The normal ebb and flow of British life gives way over the next few days to celebrate a series of UK street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and finally the appearance of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne.

She was born in London on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary wasn't supposed to be queen. However, her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated to wed American divorcee Wallace Simpson, 10-year-old Princess Elizabeth suddenly became heir apparent to the British throne.

NEW UN EMERGENCY MEETINGS ON SYRIA. So Far No Call For International Criminal Courts.
As these killings continue, Russians only insist that civil war must be prevented. Putin will face s pressure from German Chancellor Merkel over Moscow’s support of the Syrian 14-month crackdown on dissents.

UNEMPLOYMENT UP-SLOWEST JOB GROWTH. US Economy Adds 69K New Jobs Last Month.
These jobs figures fan fears the economy is sputtering. The Labor Department says the economy created far fewer jobs in the last two months, revising figures down to show 49K fewer jobs created.

The last time the City Island Bridge was shut down for traffic, it was for another reason. It was for the Memorial Day Parade.

Today however was a totally different story. City Island Avenue was a virtual parking lot this afternoon, while officials searched for a man who jumped from top of the bridge, according to a credible eyewitness.City Island Images received at tip from a local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous. When we arrived on the scene, we spoke with public safety officials and and bystanders alike.

Feds slam the breaks on 26 bus operations, which regularly transported more than 1,800 passengers every day along Interstate 95. These trips between New York and Florida have now been been halted for safety violations in our government's largest single safety crackdown of the motor coach industry.

The major split in Islam is that between the majority Sunnis and the minority Shiites. This dates back to events in the 7th century:

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF A NYC BIG GULP PROHIBITION. SUPER-SIZE, OR SUPER-SIZE ME NOT?

If Mayor Mike Bloomberg gets his way, We'll soon be saying no to Sweet Super-sized drinks.

Forget about 64-ounce stomach-busting sodas, or 20-ouncers. These have now appeared on are on The Mayors latest heath-conscious hit list.

In a dramatic move to reduce obesity, NYC may become the first in the nation to impose a 16-ounce limit on sweetened beverages sold in food establishments that receive letter grades from the Health Department, along with mobile food carts.

PRIVATE SPACE SHIP COMING HOME. Splashdown Expected In The Pacific.
The SpaceX Dragon has pulled away from the International Space Station and is on its way back home to Earth. The journey ends a nine-day mission with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

O & W BACK IN THE WHITE HOUSE. Obama Welcome Bush Back.
The president unveils the official portrait of his predecessor. This could be weird because Obama has often blamed his problems on previous administration.

US CONGRESS SET TO VOTE. Sex-Selection Abortion Ban.