Deborah Haynes
Guest Author
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/ 16 March 2006

Labour launches probe into own party finances

British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Labour Party was at the centre of an investigation on Thursday launched by the party itself into a series of large loans received last year. Labour’s treasurer initiated the inquiry after revealing on Wednesday evening that he had not been informed about the loans given to the party by wealthy supporters in the run-up to last May’s general election.

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/ 9 March 2006

Mushroom makeover, a new way to look younger

It may not be the secret to eternal youth, but one Italian company claims to have found a unique way to make people’s skin look younger, healthier and even lighter using, of all things, a truffle. The invention, TruffleTherapy, adds to a collection of gourmet products by the Dafla Skincare Institute made from wine and chocolate.

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/ 13 January 2006

Power cuts get in the way of romance in Baghdad

Ahmed Hadi and his new wife Tiba Mohammed, like many young married couples in Baghdad, are not getting enough sex. The problem is not a lack of desire but of power — electrical power. Making love for many of Iraq’s Muslim population not only requires a willing partner but also a sure supply of water to enable the participants to take a shower afterwards before going to pray.

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/ 12 January 2006

Row brews over changes to federal Iraq

A row was brewing in Iraq on Thursday after a top Shi’ite leader spoke out against amending the country’s federal system, a main demand by minority Sunni Arabs who fear being denied their share of oil revenues. The comment came as Iraq’s political parties prepare to hear the final results of landmark elections held almost a month ago, before they start jostling to form the first permanent government.

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/ 5 January 2006

At least 120 dead in Iraq bomb attacks

At least 120 people, including five United States soldiers, were killed in bomb attacks across Iraq on Thursday, fuelling sectarian tensions as the country waits to form a new government. In Iraq’s bloodiest day for months, twin suicide bombers struck the restive Sunni city of Ramadi and the Shi’ite holy city of Karbala.

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/ 29 December 2005

Britain prepares crackdown on oldest profession

Britain is preparing to launch a crackdown on prostitution in the New Year because the trade harms communities and supports drug dealers and abusers, the Home Office said on Wednesday. A prostitutes’ group warned, however, that the new zero-tolerance campaign would put the girls and women involved in even greater danger by pushing the industry further underground.

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/ 25 October 2005

Christmas has come … and it is only October

Tinsel, toys, mince pies and marzipan — Christmas has truly invaded Britain and it is only October. But retailers insist the demand is out there, with some selling festive gear from as early as August. Many customers, however, moan that it is far too soon and that Santa Claus in a shop window in September spoils the magic of Christmas for the children.

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/ 21 October 2005

Britain’s Prince William to enter the army

Prince William is embarking on an army career after being admitted to Britain’s premier military academy where his younger brother is already training, royal officials said Friday. The dashing 23-year-old was "absolutely delighted" to learn that he can go to Sandhurst academy, which will see him join a long line of royals who have served in the armed forces.

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/ 18 October 2005

Should we move Christmas?

Tinsel, toys, mince pies and marzipan — Christmas has truly invaded Britain and it is only October. But retailers insist the demand is out there, with some selling festive gear from as early as August. Many customers, however, moan that it is far too soon and that Santa Claus in a shop window in September spoils the magic of Christmas for the children.