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‘District 9’ determined not to stick to formula

Science fiction flicks featuring aliens can be a little formulaic: Aliens invade American territory, mass destruction ensues, and nine times out of 10, Will Smith rides to the rescue But the alien-infested “District 9,” opening in theaters Friday, takes things in a different direction — if the producer may say so himself. “It’s utterly original,” producer Peter Jackson — yes, “Lord of the Rings” helmsman Peter Jackson — told Entertainment Weekly. “In an industry that’s looking to make movies out of every obscure TV show, or sequels, or video games, you look at ‘District 9’ and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” he said.

Obama presents 16 with Presidential Medal of Freedom

A pioneer, a preacher, an activist and an athlete were among 16 people who President Obama honored Wednesday with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. “This is a chance for me and for the United States of America to say thank you to some of the finest citizens of this country and of all countries,” Obama told the audience assembled for the ceremony at the White House. “At a moment when cynicism and doubt too often prevail, when our obligations to one another are too often forgotten, when the road ahead can seem too long or hard to tread, these extraordinary men and women, these agents of change, remind us that excellence is not beyond our abilities, that hope lies around the corner and that justice can still be won in the forgotten corners of this world,” the president said.

Clinton to visit heart of Africa’s longest conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton travels to the epicenter of Africa’s longest war Tuesday to try to help victims, especially those of sexual violence, of a regional conflict that’s dragged on more than a decade

Corazon Aquino 1933-2009: The Saint of Democracy

It shouldn’t have been surprising, really, that the world’s most populous continent would give birth to a movement called People Power. In 1986, a housewife from the Philippines whose given name meant “heart” gave lifeblood to her wounded nation.

Harrington returns to form at Bridgestone

Padraig Harrington returned to top form ahead of his defense of the PGA Championship with a six-under-par 64 to lead the Bridgestone International. The Irishman has endured a miserable year after reshaping his swing, but his first round showing at Firestone Country Club in Ohio showed his hard work may be paying off. “Compared to the first six months of the year it’s obviously my low score of the year, my best score of the year,” he told reporters.

Group urges Burundi to drop new law against homosexuality

A human rights group urged Burundi to reverse a law that makes homosexuality illegal, saying it risks worsening the harsh treatment of gays in the eastern Africa nation. The new law makes “sexual relations with persons of the same sex” illegal and punishable by up to two years in prison, Human Rights Watch said in a recently released report. It was enacted just as the gay, lesbian and transgender community had started to mobilize and call for equal treatment, according to the organization.

South African policeman kills self while guarding Mandela’s home

A South African policeman guarding former South African President Nelson Mandela’s home shot and killed himself Saturday, police said. The police sergeant, who was working for the police VIP unit, killed himself while on duty at the guard house outside Mandela’s Johannesburg home, National Police spokeswoman Sally de Beer said.

Analyst: Undersea cable can boost connections

The SEACOM cable being promoted as a computer lifeline for Africa will contribute to social upliftment but not immediately, a telecommunications analyst says. James Hodge, who specializes in competition and regulation, says initially SEACOM will predominantly benefit those already connected. Hodge said it will not initially change the lives of those poor people, sitting in the rural areas without lights or electricity.

Cable makes big promises for African Internet

A undersea cable plugging East Africa into high speed Internet access went live Thursday providing an alternative to expensive satellite connections.

Talks planned to end World Cup strikes

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), a major trade union representing the 70,000 construction workers currently striking at 2010 World Cup stadium building sites in South Africa, will meet with local organizers on Tuesday in a bid thrash out a resolution. The disgruntled labor force have been demanding a 13 percent pay rise from their employers before they return to work, resulting in a dispute that could threaten the completion of key arenas in time for next year’s event.