"A SACRED mountain in China that has witnessed centuries of Buddhist history was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List on Friday during the 33rd session of the World Heritage Committee in Seville, Spain."
"More than 250,000 frequent fliers who pay $200 a year to speed through airport security lines lost that privilege Monday when a company that runs the expedited lines went out of business.
Verified Identity Pass, which operates its Clear program in 18 airports, said Monday that it would shut operations at every airport by 2 a.m. ET today. The program started at Orlando International Airport in 2005 and grew to major hubs such as Atlanta, Denver, San Francisco and Washington Dulles."
"On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6."
"Starting this weekend, archeological workers will dig through the northern section of the number one pit, most of which has been excavated during the previous two efforts. The upcoming excavation will cover an area of two hundred square meters. The dig is expected to make new discoveries about the imperial life of more than 2,200 years ago."
"Jun. 5, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd, a British airline 51% owned by Richard Branson's Virgin Group and 49% owned by Singapore Airlines Ltd, plans to launch more routes in China as part of its expansion plan, the Shanghai Daily reported on Friday.
The airline will launch routes from Beijing to London in two years and from Shanghai to Australia in 18 months, said Branson, adding that the airline may also offer domestic Chinese flights."
"The traditional Dragon Boat Festival begins today, when the Chinese eat sticky rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves and watch dragon boat matches to mark the death of Qu Yuan, one of China's most famous poets. But fewer people are going abroad this year because of the swine flu situation."
The Peace Hotel - an art deco hotel from the heydays of old Shanghai, the crown jewel of the Bund and once one of the world's most famous hotels - is being rebuilt to anchor the new redevelopment of Shanghai's much-neglected historic waterfront.
Interesting discussion from Adam Minter about a People's/Youth Daily editorial regarding US preparation in the 2010 world Expo.
Original post dated May 8th:
"Late yesterday afternoon Expo 2010 organizers announced that all national pavilion construction work must begin by June 30. Those who miss the deadline will not be allowed to build their own pavilions, and must instead seek space in a "standardized" pavilion or use a common pavilion. The statement didn't single out any particular country, but the target of this ultimatum is unmistakably the United States which, along with Andorra and Columbia, is the only country with Chinese diplomatic relations that has not confirmed for the Expo - and perhaps the only nation to have missed multiple fundraising and construction deadlines (set by itself, no less)."
"To see some of the most spectacular spots on earth before the tour buses arrive, visit the sites being considered for World Heritage designation. Three gems in China's Yunnan province."
