Talking points

Some 45 years of culinary history come to an end in Shau Kei Wan with the closure of the popular Kam Kee Cafe, the latest victim of the city's soaring rents. Owner Chan Gui-chou, 91, says a proposed rent increase from HK$20,000 a month to HK$50,000 was the last straw for a business already struggling to cope with rapidly increasing food prices. He serves milk tea and coffee from HK$11 a cup, and set meals with instant noodles and macaroni from HK$21.

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong faces a deadline to appeal against the International Cycling Union's decision to strip him of his seven Tour de France titles and ban him for life. International cycling's governing body is unlikely, however, to have to fight an appeal after Armstrong announced earlier this year he would end his fight against devastating allegations of doping.