In The News

At 71, Physics Professor Is a Web Star

Sara Rimer December 20, 2007
The internet offers endless exploration – and search engines like Google, which order search results based on complex mixture of volume, links, content and the democratic nature of the web, create some surprising new stars. Among the latest is 71-year-old Walter H. G. Lewin, professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whose lectures on physics are both educational and entertaining for...

“Silent Night” in China

Peter Kwong December 20, 2007
During the 1980s, Christmas in China was a quiet affair, celebrated only by foreigners, as the atheist Communist Party did not endorse such celebrations. But much has changed for the factory to the world: China not only manufactures about 80 percent of all Christmas paraphernalia, but also purchases the items as well. Authors Peter Kwong and Dušanka Miščević point out that if orders on Christmas...

The UN's Death Blow

Louise Arbour December 19, 2007
Global citizens expect the United Nations to be relevant in a modern world by taking stands on difficult issues. A call from the UN General Assembly for a worldwide moratorium on the application of the death penalty is a step in protecting human rights, according to Louise Arbour, UN high commissioner for human rights. More than 130 nations have abolished the death penalty with six – Iran, Iraq,...

In France, Discrimination on Upswing as Violence Smolders

Katrin Bennhold December 10, 2007
About 10 percent of France’s population is Muslim. Yet Arabs, even those armed with education degrees and solid experience, struggle to find work in the country. Researchers have documented the discrimination by sending out resumes with identical experiences, from applicants with French and Arab names. The French names attract more job offers than Arab names by a ratio of 20 to one. The research...

MTV Arabia Beams “Bling” to Gulf

Simeon Kerr November 30, 2007
“Respect and reflect, that has been our mantra from day one,” repeats Bill Roedy, vice-chairman of MTV Networks, as he prepares for the launch of the network’s 60th channel. In partnership with the Dubai-based Arab Media Group, the programming will serve the Gulf region and reach an estimated 190 million young Arabs. Youth in the Middle East are caught between the extreme opulence of cities like...

The Gentle Dragon

Jocelyn Chey November 29, 2007
China is promoting soft power as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in world affairs. China’s economic prowess and ancient civilization entice students worldwide for training in Chinese language and culture, but especially in countries like Australia. China replaced Japan as Australia’s top trading partner this summer – and newly-elected Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks...

Rockers Tuning in to Chinese Market

Ben Sisario November 29, 2007
China, with 1.3 billion people and rapidly growing wealth, is an irresistible market for many industries, and rock 'n’ roll is no different. The Internet has flooded China with Western tunes, building an appetite for rappers like Talib Kweli and mainstream bands including Linkin Park. While the musicians appreciate the opportunity to play to rapt crowds and experience culture shock, the...