Saudi intellectuals call for sweeping reforms

CAIRO (AP) -- More than 100 leading Saudi academics and activists urged King Abdullah to enact sweeping reforms, including setting up a constitutional monarchy, and he ordered Sunday that government sector workers with temporary contracts be given permanent jobs in order to pre-empt the unrest that has engulfed other Arab nations.

The activists' statement, seen on several Saudi websites Sunday, reflects the undercurrent of tension that has simmered for years in the world's largest oil producer. While Abdullah is seen as a reformer, the pace of those reforms has been slow as Saudi officials balance the need to push the country forward with the perennial pressure from hard-line clergy in the conservative nation.

Diamond Engagement Rings Symbol of Endless Love

Reason of selecting diamond is that they considered as symbol of love, purity and unity. This make diamond engagement rings are one of the most popular choices in engagement rings. You can find that these days couples prefer presenting diamond engagement ring to their beloved and the reason of its popularity is its unique look and it has the power to melt heart. Hence by presenting diamond engagement ring to your beloved you will show her that how romantic you are and how much you love her.

Lawyer: WikiLeaks Founder Cannot Get Fair Trial in Sweden

A hearing in London to determine if WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can be extradited to Sweden has adjourned, with a decision expected February 24.

Assange is wanted in Sweden for questioning about rape allegations against him made by two women there.

The WikiLeaks founder has denied the allegations, saying they are politically motivated.

Assange has angered U.S. officials over his website's publication of secret U.S. diplomatic cables and military files. His lawyers argued during the three day hearing that if the 39-year old Australian is extradited to Sweden, he could be passed on to the United States, where he could face execution.

Nation & world: Vladimir Guerrero reportedly will sign with Orioles

A person with knowledge of the situation says free agent Vladimir Guerrero agreed to one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles.

The person spoke Friday to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the deal will not be completed until Guerrero passes a physical.

A second person with knowledge of the deal, also speaking on condition of anonymity because it wasn't final, said the agreement was worth $8 million.

Brain Scans Help Determine a Smoker's Odds of Quitting

Kicking the habit can be tough. Just take a look at the latest statistics from the American Cancer Society.

According to the society's website, more than 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit, but only 4 to 7 percent of people actually succeed when trying to do it on their own.

Now, U.S. researchers have found a way to predict just how successful a smoker will be at quitting - and it involves looking at their brain, Agence -France Presse reported.

The researchers performed MRI scans on 28 heavy smokers to look for activity in the region of the brain associated with behavior change. While the scans were being performed, the smokers were asked to watch a series of commercials about quitting smoking.