World: One hundred thousand people danced and sang in a rainy Soweto stadium today in celebration of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Leaders from all over the world attended, including Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. President Barack Obama’s speech was one of the highlights. He said, “His struggle was your struggle.  His triumph was your triumph.  Your dignity and your hope found expression in his life.  And your freedom, your democracy is his cherished legacy.” Mandela’s body will lie in state in Pretoria for the next three days as a week of mourning and celebration continues.

Weather: A winter storm is likely to drop snow today from the Tennessee Valley all the way through, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Cape Cod.

Universe: The Mars Curiosity rover discovered a 3.5 billion year old dry lakebed that could have once supported microbial life, according to an article published in the journal Science. Scientists have known for years that enormous areas of Mars were once covered with acidic water. The newly discovered lake had fresh water so Curiosity will keep drilling to search for microbial fossils.

Nation: “Government Motors” is no longer owned by the government. The Treasury Department sold the last of its GM stock for a $10 billion loss on $49.5 billion. But Treasury says that overall the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) has come up a winner, making $11 billion on investments of $422 billion.

• American Airlines and US Air have merged, becoming the world’s largest airline. Four airlines now control 80% of the market.
• Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, the groper, was sentenced to three months home confinement and three years probation for his guilty plea on charges of false imprisonment and battery against three women. The 71-year-old Filner apologized “to the women who I have hurt and offended.” Filner resigned in August. As part of his plea he’s barred from ever seeking or holding public office again.

LA Noir: Federal prosecutors charged 18 current and former Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies with abusing prisoners and obstructing justice. The Feds have spent two years investigating reports of corruption, beatings, and abuse in the largest county jail system in the country. Some deputies are accused of hiding an FBI informant by moving him from jail to jail and making it look like he had been released. They’re even accused of handcuffing the Austrian consul general and her husband. The indictment called the problem “institutional”, which is believable to anyone who lives in Los Angeles, but Sheriff Lee Baca, who’s up for re-election, said it’s a few bad apples.

Under Pressure: Korean War veteran Merrill Newman, 85, said he made a videotape confession for the North Koreans because they threatened him with 15 years in prison. North Korea called him a war criminal. Newman is now home in California.

Down Dog: The Chairman and founder of Lululemon Athletica is stepping down after saying his company’s yoga pants appeared to be sheer because the women wearing them were too heavy. Chip Wilson said, “Frankly some women’s bodies just don’t actually work it.”  Lululemon had to pull pants from the shelves because the fabric was too sheer and the company stock dropped after Wilson insulted the customers. A new man will be wearing the pants at Lululemon now.

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