Germany’s Battle Against Scientology

The interior ministers of Germany’s 16 states have launched an investigation into the activities of the Church of Scientology, hoping to assemble the evidence to support banning the U.S.-based organization from operating in Germany. But skeptics question whether such a move is politically and legally tenable — or wise

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Sly Stone steps up for daughter

Stories about Sly Stone usually start with the word "reclusive." Don’t call him that anymore, because the superstar who blended funk, rock, soul and psychedelic sounds in the 1960s and ’70s before disappearing from the scene in the ’80s is not in hiding, his youngest daughter said. Stone’s media shyness in recent decades earned him a comparison to the late billionaire recluse Howard Hughes, but he’s just been living his life and making his music out of the glare of great expectations that superstars suffer

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The Newburgh 4: "These Guys Picked the Wrong Town to Mess With"

It will be days, possibly weeks, before we know all the details of how the attempted Riverdale, New York, bombing was foiled, but counterterrorism experts say it’s already clear where the plotters made their first mistake: they picked targets in New York City. Since the devastating attacks on Sept

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Terrorism-Linked Charity Finds New Life Amid Pakistan Refugee Crisis

Just five months after Pakistan banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa over its links to the terrorist organization blamed for last November’s Mumbai massacre, the Islamist charity group’s flags are flying high over a relief effort for refugees fleeing the fighting in the Swat Valley. The banned group’s signature black-and-white banner bearing a scimitar flew in the heart of Mardan as tens of thousands of refugees poured into the northwest garrison town, fleeing the military campaign to oust the Taliban from Swat and its surroundings.

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British retailer admits bra boob

Charging chesty women more for their bras doesn’t win a lot of support, British retailer Marks & Spencer acknowledged Friday as it announced an end to the surcharge on its larger lingerie. “We boobed,” screamed a full-page Marks & Spencer ad, which appeared in British newspapers Friday. Marks & Spencer gave in to campaigners who argued that the higher prices of the bigger bras was unfair.

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Sri Lanka ends combat operations

Sri Lanka has ordered an end to combat operations against Tamil Tiger rebels in the country’s north, the president’s office said Monday. “Our security forces have been instructed to end the use of heavy-caliber guns, combat aircraft and aerial weapons which could cause civilian causalities,” according a statement from the Presidential Secretariat.

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What Happens If You’re on Gay Rights’ ‘Enemies List’

Ever since a slim majority outlawed gay marriage in California, opponents have waged national protests and petitions, urging the judicial system to reconsider the results of the Nov. 4 referendum. While the court weighs whether or not to get back into the fray, the civil unrest ignited by the ban shows no sign of abating.

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Sri Lanka rejects Tamil Tigers cease-fire

Sri Lankan officials rejected a proposed cease-fire from the Tamil Tiger rebels Sunday, warning instead that government troops intended to continue a new offensive until the group surrenders, a senior government official said. “The government is firm that (the rebels) lay down their arms and surrender. We do not recognize this so-called offer,” said Lakshman Hulugalle, director of Sri Lanka’s Media Center for National Security.

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