New developments
Opera House goes multi-use
(cairolive.com, May 10, 2002) The Cairo Opera House is getting an annex, or so it seems from an article in Al-Akhbar. Construction is set to begin in the next few months on a new wing to include a cultural center and Roman amphitheater, along with a multi-story underground parking garage.
The Opera House grounds are becoming multi-use, spruced up so that, as officials emphasize, they become a place where the average Egyptian can enjoy culture. The amphitheater will mainly be used in the summertime, for outdoor concerts of the "light" variety, the article says.

New developments
Tahrir Museum turns 100
(cairolive.com, May 10, 2002) The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square will be celebrating its centennial later this year. According to Al-Akhbar, two special exhibitions are being held for the occasion, along with an international conference.
One of the shows will be dedicated to a new display of some of the museum's treasures that have never been seen before by the public, while the other will feature photographs documenting the museum's history. The events are planned for September and November 2002.

In brief
Post Sham heat and cool
(cairolive.com, May 7, 2002) According to a tiny item on the front page of Tuesday's Al-Wafd, the weather is supposed to return to cooler spring-time temps after a three-day semi-heat wave that accompanied the long Sham El-Nessim and Eastern Easter weekend. The weather inspired millions to head for the beaches and parks to spend a nice day.
A tiny item on Tuesday's Al-Akhbar's front page, however, says the heat is set to continue..

What is Sham el-Nessim?

New developments
Star in sight
(cairolive.com, May 7, 2002) An ad on the front page of Tuesday's Al-Akhbar discuses the expected appearance of the "star" Astra over the next few days in the night skies over Egypt.
The ad claims that the world's eyes will be watching Egypt since the one of a kind star is rarely visible. It also says that an amateur is claiming to have already spotted the star, and has sent photos of it to journalists. One of those accompanies the ad, which indicates that more information on the phenomenon can be obtained by calling 3444177 in Cairo or 034482006 in Alex.
The ad was sponsored by the Astronomical Studies Society.

Tourism
Chinese tours set to bloom
(cairolive.com, May 7, 2002) According to Al-Akhbar, the first major organized Chinese tour group is currently visiting Egypt.
The 330 member group is indicative of China's newfound economic power, reports Al-Akhbar, which quotes the Chinese ambassador as predicting that China will be the world's largest exporter of tourists by the year 2020.
This year 12 million Chinese are expected to travel abroad. Egypt hopes to capture a healthy chunk of that market share.

Obituaries
Longtime Ahly star dies
(cairolive.com, May 7, 2002) Called "The Maestro", Saleh Selim -- veteran soccer player, movie star and head of the Ahly club  -- passed away in London earlier this week.
The Ahly club, which Selim headed for the last 22 years, called Selim "a precious son... the greatest and unique symbol of soccer and sports," hailing him as the architect of the club's rise to international standards -- confirmed for some, recently, when the team beat Real Madrid in a Cairo exhibition contest.
Selim -- who was 71 -- died of liver cancer after undergoing several operations to remove part of his colon, reported the Middle East News Agency. He stopped playing soccer for Ahly in 1966, enjoying a brief career as a film star, opposite both Faten Hamama and Suad Hosni. 
He later went back to Ahly -- but on the other side of the equation.
One of Selim's sons -- Hisham -- is a film star.
Ahly's match with Ittihad tonight will be played earlier than scheduled, at 6 pm, to allow players time to mourn the club's long time leader afterwards.

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