CNN News - 3 U.S. students expect to be freed in Egypt; U.S. filmmaker also in custody, Nov 24, 2011

"Cairo (CNN) -- As questions continued to swirl about the fate of three American college students arrested in Egypt for their role in ongoing protests there, a U.S. official said that diplomats were also in contact with Egyptian authorities about an award-winning filmmaker behind bars.
The three college students -- Derrik Sweeney, Gregory Porter and Luke Gates -- were ordered to be released Thursday, said Adel Saeed, the spokesman of the general prosecutor.
But late in the day, they remained in custody."

PRAVDA - Russia and USA on verge of another Cold War, Nov 24, 2011

"Russia will pull out from the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and refuse from the steps in the field of disarmament, if the USA continues to build the missile defense system in Europe, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated in a televised address to the nation Wednesday.
According to Medvedev, Russia is going to deploy Iskander missile complexes in the west and in the south of the country. The systems will guarantee the total destruction of the European part of the air defense system.
In addition, Russia's new strategic ballistic missiles will be outfitted with advanced complexes to overcome the air defense system. The missiles will also have highly efficient warheads, Medvedev said.
The president ordered the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to start elaborating the measures which, if necessary, would guarantee the destruction of informational and administering means of the air defense system."

ABC News, Australia - Fires wreak havoc across south-west WA, Nov 24, 2011

"A bushfire continues to rage through the Margaret River region of Western Australia, but changing weather conditions have provided some relief.

Strong winds that buffeted the fire at Margaret and pushed its southern front into the beachside communities of Prevelly and Gnarabup have eased slightly.
At least 30 homes and chalets - including the historic Wallcliffe House - have been confirmed as damaged or destroyed by the fire which started about midday Wednesday.
Crews are struggling to contain the blaze, with thick smoke rendering water-bombing from aircraft virtually impossible, but they are hoping the cool change will help them overnight.
The incident controller at Margaret River, Roger Armstrong, says the fire is still not under control.
"We've been buffeted at every turn and we're still not out of the woods yet," he said."

NZ HERALD - New polls show National could govern alone, Nov 24, 2011

"Two polls published tonight show support holding steady for the National Party to govern alone, two days out from the general election.
The final ONE News Colmar Brunton poll of the campaign shows National down three per cent to 50, Labour is up to 28 percent but their likely coalition partner the Greens drop to 10 per cent support.
New Zealand First rises to 4.2 per cent, and the Conservative Party is above the Maori Party at 2.4 and two per cent respectively.
Act has 1.7 per cent support, the Mana Party 1.0 and United Future 0.1.
TVNZ said if it plays out this way on Saturday night, National would govern alone - but only just - with 65 seats.
On the poll's numbers, Labour could not form a government, even adding their 36 seats with 13 from the Greens.
The last 3 News Reid Research Poll before the election also shows National able to govern alone.
The party's 50.8 per cent support would give them 65 seats.
Labour drops back to 26 per cent, and the Green Party record their best ever result, 13.4 percent, or 17 seats, said TV3."

MATANGI TONGA News - Helu family launches new cultural group in Australia, Nov 24, 2011

"The Futa Helu Performing Arts and Culture Inc. was officially launched by the Mayor of Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia, Mr Khal Asfour, on November 12 at the Bankstown Arts Centre Theatre.
Members performed traditional Tongan dances, classical music and choir singing. The group has 40 members, ranging in ages from 6 to 24 years old, who have been studying Tongan dancing, music, and language, in classes offered by the association since August."

MATANGI TONGA News - Japanese traditional performance and cuisine showcased in Nuku'alofa, Nov 24, 2011

"The Okinawa Traditional Performing Arts Tour from Japan visited Tonga on the last leg of a South Pacific Tour, presenting a free performance at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall in Nuku'alofa on November 23.
The Okinawa traditional group also performed on Tuesday evening, at a Japanese Cuisine Demonstration and Workshop held at the International Dateline Hote, the first of its kind hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Nuku'alofa.
The 13-member group that includes eight performers from Okinawa, on the southernmost prefecture of Japan, was formed specifically for the South Pacific Tour, which began in New Zealand, and continuing on to Fiji and Tonga."

FIJI LIVE - New Zealanders likely to favour status quo, Nov 24, 2011

"New Zealanders go to the polls Saturday, apparently in no mood for change after a tumultuous year which saw the nation shattered by a devastating earthquake and buoyed by Rugby World Cup glory.
Prime Minister John Key's centre-right National Party holds a commanding lead in opinion polls, attracting 50-54 percent support, compared to around 26-27.5 for the main opposition Labour Party.
Key's personal popularity is even more marked, with the former investment banker enjoying a 49-53 percent approval rating as preferred prime minister, while Labour's Phil Goff languishes on 10-13 percent.
Massey University political marketing expert Claire Robinson said Key, who in 2008 ended nine years of Labour rule under Helen Clark, was easily the most popular politician of his generation."

SAMOA NEWS - What better time than Thanksgiving... for a Food Fest?, Nov 23, 2011

"Origin Energy will be hosting a first ever Food Fest this coming Friday and Saturday at the Origin Compound in the Tafuna Industrial Park for residents and visitors alike.
Called simply, ‘The Taste of Samoa' this festival is loaded with great recipes, prizes, entertainment - and for the finale, a competition among the best chefs in the territory.
It's a great fundraising event, not only for our athletes going to Australia, but also for any group that wishes to participate."

HAWAII REPORTER - Hawaii Supreme Court Rules Hawaii’s Most Notorious Manslaughter Case Can Be Tried, Nov 23, 2011

"Loko Dam breached on March 14, 2006, killing seven Kauai residents and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage.
James Pflueger, the man who the state says is responsible for causing the dam’s collapse by illegally covering the primary safety feature, the dam’s spillway, was indicted on 7 counts of manslaughter and one count of reckless endangerment in November 2008.
Defense attorneys for the 85-year-old retired automobile mogul have filed numerous appeals since their client’s indictment, successfully delaying his trial for more than 18 months."