Brazil Blackout: Two Largest Cities Hit By Massive Power Outages
RIO DE JANEIRO — A massive power failure blacked out Brazil’s two largest cities and other parts of Latin America’s biggest nation for more than two hours late Tuesday, leaving millions of people in the dark after a huge hydroelectric dam suddenly went offline. Paraguay was also affected when the Itaipu dam straddling the two nations’ border stopped producing 17,000 megawatts of power, resulting in outages in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and at least several other big Brazilian cities, Brazilian Mines and Energy Minister Edison Lobao said.
Semifinal slate sealed on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ (AP)
AP - He shed tears on the show and once fought for his spot with a dance-off, but Aaron Carter has performed his last dance on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Philippines’ Mayon volcano spews ash, could erupt (AP)
AP - Scientists say the cone-shaped Mayon volcano in the central Philippines has shot an ash plume into the air and are advising nearby residents to be ready to move in case of eruption.
Veterans Day events
Lecture — 7:45 to 9 a.m. today. Brig. Gen. William Grimsley discusses the military’s impact on the Central Texas economy as part of the Austin Economic Club’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Sheraton Austin Hotel, 701 E. 11th St. $35
Analysis: France-Germany ties fade (AP)
AP - Throughout the Cold War, Germany was the steadfast trans-Atlantic ally — and France the perpetual skeptic. Paris snubbed NATO, booted allied soldiers off its soil and sought a privileged relationship with Moscow.
OMG - Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart Holding Hands!
Spotted, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart holding hands as they left Paris today! Amidst all the speculation of are-they or aren’t they this certainly seems to seal the deal - the two look oh so happy. We saw Rob’s big smile as he left his hotel after their adorable press conference with Taylor this morning. Amid all the magazine mania especially the romantic Harper’s shoot, this is the best. A short while later, they landed in London for the next leg of their promotional tour.
Tyler Walks This Way Out of Aerosmith
Guitarist Joe Perry says his band is now looking for a new lead singer.
Blackwater Said to Approve Iraqi Payoffs After Shootings
Former executives said it was unclear if the payoffs of about $1 million were made, but the goal was to hush criticism and buy support after 17 civilians were killed in 2007.
Afghan official: foreigners bolstering Taliban (AP)
AP - Thousands of foreign fighters have poured into Afghanistan to bolster the Taliban insurgency, the country’s defense minister said Saturday as he called for more international troops.
Michael Jackson movie to screen in China (AP)
AP - The Michael Jackson documentary “This Is It” has snapped up one of the last of China’s 20 annual foreign movie import slots, a Sony Pictures executive said Tuesday.
