Gourmet Writer a Threat to Beijing?

Controversial travel restrictions lifted

(NEWSER) - If you're a bald Taiwanese man, good news: China wants you back. The southern Chinese city of Xiamen has axed a controversial visa restriction that barred hairless people from applying for the one-year multiple-entry permits most common among business travelers. Authorities had said that the ban was a protective measure because "it was easier for bald people to disguise themselves." No figures were kept on how many people have been denied entry, reports the Telegraph . More»

Gymnast Dong Fangxiao was just 14 at the time

(AP) - China was stripped of a bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics today for fielding an underage female gymnast, with the women's team medal now going to the US. The International Olympic Committee acted after investigations by the sport's governing body determined that Dong Fangxiao was only 14 at the 2000 Games. Gymnasts must turn 16 during the Olympic year to be eligible. More»

Rep. denies ethics panel finds he broke travel rules

(NEWSER) - Though House ethics committee sources say Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel knowingly accepted Caribbean trips in violation of House rules that forbid hidden financing by corporations, the New York congressman tells Politico tonight he’s merely being “admonished” by the committee. I’m satisfied that when you read the report, that you will see that I have not been found guilty of anything.” More»

Number jailed increases as well, with Iran and China leading pack

(NEWSER) - A record number of journalists were killed last year, and even more were arrested or imprisoned, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. In a report released today, the group names 70 journalists killed specifically for their reporting, a number exacerbated by the massacre of 29 journalists in a single incident in the Philippines, the worst media massacre ever recorded. More»

(NEWSER) - Cookie and Modern Bride are getting the ax, but it's Conde Nast's shuttering of Gourmet that has floored and disappointed readers and non-readers alike. That includes Fast Company's Kate Rockwood, who shares a few ideas for keeping America's oldest food magazine alive—in some form.

• Move to television: One show (Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie) already airs on PBS, and another (Gourmet's Adventures with Ruth) is in the works.