Pick of the week

Some of the week's most interesting reports

6 - 12 May 2002

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BBC News Online presents a round-up of some of the week's more remarkable stories covered by BBC correspondents.

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Thailand combats stray dogs

Castration is the alternative to killing

Thailand is increasingly becoming overrun by stray dogs which often carry diseases such as rabies. But culling is not the preferred option. Buddhist doctrine forbids cruelty to animals, so a Thai vet has come up with a more humane solution.

The BBC's Jonathan Head reports

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Singer condems classical 'hijackers'

Sir Thomas targetted acts like Bond

Opera singer Sir Thomas Allen launched an attack on populist classical musicians like Bond and Charlotte Church. He said artists who got attention for their image as much as their music threatened the integrity of the profession, making it mediocre and a "money-grabbing, PR-led" exercise.

The BBC's Rosie Millard reports

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Dutch far-right leader shot dead

Pim Fortuyn said Moslem immigration threatened Dutch liberal values

Maverick politician Pim Fortuyn was shot dead just nine days before the Dutch general election. Almost unknown until a few months ago, he was expected to poll 20% or more with his uncompromising call to stop any more Moslem immigration into the Netherlands. The election will go ahead but under a considerable shadow.

The BBC's Nicholas Jones reports

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May the hype be with you

Ewan McGregor plays Obi Wan Kenobi again

The fifth Star Wars movie is due out next week across the world on the same day 16 May. Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones is set 10 years before the original Star Wars movie and stars Ewan McGregor as a young Obi Wan Kenobi

The BBC's David Sillito reports

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These boots are made for walking

Karl Bushby aims to walk 36,000 miles

A British man is attempting to break the world record for the longest walk in history by taking a 10-year hike. Former soldier Karl Bushby has already travelled 10,000 miles since he set off from Chile in 1998, but does not expect to reach his home town in northern England until 2009.

The BBC's David Willis reports

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