Not Intent on Arriving

Back in 2008, residents of China normally obtained 21 new plastic bags on a weekly basis, and rarely would use the same bag more than once. Then, the government stepped in. They forced shopkeepers to use more durable bags, and charged a fixed rate for plastic bags. The Chinese reacted favorably to the ban, at the time.

“If we can reduce waste and save resources, then it’s good both for us and the whole world,” said college student Xu Lixian, who was buying tangerines out of cardboard boxes at a sidewalk stall.

“While plastic shopping bags provide convenience to consumers, this has caused a serious waste of energy and resources and environmental pollution because of excessive usage, inadequate recycling and other reasons,” the State Council in the Chinese government said.

Now, the decision is bearing fruit. Just two years after the changes, bag consumption is already down 49 percent and more than half of them are being reused.

Is the Chinese model one for the United States, where more than 100 billion bags are thrown out ANNUALLY?

German news magazine Der Spiegel published a fascinating look into the South American drug world. The magazine interviewed the former captain of a homemade submarine that delivered drugs to Mexico. How the man got into the drug world might surprise you. His wife was sick and he didn’t have any money to pay for her operation, so he agreed to captain one shipment of drugs in order to make some quick money. After that mission, the drug lords threatened him and wouldn’t let him go. As is often the case, the world of drugs is complex.  And, after reading this article, you’ll find it’s hardly luxurious for everyone.

Close your eyes in horror…

Everyone’s OK.

Check it out…

Thirty years ago pimps, prostitutes, criminals and other seedy characters roamed the Times Square area in New York City. Now, following years of redevelopment of the area and patience, the metamorphosis is complete.

Included in The New York Times article are some amazing statistics. In just over 20 years, tourism has increased 74 percent, attendance of Broadway shows reached 12 million people last year, advertising space now retails at more than $4 million annually and corporate giants have relocated to Times Square.

Even more amazing is the interactive display that The Times created along with the article (that top image is from 1989!). Times Square is back!