Microsoft sued one of its former executives and Google on Tuesday, the same day the internet search engine company announced it had hired Kai-Fu Lee to head up a research and development centre in China. The Redmond-based software maker argued that by taking a job with a direct competitor, Lee is breaking contractual promises.
The Durban health department intends taking Engen to court after sulphur dioxide emissions at its Durban oil refinery were found to be ”excessive”. ”We’ve served the necessary notices, we are moving ahead with the legal processes,” said the deputy head of the department, Selva Mudaly.
The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) on Wednesday said that up to 30 000 Pick ‘n Pay employees are expected to take part in a nationwide strike action from Friday. Saccawu spokesperson Dumisani Dlakile said that wage negotiations with management deadlocked after mediation.
New Zealand recorded 33 new Aids cases in the first six months of this year, more than double the number reported in the first half of 2004.
After strong debate, South African editors last week embraced the rise of tabloid journalism in the South African newspaper industry. This unusual step came at the annual general meeting in Cape Town of the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef). A press statement described the tabloids as ”a vibrant element of the changing media landscape”.
Lleyton Hewitt and Guillermo Coria will be fined for insults during their Davis Cup clash last week — the Australian for calling the umpire a ”poof” and the Argentinian for spitting, Tennis Australia said on Wednesday. The International Tennis Federation had informed Tennis Australia it would determine the fines at its next meeting, a spokesperson said.
United States prosecutors announced criminal charges on Tuesday against 40 airplane pilots suspected of lying about potentially dangerous illnesses ranging from schizophrenia to drug addiction. The majority of those indicted were only licensed to fly private jets, but some earned their livings shuttling people or cargo through the skies.
Malaysia has set up an online hall of shame where the public can post pictures of traffic offenders as part of a campaign to instill discipline and safety on roads. The website, www.panducermat.org.my, was launched on Tuesday and will be used to catch offenders who usually get away because of a lack of enforcement.
An armed robber who stole a woman’s handbag in February was sentenced to a total of 24 years in jail, a North Rand policing area spokesperson said on Tuesday. Anthony Nkosi (23) robbed a 42-year-old woman in Bapsfontein and threatened her with a firearm, Superintendent Eugene Opperman said.
Failure to help with the kids and the dishes could soon be grounds for divorce in Colombia, if a proposed law gets passed. ”Men treat women like slaves who wash the dishes while they relax,” said Senator Carlos Moreno de Caro, the Bill’s author. ”This injustice has to end,” he said.