Swiss Identity

Ammann leads after first jump of Four Hills

This content was published on Dec 29, 2008 The double Olympic gold medallist and 2007 world champion jumped 136.5 metres on Monday in the German resort of Oberstdorf for 145.7 points. Ammann currently tops the World Cup standings. Wolfgang Loitzl of Austria ranks second after the first session with a jump of 135 metres for 142.5 points. Norway’s Anders Jacobsen had the best…

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Protesters in Zurich church step up pressure

This content was published on Dec 29, 2008 The church authorities have called on the 150 protestors to leave the building and urged the cantonal government to clarify its policy towards rejected asylum seekers. The protestors said they would stage a demonstration and continue their ten-day-old stand-off at the Protestant Prediger Church. They blamed the Zurich government for reneging on promises made to…

Culture

Alphorn players break ranks to hit new notes

This content was published on Dec 29, 2008 The alphorn was used by shepherds in the 18th century to communicate across the Alps. Burki, aged 25 and from Bern, became fixated by the traditional instrument at the age of five and was performing in concerts alongside adults from the age of nine. Daily practice allowed her to go beyond the 12-note range of…

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Gut speeds to podium finish in World Cup race

This content was published on Dec 28, 2008 Gut was in 15th place in the women’s giant slalom after the opening run in Semmering, Austria. The 17-year-old skier then posted the fastest time of the day in the final leg of the race to take third place, 0.55 seconds behind winner Kathrin Zettel of Austria. Manuela Mölgg of Italy took second. Sunday’s finish…

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Alleged nuclear smuggler released from jail

This content was published on Dec 28, 2008 The Federal Prosecutor’s Office said on Sunday that Marco Tinner was thought to possess plans for an atomic bomb. The reasons for keeping him in jail were still sound despite a federal order for him to be released. The Tinner brothers were arrested along with their father in 2005 on suspicion of using a trafficking…

Culture

Record-breaking cold descends on Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 28, 2008 That beats the coldest temperature recorded so far this season of -24.4 degrees set one month ago in canton Neuchâtel, the Swiss meteorological service has reported. Canton Ticino in southern Switzerland has also experienced bitter temperatures in recent days. In Magadino meteorologists recorded –11.4 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists say the frigid temperatures, though record-breaking, often occur…

Culture

Beromünster takes its leave of the airwaves

This content was published on Dec 27, 2008 For many Swiss, there will be more than a touch of sadness, as Beromünster was a household name they grew up with; it is without doubt an integral part of the country’s radio history. Look on the dial of any decent radio from the past. Beromünster features on the far right along with other great…

Demographics

Swiss athletes run up mixed year

This content was published on Dec 27, 2008 Admittedly Switzerland’s organisers had more success than its athletes, but as those who don’t make it to the podium say, it’s the taking part that counts… Euro 2008, held in June in four Swiss and four Austrian cities, was the biggest event of any kind in Switzerland’s history. Off the pitch, the tournament generated €1.3…

Demographics

Stand-off over immigrants in church continues

This content was published on Dec 26, 2008 The atmosphere was good on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the pastor, Renate von Ballmoos, told the Swiss news agency. She said the church was full on both occasions, as it had been in previous years. Nevertheless, the church authorities are keen for the immigrants to leave, while the immigrants are determined to stay…

Demographics

The Swiss show Christmas good will

This content was published on Dec 26, 2008 On December 24 and 25 they sent over 65.6 million messages via their phones, about three million more than last year. A spokeswoman for one of Switzerland’s mobile phone operators, Orange, said individuals had not sent more messages, but the number of customers had increased. The Swiss also kept up their enthusiasm for sending parcels:…

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Ammann leads after first jump of Four Hills

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Protesters in Zurich church step up pressure

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Alphorn players break ranks to hit new notes

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Gut speeds to podium finish in World Cup race

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Alleged nuclear smuggler released from jail

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Record-breaking cold descends on Switzerland

More

Beromünster takes its leave of the airwaves

More

Swiss athletes run up mixed year

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Stand-off over immigrants in church continues

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The Swiss show Christmas good will

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