Chimps use cleavers and anvils as tools to chop food
December 24, 2009
For the first time, chimpanzees have been seen using tools to chop up and reduce food into smaller bite-sized portions.
Chimps in the Nimba Mountains of Guinea, Africa, use both stone and wooden cleavers, as well as stone anvils, to process Treculia fruits.
Dozens killed in Yemen air strike on al-Qaeda suspects
December 24, 2009
At least 30 suspected al-Qaeda militants have been killed by an air strike in a remote mountainous area of Yemen, security officials say.
An unnamed official told reporters the strike took place as dozens of militants gathered in Shabwa province, east of the capital, Sanaa.
US set for Senate vote on healthcare reform
December 24, 2009
US senators are preparing to vote on the final Senate version of a historic healthcare reform bill.
The legislation aims to cover 31 million uninsured Americans and could lead to the biggest change in US healthcare in decades.
Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler goes into rehab
December 23, 2009
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has checked himself into a rehab clinic to treat an addiction to painkillers.
The 61-year-old had been taking the drugs to help him cope with 10 years of performance injuries.
In a statement released to Rolling Stone magazine, the musician said: “I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain.”
Ban on sales of Microsoft Word upheld
December 23, 2009
Microsoft has failed in its attempt to dismiss a court case that would stop it selling Word.
The software giant appealed against a ruling which found it infringed a patent owned by Canadian company i4i.
With the failure of the appeal Microsoft must now pay i4i damages of $290m (£182m) and comply with an injunction ending the sales of some versions of Word.
India minister seeks ‘negotiations’ with Maoist rebels
December 23, 2009
India’s federal home minister has said he is ready for “serious negotiations” with Maoist rebels.
P Chidambaram said the rebels were not “terrorists” and had raised “serious issues” about the lack of development.
Last month, the minister said security forces were getting ready to launch a massive offensive against the rebels.
American Airlines plane overshoots runway in Jamaica
December 23, 2009
An American Airlines plane has overshot the runway on landing in the Jamaican capital Kingston, injuring more than 40 people, officials say.
Flight AA 331 from Miami, with about 150 people on board, is reported to have broken apart after the incident at Norman Manley International Airport.
Clashes at Montazeri ceremony, Iran opposition says
December 23, 2009
Iranian security forces have clashed with crowds of opposition supporters in the city of Isfahan, according to opposition website reports.
Activists said police used tear gas and batons to disperse people gathering to commemorate Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, who died at the weekend.
Michael Schumacher signs up for F1 return with Mercedes
December 23, 2009
Seven-times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher has come out of retirement after signing for Mercedes.
The German, who will be 41 on 3 January, was unveiled at the Mercedes factory in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
Schumacher will partner compatriot Nico Rosberg in the team that won the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in 2009 in its former guise as Brawn.
Vacationing sans the kids
December 23, 2009
Whether for a much needed break or that long overdue holiday away from the mundane grind, a quick getaway sans your little angels seems to be a