Kuwait unrest

Kuwait, Dec. 16 (Reuters): Kuwait’s ruler opened a new Parliament on Sunday in the face of months of street protests and political unrest.

Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah said he welcomed constructive criticism but would not accept lawless behaviour and chaos on the streets.

Security forces had set up barriers that stopped Opposition activists approaching the building overnight to continue demonstrations against what they see as a rubber-stamp Assembly.

Danny, not sir

London: Danny Boyle, who created the acclaimed opening ceremony for the London Olympics, has turned down a knighthood to remain “a man of the people”.

Boyle, the Oscar-winning director of Slumdog Millionaire, was recommended for the award by the UK government’s arts and media honours committee in recognition of his services to the country.

However, when officials approached Boyle , he indicated he could not accept. He said the theme of his ceremony had been about citizens being equal — and a knighthood would have made him “unequal”.