##New York Gets Connected

Connected to Beijing, that is.  Due to the opening of Russian airspace near the North Pole, several airlines have begun to offer non-stop polar flights to Beijing.  This has cut flight time down to 13.5 hours, comparable to a direct flight from Los Angeles.  Introductory ticket prices start at $600, also comparable to Los Angeles.  [&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/22/travel/22ADVBX.html?tntemail0&amp;pagewanted=print">Link</a>&nbsp;]

--Google is testing a news service.  Try searching for China, Beijing or your favorite Chinese government official.  [&nbsp;<a href="http://www.google.com/news">Link</a>&nbsp;]