http://www.thestandard.com.hk Latest headlines from The Standard Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 RSS newsfeed by The Standard The Standard, Sing Tao News Corp. editor@thestandard.com.hk todd.john@singtaonewscorp.com http://www.thestandard.com.hk/url_to_some_image.gif http://www.thestandard.com.hk http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95937&sid=27439784&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The Hang Seng Index reversed a three-day retreat to close near a two- month high yesterday after the United States and Japan kept liquidity flowing. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95917&sid=27439847&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 New World Development (0017) is planning to launch 1,333 flats in five new projects this year and next as interim results show it has returned to the black. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95921&sid=27439864&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 China State Construction International (3311) said net profit last year surged 25.2 percent from 2008 to HK$612 million despite booking losses in the United Arab Emirates and India. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95918&sid=27442027&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Kerry Properties (0683) has reported a 44 percent leap in net profit to HK$4.39 billion, due to a significant fair value gain on investment properties. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95919&sid=27443265&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The Securities and Futures Commission has for the first time disqualified two former directors of a listed company for failing to ensure timely disclosure of material information to investors. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=95936&sid=27443706&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Listing candidate Man Wah Holdings' international tranche has been fully covered, according to market sources. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=95920&sid=27442511&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Now is a good time to consider shares of mainland companies that target consumers. PCD Stores Group (0331) - which operates upmarket department stores - listed in Hong Kong on December 4. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=95924&sid=27439640&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The yuan is "very much undervalued," International Monetary Fund managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said, adding to growing global pressure on China. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=95926&sid=27442007&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The trial of four Rio Tinto staff charged with commercial spying will begin in a Shanghai court on Monday. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95941&sid=27440046&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 More flu cases were reported in the past three weeks, with human swine flu (H1N1) and seasonal flu each accounting for half of them. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95943&sid=27440564&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Drivers suspected to be "high" behind the wheel could face police drug tests under a proposal to be put out for public consultation later this year. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95922&sid=27442072&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Primary and secondary schools need to stem the spread of drug abuse by arming themselves with an anti-drug kit. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95898&sid=27443309&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The internet may have changed the way people communicate and behave but the good news is that traditional media are alive and kicking, according to market research company Synovate. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95939&sid=27443576&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The Court of First Instance has suspended the jail terms of 10 taxi drivers for 18 months and fined them HK$5,000 each instead for causing traffic chaos during a protest. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95938&sid=27443679&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Less well-off breast cancer sufferers have been given the chance to take an expensive genetic test which could ease the pain of chemotherapy. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95942&sid=27444037&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Ambiguous clauses in insurance policies have been blamed for the steady rise in the number of complaints from policyholders over the past five years. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95923&sid=27444383&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Imagine the trauma. One day you discover that you have to finish six pieces of meaningful and aesthetically pleasing art pieces within four weeks, when normally, you're given two weeks per piece. I don't need much imagination because that's where I found myself today. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95940&sid=27444503&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Plans for a major revamp of football in Hong Kong will raise both the status and income of players, the government says. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95952&sid=27446155&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 FROM PAGE 2 Permission for a compulsory sale must be sought from the Lands Tribunal. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=95901&sid=27404676&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The story so far: People who have read the manuscript of Scared to Death, a book by Manuka Das, have dropped dead. Crime reporter Edna Lee is at the scene of the latest death, that of TV host Dan Blather. This is the fourth of a five-part mystery ... Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=95900&sid=27427139&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 The job of a university head is highly demanding, requiring all-round talent - in administration, solving thorny problems, fund- raising, and communicating and building rapport with all stakeholders. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=95899&sid=27438829&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Lingnan University's department of cultural studies is celebrating its 10th anniversary and a series of events is underway to mark the occasion. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=95933&sid=27439311&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Honda is to recall an estimated 412,000 vehicles in the United States because of problems with "soft" brakes, in the latest blow to the embattled Japanese auto industry. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=95932&sid=27444299&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland apologized "with all my heart" over his role in a child sex abuse controversy that has rocked the country, as the scandal of priests abusing children spread further. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=95902&sid=27438919&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 A son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Ky- Mani Marley, has written a new book claiming he was deprived of his father's fortune for years by the reggae star's widow. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95913&sid=27438323&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 NBA scoring leader LeBron James, pictured, recorded his 28th career triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers' 113-101 win over the Detroit Pistons. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and Pau Gasol added 28 points and 11 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 106-99. The Denver Nuggets welcomed back coach George Karl after cancer treatment with a 97-87 win over the Washington Wizards. Manu Ginobili scored 22 points as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Miami Heat 88-76, their eighth win in nine games. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95914&sid=27438332&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 With seven months to go until the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, the main stadium is a messy building site and the swimming complex a pile of rubble. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95931&sid=27438557&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke faced the media for the first time since his split with fiancee Lara Bingle and said temporarily quitting the tour of New Zealand to resolve their relationship problem was important. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95927&sid=27438580&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Britain's Amir Khan, pictured, hopes to spark American support by defending his WBA super lightweight crown at New York's Madison Square Garden against Paulie Malignaggi on May 15. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95929&sid=27438647&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador, pictured, will face Lance Armstrong in this month's Criterium International two-day race in Corsica, the only time seven-time Tour winner Armstrong will meet his rival before their Paris showdown. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95916&sid=27438664&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Britain's Paul di Resta, pictured, will drive for Force India in the first practice session at next weekend's Australian Grand Prix and in Malaysia the following Friday. The 23-year-old test driver, a cousin of Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, will replace German race regular Adrian Sutil in the Melbourne session and Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi at Sepang. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95928&sid=27438667&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 England have dropped Jonny Wilkinson, pictured, from their starting side to play France in their Six Nations finale in Paris on Sunday (HK time) as manager Martin Johnson made six changes to the side that drew with Scotland last weekend. It was only the third time in his 77-cap career for England that Wilkinson, replaced at fly-half by Toby Flood, had been dropped when fit. International Rugby Board president Bernard Lapasset is backing Argentina's integration into the Tri-Nations by 2012. "I will make a proposal to the IRB council that we make a financial commitment to Argentina's bid to enter the professional world," Lapasset said. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95915&sid=27439227&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Roger Federer squandered three match points before suffering a shock third-round defeat to Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) at the Indian Wells ATP tournament. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95925&sid=27439259&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Millions of people face drinking water shortages in the southwest as the worst drought in a century dries up rivers and threatens vast farmlands. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95912&sid=27439792&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The NHL want to adopt a new rule against blindside hits to the head before the end of the current season, according to reports in the Toronto Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95930&sid=27440483&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The Pakistan Cricket Board have barred members of the national squad from taking part in matches abroad without prior permission. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95909&sid=27441831&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 Jose Mourinho has warned owner Roman Abramovich that Chelsea may never win the Champions League after Inter Milan dumped his old club out of the competition. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95910&sid=27441968&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Lille will draw inspiration from fellow French side Lyon's European exploits when they attempt to end Liverpool's last chance of silverware in the Europa League last-16 second- leg tomorrow (HK time). Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=95911&sid=27442013&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 A blunder from Sevilla 'keeper Andres Palop helped CSKA Moscow qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time with a 2-1 win in Spain. With the tie level at 2-2 Palop allowed Keisuke Honda's long-range free- kick to creep in on 55 minutes to hand the visitors a 3-2 aggregate win. Tomas Necid had fired CSKA into a 39th-minute lead only for Argentine Diego Perotti to equalize two minutes later. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95944&sid=27445606&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Officials are getting poetic these days. As lawmakers debated the government's push for forced sale of old buildings, development minister Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor found peace of mind in identifying herself with "Bronze-Teeth" Qing Dynasty official Ji Xiaolan (1724-1805). Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95945&sid=27445607&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The proof of the sofa is in the sitting. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95946&sid=27445608&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The wheels of government turn slow - very slow. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95947&sid=27445609&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The usually voluble Raymond Wong Yuk-man seems to have adopted a new motto - silence is golden. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95948&sid=27445610&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Sino-tech International directors likely thought they had touched an investing peak with the Severn 8 purchase. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=95949&sid=27445611&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 There's no need to go to the Shanghai World Expo to see Gu Yuchun's famed rice paper embroidery. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95934&sid=27442506&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 A student group will field five candidates, with similar platforms as the pan-democrats, in the Legislative Council by-election in May. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95935&sid=27443175&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Conservation and a shortage of land are preventing an upgrade of the territory's oldest teaching hospital. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95951&sid=27444583&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The internet may have changed the way people communicate and behave but the good news is that traditional media are alive and kicking, according to market research company Synovate. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95950&sid=27445391&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 Justice chiefs want to get their hands on the Nina Wang Kung Yu-sum will Tony Chan Chun-chuen produced in court - so police can check it for fingerprints. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95953&sid=27446204&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 Fire investigators are focusing on a critical 18-minute delay - dubbed a "rare human error" - in upgrading a deadly blaze at a Cheung Sha Wan knitting factory that claimed the life of a firefighter. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=95954&sid=27446205&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 Controversial legal changes that make it easier to redevelop old buildings got the nod from lawmakers last night, allowing development chief Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to breathe a huge sigh of relief. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95903&sid=27443445&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 After more than a decade, draperies are finally coming into their own. Windows for years were unadorned, except for subtle shades or wooden blinds. Now the fabric is back, even in minimalist interiors. "Draperies add elegance while softening the room, making it cozier," said interior designer Sherry Worth. "They also hide ugly views and create privacy. People have come to realize bare is boring, and when windows are naked, they're truly naked." Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95904&sid=27443446&con_type=1&d_str=20100318 The uncertain spring weather putting paid to lots of outdoor activities? Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95905&sid=27443473&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 If luxury high-rise living with 360-degree panoramic views is your cup of tea, then the Pan Peninsula in London's trendy Canary Wharf is custom-designed for you. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95906&sid=27443474&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 Curtiss Apartments are an outstanding addition to Beaufort Park - northwest London's desirable new location. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95907&sid=27443475&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 Business start-ups face challenges and risks, not least cutting costs while maintaining a quality service. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=95908&sid=27443476&con_type=3&d_str=20100318 The Elgin is located conveniently in the heart of Soho, putting the serviced apartments a leisurely walk away from Central's leading grade-A commercial buildings and first-class shopping malls via the Mid-Levels escalator. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0800