The challenges ahead as Afghanistan seeks to consolidate peace and development are large but the international community will not be deterred in its support for the country’s efforts, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pledged today at an international conference in Bonn.

“Success requires effective engagement from us all, now and for the long-term,” Mr. Ban told the meeting, which brought leaders from over 100 countries and international organizations back to the German city where they charted a path for a post-Taliban Afghanistan some 10 years ago.

The economic situation has gotten so tight in Europe, that the Queen of England may soon be taking a pay cut and be forced to tighten her belt on future parties and lavish public events.

A newly approved British law expected to reduce her income over the next few years. The new legislation passed into law a few weeks ago offers a new arrangement, the Queen receives 15 percent of the profits made over two years from the Crown Estate, whose portfolio includes Regent Street, Windsor Great Park and more than half the country's shoreline.

USPS FIRST CLASS DELIVERY. Second Class Treatment.

EUROZONE EFFORTS. Saving Euro At All Costs.

SEXTING STUDY. Not As Bad As Thought.

GOP CHANGES. Political Landscape.

TIGER WOODS. Comeback Kid.

Following five years of operating in the red, USPS faces default on a $5.5 billion annual payment to the US Treasury for retiree health benefits. It is projected to have a record loss of $14.1 billion next year amid steady declines in first-class mail volume. It must make cuts of $20 billion by 2015 to be profitable.

Bronx Bright lights is how to describe the Garabedians' most amazing Christmas display in New York City. For 40 years their Pelham Parkway North house in the Baychester neighborhood has been a traffic-stopping must-see. It draws thousands of visitors every week during the holiday season.

Starting on the last Thursday in November and lasting until January 6, this place appears to comes alive. It attracts visitors and media outlets from all over the world.

This Week in History, Dec 4 - Dec 10

Dec 04, 1991
Hostage Terry Anderson freed in Lebanon. Islamic militants in Lebanon release kidnapped American journalist Terry Anderson after 2,454 days in captivity.

Dec 05, 1945

New Rochelle and Westchester County Department of Health officials have issued a rabies alert to residents who may have had contact with a rabid cat near the vicinity of Kress Avenue at the intersection of Webster and Lincoln Avenue. The health department used robo-calls to notify residents who live within a half-mile of the area where the cat was found.

This cat was red and had been acting aggressively towards other animals and humans. The health department is concerned because there are stray cats in the area, who may have come into contact with this rabid cat.