Africans in China

Great (but 1+ year-old) post about Africans living and trading in China, here.

That people from previously economically disparate parts of the globe are connected economically is an excellent sign of the rise of the rest that Fareed Zakharia points out and that is emphatically good for everyone involved.

I frequently write about China's growing influence in Africa. Increased trade relations are good, but it bears keeping in mind that a) China is driven by a need for resources - just like the U.S. is, and b) China provides aid to horrible dictators regardless of their human rights record, and doesn't help any effort to make the world a better place. Consequently I'm happier to see African interests being served in China than the other way around, as is usually the case.

Shop at Whole Foods

Whole Foods just shot up a notch in my opinion. I will be shopping there this week. You should too, if you want to break a leftist strike triggered by the CEO daring to suggest non-public options for healthcare reform.

China Withdraws Censorship Software From Personal Computers

This is good news, and a great step in the right direction. But they're mandating that access providers internet cafes and popular websites - i.e., information access points - continue to use the software. China's becoming an information-based society is good for everybody. So how about doing away with censorship entirely?

Pick Your Side: GE or O'Reilly

Which'll it be: a venerated American corporation that has changed the face of technology and industry, or a loudmouthed goon trying to keep his ratings up? Your call.