LONDON (Reuters) – The number of Britons claiming unemployment benefits posted its sharpest increase in over a year in October after a jobs boost from the Olympics faded, data showed, highlighting the fragile health of the British economy. ANALYST COMMENT PHILIP SHAW, INVESTEC “At first glance it’s a mixed bag. The claimant count has risen by 10,000 on the month, but the ILO-based figures are painting a brighter picture. “When you look at two different ways of measuring unemployment they can sometimes tell somewhat different stories. …
Canadians' go-to daily fashion adviser? The weather report, new survey suggests
a new survey suggests an increasing number of Canadians turn to weather forecasts to figure out what to wear.
African Union asks UN to authorize Mali deployment
The African Union is asking the United Nations Security Council to endorse a military intervention to free northern Mali from the control of Islamist extremists affiliated with al-Qaida.
Law appointed interim batting coach for Australia
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Former test batsman Stuart Law will step in as interim batting coach for Australia after Justin Langer stepped down to take up the head coach position for his native Western Australia state. Law, who played one test for Australia in 1995 and 54 one-day internationals from 1994-1999, would take the assistant coaching role for the next five tests, Cricket Australia’s (CA) performance manager Pat Howard told reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday. …
Strikes, protests hit much of European Union
With rampant unemployment spreading misery in southern Europe and companies shutting factories across the continent, workers around the European Union sought to unite in a string of strikes and demonstrations on Wednesday. Wave of bombings kills 12 people across Iraq
Iraqi insurgents unleashed a new wave of bombings across the country early Wednesday targeting security forces and civilians, police and health officials said, killing 12 people and wounding dozens more in the latest challenge to government efforts to promote a sense of stability.
Canadian cigarette packaging bears some of most prominent health warnings
TORONTO – When it comes to warning people about the dangers of cigarettes, Canada’s leading cancer researcher says we’re not just blowing smoke.
Testimony resumes at inquiry into killing of Manitoba girl failed by foster
WINNIPEG – An inquiry into the killing of a young girl who fell through the cracks of Manitoba’s child welfare is expected to hear more testimony today about overburdened social workers dealing with a culture of poverty and violence.
Jordanian teachers strike to protest price hikes
Jordanian teachers are striking to protest price hikes, a day after a government announcement prompted nationwide riots. 
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Young rosters, small budgets, limited expectations. 
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Ian Poulter converted his sparkling Ryder Cup form into his second World Golf Championship victory in Shenzhen earlier this month and will hope to maintain his strong finish to the year by defending his Australian Masters title. Poulter will battle former major winner Graeme McDowell and a determined local contingent spearheaded by world number five Adam Scott at Kingston Heath in Melbourne's famed sandbelt. … 
A Spanish Interior Ministry official says 32 people have been arrested and 15 people treated for minor injuries in disturbances as a general strike in Spain against austerity measures and economic reforms began. 
Bears rescued from Asia's bear bile trade are enjoying life in a lush Vietnamese national park, but they may need saving once more. 
Russia's prime minister says President Vladimir Putin has no serious health problems.