The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-27

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Competition for the Flat-Chested

By Despina Hristopoulou

Magazines usually offer CDs, beauty products and T-shirts to attract readers. Another popular advertising trick are competitions, with trips as giveaways. A British mens magazine, though, decided to outdo all other, running a competition offering breast implants, worth 5,800 euros, for the winners girlfriend and another 1,500 euros to the winner. Actually, the magazine mentioned, "Make your lady a more rounded individual with our feel-good, selfless, world-first competition." In order to make the package even more attractive, the magazine printed before and after photos of the model Jordan, while it even gave readers the opportunity to choose the size of breasts they liked, by selecting from a cup A, up to a cup G!

"Just a Suggestion"

However, the offer has enraged the British Advertising Standards Authority, which pointed out that breast surgery was potentially harmful, while is described the competition as irresponsible. In addition, the public opinion also reacted, noting that such actions push women to have plastic surgery done.

However, in an effort to justify themselves, the editors stressed that it was just a suggestion, while the winner could use the money for something else.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

ZOO Weekly

[02] In French Citizens who Returned from Thailand Suspect Cases in France

By Annita Paschalinou

The news that three suspect cases of bird flu have been detected in humans has created havoc in France. These are three people living on the island La Reunion, who recently returned from Thailand, where they came into contact with birds at a zoo. The initial tests are positive. The news was confirmed by French PM Dominique de Villepin, who urged citizens to remain calm and underlined that nothing should be prejudged until further tests are performed at the Institute Pasteur. At the same time, however, Thai officials consider highly unlikely the possibility of the patients being infected with the deadly virus.

Results Expected Today

If avian influenza is confirmed, then these will be the first cases of bird flu detected in humans outside Asia.

The results for one of the three patients are expected today.

However, as noted by the French PM, the doctors are satisfied with the condition of the patients, and two of them are at home.

In the meantime, the Thai authorities consider that it is impossible for the three French tourists to have been infected by the virus.

An official of Thailands Ministry of Agriculture declared that thy should have come in direct contact with bird mucus in order to be infected, while a Health Ministry spokesperson declared that it was probably a common cold.

Human Case in China?

In China, the Health Ministry announced that no possible bird flu cases in humans have been reported.

The announcement was issued following the recent article in a newspaper, whereby a 12-year-old girl died after manifesting symptoms similar to those of avian influenza.

As per Chinese newspaper South China Morning Post, the girl and her brother became sick last week, after eating a chicken that was infected with bird flu.

The childrens father declared to the newspaper that they had eaten dead chickens in the past and nothing had happened!

The doctors, however, told the family that the child died of a very high fever.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), though, believes that the mutation of the avian influenza virus to a form that can be transmitted from humans to humans is a matter of time in China and the most part of Asia.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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New Bird Flu Outbreak in China

[03] 94.3% of the those Aged 12-22 Own a Mobile Addicted to Mobile Phones

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: Newspaper "Ta Nea"

According to the results of a nationwide survey in Greece, the use of mobile phones by children and students is taking on alarming dimensions, as 94.3% of youngsters between the ages of 12 and 22 own a mobile phone. According to the survey, children first come into contact with mobile technology at the age of 10.5, while 62% of the pupils use their mobile phones to exchange text and picture messages, emails, and unanswered calls during class. Specifically, 74% of the children aged 12-14, 96.4% of those aged 15-18 and 99% of those aged 18-22 own a mobile phone. The survey also mentioned that the majority of young girls (63.2%) use mobile phones exclusively for their communication, while the boys are in second place with 54.5%. In addition, apart from sending text and picture messages during class, pupils also listen to music (1.4%), take photos (1.6%), download ringtones, music and pictures (1.2%), and play games (1.6%). The survey was conducted in High Schools and Universities throughout Greece by the Wireless Research Centre of the Department of Management Science and Technology at the Athens University of Economics and the Lambrakis Institute, in collaboration with the Alba Graduate Business School and the company Leo Burnett, as part of the European Programme Mobile Youth. The survey results were presented yesterday during a special event on the subject of the influence of mobile phones to the younger population.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Bank Accounts Open

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Investigative Authorities proceed with opening the bank accounts of Petros Madouvalos, his wife and his law firm associates. As it has been known until now, most of Mr Madouvalos law firm associates bank accounts have been opened, but there has been no incriminating evidence so far. The announcement issued by the Parliamentarians law office, which is now run by his wife, Paraskevi Madouvalou, reads, "The associates of this office are at the disposal of the Investigative Authoriries and anyone else with regard to opening their bank accounts. We consent to opening and inspecting all our personal accounts, regardless of the time the investigation might take." Speaking on NET, Mr Madouvalos said none of his associates nor himself have been asked to open their accounts and reassured he will give his consensus if such a matter should occur.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Due to the School Parades Changes in Bus Routes

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

In Thessaloniki, the celebrations for the 28 October national holiday in Greece will culminate on Friday with the grand military parade before the President of the Hellenic Republic. In the meantime, in Athens, bus schedules will be disrupted due to the school parades. As announced by the Athens Urban Transport Organisation, there will be changes in schedules and routes of buses, trolley buses and trams in the centre of Athens, as well as any other suburbs where parades are taking place, from 9:45am to 12:15pm.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Eleven Dead Tragedy in Amsterdam

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters - Agence Francaise de Presse

A fire in Amsterdams Schiphol airport killed eleven people and injured at least 15, while the causes remain unknown. The fire broke out at midnight in the airports detention centre, which houses illegal immigrants and suspected drug traffickers, while it was put out four hours later. A police spokesperson did not rule out the possibility of the death toll increasing. A total of 350 people were held in the complex late last night, while 43 of those were in the section that burnt down. The detainees were later transferred to cells that had not been affected by the fire, while others were taken to jails around the country. One of the detainees who escaped injury declared on Dutch radio that the guards did not pay attention to the fire alarm and did not open the cell doors on time.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Bush-Buckovski Meeting

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA

On Wednesday, US President George Bush voiced his satisfaction over FYROMs contribution to the war against terrorism, during a meeting with FYROMs Prime Minister, Vlado Buckovski at the White House. The US President noted that he appreciated FYROMs efforts in implementing the Ohrid agreement, since it demonstrated that it is possible for people of different backgrounds to live together in peace. In addition, he congratulated Mr Buckovski on the countrys progress in implementing the necessary reforms, so that FYROM can accede in NATO and the EU and thanked him for the "friendship and trust" he has demonstrated. On his part, Mr Buckovski thanked Bush for the USAs support of his country and the recognition of FYROM with its constitutional name.

Eyes Set on NATO and the EU

FYROMs PM also said that bilateral relations are the best ever, while he declared he was proud to have his soldiers fighting alongside the Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Buckovski also pointed out the significance of FYROMs accession in NATO and the EU, since he believed that it would contribute towards stability in the area. Finally, he promised to Mr Bush that his country will continue playing a positive and constructive role in the Balkans, in view of the commencement of negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina over Kosovo.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Three Air Raids in the Gaza Strip Israeli Retaliation Underway

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters

The Israelis launched three air raids against Palestinian targets in the Gaza Strip over the last few hours, in response to the suicide attack in Hadera on Wednesday, which killed five people. According to the Israeli army, they are targeting key Palestinian positions, as well as the highways, since the second attack destroyed a road and a bridge in northern Gaza. There have been no reports on any victims yet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Promotion outside the EU Mastic Gum and Saffron Win over Europe

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Mastic gum and saffron are two of the 15 European agricultural products that the European Commission decided to promote in markets of third countries, in the context of improving the competitiveness of quality European products. According to the Commission, the EU will be funding the promotional programme by 50%, which amounts to 13 million euros. Specifically, the three-year budget for mastic gum, which is produced exclusively on the Greek island of Chios, comes to 3,120,000 euros, with the EU contributing 1,560,000 towards this amount. As for saffron, which is produced in Kozani, the three-year budget is estimated at 1,550,000 euros, with the EU contributing 775,000 euros.

In its announcement the European Commission mentioned that it accepted 15 out of the 25 promotion and information programmes submitted by Member-States. These include products from Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and Lithuania. The products covered are wine, dairy products, meat, flowers and juices, and will target the USA, Canada, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, China, and Switzerland.

In its announcement, the European Commission clarified that the programme includes public relations, promotional or publicity measures, in particular highlighting the advantages of EU products, especially in terms of quality, hygiene, food safety, nutrition, labelling, animal welfare or environment-friendliness. The measures will also cover participation at events and fairs and information campaigns on the Community system of protected designations of origin (PDOs) and protected geographical indications (PGIs).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] All Out Derby

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panathinaikos were the great winners of the derby for the 2nd round of the basketball championship, facing AEK in Galatsi. Panathinaikos prevailed 85-84 after putting a big effort to bend AEK's resistance. The home team got off to a good start and showed they were in the mood to threaten and claim victory. And all that, despite Amit Tamir's absence. Panathinaikos on the other hand, had Papanikolaou in a good day and five players, who all scored, while captain Frangiskos Alvertis took charge when things got sticky. Naturally, the captain finished the job; he had two successful free baskets and formed the final 85-84, since AEK failed to maintain its 8-point lead three minutes before the end. The score per period: 19-16, 36-41, 61-64, 84-85.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] In Cromwell Hospital's ICU Critical Hours for George Best

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

The health condition of legendary footballer George Best is deteriorating rapidly, as per his wife. The star of Manchester United and Northern Ireland is being hospitalised for the last three weeks in the ICU of Cromwell Hospital, London. According to his attending physician, his life is not under immediate threat; however, the next few days will be critical. Best, aged 59, underwent a liver transplant in 2002, a result of his alcohol problem. He was admitted in hospital as he was manifesting flu symptoms, while his condition took a turn for the worse following to a kidney infection.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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