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/ 4 September 2005

Stern in court but likeable in person

United States Supreme Court Chief Justice William H Rehnquist died late on Saturday outside Washington after battling advanced thyroid cancer for more than 10 months. He served more than 33 years on the court, including nearly 19 years as the 16th chief justice in the court’s 216-year history.

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/ 4 September 2005

New plan to trap Aussie ‘disco toads’

Australia’s dreaded cane toad might have met its match — disco-style ultraviolet lights. Northern Territory researchers said on Sunday they have been successful using dark ultraviolet lights — the same as those used in nightclubs — to lure and trap the pests that are killing off many of Australia’s native animals.

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/ 4 September 2005

Minister wants rugby boss to step down

Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhenkesi Stofile believes beleaguered SA Rugby boss Brian van Rooyen should step down, Stofile’s spokesperson said on Saturday. He also said Stofile is considering asking President Thabo Mbeki to order a judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of maladministration in rugby.

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/ 4 September 2005

Durban girls safe after hurricane nightmare

The father of a Durban teenager who was caught in the devastating Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in the United States said he was ”absolutely relieved” when she managed to contact him on Saturday. ”I’ve probably aged about 10 years. I’ve got a thousand extra grey hairs. It’s actually been bloody stressful,” said John Dimmick.

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/ 4 September 2005

Sick Chirac in hospital for a week

French President Jacques Chirac has been admitted to hospital for at least a week with a blood-vessel problem in his eye that could have been caused by a stroke, it was revealed on Saturday night. Although the problem did not seem serious, it is likely to be seen as another setback for Chirac after a string of political defeats.

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/ 4 September 2005

Germans buy Merkel’s miracle

As Germany heads for a bitter general election in two weeks, contradictions, indecision and uncertainty are to be found across the country. Though the standard of living for most of the 80-million-plus population remains extraordinarily high, particularly in wealthy southern states, no one feels comfortable.

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/ 4 September 2005

No toilets, no takers at prison hotel

A Malaysian prison is offering adventurous travellers the chance to experience the joys of prison life — right down to the food and lack of toilets. Johor Baru prison, Malaysia’s oldest, has been turned into a visitor’s centre and is offering an overnight package for 50 ringgit (about R81). But so far there haven’t been any takers.

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/ 4 September 2005

All Blacks take Tri-Nations trophy home

New Zealand’s All Blacks ground out a 34-24 win over an injury-ravaged Australian Wallabies at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday to win the Tri-Nations series for the sixth time in the 10-year history of the championship. However, it was not the convincing win they had hoped for, despite a commanding forward effort and a 20-0 lead after 20 minutes.