Two a penny

.Extremely cold weather across northern Europe has left scores of people dead and caused widespread transport chaos.
Temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees Celsius have led to the deaths of 122 people in Poland, with the main river, the Vistula, now frozen over and resulting in fears of flooding.
In the Swiss Alps, avalanches have killed at least seven people, while in western France, 14 regions have been hit by heavy snow.
In the past two days Britain’s national grid issued only its second warning in history about supplies.
Severe weather warnings are still in place across the UK, which is in the grip of its longest cold snap in 30 years.
The military was called in after around 1,000 vehicles were stranded when more than 40 centimetres of snow blocked the A3 highway in southern England.
More snow was expected in London and the forecast for Scotland was for an overnight low of minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Authorities in southern Britain have warned motorists to only use their vehicles if absolutely necessary.
“If you do have to go out take some warm clothes etc,” he said.
Richard Westman, from the special response team at the roads authority, says people need to listen more carefully to the warnings. .
“But people don’t.
Around 5,000 homes in Sussex are still without power as the country suffers through the cold snap, which is expected to last at least another week.”
Thousands of schools have been closed and around half the UK workforce stayed home, which is said to have cost the economy $1 billion in lost output.

.The Eiffel Tower was transformed into a glittering jewel and fireworks lit up the London sky as millions of revellers welcomed the New Year across Europe.
A spectacular light show and fireworks display lit up the Paris sky as revellers partied in the streets below.
In the Scottish capital Edinburgh up to 80,000 people turned out in Edinburgh for the annual Hogmanay outdoor street party, some sporting furry horned tartan helmets against the bitter cold as they gathered to watch fireworks by Edinburgh Castle. .
In Russia, more than 120,000 crowded onto Moscow’s Red Square to toast 2010 as President Dmitry Medvedev thanked his nation for bearing with the economic crisis and evoked family values.
In Berlin more than 1 million revellers were expected to have thronged onto the boulevard leading to the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of German unity, with live bands and DJs cranking up the party.
“Our success in the new year depends on what each of us will do for his family and his country,” he said.
“The past year was not a very easy one for our country, and I want to thank you all for bearing up together,” a smiling Mr Medvedev said in a traditional New Year address.
But after security jitters rekindled by a Christmas Day bomb plot against a passenger jet claimed by Al Qaeda, undercover police, surveillance cameras and radiation and biological detection equipment were to monitor the crowds.
In New York, a downpour of confetti was to mark midnight at a traditional mass celebration in Times Square in the heart of Manhattan.

.Football’s world ruling body FIFA has officially turned down a request from the Irish football authorities to stage a replay of their controversial World Cup play-off defeat to France.
Backed by Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had lodged the request with FIFA.
However a statement on FIFA’s website said: “FIFA has today, 20 November 2009, replied to the request made by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to replay the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa play-off match held on 18 November 2009 between France and the Republic of Ireland in Paris.”
France qualified for the 2010 World Cup by winning the two-leg tie 2-1 on aggregate, although there has been outrage and claims of cheating after a blatant Thierry Henry handball led to France’s decisive equaliser.
“In the reply, FIFA states that the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed. .
The French Football Federation (FFF) said it had “taken note” of FIFA’s decision but said it would make “no further comment”.
“A previously scheduled meeting of the FAI board of management will take place this afternoon where the matter will be considered,” an FAI statement said.”
Despite no likelihood of a replay, there have been calls for FIFA president Sepp Blatter to personally comment on the controversy, which many commentators claim has further tarnished the sport.
“No further comment will be made until this meeting has concluded.
“Where is Sepp Blatter? Why hasn’t he come out and stood up and told everyone how it is?
“He’s very good at telling other countries how to run their game.
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton admitted he did not expect FIFA to order a replay as it is governed by the rules, but he called on Blatter to make a public statement on the decision.”
Henry admitted he handled the ball just before crossing for William Gallas, who headed home the equaliser that broke Irish hearts at the Stade de France. It really needed the top man to come out and tell the footballing public why they have made this decision.
But while Henry was widely condemned, and his integrity questioned, the French football authorities maintain that the referee, Swede Martin Hansson, and not Henry is to blame.
But while Henry was widely condemned, and his integrity questioned, the French football authorities maintain that the referee, Swede Martin Hansson, and not Henry is to blame.
FIFA’s statement added: “As is clearly mentioned in the Laws of the Game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final. I don’t understand why we are expected to say sorry,” France coach Raymond Domenech said.”
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.France has closed in on the World Cup finals, while fellow star-studded giant Portugal struggled for a 1-0 home victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on a night of tense, first-leg play-off ties. .
Chelsea striker Anelka struck the vital away goal with 18 minutes left at Croke Park, with his shot taking a wicked deflection off Sean St Ledger and past Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given.
In Lisbon, Portugal, the 2006 semi-finalist but playing without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, struggled to a win over Bosnia Herzegovina.
Ireland had wasted a golden opportunity in the first half when Liam Lawrence missed the target from just eight yards.
Porto defender Bruno Alves was on target with a powerful backpost header after 31 minutes for the game’s only goal.
It could have been a black night for the Portuguese, who were saved by the woodwork on three occasions, including twice in the last minute.
But Senijad Ibricic crashed a header against the crossbar, before a dramatic final minute which saw Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko’s far-post header come off the crossbar while Zlatan Muslimovic’s follow-up volley came off the post.
Despite losing 2-1 to Russia in Moscow, Nejc Pecnik’s goal two minutes from time gave Slovenia hope it they can make sure of a second World Cup appearance in the return leg.
Meanwhile, unheralded Slovenia and Ukraine took tentative steps closer to finals.
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Ukraine, a quarter-finalist in 2006, will also be confident of achieving back-to-back World Cup spots, after holding 2004 European champions Greece to a scoreless draw in Athens

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Meal and rest breaks from work will become more flexible if legislation introduced into Parliament today is passed, Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

The Employment Relations (Rest Breaks and Meal Breaks) Amendment Bill was introduced today by Ms Wilkinson.

Ms Wilkinson said the new amendment would provide “greater flexibility” and give employers and employees the opportunity to develop breaks at a time best suited to individual requirements.

It seeks to alter legislation passed by the previous Labour government which set aside specific breaks and time for breastfeeding, depending on the length of a work day.”

The bill still has a requirement for breaks but allows for “compensatory measures” – such as earlier or later start times or time off in lieu, she said.

“Everyone needs to take breaks during their hours of work – but the law as it stands is too rigid and makes life difficult for a number of occupations and industries.

“These changes remove the absolutely fundamental right to minimum breaks at reasonably spaced periods during a working day.

Council of Trade Unions (CTU) president Helen Kelly said the amendment was unnecessary.

“The changes provided today will enable employers to determine whether or not a worker should have a break and then how long and when it should occur,” Ms Kelly said.”

Labour’s legislation only came into effect this year and ensured minimum requirements for workers in unorganised workplaces, she said.”

Ms Kelly said it was an example of the Government “pandering unnecessarily” to employers’ interests. .

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BREAKING NEWS:
A man who shot his friend dead at a dinner party has been found not guilty of murder or manslaughter.

Sobbing and screaming was heard in theHigh Court at Aucklandwhen the jury found Alan Christopher Paul Gundry, 30,not guilty of the murder or manslaughter of Gene Patrick Atkins, 28.

Earlier, the jury heardthat Gundry,terrified for his young family, had only seconds to decide whether to shoot his friend with a pig-hunting rifle.

The jury had acceptedGundry’s defence that he killed Atkins in self-defence.

Both men had been friends for years and had spent January 12 this year eating and drinking at Gundry’s home.

Atkinshad goneberserk atGundry’s home after a fight with his girlfriend, Sarah Jane Dean, the court heard. They had gone home and he had thrown her belongings out of his house.

But during the evening Mr Atkins had become upset with his girlfriend.

Gundry’s lawyer, Graeme Newell, told the High Court at Auckland his client had been forced to shoot Mr Atkins in an act of self-defence. She then fled to Gundry’s, and Mr Atkins followed, intending to confront her.

One partygoer had been left semi-conscious in a pool of blood after being assaulted by Mr Atkins, while Gundry’s partner, Nicole MacDonald, was held over the top of a set of stairs.

Mr Newell said five people, including Gundry’s partner, had been attacked in the accused’s house that night, all in a short space of time.

“Should a person who has been attacked or seen others attacked wait until they too are the victim of a serious assault?

“If he wasn’t acting defensively, why would he let off two rounds in his own home when his nine-month-old, his five-year-old and his partner were upstairs?

“He didn’t want to do that, he didn’t want to fire shots into his own house.

Gundry was confronted by a dire threat and had to take “instant and decisive” action to protect himself and his family, Mr Newell said.

The court was told Mr Atkins had a history of violence, including several assaults on his girlfriend and a road-rage incident.”

Gundry was a peaceful man with no history of violence and no reason to kill his friend, Mr Newell said. The charge came after Mr Atkins allegedly glassed a man in the face at an Auckland nightclub.

Mr Newell told the court that at the time of his death Mr Atkins had also been awaiting trial on a charge of grievous bodily harm.

But Crown prosecutor Kevin Glubb said Gundry’s decision to shoot Mr Atkins was unacceptable and completely excessive. The injuries were so severe the man lost sight in one eye.

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.The United Nations nuclear watchdog is reporting positive steps at the start of new talks about Iran’s nuclear program. .
The negotiations between Iran, Russia, France and the US build on progress already made at a meeting early this month to end the stand-off over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Western powers fear Iran is trying to develop a nuclear bomb, although Iran insists its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.
Iran had tentatively agreed to ship enriched uranium to France or Russia for processing as a way of increasing international scrutiny of its enrichment activities, although state television is now reporting that Iran will not deal directly with France because it had failed to deliver nuclear materials in the past.

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The meeting will continue today

.Australian Ewen McKenzie and France’s Christophe Dominici have been sacked as coaches of struggling French rugby giants Stade Francais.
Stade owner Max Guazzini said former Waratahs coach McKenzie and former France winger Dominici would be replaced by Jacques Delmas and Didier Faugeron.
“We noticed that the coaches’ message was no longer really getting through and we decided to change, in mutual agreement with Ewen McKenzie and Christophe Dominici,” Guazzini said.
Dominici, however, will remain with Stade, although Guazzini offered no details on what his new post might be.
McKenzie, a former prop who won 51 caps for the Wallabies, arrived at Stade from New South Wales at the start of the 2008-09 season and will now sever all ties with the club.
The two defeats left Stade second from bottom of the Top 14 with just seven points garnered from five games. .
Newly-promoted Albi is rooted to the bottom of the table, winless after four games.
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The disastrous start to the season comes despite the Stade squad boasting an array of international players and having been boosted by the off-season signings of English duo James Haskell and Tom Palmer, France scrum half Julien Dupuy and Scotland full-back Hugo Southwell

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AFP – More than six decades after his birth, the son of a French mother and a German Wehrmacht officer, retiree Daniel Rouxel was on Wednesday at last granted German citizenship and a measure of dignity.

After a lifetime of humiliation at the hands of a population ashamed of France’s wartime occupation, the 66-year-old Son of a Boche feels that by becoming a dual French-German national he finally has a legitimate identity. I’m not a bastard any more.

I’m German. At last I’ve got the second half that I was so cruelly missing, he said, blinking back tears after leaving the German consulate in Paris. I’m a child like all the others.

Ammon was killed during the Allied liberation of France and after the war, when his mother could no longer cope with raising him, Rouxel was taken on by his grandmother and moved to a small and unwelcoming Breton village.

Rouxel was born in Paris in 1943 during the World War II occupation, when his mother was working in the canteen of the German airbase in the Brittany town of Pleurtuit where his father, Lieutenant Otto Ammon, was stationed.

As the illegitimate son of the former enemy, Rouxel was a figure of hate, tormented by local youths, often forced by his own grandmother to sleep in a henhouse and publicly mocked by local officials.

I’m the child born of a love made impossible by war, he said, in a recent account of his life written in support of his citizenship bid.

When a swallow has kids in France and then flies off, it takes its children with it, the official said, according to Rouxel.

He still remembers the day the deputy mayor of the town publicly singled him out as the villagers left church and asked What’s the difference between a swallow and a Boche? — an abusive term for Germans. . I cried a lot.

Officially registered as father unknown they have been subjected to years of ostracism and persecution, and the countries — now close allies — recently reached an agreement to recognise the children’s parentage.

Neither German nor French officials in the period after the war wanted to address the issue of children born to occupying troops, who might number up to 200,000 according to writers Jean-Paul Picaper and Ludwig Norz.

In April last year, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner made a speech in Berlin in which he regretted that both governments had remained deaf to the distress of the innocent victims of a conflict they had no part in.

Germany agreed on February 19 to grant joint citizenship to those war children who want it, and Rouxel — who has been a vocal representative of the group, even though he cannot speak German — was the first to sign up.

Today it is thought that only a few dozen will do so, in most cases those who have managed to track down surviving German relatives and build ties with them rather than those who lost touch in the chaos of war.

Since then, lawyers and officials from both sides of the Rhine have ironed out the remaining legal hurdles for the survivors to take German nationality.

When I was two he held me in his arms.

Rouxel was among those who, after a difficult upbringing in a France that wanted to forget the war and reject his heritage, managed to make contact with his father’s relatives.

His family wanted to do what was needed to raise me in Germany, but my mother refused. He fed me from the bottle and wrote to his family, before he was killed, to tell them he had a child in France, he said, in his account of his life. I was warmly received, our relations are excellent, he said. I was warmly received, our relations are excellent, he said.

The French foreign ministry officially welcomed the German consulate’s award of citizenship.

France – Germany – history – World War II

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Armed police surrounded a Waikato property today, leading to the arrest of an Auckland man in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a woman last week.

Detective Sergeant Dave Grace said the arrest followed a series of searches in properties in Hamilton and Te Awamutu.

He said Hamilton police and members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad searched a Mahoe St address in Hamilton and a property on Te Tomo St in Te Awamutu.

Mr Grace said two distraction devices were used during the securing of the second address.

“While these searches failed to result in the offender’s capture a car stolen from Auckland the previous month was recovered,” he said.

“Voice appeals commenced and the offender gave himself up without further incident. .

“He will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court this afternoon on kidnapping, assault and theft of a motor vehicle charges,” he said.

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