Life Health

Forget the finish line

LONDON: I am trotting around Bedford Square in central London like a pony in the ring, steered by a hand on the back of my neck and another on my lower back. The potential for feeling foolish is high, but what I actually feel is a great sense of joy. I've been running for 18 years but it has never felt this easy and, well, bouncy.

Go slow, it's not a race

Lie down for a few minutes before you run to prepare mentally and to allow the spine to decompress. Keep your knees bent and put a few books under your head.

Houseplant aversion is real for allergy sufferers

HAMBURG: When people come down with a runny nose and itchy eyes in their homes, they often think the cause is an allergy.

IN BRIEF (Page 19)

CEPA Special

International exchange programs flourishing

The China National School of Administration (CNSA) has established a batch of international exchange programs with some 40 countries in five continents.

CEPA aims to build service-oriented gov't

The four-year China-Europe Public Administration Program (CEPA), launched in 2003 and scheduled to come to a close at the end of 2007, has greatly benefited the Chinese government in terms of public administration and public management, said Yuan Shuhong, vice president of the Chinese National School of Administration (CNSA).

Training draws warm response

The teaching methods of European Union (EU) experts have been well received by Chinese civil servants under the four-year China-EU Public Administration (CEPA) program, which began in 2003.

Forum opens today

The fourth China-Europe Senior Forum on Government Management will begin today at the China National School of Administration (CNSA).

Life Expat

You never know your luck in a big city

Most musicians don't seem to mind a drink, so starting my search for others to start a band with meant making a beeline for the bars. Beijing, in particular, is witnessing a growth of local acts and because underground music is relatively new, there's not the cold shoulders and elitism that is associated with more established scenes. By and large, musicians here are willing to collaborate and many can be found milling about live venues.