A bad week for ..., January 20, 2013

HMV

The British chain, one of Hong Kong's biggest music, DVD and game retailers, went into administration in a last-ditch effort to prevent collapse as it risked breaching its bank loan agreements. The financial problems could affect 4,350 staff worldwide - but there were bargains galore for local shoppers, with DVD prices slashed to as little as HK$20.

Taiwanese troops

Taipei's army normally enjoys a feast of abalone to mark the Lunar New Year. But with the island's economy not enjoying the best of times, the traditional festive reward for entry-level troops has been scaled back. Instead, the troops will dine on boxed meals, reflecting similar cutbacks on festivities at private companies and in other government departments.

Darth Vader

The fictional Star Wars villain - and fans - were left with earth-shattering news when the US government rejected a 34,000-strong petition demanding the building of a "Death Star". As White House science chief Paul Shawcross said, "The administration does not support blowing up planets" and it was worried about spending quadrillions of dollars on a vessel "that can be exploited by a one-man starship".