Yesterday's top 20 rating items on Scoop were...
1: Russia
Launches New ICB Missile as Grozny
Invaded
As the Russian military begins its invasion of Grozny, Russia has launched a strategic intercontinental Topol-M missile using the occasion to warn the West against criticising its Chechen campaign. John Howard reports.
2:
Scoop
Editorial: Putin Pushes Devil's Own
Button
An increasingly desperate Russian Prime Minister may have overstepped the mark in his flagrant nuclear sabre rattling display today, writes Scoop's Alastair Thompson.
3:
Scoop
Editorial: Time To Get
Uncomfortable
If democracy can be likened to a flower then in Russia the flower is wilting. Shortly it will probably be plucked and thrown into the compost heap. The results in the Russian Parliamentary elections - now nearly finalised - are a clear wake-up call ...
4:
FULL
TEXT: Speech From The Throne
If there are any doubts still lingering over whether this new government is planning to shake things up, then this speech appears intended to dispel them. There is change afoot...
5:
Grozny
Assault Underway - Troops Enter
Outskirts
The Moscow Times reports that Russian troops have blasted their way into the outskirts of the Chechen capital of Grozny and are now engaging rebel soldiers in the besieged city.
6:
The
Week Ahead In Parliament - New Govt Takes
Over
The first parliament with a new government for nine years opens today and the rest of the week promises to be both busy and bruising.
7:
The
speech from the throne is
absurd
'The idea of a speech from the throne is absurd in 1999. While Sir Michael Hardie-Boys did a fine job, it seems ridiculous for an accomplished judge to be reading a speech on behalf of the Queen that was written by the Prime Minister,' said Dave Guerin, ...
8:
13
Suspected bin Laden Terrorists Arrested
Thirteen people believed to have links to Saudi terrorist Osama bin Laden have been arrested in Jordan on suspicion of plotting terrorist attacks against Americans over the New Year.
9:
MMP
Russian Style - A Right Wing
Landslide
Scoop's Alastair Thompson says the trend in the Russian elections is a swing to the hard right not seen since the 1930's rise of fascism in Nazi Germany. He argues that if you are alarmed by this news you have every right to be.
10:
Americas
Cup - Prada Loses For Second
Time
AmericaOne has beaten Americas Cup leading challenger Luna Rossa ITA48 after a controversial penalty was dished out to Luna Rossa after it hit AmericaOne's transom with its bow. PLUS: here are the latest points, race tables, and schedules...
11:
Scoop
Images: New Bra Beats Bounce
Photo Caption: Sarah Findlay models one of the new Cool Guard sports bras, designed particularly for jogging, aerobics and women's soccer.
12:
Govt
promises exceed available
money
“The new government is making promises that it won’t be able to keep. The tax increases won’t produce enough money to pay for it all.” says National’s Revenue Spokesperson, Annabel Young MP.
13:
US
Timber Loggers Sue Environmental
Groups
Timber loggers in the US state of Minnesota are claiming $600,000 in damages against the US Forest Service and two environmental groups saying "deep ecology" is a religion. John Howard reports.
14:
Americas
Cup - Prada Leads Table As RR2
Ends
Round Robin two of the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series ended after three previously cancelled matches were re-sailed from Race 6 of 14 November. Team Prada's yacht Luna Rossa completed the Round Robin yesterday with a total of 46 points, ...
15:
Y2K
Preparing For A Period Of
Uncertainty
Sydneysiders are hoarding up to six months worth of food, water and batteries as millennium bug panic builds, according to yesterday's Sydney Sunday Telegraph. John Howard looks at Y2K.
16:
Americas
Cup - Prada Favourite At End Of
RR3
After two days of strong winds and postponed match races the Americas Cup challenger race committee finally gave the gun to the final stages of RR3.
17:
Big
Victory For Kiwi Cricketers
The Black Caps have pulled off a huge win against all odds over an astounded West Indian side in Hamilton today, thanks largely to the magnificent efforts of Kiwi all-rounder Chris Cairns.
18:
Irving's
Resignation Leaves Unresolved
Problems
The resignation of Professor Michael Irving as Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington will not solve all of the problems facing the institution, although it is a good start according the Chris Hipkins, incoming President of the Students' ...
19:
Slayed
In NZ Wood Product Brand Label
Launched
A 'Slayed in New Zealand' furniture label was launched today by Native Forest Action who have been running a campaign since February 1997 to stop Timberlands West Coast logging native forests on public land.
20:
Treasury
briefing makes economic development
Vital
New Zealand will only achieve higher living standards and sustained economic growth through a far-sighted economic development programme, Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton said today following the release of Treasury briefing papers.