Lifestyle

Nicaraguan paradise draws Americans, Europeans despite political strife

Tucked away in a southern corner of Nicaragua, far from the political persecution of the opposition by President Daniel Ortega, a tiny colony of Americans and Europeans have carved out a new home on the Pacific, lured by the area's natural beauty, security and tranquility.. While Ortega's political opponents are thrown in jail or forced into exile -- a "continuum of repression," in the words of a recent Amnesty International report -- this little corner of tropical paradise attracts foreigners to enjoy its bars, restaurants, whale watching and landscapes.

Fri, May 5, 2023 3 mins read

Lifestyle

Head of top US public health agency resigns

The head of the main US public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control, announced on Friday that she will step down from her post at the end of June.. "The end of the Covid-19 public health emergency marks a tremendous transition for our country, for public health, and in my tenure as CDC Director," the 54-year-old said in a letter to President Joe Biden which was released to the public.

Fri, May 5, 2023 1 mins read

Lifestyle

Covid no longer a global health emergency: WHO

The Covid-19 pandemic, which killed millions of people and wreaked economic and social havoc, no longer constitutes a global health emergency, the WHO said Friday, warning that the threat remained.. But the danger was not over, according to Tedros, who estimated Covid had killed "at least 20 million" people -- about three times the nearly seven million deaths officially recorded.

Fri, May 5, 2023 3 mins read

Lifestyle

Move over Corgis: Jack Russell becomes new royal top dog

Beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, corgis have become an enduring symbol of the British royal family.. Ownership of corgis, Queen Elizabeth's constant companions throughout her 70-year reign, may "fall back a little bit", he added. 

Fri, May 5, 2023 1 mins read

Lifestyle

Chinese fast fashion giant Shein denies low prices due to forced labour

Chinese cut-price fast-fashion giant Shein defended its business model in an interview with AFP, saying demand-based production accounted for its low prices and not forced or cheap labour. . Founded in China in 2008, Shein has swiftly claimed a top place in the global fast-fashion marketplace, offering young social-media-savvy customers low-priced collections that turn over at a steady clip.

Fri, May 5, 2023 3 mins read

Lifestyle

Coronation jewels and regalia provide dazzle and link with ancient past

The coronation of King Charles III will showcase unusual relics and the world's finest jewels, which not only bedazzle but provide a physical and symbolic link with the ancient past. . - The Coronation Chair -  Commissioned by King Edward 1 in 1300, the two-metre-high oak chair is believed to be the oldest piece of furniture in the UK. It incorporates the so-called Stone of Destiny, the ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy that Edward I seized in 1296 that has been brought back to London for the ceremony. phz/giv/lb

Fri, May 5, 2023 4 mins read

Lifestyle

Pomp and protests as UK holds first coronation in 70 years

Britain's first coronation in 70 years takes place on Saturday, with Charles III crowned king in an elaborate Christian ceremony steeped in solemn ritual and more than a millennium of history.. Much of the Anglican service at London's Westminster Abbey -- which will also crown Charles's second wife Camilla as queen -- would be recognisable to the 74-year-old king's forebears 1,000 years ago.

Fri, May 5, 2023 3 mins read

Lifestyle

Defending the pope: behind the Swiss Guards' armour

It takes over an hour to don the colourful uniform of the pope's Swiss Guards, and new recruits soon discover they cannot buckle up armour weighing 15 kilogrammes by themselves.. It takes about an hour and a half," he told AFP. The Swiss Guards, the world's oldest practising army, was founded by Pope Julius II in 1506 and is famous for its blue, yellow and red striped uniform.

Thu, May 4, 2023 3 mins read

Lifestyle

India's new mums live in hope and fear for next generation

India has become the world's most populous nation, and for the country's new mothers it is a moment of great hope but also anxiety as they face an uncertain future.. One of the reasons India overtook China as the world's most populous country was its northern neighbour's sometimes brutally enforced one-child policy.

Thu, May 4, 2023 4 mins read

Lifestyle

'Beautiful Corolla': Afghan love affair with Toyota endures the ages

Little is certain in Afghanistan -- armies invade and retreat, governments rise and fall -- but when the key of a Toyota Corolla turns in the ignition, the engine can be relied upon to roar to life.. But all their roads have led to Afghanistan, where "people have a special craze for Toyota", Nazar insists.

Thu, May 4, 2023 3 mins read