Drug enforcement chief to quit in sex scandal

The head of the US Drug Enforcement Administration will retire, an official said on Tuesday, following a scandal involving drug agents who participated in sex orgies in Colombia with prostitutes hired by a drug cartel.

Army sent in to quell attacks on foreigners

South African soldiers were deployed overnight to tackle gangs targeting and killing foreigners after at least seven people died in a wave of anti-immigrant violence.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

IHG starts global program to cater to Chinese visitors

Finding a hot cup of Chinese tea or a bowl of congee for breakfast is a delightful surprise for Chinese tourists traveling overseas. Now a hospitality group is offering much more than that as it develops global standards for Chinese visitors to its facilities around the world.

New brand for Plateno

The Plateno Group recently announced the launch of its new H12 hotel brand in Asia, Europe and Africa.

Starwood unveils Tribute brand for independent hotels

In a move that will allow its most-valued customers to gain access to some of the world's best independently owned hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, introduced its Tribute Portfolio on Thursday.

Roundup

Appointments

Inter Continental brings Sophisticated splendor to Suzhou

The InterContinental Suzhou is one of the most prestigious luxury hotels in the historic garden city of Suzhou. The stunning property occupies a coveted location on the shores of Jinji Lake, a showpiece destination in one of China's most popular tourism cities.

A taste of spring at Aria

With the arrival of spring, the chefs at Aria of China World Hotel in Beijing are preparing appropriate fresh and seasonal dishes. At a cooking class on Tuesday, the restaurant's chef de cuisine, Phillip Taylor, demonstrated how to make some healthy and beautiful seafood and poultry dishes to thrill the eyes and tantalize the palate.

Roundup

Appointments

Age-old taboos over death gradually being laid to rest

Traditionally a taboo subject for many Chinese, the topic of dealing with arrangements surrounding a death in the family is an uneasy one.

Burial-plot prices match realty costs

The cost of where you are laid to rest when you die has been soaring in China almost as quickly as where to live when you're alive.