Take a break from the return of the work week with a look at what’s been going on in Beijing. What better way to procrastinate than with odd and interesting news and videos?

A report this week in the China Daily (spotted via the English People's Daily website) says officials with the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping have announced “more than 100 domestic and overseas companies that provide online mapping services have received licenses to continue doing business in China, while another 100 [are] still applying for a license.”

Nokia’s Alliance Internet Services (a joint venture between the Finnish handset maker and a Shanghai company) was among those on the list of approved companies, but mention of Google’s online mapping service was conspicuously absent from the article, which could spell bad news for the online giant and its users in China -- when asked about Google’s status, officials reportedly sidestepped the question, merely stating “China's Internet market is open and free and those who conduct online mapping services in China should abide by Chinese law.”

Global Times: Hacked iTunes accounts sold online

Yes, we all know China is the world's virtual home for some 90% of all global viruses, and a classic breeding ground for hackers. If you thought iTunes was safe think again. Apparently, there is plenty to be made in account stealing. For a mere 200 yuan, an Internet user in China can purchase up to $200 worth of digital products from Apple's vast music, movie and applications vault. This reminds us once more to be vigilant about our online security.

On-again off-again rumors of a massive redevelopment around the Bell and Drum towers have been circulating all year, ever since theBeijinger.com reported in January that the Gulou area was facing imminent demolition. This morning both the Global Times and China Daily reported that plans to demolish the hutongs around the historic towers to make way for a “Time Cultural City” have been “officially abandoned.”

The state media has set a new bar when it comes to mixed messages with its coverage of plans to limit numbers on the Beijing Subway this winter. “Limitations on the number of Beijing subway passengers will become a regular measure in the future” said the Global Times yesterday, quoting a “Beijing Subway Company official.” Meanwhile this morning’s China Daily says, “There are no plans to limit the number of passengers entering stations” this winter, quoting “Beijing subway management.”