Ebola alert shuts angolan borders
Angola closes its borders with the DR Congo to prevent the spread of the deadly virus Ebola.
N korea rallies for absent leader
Tens of thousands of North Koreans hold a New Year rally celebrating leader Kim Jong-il, who did not appear in footage of the event.
Free agent appiah set to move to spurs until end of the season
Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah is in the frame to join Spurs after training with with the north Londoners. The free agent looks set to be offered a deal until the end of the season.
Why harry was so hot on bringing defoe back to tottenham
Harry Redknapp urged Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie to open negotiations with Daniel Levy in order to reunite Jermain Defoe with the Spurs supporters who sing his name.
Burton boss clough set to follow dad’s lead and become next derby manager
Nigel Clough will be installed as Derby County manager this week if the fine detail can be concluded in the next 48 hours. Clough is the leading candidate to become Rams boss.
Nielsen wants to leave chelsea and join rennes after advice from drogba
Morten Nielsen has demanded a move from Chelsea and the 18-year-old Danish striker could sign for Rennes after a chat with Didier Drogba in a training ground Jacuzzi.
Davies wants to be reunited with derby keeper bywater at nottingham forest
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies wants to sign goalkeeper Stephen Bywater from former club Derby County for around £250,000.
One moment her car was simply skidding a little on an icy road. Seconds later the driver found herself stuck on a level crossing. As she tried to drive off the tracks, the barriers came down, penning her in.
Throughout war, disaster and recession, it has kept Britain illuminated for more than 120 years. But the traditional incandescent lightbulb is finally being switched off for the last time.
Seaweed pill that works like a gastric band and is pharmaceutical-free
An expanding pill that tricks the brain into thinking the stomach is full could help in the battle against obesity. The pill is taken at least half an hour before meals and works by reducing appetite.
Bunged-up nose? just take these acne pills
A drug used to treat acne and prostate disease may help sufferers of nasal polyps. This is one of several new non-invasive treatments for the condition, which affects an estimated 1 million Britons.
In our pick of top health stories this week, how eating eggs during pregnancy can benefit your baby, a new portable unit for hearing tests and a modified measles virus could battle prostate cancer.
I broke my leg in the snow - and healed it with cells from my hip
A broken leg usually starts healing after eight weeks, but it can take much longer. Loraine Holland, 45, tells of a new technique she has benefited from while her surgeon explains the procedure.
Can a pill make your brainier? this intrepid writer decided to find out...
A pill that makes you more intelligent, boosts your memory, improves your concentration and reduces tiredness? It sounds like the stuff of science fiction. In fact, it is already available, and academics in America and Britain have apparently been taking it for years.
The all new atkins diet: in part two of our series, learn how to eat more and still shed pounds
The second phase of the All-New Atkins Advantage - have a more varied diet than in the initial Induction phase - but the weight loss will be slower.
Fighting flares outside gaza city
Militants engage Israeli forces near Gaza City as "friendly fire" kills three soldiers on the third night of the ground offensive.
Turkey rehabilitates poet hikmet
Turkey is to restore the citizenship of one of its most illustrious writers, the late Nazim Hikmet.
Japanese whaler reported missing
Rescuers hold out little hope of finding a Japanese sailor alive after he goes missing from a whaling ship in the Antarctic.
Czechs take over leadership of eu
The Czech Republic takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union, amid doubts over its commitment.
Warnings issued amid arctic chill
The Met Office issues severe weather warnings as temperatures plunge as low as -10C (14F) overnight.
Celebs news: kylie minogue and new lover andres velencoso segura go skiing in the alps
Singer Kylie Minogue has hit the Alps for a romantic New Year break with her new lover.
3am: the saturdays almost miss out on gay gig
Girl band The Saturdays made their show at GAY by the skin of their teeth after they were dropped off at the wrong venue.
Celebs news: rihanna to wed boyfriend chris brown?
Rihanna may be set to wed R&B superstar boyfriend Chris Brown after being snapped out with a huge rock on her engagement finger.
Celebs news: amy winehouse finds holiday romance in arms of new man - see pictures
Amy Winehouse appears to have forgotten not just the freezing UK weather, but her incarcerated husband Blake Fielder-Civil as she frolics on the Caribbean sand with this hunky mystery man.
3am: lindsay lohan and lesbian lover samantha ronson split up after hotel fight
It could be all over for Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson after a hotel punch-up in front of horrified guests.
3am: amy winehouse spends more than £30,000 flying friends to caribbean
Amy may be desperate to get the party started but rushing down the beach like an extra from Mamma Mia! will impress no one.
Gordon Ramsay brands his alleged mistress Sarah Symonds a slapper.
England seamer Darren Pattinson has signed a contract extension to remain at Nottinghamshire until the end of the 2011 season.
Australian cricket may have seen the last of Matthew Hayden after the veteran opener was bowled for 39 but the home side were in firm control of the third Test against South Africa at the SCG after building a solid 237-run lead at lunch on day four.
A maiden five-wicket haul for paceman Peter Siddle saw Australia finish day three of the third Test on top.
Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has been ruled out for three months with a knee injury.
Tevez future at manchester united in doubt after blast at boss ferguson
Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has hit out at manager Sir Alex Ferguson over suggestions he has turned down a new deal at Old Trafford.
Middlesbrough tell spurs to back off after rejecting downing transfer request
Middlesbrough have told Tottenham Stewart Downing is not for sale after rejecting a transfer request from the England winger.
To boldly go how no man has gone before
Astronauts needing relief might be in luck, as Japanese scientists have begun work on a revolutionary new space toilet system.
Mr christmas cashes in on credit crunch
A man who celebrates Christmas every day is defying the curse of Twelfth Night and decorating his home with cut-price decorations from Woolworths.
SKIING: Kate Whittaker, top dog at ski and snowboard experts maddogski.com, tells us her top five unusual ski destinations.
Rare snowy owl in uk is big draw
This snowy owl is attracting hundreds of birdwatchers during its rare visit to Britain.
Tutor had sex with schoolboy in nappies
A female teacher had sex with a 15-year-old boy who was still in nappies, a court heard.
A new invention that really sucks
A brave model shows off the Hitch a belt of powerful suction cups which attach the user to a vehicle.
Athill, 91, scoops costa prize
An author has won a prestigious literary prize at the age of 91.
This snowy owl is attracting hundreds of birdwatchers during its rare visit to Britain.
Meet the new iguana that darwin missed
This colourful iguana was missed by Charles Darwin during his research on the Galapagos Islands but has finally been identified.
Talented two-fingered goalie saved by special gloves
A promising young goalkeeper born with just two fingers on each hand is hoping to play at the top level after a sports firm designed him a unique pair of gloves.
Passer-by is hailed after death
The family of a man who died after being attacked on New Years Day have paid tribute to a passer-by who tried to save him.
25-year ban for cruel dog owner
A dog was reduced to a walking skeleton by his cruel owner, a court heard.
Trapped motorist dies in ice rink rail smash
A driver died in Britains big freeze on Monday when her car was hit by a train, after the vehicle skidded on to the track at a level crossing.
Ex-junkie walks free after 145 crimes
A recovering heroin addict who admitted 145 crimes walked free from court after a judge ruled his substantial progress earned him the right to rehabilitate in freedom.
Crisis for nhs as bugs hit millions
The NHS is facing its worst crisis in a decade as millions are hit by the flu and norovirus winter vomiting bugs.
War of the little children begins
Hamas has warned Israel that Jewish children everywhere were now legitimate targets after three young Palestinian brothers were killed in air strikes on Gaza.
Britain set for -10c as arctic freeze grips the country
Britain is heading for a week long big freeze with temperatures plummeting to a potentially lethal -10oC in parts of the country. One woman has already died after being hit by a train when her car became stuck on a crossing.
Britain set for -10c as big freeze brings death
Britain is heading for a week long big freeze with temperatures dipping to a potentially lethal -10C in parts of the country. One woman has already died after being hit by a train when her her car became stuck on a crossing.
Girl guides given credit crunch advice
Girl guides are today being issued with tips to survive the credit crunch to ensure they stay prepared for the modern world.
Marks&spencer to slash 1000 jobs after worst christmas trading in 80 years
High Street giant Marks&Spencer is cutting more than 1,000 jobs, it has emerged.
Murphy aims at champion with big zeb
Though it is common enough, in jump racing, for a small stable to be exalted by one exceptional horse, only rarely does a trainer impose his own talent on the evanescence of the moment. But that is just what seems to have happened with Colm Murphy, who came up with a champion more or less overnight in Brave Inca, and has since thoroughly consolidated his claims as one of the best young trainers in Ireland.
Portsmouth want johnson to sign new four-year deal
Portsmouth are hoping to agree a new four-year deal with the in-demand full-back Glen Johnson. Tony Adams, the manager, is also confident of keeping Sean Davis and Richard Hughes at Fratton Park after offering them contract extensions.
Beckham fights anti-gay prejudice
David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the big names of English football who will be asked to speak out against homophobia in a video to be screened at grounds, including Wembley, and in schools around the country, with the aim to "kick anti-gay prejudice off the pitch and out of the terraces".
Leading article: the other side of africa
There is no news out of Ghana, at least no news of the usual sort we have come to expect from modern day Africa. They have just had a general election there and the ruling party lost, so its leader has stepped down to make way for the opposition. No violence in the streets. No mass stuffing of ballot boxes. No mediation by the United Nations. No bogus power-sharing deals which will subsequently be slyly abrogated by some gerontocratic madman. Nothing like we have seen in Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe or several of the other powerhouses of the African continent.
Wannabe suicide bombers beware: chris morris movie gets go-ahead
He has persuaded MPs to campaign to keep the fictitious drug "cake" off the streets, and musician Phil Collins to warn children against paedophiles while wearing a "Nonce Sense" T-shirt. Now the satirist Chris Morris is tackling his most controversial topic yet: wannabe suicide bombers.
Letters: contempt for the white working class
The group for which Yasmin Alibhai-Brown (5 January) shows such contempt deserves better, because of its record. The white working class formed the British labour movement; without that movement, how much of the improvement in the lives of working people over the last 100 years would have occurred? In two world wars, the white working class formed the bulk of those Britons who fought aggression. If the white working class had been as irredeemably racist as Ms Alibhai-Brown suggests, they could, in the 1930s, have converted to Mosleyism.
Benitez cool on heskey deal as reds looks to sell
Rafael Benitez has not indicated within Anfield that he is seeking to sign Emile Heskey to provide the attacking options which Liverpool have lacked this season. The Wigan player is out of contract in the summer, leading to suggestions that a return to the club where he scored 39 times in 150 games between 2000 and 2004 may be on the cards.
Winged wonder: young snowy owl lands in cornwall
A snowy owl, which has been delighting birdwatchers around the village of Zennor, near St Ives in Cornwall, is about 1,000 miles off course. As inhabitants of the tundra above the Arctic circle for most of the year, snowy owls do wander south in winter, but they usually get no nearer St Ives than the far north of Scotland.
Wedgwood china falls victim to credit crisis
The future of the 200-year-old Wedgwood pottery in Stoke-on-Trent was thrown into doubt yesterday as its owner, Waterford Wedgwood, said it had called in administrators.
Bbc refuses inquiry into bets on new doctor who
The BBC has refused to investigate a potential betting scam over the announcement of the new Doctor Who.
Graduates turn their backs on careers in the city
The global economic crisis has led hundreds of elite graduates to eschew careers in finance in favour of lower-paid but "safer" jobs such as maths teaching, it emerged yesterday.
Leading article: cheers, rosie
There are, some might say, few issues likely to excite our parliamentarians to action more rapidly than a promise of cheap liquor rescinded.
The big question: why is braille under threat, and would it really matter if it died out?
Woman dies as car skids on to level crossing
A schoolteacher was killed by a train yesterday when her car skidded on to icy rail tracks as the barriers of a level crossing came down.
Fares akram: people are fleeing the north on donkey carts
When we woke up yesterday morning there were people on the streets for the first time in days. Whole families, girls, women, fathers, children. They appeared to be coming from the north of the Gaza Strip, fleeing their homes. The majority were walking, some were on donkey carts. There were a few cars and trucks but each had up to 10 people crushed inside. They were carrying their belongings, such things as mattresses and bed covers. My grandfather who lives with us, watched for a while and said: "This is exactly like the immigration of Palestinians into Gaza in 1948".
Sit back and relax with one of these funky chaises longues.
As Britain endured some of its coldest weather for years, forecasters warned that the next 12 months could bring blistering heat.
Bookmakers will be forced to pay £5m for gambling studies
Bookmakers and other gaming companies will be forced to hand over more than £5m a year to fund education programmes, helplines and research into problem gambling under a plan to be announced today. A voluntary donation scheme has been in place since 2002 but over the past two years major operators have had to step in at the last minute to meet the funding target when smaller outlets refused to contribute.
Unflinching athill lands costa book award at 91
A 91-year-old who wrote a unflinching memoir encompassing the end of her sex life, the intimacies of ageing and the prospect of death has become the oldest writer to win a Costa prize.
Three peaks challenge to get code of conduct
For anyone who likes to blend a little altruism with their outdoor adventure, few feats of self-inflicted endurance match up to the popularity of the Three Peaks Challenge.
Adrian lester: back on the hustle
On Thursday night, a tall, dark, handsome man will leap into an expensive sports car, blag his way into a super-swanky penthouse suite, charm his way into restaurants, con his way into wallets and bank accounts – and win the hearts of millions of TV viewers. And he will do it all with an air of effortless ease and a flash of a sweet smile.
Boy and girl, six and seven, try to elope to sunny africa
Fed up with the near-Arctic temperatures at home, a seven-year-old German girl and her six-year-old boyfriend hatched a plan to "elope" to Africa and get married in the sun. But their dreams were thwarted after officials stopped them boarding a train to the airport, police revealed yesterday.
The Press Complaints Commission has investigated whether an article published on The Independent website under the headline “Chainsaw death was ‘carefully thought through suicide’”, contained excessive detail about the method of suicide used in breach of Clause 5 (Intrusion into grief or shock) of the Code.
Independent appeal: fighting a lifetime of prejudice
When Umme Ranjona was young, her friends would tease her and call her names. Even her brothers and sisters joined in. "Langri", they would call her, Bengali slang for "cripple".
No joke as comedian is set to secure senate seat
More than two months after the final ballots were cast, electoral officials in Minnesota signalled yesterday that they were ready at last to declare Al Franken, the political satirist turned neophyte politician, the winner in the marathon US Senate contest against the Republican incumbent Norm Coleman by a tiny margin of 225 votes.
Death on the slopes leaves key merkel ally facing manslaughter investigation
A leading German politician was yesterday suspected of breaking piste traffic regulations at an Austrian ski resort only seconds before he was involved in a 60mph collision with a Slovakian woman skier who died from the injuries suffered in the accident.
Hamas takes fight to the streets of gaza
Heavy fighting was under way in the north of Gaza City last night as the Israeli Defence Minister, Ehud Barak, pledged to continue the war against Hamas – entering its 10th day – until "peace and tranquility" returned to the south of his country.
Eagles clicking at just the right time
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - All the ingredients are there for the Philadelphia Eagles to go deep in the playoffs except for home-field advantage.Eagles’ Injury Woes Listed New York TimesAll-too-familiar opponent awaiting confident Eagles after ousting ... CNNWFMZ-TV Online - WRNN - DallasCowboys.com - WDEL 1150AM
Stony brook study supports claims of undying love
BY RIDGELY OCHS | ridgely.ochs@newsday.com Suzanne Bernstein said she and her husband, Sidney, eat side-by-side when they go out, always walk hand-in-hand, and begin and end each day with "I love you.Does True Love Last Forever? KARKTrue love can last a lifetime, latest study says TopNewsabc7.com - CNN International - Times Online - TheMedGuru
Chavez says he’ll ‘protect’ dollars amid drop in oil
By Matthew Walter Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he’ll take steps to save dollars as a tumble in oil curbs the South American country’s export revenue.Citgo suspends low-income heating oil program The Associated PressVenezuela suspends heating oil aid for US poor ReutersBoston Channel.com - The Republican - MassLive.com - NECN - WTTE
Cabell among w.va. counties to launch drug courts
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Five new drug courts that will handle nonviolent offenders are scheduled to open across West Virginia this year.Drug Courts Coming to Six More Counties State JournalDebate Over Teacher Drug Tests Spreads to West Virginia U.S. News&World ReportWVNS - WCHS - Charleston Gazette - West Virginia MetroNews
Medical marijuana rules called a burden on police
BY Megha Satyanarayana • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • January 5, 2009 A spokesman for the Michigan State Police said the department does not want the responsibility of destroying excess medical marijuana, as written in the draft rules being discussed ...Citizens Speak Out On Medical Marijuana Rules WILX-TVMedical marijuana concerns WLNSWLAJ - City Pulse - The Saginaw News - MLive.com - Michigan Messenger
Scientists find a gene that makes cancer spread
By Julie Steenhuysen CHICAGO, Jan 5 (Reuters) - A single gene appears to play a crucial role in deadly breast cancers, increasing the chances the cancer will spread and making it resistant to chemotherapy, US researchers said on Monday.Breast Cancer Metastasis Gene Identified MedPage TodayGene tied to spread of breast cancer is found, study says Baltimore SunScience Daily (press release) - GenomeWeb News - NJ.com - EurekAlert (press release)
Relay for life group to start planning for summer event
By Janice Hoppe, jhoppe@mysuburbanlife.com The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Brookfield is gathering at Paisans Pizzeria and Restaurant Wednesday, Jan. 21, to form teams and inspire volunteers.Boone County Relay for Life seeking volunteers Boone News RepublicanUL kicks off Relay for Life planning The Daily AdvertiserSmartAboutHealth - Baltimore Sun - Fayette Front Page - KHTS Radio
Us embassy in iraq largest, most expensive ever
AP Jan. 5: US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, right, and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani look on during a ceremony marking the opening of the new US Embassy in Baghdad.Video: Raw Video: US Baghdad Embassy Opens AssociatedPressUS Opens New Embassy Comound In Baghdad AHNChristian Science Monitor - CNN - AFP - International Herald Tribune
Bake me a cake - mark it with a pill
Residents of a home for disabled clients in Cheshire were sent to the hospital Sunday for observation after they ate part of a cake laced with prescription pills.Pills found in cake at home for disabled United Press InternationalCHESHIRE: Pills Found In Cake Delivered To State Facility Hartford CourantMeriden Record-Journal - WTNH - WFSB - Hartford Courant
Chipotle to open restaurants in europe
By KATHY SHWIFF Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. plans to open restaurants in Europe, beginning in London late this year, as the upscale fast-food chain continues expanding while higher-priced competitors are floundering amid a sharp pullback in ...Chipotle’s Ells to share CEO duties Bizjournals.comChipotle names co-CEO, plans London site ForbesReuters - RTT News - WELT ONLINE
Red cross: free travel for lucky blood donors
Southerners and snowbirds, take note: Donate blood between now and March 31 and you could be eligible to win a pair of airline tickets to anywhere Delta flies domestically.Donations Needed for Red Cross Fire Program KLAS-TVBlood center planning events to attract donors Palo Alto OnlineCrossville Chronicle - New Brunswick Home News Tribune - WMBB-TV - First Coast News
Rpt-update 2-fed buys mbs in latest unconventional move
By Kristina Cooke NEW YORK, Jan 5 (Reuters) - The US Federal Reserve on Monday kick-started its latest unconventional program to boost the moribund economy, this time taking aim at the heart of the slumping housing market.BOND REPORT: Treasurys Move Higher As Fed Buys Mortgage Bonds CNNMoney.comNY Fed begins purchasing mortgage securities The Associated PressFinancial Times - International Herald Tribune - InvestmentNews - Wall Street Journal Blogs
Goldman sachs upgrades continental airlines
AP , 01.05.09, 04:50 PM EST Goldman Sachs upgraded shares of Continental Airlines Inc. on Monday and raised price targets on several other airline stocks, but lowered its target for Southwest Airlines Co.Continental, others sue to block new crew rest rules Houston ChronicleAirlines fight FAA crew rest requirements ReutersBizjournals.com - Bloomberg - Wall Street Journal - Fort Worth Star Telegram
Bacon bits recalled for possible listeria contamination
DENVER– State health officials today announced nearly 3600 pounds of bacon bit products have been recalled nationwide by the production company, Patrick Cudahy of Cudahy, Wis.Convenience store burritos and sandwiches recalled KOAApossibly tainted bacon bits recalled Denver PostWalletPop - Newsinferno.com - KSFY - CattleNetwork.com
Mosaic profit up, will cut fertilizer output
NEW YORK, Jan 5 (Reuters) - North American fertilizer company Mosaic Co (MOS.N) said on Monday its quarterly profit jumped, boosted by rising potash and phosphate sales, but said it would cut output and expected weak results for its current quarter.Mosaic reports big quarterly gains, but predicts weak future results Bizjournals.comMosaic rises after blowing past Q2 earnings estimates BloggingStocksRTT News - MarketWatch - SunHerald.com
Merrill brokerage chief to leave -- wsj
NEW YORK, Jan 5 (Reuters) - Bob McCann, the head of the brokerage force at Merrill Lynch&Co MRLL.UL, plans to leave the securities firm, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.Merrill Lynch’s Brokerage Head Bob McCann Plans to Leave Firm BloombergMcCann to Leave Bank of America Wall Street JournalCNNMoney.com - Forbes - Smartmoney.com - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Endo will buy indevus in $637 million deal
By JOHN KELL Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. will acquire smaller pharmaceutical company Indevus Pharmaceuticals Inc. for up to $637 million in cash as the company looks to expand its operations beyond pain management.Endo to Spend Up to $637 Million to Purchase Indevus BloombergEndo to buy Indevus for $370 million upfront ForbesBizjournals.com - MarketWatch - TheStreet.com - Xconomy
Cigna cuts 1100 jobs, expects charge of $40 million
By Avram Goldstein Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Cigna Corp., the health insurer whose shares fell 69 percent last year because of investment losses, said it will cut about 1100 jobs and take a fourth-quarter after-tax charge of $30 million to $40 million for ...Cigna to Cut Jobs, Consolidate Locations Wall Street JournalCigna to cut 1100 jobs, citing weak economy ReutersBizjournals.com - The Associated Press - TheStreet.com - Philadelphia Inquirer
Bush to declare pacific areas protected monuments
By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON, Jan 5 (Reuters) - US President George W. Bush will designate nearly 200000 square miles (518000 sq km) of the Pacific ocean on Tuesday as a protected region, White House officials said, making the areas hands-off for oil ...Bush moves to protect large areas of the Pacific The Miami HeraldBush to establish 3 marine monuments in Pacific The Associated PressBloomberg - AFP - Pacific News Center - Washington Post
Kids reveal a lot about themselves online
By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY A new study shows that more than half of teenagers mention drugs, alcohol, sex or violence on their MySpace pages.Teens Divulge Risky Behavior on Social Networking Sites ForbesStudy: Teens on MySpace mention sex, violence CNNBizjournals.com - The Associated Press - Bloomberg - Capital Times