The Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) has just ended. Here are two stories about Wen that I found interesting. I have no personal insights beyond what is reported, but I thought it is helpful to bring attention to such stories to balance the distorted view in the West that the Chinese government somehow has in its DNA a fear of criticisms and a … [Read more...] about Wen Jiabao Urges Political Reform and Praises Internet Criticism of Government
Archives for March 2012
Examining The Non-Existent “Rich Chinese Hunting Polar Bear” Story
Recently a story by Peter Simpson of Daily Mail UK made waves in the conservationist circle, that wealthy Chinese businessmen, as many as 100, are paying upwards of $80,000US to hunt endangered polar bears into extinction with this headline, "Rich Chinese Thrill Seekers Paying £50,000 for ‘trip of a lifetime…’ to kill endangered polar bears." The Daily Mail then followed up … [Read more...] about Examining The Non-Existent “Rich Chinese Hunting Polar Bear” Story
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: “The danger of a single story”
Hat tip to reader, perspectivehere, in sharing this important perspective (through our Open Forum) from the continent of Africa, from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, where in this 20-minute talk to a TED audience, she warns against a dominant Western narrative about other peoples on the planet. It's called, "The danger of a single story." Adichie's words must be spread. As … [Read more...] about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: “The danger of a single story”
Democracy Is Ruining Capitalism – Does China Do Capitalism Better Than America?
Slate/Intelligence Squared appears to be planning an interesting live debate on March 13 - with Orville Schell and Peter Schiff arguing for the motion in the title and Ian Bremmer and Minxin Pei against. Details of the debate can be found at the slate and intelligence squared websites. The intelligence squared site - in particular - features a good and interesting set of … [Read more...] about Democracy Is Ruining Capitalism – Does China Do Capitalism Better Than America?
The world’s fastest smartphone, Huawei Ascend D Quad
Following is a commercial for the Huawei Ascend D quad Android-based smartphone - currently the world's fastest! Huawei already sends chills down Cisco's spine, and I have no doubt it will become a household name globally. Unfortunately, I thought this phone was poorly named. Just say "d quad" fast! (Here is a hint if you need it.) I currently use the Samsung Galaxy. The … [Read more...] about The world’s fastest smartphone, Huawei Ascend D Quad