http://www.thestandard.com.hk Latest headlines from The Standard Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +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=119375&sid=35309646&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 China's State Council is laying the groundwork for a mechanism to manage equity investment by provincial pension funds, mainland media reported. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=119374&sid=35309745&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Mainland home sales went through a severe contraction last month, implying challenging times for the sector this year. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=119387&sid=35309874&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Property market sentiment has rebounded in the wake of equity market rallies and last week's budget that had no new policy surprises. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=119376&sid=35310487&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Two companies kick off their roadshows today promoting initial public offerings. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=119386&sid=35309669&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants fast-growing China to share the European sovereign debt burden. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=119385&sid=35310071&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 The US labor market recovery is broadening as industries from construction to retail to manufacturing added workers in January and the jobless rate fell to the lowest level in three years. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=119379&sid=35309434&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 A massive project to divert water from the south to the drought-prone north - which has seen hundreds of thousands of people relocated - will become partly operational next year. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=119380&sid=35309446&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 The Canadian prime minister will be hoping to pry open more of the mainland market when he arrives in Beijing tomorrow - after Washington snubbed his country's oil - in a visit that will also secure pandas. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=10&art_id=119381&sid=35309937&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Nearly half a tonne of narcotics and three suspects have been seized in the biggest drugs bust Taiwan has seen in 10 years. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=119398&sid=35309405&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Nearly three weeks have passed since new clean-air targets were announced, but attacks by environmentalists on the proposals show no sign of abating. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=119378&sid=35309407&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Despite rising divorce rates, an overwhelming majority of young people still maintain traditional views of love and marriage, a survey shows. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=119377&sid=35310049&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 The government has pledged to consider injecting more funds into the Community Care Fund to make permanent those programs that help the grassroots not covered by the welfare system. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=119400&sid=35310121&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 A University of Hong Kong pollster has vowed to press ahead with a mock vote two days ahead of the March 25 election of the new chief executive. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=119397&sid=35310167&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Discovery Bay on Lantau is an example of the differences between basic sustainable living in rural Hong Kong and green technology being applied in city areas. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=119399&sid=35310297&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Chief executive hopeful Henry Tang Ying-yen said he understands why his popularity has dropped 2.3 percentage points in relation to rival Leung Chun-ying. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=119396&sid=35310530&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 A row has broken out over a proposal that may soon require all registered social workers to have a bachelor's degree. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=119401&sid=35310863&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Baptist University School of Communication dean Zhao Xinshu has been found responsible for the release of an incomplete poll on the popularity of chief executive candidates. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=119372&sid=35285846&con_type=3&d_str=20120206 The Year of the Dragon is considered an auspicious time to do a lot of important things in life. Apart from having "dragon" babies, many couples choose to get married this year. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=15&art_id=119373&sid=35309238&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 An acquaintance showed me her baby wrapped in a white shawl. This should be illegal. If the blanket isn't pink or blue, you can't tell what sex the infant is, and you end up saying: "What a cute little, er, offspring, he/ she / it looks just like his/ her/ its father/ mother." All very awkward. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=119384&sid=35310175&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 The movement against Vladimir Putin is preparing new rallies to loosen the Russian strongman's 12-year grip on power after keeping up their challenge with a third mass demonstration in Moscow. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=119383&sid=35310202&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Thousands of Australians were forced to abandon their homes yesterday as a record deluge swept through areas still reeling from last year's devastating floods, claiming its first life. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=119382&sid=35310359&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Outrage grew yesterday after Russia and China blocked a UN Security Council resolution condemning Syria for its crackdown on protests, with the opposition saying it handed the regime a "license to kill." Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=119363&sid=35309137&con_type=3&d_str=20120206 Controversial US director Abel Ferrara says he is to make a film on the sex scandal that destroyed Frenchman Dominique Strauss-Kahn's political career - with Gerard Depardieu in the starring role. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=119365&sid=35309181&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Actor Ben Gazzara, known for his brooding tough-guy presence in dozens of films, television shows and stage productions over his long career, died of pancreatic cancer at a Manhattan hospital, his lawyer said. He was 81. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=119362&sid=35309183&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Daniel Radcliffe admitted he was drunk while filming some scenes for the Harry Potter movies during a period in his life where he was drinking "nightly." Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=18&art_id=119364&sid=35309187&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb said he has made a "spectacular" recovery from a serious illness, which was widely reported to be cancer. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=119394&sid=35309310&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Debutant England center Andy Farrell was delighted by the commitment a revamped side showed as they began the defense of their Six Nations rugby title with a 13-6 win over Scotland. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=119392&sid=35309322&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who began the NFL season heartbroken at the death of his wife Myra, has coped with help from his team as they try to win a Super Bowl in her memory. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=119393&sid=35309323&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty was found dead at his home, triggering tributes from ex-prime ministers and leading sports stars. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=119391&sid=35309452&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish expects controversial striker Luis Suarez to hit the ground running when he returns from suspension against Tottenham tomorrow. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=119395&sid=35309545&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is hopeful that the start of this month will provide his club with a change of fortune after a disappointing start to 2012 threatened to derail their quest for honors. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=19&art_id=119390&sid=35310578&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Cricket World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh is expected to be fit to play in May after undergoing treatment for lung cancer in the United States, his physiotherapist said. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=119366&sid=35310265&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 The bitter spat between "dogs" and "locusts" isn't going to serve anybody's interests. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=119367&sid=35310266&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Today is Chinese Valentine's Day, which means love is in the air in shopping malls. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=119368&sid=35310267&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Not only financial institutions but even schools can collapse amid bad economics - as an education group in Wenzhou learned the hard way. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=119369&sid=35310268&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 British businesses are being warned of possible internet breakdowns, data caps and "unavoidable" mobile phone problems during the London 2012 Olympics Games. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=119370&sid=35310269&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Distance running is serious business but that doesn't mean you can't have fun too. At least, that was the attitude of some of those taking part in yesterday's marathon. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=119404&sid=35309485&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Europe's big chill means flights between Hong Kong and London have been disrupted with thousands of passengers affected. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=119389&sid=35309676&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 A group of protesters gathered outside a SmarTone store in Mong Kok yesterday to condemn its decision to scrap so-called unlimited data plans from next week. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=119388&sid=35310375&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 Renaissance College, which comes under the English Schools Foundation, is proposing to reduce the number of days for its primary section from five days a week to four and a half. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=119402&sid=35310569&con_type=3&d_str=20120206 Runners have been urged to know their limits after the Standard Chartered Marathon claimed its second life in its 16-year history. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=31&art_id=119405&sid=35310763&con_type=1&d_str=20120206 The Arctic cold snap that has gripped Europe for over a week has claimed nearly 300 lives so far, brought air travel chaos to London and dumped snow as far south as Rome and even North Africa. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=31&art_id=119403&sid=35311065&con_type=3&d_str=20120206 Greece teetered on a knife edge early this morning (Hong Kong time) as the nation's political leaders met in Athens to consider terms demanded by international creditors in return for more financial assistance. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800 http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=48&art_id=119371&sid=35310258&con_type=3&d_str=20120206 In a sleepless city like Hong Kong, a caffeine punch is a necessity for a lot of people. For some, it could even be an addiction. For Raymond Tong Kwok- kong, who says he drinks five cups of coffee a day - a habit from his university days - the addiction is much more than caffeine. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:03 +0800