The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Boeing Record

By Despina Hristopoulou

As of Wednesday, the new Boeing Worldliner holds the record of non-stop flight. The ginat plane stayed on air for 22 hours and 43 minutes, crossing over 20,000 km and flying over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans to get from Hong Kong to Heathrow airport. The Boeing 777-200 LR Worldliner has a seating capacity of 300 passengers, however only 35 were fortunate enough to board on its first flight and live the experience. The first official commercial flight will be held in a year. The latest Boeing generation plane is not just fast; it is also comfortable, as passengers will have a bed at their disposal and enough room to move easily during the flight. What is more, they will be able to talk on their mobile phones via a satellite link.

Great Ride

A Guinness World Records representative was at Heathrow airport to deliver the record certificate to Boeing's representatives.

One of the four pilots, Captain Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann, said the trip over the Pacific ocean was bumpy, but other than that it was a great ride

The 777-200 LR Worldliner has two fuel tanks, instead of four, which allow it to perform very long flights, like New York-Singapore or Los Angeles-Dubai, without any intermediate stops.

Pakistan International Airlines will acquire the first 777-200 LR Worldliner in 2006, while Qatar, India and Taiwan airlines have also placed their orders for the new jetliner.

The 747-400 Boeing held the previous non-stop record, after crossing 17,039km from London to Sydney in 1989.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

CNN: Boeing jet breaks nonstop record

BBC: Boeing plane wins distance record

Reuters: Boeing plane sets flight endurance record

[02] Lorry Truck Collided with Two Vehicles Fatal Head-on Collission at Maliakos

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA, NET

One more multi-casualty road accident took place at 14:15pm, at the Maliakos Gulf. Three persons lost their lives and one injured, when a lorry truck collided with two vehicles, at the 183rd km of the National Highway, at the Reginio interchange. The accident occurred when the lorry truck, headed towards Thessaloniki, entered the opposite lane and collided with one vehicle, while the second got wedged underneath the truck. The passengers of the first vehicle were killed immediately and are: Ioannis Prokopidis, 70, Valentina Prokopidou, 67 and Nadia Deliporanidou, 66, all expatriates from Kyrgyzstan. The driver of the second vehicle, Giorgos Xidianakis, 35, from Athens, was miraculously saved. The firemen needed an hour to rescue the man, who got trapped in the debris, and an EKAV ambulance transported him to the Lamia Hospital. As per sources, the driver of the lorry truck said to the Traffic Police officials that he felt a sudden dizziness and lost control of the vehicle. It is noted, that at the scene of the accident the road becomes narrow due to network expansion works, while there are no barriers between the lanes. The 2nd Department of Highway Roads, located in Thermopyles, is carrying out a preliminary investigation of the accident.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] VPRC Opinion Poll for Skai Radio ND Ahead by 3.5%

By Vagelis Theodorou

An opinion poll by VPRC for Skai radio station gave a 3.5 unit lead to New Democracy. Specifically, the governing party received 42.5% on the intention to vote, as opposed to PASOK with 39%, followed by KKE 8%, SYN 4.5% and LAOS 3.5%. On the question of "Who is more suitable for Prime Minister," Kostas Karamanlis received 51%, as opposed to George Papandreou with 22%. Furthermore, the majority of the persons questioned, considered that purgation in Justice is proceeding (54%), while the main priority of the Government is the combat of unemployment (40%) followed by expensiveness (22%), corruption (13%) and the combat of crime (9%). As per the opinion poll, the trust of citizens in informative television programmes appeared shaken, while the citizens trusted the public radio and television more (61%).

"Confidence Vote" to Public Radio and Television

As per the opinion poll, newspapers and radio won the trust of the people in the informative department, as opposed to television; mainly private.

Specifically, on the question of "How much do you trust television by the way it currently operates," 71% of the persons answered "Not so much or not at all," while the corresponding percentages on radio and newspapers was 31% and 42%.

In reference to if they trusted public or private television, 61% answered that it trusted public, 19% private, 9% both, 9% neither, while 2% refused to answer.

Moreover, 51% of the persons questioned believed that public television is more independent from the Government, in comparison to previous times, while 35% stated that censorship should be imposed on the Mass Media, when they affect human values.

The nationwide opinion poll by telephone was conducted by VPRC for Skai radio station to 958 persons, and took place on November 7-8.

Second Poll

Later in the evening, a new poll was publicised, this time conducted by Metron Analysis for MEGA television channel. As per the second opinion poll, ND has a 0.6-point lead in the intention to vote. In particular, the governing party received 35.2%, as opposed to PASOK that received 34.6%. KKE comes next with 7.5%, followed by SYN with 4% and LAOS with 4.2%.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Madouvalos Asks for Protection

Independent Parliamentarian Petros Madouvalos asked for the personal intervention of Parliament Speaker Anna Psarouda-Benaki, speaking of a "negative climate" artfully growing against him, finally aiming at his moral and political extermination. In his letter to Mrs Benaki, Mr Madouvalos also referred to rumours over lifting his parliamentarian immunity and to his bank accounts, underlining he has repeatedly stressed he is willing to help the Authorities in their work. In the meantime, after meeting with the Judges and Public Prosecutors Union leadership, Justice Minister Anastastis Papaligouras said clean-up in the Justice department is "painful but necessary." In its announcement, the Athens Bar Association condemned the intervention of incompetent bodies in the extra-judicial network investigation, as well as the leak of investigation material, which leads to the exposure of justices and civilians. The announcement also referred to illicit reportage methods and arrogant substitution of legislated powers by part of the Press, which despises all notions of journalistic principles.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Estimated Early Elections Simitis: "I am Present"

Sources: ANA, NET

Whilst signing copies of his book in his office, Kostas Simitis estimated that Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis will proceed with early elections, either together with the Municipal, on October 2006 or the autumn of 2007. The former Prime Minister spoke about the content of his book, repeated his intention to continue his political interventions, while noting that some things have to be done correctly, that he is working for unity in PASOK and that the only aim is for the Government in the country to change. "Mr Papandreous comment of looking forward is connected to the criticism to Mr Simitis book, which looks backwards. Of course, Mr Papandreou looks forwards whenever he believes he should, but many a times he has made referrals to previous procedures. Thus, the good and the interests are in force once again in PASOK," stated Government spokesperson Thodoris Rousopoulos, commenting on yesterdays statement by the PASOKs President.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Presentation of K. Simitis' Book

[06] Anti-Terror Bill Voted Down Commons Defeat for Blair

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA, NET, NET 105.8

On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair suffered his first defeat. With 322 votes against, as opposed to 291 for, the British MPs rejected the anti-terror bill, which among others would allow the Police to detain terrorism suspects for 90 days, without charges being brought against them. The biggest blow for the British PM came from around 50 MPs of his party, who, regardless of the fact that the adoption of the bill was very important for the government, voted it down. Political analysts estimated that this development is expected to fire discussions over Tony Blairs succession. Following, the MPs voted for a detention time limit of 28 days, from the 14 currently in force.

PM Not Discouraged

Regardless of his defeat and the pleas of the Conservatives to investigate the event of his resignation, the British PM stated that he will not back down.

"Sometimes it is better to lose by doing the right thing, than winning doing something that is wrong," stated Tony Blair to BBC television.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Blair meets Cabinet after defeat

CCN: Blair loses key terror bill vote

[07] New Labour Leader Amir Peretz is Determined Possible Israeli Early Elections

By Athina Saloustrou

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to meet with new leader of the Labour Party Amir Peretz, who is planning to ask for early elections, as he has announced the withdrawal of the Labour from the co-Government with Likoud. Yesterday, Peretz succeeded the leadership of the Labour of historical leader and alternate PM of the Sharon Government, Shimon Peres, winning the inter-party elections with a borderline difference. From the first moment, this development was considered that it would lead Israel to early elections. However, Peres is not ready to withdraw so easily, and has already complained about the results, as he believes that there were irregularities in the procedure. "We dont know why they hastened to announce the results. They could have waited a few days to check our complaints. We have indeed appealed against this," stated Peress legal advisor Guy Bosi speaking on Israeli Channel 10 television. 53-year-old Peretz won by 42.35%, as opposed to 39.96% of 82-year-old Peres. The third candidate for the leadership of the Labour Party, Benjamin Ben Eliezer received 16.82%.

This development occurred while rumours were spreading over an overthrow of the Sharon Government, in which Shimon Peres is alternate PM, by MPs of the Right Wing Party, Likoud, who wanted to punish him on the unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, in September.

Peretz supports the distribution of more funds for combating poverty, while he had made clear that he wished to withdraw the Labour Party from the Government alliance. Peres insisted that Labour would remain in Government until the 2006 elections, regardless of the great political differences with Likoud.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Peres loses Israel Labour fight

Yediot Aharonot: Peretz wins Labor vote

Ha'aretz: In shock result, Peretz wins Labor leadership race

CNN: Israel's Peres ousted as Labor Party chief

[08] Before Public Prosecutor for Violations

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

22 fuel truck owners have been referred to the Public Prosecutor for 32 violations, after inspections on a total of 193 fuel trucks in various Attic areas last month. The Public Prosecutor will issue criminal-law penalties for all cases, while some violators will also be referred to Prefectures for the imposition of administrative sanctions. Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou pledged that inspections will increase in the following period in order to protect consumers' interests from profiteering and violators will be referred to the Public Prosecutor in any case, while their names will be released.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Olympiacos Prevailed Easily

By Stathis Petropoulos

Playing seriously, but without being pressured, Olympiacos qualified to the next round of the Greek Cup. Paniliakos set off in the mood of becoming one of the many teams that eliminated A National opponents, but showed from an early start they were not posing a serious threat for Olympiacos. The final score of 4-0 came naturally in what was a walk in the park for the guests. Okkas opened the score in the 17' with an easy shot, while Danny in the 19' scored the second goal for the guests. In the 44', the Spaniard score his second (third overall) with a close kick, while Djordjevic was awarded a free kick in the 86' and formed the final 4-0.

The Other Two Matches of the Day

In the other two matches of the Greek Cup, we had two more surprises. Iraklis was losing to Panachaiki in Patras 1-0 by Cobelli in the 46' and managed to tie in the 80' with Murrati, hence taking the match to the penalty shootout. Panachaiki qualified 4-2 as Panagiotou saved Herrera and Katsiabis' penalty kicks.

Atromitos followed in Iraklis' footsteps a while later, as they lost to Thrasyvoulos in Fyli 2-0. Lazarou opened the score for the home team in the 48' and Katsikis scored the second goal four minutes later. Atromitos eliminated the seventh A National team, following OFI, PAOK, Kallithea, Levadeiakos, Panathinaikos and Iraklis.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Babies Soften Men!

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

Would you describe the man of your life as a little irritable, nervous or uncivilised? You should not lose your temper, since it is not his fault, but testosterones! As American scientists stated, there is a solution and is none other than a baby. As per the research by scientists of the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, Harvard and the University of Nevada, fatherhood decreases testosterone levels and makes men mellower and more civilised. As per experts, this happens because humans and animals, by nature, become less aggressive when near a baby, especially their own.

Babies Decrease Testosterone

The scientists compared testosterone levels taking samples from 126 men, aged 21 to 38, of Chinese origin. 66 were single, 30 married without children and the other 30 married with children. The research was published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society Journal.

The scientists asked the men to fill in a questionnaire, while every morning they took saliva samples from the volunteers. The research indicated that single men had the highest testosterone levels than the others, followed by married men without children and married men with children.

The team of scientists, led by Dr Peter Gray of the Charles Drew University, explained the result, saying that the increased testosterone is related to "a mating attempt," while the lowest with stable relationships, meaning the withdrawal of men from the competition area, and mainly because of fatherhood.

Nature Against Testosterone

On his part, Dr Nick Neave, a psychologist of the British Northumbria University, noted that the decrease of the specific hormone is targeted at making males stick around and raise their child, since nature does not allow high testosterone where there are babies around, and noted, "It is a difficult time for men as they can break out at their child. It is natures way of making men more civilised, even for a short period of time." Furthermore, he stated that the change of testosterone level, and consecutively of behaviour, does not only happen to humans but to animals as well.

In closing, he noted that there are always exceptions, as testosterone levels are related both to age, as when a man grows up their hormone decreases, and social factors determining our behaviour.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Becoming a father 'civilises' men

Proceedings of the Royal Society: Fathers have lower salivary testosterone levels than unmarried men and married non-fathers in Beijing, China

Related Links:

Proceedings of the Royal Society

[11] Elks in Drunken Stupor

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

They decided to party a bit before going hectic over Christmas preparations. We are talking about two elks in Sweden, which were almost sent to a rehabilitation facility to get over their drinking problem! The two animals, the mother and her calf, entered the garden of an old couple in Sibbhult to have a little snack. After looking around a bit, they set their eyes on some delicious apples. So far, so good. Besides, doctors recommend it too (an apple a day). However, these apples had gone bad and their fermentation was intoxicating to the elks, which kept on eating them refusing to leave the old people's property. The couple tried in vain, and so did the Police. This is why they had to bring in a hunter and his dog to do the trick. The elks got the point and left the sinful garden without giving it second thoughts. Still, bearing in mind that it is better to be safe than sorry, police officers removed the remaining apples, just in case the elks decided to return to the crime scene.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Sozzled elks hound old folks home

United Press International: Drunk elk no joke in Sweden

[12] The City's First Luxury Hotel Five Stars in Kabul

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Reuters

The first five-star hotel in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, is now a fact. Kabul Serena Hotel cost $36.5 million and was funded by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. It is located in the city centre, close to the Presidential Mansion, on the site of the old Kabul hotel, before the US invasion in Afghanistan. The hotel comprises of three storeys, 117 rooms, a large swimming pool, a health club, a pastry shop and two restaurants. Rooms start from $250 per night, while the presidential suite costs $1,200; a far cry from the average monthly salary in Kabul, which is $20. The grand opening last Tuesday was attended by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who defied his doctors orders and left his sickbed to put in an appearance. Kabul Serena aims to attract foreign businessmen and diplomats.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Afghan capital gets first luxury hotel

FDI: Five-star quality

The News International: Kabul Serena opens today

Related Links:

Kabul Serena Hotel

[13] Demanded by George Papandreou Committee for Immigrants

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

George Papandreou, with a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Anna Benaki Psarouda, demanded the forming of a Parliamentary Committee aimed at submitting proposals for the substantial and functional integration of immigrants into Greek society. In his letter, the President of PASOK stated that the issue of immigration does not include short and inconclusive discussions and reforms, nor party politics and interests, but an understanding between all of Greeces political forces.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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