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Bestselling author Anchee Min's new historical novel is about the early life of Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, who grew up in China. The book is called "Pearl in China" and tells a story of a life-long friendship between Buck and a peasant girl. Through riots, abusive husbands, fame, jealousy and the Cultural Revolution, their powerful friendship allows Min to explore Buck's compelling life and China's early 20th century history.

NATO has suspended some joint operations and training with the Afghan Army and police. While the suspension is temporary, it raises serious questions about the role of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and whether or not Afghans will be ready to take control of their own security in 2014.

The ultimate clean fuel, at least at first glance, is vegetable oil. Plants make it from sunlight, water, and a greenhouse gas — and they remove carbon dioxide from the air as they grow. The oil is easily converted into fuel for diesel engines. Around the globe there's now a rush toward so-called "biodiesel."

Poverty forces millions of Pakistani children along the Grand Trunk Road to work rather than go to school; they grow up fast. Others, such as Shazia Bibi, don't get that chance. The 12-year-old girl died under murky circumstances; her wealthy employer is being investigated in connection with her death.

Along with precious moments, the holidays also generate a lot of garbage. From wrapping paper to plastic packaging, along with all the leftovers and travel and last-minute dashes to the store the holidays are usually a time of excess. We'll talk about ways to cut down on the waste and make the season a little greener.

Clean, fresh water is an essential element to life — not only do people and animals depend on it, but it also sustains many businesses and agriculture. The majority of the fresh water used worldwide goes to irrigation, and the need is expected to rise with the growing global population.

The White House says it will delay new passport requirements for Americans who enter the country by land or sea, from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The rules were supposed to take effect in January, but now passports will not be required until later in 2008.

There was nothing short about the “short-sale” Paul Ordonez and his wife went through to buy their first home. Fourteen months after first seeing a 1,600-square-foot townhouse in East Lake, he and his wife of three years were finally handed the keys by their agent.

County Supervisors are once-again looking at ways to improve the food stamp program. The supervisors this week discussed increasing enrollment in the food stamp program, and asked county staff to report back with a plan in 90 days. We discuss the food stamp recommendations, and assess what might be different this time as the county board remains the same.

San Diego's history as a gem mining and gem producing center is one of the county's best-kept secrets. The new exhibit called ALL THAT GLITTERS at the San Diego Natural History museum uncovers those sparkling secrets. We'll speak with the exhibit's curator and the owner of a present-day gem mine in San Diego.