World warmed steeply this year

Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010

Kyodo News

Temperatures on land and ocean surfaces climbed an average of 0.36 degree around the globe this year, logging the second-sharpest rise since comparable data started being tracked in 1891, the Meteorological Agency said in a preliminary report.

The sharpest rise, 0.37 degree as measured against the average between 1971 and 2000, was set in 1998.

The global land temperature rose 0.68 degree, its most ever. In Japan, however, it climbed 0.85 higher than the 30-year average, tying for the fourth-biggest increase since 1898.

The Meteorological Agency calculated the figures based on data from January through November. The overall rise was attributed to global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions and the rise in sea surface temperature caused by El Nino. The weather conditions caused warm air to cover middle latitude areas in the Northern Hemisphere, it said.

According to the report, the world's average temperature has increased by 0.68 over the past 100 years. In Japan alone, however, it is up 1.15 degrees.

The average temperature this year in some parts of Greenland and Canada rose by 4 to 5 degrees, the report says.

Japan's average temperature from June to August this year was the highest ever, but the March-May lows dragged down the yearly average.

The agency compiles the average global temperature for land using data compiled from 1,300 locations. Japan's temperature is based on data gathered at 17 locations from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

The number of tropical depressions that developed into typhoons in 2010 is expected to stay at 14, the lowest since officials began compiling comparable data in 1951. Until this year, the lowest number was 16, recorded in 1998. The average between 1971 and 2000 was 26.7.

Pats clinch division title, AFC's top seed

Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) The New England Patriots have been nearly unbeatable since Tom Brady stopped throwing interceptions more than two months ago.

Tom Terrific: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady attempts a pass as Bills defender Chris Kelsay bears down on Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 34-3 to clinch the AFC East and the top seed in the AFC playoffs. AP PHOTO

Now they'll probably be even tougher to stop when the playoffs begin after securing the AFC's top seed — and home-field advantage through the first three rounds — with a 34-3 win Sunday over a familiar pushover, the Buffalo Bills.

Brady threw three touchdown passes, including two to tight end Rob Gronkowski, and extended his streak of attempts without an interception to 319. That topped the NFL mark of 308 set by Bernie Kosar with Cleveland in the 1990-91 seasons.

"I guess I'm glad I'm not throwing interceptions," Brady said, shrugging off the record.

He was more pleased with helping the Patriots (13-2) finish first in the AFC for the third time since 2003, and clinch their eighth division title in 10 years.

"It never gets old," Brady said. "We never get tired of winning."

Brady finished 15 of 27 for 140 yards, and had his eighth straight game with two or more scores. Alge Crumpler had a 4-yard touchdown catch, Danny Woodhead scored on a 29-yard run and Shayne Graham kicked two field goals.

Vikings at Eagles — ppd: In Philadelphia, on a bizarre day when the Eagles were snowed out, they celebrated an NFC East championship.

The NFL moved the Minnesota Vikings at Eagles game from Sunday night to Tuesday because of a blizzard that could dump more than a foot of snow on Philadelphia. The game is the first on a Tuesday since 1946.

Sidelined by the storm, the Eagles went home and watched the Packers beat the Giants 45-17. That gave Philadelphia its first division title since 2006 and sixth in 12 seasons under coach Andy Reid.

Rams 25, 49ers 17: In St. Louis, Sam Bradford set an NFL record for completions in a rookie season and threw his first touchdown pass in four games to put St. Louis in position to earn a playoff berth next week.

Buccaneers 38, Seahawks 15: In Tampa, Josh Freeman threw for 237 yards and a career-best five touchdowns to help the Buccaneers keep their playoff hopes alive.

Ravens 20, Browns 10: In Cleveland, Joe Flacco threw two touchdown passes and Baltimore's defense bottled up Cleveland's Peyton Hillis.

Bengals 34, Chargers 20: In Cincinnati, Carson Palmer threw four touchdown passes during a near-perfect performance in the swirling snow, ending the Chargers' run of four straight AFC West titles.

Chiefs 34, Titans 14: In Kansas City, Matt Cassel threw three touchdown passes and Eric Berry returned an interception 54 yards for another score for the Chiefs, who clinched the AFC West title after San Diego lost to Cincinnati.

Packers 45, Giants 17: In Green Bay, Wis., Aaron Rodgers threw for 404 yards and four touchdowns in his return from a concussion to lead the Packers.

Bears 38, Jets 34: In Chicago, Jay Cutler threw three touchdown passes, Matt Forte ran for 113 yards and Chicago closed in on a first-round bye.

Colts 31, Raiders 26: In Oakland, the Colts (9-6) allowed Jacoby Ford to return the opening kick for a TD, overcame a pair of interceptions by Peyton Manning in the second half and survived four field goals from Sebastian Janikowski, to move within a win of clinching the AFC South.

Redskins 20, Jaguars 17 (OT): In Jacksonville, Kevin Barnes intercepted David Garrard's second pass in overtime, setting up Graham Gano's 31-yard field goal.

Lions 34, Dolphins 27: In Miami, Detroit took advantage of two interceptions to score 17 points in the final 4:37.

Broncos 24, Texans 23: In Denver, Tim Tebow scored on a 6-yard scramble with three minutes left in his first home start to cap Denver's comeback from a 17-0 halftime deficit.

JAL crews to get pink slips Friday

Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010

Kyodo News

Struggling Japan Airlines Corp. said Tuesday it will ax about 170 pilots and flight attendants Friday because its voluntary retirement program failed to meet the job reduction target in its revival efforts.

Those facing dismissal include about 80 pilots, 60 flight attendants and 30 employees who are on leave, the carrier said.

JAL is restructuring under court protection. Under its rehabilitation plan approved by the Tokyo District Court, JAL is aiming to cut its payroll to 32,600 employees by the end of March, shedding roughly 16,000 jobs, or around 30 percent of its group workforce of 48,714 as of March 31, the end of the last business year.

"I feel very sorry for those who are subject to the dismissal and their families," JAL President Masaru Onishi said at a news conference. "We'll aim to stand on the starting line for reconstruction and revive the company as early as possible (to keep the airline alive)."

As part of the reduction efforts, JAL announced Nov. 15 that it will terminate the employment contracts of up to 250 pilots and flight attendants.

To reduce the number of forcible dismissals, JAL has since extended the deadline for voluntary retirement, soliciting applications from around 110 pilots and 90 flight attendants.

About 80 employees have applied for the voluntary retirement program, JAL said.

Ozawa agrees to give unsworn testimony

Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010

DPJ don to face Diet panel, hints he wants Sengoku, Mabuchi ousted

By MASAMI ITO and KANAKO TAKAHARA

Staff writers

Bending to Prime Minister Naoto Kan's demands, former Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa said Tuesday he will appear before the Lower House ethics committee to explain about his political money scandal.

Ozawa's acquiescence, which came a day after DPJ executives agreed to vote to summon him to the panel, brings to an end — at least for now — the prolonged conflict roiling the DPJ.

Ozawa, who faces indictment for misreporting his political funds, had repeatedly refused to give unsworn testimony before the ethics panel, saying he would "prove his innocence in the trial."

He said Tuesday he wants to appear before the committee soon after the Diet goes back into session next month.

"As a politician, I decided to voluntarily attend the political ethics council after considering all the factors," Ozawa said during a hastily arranged news conference.

He said he made the decision in part because of a strong demand by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo), the DPJ's biggest support group, that the party stay united and because he felt bad for causing a public stir.

Kan and Ozawa met Saturday for a second time in talks brokered by Rengo Chairman Nobuaki Koga, who urged the two to reconcile. But no progress was made toward addressing Ozawa's money scandal amid the calls from various quarters that he be forced to provide sworn testimony.

Ozawa said Tuesday he will offer an explanation at the beginning of the session if opposition parties refuse to deliberate the fiscal 2011 budget in lieu of his testimony before the Lower House Political Ethics Council.

"But if that is not the case, I would like to attend the council as early as possible after the budget clears the Diet," he said.

Ozawa's change of heart immediately set off speculation that the offer was a tacit demand for the ouster of his archrival in the DPJ, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku, and transport minister Sumio Mabuchi.

Opposition parties have said they will attend Diet deliberations on the budget only after Ozawa offers his explanation and after the two Cabinet ministers are replaced. The opposition-controlled Upper House passed nonbinding censure motions against Sengoku and Mabuchi last month.

Asked about mounting calls for him to quit the ruling party after being indicted, Ozawa merely said, "I can't say what I would do . . . I have not been indicted yet."

Ozawa said he conveyed his decision to DPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada.

Following an independent judicial panel decision in October that Ozawa should be tried over his alleged involvement in the falsification of financial reports, he faces mandatory indictment in January.

Calls urging Ozawa to leave the party may rise when he is formally charged. This will probably ignite further internal conflict between supporters of Ozawa and Kan.

The anti-Ozawa camp reportedly wants Ozawa and his disciples out of the DPJ so the Kan administration can steer its way through the divided Diet.

The DPJ lacks the numbers to secure Upper House passage of budget-related bills, but it has a solid Lower House majority.

Kan told reporters Monday evening that Ozawa should make clear "his intentions for the future if he can't comply with what the party has decided," suggesting he would have to leave the DPJ if he continued to resist Diet testimony.

Ahmadinejad: Iran is ‘Nuclear Country’

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 at 3:35 pm UTC

Posted 4 minutes ago

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has declared Iran a “nuclear country.”

In a speech at the northern Iranian city of Karaj on Tuesday, Mr. Ahmadinejad also said Iran is ready for “honest talks” with world powers at an upcoming meeting in Turkey over its disputed nuclear program.

He said Western political and economic pressures have failed and left Iran nuclear independent.

The comments come as Iran and the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, as well as Germany, are set to engage in another round of talks in late January.

In the speech, Mr. Ahmadinejad decried international sanctions and said they have only strengthened Iran.

The U.N. Security Council imposed a fourth and tougher round of sanctions on Iran in June after Tehran refused to halt sensitive nuclear activities.

The U.S. and its allies suspect Iran is pursuing weapons under cover of its nuclear program. Iran denies the charge, saying its program is for peaceful means.

Iran held a first round of talks with officials from the U.S., China, Russia, France, Britain, Germany and the European Union in Geneva earlier this month.

Six alternative ways to celebrate new year

2010-12-28 10:30:28 GMT2010-12-28 18:30:28 (Beijing Time) City Weekend

Six alternative ways to celebrate new year

City Weekend has dozens of New Year’s Eve parties on our site, but for those of us who want to try something out of the ordinary, we’ve investigated alternatives to make 2011 New Year’s Eve your most memorable yet.

With so many great parties and people to see, transportation should be half the party. Get friends together and rent your own limo —or better yet, your own party bus. Pack up a few coolers full of booze and score a “King Long Tour Bus” with Beijing Limo (6546-1588, reservations@beijinglimo.com). Roll between Beijing’s biggest New Year’s Eve bashes in this killer ride, which seats up to 47 lucky friends and is priced at a reasonable ¥1,500 for eight hours. For a smaller crew, book a swanky 12-seat Mercedes van with leather seats, also priced at ¥1,500 for eight hours.

For the wannabe pop stars out there, KTV is the Beijing way to ring in 2011. Say goodbye to the first decade of the millennium by belting out some Spice Girls and Faye Wong classics at one of Beijing’s KTV hotspots. Melody boasts an extensive English song selection and rents its large rooms (perfect for 10 friends) at ¥229 per hour. Cheaper rooms are available for ¥159 per hour. Cashbox Party World in Chaowai is another popular expat destination but hasn’t yet announced pricing for New Year’s Eve.

For Beijing hipsters determined to toast 2011 on a budget, host a cookout on your apartment balcony with chuan’r and Yanjing. Splurge on a few bottles of Changyu sparkling wine (¥26/bottle). Or, celebrate at Houhai’s Tao Yao Bar, where ¥50 buys entry to an all-you-can-drink bash.

Finally, nothing beats gaining a little perspective on the new year by getting away from it all. Hop a bus to the Great Wall for an overnight stay at The Brickyard Inn near Mutianyu, which is hosting a New Year’s gala featuring Peking duck, live jazz and an open bar with Champagne (¥1,888/couple).

Alternatively, heat up your New Year’s at Jiuhua Spa & Resort in Changping, which offers rooms and full access to its lavish indoor and outdoor hot springs for as little as ¥480 per night.

Best discounts and deals for new year

(Dec.28-Jan.5)

2010-12-28 10:21:51 GMT2010-12-28 18:21:51 (Beijing Time) City Weekend

Best discounts and deals for new year

This week, most shopping malls are continuing their Christmas promotion into the new year, and some places like Huayu Fashion Shopping Center are giving RMB40-50 off to shoppers who spend over RMB90 on some clothing brands like b+ab and izzue. H&M is also holding their annual sale at all branches, with clothing discounted 50 percent. Shoppers should also keep their eyes on Zara, because there are already sale shelves set up at sister brand Bershka

Zhongyou Department Store

Shoppers can get RMB60 off when they spend over RMB100 at most clothing counters, and some shoe brands like Belle, FED, teenmix, Hush Puppies and Steve Madden are giving 20-50 percent discounts on winter shoes. At the same time, there’s a big bedding sale on the eighth floor, with discounts up to 80 percent. There’s also a menswear sale on the B2 floor. Until Dec. 31

The Malls at Oriental Plaza

Lots of brands are offering special New Year promotions. Coach is giving away keychains to shoppers who spend over RMB5,000, and some items are being sold at half price. CK Underwear is giving away underwear valued at RMB180-190 to shoppers who spend over RMB800. Ming Space, another underwear brand, is offering 50 percent discounts on selected products. Local fashion name JNBY is giving away good-quality wool computer bags to VIP cardholders who spend over RMB800. Until Dec. 31

Ginza Mall

Any shopper who spends over RMB1,000 on clothing can get a shopping voucher valued at RMB100 for free. When you spend over RMB300, you’ll be entered into a lucky draw to win an iPod nano, cosmetic set, CD player or brand name perfume. Until Dec. 31

U-Town Lifestyle Center

Shoppers will have the chance to win toys, dining coupons and wine when they spend over RMB50. At the same time, Poly Bona Cinema located in U-Town will be open 24 hours before Jan. 3, and audience members will be entered into a lucky draw to win an i-Pad. Until Jan. 2

Beijig APM

To celebrate the new year, APM is giving gift bags packed with books, toys and calendars to shoppers who spend over RMB500 on their bank cards. VIP card holders can exchange 30 shopping points for a free gift. Until Jan. 3

Lane Crawford

This high-level shopping boutique located in west Beijing is giving 30-50 percent discounts on several top-end names to their members, and ICBC cardholders can get 10 percent discounts and also enjoy free soft drinks. Until Jan. 12