World oil prices surged in Asian trade Friday after the United Nations sanctioned air strikes against Libya and France said military action would come within hours. French government spokesman Francois Baroin said that France would take part in the military strikes against forces loyal to Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in April, gained $1.65 to $103.07 per barrel while Brent North Sea crude for May was up $1.56 to $116.46. "It is likely that US and some western countries may intervene in Libya, and as Kadhafi has the upper hand, it is closer to ending the civil war," said Jason Feer of Singapore-based Argus Media energy market analysts. The United Nations on Friday voted 10-0 to pass a resolution approving "all necessary measures" to impose a no-fly zone, protect civilian areas and pressure the veteran Libyan leader into accepting a ceasefire. Permanent members China and Russia who did not wield their vetoes plus … [Read more...] about Oil up in Asia as UN approves Libyan air strikes
Brazil air pass
Brazil edge Chile, Rodriguez rocket launches Colombia
SAO PAULO - Brazilians rejoiced on Saturday when their nervy team edged past Chile to book a place in the World Cup quarter-finals in a nail-biting penalty shootout, while in the other last 16 game, James Rodriguez scored a stunning volley as Colombia downed Uruguay. Lionel Messi, Thomas Mueller and Neymar as the tournament's top scorer with five. Uruguay's exit ended a sorry week for the South Americans, who badly missed their prolific forward Luis Suarez after he was kicked out of the World Cup for biting and banned from any football activity for four months. For the hosts, it was an afternoon of excruciating tension in Belo Horizonte, where the teams drew 1-1 after extra time before Brazil won the penalty shootout 3-2. The win leaves them three games away from lifting the World Cup for a sixth time and exorcising the ghosts of defeat in the 1950 final on home soil. "We took upon ourselves this mission that we must be champions. If you make a promise you must deliver. … [Read more...] about Brazil edge Chile, Rodriguez rocket launches Colombia
Brazil flood death toll keeps climbing
ITAIPAVA, Brazil, Jan 17, 2011 (AFP) - The death toll from devastating floods and landslides in Brazil rose Monday to 655, as the military stepped up efforts to reach isolated communities near Rio by helicopter. More than 1,500 emergency personnel, including from the army, air force, police and fire services, were mobilized to tackle the disaster -- the worst of its kind in Brazil's history. "We have just taken a group of firemen to open roads in difficult to access areas and to help with rescues," military helicopter pilot Lieutenant Sales told AFP after flying over one cut-off village with dozens of desperate residents. Fears of disease spreading have added urgency to the search for decomposing bodies, and officials have told the local population to avoid using runoff water for drinking. Rio de Janeiro state meanwhile began seven days of mourning for the victims, adding to a three-day national mourning period declared by President Dilma Rousseff. The toll looked likely to rise … [Read more...] about Brazil flood death toll keeps climbing
Chelsea 0 Corinthians 1: Yoko oh no! Blues’ dream of conquering the world in tatters after losing to the boys from Brazil
Chelsea's bid to conquer the world failed at the final hurdle in Yokohama and Corinthians became the first South American world champions for six years. Paulo Guerrero scored the only goal of the game with a header in the 69th minute and the European champions finished the game with 10 men after Gary Cahill was sent off for a kick on Emerson. Fernando Torres had a header ruled out for offside in stoppage time and the Brazilians celebrated in style in front of the thousands of fans who travelled to support them in Japan. … [Read more...] about Chelsea 0 Corinthians 1: Yoko oh no! Blues’ dream of conquering the world in tatters after losing to the boys from Brazil
Around 200 feared dead in Brazil air disaster
A Brazilian airliner crashed and exploded in flames on Tuesday at Brazil's busiest airport, and around 200 people were feared dead in the country's second major air disaster in less than a year. Rescue crews pulled 45 bodies from the wreckage and said none of the 176 people on board the Airbus A320 could have survived. One rescue crew leader said as many as 200 people may have died, including casualties on the ground, the Folha news agency reported. The plane, flying from Porto Alegre in southern Brazil, lost control on landing at Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport, which is known for slippery runways and has become a symbol of the country's chaotic air transport system. … [Read more...] about Around 200 feared dead in Brazil air disaster