With 88 Goals, Lionel Messi Celebrates A Record Year
The Barcelona star has broken several records this year — and many say the 25-year-old still hasn't peaked.
Europe
A New Tale By Hans Christian Andersen
Scholars in Denmark believe they have found a new tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It's a short story, called "The Tallow Candle."
Botched Fresco Restorer Sells Original Work
Remember Cecilia Gimenez? She's the 80-year-old Spanish woman who gained fame for her restoration of a 19th century fresco of Jesus. The botched restoration became quite a sensation. She's selling an original painting on eBay.
A Sign From Above? Needing New Roof, Monks Sell Rare Beer In U.S.
Westvleteren 12, a Belgian beer often called the best in the world, officially hits U.S. store shelves for the first time Wednesday. But fans of the beer may want to act quickly: The Trappist monks who brew it are only selling enough overseas to raise money to pay for a new roof and other renovations.
Spain's Civil Servants Draw Grumbles, And Envy
Spain's economic crisis has helped drive the nation's unemployment rate above 25 percent. Many of the jobless resent the relatively high pay and job security public sector workers enjoy.
Noah's Ark Replica Docks In Netherlands
The giant floating hulk opened to the public with some real animals: rabbits and parakeets. The bison and tigers are life-sized sculptures. There are modern creature comforts such as two cinemas and a restaurant.
Queen Elizabeth To Make Holiday Message In 3-D
According to the Daily Mail, the queen will be three-dimensional as she delivers her annual Christmas message. That is, of course, if you have an updated TV set and those funny glasses. For those wondering, Queen Elizabeth will be the first monarch to appear in 3-D.
Russia's Hockey Glad To Have NHL-Lockout Orphans
The NHL lockout has sent many Russian players home to play for a league very much in need of star power as it tries to revive hockey's popularity in a place where the sport was once dominant.
Spain's Crisis Leads To Rise Of Grass-Roots Groups
The country's protest movement has evolved into a broad range of groups now filling the gaps left by the eroding welfare state. From doctors to teachers and homeowners to judges, Spaniards are organizing.
Getting The Royal Treatment En Route To Versailles
Any ordinary commuter or tourist can be a royal for a day traveling on France's Versailles trains. Each of the cars of the 30 trains is decorated to resemble spaces at the sprawling and opulent Palace of Versailles.