Readwrotes Blog

By Ed Kowalski Washington 26 June 2009 Michael Jackson (November 2007 file photo) American music superstar Michael Jackson died June 25 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles. He was 50 years old. One of the most-recognized performers in the world, Jackson's blend of pop, rock and soul appealed to people of all races and cultures. Michael Jackson's life was described as one of excess and loneliness. He was loved by millions of fans around the world, and had amassed a fortune, but he was often a prisoner of his own fame. Born in Indiana A young Michael Jackson at home in Encino, California in 1972 Born in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson was the seventh of nine children. He and his four older brothers showed early talents for playing music, singing and dancing, all of which was encouraged by their parents. At age five, Michael made his professional debut as lead singer with his brother...

By VOA News 29 June 2009 Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, head of Iran's Guardian Council, Tehran (Feb 2009 file photo) Iranian officials have again declared President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner of the nation's disputed presidential election. The powerful group that supervises Iran's elections, the Guardian Council, conducted a partial recount Monday of 10 percent of random ballot boxes nationwide. According to Iranian state media, the Council said the recount confirms the official results from the June 12 vote, and the body dismissed all the election complaints it received. Earlier in the day, the Council said its members met with defeated reformist challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi, but that the meeting was "ineffective." Iranian reformist presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi during a press conference after polls closed in Tehran, 12 June 2009 Mr. Mousavi previously rejected the partial recount an...

By VOA News 27 June 2009 Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki speaks at a ceremony marking the 2003 death of Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim in Baghdad, Iraq, 27 Jun 2009 Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called for national unity, following a spate of deadly bombings just days before U.S. forces are set to withdraw from Iraqi cities. Mr. Maliki said political reconciliation between Iraq's Sunni and Shi'ite Muslim groups is necessary to ensure stability in the country. The Iraqi prime minister also reiterated Iraqi forces were fully capable of taking over security responsibilities when U.S. forces pull out of urban areas by June 30. The comments echo that of U.S. President Barack Obama who said Friday the overall security situation in Iraq has improved, despite recent violence. Friday, at least 16 people were killed in two separate attacks in Baghdad. Earlier this week, at least 76 people were killed in an...

By Edward Yeranian Cairo 29 June 2009 Iraqi forces officially assumed control of Baghdad and other cites across the country early Tuesday, following the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from urban areas. Celebrations in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, include music, dance and poetry. People celebrate in Basra, Iraq's 2nd largest city, 550 kilometers (340 miles) southeast of Baghdad, 29 Jun 2009 Iraqi government TV has been playing patriotic music to celebrate the U.S. military withdrawal from cities, towns and villages across the country, officially set to be completed by Tuesday June 30th. Iraqi military vehicles were also covered with flowers to celebrate the event, and military parades, complete with band music, were organized in Diyala and Diwania provinces. The government declared a "Day of National Sovereignty" to mark the event, and has invited ordinary citizens to join evening celebra...

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 06/29/2009 8:22 AM | Presidential Election Presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri will campaign in Lampung later on Monday, while her running mate, Prabowo, will focus his campaign in Jakarta. Megawati is scheduled to greet her supporters at a mass gathering in Baruna Ria field, Bandar Lampung at 10 a.m., visit a free health service event, and hold a dialogue with local public and religious figures. She will continue her campaign by visiting Radar Lampung daily newspaper, and attending another mass gathering in Tanjung Sari field, Natar district, South Lampung regency, Kompas.com reported Meanwhile, Prabowo would meet the Land Transportation Organization (Organda) officials who will give their support to him in Grand Mangaraja building, Jakarta. He will also speak at a discussion titled “Glorious Cooperative, Great Indonesia, Prosperous People," in Thamrin City, Kebong Kacang Raya, Jakarta. This week is the fi...

By Jeff Swicord Washington 26 June 2009 As bee populations decline around the world, beekeeping is becoming the environmentally "in" thing to do, even in urban settings. VOA takes us to the grounds of the Franciscan monastery in Washington, D.C. for a crash course on the life of bees and their importance to the environment. Then, we visit the rooftop of D.C.'s posh Fairmont hotel, where chefs are keeping hives and harvesting the honey to use in everything from cheese plates to the French delicacy, foie gras. Joe Bozik tends one of the beehives he maintains at the Franciscan Monastery Joe Bozik has been keeping bees on the grounds of the Franciscan Monastery in Washington D.C. for about four years. Recently, honey bee populations in the U.S. and Europe have fallen victim to something called "Colony Collapse Disorder," where bees leave the hive but, for unknown reasons, never retur...

By Phil Mercer Sydney 27 June 2009 Like slaves on an auction block waiting to be selected, victims of human trafficking have to perform as they are told or risk being beaten (2005 file photo) Police officials from across Asia meeting in Australia have decided to form unprecedented joint operations to combat the trafficking of sex slaves. Law enforcement experts say the trade in young women is far more organized than first thought. Law enforcement officials from Australia, China, Indonesia other Asian nations have agreed to intensify their efforts to combat human trafficking. Experts say many of the victims of human trafficking are sex slaves. Security officials meeting in Sydney agreed to launch new joint investigations to tackle this insidious trade. Australian federal police commander Ramzi Jabbour believes organized criminal gangs are responsible for a large amount of trafficking. He says he hopes the new spirit of reg...