House blessing

London, May 8 (Reuters): British homeowners wanting to liven up their sex lives, ward off bathroom germs or calm kitchen rows can now call on God ? or at least his ministers ? for help.

A new service is being offered by vicars in the north of England who give blessings to people moving to a new home. They will say prayers for each room, calling on divine assistance to protect the home.

Rev Chris Painter, a vicar in the diocese of Manchester, said individual prayers can be said for every room in the house: For the bedroom, clergy will lay hands on the bed and pray its occupants have a healthy sex life. In the bathroom, they will pray for good health.

Bus odour

Manila (Reuters): Bus drivers negotiating the sweltering streets of Manila have a new thing to stress about ? their armpits. Faced with complaints from commuters fed up with the stench at the front of the bus, taxi and train, Manila authorities have reminded drivers to wash and deodorise daily during the heat of the summer.

Botox love

Seoul (Reuters): South Koreans traditionally used to say it with flowers or money, but now more are showing love and respect to their parents by giving mum and dad coupons for cosmetic surgery. Local media has reported a boom in orders this year for botox treatments, face lifts and hair transplants to mark Parents’ Day. Surgery clinics in Seoul said they have been booked solid for weeks with appointments made by children for their parents.