1. China to see more rain
Due to a cold air front that is moving east, rainfall will come to many parts of China from Wednesday night, including the eastern part of Northwest China, North and Northeast China, the Yangtze-Huaihe River Valley, and most parts of Southwest China. Moderate to heavy snow will hit southeastern Jilin while parts of eastern Liaoning will see heavy rain.

2. Explanation before layoffs
A company should explain to its labor union or staff 30 days in advance if it wants to layoff more than 20 people, the State Council announced recently, adding the rule also applies if less than 20 are let go but the number accounts for over 10% of the employees. After listening to the opinions of the staff and union, the company has to report its job-cutting plan to the local human resources and social security department.

3. Cash on Feb.14 for Koreans
Cash is the unromantic but preferred Valentine’s Day gift this year as the economic downturn bites in South Korea, a report said Tuesday. 27% of 256 men who were interviewed opted (chose) for cash while only 7% desired chocolate. 1/3 said flowers were the last thing they wanted, according to the report.

4. Americans still like Phelps
A national survey conducted among Americans revealed that 72% agree with USA Swimming’s decision to suspend (暂停) Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps for 3 months. However, Phelps scored high on likeability and believability also in this survey, with scores exceeding US President Obama and former President George W. Bush.