International music spins on CDs

International music spins on CDs

Since the separation of human beings at the Tower of Babel, man developed in each nationality and community his own musical individuality according to his experiences, his traditions and what instruments are available to him.

The World Music Festival in Chicago demonstrated the fascinating manner in which music serves as a universal language that all can appreciate.

Among the first and most potent of the CDs available is "World Music Festival Chicago '99," released on the Big Chicago label. It showcases music from Scotland, Brazil, Sweden, Spain, the Congo, India and France, as well as other countries featuring musicians representing …

Nigeria: kidnappers seize 6 Filipinos, free Briton

Unidentified gunmen seized six Filipino seamen from a boat plying the waterways of Nigeria's southern oil delta region, while a British kidnap victim was released in the same area, officials said.

Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said the six Filipinos were taken on Saturday, only hours after the British man was freed.

There was no indication two incidents were linked.

No ransom was paid for the Briton's release after weeks of captivity since his mid-September abduction, said Musa, a spokesman the military task force in the Niger Delta.

The man was "safe …

Globe-trotting couple are together for the long haul ; Ingatestone duo have holidayed 100 times in 60 years' marriage

THE journey continues for an Ingatestone couple who have spenttheir lives travelling the world together as they mark their 60thwedding anniversary.

Bob and June Chatfield have been on more than 100 holidaystogether since they got hitched at Romford Registry Office onFebruary 10, 1951.

It would seem that travelling is in the blood for Bob, 80, theson of a sailor and himself a former Merchant Navy seaman.

While courting June, now 78, after they were introduced by afriend at a youth club in 1949, Bob pledged that one day he wouldtake her to see the world.

And he didn't let her down. The couple, who have three children,brought Robert into the …

China's Premier Orders Lake Algae Probe

SHANGHAI, China - Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday ordered a formal probe into the massive algae growth that smothered one of China's biggest lakes, drawing high-level attention to growing threats facing the country's water bodies.

Citing pollution as its main cause, Wen said the Lake Tai algae outbreak "has sounded the alarm for us," the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Despite attempts to improve the lake's water quality, "the problem has never been tackled at the root," Wen said in a statement read during a water quality seminar held by the State Council, China's Cabinet.

The sudden outbreak of blue-green algae smothered the lake late last month, forcing …

Stock Futures Fall After Tumble Last Week

Stock futures are lower as investors brace for potentially more bad news from some of the nation's banks amid the continuing credit crisis. Last week, the Dow dropped 4.06 percent and the S&P 500 tumbled 3.71 percent. The technology-focused Nasdaq, which often trades with more volatility, plunged 6.49 percent.

Asian markets fell sharply today after Wall Street declined at the end of last week on renewed concerns about U.S. mortgage problems. European markets, however, were mixed.

Trading is expected to be light because of Veterans Day, with the government bond markets closed. This also could lead to higher volatility as institutional traders take positions …

Pacquiao: Margarito knew what was in hand wraps

Manny Pacquiao believes in giving a second chance to disgraced boxer Antonio Margarito, his next opponent.

Pacquiao said he just doesn't believe Margarito was unaware he was wearing illegal hand wraps before a fight nearly two years ago. Though he agrees Margarito deserves a second chance in boxing, Pacquiao isn't buying Margarito's defense and the passionate arguments of promoter Bob Arum, who promotes both fighters.

"Of course, I believe he knew," Pacquiao said. "He's the one who wraps his hands. He's just making some alibi for some reason. What do you think? My belief is you (would) know that."

During an otherwise genial …

Jesse set for high-drama Middle East trip

With the death toll rising among the Palestinians and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon defying President Bush's call for an abrupt end to military attacks, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. said he is going to the Middle East.

Jackson, who said he'll give Secretary of State Colin Powell a chance to strike an accord first, said he and his World Council of Churches are prepared to go to the Middle East and try to broker a peace plan.

He said the Middle East conflict is a "political battle between men" and not a religious battle about God. "We must reconcile sides" and not favor one side over another during peace talks.

"You cannot negotiate between prison guards and …