Monks' diets strike the right balance

ATHENS: Living like a monk may have health benefits, including lowered risk of cancer, according to a recent study into one of the world's most isolated monastic communities.

French frown on fast food but Brits, Americans are loving it

LONDON: Britons are the world's biggest fans of fast food, just ahead of Americans, while the famously gastronomic French are the least attracted to quick meals, according to a study published last week.

IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Every Rose has its thorn

In Tian Qinxin's blog, she quotes Ang Lee discussing his award-winning film Lust, Caution. "It's a thankless job to adapt Eileen Chang's novel," the Oscar-winning director says.

A new era dawns

The night was almost over as thousands of fans waved their hands in the air while joining Cui Jian in a sing-along with his classic Rock'n'roll on the New Long March.

NBT makes its pointe with ballet

A silent, delicate and beautiful English ballerina and her dancing co-stars have left their marks on Chinese audiences.

Life Culture

Why these fields of dreams lead to the White House

When the iconic baseball movie Field of Dreams was filmed in 1989, Dyersville, Iowa, provided the field, and director/screenwriter Phil Alden Robinson provided the dreams.

Life Expat

Choosing a Chinese name

I need help choosing a Chinese name. I know it is hard to make a suggestion if you don't know me, but maybe you could tell me about feminine names that you like. I'm interested in meaning, and I don't care if the name sounds similar to my original name, or not. I'd like a name that refers to silence, peace, reflection or something similar.

We are family

Jim Gradoville is the China president of an international mega company that last year generated $53 billion. United Technologies built the world's first working helicopter, invented elevators and air conditioning, developed the first commercially available hydrogen fuel cells and designed life support systems for the space shuttle.

Happy snapping in breathtaking valleys

In early December, I teamed up with several photography lovers to explore Shenyu River, which is a scenic attraction in Huidong County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest China's Sichuan Province.