NATION
WASHINGTON — The most popular giant panda in U.S.-China relations finally was given an identity Sunday as the Smithsonian's National Zoo named its female 100-day-old cub Bao Bao after receiving more than 123,000 votes online from the public.
Bao Bao, which means “treasure” or “precious,” is only the second surviving cub born at the National Zoo since the first pandas arrived in 1972 to commemorate President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China. Pandas have remained a happy symbol of diplomacy between the two countries.
Panda mother Mei Xiang has been caring for her cub in the panda den since she was born Aug. 23. Bao Bao will have her public unveiling early in 2014. Panda keepers, however, said Mei Xiang has indicated she may want to take Bao Bao outside soon. Before she goes outside, veterinarians want to give Bao Bao her final set of vaccinations this week, so mother and cub could venture out as soon as the second week of December, said curator Brandie Smith.
Mei Xiang's only other surviving cub, a male named Tai Shan, was born in 2005 and was returned to China in 2010 for breeding. Male panda Tian Tian is the father of both cubs.
HONOLULU — The first couples are starting to take advantage of Hawaii's newfound aloha for gay weddings.Dozens of couples were expected to start tying the knot early today, moments after midnight, when a new law allowing same couples to marry takes effect in the state.Couples at the Sheraton Waikiki began filling out license applications a few minutes after midnight, as license agents huddled around four laptops in a conference room.Guests sipped champagne, dined on appetizers, listened to piano music and took pictures with each of seven cakes on display for the occasion, one for each of the first six couples getting married and a three-tiered centerpiece cake adorned with pink and white roses.“Next,” exclaimed Ethan Wung after being the first of the group to complete the license application with his groom, Keola Akana.Wung said he and Akana were getting married after entering into a civil union last year so they could receive federal benefits.Organizers were waiting for each of the first six couples to finish their paperwork before starting the ceremony.The resort was hosting mass ceremonies for anyone wanting to sign up, while a group of clergy who pushed for the new law planned to host a wedding for an openly gay Unitarian minister at a church near downtown Honolulu.
