News

Beijing Makes Good Time with 2008 Preparations: The huge digital clock on Beijing's Tiananmen Square shows there are still some 1,100 days until the start of the 2008 Olympics. The Chinese capital, however, is already well on its way toward being ready.

Wal-Mart Ratchets Up China Battle: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. hopes to post double-digit sales growth in China this year and to double outlets by the end of 2006 as it aims to narrow a gap with Carrefour and others that dominate the $240 billion market.

Mystery China bug toll reaches 17: A mystery illness that has killed 17 farmers in western China is neither bird flu nor Sars, officials have said.

Oriental

"Usually, hon, you're right -- but that's called an Oriental rug. It's not an Asian-American rug." (link)

Chinese Dancers

This is a video clip of some amazing Chinese dancers!

Update: More information and pictures at this link.

Members of Chinese Art Ensemble of disabled people perform a dance named "Guanyin Buddha", Buddhist goddess of mercy. Presented by deaf and mute dancers, the art troupe was set up in 1987 and has won reputation in more than 30 countries.

China's Monetary Policy

For those who are interested in these things, the Far Eastern Economic Review has an article that delves into China's monetary policy—Get Ready for China's Greenspan.

Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of China's central bank, is an influential figure. But he is not as important as Alan Greenspan. His successors will be though. Global financial markets will hang on their words—once they've been translated. This is because monetary policy will soon work as effectively in China as it does in the United States, and that will give the people who influence rates enormous power.

More pandas on the way

Zoo Atlanta on panda pregnancy watch: A baby panda may be on the way at Zoo Atlanta. The zoo's 7-year-old giant panda, Lun Lun, is showing symptoms of a pregnancy, and she's been removed from public view while zoo officials watch her round-the-clock for a possible birth.

China Related TV

China Sprout posts a much-appreciated weekly guide for China Related TV listings.

Beautiful China

Lady Bug Bedding

My Little Petunia has a Lady Bug Crib Bedding Set for sale.

Crawling lady bugs adorn this adorable crib bedding set. The detail abounds for a very special look. The Bumper is extra thick with green piping and black extra wide ties. The Crib Skirt has approximately an 18" drop accented with a red & white gingham check cuff. The crib quilt measures 36x44, and is green on the reverse side. The coordinating decorative pillow measures 10x15. This set is hand crafted in the USA of cotton blend fabrics. 4 piece crib bedding set includes: Bumper, Crib Skirt, Crib Quilt, and Decorative Pillow.

(Thanks Stephe from APC!)

Free On-Line Chinese Lessons

Susan from APC pointed out an excellent basic Chinese language course. It shows Chinese characters and gives an audio pronunciation for each word.

DFAQ

DUMB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and more.........

Prospective parents of children from China know that a great big world of wonder and joy awaits them. They should also know that a smaller world awaits them that involves acquaintances, co-workers and total strangers asking ridiculous and/or tactless questions as well as making thoughtless and/or bizarre statements in a wide range of inappropriate situations. The following is but a small sample of these little gems.

(Thanks Sandra from APC!)