Google's social network Google+ hits 20 million visitors

Google+ has had 20 million unique visitors –- 5 million of them in the U.S. -- since it launched the social networking service three weeks ago, research firm ComScore reports. "It is definitely the fastest ascent to 20 million visitors that I can think of," said Andrew Lipsman, ComScore's vice president of industry analysis. The new data shows that explosive growth even though Google has not officially rolled out the service or marketed it to its more than 1 billion search engine users. It comes just a week after Google Chief Executive Larry Page said that Google+ had more than 10 million users and that they were sharing and receiving...

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China feeling like No. 1 with a bullet train

A high-profile stretch of the high-speed rail system opens, an event meant to showcase national achievement as the Chinese Communist Party marks its 90th birthday. But there's been some controversial baggage to handle along the way.Reporting from Beijing—It's the fastest thing on land with a "Made in China" label — a bullet train that speeds past unfinished suburbs and broken farmhouses at nearly 200 mph between Beijing and Shanghai in a blur of national pride.Opened to the public Thursday, the landmark line connects China's two biggest cities and is meant to showcase the country's innovative muscle and give the Chinese Communist Party a shot...

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China tries to put brakes on overheated economy

A woman walks past signs on a retail street in Beijing. China’s economy expanded at an annualized rate of 9.5% in the second quarter, slightly slower than the first quarter, thanks largely to efforts by authorities to cut bank lending and hike interest rates.Reporting from Beijing— While the Obama administration struggles to jump-start the stalled U.S. recovery, policymakers in Beijing have an opposite but equally formidable task: putting the brakes on China's speeding economy without triggering...

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China's high-speed rail glitches: Racing to make errors?

Problems with China's new high-speed rail line between Beijing and Shanghai have added to suspicions that the government had rushed several big projects in order to have them open in time for the Communist Party's 90th anniversary celebration.A high-speed train arrives at Nanjing South Railway Station during a test run. (ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images / June 23, 2011)By David Pierson, Los Angeles TimesJuly 16, 2011Reporting from Beijing—China's high-speed rail line between Beijing and Shanghai has been beset by glitches in the two weeks since it opened to great fanfare on the eve of the Chinese Communist Party's 90th anniversary celebration.In the...

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North Korea flouts ban on luxury goods, South Korea charges

North Korea spent $10 million on items such as fine whiskey and American cigarettes, imported via China, in the first half of the year, South Korean officials say. The allegations come as North Korea is seeking international aid to feed its people.Cleaners rappel down the front of a shopping mall displaying the logo of Italian fashion label Giorgio Armani in central Beijing. (Reuters)By John M. Glionna, Los Angeles TimesJuly 22, 2011Reporting from Seoul—The news reports detail such conspicuous consumption as imported top-shelf whiskey and designer brands such as Gucci, Armani and Rolex, not to mention Big Macs flown in daily from China.As North...

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In India, 'cheer queens' opt for saris

The cheerleading squad for the Indian cricket team Pune Warriors takes a traditional-culture, fully clothed approach to motivate players and fans. It calls for complex hand waves and traditional dance steps in saris.Cheerleaders perform during the Pune Warriors' match against Kings XI Punjab in Mumbai, India. The Warriors introduced their traditional-culture, fully clothed "cheer queens" this year. (Rajanish Kakade / Associated Press / April 10, 2011)Reporting from New Delhi— Can sari-clad "cheer...

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