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What to read? 15 promising titles for early 2011

There's no better way to face the new year than with a good book in hand. Here are 15 promising-looking nonfiction books, all due for release early in 2011.
In Pictures: Space Photos of the Day 09/20

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Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Argentina's comeback president?

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was hugely unpopular among Argentines in 2009. But she is set to easily win reelection Sunday due to Argentina's economic rebound and weak opposition.
Post oil: Glimpses of life after fossil fuel

Contentious debates about "peak oil" aside, imagining how the world looks post oil is increasingly easy as alternatives to fossil fuel develop rapidly.
Do you have to be a math whiz to understand 'Best College' rankings?

U.S. News & World Report's just-released college rankings pass judgment on more than 1,000 institutions, using an exhaustive three-step process. But don't worry, we won't test you on it.
Obama speech: US is with street protesters, not palace dictators

President Obama on Thursday sought to align the US with forces of democratic change sweeping the Arab world. His Middle East speech also prodded Israel and the Palestinians on peace talks, but was met with immediate pushback.
Oil hits 30-month high. Natural gas prices also rise.

Oil surges to its highest level since September 2008. Natural gas prices rise, too.
From pop star to president? Haiti looks set to elect 'Sweet Micky.'

Heading into today's Haiti election, polls show pop music star Michel 'Sweet Micky' Martelly with a lead over former First Lady Mirlande Manigat.
Google Offers vs. Groupon? Nah! Real rival to online coupons is bulletin board.

Google is considering a big move into online coupons with Google Offers. But its biggest rival isn't Groupon. It's the bulletin boards in the library and bank lobby, full of local ads.
How Hu and Obama can cleanse toxic US-China relations

If President Hu Jintao and President Obama can’t at least begin to unwind the self-perpetuating spiral leading toward ever-deeper mutual strategic mistrust, bigger trouble awaits.
What to read? 15 promising titles for early 2011

There's no better way to face the new year than with a good book in hand. Here are 15 promising-looking nonfiction books, all due for release early in 2011.
How Nestor Kirchner's passing alters Argentine politics

Former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner – whose wife, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, is the current president – died of an apparent heart attack today.
'Wonder material' graphene wins scientists 2010 Nobel Prize in physics

Graphene, a super-strong, transparent form of carbon one atom thick, could be used in displays, solar panels, and lightweight composites. Two Russian-born scientists found a way to isolate it, winning the 2010 physics Nobel Prize.
Do Groupons hurt businesses?

People who use Groupon promotions aren't always the best customers, reveals a survey of businesses.
In Pictures: Space Photos of the Day 09/20
Mexican Independence Day: Across Latin America, bicentennial parties abound

Mexican Independence Day marks the 200th anniversary of freedom from Spanish rule. This year, five Latin American countries mark their bicentennials by taking stock of progress and challenges ahead.
US and Iran face off – at World Basketball Championships

The US and Iran set aside controversy over Iran’s nuclear program to play a World Basketball Championships match that featured NBA players including Hamed Haddadi of Iran.
Immigration law sponsor in Arizona pleased to bring attention to the issue

Immigration law in Arizona is still undergoing the first of many judicial tests. State senator Russell Pearce, who drafted the controversial law, is glad there is a national conversation going on over the issue of illegal immigration.
Faith Misplaced

Evangelical missionaries were once leaders in creating a positive image of the US in the Arab world.
Amelia Earhart's watch brought to International Space Station

Amelia Earhat's watch, which the famed aviator wore on two trans-Atlantic flights was brought aboard the International Space Station 82 years to the day after her first flight.
Russian rocket set to launch Tuesday with new crew

A Russian rocket is set to launch toward the International Space Station Tuesday carrying two American astronauts and one veteran Russian cosmonaut.
Houston native to launch into space

On Tuesday in Houston, flight controllers at the Johnson Space Center in Texas will watch as astronaut Shannon Walker becomes the first Houston native to launch into space.
In offshore drilling freeze, rumblings of a new era for oil industry

The six-month moratorium on new deepwater offshore drilling announced by President Obama Thursday isn't likely to have a big impact on the oil industry – unless it's a sign of things to come.
The Entrepreneurial Mind
Can Facebook boost sales? New study says yes.

Two Rice University researchers found that Facebook fans of a store chain made 36 percent more visits than other customers.
A customer-service miracle shows America at its best

Amid all the talk about America in decline, we must not forget our strengths.
Our best guess about global warming may be wrong

Scientists wonder whether rising CO2 may trigger something else that further warms the climate
Argentina vote: Referendum on the Kirchners

Voters say that candidates in Sunday's mid-term elections pay little attention to top concerns of jobs and crime.