The Russian who designed the most popular assault rifle ever made says the use of his gun in Iraq proves it is still superior to other weapons.

Mikhail Kalashnikov says, "Even after lying in a swamp you can pick up this rifle, aim it and shoot. That's the best job description there is for a gun. Real soldiers know that and understand it."

Vietnam's government against "social evils" has evidently targeted Karaoke bars since they will no longer be allowed to sell or have alcohol on their premises.

Under the new legislation that went into effect Thursday, karaoke bars, along with discotheques, are legally bound to close at midnight.

It pays to be lonely in one South Korean province.

The government in South Kyongsang province plans to give $6,113 to single male farmers in order to help them pay for mail-order brides from abroad, an official said to Reuterson Tuesday.

Police say a 73-year-old man, who received a $5 jaywalking ticket after being struck by a car, later died from his injuries.

Charles Atherton, a former secretary of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts that advises the government on architecture and design in Washington, was hit Thursday while crossing busy Connecticut Avenue.

Peter Kaufman, who writes about the Alaskan canneries in which he previously worked in during the 70's Vividly captures the mood of that era, in her new book "Barometer's Shadow."

Barometer's Shadow, published by Silvercrest captures a time when protesters burned bras or draft cards and thousands of war veterans came home in thick clouds of marijuana smoke as the lingering specter of Vietnam systematically tore most of the country apart.