US default could be disastrous choice for economy

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States has never defaulted on its debt and Democrats and Republicans say they don't want it to happen now. But with partisan acrimony running at fever pitch, and Democrats and Republicans so far apart on how to tame the deficit, the unthinkable is suddenly being pondered.

The government now borrows about 42 cents of every dollar it spends. Imagine that one day soon, the borrowing slams up against the current debt limit ceiling of $14.3 trillion and Congress fails to raise it. The damage would ripple across the entire economy, eventually affecting nearly every American, and rocking global markets in the process.

Kenya, Uganda protest as maize prices skyrocket

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- Stephen Omandi scratched out the number "55" on the sign advertising buckets of maize and wrote in the new price: 60 Kenya shillings.

The price hike amounted to only $0.06. But for the residents of Nairobi's largest slum, where most people live on $1 a day, that 10 percent increase is enough to make the essential food stuff unaffordable.

"We haven't gotten many customers because they complain, 'Why have you increased the price?'" said Omandi. "Five shillings. It's a lot of money, because many people could not afford it at 55, and now it's 60."

Suspect to plead not guilty in webcam death

TORONTO (AP) -- The man accused of killing a Chinese student, attacked in her apartment as her boyfriend watched helplessly through a webcam, will "absolutely" plead not guilty, his lawyer said Friday.

"We want to put together a strong defense and I anticipate that on behalf of my client," Steven Krys, who is representing 29-year-old Brian Dickson, told The Associated Press.

The body of York University student Liu Qian, 23, of Beijing, was found last Friday in her Toronto apartment a few hours after her boyfriend witnessed what appeared to be the beginning of the attack before the webcam was shut off.

Automakers unveil new models at Shanghai auto show

HONG KONG (AP) -- Global automakers are bringing their flashiest SUVs, luxury sedans and electric concept cars to Auto Shanghai, China's biggest auto show of the year, as the industry reels from disruptions caused by the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan last month.

The show has become one of the industry's most important as automakers look to booming China to drive profits. China overtook the United States in 2009 as the biggest auto market and growth stayed strong through the global crisis.

A Consumer's Guidebook to Health Care Modernise

The six-month capable age 26 on your health plan if he or she can not get coverage done a job. Recently policies can not refuse coverage for children capable age 19 based on pre-existing medical specifies. "Grandfathered" plans can, even so, they as well can fix yearly dollar restrains on coverage and call for patients to serve invite a few preventive avails.

Most people in the individual market are anticipated to move to new plans by 2014. Analysts say most plans in the group market will probably have lost their "grandfathered" status because of changes made to them.

Newport Beach Houses - Purchase A New Houses to Live in

Are you still searching a new houses to stay in? California is a big state. There are a lot of people here. And there are many good places here you can spend your life time. You have many options if you choose the California as your next home. If you like live in downtown where more great places could be accessed easy, then you are able to choose Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco. But if you like to live in peace out of the town, thes Newport Beach Houses is the great selection that you will never get anything better.

Libyan Opposition Claims It Rejected Talks with Gadhafi

The Libyan military has stepped up airstrikes on rebel-held Ras Lanouf, as it seeks to stop the westward advance of rebel forces. With the counteroffensive underway, Libya's opposition national council says it is rejecting overtures of talks with the government.

Media reports say the Libyan government denied reaching out to rebels, who want the international community to recognize them as the legitimate leaders of the nation.

The opposition dismisses the idea of talks with the government of Moammar Gadhafi, whose planes continued their attacks Tuesday.