Brit wins ‘best job in the world’
Sorry, the position for "the best job in the world" has been filled. Ben Southall, a freckled and golden-haired 34-year-old Brit beat out 34,000 applicants from 200 countries to land the coveted island job.
Van Gogh may not have cut off his own ear
A new book suggests a friend may have swiped off his ear.
First human to pig transfer of swine flu in Alberta
A Central Alberta pig farm is under quarantine after its hogs caught the same H1N1 virus that has sickened over a thousand humans worldwide. The news has heightened fears among pig farmers, whose animals already face much prejudice because of the virus’s common name, swine flu.
Sky-Terra towers: A city above a city
The 2009 eVolo Skyscraper Competition contestant has created Sky-Terra towers, a network of interconnected towers rising above the city's skyline inspired by the shape of neuron cells. The skyscrapers are meant to add a new layer to the city, one full of green space, pools, recreational facilities and amphitheaters.
Low-flying planes cause panic in Manhattan
President Obama's spare Air Force One and two F-16 fighter jets caused momentary panic in New York City today, when they drifted over skyscrapers in Manhattan for a photo-op.
Jewish mass grave to be excavated in Germany
On February 2 1945, just seven months before the end of World War II, more than 753 sick Jewish men and women are thought to have been killed by the Waffen SS at the Nazi camp of Lieberose in Brandenburg state. Efforts to excavate the site, which is one of the last undiscovered mass graves of Jews killed by Nazis, began on Wednesday after a long court battle over land rights.
Taliban moving closer to Pakistan capital
The Taliban is slowly trying to make its way toward Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. The Pakistani armed forces have been verbally scolded by both American officials and Pakistani politicians over their lack of action and unwillingness to shift troops from the India-Pakistan border to help concentrate on combating the Taliban threat.
The Marathon Through a Lens
With this photo essay from the 2009 Boston Marathon, Blast begins a regular photo feature from contributing editor Daniel Peleschuk
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Justice department to examine war interrogation memos
According to this blog, nothing has happened in world news for three weeks. That’s my bad. First off, I just want to say sorry for not posting in almost a month. I was swamped with school work, finals and assignments to end off the year. But now, I’m in the clear, so I can again devote some time every day to writing for Blast.
No Fries in ’09 — #9: The simple panini
You don't need a fancy panini press to make the famous flat Italian sandwich that's been sweeping every restaurant, frozen food section and Food Network show over the last few years.
I use a George Foreman G...
Automakers must meet new guidelines before receiving bailout money
Obama said that carmakers like G.M. and Chrysler have come up with projections that do not qualify them to receive the billions of dollars for which they are asking.
Flood in Jakarta kills dozens
But the one that hit me as worst, and this could surprise some of you, took place on Friday in Jakarta, Indonesia, where a dam burst flooded an entire village and took the lives of more than 60 people.
India’s malnutrition problem growing
Hunger and malnutrition are serious issues in African society. Several African nations shamefully boast outrageous starvation and poverty rates, however there are parts of one nation that are in even worse shape. India.
Life sentence given in Austrian incest case
An Austrian court judge sentenced Josef Fritzl to life in prison Thursday, for allowing the child he fathered with his enslaved daughter to die without receiving any medical attention or aid, the New York Times reports.
No Fries in ’09 — #8: Have a frickin salad!
The most under-rated french fry substitute has to be the simple garden salad.
Think about it: yes, it's the polar opposite of french fries. You hardly ever think "hey, I can really go for a super size salad ...
Obama angry over AIG bonuses
President Obama ordered treasury secretary Timothy Geithner Monday to take all legal action needed to stop the payment of nearly $165 million in bonuses handed out by AIG to its executives, according to IHT.
Murder suspects escape from Saskatchewan prison
Six high-risk Canadian prisoners, four of whom were facing murder charges, escaped from a maximum security prison in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan last month. How?
Iraq shoe thrower sentenced
Do you remember that Iraqi guy who threw his shoes at President Bush? Remember how he was lauded as a national hero? Well, now he's going to prison.
Tamil students protest to protect Sri Lankan civilians
These students have been tirelessly demonstrating their anger over the conflict in Sri Lanka for more than a month. A few of the attendants at the back of the pack look nervous, some look unhappy to be here. Some look defeated.
Man found not criminally responsible after bus beheading
Passengers were panicking and screaming, rushing to get off the bus. Some vomited. Some cried. But before they could get off the bus, Li had already decapitated McLean and tossed his head on the bus floor.
