http://www.thestandard.com.hk Latest headlines from The Standard Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +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=95746&sid=27404896&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 HSBC Insurance expects to maintain double-digit growth in the Asia-Pacific region this year after pre-tax profits tripled in 2009. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95747&sid=27404990&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Hong Kong's stock market is widely respected for its regulatory regime and that will be its winning edge in attracting more foreign firms seeking to raise funds, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Ceajer Chan Ka-keung told Sing Tao Daily, sister publication of The Standard, yesterday. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95771&sid=27405151&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The Hang Seng Index is forecast to stay above 21,000 points this week in the absence of signals that Beijing will tighten credit anytime soon, market watchers said. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95748&sid=27405170&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The three mainland phone giants are likely to post weak annual results amid fierce competition. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95772&sid=27405590&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 CNOOC (0883) plans to splurge US$3.1 billion (HK$24.18 billion) to buy half of Bridas Corporation - Argentina's largest oil exporter. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95773&sid=27405700&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Buyers are snapping up luxury homes before higher stamp duties come into force next month. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=95753&sid=27404495&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The New York Knicks denied Dallas a season-best 14th consecutive NBA victory with a 128-94 win over the Mavericks. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=95754&sid=27404511&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Brian Rafalski scored a powerplay goal in overtime to give the Detroit Red Wings a 3-2 NHL victory over the Northeast Division-leading Buffalo Sabres. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=95755&sid=27404528&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Manager Martin Johnson summed up the draw with Scotland that effectively ended England's hopes of winning the Six Nations as "a tale of missed chances." Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=95758&sid=27405031&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Former Australia full-back Julian Huxley has returned to the pitch, two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=95745&sid=27405360&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Vitasoy International Holdings (0345) - which makes and sells food and beverages under the Vita and Vitasoy brands - has growth potential in the mainland. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=95744&sid=27406460&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 European Union nations are preparing a bailout fund for Greece that may exceed 25 billion euros (HK$266.78 billion), Britain's Sunday Telegraph reported. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=6&art_id=95764&sid=27404871&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The yuan is not undervalued, according to Premier Wen Jiabao. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=95766&sid=27404783&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Wen Jiabao said he hopes one day to visit Taiwan, amid warming relations between Beijing and Taipei. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=95762&sid=27404786&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Shanghai will unveil a brand new airport terminal tomorrow - the latest mega infrastructure project to be completed as the city prepares to welcome tens of millions of visitors to Expo 2010. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=95763&sid=27404881&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The death penalty debate has burst back onto Taiwan's political agenda, costing the justice minister her job in a sign of just how sensitive the issue remains on the island. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=95767&sid=27405047&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The United States is to blame for recent tensions in ties and must take steps to repair the damage, Wen Jiabao said, indicating no let- up in the diplomatic row. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=95765&sid=27405152&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Wen Jiabao has hit back at critics who blame the Chinese for the feeble outcome of the Copenhagen climate conference, saying he was not even invited to a key meeting he is accused of skipping. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95770&sid=27405108&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 More than 100 people took to the streets yesterday to demand a minimum wage of HK$33 an hour and eight working hours a day. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95743&sid=27405191&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Nearly three quarters of Hong Kong people are unaware that bad handling of diabetes can lead to kidney failure, a survey has found. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95768&sid=27405258&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Let me confess from the outset it was because of George Clooney that I watched this movie. In that regard I got my money's worth - his trademark way of smiling with glittering eyes still slays me. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95776&sid=27405262&con_type=3&d_str=20100315 A man arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers during a protest outside Beijing's liaison office in Western has been released on HK$500 bail. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95742&sid=27405422&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95726&sid=27405586&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Democracy in Hong Kong should develop in accordance with the Basic Law in a gradual and orderly manner, says Premier Wen Jiabao. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95769&sid=27405828&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Those living in the Pearl River Delta lack confidence in the water that comes out of their taps, according to a Greenpeace survey. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95775&sid=27406031&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Building owners and activists plan to hold a series of protests against a government plan to lower the trigger point for the forced sale of old structures. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=13&art_id=95777&sid=27405102&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 About 300,000 red-shirted supporters of deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra rallied amid tight security in Bangkok yesterday to demand the government step down. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=95733&sid=27404664&con_type=3&d_str=20100315 A question is exercising the minds of investors these days: Given the buoyant real estate market, is it still a good idea to buy property stocks, as they are relatively cheap? Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=95731&sid=27404667&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 This is usually the time of year when fresh graduates go all out looking for jobs. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=95732&sid=27404670&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 To celebrate a string of literary festivals around Asia, this space this week features an exclusive five-part mystery story. Here's part one. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=95774&sid=27404866&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 A woman who has directed 300 "female-friendly" sex films is to test the liberal-mindedness of British voters and run for parliament in an election due within weeks. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=95739&sid=27405048&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 A journalist was bludgeoned to death at a radio station in the southern Philippines, the latest fatality in a spate of media killings. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=95738&sid=27405092&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 A baby elephant thought to have died in the womb made its first public appearance at Sydney's Taronga Zoo yesterday, amid predictions it will make a full recovery from its arduous birth. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=95729&sid=27404520&con_type=3&d_str=20100315 In a busy office in downtown Kathmandu, young Nepalese are using state- of-the-art technology to create special effects for a Hollywood remake of the cult movie classic Straw Dogs. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=95728&sid=27404531&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Prosecutors in California have said they are looking into a possible link between the death of Canadian actor Corey Haim and an illegal trade in prescription drugs. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=95727&sid=27404533&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Walt Disney Studios is pulling the plug on Oscar-winni= ng director Robert Zemeckis' ImageMovers Digital studio by next January to cut costs. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95756&sid=27404510&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Rafael Nadal, playing his first match in more than a month, reached the third round of the Indian Wells ATP tournament with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Rainer Schuettler. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95749&sid=27404542&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Martin Kaymer carded a six-under-par 66 in the third round of the WGC CA Championship at Doral's Blue Monster to jump within four strokes of South African co-leaders Ernie Els and Charl Schwartzel, who are at 12-under after rounds of 70 and 67, respectively. Kaymer needed just 22 putts for the round. American Chad Collins held a one-stoke lead over three players midway through the second round of the weather-affected Puerto Rico Open. He was on nine-under par through 11 holes. Taiwan's Yani Tseng outplayed former champions Laura Davies and Karrie Webb to win the Women's Australian Open by three shots. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95752&sid=27404563&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was unable to throw during a batting practice session due to a stiff neck, calling into question his readiness for next month's start of the Major League Baseball season. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95751&sid=27404597&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Spaniard Alberto Contador clinched the Paris-Nice race after holding off his rivals in yesterday's 119-kilometer final stage won by France's Amael Moinard. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95759&sid=27404697&con_type=3&d_str=20100315 Twice champion Fernando Alonso marked his debut with Ferrari by leading home teammate Felipe Massa in a resounding one-two triumph at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95757&sid=27404719&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Graeme Swann grabbed five wickets to help England build a huge lead over Bangladesh on the third day of the first Test in Chittagong. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95750&sid=27404731&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has given third-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull his backing ahead of Wednesday's (HK time) Champions League crunch clash with Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95760&sid=27404908&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao beat Joshua Clottey by a unanimous decision to retain his WBO welterweight title at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95761&sid=27405562&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Indianapolis is still a logical venue for a US F1 Grand Prix and an eventual return is on the cards, commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone said. "It's only the fact that it's all the wrong crowd and the wrong people ... nothing worked there really, we'd have to have a big change round," he said. "But we'd like to get back there." Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=95730&sid=27405465&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday displayed the showmanship and soft-edged populism that has drawn both devotees and critics as he seeks to tame China's wild ride of industrial expansion. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=95734&sid=27406136&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 My family - wife, five-year-old son and three-month-old daughter - and I have lived in Lung Tin Estate, Tai O, since January 2009 and got on very well with neighbors. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=95735&sid=27406137&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The contents of the Nury Vittachi column "Forget Guantanamo, real torture is down every aisle at Toys R Us" (The Standard, March 12) are close to my heart. Why is it that so many stores, offices, restaurants, bars, hotels and so on have to maintain air-conditioning units at such low temperatures, even when the outside temperatures are down to single figures? It is not eco-friendly and it is definitely not conducive to welcoming the customer or employee into the building. I use the reading room in the clubhouse of my apartment block on a regular basis. The first thing I do when I enter this frozen waste is turn off two of the four A/C units and adjust the temperature settings on the remaining two to 24 degrees Celsius from the 18 degrees they are operating at. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=95736&sid=27406138&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 A 32-month jail sentence for the minibus driver who killed two people is outrageous ("Grieving relatives not happy with minibus sentence," March 12). It shows once again that the Judiciary has low standards. This driver deserved the maximum sentence as he did not even apologize to the victims' relatives. What is even more baffling is he will be allowed to get his license back in four years' time. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=20&art_id=95737&sid=27406139&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Regarding Amber Kay Price's letter ("Not lovin' it," March 12), I do agree with her stance on the employee not doing his or her job properly but is it such a big deal? Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95781&sid=27405654&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Last week, home affairs secretary Tsang Tak-sing published a report outlining what the government plans to do to place Hong Kong among the top 80 football teams in the world. Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by the more salacious news of the ICAC's arrest of TVB senior executives. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95782&sid=27405655&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Henry Kissinger has missed his date with our city. The former US secretary of state was forced to cancel a visit to Hong Kong after being hospitalized for stomach pains in Seoul at the weekend. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95783&sid=27405656&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Acclaimed scientist Charles Kao Kuen yesterday joined a walk for charity at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which he served as vice chancellor from 1987 to 1996. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95784&sid=27405657&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Post-80s bartenders strutted their stuff yesterday, showcasing their talents in mixing cocktails with a flourish, including tossing bottles and shakers in the air. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95785&sid=27405658&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Premier Wen Jiabao shared the secret of how he manages to keep up with his busy schedule yesterday. The answer: physical exercise. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95740&sid=27404671&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Repeat animal abusers should be banned from owning, adopting or working with pets, animal welfare groups say. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95778&sid=27405569&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The Independent Commission Against Corruption will interview more than 100 top artists and singers as it probes allegations of corruption against TVB general manager Stephen Chan Chi-wan. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95741&sid=27405924&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 After a wait of more than 10 years, nine-time champion jockey Douglas Whyte finally landed his first Hong Kong Derby yesterday. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95779&sid=27406070&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Democracy in Hong Kong should develop in accordance with the Basic Law in a gradual and orderly manner, says Premier Wen Jiabao. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95786&sid=27406203&con_type=3&d_str=20100315 In a sign the government is getting street smart, a top official has revealed she is considering halting the controversial acquisition of a street with "star power." Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95787&sid=27406204&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Little Wing Lee Street was plucked from relative obscurity and became a movie star in its own right. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95780&sid=27406235&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Wen Jiabao's remarks about democracy in Hong Kong developing in a gradual manner showed that Beijing wants Hong Kong to move forward on constitutional reform, Legislative Council president Jasper Tsang Yok-sing said. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95723&sid=27405646&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 Gold's rally to record highs in euro and sterling terms and the resilience of spot prices in the face of a rising US dollar is sign-posting the metal's broadening insurance appeal, as sovereign debt fears shift to the fore. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95724&sid=27405647&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 "Markets [and investors] hate uncertainty. This is what seasoned investors believe," says Howard Smith, chief investment officer at QIM Asset Management. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95725&sid=27405648&con_type=1&d_str=20100315 The Yangtze River Delta has been a main driver for the mainland economy for the past 20 years. It has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years. Recently I looked at the financial development in Ningbo. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:02:43 +0800