The Week June 11, 2010

Crazy Kisses

Who knew you had to be an acrobat to get kissed in China? That's what the contestants looked like at a kissing contest this week at a modern shopping mall in the ancient city of Xi’An. For a prize of 888 yuan, the winning couple had to strike a pose, resulting in the crazy kisses.

Center stage

How do you upstage a famous former member of the Beatles, and a US president? Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang was at center stage at the White House for a sing-a-long this month. That's US President Barack Obama on one side and former Beatle Paul McCartney on the other, all singing along to "Hey Jude." American audiences will see more of Lang Lang when the show is broadcast across the United States in July.

And by the way, parents, Lang Lang's story is a good reason to let your children watch cartoons. When the famous pianist was only two years old, he said he remembers watching the cartoon, Tom and Jerry. The episode was "The Cat Concerto," which featured the "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" by Liszt. And that's what made him want to learn to play the piano.

World Cup, China-Style

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is under way in South Africa, but what if you don't have a ticket to get in, or an airplane ticket to get there? Fans across China are celebrating at home. They're getting ready to watch the matches on a big outdoor screen in Beijing.

And at bars like the Goose and Duck, they're bringing South Africa to Beijing. How are they doing that? The Week investigates …

Waiting in Line

Yes, summer is here. And that means long lines. Not just at the 2010 World Expo under way in Shanghai, but also at popular tourist attractions around China. So how are tourists coping with the long lines? The Week investigates …

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About the broadcaster:

Renee Haines is an editor and broadcaster at China Daily. Renee has more than 15 years of experience as a newspaper editor, radio station anchor and news director, news-wire service reporter and bureau chief, magazine writer, book editor and website consultant. She came to China from the United States.