A South Korean woman who tried to pass the written exam for a driver's licence with near-daily attempts since April 2005 has finally succeeded on her 950th time.
Ms Cha Sa Soon, 68, spent more than 5 million won ($5,970) in application fees, but until now had failed to score the minimum 60 out of 100 points. She must now pass a driving test before getting her licence which she says she needs for her vegetable business, the Korea Times reported. AP
A court in south-west China has sentenced a pair of 23-year-old twins to 17 years in prison for running a criminal gang.
Zhang Bo and Zhang Tao were convicted of organised crime linked to illegal gambling, assault and destroying property at an electronic gaming parlour, according to the Chongqing intermediate court. The pair were also convicted of heading a criminal network that ran a series of "mobile gambling dens" since 2007.
Another 21 defendants, mostly youth hired by the twins, were given sentences of between one and 13 years. AFP
Irish rockers U2 on Thursday warmed the German capital up for celebrations next week, marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The band played at the Brandenburg Gate (picture), a landmark blocked off to West Berliners before the peaceful revolution that tore down the wall dividing the city on Nov 9, 1989. Around 100,000 revellers are expected at the official celebrations on Monday. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up in East Germany, will host a gathering of world leaders. AFP
Malaysian Chinese Association leaders aligned to Mr Liow Tiong Lai confirmed on Friday that they are going ahead with another Extraordinary General Meeting on Nov 28, in a step which bears out a significant amount of dissatisfaction with the recent "greater unity plan". The EGM is to pave the way for fresh party elections.
The MCA crisis was triggered by party president Ong Tee Keat's push to oust his deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek. Central committee member Wong Nai Chee said fresh polls were the best way to solve the MCA crisis. The Malaysian Insider
Investigators spent five days searching for a missing infant, only to find her lying quietly in a small cedar box hidden under her baby sitter's bed. The authorities say the baby's mother, Chrystina Mercer (picture, top left), gave her to baby sitter Susan Baker (picture, bottom left) early Saturday, then reported her missing about 10 hours later.
Seven-month-old Shannon Dedrick (picture, right) was stashed in the box for 12 straight hours before investigators discovered her on Wednesday. Both women were jailed. Mercer was charged with desertion of a child while charges against Baker included neglect of a child with aggravated circumstances. AP