Stories for March 17th 2010
IPI calls for immediate release of 19 Cuban journalists jailed in 2003
Seven years after Cuba’s notorious Black Spring clampdown on independent journalism, IPI (International Press Institute) calls for the immediate release of the 19 journalists jailed in 2003 who still remain in prison, as well as of the six other journalists jailed after 2003.
Lula da Silva is warned about involvement in the presidential campaign
Brazilian president Lula da Silva was authorized to participate in the campaign of the ruling coalition presidential candidate Dilma Rousseff, but after working hours and with all expenses billed to the Workers Party.
Astronomers detect outer solar system planet with “moderate” temperatures
European astronomers have found a planet outside our solar system with a relatively moderate temperature, far cooler than other “exoplanets” discovered to date. The planet Corot-9b has an estimated surface temperature between 160 C and -20 C. It has about 80% of the mass of Jupiter and its orbit is similar to that of Mercury.
Four banks accused of selling “toxic derivatives” to the city of Milan
Four major banks have been ordered to stand trial in Italy in a fraud case related to derivatives trading. JP Morgan Chase, UBS, Deutsche Bank and Germany's Depfa bank have been told they will be tried for aggravated fraud, along with 13 other people. The charges relate to the sale of derivates to the city of Milan.
China forecasted to grow 9.5%; inflation and real estate bubble real threats
The World Bank raised its China growth forecast this year to 9.5% from 9% but said Beijing needs to cool inflation and possible bubbles in real estate prices.
Germany favours exclusion of Euro-zone members to avert a currency crisis
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel says she wants the Euro-zone to be able to exclude one of its members in future if that is necessary to avert a crisis. Mrs Merkel told the German Bundestag (parliament) that existing EU rules were not strong enough to deal with the current crisis triggered by Greece.
Facebook beats Google as the most visited website in the US
Facebook has beaten Google to become the most visited website in the US for the first time. The social networking website knocked the search engine off the top spot for the week ending March 13, according to industry analysts Experian Hitwise.
Amnesty calls on Cuban authorities to release dissidents “unfairly detained”
Amnesty International Wednesday called on the Cuban authorities to release all dissidents “unfairly detained” and to revoke laws restricting freedom of expression and the right to free assembly and association.
New General Manager at Falkland Islands Tourist Board
New Zealander Paul Trowell has been appointed as the new General Manager of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board and will take up his duties on 5 April 2010.
St. Patrick's Day Facts: Shamrocks, Snakes, and a Saint
On St. Patrick's Day—Wednesday, March 17—millions of people will don green and celebrate the Irish with parades, good cheer, and perhaps a pint of beer. But few St. Patrick's Day revelers have a clue about St. Patrick, the man, according to the author of St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography.
