People

Tian Feng: China’s Ecotourism Expert

January 11th, 2009 by Editors

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Ecotourism is a hot topic globally, but like any “green” trend, the ecotourism label can be more of a marketing scheme than an indicator of sustainability. In China, ecotourism is even more difficult to define. The term implies no particular environmental awareness. It can include rustic backpacking and closely-managed mass tourism complete with buses and paved roads. It may incorporate cultural education, the opportunity to buy local crafts, or merely a view of a lake.

Dudamel in da House

November 26th, 2008 by Editors

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Venezuela is known for Hugo Chavez, oil exports and its record number of Miss World pageant winners. But if classical music fans had their way, it would also be synonymous with Gustavo Dudamel, its 27-year old star conductor, and El Sistema, the state-sponsored music education system that gave him his start…

A Woman on a Wave: Talking to Rebecca Gomperts

October 16th, 2008 by Editors

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I recently spoke to Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, founder of Women on Waves, the organization that helps women from countries where abortion is illegal, obtain the controversial abortion pill RU-486 on a ship-sailing under the Dutch flag-anchored in international waters in front of the pro-life country’s coast. She is currently campaigning in Valencia, Spain…

Talking to Matt Gross, The Frugal Traveler

October 2nd, 2008 by Editors

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As the Frugal Traveler at the New York Times’ Travel section, a position he’s held for over two years, 34-year old Matt Gross has criss-crossed the globe from Bucharest to Taipei. Before scoring this gig, Gross had been a news editor at Foxnews.com and then an assistant editor at New York…

Eating Hamburgers with Joseph O’Neill

August 7th, 2008 by Editors

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Joseph O’Neill does not like pickles on his burgers. Or onions. He is indifferent to the choice of beverages, but his ears prick when lemonade is spotted. He notes the happy accompaniment of fries with the burger, popping the slender brown ribbons into his mouth between sentences. All in all, it is a pleasure to have lunch with Joseph O’Neill.