Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Artists begin 676-foot Mongolian painting HOHHOT, China, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A group of painters in China have begun work on a 676-foot-long oil painting depicting the entire history of the Mongolian people. Advertisement The painting, believed to be the longest in the world, will portray a historical period of 206 years, from the birth of Genghis Khan, founder of ancient Mongolia, to the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, reported Xinhua, China's main government-run news agency. The painting will be divided into three parts. The first will portray the life of Genghis Khan, the second will depict events after the death of Genghis Khan, and the third will show the rise and fall of the Yuan Dynasty. Wang Yanqing, a chief designer of the painting, said when the artwork is completed, the artists will apply for a listing in the Guinness Book of Records. Scotish smokers may face $6,700 fines GLASGOW, Scotland, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Scottish smokers who illegally light up in bars and restaurants may soon face fines of up to $6,700 for a single incident, The Scotsman reported Sunday. First Minister Jack McConnell was expected to push forward with a full ban on smoking in public places. The measure is meant to help improve Scotland's health record, The Scotsman said. Advertisement Ministers were expected to impose a maximum penalty of $6,700 on those who break the law. The fine would apply to both the smokers and the pub owners. Ireland introduced a ban on smoking earlier this year, but the maximum penalty there stands at only $3,900. Critics of Scotland's plan have said the fine is too harsh as smokers penalized harder than drunk drivers. The proposal will be decided upon Wednesday by the Scottish Cabinet. Security X-ray machine makes 'naked' image LONDON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A security X-ray machine that produces a "naked" image at London's Heathrow International Airport in a search for weapons is causing privacy concerns. The machine bounces X-rays off airline passengers' skin, enabling staff to immediately spot any hidden weapons or explosives that conventional metal detectors might miss, reported the Sunday Times of London. The machines, used in Heathrow's Terminal 4 are in the midst of a trial by the British Airports Authority and the Department for Transport. If the new security machines are able to better cope with large volumes of passengers, they might be introduced in all of Britain's airports. Passengers are asked to stand in front of the scanner. Once the "naked" image is registered and inspected by security personnel, the images are immediately erased. Advertisement Transport officials in the United States have refused to use the device until it can be further refined to not offend passengers' modesty.
