Analysis: Palestinian statehood vote a personal victory for Abbas

Chip East / Reuters

Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, has endured top Arab leaders beating a path to his rival in Gaza, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas. Hamas may not have won militarily in this month's mini-war with Israel but it paid off politically and diplomatically big-time. From pariah Hamas emerged as the power-player in Palestinian politics with a clear message: violence pays.

By Martin Fletcher, NBC News

With Palestinians looking certain to win coveted U.N. recognition as a state on Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas can chalk up the General Assembly vote as a personal triumph on two levels.

From his headquarters in Ramallah on the West Bank Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen,?has endured?top Arab leaders beating a path to his rival in Gaza, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas. Hamas may not have won militarily in this month's mini-war with Israel but it paid off big-time, politically and diplomatically. From pariah status, Hamas emerged as the power-player in Palestinian politics with a clear message: Violence pays.

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Abbas, who all his political life has preached non-violence, has recently seen his already marginalized position eroded further. All the more reason for him to have insisted on the United Nations vote, fending off objections and threats from Israel and Washington. So victory in the General Assembly sounds his own strong message: non-violence pays too.

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Being?accepted as a non-member state, a promotion from its previous observer state, would be the Palestinians' biggest political victory. It places them on the path to full recognition as a member-state of the UN, and allows it to join UN agencies such as the International Criminal Court in The Hague.?

?Arafat's body exhumed; experts to investigate if he was poisoned

The non-member observer state status could also open the way for possible war crimes charges against ?Israel ?at the International Criminal Court.

Oliver Weiken / EPA

Israel's military said it had accomplished its objectives while Hamas claimed victory after the two sides exchanged deadly airstrikes and rocket attacks for over a week.

Another personal triumph for Abbas: For the last two years Abbas has threatened to resign, claiming he wanted a quieter life.?U.N. victory means he can say to his compatriots: I have fulfilled my promise and leave you now with this new status in international politics. Now you take the baton and run with it. He could bow out on top. That's what Palestinians in Ramallah today were saying could be?Abbas' next step.

Gazans move quickly to rebuild bombed tunnels to bring in food, weapons

Another result of success in the U.N. has already been the united voice of Palestinians today. In a rare show of unity, Hamas has joined Fatah celebrations in the West Bank and Gaza, celebrating together this?historic political moment.?

These symbolic breakthroughs for Abbas and the Palestinians It may not mean any change on the ground, though.

Arafat's exhumation: Palestinians' desire for truth might be dashed again

Initially Israel threatened that if Abbas did not call off the vote it would punish Abbas: withhold tax payments, possible annex the Jewish settlements on the West Bank and impose harsh sanctions. In the past few days that position has softened.

But Israel still insists, joined by Washington, that Abbas' U.N. gambit is no substitute for face-to-face negotiations. The road to peace does not go via the U.N. Plaza in New York but via Jerusalem and Ramallah.

Palestinians: Settlers threaten West Bank's centuries-old olive harvest tradition

And although this appears like a Palestinian victory, analysts here point out that whatever Mahmoud Abbas has achieved in the United Nations today is less than Palestinians were offered 65 years ago. Then they were offered a state in Palestine and full membership in the United Nations. Now?celebrations are about?their status as a 'non-member state'.

Martin Fletcher is the author of "The List", "Breaking News" and "Walking Israel".

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Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/29/15542075-un-palestinian-statehood-vote-to-be-a-personal-political-victory-for-abbas?lite

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Eddie Hearn on Devon Alexander vs. Kell Brook ? Boxing News ...

Eddie Hearn on Devon Alexander vs. Kell Brook ? Boxing News

Welterweight titlist Devon Alexander is looking forward to face Briton fighter Kell Brook next year. Both fighters are scheduled for a showdown on January 19, 2013, in the main event of Showtime?s first major fight card of 2013. The venue for the match has not been decided yet but it will take place in Las Vegas, according to Brook?s promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport.

According to Hearn, he has spoken to Devon?s promoter Golden Boy and they have reached an agreement to keep the fight in Las Vegas, whereas it should have taken place in St. Louis, which is the hometown of Alexander.

?We made a number of significant offers to Golden Boy and (Alexander adviser) Al Haymon, well in excess of seven figures, to try and bring the fight to the U.K., but Devon had no interest in travelling,? said Hearn,? said Hearn. ?We were at a 75-25 disadvantage in any potential purse bid and when we received the final offer from Golden Boy, we were all happy.?

?If we won a purse bid and Devon vacated, we had all the potential to become a paper champion and that's not what Kell Brook is all about,? Hearn added.

?There's no reason to have to leave the country to fight a guy who no one in America has ever heard of,? he added.

It should be noted here that Brook?s fight against Devon is a major showdown for both the fighters. Brook is looking forward to face fellow Briton fighter Amir Khan soon but he needs to win a world title to get his hands on Khan.

Amir Khan has recently implied the condition of fighting Brook only if the latter has a world title, and the former WBA and IBF unified light welterweight titlist is dead sure about it. In order to get to Khan and settle scores with him, Brook needs to defeat Devon and grab his title.

As Amir Khan puts it, he will only face Brook if the latter becomes a world champion. For Khan, there is no motivation in fighting Brook if there is no title involved.

Source: http://blogs.bettor.com/Eddie-Hearn-on-Devon-Alexander-vs-Kell-Brook-Boxing-News-a204517

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US sales of new homes dip 0.3 percent in October

WASHINGTON (AP) ? U.S. sales of new homes fell slightly in October and the September sales pace was slower than initially thought.

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that new-home sales dipped 0.3 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 368,000. That's down marginally from the 369,000 pace in September, which was revised lower from an initially reported 389,000.

Sales are still 20.4 percent higher than the same month last year. Still, new-home sales are well below the annual rate of 700,000 that economists consider healthy.

Sales fell a sharp 32.3 percent in the Northeast, but the government said Hurricane Sandy had only a minimal effect on the housing data because it hit at the end of the month.

The improvement in the new-home market this year follows other reports that show the housing market starting to recover more than five years after the bubble burst.

Home prices are rising, sales are up, and builders are starting work on more new homes and apartments.

A big reason for the rebound is that the excess supply of homes that were built during the housing boom has finally thinned out. At the same time, more people are looking to buy or rent a home after living with relatives or friends during and immediately after the Great Recession. And mortgage rates have been near record lows all year, making homes more affordable.

Though new homes represent only a small portion of the housing market, they have a disproportionate impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue, according to statistics from the National Association of Home Builders.

Sales of previously occupied homes are near five-year highs, excluding temporary spikes in 2009 and 2010 when a homebuyer tax credit boosted purchases. Builders, meanwhile, are increasingly confident that the recovery has legs. A measure of their confidence rose to the highest level in six and a half years this month. And builders broke ground on new homes and apartments last month at the fastest pace in more than four years.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index, released Tuesday, found that prices rose in most major cities in September compared to August. They rose 3.6 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period last year.

There are still factors dragging on a housing recovery. Many Americans, particularly first-time homebuyers, are unable to qualify for a mortgage or can't afford larger down payments.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/us-sales-homes-dip-0-3-percent-october-150954983--finance.html

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Christmas Tissue Paper Wreath

Most moms of little ones ?twitch? at the idea of taking them to a craft store; aisles upon aisles of tiny pieces to spill, break, unravel, or stash in the cart. Yes, I speak from experience? When Little Brother was still an infant I did everything in my power to not have to take my precious little guys with me to the craft store; unfortunately during that time Big Brother and I weren?t able to do nearly as many fun projects as we can today.?

For that very reason, I am so excited to introduce all moms of little ones to Kiwi Crate?s NEW The Studio.?The Studio is a website of craft inspiration for you and your little one(s) to enjoy together! My favorite part is that they offer ?Buy The Kit? crafts! For under $8.00 you can purchase any of the featured Christmas crafts; how awesome is that!?!

Recently, the boys and I have the opportunity to create our our Tissue Paper Wreath for Christmas from The Studio! Check out our project:

All the materials we needed arrived at our door!

Along with easy-to-follow illustrated directions!

This easy Christmas craft was a HUGE hit in our home! Little Brother was content playing with a piece of tissue paper while Big Brother made most of the wreath all by himself! I enjoyed working on this with my boys and loved that the products arrived at our door? THAT WAS GENUIS!

Thanks The Studio, we look forward to many more projects together as a family from your site!

?If you love this project and want to make it at home, you can also buy the supplies at your local craft store! Find a list of supplies needed and directions HERE!?

Mackenzie is a follower of Jesus, wife, mama of two toddler boys, teacher at heart, and coffee lover. She was a lower school elementary teacher for over 6 years, with a master's degree in Reading, and is a certificated Reading Specialist. She currently works part-time at a private school allowing her more time at home with her little guys.

Mackenzie has blogged 341 posts here.

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Source: http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/christmas-tissue-paper-wreath/

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For Marissa Mayer, it's God, family and Yahoo

At Fortune Magazine's "Most Powerful Women" dinner? in Palo Alto, Calif., businesswoman Marissa Mayer, who was criticized for juggling a short maternity leave and her new role as Yahoo's CEO, says she has found balance by "ruthlessly prioritizing" God, family and then Yahoo, citing legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi.

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By Ben Popken, TODAY contributor

"The baby's been easy!" Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer told an invite-only crowd at a?Fortune?"Most Powerful Women" event on?Tuesday evening in Palo Alto, Calif.

"The baby's been way easier than everyone made it out to be. I think I've been really lucky that way but I had a?very easy, healthy pregnancy.?He's been easy. So those have been the two really terrific surprises: the kid has been easier and the job has been fun!" Mayer said, referring to her son, Macallister.?The crowd chuckled?along with her.

It turns out the former Google executive, known for her planning skills and extensive use of spreadsheets to make major life decisions (and determine the perfect cupcake recipe), can still be surprised when it comes to both motherhood and corporate leadership.

"I think that there's two surprising things," Mayer told the audience, comprised mostly of women, "I knew that the job would be hard and I knew that the baby would be fun. And the thing that surprised me, and really puzzlingly so, is that the job is really fun! Yahoo is a really fun place to work."?

In a television exclusive, TODAY aired excerpts of the interview this morning, which may be her last public interview for some time.

The 37-year old, Mayer, who became Yahoo's CEO while 6-months pregnant and gave birth shortly thereafter, returned to work after a two-week maternity leave, sparking debate about whether she could both lead the embattled internet giant and be a good mother.

More broadly, her story has kindled a national conversation about whether women can truly "have it all" in terms of?work-life balance. As a female CEO in the male-dominated tech world, and pregnant at that, some have pointed to her ascent as evidence of "The Fall of Men."

"What's the most important thing that you do, to get it all done?" Mayer was asked onstage at the FORTUNE event.

"You have to ruthlessly prioritize," replied Mayer. Doing interviews haven't been high on the priority list lately.?

"And that's one of the reasons I haven't been talking and I will go back to not talking after tonight."?said Mayer.

So far investors agree with how Mayer prioritizes her time. Yahoo's stock is up 18 percent since she took over.

A native of Wisconsin, Mayer cited legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi as an inspiration.

"And you know Vince Lombardi says, in my life there are?three things: God, family and the Green Bay Packers, in that order. For me, it's God, family, and Yahoo, in that order."

In a few hours Mayer will join a group of CEOs meeting with President Barack Obama to?discuss their priorities for?the so-called "fiscal cliff" of tax hikes and spending cuts set to take place?Jan. 1, unless Congress acts.

Source: http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2012/11/28/15509672-for-marissa-mayer-its-god-family-and-yahoo?lite

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'DWTS' Finals: Who Deserves the All-Stars Mirrorball?

After an entire season of fabulous dances, it all came down to the final competition of Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars, where three beautiful women: Shawn Johnson, Kelly Monaco and Melissa Rycroft danced their hearts out for a chance to claim the All-Stars mirrorball! 

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/dancing-stars-finals-who-deserves-all-stars-mirrorball/1-a-504595?dst=iv%3AiVillage%3Adancing-stars-finals-who-deserves-all-stars-mirrorball-504595

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France to recognize Palestinian state at UN

PARIS (AP) ? France announced Tuesday that it plans to vote in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly this week.

With the announcement, France becomes the first major European country to come out in favor, dealing a setback to Israel. The timing of the announcement appears aimed at swaying other European nations.

Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told parliament that France has long supported Palestinian ambitions for statehood and "will respond 'Yes'" when the issue comes up for a vote "out of a concern for coherency."

The Palestinians say the assembly is likely to vote Thursday on a resolution raising their status at the U.N. from an observer to a nonmember observer state, a move they believe is an important step toward a two-state solution with Israel. A Palestinian state would still not be a full General Assembly member, however.

Unlike the Security Council, there are no vetoes in the General Assembly and the resolution is virtually certain of approval. But such a vote by France ? a permanent council member ? could weigh on decisions in other European capitals.

Europe is divided over the issue. Switzerland and Portugal have said they will vote for the measure, but Germany is among the countries that have opposed the bid. Britain's position remains unclear.

Palestinians say they are doing this out of frustration over the four-year deadlock in peace efforts. They believe an endorsement of their state will bolster their negotiating position.

Israel strongly opposes the bid, accusing the Palestinians of trying to bypass negotiations. The resolution would endorse a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, the territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel opposes a pullback to the 1967 lines.

As French lawmakers applauded Tuesday? many of them members or allies of the Socialist-led government ? Fabius cautioned against raising Palestinian hopes too high.

"But, but, but, but, but ? but at the same time, madame and monsieur lawmakers, we must show in this case a lot of lucidity," he said.

"On the one hand, because the text is currently being discussed, and I myself had (Palestinian) President Mahmoud Abbas on the phone yesterday morning," he said. "On the other hand, because ? let's not hide from this ? that this question will be asked at a very delicate moment."

He went on to note the "fragile cease-fire" after the recent deadly fighting between Hamas and Israel, the Israeli election in January, and the upcoming "change in composition of the American administration" ? with the United States seen by many as perhaps the most pivotal player in the region.

"In any case, it's only through negotiations ? that we ask for without conditions and immediately between the two sides ? that we will be able to reach the realization of a Palestinian state," Fabius said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/france-recognize-palestinian-state-un-142746680.html

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