US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has made a shocking statement to the Washington media. He says he believes there is a strong likelihood that Israel will attack Iran’s nuclear installations in the next few months. Panetta is currently in Brussels for NATO meetings, and has told the press there that the US has indicated their concerns to Israel over a possible strike.

Iran’s supreme leader has issued a bold warning to the international community. Following a perceived threat of war from the US, Ayatolla Ali Khamanei has responded by saying that a war will be very detrimental to America. He also added that Iran is willing to help any country or political group that fights against Israel.

On the US economic front, more good news! New data shows that the United States jobless rate has fallen to a three-year low of 8.3 percent. A quarter of a million new jobs were created in January alone, far exceeding most economists’ expectations of only 130,000. It’s the 5th straight month in a row the unemployment rate has fallen.

I’d hate to be Honda right about now. The car manufacturer is paying out 10 thousand dollars in compensation after a Los Angeles resident filed a suit claiming her hybrid Civic gets 20 miles to the gallon LESS than advertised. This may SOUND like pocket change, but her court victory is paving the way for up to two billion dollars in customer lawsuits!

Microsoft has launched a version of their popular “Kinect” motion-sensing technology for use with Windows-based computers. Previously, Kinect was only available as a peripheral for the Xbox 360 game console. However, the new PC Kinect will cost you nearly twice as much as the Xbox version – at a recommended retail price of 250 dollars.

US Federal officials have shut down 16 websites that illegally stream sporting events. This crackdown comes just days ahead of the Super Bowl, the most-watched sporting event in America. It also came just hours after New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady admitted to watching last year’s championship on one of the illegal sites.

Iran Warns America Against War
Iran’s supreme leader has issued a bold warning to the international community. Following a perceived threat of war from the US, Ayatolla Ali Khamanei has responded by saying that a war will be very detrimental to America. He also added that Iran is willing to help any country or political group that fights against Israel.

Economic Upswing
On the US economic front, more good news! New data shows that the United States jobless rate has fallen to a three-year low of 8.3 percent. A quarter of a million new jobs were created in January alone, far exceeding most economists’ expectations of only 130,000. It’s the 5th straight month in a row the unemployment rate has fallen.

Help Me Honda
I’d hate to be Honda right about now. The car manufacturer is paying out 10 thousand dollars in compensation after a Los Angeles resident filed a suit claiming her hybrid Civic gets 20 miles to the gallon LESS than advertised. This may SOUND like pocket change, but her court victory is paving the way for up to two billion dollars in customer lawsuits!

Kinect Launches for PC
Microsoft has launched a version of their popular “Kinect” motion-sensing technology for use with Windows-based computers. Previously, Kinect was only available as a peripheral for the Xbox 360 game console. However, the new PC Kinect will cost you nearly twice as much as the Xbox version – at a recommended retail price of 250 dollars.

Illegal Sports Sites Shut Down
US Federal officials have shut down 16 websites that illegally stream sporting events. This crackdown comes just days ahead of the Super Bowl, the most-watched sporting event in America. It also came just hours after New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady admitted to watching last year’s championship on one of the illegal sites.

79 are dead and up to a thousand injured after a shocking soccer riot in Egypt. Fans of the home team stormed the field and attacked visiting supporters with knives, sticks, and other weapons. Players from both teams were forced to flee the field and head for cover in their locker rooms. Critics have come down hard on riot police on-hand during the event, who appeared to do little to curb the violence.

The US and NATO say they want to end their combat mission in Afghanistan next year. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says that he’d like troops to transition to training roles, and have Afghan security forces take the lead. The new transition deadline would come a year earlier then the one previously set by the White House.

Facebook has finally filed their IPO, seeking to raise 5 billion dollars in capital. There’s still speculation as to what the company will be valued at, but we’ll have a clearer picture the closer they come to actually trading. What IS known is that the social network earned a billion dollars last year, on overall sales of $3.7 billion.

Treasure hunting in 2012 may sound like a sucker’s errand, but one man is looking to prove us wrong. Greg Brooks of Sub Sea Research has negotiated salvage rights to the Port Nicholson, a UK merchant ship that sank off the US coast in 1942. Brooks says he has proof that 3 BILLION dollars worth of platinum is on board.

Taxpayer-owned Freddie Mac corporation is being accused of placing money into investments that only pay off if Americans remain stuck in high-interest mortgages. This is pretty unbelievable ESPECIALLY because they’re the ones who underwrite the US mortgage market! They’re also the ones who’ve received $70 billion in bailout money since 2008!

Today is Groundhog Day, and you know the drill. If Pennsylvania’s famous Punxutawney Phil sees his shadow, there’s six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t? Then spring is upon us. And at 7:30 am Eastern Time, in front of 18,000 fans, Phil made his appearance. The verdict: six more weeks of winter. Thanks for nothing, stupid Groundhog.

Combat Mission in Afghanistan to End
The US and NATO say they want to end their combat mission in Afghanistan next year. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says that he’d like troops to transition to training roles, and have Afghan security forces take the lead. The new transition deadline would come a year earlier then the one previously set by the White House.

Facebook Files IPO
Facebook has finally filed their IPO, seeking to raise 5 billion dollars in capital. There’s still speculation as to what the company will be valued at, but we’ll have a clearer picture the closer they come to actually trading. What IS known is that the social network earned a billion dollars last year, on overall sales of $3.7 billion.

Sunken Booty
Treasure hunting in 2012 may sound like a sucker’s errand, but one man is looking to prove us wrong. Greg Brooks of Sub Sea Research has negotiated salvage rights to the Port Nicholson, a UK merchant ship that sank off the US coast in 1942. Brooks says he has proof that 3 BILLION dollars worth of platinum is on board.

Freddie Mac Accusations
Taxpayer-owned Freddie Mac corporation is being accused of placing money into investments that only pay off if Americans remain stuck in high-interest mortgages. This is pretty unbelievable ESPECIALLY because they’re the ones who underwrite the US mortgage market! They’re also the ones who’ve received $70 billion in bailout money since 2008!

Groundhog Prediction
Today is Groundhog Day, and you know the drill. If Pennsylvania’s famous Punxutawney Phil sees his shadow, there’s six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t? Then spring is upon us. And at 7:30 am Eastern Time, in front of 18,000 fans, Phil made his appearance. The verdict: six more weeks of winter. Thanks for nothing, stupid Groundhog.

Another primary and another big win for Mitt Romney! The Republican frontrunner blew away the competition at Tuesday night’s GOP primary in Tampa Florida! Romney garnered a dominant 46% of the vote. Newt Gingrich was the runner-up at just 32%. As for the rest of the field, Rick Santorum pulled in 13% and Ron Paul had a paltry 5%.

Syrian authorities have lashed out at the US government’s stance against the Assad regime by releasing one of the world’s top-ranking terrorists! Mustafa Setmariam Nasar was a close ally of Osama Bin Laden and is thought to be Al Qaeda’s fourth in command. In custody since 2005, he has been linked to a number of deadly attacks against civilians, most notably the infamous 2004 train bombings in Madrid.

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton delivered a harsh message to members of the United Nations Security Council: stand with the people of Syria or be complicit in the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters. The UN is currently drafting a resolution that calls for the Syrian President’s resignation within fifteen days, or else face quote unquote “further measures”.

Four people have pled guilty to planning to set off a bomb in the London Stock Exchange. The men were arrested in December 2010 after anti-terror police broke up their efforts. The case was expected to go to trial until Tuesday’s 11th hour plea. The accused stand to face up to 18-and-a-half years in prison.

Italian rescue teams have permanently called off their underwater search for victims of last month’s Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster. Although over a dozen people remain missing, poor weather has hindered efforts since the ship ran aground on January 13th. A spokesman for the fire brigade says conditions are now too volatile, given that the vessel runs the risk of completely submerging.

With The Simpsons approaching their landmark 500th episode, it’s hard to find someone who HASN’T been a guest voice yet. So they’ve reached deep, deep, DEEP into the celebrity barrel and pulled out… Julian Assange. Yes, the embattled founder of Wikileaks. Apparently, despite the fact that he’s playing himself, the writers avoided mentioning his various legal difficulties.

Syria Releases Terrorist
Syrian authorities have lashed out at the US government’s stance against the Assad regime by releasing one of the world’s top-ranking terrorists! Mustafa Setmariam Nasar was a close ally of Osama Bin Laden and is thought to be Al Qaeda’s fourth in command. In custody since 2005, he has been linked to a number of deadly attacks against civilians, most notably the infamous 2004 train bombings in Madrid.

Hilary Clinton Has Harsh Words for Syria
US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton delivered a harsh message to members of the United Nations Security Council: stand with the people of Syria or be complicit in the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters. The UN is currently drafting a resolution that calls for the Syrian President’s resignation within fifteen days, or else face quote unquote “further measures”.

London Bombing Pleas
Four people have pled guilty to planning to set off a bomb in the London Stock Exchange. The men were arrested in December 2010 after anti-terror police broke up their efforts. The case was expected to go to trial until Tuesday’s 11th hour plea. The accused stand to face up to 18-and-a-half years in prison.

Search Efforts Halted
Italian rescue teams have permanently called off their underwater search for victims of last month’s Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster. Although over a dozen people remain missing, poor weather has hindered efforts since the ship ran aground on January 13th. A spokesman for the fire brigade says conditions are now too volatile, given that the vessel runs the risk of completely submerging.

Julian Assange in Guest Shot on Simpsons
With The Simpsons approaching their landmark 500th episode, it’s hard to find someone who HASN’T been a guest voice yet. So they’ve reached deep, deep, DEEP into the celebrity barrel and pulled out… Julian Assange. Yes, the embattled founder of Wikileaks. Apparently, despite the fact that he’s playing himself, the writers avoided mentioning his various legal difficulties.

A series of deadly drone attacks have claimed the lives of at least 13 Al Qaeda militants in Yemen. Regional sources say that at least four of the men killed were local leaders of the terrorist group. Casualties also include a man with alleged links to attacks on the USS Cole and a French oil tanker in 2000 and 2002, respectively.

The Chrysler Saloon once belonging to President Barack Obama is for sale on eBay. The minimum bid? One million dollars. The seller, who goes by the reputable handle CubsFanatic23, claims he has documents proving Obama leased the gas-guzzler between 2004 and 2007. There is one caveat, though: even that million-dollar price tag isn’t enough to waive those dastardly eBay shipping charges.

In a story straight out of 1982, tensions are rising between the UK and Argentina now that the British navy has sent a destroyer to the Falkland Islands. The HMS Dauntless is the first of the Navy’s Type 45 air defense destroyers to be sent to the region. However, the Ministry of Defense insists this is simply a routine deployment, and that the Dauntless is replacing another frigate that’s already there.

An extreme cold snap has claimed dozens of lives across Europe. Heavy snowfall and cold snaps have been battering people in Poland, the Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria. In the Ukraine, daytime highs of just 3 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows of minus 10 have sent hundreds to hospitals suffering from frostbite and hypothermia.

Days after shutting down Megaupload, US prosecutors are now planning to delete the stored data of up to 50 million users. This is an obvious sticking point for those who use the file-sharing site services to store personal photographs and documents. A lawyer on behalf of the site is fighting the decision, saying the data could play a role in building a legal defense.

TripAdvisor has unveiled its annual list of the best-rated places to stay in the United States. Coming out on top is the Elysian, a lavish hotel in downtown Chicago. Reviewers say the five-star inn is nothing short of luxurious, with breathtaking rooms, service fit for a King, and amenities up the yin-yang.

Obamacar
The Chrysler Saloon once belonging to President Barack Obama is for sale on eBay. The minimum bid? One million dollars. The seller, who goes by the reputable handle CubsFanatic23, claims he has documents proving Obama leased the gas-guzzler between 2004 and 2007. There is one caveat, though: even that million-dollar price tag isn’t enough to waive those dastardly eBay shipping charges.

Destroyer Deployed to Falkland Islands
In a story straight out of 1982, tensions are rising between the UK and Argentina now that the British navy has sent a destroyer to the Falkland Islands. The HMS Dauntless is the first of the Navy’s Type 45 air defense destroyers to be sent to the region. However, the Ministry of Defense insists this is simply a routine deployment, and that the Dauntless is replacing another frigate that’s already there.

Deadly Cold Snap in Europe
An extreme cold snap has claimed dozens of lives across Europe. Heavy snowfall and cold snaps have been battering people in Poland, the Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria. In the Ukraine, daytime highs of just 3 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows of minus 10 have sent hundreds to hospitals suffering from frostbite and hypothermia.

Megabummer
Days after shutting down Megaupload, US prosecutors are now planning to delete the stored data of up to 50 million users. This is an obvious sticking point for those who use the file-sharing site services to store personal photographs and documents. A lawyer on behalf of the site is fighting the decision, saying the data could play a role in building a legal defense.

Best Hotel Named
TripAdvisor has unveiled its annual list of the best-rated places to stay in the United States. Coming out on top is the Elysian, a lavish hotel in downtown Chicago. Reviewers say the five-star inn is nothing short of luxurious, with breathtaking rooms, service fit for a King, and amenities up the yin-yang.

Although it may be hard to believe, the US is in peace talks with the Taliban! Several negotiators have been meeting with American officials in Qatar, where they’re engaging in so-called “trust-building measures”. That includes discussions of a possible prisoner transfer. However, the Taliban have not publicly acknowledged that they’re engaging in any talks with the US.

The Syrian capital of Damascus saw some of the fiercest fighting yet in that country’s uprising. At least 26 casualties were reported in the exchange, which saw the Syrian army regain control of much of the city’s suburban area. While the rebel Free Syrian Army seems to have been largely defeated, it appears that they still have a presence in the suburbs.

Up to 100,000 people lined the streets of St. Louis this past weekend to honour U.S. soldiers who’ve returned from Iraq. An estimated 600 veterans walked the route, as onlookers held signs giving thanks for their service and bravery. The event was organized by a pair of local residents who felt the timing was right for a welcome home parade.

It finally looks like Facebook is about to go public. Both the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal claim the social media giant will file the paperwork this Wednesday, with both Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs underwriting the sale. Once publicly listed, Facebook’s value is projected to be in the range of 75 to 100 BILLION dollars.

In sports, it was the most EPIC of epic grand slam finals at the Australian Open in Melbourne! Novak Djokovic outlasted Rafael Nadal in a grueling five set marathon that lasted nearly 6 hours! It was the longest grand slam final match of all time, and didn’t end until almost 2 AM local time!

Taliban Peace Talks
Although it may be hard to believe, the US is in peace talks with the Taliban! Several negotiators have been meeting with American officials in Qatar, where they’re engaging in so-called “trust-building measures”. That includes discussions of a possible prisoner transfer. However, the Taliban have not publicly acknowledged that they’re engaging in any talks with the US.

Fighting Continues in Syria
The Syrian capital of Damascus saw some of the fiercest fighting yet in that country’s uprising. At least 26 casualties were reported in the exchange, which saw the Syrian army regain control of much of the city’s suburban area. While the rebel Free Syrian Army seems to have been largely defeated, it appears that they still have a presence in the suburbs.

Welcome Home Parade
Up to 100,000 people lined the streets of St. Louis this past weekend to honour U.S. soldiers who’ve returned from Iraq. An estimated 600 veterans walked the route, as onlookers held signs giving thanks for their service and bravery. The event was organized by a pair of local residents who felt the timing was right for a welcome home parade.

Facebook Goes Public
It finally looks like Facebook is about to go public. Both the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal claim the social media giant will file the paperwork this Wednesday, with both Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs underwriting the sale. Once publicly listed, Facebook’s value is projected to be in the range of 75 to 100 BILLION dollars.

Epic Australian Open
In sports, it was the most EPIC of epic grand slam finals at the Australian Open in Melbourne! Novak Djokovic outlasted Rafael Nadal in a grueling five set marathon that lasted nearly 6 hours! It was the longest grand slam final match of all time, and didn’t end until almost 2 AM local time!

Senior officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency have descended on Iran amid ongoing concerns about their nuclear program. The 6-member delegation is in the country to start a dialogue that is long overdue. Among the delegates are the IAEA’s chief inspector, as well as their second in command. Tehran, meanwhile, hopes the inspection will remove suspicions about its nuclear goals.

Lotto Luck
He might just be the luckiest man in the US! A Wisconsin military veteran in need of a kidney transplant hit the jackpot and won 14.3 million in the lottery! But here’s the real kicker. The ticket sat on a table in his kitchen for days before he realized he was a winner. Napolean Elvord won the Wisconsin Megabucks lotto against 1 in 7 million odds.

Breaking News: New Yorkers Are Rude
Readers of Travel and Leisure magazine voted New York the rudest city in the US! New York reclaimed it’s 2009 title from Los Angeles, and the poll results show a pretty obvious trend emerging here. The bigger the city, the ruder the people! Miami, Washington DC, LA, and Boston rounded out the top five.

New Law Rubber Stamped
Los Angeles City Council members have voted 9 to 1 for legislation requiring porn stars to wear condoms during film shoots. Although many health officials cite the move as a no-brainer, members of the adult film industry are up in arms. They say viewers simply don’t enjoy seeing condoms in sex scenes. Over 80 percent of the US porn industry runs out of Los Angeles, and the law could result in a mass exodus.

There She Sat Broken Hearted
A Singapore woman has been hospitalized after spending – brace yourselves – 902 days sitting on her toilet. During that time, Mee Yan Leong was completely naked and showered less than 20 times. When asked for an explanation, the woman stated she felt like a giant weight was holding her down, and was worried people would taunt her if she left the house.

Google Pluses
Sometimes bigger actually DOES mean better. Prime example: web uber-giant Google has topped Fortune Magazine’s list of the 100 best employers in the world. The reasons are plenty too: their New York office offers everything from bowling alleys to free massages to plush chairs and bocce ball. Oh, and let’s not forget the eyebrow shaping – although that’s for a nominal fee.

Sometimes bigger actually DOES mean better. Prime example: web uber-giant Google has topped Fortune Magazine’s list of the 100 best employers in the world. The reasons are plenty too: their New York office offers everything from bowling alleys to free massages to plush chairs and bocce ball. Oh, and let’s not forget the eyebrow shaping – although that’s for a nominal fee.

A Singapore woman has been hospitalized after spending – brace yourselves – 902 days sitting on her toilet. During that time, Mee Yan Leong was completely naked and showered less than 20 times. When asked for an explanation, the woman stated she felt like a giant weight was holding her down, and was worried people would taunt her if she left the house.

Readers of Travel and Leisure magazine voted New York the rudest city in the US! New York reclaimed it’s 2009 title from Los Angeles, and the poll results show a pretty obvious trend emerging here. The bigger the city, the ruder the people! Miami, Washington DC, LA, and Boston rounded out the top five.

He might just be the luckiest man in the US! A Wisconsin military veteran in need of a kidney transplant hit the jackpot and won 14.3 million in the lottery! But here’s the real kicker. The ticket sat on a table in his kitchen for days before he realized he was a winner. Napolean Elvord won the Wisconsin Megabucks lotto against 1 in 7 million odds.

What may have been a gorgeous skyscraper could turn out to be an ugly stump! New York developer Larry Silverstein is threatening to halt the construction of 3 World Trade Center unless he can find new tenants to commit to the massive office tower. If not, he’s going to cut the planned 80-storey skyscraper to just 7 storeys! And with the way the current real estate market in New York looks, he probably shouldn’t hold his breath!

Los Angeles City Council members have voted 9 to 1 for legislation requiring porn stars to wear condoms during film shoots. Although many health officials cite the move as a no-brainer, members of the adult film industry are up in arms. They say viewers simply don’t enjoy seeing condoms in sex scenes. Over 80 percent of the US porn industry runs out of Los Angeles, and the law could result in a mass exodus.

The Italian Association of Tour Operators has announced that passengers aboard the ruined Costa Concordia cruise ship will each receive $14,400 in compensation. The money is to cover costs for personal property damages, psychological distress, and also reimburses each of the 3200 passengers for the cost of the cruise and extra travel charges.

The Chinese government is warning nearly 4 million residents in the southern Guangxi region to avoid drinking the water, after a potentially lethal toxin seeped into local rivers. The chemical in question is a cancer-causing agent called Cadmium. Officials are blaming a mining company for the spill, but don’t yet know how much of the chemical was leaked, or for how long the company had been pouring it into the river.

Despite the still-anemic economy, Ford has posted its largest earnings in 14 years. In fact, its 2011 profits of 20 billion dollars were the highest in the automaker’s 109-year history. Mind you, it didn’t hurt that the surplus stemmed from a massive tax credit Ford received to defray previous years’ losses. Nonetheless, we doubt many employees are complaining.

As a means to curb expenditures, the US military has announced plans to cut nearly 100,000 troops. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the move will lead to a “smaller, leaner” armed forces. With the Pentagon facing cuts of nearly 500 billion dollars over the next decade, Panetta believes the downsizing is both practical and necessary.

Depending on where you live, you could be censored 140 characters at a time! Micro-blogging service Twitter has announced that they have the technology to block tweets on a country-by-country basis. Essentially, a Tweet could be blocked from users in Libya, but still viewable to other countries. The company cites France and Germany as examples, due to laws about pro-Nazi propaganda.

A New Mexico man has been awarded $22 MILLION in damages after being held in solitary confinement for almost 2 years! Stephen Slevin was held on DUI and car theft related charges. His condition in solitary resulted in a number of physical ailments, and also allegedly drove him mad. His charges were eventually dismissed due to mental health issues.

Do NOT Drink the Water in China
The Chinese government is warning nearly 4 million residents in the southern Guangxi region to avoid drinking the water, after a potentially lethal toxin seeped into local rivers. The chemical in question is a cancer-causing agent called Cadmium. Officials are blaming a mining company for the spill, but don’t yet know how much of the chemical was leaked, or for how long the company had been pouring it into the river.

Profits Are Built Ford Tough
Despite the still-anemic economy, Ford has posted its largest earnings in 14 years. In fact, its 2011 profits of 20 billion dollars were the highest in the automaker’s 109-year history. Mind you, it didn’t hurt that the surplus stemmed from a massive tax credit Ford received to defray previous years’ losses. Nonetheless, we doubt many employees are complaining.

Military Downsizing
As a means to curb expenditures, the US military has announced plans to cut nearly 100,000 troops. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the move will lead to a “smaller, leaner” armed forces. With the Pentagon facing cuts of nearly 500 billion dollars over the next decade, Panetta believes the downsizing is both practical and necessary.

Twitter Censorship
Depending on where you live, you could be censored 140 characters at a time! Micro-blogging service Twitter has announced that they have the technology to block tweets on a country-by-country basis. Essentially, a Tweet could be blocked from users in Libya, but still viewable to other countries. The company cites France and Germany as examples, due to laws about pro-Nazi propaganda.

Prisoner in Solitary Gets Huge Settlement
A New Mexico man has been awarded $22 MILLION in damages after being held in solitary confinement for almost 2 years! Stephen Slevin was held on DUI and car theft related charges. His condition in solitary resulted in a number of physical ailments, and also allegedly drove him mad. His charges were eventually dismissed due to mental health issues.

There’s no official casualty count after 3 buildings collapsed in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Officials say one of the buildings was 20 stories tall, one was 10, and the smallest was 3 or 4. No cause has been determined, but it’s believed that the collapse was due to structural problems. This comes as Rio is preparing for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The owner of a French company that makes breast implants has been arrested amid safety concerns. Jean-Claude Mas, founder of the now-defunct company P.I.P., is being held at his home. His company is accused of using low-grade silicone in breast implants that have a high risk of rupturing and leaking. It’s believed that up to 400 thousand women in 65 countries may have the at-risk implants.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard had quite a scare in Canberra as she had to be literally pulled to safety by security staff. Hundreds of angry protesters had surrounded a restaurant where she was handing out medals in commemoration of Australia Day. However, it’s believed that opposition leader Tony Abbott, not Gillard, was the target of the protests.

Timothy Geithner may be the US Treasury Secretary, but he’s not expecting to hold onto the job much longer. In a new interview with Bloomberg TV, he strongly suggested his days would be numbered if President Barack Obama gets reelected. His exact words? “I’m confident he’s going to have the privilege of having another Secretary of the Treasury.”

Exploratory talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are officially over. The goal of the meetings – which took place over several weeks in Jordan – was to find a mutually acceptable way to set up official peace negotiations. Unfortunately, both sides were unable to get past several sticking points, including Israel’s refusal to stop building settlements in occupied areas.

Web giant Google has topped Fortune Magazine’s list of the 100 best employers in the world. And the reasons are plenty. Their New York office offers everything from bowling alleys to free massages. Most of all, Google employees rave about being treated like equals by the company’s higher-ups, a sentiment they feel breeds loyalty and camaraderie.

Breast Implant Manufacturer Arrested
The owner of a French company that makes breast implants has been arrested amid safety concerns. Jean-Claude Mas, founder of the now-defunct company P.I.P., is being held at his home. His company is accused of using low-grade silicone in breast implants that have a high risk of rupturing and leaking. It’s believed that up to 400 thousand women in 65 countries may have the at-risk implants.

Close Call for Aussie PM
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard had quite a scare in Canberra as she had to be literally pulled to safety by security staff. Hundreds of angry protesters had surrounded a restaurant where she was handing out medals in commemoration of Australia Day. However, it’s believed that opposition leader Tony Abbott, not Gillard, was the target of the protests.

Sunken Treasury
Timothy Geithner may be the US Treasury Secretary, but he’s not expecting to hold onto the job much longer. In a new interview with Bloomberg TV, he strongly suggested his days would be numbered if President Barack Obama gets reelected. His exact words? “I’m confident he’s going to have the privilege of having another Secretary of the Treasury.”

Talks Break Down
Exploratory talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are officially over. The goal of the meetings – which took place over several weeks in Jordan – was to find a mutually acceptable way to set up official peace negotiations. Unfortunately, both sides were unable to get past several sticking points, including Israel’s refusal to stop building settlements in occupied areas.

Google Best Place to Work
Web giant Google has topped Fortune Magazine’s list of the 100 best employers in the world. And the reasons are plenty. Their New York office offers everything from bowling alleys to free massages. Most of all, Google employees rave about being treated like equals by the company’s higher-ups, a sentiment they feel breeds loyalty and camaraderie.

US President Barack Obama touched on a number of hot topics Tuesday night in his State of the Union speech. Wall Street reform, health care and education were just a few of the issues he discussed. But he started off by issuing a special challenge to Congress on tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Obama also talked tough when discussing China. He called the Asian giant out for unfair trade practices, and demanded that stricter guidelines be imposed to protect American consumers from unsafe goods.

Shortly after the President’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, Indiana governor Mitch Daniels took to the airwaves to deliver the official GOP response. Daniels slammed the President’s economic track record, and called for an end to the administration’s mindless spending. He also demanded a simpler tax system, and accused the White House of trying to divide the nation by framing Republicans as obstacles rather than equals.

In tech news, Apple has had yet another record-breaking quarter! The company had sales in excess of 46 BILLION dollars in the last financial quarter. They sold a record 37 million iPhones and 15.4 million iPads in the final three months of 2011. All told, the company made 13.1 billion. Apple’s quarterly profits blew away even the most optimistic of forecasts from Wall Street analysts, and are an all-time high in the tech industry.

The US Navy SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden has struck again! The SEALS freed a pair of foreign aid workers held captive in north-central Somalia in a dramatic overnight rescue. The two hostages – a Danish man and an American woman – were abducted by armed gunmen three months ago and held in a secret compound. According to local authorities, the SEALs arrived at the location by parachute and took down eight or nine of the captors in short order.

Thousands of residents marched through the streets of Egypt to mark the first anniversary of Hosni Mubarak’s ousting from power. They congregated in Tahrir Square, the center of the revolt that brought down the now-former president’s 30-year reign. Although there were celebrations, many in attendance tempered their emotions, choosing to protest the country’s current military council.

Actress Demi Moore has checked into a treatment facility after paramedics were called to her home. Her spokesperson says that due to the recent stresses in her life she has quote, “chosen to seek professional assistance to treat her exhaustion”. But other sources say that she is getting help for substance abuse.

State of the Union Rebuttal
Shortly after the President’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, Indiana governor Mitch Daniels took to the airwaves to deliver the official GOP response. Daniels slammed the President’s economic track record, and called for an end to the administration’s mindless spending. He also demanded a simpler tax system, and accused the White House of trying to divide the nation by framing Republicans as obstacles rather than equals.

Apple Sets Records Again
In tech news, Apple has had yet another record-breaking quarter! The company had sales in excess of 46 BILLION dollars in the last financial quarter. They sold a record 37 million iPhones and 15.4 million iPads in the final three months of 2011. All told, the company made 13.1 billion. Apple’s quarterly profits blew away even the most optimistic of forecasts from Wall Street analysts, and are an all-time high in the tech industry.

SEAL Team Strikes Again
The US Navy SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden has struck again! The SEALS freed a pair of foreign aid workers held captive in north-central Somalia in a dramatic overnight rescue. The two hostages – a Danish man and an American woman – were abducted by armed gunmen three months ago and held in a secret compound. According to local authorities, the SEALs arrived at the location by parachute and took down eight or nine of the captors in short order.

Egypt Marches
Thousands of residents marched through the streets of Egypt to mark the first anniversary of Hosni Mubarak’s ousting from power. They congregated in Tahrir Square, the centre of the revolt that brought down the now-former president’s 30-year reign. Although there were celebrations, many in attendance tempered their emotions, choosing to protest the country’s current military council.

Demi Moore in Treatment
Actress Demi Moore has checked into a treatment facility after paramedics were called to her home. Her spokesperson says that due to the recent stresses in her life she has quote, “chosen to seek professional assistance to treat her exhaustion”. But other sources say that she is getting help for substance abuse.

Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich clashed once again at the latest Republican debate in Tampa Florida. After suffering a setback in the polls in South Carolina, Romney changed tactics and took to attacking the surging Gingrich. Romney accused him of being an influence peddler with a spotty track record in Washington. For his part, Gingrich angrily denied the accusations, and early poll results give him a 9 percent lead in the sunshine state.

Amidst immense public pressure, Mitt Romney has finally released his 2010 tax documents. They show that he paid about 3 million dollars in federal taxes last year and gave 3 million to charity. Romney says the modest 14 percent tax rate he paid in 2010 will rise slightly on his 2011 statement. However, his rate pales in comparison to that of Newt Gingrich, who paid 31 percent last year.

New reports say Russia has signed a contract to sell combat jets to Syria. Specifically, three-dozen Yak-1-30 aircraft with an estimated value of 550 million dollars. Russia’s foreign minister has appeared defiant about the unconfirmed sale, stressing no international laws are being broken. UN representatives say over 54 hundred people have died at the hands of Syria’s government over the past 10 months.

The Earth has been hit with the strongest radiation storm in several years. That’s according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, which says a massive solar eruption on Sunday night is the culprit. Although the storm poses no health risks, it does have the potential to wreak havoc on electronic equipment, including communications satellites, navigation equipment, and even rocket launches.

In the picturesque Swiss mountain town of Davos the rich and powerful elite from around the world are gathering for the annual World Economic Forum. They’ll be well protected too – 5000 soldiers have been deployed to protect the business and political leaders. Over 11 miles of wire fencing have been erected around the meeting site.

The nominees for the 84th annual Academy Awards have been announced. Martin Scorcese’s “Hugo” led the pack with 11 nominations, including Best Director and Picture. “The Help”, “Moneyball” and the French silent film “The Artist” were all recognized with multiple nominations for acting and Best Picture nods. The Oscars will be handed out February 26th.

Romney Releases Tax Records
Amidst immense public pressure, Mitt Romney has finally released his 2010 tax documents. They show that he paid about 3 million dollars in federal taxes last year and gave 3 million to charity. Romney says the modest 14 percent tax rate he paid in 2010 will rise slightly on his 2011 statement. However, his rate pales in comparison to that of Newt Gingrich, who paid 31 percent last year.

Russia Backs Syria
New reports say Russia has signed a contract to sell combat jets to Syria. Specifically, three-dozen Yak-1-30 aircraft with an estimated value of 550 million dollars. Russia’s foreign minister has appeared defiant about the unconfirmed sale, stressing no international laws are being broken. UN representatives say over 54 hundred people have died at the hands of Syria’s government over the past 10 months.

Solar Eruption
The Earth has been hit with the strongest radiation storm in several years. That’s according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, which says a massive solar eruption on Sunday night is the culprit. Although the storm poses no health risks, it does have the potential to wreak havoc on electronic equipment, including communications satellites, navigation equipment, and even rocket launches.

Swiss Prepare For WEF
In the picturesque Swiss mountain town of Davos the rich and powerful elite from around the world are gathering for the annual World Economic Forum. They’ll be well protected too – 5000 soldiers have been deployed to protect the business and political leaders. Over 11 miles of wire fencing have been erected around the meeting site.

Oscar Nominees Announced
The nominees for the 84th annual Academy Awards have been announced. Martin Scorcese’s “Hugo” led the pack with 11 nominations, including Best Director and Picture. “The Help”, “Moneyball” and the French silent film “The Artist” were all recognized with multiple nominations for acting and Best Picture nods. The Oscars will be handed out February 26th.

After Newt Gingrich’s victory in South Carolina, the former House Speaker has now pulled ahead in Florida. The latest poll from Insider Advantage says Gingrich has taken the lead by a full 8 points. Worse still for Mitt Romney, the same poll says these numbers are part of a larger trend suggesting Republicans are moving toward Gingrich on a national level.

The US military has had its share of close calls with Iran lately. The most recent altercation coming this past weekend, when the USS Abraham Lincoln traveled through the Strait of Hormuz. As a show of defiance, the aircraft carrier deliberately ignored threats from Iranian personnel to shut down the high-profile shipping lane if US ships sailed through.

Syria has refused demands from the Arab League for President Bashar al-Assad to relinquish power to his deputy. Meeting in Cairo, the League also called for Syrian officials to form a coalition government with the country’s opposition. UN figures say over five thousand people have died in the past 10 months due to crackdowns on protesters.

The latest death toll for the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster now stands at 13. Meanwhile, disgraced captain Francesco Schettino has stated that ’sail-by salutes’ like the one that brought down his ship are regularly requested by management. He also claims this practice is particularly encouraged during local holidays as a way to bolster publicity for the cruise line.

The Super Bowl is always a huge event for the casinos in Las Vegas, and some predict that this year’s Pats-Giants rematch could break wagering records for Nevada sportsbooks! The line went up late Sunday night and the Patriots opened as 3-point favorites. The LAST time these two played in the Super Bowl, Vegas casinos lost 2.6 million dollars – the most ever. And we all know who won that one!

Here’s some promising news for those of you fretting about the economy! Millions of people across Asia are celebrating the Lunar New Year! The new year festivities began on Monday and will continue right through to February sixth. And here’s the great part – the calendar has officially moved into the Year of the Dragon! In Chinese culture the dragon is a sign of success and future prosperity.

Provocative Naval Action in Strait of Hormuz
The US military has had its share of close calls with Iran lately. The most recent altercation coming this past weekend, when the USS Abraham Lincoln traveled through the Strait of Hormuz. As a show of defiance, the aircraft carrier deliberately ignored threats from Iranian personnel to shut down the high-profile shipping lane if US ships sailed through.

Syria Continues to Defy Arab League
Syria has refused demands from the Arab League for President Bashar al-Assad to relinquish power to his deputy. Meeting in Cairo, the League also called for Syrian officials to form a coalition government with the country’s opposition. UN figures say over five thousand people have died in the past 10 months due to crackdowns on protesters.

Disgraced Captain Blames Management
The latest death toll for the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster now stands at 13. Meanwhile, disgraced captain Francesco Schettino has stated that ’sail-by salutes’ like the one that brought down his ship are regularly requested by management. He also claims this practice is particularly encouraged during local holidays as a way to bolster publicity for the cruise line.

China Celebrates Arrival of Year of the Dragon
Here’s some promising news for those of you fretting about the economy! Millions of people across Asia are celebrating the Lunar New Year! The new year festivities began on Monday and will continue right through to February sixth. And here’s the great part – the calendar has officially moved into the Year of the Dragon! In Chinese culture the dragon is a sign of success and future prosperity.

Patriots and Giants Clash in Super Bowl XLVI
The Super Bowl is always a huge event for the casinos in Las Vegas, and some predict that this year’s Pats-Giants rematch could break wagering records for Nevada sportsbooks! The line went up late Sunday night and the Patriots opened as 3-point favorites. The LAST time these two played in the Super Bowl, Vegas casinos lost 2.6 million dollars – the most ever. And we all know who won that one!

1.2 MILLION twenty year olds were honored recently during Japan’s COMING OF AGE DAY. Turning twenty in Japan means you can finally drink, smoke, and vote legally. That’s far later than in MOST other countries, but I guess all good things come to those who wait! While the 1.2 million number sounds huge, it’s actually a record LOW for the country!

Could there finally be some good news for Research In Motion, makers of the Blackberry? There’s buzz in the tech world that Samsung may be interested in stepping in and saving the flailing company. Industry insiders believe the BlackBerry Messenger and other bits of RIM technology would be a welcome addition to the Android operating system. That’s the kind of synergy that could make the folks over at Apple start losing sleep.

Passengers aboard a recent British Airways flight from Miami to London saw their lives flash before their eyes, when a recording came on over the PA telling them to brace for an emergency water landing! For about 30 seconds, hundreds of passengers thought they were headed towards a cold watery grave… and then a flight attendant came on and announced that it was all just a big mix-up! Whoops!

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a spy? Well, the folks over at MI5 are curious to find out. Which is why the world-renowned British intelligence agency has posted a recruitment test over at mi5.gov.uk. It takes a mere 15 minutes to complete, and if you pass with flying colours, they’ll provide a link with details on how to officially apply for a gig as an Intelligence Officer.

We’re all used to dumping out our pockets for those routine airport security screenings. Well, new figures show that the loose change we sometimes leave behind can really add up. The US Transportation Security Administration has confirmed that a whopping 400 thousand dollars in coins was collected at American airports in 2010. Every unclaimed cent of the stray money goes to the organization’s operating budget to cover general expenses.

They call it The Phone Stack, and it’s a new game that’s sweeping the nation. The rules are as follows. When you’re out to dinner with friends, everyone piles their cell phones facedown on the table. The object is simple, no matter WHAT, no one is allowed to reach for their phone until the dinner is done. But if they just can’t resist, the first person who caves pays the tab – EVERYONE’S tab!

Will Samsung Rescue RIM?
Could there finally be some good news for Research In Motion, makers of the Blackberry? There’s buzz in the tech world that Samsung may be interested in stepping in and saving the flailing company. Industry insiders believe the BlackBerry Messenger and other bits of RIM technology would be a welcome addition to the Android operating system. That’s the kind of synergy that could make the folks over at Apple start losing sleep.

Terror In The Air
Passengers aboard a recent British Airways flight from Miami to London saw their lives flash before their eyes, when a recording came on over the PA telling them to brace for an emergency water landing! For about 30 seconds, hundreds of passengers thought they were headed towards a cold watery grave… and then a flight attendant came on and announced that it was all just a big mix-up! Whoops!

So You Wanna Be James Bond
Think you’ve got what it takes to be a spy? Well, the folks over at MI5 are curious to find out. Which is why the world-renowned British intelligence agency has posted a recruitment test over at mi5.gov.uk. It takes a mere 15 minutes to complete, and if you pass with flying colours, they’ll provide a link with details on how to officially apply for a gig as an Intelligence Officer.

Loose Change Adds Up at Airports
We’re all used to dumping out our pockets for those routine airport security screenings. Well, new figures show that the loose change we sometimes leave behind can really add up. The US Transportation Security Administration has confirmed that a whopping 400 thousand dollars in coins was collected at American airports in 2010. Every unclaimed cent of the stray money goes to the organization’s operating budget to cover general expenses.

New Phone Game Could Cost You
They call it The Phone Stack, and it’s a new game that’s sweeping the nation. The rules are as follows. When you’re out to dinner with friends, everyone piles their cell phones face-down on the table. The object is simple, no matter WHAT, no one is allowed to reach for their phone until the dinner is done. But if they just can’t resist, the first person who caves pays the tab – EVERYONE’S tab!

Newt Gingrich tore into the media at the latest Republican debate in South Carolina. It came on the heels of news that Gingrich allegedly asked his ex-wife for an “open marriage”. When asked about this, Gingrich ripped into CNN moderator John King, calling the accusation and media attention as close to despicable as he could imagine. The South Carlolina primary is this Saturday and it’s a neck’n neck race between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.

The US government felt the wrath of hackers after shutting down a popular file-sharing site. The feds pulled the plug on MegaUpload.com and had 4 people arrested in New Zealand, with 3 more still at large. In response, the hacktivist collective known as “Anonymous” crashed several websites, including the US Department of Justice and the FBI.

For the third time now, Italian rescue workers had to call off the search for survivors aboard the Costa Concordia. This after the sunken ship shifted on a sea ledge, causing concerns that it could slide down into deeper waters. The choppy conditions are expected to worsen with another weather warning in effect for the area. Twenty-one of the ship’s 42-hundred passengers are still missing.

Talk about an amazing comeback! Just two years after filing for bankruptcy, General Motors is now back on top of the automotive world! They’ve reclaimed their spot as the biggest car manufacturer on the planet! GM sold over 9 million vehicles last year, edging out Toyota, which sold 8.1 million. Toyota suffered major setbacks after Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Google has reported 10.6 billion dollars in revenues for the last quarter of 2011. Sounds like a fair chunk of change, but it fell short of Wall Street estimates. As a result, shares dropped a whopping 10 percent in after-hours trading. Nonetheless, the web giant appears confident about 2012, given the ongoing popularity of Gmail, Google+ and its Android operating system.

News International has admitted to both lying to investigators and covering up evidence in the News of the World phone hacking scandal. Dozens of celebrities have settled damage claims, with the price tag expected to run Rupert Murdoch’s corporation up to 15 million dollars. According to lawyers, senior executives at the newspaper were fully aware staff regularly hacked into private voicemails.

Government Websites Attacked by Anonymous
The US government felt the wrath of hackers after shutting down a popular file-sharing site. The feds pulled the plug on MegaUpload.com and had 4 people arrested in New Zealand, with 3 more still at large. In response, the hacktivist collective known as “Anonymous” crashed several websites, including the US Department of Justice and the FBI.

Italian Cruise Ship Rescue Efforts Postponed
For the third time now, Italian rescue workers had to call off the search for survivors aboard the Costa Concordia. This after the sunken ship shifted on a sea ledge, causing concerns that it could slide down into deeper waters. The choppy conditions are expected to worsen with another weather warning in effect for the area. Twenty-one of the ship’s 42-hundred passengers are still missing.

GM On Top Again
Talk about an amazing comeback! Just two years after filing for bankruptcy, General Motors is now back on top of the automotive world! They’ve reclaimed their spot as the biggest car manufacturer on the planet! GM sold over 9 million vehicles last year, edging out Toyota, which sold 8.1 million. Toyota suffered major setbacks after Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Google Revenues
Google has reported 10.6 billion dollars in revenues for the last quarter of 2011. Sounds like a fair chunk of change, but it fell short of Wall Street estimates. As a result, shares dropped a whopping 10 percent in after-hours trading. Nonetheless, the web giant appears confident about 2012, given the ongoing popularity of Gmail, Google+ and its Android operating system.

News Of The World Settlement
News International has admitted to both lying to investigators and covering up evidence in the News of the World phone hacking scandal. Dozens of celebrities have settled damage claims, with the price tag expected to run Rupert Murdoch’s corporation up to 15 million dollars. According to lawyers, senior executives at the newspaper were fully aware staff regularly hacked into private voicemails.

Big news from the Republican election campaign! Sources close to Texas governor Rick Perry say he’ll be dropping his bid for the White House on Thursday. And, equally shocking, new poll results from Iowa show that it was actually Santorum who may have won! Certified results show Santorum with a comparable landslide win: 34 votes ahead of Romney! Results from 8 precincts are missing, however, and will never be recovered. Therefore, the true results may never be known.

The “blackout” protests on the web Wednesday appear to have had an effect. Around 7,000 websites, including Wikipedia, went “dark” to protest proposed anti-piracy legislation, known as SOPA and PIPA, that many claim would essentially legalize online censorship. Several US lawmakers have now withdrawn their support for the proposed laws, including two key sponsors of the bill.

US President Barack Obama has delayed plans for a massive oil pipeline that would run from Western Canada all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico! The White House says that the 1,600-mile Keystone XL pipeline is being put on hold because there was not enough time to properly review the plans. The pipeline has also been a hot topic for environmental groups.

A new study from web site 24/7 Wall Street has compiled what it says are the 10 most hated companies in the United States. In no particular order, here are some of the highlights… There’s Facebook, cited for being soft on privacy, AT&T for poor customer service, and Bank of America for price gouging.

The Iranian government has banned actress Golshifteh Farahani from ever returning to the country. Reason being, one single nude photo of her recently appeared in French magazine Madame Le Figaro. The Iranian actress, who’s starred in films alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, says she agreed to the photo shoot to protest restrictive Islamic codes.

Mark Wahlberg has issued a full apology for comments he recently made to Men’s Journal about 9/11. The Hollywood A-lister was quoted as saying that if he were on one of the planes that day, it would have never gone done. Public backlash was immediate, prompting Wahlberg to make a quick about-face. He’s now calling the remarks “ridiculous,” “insensitive,” and “irresponsible.”

SOPA and PIPA Protests Succeed
The “blackout” protests on the web Wednesday appear to have had an effect. Around 7,000 websites, including Wikipedia, went “dark” to protest proposed anti-piracy legislation, known as SOPA and PIPA, that many claim would essentially legalize online censorship. Several US lawmakers have now withdrawn their support for the proposed laws, including two key sponsors of the bill.

Barack Obama Delays Pipeline
US President Barack Obama has delayed plans for a massive oil pipeline that would run from Western Canada all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico! The White House says that the 1,600-mile Keystone XL pipeline is being put on hold because there was not enough time to properly review the plans. The pipeline has also been a hot topic for environmental groups.

Most Hated Companies Named
A new study from web site 24/7 Wall Street has compiled what it says are the 10 most hated companies in the United States. In no particular order, here are some of the highlights… There’s Facebook, cited for being soft on privacy, AT&T for poor customer service, and Bank of America for price gouging.

Iran Ban
The Iranian government has banned actress Golshifteh Farahani from ever returning to the country. Reason being, one single nude photo of her recently appeared in French magazine Madame Le Figaro. The Iranian actress, who’s starred in films alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, says she agreed to the photo shoot to protest restrictive Islamic codes.

Mark Wahlberg Apology
Mark Wahlberg has issued a full apology for comments he recently made to Men’s Journal about 9/11. The Hollywood A-lister was quoted as saying that if he were on one of the planes that day, it would have never gone done. Public backlash was immediate, prompting Wahlberg to make a quick about-face. He’s now calling the remarks “ridiculous,” “insensitive,” and “irresponsible.”

The world’s largest free encyclopedia, Wikipedia, has shut itself down to oppose the US Stop Online Piracy Act, also known as SOPA. SOPA would give the US Justice Department the power to block websites associated with piracy from appearing in search engine results. However critics say the law is vaguely written and could give the feds the authority to block all sorts of content online.

Members of congress returned to work this week in Washington, amidst historically low approval ratings! A Washington-Post ABC News poll last week put their job approval rating at just 13 percent. And a Gallup poll in December generated even lower figures! Lawmakers were welcomed back to work by hundreds of Occupy Wall Street protesters who had gathered outside the Capitol.