Artists visit virtual Second Life for real-world cash

It's 9 a.m. when Cylindrian Rutabaga takes the microphone at a familiar bar. An avatar named Cylindrian Rutabaga earns tips at a 9 a.m. show in a virtual bar. The funny-named musician with crinkled...

South African leader says he is innocent

South Africa's ruling party president Jacob Zuma declared his innocence Tuesday after a court formally dropped corruption charges against him. Jacob Zuma, president of the ANC, pictured at a rally in East London, South Africa, last month. "My conscience is clear I have not committed any crime against the state or...

Afghanistan 'rape' law puts women's rights front and center

"In Afghanistan, the sacrifice in the political game is women and children," female Afghan parliamentarian Fawzia Koofi said. Critics say they fear that Afghanistan's new Shiite law will set the nation backward....

Thailand braced for huge protest

Anti-government demonstrators say they will gather in the thousands in the capital city Wednesday in a bid to force Thailand's prime minister from office. "Red Shirt" protesters stage a demonstration on Tuesday. The massive demonstration is the culmination of a movement that has intensified in recent weeks to destabilize...

Former Peruvian president found guilty of rights abuses

A three-judge panel of the Peruvian Supreme Court found former President Alberto Fujimori guilty Tuesday on charges involving human rights violations, including murder and kidnapping, and sentenced him to 25 years in prison. Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori speaks before the court in Lima earlier this month. ...

15 years later, Rwanda remembers the massacre

Crowds gathered in somber reflection near the Rwandan capital of Kigali on Tuesday, marking the 15th anniversary of the start of a 100-day genocidal massacre in Rwanda in which an estimated 800,000 people were brutally killed. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, right, meets with former South Africa President Nelson Mandela in March. ...

India denied by rain in NZ but win series

India clinched their first series win in New Zealand since 1968 on Tuesday when the third Test ended in a draw after the final day in Wellington was hit by bad weather. Rahul Dravid, second right, is congratulated after breaking the record for most catches in Test cricket. Predicted downpours appeared the hosts only...

Spectacular Adebayor earns Arsenal draw

Emmanuel Adebayor grabbed a critical away goal as Arsenal came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at El Madrigal. Togo striker Adebayor snatched Arsenal a vital away goal with a spectacular scissor-kick in Spain. The Togo striker made it three...

Holders United denied win by proud Porto

Holders Manchester United must beat Portuguese champions Porto in their own backyard if they are to reach the Champions League semifinals after a compelling 2-2 first leg draw at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Rodriguez fires Porto into a shock early lead at Old Trafford where they held United to a 2-2 first leg draw. ...

Lalu backs out on remarks against Varun after FIR

Lalu Prasad got into quick damage control mode to avoid any trouble from EC for his remarks on Varun Gandhi. An FIR was filed against Lalu Prasad for allegedly trying to create communal disturbances, as the RJD supremo went on a damage control mode following his provocative remarks that he would have crushed Varun Gandhi under...

Threw a shoe at Home Minister P Chidambaram

A journalist threw a shoe at Home Minister P Chidambaram at a press conference on Tuesday, protesting against the minister's reply on his question on CBI's clean chit to Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in the 1984 Sikh riots case. The shoe did not hit the minister and the journalist, a senior reporter with Dainik Jagran, was taken into custody....

Hasina, Khaleda face off

Opposition creating unrest; unhappy with success of govtPrime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday accused the opposition parties of attempts to plunge the country into chaos. Frustrated by their election debacle, she said in parliament, the BNP-led opposition is making 'incendiary' remarks about the BDR bloodbath to 'create unrest'.Speaking...