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Photo: Lu Dike, owner of a restaurant in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has "hired" two robots to serve customers, hoping that they will attract more business. Lu said each robot cost 60,000 yuan ($9,770).

Culture: With the Year of the Sheep less than three months away, maternity hospitals throughout China are inundated with expectant mothers who want their babies to be born in the Year of the Horse. People believe that those born in the Year of the Sheep will have bad luck throughout their lives.

Bilingual news: You may have noticed that politicians' voices appear to change as they rise up the ranks. Scientists from San Diego State University found that being in a position of power can fundamentally change the way you speak, and other people can pick up on these vocal clues.