Topic: London (England)

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Culture Cafe Margaret Thatcher: Her portrayals in pop culture

Margaret Thatcher, like other politicians before and after her, has appeared often in movies, TV shows and stage productions. Everyone from Meryl Streep (who received an Oscar for her performance) to Monty Python comedian Michael Palin has portrayed the 'Iron Lady.'
Margaret Thatcher: the divisive creator of modern Britain

Though loved and loathed equally in Britain, the former prime minister was undeniably a force for change, breaking the British unions and helping the West win the cold war.
Margaret Thatcher leaves mixed legacy in Ireland

The late British prime minister's blunt style and politics were not well received in either the Republic or Northern Ireland, which she once famously declared 'as British as Finchley.'
Margaret Thatcher, Iron Lady, transformed Britain

For admirers, Margaret Thatcher was a savior who rescued Britain from ruin and laid the groundwork for an extraordinary economic renaissance. For critics, she was a heartless tyrant who ushered in an era of greed that kicked the weak out onto the streets and let the rich become filthy rich.
British woman killed in Kashmir, Dutchman arrested

A British tourist in her 20s, who had been staying on a houseboat in the Indian portion of Kashmir was found dead on Saturday. Police are holding a Dutchman who was also staying on the boat.
Stay or go? Embassies in North Korea weigh warning.

North Korea is warning that it can no longer guarantee diplomats' safety in Pyongyang as international tensions mount.
Desmond Tutu wins Templeton Prize for 'affirming life's spiritual dimension'

Tutu, the first black man to lead South Africa's Anglican church, also headed the post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He is a 'living model of the benefits of religion,' the Templeton Foundation said.
Change Agent Zimbabwe's farmers dig in to capture a deluge

With no access to groundwater, and no help from local authorities, farmers in drought-stricken Zimbabwe have grouped together to dig ponds to capture precious rainwater.
'New affluent workers' and 'precariats'? Britain's classes get makeover

The largest-ever survey of social class by the BBC and two universities finds that there are still very rich and very poor – but much more going on in the middle.
Stocks rise on strong auto sales, factory orders

Stocks rose Tuesday after reports on auto sales and factory orders provided the latest evidence that the US economy is strengthening. Health insurer stocks rose after the government released revised reimbursement rates for Medicare Advantage plans.
Backchannels In Indonesia, and Southeast Asia, the return of optimism – and the bankers.

Building booms, easy credit, and predictions that it can only get better from here. Shades of 1996.
Sudan's Bashir starts freeing prisoners, polishing up legacy

Sudan’s president Omar Al Bashir is wanted for genocide and war crimes by the International Criminal Court, but as he steps down in 2015 he would like to have a different image.
Rio gang-rape spotlights problem faced by developing-world cities

The gang-rape ordeal the American woman and her companion endured puts a focus on safety issues as Rio leaders prepare to host both the World Cup and Summer Olympics.
Latin America Monitor Argentina pushes to prosecute HSBC bankers for money laundering

The US recently fined HSBC a record $1.9 billion, but – unlike Argentina – did not pursue criminal charges.
Long Shot

In 'Long Shot,' 12-time all-star Mike Piazza recounts his unlikely path from suburban Philadelphia to the big leagues and even how it led to a trip to the Vatican.
Woman to head CIA's clandestine service?

For the first time in CIA history, a woman may head the spy agency's clandestine service. But her connection to abusive treatment of terrorist suspects at 'black sites' has brought criticism.
Modern Parenthood 4,109 miles from home, expat couple in Norway role plays each other's family members

Expat couples heading abroad leave behind a support network of friends and family. To fill in those roles, expat couples become one another's action-movie obsessed brother, chatty sister, or stew-cooking mom.
$3 bowl worth $2 million? Tag sale find goes for $2.225 million

A $3 bowl just sold for $2.225 million at Sotheby's in New York. The last time it changed hands, this 1,000-year-old Chinese bowl was sold at a tag sale for $3.
Peter Banks dies: Lead guitarist and founding member of 'Yes'

Peter Banks dies: A founding member of the British rock band, Yes, passed on March 7. Peter Banks was consided a pioneer of progressive rock guitar.
In blow to inquest, key suspect in Russian spy murder refuses to cooperate

Andrei Lugovoi, who is now an elected official in Russia, says he won't talk even by video to British investigators about the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London just over six years ago.
Global Viewpoint Why the US will fare better than Europe in economic recovery

In an interview, the former president of Chile, Ricardo Lagos, says that today’s global financial crisis is mainly a political failure rather than an economic one. The US will probably do much better in its financial recovery because its central bank, unlike Europe’s, has the powers it needs.
Falkland Islanders choose UK, but will UK always choose them?

Britain's commitment to keeping the islands has so far been unwavering. But the costs of keeping up the far-flung ties may change British attitudes in the future.
Is Ivory Coast zeal to prosecute former bad guys setting up war in West Africa?

Strongman Laurent Gbagbo is gone, facing a war crimes trial. But is the new president ignoring the reconciliation needed for a lasting peace?
Queen Elizabeth cancels engagement, but bounces back

Queen Elizabeth canceled an engagement at Westminster Abbey today, then attended a London reception to celebrate Commonwealth Day.
42 facts about Douglas Adams (+video)

Google's doodle celebrates 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' author Douglas Adams. Here are 42 facts about the humorist, environmentalist, technophile, and all-around hoopy frood who would have turned 61 on Monday.