Koba sets a new record of the International Hot Dog contest

Takeru Kobayashi of Japan ended the 2006 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July of International Hot Dog Contest as champion for the sixth time, setting a new world record of 53 and 3/4 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes.

Ten world most famous coffee chain stores (2)

Segafredo Ianetti, founded in Italy in 1962.

Ten world most famous coffee chain stores (1)

Starbucks, founded in the United States in 1971.

Construction of Olympic Games projects underway

Builders work at the construction site of the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, July 5, 2006. The construction of the projects for the 29th Olympic Games are underway according to the plans by now. The construction of most stadiums and other related facilities including the athlete village are expected to be completed within this year.

Japanese chemical weapons unearthed in NE China

Thirty-one Japanese bombs, with seven confirmed to be chemical weapons, were recovered on Wednesday in Ning'an City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Photo shows Experts from Japan and China began on Wednesday excavating a pit at the Ning'an Chemical and Light Industry Company, July 5, 2006.

Nestle makes world's largest chocolate bar

A woman watches a huge chocolate bar weighing 2.67 tons at the Plaza Singapura of Singapore on July 4, 2006. The world's largest chocolate bar made by Nestle has been applied for the Guinness Book of Records.

The first space tourist from Asia

Japanese entrepreneur Daisuke Enomoto undergoes training to become the fourth space tourist in the suburb of Moscow, Wednesday, July 5, 2006. Enomoto is likely to fly in September to the International Space Station, becoming the first Asian space tourist.

Discovery gets its body investigation

A camera on Discovery's robotic arm captures this image of the space shuttle on July 4, 2006. The ground control center of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released on Wednesday that the seven crew members of Discovery started a thorough body investigation of Discovery using a robotic arm in order to examine whether the thermal protection system was damaged during the launch. The preliminary analysis showed there was no obvious damage to the space shuttle.

Streaker interrupts Wimbledon quarter-final match

An unidentified streaker does a cartwheel, as he interrupts the Women's Singles quarter-final match between Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva, both of Russia, on the Center Court at Wimbledon, Tuesday, July 4, 2006. (China Daily/Agencies)

They are my babies

A tigress cares her quintuplets at the Hengdaohezi Feline Animals Breeding Center in Mudanjiang, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 5, 2006. The five cubs were born on July 3, 2006. The northeast tiger also gave birth to three and four babies respectively in 2004 and 2005, workers in the center said.

Afghanistan burns 40 tons of narcotics

Soldiers of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) watch the destruction of narcotics on the outskirts of Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, July 5, 2006. Afghan government burned 40 tons of narcotics including 4.1 tons of heroin, 12 tons of opium and 24 tons of hashish on July 5. (Xinhua)

Israel enlarges operation in Gaza Strip

Israeli soldiers wait for orders to enter northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. The Israeli army enlarged on Wednesday night its ground operation into northern Gaza Strip by sending more tanks, personnel carriers and armored vehicles as well as troops into the area.

Rainstorm attackes Anhui Province

A cleaner drains water on a flooded street in Wuhu, a city in east China's Anhui Province, July 5, 2006. Many areas of Anhui Province were stricken by rainstorm in recent days, leaving 4.12 million people affected and three dead. (Xinhua)

Lotus in rain in West Lake

Tourists view lotus flowers in rain at the Wesk Lake in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, July 5, 2006. Lotus in the West Lake are in full blossom. (Xinhua)

China, India to reopen historic trade route

A soldier (R) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and an Indian soldier stand guard at the Nathu La Pass on the border between China and India July 5, 2006. China and India will restart border trade on July 6 through the Nathu La Pass, a historical trading route that has been closed for 44 years.

France eliminates Portugal 1-0

Zinedine Zidane (2nd L) of France jubilates with teammates Willy Sagnol (2nd R), Patrick Vieira (R) and Franck Ribery during the semifinal of World Cup 2006 in Munich, Germany on July 5, 2006.

One killed, dozens injured in Kabul blasts

An Afghan policeman inspects a bus destroyed in a bomb attack in Kabul July 5, 2006. A government employee was killed and 43 people including 39 of the Afghan Defense Ministry were injured on Wednesday when three bomb blasts rocked Kabul.

Fire works diaplay on US Independence Day

People watch the fireworks in Washington D.C. during the celebration of the Independence Day on July 4, 2006.

France sails into World Cup final

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari (R) consoles Cristiano Ronaldo after their World Cup 2006 semi-final soccer match against France in Munich July 5, 2006. (Photo: Reuters/China Daily)