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Newly separated twins Trishna (Left) and Krishna picutred here with their Australina guardian Moira Kelly in Melbourne. The pair are expected to make a full recovery. Photo: Reuters

Waking up to a new life after twin separation

One of the girls who was separated from her conjoined twin during a marathon operation woke up yesterday and is making a strong recovery, her surgeon said.

Five survive two months lost at sea by eating driftwood

By Bonnie Malkin in Sydney

Five Papua New Guineans were recovering in hospital yesterday after spending more than two months adrift in the Pacific Ocean surviving on a diet of driftwood, coconut shells and the occasional crab.

Obama takes a time-out to visit his half-brother in China

By Tini Tran in Beijing

PRESIDENT Barack Obama yesterday revealed he took time out from his trip to Asia to meet his half brother who lives in China and who recently wrote a semi-autobiographical novel about the father they share.

China and US can't bridge differences despite smiles

By Peter Foster in Beijing

The presidents of America and China were unable to disguise deep divisions on human rights, trade, Iran and climate change after hours of talks in Beijing yesterday.

Shark-spotting planes mobilised over Sydney beaches

By Bonnie Malkin in Sydney

Reports of a rise in the number of sharks off Sydney's beaches has forced the government to launch a trial of planes to spot any lurking in the water during the busy summer months.

North Korean ship 'in flames' after sea skirmish with South

By Peter Foster in Beijing

North and South Korean warships exchanged fire along a disputed sea border area off the west coast of the Korean peninsula yesterday, just days before US President Barack Obama was due to embark on a crucial tour of Asia.

Nude car wash land men in hot water

Four Australian men who stripped down and soaped up at a car wash have been charged with exposure and public nuisance.

Disney to open Shanghai park after negotiation rollercoaster

By Jane Macartney in Beijing

Walt Disney has been given approval to open a theme park in Shanghai -- allowing the Magic Kingdom to thrive in the Middle Kingdom.

Rainmakers get it wrong, so here's snow instead

By Peter Foster in Beijing

Attempts by China's renowned weather scientists to end a drought brought winter to Beijing early this year, leaving the capital blanketed in snow.

Rising sea levels could put damper on Oz life

By Anne Barrowclough in Sydney

Australia's fabled beachside life of sea and surf is under threat from rising sea levels. Those living in coastal areas most at risk could be ordered out of their homes for their own safety, while new construction in other sensitive seaside areas may be banned.

Inside Asia-Pacific

03:12 Health care reforms vote in Senate

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Columnist Comments

• Kevin Myers: Armistice Day poppycock threatens our free speech

They started wearing the poppy on the BBC last week, midway through October, nearly a month before Armistice Day. They also ambushed the British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin.

• Ian O'Doherty: All hail Xenu. Or something

The Cult of Scientology is having a really, really bad week. They have been found guilty of fraud in France, and slapped with a large fine -- although given how expert they are at bilking money from the gullible morons who buy into their claptrap, they shouldn't have any problem raising it.