World Briefs

Researchers have found a new "see-through" use for commonplace clear adhesive tape - it produces X-rays when it is peeled off the roll.

The report in the journal Nature confirms a theory dating back to 1930 - that the process of peeling the tape releases energy not only in the form of a flash of visible light, but also an X-ray.

Many children hiding in closets have demonstrated that unwinding sticky tape produces sparks of light. The phenomenon is called triboluminescence and is caused by the movement of one surface against another.

Carlos Camara of University of California, Los Angeles and colleagues used a motorised peeling machine to unwind a roll of tape in a vacuum.

They generated enough X-rays to show the bones inside their fingers.

Cyprus axes Makarios statue

A towering bronze statue of Archbishop Makarios, Cyprus's first post-independence President, was axed this week after complaints it was too big.

The 10-metre-high bronze statue of the late Archbishop has been a landmark of the Cypriot capital Nicosia for more than a decade.

The island's Greek Orthodox Archbishop, Chrysostomos ordered its move soon after he was elected head of the 2,000-year-old Church in 2006.

The statue dwarfs its surroundings, with many saying that it is out of place in the elegant environs of the mediaeval city. The Church has said the statue will be moved to the island's mountains, close to Archbishop Makarios's grave.

Polish gays protest march cancellation

A gay rights group yesterday accused the city council in Poland's ancient capital Krakow of pandering to homophobia after it banned a gay event that would coincide with a visit by Poland's conservative President.

The Polish branch of the International Lesbian and Gay Culture Network had wanted to stage a gathering and a march on October 31 to celebrate the birthday of a reputedly homosexual Polish king of the 15th century, Wladyslaw Warnenczyk.

But the city authorities feared this would upset President Lech Kaczynski, due in Krakow that day for celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence.

"We received an official document from the municipality saying our event has not been approved because of Lech Kaczynski's visit," said Lukasz Palucki of the gay organisation. "I had thought it not possible to forbid demonstrations in modern Poland but it seems it is... We are sad but calm.

We have had past experiences and tussles with the president on such issues," he said.

PM reveals wealth amid recession talk

Two BMWs and property worth more than $4 million were listed yesterday among the assets of Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and his family, amid debate over whether the wealthy leader is out of touch with average voters.

The disclosure of the 68-year-old premier's assets came after media and opposition lawmakers charged that Mr Aso, who has been making nightly visits to exclusive bars, may quite not feel the pains of ordinary people hit by recession.

Mr Aso and his immediate family - his wife, son and daughter - have assets worth about 455 million yen (€3.69 million), records disclosed by the Prime Minister showed, making him the second-richest politician in his Cabinet.

The premier, born into a wealthy family of politicians and industrialists, owns properties in an exclusive Tokyo area and in southern Japan, as well as three cars including a 1972-model BMW, 58 artworks and seven golf club memberships, the records showed.

Palin may have future in Hollywood

As campaign managers for Sarah Palin plot last-minute tactics to get her elected, Hollywood bigwigs are convening strategy sessions of their own. Their goal: Finding the ideal on-air vehicle for the VP candidate if and when she exits politics.

Love her or hate her - there doesn't seem to be much middle ground with Mrs Palin - the 44-year-old hockey mom has captured the public imagination in a way no politician has since, well, Barack Obama.

But as more and more polls cast doubt on the McCain-Palin ticket, producers and agents across the entertainment world are discussing possibilities for capitalising on her fame, ranging from an Oprah-style syndicated talk show to a Sean Hannity-like perch in cable news or on radio.

"Any television person who sees the numbers when she appears on anything would say Sarah Palin would be great," said veteran morning-show producer Steve Friedman, citing the double-digit ratings gains her appearances on Saturday Night Live and CBS Evening News generated. "The passion she has on each side, love and hate, makes television people say, 'Wow, imagine the viewership'."