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Smoggy Beijing to Reveal More Pollution Data

A bureau in charge of monitoring China's frequently smog-choked capital will release more detailed reports, state media said Friday, following a public outcry over the hazards of fine particle pollution.

Beijing's decision to publish the data appeared aimed at appeasing residents' anger over the pollution and a lack of government transparency.

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Williams, Federer among the Ailing before AustOpen

Serena Williams has a badly sprained left ankle, Roger Federer an aching back, and Kim Clijsters a sore left hip.

Add in a limping — but "I'll be OK" — Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal playing with a sore left shoulder from the end of last season and the advance tournaments for this year's Australian Open are beginning to look like a star-studded sports injury clinic.

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Messi's Rise with Barcelona Started on a Napkin

Lionel Messi's remarkable career with Barcelona began on a napkin.

It happened more than a decade ago, when the 13-year-old Messi, then just a scrawny little kid with plenty of talent, was hoping to earn a contract with Barcelona.

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Murray Beats Tomic, Moves into Brisbane Final

Andy Murray had Ivan Lendl in his corner and another ATP final in his sights when he beat Australian teenager Bernard Tomic 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday in the Brisbane International semifinals.

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Chinese Troupe Brings Vibrant Life to Tragic Tale

When the noted Chinese Ming Dynasty opera "The Peony Pavilion" came to Lincoln Center in 1999, the production lasted 20 hours, divided into six episodes.

Now this tragic but redemptive love story is back at Lincoln Center — this time in dance form, and considerably shorter: two hours, including intermission.

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Palestinian Sesame Street Ails without U.S. Funds

It's quiet time on Palestinian Sesame Street.

The iconic children's program, known as "Sharaa Simsim" in Arabic, has been put on hold for the 2012 season because of a funding freeze by the U.S. Congress.

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11 Killed in Hot Air Balloon Crash in NZ

A hot air balloon carrying 11 people turned into a horrifying tower of "sheer flame" Saturday after hitting power lines near a rural New Zealand town, police and witnesses said. All aboard were killed in the deadliest air crash in New Zealand in nearly 50 years.

Two of those killed jumped out of the basket in desperation before the fiery balloon plummeted to farmland with a loud bang as it hit the ground. The balloon crashed near the township of Carterton, in a region well known for its hot air ballooning, in clear, bright early morning conditions with minimal wind.

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Henry Rejoins Arsenal on Loan

Thierry Henry will look to enhance his legendary status at Arsenal after completing a loan move to the English club he graced for eight years.

The former France striker had to wait a week to secure his two-month switch as Arsenal finalized insurance agreements with the New York Red Bulls, Henry's club in Major League Soccer.

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Clijsters Injured, Quits in Brisbane Semifinals

Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters retired from her semifinal match against Daniela Hantuchova at the Brisbane International on Friday one game after being treated for what appeared to be a left hip injury.

Clijsters won the opening tiebreak but surrendered a break at the start of the second set and needed treatment after the third game.

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Asian Economies Look to Keep Iranian Oil Flowing

China, the biggest buyer of Iran's oil, has publicly rejected U.S. sanctions aimed at Tehran's energy industry while American allies Japan and South Korea are scrambling to find a compromise to keep critical supplies flowing.

Beijing is buying less Iranian crude this month but analysts say China is unlikely to support an oil embargo. Instead, they say, the smaller purchases might be a tactic aimed at obtaining lower prices as the West squeezes Tehran.

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