Article Source: The New York Times

WASHINGTON — When one of Cuba’s best-known musicians landed in the United States, his first appearance was not onstage, but on Capitol Hill.

Carlos Varela, often referred to as Cuba’s Bob Dylan, had come to remix an album with his good friend Jackson Browne. But he also hoped to help reshape relations between the United States and his homeland.

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Article Source: The Australian

NEW Zealand Prime Minister John Key has indicated to Fiji military ruler and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama he would like to start the relationship over again next year in a more positive way.

This marks the first apparent shift from the regional solidarity in which Mr Key and his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd have tackled the aftermath of the 2006 Fiji coup in tandem.

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Article Source: The Boston Globe

LEGAZPI, Philippines - About 47,000 Filipinos who fled their homes in anticipation of the eruption of the Mayon volcano shared rations of noodles, fried fish, and fruit to celebrate Christmas in evacuation centers.

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Article Source: CNN

Jerusalem (CNN) -- Archaeologists in Israel say they have discovered the remains of a home from the time of Jesus in the heart of Nazareth.

The Israeli Antiquities Authority said the find "sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus" in the Jewish settlement of Nazareth, where Christians believe Jesus grew up.

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