A glance at the week that was
What's my sign?
If you're wondering why you never win that fortune promised by your horoscope, you may be looking at the wrong star sign. An astronomer in the US has claimed that the zodiac is out of kilter, due to a wobble in Earth's rotation. Because the planet shifts imperceptibly on its axis over a 26,000-year "precession", the stars are in a different position as seen from Earth more than 2,000 years ago, when astrologers first began drawing up star charts. So you may think you're a Scorpio, but you could actually be a Saggitarius – or none of the 12 zodiac signs at all. The "precession" has apparently given rise to a 13th sign: Ophiuchus. Now, who could have predicted that?
Flea soup?
A Dutch scientist who advocates insects as a healthy and ecofriendly food believes insect dishes could be the answer to the global food crisis. Arnold van Huis, a professor at Wageningen University, claims that insects offer more protein per bite than cattle, are cheaper to raise and leave less of a carbon footprint. The professor gives lectures and insect-cookery classes with a master chef, insisting that “only tasting and experience can make [people] change their minds”.
The numbers
$250,000
The average household income of Westlake, Texas, making it the most affluent neighbourhood in the US.
100,000
The number of people expected to emigrate over the next two years, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute.
917ml
Starbucks’ massive new “Trenta” cup size launched in the US this week.
We now know
Arthur Conan Doyle's estate has approved the first new Sherlock Holmesnovel since 1915.
Bubble Ball, a game designed by 14-year-old Robert Nay, has topped iTunes app charts worldwide.
One in five horses is overweight or obese, according to the journal Veterinary Record.
The problems of Ireland were created by irresponsible financial behaviour of some Irish institutions
EU commission president José Manuel Barroso, responding to taunts from Socialist MEP Joe Higgins
