The fresh fragrance released by trees in northern pine forests is a significant component in slowing climate change, according to research. The particles that carry the forests’ olfactory assault also help to cool the planet by bouncing energy from the sun back into space.
A glimpse of an alluring woman is all it takes to ruin a man’s decision-making skills and the more testosterone coursing through his veins, the worse the problem gets, researchers claimed on Wednesday. The finding is unwelcome confirmation that those most likely to be in a position of power are most susceptible to the subtle influences of the opposite sex.
Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny’s differences over disarmament appear to be the main stumbling block to holding presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire. Elections originally scheduled for October last year were postponed and Gbagbo’s mandate extended for 12 months following international intervention under United Nations Resolution 1633.
The George W Bush administration has yet to decide on a clear plan B for Iran if diplomacy and sanctions fail to persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But military planning is progressing to fill that policy vacuum and may create a momentum of its own, say former administration officials and political observers.
Britain’s hard-pressed manufacturing base received a new blow on Tuesday when French car-maker PSA Peugeot-Citroën said it was pulling out of the United Kingdom, closing its Ryton car factory at Coventry in the West Midlands with the loss of 2 300 jobs. The news was received with dismay by trade unions and local business leaders.
Some time ago, in mid-2004, there was a glimmer of hope that the national Treasury might be gearing up to finally take on the issue of excessive market power in South Africa’s banking sector. There are numerous manifestations of this problem, but it is painfully obvious to most of us in the area of banking charges.
A report on progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) shows that the sub-Sahara is not fairing well in overall reduced child mortality, increased school enrolment and lower poverty levels. Major MDGs are the halving of the number of people living on less than a dollar a day and reducing child mortality and the incidence of HIV/Aids — all by 2015.
We’re glad to see the manne in the visdorpie haven’t lost their sense of humour, despite rat-tailed maggots in the water supply, the prospect of a bitter winter looming and an erratic electricity supply. In the interests of sustainable energy use the Independent Armchair Theatre has introduced what it calls The Eskom Sessions, which are unplugged and acoustic.
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