British women want men with practical skills more than any other attribute, according to new research in anticipation of Valentine’s Day.
Women are turning away from roses and romantic meals and want to get jobs done around the house instead, the survey of 1,000 females suggested. Of the women surveyed by Spaceslide.co.uk, an online store for made-to-measure wardrobe storage, 38 per cent said they found men who were practical around the home sexy, rating DIY skills above sporting prowess, creativity and even love-making ability. (PA)
Canada turns penny wise
Canada has begun phasing out its penny, whose production costs have come to exceed its monetary value.
The Royal Canadian Mint has officially ended its distribution of one-cent coins to financial institutions. The government has said the coins, which feature two maple leaves and Queen Elizabeth II in profile, would remain legal tender until they eventually disappear from circulation. (PA)
Deadly Chinese checkers
Two Chinese officials have been arrested for accidentally killing a 13-month-old boy during an argument with his parents over a fine for violating strict family planning limits.
The accident set off an angry confrontation between officials and residents of a village outside the eastern city of Rui’an.
The officials demanded a fine of at least 30,000 yuan (€3,473) for having the boy, the couple’s third child, which broke the rules. They dropped the boy during a tussle and he was run over. (PA)
Brewery fuelled by its beer
A brewery in Alaska is going green, but instead of looking to solar and wind energy, it has turned to a very familiar source: beer. The Juneau-based company has installed a unique boiler system in order to cut its fuel costs.
The furnace burns the company’s spent grain – the waste accumulated from the brewing process. (PA)
UK to microchip all its dogs
British animal charities, vets and union leaders yesterday welcomed moves to make it compulsory for all dogs throughout England to be microchipped.
The Government said the idea would help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets as well as improving the welfare of dogs.
Ministers also announced plans to extend legal protection over dog attacks to cover incidents on private property. The change will be a boost for postmen and women, health visitors and others who call at private addresses but have not been covered by the law if they are bitten by a dog. (AP)