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US sub straddles two centuries at the international datelineWASHINGTON: The nuclear-powered US navy attack submarine Topeka straddled the ...

US sub straddles two centuries at the international dateline
WASHINGTON: The nuclear-powered US navy attack submarine Topeka straddled the international dateline beneath the western pacific ocean at midnight, allowing its crew a unique stroll between the centuries. The submarine, using sophisticated satellite positioning technology, straddled the dateline dividing Friday and Saturday as the new century dawned in the first of the world8217;s 24 time zones. It was aligned North to South, allowing the 140-man crew to walk back and forth between 1999 and 2000.

8220;I can tell you that there were plenty of ships vying for the spot on the surface of the ocean during the precise time, but I can assure you we were the only ones at 122 metres below the surface to experience it,8221; said Topeka8217;s commanding officer, Cmdr Mark Patton, in a statement released at the Pentagon. 8220;This is awesome it8217;s better than Times square8221; in New York city on new year8217;s eve, added Lt. Michael Bratton, Topeka8217;snavigator. The Los Angeles class attack submarine, which has its home port in Hawaii, embarked November 4 on a six-month deployment. It has travelled more than 16,000 km under water during 50 days on patrol in the western pacific, the navy said.

Iraq ignores coming of 2000, hopes for end to sanctions
BAGHDAD: Iraq8217;s mostly ignored the millennium changeover with streets deserted and no parties as midnight struck, but with state TV and newspapers asking if there would be an end to crippling UN sanctions. The only sign of celebration for the people of Baghdad was that their electricity was not cut off as it usually is at night. Iraq8217;s youth TV, run by President Saddam Hussein8217;s eldest son Uday, broadcast images of celebration from around the world, including London and Paris. At midnight the presenter blew out candles on a cake saying: 8220;We call on the Almighty to lift this unjust embargo imposed on our country by the American octopus.8221; The Babel newspaper, also run by Uday Saddam Hussein,said that 8220;all the world in 1999 hoped for a change at the international level, notably towards sanctions which has been imposed on us for more than nine years8221;.

Millennium8217;s first baby is unwell
AUCKLAND: New Zealand8217;s and the world8217;s first baby born this millennium is unwell and receiving special treatment, hospital authorities said on Saturday. The baby boy, as yet unnamed, was born at Waitakere Hospital in West Auckland at one minute after midnight on New Year8217;s Eve. The parents remained media shy, but a media release from Waitemata Health on Saturday night said the 9lb 4oz baby was born after the mother went into labour spontaneously and had a normal delivery with no pain relief.