Tick tock ... tick: Extra second added to 2008

Those eager to put 2008 behind them will have to hold their good-byes for just a moment this New Year’s Eve. The world’s official timekeepers have added a “leap second” to the last day of the year on Wednesday, to help match clocks to the...

World keeps humour in 2008 despite economic woes

Whether smashing plates in San Diego to relieve frustration or drinking Bailout Bitter beer in Canada sold as a “bitter ale for bitter times”, people the world over kept a sense of humour in 2008 despite financial woes. Some of the year’s top off-beat tales...

Let it snow: China builds "world’s largest" ice Santa

China’s freezing northern city of Harbin is building what organisers say is the world’s largest Santa Claus ice sculpture. The giant Father Christmas, 160 metres long and 24 metres high, centres on an enormous face of Father Christmas, complete with flowing beard...

The Mistress at Christmas

Lucienne: When I was Miss Goody Two-Shoes, I wondered how a person who has stolen someone else’s husband could be so blasé and conceited about it. My father would probably have a heart attack if he found out what I’m doing. Since mum died,...

Queen Elizabeth sees a sombre Christmas for many

Worries about the global economy and violence across the world have turned the celebration of Christmas into a more sombre affair this year, Queen Elizabeth said yesterday. Britain, like many other developed nations, is facing the risk of a prolonged recession. Unemployment...