Lost Luggage

Approximately one airline passenger in every thousand arrives at their destination to find that some or all of their baggage has not arrived with them. For many passengers this means a wait of hours or days, with all the associated inconvenience, whilst the missing item is being located and forwarded. Others, less fortunate still, have to resign themselves to the fact that their bags are actually lost and, as the days turn into weeks, face the fact that they are unlikely ever to see them again.

To prevent loss, or at least assist recovery, passengers are urged to make sure that identification tags are secure and up-to-date, an itinerary with addresses is enclosed and that bags are distinguishable from others of the same make. Airlines recommend the use of coloured tape or large elasticated straps made specifically for this purpose.

Lost or delayed luggage actually costs the world's airlines over £6 billion per year. They get some of this back , however, by selling off those lost items which are never claimed by their rightful owners. After months of intensive tracking, airlines send hopelessly lost luggage to companies which sort the contents and then put them on sale at bargain prices. At one such company in Alabama, the leftovers of flying are laid out in a vast store which has itself now become an attraction for tourists from all over the world. Who knows, they may even come across some of their own stuff.

A ballon challenge

For those people who go out in search of adventure, a long-distance flight in a hot-air balloon is a particularly exciting prospect. Indeed, a round-the-world balloon trip is widely regarded as the ultimate challenge. One well-known adventurer, David Hemplemann-Adams, would not agree, however. Recently, he became the first man to reach the North Pole in a hot-air balloon, a more significant achievement in his eyes. Given that the distance and altitudes involved are comparatively modest, you might wonder why the trip from Canada to the Pole, should present such a challenge.Part of the appeal was that such a flight had not even been attempted for over a century. In those days, such expeditions were huge events, with a nation's pride resting on their success, and so resources were committed to them. Although he eventually managed to secure a substantial sponsorship deal from an insurance company, Hemplemann-Adams had the added challenge of having to raise sufficient funds for his trip. Then, of course, he had to face major survival concerns, such as predicting the weather conditions and coping with the dangerously low temperatures. But most challenging of all was the incredibly complex problem of navigation. As the earth's magnetic field gets stronger, only the most sophisticated of satellite-linked navigation systems can confirm that one has got to the Pole. Without them, the chances of getting anywhere near it are extremely slim. Not to mention an even greater problem that weighed on Hemplemann-Adams' mind: getting back!

Can honey heal

Peter Molan, a doctor from New Zealand, is a specialist in stomach disorders. He offers his patients a simple, but effective alternative to taking medicine: honey. Dr Molan claims the active component in honey is an antibacterial agent called UMF. There is some doubt in the medical world as to whether UMF can destroy bacteria completely, but research clearly shows that people with stomach problems experience some relief soon after taking honey.

Is this yet another case of science simply giving credibility to what we have always known? After all, it is common knowledge how soothing hot water laced with honey and lemon can be for sore-throat sufferers. In accepting the beneficial effects of honey, however, a few reservations should be borne in mind. Firstly, the popular belief that honey is healthier than sugar isn't entirely well-founded.Like all foods, honey can be healthy when eaten in moderation, but may also have some downsides. Honey contains the same number of calories as other types of sugar, and it can cause blood-sugar levels to rise quickly. Secondly, eating too much honey on an empty stomach can cause discomfort. That is why it's best to line the stomach with some fibre first, for example by following a main meal with a dessert that incorporates honey. Thirdly, under no circumstances should a baby's dummy be dipped in honey before the baby sucks it, as this is just as likely to cause tooth decay as any other sugary treat.

SHANGHAI: The Singapore Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai is right on schedule.

SHANGHAI: The Singapore Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai is right on schedule. On Thursday, it celebrated the completion of structural works with a topping out ceremony, together with the official launch of its logo and mascot.

Organisers said focus will now shift to the final stage of construction.

Alfred Poon, assistant director, World Expo, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "It means we can now start looking at the interior and incorporating all the fine and nice programmes for the audience."

The official logo for the Singapore Pavilion, designed by the firm Epigram, was inspired by the structure's exterior and musical instruments. An official mascot, called liulianxiaoxing, was also unveiled on Thursday to welcome visitors at the expo, come May 2010.

"He's a cute little 5-year-old Singaporean boy who loves durians and likes to draw the Esplanade. We've actually conceived this idea from two most lovable icons of Singapore - the durian and the Merlion," said Mr Poon.

Spanning 3,000 square metres, the pavilion marks Singapore's largest participation at any World Expos. The island city hopes to showcase the nation's achievements in urban planning, water technology and environmental services, using recyclable materials such as aluminium and steel.

Speaking at the topping out ceremony, Singapore's Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that historical links and excellent relations between Singapore and China will also be showcased at the pavilion.

"There will be new areas of cooperation in environmental protection and water management between China and Singapore. World Expo 2010 will give Singapore the opportunity to highlight what we have learned in these areas from Singapore's point of view," he said.

Singapore expects to attract 10 million visitors to its pavilion, out of an expected 70 million participants, during next year's five-month-long World Expo, starting May 1