A controversial charge on fixed phone users

A recent proposal by Li Tiejun, a deputy to Beijing People's Congress, to cancel the monthly rent fee of fixed phones, has raised controversy. Operators argue it is an "international practice". The Ministry of Information Industry said it would make its decision public after it informed Li first. It is widely believed the fee will continue to be charged at least this year.

Projects for Beijing Olympics venues stepping up

The pace of construction for the 2008 Beijing Olympics has stepped up, with some key projects now running round the clock during the traditional Spring Festival. Other Olympic venues will also step up construction.

Tian Liang to rally in New Year

Chinese Olympic diving champion Tian Liang is expressing his New Year wishes. He wants to shrug off his disappointments in 2004, and is aiming to win a gold medal in the 10th National Games.

Hamas agrees to honor Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire

Hamas leader Mahmud Zahar holds a press conference following his meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in Gaza City. Hamas and Islamic Jihad agreed to maintain an informal truce with Israel. Photo Source: Xinhua/AFP

Playwright Arthur Miller dies at 89

Arthur Miller, the American playwright whose works included "Death of a Salesman," "All My Sons" and "The Crucible", has died aged 89. Considered by many as one of the most significant American writers of the 20th century, Miller also became celebrated for his 1956 marriage to Marilyn Monroe, hailed by tabloids as a classic meeting of beauty and brains.

Temple fair in Beijing

Annual temple fairs are reigniting the atmosphere of spring festival in Beijing, residents are rambling in cheer and harmony. The temple fair is a traditional activity during the spring festival which mainly consists of culture show, performances, folk acrobatics and food.

Gulls and tulips for Spring Festival

A flock of Siberian red-billed gulls fly over Cuihu lake as tourists admire the blossoming tulips at Cuihu park in Kunming, capital of southwest Yunnan Province, on Feb. 12, 2005.

Ariane-5 rocket launched successfully

The launch of Ariane 5 ECA V164 in Kourou, French Guiana. More than half a billion euros and Europe's bid to rival the United States and Russia in the lucrative market for satellite launches will be riding on the mammoth rocket. Source: Xinhua/AFP