Mountain in Philipines spews ash Sunday, no volcanic eruption yet
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Villagers fled to safety Sunday after a volcano in the Philippines belched smoke and ash, officials said.
Despite Mount Bulusan’s explosion, its sixth in recent weeks, there is no danger of an eruption, government volcanologists said.
Villagers left their homes by foot and in army trucks as Bulusan shot a plume of grayish smoke and ash more than a mile high into the sky for nine minutes.
The mountain calmed down soon after the ash expolosion.
Villagers are expected to return home from evacuation centers soon.
North Korea facility could lead to creation of nuclear bombs and missiles
SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he doesn’t believe North Korea’s new nuclear facility is part of a peaceful energy program.
He says it appears to be a uranium enrichment facility that could enable North Korea to build more nuclear weapons.
North Korea recently showed the formerly secret facility to a visiting American scientist. The facility appears consistent with the North’s stated plan, but it could be used for making bombs.
North Korea has also developed longer-range missiles that might deliver nuclear weapons.
Taliban threatens to force NATO troops out of Afghanistan in 2014
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban on Sunday vowed to force the U.S.-led coalition to abandon Afghanistan before a 2014 date set by the alliance for handing over security responsibility to Afghan forces.
A Taliban spokesman claimed NATO will be unable to establish a stable government by that date.
During a summit this past weekend, NATO leaders agreed to begin handing off security responsibility to Afghan security forces and withdrawing troops in early 2011.
Woman accused in Domino’s Pizza scandal pleads guilty, is sentenced
HICKORY, N.C. (AP) — A 32-year-old woman accused of appearing in a video at a Domino’s Pizza kitchen that was posted on the Internet last year has pleaded guilty to charges.
Kristy Hammonds received a suspended sentence Friday and was placed on probation for 18 months. She cannot work at any business that prepares or serves food or beverages.
In the video, Hammonds narrates as 32-year-old Michael Anthony Setzer sticks cheese in his nose and waves salami under his rear end while making a sandwich.
Ex-Playboy bunny, police officer and convicted murderer dies Saturday
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The prison escape of former Playboy Club bunny and police officer Laurie “Bambi” Bembenek popularized the phrase “Run Bambi Run” and seemed tailor-made for the TV movie it inspired.
Despite the fame garnered by her flight, Bembenek died insisting she was innocent. Her attorney said Sunday that effort will continue.
The 52-year-old died Saturday of liver failure at a hospice care center in Portland, Ore., said her longtime attorney, Mary Woehrer.
Bembenek worked as a Playboy Club waitress before becoming a police officer and marrying detective Fred Schultz. She was convicted in 1982 of shooting his ex-wife, Christine Schultz, an alimony dispute.
Facebook-bashing pastor admits to threesome with wife and assistant
NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — A pastor who called Facebook a “portal to infidelity” testified that he had a three-way sexual relationship with his wife and a male assistant.
The Rev. Cedric Miller confirmed testimony he gave in a criminal case in 2003. The relationship had ended by that time.
Miller gained national attention when he issued a Facebook edict this week. He said much of the marital counseling he has performed has concerned the website.
New Orleans Hornets finish 5-player trade, send Stojakovic to Toronto
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Hornets sent Peja Stojakovic to Toronto on Saturday in exchange for guard Jarrett Jack.
New Orleans also received center David Andersen and guard Marcus Banks.
Stojakovic entered the season saying he could be traded because of his expiring $15.3 million contract.
His odds of being traded rose when he lost his starting job this season to Marco Belinelli, currently New Orleans’ third-leading scorer, averaging 12.7 points.
Stojakovic, 33, was inactive for several games earlier this season. He has played in six of the Hornets’ 11 games, averaging 7.5 points.
Known for his accurate shooting from behind the 3-point line, Stojakovic has averaged 17.3 during his 12-year career.
Returning from back surgery in 2007-08, he was a key contributor when the Hornets won a franchise-record 56 games.
 
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