Stories for December 24th 2008
British doctors warn of biggest flu outbreak in 8 years
The biggest flu outbreak for eight years could be on its way in the United Kingdom, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) warned after a 73% rise in people seeing their doctor with flu-like symptoms.
UK economy shrank faster than expected during third quarter
The United Kingdom economy shrank faster between July and September than had previously been thought, official data showed. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it had contracted by 0.6% in the quarter - its previous estimate had been a contraction of 0.5%.
Madonna's Sticky & Sweet nets a gross 280 million USD
Madonna's triumphant Sticky & Sweet has ended with 2,350,282 people attending and a gross of over 280 million US dollars in ticket sales for 58 concerts. Madonna performed in Europe, United States, Canada followed by Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil where her last show was on December 21.
Giant Wal-Mart could end up as Chile's main retailer
The world's largest department stores chain Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announced it will launch a tender offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares and American Depositary Shares of Chile's Distribución y Servicio D&S S.A.
Argentina reports lowest growth in five years in October
Argentina reported the lowest economic growth in more than five years in October as factories cut output because of waning sales and exports. The country's economic activity index expanded 5.2% in October compared to the same month a year ago and 0.1% over September.
Argentine federal court will investigate ex President Kirchner
An Argentine court will investigate former President Nestor Kirchner, the husband and predecessor of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, over possible irregularities in government contracts, court officials confirmed on Tuesday in Buenos Aires.
Lula da Silva asks Brazilian consumers to go out and spend
Brazilian President Lula da Silva called on consumers to step up spending to help the economy overcome the global credit crisis while assuring them that inflation will remain under control.
Drought in Argentina and Paraguay threatens soy crops
South America's 2008/09 soy harvest is forecasted to drop from previous estimates because of drought in Argentina and Paraguay according to reports in the Oil World magazine.
Era of cheap gas is coming to an end warns Russia's Putin
The era of cheap gas is coming to an end, Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has told ministers from the world's major gas-exporting countries. Putin said the cost of extracting gas was rising sharply therefore “the era of cheap energy resources, of cheap gas, is of course coming to an end”.
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update
Headlines: Carnival brings a touch of the Caribbean to the South Atlantic; High winds wreak havoc with roofs... and holiday plans; Running to Help the Heroes; A Christmas Message from His Excellency the Governor Mr Alan Huckle
