UN unanimously backs Syria peace process
The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing a peace process to put an end to the nearly five-year war in Syria.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said the resolution sends "a clear message to all concerned that the time is now to stop the killing in Syria."
The resolution, however, does not touch on one of the most contentious issues in the peace effort: the fate of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
White House feels the Force of Star Wars
Even the White House is not immune to The Force.
A gaggle of Stormtroopers and the droid R2-D2 were spotted in West Wing on Friday, as the seat of US executive power succumbed to intergalactic-sized hype around the new blockbuster Star Wars movie.
Giving an end of year press conference, President Barack Obama revealed he too was swept up by Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which has already set an opening night box office record in the United States and Canada.
NBA: Golfer Jason Day's wife out of hospital after LeBron James falls on her
Ellie Day, the wife of Australian golf star Jason Day, had concussion symptoms on Friday but was out of the hospital after being fallen upon by LeBron James while sitting courtside at an NBA game.
Day, who gave birth to the couple's second child last month, was taken out on a stretcher after James tumbled into her while chasing a loose ball in the fourth quarter of Thursday's 104-100 victory over Oklahoma City.
"Ellie Day I hope you're doing okay! My apologies! Hope u guys come back to another game soon. Love LJ!" James tweeted Friday.
Football: Ronaldo meets Beirut bombings orphan
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo gave a warm welcome Friday at the club's stadium to a little Lebanese boy who last month lost both parents in a Beirut attack that was claimed by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the club said.
"Haidar, a three-year-old child who in November lost both of his parents in bombings in Beirut, saw his dream come true on Friday when he was given the opportunity to meet his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo," Real Madrid said in a statement posted on its website.
Ronaldo, wearing a suit and tie, could be seen in a picture posted on the club website giving the boy a hug.
Obama tests survival mettle on TV, but passes on drinking own urine
He tasted salmon that had been chewed on by a bear, but passed on drinking his own pee. Thus did President Barack Obama test his mettle in the wilds of Alaska.
Obama was the celebrity guest in an airing of Running Wild With Bear Grylls, a reality TV show in which famous people try out their survival skills in the great outdoors.
The presidential episode was taped in September but aired Thursday night.
