March 01, 2009

Second Session of 11th National Committee of CPPCC holds 3rd plenary meeting

Bai Lichen, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over the third plenary meeting of the Second Session of the 11th National Committee of the CPPCC held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2009. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Members of the Breast Cancer Foundation, most of whom suffer from breast cancer, cheer during the Topless Carwash fund-raising campaign in Singapore, March 7, 2009. The Topless Carwash fund-raising campaign held by Sony Entertainment Television and Breast Cancer Foundation collected more than 9,000 Singapore dollars (5,823 dollars) on Saturday.

A woman once suffering from breast cancer attends the Topless Carwash fund-raising campaign in Singapore, March 7, 2009, and donated 1,000 Singapore dollars (647 U.S. dollars).

Singaporean water polo players attend the Topless Carwash fund-raising campaign in Singapore, March 7, 2009

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks at a press conference in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, March 7, 2009. Karzai said on Saturday that he would support the Independent Election Commission's decision to hold presidential election on August 20.

KABUL, March 7 -- Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Saturday said he would support the Independent Election Commission's decision to hold presidential election on August 20.

"I accept the commission's decision," Karzai said. " I need a legitimate government."

Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Wednesday rejected Karzai's order of moving the presidential election forward to April, months earlier than the date set by the commission in January.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks at a press conference in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, March 7, 2009.

Karzai's five-year office term ends on May 21, and the presidential election should take place 30 to 60 days before that date in accordance with the constitution of the post-Taliban country.

Karzai, who has declared his intention to run for a second term, issued a decree last week, ordering the election commission to move the election forward to adhere to the Afghan constitution.

He made this announcement while his political opponents are calling for establishing provisional government to run the country from May 22 until August 20.

However, president Karzai said that formation of provisional administration is not in the constitution.

Nevertheless, he stressed that, "I want stability in this country. I support legitimacy of the system and respect the constitution 100 percent."　
(Xinhua)

Lin Dan of China waves to the crowd after winning his men's semi final match against Chen Jin of China who pulled out midmatch due to an injury during The Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships at The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, central England, March 7, 2009.

BIRMINGHAM, England, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China's Lin Dan is looking to repeat his Olympic glory after an easy win over teammate Chen Jin Saturday sent him through into the All England men's singles final.

It only took Lin half an hour to set up an eagerly-anticipated repeat encounter against Beijing finalist Lee Chong Wei as Chen was forced to retire with a back strain when trailing 21-12 11-6.

China's Lin Dan, returns a shot during his men's semi final match against Chen Jin of China who pulled out midmatch due to an injury during The Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships at The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, central England, March 7, 2009.

Lee has already created a history of his own by advancing into his first-ever final in Birmingham after a surprisingly one-sided victory over former world and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia.

The Malaysia's top seed beat Hidayat 21-8 and 21-13 in straight sets, shattering the Indonesian ace's dream of adding the coveted title into his collection.

"Everybody wants to see us meet in a repeat of Olympic final," said Lee, "it's going to be a tough game for sure."

The world number one claimed that Lin is a better player.

"My world ranking is higher than his (No.2), but you can't judge a player all upon his ranking. I think he's better than me. He's got very much all-around techniques and all I can do when facing him is to play my best instead of trying to take advantage of his mistakes," Lee said.

But Lin predicted they would have even chance in Sunday's final.

"We played many times and the results were quite balanced between us. It's just I happened to win an Olympics. Tomorrow won't be easy for either side," Lin said.

Women's singles reigning champion Tine Rasmussen staged one of the greatest comeback in this tournament.

The top seed from Denmark rallied from a game down and 14-4 and17-9 down in the second against China's Jiang Yanjiao to reach the final with a 22-24 25-23 21-15 win.

At 130 points it was the most points played in a match so far at this year's Championship.

Rasmussen will have to beat All England freshman Wang Yihan fora hat-trick of Super Series titles. The 21-year-old Chinese built on a quarterfinal win over former world No. 1 Xie Xingfang to beat Denmark's Nanna Brosolat Jensen 21-11 21-7 to prevent an all-Danish final.

The men's doubles final will feature No. 7 seeds Cai Yun and FuHaifeng of China against South Korea's dark-horse pair Han Sang Hoon and Hwang Ji Man, who are ranked 160 in the world.

Chinese have secured a gold and a silver of women's double anyway as they will be decided between Zhang Yawen/Zhao Tingting, who stunned Olympic champions Du Jing/Yu Yang 16-21 21-16 21-16, and Cheng Shu/Zhao Yunlei, beating South Korea's fifth seeds Ha Jung Eun/Kim Min Jung.

China are chasing all five titles with third seeds He Hanbin and Yu Yang taking on Ko Sung Hyun and Ha Jung Eun of South Korea in the mixed doubles final.

Members of the Nepali women mountaineers poses for photos after a press conference in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on March 7, 2009. A group of 10 Nepali women mountaineers is all set to embark on a mission to seven summits, the highest mountains of the seven continents, local media reported on Saturday.

by Binju Sitaula

KATHMANDU, March 7 (Xinhua) -- At the time when the world is about to celebrate "99th International Women's Labor Day", a group of 10 Nepali women is about to scale top mountains of the world.

The group, comprising women from six different districts and ethnic groups of Nepal, announced the ambition journey at a press conference in the capital Kathmandu on Friday.

These young women, who conquered world's highest peak Mt. Qomolangma (8,848 meters), on May, 2008, are again set to conquer seven more mountains from seven continents during the year 2009-2010.

The first team of women who summit Mt. Qomolangma, is sending the message "women and youth can bring change" through the mission of climbing seven highest mountains of the world this time.

"This mission will draw global attention to women and youth in the most unique way. This will encourage more and more women and youngsters in the world to live up to their dreams," said women climbers.

They spread the message of "unity and diversity" when they first climbed up Mt. Qomolangma in 2008. At that time the purpose was to encourage Nepali women's participation in the mountaineering as only seven Nepali women had climbed Mt. Qomolangma before that.

The team, "First Inclusive Women Sagarmatha (Qomolangma) Expedition 2008" marked the history not only in Nepal but also worldwide as the most successful women expedition to Qomolangma. So far, 17 Nepali women have conquered the Mt. Qomolangma.

However, this time the team's journey has evolved into the "Himalayan Women to Seven Summits", they said this journey as a unique endeavor to demonstrate women and youth can bring change.

"Our team of young women is set to climb the highest mountain in each continent. This includes Mt. Aconcagua (6,962 meters) of South America, Mt. McKinley (6,194 meters) of North America, Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters) of Africa, Mt. Elbrus (5,642 meters) of Europe, Mt. Vinson Massif 4,897 meters of Antarctica, Mt. Kosciusko (2,228 meters) of Australia and Mt. Carstenz Pyramid (4,884 meters) of Oceania," said the women climbers.

Meanwhile, the team has organized the mission focusing on the government's plan of "Nepal Tourism Year-2011".

The 10 climbers, aged 18-31, said that their mission will begin from this August.

Shaili Basnet, a memeber of a mission to seven summits and also the first Nepali woman journalist to scale Mt. Qomolangma, answers the questions during a press conference the press conferencein Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on March 7, 2009. A group of 10 Nepali women mountaineers is all set to embark on a mission to seven summits, the highest mountains of the seven continents, local media reported on Saturday.

Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic during their first round Davis Cup singles tennis match in Benidorm March 7, 2009.

BEIJING, March 8 -- World No. 1 Rafael Nadal thrashed Janko Tipsarevic 6-1, 6-0, 6-2 to give champion Spain a commanding 2-0 lead over Serbia in their delayed Davis Cup World Group first-round tie Saturday.

David Ferrer had earlier upset Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (4) to win the opening singles rubber, with the Serbian world No. 3 turning in an error-strewn display and complaining about his lack of practice time on clay.

Spain's David Ferrer returns a ball to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their first singles match at the Davis Cup first round tie in Benidorm March 7, 2009.

The tie had been due to start on Friday in the hills above the Mediterranean town of Benidorm but was delayed after high winds damaged the seating at the purpose-built arena.

With the gusts having diminished to a gentle breeze and the sun shining, Nadal was brutal in his demolition of the 47th-ranked Tipsarevic and wrapped up the match in just over an hour and a half when the Serbian went long with an attempted lob.

Australian Open champion Nadal had been suffering from a knee injury and had not played a competitive match since losing last month's final in Rotterdam to Andy Murray.

The team captains, players and officials decided after Nadal's match to also fit in the doubles rubber yesterday. Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo, for the home team, were taking on Nenad Zimonjic and Viktor Troicki.

Against Ferrer, 2008 Australian Open champion Djokovic looked well short of the form that helped him to beat the Spaniard in the final of the Dubai championships last week.

Ferrer, ranked No. 12 and born just up the coast from Benidorm, took the third-set tie break 7-4 and sealed victory when he chased down a dropshot and sent a forehand winner down the line after just under three hours of play.

The winner of the tie will play either Germany or Austria in the quarterfinals. The neighbors were tied at 1-1 after the opening singles rubbers in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Spain's David Ferrer celebrates after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic after their Davis Cup tennis match in Benidorm, Saturday, March 7, 2009. Ferrer won by 6-3, 6-3 and 7-6.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Spain's David Ferrer during their Davis Cup tennis match in Benidorm, Saturday, March 7, 2009.

Spain's Rafael Nadal serves to Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic during the second game of the Davis Cup World Group first round in Benidorm on Saturday, March 7, 2009.
Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies

A watch that was owned by Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi is on display before being auctioned at Antiquorum Auctioneers in New York March 5, 2009. Several items that belonged to Gandhi were sold for $1.8 million on Thursday despite a last minute bid by the seller to withdraw them from auction.

NEW YORK, Mar. 5 -- A set of items that once belonged to Indian independence icon Mahatma Gandhi were auctioned off for 1.8 million dollars in New York on Thursday.

The buyer was Indian liquor baron and Kingfisher Airlines chairman Vijay Mallya.

Items that were owned by Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi are on display before being auctioned at Antiquorum Auctioneers in New York March 5, 2009.

The auction went off despite the owner of the memorabilia, James Otis, saying he had decided not to sell the items in the light of the controversy it had generated.

"I never intended to create the controversy that this has created. I have decided not to sell Gandhi's items and I will request Antiquorum (the auctioneer) to call off the auction," Otishad told a press conference Thursday in New York, less than an hour before the items were due to go on the block.

The personal items auctioned were Gandhi's metal-rimmed glasses, pocket watch, a pair of sandals and a plate and bowl. The collection had a reserve price of between 20,000 dollars and 30,000 dollars. 　

A pair of wire rimmed glasses that were owned by Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi are on display before being auctioned at Antiquorum Auctioneers in New York March 5, 2009.
(Xinhua)

Lukas Stewart, with a sign strapped to his back, uses a megaphone to attract the attention of potential employers as he hands out resumes on Bay Street in the financial district in Toronto, March 5, 2009.

Manuel Uribe writes a text message on his cell phone at his mother's home in the suburb of San Nicolas de los Garza, Monterrey March 5, 2009. Uribe, who once weighed 1,235 pounds (560 kg), will use a modified truck with the help of of a driver for the first time next week, which will help him to go out anytime he wants to. Uribe, who is unable to walk due to his swollen legs, has been confined to his home for years. He currently weighs 705 pounds (320 kg). (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Brazilian soccer player Marta (R) has photos taken with Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers after a press conference to announce her arrival to the Los Angeles Sol women's professional soccer league team, in Carson, California, March 5, 2009.

Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers kicks a soccer ball after a press conference to announce Brazilian soccer player Marta's arrival to the Los Angeles Sol women's professional soccer league team, in Carson, California, March 5, 2009

Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers plays as a goalie after a press conference to announce Brazilian soccer player Marta's arrival to the Los Angeles Sol women's professional soccer league team, in Carson, California, March 5, 2009

Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers gestures as he plays a soccer ball after a press conference to announce Brazilian soccer player Marta's arrival to the Los Angeles Sol women's professional soccer league team, in Carson, California, March 5, 2009

Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers heads a soccer ball after a press conference to announce Brazilian soccer player Marta's arrival to the Los Angeles Sol women's professional soccer league team, in Carson, California, March 5, 2009

Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers watches Brazilian soccer player Marta (front) kick a ball after a press conference to announce her arrival to the Los Angeles Sol women's professional soccer league team, in Carson, California, March 5, 2009

Brazilian soccer player Marta answers questions at a press conference to announce her arrival to the Los Angeles Sol women's professional soccer league team, in Carson, California, March 5, 2009

Kobe Bryant (L) of Los Angeles Lakers has photos taken with Chinese soccer player Han Duan after a press conference to announce Brazilian soccer player Marta's arrival to the Los Angeles Sol women's professional soccer league team, in Carson, California, March 5, 2009

New Orleans Hornets Tyson Chandler (6) dunks the ball over Dallas Mavericks during the first half of their NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Louisiana March 5, 2009. The New Orleans Hornets beat the Dallas Mavericks 104-88.

New Orleans Hornets forward David West is fouled by Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard (5) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Louisiana March 5, 2009

New Orleans Hornets forward David West tries to split Dallas Mavericks Jason Kidd (L) and Erick Dampier (R) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Louisiana March 5, 2009

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul (3) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd (2) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Louisiana March 5, 2009

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul (3) shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Louisiana March 5, 2009

American Davis sets world record in 1,500m speedskating

WASHINGTON, March 6 -- American Olympic medalist Shani Davis set a world record in the men's 1,500 meters in a speedskating World Cup at the Utah Olympic Oval on Friday.

Shani Davis of the U.S. skates to a new world record in the men's 1500m Essent ISU World Cup season finale in Kearns, Utah March 6, 2009.

Turin winter Olympic runner-up Davis claimed the title in one minute, 41.80 seconds to beat the previous record of 1:42.01 set by Canada's Denny Morrison in Calgary last March.

Morrison bettered the time of 1:42.32 that Davis had shared with Erben Wennermars of the Netherlands.

U.S. speedskater Shani Davis celebrates after setting the new world record for the men's 1500m speedskating at the Essent ISU World Cup season finale in Kearns, Utah March 6, 2009.

Davis also won the World Cup season title in the 1,500 with 470 points. American Trevor Marsicano was second with 374. Morrison took third (1:42.56).

The World Cup season concludes Saturday with the men's 1,000m and 5,000m and the women's 500m and 1,500m, then the skaters head to Vancouver for next weekend's world single distance championships.

U.S. speedskater Shani Davis celebrates after setting the new world record for the men's 1500m speedskating at the Essent ISU World Cup season finale in Kearns, Utah March 6, 2009
(Xinhua)

Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes (C) appears surrounded by models at the end of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009.

Background: Paris Fashion Week, the last stop of the traditional "big four" fashion weeks, kicked off on Wedneaday with a host of big names set to debut their Autumn/Winter 09 collections. Taking to the catwalk on the first day of the legendary event are Anne Valerie Hash, Kris Van Assche, Fatima Lopes and Gareth Pugh. It's said that New York knows the business, Milan makes the workmanship, London lays the courage, yet Paris presents the dream.

A model displays a creation by Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes as part of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009

A model displays a creation by Spanish designer Estrella Archs as part of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009

Spanish designer Estrella Archs appears with models at the end of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection show during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009.

A model displays a creation by Spanish designer Estrella Archs as part of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009

Spanish designer Estrella Archs appears with models at the end of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection show during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009

A model displays a creation by Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes as part of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009

A model displays a creation by Spanish designer Estrella Archs as part of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009.

A model displays a creation by Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes as part of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009

olympic spirit

Second Session of 11th National Committee of CPPCC holds 3rd plenary meeting

Topless Carwash fund-raising campaign held in Singapore

Lin Dan sets up All England badminton final against Lee

Nepali female climbers to conquer 7 world summits

Nadal, Ferrer give Spain a 2-0 lead

Gandhi items sold for $1.8 mln at New York auction

"Hire me! I'll do the best for your company"

World's heaviest man gets mobility

Kobe Bryant welcomes Marta, shows off soccer skills

New Orleans Hornets routs Dallas Mavericks 104-88

American Davis sets world record in 1,500m speedskating

Paris launches legendary fashion week with big names

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