What do the NFL, small Chinese children, and a Taiwanese rock band have in common? Absolutely nothing, until the NFL decided to embark on its latest effort to make professional American football popular in China.
Mayday for the NFL in China
Pepsi sponsoring China "Battle of the Bands" contest
Looks like Pepsi Co.'s bringing that old tradition of “Battle of the Bands” to China in a big way - the soft drink maker is hosting a mega reality show and its inviting all Chinese “underground” rock bands to participate.
Linkin Park China tour off
No problems with Chinese censors this time, it's actually due to lead singer Chester Bennington's back injury. We're not sure if the Mayday segment of the concert will still go ahead or how ticket refunds will play out. It'll be interesting to note the proportion of Linkin Park vs. Mayday fans though. (h/t China Music Radar)
No more Golden Week by 2009? Ah just as well.
Today's Links: St. Lucia, mistresses and p0rn
For more del.icio.us links, visit the Shanghaiist Contribute page, which is updated throughout the day.
Photo by jules_shanghai found via the Shanghaiist Contribute page.
May Holiday Special: Transportation links
In light of this week's national holiday, here are some transportation stories for your enjoyment: Shanghai to host 4.4 million tourists during the May Day holidays: That is five percent more than last year. Yay. Avoid People's Square and other hot spots these week.China May Day spells nightmare: This AP story claims that the Chinese government is looking to develop "a new system of staggered holidays" to ease the burden on the nation's transportation systems....
Afternoon rumble in the Pudong jungle
Japanese champions Urawa Red Diamonds roll into town today to take on Shanghai Shenhua in an Asian Champions League clash which looks set to be dampened somewhat by a bizarre kick-off time.
Yes, more about jaywalking in Shanghai
Now, you too can help fight one of our city's gravest ills: Pollution Traffic Corruption Jaywalking! Finally, put your camera phone to good use!
May Holiday: High time for weddings ... and wedding crashers?
, during the weeklong May Day holiday (that’s next week for those of you keeping score at home), 30,000 local couples will tie the knot -- and be forever removed from Windows Too’s email list ... maybe.
Come fly the friendly skies, even with red eyes
Budget travelers rejoice! Starting today, Civil Aviation Administration of China has partially lifted a four year ban on all domestic red eye flights, says a Tom.com story (in Chinese). The rule was put in place four years ago due to public safety concerns. Since then, thanks to a booming economy, domestic air travel volume has soared and supply hasn’t kept pace. (Even though China seems to be buying 20 planes from either Boeing or Airbus every other day.) Major airport hubs have reported record numbers of travelers every quarter and are now at a saturation point. During holiday seasons, air tickets to popular travel destinations are hard to come by and are often extremely expensive. Reinstating red eye flights would ameliorate the congestion and provide customers with even cheaper tickets, a further 20 percent discount off the listed price. With May Day holiday just around the corner, this is welcoming news indeed to all would-be travelers.

