Neu: 2002-01-07 Contents of this issue:
1. Close Shave 2. After Match Function 3. Help On Its Way 4. Positive Productivity ======================================================================== January 7th, 2002 1. Close Shave: An asteroid discovered just a month ago is making a close approach to the Earth. Although there is no danger of collision with it, astronomers say that its proximity reminds us just how many objects there are in space that could strike our planet with devastating consequences. It will pass less than twice the Moon's distance from us as the rocky body moves closer to the Sun. It is thought to be 300 metres in size - large enough to wipe out an entire country if it struck the Earth. 2001 YB5 was discovered in early December by the Neat (Near Earth Asteroid Tracking) survey telescope observing from Mount Palomar in California. Astronomers call it an Apollo object because it has a highly elliptical orbit that crosses the orbits of Mars, Earth, Venus and Mercury. It circles the Sun every 1,321 days. Astronomers also add that it is "potentially hazardous", meaning there is a slim chance that it may strike the Earth sometime in the future. (BBC World News) 2. After Match Function: New Zealand and Fiji sevens rugby sides were both cited yesterday after an ugly brawl at the end of their World Series semifinal in Chile. The conduct of both teams will be considered today, when they should learn whether they will face any International Rugby Board sanctions. New Zealand won the game 19-17, but a fracas involving most players from both sides erupted as the players were walking off, reports the New Zealand Herald. The newspaper said armed Chilean police joined efforts to separate the battling teams. International Rugby Board series manager Bill Wallace and Steve Hinds, the tournament's citing officer, both New Zealanders, cited Canterbury Crusader Marika Vunibaka - playing for Fiji - for striking. Vunibaka sprinted nearly 50 metres to punch Aucklander Amasio Valence, a New Zealand player of Fijian origin. (PINA Nius On Line). 3. Help On Its Way: New Zealand is working on a relief package for Tonga's northern islands, lashed by Cyclone Waka during the New Year, the New Zealand Herald reported. The Tongan Government asked Australia and New Zealand for help after the cyclone damaged buildings, homes and crops, and sank boats. New Zealand officials joined Tongan Ministry of Works staff inspecting Vava'u, a popular tourist destination and the area worst hit, the New Zealand Herald said. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman, Jocelyn Prasad, said options included providing tarpaulins for temporary shelter, re-roofing schools and restoring power. Australia has already flown in a C130 laden with tents, tarpaulins and water distillation plants ( PINA Nius Online). 4. Positive Productivity: The Fiji Government plans to cut more public holidays as part of efforts to help productivity and the national economy, Labour Minister Kenneth Zinck said. Mr Zinck said the Government will follow the dropping of the Constitution Day holiday this year by ending the National Youth Day and the Queen's Birthday holidays next year. Mr Zinck said Fiji is a small country and loses wages, revenue and income in the civil service through these holidays. Fiji's public holidays also include religious holidays for all the major faiths, Christian, Hindu and Muslim. This week Niue begins its Prayer Week which ends with a Takai or circuit of the island festival when motor vehicles and motorcycles are decorated in flowers, flags and leaves and village groups travel the 63 km coastal road. ( Various /PINA Nius Online). __END__
