Jump to March 2012 archive page: 1 2 3 4 ... 19
  • London penguins show off their Olympic diving form

    Toby Melville / Reuters

    An Humboldt Penguin dives off a board as a heron stands in the background at London Zoo in London March 29, 2012. The diving board has been installed to coincide with 'Inspired by 2012' London Olympic program.

    Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP

    A Humboldt Penguin swims under water after taking a dive from the new Olympic London 2012 style diving board installed in the penguin enclosure at London Zoo, Thursday, March 29, 2012.

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  • Hundreds of donkeys abandoned in lingering drought

    Gerald Herbert / AP

    Keith Gantt feeds abandoned donkeys he recovered, in Athens, La., Friday, March 16, 2012. Prolonged drought in the southern plains coupled with the nation's economic slump has taken a heavy toll on the humble donkey. Across east Texas and north Louisiana, farmers whose grazing land has dried up have sold off herds of cattle, putting livestock-tending donkeys out of work and making it too expensive to keep those bought as pets or for other reasons. In the north Louisiana town of Athens, Keith Gantt, who rounds up loose livestock for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, has hundreds of donkeys he can't give away. He's had some for two years.

    AP reports:

    With pastures withered from a lingering drought, farmers in Texas and northwest Louisiana have abandoned donkeys by the hundreds, turning them into wandering refugees that have severely tested animal rescue groups.

    The nation's biggest donkey rescue group says that since March 2011, it has taken in nearly 800 donkeys abandoned in Texas, where ranchers mainly used the animals to guard their herds. Many of the cattle and goats have been sold off, largely because of the drought and the nation's economic slump, putting the donkeys out of a job. Continue reading.

    Gerald Herbert / AP

    Abandoned donkeys recovered by Keith Gantt and his wife Karla Gantt are seen in Athens, La., Friday, March 16, 2012.

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  • Disabled veterans hit the slopes at winter sports clinic

    John Moore / Getty Images

    Blind military veterans snowshoe up the mountainside with the help of instructors on March 28, 2012 in Snowmass Village, Colorado.

    More than 350 U.S. military veterans are taking part in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic held between March 25-30 in Snowmass Village, Colorado. The cliinic is co-sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Disabled American Veterans. It teaches winter sports with the aim to motivate veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, and neurological problems to heal both mentally and physically.

    John Moore / Getty Images

    Disabled military veteran Manuel Siquig skis down the mountainside on a mono-ski with the help of an instructor on March 28, 2012 in Snowmass Village, Colorado.

    John Moore / Getty Images

    Disabled military veterans and instructors snowmobile along a tract of snow on March 29, 2012 at the T-Lazy 7 Ranch near Aspen, Colorado. Volunteers had trucked in snow for the event, due to weak snowfall this spring.

    John Moore / Getty Images

    Disabled veteran Jon Engles stands with his custom crutches on March 29, 2012 in Snowmass, Colorado.

    John Moore / Getty Images

    Disabled veterans collide during a sled hockey game on March 29, 2012 in Aspen, Colorado.

    John Moore / Getty Images

    U.S. secret service agents demonstrate self-defense techniques to disabled veterans on March 28, 2012 in Snowmass Village, Colorado.

    John Moore / Getty Images

    Disabled veterans hit the dance floor at a rock show on March 28, 2012 in Snowmass Village, Colorado.

     

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  • Nationwide protests in Spain turn violent, destructive

    Alvaro Barrientos / AP

    Demonstrators run on the street as they try to flee riot police during a general strike to protest against the government's tough new labor reforms and cutbacks in Pamplona, northern Spain on March 29.

    Andres Kudacki / AP

    A protester throws a chair inside a food shop in Madrid on March 29 during a general strike.

    Emilio Morenatti / AP

    Mirian Burrueco, 30, reacts behind the broken glass of her shop stormed by demonstrators during clashes at the general strike in Barcelona on March 29.

    Spanish workers livid over labor reforms they see as flagrantly pro-business staged a nationwide strike Thursday and tried to bring the country to a halt by blocking traffic, closing factories and clashing with police in rowdy demonstrations. 

    Spain is expected to announce more cuts with hopes that austerity measures will prevent it from needing a bailout.

    The country is already heading toward recession and has an unemployment rate of almost 23 percent. Traders are worried that if Spain falls into financial trouble, larger economies such as Italy could be next.

    --Msnbc.com wire services contributed to this post.

    Related links:

    David Ramos / Getty Images

    A masked demonstrator walks past a burning Starbucks during heavy clashes with riot police during a 24-hour strike on March 29 in Barcelona.

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  • Waiting to win $540 million in Mega Millions Lottery

    Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

    Sierra Luchien and Tammy Redlen celebrate as they walk into the Blue Bird liquor store after waiting in line for nearly three hours to purchase their Mega Millions lottery ticket on March 29 in Hawthorne, Calif.

    Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

    Hundreds of people waited for more than two hours in a line stretching around the block of Blue Bird liquor store in Hawthorne, Calif. to buy Mega Millions lottery tickets on March 29.

    People stood in lines across America that lasted hours for the opportunity to buy their chance to win $540 million in Friday's Mega Millions Lottery.

    Nobody matched all six numbers in Tuesday's regular draw, and the total jackpot has been growing since. With a $540 million total, the lump sum payment is estimated at $389.8 million, according to lottery officials. Winners can also take payments annually for 26 years.

    The amount that could be won may still rise depending on how many tickets are actually sold.

    --Msnbc.com staff

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  • Lindsay Lohan free of probation from drunk driving case

    Left: David McNew / Pool | Right: Joe Klamar / Pool

    LEFT: Actress Lindsay Lohan reacts beside her attorney Shawn Chapman Holley as Judge Marsha Revel rules that Lohan had violated her probation on a 2007 drunken driving charge in a Beverly Hills courtroom in July 2010. RIGHT: Today, Holley and Lohan react during a probation progress report hearing when Judge Stephanie Sautner decided to take Lohan off probation for the drunken driving case.

    David McNew / Pool via AFP - Getty Images

    In July 2010: When Lindsay Lohan was sentenced to 90 days jail for violating probation, the Hollywood starlet had a message written on the fingernail of her middle finger.

    What a difference several years make. Today a Los Angeles judge lifted the formal probation that ruled Lindsay Lohan's life since a 2007 drunk driving arrest, but in July 2010, the actress was seen in the Beverly Hills courtroom pleading with her attorney, Shawn Holley, and flashing cameras expletives written across her fingernails.

    Today, Lohan said that the judge's fairness "really opened a lot of doors for me," and the actress and Holley thanked the judge.

    What's next for Lohan? The former "Parent Trap" child star is now on the comeback trail, with an upcoming guest part in TV musical "Glee" and a TV movie role as screen legend Elizabeth Taylor.

    --Msnbc.com wire services contributed to this post.

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    Jonathan Alcorn / Reuters

    Actress Lindsay Lohan departs the hearing in her DUI case at Airport Branch Courthouse in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 29, 2012.

  • From weapons to lipstick: former Tamil Tigers prepare to return home

    Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP - Getty Images

    Former Tamil Tiger rebels prepare backstage during a rehabilitation official ceremony fashion show in Colombo on March 29. The program to release nearly 400 former combatants to their families. Officials said more than 10,000 ex-combatants have been rehabilitated and released to their families since the war ended in May 2009.

    Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP - Getty Images

    Sri Lankan former Tamil Tiger dancers perform during an official ceremony for former Tamil Tiger rebels in Colombo on March 29. The program to release nearly 400 former combatants to their families. Officials said more than 10,000 ex-combatants have been rehabilitated and released to their families since the war ended in May 2009.

    The Tamil Tigers were a notorious terrorist group in Sri Lanka, beginning in 1983. In their efforts to create an independent Tamil state, they enlisted women in suicide attacks that terrorized the country for over 20 years. According to the FBI, they are credited with inventing the suicide belt. These attacks lead to the death of tens of thousands of people, according to TIME:

    The LTTE (the group is formally known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) has bombed public buildings and transportation hubs, Buddhist temples and other locations, and is known for missions involving female suicide bombers and for recruitment of child soldiers. Fighters reportedly wear cyanide capsules around their necks that they swallow if they are about to be captured by government forces.

    The conflict in Sri Lanka largely came to an end when the rebels were defeated in May 2009, but the lasting effects of the war are still present. It is encouraging to see that these women are being offered some assistance in rebuilding their lives.

    Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP - Getty Images

    Former Tamil Tiger rebels prepare backstage during a rehabilitation official ceremony fashion show in Colombo on March 29. The program to release nearly 400 former combatants to their families. Officials said more than 10,000 ex-combatants have been rehabilitated and released to their families since the war ended in May 2009.

    Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP - Getty Images

    Former Tamil Tiger rebels prepare backstage during a rehabilitation official ceremony fashion show in Colombo on March 29. The program to release nearly 400 former combatants to their families. Officials said more than 10,000 ex-combatants have been rehabilitated and released to their families since the war ended in May 2009.

    Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP - Getty Images

    Former Tamil Tiger rebels prepare backstage during a rehabilitation official ceremony fashion show in Colombo on March 29. The program to release nearly 400 former combatants to their families. Officials said more than 10,000 ex-combatants have been rehabilitated and released to their families since the war ended in May 2009.

  • It's a Snap: Travel photos from around the world

    Submitted by Ted Laven / UGC

    Dawn breaking over the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

    Our readers get around. This week's photo gallery features images from Kenya to Colombia to Switzerland and other stunning settings.

    Scroll through this impressive set of images and vote for your favorite at the bottom.

    Submitted by Ann Mellema / UGC

    Great Blue Heron, Florida

    Submitted by Gerda IJbema / UGC

    Cabo de la Vela, Colombia

    Submitted by Jackie Bryan / UGC

    Oregon coast

    Submitted by Dave Tutin / UGC

    Leopard, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

    Submitted by Christene Main / UGC

    Gimmelwald, Switzerland

    Submitted by Doug Levy / UGC

    Sloths

    Submitted by Adil Ifham / UGC

    Piha Beach, New Zealand

    Submitted by Jason Houck / UGC

    Akaka Falls, Hawaii

    Submitted by Stormy Sweitzer / UGC

    Zebra, Eastern Cape, South Africa

    Submitted by Lisa Cavazos / UGC

    Isle of Wight, England

    Submitted by Robin Mann / UGC

    Toucan, Parque das Aves near Iguazu Falls in Brazil

    Submitted by Alistair Maclean / UGC

    Great Wall of China

    Submitted by Marty Howes / UGC

    Keukenhof, Holland

    Submitted by Jack Bristow / UGC

    Manarola, Italy

    If you have photos you'd like to share, submit them for a chance to be featured in the weekly gallery.

    Also, be sure to check out previous It's a Snap posts and galleries.

  • Water canons push back when teachers protest education bill in Turkey

    Umit Bektas / Reuters

    Sebahat Tuncel, a Kurdish member of parliament, runs for cover as riot police disperse demonstrators during a protest against a government attempt to railroad a new education bill through parliament in Ankara March 29. Members of teachers' union and opposition supporters gathered in the Turkish capital of Ankara to protest against a government attempt to railroad the new education bill through parliament which secular parties say is designed to promote Islamic schooling. The government wants to overturn a 1997 law imposed with the backing of the military which extended compulsory education from five to eight years, but also stopped under-15s attending religious "imam hatip" schools.

    Adem Altan / AFP - Getty Images

    Police use tear gas to disperse demonstrators during a protest against a government attempt to railroad a new education bill through parliament in Ankara, Turkey, on March 29. Police used tear gas and water cannons to break up the demonstration, which had been called by the KESK public service union with the aim of marching on parliament.

    Adem Altan / AFP - Getty Images

    Police use water cannon to disperse demonstrators during a protest against a government attempt to railroad a new education bill through parliament in Ankara, Turkey, on March 29.

    Adem Altan / AFP - Getty Images

    Police use water cannon to disperse demonstrators during a protest against a government attempt to railroad a new education bill through parliament in Ankara, Turkey, on March 29.

    Adem Altan / AFP - Getty Images

    Police use water cannon to disperse demonstrators during a protest against a government attempt to railroad a new education bill through parliament in Ankara, Turkey on March 29.

  • From single parenthood to stalled careers, military spouses make own sacrifice for country

    Erin Trieb / VII for msnbc.com

    For the past 22 years, Carla Fears has followed her husband, Sgt. 1st class Nathaniel Fears, from base to base, taking any job she could find. With her husband planning to retire in the next year or two, she's now trying to figure out what job she wants to do instead of what she has to do.

    Strength. Resilience. Motivation. Confidence. Adaptability. Those are just some of the qualities military spouses mentioned when describing how their experience in the military -- by marriage -- should be attractive to prospective employers. I spoke with them at a job fair at Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas, Wednesday, while reporting with photojournalist Erin Trieb. 

    There was obvious pride in what they had learned from a life in the military; but there was also frustration. For many, moving from base to base, not just in the U.S. but also around the world, limited their career paths. With only a year or two in one place, they were often taking any job they could get, not following their passions or skills. Military spouses -- 95 percent women --  have an unemployment rate of 26 percent, according to the Department of Defense, over two times the national average for civilians.


    According to job counselors at Ft. Hood, the military is making an effort to slow down transfers, to allow military families to stay in one place for at least three years. They are hosting job fairs and encouraging military spouses to add volunteer activities to their resumes. Military studies show that they volunteer at a rate four times the national average. They want to remind employers that even if a job history looks checkered, there are ways outside of a traditional job for people to learn leadership, team work and creativity. Melissa Brown, a military spouse who's family of four moved ten times within five states makes the point, "After 12 years as a military spouse, I can keep a team together." Meet more military spouses and learn about their story in the slideshow below.

    Military spouses get special attention at a job fair at Ft. Hood, Texas. Those married to military service members have an unemployment rate more than twice that of the civilian population.

    More Hiring our Heroes, an initiative by NBC News and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that aims to get veterans back into the workforce.

    Learn more about job fairs for veterans.

    Also, explore Erin Trieb’s ongoing Homecoming Project, an awareness and educational campaign using imagery to educate the public about PTSD and the struggles many service members face after coming home from war.  Funds raised from the campaign benefit local non-profit groups serving veterans.

  • Myanmar: A nation 'at the beginning of a road,' ahead of parliamentary elections

    Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

    Burmese feed the seagulls at a jetty along the Yangon river ahead of the parliamentary elections on March 29, in Yangon, Myanmar. The upcoming vote is seen as an important vote of confidence for the country as it continues on the road to political and diplomatic reform. Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has fallen ill while campaigning for Myanmar's upcoming by-elections and has currently suspended her tour days ahead of the polls according to medical advice.

    Barbara Walton / EPA

    A Burmese seller adjusts t-shirts supporting the vote for Aung San Suu Kyi, democracy campaigner and leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, at a shop in Yangon, Myanmar, on 29 March. A new wave of reform in Myanmar is taking place ahead of parliamentary by-elections scheduled for 01 April, in which Aung San Suu Kyi will contest in the rural constituency of Kawmhu, south of Yangon. Her father General Aung San, who was assassinated by rivals in 1947, is seens on T-shirt on the right.

    Reuters reports -- Aung San Suu Kyi, the long-time standard-bearer for democracy in Myanmar, is taking a leap of faith in running for parliament on Sunday, opting to enter a political system crafted and run by the soldiers who kept her locked up for a total of 15 years.

    Her party's participation in this weekend's by-elections marks a change of heart for the Nobel Peace Prize winner who repeatedly rebuffed the military's attempts to bring her into a political apparatus in which it dictated the terms.

    But since a general election in November 2010, followed by Suu Kyi's release from house arrest the same month, the pace of change in the former Burma under a nominally civilian government has been staggering, enough to convince her to compromise with the apparently reform-minded ex-generals now in charge.

    Christophe Archambault / AFP - Getty Images

    Commuters cross the Yangon river in Yangon on March 29. More than two decades after its stolen election win, Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party is set for a dramatic political comeback in Myanmar polls which could herald an easing of sanctions.

    Some Burmese fear it is a deal with the devil that will serve mainly to endorse a military-dominated legislature.

    Suu Kyi is keeping an open mind.

    "Some are a little bit too optimistic about the situation. We are cautiously optimistic. We are at the beginning of a road," the 66-year-old Suu Kyi said last month.

    "Many people are beginning to say that the democratization process here is irreversible. It's not so."

    Read the full story.

    Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

    A Burmese monk rides a city bus as a young boy looks on ahead of the parliamentary elections on March 29, in Yangon, Myanmar. The upcoming vote is seen as an important vote of confidence for the country as it continues on the road to political and diplomatic reform. Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has fallen ill while campaigning for Myanmar's upcoming by-elections and has currently suspended her tour days ahead of the polls according to medical advice.

    Christophe Archambault / AFP - Getty Images

    Pendants carrying portraits of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her father General Aung San are displayed for sale at the National League for Democracy (NLD) headquarters in Yangon on March 29. More than two decades after its stolen election win, Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party is set for a dramatic political comeback in Myanmar polls which could herald an easing of sanctions.

    Christophe Archambault / AFP - Getty Images

    Residents walk past shops selling bananas in Yangon on March 29. More than two decades after its stolen election win, Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party is set for a dramatic political comeback in Myanmar polls which could herald an easing of sanctions.

  • Pennsylvania water tainted by hydraulic fracturing

    Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA

    Left: Sherry Vargson, who leased the mineral rights under a portion of her farm to the gas company Chesapeake Energy, illustrates her assertion that methane has leached into her well water by lighting the water on fire as it pours from her kitchen sink in Granville Summit, Pennsylvania, March 8.
    Right: Ray Kimble shows the discoloration in a gallon of water he says came from his well in Dimock, Pennsylvania, March 8.

    EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized the extent of the water problems.

    European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) reports:The gas rush in Pennsylvania, created by the controversial drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking—which requires injecting huge amounts of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure thousands of feet beneath the Earth's surface to extract reserves of natural gas, has brought an economic boom to the state, generating 23,000 jobs, and billions of dollars in state and local tax revenues. It has caused complaints in Northeastern Pennsylvania that the drilling is polluting the water table with dangerous quantities of methane. Some residents now rely on outside water distribution, and are making their protests heard. Yet with the gas industry expected to keep drilling here—as many as 2,500 new wells are expected in Pennsylvania every year—residents opposed to fracking are bracing for a drawn-out fight.

    Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA

    Ray Kimble fills up a 500 gallon water tank, called a buffalo, with fresh water which he will then distribute daily to neighbors whose water is non-potable near Dimock, Pennsylvania, March 8.

    Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA

    Support trucks for hydraulic fracturing are seen in the reflection of a car's side mirror outside Dimock, Pennsylvania, March 9. Heavy gas drilling trucks have caused so much damage to local roads that communities are requiring gas companies to bond the roads, and thus reimburse the towns for asphalt repairs.

    Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA

    Anti-fracking protestors concerned about natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale gather outside the Marcellus Midstream Conference and Exhibition, which promotes the development of infrastructure needed to transport and process natural gas, at the David Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh, Pa., March 20.

    Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA

    A hydraulic fracturing drill rig at dusk near Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, March 9. The drilling practice requires injecting huge amounts of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure thousands of feet beneath the earth's surface to extract reserves of natural gas.

    The Marcellus Shale formation that lies under parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia is believed to hold 84 trillion cubic feet (2.38 trillion cubic meters) of recoverable natural gas -- enough to supply the nation's gas-burning electrical plants for 11 years. But health concerns have risen over the drilling practice which many believe have caused air and groundwater pollution in other states where thousands of shale gas wells have been drilled — including Texas, Wyoming, Colorado and Pennsylvania.

  • Workers strike in Spain filling streets and closing businesses

    Salvador Sas / EPA

    A woman walks past several thousand people taking part in a rally called by Spanish trade unions UGT and CCOO in Vigo, northwestern Spain, March 29, during the 24-hour general strike called in Spain to protest against the Government's labor reform.

    Juan Medina / Reuters

    Protesters shout slogans during a general strike in central Madrid March 29, 2012. Spanish unions said a high turnout for a general strike to protest government budget cuts and reforms on Thursday had almost brought heavy industry to a halt while the government said the day was proceeding normally.

    Andrea Comas / Reuters

    A worker walks past AVE high-speed trains at Madrid's Atocha station during a general strike in Spain March 29, 2012. Spanish unions said a high turnout for a general strike to protest government budget cuts and reforms on Thursday had almost brought heavy industry to a halt while the government said the day was proceeding normally.

    Pedro Armestre / AFP - Getty Images

    A young man is seen bleeding after being struck by police during a national strike in Madrid on March 29, 2012. Unions have called a national strike to protest the labor reforms, which weaken industry-wide work contracts and make it cheaper to lay off workers.

    msnbc news services report: Flag-waving Spanish workers livid over labor reforms they see as flagrantly pro-business blocked traffic Thursday, forming boisterous picket lines outside wholesale markets and bus garages, as part of a nationwide strike.

    Unions claimed massive participation in the 24-hour stoppage protesting what they claim to be the latest dose of bitter medicine Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative government has prescribed to appease European Union overseers and jittery investors watching Spain's debt grow and its GDP shrink.

    Full story: Spanish workers strike against labor reforms

     

  • Candlelight vigil held for Iraqi-American woman murdered in California

    Mike Blake / Reuters

    Mourners hold a candlelight vigil to remember Shaima Alawadi outside her home in El Cajon, California March 28, 2012.

    Mike Blake / Reuters

    Mourners hold a candlelight vigil to remember Shaima Alawadi outside her home in El Cajon, California March 28, 2012. Alawadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi-American woman, died of her wounds on Saturday after being severely beaten in her home by a killer who left a threatening note that prompted police to investigate the murder as a possible hate crime.

    Reuters reports: Scores of mourners gathered in a California mosque on Tuesday to pay respects to an Iraqi-American woman who died after being severely beaten in her home by a killer who left a threatening note that prompted police to investigate the murder as a possible hate crime.

    Shaima Alawadi, a 32-year-old stay-at-home mother of five, was found unconscious in the dining room of her rented home in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon on Wednesday by her 17-year-old daughter, police said. She died of her wounds on Saturday. Full story.

  • Mercury in perspective

    NASA / JHUAPL / CIW-DTM / GSFC /

    This color-coded perspective view shows elevations in the ancient volcanic plains that lie the northern high latitudes of Mercury, as revealed by NASA's Messenger spacecraft. Purple colors are low and white is high, spanning a vertical range of about 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers).

    Like to see more images like this? Then check out Month in Space slideshow.

     

     

     

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  • 14-year-old surf lifesaver dies during competition

    Dave Hunt / EPA

    Family members believed to be the parents of 14 year old Matt Barclay mourn his death at Kurrawa beach on the Gold Coast, Australia on Thursday, March 29, 2012.

    Dave Hunt / EPA

    Surf Rescue teams search for missing 14 year old Matt Barclay.

    AP reports: A 14-year-old surf lifesaver has died during the Australian championships, the second competitor in three years to drown during the event at the same beach on the tourist strip. Search teams on Thursday recovered the body of Matthew Barclay, a member of the Maroochydore club on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane.

     Barclay, who disappeared on Wednesday afternoon during an under-15 board race, won two gold medals in the Queensland state junior titles two weeks ago and also won last year's prestigious junior Coolangatta Gold event.

    Dave Hunt / EPA

    Surf Rescue teams search for missing 14 year old Matt Barclay at Kurrawa beach.

     

     

     

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  • Ann Curry's photographs reveal courage, grit of America's soldiers

    Ann Curry

    You can tell just by looking into their faces that they have confronted their fears of death, sometimes again and again. Something in their expressions reveals courage, focus, love of country and I think the greatness one hopes is possible in all of us.

    Ann Curry


    Since America's wars began in Afghanistan and Iraq, I have taken photographs of those who volunteered.  And whether it was in a forward operating base in Helmand Province days before an expected spring offensive over the mountains from Pakistan, or at one of Saddam's palaces in Baghdad, or in an Apache helicopter flying over Iraq, the same thing most deeply impresses: GRIT.  

    Ann Curry

    Ann Curry

    Ann Curry

    This is what made me press click on my camera. Isn't this the American grit we always hear about...the kind that links the Pilgrims to the Founding Fathers to soldiers throughout our history, including both Union and Confederate, and all the boys who dropped out of high school to fight on the beaches and in the sands and forests and jungles of World War II? 

    Ann Curry

    This grit is the stuff of America's past and its future. Today, as our nation nears the end of its rope, after bearing for too long the hard knocks of wars, fears of terrorism and a struggling economy, perhaps the grit learned on the battlefield, is exactly what we need now at home.

    Ann Curry

    Ann Curry

    One million war veterans are expected to return home over the next five years, looking for jobs that could give them a chance to fuel our economy.  Among them are potential future leaders, CEOs and senators, perhaps even a president one day.

    Ann Curry

    The future story of American grit may now depend on just how purposefully our nation faces welcoming our warriors home, and by that I mean each one of us.  

    For more on Hiring our Heroes, an initiative from NBC News and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that aims to get veterans back into the workforce, click here. Learn more about job fairs for veterans here

     

  • Indian musicians gather for 1000 veena concert

    Manjunath Kiran / AFP - Getty Images

    Indian musicians participate in the 'Shasra Veena Jhenkara' (thousand veena recital), a concert featuring 1110 artists playing the 'Veena' an Indian classical music instrument in Bangalore on March 28, 2012.

    Ever wonder what 110 veenas sound like? The video below has the answer at about the 55 minute mark.

    Watch the live webcast of Sahasra Veena Jhenkara - A unique performance of 1008 veena artists in presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from Palace Grounds, Bangalore

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  • Lifeguards Household Cavalry prepare for diamond jubilee, Olympics

    Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

    The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) exercise their horses at first light in Hyde Park on March 28, 2012 in London, England.

    The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) is preparing for ceremonial duties during celebrations to mark HM Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in June, 2012. The mounted regiment will provide a Sovereign's Escort from Parliament to Buckingham Palace. This will involve 116 men and horses riding fore and aft of the carriage carrying the Sovereign. In addition, the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry will be playing fanfares in St. Paul's Cathedral during the Jubilee Service and the double mounted band (53 musicians and horses) of the Household Cavalry will be marching the processional route in advance of the Escort. 

    Ben Stansall / AFP - Getty Images

    A member of the Household Cavalry washes down his horse as they prepare for the Major General's inspection and the state celebrations for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee.

    Ben Stansall / AFP - Getty Images

    Members of the Lifeguards Household Cavalry perform morning stable duties as they prepare for the Major General's inspection and the state celebrations for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee.

    Alastair Grant / AP

    Corporal McCabe, a farrier with the mounted regiments of the Household Cavalry, shapes a horse's shoe, during a media day at the barracks in London.

    Andy Rain / EPA

    A farrier of the Household Cavalry places a horse shoe at Hyde Park Barracks in London, Britain.

    Suzanne Plunkett / Reuters

    A State Trumpeter of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment arrives at the Hyde Park Barracks in London March 28, 2012.

    Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

    Riding boots and a ceremonial sword await cleaning at The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Hyde Park Barracks.

    Ben Stansall / AFP - Getty Images

    Members of the Lifeguards Household Cavalry prepare for the Major General's inspection and the state celebrations for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee.

    The Household Cavalry and King's Troop at the first full rehearsal for Trooping the Colour 2010 (The Major General's Review).

    The mounted bands of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals lead the Household Cavalry down The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade where the salute was taken by Maj. Gen. W G Cubitt CBE, Major General Commanding the Household Division.

    The video also shows The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery [02:43] returning down The Mall to Green Park where, on the Queen's official birthday, they fire a gun salute. The troop dates from 1946 when King George VI decided that a horse troop should be retained for ceremonial duties.

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  • Paraplegic athlete Mile Stojkoski's lonely road to London Olympics

    Marko Djurica / Reuters

    Macedonian paraplegic athlete Mile Stojkoski pushes himself on a highway during a marathon from his native town of Krusevo to the London Olympics, in Belgrade March 28, 2012. Stojkoski will travel from Macedonia to Britain in a marathon that covers a total of 2175 miles to raise awareness on people with disabilities.

    More about Stojkoski's trip here.

    Mile Stojkoski (Миле Стојкоски) is a Macedonian athlete and humanitarian known for going on long distance marathon runs in his wheelchair preceding the Summer Olympic Games. In 1996 he suffered a spinal injury from a car accident leaving him paraplegic, losing use of both his legs. After much emotional struggle and learning about living with his disability he got involved in sports and humanitarian nonprofit organizations. This eventually led him to focus on marathons in his wheelchair with primary goal to raise public awareness and funds in support of people with disabilities in Macedonia. Since 2004 he has gone on nine long distance runs, gaining public recognition and awards. He announced his next run to be in 2012 for the London Summer Olympics Games.

    http://www.milestojkoski.com
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mile_Stojkoski
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/128779606378
    http://www.twitter.com/MileLondon2

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  • Fidel Castro greets Pope Benedict in Cuba

    Osservatore Romano via Getty Images

    Cuban leader Fidel Castro greets Pope Benedict XVI on March 28 in Havana.

    Paul Hanna / AFP - Getty Images file

    Flashback: Cuban President Fidel Castro talks to Pope John Paul II in Havana on Jan. 22 1998. Pope John was the first and only pope to visit the communist controlled country until Pope Benedict's visit this week.

    Pope Benedict met with Cuban revolutionary icon Fidel Castro after saying mass in Havana on Wednesday, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said.

    The meeting comes towards the close of the pope's three-day visit to the Communist-run island which was the first time since Pope John Paul II’s historic 1998 trip to Cuba.

    Cuba's single-party, Communist government never outlawed religion, but it expelled priests and closed religious schools upon Fidel Castro's takeover of Cuba in 1959.

    Related links:

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    In an unusual homily, the pontiff called for free thought, and more freedom for the Catholic Church in Cuba. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.

  • Ichiro Suzuki a hit in Japan as Mariners beat A's in MLB opener

    Toru Hanai / Reuters

    Fans of Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki look up at his advertisement with a telecommunications company before their American League season opening MLB baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Tokyo. March 28.

    Ok, it's not real grass and sunshine, but there is something reassuring about the start of baseball season. And yes, it's my home team.

    AP reports:

    TOKYO - Ichiro Suzuki gave his fans in Japan a performance to cheer about.

     Suzuki had four hits in his return home, Dustin Ackley homered and singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th inning, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland Athletics 3-1 Wednesday night in baseball's season opener.

     "It was very special to open in Japan," said Suzuki, who spent nine seasons in Osaka with the Orix Blue Wave. "I wanted to have fun and give the fans something at this special time and wanted to share a special moment with them."

    Continue reading.

    Toshifumi Kitamura / AFP - Getty Images

    Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki runs in a game against the Oakland Athletics.

    Koji Sasahara / AP

    A helmet-wearing fan eats in the premium seats as he watches the American League season opening MLB baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners.

    Kimimasa Mayama / EPA

    Oakland Athletics' shortstop Cliff Pennington (R) throws the ball to the first baseman for a double play attempt as Seattle Mariners' catcher Miguel Olivo (bottom) slides into the second base in the fifth inning of the opening game of the Major League Baseball 2012 season.

    Toshifumi Kitamura / AFP - Getty Images

    Seattle Mariners second baseman Dustin Ackley watches the ball after hitting a home run in the fourth inning of the MLB 2012 Opening Series in Japan.

    Kimimasa Mayama / EPA

    Seattle Mariners' outfielder Ichiro Suzuki (3rd L) celebrates with his teammates after dealing Oakland Athletics in the opening game against Oakland Athletics in the Major League Baseball 2012 season.

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  • Circus outside Supreme Court as health care law lies in jeopardy

    Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

    Rev. Rob Schneck and Rev. Patrick Mahoney lead people in prayer outside the U.S. Supreme Court on the third day of oral arguments over the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 28 in Washington, DC. Today is the last of three days the high court set to hear arguments over the act.

    Charles Dharapak / AP

    Jonathan Neal, a senior at Howard University, plays his trumpet in support of health care reform in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, on March 28, on the final day of arguments regarding the health care law signed by President Barack Obama.

    Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

    Members of the anti-abortion group Bound4Life pray outside the U.S. Supreme Court on the third day of oral arguments over the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 28 in Washington, DC. Today is the last of three days the high court set to hear arguments over the act.

    Charles Dharapak / AP

    Supporters of health care reform rally in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, on March 28, on the final day of arguments regarding the health care law signed by President Barack Obama.

    Tom Curry, msnbc.com -- In the Supreme Court’s final day of arguments on the constitutionality of the 2010 health care law, the justices wrestled Wednesday with what happens to the law if they strike down the provision that requires the uninsured to buy insurance.

    “I think a majority of the court believes that if it rules that individual mandate is unconstitutional, then the rest of the health care law probably cannot be saved,” reported NBC’s Pete Williams after hearing the 90 minutes of oral argument.

    Read the full story - Court signals entire health care law might need to be struck down

    Related story - First Thoughts: Brace yourself for another 5-4 decision

    If the health insurance mandate is found unconstitutional, can the rest of the health care law survive? The Daily Rundown's Chuck Todd discusses.

  • Pope Benedict celebrates mass with 300,000 Cubans, encourages 'truth' and 'freedom'

    Juan Barreto / AFP - Getty Images

    A nun celebrates before the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI at Revolution Square in Havana to celebrate mass, on March 28. Pope Benedict XVI was to meet Fidel Castro as he wraps up a three-day visit in which he called for a more "open society" on the Communist-run island.

    Tony Gentile / Reuters

    Priests stand in front of the altar before a mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at the Revolution square in Havana, on March 28. Pope Benedict, speaking from Cuba's biggest stage, urged Cubans on Wednesday to search for "authentic freedom" as their country changes and pressed the island's communist government to give the Catholic Church more liberties, including the right to teach religion in schools and run universities.

    Ismael Francisco / Cubadebate via AP

    Security walk alongside Pope Bendict XVI in his popemobile as he makes his way to Revolution Square to celebrate Mass, in Havana, on March 28.

    Pope Benedict, speaking from Cuba's biggest stage, urged Cubans on Wednesday to search for "authentic freedom" as their country changes and pressed the island's communist government to give the Catholic Church more liberties, including the right to teach religion in schools and run universities.

    The 84-year-old pope celebrated an open-air Mass for some 300,000 people in Havana's Revolution Square, the centerpiece of a trip that began with a blast at communism and will end with a visit with Fidel Castro.

    "The truth is a desire of the human person, the search for which always supposes the exercise of authentic freedom," he said.

    In an apparent dig at Marxism, the pope also said some "wrongly interpret this search for the truth, leading them to irrationality and fanaticism; they close themselves in 'their truth,' and try to impose it on others."

    Read the full story.

    -- msnbc.com news services

    Ismael Francisco / Cubadebate via AP

    In this photo shot with a fish eye lens, faithful gather at Revolution Square waiting for Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate Mass, in Havana, on March 28.

    Ettore Ferrari / EPA

    Pope Benedict XVI arrives to celebrate an open-air mass at the Revolution Square Jose Marti in Havana, Cuba, on March 28. Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro was to meet 28 March with Pope Benedict XVI in Havana, news reports said.

    Rickey Rogers / Reuters

    Faithful attend a mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at Revolution Square in Havana, on March 28. Pope Benedict, speaking from Cuba's biggest stage, urged Cubans on Wednesday to search for "authentic freedom" as their country changes and pressed the island's communist government to give the Catholic Church more liberties, including the right to teach religion in schools and run universities.

    Joe Raedle / Getty Images

    People wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for his mass at Havana's Revolution Square on the last day of his three day visit on March 28 in Havana, Cuba. Fourteen years after Pope John Paul II visited Cuba, Pope Benedict is making his first trip to the communist country.

    Juan Barreto / AFP - Getty Images

    Pope Benedict XVI waves to believers from the popemobile, upon arrival at Revolution Square in Havana to celebrate mass, on March 28. Pope Benedict XVI was to meet Fidel Castro as he wraps up a three-day visit in which he called for a more "open society" on the Communist-run island.

     

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