While you were sleeping: 29 June 2016

Istanbul suffers twin suicide bombers, Benghazi report says nothing new, and mantis cannibalism explained.

By John Stupart

29 Jun

“I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.”

– Julia Child

Story of the Day

Incorruptible, indestructible: The unassuming power of Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel might be known as “Mutti” or Mommy in her country but she is not about to kiss the United Kingdom’s (UK) forehead to make it feel better about its planned exit from the European Union (EU). In her vintage steely but even tone, Merkel made it clear on Tuesday that there would be no special favours to make the UK’s exit easier. The Brexit vote was an affront to Merkel’s vision for a united Europe. In spite of this and a backlash in Germany over the migration issue, Merkel is on her way to another term as Chancellor next year. With the possibility of South Africa’s next president being a woman, RANJENI MUNUSAMY was in Berlin to find out what makes the world’s most powerful woman tick.
Read more

While you were sleeping

Thirty-six killed in Istanbul attack

An attack in the international terminal of Istanbul's Atatürk Airport has left at least 36 dead. Two explosions, followed by gunfire, have been reported. It is currently believed that three suicide bombers were responsible for the attack. Read more

Kerry believes Brexit is 'reversible'

US Secretary of State John Kerry believes the Brexit decision could be walked back if need be. Talking to media late on Tuesday, Kerry noted that Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron was reluctant to become the architect of a divorce he never wanted. Read more

Benghazi report sheds little new light

A Republican lawmakers' report on Benghazi has revealed little new information on the assault on a US mission in 2012. While the 800-page report attempted to pin some blame on Hillary Clinton's role in the disaster, White House spokesperson, Josh Earnest, noted, "conspiracy theories that have been flowering on the Republican side of the aisle are politically motivated fantasies". Read more

Praying Mantis cannibalism explained

At last you can put your weary mind at ease. One of the world's most curious cases of cannibalism has been solved. Female praying mantis' inclination to eat their mate's head, US researchers explained, arises out of a desire by both male and female to provide immediate nourishment for their young. Rather than, well, an inclination to bite the male's head off for fun. Read more

In Numbers

The increase in IQ experienced among students whose teachers were told they were smart.

Facts of the Day

Today in 1613 saw the Globe Theatre burn down.

Fact of the day: Your pupils will dilate when multiplying two two-digit numbers.

Weather

Financial Data

BFN: min: 2° max: 18°, sunny
CPT: min: 7° max: 16°, sunny
DBN: min: 12° max: 20°, sunny
EL: min: 13° max: 18°, cloudy
JHB: min: 2° max: 21°, sunny
KIM: min: 5° max: 20°, sunny
NLP: min: 6° max: 24°, cloudy
PMB: min: 6° max: 23°, cloudy
PKN: min: 5° max: 21°, sunny
PE: min: 10° max: 17°, sunny
PTA: min: 4° max: 21°, sunny

Oil=$48.30

Gold=$1,315.14
Platinum=$977.50
R/$=15.17
R/€=16.75
R/£=20.22
$/€=1.10
JSE All Share=51,141.14
DJIA=17,264.40
FTSE 100=6,140.39
Source

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	While you were sleeping: 28 June 2016 By John Stupart