For decades fine wine awards have been dominated by France and California. That is changing. Since 2003 -- continued in 2013 -- newer regions take top awards in this international competition.

The European Central Bank cuts interest rate from 0.50 percent to 0.25 percent. The historically low rate shows E.C.B.’s intentions to save the Euro but may have quickened the abolishment the Euro instead.

Dan Snow's trip into the Democratic Republic of Congo will show the world that a country blessed with just about every natural resource available, somehow finds itself being one of the poorest nations on the planet.

Rio De Janeiro - A notorious Brazilian crime syndicate issued threats, Tuesday, to disrupt next year’s soccer World Cup finals, hosted by Brazil, by launching terror-style attacks. It also threatened disruption of next year’s Brazilian presidential election.

Times are tough these days with the economic crisis, but we all still need a break from the stresses of everyday life in general. The good news is that you can now stay in Europe at budget prices, but still in the best of style, in a luxury hostel.

In a medicines safety update this week, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration said that it had received 28 reports of suicidal thoughts in both teenagers and children as young as seven after taking ADHD drug Strattera.

Lisbon - Due to the economic crisis in Portugal, some prisoners are renouncing their rights to parole, preferring to stay in jail rather than be homeless and left living on the streets. Some are even committing crimes just to get back into prison.

Caffeine during pregnancy could be bad for pregnant women. Scientists found the stimulant altered the brain cells of newborns whose moms had consumed caffeine during and after pregnancy.

Scientists have used different strains of fungi and bacteria to promote development and health in trees, which have enabled them to accelerate growth of different species up to 40 percent.

Paleontologists working in Portugal have found a nest of abandoned dinosaur eggshells. The remains are estimated to be about 150 million years old.

Usually when discussing the European crises it is common to hear blame laid upon Spain, Greece, Italy and other countries with large trade deficits and fiscal deficits. A great deal of blame, however, lies with a surprising culprit, Germany.

Bournemouth - Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer player, a forward for Real Madrid and the Portuguese national team, is feared by goalkeepers for his potency and accuracy in free kicks. In a recent play he missed the goal, but broke the wrist of a young fan.

London - The Internet buzzing as Kate Middleton reportedly heads to the hospital for the delivery of the newest addition to the Royal Family.

The European Union has passed a new directive that will not allow any sort of financial assistance to any Israeli entity that has at least some of it operations located in the occupied territories.

Lisbon - Researchers have discovered a new class of highly potent antimalarial compounds. These chemicals, developed to fight cancer, appear to be able to kill the malaria causing parasite.

Washington continues to shirk its own responsibility in its mishandling of state secrets. Criticizing China for letting Snowden go is like blaming the fireman for the smoke detector without batteries.

Sydney - As expected, the hyper-austerity killed the economies it was supposed to save. Instead of one Treaty of Versailles, there are now several. The question now is why the charade is continuing and why anyone believes in it at all.

A top Portuguese bullfighter, João Moura Jr, has incurred the wrath of animal rights groups in Europe, by posting a series of shocking photographs on his Facebook page showing pit bulls attacking a calf.

Strasbourg - The European Parliament adopted a resolution, Thursday July 4, giving the go-ahead for the Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the US surveillance programs.

Bolivia, Venezuela and Nicaragua have offered Edward Snowden protection. Maduro says he will protect the NSA whistleblower from persecution by the empire. Ortega and Morales agreed to join the ranks of South American countries offering such protection.