Murdoch matriarch devoted to charity work
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was not just a leading philanthropist but also matriarch of one of the world's most powerful families and a key confidant to son Rupert as he built his global media empire.
Arab world to bear brunt of climate change: World Bank
Global warming will have dire consequences for the Middle East and North Africa, with even hotter and drier conditions devastating everything from agriculture to tourism.
Hollywood sign unveiled after major makeover
The refurbished Hollywood sign was presented in all its freshly painted glory Tuesday after its biggest makeover in 35 years, in time for 90th birthday celebrations next year.
05 December 2012
Thais pack Bangkok for king's birthday celebration
Tens of thousands of Thais crowded central Bangkok on Wednesday for a rare address by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, as part of celebrations for his 85th birthday.
05 December 2012
Japan eyes reduced emission cut target: official
Japan may backpedal on its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter, an official said Wednesday, dealing a further blow to already deadlocked global warming talks in Doha.
Climate talks enter second week with 'hot air' dispute Countries entered a second week of UN climate talks in Doha on Monday deeply divided on key issues even as fresh warnings were issued that rising greenhouse gas levels are putting our planet in peril.
03 December 2012
Australia set for China's Forbidden City theme park A China theme park in Australia featuring a full-size replica of gates to the Forbidden City and a nine-storey temple could rival the Sydney Opera House as a tourist drawcard.
03 December 2012
Missing Pacific island riddle solved: researcher A New Zealand researcher Monday claimed to have solved the riddle of a mystery South Pacific island shown on Google Earth and world maps which does not exist, blaming a whaling ship from 1876.
03 December 2012
Seven cultural giants honored at Kennedy Center Seven top performing artists from around the world were honored late Sunday at Washington's John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for their lifetime contribution to American culture.
03 December 2012
Russian drivers stuck for days in traffic jam Russian officials struggled on Sunday to contain a monster highway traffic jam sparked by heavy snowfall that left many drivers stuck for days.
03 December 2012
Desmond Tutu rejects Nobel Peace Prize for EU Archbishop Desmond Tutu and two other Nobel Peace laureates have written to the foundation in protest at the decision to award the 2012 prize to the European Union.