Builder of London’s Shard to construct world’s tallest tower in Saudi Arabia
(Relaxnews) – Mace, the firm behind London’s now famous Shard, will, in a joint venture with construction company EC Harris, build the world’s tallest skyscraper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Plans for the tower, known as the Kingdom Tower, were announced 18 months ago, but Mace, the builders of the Shard and construction company EC Harris […]
UN urges deeper probe into hormone-disrupting chemicals
(NAIROBI-AFP) – Scientists suspect chemicals which disrupt the hormone system are linked to early breast development, poor semen quality, low birthweight in babies and other problems, but more research is needed, UN agencies reported on Wednesday. The UN Environmeant Programme (UNEP) and World Health Organisation (WHO) said evidence is mounting that so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals […]
Qatar to open new 30-mln-passenger airport in April
(DOHA-AFP) – Energy-rich Qatar will open on April 1 a new airport with a capacity to handle 30 million passengers, as the Gulf state vies to increase its share of transit air travel, an official said Monday. “The annual capacity of Hamad International Airport will be 30 million passengers when it opens on April 1,” […]
Curling: Sochi hosts wheelchair curling world championships
(MOSCOW-AFP) – Sochi’s credentials as host city of the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games were tested on Saturday with the staging of the wheelchair curling world championships. “This event is the first tournament to be held in the new ‘Ice Cube’ curling center, specially built for the Olympic and Paralympic Games which will be held […]
WHO urges vigilance over SARS-like virus
(GENEVA-AFP) – The World Health Organisation on Saturday urged countries to be vigilant over the spread of a potentially fatal SARS-like virus after a new case in Britain brought the global number to 12. “Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory […]
Dubai set to build largest Ferris wheel in the world
(Relaxnews) – In the desert land of superlatives — home to the tallest building, largest shopping mall, and ironically, the largest indoor ski resort — Dubai is once again set to add another record-breaking monument to their landscape with the largest Ferris wheel in the world. Construction of the Dubai Eye is set to begin this spring […]
Ferrari named best coupe and best cabriolet
(Relaxnews) – Two awards from French publication L’Automobile Magazine bring the Italian carmaker Ferrari’s international honors tally up to 25. Italian supercar maker Ferrari continues to rack up awards at the same rate at which one of its customers collects speeding tickets. Its V8-powered 458 Spider was announced best cabriolet and its V12-powered big brother, the F12 Berlinetta, […]
Olympics: IOC trim 2018 Youth Games host candidates to three
(LAUSANNE-AFP) – Buenos Aires, Medellin and Glasgow were announced as the three finalists for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games host city, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge revealed on Wednesday. Guadalajara and Rotterdam were the two candidates eliminated from contention at Wednesday’s meeting of the IOC executive committee, held at the organisation’s Lausanne headquarters. The […]
World voices respect in pope’s surprise resignation
BERLIN, Feb 11, 2013 (AFP) – World political and religious leaders voiced regret but respect for Pope Benedict XVI’s shock resignation Monday, praising him as one of today’s “most significant religious thinkers”. From Australia, the Philippines, to Israel and Britain, plaudits for the 85-year-old pontiff, as well as messages of surprise and sympathy for his […]
Train services steam things up for Valentine’s Day
(Relaxnews) – Eurostar will morph temporarily into the love train on Valentine’s Day, when couples will be wooed with a host of romance-inspired surprises. On February 14, the high-speed train will treat passengers to exclusive upgrades, chocolates and mini bottles of Cava, while the departure lounges at London St. Pancras, Gare du Nord in Paris […]
Sausages, Sisi, Sorvino — and music — at Vienna ball
(VIENNA, Austria-AFP) – The Austro-Hungarian empire may be long dead but Viennese high society was back with a bang Thursday for the annual waltzing, music and show-off extravaganza that is the Opera Ball. Dressed up to the nines and paying through the nose, the high point of the social calendar sees celebrities, politicians and tycoons […]
Deezer streams into PHL, 21 Asian and Middle Eastern countries
PARIS, Jan 31, 2013 (AFP) – Online music streaming service Deezer expanded on Thursday into 22 countries mostly in Asia and the Middle East as it seeks to tap into fast-growing emerging markets. Deezer said it will replicate the model that led it to success in France: offering limited free access to its library of […]
Parisians invited to experience ‘David Beckham’s Britain’
(Relaxnews) – The British tourism office is hoping to capitalize on David Beckham’s arrival in Paris as the newest – and most glamorous addition – to their home soccer team, pitching the sports and fashion icon as a travel ambassador for the French. Nearly as soon as it was announced that Beckham would join Paris […]
Health and fitness agenda: World Cancer Day
(Relaxnews) – On February 4, the world commemorates World Cancer Day, with the focus this year on dispelling misconceptions about the disease. 73rd ISPO February 3-6 Munich, Germany ISPO is one of the biggest events in the world for sports goods manufacturers and suppliers. Over 2,000 exhibitors are participating in 2013, and the event expects […]
Malacanang expects rule of law to prevail in resolving West Philippine Sea dispute
The Palace expects that the international law will prevail in finally settling the disputed West Philippine Sea issue after the Philippines elevated its cause to the international tribunal. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that the Palace also expects China and the Philippines, being signatories to United Nations […]
Statement by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario on the UNCLOS Arbitral Proceedings against China to Achieve a Peaceful and Durable Solution to the Dispute in the West Philippine Sea
22 January 2013 Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the print and broadcast media.I have the honor to introduce to you the Honorable Solicitor General of the Philippines Francis H. Jardeleza who stands with me here today. This afternoon, the Philippines has taken the step of bringing China before an Arbitral Tribunal under Article 287 […]
Old rites for New Year
One of the world’s oldest shared traditions, New Year’s celebrations take many forms, but most cultures have one thing in common — letting one’s hair down after a long, hard year. For much of the globe this involves sipping bubbly with friends until the sun comes up, seeing out the old year with bonfires and […]
US woman crowned Miss Universe 2012
(LAS VEGAS, Nevada-AFP) – American Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 late Wednesday, beating out beauties from around the world to claim the coveted title. The title of first runner-up went to the contestant from the Philippines, Janine Tugonon. Last year’s winner Leila Lopes of Angola, crowned jubilant Culpo, 20 years old, to succeed […]
Duchess Kate has hypermesis gravidarum: what is it?
(Relaxnews) – The media is buzzing with the news that Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting a baby. But with Middleton hospitalized with hypermesis gravidarum, many are wondering, what exactly is it? WebMD reports that hyperemesis gravidarum, or acute morning sickness, requires urgent medical treatment in that it prevents a […]
Britain’s Kate and Prince William expecting a baby
By Danny Kemp LONDON, Dec 04, 2012 (AFP) – Prince William’s wife Catherine on Monday spent the night in hospital where she is being treated for acute morning sickness following the announcement that the couple are expecting their first child. The family revealed the news earlier Monday, ending fevered speculation about a baby destined to […]
