While you were sleeping: 3 February 2016

By John Stupart

3 Feb 2016

Zika virus hits Texas. Cosby challenges his trial, and anti-Boko Haram force has no cash.

The human brain is amazing. It functions 24 hours a day from the time we were born and only stops when we take an exam or when we are in love."

- Ritu Ghatourey

Story of the Day

I'lll #PayBackTheMoney – President Zuma proposes 'solution' to Nkandla battle

In a statement issued late on Tuesday night, the presidency announced that President Jacob Zuma has made a written proposal to the Constitutional Court to end the long drawn-out battle over the security upgrades at his Nkandla residence. Zuma is proposing that the court request the Auditor-General and Minister of Finance to determine the amount he should pay. The surprise move is in response to the Constitutional Court application by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Democratic Alliance (DA) to declare the president’s response to the Public Protector’s report unconstitutional. Zuma however “remains critical of a number of factual aspects and legal conclusions in the report”. By RANJENI MUNUSAMY.

While you were sleeping

Zika virus found in USA
The Zika virus has officially been transmitted to an individual in Dallas, Texas. Although details on the infection are scarce, it appears the virus was sexually transmitted. The outbreak is now rampant in South America, and with the leap into the United States, some emergency measures are bound to follow soon.
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--- Time to read full article: 2min

Nigerian anti-Boko Haram force unfunded
Just one third of the $700 million needed to fund the formation of a multinational force aimed at fighting Boko Haram has been raised. Thus far Nigeria, Switzerland and France have pledged about $250 million. Although regional military forces are fighting the terrorist group independently, the inability to truly drive home any strategic gains is a major problem.
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--- Time to read full article: 3min

Alphabet soars in value
Alphabet has led Apple in terms of market value, but a comparative study by analysts indicates this may not last. Thirty-one analysts have valued Alphabet at around $628 billion in the next 12 months. Apple, tracked by 49 analysts, has been pegged at $748.5 billion in the same period. Even scarier, more optimistic expectations have Apple valued at over $1 trillion, a first for any listed company.
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--- Time to read full article: 3min

Actor Bill Cosby attempts trial-dodging
Bill Cosby has made a stab at entirely avoiding trial for sexual assault. Cosby, 78, contended that an agreement reached in 2005 absolves him of having to face any trial now. Former Montgomery County district attorney, Bruce Castor, admitted that his 2005 press release indicated Cosby would not be prosecuted. Expect these pre-trial proceedings to drag on a bit this year.
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--- Time to read full article: 4min

Japan's Shinzo Abe to demand North Korean missile test halt
The Japanese president announced on Wednesday the intention to 'demand' North Korea halt its planned missile test. North Korea has announced its intentions to launch a satellite as early as next week, raising concerns about the country's long range missile capabilities. Nonetheless, the 'demand' from Japan is guaranteed to be as effective as a fart against a house fire.
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--- Time to read full article: 1min

In Numbers

2,164,000

The amount of tonnes of coffee produced by Brazil each year. The United States consumes 1,262,000 tonnes.

Facts of the Day

Today in 1960 Retief Goosen was born. The current PGA professional has won the tour seven times, as well as the European Tour fourteen times.

Fact of the day: The United States military has a 26 page manual on baking brownies.

Weather

Financial Data

BFN: min: 21° max: 30°, cloudy
CPT: min: 20° max: 26°, cloudy
DBN: min: 23° max: 29°, rain

EL: min: 21° max: 25°, rainy
JHB: min: 18° max: 33°, rainy
KIM: min: 24° max: 31°, rainy
NLP: min: 14° max: 35°, cloudy
PMB: min: 16° max: 32°, rainy
PKN: min: 16° max: 35°, cloudy
PE: min: 20° max: 22°, rainy
PTA: min: 20° max: 34°, rainy