Tight security at Iraq pilgrimage
Monday December 28 2009
The Shi'ite Muslim religious festival of Ashura passed without major violence in Iraq yesterday, after tight security was deployed to safeguard millions from the bloody attacks that marred past pilgrimages.
At mosques and shrines across Iraq, millions of Shi'ites, Iraqis and foreigners, commemorated the slaying of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Hussein at the battle of Kerbala in 680 AD.
Labour MP dies on family walk
British MP David Taylor has died after having a heart attack during a walk at a country house with his family on St Stephen's Day.
The 63-year-old Labour parliamentarian was voted Backbencher of the Year in 2007 by fellow MPs.
Actor Sheen 'used weapon' in attack
Authorities say actor Charlie Sheen has been accused of using a weapon in an alleged case of domestic violence in Aspen, Colorado.
Sheen spent part of Christmas Day in jail after being arrested at a home in the US ski resort town. He was also arrested on investigation of second-degree assault and criminal mischief. Sheen was released on Friday after posting bail. Prosecutors are deciding whether to file charges.
Bingo caller gets ban on 'fat ladies'
A BRITISH councillor who calls the numbers at charity bingo sessions has stopped saying "two fat ladies 88" and "legs 11" because council officials fear that players might take offence and sue.
Pensioner John Sayers, who runs weekly games in the town hall in Sudbury, Suffolk, England, said no one had complained about being offended -- but players moaned that his numbers-only style was "boring".
Suicide bomber kills five at event
A suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a large gathering of Shi'ite Muslims in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir yesterday, killing five people and wounding 80, police revealed.
The attacker blew himself up as police tried to search him at a checkpoint set up outside an event -- part of the annual Ashura festival. The five killed included two police.
Irish Independent
