• Every 120 seconds, a water main bursts somewhere in the U.S. Here’s an inside look at the terrible condition of the nation’s sewage systems. (NY Times)
• China’s development strategy of “If you build it, they will come,” continues unabated when it comes to air travel — though for the time being, there are barely any passengers at many of the Middle Kingdom’s airports. (LA Times)
• A few Parisian metro stations have gotten an IKEA makeover: Commuters can lounge around on comfy sofas while waiting for their train. (Fast company)
• Australia is seeking solutions to a growing population and diminishing water resources. Some of the country’s best architects are designing radical changes to the urban landscape. (Reuters)
• HSR is taking off like crazy in Spain, resulting in political and economic benefits (as well as lots of saved time for travelers). (NYT)
• A real-life Clash of the Titans as Airbus takes on Boeing on its home turf: The European firm wants to begin selling planes to the U.S. Department of Defense. (Seattle Times)
• British Airways employees are set to begin striking on March 20th. Company officials say service will continue for most long haul flights, and that contingency plans will allow it to fly 60% of its customers. (BBC)
• Foreign high speed rail train makers vie for the chance to go to Disney World. (Businessweek)
More than a third of U.S. sewer systems are beyond their capacity and are dumping waste into rivers and lakes — but only a fraction of these violations draw fines from regulators. Meanwhile, as many as 20 million people get sick each year from unsafe drinking water. (
