All to play for at Old Trafford

MADRID (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo showed he was equal to the biggest of occasions with a superb header for Real Madrid against former club Manchester United as their Champions League last-16 first-leg showdown ended 1-1 on Wednesday.

Watched by millions around the world, the hotly-anticipated clash at the Bernabeu was Portuguese Ronaldo's first game against the club where he made his name before joining Real for a world-record fee in 2009.

It also renewed the rivalry between Real coach Jose Mourinho and his United counterpart Alex Ferguson as the La Liga champions seek the 10th European title that has eluded them since 2002 and the Premier League leaders chase a fourth triumph in Europe's elite club competition.

United withstood an early Real onslaught and drew first blood against the run of play in the 20th minute when Danny Welbeck nodded past Diego Lopez from a Wayne Rooney corner.

Ronaldo levelled 10 minutes later when he towered above Patrice Evra to send an Angel Di Maria centre arrowing into the corner.
The result gave United a slight advantage for the return leg in Manchester on March 5, although both sides will regret squandering chances in the second half that could have eased their passage to the last eight.
Mourinho said he was confident his side could score more than one goal at Old Trafford next month.
"It's true they had two big chances in the second half but it was out of context because we were chasing the game and they were defending and waiting," the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager told a news conference.
"Basically, what I thought, everything's open, very open for the second leg. I think this will go to the last minute."
FRAGILE TEENAGER
Ronaldo, top scorer in this season's Champions League with seven goals in seven appearances, barely celebrated his goal and spoke of the debt he owes United, where he was transformed from an inexperienced and fragile teenager into one of the world's most formidable forwards.
"It's a place where I played for six years and I have a lot of affection for the club as everyone knows," Ronaldo told Spanish television broadcaster Canal Plus.
"United are very strong in defence and they created some problems for us. But with the chances we had, we could have scored more goals," the 28-year-old added.
"Everything's open for the game at Old Trafford and I think we have the ability to score goals there and get through."
The two clubs were paired in Europe for the first time in almost a decade and as well as 2008 world player of the year Ronaldo the match showcased some of the game's top performers like United forwards Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney and Real playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Real attacked the visitors' goal from the start, United goalkeeper David De Gea tipping a Fabio Coentrao effort on to a post in the sixth minute as a ragged United struggled to retain possession.
They had yet to have an attempt on goal when Welbeck spun away from Sergio Ramos and nodded inside the post for only his second goal in 28 matches.
Ronaldo, given a rousing ovation from both sets of fans before kickoff, went close following up on his own free kick before his equaliser sent the home fans into raptures.
The Real faithful are hungry for Champions League success as the team's bid for a second straight La Liga title has floundered and they are stuck down in third 16 points behind leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona.
Real were far more threatening going forward but nearly conceded a second in the 34th minute when Welbeck came close to poking a Van Persie centre past Diego Lopez.
BACK FOOT
United started the second half brightly but were soon on the back foot again as Real surged forward in search of a second.
De Gea, who joined United from Real's city rivals Atletico Madrid, again denied Coentrao on the hour when he flung himself to hook the fullback's goal-bound shot away with his right boot.
Although they were seeing little of the ball, United managed to create a number of dangerous openings.
Lopez tipped a searing Van Persie drive on to the bar in the 72nd minute moments before the Netherlands striker squandered a golden chance for United's second.
He controlled the ball in the area but miscued his volley and Xabi Alonso raced back to clear with Lopez stranded.
In the frenetic dying minutes, the United defence scrambled the ball away from Ronaldo close to goal and Lopez palmed a Van Persie drive around the post.
"The disappointing thing for me was in the first half we sat back off them and they had a lot of play around the edge of our box and that's unlike us," Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"We changed it in the second half and put Danny Welbeck on top of Xabi Alonso and it made a big difference in terms of the ebb of the game and made us better in the second half," he added.
"We didn't have the possession we would have liked but I've got to be pleased. The players have dug in and we go back to Old Trafford with a great chance."

North Korea conducts nuclear test

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea conducted a nuclear test on Tuesday, South Korea's defence ministry said, after seismic activity measuring 4.9 magnitude was registered by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The epicentre of the seismic activity, which was only one km below the Earth's surface, was close to the North's known nuclear test site.

"We've been informed by the South Koreans that there's been a (North Korean) nuclear test," a U.N. Security Council diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

An international nuclear test monitoring agency said the location of the seismic event was "roughly congruent with" 2006 and 2008 tests carried out by the reclusive state and had "clear explosion-like characteristics".
North Korea, which had been threatening a third nuclear test, had informed Beijing and Washington on Monday of plans to undertake a test, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

The isolated state, which is banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions from developing nuclear and missile technology, did not make any immediate comment.

North Korea is not prone to seismic activity and it may take hours or even days to determine officially whether a nuclear test had been conducted.
South Korea's defence ministry said the North Korean seismic event could be the result of a 6-7 kiloton or stronger nuclear blast. South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak called a national security council meeting for 0400 GMT.
North Korea successfully launched a long-range rocket in December in violation of U.N. resolutions that banned it from developing missile or nuclear technology after nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009.
It announced plans for a third nuclear test in response to the sanctions imposed in January after the rocket launch, although satellite imagery indicated it has been readying its test site for more than a year

Nothing like Australia this Valentine’s Day!

Whether you are newlyweds, or just looking to share memorable couple-time away from home, Australia is your ideal destination for romance

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  Yahoo Lifestyle Entertainment/Tourism Australia - A romantic drive through Hunter Valley, Australia

Love will bind you together for a lifetime, but special romantic getaways form unforgettable highlights of your relationship. Whether you are newlyweds, or just looking to share memorable couple-time away from home, Australia is your ideal destination for romance.

Australia offers truly diverse experiences and settings for you to create your very own romantic journey. Whether your desire is to be pampered and left alone at luxurious private retreats, awed by unique natural landscapes from rainforests to deserts, intoxicated by endless pristine beaches, seduced by fine wines and cuisines, or entertained by the colourful happenings of world-class cities, you will find a wealth of choices in our great island-continent.

Drive at your own leisure and discover some of the most beautiful touring routes you’ll ever see, from the Great Ocean Road to the Great Sunshine Way. Meander through rolling hills and luscious rainforests, and see amazing coastlines. With our great roads and clear signs, it couldn’t be easier.

Capture stunning views by hitting the skies on a scenic seaplane flight, or charter a helicopter for your private aerial tour. For that age-old romantic flair, nothing beats floating on a hot-air balloon over vineyards or over a waking city.

Sea breeze caresses your hair as you lay side-by-side on the sundrenched deck… Sailing through the Whitsunday’s 74 scenic islands is one of many wonderful activities you both can enjoy here. Featuring the likes of Hayman, Hamilton and Daydream islands, the Whitsundays sit within the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, offering resorts for the perfect romantic retreat. The Whitsundays region of the Great Barrier Reef offers helicopter and scenic seaplane flights to the iconic Whitehaven Beach, composed of pure white silica and one of the world’s whitest, as well as the perfectly formed Heart Reef.

As you pull over to take in yet another beautiful sight, one of the Kangaroo Island’s friendly residents and namesakes comes peering through your car window. Driving at your own pace is a great way to see the Island, a mere 30-minute flight from Adelaide. The island is hailed as ‘one of earth’s last unspoilt refuges’, et acquainted with Kangaroos, Sea Lions and Fairy Penguins in their natural habitats here. Marvel at the Island’s turquoise beaches (Vivonne Bay), unique geological formations (Remarkable Rocks) and spectacular sand dunes (Little Sahara) within easy reach of your quaint seaside cottage, cliff-top house at the super-exclusive Lifetime Private Retreats, or luxury lodge at Southern Ocean Lodge.

No romantic experience is complete without food and wine. And you don’t even need an expensive candlelight dinner. With its rich mix of culture and world quality produce, Australia delivers gourmet and simple good food from a diverse range of cuisines to tantalize your palate. With many sensational dining locations, you’ll find your perfect setting for romance here. Be it the picturesque vineyards like Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley or Hunter Valley or gazing up at the stars whilst you enjoy a scrumptious meal and the Sounds of Silence under the Ayer’s Rock.

Sydney Harbour is the heart and soul of Sydney. Alive with ferries, yachts, launches and kayaks, it is Sydney’s playground, used by many for sailing, swimming, diving or just enjoying the foreshore. Climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to see Sydney from a different perspective.

Applauded as one of the most exciting and innovative buildings of the modern era, the dramatic Sydney Opera House is Sydney’s premier venue for the performing arts. There’s nothing like attending a performance here for a special night out.

Hunter Valley & Port Stephens, New South Wales
When it comes to food and wine tourism, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia's most popular regions. In many ways, the Hunter Valley has pioneered Australian wine destination tourism by incorporating other attractions such as spa retreats, golf courses and family resorts to its mix. In recent years, it has become a foodies’ mecca with many local shops offering local cheeses, chocolates and more. Moreover, it now boasts some of the nation’s best regional dining at cellar door and standalone restaurants.

Port Stephens, is the perfect holiday destination.  It is two and a half hour drive north of Sydney with golden sandy beaches, crystal clear water and blue skies that go on forever. It is known for its nature and abundance of aquatic marine life and land activities on its sparsely crowded sandy beaches, sheltered bays and unspoilt national parks.

Wine Glass Bay, Tasmania
Rugged pink granite mountains, dazzling white sand beaches and sapphire blue waters define the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast. Consistently rated among the top 10 beaches in the world, Wineglass Bay, shaped, as the name suggests, like a wineglass, is one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations.

This sunny peninsula is also renowned for its succulent grass-fed meats and fresher than fresh seafood. Taste crayfish, scallops and salty-sweet oysters picked straight from some of the world’s cleanest waters. Overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and Great Oyster Bay, Saffire Freycinet is a premium luxury lodge immersed in nature. Both sophisticated and intimate, the lodge features the best in design and furnishings to capture the unique nature of the surrounding coastline.

This Valentine’s Day come discover romance in a destination which is so varied and stunning, it just takes your breath away. 

 

Rajat Gupta: From orphan to Goldman Sachs to New York court

New York:  Rajat Gupta, who stands accused of insider trading, was a pillar of New York society, courted by charities, corporations and wealthy individuals seeking ways and means to make even more money.

Turkey quake death toll rises to 523

Ercis, Turkey:  Rain and snow on Thursday compounded difficulties for thousands rendered homeless in the powerful earthquake that hit eastern Turkey, and the government said the death toll has gone up to 523.

Eden ready for champs

Next Tuesday, the Eden Gardens will host the ODI world champions for the first time since its Rs 80-crore revamp. Metro walks through the stadium to find out what has changed since the India-England World Cup tie was shifted to Bangalore in February

For the first time, the team buses will pull up in front of five giant pictures — of Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Laxman and Dravid, India’s T20 World Cup win and Sachin Tendulkar — above the main entrance of the stadium. The rest of the façade is made of glass, which has replaced murals of a bowler in delivery stride and a batsman following through after a lofted drive.

Newly published audio provides real-time view of 9/11 attacks

For one instant on the morning of September 11, an airliner that had vanished from all the tracking tools of modern aviation suddenly became visible in its final seconds to the people who had been trying to find it.

This car hasn't broken down since 1904

London:  A couple in Britain are proud owners of a car which hasn't broken down in the last 107 years.

The one-cylinder motor vehicle, which can run at a top speed of over 46 km per hour, averages around 17 km per litre. 

Blast near mosque, kills 5 in Pakistan

Quetta:  A police official says a car bomb has exploded in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least 5 people. 

Abdul Jamil says the blast occurred on Wednesday as hundreds of people were leaving a mosque in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province.

East Coast quake strongest since World War II

Mineral, Virginia:  Tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada were jolted on Tuesday by the strongest earthquake to strike the East Coast since World War II. Three weeks before the 10th anniversary of September 11, office workers poured out of New York skyscrapers and the Pentagon, relieved it was nothing more sinister than an act of nature.

Journalists freed from Tripoli hotel after days

Tripoli:  International journalists were freed from the Rixos Hotel in Tripoli on Wednesday, after being held for five days by armed men loyal to Moammar Gaddafi.

The dozens of journalists were taken in Red Cross cars and vans to a Tripoli hotel, where they were united with friends and colleagues.

The International Committee of the Red Cross was talking to loyalist forces about the journalists' safety today when they were suddenly informed that Gaddafi's men were ready to release them.

"We were able to gather everyone in four cars, no problem," said George Comninos, the Red Cross' head of delegation in Tripoli. "Of course, it was still a tense situation."

The journalists had been held at gunpoint by two nervous Kalashnikov-wielding guards who refused to give up their posts despite rebel victories elsewhere in the city.

Earlier in the day, an Associated Press reporter who entered the hotel found the journalists wearing helmets and flak jackets, clustered on the second floor, where a guard said they weren't permitted to leave.

Other journalists showed up at the gate, including a group in a car decorated with a rebel flag, and were forced out of the car and into the hotel, where they joined the dozens who had been there for days.

Those who had been held captive inside the hotel described running battles in the area, and intermittent electricity.

They were sleeping huddled on the floor in one wing of the hotel to protect each other for fear of people being attacked in their rooms, their belongings packed in case of need for a sudden departure.

Several said the first days of their captivity featured some of the most frightening moments.

"''We were in the dining room making a big pot of tea when a sniper put two rounds through the window,"  Paul Roubicek, a video journalist said.

He said that at other times the captives couldn't go outside because snipers were shooting at them and at their satellite equipment on the roof.

Jomana Karadsheh, CNN journalist said, the captives were held by 15 armed men until Tuesday. Some of the journalists' captors held impromptu press conferences describing their plans for a massive final battle around the Rixos.

"Once I got into the car I couldn't stop crying," she said.

Except for the two guards, all the hotel employees had fled and the journalists were cooking for themselves. One guard expressed surprise when told most of the city was in rebel hands. Parked in front of the hotel was the bus once used by government minders to ferry journalists around the city - on its windshield was a huge poster of Gaddafi - one of the only ones apparently left in the city.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/journalists-freed-from-tripoli-hotel-after-days-128770&cp

GCC welcomes collapse of Gaddafi regime in Libya

Dubai:  The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has welcomed the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi regime, saying the group will continue its support for the Libyan people to realise their hopes for a better future.

"This decisive transitional period needs cooperation between all Libyans of walks of life and all hues to help open
a new chapter in Libya's history that enhances national unity and reconciliation and pave the way for building new Libya in which security, stability and welfare prevail," said Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, GCC Secretary General.

Libyan rebels offers £1 million reward for Gaddafi's whereabouts

Tripoli:  Libyan rebels have announced an amnesty for anyone within Col Muammar Gaddafi's "inner circle" who captures or kills him, and a $1.7m (£1m) reward.

The head of the National Transitional Council (NTC), Mustafa Abdel Jalil, announced the amnesty offer from the eastern city of Benghazi.

"Gaddafi's forces and his accomplices will not stop resisting until Gaddafi is caught or killed," he said.

Indian-origin analyst fined $34m for insider trading

New York:  An Indian-origin former analyst has been accused of providing confidential company information in the Raj Rajaratnam-led insider trading scheme, has been fined $34 million for his role in the scheme.

Deep Shah, who was with credit ratings agency Moody's, is currently believed to be in India.

He has failed to "appear, answer or otherwise defend the Securities and Exchange Commission's action," the Commission said on Thursday.

Sonia seventh most powerful woman; Merkel on top, says Forbes

Washington:  Congress party president Sonia Gandhi figures as the seventh most powerful woman of the world in the Forbes list which is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The 64-year-old Sonia Gandhi, who is recouping from surgery in a US hospital, is ranked seventh, just ahead of US First Lady Michelle Obama in a list of 100 most powerful women of the world released by the Forbes magazine.

Pakistan must eliminate terror safe havens, say US Senators

Washington:  Three key US Senators have asked Pakistan to take steps to eliminate terrorist safe havens in the country, if Islamabad wanted a closer relationship with the US.

The Senators charged Pakistan with not taking enough action against militants of the Haqqani group and Quetta Shura. They added that actions against these outfits was vital, as they were posing a greater threat than
ever.

Lack of value for human life in Pakistan

Islamabad:  The "terrible story" of a woman beating her 12-year-old servant to death for not feeding her dog, points to the lack of value for human life in Pakistani society.

Photo album from Gaddafi's compound reveals his 'diplo-crush' on Condoleezza Rice

New York:  When you're the single, attractive secretary of state for the United States, you're bound to pick up groupies in all corners of the international diplomatic scene.

But for Condoleezza Rice, who has been linked with diplomats from Rome (the Italian foreign minister,  Massimo D'Alema) to London (Foreign Minister Jack Straw of Britain) to Pictou, Nova Scotia (the Canadian diplo-hunk Peter McKay), perhaps the strangest of all has always been Colonel Moammar Gaddafi of Libya.

India's Haj seat quota raised by 10,000

New Delhi:  Saudi Arabia has announced an additional quota of 10,000 Haj devotees for India.

"The entire lot of these 10,000 seats have been transferred to Haj Committee of India, Mumbai," the external affairs ministry said on Thursday.

53 dead in attack on casino in northern Mexico

Monterry, Mexico:  Two dozen gunmen burst into a casino in northern Mexico on Thursday, doused it with gasoline and started a fire that trapped gamblers inside, killing 53 people and injuring a dozen more, authorities said.

The fire at the Casino Royale in Monterrey, a city that has seen a surge in drug cartel-related violence, represented one of the deadliest attacks on an entertainment centre in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against drug cartels in late 2006.