Labor, business agree to principles on immigration

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2013 file photo, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. The New Yorkers for Real Immigration Reform, a coalition of organizations, is demanding a meeting with Schumer, one of eight senators helping to draft a bill for immigration reform. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2013 file photo, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. The New Yorkers for Real Immigration Reform, a coalition of organizations, is demanding a meeting with Schumer, one of eight senators helping to draft a bill for immigration reform. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Business and labor groups announced agreement Thursday on the principles of a new system to bring lower-skilled workers to the U.S, a key priority for a comprehensive immigration bill.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO reached consensus after weeks of closed-doors negotiations they were conducting at the request of Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., two of the senators involved in crafting an immigration deal on Capitol Hill. Ensuring that future workers can come to the U.S. legally is expected to be a central element of the deal, which will also address border security, employer verification and a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S.

The principles announced Thursday include agreement on the need for a way to let businesses more easily hire foreign workers when Americans aren't available to fill jobs. This will require a new kind of worker visa program that does not keep all workers in a permanent temporary status and responds as the U.S. economy grows and shrinks, the groups said in a joint news release.

They also said they see the need for a new professional bureau housed within a federal executive agency and tasked with informing Congress and the public about labor market needs and shortages. That addresses a key demand from the labor side for a more transparent and data-driven process about business' needs for workers.

"We have found common ground in several important areas and have committed to continue to work together and with member of Congress to enact legislation that will solve our current problems in a lasting manner," the statement from the Chamber of Commerce and AFL-CIO said. "We are now in the middle ? not the end ? of this process."

Even so, Thursday's agreement represents a significant step in talks that some on Capitol Hill gave little chance of success.

"This is yet another sign of progress, of bipartisanship, and we are encouraged by it," White House press secretary Jay Carney said. Schumer called the announcement "a major step forward."

President Barack Obama has been criticized as caving in to organized labor for failing to include a temporary worker program in his own immigration blueprint. Carney would not say whether the White House supports a visa program for low-skill workers.

In a sign of the growing support for action on immigration, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., one of a number of Republicans who've recently softened their opposition to eventual citizenship for some illegal immigrants, issued a statement saying he was encouraged "that two groups often on opposite sides of the aisle are serious about putting politics aside and finding solutions."

Business and labor have long been at odds over any temporary worker program, with business groups wanting more workers and labor groups concerned about worker protections and that any large-scale program that could displace American workers. The issue helped sink the last congressional attempt at rewriting the nation's immigration laws, in 2007, which was partly why Schumer and Graham asked Chamber President Tom Donohue and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to try to forge an accord that Senate negotiators could include in legislation they hope to complete by next month.

Donohue and Trumka issued a joint statement that said, in part, "The fact that business and labor can come together to negotiate in good faith over contentious issues should be a signal to Congress and the American people that support for immigration reform is widespread and growing, and is important to our economy and our society."

The principles announced Thursday make clear that both sides have given ground. Business will get a temporary worker program, something labor long opposed, and labor will see creation of a government entity that describes labor market needs, instead of leaving that task to employers themselves.

Various thorny issues remain, including how many new visas would be provided under the new program and what kind of pay and protections workers would get.

The Chamber of Commerce and AFL-CIO have taken the lead in negotiations that have also included other business associations and labor unions. Senators and their aides are expected to play a larger role in the talks.

The U.S. already has several temporary worker programs, but they don't work well and experts say a large proportion of migrant workers in agricultural and other low-skill fields like landscaping or housekeeping are in the U.S. illegally.

___

Associated Press writers Nedra Pickler and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2013-02-21-US-Immigration/id-ea0d7355b8124033a297de63bcd3adbb

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Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet review (2013 onwards)

Summary

VW's R department takes on a soft-top for the first time - and the resulting Golf R Cabriolet is certainly fast. But as it goes on sale for more money than an entry-level Boxster, can it possibly justify the near ?40k price?

What: Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet (2013 onwards)
Where: Nice, France
Date: February 2013
Price: ?38,770
Available: On sale now, arriving March-April 2013
Key rivals: Audi A3 Cabriolet, BMW 1 Series Convertible, MINI Convertible, Porsche Boxster

We like: fleet of foot and fast of roof, great refinement, loads of grip
We don't like: lacks involvement, ride quality questionmarks, expensive

Find a used Volkswagen Golf?on Auto Trader
On Bing: see pictures of the VW Golf R
?

Volkswagen

First impressions of the Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet

When the guy from the German press department says "you'd better bring your wallet to the dealership" during the pre-dinner speech, he isn't being stereotypically pragmatic. He is in fact making a joke about the new Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet's price - which is, clearly unashamedly, expensive.

How expensive? Try ?38,770. Which is costlier than an Audi TTS Roadster, a purpose built sports car with a more powerful version of the same four-cylinder turbo engine. Not to mention nearly ?1,200 more than the entry-level version of the latest Porsche Boxster. Which is an utterly brilliant car.

Something, it would seem, is amiss here

And for anyone thinking that's all very well, but those cars have only got the two seats, consider the four-seater BMW 135i M Sport Convertible: 306hp for under ?36k.

Something, it would seem, is amiss here.

Due to the nature of the Golf Cabriolet's roof-loss compensation programme, there isn't even room for the four-wheel drive system that comes as standard on the Golf R hatchback. The convertible's additional bracing gets in the way. So the R Cabriolet is front-wheel drive only, despite producing a hatch-matching 265hp.

Performance

This means it's essentially an angrier looking, more accelerative version of VW's existing fast convertible, the Golf GTI Cabriolet. Except, that's not quite the case, since the Golf R deploys an older - and tougher - 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (EA113, engine code fans), rather than the very latest unit (EA888).

And its delivery is enormously meaty

This detail is largely irrelevant from behind the wheel - and indeed under the bonnet, given the generic "TSI" cladding that dismisses any hopes of drama or desire - since you'll be thoroughly occupied eyeballing the speedo as the world blurs through the windows. The Golf R Cabriolet is seriously fast.

And its delivery is enormously meaty, propelled by a 258lb ft wall of torque that's available from 2,500rpm to 5,000rpm. You barely have to tickle the throttle to see the R lunge for the horizon like it's going for its throat. All to the bassy, woofly, whooshing soundtrack distinct to high-power VW Group turbos.

Equipped with a six-speed DSG auto as standard, 0-62mph takes a scant 6.4 seconds - nearly a whole second quicker than the 210hp GTI equivalent, which dispatches the same sprint in 7.3. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Overtaking is a formality. Throw away your hairdryer now.

Volkswagen

Ride and handling

Halving the number of driven wheels and removing the roof sounds like a recipe for a scrabbling, wobbly mess. But unless you encounter some particularly nasty road surfacing the Golf R is notably unflustered, with just a little steering wheel squirm under hard acceleration - to let you know that it's trying.

This was in the dry, of course. The combination of British weather and potholes might make things more interesting - though we doubt you'll have any serious issues. That said, the test cars were fitted with optional adaptive chassis control, with adjustable damping levels. Which isn't coming to the UK.

Pointing and squirting with?capability

We're assured that the Normal setting is - as the name suggests - close to the conventional suspension setup. We found Comfort better suited to bumpier tarmac, but so long as it's not closer to Sport it should be perfectly liveable. Regardless, the R grips and goes with zero drama, and maximum velocity.

Herein lies a problem, however. As with the lesser GTI, it's almost too good, pointing and squirting with such unflappable capability it leaves little for the enthusiastic driver to do, except push it faster and faster. And impressive though this is, it doesn't really encourage a lasting bond with the car.

Interior

As with all Golf Cabriolets, the R is based on the previous mk6 Golf platform. Seems strange, given the hatchback is now into its seventh iteration, but the convertible is run as a separate model line, and it'll be mk6 for a few years yet. The structure is extremely stiff, so we can't see this putting many buyers off.

The roof is a fully electric soft-top

While this does mean you have to make do with the older interior design, there was little wrong with this anyway. And there are enough special R embellishments to serve as a useful distraction. These include leather wrapped sports seats, aluminium detailing and contrast grey stitching.

The roof is a fully electric soft-top, takes just 9.5 seconds to fold neatly away and 11.0 seconds to resurrect. In other words, it's slick enough to make the most of the UK's scarce sunshine, especially since it's operable at up to 18mph. Enclosed refinement is excellent; top-down buffeting unobjectionally minimal.

Compared to a regular Golf, boot space is compressed to 250 litres, and limited to a letterbox-style opening. Yet with capacity unaffected by the roof position, the Cabriolet is still practical enough to use every day. Plus the rear seats fold flat so you can still load longer items.

Volkswagen

Economy and safety

With a pop-up rollover protection system, convertible-specific airbags and stability control as standard, like all Golf Cabriolets the R has a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It also has bigger brakes, matching its extra performance. But it misses out on the very latest electronic gizmos, such as automatic city braking.

All things considered, it's efficient as well. CO2 emissions are rated at 190g/km, only 10g/km worse than the GTI, while claimed fuel economy is 34.4mpg. Considering the 1,640kg kerbweight and the aerodynamic compromises of the convertible design, that's really not bad.

You may even find it surprisingly economical out in the real world, especially if you leave the DSG transmission to its own devices; the engine produces so much torque that it rarely needs revving out for rapid progress.

The MSN Cars verdict

Volkswagen knows that the Golf R Cabriolet will only appeal to a very particular kind of customer, and is anticipating minute sales of around 100 a year in the UK. It's an indulgent product, not an essential one. So if it doesn't make sense to you, don't worry - you're not alone.

It's certainly fast, and the way it keeps its composure at pace is undeniably impressive. Yet, given how good the GTI Cabriolet is at a starting price of less than ?30,000, it's hard to imagine spending over ?9,000 more - even if your four-seater soft-top rocketship really must have that VW badge.

Find a used Volkswagen Golf?on Auto Trader
On Bing: see pictures of the VW Golf R

Review:?Volkswagen Golf R hatchback (2010 onwards)
News: New 2013 VW Golf R Cabriolet details

Scorecard	?	?	?	?	?	?	?
Performance		Handling		Interior		Safety
Price		Practicality		Economy		Overall

Source: http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/volkswagen-golf-r-cabriolet-review-2013-onwards

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Kelly Clarkson Feels 'Bullied' By Clive Davis In Memoir

'Idol' alum accuses Davis of spreading false rumors in his autobiography 'The Soundtrack of My Life.'
By Christina Garibaldi

Kelly Clarkson
Photo: Michael Tran

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1702220/kelly-clarkson-clive-davis-memoir.jhtml

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Wisconsin won its third NCAA hockey title by defeating arch rival Minnesota. Tha...

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AIB to offer 33,000 struggling homeowners a deal on debt

Charlie Weston and John Fallon ? 19 February 2013

AIB will contact all 33,000 mortgage holders who are in arrears by the summer with a view to having a deal worked out with them by the end of the year, the bank's head has promised.

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CEO David Duffy said he was confident that they would be able to work out a deal with all willing customers and bring an end to mortgage misery for thousands of families across the country.

Speaking in Galway, where he is conducting a series of meetings with staff and customers, Mr Duffy did not rule out write-downs in some cases.

His comments came as the Government and the Central Bank are discussing moves to force the banks to tackle mortgage arrears.

But the discussions come amid claims that squeezed homeowners are being forced to go into arrears on their mortgages to get the banks to do a deal with them.

Families that have lost their income are unable to get the banks to engage with them unless they fall behind on payments, some experts claim.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Central Bank governor Patrick Honohan are understood to be frustrated at the banks' failure to deal with the arrears problem.

The failure is seen as a big impediment to the country's recovery and to economic growth.

But Mr Duffy said the primary target of his bank was to return to profitability by 2014.

"We have set up a programme whereby we would look to have discussed the restructuring with every single arrears customer by the summer. We would look to have closed out on most of those restructurings by the end of the year."

And the AIB chief maintained that the bank was increasing the amount lent each year.

He said that last year AIB achieved "?1.5bn of lending into the mortgage space versus our original target that we had set ourselves of ?1bn".

Meanwhile, it emerged that some brokers were advising people to go into arrears deliberately in order to get a deal on their mortgage.

Repossessions

A Central Bank conference was told last week that the lack of repossessions and the protections from the mortgage arrears code were pushing people to stop paying.

And David Hall, of the Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation, a group that represents distressed borrowers, said banks still had no process in place to deal with people who were just about to default.

A spokesman for the Irish Banking Federation denied that banks were reluctant to deal with stressed homeowners.

But broker Karl Deeter said that, in practice, banks were only offering short-term deals, such as interest-only or payment holidays, to those already in arrears.

Source: http://www.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/aib-to-offer-33000-struggling-homeowners-a-deal-on-debt-29078970.html

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Vanderbilt Baseball at Belmont

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Source: http://calendar.vanderbilt.edu/calendar/2013/02/19/vanderbilt-baseball-at-belmont.185524

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Presenting: The Most Random Photo of 2013!

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2013/02/presenting-the-most-random-photo-of-2013/

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Pope Immunity: Vatican Will Protect Benedict From Sexual Abuse Prosecution

Benedict XVI

RECROP OF VAT114 - In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Mons. Franco Comaldo, a pope aide, left, looks at Pope Benedict XVI as he reads a document in Latin where he announces his resignation, during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)

Benedict XVI

In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, center, reads a document in Latin where he announces his resignation, during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)

Britain's Prince Philip (L) watches as h

Britain's Prince Philip (L) watches as his wife Queen Elizabeth talks with Pope Benedict XVI during an exchange of gifts in the Morning Drawing Room, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland on September 16, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI urged all parties involved in Northern Ireland to work for a 'just and lasting peace' in his first speech of an historic state visit to Britain on Thursday. AFP PHOTO / DAVID CHESKIN / POOL (Photo credit should read DAVID CHESKIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Pope Benedict XVI receives a picture fro

Pope Benedict XVI receives a picture from US President George W. Bush during a tete-a-tete in the medieval St John's Tower in the Vatican Gardens on June 13, 2008. US President George W. Bush had a special audience with Pope Benedict XVI, who was returning the hospitality he enjoyed at the White House in April. AFP PHOTO / Filippo Monteforte (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)

In this photo released by the Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, seated in his studio at the Vatican City, uses an iPad device to light up one of the world's largest electronic Christmas trees in Gubbio, central Italy, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, HO) EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Madeleine McCanns Parents Visit The Pope

VATICAN CITY - MAY 30: Pope Benedict XVI meets Gerry and Kate McCann during his weekly audience at St. Peter's Square, May 30, 2007 in Vatican City. The parents of four-year-old Madeleine McCann discussed the plight of their daughter, who vanished 27 days ago whilst holidaying in Portugal. (Photo by Arturo Mari L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool via Getty Images)

The Pope Meets With President Obama

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (L) meets with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

The Pope Meets With President Obama

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (L) and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

In this photo released by the Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, seated in his studio at the Vatican City, uses an iPad device to light up one of the world's largest electronic Christmas tree in Gubbio, central Italy, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, HO) EDITORIAL USE ONLY

VATICAN-POPE-AUDIENCE-INTERNET-TWITTER

Pope Benedict XVI clicks on a tablet to send his first twitter message during his weekly general audience on December 12, 2012 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI sent his first Twitter message from a digital tablet on Wednesday using the handle @pontifex, blessing his hundreds of thousands of new Internet followers. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)

Tony Blair Meets With Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY - JUNE 23: Pope Benedict XVI meets outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair in a private audience at his library, on June 23, 2007 in Vatican City. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Tony Blair Meets With Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY - JUNE 23: Pope Benedict XVI meets outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair in a private audience at his library, on June 23, 2007 in Vatican City. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Tony Blair Meets With Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY - JUNE 23: Pope Benedict XVI meets outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair in a private audience at his library, on June 23, 2007 in Vatican City. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

In this photo released by Cubadebate, Pope Benedict XVI, right, meets with Cuba's Fidel Castro in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday March 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Cubadebate)

Pope Benedict XVI Makes First Visit To Cuba

HAVANA, CUBA - MARCH 29: Pope Benedict XVI meets with former Cuban President Fidel Castro (L) at the Vatican embassy on March 29, 2012 in Havana, Cuba. The Pope is finishing up his first trip to Cuba, fourteen years after Pope John Paul II visited the communist country. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican-Pool/Getty Images)

VATICAN-POPE-AUDIENCE-FILES

(FILES) This recent file picture taken on February 6, 2013 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican shows Pope Benedict XVI arriving for the weekly general audience. The Vatican spokesman announced that Pope says he will resign on February 28. AFP PHOTO / FILES / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)

VATICAN-POPE-AUDIENCE

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and his personal secretary Georg Gaenswein arrive for the weekly general audience on February 06, 2013 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)

Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI gets up after kneeling for a prayer during his visit at the Roman seminary, in Rome Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

VATICAN-POPE-CONCERT

RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT 'AFP PHOTO / OSSERVATORE ROMANO' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS Italy's president Giorgio Napolitano (2nd R) sits flanked by Pope Benedict XVI (C) at a concert by the Orchestra del Maggio Fiorentino, directed by Indian conductor Zubin Metha, to celebrate the 84th Lateran pact's anniversary on February 4, 2013, at the Sala Nervi in Vatican city. AFP PHOTO / OSSERVATORE ROMANO' (Photo credit should read OSSERVATORE ROMANO/AFP/Getty Images)

In this photo provided by Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI receives a Lazio soccer team's jersey from club's president Claudio Lotito, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano)

VATICAN-POPE-AUDIENCE

Pope Benedict XVI (C) leads his weekly general audience on January 30, 2013 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO,ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images)

VATICAN-POPE-ANGELUS-DOVE

Pope Benedict XVI releases a dove from the window of his appartment at the end of his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter's square at the Vatican on January 27, 2013. The Pontiff and youth of the Catholic Action released two doves, symbol of peace. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)

ITALY-VATICAN-RELIGION-POPE

Pope Benedict XVI arrives to lead the celebration of the Vespers of the Solemnity of the conversion of Saint Paul, in conclusion of the week of prayer for christian unity at the Saint Paul basilica in Rome on January 25, 2013. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)

Pope Benedict XVI Celebrates Baptisms In Sistine Chapel

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 13: Pope Benedict XVI (L) performs a baptism in the Sistine Chapel on January 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Vatican reiterated its opposition to same-sex marriage on January 13, after an Italian court ruling it was prejudice to assume a child would have a detrimental upbringing living with a gay couple. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano-Vatican Pool via Getty Images)

VATICAN-POPE-MONACO-PRINCE

Pope Benedict XVI welcomes Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene on January 12, 2013 prior to a private audience at Vatican. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)

VATICAN-POPE-MONACO-PRINCE

Pope Benedict XVI (C) talks to Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene on January 12, 2013 during a private audience at Vatican. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)

Pope Benedict XVI Receives Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 12: Pope Benedict XVI meets HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco during a private audience at his library on January 12, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Pope Benedict XVI (L) is greeted by Ital

Pope Benedict XVI (L) is greeted by Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and his wife Elsa (both not pictured) as he disembarks from a helicopter in Arezzo stadium on the start of a one day pastoral visit on May 13, 2012. The Pope will lead a Holy Mass and will also visit the Shrine of La Verna and address citizens of Sansepolcro. AFP PHOTO / POOL / VINCENZO PINTO ALTERNATIVE CROP VERSION (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GettyImages)

In this photo provided by the Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, right, and Pope Benedict XVI meet during an official visit at the Vatican Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. Premier Mario Monti has met with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in their first formal talks since Monti took over as head of a government of experts in November to tackle Italy's debt crisis. The Vatican said the two sides discussed Italian and European issues as well as the need to protect religious minorities in some areas of the world, and confirmed their interest in continuing "constructive cooperation." (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano)

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, right, and Pope Benedict XVI meet during an official visit at the Vatican Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Max Rossi, Pool)

Pope Benedict XVI (R) is greeted by Ital

Pope Benedict XVI (R) is greeted by Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and his wife Elsa (L) as he disembarks from a helicopter in Arezzo stadium on the start of a one day pastoral visit on May 13, 2012. The Pope will lead a Holy Mass and will also visit the Shrine of La Verna and address citizens of Sansepolcro. AFP PHOTO / POOL / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GettyImages)

Pope Benedict XVI meets Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 14: Pope Benedict XVI exchanges gifts with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti during a meeting at his private library on January 14, 2012 in Vatican City, Vatican. This is the first time the Pope has received the new Italian President. (Photo by Stefano Dal Pozzolo - Vatican Pool via Getty Images)

Pope Benedict XVI and German Chancellor

Pope Benedict XVI and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pose for a picture after an oecumenical service at the protestant monastery of St. Augustin in Erfurt, eastern Germany, on September 23, 2011, on the second day of the Pontiff's first state visit to his native Germany. The 84-year old pope, German born Joseph Ratzinger, has a packed program, with 18 sermons and speeches planned for his four-day trip to Berlin, Erfurt in the ex-German Democratic Republic and Freiburg. AFP PHOTO / POOL BUNDESREGIERUNG GUIDO BERGMANN (Photo credit should read GUIDO BERGMANN/AFP/Getty Images)

Benedict XVI , Angela Merkel, Joachim Sauer

Benedict XVI speaks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, center, and her husband Joachim Sauer, left, in the house of the German Bishops Conference in Berlin, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI is on a four-day official visit to his homeland Germany. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, pool)

ALTERNATIVE CROP - German Chancellor Ang

ALTERNATIVE CROP - German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) looks on as Pope Benedict XVI has his robe blown in the face by the wind after arriving on September 22, 2011 at the Tegel airport in Berlin, where he starts his first state visit to his native Germany. The 84-year old pope, German born Joseph Ratzinger, has a packed program, with 18 sermons and speeches planned for his four-day trip to Berlin, Erfurt in the ex-German Democratic Republic and Freiburg. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Silvio Berlusconi Pope Benedict XVI

FILE - In this Friday, June 6, 2008 file photo, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi shows one of the gifts he received from Pope Benedict XVI, a pen commemorating St. Peter, on the occasion of their meeting at the Vatican City. Premier Silvio Berlusconi resigned in Rome, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, after the Parliament's lower chamber passed European-demanded reforms, ending a 17-year political era and setting in motion a transition aimed at bringing Italy back from the brink of economic crisis. The 75-year-old billionaire media mogul, who came to power for the first time in 1994 using a soccer chant "Go Italy" as the name of his political party, became Italy's longest-serving post-war premier.(AP Photo/Alessandro Bianchi, pool, file)

The Pope Meets With President Obama

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (L) and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

The Pope Meets With President Obama

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (L) and First Lady Michelle Obama exchange gifts with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

The Pope Meets With President Obama

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (R) meets with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

British Prime Minister David Cameron (L)

British Prime Minister David Cameron (L) bids farewell to Pope Benedict XVI at Birmingham International Airport, England, on September 19, 2010, after a four day visit to Britain by the Pope. Pope Benedict XVI flew out of Britain Sunday after an historic four-day state visit, as Prime Minister David Cameron said he had made people 'sit up and think.' AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT (Photo credit should read Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images)

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Pays A State Visit To The UK - Day 4

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI is escorted by PM David Cameron as heads to board his Alitalia jet to Italy on September 19, 2010 in Birmingham, England. Pope Benedict XVI has conducted the first state visit to the UK by a Pontiff. Earlier in the day he beatified Cardinal Newman at an open air mass in Cofton Park. (Photo by Carl Court - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Pope Benedict XVI (R) meets with British

Pope Benedict XVI (R) meets with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Archbishop's House, in central London, on September 18, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI is 'very calm' and 'no one felt threatened' despite the arrest of six men linked to an alleged plot to launch an attack during his visit to Britain, a Vatican spokesman said Saturday. AFP PHOTO/Stefan Rousseau/POOL (Photo credit should read STEFAN ROUSSEAU/AFP/Getty Images)

Pope Benedict XVI strokesa lion cub as he greets circus artists and workers, during an audience he held in the Pope Paul VI hall, at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. Benedict clapped and watched amused as circus workers flipped, flopped, juggled and twisted before him in what the Vatican has called a historic audience to make street performers and other itinerant entertainers feel like they belong to the church. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Benedict XVI strokes a lion cub as he greets circus artists and workers during an audience he held in the Pope Paul VI hall, at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. Benedict clapped and watched amused as circus workers flipped, flopped, juggled and twisted before him in what the Vatican has called a historic audience to make street performers and other itinerant entertainers feel like they belong to the church. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pope Benedict XVI Celebrates The Vespers And Te Deum Prayers To Mark The End of 2012

Pope Benedict XVI is helped by assistants as he celebrates the Vespers and Te Deum prayers in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on December 31, 2012. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images)

Pope Benedict XVI Celebrates The Vespers And Te Deum Prayers To Mark The End of 2012

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Vespers and Te Deum prayers in Saint Peter's Basilica the mark the end of 2012 at the Vatican on December 31, 2012. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images)

VATICAN-POPE-TAIZE-MEETING

Pope Benedict XVI blesses as arrives for the prayer with the ecumenical christian community of Taize during their European meeting, on December 29, 2012, in St.Peter's square at the Vatican. The Taize community, based in the eastern French village of Taize, was created in 1940 by Brother Roger, from Switzerland. The group draws tens of thousands of young people for prayer workshops held across the year at its base, and similar numbers at its annual gathering in a European city, traditionally held between Christmas and the New Year's eve. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)

FILE - In this June 28, 2011 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI touches a touchpad to send a tweet for the launch of the Vatican news information portal "www.news.va", at the Vatican. The Vatican said Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, that Pope Benedict XVI will start tweeting in six languages from his own personal handle (at)Pontifex, on Dec. 12. The pontiff will be using a question and answer format in his first Tweet, focusing on answering questions about faith ? in 140 characters. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, File) EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Bechara el-Rai

FILE - In this Tuesday, March 15, 2011 file photo, the newly elected Maronite Patriarch Bechara el-Rai gestures as he is surrounded by supporters shortly after his election at the Maronite church's seat in Bkirki, northeast of Beirut, Lebanon. Pope Benedict XVI has named six new cardinals Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, adding prelates from Lebanon, the Philippines, Nigeria, Colombia, India and the United States to the ranks of cardinals who will elect his successor. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein, File)

Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful as he arrives in St. Peter's square to bless the nativity scene at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. The Pontiff marked the end of 2011 with prayers of thanks and said humanity awaits the new year with apprehension but also with hope for a better future. "Another year approaches its end, while we await a new one, with the trepidation, desires and expectations of always," Benedict said at the traditional New Year's Eve vespers service, as he delivered his homily from the central altar of St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday evening. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing as he arrives for the weekly general audience in the Pope Paul II hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/17/pope-immunity_n_2708518.html

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Are Oysters Doomed?

A worker shucks a fresh oyster at the Drakes Bay Oyster Co. in June 2007 in Point Reyes Station, Calif.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Behind the counter at Seattle?s Taylor Shellfish Market, a brawny guy with a goatee pries open kumamoto, virginica, and shigoku oysters as easily as other men pop beer cans. David Leck is a national oyster shucking champion who opened and plated a dozen of them in just over a minute (time is added for broken shells or mangled meat) at the 2012 Boston International Oyster Shucking Competition. You have to be quick, these days, to keep up with demand. The oysters here were grown nearby in Taylor?s hundred-year-old beds, but the current hunger for pedigreed mollusks on the half shell stretches to raw bars and markets across the country.

A similar oyster craze swept the United States in the 1800s, when the bivalves were eaten with alacrity in New York, San Francisco, and anywhere else that could get them fresh. Development of a fancy new technology, canning, meant there was money in preserved oysters, too. Gold miners in Northern California celebrated their riches with an oyster omelet called hangtown fry. New Yorkers ate them on the street; late at night they ate them in ?oyster cellars.? Walt Whitman had them for breakfast.

That wave crashed. By the early 1900s, oysters were disappearing because of overharvesting and water pollution. Today?s revival is possible because oyster farms are better managed, and regulations have improved water quality. But a modern threat looms for ice-chilled fruits de mer platters, although it?s hard to tell with oyster juice on your chin. This time it?s a worldwide problem, affecting marine ecosystems everywhere. Ocean waters are turning corrosive, and it?s happening so quickly scientists say there may not be any oysters left to eat in coming decades.

Ocean acidification, as scientists call this pickling of the seas, is, like climate change, a result of the enormous amount of carbon dioxide humans have pumped into the atmosphere. Oceans have absorbed about a quarter of that output, and ocean chemistry has changed as a result. Surface water pH has long been an alkaline 8.2, not far from the pH of baking soda, but it now averages about 8.1. That doesn?t look like much, but since pH is a logarithmic scale, that means a 30 percent increase in the acidity. By the end of this century, surface water pH could further lower to 7.8 or below.

We don?t yet know who the ocean?s winners and losers will be in the more corrosive world. Jellyfish and some seagrasses may thrive under more acidic conditions. On the other hand, calcifiers?organisms that make calcium carbonate shells and skeletons, such as shellfish and corals?appear to be in trouble. In the United States, scientists have seen dissolving clam larvae in Maine, corroded oysters in Washington state?s hatcheries, and mussels with thinned shells off the Pacific Northwest coast.

Taylor Shellfish first saw what this pH shift could do to its business in 2006, when the company noticed that two- and three-day-old oyster larvae in its hatcheries were dying. In itself, this wasn?t news. ?Hatcheries have a lot of different variables,? says Bill Dewey, Taylor?s spokesperson. ?There are a host of reasons your larvae can die.? But this time, none of the usual fixes?filtering out harmful bacteria, for instance?made a difference. By 2009, hatchery production was down 60 to 80 percent, and others in the region were reporting similar problems. Oyster larvae outside of hatcheries were dying, too. In Willapa Bay, an estuary off the southwest Washington coast where a quarter of the nation?s oysters are harvested, many growers rely on natural sets?free-spawning larvae that swim around until they attach themselves to oyster shells placed by growers. Those natural sets stopped producing, and the Willapa growers turned to the struggling hatcheries for oyster seed.

The industry finally pulled out of its tailspin in 2010, when NOAA scientists determined that what was killing the oyster larvae was corrosive water that entered the hatchery at certain times of the year?usually in summer, and specifically on days when winds from the northwest caused upwelling of deeper water, which is more acidic than surface water. With federal money, hatcheries were able to install sophisticated pH monitors and CO2 monitors. When waters are becoming too corrosive, hatchery operators can now close off the seawater intake, and, Dewey says, ?pray that the winds change soon.?

Monitoring is not a permanent fix, however, so scientists are exploring adaptation strategies. At NOAA?s Northwest Fisheries Center, research ecologist Shallin Busch and colleagues are studying the possibility of raising oysters in eelgrass beds, since the plants naturally take up carbon and bury it in sediment, perhaps making their immediate environment less acidic. In Maine, Mark Green of St. Joseph?s College is looking for ways to restore clam populations by raising alkalinity in shellfish beds using crushed shells. ?It?s like putting a layer of Rolaids down,? he says. Other possibilities being studied include lowering pH by adding sodium carbonate to hatchery water. Selective breeding may lead to oysters that survive better in these new conditions. Nitrogen runoff from land also contributes to acidification, so reducing water pollution can boost shellfish survival.

Source: http://feeds.slate.com/click.phdo?i=6da1c0fa2d88e609941992a7234f4793

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[Celebrity News] Anna Wintour and Co Hit London Fashion Circuit

Anna Wintour and Co Hit London Fashion Circuit

London Fashion Week moved into full swing on Sunday (February 17, 2013), with fashion royalty including Vogue editor Anna Wintour in the British capital. British model Alexa Chung was also spotted arriving at Claridge's Hotel in central London, where designer Emma Hill was set to showcase British luxury label Mulberry's new collection.

Source: http://gooentertain.com/video-anna-wintour-and-co-hit-london-fashion-circuit.html

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Tunisia Islamists protest to bolster ruling party | Morocco World News

TUNIS, Feb 16, 2013 (AFP)

Activists from Tunisia?s ruling Islamist party Ennahda gathered in central Tunis on Saturday to protest the right of their movement to lead the government, amid ongoing talks to form a new cabinet of technocrats.

Dozens of protesters, many of them sporting beards and waving party flags and banners, demonstrated on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, cradle of the 2011 uprising that ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, shouting: ?Supporting Ennahda is a duty.?

They also jeered ex-premier Beji Caid Essebsi and the secular opposition party Call of Tunisia which he heads, and which portrays itself as an alternative to the ruling Islamists.

The gathering comes ahead of a planned mass rally later on Saturday called by Ennahda to denounce Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali?s plan to form a government of technocrats in a bid to resolve Tunisia?s worst political crisis since the revolution.

Jebali, who is number two in the ruling Islamist party, first announced his plan to form a non-partisan government last week, in the wake of public outrage over the killing of leftist leader Chokri Belaid, laying bare divisions within the party.

The prime minister has said he would resign if he fails to get the support he needs.

After he met the leaders of the main political parties on Friday, he said talks on the new administration had been rescheduled for Monday and that a previous Saturday deadline its formation had been cancelled, with no new date set.

Ennahda was repressed under Ben Ali?s regime but emerged as a powerful political force after his overthrow in January 2011, with its veteran leader Rached Ghannouchi returning from 20 years in exile to a hero?s welcome.

It won the first post-revolution polls in October 2011, taking 41 percent of the seats in the National Constituent Assembly, and securing the key foreign, interior and justice ministries in the coalition government.

Ennahda hardliners are refusing to give up key portfolios, insisting on the party?s electoral legitimacy.

The family of Belaid, who was a scathing critic of the ruling Islamists, has accused Ennahda of orchestrating his murder, a claim the party strongly denies.

Belaid?s supporters are planning two memorial ceremonies on Saturday.

Tensions between liberals and Islamists have been simmering for months over the future direction of the once proudly secular Muslim nation.

A controversial group linked to Ennahda and implicated in attacks on secular opposition groups said on Saturday that its president, Mohamed Maalej, was resigning in order to form a political party.

Created in May 2012, the League for the Protection of the Revolution has been accused by civil society and opposition groups of carrying out brutal attacks that shocked Tunisians and have prompted calls for its dissolution.

Source: http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2013/02/78594/tunisia-islamists-protest-to-bolster-ruling-party/

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EU says G20 will set hard debt targets in September

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Group of 20 nations will pledge to reduce public debt but are likely to agree on concrete targets only at a leaders' summit in September, EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn said.

"There is a clear commitment to credible medium-term plans of fiscal adjustment and I would expect that in the final communiqu? we will state that we will define more precisely G20 policy in the St. Petersburg summit," Rehn told Reuters.

The world's 20 biggest economies decided last year in Mexico that they would come up with credible and ambitious country-specific targets for debt-to-GDP ratios beyond 2016, and clear timetables to achieve them.

"We expect to have concrete draft proposals on the table (by April) so we can build on that and agree more clear on quantifiable targets, because it's important that you maintain the momentum of fiscal consolidation," given still high levels of public and private debt in advanced economies, Rehn said.

He pointed out that in Europe public debt was around 90 percent of gross domestic product. Japan, which wants to stimulate its stagnant economy, has a public debt of more than 200 percent of GDP.

"There is no way that we can afford to get away from the medium-term fiscal objectives," Rehn said.

European policymakers believe that once debt exceeds 90 percent of GDP it becomes a drag on economic growth, as debt servicing eats up scarce resources.

"We have a common view on the need to have a credible medium-term plans for fiscal consolidation, which is also essential so we have foundation for sustainable growth," Rehn said.

A debt-cutting pact struck in Toronto in 2010 will expire this year if leaders fail to agree to extend it at a G20 summit of leaders in St Petersburg in September.

The United States, which has a debt of 73 percent of GDP, plans to consolidate its public finances, but does not want to do it too abruptly to avoid triggering a recession.

European and other G20 countries want Washington to present a plan to reduce its debt, but only in the medium term, because a sharp drop in U.S. government spending would have a highly negative impact on world growth.

"It has been underlined in the discussion, and rightfully so, that it is of a paramount importance that the United States will be able to resolve its fiscal cliff building on the partial deal," Rehn said.

U.S. politicians were able to avoid an initial year-end deadline for spending cuts with a deal that raised taxes on the wealthiest while leaving lower rates in place for most Americans. The agreement to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" postponed automatic cuts for two months.

"We support the United States in that endeavour, because we're all in the same boat, we're all depend on each other and it's crucial for the global economy and also for the European economy that the U.S. will be able to have a more comprehensive solution to the fiscal cliff and especially have a credible, medium-term plan of fiscal consolidation." Rehn said.

(Reporting By Jan Strupczewski, editing by Mike Peacock)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/eu-says-g20-set-hard-debt-targets-september-105802314.html

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Vatican raises possibility of early March conclave

Pope Benedict XVI exchanges gifts with Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina, during a private audience at Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, pool)

Pope Benedict XVI exchanges gifts with Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina, during a private audience at Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, pool)

In this photo released by the Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI greets Cardinal Angelo Scola during a private audience at the Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013. The Vatican is raising the possibility that the conclave to elect the next pope might start earlier than March 15, the earliest date possible under current rules that require a 15-20 day waiting period after the papacy becomes vacant. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, ho)

In this photo released by the Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, center, poses for a family picture with Bishops and Cardinals of the Italian Lombardy region during a private audience at the Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013. The Vatican is raising the possibility that the conclave to elect the next pope might start earlier than March 15, the earliest date possible under current rules that require a 15-20 day waiting period after the papacy becomes vacant. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, ho)

Pope Benedict XVI receives Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina during a private audience at Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/(AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, ho)

VATICAN CITY (AP) ? The Vatican raised the possibility Saturday that the conclave to elect the next pope might start sooner than March 15, the earliest date possible under current rules that require a 15 to 20 day waiting period after the papacy becomes vacant.

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said that Vatican rules on papal succession are open to interpretation and that "this is a question that people are discussing."

"It is possible that church authorities can prepare a proposal to be taken up by the cardinals on the first day after the papal vacancy" to move up the start of the conclave, he said.

The 15 to 20 day waiting period is in place to allow time for all cardinals who don't live in Rome to arrive, under the usual circumstance of a pope dying. But in this case the cardinals already know that this pontificate will end Feb. 28, with the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and therefore can get to Rome in plenty of time to take part in the conclave, Lombardi said.

The date of the conclave's start is important because Holy Week begins March 24, with Palm Sunday Mass followed by Easter Sunday on March 31. In order to have a new pope in place in time for the most solemn liturgical period on the church calendar, he would need to be installed by Sunday, March 17, because of the strong tradition to hold installation Mass on a Sunday. Given the tight time frame, speculation has mounted that some arrangement would be made to start the conclave earlier than a strict reading of the law would allow.

Questions about the start of the conclave have swirled since Benedict stunned the world on Feb. 11, by announcing that he would retire, the first pontiff in 600 years to abdicate rather than stay in office until death. His decision has created a host of questions about how the Vatican will proceed, given that its plans for the so-called "sede vacante" ? or vacant seat ? period between papacies are based on the process starting with a papal death.

"In this moment we are not prepared," said Cardinal Franc Rode, the former head of the Vatican's office for religious orders who will vote in the conclave. "We have not been able to make predictions, strategies, plans, candidates. It is too early, but we will get there. In two or three weeks things will be put in place."

Meanwhile, a German journalist who has published several long interviews with Benedict over the years suggested that the pope strongly foreshadowed his retirement during an August conversation.

Peter Seewald said in an article for the German weekly Focus published Saturday that the pontiff had told him that his strength was diminishing and "not much more" could be expected from him as pope.

"I am an old man and my strength is running out," Seewald quoted the pope as saying. "And I think what I have done is enough."

Asked by Seewald whether he was considering resignation, Benedict responded: "That depends to what extent my physical strength will compel me to." The summer interview, as well as another in December, were for a new Benedict biography.

Seewald's 2010 book-length interview with Benedict, "Light of the World," laid the groundwork for a possible resignation.

In it, he quoted Benedict as saying: "If a pope clearly realizes that he is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right, and under some circumstances, also an obligation to resign."

He stressed then, however, that resignation was not an option to escape a particular burden, such as the scandal over sexual abuse by clerics which had erupted earlier in 2010.

In Saturday's article, Seewald recalled asking the pope in August how badly the 2012 scandal over leaks of papal documents, in which the pope's ex-butler was convicted of aggravated theft, had affected him.

Benedict said the affair had not thrown him off his stride or made him tired of office. "It is simply incomprehensible to me," he said.

The journalist said that when he last saw Benedict about 10 weeks ago, his hearing had deteriorated and he appeared to have lost vision in his left eye, adding that the pope had lost weight and appeared tired.

Benedict, however, appeared in good form on Saturday for some of his final audiences. He met with the Guatemalan president, a group of visiting Italian bishops, and had his farewell audience with Italian Premier Mario Monti.

"He was in good condition," Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina told reporters afterward. "He didn't seem tired, rather smiling, lively ? and happy and very clear in his decision to resign."

Cardinal Angelo Scola, the archbishop of Milan and a leading contender to succeed Benedict, said several of the visiting bishops noted at the end of their audience that they were the last group of bishops to be received by the pope. "'This responsibility means you have to become a light for all,'" he quoted Benedict as saying.

Lombardi also gave more details about Benedict's final public audiences and plans for retirement, saying already 35,000 people had requested tickets for his final general audience to be held in St. Peter's Square on Feb. 27.

He said Benedict would spend about two months in the papal summer retreat at Castel Gandolfo south of Rome immediately after his abdication, to allow enough time for renovations to be completed on his retirement home ? a converted monastery inside the Vatican walls.

That means Benedict would be expected to return to the Vatican, no longer as pope, around the end of April or beginning of May, Lombardi said.

He was asked if and when the pope would meet with his successor and whether he would participate in his installation Mass. Like many open questions about the end of Benedict's papacy, Lombardi said, both issues simply haven't been resolved.

___

Follow Nicole Winfield at www.twitter.com/nwinfield

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-02-16-Vatican-Pope/id-4ebc403c87714212a1854fc1f44de161

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India Initiates Action To Scrap Chopper Deal

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