In my past trips to Portland, Oregon, I was always struck by how green this city is, especially while looking down as the plane descends toward the airport. Portland is in fact known as "The City of Roses." Given the amount of rain in the Pacific Northwest, the whole area is lush and carpeted by plants. I am writing from the city today. Since I have a little bit of time, I … [Read more...] about At “The City of Roses”
President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, to Julian Assange, “welcome to the club of the persecuted”
Following is an interesting interview of Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa, by Julian Assange. There are many criticisms of U.S. foreign policy, but what I find most interesting is Correa lamenting the fact he has to fight against moneyed interests within his own country who control the mass media. Assange asked about China being a replacement devil as source of capital. … [Read more...] about President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, to Julian Assange, “welcome to the club of the persecuted”
American Public Media’s Marketplace casts doubt on China’s investment in Mongolia, what about America’s in Canada?
In this American Public Media's Marketplace report (which I heard on NPR yesterday), reporter Rob Schmitz casts some doubts about China's investments in Mongolia (podcast segment starts at 10:40 mark), especially with respect to recently discovered coal deposits. Of course, this is the same Rob Schmitz who exposed the Mike Daisey lies about working conditions at Foxconn. … [Read more...] about American Public Media’s Marketplace casts doubt on China’s investment in Mongolia, what about America’s in Canada?
Japan’s claim to Okinotori Atoll as island rejected by the U.N.
Japan's claim to Okinotori Atoll as island was recently rejected by the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). If succeeded, Japan would be entitled to a continental shelf and an EEZ covering more than 100,000 square kilometers. Following is a report translated by People's Daily Online from it's Chinese original "国际正义不许冲之鸟变礁为'岛'". Note that Japan's … [Read more...] about Japan’s claim to Okinotori Atoll as island rejected by the U.N.
Lacking insight in James Fallows’ piece, “What Is the Chinese Dream?”
James Fallows is one of the most accomplished journalists in the West. His talents were demonstrated very early on in his career, being former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's chief speechwriter; the youngest person to ever hold such a job. Personally, I admire his understanding of the Western media. For example, his take on the "new media" is totally excellent. However, Fallows … [Read more...] about Lacking insight in James Fallows’ piece, “What Is the Chinese Dream?”