News Analysis: Israel, Hamas test each other's power amid fragile truce

News Analysis: Israel, Hamas test each other's power amid fragile truce

Palestinians carry the body of a Hamas gunman during his funeral in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip Nov. 13, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)



GAZA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The unsigned six-month truce between Israel and Hamas-led Gaza armed groups, brokered by Egypt on June 19, is becoming more and more fragile following a wave of violence that killed 13 militants in the Gaza Strip within the last ten days.

Palestinian analysts, however, believe that the aim of the recent wave of fighting between Israel and Hamas following four months of complete calm, is to test each other's power in case the truce, which expires on Dec. 19, was not extended.

"I believe that both Hamas and Israel are interested in keeping the truce in the Gaza Strip because the last four months of clam had served both Hamas and Israel's interests," said Jamal Abu Halima, a Palestinian academic from Gaza.

On Nov. 5, an Israeli army force discovered a tunnel between southeastern Gaza Strip and Israel and several armored vehicles rolled about 500 meters into the Hamas-controlled territories and destroyed the tunnel.

Israel denounced that Gaza militants were planning to use the tunnel to infiltrate into Israel to carry out armed attacks and seize more Israeli soldiers as jetton to free the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Six Hamas militants were killed during the fighting as Hamas' armed wing responded to the killing of its militants and fired dozens of homemade rockets at southern Israel.

It was not only Hamas that responded to the Israeli incursions and air strikes, different armed groups, mainly Islamic Jihad and left wing groups which always opposed a truce with Israel, considered it an opportunity to resume their attacks.

On Friday, Hamas even fired a new kind of medium-range Russian-made rockets at the costal city of Ashkelon in southern Israel. Anaged Israeli woman was injured.

Abu Halima held that the Israelis, who live to the north of the Gaza Strip had enjoyed the four-month calm, "found out that a truce with Gaza militants would make their lives more calm and normal instead of hiding into shelters and live in fear."

"At the same time, Hamas is also interested in renewing the truce because it serves its interests to keep ruling the Gaza Strip and exert more pressure on (Palestinian) President Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah movement to accept Hamas' conditions for the reconciliation," said the Palestinian academic.

Salman Mohamed, a Palestinian analyst, also echoed the point of view, saying that "each side says in the media that the truce hasn't collapsed yet, but what is obvious on the ground is that both Gaza militant groups and the Israeli army are checking each other's power and the fighting is still going on."

He said that "if we pay attention to the political statements of both Hamas and Israel leaders, we would find out that both are not interested in ending the truce, at least before the Israel's general elections due in February next year.

He added that if the truce collapses, "this means that Hamas' rule in Gaza would be threatened and Israel would be obliged to carry out a large-scale military operation that would end Hamas' reign and change the situation in the Palestinian territories, which serves President Abbas' interests."

Israel is prone to keep the truce going on at least in the coming three or four months "in order to prepare a calm atmosphere for the Israeli residents living in southern Israel, and also not to affect the results of the elections," according to Mohamed.

Following Friday's rocket attacks on Ashkelon, the Israeli cabinet has finally decided not to resort to a military operation against Hamas in Gaza. The decision stirred severe arguments among the Israeli political and security leaders.

"The situation between Israel and the Palestinians is more complicated than ever before. The peace talks are stalled, the Palestinian internal situation is split and the whole region is on the verge of explosion," said Mohamed.

Both Abbas, who rules the West Bank, and Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, are in real political crises, but "Israel is the important player in this game that any action it takes would either serve the interest of Abbas or Hamas," added the Palestinian analyst.

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Unhappy people watch more TV

Unhappy people watch more TV

BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. researchers found unhappy people spend time in front of the television 30 percent more than happy people, according to media reports Sunday.

The finding, made by researchers at University of Maryland, comes from a survey of nearly 30,000 American adults conducted from 1975 to 2006.


Researchers at University of Maryland have found that unhappy people spend more time watching TV than happy people.(File Photo)


While unhappy people spent more time in front of the TV, happy people were more socially active, voted more, read more newspapers and attend more religious services. The study found 51 percent of unhappy people were more likely to have unwanted extra time.

The lack of effort required probably accounts for why TV watching takes up more than half of Americans' free time, the study said.

But perhaps the pleasure brought by watching television doesn't last.

"These conflicting data suggest that TV may provide viewers with short-run pleasure, but at the expense of long-term malaise," said researcher John Robinson, a sociologist at the University of Maryland, College Park.

The study suggested that staring at the television could push out other activities such as exercise, parties and other forms of socialization known to have lasting psychological benefits.

(Agencies)

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World leaders vow to undertake coordinated action to tackle financial crisis

World leaders vow to undertake coordinated action to tackle financial crisis

Chinese President Hu Jintao (5th R, front), U.S. President George W. Bush (6th R, front) and other leaders from the Group of Twenty (G20) members pose for a group photo during the G20 Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Washington, U.S., Nov. 15, 2008. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)


WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from the world's major developed and emerging economies agreed here on Saturday to undertake a coordinated action to tackle the ongoing global financial crisis and explore measures to prevent similar crisis in the future.

DETERMINATION AND REFORMS

"We are determined to enhance our cooperation and work together to restore global growth and achieve needed reforms in the world's financial system," said the leaders in a declaration issued at theG20 summit on financial markets and world economy, which is held Saturday in Washington.

"Our work will be guided by a shared belief that market principles, open trade and investment regimes, and effectively regulated financial markets foster the dynamism, innovation, and entrepreneurship that are essential for economic growth, employment, and poverty reduction," the declaration said.

The Washington summit, held amid serious challenges to the world economy and financial markets, was the first time for the Group of 20 since it was founded in 1999.

The group consists of the world's major developed and emerging economies which accounting for 85 percent to 90 percent of the world's total economy and about two-thirds of the world's population.

As widely expected before the summit, the leaders vowed to implement reforms in order to strengthen financial markets and regulatory regimes so as to avoid future crisis.

Intensified international cooperation among regulator and strengthening of international standards and their consistent implementation is necessary to protect against adverse cross-border, regional and global developments affecting international financial stability, according to the leaders.

"Regulators must ensure that their actions support market discipline, avoid potentially adverse impacts on other countries, including regulatory arbitrage, and support competition, dynamism and innovation in the marketplace.

"Financial institutions must also bear their responsibility for the turmoil and should do their part to overcome it including by recognizing losses, improving disclosure and strengthening their governance and risk management practices," said the declaration.


Photo taken on Nov. 15, 2008 shows the general view of the G20 Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Washington, capital of the United States. (Xinhua/Fan Rujun)


COMMITMENT TO FREE MARKETS

As expected by President George W. Bush, who said "The surest path to that growth is free markets and free people," the leaders attending the Washington summit stressed the free market principles are essential to economic growth and prosperity.

"Recognizing the necessity to improve financial sector regulation, we must avoid over regulation that would hamper economic growth and exacerbate the contraction of capital flows, including to developing countries," the declaration said.

"We underscore the critical importance of rejecting protectionism and not turning inward in times of financial uncertainty. In this regard, within the next 12 months, we will refrain from raising new barriers to investment or to trade in goods and services, imposing new expert restrictions, or implementing World Trade Organization (WTO) inconsistent measures to stimulate exports.

"Further, we shall strive to reach agreement this year on modalities that leads to a successful conclusion to the WTO's Doha Development Agenda with an ambitious and balanced outcome. We instruct our trade ministers to achieve this objective and stand ready to assist directly, as necessary. We also agree that our countries have the largest stake in the global trading system and therefore each must make the positive contributions necessary to achieve such an outcome.

"We reaffirm the importance of the Millennium Development Goals, the development assistance commitments we have made, and urge both developed and emerging economies to undertake commitments consistent with their capacities and roles in the global economy.

"In this regard, we reaffirm the development principles agreed at the 2002 United Nations Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, Mexico, which emphasized country ownership and mobilizing all sources of financing for development," said the declaration.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN

At the Washington summit, the leaders also agreed to an action plan of immediate and medium-term measures to cope with the global financial crisis.

The tasks include strengthening transparency and accountability, enhancing sound regulation, promoting integrity in financial markets, reinforcing international cooperation, and reforming international financial institutions.

Immediate actions, which are to be taken before March 31, 2009,include addressing weaknesses in accounting and disclosure standards, developing recommendations to mitigate pro-cyclicality, enhancing the standards of credit rating agencies, and enhancing guidance to strengthen banks' risk management practices.

They also include enhancing regulatory cooperation between jurisdictions internationally and regionally, establishing "supervisory colleges for all major cross-border financial institutions, steps necessary to strengthen cross-border crisis management arrangements, and the expansion of the Financial Stability Forum" to a broader membership of emerging economies."

Medium-term measures include working toward the objective of creating a "single high-quality global standard" for accounting, collaboration to ensure "consistent application and enforcement of high-quality accounting standards," enhanced risk disclosures by financial institutions, commitment to undertaking a "Financial Sector Assessment Program" report and supporting the transparent assessments of countries' national regulatory systems, and requiring that credit rating agencies that provide public ratings be registered.

Other medium-term measures prescribed include development of robust and internationally consistent approaches for liquidity supervision of and central bank liquidity operations for cross-border banks, awareness and ability to "respond rapidly to evolution and innovation in financial markets and products," monitoring of "substantial changes" in asset prices and their implications for the macroeconomy and the financial system, implementation of national and international measures that protect the global financial system "from uncooperative and non-transparent jurisdictions" that pose risks of illicit financial activity.

The world leaders agreed to meet again by April 30, 2009, to review the implementation of the principles and decisions agreed at the Washington summit.

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Victoria's Secret to heat up Miami

Victoria's Secret to heat up Miami

Victoria's Secret models (L-R) Doutzen Kroes, Selita Ebanks, Adriana Lima and Heidi Klum arrive on a yacht to the Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach Nov. 14, 2008. The 2008 Victoria's Secret fashion show airs on CBS television network on Dec. 3. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Victoria's Secret model pose in front of Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach, Florida Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Victoria's Secret models (L-R) Doutzen Kroes, Selita Ebanks, Adriana Lima and Heidi Klum arrive on a yacht to the Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Victoria's Secret model Heidi Klum (L) arrives on a yacht to the Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Victoria's Secret model Heidi Klum arrives on a yacht to the Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Victoria's Secret models arrive on a yacht to the Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Victoria's Secret models arrive on a yacht to the Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Victoria's Secret models arrive on a yacht to the Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach Nov. 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Victoria's Secret models arrive on a yacht to the Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

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Chinese president calls for concerted efforts to tide over financial crisis

Chinese president calls for concerted efforts to tide over financial crisis

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) attends the G20 Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Washington, U.S., Nov. 15, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday called on the international community to make concerted efforts to tide over difficulties arising from the global financial crisis.

Hu made the appeal while addressing a summit meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) on financial markets and the world economy in Washington.

RESTORE MARKET CONFIDENCE

President Hu urged the international community to take all necessary steps to promptly restore market confidence and stop the spread and development of the financial crisis.

"The international financial crisis has now spread from some parts of the world to the entire globe, from developed countries to emerging markets, and from the financial sector to the real economy," said Hu, who arrived here Friday for the G20 summit.

"To effectively deal with the financial crisis, all countries should strengthen confidence and intensify coordination and cooperation," he stressed.

To deal with the crisis, Hu said major developed countries "should undertake their due responsibilities and obligations, implement macroeconomic policies that are conducive to economic and financial stability and growth both at home and internationally, take active steps to stabilize their own and the international financial markets and safeguard investors' interests."

"Meanwhile, we should all enhance macroeconomic policy coordination, expand economic and financial information sharing, and deepen cooperation in international financial regulation so as to create necessary conditions for stability in both domestic and international markets," Hu added.

REFORM INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM

Hu urged the international community to earnestly draw lessons from the ongoing financial crisis and, based on full consultations among all stakeholders, undertake necessary reform of the international financial system.

"Reform of the international financial system should aim at establishing a new international financial order that is fair, just, inclusive and orderly and fostering an institutional environment conducive to sound global economic development," Hu said.

He said the reform should be conducted in a comprehensive, balanced, incremental and result-oriented manner.

"A comprehensive reform is one that has a general design and includes measures to improve not only the international financial system, monetary system and financial institutions, but also international financial rules and procedures," he noted.

"A balanced reform is one that is based on overall consideration and seeks a balance among the interests of all parties," Hu said.

"An incremental reform is one that seeks gradual progress," said the president, adding that it should proceed in a phased manner, starting with the easier issues, and achieve the final objectives of reform through sustained efforts.

"A result-oriented reform is one that lays emphasis on practical results. All reform measures should contribute to international financial stability and global economic growth as well as the well being of people in all countries," he stressed.

Based on those considerations, Hu listed four priorities in reforming the international financial system -- stepping up international cooperation in financial regulation; advancing reform of international financial institutions; encouraging regional financial cooperation; and improving the international currency system.

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State of emergency declared in Los Angeles while fire raging

State of emergency declared in Los Angeles while fire raging

Wildfire is still burning in San Fernando, northwestern Los Angeles County Nov. 15, 2008. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County on Saturday following the loss of at least 165 homes by a raging wildfire fire. (Xinhua/Qi Heng)


LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County on Saturday following the loss of at least 165 homes by a raging wildfire fire.

The brush fire, drive gusts that reached 70 mph overnight and into Saturday morning, has burned 2,600 acres (about 1,053 hectares) of land and prompted authorities to order the evacuation of 10,000 residents.

The fire that was ripping through the city's northern foothills jumped two freeways, leading police to shut them down and forcing evacuees to take surface streets.

The fire also brought down some power lines and could cause rolling blackouts, said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, pleading residents throughout the city to conserve power.


A ruptured gas line burns in front of a large estate as firefighters work to contain a wildfire which has destroyed over 100 homes in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, California Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


One resident was hospitalized in serious condition with burns over 60 percent of his body, and two firefighters were treated for minor injuries, fire spokeswoman Melissa Kelley said.

Declaring the state of emergency, Schwarzenegger ordered all agencies of the state government to utilize and employ state personnel, equipment and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the State Emergency Plan.

Mayor Villaraigosa also declared a local emergency shortly. He said the winds were "treacherous," warning that expected heat in the 90s Fahrenheit combined with threats to power lines from the fire could cause significant interruptions to electrical service in the city.

"It's certainly more than we've lost over the last decade. We have lost some today, there's no question about it," the mayor said of the damages caused by the fire.


The remains of a house is still burning in San Fernando, northwestern Los Angeles County Nov. 15, 2008.(Xinhua/Qi Heng)


The Los Angeles blaze threatened at least 1,000 buildings, Kelley said.

"Near hurricane winds made it very difficult for firefighters," Los Angeles Fire deputy chief Mario Rueda said.

More than nine hours after the blaze was first reported, fire officials said they still had no containment. About 600 firefighters were on the lines by early morning, and a total of 18aircraft were in use to fight the fire.

About 80 miles (about 128 kilometers) to the northwest, another blaze in the Santa Barbara community of Montecito was continuing, having forced the evacuation of more than 5,400 homes and destroyed more than 110 homes.

The Montecito fire started Thursday night, exploding through dry brush and vast stands of oil-rich eucalyptus trees. About 800 firefighters were battling the fire, managing to contain 40 percent of the fire by Saturday morning.


A fireman looks at burnt houses in San Fernando, northwestern Los Angeles County Nov. 15, 2008.(Xinhua/Qi Heng)

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Serena Williams in Kenya on charity tour

Serena Williams in Kenya on charity tour

Tennis player Serena Williams joins a computer class at a school named after her in Matooni, south-east of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Nov. 14, 2008. Williams is in Kenya in her capacity as a Global Ambassador for Hewlett Packard. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Tennis player Serena Williams joins a computer class at a school named after her in Matooni, south-east of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Tennis player Serena Williams speaks at the opening of a school named after her in Matooni, south-east of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Tennis player Serena Williams speaks at the opening of a school named after her in Matooni, south-east of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Tennis player Serena Williams arrives at the opening of a school named after her in Matooni, south-east of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Tennis player Serena Williams arrives at the opening of a school named after her in Matooni, south-east of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

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Pistons deal Lakers first loss of season

Pistons deal Lakers first loss of season

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant (R) lines up on the free throw line beside Detroit Pistons Rasheed Wallace during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Nov. 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Soccer star David Beckham (C) and his sons Romeo (R) and Cruz watch the Los Angeles Lakers play the Detroit Pistons in their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Nov. 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol of Spain (L) fights for a loose ball with Detroit Pistons' Rodney Stuckey during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Nov. 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (R) drives past Detroit Pistons' Rasheed Wallace during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Nov. 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Los Angeles Lakers Pau Gasol (R) of Spain is fouled by Detroit Pistons Rasheed Wallace as he goes up to shoot during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Detroit Pistons' Rasheed Wallace (L) slam dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Los Angeles Lakers Andrew Bynum (L) fights for a rebound with Detroit Pistons Arron Afflalo during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Nov. 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Los Angeles Lakers Pau Gasol (L) of Spain runs into the defense of Detroit Pistons Rasheed Wallace during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Detroit Pistons' Allen Iverson (L) is fouled by Los Angeles Lakers' Derek Fisher as he goes up to shoot during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Nov. 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Los Angeles Lakers Pau Gasol (R) of Spain runs into the defense of Detroit Pistons Jason Maxiell during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Soccer star David Beckham (L) gestures for his son Cruz (R) to sit down while he sits with his son Romeo, as they watch the Los Angeles Lakers play the Detroit Pistons in their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Nov. 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant slam dunks against the Detroit Pistons during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Nov. 14, 2008. Bryant overtook Larry Bird and Gary Payton to reach 22nd on the all-time NBA scoring list, during the game.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

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Beckham dropped while Mancienne gets surprise England call

Beckham dropped while Mancienne gets surprise England call

LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- David Beckham has been left out of England squad for Wednesday's Germany friendly in Berlin while Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne was handed a surprise call-up.

Beckham, 33, could have equaled Bobby Moore's tally of 108 caps but England Fabio Capello has made it clear he will only pick players who are playing regularly.

The LA Galaxy midfielder has not played since the Major League Soccer season finished on 26 October.

The 20-year-old Mancienne, currently on loan at Championship leaders Wolves, joins Tottenham striker Darren Bent on the 23-man list.

Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are absent with calf and back injuries, respectively.

But Ferdinand's England centre-back partner John Terry is included despite picking up an injury during the Chelsea's 3-0 win at West Brom on Saturday.

Mancienne, who joined Wolves on a three-month loan deal in October, said the call-up had been unexpected.

"It's a great honour," he told Wolves's website: "I was expecting to join up with the under-21 and my head was focused on that but this is obviously great news.

"It's a great game to be picked for and just to be in and around the squad will be superb."

Uncapped Aston Villa duo Gabriel Agbonlahor and Curtis Davies join Mancienne in a youthful England setup.

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Chinese gymnasts sweep 7 golds at Stuttgart World Cup

Chinese gymnasts sweep 7 golds at Stuttgart World Cup

STUTTGART, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese gymnasts on Saturday took the seven gold medals out of ten events at Stuttgart gymnastic World Cup.

Cheng Fei, captain of ladies' team, swept all three participating events, namely, vault, balance beam and floor exercise.

Another Chinese gym lady He Ning took the uneven bars gold while three Chinese guys, namely, Zhang Hongtao, Yan Mingyong and Feng Zhe, topped pommel horse, rings and parallel bars respectively.

The Chinese team also got two bronzes in floor exercise and balance beam thanks to Yang Yilin, an all-around Olympic bronze medalist.

Speaking to the press conference, Cheng Fei said she was "satisfied" with her performance in Stuttgart.

"I came here to test my training after the Beijing Olympics, the results are good, I'm very satisfied," she said.

Zhang Hongtao, Yan Mingyong and Feng Zhe, who belong to China's second national team, also said they were content with their performance in Stuttgart.

Chinese coach Liu Qunlin told Xinhua that her gymnasts had shown high-level spirit and performance in Stuttgart.

"After the Beijing Olympic Games, we haven't conduct systematic training, the boys and girls are in the process of recovering," she said.

"Anyhow, they did very well," she added.

Liu said the last task of the Chinese team this year is to compete at the World Cup final in Madrid of Spain next month.

"I hope they will do better," she said.

For other three gold medals of the tournament were shared by German gymnastic icon Fabian Hambuechen, who were dominant in horizontal bar and floor exercise, and French gymnast Thomas Bouhail, a silver vault medalist at the Beijing Olympics in August.

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China's Cheng Fei grabs 3 golds at Stuttgart World Cup

China's Cheng Fei grabs 3 golds at Stuttgart World Cup

STUTTGART, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's Cheng Fei grabbed three gold medals on Saturday at the Stuttgart Gymnastics World Cup.

Cheng, nicknamed "queen of vault", took the top title of the vault with a score of 14.900 points. However, she did not performe "Cheng Fei vault" as she was still in the process of recovery after the Beijing Olympic Games.

The 20-year-old, a three-time world champion at vault, lost the vault gold at the Beijing Olympic Games in August, but she led the Chinese ladies team to take the first-ever Olympic team gold medal.

Cheng also took the top title of balance beam with score of 15.425 points, and her A score is 6.80 points, also the highest among eight finalists.

Cheng's teammate Yang Yilin brought home with a bronze of the event.

Cheng Fei also topped the floor exercise with 15.250 points. Her teammate Yang Yilin, who had caught a cold after she arrived in Germany on Tuesday, also took the bronze in the event.

"For me, the medals are not important, what I care about more is how I adapt myself to training and competition after the Olympics," Cheng told Xinhua.

Despite her unchallenged dominance in all three events she participated in, Cheng attributed her easy victory to the absence of major rivals from the United States and others.

"Quite a lot of strong rivals did not show up here this time, so I did not encounter much difficulty," she said.

Looking ahead, Cheng said her imminent objective is to compete at the World Cup final in Madrid next month.

Also on Saturday, He Ning, another Chinese gym lady, seized the gold medal of uneven bars.

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Djokovic struggles to enter Masters Cup final

Djokovic struggles to enter Masters Cup final

SHANGHAI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- World number three Novak Djokovic stumbled into the final of the Masters Cup with a hard-won victory over Frenchman Gilles Simon here on Saturday.

The Serb lost the first set but clawed his way back, securing victory in two hours and 51 minutes 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, and will now play the winner of the match between Andy Murray and Nicolay Davydenko later on Saturday.

Simon simply would not give up against the Australian Open champion, clawing his way back from an early break in the final set to level at 5-5 after Djokovic failed to serve out for the match.

But the Serb showed all his quality to break back immediately, and this time he made no mistake, finishing off the plucky Frenchman with an audacious drop-shot to clinch the win.

Simon had gained an early break in the opening set and forced Djokovic to save four set points on his own serve at 3-5 before the improving world number nine served out for the lead in 47 minutes.

But it was a mistake from Simon in an otherwise high-class second set that set up the decider - the Frenchman double-faulting on break point to gift his opponent a 3-1 lead that he was unable to retrieve.

Djokovic dominated the final set, pressuring the Simon delivery on numerous occasions, breaking in the third game and threatening to run away with it, but Simon saved break points in the fifth game and had to come from behind again in the seventh to stay in it.

But somehow he leveled the match with the Serb feeling the heat, double-faulting to relinquish the advantage after battling back from 15-40.

But he continued to work his opponent over and Djokovic finally came through, converting the first of two match points.

"This match was so long, so there are so many things to say," said the vanquished Simon. "But the only thing is he was very aggressive, more than me. He was a little bit lucky sometimes, touching many lines, and finally he won the match."

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Davydenko beats tired Murray to reach Masters Cup final

Davydenko beats tired Murray to reach Masters Cup final

SHANGHAI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Inspired Nikolay Davydenko beat groggy Andy Murray 7-5, 6-2 to reach the Masters Cup final on Saturday.

The Briton paid heavily for Friday's epic victory over Roger Federer and was visibly exhausted when playing against Davydenko and was broken in the twelfth game of the first set.

The Russian continued to batter Murray from the baseline and the Scot succumbed as Davydenko secured the double break to wrap up the match.

Davydenko will face Novak Djokovic, who beat Gilles Simon, in Sunday's final.

It brings to and end a stellar season for Murray, who has risen from 11th to fourth in the world rankings, won his first two Masters Series titles, reached a first Grand Slam final at the US Open, and for the first time was playing in the season-ending Masters Cup, where he was unbeaten in his three group matches.

In Saturday's first semi-final, World number three Djokovic lost the first set but clawed his way back, securing victory in two hours and 51 minutes 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Simon simply would not give up against the Australian Open champion, clawing his way back from an early break in the final set to level at 5-5 after Djokovic failed to serve out for the match.

But the Serb showed all his quality to break back immediately, and this time he made no mistake, finishing off the plucky Frenchman with an audacious drop-shot to clinch the win.

Simon had gained an early break in the opening set and forced Djokovic to save four set points on his own serve at 3-5 before the improving world number nine served out for the lead in 47 minutes.

But it was a mistake from Simon in an otherwise high-class second set that set up the decider - the Frenchman double-faulting on break point to gift his opponent a 3-1 lead that he was unable to retrieve.

Djokovic dominated the final set, pressuring the Simon delivery on numerous occasions, breaking in the third game and threatening to run away with it, but Simon saved break points in the fifth game and had to come from behind again in the seventh to stay in it.

But somehow he levelled the match with the Serb feeling the heat, double-faulting to relinquish the advantage after battling back from 15-40.

But he continued to work his opponent over and Djokovic finally came through, converting the first of two match points.

"This match was so long, so there are so many things to say," said the vanquished Simon. "But the only thing is he was very aggressive, more than me. He was a little bit lucky sometimes, touching many lines, and finally he won the match."

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Davydenko to meet Djokovic in Masters final

Davydenko to meet Djokovic in Masters final

Serbia's Novak Djokovic jubilates after defeating Gilles Simon of France during the semi final of men's singles at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai, 2008, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 15, 2008. Novak Djokovic was qualified for the final after winning the match 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. (Xinhua Photo)


Russia's Nikolay Davydenko plays a forehand against Andy Murray of Great Britain during the semi final of men's singles at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai, 2008, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 15, 2008. Nikolay Davydenko was qualified for the final after winning the match 7-5, 6-2.(Xinhua Photo)

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Dongguan wins CBA opener in a 107-101 overtime thriller

Dongguan wins CBA opener in a 107-101 overtime thriller

DONGGUAN, South China, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Mike Harris scored 39 points and grabbed 23 rebounds, both the game high, to lead the Dongguan Marco Polo to beat Jiangsu Dragons 107-101 overtime in the opener of the 2008-09 season of the Chinese Men's Basketball Association league (CBA) here on Saturday.

The game kicked off a brand-new CBA season which will be the longest in the history, with the most 18 teams competing in the first season after the Beijing Olympic Games.

Donnell Harvey had 27 points and 21 rebounds for Jiangsu while Yi Li adding 19 points and six rebounds.

Hu Xuefeng, who had 17 points, six steals, six assists and five rebounds, made two crucial steals down the stretch to help Jiangsutie it on 94-94 in the regular time.

It was the visitors who hit the target first when Yi initiated a 11-0 run with the first basket of the season, a 3-pointer.

Dongguan, which finished fourth last season, answered with four consecutive three-point plays to level it on 20-20 before Jiangsu pulled away again by 52-42 in the second quarter.

Coming back strongly in the second half, the home team used a 18-2 run to take the control of the game on 64-56 midway in the third quarter.

"We started flatly at the beginning. But my team did great job on defence, especially in the overtime, to win the game," Dongguan's coach Yang Xuezeng said.

Guard Wang Jing scored 19 points for Dongguan, which is aiming for the first Final appearance this season, while Meng Duo chipped in 14.

The other eight games in the first round will be played across the country on Sunday.

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Arsenal suffer setback as Chelsea, Liverpool move on

Arsenal suffer setback as Chelsea, Liverpool move on

LONDON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all won on Saturday to continue their Premier League title charges while Arsenal further damaged their chances after losing 2-0 at home to Aston Villa.

Villa struck twice in the last 20 minutes, with Gael Clichy heading in an own goal, to seal their first win at Arsenal in 15 years.

Arsenal were condemned to a fourth league defeat of the season and are now nine points behind the leaders.

Chelsea and Liverpool still marched abreast. Rafa Benitez eased past Bolton 2-0 and Nicolas Anelka's two goals led Chelsea to a 3-0 victory over last-place West Bromwich Albion.

The two sides are at joint top on 32 points with Chelsea ahead on goal difference.

Manchester United took advantage of Arsenal's defeat and moved into third place by thumping Stoke City 5-0 at Old Trafford with Cristiano Ronaldo twice on target for the champions.

United are eight points behind Chelsea and Liverpool but have agame in hand.

Tottenham went back into the bottom three after their unbeaten run under new boss Harry Redknapp were snapped by a 2-1 defeat to Fulham.

Sunderland jumped from 19th to 11th place after a 2-1 victory at Blackburn Rovers, who sank into the relegation zone.

Ten-men Wigan snatched a last-gasp equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle while West Ham's search for a victory goes on after they were held 0-0 at home by Portsmouth.

The win at Bolton ensured Liverpool maintained the pressure on their rivals as they seek their first title since 1990.

Dirk Kuyt brilliantly headed the visitors in front from Fabio Aurelio's cross after 28 minutes.

Bolton, who were outplayed for long stretches, mounted a spirited effort after the break only for any hope of a comeback tobe snuffed out by Gerrard's close range header with 18 minutes left.

"We were under pressure so that goal was very crucial for us," Betinez said of the Gerrard goal, "after that, the game was over."

"We had two or three clear chances in the first half and at the end we could have had a couple more, but the second goal was the key."

Anelka was again in the spotlight as Didier Drogba, who is facing Football Association charges after throwing a coin into the crowd in their midweek Carling Cup defeat against Burnley, was put onto the bench by Scolari.

Jose Bosingwa opened the scoring on 34 minutes, smashing his shot into the top corner. Anelka ran clear to dink home a second four minutes later and then made it 3-0 before the break after latching on to Salomon Kalou's pass.

At the Emirates, Clichy headed Ashley Young's cross into his own net after 70 minutes and Gabriel Agbonlahor raced clear to add a second 10 minutes later to give Villa a deserved win.

The result undid all Gunners' good work of upsetting Manchester United last Saturday and is massively frustrating for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

"It was a very bad afternoon because we were not sharp physically and beaten everywhere in the first half," said Wenger.

"We can play very well, but at the top level performances have to be consistent.

"I always say the first sign of quality is consistency, so this was frustrating after beating Manchester United."

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Real, Valencia both upset by lowly teams

Real, Valencia both upset by lowly teams

MADRID, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid and Valencia were inflicted stunning defeats and missed chances to top the Primera Liga league on Saturday.

The Primera Liga reigning champions lost 1-0 at struggling Real Valladolid and missed to overtake Barcelona for the top of the table.

Valencia could have gone top if they had beaten Sporting Gijon in the late match at the Mestalla but remain third after goals from Luis Moran, David Barral and Diego Castro gave the Asturians a 3-2 win.

Midfielder Fabian Canobbio scored Valladolid's winner just after halftime when he found space on the edge of the penalty area and lashed a shot high into the net past Iker Casillas.

Luis Moran opened the scoring at the Mestalla midway through the first half when he ran on to Michel's through ball and sidefooted past Valencia keeper Renan.

David Barral doubled the visitors' lead shortly after the break, fooling Emiliano Moretti with a series of stepovers and squeezing a close-range shot inside the near post.

David Villa pulled a goal back with a penalty, the Spain striker's 11th of the season and 100th Primera Liga goal, before Diego Castro netted Sporting's third with some 10 minutes left.

Valencia's Juan Mata set up an exciting finale with a smart finish inside the area in the 90th but Sporting held on.

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Ibrahimovic double to send Inter back on Serie A top

Ibrahimovic double to send Inter back on Serie A top

ROME, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice to lift Inter Milan back to the top of Serie A with a 2-0 win at Palermo on Saturday.

After a scoreless first half, Ibrahimovic put Inter in front less than 30 seconds into the second half, curving a shot from beyond the area in off the far post.

For his second goal, Ibrahimovic struck a fierce free kick through a hole in Palermo's wall in the 62nd minute.

Palermo goalkeeper Alberto Fontana was lined up to stop the shot but couldn't even get a hand on the ball, which traveled at an estimated 124 kph (77 mph).

Inter leads with 27 points, three ahead of Juventus, which routed Genoa 4-1 on Thursday to temporarily join Inter atop the standings. Inter and Juventus play next weekend.

AC Milan and Napoli are next with 23 points each. Milan hosts struggling Chievo Verona on Sunday and Napoli visits mid-table Atalanta. Palermo remained mid-table with 16 points.

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Leverkusen, Hoffenheim win to set pace in Bundesliga

Leverkusen, Hoffenheim win to set pace in Bundesliga

BERLIN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Leverkusen and Hoffenheim both won to extend their joint lead in German Bundesliga table on Saturday.

Leverkusen held on with 10 men to edge Schalke 2-1 and Hoffenheim beat Wolfsburg 3-2.

Bayern Munich conceded two late goals in a 2-2 draw at lowly Borussia Moenchengladbach to lose ground.

American midfielder Michael Bradley headed in his first Bundesliga goal for the equalizer in Moenchengladbach, where the home team rallied with two goals in two minutes to stun the defending champion, which fell three points behind leaders.

After 13 games, Leverkusen leads on goal difference over Hoffenheim with both teams on 28 points. Bayern has 25.

Hertha Berlin came from behind to beat Hamburger SV 2-1 and moved into fourth with 24.

Phillipp Lahm returned from a three-week absence because of a foot injury to set up Toni for Bayern's first goal in the 21st minute. Lahm charged down the left side and then passed back to Toni, who knocked the ball in for his second goal in as many games after coming back from a rib injury.

Hoffenheim's Vedad Ibisevic brought his season total to a league-high 14 goals when his shot was deflected into Wolfsburg's net after a good pass from Chinedu Obase.

In Dortmund, central defender Neven Subotic scored twice to help Borussia Dortmund rout injury-depleted Eintracht Frankfurt 4-0.

Branko Jelic came off the bench to score 10 minutes from time with another overhead shot and give bottom-place Energie Cottbus its first home win, a 1-0 victory over Karlsruhe.

Stuttgart was held to a 0-0 draw at home by Arminia Bielefeld.

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Beckham dropped while Mancienne gets surprise England call

Beckham dropped while Mancienne gets surprise England call

LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- David Beckham has been left out of England squad for Wednesday's Germany friendly in Berlin while Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne was handed a surprise call-up.

Beckham, 33, could have equaled Bobby Moore's tally of 108 caps but England Fabio Capello has made it clear he will only pick players who are playing regularly.

The LA Galaxy midfielder has not played since the Major League Soccer season finished on 26 October.

The 20-year-old Mancienne, currently on loan at Championship leaders Wolves, joins Tottenham striker Darren Bent on the 23-man list.

Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are absent with calf and back injuries, respectively.

But Ferdinand's England centre-back partner John Terry is included despite picking up an injury during the Chelsea's 3-0 win at West Brom on Saturday.

Mancienne, who joined Wolves on a three-month loan deal in October, said the call-up had been unexpected.

"It's a great honour," he told Wolves's website: "I was expecting to join up with the under-21 and my head was focused on that but this is obviously great news.

"It's a great game to be picked for and just to be in and around the squad will be superb."

Uncapped Aston Villa duo Gabriel Agbonlahor and Curtis Davies join Mancienne in a youthful England setup.

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State of emergency declared in California fire-stricken area

State of emergency declared in California fire-stricken area

·The fire has burned approximately 2,500 acres of land with no containment.
·The fire has caused mandatory evacuations and road closures.
·Residents have been forced to seek emergency shelter, according to Schwarzenegger.


A ruptured gas line burns in front of a large estate as firefighters work to contain a wildfire which has destroyed over 100 homes in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, California Nov. 14, 2008. A huge wildfire fanned by strong winds destroyed at least 70 multimillion-dollar homes in the celebrity enclave of Montecito, northwest of Los Angeles, officials said. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday proclaimed a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as a result of a ravaging fire that has already injured at least 13 people and destroyed more than 100 homes.

The fire has burned approximately 2,500 acres (about 1013 hectares) of land with no containment and caused loss of power in the area, the governor said.

The fire, which started Thursday night in Santa Barbara about 80 miles (about 128 kilometers) west of Los Angeles, has required mandatory evacuations and road closures, and residents have been forced to seek emergency shelter, according to Schwarzenegger.

"It is hereby ordered that all agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of my Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the State Emergency Plan, and that OES provide local government assistance under the authority of the California Disaster Assistance Act," said the governor.


The burnt remains of a car and home are seen in Santa Barbara, California Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


A gas meter continues to burn in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, California Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


The remains of a urned home is seen as firefighters work to contain a wildfire which has destroyed over 100 homes in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, California Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


A burnt utility pole stands along a heavily damaged street in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, California Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


A chimney still stands at a burnt home in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, California Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

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Climate change causes heavy loss for California

Climate change causes heavy loss for California

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- About 2.5 trillion dollars of real estate assets in California are at risk from extreme weather events, sea level rise and wildfires, a new report showed.

This breaks down to a projected annual price tag of between 300 million and 3.9 billion dollars, said the "California Climate Risk and Response" report written by researchers at the University of California in Berkeley.

This is the first time that the costs of global warning's projected effects in the nation's most populous state have been quantified.

The final number will depend on how much the Earth warms under various scenarios and whether the nations commit to slashing greenhouse gas emissions, said the report published by the Los Angeles Times on Friday.

"Our report makes clear the most expensive thing we can do about climate change is nothing," said David Roland-Holst who took part in the research.

But he said: "This is not a Doomsday report .... If we make the right investments, we can avert much of the damage in any scenario."

The report covers seven economic sectors and envisions issues such as the collapse of the ski industry, a water-starved hydroelectric system and an increase in warming-related smog.

"This is a good review of existing studies," said Anthony Brunello, a California Resources agency official. "It assesses the real, comprehensive statewide impacts for the first time."

Brunello and other California officials are already busy planning a comprehensive "Climate Adaptation Strategy" to commit the state to concrete prevention measures, according to the paper.

Six task forces covering biodiversity and habitat, infrastructure, oceans and coastal resources, public health, water, forestry and agriculture will release adaptation strategies for public comment next month.

California is also moving to adopt comprehensive regulations to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent below today's level. But that would only put a dent in the trajectory of climate change, unless dramatic measures are undertaken nationwide and across other continents, according to scientists.

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Chongqing Chuanju Opera to be staged in Beijing

Chongqing Chuanju Opera to be staged in Beijing

BEIJING, Nov. 15 -- China has more than 300 kinds of folk operas. In addition to the world-famous Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera, Chuanju Opera, which originated in Sichuan province in the early 17th century, has a big following in South China.

Chongqing Chuanju Opera Company will stage its latest production Li Yaxian for the Beijing Drama and Dance Festival in Beijing on Nov. 18 and 19.


Chongqing Chuanju Opera Company will stage its latest production Li Yaxian for the Beijing Drama and Dance Festival in Beijing on Nov. 18 and 19. (Photo: China Daily)

Adapted from a folk tale in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the play tells of the tragic love story between the courtesan Li Yaxian and Zheng Yuanhe, son of a high-ranking family. Zheng goes to take the national exam in the capital, where he falls in love with Li. The madam gets all of Zheng's money and Zheng's father is so ashamed and angry with what his son has done that he gives him a good beating and kicks him out the family.

Zheng has to make a living by singing in the streets and again meets Li, who supports him as he prepares for the exam. Zheng, though, has lost interest in taking the exam and one day jokes that Li has such charming eyes that he would never leave her to take any exam. In a ghastly twist, Li destroys her own eyes so as to persuade Zheng to go. Greatly shocked, he finally goes to the capital and passes the exam but when he returns to marry Li, she flees

"This is traditional Chuanju Opera but we've made many improvements to attract today's audience," says director Xie Ping'an, "Retaining trademark Chuanju opera music like gaoqiang and including unique Chuanju stunts and witty actions, the play features fresh costumes, lighting and settings."

The title role is performed by award-winning actress Shen Tiemei, the President of the Chongqing Chuanju Opera Company.

Chuanju Opera has five main tunes: gaoqiang, huqin, tanxi, kunqu and dengxi, of which gaoqiang ("high tune") seems to have the richest and most distinctive Sichuan colors.

Chuanju Opera has an outstanding literary repertoire, reflected in witty, humorous and lively dialogue. It features amazing stunts, with immortals who open a third eye on their foreheads to showcase magic powers; jumping through burning hoops, hiding swords and spitting fire.

(Source: China Daily)

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U.S. shuttle Endeavour lifts off on "home improvement" mission

U.S. shuttle Endeavour lifts off on "home improvement" mission

U.S. space shuttle Endeavour blasts off with seven astronauts aboard for the International Space Station at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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　WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. space shuttle Endeavour blasted off with seven astronauts aboard from Florida Friday night on a mission of "extreme home improvement" for the International Space Station, according to NASA TV.

With a beautiful orange full moon as backdrop, Endeavour lifted off at 7:55 p.m. EST (0055 GMT Saturday) from the Kennedy Space Center. The launch countdown went smoothly without any technical issues popping out. The weather around the space center was also cooperative.

"Good luck, Godspeed and have happy Thanksgiving in orbit," launch director Mike Leinbach told the astronauts minutes before liftoff.

After successfully jettisoning its rocket boosters and external tank, Endeavour now is safely in orbit and all systems are running well, U.S. space agency NASA's real-time launch blog reported.

The shuttle will scuttle in space for two days before it arrives at the space station. It is carrying about 32,000 pounds in its payload bay, including supplies and equipment necessary to double the station's crew size from three to six by spring next year.

In the cargo are two sleeping quarters, a second toilet, a resistance exercise device and a water purification system, which will allow residents up there to recycle urine and waste water for drinking.

"We are taking a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house and turning it into a five-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a gym," said Commander Christopher Ferguson. The new house will enable long-term, self-sustaining station operations after the U.S. shuttle fleet is retired in 2010.

Endeavour's all-American crew includes five men and two women. It will deliver a new flight engineer, Sandra Magnus, 44, to join the Expedition 18 crew aboard the station, and bring back flight engineer Greg Chamitoff to Earth after more than five months in space.

Endeavour's flight will also feature important repair work outside of the station. The 15-day flight with its four planned spacewalks will primarily focus on servicing the station's two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints, which allow its solar arrays to track the sun. The starboard SARJ has had limited use since September 2007.

The spacewalkers will also install a new nitrogen tank, a global positioning system, an antenna, and a camera on the station's Integrated Truss Assembly.

"This mission is all about home improvement," Ferguson said. "Home improvement inside and outside the station."

It would also be a good way to mark the 10th birthday of the station on Nov. 20. The first station module was launched into space and construction began a decade ago.

"We'll be transitioning to true utilization and setting up for six-person crew at that 10-year bench mark," said Mike Sarafin, NASA's lead shuttle flight director.

"It's been a tremendous international effort to get to this point, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate it," Sarafin said.

Endeavour is scheduled to return to Earth on Nov. 29. Only 10 shuttle flights remain before the U.S. space shuttle fleet is retired, including a final servicing call to the Hubble Space Telescope.

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"Bamboo" car runs for 50km on single charge

"Bamboo" car runs for 50km on single charge

"Bamgoo", an electric car with a body made out of bamboo, is displayed in Kyoto, western Japan, November 14, 2008. The sixty-kilogram single-seater ecologically friendly concept car, which measures 270 centimeters in length, 130 centimeters in width and 165 centimeters in height, is developed by Kyoto University Venture Business Laboratory, featuring bamboo articles in the Kyoto area. The car can run for 50 kilometers on a single charge. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


"Bamgoo", an electric car with a body made out of bamboo, is displayed in Kyoto, western Japan, November 14, 2008. The sixty-kilogram single-seater ecologically friendly concept car, which measures 270 centimeters in length, 130 centimeters in width and 165 centimeters in height, is developed by Kyoto University Venture Business Laboratory, featuring bamboo articles in the Kyoto area. The car can run for 50 kilometers on a single charge. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


The front of "Bamgoo", an electric car with a body made out of bamboo, is pictured in detail in Kyoto, western Japan November 14, 2008. The sixty-kilogram single-seater ecologically friendly concept car, which measures 270 centimeters in length, 130 centimeters in width and 165 centimeters in height, is developed by Kyoto University Venture Business Laboratory, featuring bamboo articles in the Kyoto area. The car can run for 50 kilometers on a single charge. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


"Bamgoo", an electric car with a body made out of bamboo, is displayed in Kyoto, western Japan, November 14, 2008. The sixty-kilogram single-seater ecologically friendly concept car, which measures 270 centimeters in length, 130 centimeters in width and 165 centimeters in height, is developed by Kyoto University Venture Business Laboratory, featuring bamboo articles in the Kyoto area. The car can run for 50 kilometers on a single charge. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

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