Swiss Identity

Candles help shine light on poverty

This content was published on Dec 20, 2008 The Roman Catholic aid organisation Caritas organised the event in 150 Swiss cities and towns. It was part of the “Million Stars” project to highlight the plight of the poor against the background of the global financial crisis. “The forecast for next year is dismal,” said Hugo Fasel, director of Caritas. “Solidarity is needed more…

Demographics

Swiss earn victories in World Cup ski events

This content was published on Dec 20, 2008 Up-and-coming ski star Gut won the super-G race in St Moritz for her first World Cup victory. Olympic champion Ammann soared to his fourth victory of the season in Engelberg. On a course shortened by fog, the 17-year-old Gut finished the course in a time of 57.38 seconds, 0.63 of a second ahead of compatriot…

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Defago comes second in super-G

This content was published on Dec 19, 2008 Werner Heel of Italy came first, benefiting from an early start number. He covered the 2.365-kilometre Saslong course in 1 minute, 35.04 seconds. Defago crossed the line 0.43 seconds behind, and Patrik Jaerbyn of Sweden was another 0.02 seconds back in third. The results were affected by a headwind that slowed down the later starters,…

Demographics

Newborn found on train

This content was published on Dec 19, 2008 Basel authorities said on Friday the infant, who weighed three kilos, was in good health and being looked after at an undisclosed location. She was discovered in a baby carrier outside the toilets by a train guard just after 5pm on Wednesday. No one came forward to claim the newborn after a public announcement on…

Xmas poll

This content was published on Dec 19, 2008

Boys’ choir hits all the right festive notes

This content was published on Dec 19, 2008 The choir is all the more remarkable for the fact that there is no great tradition of boys’ voices in Switzerland. But the enthusiasm of the singers – who all sing in the choir in their spare time – is palpable. Accompanied by the Hungarian Remenyi Orchestra, the boys will be performing two concerts at…

Demographics

ABB books pre-tax provisions of $850 million

This content was published on Dec 19, 2008 The company added on Friday that it would launch a cost-cutting programme to save more than $1 billion. The provisions are for potential costs related to the previously disclosed investigations by United States and European authorities into suspect payments and alleged anti-competitive practices, respectively. The provisions also include an amount for the anticipated impact of…

Culture

Assisted suicide activist speaks out on debate

This content was published on Dec 18, 2008 Swiss surgeon Jérôme Sobel, president of the Swiss assisted suicide organisation Exit, talks to swissinfo about the realities of assisted death in Switzerland and Europe. Craig Ewert, a 59-year-old motor neurone disease sufferer from Harrogate, Britain, died in Switzerland in 2006, having been helped by the controversial charity Dignitas. Last week television channel Sky News…

Culture

Music for youth initiative to go to vote

This content was published on Dec 18, 2008 Around 145,000 citizens backed the Youth and Music people’s initiative that was lodged with the Federal Chancellery on Thursday. It calls for the government and cantons to encourage music training for children in particular and give young people access to musical activities. Rock musician Stephan Eicher and classical singer Noëmi Nadelmann are among leading personalities…

Demographics

Flood maps highlight areas at risk

This content was published on Dec 18, 2008 The maps are the first to cover the entire country. They serve as another tool for assessing flood risks and potential damages based on various circumstances, including what would happen if current safeguards were to fail. Individual cantons are currently building maps that show potential danger zones from all forms of natural disasters, including floods,…

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Candles help shine light on poverty

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Swiss earn victories in World Cup ski events

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Defago comes second in super-G

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Newborn found on train

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Xmas poll

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Boys’ choir hits all the right festive notes

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ABB books pre-tax provisions of $850 million

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Assisted suicide activist speaks out on debate

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Music for youth initiative to go to vote

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Flood maps highlight areas at risk

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