http://www.thestandard.com.hk Latest headlines from The Standard Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +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=122660&sid=36468039&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 The China banking regulator plans to implement Basel III capital requirements as early as January, media reported. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=122653&sid=36469418&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 London-based jeweler Graff Diamonds Corp opened a roadshow in Hong Kong yesterday. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=122661&sid=36469726&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (0045) saw both room and occupancy rates surge at its flagship Peninsula Hotel during the first quarter. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=122651&sid=36469761&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Homes being offered exclusively to Hong Kong identity card holders at the new Housing Society project in Sham Shui Po will cost at least HK$4 million. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=122652&sid=36468693&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 A pledge by G8 leaders to keep Greece in the euro zone and Premier Wen Jiabao's renewed focus on growth did little to cheer local stocks. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=122634&sid=36466713&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Taiwan's intelligence chief said Beijing plans to build two aircraft carriers to go with the first one in its fleet, a refitted former Soviet carrier currently undergoing sea trials. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=122635&sid=36468378&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Prosecutors yesterday charged Taiwan's jailed former president with taking home thousands of confidential documents just before he retired, a move which they said could have threatened the island's security. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=122656&sid=36460715&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Smokers should not rely on themselves but see a doctor if they want to kick the habit. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=122642&sid=36465152&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Early risers cheered in Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday when they saw just a small sliver of the annular eclipse as clouds prevented a clear view of the rare phenomenon. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=122640&sid=36465585&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Hong Kong residents have better mental health than those in neighboring countries because of their family support systems. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=122663&sid=36466071&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Several villagers mobbed the truck of a government contractor and smashed one of its windows as they tried to prevent officers of the Lands Department and workers from entering Lychee Valley leisure park in Yuen Long. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=122641&sid=36466143&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Meat sellers continue to spike their stocks of fresh beef and pork with sulfur dioxide to make them look fresher, the Centre for Food Safety warns. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=122662&sid=36466895&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Nearly 560,000 families living in public housing face seeing monthly rents rise by HK$25 to HK$352 in September. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=122654&sid=36468321&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Unlike most people in Hong Kong, I didn't have to make a point of getting up early for the annular solar eclipse yesterday. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=122655&sid=36469834&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 The iconic Sunbeam Theatre, saved from closure in a last-ditch effort, reopened yesterday with renowned Cantonese opera actress Hung Xian-nu as guest performer. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=122630&sid=36460269&con_type=3&d_str=20120522 The incoming administration is conducting an open recruitment exercise for undersecretary and political assistant positions. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=122631&sid=36460797&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Earlier this month, the Independent Police Complaints Council endorsed the findings of the Complaints Against Police Office investigation into the abuse of officers' powers during last year's visit by Vice Premier Li Keqiang. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=122644&sid=36465847&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 NATO leaders have launched the first phase of a US-led missile shield for Europe, risking the wrath of Russia which has threatened to deploy rockets near European Union borders in response. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=122643&sid=36466650&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Street battles between pro and anti-Syrian groups in Beirut left two people dead, sparking fears the conflict in Syria is spilling across the border into Lebanon. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=122633&sid=36464989&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Bee Gees star Robin Gibb, singer with one of the biggest-selling groups of all time and a key figure in the breakthrough of disco, has died aged 62, having lost his battle against cancer. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=122632&sid=36465031&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 American actor Nick Stahl, who had been missing for more than a week, has checked himself into rehab. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=122638&sid=36465894&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Dutchman Guido van der Valk opened with a three- under-par 67 in windy conditions to take a three-stroke lead at the Ageas Hong Kong PGA Championship. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=122636&sid=36467083&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Rafael Nadal won his sixth Rome Masters title in a rain-postponed final against Novak Djokovic, beating the world's top player, 7-5, 6-3. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=122639&sid=36467155&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 70 points as the Miami Heat recovered from back-to-back defeats to grind down the Indiana Pacers 101-93 and level their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final at 2-2. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=122637&sid=36467287&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has cast doubts over his future at the newly crowned European champions after "the most difficult season" of his career. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=122645&sid=36470070&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Emotions ran high at Yuen Long's Lychee Valley park, where villagers prevented government workers from entering to clear illegal structures built on government land that had been unlawfully occupied for nearly two decades. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=122646&sid=36470071&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Blind mainland activist Chen Guangcheng finally got to do what he has always wanted to do - enjoy his freedom and play with his family in a park, right. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=122647&sid=36470072&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Fat-cat investment bankers in London are getting a taste of the real world - just like the average working stiff. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=122648&sid=36470073&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Here's an app likely to make people duck out of pictures when a bright-eyed somebody turns a phone's camera on a group at a social event. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=122649&sid=36470074&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Even in these times of economic uncertainty, people in high places are fighting over scraps and bones. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=122650&sid=36470077&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Many among us have grown up knowing characters like Old Master Q and Cowboy through the comics. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=122657&sid=36466396&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Taxi rides will cost more if the government approves the latest demand by operators. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=122658&sid=36466575&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Hong Kong's de facto central bank may impose fresh measures to cool the property sector if home prices - which have already breached their 1997 peak - continue rising. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=122664&sid=36467795&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Legislators may soon face another filibuster as pan- democrats try to force Chief Executive-designate Leung Chun-ying to consult the public on his government restructuring plan. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=122665&sid=36470090&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 There was some relief for bank employees yesterday after HSBC Holdings (0005) said layoffs will come in less than the 3,000 originally envisaged for Hong Kong. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=122659&sid=36470638&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 The Exchange Fund earned HK$43.8 billion in the first quarter, almost double that of the fourth quarter last year, thanks to a buoyant equity market during the period. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=122623&sid=36467018&con_type=3&d_str=20120522 Welcome to Almitas Academy. Student population: two. And to the two pupils, 11-year-old Brandon and nine-year-old Bradley, the licensed primary school is also known as "mommy's school" - it was started by their mom, Chan-Yeo Peck Leng, last year at a cost of HK$1 million. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=122624&sid=36467019&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Last week we looked at the early stages of applying to higher education institutes in the US. This week our focus is on acceptance deadlines and other important information, particularly in relation to the Common App. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=122625&sid=36467020&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 A recent study found that more than 90 percent of Hong Kong families suffered symptoms of eye allergies such as itchy, red eyes with heavy secretions in the past year, with 80 percent not seeking proper treatment. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=122626&sid=36467021&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Children face a growing risk from button batteries, according to a US study showing a near doubling of emergency room visits in the past two decades as the objects can cause electrical or chemical burns if swallowed. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=122627&sid=36467022&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 Why should women have all the fun? There have been blemish balm creams galore for women but hardly anything similar for men - until now. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=122628&sid=36467023&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 The moment wrinkles start appearing, slather on Lavera's new formulation Faces Organic Wild Roses Liposome Cream (HK$249). Its hero ingredient - an all-natural wild rose extract. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=122629&sid=36467024&con_type=1&d_str=20120522 As the body ages, the type of nutrients it needs changes too. Life Women's ReViva (HK$399) is formulated for women above 35 years old based on hundreds of clinical studies on aging. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:56:56 +0800