Category: Other
Japan looks at everyday use of robots
TOKYO, Nov 29, 2007 (AFP) – Japan, which has taken the lead in developing a generation of high-tech if quirky robots, is now getting down to reality by looking at what humanoids can actually do for people.Some 200 companies and more than 50 organisations from Japan and abroad are taking part in the 2007 International […]
Sri Lanka to raise milch cows on grazing land freed from Tigers
Nov 29, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is trying to make use of grazing lands freed from the grip of Tamil Tiger rebels in the island’s east to increase domestic fresh milk production. . The initiative would help meet domestic demand and reduce imports at a time when global milk prices have doubled owing to […]
Malaysia considers spanking naughty girls: reports
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28, 2007 (AFP) – Malaysia is considering allowing schools to cane unruly girls to curb an upsurge in discipline problems including gang fights and bullying, reports said Wednesday. Currently only boys are caned in Malaysian schools, but only rarely and for serious offences.The punishment is administered on the buttocks or the palm […]
Wall St. sees red as economic fears spark losses
NEW YORK, Nov 26, 2007 (AFP) – Wall Street saw a sea of red Wednesday in a heavy selloff as investors voiced fears that the housing slump and credit crunch could derail US economic growth. Analysts said retail sales over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend had appeared robust, but economists said the American consumer is being […]
HSBC bails out investment funds
LONDON, Nov 26, 2007 (AFP) – European share prices closed lower Monday, while Wall Street slipped back as investors looked past sharp gains in Asia and continued to fret about the global credit squeeze, dealers said.They said a constant flow of bad news about the impact of the crisis in the US subprime or higher […]
Missing adventurers wife asks court to declare him legally dead
CHICAGO, Nov 27, 2007 (AFP) – The wife of American adventurer Steve Fossett has asked a court to declare him legally dead, nearly three months after his small plane vanished over the Nevada wilderness, a newspaper reported Tuesday.Last year, he guided his Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer some 42,000 kilometers (26,000 miles) around the world, setting the […]
Sri Lanka backs tea producing nations grouping
Nov 27, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is supporting efforts by other major tea growing countries to form a forum exclusively for tea producing nations, Ranjith Abeykoon, director of Tea Promotions said. The idea, being discussed at the on-going India International Tea Convention in Guwahati, is to increase global demand for tea, which now still […]
Australian republicans eye break with British monarchy
SYDNEY, Nov 26, 2007 (AFP) – Australian republicans Monday said prime minister John Howard’s removal from office opened the way for a bipartisan push for the country to break its ties with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.When the referendum failed to get the votes required to pass, Malcolm Turnbull, who was then chairman of the Australian […]
Commonwealth summit wraps up, without Pakistan
KAMPALA, Nov 25, 2007 (AFP) – Commonwealth leaders called on Pakistan on Sunday to remain engaged with the group as they wrapped up a summit here that saw the suspension of President Pervez Musharraf’s country. Leaders from the 53-nation federation “called on the government of Pakistan to respond positively to the Commonwealth’s desire to remain […]
Sacred Aztec drink losing out to beer in Mexico
MEXICO CITY, Nov 25, 2007 (AFP) – It was a sacred liquid to the Aztecs and consumed for centuries in Mexico, but the traditional pulque drink seems to be fading in popularity despite its historic roots.“At first, I didn’t like the texture,” said 21-year-old Saria Fuentes, “then I got used to the taste and now, […]
Germans getting jittery as euro continues to climb
FRANKFURT, Nov 25, 2007 (AFP) – Until recently, Germany has maintained an air of serenity as the euro spiked higher against other major currencies, even though exports are the motor of growth for the eurozone’s biggest economy. That has begun to change however, as seen in particular through comments by Chancellor Angela Merkel, who told […]