Readwrotes Blog

 The Associated Press, Bangkok | Sat, 05/15/2010 9:00 AM | Headlines Soldiers opened fire on anti-government protesters who battled them with firebombs and homemade rockets Friday in a second straight day of escalating violence as troops tried to clear the rioters from the streets of downtown Bangkok. The clashes have killed 16 people and wounded 157, including two soldiers, since authorities began Thursday to try to seal off the upscale neighborhoods occupied by the protesters, the government said. The troops used tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds on demonstrators, who set fire to tires and a police bus. Explosions echoed through streets emptied of shoppers and tourists, plumes of black smoke rose amid skyscrapers and hotels, and the deteriorating security raised concerns that Thailand - a key U.S. ally with Southeast Asia's second-largest economy - was teetering toward instability because of the two-month political crisis. The Red Shirt protesters began

  First title: Members of the South Korean team hold the Uber Cup aloft after they defeated China in the final of the badminton championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday. The win ended South Korea’s long wait for the title. – AP/Mark Baker Agnes Winarti, The Jakarta Post, Kuala Lumpur | Sat, 05/15/2010 6:53 PM | Headlines South Korea ended China’s long-time supremacy in Uber Cup badminton women’s team championship with a convincing 3-1 win over the defending champion in the final in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The victory capped South Korea’s six attempts to lift the trophy, five of them were foiled by the same nemesis. Second doubles team of Lee Kyung Won and Ha Jung Eun assured South Korea of the coveted title for the first time ever after coming from behind to beat world number two pair of Du Jing and Yu Yang in a thrilling three-setter 19-21, 21-14, 21-19. South Korea had taken a commanding 2-0 lead, thanks to nearly flawless performance of first single