BERLIN - Lufthansa cancelled two thirds of its flights yesterday after flight attendants walked off the job at airports around Germany in an escalating battle with bosses of the country's largest airline, but signs emerged that the two sides may be prepared to return to the negotiating table. Union chairman Nicoley Baublies said at Frankfurt airport early yesterday that he had talked by phone with Lufthansa overnight and the two sides had agreed to call in a mediator to help them settle their dispute. AP
NEW YORK - An eyewear website operator who threatened some of his customers with murder or rape when they complained about their glasses has been sentenced to four years in prison. Vitaly Borker, 35, shook his head and wiped his hand across his eyes as US District Judge Richard Sullivan announced the sentence, along with nearly US$100,000 in fines and restitution. Several people who testified said they called police or installed security systems because of threats Borker made after they complained about glasses they bought from the website. AP