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Education Survey: China Scores Top Marks; U.S., France Lag

The rise of China as an economic and political juggernaut has become a familiar refrain, but now there’s another area in which the Chinese are suddenly emerging as a world power: education. In the latest Program for International Student Assessment comparative survey of the academic performance of 15-year-olds around the world — an authoritative study released every three years — Chinese teenagers from Shanghai far outscored their international peers in all three subject matters that were tested last year: reading, math and science.

Ferguson charged over ‘unfit’ ref outburst

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been charged by the English Football Association for his critical remarks about the fitness of referee Alan Wiley. Ferguson singled out Wiley after his team salvaged a disappointing 2-2 home draw against Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 3

Goldman Sachs profits crush estimates

Goldman Sachs reported on Thursday that it had nearly quadrupled its profits in the third quarter compared with a year ago, driven by a jump in trading revenues and strong returns on its own corporate investments. Meanwhile, Citigroup defied expectations of a third-quarter loss, reporting profits of $101m on the strength of its customer deposits

Ten-man Germany claim thrilling late victory

Ten-man Germany scored the winning goal in the second minute of injury time to defeat Nigeria 3-2 and secure a quarterfinal showdown with Brazil at the under-20 World Cup in Egypt — the official FIFA Web site has reported. Nigeria took the lead in the 51st minute in Suez when Lewis Holtby misplaced pass fell straight to King Osanga, who crossed for Danny Uchechi to head home.

Nadia Comaneci

For two weeks in 1976, Nadia Comaneci was probably the most recognizable person on the planet. Just 14-years-old and standing less than five feet tall, the elfin Romanian was the undisputed star of that year’s Games in Montreal after becoming the first gymnast in history to score a perfect 10

Going ‘Gaga’ in Macau with pop’s musical misfit

There are no downsides to fame, said Lady Gaga, the singer and currently one of the hottest things in pop.

Federer hails best shot of his career

Roger Federer exclusively told CNN that the stunning shot he executed in his U.S.

Murdoch closes paper as free news squeeze begins

Rupert Murdoch’s News International, which plans to begin charging for online content, said Thursday it was to close its free London newspaper as part of cost-cutting measures. The Londonpaper, which employs 60 editorial staff, will cease publication within a month, according to a statement. “The strategy at News International over the past 18 months has been to streamline our operations and focus investment on our core titles,” James Murdoch, who heads his father’s Europe and Asia operations said

Bolt says ‘anything is possible’ for future

Fresh from setting the world of athletics alight by running a blistering new world record time of 9.58 seconds in the men’s 100 meters at the World Championships in Berlin, Usain Bolt has told reporters "anything is possible" for the future. The triple Olympic champion, who is 22-years-old, told the official Web site of athletics world governing body (IAAF) that he could reduce his record-breaking times even further in the future. “Anything is possible.

Big-spending Man City make confident start

Manchester City’s expensively assembled team began their English Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Defending champion Gay surged through with a 9.98 seconds clocking, again showing fine speed after a sluggish start.