Hue’s relic becomes coffee shop

VietNamNet Bridge – Tu Phuong Vo Su (meaning everything is save and sound), an important relic in Hue ancient citadel, has been leased for VND200 million ($10,000) a year to open a café.

Hanoi to replace bus tickets by smart cards

VietNamNet Bridge – The Hanoi Center for Urban Traffic Management is working on the plan to replace tickets by smart cards on ten bus routes.

Vietnam urged to restructure towards a green economy

To have a green economy, experts say, it is necessary to have good solutions for the economic governance, especially in carrying out economic reform, market coordination, applying reasonable frame energy prices, and appropriate fiscal policy.

Difficult period is the golden age for consultants

VietNamNet Bridge – While directors of many enterprises complain that in the difficult period, they have nothing to do, except attending workshops and going to parties, consultancy firms say they are “living well” with so many consultancy contracts.

PPP mechanism keeps doors open for private infrastructure investors

Over the last two decades, only about 100 infrastructure projects have been invested under the mode of build – operation – transfer with the presence of private investors. Will the situation change when the public-private partnership is promulgated?

"Idol" creator Simon Fuller gets Hollywood star

Entertainment producer Simon Fuller speaks before receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, Monday, May 23, 2011.

New decree believed to trigger a new M&A boom in telecom sector

The new regulations on the ownership ratios in Vietnamese telecom companies stipulated in the Decree No 25, which will take effect from June 1, 2011, are believed to accelerate the process of merger and acquisition in the telecom sector.

At least 3 killed in NATO strikes in Tripoli

At least three people were killed with some 150 others injured in NATO airstrikes in Tripoli early Tuesday near the area around leader Muammar Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziya residence, local TV reported.

Viet Nam, Laos to both fight wildlife smuggling

VietNamNet Bridge – Central Quang Tri Province and neighbouring Savannakhet Province in Laos yesterday, May 23, vowed to increase information exchange and co-operation to control the smuggling of wild animals along the border.

Djokovic, Federer grab opening wins at French Open

The world No. 2 Novak Djokovic and the 16-time Grand Slam title winner Roger Federer both won the first round comfortably at the French Open on Monday.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF 24/5

Vietnam photographer wins international honor; Violinist Bui Cong Duy to perform with world-famous conductor; French pianist to perform Lizst; City orchestra performs Mozart, Vivaldi compositions 

Wall Street falls amid Euro zone concerns

The Wall Street fell on Monday as investors were concerned that Euro zone crisis will exert a downward pressure on the stock market.

Doctors discover new virus causing hand-foot-mouth

VietNamNet Bridge – The current outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease among children in HCM City is being caused by the coxsackie B2 virus and not EV71, doctors at Children's Hospital No 1 said on Sunday.

GOVERNMENT IN BRIEF 24/5

Turnout nearly 100% in general elections; VN, Korea to boost legal knowhow; UK labour unionists visit Ha Noi; Cambodia Deputy PM meets Vietnamese AO delegation

Retrieving local antiques from abroad is impossible

VietNamNet Bridge - Tran Duc Anh Son, former director of the Hue Imperial Court Antique Museum, says for now, it’s impossible for Vietnamese museums to buy back valuable local antiques that are being traded abroad.

Hotel room rates in Khanh Hoa to rise 50% in festival

VietNamNet Bridge - The provincial government of Khanh Hoa has allowed two- to five-star hotels to increase their room rates by a maximum of 50% during the Beach Festival 2011 due to take place from this June 11 to 15, an official said.

Youngsters go mountaineering indoors

VietNamNet Bridge – Indoor mountaineering is a popular sports in many countries. It has been in Vietnam for several years now.

Large-caps leave markets blue

VietNamNet Bridge - Blue chip wash outs concluded a disappointing week for domestic investors.

Photo contest flashes into capital city

VietNamNet Bridge – The 6th international artistic photo contest and exhibition began yesterday, May 23, in Ha Noi.

Mekong Delta at risk from landslides during dry season

VietNamNet Bridge – Unlike in the past landslides are now a threat even during the dry season along the Tien and Hau Rivers in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta.

Mysterious ancient square wells in Vinh Phuc

VietNamNet Bridge – Old square wells of over 600 years old in the northern province of Vinh Phuc are special, for their square shape and are mysterious through tales told by locals.

SPORTS IN BRIEF 24/5

VN competes at chess tourney; Hue set to host futsal event; Young judokas ready for battle; Junior athletes to race in Vinh; MILO Cup 2010 kicks off

Manga Exhibition draws Vietnamese viewers

VietNamNet Bridge – “Manga Realities: Exploring the Art of Japanese Comics Today”, a young, modern and interesting exhibition has attracted many young and old viewers in Hanoi since its opening at the Vietnam Art Museum on May 19.

Joplin tornado death toll rises to 116

A massive storm system Sunday night dropped a devastating tornado into Joplin, a city of 50,000 people in the southwest corner of Missouri, killing at least 116 people and leaving churches, schools, and homes reduced to ruins.

SOCIETY IN BRIEF 24/5

Relocation obstacles for uprooted farmers;  Tremors felt in Lao Cai Province; Drugs hike again in Vietnam; Rubella causing 20 abortions a day; Digital broadcasting workshop opens in Hanoi