http://www.thestandard.com.hk Latest headlines from The Standard Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 RSS newsfeed by The Standard The Standard, Sing Tao News Corp. editor@thestandard.com.hk todd.john@singtaonewscorp.com http://www.thestandard.com.hk/url_to_some_image.gif http://www.thestandard.com.hk http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=94621&sid=27104619&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Gold products quoted in yuan may be launched by the Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange Society in the second half of this year. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=94622&sid=27106893&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 A plot of land in Tseung Kwan O could fetch as much as HK$3.4 billion for government coffers when it goes for auction on Monday, according to surveyors. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=94624&sid=27108441&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Armchair football fans can forget about watching the World Cup in South Africa for free. This is because it will take too long for the parent of pay-TV operator i-Cable to win a free-to-air license. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=94620&sid=27108503&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Hong Kong-listed firms are eager to issue yuan bonds to fund their China projects after non-mainland enterprises became eligible to launch such notes last week, a senior government official said. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=94623&sid=27104923&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 China Unicom (0762) and partners may buy a controlling stake in a Nigerian telecoms business for US$2.5 billion (HK$19.5 billion). Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=94628&sid=27106120&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 China has slashed its holding of US Treasury bonds after expressing concern over the swelling US deficit and amid rising US-China tensions, according to government data released this week. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=94626&sid=27106821&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 UK unemployment unexpectedly jumped in January to the highest level since Tony Blair led the Labour Party to power almost 13 years ago as the recession destroyed work at businesses from carmakers to banks. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=94627&sid=27106831&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 The Hang Seng Index closed higher yesterday but with turnover only HK$39 billion. Dr Check remains cautious. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=94632&sid=27107914&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Toyota's safety crisis deepened yesterday as the embattled Japanese giant said it was considering a recall of its Corolla, the world's best-selling car, because of possible steering problems. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=94630&sid=27107982&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Greek budget revenues in January exceeded the indebted country's target, boosted by a one-off tax on big corporations, preliminary finance ministry data showed yesterday. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=94629&sid=27107996&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Firms run by John Paulson, Eric Mindich and George Soros purchased almost half a billion shares in Citigroup last quarter as more than 120 hedge funds said they bought stock in the bank. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=94625&sid=27110011&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Housing construction in the United States posted a better-than-expected increase in January with activity at the highest level in six months. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=94633&sid=27104674&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 The Dalai Lama's chief envoy said that US President Barack Obama probably will not make a public appearance this week with the Tibetan spiritual leader during a White House visit that is already infuriating Beijing. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=94610&sid=27105630&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Taiwan officials have urged citizens to have babies amid fears the Year of the Tiger may bring fewer births. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=94612&sid=27106148&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 A Chinese contestant at an international gay pageant said he was scared of returning to his hometown, after police shut down a similar event in the mainland. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=94611&sid=27106843&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Taipei plans to establish a string of "Taiwan Academies" around the world, in a race with Beijing to promote traditional Chinese language and culture. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94592&sid=27090068&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 The Medical Council's ethics chief has set his sights on a new practice manual to boost the professional standards of frontline doctors. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94614&sid=27095021&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Imprisoned in an environment without television for an inordinately long period, I felt like a sane human once again when I could finally slump down in front of the screen after arriving home for Chinese New Year. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94594&sid=27105322&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 The optimism, strength and bravery of former football star Wan Chi-keung will be remembered forever, his girlfriend of 26 years Michelle Yim said yesterday. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94634&sid=27106318&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 An animal shelter is scrambling to find a new sponsor to help feed its 100 four- legged friends after a long-time donor backed out. Or better still, it wants more people adopt the animals. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94635&sid=27106577&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Incorporating life education in the school curriculum could help cut youth suicide rates, educators say. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94615&sid=27106637&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 The world's tallest building in Dubai bears the stamp of Hong Kong - its shimmering glass facade was built with the help of curtain wall specialists from the city. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94613&sid=27107579&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 A primary school teacher kissed and hugged his 13-year- old student for half-an-hour on the stairs outside her home then told her not to tell the police, a court heard yesterday. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94636&sid=27107796&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 A former primary school principal has denied abusing his position by awarding HK$250,000 worth of school contracts to his brother's companies. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94593&sid=27108226&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 A widower who dressed in his dead wife's clothes has denied using her identity card to get into the gym of a five-star hotel. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94616&sid=27108272&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 The MTR Corp has extended its HK$2 elderly fare promotion for another six months, until August 31. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=94637&sid=27109214&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 A 101-year-old street sleeper who was found dead in Yau Ma Tei on Tuesday had rejected an offer to live in an elderly home, welfare officials say. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=94582&sid=27096747&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 The speech organizer on the phone was anxious."Our venue is a LONG way from the city, and it's REALLY important that you turn up on time," she said. I replied: "I won't be late. I drive a Toyota. Extra acceleration and no brakes." Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=94583&sid=27096792&con_type=3&d_str=20100218 The stock market took a dive at the beginning of the Year of the Ox, but most investors were too timid to buy low. When the market later rebounded, they cursed themselves for letting a golden opportunity slip away. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=94618&sid=27107901&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Three women in Malaysia have been caned under Islamic law for having extramarital sex, the first time the sentence has been carried out in the country. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=94619&sid=27108261&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 The Mossad is in the hot seat over the murder of a top Hamas man in Dubai, as at least seven Israelis said their identities were stolen by the assassins, widely thought to be agents of the Jewish state's secret service. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=94617&sid=27108264&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 British fashion designer Alexander McQueen hanged himself in a wardrobe after leaving a note, an inquest into his shock death heard. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=94586&sid=27103817&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Like any good Hollywood transplant, Scooby-Roo went from a troubled past to rehab. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=94584&sid=27103818&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Jay Leno's longtime bandleader, Kevin Eubanks, may not last very long once the Leno troupe returns to The Tonight Show. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=94585&sid=27103849&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Former Beatle Paul McCartney has spoken of his hopes that the band's historic Abbey Road studios may be saved after reportedly being put up for sale by British music group EMI. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=94587&sid=27104097&con_type=3&d_str=20100218 Glam pop artist Lady Gaga dominated the 30th Brits, winning a trio of awards at the British pop music industry's flagship ceremony, the first international act to do so for five years. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94606&sid=27094346&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Federation of International Cricketers' Association chief executive Tim May has warned that Twenty20 is "ripe for corruption" and urged the sport's administrators to exercise extreme care. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94602&sid=27103586&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 David Nalbandian, pictured, made a winning return from hip surgery when he beat Italian Potito Starace 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) in the first round of the Buenos Aires Open, celebrating his first competitive match in nine months as if he had won a final. Second seed Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain crushed Ricardo Mello of Brazil 6-1, 6-2. Shahar Peer increased the security dilemma surrounding her presence in the UAE by producing a 6-2, 7-5 win over top- seed Caroline Wozniacki to reach the quarter-finals of the Dubai Open. The former Israeli soldier's previous matches have been scheduled on the easier-to-protect outside courts. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94603&sid=27103604&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Vancouver organizers have hit back at stinging criticism from international media over problems plaguing the Games. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94601&sid=27103619&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 India hosts its first professional cycling race sanctioned by the sport's world governing body this weekend, with hopes it will showcase homegrown talent and boost public interest. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94598&sid=27103622&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Everton's Europa League hopes are in the balance after they conceded a late goal in their 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94604&sid=27103641&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Heavy snow forced more Winter Games alpine ski races to be postponed but Canada's star-studded hockey team shone brightly with a winning start to their gold medal quest. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94608&sid=27103653&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Lee Westwood is second seed at the Accenture Match Play Championship but not expecting any easy matches. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94599&sid=27103654&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Manchester City moved into fourth place in the Premier League above Liverpool for the final Champions League place with a game in hand after a late goal from Gareth Barry, pictured, rescued a controversial 1-1 draw at 10-man Stoke. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94597&sid=27103679&con_type=3&d_str=20100218 Wayne Rooney was the hero as Manchester United made AC Milan look old in a 3-2 win in a Champions League last-16 first-leg clash to record their first victory in the San Siro. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94596&sid=27103715&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is firmly against a Premier League proposal to introduce a play-off for the fourth Champions League qualifying berth. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94607&sid=27103741&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Scotland wing Thom Evans is to undergo a second operation on the neck injury he sustained in last weekend's Six Nations defeat to Wales. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94600&sid=27103763&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Courtney Lee, pictured, scored 21 points and Devin Harris added 17 as the New Jersey Nets beat the Charlotte Bobcats 103-94 for only their fifth NBA win of the season. Kevin Durant had 25 points and 14 rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks 99-86 for their seventh successive win. The Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth game in a row without Kobe Bryant, sidelined with a sprained left ankle since February 5, beating the Golden State Warriors 104-94. Dwyane Wade scored 24 points as the Miami Heat cruised past the Philadelphia 76ers 105-78. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94595&sid=27104190&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Australian and New Zealand sports organizations will go ahead with competitions in India despite a purported threat by an al-Qaeda-linked guerrilla group to target forthcoming events. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94605&sid=27104987&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 China's Wang Beixing took bronze in women's 500 meters speedskating as South Korea celebrated the second leg of a double as Lee Sang Hwa took the gold, relegating hot favorite Jenny Wolf of Germany into second spot. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=94609&sid=27105077&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Bad weather brought brief respite to South Africa as India pressed for a series-levelling victory in the final Test in Kolkata. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=94581&sid=27104189&con_type=3&d_str=20100218 Lack of the right light each morning to reset the body's natural sleep clock might play a role in teenagers' irregular sleep, a small but provocative school experiment suggests. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=94580&sid=27105684&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 In the hard, exhaust-choked reality of his days trawling Longhua's clogged roads, taxi driver Zhang Bo's ambition to buy a small flat for his young family has slipped out of reach for now. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=94588&sid=27109870&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 I refer to the articles "Failed tobacco tax sees hopes go up in smoke" (The Standard, January 25) by Nicole Alpert of the Lion Rock Institute and "Youth quitters find smokes too much of a temptation" (The Standard, February 10), which quoted Deanna Cheung of the Tobacco Control Concern Group. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=94589&sid=27109877&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Sorry Mike Middleton ("No one up there, Gloria," Letters to the editor, February 11), but I think you missed columnist Gloria Yu's point when she wrote about looking at the moon. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=94590&sid=27109880&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Regarding Mike Middleton's comments. I think Gloria was referring to other people on Earth. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=94591&sid=27109887&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 I see Mary Ma branded the "Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China" as "subversive" ("The fight never ends for Szeto," February 11). Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=94638&sid=27107950&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 China has started reducing its stake in US treasuries, with its move allowing Japan to take over as the top US bond holder. Arguably, the timing was bad because the American dollar only started strengthening. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=94639&sid=27107951&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Hong Kong can brag it has one of the best airports in the world, though not so pleasing is the fact it again lags behind rival Singapore in the eyes of international travelers. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=94640&sid=27107954&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 HSBC chief Michael Geoghegan feels lucky to have honed his skills as a banker in Hong Kong more than 27 years ago. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=94641&sid=27107955&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 It's been a long time coming. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=94642&sid=27107956&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Antje's right where she belongs. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=94643&sid=27106317&con_type=3&d_str=20100218 Hong Kong stocks began the Year of the Tiger on a robust note, opening 400 points higher supported by financial counters. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=94645&sid=27106892&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Police should be given greater powers to stem the rise in the number of people driving under the influence of drugs. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=94644&sid=27107759&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Hong Kong's iconic tram service will be placed entirely under a French firm's control next month after Wharf Transport Investments agreed to sell its remaining 50 percent stake to Veolia Transport China. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=94646&sid=27108454&con_type=3&d_str=20100218 Fun circuits of a Hong Kong go-karting track turned to tragedy for a British teenager - who was killed when her scarf caught in the wheels of her machine. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=94647&sid=27108455&con_type=3&d_str=20100218 Wan Chai watering holes are looking forward to a bumper couple of days as thousands of thirsty US sailors steamed into Hong Kong on a port call yesterday. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=94631&sid=27108917&con_type=1&d_str=20100218 Lawmaker Audrey Eu Yuet-mee said the Civic Party will still declare victory even if pan-democrat candidates stand uncontested in "de facto referendum" by-elections. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=94579&sid=27107884&con_type=3&d_str=20100218 The last time terrariums were in fashion, so were tie-dye and love beads. "They were big in the 1970s, then kind of died out," said Mary Beth Gullickson, a horticulturist and designer for Bachman's floral and garden company in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum hasn't offered a terrarium class in almost 20 years, according to Shirley Mah Kooyman, botanist and adult education manager. Gardeners just lost interest in them, she said. "They were very popular. Then they fell off the edge of the Earth." Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0800