Obama warns Syria against chemical, biological weapon use

President Barack Obama said Monday the U.S. would reconsider its opposition to military involvement in the Syrian civil war if President Bashar al-Assad's beleaguered regime deploys or uses chemical or biological weapons. He called such action a "red line" for the United States. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Obama said the use of such weapons of mass destruction would considerably widen a conflict that has already dragged on for 18 months and killed some 20,000 people, according to activists. Syria possesses extensive chemical and biological weapons stockpiles and has threatened to use them if the country comes under foreign attack. "That's an issue that doesn't just concern Syria. It concerns our close allies in the region, including Israel. It concerns us," Obama said, also acknowledging the possibility that militant groups might acquire some of those weapons. "We cannot have a situation where chemical or biological weapons are falling into the hands of the wrong people

South African miners keep striking after shooting

Striking South African miners remained defiant Monday, four days after police shot to death 34 of their compatriots, with at least half the strikers staying off the job and dozens of others singing in a paddy wagon on their way to court. The Lonmin PLC platinum mine extended its ultimatum by a day, saying strikers have until Tuesday to return to work or get fired. The mine said it resumed operations Monday with 30 percent of its workforce. Women searched for loved ones missing since Thursday's shootings, with many gathered outside a courthouse in hopes their husbands, brothers and sons are alive and among 259 miners awaiting trial. The court decided Monday to continue the hearing Aug. 27, with the miners remaining in custody. this blogger thinks this is wrong

Watch out, Mariah Carey! Feisty Nicki Minaj 'to join diva as a judge on American Idol'

With an all new panel being assembled for an American Idol this blogger thinks it's important to create the right chemistry. We all know that diva of divas Mariah Carey is on board, but who could possibly take on the 42-year-old and hold their own?

Well, Nicki Minaj, apparently, and she seems rather feisty. According to multiple sources who spoke to Us Weekly, we're going to get the chance to see if there is substance under all that crazy style. 'I'm not sure the deal is completely done yet, but yes, she is definitely doing it,' a source told Us. 'A few more things to sign off on but it is happening.' Another source told the magazine that the Pink Friday star is '100% confirmed to judge American Idol.

TONY SCOTT DEAD

Leaped 'without hesitation' from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro Passengers on a harbour cruise witnessed him falling by their boat A suicide note was later recovered at his office Pictured looking disheveled while out just weeks ago Industry veteran famous for cult classic Top Gun along with Days of Thunder, Beverly Hills Cop II and Enemy Of The State Planning a Top Gun sequel with Tom Cruise; prep work had already started Had two twin sons with third wife he met in 1994 Worked with the Hollywood elite including Cruise, Robert De Niro, Nicole Kidman and Denzel Washington and had film due out next year

Hollywood director Tony Scott has plunged to his death from a Los Angeles bridge after penning a suicide note - falling within feet of horrified tourists on a harbour boat cruise. The 68-year-old, who directed films including Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop II and Enemy Of The State, leaped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge at around 12.30pm on Sunday. 'He landed right next to our tour boat, and many of us saw the whole thing,' a witness, who had been on the cruise around the Los Angeles Harbour, told TMZ. Just weeks before his death, Scott was pictured looking dishevelled and wide-eyed as he left a dinner in Beverly Hills on July 23.