Wal-Mart starts selling coffins
The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, now plans to hold on to customers even after they die - by selling coffins.
Prices range from a "Mom" or "Dad Remembered" steel coffin for $895 (£540), to a bronze model at $2,899.
The retailer is allowing customers to plan ahead by paying for the caskets over 12 months for no interest. They can be dispatched within 48 hours.
Catering for cradle-to-grave needs, Wal-Mart already sells everything from baby wear to engagement rings.
A spokesman for the supermarket giant, Ravi Jariwala, said the new coffin range was "a limited beta test to understand customer response".
The retailer is offering caskets at prices that undercut many funeral homes, say correspondents.
But an industry spokesman said it was not gravely concerned about Wal-Mart's move because he said the firm could not offer bereaved families the human touch.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8333198.stm
Egypt seeks ethical mobile users
A code of ethics for the use of mobile phones has been launched by Egypt's official telecoms regulatory body.
The 16-point guide includes advice about when to switch phones off and warns against annoying others with ringtones and loud conversations.
Mobile phone technology is "considered one of the greatest technologies (to) emerge in the last few years to serve humanity," it says.
But it should not be used to "annoy or tease" others, the guide continues.
The code was prepared by the country's National Telecom Regulatory Authority and the Consumer Rights Protection Committee.
"This Ethics Code aims to regulate the users' behaviours on using mobile phones especially with the increasing and intense problems and irresponsible behaviour of some users of mobile technology," reads the introduction.
Putting pictures or videos of somebody on the internet without their consent is punishable by law, warns the guide.
Mobile phones should never be used to "violate others' privacy".
It also says that mobile phone users will face legal action for sending text messages that include "inappropriate words or indecent photos".
Users are told to be patient with wrong numbers and not to answer calls from unknown sources.
"Use your mobile phone to report something or receive important information," instructs the code.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8331614.stm
If you cycle, don't wear a helmet!
Posted especially for Virgil :D
A recent study by the University of Bath has shown that cyclists are more likely to be hit by other road users if they're wearing a helmet. The less professional you appear, the more room you're given on the road. Info here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/5334208.stm
