Showing 1 - 10 of 23
Dutch anti-blackface group declares victory
AFP, Published on 05/12/2025
» AMSTERDAM - A cherished Christmas tradition for some, profoundly insulting for others, the Dutch character “Black Pete”, a servant who helps Santa Claus distribute presents, has divided opinion in The Netherlands for decades.
Botox under burqas: Cosmetic surgery in vogue in Afghanistan
AFP, Published on 17/09/2025
» KABUL — Decked out with fake crystal chandeliers and velvet sofas, cosmetic surgery clinics in Afghanistan's capital are a world away from the austerity of Taliban rule, where Botox, lip filler and hair transplants reign.
Colombian artist Fernando Botero dies at 91
AFP, Published on 15/09/2023
» BOGOTA - Colombia's most famous artist, Fernando Botero, who was known for his voluptuous depictions of people and animals, has died aged 91, President Gustavo Petro announced Friday.
Shetland sanctuary fights to save seals as pollution takes toll
AFP, Published on 13/03/2023
» SHETLAND (UNITED KINGDOM) - On the edge of a coastal pool on one of Scotland's Shetland Islands, Pixie, a plump grey seal grunts and rolls towards the water to retrieve a fish that's been left for its lunch.
Bird man in quake zone still tends to flock
AFP, Published on 18/02/2023
» ANTAKYA, Turkey: Murat Guzel scatters bird feed on the roof as the sun sets over the Antakya restaurant at which he used to work before the earthquake that destroyed the southern Turkish city.
Red faces in France over Olympic mascots made in China
AFP, Published on 17/11/2022
» PARIS: The choice by Paris 2024 Olympics organisers of a cuddly red Phrygian cap as the Games' mascot is proving a harder sell than expected, after critics pounced on the fact that most will be made in China -- and others couldn't help seeing a symbol of feminine sexuality.
A ruff deal: Hong Kong exodus sparks surge in abandoned pets
AFP, Published on 05/09/2022
» HONG KONG - Cassius and Roxie have spent three months at a Hong Kong dog shelter waiting for new owners.
Russia's plastic surgery sector feels pinch from western sanctions
AFP, Published on 07/07/2022
» MOSCOW: When it comes to looking good, Russian women are happy to splash out, even on a bit of nip-and-tuck plastic surgery.
Orkney's seaweed-eating sheep offer hopes of greener farming
AFP, Published on 27/10/2021
» NORTH RONALDSAY, United Kingdom: On a tiny island in Scotland's far-flung Orkneys, thousands of sheep spend the winter munching on seaweed, a unique diet that scientists say offers hope for reducing planet-warming methane emissions.
Men in China go under the knife to boost life chances
AFP, Published on 09/09/2021
» BEIJING - Worried his appearance would detract from opportunities in China's competitive society, Xia Shurong decided to go under the surgeon's knife to reshape his nose -- one of millions of young men in the country turning to cosmetic surgery.