the personal assistant app on the iPhone 4S, on a new handset outside an Apple store in Los Gatos on Friday. (John G. Mabanglo / EPA)

Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak still loves his iPhone, but says in some ways, Android has leapt ahead. Wow.

America's Obesity Epidemic Not Going Away?

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In this Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 file photo, a 15-year-old girl has her sensor checked before starting a series of physical activities at a University of Southern California lab in Alhambra, Calif. A cell phone for gathering the data is attached to a belt on her hip. (AP Photo/Kim Johnson Flodin)

America's obesity epidemic is proving to be as stubborn as those maddening love handles, and shows no sign of reversing course.

Scientists: Rock Pieces Fell from Mars to Earth

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This handout photo provided by Darryl Pitt of the Macovich Collection shows an external view of a Martian meteorite recovered in December 2011 near Foumzgit, Morocco following a meteorite shower believed to have occurred in July 2011. (AP Photo/Darryl Pitt, Macovich Collection)

They came from Mars, not in peace, but in pieces. Scientists are confirming that 15 pounds of rock collected recently in Morocco fell to Earth from Mars during a meteorite shower last July.
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Young Christian Jefferson Bethke has become an Internet sensation after his "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" video gained more than 12 million hits on YouTube in a matter of days.
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The Reid family, Dewayne, 13, Elijah, 5, and their mother Katrina, pray during services Sunday, October 2, 2011 in Ashburn, VA. Diversity at Community Church of Ashburn Village, a non denominal church, is reflected in the leadership with three pastors-one white, one black and one hispanic. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said Sunday at 11 o'clock was the most segregated hour in America--and 40 years later this statement still rings true for over ninety percent of churches.
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Liberty University could be headed to the 2014 Winter Olympics on the back of freestyle skier Jay Panther, who will promote the Christian campus on slopes around the world as he bids for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.
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Marriage Builds Economic Stability and Best Serves Children
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Republican presidential candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry sits with Stephanie McLaughlin Rawlinson (L) and Medal of Honor recipient, Michael Thornton, during a campaign lunch visit to the Drive-In restaurant on January 17, 2012 in Florence, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is taking a pause from partisan campaigning in South Carolina to pray for President Barack Obama's safety and wisdom.
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Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign rally on January 17, 2012 in Florence, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Marilee Walmer is no fan of Mitt Romney's.

Use of Sharia Law Increases In the UK

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The use of Sharia, or Islamic religious law, is growing in Britain, with thousands of Muslims using it to settle disputes each year, but women's groups and some others are objecting.
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In this image released by ABC, from right, Jesse Tyler Ferguson portraying Mitchell Pritchett, and Eric Stonestreet portraying Cameron Tucker are shown with Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, who plays their adopted daughter Lily in a scene from "Modern Family," airing Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 at 9 p.m. EST on ABC. (AP Photo/ABC, Peter "Hopper" Stone)

An anti-profanity crusader on Tuesday asked ABC to pull this week's "Modern Family" episode in which a toddler appears to use a bleeped curse word.
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Speaking out for "life" has become more than a passion for Grammy® Award winning Christian singer and best-selling author, Rebecca St. James. She's this week reminding America that this Sunday-January 22-is "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday."

Fireflight's "Now" Release March 6

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Group Nabs No. 1 Spot on Christian Rock Radio with Lead Single "Stay Close" 
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Evangelist Luis Palau addresses members of Bayside Church in Roseville. (BRIAN BAER / The Sacramento Bee)

Some churches will paint schools. Others will offer literacy programs. And others will feed and house the homeless.
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Pastor Joel Osteen, one of America's most popular religious figures, said on "CBS This Morning" that GOP candidate Mitt Romney believes in Jesus like he does.

Costa Concordia: Underwater Shots

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At a Texas meeting, religious conservatives pledged to support Santorum for the GOP nomination, but the attempt at unity is already fraying, with some attendees alleging the process was rigged in the ex-senator's favor.
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Presidential candidates (L-R) Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) pose for a photos before participating in a Fox News, Wall Street Journal sponsored debate at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, on January 16, 2012 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney's four remaining challengers for the Republican presidential nomination did their best to knock the front-runner off stride in a contentious debate, but the best they could do was to get him to grudgingly agree to consider releasing his tax returns.
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Barbara and Jerry Heil were on a trip of a lifetime (US Embassy)

A Minnesota couple missing after a cruise ship capsized off the west coast of Italy are devout Catholics who spend part of almost every day at church, where he teaches religious classes and she hands out baked goods and other sweet treats to parishioners.
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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann Romney, wave as they attend the South Carolina Faith and Freedom Coalition event on January 16, 2012 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Making an appeal to an evangelical crowd this afternoon, Mitt Romney accused President Obama of promoting a path that will lead to a more "secular nation," citing for the first time a recent Supreme Court case that permitted the use of a "ministerial exception" in firing, a decision the Obama administration had opposed.
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A Polish court slapped a fine on a popular singer who bad-mouthed the Bible - the latest episode in which authorities grapple with religious defamation in a traditionally Catholic country that is growing increasingly secular.
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Kim Jong-Nam has lived in virtual exile in China for many years after falling out of favour with his father (AFP/File, Jiji Press)

The eldest brother of North Korea's new leader says reforms needed to avert the collapse of the country's economy will lead to the end of its Stalinist regime, according to a book to be published this week.
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Wikipedia will black out the English language version of its website Wednesday to protest anti-piracy legislation under consideration in Congress, the foundation behind the popular community-based online encyclopedia said in a statement Monday night.

Facebook IPO Expected to Come In May

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Facebook's long-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) is now likely to come in the third week of May, according to multiple sources cited Monday.

Djokovic Rolls to Start Aussie Defense

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand in his first round match against Paolo Lorenzi of Italy during day two of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 17, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Novak Djokovic was having an easy time of it in his first-round match at the Australian Open, so he decided to experiment by coming to the net.

92-74: No. 7 KU Cools Off Third-Ranked Baylor

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Gary Franklin #0 of the Baylor Bears passes as Travis Releford #24 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends during the game on January 16, 2012 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The last time Baylor coach Scott Drew brought a team into Allen Fieldhouse, he led them off the court and into a tunnel after his players had been introduced.
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Syracuse's Dion Waiters celebrates with a smiling Scoop Jardine, right, after Syracuse defeated Pittsburgh 71-63 in an NCAA college basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y., Monday, Jan.16, 2012. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

Syracuse is still perfect.

73-70: Fisher's 3 Keys Lakers by Mavs

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Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, left, smiles after looking back towards Dallas Mavericks' Lamar Odom, left, as they come back to the court after a time out in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

Derek Fisher hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds to play and the Los Angeles Lakers survived a dismal offensive game by both teams for a 73-70 victory over the Mavericks on Monday night, snapping Dallas' five-game winning streak.
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Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 16, 2012 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Russell Westbrook scored 26 points, hitting a pair of 3-pointers in the final 91 seconds on Monday night to help the Oklahoma City Thunder pull away from Boston and beat the slumping Celtics 97-88.
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Andy Roddick of the United States of America plays a forehand in his first round match against Robin Haase of the Netherlands during day two of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 17, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Andy Roddick defeated Robin Haase of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to move into the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.
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Should Jake Gyllenhaal be worried?
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Paula Deen promotes the new book "Paula's Southern Cooking Bible" at Bookends Bookstore on October 12, 2011 in Ridgewood, New Jersey. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images North America)

Paula Deen, the warm, down-home cooking star known for her Southern recipes loaded with butter and sugar, says she decided not to talk about type 2 diabetes when she found out she had it three years ago. But beginning today, she's going public in a big way.
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This image made available by the Royal Holloway, University of London on Tuesday Jan. 17, 2012 shows a polished section of fossil wood from the cabinet of Reverend John Henslow, Charles Darwin's mentor at Cambridge, comprising a 150 million years old tree. (AP Photo/Royal Holloway, University of London, Kevin D'Souza Ho)

British scientists have found scores of fossils the great evolutionary theorist Charles Darwin and his peers collected but that had been lost for more than 150 years.

Boko Haram: Nigeria's Anti-Christian Terror Sect

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A car bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja on December 25, 2011. It was one of five Christmas Day bombings at churches in Nigeria. (Afolabi / Reuters-Landov)

How a corrupt nation bred Boko Haram, the Islamic sect terrorizing the country's Christians.
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Pastor Chuck Smith, the 84-year-old senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California, is about to start chemotherapy for his lung cancer.
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Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential front runner, picked up the endorsement of two evangelical leaders over the weekend.

Eddie Long's New Birth Academy to Reopen

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A spokesman for New Birth Missionary Baptist Church told Channel 2 Action News on Sunday that the church's New Birth Academy will reopen this coming week.

Younger Generations Unclear About MLK's Legacy

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U.S. President Barack Obama (C) first lady Michelle Obama (L) and daughter Malia (2L) greet volunteers as they participate in a service project on the Martin Luther King Jr national holiday at the Browne Education Center January 16, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Pool/Getty Images North America)

The older generation is excited about honoring the man they say made desegregated schools and restaurants possible by demanding civil rights. Children may know Martin Luther King, Jr. was an important religious and political figure, but become tongue-tied when asked for details.
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Lawmakers will return to Washington on Tuesday to begin an election-year work session with low expectations for any significant legislative action, while also receiving low approval ratings for themselves.
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Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich speaks during a campaign stop at the Cathedral of Praise on January 15, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has received the endorsement of the nation's largest Hispanic Republican group.
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Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway looks on from the field during warm ups against the New England Patriots during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)

The debate over Tim Tebow's worthiness as an NFL quarterback will undeniably continue in the offseason.

Stunned Green Bay Packers Facing Decisions

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Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on in the third quarter against the New York Giants during their NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

As stunned Green Bay Packers players cleaned out their lockers Monday morning, veteran wide receiver Donald Driver knew he might be packing up for good.
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Bernard Tomic of Australia reacts after a shot in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day one of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Exciting Australian teen Bernard Tomic provided the fireworks with a gripping win over Fernando Verdasco as the Australian Open got under way in sweltering heat on Monday.
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Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins gets ready to take a face off against the St. Louis Blues on November 23, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images North America)

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby will meet with a specialist this week because of lingering concussion-like symptoms.
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New York Knicks' Jared Jeffries, left, fights for the ball with Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New York, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. The Magic beat the Knicks 102-93. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

A wave of double-teams prevented Dwight Howard from the type of night he had in his previous game.

US Names 20-Play Men's Olympic Basketball Pool

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Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils coaches against the Washington Huskies at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 2011 in New York City. (Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)

This U.S. basketball team might be even better than the last two that won gold medals.
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Nurse Allison Batson, left, donated a kidney to Clay Taber, right. The two met when Taber was being treated at Emory University Hospital. (Lance Skelly)

Nurses often go above and beyond the call of duty to help patients, but they usually don't go to the lengths Allison Batson did. She donated a kidney to one.

Scientists Discover a Sixth Human Taste - Fat

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For generations, scientists thought the human tongue could detect only four basic tastes: sweet, sour, salt and bitter.
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A rescuer is seen on a rock near the partially-submerged Costa Concordia cruise ship, January 16, 2012, in the harbor of the Tuscan island of Giglio. (FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)

Rescue operations have resumed in Italy, in hopes of finding those still missing after a cruise ship capsized Friday night. The operations had been suspended for several hours after the vessel shifted today in rough seas.
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In this handout photo provided by NBC, host Ricky Gervais performs onstage during the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Handout/Getty Images North America)

He may have gone out with a relative whimper, but comedian Ricky Gervais says he has no problem hanging up his hosting hat for the Golden Globes.
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Jay-Z has been so moved by the birth of his daughter, he reportedly vows to refrain from using the word 'b----h.' (KEVIN HAGEN FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

Promise comes in poem he wrote to his child in which he admits he was loose with his words

Steve Jobs Action Figure Won't Be Sold

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The company that began advertising for an incredibly lifelike Steve Jobs doll won't sell the figurines after all because of pressure from family and Apple lawyers.
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The Mark Wahlberg smuggling drama "Contraband" stole the top spot at box office away from the 3-D rerelease of "Beauty and the Beast" and the musical comedy "Joyful Noise" with a $28.8 million debut haul, while "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" earned $14.2 million in its fifth weekend to take third place.
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Actor Andy Serkis (R) and wife Lorraine Ashbourne arrive at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America)

'It's still a very secret character that is very closely safeguarded, and it's still in the design process,' Andy Serkis says at Golden Globes.
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Republican presidential candidate, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman flanked by his wife Mary Kaye Huntsman announces that he is ending his run for the Republican presidential nomination during a press conference at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on January 16, 2012 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman withdrew from the Republican presidential race Monday and endorsed front-runner Mitt Romney, while a supporter of Texas Gov. Rick Perry called for him to also drop out for the sake of conservative unity.

Day of Service Honors Martin Luther King Jr.

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Martin Luther King III (L) waits to place a wreath at his fathers statue during a wreath laying ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on the National Mall January 15, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images North America)

Martin Luther King Jr. would have turned 83 this year
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Republican presidential candidate former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, his wife Mary Kaye and daughter Gracie, 12, arrive at a campaign stop at Virginia's on King restaurant, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Jon Huntsman will withdraw Monday from the race for the Republican presidential nomination, his campaign manager told The Associated Press on Sunday.
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Itzcoatl Ocampo's dress uniform, government military photo, dog tags and a religious medallion that went to war with him lie on display at Ocampo's home in Yorba Linda, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Just days before being arrested, a Marine veteran suspected in the deaths of four homeless men in Southern California visited his father, who is himself homeless, warning of the danger of being on the streets and showing him a picture of one of the victims.
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North Koreans mourn the death of their leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang last month. (AFP/Getty Images)

North Korea has angrily denied allegations that it punished some of its citizens for inadequately mourning the death of its late leader Kim Jong Il.
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Fuel tankers are parked near an oil terminal in Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

For the first time since protests erupted over spiraling fuel prices, soldiers barricaded key roads Monday in Nigeria's two biggest cities as the president offered a concession to stem demonstrations that he said were being stoked by provocateurs seeking anarchy.

37-20: Giants Hound Rodgers, Eliminate Packers

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Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants celebrates with teammatee Brandon Jacobs #27 after defeating the Green Bay Packers during their NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)

For Eli Manning and the New York Giants, Lambeau Field has become a familiar launching pad. After beating the Green Bay Packers at home for the second time in four years, they only hope this trip ends the same way - at the Super Bowl.

Was Eli Manning Underrated?

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Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants looks on against the Green Bay Packers during their NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

It doesn't get much more "elite" than that.

Li, Clijsters Reach 2nd Round of Australian Open

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Kim Clijsters of Belgium serves in her first round match against Maria Joao Koehler of Portugal during day one of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Li Na returned to the tournament that launched her onto the global stage last year, breezing to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Ksenia Pervak of Kazakhstan on Monday in the first round of the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal, Fish Win Aussie Openers

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Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his first round match against Alex Kuznetsov of the United States during day one of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Rafael Nadal has a new injury issue - a tendon problem in his right knee that nearly prompted him to forfeit a first-round match at the Australian Open on Monday that he went to win handily.
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Delegate Yao Ming, right, a retired NBA basketball star, shake hands with other delegates after attending the opening session of the 5th Plenary Session of the 11th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai Committee Tuesday Jan. 10, 2012 in Shanghai, China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Retired NBA star Yao Ming has added another line to his post-basketball resume - politician - becoming a member of an advisory body to Shanghai's legislature.

Bernie Fine Accuser Admits to Lying On Coach

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Assistant coach Bernie Fine of the Syracuse Orange looks on from the sidelines during their game against the Connecticut Huskies during the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2009 in New York City. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

A prison inmate who was one of four men to accuse a former Syracuse assistant basketball coach of sexual abuse when they were children has admitted he made up his claim.
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(L-R) Producer Thomas Langmann, actors Missi Pyle, Jean Dujardin, director Michel Hazanavicius, actors Berenice Bejo, Penelope Ann Miller, composer Ludovic Bource, actors Ken Davitian, and James Cromwell pose in the press room with the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy award for "The Artist" at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America)

Silent-era film "The Artist" and family drama "The Descendants" were the top film picks at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday in a loose-lipped awards show that even had host Ricky Gervais walking onto the stage with a drink in his hand.
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The number of Internet users in China has surged past 500 million as millions of new Web surfers go online using mobile phones and tablet computers, an industry group reported Monday.
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The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show was the biggest such event in the show's 44-year history, with more than 153,000 attendees, up from 149,000 a year ago.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum speaks at the Cathedral of Praise after learning he was endorsed by evangelical Christian leaders, on January 14, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum touted an 11th-hour endorsement from conservative Christian leaders on Sunday ahead of South Carolina's crucial nominating contest but it appeared to have little influence on churchgoers.
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President Barack Obama celebrated the legacy of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with his family on Sunday, clapping and swaying to the boisterous strains of "Amazing Grace" at a historic Washington D.C. Baptist church.
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The Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta is shown in this April 6, 1968 file photo. (AP)

When the Rev. Raphael G. Warnock steps up to the pulpit on Sunday, he'll face a crowd of thousands in a worship service that marks no religious holiday and is rarely recognized outside the United States, but rivals Christmas and Easter as one of his congregation's biggest days of the year.
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The Republican Party is beefing up its minority outreach nationwide and preparing to put its rising Latino stars on the campaign trail amid concerns that tough immigration rhetoric in the presidential primary is taking on an increasingly anti-Hispanic tone.
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Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates his interception against Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 15, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens didn't just earn another home win. They stole it away from the Houston Texans.
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Mourners at Michael Philbin's funeral. (ANDREW THEODORAKIS/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin will rejoin the Green Bay Packers for Sunday's divisional playoff game against the New York Giants after spending the week away from the team to mourn the death of his son.

Nadal Calls Out 'Gentleman' Federer as Pollyanna

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Roger Federer (Switzerland) and Rafael Nadal (Spain) launch the ATP World Tour 2012 in Doha, Qatar where they will be playing the first tournament of the season, the Doha ExxonMobil Open. To promote the event, they played few balls at the Katara Cultural Village Amphitheatre, where the court was illuminated by hundreds of candles. (Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal criticized Roger Federer Sunday for letting other players "burn themselves" by complaining about tour conditions while maintaining his good reputation by rarely making negative comments about tennis.
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In this Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 file photo, the Zenit-2SB rocket with the Phobos-Ground probe blasts off from its launch pad at the Cosmodrome Baikonur, Kazakhstan. (AP Photo, File)

A Russian space probe designed to boost the nation's pride on a bold mission to a moon of Mars came down in flames Sunday, showering fragments into the south Pacific west of Chile's coast, officials said.
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Hulu will broadcast its first original scripted series next month, a political comedy that will debut during the real-life Republican presidential primary.
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Iamsecond.com, a website featuring video stories of personal struggle, transformation and hope of celebrities and everyday people, commemorated the national launch of the "I am Second" book from Thomas Nelson, Inc., tonight with a party featuring well-known Seconds seen on the website and in the "I am Second" book as well GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-wining band Newsboys. The event will be broadcast on iamsecond.com on Sunday, Jan. 15 beginning at 7:30 p.m. CST.
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Please keep The City Harmonic and bass player Eric Fusilier in your prayers as they just discovered that their bandmate and friend was diagnosed with Leukemia. Below is a letter the band posted today:
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First Live Album In Four Years Captures Dynamic of UNITED's 2011 Aftermath Tour

With King In Mind, Pastors Preserve the Dream

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A life-size image of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. greets everyone who walks into Gospel Rescue Ministries. On an adjacent wall of the downtown shelter and drug treatment center is a painting of President Obama with other African American icons.
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Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos sits on the bench in the second half against the New England Patriots during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

"Sweet cheese and crackers!" That's a Tim Tebow curse. Seriously.
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Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, leaving the funeral for Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the Mormon Church, in early 2008. (Richard Perry/The New York Times)

The Rev. R. Philip Roberts, the president of a Southern Baptist seminary in Kansas City, Mo., is an evangelist with a particular goal: countering Mormon beliefs.
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U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) hugs a supporter of her campaign after a news conference in which she officially ended her campaign for Republican presidential candidate on January 4, 2012 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images North America)

An email posing questions about traditional Christianity's view of the role of women in political life is the subject of a bitter complaint today by a former member of Rep. Michele Bachmann's presidential campaign. 
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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as he leaves after attending a Huckabee forum on January 14, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said Saturday that Republicans will err if they don't scrutinize Mitt Romney's role in a private equity firm called Bain Capital.
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Regina Williams of Columbia, S.C., asks Newt Gingrich a few questions during a town-hall meeting at Jones Memorial AME Zion Church. (Tracy Glantz / The State / January 14, 2012)

Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich faced tough questions Saturday about his past statements on race and class, making a rare appearance by a Republican primary candidate before a black church - an audience unlikely to vote in South Carolina's Jan. 21 contest.
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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney greets people during a campaign rally at American Legion post 15 on January 14, 2012 in Sumter, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney reached into his pocket Saturday after a rally here and gave a handful of bills to an unemployed woman who started volunteering in his campaign offices this week.
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Laura Kaeppeler (C), Miss Wisconsin, is surrounded by fellow contestants after being crowned Miss America during the 2012 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino January 14, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

A 23-year-old beauty queen from Wisconsin won the Miss America pageant Saturday in Las Vegas after singing opera and strutting in a white bikini and black beaded evening gown.
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A Carabinieri boat approaches the luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia that ran aground the tiny Tuscan island of Giglio, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (Gregorio Borgia / AP)

A third survivor was discovered inside the overturned Costa Concordia cruise ship Sunday, firefighters said.

Tunisians Mark First Anniversary of Revolution

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Tunisian gathering at Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis to celebrate the one year anniversary of the revolution, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Amine Landoulsi)

Tunisians on Saturday marked the first anniversary of the revolution that started the "Arab Spring" with celebrations that were true to the spirit of the revolt: raucous, unscripted, and driven by the energy of ordinary people.
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Mohamed ElBaradei at his Cairo office Saturday, after announcing his plans to end his presidential bid. (AP photo)

Egypt's reform leader Mohamed ElBaradei has withdrawn from the presidential race, saying a fair election is impossible under the military's grip nearly a year after Hosni Mubarak's ouster. Many fear that the ruling generals will push through a candidate of their own to preserve their power.

45-10: Brady's 6 TDs, Pats Bury Tebow

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Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts after he threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski #87 in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images North America)

Tebowmania had no chance against Tom Brady's playoff pedigree.
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Boxing great Muhammad Ali is helped by his wife, Lonnie, right, and sister-in-law Marilyn Williams, left, as he looks down from a balcony at friends attending a celebration for his 70th birthday at the Muhammad Ali Center on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in Louisville, Ky. Ali turns 70 Tuesday. (Mark Humphrey / AP)

Muhammad Ali soaked in familiar cheers and chants along with a rendition of "Happy Birthday" on Saturday night as friends and admirers celebrated the boxing champ's coming 70th birthday at a party in his Kentucky hometown.
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Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Chris Paul #3 and Caron Butler #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during a 102-94 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 14, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Harry How/Getty Images North America)

Chris Paul scored 33 points, Blake Griffin had 22 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in beating the Lakers 102-94 on Saturday night despite 42 points by Kobe Bryant.

Bruce Springsteen to Release 24th Album

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Bruce Springsteen is gearing up to release a new album with the E Street Band -- his 24th -- and a source tells the Hollywood Reporter it's The Boss' "angriest" yet. 

Man Held After 4th California Homeless Killing

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John Berry, 64, is warned on Jan. 5 by Anaheim Police Sgt. Mike Lynch about the serial killer preying on homeless men in Orange County. On Friday, Berry himself was killed. (Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times / January 6, 2012)

For a month, a killer who authorities believed was targeting homeless men had investigators scrambling to track down a suspect as three stabbing deaths put fear into the homeless population in the Orange County suburbs.
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This file photo shows the exterior of Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif. (Paul Sakuma/AP)

For the first time, Indian prosecutors are taking Google, Yahoo, Facebook and other networking sites to court for refusing to remove material considered insulting to Indian leaders and major religious figures.
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According to the British Journal of Cancer, eating two strips of bacon a day - less than half the processed meat on this breakfast plate - may increase your chance of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 19 per cent.

Risk rises 19% per serving of processed meat, study suggests
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

What a way to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of "The Catch."
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Former Penn State coach Joe Paterno was interviewed Thursday by the Washington Post at his home in State College, Pa. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

Joe Paterno, in the midst of treatments for lung cancer, made his first public statements since being fired after 46 seasons at Penn State, telling The Washington Post he did not know how to deal with the situation when he received a report that his former defensive coordinator was accused of abusing a boy in the shower at the Penn State football facility.

Two Teens Beaten After 'Tebowing' at Game

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A heated and historically violent rivalry between local basketball fans got a peculiar twist Tuesday night, when Wando High students said they were beaten because they kneeled into NFL quarterback Tim Tebow's signature praying pose during a game with West Ashley High.

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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R) arrives for a Huckabee forum on January 14, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Influential evangelical Christian leaders endorsed Rick Santorum on Saturday for the Republican presidential nomination, in an attempt to strengthen him as the more conservative alternative to front-runner Mitt Romney.
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All winter, the New York Yankees spoke in hushed tones about the new austerity that kept them from remaking their roster. It was true at least on one level: Owner Hal Steinbrenner insisted on a hard-ceiling payroll that topped out at $200 million.

Man U's Scholes Scores 1st In Comeback

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Paul Scholes of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford on January 14, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Paul Scholes scored his first goal since ending his short-lived retirement to help Manchester United to a 3-0 Premier League win over Bolton on Saturday.

Luxury Cruise Ship Runs Aground

UK Preacher Halfway Through Tweeting the Bible

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Chris Juby's edifying marathon tops 500 Tweets and is marching on through the Psalms
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It's a greeting that always makes Mark Jobe smile: "I really loved today's Mass, Father Mark."
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Almost half of churchgoing Americans say their life has not changed a bit due to their time in the pews, a new survey shows.
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Thursday's pastor-led protest (DNAinfo/Serena Solomon)

Pastors and lay people arrested for praying in protest of New York's ban on churches meeting in public schools
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The Rev. Ed Young and his wife, Lisa, spent Friday in bed on the roof of Fellowship Church in Grapevine to highlight the importance of sex in marriage. (STAR-TELEGRAM/JOYCE MARSHALL)

The Rev. Ed Young has sex on the brain.

Report: Kuwaiti Royal Prince Receives Christ

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Pictured: Kuwait City (Wikipedia)

A Kuwaiti royal prince has become a believer in Jesus Christ and says that if he is killed because of an audio recording he made about his decision, he believes he will meet Christ face-to-face.
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Nadarkhani still facing execution for abandoning Islam
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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign rally at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort on January 13, 2012 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

A key test facing Mitt Romney in South Carolina's Jan. 21 primary is whether he can overcome discomfort about his Mormon faith among the state's evangelical voters, who made up 60% of the electorate in the 2008 presidential primary, according to exit polls.  
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Gov. Haley Barbour addressing a joint session of the Mississippi Legislature before leaving office. (Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press)

Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour said Friday he's "very comfortable" with his final-days decisions to grant pardons or other clemency to more than 200 people, including convicted killers - decisions that outraged victims' families and dismayed even some of his most devoted supporters.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum speaks during the Spartanburg GOP Bronze Elephant Dinner at Byrnes High School January 13, 2012 in Duncan, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Allen Koon had always picked his presidential candidates largely based on whether they shared his moral values and stances on issues such as abortion.
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A group of abortion opponents is pushing for a state constitutional amendment banning the procedure in Kansas.
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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)

One of the Republican candidates in the 2008 race, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, is hosting this year's GOP candidates at a noon forum in Charleston, S.C.
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Graduates line up before the start of the first graduation ceremony at Oprah Winfrey's leadership academy for girls in Henley on Klip, South Africa, Saturday Jan. 14, 2012. (Jerome Delay / AP Photo)

Johnson Mncube remembers the first day at Oprah Winfrey's boarding school for underprivileged South African girls, when 11- and 12-year-olds were crying at the thought of being separated from their families, and he said he almost wanted to put his own daughter in his pocket and take her home.
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Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers is defended by Alonzo Gee #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on January 13, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Even Kobe Bryant has to acknowledge he's on his most impressive scoring tear in a half-decade, decimating opponents' defenses with the flair and determination of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar's best seasons.
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Andre Miller #24 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Norris Cole #30 of the Miami Heat on January 13, 2012 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. (Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets pressed the pace and then turned it up a notch in the fourth quarter.
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Protesters take to the streets of Lagos to protest against a fuel subsidy removal. (Akintunde Akinleye/Reuters)

A human wave of more than 20,000 surrounded the Muslim faithful as they prayed toward Mecca Friday, as anti-government demonstrations over spiraling fuel prices and corruption showed unity among protesters despite growing sectarian tensions in Africa's most populous nation.
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A coalition of nearly 40 religious leaders has published an open letter that seeks to recast the battle against same-sex marriage as a fight on behalf of religious freedom.
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Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, addresses the crowd at the Festival of Hope, an evangelistic rally held at the national stadium in Port-au-Prince, January 9, 2011. (REUTERS / Allison Shelley)

With just more than a week before the crucial South Carolina GOP primary,  more than 100 conservative Christians and evangelical leaders will gather in Texas this weekend to discuss which of the GOP candidates they will be backing in the race for the White House. 

Richard Land Says Romney Is 'Not Mormon Enough'

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Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, testifies before Congress on July 14, 2010. (Alex Brandon / AP)

A leading Southern Baptist figure predicted Friday that Christian conservative leaders won't rally around an alternative to Mitt Romney until after next week's South Carolina primary, while warning that the former Massachusetts governor is "not Mormon enough" for most socially conservative voters.
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Tony Perkins is among 150 conservative leaders meeting in Texas.

More than 150 conservative Christian leaders are headed to a Texas ranch on Friday for two days of meetings about the presidential race and the possibility of coalescing around one Republican candidate.

Tim LaHaye Endorses Newt Gingrich

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Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is questioned by the media after speaking to supporters gathered at a rally for home ownership in front of the State Capitol building January 12, 2012 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Newt Gingrich earned the endorsement of Tim LaHaye, an evangelical Christian minister and author of the Left Behind series of novels, in what could provide an important boost among conservative South Carolina voters.
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Of the Republican presidential candidates, only Ron Paul and Rick Perry are Protestant. (Getty Images)

The race for the Republican presidential nomination is on track to break new ground: For the first time in modern political history - some say ever - the GOP nominee could be someone who is not a Protestant Christian.
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U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House January 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images North America)

President Obama described religious liberty as a "universal human right" Jan. 13 and pledged support for individuals around the world "who live in fear of violence and discrimination because of their beliefs."
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Christians in the United Kingdom face hostility on many fronts -- from the top levels of government to local city councils and secular organizations. These attacks appear to be waking up a sleeping church.
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Florida's primary is just around the corner, and one group that will be key for the presidential candidates to win over is the Latino community.

Meet Tim Tebow's Role Model, Danny Wuerffel

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Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow at a football game in Gainesville, Fla. (Getty Images)

In Danny Wuerffel, the star quarterback had an example of both religious and athletic devotion.
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A New Jersey judge says the Methodist Church violated a state law in refusing to allow a same-sex ceremony on its property in 2007.
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Tim Tebow with Jacob Rainey, one of the many people dealing with health problems Tebow hosted at Broncos games this season. (Tim Tebow Foundation)

by Jim Daly

God Doesn't Love Athletes More, Tim Tebow Says

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Tim Tebow will lead the Denver Broncos against the New England Patriots on Saturday. (Julie Jacobson/Associated Press)

As he prepares for Saturday night's NFL playoff game between Denver and New England, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow told "The NFL Today" host James Brown that his parents taught him the perspective he brings to the sport.
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Joran van der Sloot sits in the courtroom before his sentencing at San Pedro prison in Lima, Peru, Friday Jan. 13, 2012. (Karel Navarro / AP)

A Peruvian court on Friday sentenced Joran van der Sloot to 28 years in prison for murder of a young woman he met at a Lima casino, even as the family of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway sought to have him prosecuted in the U.S. over her disappearance in 2005.
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Release Date: January 13, 2011
Rating: PG-13 (for some language including a sexual reference)
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Musical
Run Time: 117 min.
Director: Todd Graff
Actors: Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Jeremy Jordan, Dexter Darden, Courtney B. Vance, Jesse L. Martin, Angela Grovey, Kris Kristofferson, Kirk Franklin, Francis Jue

Review: 'Contraband' Lacks a Solid Plot

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Release Date: January 13, 2012
Rating: R (for violence, pervasive language and brief drug use)
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Run Time: 110 min.
Directors: Baltasar Kormákur
Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Giovanni Ribisi, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster, Lukas Haas, David O'Hara, Kent Jude Bernard, J.K. Simmons, Caleb Landry Jones
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Release Date: January 13, 2012 (limited)
Rating: PG-13 (for some violent images and brief nudity)  
Genre: Drama, Biopic
Run Time: 105 min.
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Actors: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Richard E. Grant, Alexandra Roach, Harry Lloyd, Olivia Colman

Review: 'Carnage' Gets Ugly Sometimes

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Release Date: December 16, 2011 (limited); January 13, 2012 (wider)
Rating: R (for language)
Genre: Drama
Run Time: 79 min.
Director: Roman Polanski
Actors: Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, John C. Reilly, Cristoph Waltz
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John Edwards (L) exits the Federal Courthouse with his daughter Cate Edwards and speaks to a crowd of reporters on June 3, 2011 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Steve Exum/Getty Images North America)

Ex-presidential candidate John Edwards has a life-threatening heart condition that will require surgery next month, his doctor told a judge presiding over Edwards' upcoming court case over possible campaign violations.

President Obama Seeks to Shrink the Government

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U.S. President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House January 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images North America)

Seeking more power to shrink the government, President Barack Obama on Friday suggested smashing six economic agencies into one, an election-year idea intended to halt bureaucratic nightmares and force Republicans to back him on one of their own favorite issues.
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Intel Semifinalist Samantha Garvey, 17, right, gets a hug from her science research teacher, Rebecca Grella, left, after an announcement by Suffolk County officials, Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at Brentwood High School in Brentwood, NY. ( AP Photo/John Dunn)

A homeless New York teenager who's a national Intel science competition semifinalist won't be homeless for much longer.

Source: Jeff Fisher Returns to NFL to Coach Rams

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Jeff Fisher the Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans watches play during NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)

Jeff Fisher spent exactly one season out of the NFL. He will have a huge task in front of him as he gets back to work.
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Former Australian tennis player Margaret Court watches the women's final match between Serena Williams of the USA and Maria Sharapova of Russia on day thirteen of the Australian Open 2007 at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2007 in Melbourne, Australia. (Kristian Dowling/Getty Images Sport)

Nearly 40 years after she won the last of her 11 Australian Open singles titles, Margaret Court is back in the news at Melbourne Park for her opposition to gay marriage.

Shonlock Starts 2012 With Acquire The Fire Tour

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Arrow Records artist Shonlock made one New Year's resolution this year - To start the year strong.

Winter Jam Sees Record-Setting Opening Weekend

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Kicking-off an unprecedented 17th consecutive year, the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular debuted to a combined total audience of more than 32,000 people last weekend.
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One man has taken to YouTube to express his views on Jesus and religion. His verdict? Jesus trumps religion, hands down.
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Dr. Daniel Amen, left, Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Mehmet Oz developed the Daniel Plan for pastor Rick Warren and Saddleback Church. (The Orange County Register)

Daniel G. Amen, MD, co-authored The Daniel Plan for Saddleback Church so church communities can experience better physical and spiritual health. He is a guest speaker at Saturday's rally, celebrating The Daniel Plan's first year successfully helping more than 15,000 people lose 250,000 pounds.
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After 45 days on a rooftop, the Rev. Corey Brooks came down to officiate at the funeral of a 16-year-old shooting victim. (Jose More/Chicago News Cooperative)

In the nearly two months since Corey Brooks, a little-known minister, began living, praying and preaching in a tent pitched on the roof of a vacant motel, politicians, hip-hop musicians and grieving mothers have traveled to the South Side for an audience with the "rooftop pastor."
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A panelist speaks during a Catholic Church conference in Salt Lake City Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

Father Alex Pereida knows what to expect when he visits his former parish, Holy Trinity, for worship services.
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Nigerians protest against the government's scrapping of fuel subsidies after talks between President Goodluck Jonathan and workers failed to make progress. (EPA)

President Goodluck Jonathan is living the toughest week of his political career as tens of thousands of Nigerians take to the streets in the longest national strike in the nation's history, at the same time as an increasingly deadly Islamist group continues its relentless sectarian onslaught, prompting an upsurge in Christian-Muslim violence.
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Chinese author Yu Jie, shown in Beijing in August, was allowed to fly to Washington with his wife and son Wednesday. (European Pressphoto Agency)

One of China's most prominent Christian dissidents, Yu Jie, said on Friday he has sought exile in the United States, vowing to give a graphic account of a year under house arrest and episodes of torture during a crackdown on dissent in China last year.
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A federal judge has ordered the immediate removal of a Christian prayer mural displayed in the auditorium of a Rhode Island high school, saying it violated a U.S. constitutional ban on state-sponsored prayer in public schools.
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Thousands of people could be affected as country was one of first to recognize same-sex weddings
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Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow kneels on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday in Denver. (Joe Mahoney/AP)

A new poll shows that 43 percent of respondents think divine intervention plays some role in the success of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. But what is he praying about?
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Lord, give us strength.

Pacquiao Renews His Faith in God

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Manny Pacquiao celebrates his majority decision victory against Juan Manuel Marquez in the WBO world welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 12, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Harry How/Getty Images North America)

Manny Pacquiao has renewed his faith in God, but it still remains up in the air whether he will fight American Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on May 5.
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Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich walks down the steps of the State Capitol building before speaking to supporters attending a rally for home ownership January 12, 2012 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

These are desperate times for Newt Gingrich.
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In this Oct. 27, 2011 photo released by Harpo Inc., Oprah Winfrey, right, listens to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during an interview for "Oprah's Next Chapter", airing Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 on OWN. (AP Photo/Harpo, Inc. George Burns)

Time to steal the doughnuts!
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In this July 7, 2010, file photo former Republican Rep. Mark Deli Siljander, center, his wife Nancy, left, and members of his legal team leave federal court in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)

A former Michigan congressman and U.S. delegate to the United Nations has been sentenced to a year and one day in prison for lobbying for a Missouri-based Islamic charity that had been identified as a global terrorist organization.

Man and Woman Die in Texas Church at Altar

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Parishioners Margaret Sanders (left) and Lynnea Castillo talk after attending Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. (LISA KRANTZ / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

Investigators in Texas were trying to understand late Thursday what led to an apparent murder-suicide inside a Helotes church earlier that day.
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A 12-year-old Cordell boy died Wednesday night after a fight with a 13-year-old during a youth group gathering at the First Baptist Church of Cordell.
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Officials at Beulah Hill Baptist Church in Moore County want to make one thing very clear: They do not think Beyonce and Jay-Z's newborn baby is Satan.

'Leap of Faith' Musical Headed to Broadway

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Pictured: actor Raul Esparza

Someone on Broadway is finally taking a leap of faith on "Leap of Faith."
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Proven budgeting tools now available in mobile devices to help today's on-the-go families
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Khamenei (shown in 2008) blames either the CIA or Mossad for the death of another Iranian nuclear scientist. (Getty Images)

Iran's top cleric blamed the CIA and Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, for the killing of an Iranian nuclear scientist, Iran's state broadcaster said late Thursday.
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton expresses her dismay at emerging reports of U.S. Marines allegedly desecrating the bodies of Taliban fighters killed in Afghanistan, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, during a news conference with Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Pentagon officials worry that outrage over a video purporting to depict Marines urinating on Taliban corpses will tarnish the reputation of the entire military. Some also fear it could undermine prospects for exploratory Afghan peace talks.
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Chinese policemen draw the cordon as people wait outside an Apple store. (Feng Li / Getty Images)

Angry customers and gangs of scalpers threw eggs at Apple Inc.'s flagship Beijing store Friday after its opening for the China launch of the iPhone 4S was canceled due to concerns over the size of the crowd.
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Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (12) goes up for a dunk in front of Golden State Warriors' Andris Biedrins, of Latvia, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Dwight Howard broke Wilt Chamberlain's nearly 50-year-old NBA record for most free throw attempts in a game, making 21 of 39 in the Orlando Magic's 117-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
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The last time Disney raided its animation library and converted an old movie into 3D, it stunned the industry: the 17-year-old "The Lion King" opened to a startling $30 million in September.

Tiny Frog Named World's Smallest Vertebrate

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A frog sits on a U.S. dime in this photo taken by Louisiana State University herpetologist Christopher Austin near the Amau River in Papua, New Guinea. (Christopher Austin/Louisiana State University/AP Photo)

A frog that can perch on the tip of your pinkie with room to spare has been claimed as the world's smallest vertebrate species, out-tinying a fish that got the title in 2006. But the discoverer of another weensy fish disputes the claim.

New Vote to Be Held on Birth Control Clot Risk

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A watchdog group on Thursday urged the Food and Drug Administration to hold a new vote about blood clot risks from popular birth control pills, after advisers to the agency were shown to have ties to the pillmakers.
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Children look at a puddle of blood at a Nov. 4, 2011, crime scene in Ciudad Juarez. Tens of thousands of people have abandoned Ciudad Juarez, a city wrecked by Mexico's drug violence. (Jose Luis Gonzalez / Reuters)

One person died in drug-related violence every half hour in Mexico last year, amounting to 48 executions per day on average, according to the Mexican Excelsior newspaper, a sign that the violence surrounding the country's powerful cartels continues unabated.
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A lens flare circles around Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney while he speaks to supporters during a campaign stop at Cherokee Trikes & More on January 12, 2012 in Greer, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney's beginning to stress his opposition to abortion rights -- the latest offensive-defense tactic from a candidate who's already under fire for his stance on the issue in South Carolina.

USA TODAY Interview: Tim Tebow On Fame, Faith

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Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow is in the team practice for the game against New England Patriots at Dave Valley in Centennial, Colorado, Thursday, January 12, 2012. (Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post)

Zack McLeod is Tim Tebow's kind of player -- and man. And vice-versa.
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Cammy shares about her faith and what life was like being the wife of former mob boss Michael Franzese.
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A New York state Appellate Court issued a temporary stay preventing the New York Medical Examiner from releasing the cause of death of Apopka Pastor Zachery Tims after Tims' mother filed a notice she intends to challenge a judge's ruling that the cause of death was public information.

Lord's Prayer Examined In Delaware Lawsuit

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A hearing Wednesday in a lawsuit aimed at stopping the Sussex County Council from reciting the Lord's Prayer before each meeting delved into the theological meaning and history of the prayer's title and whether it is explicitly a Christian prayer.
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Screen grab from YouTube

A California teen and ex-Girl Scout has set out to be one tough cookie.
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Gay couples, like this one celebrating at Toronto's Gay Pride Parade in 2003, flocked to Canada to marry after same-sex marriages became legal in Canada. (Kevin Frayer/Canadian Press)

Federal government intervening in cases about validity of same-sex marriages
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Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks during a conference call in the government headquarters in Moscow, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2011. The sign in foreground reads "The Government of Russia". (AP Photo/RIA Novosti, Yana Lapikova, Pool)

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin launched the website for his presidential campaign Thursday, only to see it flooded with comments from detractors demanding he not run.
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Movieguide® Awards Announces Ten Best Movies for 2011.
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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this 1966 file photo. (John Littlewood / The Christian Science Monitor/ File)

Memphis officials on Thursday approved naming a city street after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., nearly 44 years after the civil rights leader was killed in the city.

Judge Declares Natalee Holloway Dead

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An Alabama judge signed an order Thursday declaring Natalee Holloway dead, more than six years after the American teenager vanished on the Caribbean island of Aruba during a high school graduation trip.

Alaska Town Gets Record Snow Storm

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A house is buried in snow in the fishing town of Cordova, Alaska. (Alaska Division of Homeland Security, Erv Petty/Associated Press)

Weary Alaskans woke up to another big dump of snow on Thursday, adding to what already has been the snowiest period on record in Anchorage and causing more headaches in coastal areas struggling to dig out.
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Alabama All-Americans Trent Richardson, Dont'a Hightower and Dre Kirkpatrick have declared for the NFL draft.

NY Jets Owner Defends Mark Sanchez's Work Ethic

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New York Jets team owner Woody Johnson applaudes to fans in the stands during the closing moments of the Jets 34-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 4, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)

Jets owner Woody Johnson defends embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez's work ethic and says he thinks "everybody's a little frustrated" after the team failed to make the playoffs.
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A tablet made my Senseg is demonstrated at the 2012 International CES tradeshow, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in Las Vegas. The tablet gives the user tactile feedback at the touch of the screen. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Sure, today's phones can deliver the sound of a heartbeat. But how would you like to actually feel the throbbing?
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Men demonstrated in Lagos Wednesday against the government's move to end a fuel subsidy, as a union threatened to close Nigeria's oil platforms. (Associated Press)

Nigerian authorities must hold Islamic militants accountable for "spiraling" violence as they try to pit the country's Muslims and Christians against each other, the United Nations said today.
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Abubakar Shekau appeared on a YouTube video on Wednesday in which he said his Boko Haram group was 'at war with Christians'. (AP photo)

Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamic sect on Wednesday defended the recent attacks carried out by its members on Christian targets across the country and said the attacks were in retaliation to the killing of Muslims by Christians in recent years.
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The first major independent poll of U.S. Mormons describes a conservative, devout community highly concerned about being accepted even as it embraces beliefs about gender roles, premarital sex and religious commitment that are well outside the mainstream.
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The NHCLC Emphasizes Evangelism and Education Through High Impact Efforts Via The Hispanic Church
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Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. listens to a sermon, behind his father Martin Luther King Sr., the pastor, at Ebenezer Baptist Church. (Flip Schulke/CORBIS)

by Christopher W. Keating
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Protesters who did not want to be identified packed after a night at the West Park Presbyterian Church. (Rob Bennett for The Wall Street Journal)

Thrown out of their noisy outdoor home in a Lower Manhattan park, Occupy Wall Street protesters are pressing on with their anti-corporate movement from the quiet worship spaces of New York City churches.
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A prayer service Monday night in Manhattan as part of a campaign to change city officials' minds about allowing worship services in schools. (Yana Paskova for The New York Times)

They have tried letter-writing, petitions and a lawsuit, all to no avail. So now the Christian congregations that are weeks away from expulsion from New York City's public schools are focusing on more-religious tools in their arsenal: prayer, fasting and repentance.
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Supermarkets do not want to stock Christian products, according to senior figures in the Church of England.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, with his wife Karen Santorum, speaks at a primary night gathering after the polls closed in the nation's first primary on January 10, 2012 at Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester, N.H. (T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images North America)

Karen Santorum, the wife of Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, told the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) on Tuesday that she prays for "the Holy Spirit to speak through" her husband when he is out on the campaign trail.
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The Episcopal Church has retained ownership of The Falls Church, thanks to a recent ruling. (Falls Church)

The Episcopal Church should be restored as the owner of several historic churches in Virginia, a judge has ruled, years after the denomination was essentially evicted by local congregations dismayed with Episcopal leadership's liberal theology.
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Half a million children in Britain are unhappy at any moment, according to a report backed by the Church of England.

Does Voting Matter for Christians?

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In a primary season this contentious, is it even worth caring?
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Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, at a luncheon in Columbia, S.C., has talked about his faith in stump speeches across the state. (John Adkisson for The New York Times)

Jack Boyer's father died when Mr. Boyer was 8.
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While it seems safe to say that Adele's "21" will hang in at No. 1 for a sweet 16th week on the Billboard 200 chart next week, we could see high debuts from both David Crowder Band and Snow Patrol.
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Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America)

How big is Tebow-mania? According to the ESPN Sports Poll, Tim Tebow is now America's favorite active pro athlete.
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Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles along the baseline against Udonis Haslem #40 of the Miami Heat at Staples Center on January 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Chris Paul had 27 points and 11 assists and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to beat Miami 95-89 in overtime Wednesday night, dealing the Heat a second straight extra-time loss.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after hitting a shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim?Urquhart)

Andrew Bynum wasn't on the court the first time the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Utah Jazz.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) drives past forward Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett (5) in the last seconds of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points, driving past Kevin Garnett for the go-ahead layup with 5.1 seconds left and leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 90-85 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
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Dion Waiters #3 of the Syracuse Orange dunks in the second half against JayVaughn Pinkston #22 of the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

Dion Waiters scored 20 points in his home city and No. 1 Syracuse remained undefeated with a 79-66 win over Villanova on Wednesday night.
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Mike McCarthy called it a "punch in the heart."

Pens Coach Says Crosby Ready to Begin Skating

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Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins controls the puck as Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins gives chase in the third period on December 5, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images North America)

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is ready to resume skating.

2 Years Later: Haiti After the Quake

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Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic throws her racket after losing a point in her semi final match against Li Na of China during day five of the 2012 Sydney International at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre on January 12, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Defending champion Li Na of China moved into the Sydney International final with a 1-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory against Petra Kvitova on Thursday, ending the Czech player's bid to become world No. 1 before the Australian Open.
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Manny Pacquiao's camp says there is no economic sense in setting up a bout with Floyd Mayweather on May 5 after the unbeaten American publicly challenged the Filipino champion via Twitter.
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Actress Emma Stone accepts the Favorite Movie Actress award onstage at the 2012 People's Choice Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on January 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America) 

Katy Perry is in the popular clique now.
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Police stand next to the bodies of four men that were left next to a wall in the town of Medellin, near Veracruz, Mexico, Wednesday Jan. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Two decapitated bodies were found inside a burning SUV early Wednesday at the entrance to one of Mexico's most luxurious malls, feeding fears drug violence is infiltrating privileged realms previously thought safe.
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Joran van der Sloot, left, enters the courtroom for the continuation of his murder trial at San Pedro prison in Lima, Peru, Wednesday Jan. 11, 2012. (Karel Navarro/AP Photo)

Joran van der Sloot, the prime suspect in the disappearance of American teen Natalee Holloway, pleaded guilty today to the 2010 murder of Stephany Flores in Peru after his lawyer claimed he killed Flores because he suffered mental trauma from being accused in Holloway case.
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The body of Kim Jong-Il is to lie in state in perpetuity in the Pyongyang Kumsusan Memorial Palace (AFP/KCNA via KNS/File)

North Korea said Thursday the preserved body of Kim Jong-Il would go on permanent display in a Pyongyang palace also housing his father, and memorial towers would be built nationwide to honour the late leader.
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Pirist Dugard, 31, places rock on a tarp covering his tent at a camp set up for people displaced by the 2010 earthquake, in what used to be an airstrip in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Jan. 4, 2012. (Dieu Nalio Chery/Associated Press)

Haiti will commemorate the two-year anniversary on Thursday of a devastating earthquake that ravaged the Western Hemisphere's poorest country as it struggles to rebuild and hundreds of thousands of quake victims remain homeless.
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Microsoft Corp. has finally reached a long-sought and expensive goal - its Bing search engine now ranks second behind Google in the Internet's most lucrative market.
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The more astronomers look for other worlds, the more they find that it's a crowded and crazy cosmos. They think planets easily outnumber stars in our galaxy and they're even finding them in the strangest of places.
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In this artist rendition provided by TMT, the Thirty Meter Telescope is seen. (AP Photo/Thirty Meter Telescope)

China and India are catapulting to the forefront of astronomy research with their decision to join as partners in a Hawaii telescope that will be the world's largest when it's built later this decade.
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Getting a divorce?
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Barbie has been an astronaut, an architect, a NASCAR driver, and a news anchor.
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Justin Bieber reveals 'mRobo', TOSY's dancing robot during the 2012 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. (Getty Images)

Justin Bieber stopped by the trade show for an hour to launch a dancing robot
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The 60+ City God's Not Dead Tour Kicks Off This week!

Will Smith to Host 2012 Kids' Choice Awards

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This March 29, 2008 file photo shows Will Smith as he arrives at the 21st Annual Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Polk, FILE)

Will Smith will host Nickelodeon's 25th-annual Kids' Choice Awards.
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She's not even a week old, but Blue Ivy Carter is already making music history.
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Most Americans have first-hand experiences in churches or parishes. 
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Supporters listen to Republican presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich speaks during a campaign event at the Laurel Creek Club on January 11, 2012 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

Well-known Christian researcher George Barna has added his name to the list of Christian leaders who are backing Newt Gingrich's bid for the GOP presidential nomination.
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Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney visits polling station at Webster School during the New Hampshire Primary January 10, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

Will South Carolina's conservative GOP electorate be as welcoming to Mitt Romney as New Hampshire's primary voters were?
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Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (C) thanks supporters during his primary night rally following the "first in the nation" primary at Southern New Hampshire University January 10, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

A near-panic has taken hold among some core conservative activists, who are now scrambling to devise a strategy to deny Mitt Romney the Republican presidential nomination.

Rachel Chan's "Go" Released

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Single "Prove It" Impacting CHR Charts

Skillet Celebrates 2011 With Multiple Honors

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Atlantic recording group Skillet wrapped up an extraordinary year by being named among 2011's biggest mainstream rock acts according to year-end charts published by Billboard and Mediabase.
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In this Oct. 13, 2009 file photo the sun sets behind the St. Vitus cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic. (Petr David Josek, File)

Churches were seized, priests jailed or executed and those who were still allowed to lead religious services did so under the watchful eye of the secret police. More than 22 years after the fall of Communism, the Czech government agreed Wednesday to pay billions of dollars in compensation for property seized by the former totalitarian regime.
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In a groundbreaking case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held for the first time that religious employees of a church cannot sue for employment discrimination.
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What do young superstars Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, and Tim Tebow have in common?
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Children eat their mid-day meal at a Government High School in Hyderabad today (AFP, Noah Seelam)

India's Premier Manmohan Singh called malnutrition in the country "a national shame" on Tuesday as he released a major survey that found 42 percent of children under five were underweight.
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Republican presidential hopeful and former Massachsetts Gov. Mitt Romney greets supporters outside of the Webster School polling station on January 10, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney's presidential campaign said on Wednesday it raised $24 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, leaping up from $14 million in the third quarter, as he cemented his status as the front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination.
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Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets talks on the bench during the second half against the New York Giants on December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images North America)

As the New York Jets gut their offensive coaching staff, some players are reportedly wondering whether they have the right field general in place in Mark Sanchez.

No. 1 Wozniacki Upset by Radwanska in Sydney

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Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark plays a forehand in her quarter final match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during day four of the 2012 Sydney International at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre on January 11, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Brendon Thorne/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Caroline Wozniacki lost her quarterfinal at the Sydney International on Wednesday, opening the way for Petra Kvitova to take over the No. 1 ranking before next week's Australian Open.

Ryan Grigson Hired as Indianapolis Colts New GM

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Ryan Grigson is a big man walking into a big job in Indianapolis.
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This artist concept provided by NASA on Tuesday Jan.10,2012 shows the Curiosity rover cruising toward Mars. (AP Photo/NASA/JPL

A NASA spacecraft hurtling toward Mars prepared to fire its thrusters Wednesday to put itself on course for an August landing.
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Someone needs prayer, y'all.

Jim Carrey Set to Return in 'Bruce Almighty 2'?

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Jim Carrey could have his God-like powers returned to him in a Bruce Almighty sequel.

Halle Berry to Marry for Third Time

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Actress Halle Berry, left, and actor Olivier Martinez arrive at the 32nd Annual Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez are reportedly engaged.
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Modern Family's big switch-up this season was to replace the anonymous twin toddlers playing baby Lily with one little girl, capable of speaking dialogue and getting involved in the story the way the younger Lily never really could.

Twitter Upset with Google's Social Search Changes

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Twitter has complained about changes made by Google to integrate its social network Google+ into search results.

Justin Timberlake Attends CES to Debut Myspace TV

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Recording artist/actor Justin Timberlake appears during a Panasonic press event to announce Myspace TV, a social TV service that will be available on Panasonic connected televisions, at The Venetian for the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) January 9, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)

Company co-owner announces developments at software conference

Study: Marijuana Doesn't Effect Lung Health

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A few hits on the bong now and then don't seem to have any detrimental effects on lung health, suggests a new study.
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A riot policeman faces opposition protesters through a cloud of tear gas in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital Kinshasa. (Reuters)

Clashes after a troubled presidential election could re-ignite civil war
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Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah jockey for song supremacy in "Joyful Noise." (Warner Bros.)

The kids manage to upstage the old pros in "Joyful Noise," a sort-of "Sister Act 3" about an small-town church gospel choir that gets a musical makeover.
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In his final days as Mississippi governor, Republican Haley Barbour gave pardons or early release to nearly 200 people, including more than two dozen whose crimes were listed as murder, manslaughter or homicide.
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The U.S. Treasury Department called Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman "the world's most powerful drug trafficker" Tuesday. The fugitive Sinaloa cartel leader also got a boost from Mexican actress Kate Del Castillo, who said she believed in Guzman more than in the government.
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This handout photo provided by the US Coast Guard shows an Iranian mariner greeting a US Coast Guardsmen, assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012 in the Persian Gulf. (AP Photo/US Coast Guard)

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter rescued six Iranian mariners from a vessel in distress in the Persian Gulf, the second such incident in a week of tension punctuated by the Islamic republic's death sentence to a young Iranian-American man and sharp U.S. criticism of Tehran's uranium enrichment activity.

Jaguars Name Falcons' Mularkey Head Coach

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Mike Mularkey, shown in this 2010 file photo, has left his post as offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Hawks to becoem the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. (File/Associated Press)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey as head coach, a move they hope will help improve the league's worst offense.

Source: QB Griffin Telling Baylor He's Going Pro

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Robert Griffin III #10 of the Baylor Bears runs onto the field before a game against the Texas Longhorns at Floyd Casey Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Waco, Texas. (Sarah Glenn/Getty Images North America)

Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has decided to enter the NFL draft.
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Nate Robinson #2 of the Golden State Warriors loses the ball while guarded by Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat at Oracle Arena on January 10, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)

Dorell Wright scored 20 points and made a season-high six 3-pointers, including a tying shot late in regulation, and the short-handed Golden State Warriors spoiled Dwyane Wade's return with a 111-106 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
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Sarah Burke of Canada takes 1st place during the FIS Freestyle World Cup Men's and Women's Halfpipe on March 20, 2011 in La Plagne, France. (Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Europe)

Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke was in a coma Tuesday after crashing during a training run on the superpipe in Park City, Utah.

Brian Schottenheimer Leaves NY Jets

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New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer celebrates with Plaxico Burress #17 and Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets during their game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on November 27, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)

Brian Schottenheimer is off the hot seat and out the door.
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Katy Perry attends the 2010 American Music Awards with then-husband Russell Brand, right, and father Keith Hudson, left. (Getty Images)

Katy Perry's father, Pastor Keith Hudson, has apologized after being criticized by two prominent Jewish groups for giving a sermon that included anti-Semitic remarks.
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(L-R) Actors Brad Beyer, Jennifer Aspen, David James Elliott and Kristin Chenoweth, Executive Producer Robert Harling and actresses Leslie Bibb, Annie Potts, Marisol Nichols and Miriam Shor speak during the 'GCB' panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on January 10, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)

Christians, rest assured: Good Christian Belles is not out to insult the church.
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Actors Ricardo Antonio Chavira (L) and Eva Longoria speak during the 'Desperate Housewives' panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on January 10, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)

Eva Longoria knows marriage can be tough, but she was startled to hear what a "Desperate Housewives" co-star had to say on the subject.
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Get ready for another dose of Blake Shelton as country's hottest leading man joins Reba McEntire again this year as co-host of The Academy of Country Music Awards.
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(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

An ordinance that would require porn actors to wear condoms during film shoots was tentatively approved by the City Council on Tuesday.
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Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney waves to supporters at the his New Hampshire primary night victory party at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H., Tuesday. (Elise Amendola/AP)

Mitt Romney cruised to a solid victory in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday night, picking up steam from his first-place finish in the lead-off Iowa caucuses and firmly establishing himself as the man to beat for the Republican presidential nomination.
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Pastor Joel Osteen has made a name for himself as a positive and uplifting minister who focuses in on life's pleasantries.
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Four-year-old Colton Burpo's journey to heaven and back has reached over six million people in his story's various formats.
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A Texas abortion law passed last year that requires doctors to show sonograms to patients can be enforced while opponents challenge the measure in court, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
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Artist: David Crowder Band
Label: sixstepsrecords
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Muneer Awad, executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma, talks to members of the media outside Federal Courthouse in Oklahoma City on Monday Nov. 8 , 2010 after U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange issued a temporary restraining order blocking a state constitutional amendment that prohibits state courts from considering international or Islamic law when deciding cases. (AP Photo/The Oklahoman, Steve Gooch)

An amendment that would ban Oklahoma courts from considering international or Islamic law discriminates against religions and a Muslim community leader has the right to challenge its constitutionality, a federal appeals court said Tuesday.

John 3:16 Explained

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When quarterback Tim Tebow threw an 80-yard touchdown pass Sunday to secure an overtime victory for his Denver Broncos over the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers, some saw a biblical connection.
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Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl "Tebows" on Tuesday to pay off a bet with Denver's mayor over Sunday's playoff game.

Pittsburgh's mayor knelt down in defeat on Tuesday, donning a Denver Broncos No. 15 jersey and "Tebowing" in front of the Steel City's skyline to pay off a bet he made with the mayor of Denver over the Steelers-Broncos playoff game.
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Mitt Romney battled his Republican presidential rivals and high expectations Tuesday in New Hampshire's primary, first in the nation and well known for surprise endings.
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In this April 8, 2008 file photo provided by the Iranian President's Office, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, visits the Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility some 200 miles (322 kilometers) south of the capital Tehran. (AP Photo/Iranian President's Office, File)

Russia expressed regret and concern Tuesday about Iran's launch of an underground uranium enrichment facility, but urged all parties involved in the nuclear standoff with Tehran to avoid hasty moves.
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The Banda Aceh shore in 2004, six months before tsunami waves hit the area. (DIGITAL GLOBE HANDOUT/EPA)

A powerful earthquake hit waters off western Indonesia early Wednesday, prompting officials to briefly issue a tsunami warning. Panicked residents poured into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage.
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Some recent Russian satellite failures may have been the result of sabotage by foreign forces, Russia's space chief said Tuesday, in comments apparently aimed at the United States.

Raiders Fire Coach Jackson

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Head coach Hue Jackson of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 11, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Scott Boehm/Getty Images North America)

The Oakland Raiders fired coach Hue Jackson on Tuesday after just one season at the helm in the first major move since Reggie McKenzie was hired as general manager.

Mayweather Calls Out Pacquiao for May 5 Fight

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. enters the ring to take on Victor Ortiz before their WBC welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 17, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Floyd Mayweather Jr. could not be any clearer about the opponent he wants to fight on May 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
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Police have recovered the body of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin's son from an icy Wisconsin river and said Tuesday that they were trying to figure out how he died.

Bidding Set to Begin On Domain Name Suffixes

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Bidding will begin this week for words and brand names such as ".sport," ".NYC" and ".bank" to join ".com" as online monikers.
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This Oct. 1, 2011 file photo, shows the Google logo at the Google headquarters in Brussels. (AP Photo/dapd, Virginia Mayo)

Google is sifting through the photos and commentary on its blossoming social network so its Internet search results can include more personal information.
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Lionel Messi of Barcelona receives the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 trophy on January 9, 2012 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Scott Heavey/Getty Images Europe)

Lionel Messi, Barcelona's diminuitive forward, has won the Ballon d'Or as the Argentine matched Michel Platini as only the second player win three successive awards.

Colorful New Snake Species Discovered

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Matilda's Horned Viper, named after the daughter of one of the researchers, is a new species of bush viper. (WCS)

Colorful bush viper's habitat is estimated to stretch across only a few square miles

2012 BCS Championship Game - Alabama vs. LSU

Michael W. Smith Celebrates "Decades of Worship"

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Project Brings Together Smith's Most Popular Worship Songs
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Singer opens up about religious beliefs in new issue of V magazine.

Would Mormons Influence a Romney White House?

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When Switzerland passed new employment rules that ban foreign religious groups from sending unpaid missionaries, 13 Mormon members of Congress pleaded with the Swiss ambassador for an exception.
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Bill Keller, the world's leading Internet Evangelist and the founder of LivePrayer.com, with over 2.4 million subscribers worldwide reading the daily devotional he has written every morning for 12 years on the issues of the day from a Biblical worldview, says Satan is cheering Rev. Franklin Graham, Joel Osteen, and the former special prosecutor during the Clinton impeachment investigation Kenn Starr for being too gutless to tell the truth about Mormon cult member Mitt Romney.
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Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (L) talks with his son Matt Romney (C) and grandson Nate Romney while waiting backstage before a campaign rally on January 9, 2012 in Bedford, New Hampshire. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

John Anderson, a New Hampshire Republican activist, is deciding between former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and Texas Rep. Ron Paul when he heads to the polls on Tuesday. Asked what he thinks of Mitt Romney, the field's front-runner, the retired construction worker wrinkles his nose.

Todd Palin Endorses Newt Gingrich for President

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Todd Palin prepares to sign a cardboard cutout of his wife, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, during the Tea Party of America's "Restoring America" event at the Indianola Balloon Festival Grounds on September 3, 2011 in Indianola, Iowa. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

Newt Gingrich may have been hoping for a Palin endorsement, but the one he announced Monday was probably not the one he was expecting.
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Head coach Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate after defeating Louisiana State University Tigers in the 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 9, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)

The Alabama defense took no chances in the rematch.

Source: Body Found Is Son of Packers Coach

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Body pulled from river; ID to be released today
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In this Dec. 9, 2002, file photo, Cher accepts a lifetime achievement award at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas during the Billboard Music Awards show. During the show Cher used the F-word. (AP Photo/Joe Cavaretta, file)

The Supreme Court is considering whether government regulators may still police the airwaves for curse words and other coarse content at a time when so many Americans have unregulated cable television, and the Internet is awash in easily accessible adult material.

Venus Williams Withdraws from Australian Open

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Venus Williams of the United States serves the ball against Vesna Dolonts of Russia during Day One of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

Venus Williams withdrew from the Australian Open on Monday, prolonging her absence from the tennis tour because of an autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue and joint pain.
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Pope Benedict XVI before leaving Germany at Lahr Black Forest airport on September 25, 2011 near Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images Europe)

Pope Benedict said Monday that gay marriage was one of several threats to the traditional family that undermined "the future of humanity itself."

Gay Activists In Malaysia Challenge Ban in Court

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Participants hold a rainbow flag during a Gay Pride parade. (DAVID W CERNY / REUTERS)

Activists launched a rare legal case Tuesday aimed at fostering gay rights in Malaysia by challenging a police ban on an anti-homophobia arts festival.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (front row, C) posing for photos with soldiers at an undisclosed location (AFP/KCNA via KNS/File)

North Korea will issue special pardons for convicts to commemorate milestone birthdays of its two late leaders, state media said Tuesday, in the first such dispensations in more than six years.
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Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (L) shows the new Nokia Lumia 900 Windows phone to host Ryan Seacrest as he delivers a keynote address at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center January 09, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. ( Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America)

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer struck a familiar chord Monday in his swan song at the International Consumer Electronics Show.

New TVs Will Respond to Your Voice

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Workers set up a flat screen display at the Samsung exhibit for the Consumer Electronics Show, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. The 2012 International CES trade show, the world's largest consumer electronics exhibition starts Tuesday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Talking to the TV is usually a sign of extreme agitation, mental instability or loneliness. TV manufacturers are set to make it a more rational behavior this year, with a range of sets that respond to speech.

Pastors Split On How Old Earth Is, Survey Shows

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Pastors overwhelmingly believe that God did not use evolution to create humans and think Adam and Eve were literal people, according to a survey by LifeWay Research.
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Bronx Household Of Faith Building Project (www.bhof.org)

About 130 people used to attend services at Abundant Life Church's old space in a Brooklyn public-school building. On Sunday, the number nearly tripled to almost 400 in a new location the church was forced by federal courts to find.
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If one woman has her way, you won't be seeing headlines like "75 Sex Moves" and "Foreplay Men Crave" in the grocery store checkout line anymore.

New Sexual Education Guidelines Released

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Young elementary school students should use the proper names for body parts and, by the end of fifth grade, know that sexual orientation is "the romantic attraction of an individual to someone of the same gender or a different gender," according to new sexual education guidelines released Monday by a coalition of health and education groups.
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President Barack Obama announces the resignation of White House Chief of Staff William Daley (R) January 9, 2012 at the White House in Washington, DC. (Pool/Getty Images North America)

In a jolt to the White House, President Barack Obama announced Monday that chief of staff William Daley was quitting and heading home, capping a short and rocky tenure that had been expected to last until Election Day. Obama budget chief Jack Lew, a figure long familiar with Washington's ways, will take over one of the most consuming jobs in America.

Nick Cannon Released from Hospital

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Actress/singer Mariah Carey (L) and actor Nick Cannon arrive at the screening of "Precious: Based On The Novel 'PUSH' By Sapphire" during AFI FEST 2009 held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on November 1, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI)

Nick Cannon is out of the hospital after battling what wife Mariah Carey called "mild kidney failure."
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Through a rap verse, Jay-Z has confirmed the birth of "the most beautiful" girl in the world -- his newborn daughter.
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A prominent Christian Egyptian media mogul faces trial on a charge of insulting Islam, lawyers said Monday, based on his relaying a cartoon on his Twitter account.
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Not many people start fundraising at age seven, but that's what Tori Svenson did. She heard about a three-year-old with a brain tumor in her hometown and wanted to help, so she competed in a "Relay for Life" beauty pageant to raise money for the girl.
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For years, Rob Bell closed his Sunday teachings at Mars Hill Bible Church with a simple statement: "Grace and peace be with you."
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Christmas Day bombings, including one at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, killed 65 people in Nigeria. (Afolabi Sotunde / Reuters Files)

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed grave concern over recent attacks that occurred in the past two days in Northern Nigeria, reportedly by followers or members of Boko Haram.

In Recession, More Clergy Out of Work

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Out-of-work minister Rudy Alexeeff prepares materials for a class he volunteers to teach at the Vineyard church in Columbus. He also has applied for a youth ministry position at the Vineyard. (JEFF HINCKLEY | DISPATCH)

Recession has left churches with less money for hiring, more seeking slots

Under-18 Population Declines In U. S.

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The U.S. under-18 population fell between 2010 and 2011, the first time in at least two decades that the country has seen its minor population decline, according to demographers and new Census data.
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A video frame grab image made from the Iranian broadcaster IRIB TV, shows U.S. citizen Amir Mirzaei Hekmati, accused by Iran of spying for the CIA, in Tehran's revolutionary court, in Iran.

An Iranian court has convicted an American man of working for the CIA and sentenced him to death, state radio reported Monday, in a case adding to the accelerating tension between the United States and Iran.

IAEA Confirms Iran Is Enriching Uranium

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The U.S. says the enrichment is "further escalation" by Iran
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One-and-a-half-year baby that fell into a city sewer at the weekend after the pavement collapsed 

Russian rescue workers have recovered the lifeless body of a one-and-a-half-year-old baby that fell into a city sewer at the weekend after the pavement collapsed beneath its pram.
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Intel Corp. is looking for ways to help famed British physicist Stephen Hawking reverse the slowing of his speech, according to a senior executive with the American chipmaker.
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Developing countries like China and India will drive global sales of consumer electronics above $1 trillion this year for the first time, even as cash-strapped shoppers in the U.S. and Western Europe ease off spending for high-tech gear, industry analysts said Sunday.
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Head coach Romeo Crennel of the Kansas City Chiefs watches from the sidelines during the game against the Green Bay Packers on December 18, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)

The Kansas City Chiefs made Romeo Crennel the permanent head coach on Monday after he led the floundering team to a pair of wins late in the season.

Tiger to Make 2012 U.S. Debut at Pebble Beach

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Pro golfer Tiger Woods stands on the Stanford Cardinal sideline against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2012 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Tiger Woods is returning to the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the first time in 10 years.
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Mark Wahlberg and his wife Rhea Durham spend the afternoon at Coldwater Park in Beverly Hills with three of the couple's four children, Ella Rae, Brendan and Grace. (Getty Images)

Forget the tough guy talk! Actor Mark Wahlberg was all about the parenthood and potty talk during his Monday morning visit to TODAY.
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Richard Hopkins, a British television producer who helped bring "Dancing With the Stars" to the United States, has died. He was 47.

Hilary Scott Now Married to Chris Tyrrell

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Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott has said "I do."

Tim Tebow OT Pass Scores Even On Twitter

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The Tim Tebow pass that won Sunday's NFL Playoffs game for the Denver Broncos shattered Twitter's record for sports-event tweeting, the San Francisco company announced Monday.
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Do diets that claim to reduce symptoms of ADHD in kids actually work?
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People should have at least two days a week completely clear of alcohol, a group of MPs says.

Broncos' Victory Leads CBS Crew's Tebowing

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Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after running the ball in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America)

Just a week ago, it seemed the Tim Tebow craze was perhaps dying down, but after this overtime playoff win over Pittsburgh you can rest assured it's going to be bigger than ever.

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Quarterbacks Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots and Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos meet at midfield after the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 41-23. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Tom Brady did his usual morning gig on the Dennis & Callahan show this morning. The Patriots quarterback sort of watched the Broncos-Steelers game yesterday to see which team he'd be playing Saturday.
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Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after running the ball in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images North America)

Tim Tebowed and Denver rose as one.
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A member of the clergy guides security forces through the scene of a car bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, just outside Nigeria's capital Abuja, December 25, 2011. (REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde)

Nigeria's president has said for the first time he thinks sympathisers of the Islamist Boko Haram group are in his government and security agencies.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum is surrounded by members of the press following a "Faith, Family and Freedom" town hall at the Rivier College football field January 9, 2012 in Nashua, New Hampshire. (Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

Religious conservative voters in South Carolina, shaking off months of indecision, are showing signs of movement toward surging Rick Santorum but are still badly split in the Republican presidential race.
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Republican presidential candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (L) speaks with supporters during a campaign stop at the Beacon Drive-In January 8, 2012 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Getty Images North America)

As he launched a last-ditch effort to rescue his flagging candidacy in South Carolina, Rick Perry made clear Sunday that he will make an aggressive play for Christian voters in a state where nearly six out of 10 Republican voters call themselves "born again" or evangelical.
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Pictured: Stacia Anderson, 17, daughter of the Rev. Keith Anderson (left) Breanna Boyd, 17 (right)

The Liberty Christian Academy community is mourning the deaths of two teens killed in a car crash Friday night.
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Republican presidential candidates, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (L) and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) participate during the NBC News Facebook Debate on 'Meet the Press' January 8, 2012 at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)

The Bible is filled with scoundrels turned good.
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Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after running the ball in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images North America)

Tim Tebow finally flexed his left arm and found one more fantastic finish up his sleeve.

24-2: Giants Bounce Falcons; Pack Up Next

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Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants runs off of the field after the Giants won 24-2 against Atlanta Falcons during their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at MetLife Stadium on January 8, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Even Eli Manning's feet are dangerous.
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Republican presidential candidates, (L-R) former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry gather on the stage prior to the NBC News Facebook Debate on 'Meet the Press' January 8, 2012 at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)

Santorum says he would love gay son equally
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U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, center, husband Mark Kelly and Nancy Barber, wife of Giffords' district director, Ron Barber, pause at the Davidson Canyon Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead overlooking Tucson, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Cheryl Evans)

Hundreds of people packed a massive Tucson cathedral on Sunday for a service to remember a bloody morning one year ago when a gunman's deadly rampage shook a community and shocked a nation.
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Head coach Les Miles of the Louisiana State University Tigers talks to the media at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 6, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America)

The public rarely sees the comedic side of Les Miles and Nick Saban. But for an hour Sunday, the coaches in the BCS title game held court in separate 30-minute sessions.

Kate Middleton Turns 30 with Quiet Celebration

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Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the UK premiere of War Horse at the Odeon Leicester Square on January 8, 2012 in London, England. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images Europe)

The former Kate Middleton turns 30 on Monday - but royal fans expecting a lavish birthday bash to mark the milestone will be disappointed.
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In this December 2011 photo made available by the Science Museum, Professor Stephen Hawking sits in his office at University of Cambridge, in Cambridge, England. (AP Photo/Science Museum, Sarah Lee)

Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking was too ill to attend a conference in honor of his 70th birthday Sunday, but in a recorded message played to attendees he repeated his call for humans to colonize other worlds.
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The fright flick "The Devil Inside" scared up a monstrous $34.5 million opening weekend to help Hollywood exorcise its recent box-office demons, according to studio estimates Sunday.
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Fans of Jack Bauer have something to look forward to. A movie based on the old Fox series "24" is scheduled to begin shooting this spring.
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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad exits the podium following his address to the 66th General Assembly Session at the United Nations on September 22, 2011 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images North America)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad left Sunday for a five-day Latin American tour, which U.S. officials have dubbed as a sign of desperation for the country heavily sanctioned over its controversial nuclear program.
following-crowd.jpgPeople said that Christopher Columbus would sail off the edge of the earth, but in 1492 he discovered America.

People laughed at the Wright brothers' attempts to create a flying machine, but in 1903 they flew the first airplane.

John GrishamHe is a New York Times bestselling author many times over. He is also an attorney. He is best known for his popular legal thrillers such as "A Time to Kill". He began writing in 1984, and had his first novel "A Time To Kill" published in June 1989. 

Winter 2012 Around the World

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A northeastern Nigerian state was under a 24-hour curfew Saturday following three days of violence that left more than 30 Christians dead.
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Ed and Lisa Young are heading to bed--on the roof of Fellowship Church, for 24 hours--to help couples understand the power and potential of a strong marriage.

Is Holy War Being Waged In Nigeria?

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Cars allegedly destroyed in army reprisals against residents of Maiduguri for failing to alert them to Boko Haram attacks (TOM SAATER/DEMOTIX)

A wave of terrorist violence across Nigeria has raised fears of an alliance between the Islamist Boko Haram movement and al-Qaeda's franchise in the Sahara. Colin Freeman reports from the Boko Haram stronghold of Maiduguri.
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Republican presidential candidates former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (L) and Texas Gov. Rick Perry participate in the ABC News, Yahoo! News, and WMUR Republican Presidential Debate at Saint Anselm College January 7, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

Taking a brief pause from attacking each other, the Republican presidential candidates took a moment in a Saturday night debate to attack the media and President Obama for what they called anti-Christian bigotry.
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Paula White took over as pastor of New Destiny Christian Center, the Apopka church founded by Zachery Tims, in late December. (New Destiny Christian Center / January 7, 2012)

In her first sermon as the new pastor of New Destiny Christian Center, Paula White described herself as a "messed up Mississippi girl" who was picked on as a child.
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Republican presidential candidate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney participates in the ABC News, Yahoo! News, and WMUR Republican Presidential Debate at Saint Anselm College January 7, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

It was an exchange reminiscent of Abbott and Costello's famous Who's on First routine.
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Republican presidential candidates (L-R) U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum participate in the ABC News, Yahoo! News, and WMUR Republican Presidential Debate at Saint Anselm College January 7, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney brushed aside rivals' criticism Saturday night in the opening round of a weekend debate doubleheader that left his Republican presidential campaign challengers squabbling among themselves and unable to knock the front-runner off stride.

45-28: Brees, Saints Trounce Lions to Advance

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Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints holds the ball in the air as he runs off the field after defeating the Detroit Lions by a score of 45-28 to win during their 2012 NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are pouring on the points, racking up the wins and rewriting the record books nearly every time they play.
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Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames celebrates his 500th goal with his teammates against the Minnesota Wild during third period NHL action on January 7, 2012 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Mike Ridewood/Getty Images North America)

Jarome Iginla scored his 500th career goal, leading the Calgary Flames to a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night.
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LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against Johan Petro #27 of the New Jersey Nets during the first half on January 7, 2012 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

LeBron James returned to the lineup and scored 22 of his 32 points in the first quarter, and the Miami Heat rolled to a 101-90 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Saturday night despite playing without Dwyane Wade.
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Singer Beyonce hosts the screening of "Live at Roseland: The Elements of 4" at the Paris Theatre on November 20, 2011 in New York City. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America)

Pop megastar Beyonce Knowles gave birth Saturday to a baby girl at a hospital in New York City, according to media reports.

Muhammad Ali Approaches 70th Birthday

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In this Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 file photo, former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali tours the new Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Muhammad Ali is coming home to Louisville to celebrate another milestone - his 70th birthday.
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The Coast Guard Cutter Healy escorts the Russian-flagged tanker Renda 250 miles south of Nome Friday Jan. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/US Coast Guard - Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Francis)

A Coast Guard icebreaker is cutting a path through icy seas for a Russian tanker carrying much-needed fuel for the iced-in Alaska city of Nome.
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In this Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 photo provided by Maritime New Zealand, the stranded cargo ship Rena breaks in two pieces after overnight storms with 19 foot, (six meter) waves pounding the vessel, off Tauranga Harbor, New Zealand. (AP Photo/Maritime New Zealand)

A cargo ship grounded off the New Zealand coast since October has split in two, spilling sea containers and debris and sparking fears of a fresh oil spill, maritime officials said Sunday.
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Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez gestures during a ceremony outside the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace in Buenos Aires Dec. 10, 2011. (Reuters)

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez didn't have cancer after all.

31-10: Texans Rip Bengals for 1st Playoff Win

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Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans intercepts a pass in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals during their 2012 AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Reliant Stadium on January 7, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans turned to their kids, then to their stars to win the first playoff appearance in franchise history, a 31-10 rout of the bungling Cincinnati Bengals.
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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney greets supporters on January 5, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Richard Ellis/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney's rivals hoped to seize on back-to-back debates this weekend to knock the front-runner off stride and gain momentum heading into Tuesday's New Hampshire primary and upcoming contests later this month in the South.
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Bodies of people alleged to have been killed in a Friday attack on a town hall meeting of the Christian Igbo ethnic group lie on the floor in a hospital morgue in Mubi, in the Adamawa state of northern Nigeria, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012. (AP Photo)

A radical Muslim sect attacked a church worship service in Nigeria's northeast during assaults that killed at least 15 people, authorities said Saturday, as Christians vowed to defend themselves from the group's widening sectarian fight against the country's government.
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Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill (C) conducts a religious service to mark an Orthodox Christmas Mass at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow late on January 6, 2012. (REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin)

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church on Saturday urged the government to listen to protesters demanding free elections.
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In this photo provided by the office of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., Giffords, second from left, and fellow shooting survivor Ron Barber unveil a memorial plaque in honor of slain staffer Gabe Zimmerman, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Tucson, Ariz. At left is Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly. (AP Photo/Office of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords)

The signals are strong. One year after being shot in the head, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is on a mission to return to the job she so clearly loved.
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Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal looks on against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2012 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

With the stunning dismissal of Bill Polian, the architect of the Colts' 11 playoff appearances, uncertainties remain over Peyton Manning's health and Jim Caldwell's future as coach, but sources say one thing is certain: Colts owner Jim Irsay plans to take Andrew Luck with the draft's first-round pick.

Source: Yanks Catcher Posada Set to Retire

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Jorge Posada #20 of the New York Yankees walks back to the dugout with his head down after he grounded out in the bottom of the eighth 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 "Core Four" is down to two.

Penn State's O'Brien Is New Head of 'Family'

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'I'm the leader of this family now,' new Penn State coach Bill O'Brien proclaims as he's introduced Saturday in State College, Pa. O'Brien will continue to work double duty as long as the Patriots are in the postseason. (ANDY COLWELL/AP)

Sporting a Nittany Lions pin on the lapel of his dark gray jacket, Bill O'Brien took the podium, looked straight ahead and introduced himself with two quick, no-nonsense sentences.
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LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets rushes during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on January 1, 2012 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)

Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson has told a San Diego radio station that he is considering calling an end to his 11-year NFL career.

81-74: Duke Battles to Beat Ga. Tech

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Duke forward Miles Plumlee (21) drives between Georgia Tech's Kammeon Holsey (24) and Daniel Miller (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Ryan Kelly scored 21 points, Seth Curry added 15 and No. 5 Duke beat Georgia Tech 81-74 on Saturday.
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North Dakota State head coach Craig Bohl is doused with water in the final seconds of their 17-6 win over North Dakota State in the FCS championship NCAA college football game against Sam Houston Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Frisco, Texas. (LM Otero / AP)

North Dakota State quarterback Brock Jensen made the most of the big plays by special teams and defense, and the Bison are finally champions again.

Tsonga Dispatches Monfils to Claim Qatar Open

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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga returns the ball to Gael Monfils of France during a final match at the Qatar ATP Open Tennis tournament in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday Jan. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Osama Faisal)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga shrugged off a slow start and beat Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-3 in an all-French final at the Qatar Open on Saturday, giving himself a confidence boost for the Australian Open.
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EBay's PayPal service is testing out a payments system in brick-and-mortar Home Depot stores.
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The Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan (right), visits the scene of a church bombed on Christmas Day. (Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters)

The leader of Nigeria's main umbrella group for Christians says its members will defend themselves as attacks by a radical Muslim sect continue.
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Police fire tear gas on protester on a major road in the commercial capital during a fuel subsidy protest in Lagos, Nigeria, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Hundreds of Christians have begun to flee northern Nigeria after dozens were killed in a series of attacks by Islamist militants who issued an ultimatum to Christians to leave the mainly Muslim region or be killed, witnesses said Saturday.

Latinos the New Face of Evangelical Churches

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Pastor Sergio De La Cruz, leads worship during a Spanish language service at Destiny Church in Indio. (Crystal Chatham, Gannett)

It's Sunday morning and evangelical churches are packed.

Evangelicals Hurry to Find Alternative to Romney

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Newt Gingrich attending Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines on New Years Day. (Evan Vucci/Associated Press)

Dismayed by the prospect of Mitt Romney as the Republican presidential nominee, conservative Christian leaders are intensifying discussions about jointly backing an alternative candidate from a field reshaped by Rick Santorum's strong performance in Iowa.

Ways to Share Your Faith, Wherever You Are

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10 ways to engage the world, wherever you are.
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Egyptian Coptic Christians hold a cross high during a protest in Cairo (AFP/File, Mohammed Abed)

by Dr. James Emery White
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Women attend Christmas Eve mass, led by Coptic Pope Shenouda III at the Coptic cathedral in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Egypt's Christians celebrated Saturday their first Christmas after the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, amid tight security and a display of national unity to allay fears of the growing power of Islamists.

Mayweather's Jail Time Set for June

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. drives away from his attorney's office, Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

A judge agreed Friday to postpone a jail sentence against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a Las Vegas domestic violence case, allowing the undefeated boxer to make a Cinco de Mayo fight against an as-yet unnamed opponent.
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Bill O'Brien of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline in the second half against the Buffalo Bills on January 1, 2012 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images North America)

In Bill O'Brien, Penn State picked a Happy Valley outsider to take over a storied program that had run into turbulent times in the final days of longtime coach Joe Paterno.

29-16: No. 6 Razorbacks Claim Cotton Bowl

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Head coach Bobby Petrino of the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrates the Cotton Bowl trophy after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats at Cowboys Stadium on January 6, 2012 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Joe Adams and Jarius Wright quickly found themselves on the field as freshmen for Bobby Petrino's first team at Arkansas four years ago.
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Luol Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls rebounds against Hedo Turkoglu #15 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic during the game on January 6, 2012 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. (Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

At times last season the Chicago Bulls were guilty of leaning on MVP point guard Derrick Rose too much to help them pull out wins in close games.
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Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on January 6, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 of his 39 points in a dynamic second half, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and the weary Los Angeles Lakers gritted out a 97-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
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Running back LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks looks on during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the 98th Rose Bowl Game on January 2, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America)

Oregon running back LaMichael James is skipping his senior year and declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft.

2011 Was Driest Year Ever In Texas

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Texas was drier in 2011 than at any point on record. (AP photo)

The National Weather Service says 2011 was Texas' driest year on record as well as its second hottest.
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Director Tim Burton signs copies of his Exhibition Catalogue And The "Art Of Tim Burton" at LACMA where his work is currently being exhibited on May 28, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America)

In the version being developed at Warner Bros., the actor would play Geppetto, the woodcarver who created the boy and who spends much time trying to reunite with his missing marionette.
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Actress/singer Mariah Carey (L) and actor Nick Cannon arrive at the screening of "Precious: Based On The Novel 'PUSH' By Sapphire" during AFI FEST 2009 held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on November 1, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI)

Mariah Carey said on Friday her husband Nick Cannon was expected to go home this weekend after being hospitalized with kidney problems.
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Scientists need these nano-wires to advance quantum computing technology (AFP/File, Torsten Blackwood)

Scientists said Thursday they have designed tiny wires, 10,000 times thinner than a human hair but with the same electrical capacity as copper, in a major step toward building smaller, more potent computers.

Meet the Race of Supersoldier Ants

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McGill Unversity researchers were able to create supersoldier ants, which are a biological anomaly, in the lab. (Alex Wilder/alexanderwilder.com)

This discovery of oversized versions of soldier ants, whose job is to defend the nest, led researchers to create their own supersoldier ants in the lab with the help of a hormone.

Memory Loss Can Begin as Early as Age 45

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Loss of memory and other brain function can start as early as age 45, posing a big challenge to scientists looking for new ways to stave off dementia, researchers said Thursday.
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In this April 13, 2011 photo, Pastor Erik Rees of Saddleback Church, gives his daughter Jessica Joy Rees, right, a pep talk as they get ready to take a limousine ride to an "American Idol" taping in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (AP Photo/Orange County Register, Ana Venegas)

A Southern California girl who became a nationally recognized face of child cancer with a blog that chronicled her fight against brain tumors has died. Jessica Joy Rees was 12 years old.
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Conservative state lawmakers set a record in 2011 for the highest number of anti-abortion and anti-family planning provisions enacted in a single year.
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Chuck Smith announced on New Year's Day that he has lung cancer and is waiting to figure out his next steps.
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Christian ministers and Muslim leaders said Thursday they're joining to oppose police surveillance of ethnic groups in New York City.

True Love Waits Goes Comedic This Spring

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Comedy, Christianity, and sex: not words often put together, however, Christian comedian Keith Deltano uses comedy to promote sexual abstinence amongst teens. Keith will be going on tour this spring as part of the True Love Waits movement, an international effort to help teens make healthy decisions.
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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)

It looks like Kanye West has got some Twitter competition in the unloading of late-night thoughts.
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Students at the University of Florida unveil 'Super Grace,' an ode to 'the boys with the true religion.'
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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)

The evangelical parents of singer Katy Perry have said her divorce from British comedian Russell Brand was a gift from God.
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President Jonathan (center) visits St Theresa's RC church, outside Abuja, which was bombed on Christmas day (REUTERS)

Gunmen in Nigeria on Friday opened fire on friends and relatives gathered to mourn the deaths of three Christians killed on Thursday, leaving up to 20 more people dead.
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For the better part of an hour, 42,000 college students stood in the frigid Atlanta night, patiently waiting for a statue illustrating the fight against human trafficking to be illuminated.
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Tattoo artist Ryan Brown of Flint works on Eddie Pickett of Lennon at The Bridge tattoo shop in Flint Township on Thursday. (Dorothy Edwards/The Flint Journal)

A Michigan pastor has opened a tattoo parlor inside his church.
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Internaly displaced people sit under a tree in Pibor. (Reuters)

The United Nations launched a humanitarian emergency effort Friday following last month's intertribal clashes in South Sudan, responding to a wave of violence that might have left thousands dead and some 50,000 people in urgent need of aid.
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Students are dismissed from Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills at the end of the school day Thursday. (Matt Stanley / phillyBurbs.com)

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia plans to close four Roman Catholic high schools and close or combine 44 elementary schools due to rising costs and low enrollment, the head of the teachers' union said Friday.
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Republican Presidential candidate Jon Huntsman (2nd L) introduces his wife Mary Kaye Huntsman and their daughter, Gracie Mei Huntsman, to a supporter before holding a press conference at Scotty's Landing restaurant on August 10, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman, who often speaks movingly of his adopted daughters while on the campaign trail, said Friday that Ron Paul's supporters were out of line in using the girls to argue that Huntsman is un-American.
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Job applicants waited to enter a career fair in Denver early last month. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Four painful years after the Great Recession struck and wiped out 8.7 million jobs, the United States may finally be in an elusive pattern known as the virtuous cycle - an escalating loop of robust job growth, healthier spending and higher demand.
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In this Jan. 5, 2012 photo released by the US Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) responds to a distress call from the master of the Iranian-flagged fishing dhow Al Molai, who claimed he was being held captive by pirates.  (AP Photo/ U.S. Navy)

A U.S. Navy destroyer has rescued an Iranian fishing boat that had been commandeered by suspected pirates just days after Tehran warned the U.S. to keep its warships out of the Persian Gulf.
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Joran van der Sloot asked for more time Friday to decide how to plead as his trial opened in the murder of a 21-year-old Peruvian woman. The Dutch citizen said he was inclined to confess but doesn't accept the aggravated murder charges sought by the prosecution.
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Roger Federer explains his reasons for pulling out of the Qatar Open at a media conference. (AFP/Getty Images)

Gael Monfils upset Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 Friday in the semifinals of the Qatar Open to line up an unexpected all-French final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after Roger Federer pulled out of the tournament with back spasms.
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Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson was hospitalized after sustaining burns to his arms and legs in a house fire early Friday morning.
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Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez perform onstage during the "Speak Now World Tour" at Madison Square Garden on November 22, 2011 in New York City. (Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America)

A civil judge on Friday granted Selena Gomez a three-year restraining order against a man accused of threatening to kill the singer-actress and of traveling from Illinois to try to meet her.
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Actor Charlie Sheen speaks onstage at Spike TV's "2011 Video Game Awards" at Sony Studios on December 10, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Mark Davis/Getty Images North America)

Actor Charlie Sheen quietly donated $25,000 to help tornado relief in Alabama, making good on a pledge to help survivors of the deadly twisters even though some had doubted his promises.
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Drew Barrymore is engaged to art consultant Will Kopelman.
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Richard Alf, one of the co-founders of San Diego's Comic-Con, has died from pancreatic cancer at age 59.

NJ Ministry to the Homeless Faces Eviction

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It was not long ago that most Americans would envy Marilyn Berenzweig.
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Mark Driscoll, the pastor of a megachurch in the Seattle area, understands the uniqueness of a man in his profession coauthoring a book about sex with his wife. From the chapter on biblical approval of detailed types of sex to the chapter titled "Selfish Lovers and Servant Lovers," the book is far from a timid look at a usually private subject.
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A student greets republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen Rick Santorum at the College Convention 2012 on January 5, 2012 in Concord, New Hampshire. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

Prominent conservative leaders want their rank and file to quickly get behind a single presidential candidate, fearful that persistent splits will help Mitt Romney win the Republican nomination.

Orthodox Christians Celebrate the Epiphany

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Believers sing and dance in the river Tundzha, as they celebrate Epiphany day, Jan. 6, 2012. (Valentina Petrova / AP)

Orthodox worshippers dived into icy cold waters from Istanbul to Bulgaria on Friday to retrieve crucifixes in ceremonies to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ.
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A car burns at the scene of a bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, Nigeria, Dec. 25, 2011. (Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters)

Pastor's wife among victims after congregation sprayed with gunfire during prayer service

In Norway, the Bible Tops Bestseller Lists

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New translation's success, which saw queues outside bookshops, is not linked to Utøya murders, says publisher
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Roxanna and John Green spoke about dealing with the death of their daughter, Christina-Taylor Green a year ago. The 9-year-old was killed when gunman Jared Loughner opened fire at Congresswoman Gabby Giffords' event in Tucson, Ariz. (ABC)

John and Roxanna Green's nine-year-old daughter, Christina-Taylor, was the youngest victim of last year's shooting in Tucson, the same spree that seriously injured Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
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U.S. President Barack Obama walks to the podium to speak about military budget cuts at the Pentagon on January 5, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)

The Obama administration plans a rule change to help reduce the time illegal immigrant spouses and children are separated from citizen relatives while they try to win legal status in the United States, a senior administration official said Thursday.
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Republican presidential presidential candidate, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (C) tours the production plant of Goss International with his wife Mary Kaye during a campaign stop at the company January 5, 2012 in Durham, New Hampshire. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman on Thursday won the endorsement of The Boston Globe, marking the second time Massachusetts' largest newspaper has snubbed its former governor, Mitt Romney, ahead of the New Hampshire primary.
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Authorities in Orange County believe one man killed three homeless men last month. (Bruce Chambers/Orange County Register, via Associated Press)

Homeless people in Orange County were put on alert by police and advocates concerned that they're the target of a serial killer who has already slain three homeless men.

Heavy Rains Cause Flooding In Brazil

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An aerial photograph shows a break in highway BR 356 that was washed away after several days of heavy rains swelled the Muriae River in Campos, 142 miles northeast of Rio de Janeiro, Jan. 5, 2012. (Holger Bennewitz / Reuters)

It is a matter of life or death as heavy rains batter Brazil, sending water rushing through the streets and thousands of people fleeing for safety.

Sources: Bill O'Brien Will Coach Penn St.

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Bill O'Brien of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline in the second half against the Buffalo Bills on January 1, 2012 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images North America)

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will be Penn State's first new head football coach in nearly a half-century, according to multiple reports.

116-109: Bosh, Heat Outlast Hawks in 3 OTs

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LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat cheer from the bench after a score against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 5, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)

No LeBron James? No Dwyane Wade?
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Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. speaks at a post-fight news conference after he defeated Victor Ortiz to win the WBC welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 17, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is due Friday to begin serving 90 days in a county jail in Las Vegas for his guilty plea in a domestic violence case involving an attack on his ex-girlfriend while two of their children watched in September 2010.
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Kim Clijsters of Belgium attends a press conference after withdrawing from the tournament due to an injured hip sustained during her match against Daniela Hantuchova of Sovlakia in their Women's semi final match during day six of the 2012 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 6, 2012 in Brisbane, Australia. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters became the second top contender for the year's first major to suffer an injury setback when she retired Friday from her Brisbane International semifinal against Daniela Hantuchova.

Sacramento Kings Fire Westphal, Tab Smart

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Head coach Paul Westphal of the Sacramento Kings points to his bench during their game against the Chicago Bulls at Power Balance Pavilion on December 29, 2011 in Sacramento, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)

If the Sacramento Kings stood any chance at success this season, Paul Westphal had to find a way to control talented but volatile center DeMarcus Cousins.

HBO Will No Longer Sell DVDs to Netflix

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HBO fired a shot across Netflix's bow this week, confirming it will no longer sell discounted DVDs of hit shows like "Boardwalk Empire" to the subscription video service.
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A Barnes & Noble store in New York features a display for the Nook e-reader and tablet. The book seller says it's considering spinning off the Nook business despite record sales over the holiday season. (Paul Taggart, Bloomberg / November 17, 2011)

Barnes & Noble is considering options for its quickly growing but expensive Nook e-book reading business, its latest attempt to regain profitability as the publishing industry adapts to the rising popularity of digital books and magazines.
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Kevin Keller, the series' first gay character, is now an injured Iraqi War vet who marries his doctor.

Justin Bieber Sports New Jesus Tattoo On Leg

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Justin Bieber was spotted sporting a new Jesus tattoo on the back of his leg during a trip to Venice beach in Los Angeles with his dad Jeremy on Wednesday.

Brand New Big Daddy Weave Single Hits Number 1

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"Love Come to Life" is the title-track from the group's forthcoming album out on April 17 
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Justin Timberlake is set to marry his long-time girlfriend Jessica Biel, according to the singer-turned-actor's Grandmother Sadie Bomar.
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In this undated image released by Nickelodeon, first lady Michelle Obama. seated second left, interacts with Jerry Trainor, left, as Miranda Cosgrove, center, Nathan Kress and Jennette McCurdy, right, look on during Obama's guest appearance on the popular children's show, "iCarly," premiering Monday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m EST on Nickelodeon. (AP Photo/Nickelodeon, Lisa Rose)

Teen star Miranda Cosgrove says she doesn't usually get nervous about taping episodes of her Nickelodeon comedy, "iCarly," but that changed when first lady Michelle Obama taped an appearance on the show.
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Singer Jason Derulo performs live for the MTV Europe Music Awards 2011 at City Hall on November 6, 2011 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Europe)

The R&B hitmaker injured himself while rehearsing an acrobatic move, landing directly on his head and narrowly avoiding paralysis. He's been ordered to wear a neck brace for the next few months.
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Pittsburgh rapper, Max Warren, is suing Wiz Khalifa for $2.3 million over allegations that he stole his hit, "Black and Yellow."

Etta James Released from Hospital

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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) 

Etta James' longtime friend and manager says the singer has been released from a Southern California hospital and is back at home with her family.
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Scientists used cells from rhesus monkey embryos to make the first primate chimeras (AFP/File, Ed Jones)

US researchers said Thursday they have created the world's first mixed-embryo monkeys by merging cells from up to six different embryos, in what could be a big advance for medical research.

China's Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Opens

Why Young Adults are Giving Up On Church

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The reasons 20somethings are giving up on Sunday morning
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Two North Korean soldiers smoke cigarettes as a pedestrian passes in Pyongyang on April 22. (David Guttenfelder / AP)

The Open Doors 2012 World Watch List has a familiar look to it.

Canada to Open Office of Religious Freedom

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Men light candles during a candlelight vigil in commemoration of assassinated Pakistani Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti, in Lahore. (Mohsin Raza/Reuters)

The Harper government is preparing to carve out a new role for Canada as a champion of religious rights abroad, another sign of the Conservative shift in foreign policy and one that has roots in the tragic 2011 assassination of a Pakistani cabinet minister.

Giving to SBC's Cooperative Program Is Down

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'Tight' economy, churches' direct giving blamed
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen Rick Santorum greets supporters during a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall at Merrimack Valley Railroad on January 5, 2012 in Northfield, New Hampshire. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

When Kevin Smith took over a New Hampshire Christian advocacy group called Cornerstone Action in 2009, the outfit was so strapped for cash and members that it was in danger of closing down.
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Republican presidential candidate, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman pauses as he speaks to employees during a campaign stop at Goss International January 5, 2012 in Durham, New Hampshire. (Alex Wong/Getty Images North America)

If kids brought home grades like this, they'd be grounded.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen Rick Santorum speaks to students at the College Convention 2012 on January 5, 2012 in Concord, New Hampshire. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

Rick Santorum engaged in an extended and sometimes testy exchange over same-sex marriage with a group of college students during a campaign appearance on Thursday.
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At 17 years of age, Dakota Fanning has become the latest cover star of the sex-driven, how-to-please-your-man-in-bed women's magazine Cosmopolitan.

Kate Middleton Chooses Her Charities

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Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge accepts flowers from members of the crowd as she leaves Sandringham Church after the traditional Christmas Day service at Sandringham on December 25, 2011 in King's Lynn, England. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images Europe)

Kate Middleton is drawing further comparisons to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana of Wales after she chose an array of charitable organizations to donate her time and draw attention to this week.
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A Canadian man traveling by car to Vermont claimed his iPad helped save the day after he realized he left his passport, which is required to cross into the United States, at his home in Quebec.
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Templeton Foundation money will be used to explore Christian perspectives on various contemporary issues.

Atheists Launch a Political Party of Their Own

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Troy Boyle, the co-founder of the National Atheist Party, in his home in Elsmere, Ky. (RNS photo by Samantha Grier)

How viable is a political party with the word "atheist" in its name?
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Matthew Badger, center, and his  wife, Madonna Badger, watch the coffin bearing the remains of one of their three daughters being carried into St. Thomas Church in Manhattan. The girls were killed in a house fire in Connecticut. (Ángel Franco/The New York Times)

Mourners gathered at the august Saint Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue on Thursday, to remember the three girls killed in the Christmas morning fire that ravaged the waterfront home in Stamford, Conn., of their mother, Madonna Badger.

Your Dog Knows What You're Thinking

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Scientists have finally proven what every dog owner knows - our canine friends read our facial expressions like dedicated detectives.

Celebrating Winter 2011-2012

Interim Dean Chosen To Lead National Cathedral

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A longtime Episcopal priest who led the St. Alban's Parish in Washington has been appointed interim dean of Washington National Cathedral.
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Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (C) talks with campaign advisors Stuart Stevens (L) and Eric Fehrnstrom on a chartered airplane after departing Des Moines, Iowa, January 4, 2012 while en route to Manchester, New Hampshire. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

The good news for Mitt Romney: he won the Iowa caucuses. The bad news for Romney: evangelicals remain reluctant to support him.

ACLU Demands County Stop Funding 'Jesus Fest'

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Officials in Harrison County, West Virginia, are feeling the heat from the American Civil Liberties Union over government funding of a local event known as "Jesus Fest."
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Marriage equality is 'the right thing to do,' Gregoire said. (AP Photo)

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire announced her support for gay marriage legislation on Wednesday, potentially putting the state on track to become the nation's seventh to fully recognize same-sex unions.
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Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the recent violence in Nigeria (AFP/File, Pius Utomi Ekpei)

Bomb blasts have rocked northeastern Nigerian cities under a state of emergency as an ultimatum from Islamists for Christians living in the area to leave expired, officials said on Thursday.
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Mitt Romney may be the odds-on favorite to win the Republican nomination, but if he continues to be tight-lipped concerning his Mormon faith, it's doubtful he will become the 45th president of the United States.
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Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) talks with former presidential nominee U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) on Romney's campaign bus with Press Secretary Andrea Saul in between events January 4, 2012 near Manchester, New Hampshire. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

Just two days after the first votes in the race to pick a Republican presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain says it's time to wrap things up.
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Egyptian firemen try to put out a fire on a vehicle following a car bombing in front of a Coptic Christian church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, Egypt, in this Jan. 1, 2011 file photo. (AP Photo, File)

Just over a year ago, Amira Maurice was attending a New Year's Eve Mass in the Saints Church in Egypt's Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria with her parents and fiance, their marriage set for only a few months away. Then the bomb blast ripped through the church.

72 Dead In Latest Wave of Iraq Attacks

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Hana Abbas Lazim, 11, grieves at the hospital for her slain father was killed in a bomb attack in Sadr City eastern of Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)

A wave of bombings targeting Shiites in Iraq killed 72 people on Thursday, deepening sectarian tensions that exploded just after the last American troops left the country in mid-December.
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A 5.3-magnitude earthquake has struck the southern coast of the Dominican Republic without causing any reported damage or loss of life.

Casey Anthony Sports New Look In Video Diary

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The video, linked on YouTube, appears to be a video diary by Casey Anthony, the Florida woman who was acquitted last year of killing her daughter Caylee in a highly publicized case.
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In this June 19, 2006 file photo Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking speaks at an international gathering of scientists on the origins of the universe at Beijing's Great Hall of the People in China. (AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel-File)

British scientist Stephen Hawking has decoded some of the most puzzling mysteries of the universe but he has left one mystery unsolved: How he has managed to survive so long with such a crippling disease.

British Red Cross Worker Kidnapped in Pakistan

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Visitors are standing outside the Red Cross office in Quetta, Pakistan on Thursday, Jan 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Arshad Butt)

Armed men kidnapped a British Red Cross worker from the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Thursday, police and the Red Cross said, highlighting the fragile security situation in the country.
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50 Cent arrives at the American Giving Awards on December 09, 2011. (Getty Images)

50 Cent sounds like he's in need of some New Year's resolutions -- or a hug.

U.S. Album Sales Up for First Time Since 2004

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U.S. album sales rose more than 3 percent last year for the first gain since 2004 - a sign that rising digital sales are finally stemming the decade-long decline of compact discs.
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Shawne Alston #20 and of the West Virginia Mountaineers celebrate after Alston scored 1-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers during the Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 4, 2012 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (J. Meric/Getty Images North America)

As the West Virginia Mountaineers celebrated their first Orange Bowl victory, safety Darwin Cook shared a hug with the game's mascot, Obie.

78-73: Temple Holds On, Dumps No. 3 Duke

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Duke's Austin Rivers, left, and Temple's Khalif Wyatt chase a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

When Temple is playing like a top-five program - sinking game-changing shots, hustling to loose balls, and contesting opposing players inside and out - even Duke is susceptible to being upset.
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LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat shoots against Lou Amundson #17 of the Indiana Pacers on January 4, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. (Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

LeBron James had 33 points and 13 assists, Chris Bosh added 22 points and the Miami Heat hardly missed Dwyane Wade in a 118-83 rout of the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.
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Rafael Nadal struggled past Philipp Kohlschreiber while defending Qatar Open champion Roger Federer routed Nikolay Davydenko in their season openers on Tuesday.
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Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers steals a pass intended for Chandler Parsons #25 of the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on January 4, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)

Blake Griffin had 22 points and nine rebounds before sitting out most of the fourth quarter, Chris Paul added 20 points and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers cruised to a 117-89 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
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The text in this image from the Kopimism Web site loosely translates as: "Internet is my distributed brain."

The pro-piracy "Church of Kopimism" holds CTRL+C and CTRL+V as its sacred symbols.

Casting Crowns Announce 44-City Spring Tour

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2012 Arena Tour Kicks Off February 9
Follows String of Sell-Outs and More Than 155,000 in Attendance This Fall
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Actress/singer Mariah Carey (L) and actor Nick Cannon arrive at the screening of "Precious: Based On The Novel 'PUSH' By Sapphire" during AFI FEST 2009 held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on November 1, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI)

TV Personality/ actor Nick Cannon is doing all he can to stay positive while being hospitalized for mild kidney failure, Entertainment magazine People is reporting.
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Benedict Cumberbatch attends The Moet British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate Market on December 4, 2011 in London, England. (Stuart Wilson/Getty Images Europe)

Benedict Cumberbatch has been cast as a villain in the Star Trek sequel, according to reports.
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Zooey Deschanel, left, and Ben Gibbard arrive at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Zooey Deschanel (ZOH'-ee deh-shuh-NEHL') has filed for divorce from her rocker husband of two years.
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Technicians work on the Phobos-Ground probe. (Associated Press / Russian Roscosmos space agency)

Fragments of a failed Russian space probe are now expected to fall to Earth on Jan. 15, officials said Wednesday.

Lenovo Unveils Several New Laptop Computers

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Lenovo is kicking off their CES laptop announcements early with the unveiling of several new laptop computers.

Google Working On 7-Inch 'Nexus' Tablet

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The makers of an action figure with an uncanny resemblance to the late Apple founder Steve Jobs are reportedly being 'threatened with legal action' by the computing giant.

Hallmark Ends the 'Martha Stewart Show'

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Juliet Kinchin with Martha Stewart on the set of The Martha Stewart Show (The Martha Stewart Show)

"The Martha Stewart" show will not return to The Hallmark Channel after this season, but the network hopes to continue to work with Stewart on other programming, TheWrap has confirmed.

Drop Seen In U. S. Cancer Deaths

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Steep declines in fatal cases of lung and breast cancer have led the drop in cancer deaths in the United States (AFP/Getty Images/File, Win Mcnamee)

Steep declines in fatal cases of lung and breast cancer have led the drop in cancer deaths in the United States in the last several years, according to data by the American Cancer Society Wednesday.
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Bachmann finished sixth in last night's Iowa Caucuses. (Reuters)

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann said Wednesday she's ending her bid for the Republicans presidential nomination after her last-place finish in Iowa's leadoff precinct caucuses.
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Barack Obama announces the nomination of Richard Cordray to serve as the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, July 18, 2011, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)

A defiant President Barack Obama, tired of GOP stalling his nominee to lead a new consumer protection agency, bucked that opposition and put him in charge without Senate approval.
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Cummings Junior High School in Brownsville, Tex., the scene of a shooting.

Police shot and killed an armed eighth-grader who "engaged" officers in the main hallway of his middle school on Wednesday, the South Texas school district said.
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A poster of Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez stands outside Hospital Austral where Fernandez will undergo surgery for thyroid cancer in Pilar, Argentina, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. (AP / Natacha Pisarenko)

Argentina's president was awake and recovering Wednesday after a 3.5 hour operation to remove her cancerous thyroid gland.

1 in Every 30 U. S. Babies are Twins

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More U.S. women are having twins these days. The reason? Older moms and fertility treatments.

President of PayPal Named as Yahoo's Next CEO

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Yahoo Inc. has named Scott Thompson, president of eBay Inc.'s PayPal division, as its CEO, the fourth one in less than five years for the struggling Internet company.

Joe Torre Leaves MLB Job to Try to Buy Dodgers

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MLB vice president of baseball operations Joe Torre addresses the media to discuss a missed call in Game Three by first base umpire Ron Kulpa prior to Game Four of the MLB World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Joe Torre resigned Wednesday as Major League Baseball's executive vice president for baseball operations to join a group trying to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon in the hospital in Aspen on Wednesday. (Twitter)

Nick Cannon is spending the first week of the new year in the hospital, with wife Mariah Carey by his side.
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Republican presidential candidate, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) speaks to supporters during a rally on the night of the Iowa caucus at the Courtyard Des Moines Ankeny on January 3, 2012 in Ankeny, Iowa. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

Texas Congressman Ron Paul says he's happy with his "good showing" in Iowa, where he finished third in the Republican presidential caucuses.
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Republican presidential candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and wife Anita Perry greet supporters after hearing the results of the Iowa caucus at the Sheraton January 3, 2012 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Jonathan Gibby/Getty Images North America)

A determined Rick Perry said Wednesday he will not abandon his presidential campaign despite a fifth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.
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Serena Williams of the USA grimaces in pain after being injured during her match against Bojana Jovanovski during day four of the 2012 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 4, 2012 in Brisbane, Australia. (Chris Hyde/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Serena Williams' Australian Open preparations took a major hit Wednesday when she injured her left ankle and withdrew from the Brisbane International.

Jerry Angelo, Mike Martz Fired by Bears

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General manager Jerry Angelo of the Chicago Bears (R) talks with head coach Lovie Smith during a summer training camp practice at Olivet Nazarene University on July 30, 2011 in Bourbonnais, Illinois. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

The Chicago Bears won four division titles and reached the Super Bowl while Jerry Angelo was general manager. They also crumbled in a big way this season.
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Wikipedia has raised $20 million in its annual plea for donations to help expand and improve the Internet's leading encyclopedia.

Mitt Romney Wins Iowa Caucus in Tight Finish

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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and his wife Ann Romney take the stage at the Hotel Fort Des Moines on the night of the Iowa Caucuses January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

Mitt Romney admits his eight-vote Iowa caucus victory was "pretty narrow" but says he's got more staying power than runners-up Rick Santorum and Ron Paul or his other rivals for the Republican presidential nomination.
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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum speaks during a rally with supporters on Iowa caucus night at the Stoney Creek Inn January 3, 2012 in Johnston, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum declared that his strong Iowa showing means it's "game on" for the party's presidential nomination, and he's heading to New Hampshire for round two.
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Head coach Brady Hoke of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with the trophy after Michigan won 23-20 in overtime against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 3, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

As Brady Hoke trotted across the Superdome field, his Michigan players celebrating all around him, a big bucket of ice water suddenly came splashing down on the coach's head.
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Christian conservative leader Pat Robertson says he has a secret straight from God: He knows who the next president of the United States will be.
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A sign held during a prayer rally for the Personhood Amendment at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss, in June, 2011. (AP Photo)

The blistering fight over whether Mississippi law should define life at conception is expected to continue this year by way of the Legislature.
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Church attendances in the United Kingdom, in freefall for so long, have started to rise again, particularly in Britain's capital city.
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Release Date: November 23, 2011 (limited); December 23, 2011 (wider)
Rating: PG-13 (for a disturbing image and a crude gesture)
Genre: Drama/Silent Film
Run Time: 100 min.
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Cast: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Malcolm McDowell
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This week kicks off the 2012 presidential primary battle. With the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary upon us evangelical voters are being told that the shopping season is over. 
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The Greatest Book of All Time Enhanced Through Video, Interactive Technology & Social Media
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Greg Morgan of West Richland, a nuclear safety engineer at Hanford, shows a photograph he took of The Wave at Paria Canyon in northern Arizona. (Paul T. Erickson/Tri-City Herald)

A swirling, twisting sandstone formation in northern Arizona is evidence of Noah's flood, says a West Richland man who recently visited the unusual geologic phenomenon.
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Scott Radetski, 49, a retired Navy chaplain; Sgt. Josue Magana, 32; and Staff Sgt. Justin Rettenberger, 31, work to secure a cross at Camp Pendleton on Veterans Day. A constitutional scholar says that because the crosses are only visible from Camp Pendleton they could be viewed as a memorial rather than having a religious purpose. (Rick Loomis, Los Angeles Times / November 11, 2011)

The controversial hilltop memorial at Camp Pendleton honors two enlisted men and two officers, three of whom helped erect a cross there in 2003 before going to Iraq.
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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 has dropped her lawsuit against New Destiny Christian Center, less than a week after contending she was the rightful heir to the Apopka megachurch she co-founded with her husband Zachery Tims in 1996.
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Christians attending Sunday service at Shouwang Church in Beijing (Reuters)

Authorities in China again thwarted efforts by Shouwang Church to lease a worship facility at the year's end, and the Beijing congregation again met outdoors on Sunday (Jan. 1) - resulting in the arrest of 48 members, sources said.

Zimbabwe Police Crack Down On Anglicans

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Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has met with President Robert Mugabe before to discuss alleged abuses against Anglicans in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean police stopped a retreat of 80 clergy over claims that their prayer gathering was not given police clearance under sweeping security laws, the country's mainstream Anglican church said Tuesday.
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This April 4, 2010 file photo shows women in Islamic face-covering veils looking at clothes inside an exhibition hall during the 27th annual meeting of French Muslims, in Le Bourget, outside Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

France's interior minister says that since a ban on face-covering Islamic veils took effect in April only six women have been convicted and fined.
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China's Christian surge is likely to continue in 2012, with teaching via the internet contributing to it.
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The Lou Nuer tribe blames the rival Murle people for cattle raiding (AFP/UNMIS/File, Tim Mckulka)

Red Cross volunteers are trying to reconnect 150 young children with their missing parents after tens of thousands of residents of South Sudan ran into the bush while fleeing a massive wave of tribe-on-tribe violence, an official said Tuesday.
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America's most candid, downloaded and quotable pastor - Seattle Mars Hill's Mark Driscoll - has left the platitudes and self-help fluff at the door in what is absolutely, positively NOT just another book on marriage. 
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Black Christian News: www.BCNN1.com / Black Christian Book Company: www.BlackCBC.com (Based upon Amazon.com rankings, BarnesandNoble.com rankings, and BlackCBC.com rankings.)

Hour Arrives for Iowa Caucuses

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Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign stop on January 1, 2012 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

The caucuses will shape the race for the White House
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Bill Maher has taken more hits at Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. A week after poking fun at the NFL star on Twitter, the "Real Time" host is back at it, and now he's including visuals.
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Detail of the Tower of Babel stele, with the engraving of King Nebuchadnezzar II. (The Schøyen Collection, MS 2063).

A team of scholars has discovered what might be the oldest representation of the Tower of Babel of Biblical fame, they report in a newly published book.
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John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the father of modern fantasy writing, was born January 3, 1892 in what is now South Africa.

The 2012 Winter Classic

The Next Billy Graham Might Be Drunk Right Now

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by Russell D. Moore
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If parents and student leaders think their precious teens aren't sending naked pictures of themselves to their boyfriends and girlfriends, they need to think again. It's happening.
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Senior Pastor Chuck Smith of the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, Calif., announced to his congregation Sunday that he is suffering from lung cancer.
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Cee Lo Green performing in Times Square on New Year's Eve.

The lyrics of John Lennon's "Imagine" are well-known to generations of fans, and when Cee Lo Green changed them while performing in New York's Times Square on New Year's Eve, not everyone took it well.

Men Going Back to Work Twice as Fast as Women

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Men are claiming more than two-thirds of the private-sector jobs created as the economy recovers, reversing a long-running trend that came within a whisker of giving the USA its first-ever majority-female workforce.

Utah Father Thanks Passers-by for Saving Kids

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A photo provided by Chris Willden shows a car in the Logan River, Utah, after the car was flipped upright by rescuers who saved three children trapped in the car Dec. 31, 2011. (Chris Willden/AP)

'It's a story to me that is inspiring in many ways' says grateful driver
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Border guards last Saturday killed the men in their 40s who were crossing the Yalu river (AFP/File, Mark Ralston)

North Korean troops shot dead three countrymen who were trying to cross the border into China, a Seoul activist said Tuesday, as Pyongyang tightens border controls after the death of leader Kim Jong-Il.
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Brandon Weeden #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrates as he runs off of the field after they won 41-38 in overtime against the Stanford Cardinal against the Stanford Cardinal during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2012 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

Brandon Weeden threw for 399 yards and three touchdowns to Justin Blackmon in their final collegiate game, leading No. 3 Oklahoma State to a 41-38 overtime win against Andrew Luck and No. 4 Stanford in a wildly entertaining Fiesta Bowl on Monday night.
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Quarterback Darron Thomas #5 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after the Ducks 45-38 victory against the Wisconsin Badgers at the 98th Rose Bowl Game on January 2, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (Harry How/Getty Images North America)

Oregon's incredible offense busted up Wisconsin and the record books on the way to the Ducks' first Rose Bowl victory in 95 years.
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Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers by a score of 3-2 during the Winter Classic. (Rob Carr / Getty Images)

Rupp, Richards help NY come back from two-goal deficit; Lundqvist stops penalty shot with 19 seconds left in 3-2 win
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President of the Indianapolis Colts Bill Polian greets wide receiver Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts on the field prior to Super Bowl XLIV against the New Orleans Saints on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images North America)

Cleaning out the Colts front office may be only the start of the changes in Indianapolis.
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Case Keenum #7 of the Houston Cougars celebrates with his team and the TicketCity Bowl trophy after a 30-14 win against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Cotton Bowl Stadium on January 2, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)

Penn State's tumultuous year ended with a 30-14 loss to Houston in the TicketCity Bowl on Monday, a dispiriting finish to a season in which coach Joe Paterno was fired as part of a child sex-abuse scandal that shook college sports.
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Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a touchdown pass against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Outback Bowl January 2, 2012 at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Florida. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images North America)

Down a touchdown with less than two minutes remaining and a long way to go, Kirk Cousins found a way to give Michigan State a parting gift.

Children Becoming 'Addicted' to Computers?

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Children are being overexposed to computers and other technology, said Barnaby Lenon, head of the Independent Schools Council.

Children's access to smartphones and computers should be limited to stop them becoming "addicted" to electronic gadgets, according to a schools' leader.
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Human rights activist Shehu Sani tells CNN that many Christians have nowhere else to go
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Lisa Goodman, left, and partner Drew Fennell hold hands as they answer questions at the clerk of peace office at the city/county building in Wilmington, Del., Jan. 1, 2012. (AP Photo/The Wilmington News-Journal)

Several same-sex couples came together in the first minutes of New Year's Day in Honolulu to become the first in the state's history to enter into civil unions.

Thousands Flee Violence in South Sudan

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Up to 50,000 people have fled violence in a remote border area of South Sudan, the United Nations said on Monday, after days of clashes between two tribes.
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Four arson attacks in Queens, N.Y. are being investigated as possible hate crimes against Muslims on Jan. 2, 2012. (ABC News)

Four arson attacks in Queens, N.Y., are being investigated as possible hate crimes against Muslims, police said.
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A photo provided by Chris Willden shows a car in the Logan River, Utah, after the car was flipped upright by rescuers who saved three children trapped in the car Dec. 31, 2011. (Chris Willden/AP)

Three Utah children trapped in an upturned car after it skidded into a river have been released from a Salt Lake City hospital, two days after the accident that also brought heroics from several passers-by.

Rupert Murdoch, Wendi Deng Join Twitter

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Rupert Murdoch has begun the new year by setting up in a new field of communications - he's started tweeting.
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The Buccaneers fired Raheem Morris on Monday after his three seasons as Tampa Bay's head coach.

Tiger Woods Rediscovers Joy of Golf

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Tiger Woods celebrates his birdie putt on the 18th green to win the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club on December 4, 2011 in Thousand Oaks, California. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images North America)

Tiger Woods has rediscovered more than just the ability to win again.
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Steven Tyler is ready to walk this way, again: The 63-year-old singer is engaged.
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LG Electronics (LG) will present the future of TV technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas with the unveiling of the world's largest OLED TV with a display size of 55 inches.

Sony Drops Price of Sony Tablet S by $100

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Sony has dropped the price of its Sony Tablet S by $100, bringing the price of the cheapest model to $400.
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Google's Chrome browser continued to make gains last month, closing out 2011 with almost 20 percent global market share, while rivals Internet Explorer and Firefox took a slight dip.
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Paula White preached her first sermon today as the new senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center with the acknowledgment that she never intended to be the person chosen to succeed Zachery Tims, the church's founder who died in August.
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Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during the noon Angelus prayer he celebrated from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 26, 2011. (AP / Andrew Medichini)

Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday named a married priest and former sportswriter who converted from Anglicanism to head the first organizational structure for U.S. converts to Roman Catholicism wanting to retain some of their Anglican heritage.
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All Saints Church in Woodchurch Kent which has suffered water damage after thieves stole part of the lead roof.

The past year saw the most claims made by churches for metal theft, an insurance firm says.
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Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) gives her personal testimony while attending services at the Jubilee Family Church January 1, 2012 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. (Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

Facing colossal odds in the Republican nomination race, presidential candidate Michele Bachmann cast her struggle in Biblical terms on Sunday in a late attempt to win over conservative voters.

31-14: Giants Bury Cowboys, Claim East

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Eli Manning #10 and David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants celebrate after a passing touchdown in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on January 1, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)

After the Giants missed the playoffs the past two years with late-season collapses, coach Tom Coughlin implored his team to "finish" this season. Eli Manning made sure they did it in style.
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Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos leaves the field after being defeated 7-2 by the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Even in defeat, Tim Tebow came out a winner.

24-16: Ravens Clinch AFC North Title

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Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)

The Ravens clinched a title and headed home, which is the only place they want to be at this time of the season.
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Running back Isaac Redman #33 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is hit by defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard #97 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 1, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Matt Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

They're bruised, limping and not close to being healthy. The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't themselves.
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Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Tennessee Titans is congratulated for a touchdown pass, by punter Brett Kern #6 of the Tennessee Titans after the Tennessee Titans scored against the Houston Texans on January 1, 2012 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images North America)

The Tennessee Titans' regular-season finale came down to a 2-point conversion. Their playoff hopes officially ended a few hours later.

45-41: Lions Suffer Another Loss to Packers

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Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions walks off of the field after throwing an interception to the Green Bay Packers with 30 seconds on the clock at Lambeau Field on January 1, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

With Aaron Rodgers resting up for the playoffs, Matt Flynn had to be ready to run the Green Bay Packers offense.
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Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is greeted by Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers after the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images North America)

Drew Brees set a merciless tone with relentless, aggressive, pinpoint passing and the New Orleans Saints shrugged off injury risks, barreling into the postseason with an all-out effort.

49-21: Patriots Romp to AFC's No. 1 Seed

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Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown by teammate BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills on January 1, 2012 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images North America)

Falling behind means nothing to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. And because no deficit seems too big for them, the Patriots own home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Evangelicals on Faith in Caucuses

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Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and her husband Marcus sing and pray while attending services at the Jubilee Family Church January 1, 2012 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. (Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

At first blush, it's just another standard-issue political rally.
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A Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter is shown at a fire in West Hollywood, Calif., on Friday Dec.30, 2011. (Mike Meadows/AP Photo)

Detectives in Los Angeles spent early Sunday analyzing security video camera footage and following up on other leads after a half dozen more vehicles were set on fire on New Year's Eve, the latest rash of suspicious car fires in the city.
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In this file image released by Paramount Pictures, Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt, left, Paula Patton plays Jane, Simon Pegg plays Benji, and Jeremy Renner plays Brandt, right, in a scene from "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol." (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures, David James, FILE)

Tom Cruise's new mission remains impossible to beat at the box office.
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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)

While much of the NFL draft focus has been on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, sources say Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III will also declare for the 2012 draft before the Jan. 15 underclassman deadline.

Aaron Rodgers Inactive for Packers

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Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is sacked by Tamba Hall #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 18, 2011 in Kansas CIty, Missouri. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images North America)

Aaron Rodgers is inactive for the Green Bay Packers' regular season finale against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
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LeBron James and longtime girlfriend Savannah Brinson are engaged.
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A member of the Iranian military takes position in a drill on the shore of the sea of Oman, on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011. (AP / YJC, Mohammad Ali Marizad)

Iranian scientists have produced the nation's first nuclear fuel rod, a feat of engineering the West has doubted Tehran capable of, the country's nuclear agency said Sunday.

A Prayer for the New Year from Billy Graham

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This prayer from Billy Graham, written for "The Saturday Evening Post" in 2008, is just as relevant this year.

America Joins World In Ringing In New Year

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Confetti flies over New York's Times Square as the clock strikes midnight during the New Year's Eve celebration as seen from the balcony of the Marriott Marquis hotel, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011 (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

From New Zealand to New York, the world eagerly welcomed a new year Sunday with confetti-filled celebrations, glittering fireworks displays and star-studded festivities.
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Despite long-term U.S. military occupations aimed at establishing representative governments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Christianity now faces the real threat of eradication in those countries because of severe and persistent persecution of Christians there, according to the chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
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The comments represent Dr Williams's most direct intervention in politics since he became Archbishop of Canterbury.

Rioters who took part in the summer's unrest were expressing "frustrations" felt by many young people, the Archbishop of Canterbury says today.
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Nationally recognized Christian leader Pastor Greg Laurie will give the invocation prayer at the 20th Annual Faith & Values Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry Friday, Feb. 10, awards officials announced today.

Gingrich: I Pray Before Every Major Decision

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Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich (L) speaks as his wife Callista Gingrich listens at a town hall meeting at a Coca-Cola bottling plant on December 31, 2011 in Atlantic, Iowa. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images North America)

Newt Gingrich spoke about his Catholic religion and belief in God today on two different campaign stops, recognizing the Christian Evangelical support is a necessary factor for caucus success.
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Birds found dead in last year (AP photo)

Thousands of dead blackbirds rained down on a town in central Arkansas last New Year's Eve after revelers set off fireworks that spooked them from their roost, and officials were reporting a similar occurrence Saturday as 2012 approached.
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People release balloons as the Tokyo Tower is illuminated to celebrate the New Year at a countdown event at the Zojo-ji Buddhist temple Sunday in Tokyo, Japan. (Kim Kyung-hoon / Reuters)

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck under the sea south of Japan on Sunday, shaking buildings in the capital but causing no apparent damage or tsunami.

Mitt Romney Would Veto DREAM Act Legislation

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Former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney greets supporters during campaign event at the Family Table Restaurant December 31, 2011 in Le Mars, Iowa. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Saturday that he would veto legislation that would allow certain illegal residents to become American citizens.
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Crowds attend the funeral procession for late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, on December 28, 2011. (Reuters/KCNA)

North Korea called on its people to rally behind new leader Kim Jong-un and protect him as "human shields" while working to solve the "burning issue" of food shortages by upholding the policies of his late father, Kim Jong-il.
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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)

Pop star Katy Perry reportedly wanted Russell Brand, to file for divorce as she did not wish to disappoint her evangelical Christian parents, by being the one to end her marriage.

92-89: Lakers Top Nuggets In Bynum's Return

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Lakers' centre Andrew Bynum made an emphatic return to the lineup after a suspension by scoring 29 points and adding 13 rebounds on Saturday against Denver. (Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press)

Andrew Bynum provided the Los Angeles Lakers with a powerful performance in his season debut, following a four-game suspension that carried over from the playoffs.
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Andris Biedrins #15 of the Golden State Warriors tipping off against Spencer Hawes #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers on December 31, 2011 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images)

Andre Iguodala had 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Lou Williams added 23 points off the bench, and the Philadelphia 76ers overcame a sluggish start to beat the Golden State Warriors 107-79 on Saturday night.

It's Tebow vs. Orton In Denver Today

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Every great story needs a villain. In the Broncos' worst-to-first tale of 2011 and Tim Tebow's Disney-esque emergence into the NFL spotlight, there has been no better foil than Kyle Orton.
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Head coach Gene Chizik of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with the trophy after their 43-24 win over the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2011 Chick Fil-A Bowl at Georgia Dome on December 31, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Virginia couldn't put a postseason cap on its season of improvement.
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Indiana's Victor Oladipo (4) reacts with a fan after Indiana defeated Ohio State 74-70 in an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Indiana did it again. Three weeks after upsetting No. 1 Kentucky, the Hoosiers took down No. 2 Ohio State.

31-24: Cincy Fights Off Vandy in Liberty Bowl

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Cincinnati running back George Winn (32) outrushes Vanderbilt's Trey Wilson (8) and Archibald Barnes (15) on his way to a 69-yard touchdown in the second quarter of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Isaiah Pead ran for 149 yards and a touchdown, and Ralph David Abernathy IV's 90-yard kickoff return early in the fourth quarter put Cincinnati ahead to stay as the Bearcats edged Vanderbilt 31-24 on Saturday in the Liberty Bowl.
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Georgia Tech's Preston Lyons runs past Utah's Conroy Black, center, and Mo Lee on his way into the end zone during the Sun Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/El Paso Times, Mark Lambie)

John White plowed into the end zone from 8 yards out to give Utah a 30-27 overtime victory against Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl on Saturday.
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Terry Hawthorne #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini returns an interception for a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins during the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park on December 31, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)

Terry Hawthorne returned an interception 39 yards for Illinois' first touchdown late in the third quarter and the Illini snapped a six-game losing streak by beating UCLA 20-14 in the Fight Hunger Bowl.
John 5:24

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