US – Monday, March 15

FCC: Internet will be 25 times faster

U.S. regulators will announce a major Internet policy this week to revolutionize how Americans communicate and play, proposing a dramatic increase in broadband speeds that could let people download a high-definition film in minutes instead of hours.

Netanyahu apologetic, yet persistent

JERUSALEM. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced regret yesterday for the announcement of a Jewish settlement plan that has strained ties with Washington and threatens the revival of Middle East peace talks.

Where did all of Robert’s rabid fans go?

Well, at least he still has his looks: Robert Pattinson’s first big non-”Twilight” film, “Remember Me,” had a dismal fourth place opening this weekend with $8.3 million in box-office sales (“Alice in Wonderland” remained No. 1 with $62 million, “Green Zone,” debuted at No. 2 with $14.5 million, “She’s Out of My League” was No. 3 with $9.6 million).

Forest Whitaker has some tough acts to follow

Broad comedy isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Forest Whitaker. But the Oscar-winning actor saw his latest film, “Our Family Wedding,” as a chance to stretch himself. He sat down with Metro to talk about his process as an actor and surviving a pastry fight with co-star Regina King.

‘Free’ ad leads to fraud suit

NEW YORK. A Wisconsin college student is suing credit firm Experian — the brains behind the ubiquitous FreeCreditReport.com jingles — for fraudulent advertising after she inadvertently signed up for a monthly $14.95 monitoring service.

Give your dog a nutritious bone

As much as we obsess about the carbs, proteins, calories, whole grains and other buzz words in our food, dogs generally just scarf down dinner in one happy, goofy gulp. Which is why it’s up to you to read what’s in that bag.

Published 00:27, October the 21st, 2009

Officials plan to change the way Chinese letters are written.

Officials plan to change the way Chinese letters are written.

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Chinese letters reform explodes

More than 50 years after a major overhaul of the way in which Chinese characters are written, a far less ambitious project to simplify just a few dozen ideograms has sparked huge controversy.

The government has put forward proposals to change 44 characters out of the 3,500 most used, or 1.25 percent of the total, “to adapt to the requirements of the information era, the evolution of language and the development of society.”

After eight years of reflection and expert consultations in China and abroad, the education ministry and the State Language Work Committee called on members of the public for their opinions — a first for such a reform.

The project was not expected to spark any major concerns, with just a few strokes removed from characters here and there.

RELAXNEWS

The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.

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