A team of nuclear inspectors from the United Nations is arriving in Tehran today to attempt to discern exactly what Iran intends to do should it develop weapons-grade nuclear materials. Or, more specifically, the inspectors are there in the hopes that Iran will reveal that they have, in fact, not come as close as many international powers’ currently fear. Iran’s nuclear program has become the new focus of US and European foreign policy, even as civil wars rage in Syria and Yemen.

But heightened tensions with Iran serve a material purpose for Western governments as they attempt to divert the attention of their citizens from the growing debt crisis and inflationary policies that are robbing them of property and liberty. Iran is pointed to as a very real threat to Israel and, the theory goes, if Iran is able to procure or develop a nuclear weapon, they would surely use it to strike or threaten Israel. Of course, such thinking is inherently ridiculous, as it is common knowledge that Israel possesses nuclear weapons already. Any strike by Iran would prove the end of its existence, either by Israeli response, US response, or both.

But the ongoing diplomatic struggle and the increasingly draconian economic sanctions by the West are likely going to force some sort of military conflict with Iran. The conflict will probably result in the complete destruction of any facilities deemed to be involved in Iran’s nuclear program as well as some push for regime change, with the latter being a bit more complicated. The only real question marks that remain are how bad the global financial crisis will get as a result of the spiking oil prices – and whether or not President Obama will choose to act before or after he is elected to a second term in November.

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Reese Witherspoon has won an Academy Award and she has excelled in offbeat comedic roles throughout her career. She’s always been very cute, but rarely has she ever been cast in a role where she is so clearly an object of physical desire as she is in This Means War. The premise of the film has two friends and CIA agents simultaneously falling for a tantalizing woman played by Reese Witherspoon. Think There’s Something About Mary, but with the male suitors played by hot CIA guys as opposed to dorky schmoes.

But This Means War even goes a few steps beyond the Cameron Diaz comedy classic in putting Reese Witherspoon out there as every guy’s fantasy girl. She prances around in a sweatshirt with her bottom peeking out and handles both leading men in a way that suggests she’s much more temptress than girl next door.

Not surprisingly, however, the critics are crushing the movie as just another failed attempt at over-the-top humor in a romantic comedy format. Director McG brought some of his Charlie’s Angels and Terminator magic into the formula, but for the most part it was still lacking enough originality or writing skill to make it an entertaining spend of nearly two hours.

The fact that it stars Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy will probably ensure that the movie is more than profitable, but it will be quickly forgotten and shelved along with countless other long-term failures in the genre.

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By SIMONE CAMILLI

The Associated Press

GIGLIO, Italy — Tossing bouquets of red roses into the sea, the relatives of people still missing one month after the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster mourned in a private tribute Monday.

The family members boarded a small boat that took them 50 meters (yards) from the stricken cruise ship, which struck a reef Jan. 13 off the Tuscan coast when its captain made an unauthorized maneuver. Seventeen people died while trying to flee and 15 remain missing and are presumed dead.

The search for the missing was called off after authorities determined it was too risky for the rescue divers.

Among family members at the scene of the tragedy was Susy Albertini, the mother of 5-year-old Dayana Arlotti, who was traveling with her father William, who is also missing. Kevin Rebello, the brother of a missing waiter from India, also attended, as did the families of missing French and German passengers.

The relatives hugged each other as the roses floated on the Mediterranean. Rebello said Monday’s anniversary was the hardest day yet since the shipwreck.

“I haven’t lost hope yet, anything can still happen, a miracle. He may be injured, he may have lost consciousness, anything may have happened. I still have hope, I always have hope, hope is the last thing to die,” Rebello said. “I hope I will find him as soon as possible, to bring him home.”

Dayana Arlotti was on the cruise with her father and his girlfriend, who survived the tragedy. William and Dayana disappeared after they returned to the cabin to get medicine for his severe diabetes, the Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported. Family members seeking news called his cell phone for days after the tragedy until it stopped ringing on the fifth day.

A statue of the Virgin Mary was retrieved from the ship and donated by the Costa Crociere SpA cruise company that owns the Concordia was placed in the main port church for memorial Mass held later Monday. Along with relatives of the missing, Costa CEO Pier Luigi Foschi attended the service.

“The feeling that has always been with me during these 30 days and today is sorrow. Sorrow for those who died, for those who are missing,” said the Rev. Lorenzo Pasquotti.

After weeks of delays due to bad weather, underwater pumping operations began Sunday to remove some of the 500,000 gallons of fuel aboard the ship, which has threatened to turn the human tragedy into an environmental disaster. Crews on Monday emptied the first of 15 tanks that are believed to hold around 84 percent of the fuel on board, Italy’s civil protection department said.

Officials say it will take 28 consecutive days of pumping to empty the tanks.

There have been no reports so far of heavy fuel leaking into the pristine waters off the tiny island of Giglio, which are part of a protected sanctuary for dolphins, whales and proposes.

The Concordia had 4,200 people on board when it slammed into a reef off Giglio after the captain deviated from the ship’s planned course in an apparent stunt. Passengers have said the captain then delayed sounding the evacuation alarm until the ship listed so heavily that lifeboats on one side couldn’t be lowered.

The captain, Francesco Schettino, is under house arrest, accused of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning the ship before all the passengers had been evacuated.

Italian officials have said it will take seven to ten months after the fuel is pumped out for salvage experts to remove the ship from the shore.

___

February 13, 2012 06:56 PM EST

Copyright 2012, The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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LONDON (Reuters) – Tortuous negotiations over a second bailout for Greece are set to come to a head on Wednesday, putting fragile market confidence to the test on the same day data is tipped to show the euro zone is entering a mild recession.

U.S. retail sales and the release of minutes from the last Federal Reserve rate-setting meeting, data on UK inflation and unemployment, more corporate earnings and a Bank of Japan policy meeting also stand on the market’s radar.

But it is Greece and a March 20 deadline, when the country must find 14 billion euros ($ 18.6 billion) to meet debt repayments or face the prospect of a chaotic default, that will hold the market’s attention.

Euro zone officials have said February 15 marks a cutoff points for agreement on a new bailout deal, without which Greece will have no funds to cover the March repayments.

“We have a very stretched timetable, so if there’s no agreement on Wednesday any Greek deal would be in dangerous territory,” Thomas Costerg, European Economist at Standard Chartered Bank said.

“Although a disorderly default is not our central scenario, risks are definitely rising and we think this would have huge consequences potentially on confidence, on financial markets and on the banking system.”

If a Greek deal is agreed, the focus will likely switch to the pace of economic recovery in developed markets and the ongoing effects of policy stimulus from some of the world’s major central banks.

In Europe, demand at a second 3-year loan tender (LTRO) by the European Central Bank at the end of the month will be closely monitored after the first in December was widely credited with having eased financial pressures and supported a big move into riskier assets.

U.S. dollar-based investors who moved into 10-year Italian government bonds after the first LTRO have seen gains of over 15 percent for the year to date, and the big funds are taking notice.

“We continue to assess the level of yields of Italian and Spanish bonds over Germany as there are opportunities for shorter term yield pick-up in those markets as we watch for economic improvement,” said Kevin Anderson of State Street Global Advisors.

Anderson, who is global chief investment officer of fixed income and currency, says his views are not conditional on a Greek debt deal.

“The market has pretty much priced in a significant restructuring in Greece, which probably removes the contagion effect were we to see a disorderly events in Greece in the next weeks and months.”

EURO ZONE RECESSION?

Most of the economic data due in the coming week is not expected to shake markets out of the view that a mild global recovery is under way, led by China and the U.S, even as the euro zone struggles.

The revival play has seen the MSCI’s All Country World Index (.MIWD00000PUS) rise over 9 percent this year and it is up more than 20 percent from its October lows.

The first estimate of fourth quarter economic performance in the euro zone, due on February 15, will likely show a contraction of 0.4 percent after growth 0.2 percent in the previous quarter.

According to a Reuters poll published last month, a majority of economists expect the euro zone to contract further in the current quarter, which would formally signal a slump.

“We think that will mark the start of the recession, including even for Germany,” Standard Chartered’s Costerg said.

However, both the euro zone and Germany will post growth for the year as whole and markets will also keep a close eye on the more forward-looking German ZEW sentiment index for February, which is seen showing another monthly gain.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Asset Performance in 2012: http://link.reuters.com/muc46s

Euro zone debt crisis in graphics:

http://r.reuters.com/hyb65p

Global government bond yields:

http://link.reuters.com/ser95s

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MIXED RESULTS SEASON

In Europe, with the fourth quarter reporting season now about midway through, companies have been fairly evenly split in terms of upwards and downwards surprises, but risks of 2012 earnings downgrades remain, Societe Generale analysts said in a report.

“Disappointment is due in particular to raw material price volatility, price pressures and also the beginning of a slowdown in emerging markets – especially China for some capital goods companies.”

Despite this, the FTSEurofirst 300 index (.FTEU3) of top European companies is up more than 20 percent from lows it hit in September 2011.

Elsewhere the European Union, the ECB and the International Monetary Fund, known as the Troika, will be reviewing Portugal’s progress on meeting the terms of its 78 billion euro bailout package, with Germany already indicating it is ready to accept changes to the plan.

In Asia, pressure is mounting on the Bank of Japan to respond to the U.S. Fed’s dovish stance, though analysts expect the coming week’s policy decision to be a close call.

($ 1 = 0.7517 euros)

(By Richard Hubbard; Editing by John Stonestreet)

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Life in Antarctic lake? It’s everywhere else

By SETH BORENSTEIN, AP Science Writer – 42 minutes ago 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists expect to find microbes in a lake two miles beneath the thick ice of Antarctica. If so, it will illustrate once again that somehow life finds a way to survive in the strangest and harshest places.

And it offers hope that life exists beyond Earth.

Russian researchers reported Wednesday that they had reached Lake Vostok. It’s a pristine body of water untouched by light or wind for about 20 million years.

It doesn’t sound like a place where life could exist, but scientists keep finding germs in places where they don’t expect, from underneath ice to hot mines. There’s even a bizarre germ nicknamed Conan the Bacterium that survives deadly radiation.

Scientists may find similar weird germs deep inside Mars or on the moons of Saturn or Jupiter.

Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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I can’t say I knew much about Andalusia, or more officially, the Autonomous Community of Andalusia; at best I would answer ‘flamenco and horses’ if asked what the region was known for. Sparked by a recent conversation, I was curious what it really had to offer, so I embarked on a road trip.

I didn’t see any horses, or much flamenco, but I did find a region with an extraordinary history, impressive architecture and beautiful people.

One thing I learned early one was the origin of the name Andalusia itself, which derives from Al-Andalus, the medieval Muslim state occupying parts of what today is Spain, Portugal and even some areas of modern France. I must have been ill the day we covered that in school because this was all news to me.

Granada
My first destination after landing in Malaga was Granada, best known for the Alhambra, the impressive Moorish citadel and palace. Occupying a small plateau on the south Eastern border of Granada, it is one of the most renowned buildings of the Andalusian Islamic heritage. While its fortified walls date back to the 11th century, it was only in the 14th century that the then sultans turned it into a lavish palace, citadel and residence.

Although there are plenty of accommodations available within the Alhambra, I decided to stay downtown. Do stay at the contemporary yet cozy Villa Oniria, a small 19th century palace right in the city center.

Córdoba
The next leg of my trip led me to Córdoba and while there are Córdobas in Argentina, Mexico and Colombia, this one is the real deal, the original city. An Iberian and Roman city in ancient times, it is said to have been the world’s most populous city in the 11th century, and subsequently became the intellectual center of Europe. It was during these times that Córdoba also became the capital of the Islamic Caliphate of Córdoba.

One of the most prominent remnants of that time is the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the Mezquita. One of the most accomplished monuments of Islamic architecture, it was originally a pagan temple, then a Christian church, then made a mosque by the Moors, only to be reconverted into a Roman Catholic church and cathedral during the 13th century Reconquista, the Spanish re-taking of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors.

An easy 10-minute stroll from the Mezquita through the UNESCO World Heritage center you find the Hospes Palacio del Bailio, a lovely boutique hotel built between the 16th and 18th century that is a UNESCO World Heritage itself. Take the Don Quijote suite for a unique, oval-shaped and frescoed room overlooking the courtyard. And if you ask nicely, you’ll be led down to the historic Roman ruins found under the main restaurant.

Seville
The last stage of my rally led me to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Out of the three cities, Seville was definitely my favorite, mostly because of the lively atmosphere around the famous cathedral in the town center, where little bodegas, bars and restaurants are filled with locals having a late tapas lunch. The cathedral, built on the former site of the city’s mosque after the Reconquista, is one of the largest medieval and Gothic cathedrals. Most interestingly, some of the mosque’s original elements were re-used in its construction, such as the former minaret, which was converted into a bell tower.

Once the sun has set, the roof top terrace at EME Catedral Hotel is one of the best places to enjoy close views of the cathedral and mingle with the Sevillanos. As a contrast, I recommend visiting the Metropol Parasol, an impressive umbrella-like building on La Encarnación square designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer and finished in 2011. Its terrace roof offers another great vista.

Do stay at Corral del Rey, which is tucked away close by on a small street by the same name. Spread over two buildings, this stylish little refuge is a quiet oasis with elegant design. It’s modern, yet distinctively Andalusian, elegantly combining European and Moorish design elements to reflect the region’s diverse history.

My personal Andalusian conquista ended here, but I’ll be back, there is so much more to be discovered…

And one final tip: listen to Alaa Shaheen’s Andalusia while driving. The Jordanian instrumental band’s debut album beautifully blends Arabian and Spanish sounds; it’s the right road trip soundtrack.

Passport Luxury Travel Blog | Kiwi Collection

You are smart, attractive and trusting but lately he’s got you wondering. Is the man you love still in dreaming of his ex? He denies it but your inner voice telling you something is amiss! If this sounds like you, then you should be looking for these four signs. Only time will truly tell, but in the meantime, keep your cool — and your eyes peeled for these revealing tells.

He calls you by her name. It is called a Freudian slip but really, it’s a sign! Here are some common scenarios. He moves in for a kiss and speaks your name softly – wait, that’s not your name! Or he leaves you a voicemail and says, “See you later, Angela.” The name is Jill! Once is an understandable uh-oh, especially if you’ve just ended a heated debate about “her.” Twice, that’s reason to worry! If he’s calling you her name for no apparent reason, then hmmm…..

He constantly gripes about her. If he’s complaining about her constantly then he might still be in love. Remember, there’s a fine line between love and hate — at least, according to the song. When she’s constantly on his mind, it could be a sign that he wants her back. However, ex’s that have children together often squabble. Take that with a grain of salt!

He’s interacting with her on social media. If he’s chatting with her on Facebook or texting her at all hours of the night, you’ve got a sure sign. Many former lovers remain friends but unless he’s still holding out hope, he needs to move on. Some women consider this kind of behavior “emotional cheating.”

He makes her “off limits.” Guys in love like putting the objects of their affection on a pedestal. If she’s an “off limits” topic of discussion, then that is a sign he’s in love with her. Naturally, you shouldn’t obsessively question him about the ex, but if he refuses to discuss their relationship or current status, you’ve got a problem.

The best sign is your inner voice. Listen to your intuition. On the flip side, don’t become so paranoid about the ex that it makes you green with jealousy. Excessive jealousy will certainly push him away even more. Emotional infidelity is a real confidence shaker, if you let it become one. Don’t let it! Get the assurance you need or get out!

More from this Contributor:

10 signs a relationship is over

Do you have a cheap boyfriend?

Is your man a bad kisser?

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28th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Located in Seaside Heights, NJ in Ocean County, this parade is sure to please. The parade, however, is the week before on March 10th. The traditional parade starts at noon and is a tribute to St. Patrick. With marching bands, dancers, floats, food to eat, mummers and more, this parade is fun for the whole family. Get there early to park.

Caffrey’s Tavern
This place is Irish all year round, but join them on St. Patrick’s day for a full, fledged Irish experience. Caffrey’s also boasts live music on Fridays and Saturdays as well as traditional dishes such as Fish and Chips and Corn Beef and Cabbage. Their website has coupons, so check those out before you go. Caffrey’s is located at 440 Route 9 South in Forked River, New Jersey.

Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade
There is still time to be in the parade if you choose to do that instead of just watching, but being a spectator, whether it be live on March 11th or from home on March 17th when it re-airs, is also fun. The parade goes from 1-4pm and proceeds down Kelly Drive. This is a true tradition, since the 1700′s, in Philadelphia. There will be floats, bands, flags, music, performances, food and so much more.

Craft Beer Express
Also a Philadelphia St. Patrick’s day tradition, the Cafe Beer Express experience happens the week before St. Patrick’s day. This year, on March 10th from 11am – 9pm, many bars in town join in this pub crawl for people who love beer and want to taste and try new beers. Tickets can be bought at the bars or you can buy a bus ticket for $ 10 in advance. A list of bars participating can be found on their website.

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Privacy is a tricky concept in these times of World Wide Webs, Internet Superhighways and e-Everything. Our brains have quickly evolved to expect that all existing information, from Hollywood to Washington, D.C., should be immediately available to us, unfiltered, with more transparency than a roll of Scotch Tape.

Enter Facebook, originally created as a way for hip, cool college kids to communicate. In the past few years it’s blown up, becoming the social networking platform of choice for teenagers, business owners, celebrities and even your grandma.

Now, Facebook wants you to accept its new Timeline interface, which appears to be a game-changer in many ways. Should you be worried?

Technology has brought us much joy, but because it morphs at fiber-optic speeds, change is inevitable. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says Timeline will provide users with a more comprehensive way to tell their life story, using photos, videos, facts and friends.

Or to quote Facebook: “The movies you quote. The songs you have on repeat. The activities you love. Now there’s a new class of social apps that let you express who you are through all the things you do.”

Users will inevitably be putting much more information out there. So far, it’s been optional, but over the next few weeks, everyone’s Facebook will become a Timeline page.

So how will all this enhanced App-driven information sharing affect your privacy?

There’s a great article we found on PCWorld.com that walks through all the changes and how critics – and fans – of Timeline view those changes, and what to expect.

And there is a bottom line: If you plan to continue enjoying social media platforms and the open exchange of information and ideas that the Internet affords, you have to educate yourself on how to protect your privacy to the extent that you want to do that.

I decided to test out the information provided. I followed the steps outlined in the PCWorld article. I began by clicking on the “Privacy Settings” tab at the top right hand corner of my Facebook page (see photo).

Wow.

While I don’t remember enabling Facebook Apps like “Get Beer,” “Daily Mile,” “Cutest Smile,” “Hello Kitty Love,” or “Nicest Person Contest,” I have no doubt that at some point or another I clicked to allow these apps in an effort to access something that, at the time, made perfect sense.

It was just as easy to edit the settings and remove the unwanted Apps. I disabled about 82 of the 89 Apps that, over time, I’d apparently given permission to access my personal data.

On a side note, I was disappointed to discover that the “Which Bluth are you (Arrested Development)” App I’d activated was “temporarily unavailable due to an issue with its third-party developer.”

Disappointment aside, this also reinforced to me that some of these annoying Apps may take care of removing themselves, especially as Facebook evolves, and moves closer to IPO status.

We want to know how you feel about Facebook Timeline. Take a moment to vote in our poll, and feel free to leave your comments.

If you have yet to make the change – of if you have embraced Timeline, but still have questions, you can link here for an official Facebook tutorial.

Also:

• Consider your current password. This would be a good time to come up with something more complex than “1234567″ or “Password.” The No. 1 problem with Internet security is our lapses in protecting ourselves.

• Think of this as a fresh start. Feel free to continue posting all the cute, odd things that happen in the privacy of your own living room. But moving forward, this might be the right time to think about how you are “telling the story of your life.” What information you are making public, and which details of your past, present and future should be readily accessible to your friends, family, employer, and advertisers?

• Educate yourself. You’ve got the world at your fingertips, and all the information that goes along with it. There’s a reason we’ve come to love Facebook. It’s useful, it’s fun, it’s interesting. Don’t take for granted that you understand the changes; don’t be surprised to find out there’s more to know than you thought. Take responsibility for your social networking habits, and get informed.

For more on Facebook changes, check out Inside Facebook, an independent news and information site on all things Facebook, by Inside Network.

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