the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala

RAEL MIDEAST CONFLICTS GAZA

Israeli soldiers sleep in sleeping bags next to their tanks shortly before wake up at a location in southern Israel along the border with the Gaza Strip, 20 November 2012. Media reports state that Israel pounded more than 100 targets in Gaza on the seventh day of its offensive, 20 November. Israeli aircraft, ships and artillery hit targets overnight including underground rocket launchers, tunnels and houses that the military said were 'hide-outs' or 'command centres' of Hamas leaders. Palestinians also fired at least 20 rockets at Israel since midnight

NEPAL MISS PINK CONTEST

Nepalese transgender Sangeeta Lama looks at other participants during the Miss Pink Beauty Pageant finale in Kathmandu, Nepal, 14 October 2012. A total of 15 transgender models from across the country participated at the pageant. The event was organized by the Blue Diamond Society, a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) rights group.

USA INTERNATIONAL EMMYS

Chief executive officer of Plural Entertainment Portugal, Maria Ana Borges de Sousa (L) and executive producer, Hugo de Sousa (R) arrive at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

SKOREA-VOTE-POLITICS-ART

A South Korean man looks at a painting portraying Park Geun-Hye, the presidential candidate of the ruling conservative New Frontier Party, giving birth to her own father and late strongman Park Chung-Hee, at a Seoul gallery on November 20, 2012. South Korea's ruling party has threatened to sue the left-wing artist Hong Sung-Dam who painted its presidential candidate giving birth to her father, former dictator Park Chung-Hee, likening the work to Nazi propaganda.

Superstorm Sandy

A beachside house, deemed uninhabitable by the New York City Department of Buildings, is left in ruins in the Belle Harbor neighborhood of the Rockaways, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in New York

AFGHANISTAN-SOCIAL-DRUGS

fghan men take drugs alongside the Kabul river in Kabul on November 20, 2012. Afghan officials and experts cite a figure of 60,000 drug users in the capital city of Kabul which has an estimated total population of five million.

Nepal Hindu Festival

Nepalese women offer prayers to the Sun god at the Rani Pokhari Pond during the Chhath festival in Katmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. On Chhath, an ancient Hindu festival, rituals are performed to thank the Sun god for sustaining life on earth.

India Hindu Festival

Hindu devotees return after performing rituals in the morning at the Tawi River during the Chhath Puja festival in Jammu, India, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. During Chhath, an ancient Hindu festival popular amongst the working class, rituals are performed to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on earth.

PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-GAZA-CONFLICT

Palestinian firefighters try to extinguish a blaze after an Israeli air strike on the Islamic National Bank building in Gaza City on November 20, 2012. Israeli leaders discussed an Egyptian plan for a truce with Gaza's ruling Hamas, reports said, before a mission by the UN chief to Jerusalem and as the toll from Israeli raids on Gaza rose over 100.

Dolphins Mauled

This Sept. 23, 2012, photo provided by the Audubon Nature Institute shows a bottlenose dolphin with a gunshot wound near the blowhole. The dead dolphin was found near Elmer's Island, Louisiana. Dolphins are washing up on shore with bullets wounds, jaws and tails missing, heartbreaking discoveries for scientists along the Gulf Coast

AFGHANISTAN-SOCIAL-DRUGS

Afghan men take drugs alongside the Kabul river in Kabul on November 20, 2012. Afghan officials and experts cite a figure of 60,000 drug users in the capital city of Kabul which has an estimated total population of five million.

Sidse Babett Knudsen

Danish actress Sidse Babett Knudsen Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

Kelly Rutherford

Actress Kelly Rutherford from "Gossip Girl," arrives for the 40th International Emmy Awards, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 in New York

Sonia Braga

Brazilian actress Sonia Braga arrives for the 40th International Emmy Awards, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 in New York.

Melissa George

Australian actress Melissa George arrives at the 40th International Emmy Awards, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 in New York.

Ariel Winter

Ariel Winter

Ariel Winter attends the World Premiere of "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1" at The Paley Center for Media, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Winter's father, Glenn Workman, said Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in a court filing in Los Angeles that he opposes a guardianship for his 14-year-old daughter

actress Melissa George

Australian film and television actress Melissa George at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

actress Edith Gonzalez

Mexican actress Edith Gonzalez arrives at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

Kelly Rutherford

US actress Kelly Rutherford of the televsion show 'Gossip Girl' arrives at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

Kotaro Komori

Japanese executive producer Kotaro Komori (L) and producer Katsuko Hara (R) of the television mini series 'Early Autumn' arrive at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

actress Prerna Wanvari

Indian television actress Prerna Wanvari arrives at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

USA MISS UNIVERSE

Canada World Cup Skiing

Norway's Sjur Roethe, red bib, leads the pack at the start during the men's World Cup 30-kilometer Skiathlon in Canmore, Alberta, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012.

Canada World Cup Skiing

Racers make their way up a hill during the men's World Cup 30-kilometer Skiathlon in Canmore, Alberta, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012

Peru Dog Contest

A dog wearing a wig sits during a Christmas costume contest for dogs in Lima Peru, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012.

Kareena Kapoor

Indian Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor poses on the set of a television show during the promotion of the forthcoming Hindi film “Dabbang 2” in Lonavala some 50kms south-east of Mumbai late November 30, 2012

Kareena Kapoor

Indian Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor (R) performs a song with actor Salman Khan on the set of a television show during the promotion of their forthcoming Hindi film “Dabbang 2” in Lonavala some 50kms south-east of Mumbai late November 30, 2012

Kirron Kher

Indian Bollywood actress Kirron Kher poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012

Katrina Kaif

Indian Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012.

Priyanka Chopra

Kareena Kapoo

Indian Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012.

Sania Mirza

Indian tennis player Sania Mirza poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012.

Priyanka Chopra

Indian Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012.

Deepika Padukone

Indian Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012.

Kalpana Pandit

Payal Rohatgi

Indian Bollywood actress Payal Rohatgi poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012.

Payal Rohatgi

Indian Bollywood actress Payal Rohatgi poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012

=========================================

Kalpana Pandit

Indian Bollywood actress Kalpana Pandit poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012.

Claudia Ciesla

German model and actress Claudia Ciesla poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012

Zarine Khan

Indian Bollywood actress Zarine Khan poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012

Aditi Rao Hydari

Indian Bollywood actress Aditi Rao Hydari poses as she attends the ‘Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012’ ceremony in Mumbai late December 16, 2012

FRANCE-SOCIETY-WEDDING-DEMONSTRATION-PARIS

Three men dressed up as nuns kiss each other during a demonstration for the legalisation of gay marriage and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) parenting, in Paris on December 16, 2012

PAKISTAN-INDIA-TRADE-PROTEST

Supporters of Difa-e-Pakistan (Defence of Pakistan) Council march towards Wagah border during a rally near Lahore on December 16, 2012, against the trade relations with India. India on overturned its ban on foreign investment from Pakistan in a move designed to build goodwill amid a renewed push for a peace settlement between the nuclear-armed neighbours. A ban on investments in defence, space and atomic energy will remain and all propositions must be notified to the Indian government

People dance in a vintage New York City subway car

ple dance in a vintage New York City subway car as it moves along the M line on December 16, 2012 in New York City. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) runs vintage subway trains from the 1930's-1970's each Sunday along the M train route from Manhattan to Queens through the first of the year.

UKRAINE WINTER STORM

A truck stuck in blizzard on a road about 85 km of West-Ukrainian city of Lviv, Ukraine, 16 December 2012. Heavy snow drifts stopped traffic on the international highway Kyiv-Chop between cities Brody and Busk in tyhe Lviv region. About 150 vehicles were stuck in snow for 30 hours on highways, the emergencies ministry said. Weather officials have warned the blizzard will continue in the region for at least two more days.

 FRANCE-CHRISTMAS-LIGHTS-DECORATION

Visitors walk by stalls of the Christmas market, on December 16, 2012, in the Paris Champs-Elysees avenue decorated with Christmas and New Year lights.

USA CONNECTICUT SCHOOL SHOOTING

People wait in line at Newtown High School where US President Obama will speak at a interfaith vigil for the shooting victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, USA, 16 December 2012. All of the children killed in the massacre, 12 girls and 8 boys were aged between six and seven. The seven adults killed, including the mother of the gunman, were all women.

ECUADOR VOLCANO

ECUADOR VOLCANO

General view of the Tungurahua Volcano from the town of Pillaro, Ecuador on 16 December 2012. The Ecuadorean Risks Administration National Secretary (SNGR, as in Spanish) has declared an 'orange alert' in areas near the Tungurahua Volcano. The volcano's activity raised with blasts, earthquakes and smoke.

NKOREA-MISSILE

This screen grab taken from North Korean TV on December 14, 2012 shows North Koreans holding a mass rally to celebrate the state's long-range rocket launch at Kim Il-Sung Square in Pyongyang. North Korea held a mass rally on December 14 to celebrate the nuclear-armed country's rocket launch, as its youthful leader vowed new launches in defiance of US-led outrage.

NORTH KOREA ROCKET LAUNCH

A photo released by the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 14 December 2012 of North Korean soldiers applauding during a rally in Kim Il Sung Square hailing the success of the launch of the communist country's long-range Unha-3 rocket in Pyongyang, North Korea, 14 December 2012. North Korea's rocket launch was condemned by governments around the world as provocative and a violation of UN Security Council regulations. The United States, one of North Korea's top critics since the two countries were on opposite sides of the 1950-53 Korean War, called for North Korea, already one of the world's most-sanctioned countries, to pay a price.

NETHERLANDS-TEXEL-WHALE-STRANDED

A handhout photo taken on December 13, 2012 and provided by the Ecomare seacentre shows a humpback whale stranded on a sandbank near the island of Texel, northern Netherlands. Dutch animal rescuers have given up hope of saving a stranded 12-metre (32-foot) humpback whale on a northern Frisian island after a final attempt to pull it to sea failed, a rescue spokeswoman said on December 14.

USA MISS UNIVERSE

A handout released by the Miss Universe Organization shows (L-R) Miss Brazil 2012, Gabriela Markus, Miss Czech Republic 2012, Tereza Chlebovskv, Miss Peru 2012, Nicole Faveron and Miss Cyprus 2012, Ioanna Yiannakou, pose for photos in swimwear by the pool at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 03 December 2012. They will spend the next three weeks touring, filming, rehearsing, and making new friends while they prepare to compete for the coveted Miss Universe Crown

Nicole Faveron

Miss Peru 2012, Nicole Faveron, poses for photos at Pure Nightclub on Friday, December 7, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

US-MISS UNIVERSE-2012

Nicole Faveron, Miss Peru 2012; Ana Luisa Konig, Miss Chile 2012; Renae Ayris, Miss Australia 2012; Maria Selena, Miss Indonesia 2012; and Adrienne Murphy, Miss Ireland 2012 pose for photos at Pure Nightclub on Friday, December 7, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The contestants are filming segments around Las Vegas to air as part of the LIVE NBC Telecast set for 8:00 PM ET on December 19, 2012.

US-MISS UNIVERSE-2012

Miss Guatemala 2012, Laura Godoy; Miss Bolivia 2012, Yessica Mouton; Miss Belgium 2012, Laura Beyne; Miss France 2012, Marie Payet; and Miss Colombia 2012, Daniella Álvarez Vasquez; during rehearsals at Bally's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 89 Contestants from around the world will compete for the coveted Miss Universe Diamond Nexus Labs Crown..

US-MISS UNIVERSE-2012

Miss Thailand 2012, Nutpimon Farida Waller; Miss Uruguay 2012, Camila Vezzoso; Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2012, Avionne Mark; Miss USA 2012, Olivia Culpo; Miss Tanzania 2012, Winfrida Dominic; and Miss Ukraine 2012, Anastasia Chernova; during rehearsals at Bally's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

CHINA WEATHER

Local residents build a snowman from snow cleared in a car park in the suburbs of Beijing, China, 14 December 2012. Beijing has had three days with snow coming just one week after what local media reported as the coldest week in 14 years.

SPAIN-SPACE-GEMINID

A general view of the Geminid meteor shower in the National Park of El Teide on the Spanish canary island of Tenerife on December 13, 2012

CHINA-PROPERTY-RIGHTS

This picture taken on December 13, 2012 shows a 10-meter-high tomb waiting to be relocated, in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi province, after the owner of this "nail grave" reached an agreement with the construction consortium and would receive 800 yuan (128 USD) in compensation. Government-backed land grabs have become a volatile problem as officials and developers seek to cash in on the nation's property boom, sometimes forcing people out of their homes without proper compensation.

CHINA-ECONOMY-GOLD

This picture taken on December 11, 2012 shows Chinese sales staff walking along an aisle paved with 300 kilograms of gold bars, estimated to worth over 100 million yuan (USD16 million) to promote a gold exchange house in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan province. Global demand for gold fell 11 percent in the third quarter on an annual basis, as buying in key market China dipped because of its slowing economy, the World Gold Council reported in November.

JAPAN-VOTE-CANDIDATES-SENIOR

Ryokichi Kawashima (2nd R), a 94-year-old candidate for the December 16 general election shakes hands with a voter for his election campaign at Hanyu city in Saitama prefecture, north of Tokyo on December 14, 2012. Kawashima who cashed in his funeral savings to use as an election deposit was out canvassing for votes on December 14, just two days ahead of Japan's general election.

AUSTRALIA-NATURE-CHRISTMAS

A Meerkat plays with a Christmas decoration at Taronga Zoo in Sydney on December 14, 2012. In the lead up to Christmas a selection of the zoo animals were challenged with Christmas-themed environmental enrichment activities

INDIA KASHMIR WEATHER

Kashmiri woman walks over snow covered field after a brief snowfall on the outskirts of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, 14 December 2012. Traffic on the 300 kilometers (188 miles) long Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended due to heavy snowfall

INDONESIA POLLUTION CITARUM

A handout picture released by Greenpeace on 12 December 2012 shows an activist in an protective suit taking a water sample from a pipe to test its toxicity on Citamiang river, one of the tributary of Citarum river in Cilegong, Purwakarta, West Java Province, Indonesia, 08 August 2012. Citarum, which flows 269 kilometres north through 12 districts and cities to the Java Sea, is considered as one of the world's dirtiest rivers. It serves more than 25 million people who live in its basin and beyond. Industrialization and population growth have put strains on the river. At least 38 companies operating in five districts in West Java were responsible for the pollution, according to Greenpeace.

PHILIPPINES NAKED RUN

Filipino members of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity during the annual Oblation run inside the University of the Philippines Diliman, in Quezon City, eastern Manila, Philippines, 14 December 2012. Around 40 members of APO fraternity staged the group's annual Oblation Run to highlight the fraternity's call for the clean and honest election for the upcoming May 2013 local elections

Emily Griset and Drew Chin

Emily Griset and Drew Chin attend the Third Annual UNICEF Masquerade Ball at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on December 13, 2012 in New York City

Jaime Jimenez

Wendy Reyes and UNICEF Event Co-Chair Jaime Jimenez attend the Third Annual UNICEF Masquerade Ball at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on December 13, 2012 in New York City

Elizabeth Yale

Elizabeth Yale attends the Third Annual UNICEF Masquerade Ball at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on December 13, 2012 in New York City.

Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush (L) and UNICEF Next Generation Chair Jenna Bush Hager attend the Third Annual UNICEF Masquerade Ball at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on December 13, 2012 in New York

Arielle Diskin

Arielle Diskin (L) and Event Co-Chair Danielle Abraham attend the Third Annual UNICEF Masquerade Ball at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on December 13, 2012 in New York City

Actress Kristen Stewart

Actress Kristen Stewart attends "On The Road" New York Premiere at SVA Theater on December 13, 2012 in New York City.

Print .. . document_type=documenttype-image&filevariant=master. GERMANY-DIPLOMACY-PRIZE-AWARD-JEW

oke rises after an Israeli forces strike in Gaza City, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. The Israeli military widened its range of targets in the Gaza Strip on Sunday to include the media operations of the Palestinian territory's Hamas rulers, sending its aircraft to attack two buildings used by both Hamas and foreign media outlets.

Burmese teak wood carving

A Burmese craftsman at work on a Burmese teak wood carving, a traditional Burmese craft, in Yangon, Myanmar, 18 November 2012. Most Burmese are hoping for better economic times ahead on the eve of the visit of US President Barack Obama, the first sitting US president to visit Myanmar. After years of economic sanctions, the latest relaxation came with the US government easing a ban on Myanmar imports, excluding jade, rubies and jewellery, was announced as the latest measure to reward political and economic reforms of President Thein Sein

parkour

Palestinian youths practice their parkour skills during sunset in Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip on 17 September 2012. Parkour originating in France is the physical practice of traversing elements in both urban and rural settings with the goal of moving from one point to another as quickly and efficiently as possible.

China US Soccer

United States fans take their own picture with a mobile device before an exhibition soccer match against China, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, in Houston.

MEXICO-CEMETERY-PREHISPANIC

MEXICO-CEMETERY-PREHISPANIC

This handout picture released by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) shows a skeleton during an excavation in Sonora State, Mexico on December 12, 2012. An approximately 1,000 year-old pre-Hispanic cemetery with 25 skeletons, some perfectly preserved, was located in the Mexican State of Sonora (Northwest), the first time this type of finding has occured in the area, reported on Wednesday the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

India Wrestling

Indian traditional wrestlers practice in a mud pit in Agra, India, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. India has hundreds of local academies for mud wrestling, which is an age old and a very popular sports of Indian villages

Gail Noon

ail Noon poses aboard her 1902 Westfield motorcar, believed to be the only surviving car of its type, displayed at the Regent Street Motor Show in central London, Saturday Nov. 3, 2012. The motor show along one of London's famous shopping streets features around 100 pre-1905 vehicles displayed alongside classic sports cars and modern low energy vehicles

UAE-MUSIC-CONCERT-MINOGUE

A handout picture from Flash Entertainment shows Australian singer Kylie Minogue performing at Yas Island as part of concerts on the sidelines of the Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi late on November 2, 2012

India Daily Life

An elderly Indian performs exercises early morning at Marine Drive in Mumbai, India, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012.

YEMEN SHIITE MUSLIMS CELEBRATION

Yemeni Shiite Muslims perform traditional dance as they celebrate the anniversary of the religious Eid al-Ghadir in Sana'a, Yemen, 03 November 2012. Shiite Muslims celebrated the Eid al-Gadhir where they remember Prophet Mohammad's last instructions to the believers. Yemeni Shiite Muslims publicly celebrated the Eid al-Gadhir for the first time after former president Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down as president in February

India Sand Art

School students participate in a workshop on sand sculpture guided by sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, unseen, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012.

Mideast Egypt Antiquities

This undated image released Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 by Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, shows three recently discovered statues found in a complex of tombs, including one of a pharaonic princess, in the Abusir region, south of Cairo, Egypt. Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Mohammed Ibrahim said Czech archaeologists have unearthed the tomb of Shert Nebti’s, a pharaonic princess, daughter of King Men Salbo, dating from the fifth dynasty (around 2500 BC) along with four other tombs of "high ranking officials."

Mideast Egypt Antiquities

This undated image released Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 by Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, shows a recently discovered statue in a complex of tombs, including one of a pharaonic princess, in the Abusir region, south of Cairo, Egypt. Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Mohammed Ibrahim said Czech archaeologists have unearthed the tomb of Shert Nebti’s, a pharaonic princess, daughter of King Men Salbo, dating from the fifth dynasty (around 2500 BC) along with four other tombs of "high ranking officials."

SOUTH AFRICA DEWALI

Dancers perform a traditional Indian dance during a Dewali Festival in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, 03 November 2012. The Indian festival, Dewali is also known as the 'festival of lights'.

RUSSIA DANCE

Ballet dancers perform during the general rehearsal of Nacho Duato's 'Romeo and Juliet' on the stage of the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, 12 December 2012. The ballet was created by Spanish dancer and choreographer Nacho Duato in St. Petersburg. The premiere of the ballet will be held on 13 December. The Mikhailovsky Theatre has staged 'Romeo and Juliet' three times before: Oleg Vinogradov (1976), Nicholas Boyarchikov (1988) and again Oleg Vinogradov (2008).

ISRAEL-CONFLICT

Palestinians gather around the body of 16-year-old Palestinian Mohammed Ziad Sulaima at a hospital in the old city of the West bank town of Hebron on December 12, 2012. Israeli border guards shot dead a Palestinian teenager armed with a fake pistol, a police spokeswoman said, adding that clashes broke out after the shooting

-BRAZIL-SAND SCULPTURE-CHRISTMAS

Tourists remain at Copacabana beach near a sand sculpture depicting Santa Claus in Rio de Janeirro, Brazil on December 12, 2012. High temperatures -35 to 38 degrees celcius- during the end of the spring, have taken citizens and tourists to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

ITALY-CHRISTMAS-BUS-ROME

A bus decorated for Christmas drives in a street of Rome on December 12, 2012.

BULGARIA-SOCIETY-MARRIAGE-OFFBEAT

A Bulgarian couple kiss on the back of a pick-up truck before their wedding ceremony in Sofia on December 12, 2012. More than a hundred couples in Bulgaria chose to mark the once in a lifetime date 12/12/12 by saying "I do" on the special day.

FRANCE-SKI-LEISURE-WINTER-ALPS

A skier descends a slope in front of a snow cannon, on December 12, 2012, in Val d'Isere, French Alps. Recent snowfalls have encouraged skiers to hit the slopes and the Val d'Isere authorities have opened certain slopes early.

Kosovo conflict

A dog is sits on a armchair in the lead-contaminated Roma camp for Internally Displaced Persons in northern Mitrovica on December 12, 2012. Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian families who had been displaced by the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict have moved to their new homes thanks to the support from the European Commission Liaison Office. Until now the families were living in dire conditions in the Osterode camp

radio station contest at the Little Chapel of the Flowers

A dozen newlyweds pose for photos after participating in a mass wedding as part of a radio station contest at the Little Chapel of the Flowers on December 12, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Couples around the world are hoping that a once-in-a-lifetime event, the date 12/12/12, will bring added luck to their marriages if they tie the knot today. This will be the last such triple date for almost a century, until January 1, 2101

TOPSHOTS-BRAZIL-BEACH

A man makes balance on a rope tied to two palm trees at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeirro, Brazil on December 12, 2012. High temperatures -35 to 38 degrees celcius- during the end of the spring, have taken citizens and tourists to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Christmas gift

A lion holds a "Christmas gift" during a photocall marking Christmas at the London Zoo in central London on December 12, 2012

Argentina Sex Slave

A protester hurls a stone at police officers during a protest against the acquittal of 13 people accused in the disappearance of a young woman in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. The acquittal on Tuesday of 13 people accused in the disappearance of Marita Veron, a young woman who was allegedly kidnapped and forced into prostitution for "VIP clients," spread shock and outrage across Argentina on Wednesday, prompting street protests and calls by political leaders to impeach the three judges who delivered the verdict

Indonesia Sea Turtle Trading

Balinese volunteer Made Waga, cleans a baby sea turtle at the breeding area of Turtle Park in Serangan, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. Sea turtles in Indonesia have long suffered from poaching for their meat, fat, shells and eggs.(

MEXICO AIRPLANE CRASH RIVERA

General view of the site of the airplane accident in El Tejote locality, Nuevo Leon State, Mexico, where American Mexican singer Jenni Rivera along with six other people died as they were flying from Monterrey, Northern Mexico, to Mexico City, on 09 December 2012. Mexican authorities found the plane 'totally destroyed' and without survivors, according to official sources.

FRANCE-LIFESTYLE-LUXURY

In a picture taken on November 14, 2012, an employee works on a pair of tortoiseshell spectacles frames, in the company's Maison Bonnet Paris workshop. Four decades after the trade in tortoiseshell was banned under the 1973 CITES convention, the fourth-generation family firm sees itself as custodian of a rare craft, fashioning made-to-measure spectacles from stocks amassed before the ban

INDONESIA BALI SEA TURTLES

Indonesian Marine Police load sea turtles into a truck after they were seized from an illegal poacher in Denpassar, Bali, Indonesia, 10 December 2012. Although regulated by law, sea turtles and parts of turtle trade is still frequently taking place in many places in Indonesia

Mexico Singer's Plane Missing

A view of the terrain Mountains of the Sierra near the crash site where a plane allegedly carrying U.S-born singer Jenni Rivera crashed near Iturbide, Mexico Sunday Dec. 12, 2012. The wreckage of a small plane believed to be carrying Jenni Rivera, the U.S-born singer whose soulful voice and unfettered discussion of a series of personal travails made her a Mexican-American superstar, was found in northern Mexico on Sunday. Authorities said there were no survivors.

Mexico Singers Plane Missing

A California driver's license bearing the name of Jenni Rivera driving sits on the ground at the site where a plane allegedly carrying Rivera crashed near Iturbide, Mexico Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. The wreckage of a the small plane believed to be carrying Jenni Rivera, the U.S-born singer whose soulful voice and unfettered discussion of a series of personal travails made her a Mexican-American superstar, was found in northern Mexico on Sunday. Authorities said there were no survivors.

US-MISS UNIVERSE

Miss Belgium 2012, Laura Beyne; Miss Netherlands 2012, Nathalie den Dekker; and Miss Germany 2012, Alicia Endemann, pose for photos in swimwear by Kooey Australia poolside at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casinoon December 5, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They will spend the next few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing, and making new friends while she prepares to compete for the coveted Miss Universe Diamond Nexus Labs Crown. Tune in to the LIVE NBC Telecast from PH Live at 8:00 PM ET on December 19, 2012 to see who will win the title of MISS UNIVERSE 2012.

USA MISS UNIVERSE

Nicole Faveron, Miss Peru 2012; Ana Luisa Konig, Miss Chile 2012; Renae Ayris, Miss Australia 2012; Maria Selena, Miss Indonesia 2012; and Adrienne Murphy, Miss Ireland 2012 pose for photos at Pure Nightclub on Friday, December 7, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The contestants are filming segments around Las Vegas to air as part of the LIVE NBC Telecast set for 8:00 PM ET on December 19, 2012

USA MISS UNIVERSE

A handout released by the Miss Universe Organization on 10 December 2012 shows(L-R) Miss Romania 2012, Delia Monica Duca; Miss Switzerland 2012, Alina Buchschacher; Miss Germany 2012, Alicia Endemann; Miss Jamaica 2012, Chantal Zaky; Miss Ireland 2012, Adrienne Murphy; and Miss Australia 2012, Renae Ayris; arrive to Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on 08 December 2012. The 89 Contestants from around the world will spend the next few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing, and making new friends while they prepare to compete for the coveted Miss Universe crown.

INDONESIA JAKARTA FASHION WEEK

Two models present creations by Indonesian designer Cynthia Tan during the Jakarta Fashion Week, Indonesia, 08 November 2012. The event runs from 03 to 12 November 2012

SPACE SCIENCE PLANETARY NEBULA

This undated new ESO Very Large Telescope image provided by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) on 08 November 2012 shows the planetary nebula Fleming 1 in the constellation of Centaurus (The Centaur). Astronomers using ESO’s Very Large Telescope have discovered a pair of stars orbiting each other at the centre of one of the most remarkable examples of a planetary nebula. The new result confirms a long-debated theory about what controls the spectacular and symmetric appearance of the material flung out into space. The results are published in the 09 November 2012 issue of the journal Science. This striking object is a glowing cloud of gas around a dying star. New observations have shown that it is likely that a very rare pair of white dwarf stars lies at the heart of this object. Their orbital motions can fully explain the remarkably symmetric structures of the jets in the surrounding gas clouds in this and similar objects, ESO said in its media release.

PHILIPPINES TYPHOON BOPHA AFTERMATH

A Filipino flood victim carries a bag of relief goods as she crosses washed up logs at a typhoon devastated village in the township of New Bataan, Compostela Valley, southern Philippines, 07 December 2012. Relief supplies made their way by truck and ship to victims of Typhoon Bopha after the worst storm the Philippines has seen this year flattened thousands of homes, destroyed crops and killed nearly 500 people. About 250,000 people were staying in evacuation centres in the southern and central Philippines, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. The government estimated damage to crops at 250 million to 300 million pesos (6 million to 7.3 million dollars).

Thailand Elephant Coffee

In this Dec. 4, 2012 photo, a Thai mahout's wife jokingly poses with a plastic basket containing coffee beans freshly cleaned from elephant dung below the tail of an elephant in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. A Canadian entrepreneur has teamed up with a herd of 20 elephants, gourmet roasters and one of the country's top hotels to produce Black Ivory Coffee, a new blend from the hills of northern Thailand and the excrement of elephants which ranks among the world's most expensive cups of coffee.

Microsoft All Access Holiday Party

From left, Emma Roberts, Olivia Munn, and Jenna Dewan-Tatum are seen with Windows Phone 8X by HTC and Microsoft Surface at Microsoft All Access Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Venice, Calif.

Microsoft All Access Holiday Party

From left, Emma Roberts, Olivia Munn, Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Emmy Rossum attend Microsoft All Access Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Venice, Calif.

Emmy Rossum

MICROSOFT - Emmy Rossum plays Kinect for Xbox 360 at Microsoft All Access Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Venice, Calif.

AFGHANISTAN

(FILES) In this file photograph taken on June 25, 2009, a burqa-clad Afghan women walks on a hilltop everlooking Kabul. Despite living much of their lives behind a veil, some Afghan women are feeling pressure to conform to ideals of female beauty and are lining up for cosmetic surgery at a handful of clinics in Kabul.

New Zealand Hobbit

In this Nov. 24, 2012 file photo, a giant sculpture of Gollum, a character from "The Hobbit," is displayed in the Wellington Airport to celebrate the Nov. 28 premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," the first movie in the trilogy, in Wellington, New Zealand. Many fans are eagerly anticipating a return to the fictional world of Middle-earth with next week's general release of the first movie in “The Hobbit” trilogy, the precursor to “The Lord of the Rings” movies

X Factor Viewing Party

From left to right, singer Camila Cabello, singer Dinah Jane Hansen, singer Normani Hamilton, singer Ally Brooke, and singer Lauren Jauregui of the girl group "Fifth Harmony" attend "The X-Factor" viewing party at Mixology on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Los Angeles. Cabello, Hansen, Hamilton, Brooke, and Jauregui are contestants and semi-finalists on "The X-Factor".

CHINA-JAPAN-WWII-NANJING

This picture taken on May 21, 2012 shows a young girl walking between bronze sculptures depicting victims of the Nanjing massacre at the Memorial Museum in Nanjing. The museum will mark the 75th anniversary of the massacre on December 13.

NETHERLANDS WINTER

A woman rides a bike during a snowfall in the morning rush hour in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 07 December 2012

Thailand Elephant Coffee

In this photo taken Dec. 4, 2012, Niang Homhuan, 37, a Thai mahout's wife walks past an elephant while searching for elephant dung at a camp in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. A Canadian entrepreneur with a background in civet coffee has teamed up with a herd of 20 elephants, gourmet roasters and one of the country's top hotels to produce the Black Ivory, a new blend from the hills of northern Thailand and the excrement of elephants which ranks among the world's most expensive cups of coffee.

CHINA-JAPAN-WWII-NANJING

China-Japan-WWII-Nanjing,FEATURE by Neil Connor This picture taken on May 20, 2012 shows the remains of a victim of the Nanjing massacre at the Memorial Museum in Nanjing. The museum will mark the 75th anniversary of the massacre on December 13

MEXICO FASHION

Models take the catwalk wearin creations from the brand "JI + B" during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Mexico City, Mexico, 15 November 2012.

Mexico Fashion Week

Models take the catwalk wearin creations from the brand "JI + B" during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Mexico City, Mexico, 15 November 2012.

Peru Lady Gaga

Fans of U.S. singer Lady Gaga run to touch a banner with an image of her during a welcoming demonstration ahead her visit in Lima, Peru, Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. Lady Gaga will perform on Nov. 23 in Lima

The Luvabulls

A member of the Chicago Bulls dance team "The Luvabulls" performs during a break between the Bulls and the Boston Celtics at the United Center on November 12, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Peru Lady Gaga

Fans of U.S. singer Lady Gaga pose for pictures during a welcoming demonstration ahead her visit in Lima, Peru, Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. Lady Gaga will perform in Lima on Nov. 23.

Kayla Harrison

lympic gold medal judo winner Kayla Harrison attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Katie Couric

Television journalist Katie Couric attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Chelsea Handler

Television personality Chelsea Handler, left, and Chelsea Clinton attend Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Missy Franklin

Olympic gold medal swimmer Missy Franklin attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Singer Mary J. Blige

Singer Mary J. Blige attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Model Petra Nemcova

Model Petra Nemcova attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Gabby Douglas

mpic gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

"The Livesaver, Women of the Year Fund Initiative" award honoree Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning attends the world premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II" at the Nokia Theatre on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Los Angeles

The Generations

"The Generations" award winners filmmaker Rory Kennedy, left, her mother Ethel Kennedy pose with their sister and daughter Kerry Kennedy at Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York

Mackenzie Foy

Mackenzie Foy attends the world premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II" at the Nokia Theatre on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Selena Gomez

"The Independent Spirit" award winner Selena Gomez attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Dakota Fanning

akota Fanning attends the world premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II" at the Nokia Theatre on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Los Angeles

Missy Franklin

Olympic gold medal swimmer Missy Franklin attends Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Chelsea Handler

Television personality Chelsea Handler, left, and Chelsea Clinton attend Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York.

Glamour Women of the Year Awards

"The Generations" award winners filmmaker Rory Kennedy, left, and her mother Ethel Kennedy attend Glamour Magazine's 22nd annual "Women of the Year Awards" at Carnegie Hall on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 in New York

Taiwan Swinging Skirts Golf

Beatriz Recari of Spain, tees off the 1st hole during the first round of the Swinging Skirts 2012 World Ladies Masters golf tournament, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, in Linkou, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

FILE - In this U.S. Navy file photo, a small boat rescues a USS West Virginia crew member from the water after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941 during World War II. Two men can be seen on the superstructure, upper center. The mast of the USS Tennessee is beyond the burning West Virginia. On Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese Imperial Navy navigator Takeshi Maeda guided his Kate bomber to Pearl Harbor and fired a torpedo that helped sink the USS West Virginia. President Barack Obama on Thursday Dec. 6, 2012 issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 7 a day of remembrance in honor of the 2,400 Americans who died at Pearl Harbor. He urged federal agencies, organizations and others to fly their flags at half-staff.

North Korea Rocket Launch

This Dec. 4, 2012 satellite image taken by GeoEye and annotated and distributed by North Korea Tech and 38 North shows the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Tongchang-ri, North Korea. New satellite images show that heavy snowfall may have slowed North Korean rocket launch preparations but that Pyongyang could still be ready for liftoff starting Monday, Dec. 10. 2012. This image was shared with the AP by the 38 North and North Korea Tech websites, which collaborate on analysis of the satellite imagery

NZEALAND-ANIMAL-

This undated handout photo received on December 7, 2012 from Auckland-based advertising agency DraftFCB shows Porter (L), Monty (C) and Ginny lined up for training. Rather than chasing cars, dogs in New Zealand are being taught to drive them -- steering, pedals and all -- in a heartwarming project aimed at increasing pet adoptions from animal shelters

NZEALAND-ANIMAL-AUTO-DOGS-OFFBEAT

This undated handout photo received on December 7, 2012 from Auckland-based advertising agency DraftFCB shows "Ginny" behind the wheel of a car. Rather than chasing cars, dogs in New Zealand are being taught to drive them -- steering, pedals and all -- in a heartwarming project aimed at increasing pet adoptions from animal shelters. Animal trainer Mark Vette has spent two months training three cross-breed rescue dogs from the Auckland SPCA to drive a modified Mini as a way of proving that even unwanted canines can be taught to perform complex tasks.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon attends the 22nd Annual Children’s Defense Fund's Beat the Odds Awards at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Hong Kong Denmark

Danish Crown Prince Frederik, right, and Crown Princess Mary pose for photographers as they visit the INDEX: Award 2011 exhibition in Hong Kong Friday, Dec. 7, 2012.

NZEALAND-ANIMAL-AUTO-DOGS-OFFBEAT

This undated handout photo received on December 7, 2012 from Auckland-based advertising agency DraftFCB shows "Ginny" in the driver's seat behind the wheel while training. Rather than chasing cars, dogs in New Zealand are being taught to drive them -- steering, pedals and all -- in a heartwarming project aimed at increasing pet adoptions from animal shelters. Animal trainer Mark Vette has spent two months training three cross-breed rescue dogs from the Auckland SPCA to drive a modified Mini as a way of proving that even unwanted canines can be taught to perform complex tasks.

GERMANY WEATHER

Packaging foil, covering piles of hay, forms a colourful contrast to the surrounding wintery landscape covered in snow on a field near Stoetten in Bavaria, Germany, 06 December 2012.

National Finals Rodeo

Casey Martin of Sulphur, La. competes in the steer wrestling go-round during the first night of competition at the National Finals Rodeo Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Las Vegas. Martin took first place with a time of 3.40.

INDIA-ACCIDENT-ALANG-FIRE

Indian workers assemble on the oil tanker "Union Brave" as rescue workers bring down the body of an unidentified worker at a shipbreaking yard at Alang, some 260 kms from Ahmedabad on October 6, 2012. Some five workers died and two are battling for their lives owing to a fire on the oil tanker

RAEL MIDEAST CONFLICTS GAZA

Israeli soldiers sleep in sleeping bags next to their tanks shortly before wake up at a location in southern Israel along the border with the Gaza Strip, 20 November 2012. Media reports state that Israel pounded more than 100 targets in Gaza on the seventh day of its offensive, 20 November. Israeli aircraft, ships and artillery hit targets overnight including underground rocket launchers, tunnels and houses that the military said were 'hide-outs' or 'command centres' of Hamas leaders. Palestinians also fired at least 20 rockets at Israel since midnight

NEPAL MISS PINK CONTEST

Nepalese transgender Sangeeta Lama looks at other participants during the Miss Pink Beauty Pageant finale in Kathmandu, Nepal, 14 October 2012. A total of 15 transgender models from across the country participated at the pageant. The event was organized by the Blue Diamond Society, a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) rights group.

USA INTERNATIONAL EMMYS

Chief executive officer of Plural Entertainment Portugal, Maria Ana Borges de Sousa (L) and executive producer, Hugo de Sousa (R) arrive at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

SKOREA-VOTE-POLITICS-ART

A South Korean man looks at a painting portraying Park Geun-Hye, the presidential candidate of the ruling conservative New Frontier Party, giving birth to her own father and late strongman Park Chung-Hee, at a Seoul gallery on November 20, 2012. South Korea's ruling party has threatened to sue the left-wing artist Hong Sung-Dam who painted its presidential candidate giving birth to her father, former dictator Park Chung-Hee, likening the work to Nazi propaganda.

Superstorm Sandy

A beachside house, deemed uninhabitable by the New York City Department of Buildings, is left in ruins in the Belle Harbor neighborhood of the Rockaways, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in New York

AFGHANISTAN-SOCIAL-DRUGS

fghan men take drugs alongside the Kabul river in Kabul on November 20, 2012. Afghan officials and experts cite a figure of 60,000 drug users in the capital city of Kabul which has an estimated total population of five million.

Nepal Hindu Festival

Nepalese women offer prayers to the Sun god at the Rani Pokhari Pond during the Chhath festival in Katmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. On Chhath, an ancient Hindu festival, rituals are performed to thank the Sun god for sustaining life on earth.

India Hindu Festival

Hindu devotees return after performing rituals in the morning at the Tawi River during the Chhath Puja festival in Jammu, India, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. During Chhath, an ancient Hindu festival popular amongst the working class, rituals are performed to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on earth.

PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-GAZA-CONFLICT

Palestinian firefighters try to extinguish a blaze after an Israeli air strike on the Islamic National Bank building in Gaza City on November 20, 2012. Israeli leaders discussed an Egyptian plan for a truce with Gaza's ruling Hamas, reports said, before a mission by the UN chief to Jerusalem and as the toll from Israeli raids on Gaza rose over 100.

Dolphins Mauled

This Sept. 23, 2012, photo provided by the Audubon Nature Institute shows a bottlenose dolphin with a gunshot wound near the blowhole. The dead dolphin was found near Elmer's Island, Louisiana. Dolphins are washing up on shore with bullets wounds, jaws and tails missing, heartbreaking discoveries for scientists along the Gulf Coast

AFGHANISTAN-SOCIAL-DRUGS

Afghan men take drugs alongside the Kabul river in Kabul on November 20, 2012. Afghan officials and experts cite a figure of 60,000 drug users in the capital city of Kabul which has an estimated total population of five million.

Sidse Babett Knudsen

Danish actress Sidse Babett Knudsen Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

Kelly Rutherford

Actress Kelly Rutherford from "Gossip Girl," arrives for the 40th International Emmy Awards, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 in New York

Sonia Braga

Brazilian actress Sonia Braga arrives for the 40th International Emmy Awards, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 in New York.

Ariel Winter

Ariel Winter

Ariel Winter attends the World Premiere of "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1" at The Paley Center for Media, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Winter's father, Glenn Workman, said Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in a court filing in Los Angeles that he opposes a guardianship for his 14-year-old daughter

actress Melissa George

Australian film and television actress Melissa George at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

actress Edith Gonzalez

Mexican actress Edith Gonzalez arrives at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

Kelly Rutherford

US actress Kelly Rutherford of the televsion show 'Gossip Girl' arrives at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

Kotaro Komori

Japanese executive producer Kotaro Komori (L) and producer Katsuko Hara (R) of the television mini series 'Early Autumn' arrive at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

actress Prerna Wanvari

Indian television actress Prerna Wanvari arrives at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala held at the Hilton Hotel Mercury Ballroom, New York City, New York, USA, 19 November 2012.

Barbadian singer Rihanna

Barbadian singer Rihanna performs during the fifth stop of her 777 worldwide tour at the E-Werk club in Berlin, early Monday, Nov. 19, 2012.

Jessica Biel

Actress Jessica Biel attends the premiere for "Hitchcock" at the Ziegfeld Theatre on Sunday Nov. 18, 2012 in New York.

Jessica Biel

Actress Jessica Biel attends the premiere for "Hitchcock" at the Ziegfeld Theatre on Sunday Nov. 18, 2012 in New York.

Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Ke$ha arrives

Ke$ha arrives

Ke$ha arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Jenny McCarthy

Jenny McCarthy arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Lucy Hale

Lucy Hale arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Grace Valerie

Grace Valerie

race Valerie arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Pink arrives

Pink arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Amy Heidemann

Amy Heidemann, left, and Nick Noonan from the band Karmin arrive at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles

Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan, left, and Emilio Estefan, Jr. arrive at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Ginnifer Goodwin

Ginnifer Goodwin, left, and Josh Dallas arrive at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift arrives at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles

2012 American Music Awards Arrivals

Musical group No Doubt, from left, Adrian Young, Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal and Tom Dumont arrive at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

JAPAN ECONOMY

The sun is seen through clouds over a container terminal at a port in Tokyo, Japan, 12 November 2012. According to data released by the Cabinet Office, Japan's economy contracted at an annualized 3.5 percent in the July-September period, its steepest rate since the aftermath of the March 2011 disaster, following weak exports and sluggish consumption.

BANGLADESH DAILY LIFE

Plenty of room on top.....Students crowd onto the roof of a train as they travel to a university to attend an admission test in Chittagong, Bangladesh 12 November 2012.

local alcoholic brew

Sri Lankan toddy tapper Lal Perera, a rare survivour of a fall from a high coconut tree, cycles after work at a coconut grove in the southern town of Wadduwa, south of Colombo on July 22, 2012.Toddy tappers could be Sri Lanka's first "on-line" workers maintaining an ancient tradition of tight rope walking, but the entire trade is now on the line and facing extinction. There is no technology to make it safer for tappers who must climb over 50-foot-high coconut palms to collect fermented sap, or toddy, from flowers to make a local alcoholic brew, coconut syrup and exotic palm sugar.

HAITI-DISASTER-FLOOD

Haitians walk on the street which destroyed in recent flood in Vertieres, suburb of Cap-Haitian (274 Km from Port-au-Prince) November 11, 2012. Flood waters inundated impoverished areas of Cap Haitien, Haiti's second largest city, killing as many as 16 people, including three children, city officials said November 9, 2012.

Mammut's Biggest Peak Project in History

Stephan Siegrist climbs Cerro Stanhardt in Patagonia, southern Argentina, in August, 2012. This climb took place as part of Mammut's "Biggest Peak Project in History" to celebrate the company's 150th anniversary as an alpine equipment provider.

Myanmar Earthquake

People take refuge at a temporary shelter following Sunday's strong earthquake in Kyaukmyaung township in Shwebo, Sagaing Division, northwest of Mandalay, Myanmar, Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. The earthquake collapsed a bridge and damaged ancient Buddhist pagodas in northern Myanmar, and piecemeal reports from the underdeveloped mining region said mines collapsed and as many as 12 people were feared dead

dia Hindu Festival

An Indian man dressed as a monkey god Hanuman participates in a religious procession ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, in Allahabad, India, Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. Diwali, or Deepavali, the annual Hindu Festival of Light, will be celebrated on Nov. 13.

Indonesia Tobacco Protest

People on motorbikes watch pro-smoking activists staging a protest performance against a bill on stricter tobacco control in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. A survey released in September found that Indonesian men rank as the world's top smokers, with 67 percent of all males over 15 years old smoke in the country, one of seven top tobacco producers

ENVIRONMENT-PAGEANT

Miss Earth contestants walk with street children to a waiting bus during a visit to a government-run shelter for street children in Manila on November 12, 2012. Around 91 contestants from around the globe will be vying for this year's crown, which will be held on November 24, in the country's capital city, with a theme in line with that of United Nations' (UN) celebration of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for all

the Miss Earth beauty pageant

Contestants pose for photographers during a press presentation of the Miss Earth beauty pageant at a hotel in Manila on November 6, 2012. Around 91 contestants from around the globe will be vying for this year's crown, which will be held on November 24, in the country's capital city, with a theme in line with that of United Nations' (UN) celebration of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for all

ENVIRONMENT-PAGEANT

Miss Earth contestants (L-R) Amryl Nurse of Ttinidad & Tobago, Martina Gresova of Slovak Republic, Battsetseg Turbat of Mongolia, Teresa Fajksova of Czech Republic, Lorraine Ditsebe of Botswana, and Zerina Sirbegovic of Bosnia & Herzegovina, pose for photos during a visit to a shelter for street children in Manila on November 12, 2012.

PHILIPPINES-ENTERTAINMENT-ENVIRONMENT-PAGEANT

Miss Earth contestants (L-R) Chelsy Liven of Indonesia, Battsetseg Turbat of Mongolia, Tamerin Michele Jardine of South Africa, Jenna Seymour of Australia, Lea Sara Witter of Switzerland, Cindy Khon-Cybulkiewicz of Colombia, Phoebe Tan of Singapore, and Caila Goncalves of Brazil along with street children plant a tree during a tree planting activity at a government-run shelter for street children in Manila on November 12, 2012. Around 91 contestants from around the globe will be vying for this year's crown, which will be held on November 24, in the country's capital city, with a theme in line with that of United Nations' (UN) celebration of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for all.

Turkey Ancient City

This is a Joint Turco-Italian Archaeological Expedition Nov. 2, 2011 file photo, of the South Gate of the Inner Town of Karkemish seen in Gaziantep province, Turkey. Few archaeological sites seem as entwined with modern conflict as the ancient city of Karkemish, itself the scene of a battle mentioned in the Bible. Smack on the border between Turkey and Syria, where civil war rages, Turkish sentries have long occupied the acropolis and the ruins were recently demined. Visible from earthen ramparts, a Syrian rebel flag flies in a town that regime forces fled months ago.(

Japan Daily Life

A man stops and looks at a caricature shop in Tokyo Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012

FASHION-US-VICTORIA'S SECRET

Models celebrate the 2012 Victoria's Secret fashion show November 7, 2012 in New York.

PAKISTAN-WEATHER-FOG

A Pakistani man stands beside his tent along a river during fog in Lahore on November 8, 2012. Haze has covered most of the areas of Punjab including Lahore causing disturbance to transport and communications in the province.

India Dengue

A Delhi Municipal field worker fumigates on the roof top of a house, in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012. Dengue cases in the capital rose to 1,277 on Wednesday, with 39 more people testing positive for the mosquito-borne disease, according to The Delhi Municipal Cooperation and news reports.

ARCHITECTURE-CONSTRUCTION

A picture taken on August 11, 2012 shows a luxury house under construction in the village of Mazraa al-Sharqiya near the West Bank city of Ramallah. A group of Palestinians who have spent years working overseas are returning home to small villages like Mazraa al-Sharqiya and rewarding themselves with their ideal luxury home

India Daily Life

A homeless child sits by a bonfire on a wayside in the morning in Jammu, India, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012.

India Daily Life

Indian street vendors sell garlands on the banks of the Ganges River in Allahabad, India, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012. Allahabad, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati River is considered one of Hinduism’s holiest sites.

Indonesia Obama

A vendor sits next to a painting of President Barack Obama at his roadside studio in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012.

two-year-old female giraffe arrives in a crate on a trailer at Taronga zoo in Sydney

Kitoto, a two-year-old female giraffe arrives in a crate on a trailer at Taronga zoo in Sydney on November 8, 2012. Kitoto who arrived from Taronga Western Plains zoo will share an exhibit with a male and two female giraffes to help maintain the herd structure at Taronga zoo

CHINA HONG KONG GREENPEACE SHIP ARRIVAL

The ship 'MY Esperanza', belonging to the global environmental group Greenpeace, sails through Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, China, 17 October 2012. The ship is in the ex-British colony to raise awareness on ocean conservation issues amongst the people of Hong Kong

INDIA-KASHMIR BRICK KILNS

A non-Kashmiri woman labourer pushes a brick laden handcart inside a brick kiln in village Malpora of Anantnag, around 60 kilometers south of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir 17 October 2012. Officials say around 300 brick kilns are operational in Indian Kashmir. The industry is worth 1.15 billion USD and engages 1,00,000 of laborers, mostly outsiders. Brick kiln owners say the season for making bricks lasts for only four months and requires a day temperature around 27 degree centigrade.

GERMANY HISTORY MIA RECOVERY

Members of the union for the recovery of dead from the world wars in eastern Europe VBGO dig out the identification tags of a fallen soldier, at a former army headquarter in Klessin, Germany, 30 September 2012. Here, the remains of German soldiers are probably still buried. Klessin was the place of a battle between German and Soviet forces between February and March 1945. About 200 of the soldiers who were part of it are still missing nowadays.

NETHERLANDS-WEATHER-BEACH

People enjoy the weather on September 30, 2012 on a beach in Scheveningen.

THE NETHERLANDS NATURE

A woman walks with her dog in a forest in Arnhem, the Netherlands, 30 September 2012. Now that the fall started officially, the days become shorter, the leafs fade and a huge variety of mushrooms appear

GERMANY LEISURE

People enjoy on a giant swing on the grounds of the Cannstatt Folk Fair in Stuttgart, Germany, 30 September 2012.

SYRIA-CONFLICT

Syrians inspect damages in the old city of Aleppo after the area was shelled by Syrian regime forces on September 30, 2012. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad shelled rebel-held areas across Syria as fierce clashes were reported in second city Aleppo where a fire tore through a medieval souk.

NETHERLANDS-WEATHER-BEACH

People enjoy the weather on September 30, 2012 on a beach in Scheveningen.

APTOPIX Guatemala Earthquake

Residents and rescue workers use heavy equipment to look for people feared buried at a sand mine, after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck in San Marcos, Guatemala, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2012. The mountain village, some 80 miles (130 kilometers) from the epicenter, suffered much of the damage with some 30 homes collapsing in its center. There are three confirmed dead and many missing after the strongest earthquake to hit Guatemala since a deadly 1976 quake that killed 23,000

AUSTRALIA DIAMOND JUBILEE TOUR TASMANIA

Jenette Alones and Elizabeth Hall of New Norfolk make their way into Richmond village for the arrival of HRH The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles and HRH The Duchess of Cornwell, Camilla in Richmond, Tasmania, Australia, on 08 November, 2012. The royal couple are visiting pacific nations as part of their royal tour to mark Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.

USA NEW YORK STORM

A Con-Edison employee works in a heavy snow fall as the area deals with a winter storm in New York, USA, on 07 November 2012. The region is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which hit coastal areas hard and has left nearly one million people still without power.

MARILYN MONROE

Marilyn Monroe's yearbook (she is in the centre, Norma Baker), is displayed at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California on November 7, 2012. Julien’s Auctions, the world’s premiere celebrity and memorabilia auction house, announces Hollywood Icons & Idols, an unprecedented Hollywood collection of over 800 items of screen worn wardrobe, props, original photographs, and celebrity (Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, JFK, Bruce Lee, Liz Taylor and ohers) owned items on November 9-10, 2012 at Julien’s Auctions Beverly Hills Gallery.

South Korea Exam

South Korean students cheer for their seniors' success in the College Scholastic Ability Test in front of the main gate of an examination hall in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012. About 660,000 high school students and graduates in South Korea are scheduled to take the examination Thursday that will virtually determine their admission to college

SOUTH KOREA COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

A group of high schoolers give a performance in front of Chuncheon High School in Chuncheon, northeast of Seoul, South Korea, on 08 November 2012, to wish their seniors good luck in the state-administrated scholastic aptitude test that begins the same day. Some 660,000 students nationwide are taking the test to enter college in the spring semester that begins in March.

Superstorm Noreaster

A New York Police Department van broadcasts the location of warm shelters over a loudspeaker as snow as it accumulates in the Rockaway Park neighborhood of the borough of Queens, New York, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. A Noreaster is complicating an already difficult situation with wind and blowing snow

COLOMBIA CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Members of Cirque du Soleil present a scene of 'Varekai' for the press in Bogota, Colombia, 07 November 2012. Cirque du Soleil manager Robert Mackenzie which announced the company will present 'Varekai' in Colombia on March or April 2013.

BRAZIL FASHION

Members of Brazilian NGO Educafro protest the lack of black models in the Rio de Janeiro Fashion Week in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, 07 November 2012. Rio de Janeiro Fashion Week runs from 7 to 9 November

RIO FASHION WEEK

Models present creations by Oh, Boy! brand, during the Rio Fashion Week 2013 Autumn/Winter collection on November 7, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Superstorm Sandy and

Snow falls as gulls fly over a large debris pile as a Nor’Easter arrives in the Rockaway neighborhood on November 7, 2012 in the Queens borough of New York City. The Rockaway Peninsula was especially hard hit by Superstorm Sandy and some are evacuating ahead of the coming storm.

A petrol bomb

A petrol bomb explodes next to riot police during a demonstration against new austerity measures outside the parliament in Athens on November 7, 2012. Greek police today used tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting outside parliament ahead of a key vote on a new round of austerity measures. Some protestors responded by hurling petrol bombs at police forces as the demonstration by some 70,000 people in Athens briefly flared up, an AFP correspondent reported.

CINEMA-BOLLYWOOD

Indian Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan (C) is flanked by actresses Anushka Sharma (L) and Katrina Kaif (R) as they pose during a promotional event for the forthcoming Hindi film“Jab Tak Hai Jaan” in Mumbai late October 29, 2012. The film was directed by Bollywood legend Yash Chopra who died on October 21.

INDIA-ARTS-CINEMA-BOLLYWOOD

Indian Bollywood actress Tabu (R) and actor Irfan Khan (L) pose during a promotional event for the forthcoming English film “Life of Pi” directed by Hollywood Oscar-winner Ang Lee (C) in Mumbai late October 29, 2012.

US-WEATHER-STORM-SANDY

This satellite picture released by the NASA GOES Project shows Hurricane Sandy approaching the densely populated US East Coast at 1:35 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (17:35 Universal Time) on October 29, 2012. An estimated 60 million Americans were expected to be affected by rain, wind, snow, or ocean storm surges from the storm.

MYANMAR RAKHINE UNREST REFUGEES

A child cries as its mother washes the toddler in front of a tent at the Kaung Dok Ja refugees camp in Sittwe, western Myanmar, 30 October 2012.

MYANMAR RAKHINE UNREST REFUGEES

A Muslim boy works on his boat at the The Chaung refugee camp in Sittwe, western Myanmar, 30 October 2012. The death toll from sectarian violence between Buddhist and Rohingya Muslim communities in western Myanmar has reached 84 with 129 injured, state media reported 29 October. Ashok Nigam, humanitarian coordinator for the United Nations, said at least 22,500 people had been displaced and over 4,600 houses burnt in last week's violence, which was concentrated in the three northern townships of the Rakhine, after visiting the area.

Jada Pinkett Smith And THE MOMS Host Afternoon Tea To Stop Human

Chris Kelly, Rosanna Arquette, Sharmin Bock and Jada Pinkett Smith attend Afternoon Tea To Stop Human Trafficking hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith And THE MOMS at Soho House on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 in West Hollywood, Calif

AFGHANISTAN-SOCIETY

Afghan shoe shine boys sit on the ground as they attend to shoes in Herat on October 30, 2012. Afghanistan's presidential election will be held on April 5, 2014, months ahead of the final withdrawal of NATO combat troops from the insurgency-plagued nation, a poll official said.

USA COAST GUARD RESCUE

US Coast Guard on 29 October 2012 shows the HMS Bounty, a 180-foot (54.86 meters) tall ship, submerged in the Atlantic Ocean during Hurricane Sandy approximately 90 nautical miles (166 km) southeast of Hatteras, North Carolina, USA, on 29 October 2012. Of the 16-person crew, the Coast Guard rescued 14, recovered a woman and is still searching for the captain of the vessel. HMS Bounty is a replica of the original 1789 ship Bounty and has been seen in several films.

Weinder Dog Races

Wiener dogs sprint to the finish during a race at the annual Wiener Dog Races Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Savannah, Ga. More than 100 Dachshunds competed in 15 heats during the annual Octoberfest event.

Streets are under water as Hurricane Sandy

Streets are under water as Hurricane Sandy approaches October 29, 2012 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Hurricane Sandy is expected to make landfall between Atlantic City and Cape May around 6p.m.

Superstorm Sandy

This photo provided by 6abc Action News shows the Inlet section of Atlantic City, N.J., as Hurricane Sandy makes it approach, Monday Oct. 29, 2012. Sandy made landfall at 8 p.m. near Atlantic City, which was already mostly under water and saw a piece of its world-famous Boardwalk washed away earlier in the day.

SWITZERLAND SLUTWALK PROTEST

Women hold up signs and shout slogans, during the first Swiss SlutWalk demonstration, in Geneva, Switzerland, 06 October 2012. Media reports state that the SlutWalk movement started in Toronto, Canada, in 2011 in reaction to comments made by a police officer who said 'women should avoid dressing like sluts' to stay safe.

Weinder Dog Races

"Charlie" pulls away from the competition as she sprints to her owner at the finish line during the annual Wiener Dog Races Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Savannah, Ga. More than 100 Dachshunds competed in 15 heats during the annual Octoberfest event.

PROTEST-SLUTWALK

A woman bearing a slogan reading "This is not an invitation" take part in a "Slut Walk" on October 6, 2012 in Marseille, southern France. The Slut Walk is an idea that started in Canada, as a protest against the further victimisation of sexual abuse victims, by saying the victim deserved abuse because of what they were wearing, or the way they were behaving. Placard reads : "Slut and proud to be"

Venezuela Election Divided Barrio

omes cover a hill in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012. The last time he ran for re-election, President Hugo Chavez won comfortably in Petare, one of Latin America's biggest slums with nearly half a million people. This time around, as Venezuelans vote Sunday, he may not. The neighborhood is divided, owing in some degree to mismanagement by pro-Chavez mayors and governors who were voted out of office in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

LEBANON RAOUCHE ROCK

Lebanese activists light the Raouche Rock (L) in pink during an event to raise awareness on breast cancer, in Beirut, Lebanon, 06 October 2012. The event was organized by the Lebanese Association to Fight Breast Cancer.

SPAIN REGIONAL ELECTIONS

General view of the Pontevedra's bullring where Galician Popular Party (PPdeG) candidate for the re-election Alberto Nunez Feijoo and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy are taking part in an electoral campaign event for the upcoming Galicia's regional elections held in Pontevedra , Galicia, north-western Spain, on 06 October 2012. Galicia's regional elections will take place place on 21 October 2012.

INDIA-ACCIDENT-ALANG-FIRE

Indian workers assemble on the oil tanker "Union Brave" as rescue workers bring down the body of an unidentified worker at a shipbreaking yard at Alang, some 260 kms from Ahmedabad on October 6, 2012. Some five workers died and two are battling for their lives owing to a fire on the oil tanker.

STORM-SANDY

Waves crash against a previously damaged pier before landfall of Hurricane Sandy October 29, 2012 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Storm-driven waves crashed ashore and flooded seafront communities across a swathe of the eastern United States as Hurricane Sandy barreled towards land. Officials warned that the threat to life and property was "unprecedented" and ordered hundreds of thousands of residents in cities and towns from New England to North Carolina to evacuate their homes and seek shelter.

WEATHER-STORM-SANDY

High surf batters the Hudson River near the Statue of Liberty in New York on October 29, 2012 as New Yorkers prepare for Hurricane Sandy expected to hit the city later tonight. Much of the eastern United States was in lockdown mode awaiting the arrival of a hurricane dubbed "Frankenstorm" that threatened to wreak havoc on the area with storm surges, driving rain and devastating winds.

Egyptian married

An Egyptian married couple kiss on the Trocadero esplanade in front of the Eiffel tower on October 29, 2012, in Paris.

MEXICO ARCHEOLOGY

A handout photo released by the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) on 30 October 2012, shows the Mayan archeological site of Uxmal, located in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, 29 October 2012. Experts state that the use of new technologies helped to preserve Mayan archaeological areas.

Superstorm Sandy

Sea water floods the Ground Zero construction site, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in New York. Sandy continued on its path Monday, as the storm forced the shutdown of mass transit, schools and financial markets, sending coastal residents fleeing, and threatening a dangerous mix of high winds and soaking rain.

ROBERTO CAVALLI

Italian designer Roberto Cavalli poses with models for a photo, in Sydney, Australia, 30 October 2012. Cavalli is visiting Australia to launch his 'Designer for Target' collection for the department store chain Target at the Bondi Junction store on 31 October 2012.

Hurricane Sandy

Two women try to hold on to their umbrellas in a wind soaked rainfall as Hurricane Sandy approaches October 29, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter ordered that all city offices be closed Monday and Tuesday due to potential damage from Hurricane Sandy. Public transit will remain shut down as well.

OBERTO CAVALLI TARGET LAUNCH

Italian designer Roberto Cavalli poses with models for a photo, in Sydney, Australia, 30 October 2012. Cavalli is visiting Australia to launch his 'Designer for Target' collection for the department store chain Target at the Bondi Junction store on 31 October 2012

MYANMAR-UNREST-RELIGION-RIGHTS

This picture taken on October 12, 2012 shows Muslim Rohingyas in a muddy alley of their Aung Mingalar quarter, turned into a ghetto after violence wracked the city of Sittwe, turned into a ghetto after violence wracked the city of Sittwe, capital of Myanmar's western Rakhine state. Barbed wire and armed troops guard the Muslim quarter of a violence-wracked city in western Myanmar, a virtual prison for the families that have inhabited its narrow streets for generations.

Australia Abseil for Youth

Adam Micola, dressed as Spiderman abseils off the AMP building on Sydney Harbour, Australia, Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 for the annual Sir David Martin Foundation’s AMP Abseil for Youth. Micola took the challenge but decided not to follow to closely in the superhero's steps and abseil the traditional backwards way holding on with both hands.

MALAYSIA-ENTERTAIMENT-MUSIC-RELIGION-ISLAM

This picture taken on August 16, 2012, shows Yunalis Zarai, (Yuna) (C) performing on stage during a showcase at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Yuna -- who swaddles her hair in a chic version of the Muslim hijab headcovering worn by many Malay women -- gained "three fans, then 3,000, then 300,000" after uploading her first song on Myspace in 2006.

INDIA-KASHMIR-EMPLOYEES-PROTEST

Indian police officials detain a Kashmiri government employee during a demonstration in Srinagar on October 15, 2012. Hundreds of government employees took to the streets and attempted to march towards the Civil Secretariat which houses Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's office to press for their demands including a regularisation of contract and a change in the retirement age from the present 58 years to 60 years.

India Kashmir Protest

Kashmiri Muslim women confront Indian police officers during a protest in Srinagar, India, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. Dozens of residents blocked traffic and protested against the government decision to hike electricity bills and for capping the number of subsidized cooking gas cylinders at six a year.

TAIWAN-JAPAN-CHINA-DIPLOMACY-DISPUTE

A Taiwan Coast Guard boat (R-with red flag) is blocked by a Japan Coast Guard vessel (L) in the waters near the disputed Diaoyu / Senkaku islands in the East China Sea on September 25, 2012. Coastguard vessels from Japan and Taiwan duelled with water cannon after dozens of Taiwanese boats escorted by patrol ships sailed into waters around Tokyo-controlled islands. Japanese coastguard ships sprayed water at the fishing vessels, footage on national broadcaster NHK showed, with the Taiwanese patrol boats directing their own high-pressure hoses at the Japanese ships.

ASSAM FLOODS

lagers store their paddy bags on a higher road after their village was submerged by water in the flood affected Morigaon district of the Assam state, India, 25 September 2012.

INDIA WEATHER ASSAM FLOODS

A woman with her children and a few belongings stakes a raft in the flood affected Morigaon district of the Assam state, India, 25 September 2012. More than 1 million people have been affected by worsening floods in India's north-eastern state of Assam, officials said 25 September. The total figure consisted of those who had been displaced, stranded in or on their homes, or who had suffered damage to their crops, land or livelihoods, Vinod Kumar Pipersenia, the state's principal secretary, said. Eleven people have died in incidents of drowning in the state over the past week, in the second wave of floods to hit the region since July, as rivers swelled and breached embankments. More than 200,000 people were staying in around 170 relief camps, Pipersenia said.

FASHION-FRANCE-FATIMA LOPES

Portuguese fashion designer Fatima Lopes acknowledges the crowd following her Spring/Summer 2013 ready-to-wear collection show on September 25, 2012 in Paris

Maria Jose Cristerna

Maria Jose Cristerna 'the vampire woman' poses during a press conference in Guadalajara city, Jalisco state, Mexico, 05 October 2012. At the press conference Cristerna a popular person in Mexico, spoke out against bullying and family violence

India Rural Outsourcing

In this Aug. 24, 2012 photo, Shoba Bisht, second right, sits with her family at the kitchen she has helped build with money earned from working at B2R, in Simayal, India. Before B2R arrived in Simayal, local women had little option but to marry right out of school, and educated young men had to travel far to seek respectable jobs.

JAPAN-LIFESTYLE-SNOW

Young girls ride a sledge on a snow slope at a hotel in Tokyo on October 6, 2012. The hotel carried 25 tons of artificial snow from their Naeba ski resort on the first day of three consecutive autumn holidays for the promotion of the ski resort

India Rural Outsourcing

In this Aug. 23, 2012 photo, women carrying bundles of wood on their head walk past the offices of B2R in Simayal, India. Before B2R arrived in Simayal, local women had little option but to marry right out of school, and educated young men had to travel far to seek respectable jobs

Panama Fashion Week

A model wears a creation by Panama's fashion designer Jaime Luna during fashion week in Panama City, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012.

APTOPIX Mexico Aztec Offering

An archeologist sprays water on a skull recently discovered at the archaeological site Templo Mayor in Mexico City, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012. Mexican archaeologists say they have found the largest amount of skulls at the most sacred temple of the Aztec empire. Five of the 50 skulls that were found, including this scull, were buried under a sacrificial stone and have holes on both sides of the head, evidence they were hung on a skull rack.