Great Wall of China Can Not Be Seen from Space
By Ted Masterson · Editorial · No Comments
I’ve heard it everywhere and so have you, “the Great Wall of China is the only manmade structure that is visible from space.” I’ve heard it twice on the Discovery Channel, once on the Travel Channel, at least a half dozen times in the news, and even from my friend Danny, the one Chinese-American I’ve really been close with over the years. Sadly, it doesn’t make it any more true nor any less ridiculous. Let’s put this legend to bed, you can not see the Great Wall of China from space.
AIDS and HIV is a worldwide epidemic. Last year there were 70,000 new cases recorded on mainland China and although most of these new cases were intravenous drug users, sex workers and their clients, the virus has begun to spread among the general population. China’s representative to The World Health Organization, Dr. Henk Bekedam stated, “China’s HIV infections have been linked to high-risk behavior. But now, sex work is moving it toward the general population,” making unprotected sex the newest means for the virus’ spread throughout China.
Last week I reported that American Airlines would be offering non-stop service between Chicago and Shanghai. Now, Continental Airlines is hoping to service Shanghai as well; an effort that would not only give consumers choice but might bring Continental out of the red.
Wealth is Power
If you’re like me I’m sure you have picture identification. Why? Because you wish to drive (legally), cash checks or cheques (also legally) or get into bars (hopefully legally, but let’s not kid each other).
When renting an apartment in Shanghai, it’s as important to make sure your I’s are dotted and T’s crossed as it is to get a lease in your native language. After all, how do you dot an I in Chinese? What’s more important is to make sure that your deposit is not overly expensive, because just like anywhere you might live, you may never see it again.
Planning on relocating your precious pooch and discriminating kitty to Shanghai with the rest of your family? There is much you must do to be successful and, unfortunately if you do not follow the guidelines to the letter you may be forced to send your furry friend back to whence he came.
We love our age-old and (un)duly 