"Play It Again God"

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VietNamNet Bridge – Xa Van The, a village leader in Hoa Binh is well known for many good things he has done for its residents. Now he is even more famous for finishing secondary school at the age of 75.

Dan Tri reporters crossed many high slopes and large streams to arrive at Da Bac District in Hoa Binh province. Yet it was very easy to find the home of Xa Van The, a member of the Tay minority nationality, because he is known by everyone.

When asked why he decided to go to school as an old man, he explained that his grandson twice failed to join the army because he did not have his secondary school diploma. He felt sad to see many children lazy and idle. After thinking for a while, he petitioned authorities for permission to open classes right in the mountain village and persuade local children to go to school.
vietnamnet.vn

A dedicated group of patriotic female pilots were recognized by President Barack Obama July 1 at the White House for their invaluable service to the nation more than 60 years ago.

Women’s Airforce Service Pilots Elaine Danforth Harmon, Bernice Falk Haydu and Lorraine H. Rodgers were joined by five female current Air Force pilots in the White House Oval Office to witness the president sign into law a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the WASP.

“The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country’s call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since,” President Obama said. “Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve.”
af.mil

People who might be down on their luck and can’t bear to part with their animals are getting a break in Cincinnati.

The Associated Press reports dozens of pet owners lined up over the weekend at the Cincinnati Food Pantry to receive a two weeks’ supply of pet food, treats, cat litter and other items. Two local nonprofit animal-rescue groups teamed up to obtain donations to supply the first giveaway.

“People lose their jobs and can’t afford to keep their pets, or they have to move from their house to an apartment that doesn’t allow pets,” said Shannon DeBra, founder of Recycled Doggies, which is working with Pet Alliance on the pantry.
usatoday.com

By JOHN M. BRODER

WASHINGTON — China and India formally agreed Tuesday to join the international climate change agreement reached in December in Copenhagen, the last two major economies to sign up.

The two countries, among the largest and fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, submitted letters to the United Nations agreeing to be included on a list of countries covered by the Copenhagen Accord, a three-page nonbinding statement reached at the end of the contentious and chaotic 10-day conference.
nytimes.com

HSBC boss Michael Geoghegan has confirmed that he will hand up to £4 million of his bonus payouts to charity as the banking giant reported a 56% rise in annual profits.

The group said it made 13.3 billion US dollars (£8.8 billion) in underlying pre-tax profits last year, up from an adjusted 8.6 billion dollars (£5.7 billion) in 2008.

Its chief executive said he would pass on his £4 million bonus entitlement – which will be paid in deferred shares – to charities around the world over the next three years.

HSBC chairman Stephen Green has also waived his entitlement to annual bonus shares.
money.uk.msn.com

Man Falls On Tracks Seconds Before Train Pulls Into Station

A man who was nearly hit by a light rail train in Phoenix, Arizona owes his life to two assistants with the Phoenix Police Department.

Surveillance video from the light train station shows the man, who appears drunk, falling off the light rail platform and onto the tracks the night of March 2, 2010. The two police assistants rush to help him as they flag down the train.
kdka.com

The United States and Brazil signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to slash greenhouse gas emissions from tropical deforestation, one of the main drivers of global climate change. The deal, signed by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Brasilia on Wednesday, marks the first time the two countries have formally agreed to work together on deforestation.

In the past, Brazilian leaders have been wary of foreign interference in the Amazon, Earth’s largest tropical forest. But climate scientists are raising loud alarms that the slashing and burning of forests, which cause about 15% of the emissions that are trapping heat in the atmosphere, threatens to dangerously disrupt the world’s climate.
latimes.com