High Phone Prices in New Zealand

Many New Zealanders are paying high phones prices, and they don’t like it. They pay very high prices compared to international averages. Many companies released new calling plans, and a new company, NZ communications. But mobile communication technology is lagging, even at high prices. But New Zealand is looking forward to new technologies that will increase the efficiency of mobile communications.

Argentina Road Safety

In a multiple car crash near San Pedro in Buenos Aires, four people have died and at least twenty- five were injured. Eight other crashes took place in the same area as heavy fog and smoke made visibility drastically reduced. Hours later, the Senate passed an Emergency Road Safety Law implementing a set of measures to tighten traffic safety in Argentina.

Gaza Border Breached

Egypt has called in extra troops to reinforce its border with Gaza after Hamas threatened to repeat a January breach that let thousands of Palestinians across the border. Cairo sent reinforcements and police have been stationed in the mountainous areas in Sinai. Since Hamas seized power last June, Israel has sealed off Gaza from all but vital goods.

Ballack Sends Chelsea In To Semis (South Africa)

Michael Ballack put Chelsea ahead after his first half header in a 2-0 victory in the Champions League semi-finals over Fenerbahce.  Later, Frank Lampard slammed another goal in the net fat the end of the match.  Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario made to breathtaking saves in the final minutes preserving the win for Chelsea.  Chelsea coach Rafa Benitez exclaimed after the match,” Michael always seems to come through just when we need him.  

Manchester City Targets Ronaldinho (South Africa)

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted that he would love to buy Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Ronaldinho.  Ronaldinho could leave during the summer says his brother and representative Roberto De Assis after a Manchester City game.  Eriksson also said,” I will call the owners of Barcelona and see if we can work something out.” Currently, Ronaldinho has been plagued by injury and fitness problems.

Cloned Embryos Cure Disease? Plus Survey!

A British study has shown that is may be possible to cure Parkinson’s, a degenerative brain disorder, with cells derived from cloned embryos. The study was done on mice with a form of Parkinson’s disease which showed improvements after the treatment. Many Scientists believe that cloning could be used to cure or at least treat many diseases and save many lives. Shouldn’t the question be though, is it ethical? So what do you think? Is it ethical to use cloning as a method to save lives? Please post your comments.

MP3s NZ

The Hearing Association of New Zealand says that steps should be taken to impose noise limits on MP3 players to help protect the ears of the listeners. They also want health warning labels put on the boxes of the equipment. Chris Peters, an employee with the association, added “The Issue is not just how loud you wear them, but how long you wear them. When we were younger, we would listen to music on the radio or stereo for a period and then stop. With an MP3 player, you can use them for eight hors continuously and that sort of continuous hammering at your hearing is destroying it.”

Snake Smuggling NZ

A snake smuggling ring in which breeding pairs are being sold for up to $10,000 is being investigated in New Zealand. Snakes are not able to be kept legally by anyone in New Zealand due to the countries biosecurity rules. Exotic reptiles such as water dragons and bearded dragons, which are legally bred in New Zealand, are becoming more popular and is increasing the demand for other species, such as snakes. Illegal wildlife smuggling is an $8 billion international business giving good incentive to anyone wishing to make some good money by illegally importing snakes. A man at Brisbane Airport was arrested last week trying to smuggle 19 snakes from Singapore. Baby colored pythons were found inside cigarette packets in a purpose-built vest the man was wearing. New Zealand hopes to cut down on the illegal importation although interest in the snakes seems to be growing among its residents.

Floods in Ireland

There was severe flooding in the east and midlands on the first day after the Easter school holidays which disrupted many motorists. Many areas had several inches of rain after the heavy overnight rain but Dublin was hit the worst. Several roads were either closed or impassible due to flooding. A number of regional roads in the Naas, Kill and Clane areas were also badly flooded for a number of hours. Rain cleared this morning, but further rain will spread from the Atlantic during the afternoon and evening, with freshening southerly winds.

The International Arts Festival

The 11^th International Arts Festival is going to be held April 11 – 20 in San José, Alajuela, northwest of the capital, and the Pacific port city of Puntarenas. The event was first held in 1989, during Arias’ first term as president. The Festival will once again showcase some of the best Costa Rican theater, poetry, music, and visual arts. It will also host seventy international figures from twenty countries. Grammy-winning group Editus, singer Adrián Goizueta and the National Dance Company are some of the national figures appearing at the festival. The Festival calls on all Costa Ricans, from all social, economic, religious and cultural backgrounds, to enjoy the arts from around the world, including those from our country.