Thousands in Los Angeles protest gay-marriage ban

Outside the gates of a Mormon temple, Kai Cross joined more than 2,000 gay-rights advocates in a chorus of criticism of the church’s role in a new statewide ban on same-sex marriage. Once a devout Mormon who graduated from Brigham Young University, the 41-year-old Cross was disowned by his family and his church after he was [...] "eliotcobb.com"

With barely time to savour his triumph, Barack Obama has been confronted with various international crises to test his mettle. The U.S. President-elect faces threats from Russia, Israel and Afghanistan as it emerged his election team’s computers were hacked by a ‘foreign entity’ during the election. Officials at the FBI and the White House believe the hackers [...] "eliotcobb.com"

A top 10 of irritating expressions has been compiled by researchers at Oxford University. Heading the list was the expression ‘at the end of the day’, which was followed in second place by the phrase ‘fairly unique’. The tautological statement “I personally” made third place – an expression that BBC Radio 4 presenter John Humphreys has described [...] "eliotcobb.com"

Toyota Motor slashed its profit forecast Thursday, warning the global auto industry faces an “unprecedented” crisis as Asian stocks tumbled on fears the US is sinking deeper towards recession. The Japanese giant became the latest automaker to reveal plunging profits due to the financial crisis, following on the heels of BMW, Nissan and Honda. Toyota , vying [...] "eliotcobb.com"

Billy Graham’s work as a pastor to presidents is coming to an end, but he is praying for Barack Obama as the nation’s next leader begins his work, Graham’s son said Friday on the aging evangelist’s 90th birthday. Franklin Graham said in an interview that his father’s mind remains sharp even as his body continues to [...] "eliotcobb.com"

Pope Benedict condemned the trade in human organs as an abomination Friday and urged caution in removing organs for transplant from dying donors who might not actually yet be dead. The pontiff told scientists and bioethicists meeting at the Pontifical Academy for Life that the worldwide illegal organ trade often made victims of innocent people, including [...] "eliotcobb.com"

A daredevil surfer is pictured tackling a giant 41 foot wave in a bid to win himself a prestigious award. Kerby Brown took on the monster during a session at a top secret reef, and nearly didn’t live to tell the tale. Moments after these pictures were taken, he suffered a devastating wipeout which nearly killed him. He [...] "eliotcobb.com"