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Day in Photos

Aug. 18, 2009 Torayan the robot, Shanghai's Sun Valley, the Milky Way, Mike Huckabee, John Yoo, health care reform and more news and feature photos.

Aug. 18: Giant Torayan, a 23.6 ft. tall aluminum robot looms over visitors at Osaka city hall, Japan. The mechanical sculpture, created by Osaka native artist Kenji Yanobe, has been set at the lobby to promote Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2009, an upcoming event that stimulates people to reconsider a waterfront life style in Japan's second biggest city.

Aug. 18: Giant Torayan, a 23.6 ft. tall aluminum robot looms over visitors at Osaka city hall, Japan. The mechanical sculpture, created by Osaka native artist Kenji Yanobe, has been set at the lobby to promote Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2009, an upcoming event that stimulates people to reconsider a waterfront life style in Japan's second biggest city.

Itsuo Inouye-AP

Aug. 17: A view shows a lighting test at the "Sun Valley" at the 2010 World Expo site in Shanghai, China. The Shanghai Expo, with the theme of "Better City, Better Life", is scheduled to be held from May 1 to October 31, 2010. So far, 191 nations and 48 international organizations have officially confirmed their participation in the Expo, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Aug. 17: A view shows a lighting test at the "Sun Valley" at the 2010 World Expo site in Shanghai, China. The Shanghai Expo, with the theme of "Better City, Better Life", is scheduled to be held from May 1 to October 31, 2010. So far, 191 nations and 48 international organizations have officially confirmed their participation in the Expo, according to Xinhua News Agency.

China Daily-Reuters

Aug. 17: The Ali Babba ride lights up the night sky on the midway at the Miami County Fair near Troy, Ohio.

Aug. 17: The Ali Babba ride lights up the night sky on the midway at the Miami County Fair near Troy, Ohio.

Mike Ullery-AP

Aug. 18: A supporter listens to a speech by Yukio Hatoyama, leader of main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, as he kicks off Parliament's lower house election campaign in Osaka.

Aug. 18: A supporter listens to a speech by Yukio Hatoyama, leader of main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, as he kicks off Parliament's lower house election campaign in Osaka.

Itsuo Inouye-AP

Aug. 12: A Guerrab sells water at the old city in Rabat, Morocco.

Aug. 12: A Guerrab sells water at the old city in Rabat, Morocco.

Rafael Marchante-Reuters

Aug. 17: A young man smiles with a sticker on his face in support of Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah after an election gathering at Gardez city in Paktya province. The last day of campaigning for key elections was overshadowed by Taliban threats.

Aug. 17: A young man smiles with a sticker on his face in support of Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah after an election gathering at Gardez city in Paktya province. The last day of campaigning for key elections was overshadowed by Taliban threats.

Massoud Hossaini-AFP/Getty Images

Aug. 17: A U.S. soldier of 2-12 Infantry 4BCT-4ID Task Force Mountain Warrior stands guard during a night operation near Michigan camp, at the Pesh valley of Kunar Province.

Aug. 17: A U.S. soldier of 2-12 Infantry 4BCT-4ID Task Force Mountain Warrior stands guard during a night operation near Michigan camp, at the Pesh valley of Kunar Province.

Carlos Barria-Reuters

Aug. 17: A woman stands beside her daughter, Qodsi, who is receiving treatment at the self-immolation or "khod soozi" unit at a hospital in Harat, Afghanistan. Qodsi's mother and doctor said that she was forced to marry a man, aged around 70, two years ago and attempted suicide after acknowledging rumors of having an affair with a younger man.

Aug. 17: A woman stands beside her daughter, Qodsi, who is receiving treatment at the self-immolation or "khod soozi" unit at a hospital in Harat, Afghanistan. Qodsi's mother and doctor said that she was forced to marry a man, aged around 70, two years ago and attempted suicide after acknowledging rumors of having an affair with a younger man.

Raheb Homavandi-Reuters

Aug. 18: Models are prepared backstage ahead of the RAFW Review 1 show on day two of the Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival 2009 at Martin Place in Sydney, Australia.

Aug. 18: Models are prepared backstage ahead of the RAFW Review 1 show on day two of the Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival 2009 at Martin Place in Sydney, Australia.

Lucas Dawson-Getty Images

Aug. 17: Local residents listen to U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Va, during a town hall meeting on universal health care at Fluvanna Middle School in Fork Union, Virginia. Congressional members from across the country have returned to their own district to listen to voters' opinions on health care reform.

Aug. 17: Local residents listen to U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Va, during a town hall meeting on universal health care at Fluvanna Middle School in Fork Union, Virginia. Congressional members from across the country have returned to their own district to listen to voters' opinions on health care reform.

Alex Wong-Getty Images

Aug. 15: Supporters and opponents listen to Congressman David Scott, D- Ga, during a town hall meeting on health care reform at Mundy's Mill High School in Jonesboro, Ga. A free health fair was also held on the premises.

Aug. 15: Supporters and opponents listen to Congressman David Scott, D- Ga, during a town hall meeting on health care reform at Mundy's Mill High School in Jonesboro, Ga. A free health fair was also held on the premises.

Tami Chappell-Reuters

Aug. 17: Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle announces at a news conference in Madison, Wis. that he will not seek a third term in 2010 because he believes governors should limit themselves to two terms in office.

Aug. 17: Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle announces at a news conference in Madison, Wis. that he will not seek a third term in 2010 because he believes governors should limit themselves to two terms in office.

Andy Manis-AP

Aug. 17: Patriot Guard member Spurgeon Walker, left, leads a group of riders into the cemetery for Marine Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell at Bryars-McGill Cemetery in Perdido, Ala. According to the Department of Defense, 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell of Perdido, Ala., died Monday Aug. 10, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Aug. 17: Patriot Guard member Spurgeon Walker, left, leads a group of riders into the cemetery for Marine Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell at Bryars-McGill Cemetery in Perdido, Ala. According to the Department of Defense, 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Bruce E. Ferrell of Perdido, Ala., died Monday Aug. 10, 2009 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

John David Mercer-AP

Aug. 17: Protesters confront John Yoo, a constitutional law professor at the University of California, Berkeley, as he makes his way to a classroom. About 75 demonstrators called for the university to fire Yoo, a former Bush administration attorney, who wrote legal memos used to support harsh interrogation techniques that critics say constituted torture.

Aug. 17: Protesters confront John Yoo, a constitutional law professor at the University of California, Berkeley, as he makes his way to a classroom. About 75 demonstrators called for the university to fire Yoo, a former Bush administration attorney, who wrote legal memos used to support harsh interrogation techniques that critics say constituted torture.

Noah Berger-AP

Aug. 17: To protest Professor John Yoo's return to teaching at the University of California, Berkeley, Curt Wechsler wears an orange jumpsuit and black hood over his head as he demonstrates outside a law school classroom.

Aug. 17: To protest Professor John Yoo's return to teaching at the University of California, Berkeley, Curt Wechsler wears an orange jumpsuit and black hood over his head as he demonstrates outside a law school classroom.

Noah Berger-AP

Aug. 18: Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan speaks during a news conference at his residence in Mumbai, India. Khan, 43, one of India's best known actors, said last week he felt angry and humiliated after he was detained and questioned at a U.S. airport, sparking an uproar in India among his fans.

Aug. 18: Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan speaks during a news conference at his residence in Mumbai, India. Khan, 43, one of India's best known actors, said last week he felt angry and humiliated after he was detained and questioned at a U.S. airport, sparking an uproar in India among his fans.

Stringer/india-Reuters

Aug. 17: U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with veterans and soldiers after delivering a speech at the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

Aug. 17: U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with veterans and soldiers after delivering a speech at the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

Michael Chow-AP

Aug. 17: Pavel Kryvitski of Belarus competes in the men's hammer throw final during the world athletics championships at the Olympic stadium in Berlin.

Aug. 17: Pavel Kryvitski of Belarus competes in the men's hammer throw final during the world athletics championships at the Olympic stadium in Berlin.

Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters

Aug. 18: People jump from the Quaibruecke bridge into Lake Zurich during sunny summer weather in Zurich, Switzerland.

Aug. 18: People jump from the Quaibruecke bridge into Lake Zurich during sunny summer weather in Zurich, Switzerland.

Arnd Wiegmann-REUTERS

Aug. 18: A Mig-29 jet fighter of Russian aerobatic team Strizhi (Swifts) performs during MAKS (the International Aviation and Space Show) in Zhukovsky, Russia.

Aug. 18: A Mig-29 jet fighter of Russian aerobatic team Strizhi (Swifts) performs during MAKS (the International Aviation and Space Show) in Zhukovsky, Russia.

Victor Korotayev-AP

Aug. 17: A firefighter tries to extinguish a burning olive tree during a fire in the village of Dombrena near Athens. Authorities in Greece say wildfires are threatening homes in southern and central Greece where strong winds are hindering firefighters.

Aug. 17: A firefighter tries to extinguish a burning olive tree during a fire in the village of Dombrena near Athens. Authorities in Greece say wildfires are threatening homes in southern and central Greece where strong winds are hindering firefighters.

Petros Giannakouris-AP

Aug. 18: Coffee shop owners smoke multiple cigarettes as they participate in a protest against the government's indoor smoking ban in Ankara. Turkey's government on July 19 introduced a nationwide ban on indoor smoking, including bars, restaurants and coffee shops.

Aug. 18: Coffee shop owners smoke multiple cigarettes as they participate in a protest against the government's indoor smoking ban in Ankara. Turkey's government on July 19 introduced a nationwide ban on indoor smoking, including bars, restaurants and coffee shops.

Adem Altan-AFP/Getty Images

Aug. 18: Lee Hee-Ho, left, wife of the late former South Korean president Kim Dae-Jung, weeps in front of the memorial altar for Kim at a hospital in Seoul. Kim Dae-Jung, a democracy campaigner who survived assassination attempts and a death sentence to win South Korea's presidency and the Nobel peace prize, died on August 18 at the age of 85.

Aug. 18: Lee Hee-Ho, left, wife of the late former South Korean president Kim Dae-Jung, weeps in front of the memorial altar for Kim at a hospital in Seoul. Kim Dae-Jung, a democracy campaigner who survived assassination attempts and a death sentence to win South Korea's presidency and the Nobel peace prize, died on August 18 at the age of 85.

Afp-AFP/Getty Images

Aug. 18: Indonesian girls raise traditional 'ondel-ondel' masks during a parade celebrating the 64th anniversary of the country's independence from Dutch colonial rule in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Aug. 18: Indonesian girls raise traditional 'ondel-ondel' masks during a parade celebrating the 64th anniversary of the country's independence from Dutch colonial rule in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Dita Alangkara-AP

Aug. 17: Former U.S. Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee gives an interview to Israeli television during a visit to the West Bank village of Abu Dis. The former presidential candidate said that the current U.S. policy towards Israel settlement construction is too harsh and hinders negations.

Aug. 17: Former U.S. Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee gives an interview to Israeli television during a visit to the West Bank village of Abu Dis. The former presidential candidate said that the current U.S. policy towards Israel settlement construction is too harsh and hinders negations.

David Furst-AFP/Getty Images

Aug. 17: A left wing activist holds a placard during a protest against the visit of US presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, next to the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem.

Aug. 17: A left wing activist holds a placard during a protest against the visit of US presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, next to the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem.

Bernat Armangue-AP

Aug. 17: Yousef Abd El-Rahiem ,52, a temple guardian who has helped oversee the site for 31 years, prays during the opening of the newly illuminated ancient Egyptian Temple of the Queen Hatshepsut in West Bank of Luxor. The temple dates from about 1,480 B.C.E.

Aug. 17: Yousef Abd El-Rahiem ,52, a temple guardian who has helped oversee the site for 31 years, prays during the opening of the newly illuminated ancient Egyptian Temple of the Queen Hatshepsut in West Bank of Luxor. The temple dates from about 1,480 B.C.E.

Amr Abdallah Dalsh-Reuters

Aug. 17: A temple guardian stands in the tomb of Pharaoh Seti I, the son of Ramesses I and Queen Sitre and the father of Ramesses II, in Luxor, Egypt.

Aug. 17: A temple guardian stands in the tomb of Pharaoh Seti I, the son of Ramesses I and Queen Sitre and the father of Ramesses II, in Luxor, Egypt.

Amr Abdallah Dalsh-Reuters

Aug. 17: An artist draws an icon of Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus on a wall during an annual graffiti contest in Varna, Bulgaria.

Aug. 17: An artist draws an icon of Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus on a wall during an annual graffiti contest in Varna, Bulgaria.

null-AP

Aug. 18: People watch as Japanese Prime Minister and ruling Liberal Democratic Party leader Taro Aso campaign for the upcoming election in Tokyo. Voters in Japan swarmed to rallies in the summer heat as official campaigning kicked off for an election that is likely to see Aso's party ousted for only the second time in its 54-year history.

Aug. 18: People watch as Japanese Prime Minister and ruling Liberal Democratic Party leader Taro Aso campaign for the upcoming election in Tokyo. Voters in Japan swarmed to rallies in the summer heat as official campaigning kicked off for an election that is likely to see Aso's party ousted for only the second time in its 54-year history.

Toru Hanai-Reuters

Aug. 18: One of a pair of newborn twin panda cubs are tended to at a wildlife preservation and breeding center in Louguantai county, China.

Aug. 18: One of a pair of newborn twin panda cubs are tended to at a wildlife preservation and breeding center in Louguantai county, China.

China Daily-Reuters

Aug. 14: Taxidermist Roger Hamel, right, of Northwest Taxidermy Training, employee Kathy Whaley, second right, Erik Bergren, center, and client Paul Wieser, left, lift Wieser's nearly 20 ft. tall giraffe trophy on Bridgeport Way in Lakewood, Wash.

Aug. 14: Taxidermist Roger Hamel, right, of Northwest Taxidermy Training, employee Kathy Whaley, second right, Erik Bergren, center, and client Paul Wieser, left, lift Wieser's nearly 20 ft. tall giraffe trophy on Bridgeport Way in Lakewood, Wash.

Dean J. Koepfler-AP

Aug. 18: A stray cat sits in it's pen at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home on in London, England. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is seeing a sharp rise in the number of cats requiring a home with 143 of the 145 shelter's pens full.

Aug. 18: A stray cat sits in it's pen at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home on in London, England. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is seeing a sharp rise in the number of cats requiring a home with 143 of the 145 shelter's pens full.

Dan Kitwood-Getty Images

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