Footbal: Barton stars as Marseille beat Brest

PARIS: Joey Barton was at the centre of both goals as Marseille bounced back from their crushing midweek defeat to Lyon by meting out a 2-1 win to Brest on Sunday.

Elie Baup's men, swept aside 4-1 by Lyon on Wednesday, were back in business inflicting a first home loss of the season on Brest to move up two places into second on 29 points, two behind their midweek tormentors.

Souleymane Diawara put Marseille into a 34th minute lead.

Set up by Barton, the Senegal defender, largely absent in Wednesday's game, broke the deadlock when firing the ball under the crossbar from the edge of the box.

Brest were back on level terms three minutes from the break, with close season signing Dutch striker Charlison Benschop wrong footing Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda off a corner.

The second half was 11 minutes old when Marseille regained the advantage.

Once again, Barton was key. The English midfielder picking up Mathieu Valbuena's cross to feed Andre Ayew who poked the ball home past Brest keeper Alexis Thebaux.

Marseille, who dominated most of the game, deservedly held on for a welcome three points.

This was a bright ending to an uncomfortable week for Marseille, some of whose fans were critical of club president Vincent Labrune for openly laughing during their team's defeat to Lyon on images shown on French television.

Troyes host Rennes and Toulouse are at Lorient in sunday's two late games.

On Saturday, Lyon underlined their title credentials as they beat defending champions Montpellier 1-0, while chasing Paris Saint-Germain slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Nice.

- AFP/fa

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FDI in retail to safeguard international market mafias' interest: BJP

ANI Dec 1, 2012, 03.28PM IST

NEW DELHI: India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said retail reform is a step taken by the Congress led-federal government to safeguard the interests of the international market mafias at the cost of national interest.

BJP vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Saturday that voting inside the parliament would decide as to who is in favour of national interest and who is working for international interests.

"The government feels that their responsibility is to safeguard the interest of international market mafias instead of national interest and for saving the interest of international market mafias, the government is ready to compromise with national interests. Now, the parliament will decide as to who is in support of international market mafias and who are supporting national interests," said Naqvi.

The government's decision to allow foreign supermarket chains such as Wal-Mart had triggered protest not only from opposition parties but also from some of its allies.

BJP had sought debate on the issue of allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector, under the rule that entails voting after discussions.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister Office (PMO), V Narayanaswamy said the government would answer all the queries raised by the opposition parties in the parliament and will explain the benefits of allowing FDI in retail sector.

The lower house of parliament has set December 04 and 05 as the date to vote and debate on FDI. The dates for the upper house are yet to be decided.

Narayanaswamy said the government is confident of becoming victorious in the debate.

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Photos: Kilauea Lava Reaches the Sea

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Into the Sea

  Photograph by Hugh Gentry, Reuters

  A spectacular natural phenomenon was on display early this week as lava from a vent in Hawaii's Kilauea volcano flowed into the ocean, sending up plumes of steam as it made contact with the waves.

  Though lava can still be viewed from Kalapana near the Big Island's Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, ocean entry is no longer occurring, according to the National Park Service.

  Published November 30, 2012

  
  











• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Sea of Fire

  
  Photograph by Hugh Gentry, Reuters
  

  The lava traveled 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Kilauea’s Pu'u O'o vent to the ocean. When lava reaches the water, it cools and hardens, forming a lava delta that can be dangerous to nearby onlookers, according to Reuters.

  The news service reported that no communities on the Big Island were threatened by the lava flow.

  Published November 30, 2012

  
  











• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Volcanic Flare

  
  Photograph by Hugh Gentry, Reuters
  

  A burst of volcanic activity erupts from Kilauea’s crater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on November 27.

  The volcano has been erupting continuously for nearly 30 years. No major damage has been suffered by a town since 1986, according to Reuters.

  Published November 30, 2012

  
  











• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Fiery Encounter

  Photograph by Hugh Gentry, Reuters

  “Ocean entries are beautiful but dangerous,” said Janet Babb, spokeswoman for the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, in a statement reported by Reuters. She warned that the steam could be more hazardous than it appears.

  Published November 30, 2012

  
  











• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Point of Contact

  
  Photograph by Matt Northam, My Shot
  

  A plume of smoke billows where lava from Kilauea meets the sea in this aerial photo taken November 27.

  Published November 30, 2012

  
  











• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Photograph by Peter Vancoillie, Your Shot

  Published November 30, 2012

  
  

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Geithner on Fiscal Cliff: Ball Is in GOP's Court

(ABC News)

With the fiscal cliff looming and no deal to resolve it in sight, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner expressed confidence that a compromise could be reached during my interview with him on “This Week,” but said the burden is now on Republicans to help find a solution to avoid a potential economic crisis.

(More from Sunday’s show HERE.)

“I actually think that we’re gonna get there. I mean, you know, just inevitably gonna be a little political theater in this context,” Geithner said, when asked whether Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell laughed after hearing President Obama’s plan to avert the fiscal cliff. ”Sometimes that’s a sign of progress. Think we’re actually making a little bit of progress, but we’re still some distance apart.”

Echoing widespread Republican rejection of the White House’s proposal last week, House Speaker John Boehner said after meeting with Geithner that ” the White House has to get serious.”

“And at this point though — you gotta recognize that they’re in a very difficult place. And they recognize they’re gonna have to move on a bunch of things.  But they don’t know really how to do it yet. And how to get support from the — from the members on the Republican side,” he said, adding later that the proverbial ball was “absolutely” in the GOP court. “And, you know, when they come back to us and say, ‘We’d like you to consider this.  And we’d like you to consider that,’ we’ll take a look at that.”

Geithner — who met with top GOP leaders this week to present the White House’s proposal to end the fiscal standoff — predicted support from “the business community” and “from the American people” for a deal approximating the one being offered, which reportedly includes tax hikes on the wealthy, cuts to Medicare and some stimulus spending.

However, if there is no agreement by the end of the year, the treasury secretary told me going over the cliff would be “very damaging.”

“Look, there’s a huge amount at stake here in this economy, George.  And there’s just no reason why 98 percent of Americans have to see their taxes go up because some members of Congress on the Republican side want to block tax rate increases for 2 percent of the wealthiest Americans.  Remember, those tax rates, those tax cuts, cost a trillion dollars over 10 years,” he said.

Geithner said the White House plan offered a “good mix” of increased taxes and spending cuts. He also added that Social Security reform would not be part of the discussion to resolve the fiscal cliff.

“We think we have a very good plan, a very good mix of tax reforms that raise a modest amount of revenue on the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans, combined with very comprehensive, very well designed, very detailed savings that get us back to the point where our debt is stable and sustainable,” he said. “We’re prepared to, in a separate process, look at how to strengthen Social Security.  But not as part of a process to reduce the other deficits the country faces,” he said.

Finally, with Geithner wrapping up his time in the president’s cabinet, I asked him if banking executive Jamie Dimon – who has  billionaire Warren Buffett’s endorsement — should be named the next treasury secretary, but Geithner declined to answer directly.

“George, the president’s gonna choose somebody very talented to lead the Treasury for his next four years.  And– I’m very fortunate I’ve been able to work with him to help solve these problems in the country over this period of time.  And I’m very confident he’s gonna have somebody in place– in January to succeed me,” he said.

Like “This Week” on Facebook here. You can also follow the show on Twitter here.

Get more pure politics at ABC News.com/Politics and a lighter take on the news at OTUSNews.com

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Sen. Ayotte offers GOP an influential new voice

The three Republican senators emerged grim-faced from a basement meeting room in the Capitol on Tuesday and took turns before a bank of televisions cameras, blasting away at the Obama administration for its handling of the deadly attack on an American outpost in Benghazi, Libya.

The first two were prominent national security heavyweights, Arizona’s John McCain and Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina. Then the third senator, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, stepped forward. A freshman in her second year and ranked 99th in seniority, Ayotte said she had not been swayed by the administration’s efforts to explain how and why U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice had initially suggested the attack was the result of a spontaneous street protest, instead of a coordinated terrorist attack.

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Football: Michu brace drops Arsenal down to 10th

LONDON: Swansea piled on the misery for Arsenal as Michu scored twice in the closing minutes to clinch a shock 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Spanish forward Michu underlined his growing reputation as the bargain buy of the season with a pair of clinical finishes on the counter attack, prompting Arsenal's fans to unleash a torrent of abuse at manager Arsene Wenger and his players at full-time.

Arsenal have now won just one of their last six Premier League matches and this defeat dropped the Gunners to 10th place in the table.

The north London club are now five points off the top four and to add insult to injury in-form Swansea climbed above them into seventh spot.

There was an early scare for Arsenal when they struggled to deal with Jonathan de Guzman's free-kick into the box and the ball fell to Swansea captain Ashley Williams in front of goal but a defender was in the way of the shot that followed.

Arsenal replied with a wayward effort from Carl Jenkinson but were soon back under pressure and needed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to make a double save to deny Angel Rangel.

The full-back arrived at the back post to cap a superb passing movement that had seen almost every outfield player involved and Arsenal chasing shadows.

Arsenal moved Lukas Podolski from the left flank to the central striking position and the Germany forward saw a shot blocked by a defender before Santi Cazorla headed straight at goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel from Jenkinson's cross.

Seconds later, Swansea came even closer to taking the lead after Michu's header sent Nathan Dyer sprinting for goal, only for Thomas Vermaelen to slide in and block just as the winger unleashed his shot.

The half ended with Gervinho putting a free header so wide that Theo Walcott had to retrieve it from near the corner flag, and the home fans booed Arsenal off as soon as the whistle went.

The second half saw Jack Wilshere set Cazorla up for a low drive that Tremmel was able to block and referee Mark Clattenburg was not interested in awarding a penalty when Chico Flores body-checked Gervinho.

Swansea soaked up the pressure and replied with a shot from Itay Shechter that was deflected behind, before Rangel hit the side-netting after Cazorla had appeared guilty of a dive in the box at the other end.

Wenger made a double change in the 67th minute, with Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replacing Gervinho and Lukas Podolski.

Giroud went down straight away as Flores challenged but referee Clattenberg ruled the defender had got the ball.

Arsenal were applying strong pressure but Tremmel was behind Cazorla's volley.

Yet Swansea had not given up hope of snatching a winner and again Arsenal had Szczesny to thank for a smart save to deny Dwight Tiendalli after the substitute had moved into a shooting position on the right of the box.

Tremmel kept out Vermaelen's header at the other end and Swansea took full advantage of that escape as Michu netted with just two minutes remaining.

The Spaniard played a one-two with substitute Luke Moore which was deflected back into his path and he slotted calmly past Szczesny.

Swansea sealed the win in stoppage-time when Dyer caught Jenkinson in possession to send Michu away and again he made no mistake with only Szczesny to beat.

The final whistle was greeted by loud jeers from the home support as the away supporters celebrated a famous and fully deserved victory.

- AFP/fa

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FDI in retail to safeguard international market mafias' interest: BJP

NEW DELHI: India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said retail reform is a step taken by the Congress led-federal government to safeguard the interests of the international market mafias at the cost of national interest.

BJP vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Saturday that voting inside the parliament would decide as to who is in favour of national interest and who is working for international interests.

"The government feels that their responsibility is to safeguard the interest of international market mafias instead of national interest and for saving the interest of international market mafias, the government is ready to compromise with national interests. Now, the parliament will decide as to who is in support of international market mafias and who are supporting national interests," said Naqvi.

The government's decision to allow foreign supermarket chains such as Wal-Mart had triggered protest not only from opposition parties but also from some of its allies.

BJP had sought debate on the issue of allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector, under the rule that entails voting after discussions.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister Office (PMO), V Narayanaswamy said the government would answer all the queries raised by the opposition parties in the parliament and will explain the benefits of allowing FDI in retail sector.

The lower house of parliament has set December 04 and 05 as the date to vote and debate on FDI. The dates for the upper house are yet to be decided.

Narayanaswamy said the government is confident of becoming victorious in the debate.

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KC Chiefs Player Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide

A Kansas City Chiefs football player committed suicide today in front of his coaches and police outside of the team's stadium, just as officers investigating the shooting of the player's girlfriend arrived on the scene, police said.

The name of the 25-year-old player has not yet been released.

Kansas City Police were first alerted something was wrong by the girlfriend's mother.

"The individual that called, the mother of the victim, stated that her daughter's boyfriend is the one who shot her and he is a Chiefs player," Kansas City Police spokesman Darin Snapp told ABC News Radio.

Visions of America/UIG via Getty Images

Idaho Teacher Accused of Locking Boy, 5, in Dark Closet Watch Video

Shortly thereafter, Snapp said the player drove to Arrowhead Stadium and police were called.

"When the officers arrived, when they were pulling up, they actually observed a black male who had a gun to his head and he was talking to a couple of coaches out in the parking lot," Snapp said. "As officers pulled up, and began to park, that's when they heard the gunshot and it appears the individual took his own life."

Kansas City is scheduled to host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. It was not yet determined whether the game would be postponed.

In a statement issued to ESPN, the Kansas City Chiefs said they are "cooperating with authorities in their investigation."

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Boehner says ‘fiscal cliff’ talks at stalemate as Obama takes his case to the public

Hatfield, Pa. — House Speaker John A. Boehner declared Friday that talks to avert the year-end “fiscal cliff” have reached a “stalemate,” as President Obama insisted that raising taxes on the wealthy is non-negotiable as part of a deal with Congress

In his first domestic trip since winning reelection, Obama demanded on Friday that tax rates on the wealthy must rise as part of a deal to resolve the fiscal cliff, coming here on his first domestic trip since reelection to build a public case for his policies.

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Strauss-Kahn, maid don't have deal yet: lawyers

NEW YORK: Lawyers for Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the disgraced former IMF chief, shot down reports Friday that he was ready to pay $6 million to a Manhattan maid accusing him of sexual assault -- but confirmed that he was negotiating.

In a statement seeking to dampen media speculation over an out-of-court settlement of the maid's civil suit, the lawyers stressed that Strauss-Kahn was talking, but had yet to ink a deal.

"The parties have discussed a resolution but there has been no settlement. Mr Strauss-Kahn will continue to defend the charges if no resolution can be reached," attorneys William Taylor and Amit Mehta said in a brief statement.

The attorneys repeated an earlier denial of a report in French daily Le Monde specifying that Strauss-Kahn, once seen as France's likely next president, was prepared to pay off Sofitel room cleaning lady Nafissatou Diallo.

"Media reports that Dominique Strauss-Kahn has agreed to pay $6 million to settle the civil case are flatly false," Taylor and Mehta said.

According to Le Monde, Strauss-Kahn was to raise the money by borrowing $3 million from a bank and the rest from his estranged wife, Anne Sinclair, a well-known former newsreader who inherited a fortune from her art dealer father.

Diallo's legal team did not comment, but an earlier statement from Strauss-Kahn's legal team had already called the Le Monde report "imaginary and mistaken."

The latest statement did make official that Strauss-Kahn is negotiating with Diallo to end the sordid 18-month legal saga, a development first reported late Thursday by The New York Times, quoting unidentified sources.

Until now, Strauss-Kahn's lawyers repeatedly said they would not agree to a deal, while Diallo's legal team insisted she wanted her day in court to confront her alleged abuser.

Judge Douglas McKeon, who is presiding over the civil case in New York, told AFP "there may be a court session as early as next week," but declined to comment further.

Diallo's allegation of attempted rape in May 2011 triggered a stunning fall from grace for Strauss-Kahn, who had been seen as close to announcing he would run in an upcoming French presidential election.

Criminal charges were thrown out when Manhattan prosecutors said Diallo's testimony wouldn't stand up in court. She then filed her own civil lawsuit in a Bronx court, alleging that the 63-year-old leapt on her, naked, and forced her into oral sex.

Strauss-Kahn, who says a hurried but consensual sex act took place in his luxury room, returned immediately to France after the criminal case disintegrated.

However, by then Strauss-Kahn's career was in tatters, his marriage was on the rocks and he soon faced a string of other sex-related investigations by French authorities.

In France, Strauss-Kahn will learn December 19 if he is to face further investigation into pimping charges arising from allegations that he and associates arranged sex parties with prostitutes in the northern French city of Lille.

His lawyers have filed a request for the charges to be dismissed.

French prosecutors last month dropped an investigation into Strauss-Kahn's alleged participation in a gang rape after the woman involved said she had consented and was not pressing charges.

Strauss-Kahn has also been accused by 32-year-old author Tristane Banon of trying to rape her in 2002.

French investigating magistrates questioned Strauss-Kahn and his accuser and concluded that while there appeared to be evidence of a sexual assault, the alleged attack had occurred too long ago to be prosecuted.

-AFP/ac

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