COMMENT, China — Chinese leadership in Beijing must be wishing the Olympics would come around soon.
The significance of these 8 good news stories, is that the Beijing government often signals it’s shift in strategic thinking, and engagement, by actions rather than rhetoric.

China’s actions indicate some possibly shift in policies, and increasing inclination in Beijing top openness.
Few understand, the significance of these events, except perhaps Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and some European Union heavyweights.
Lucky 8
Here are 8 (8 is, of course, lucky in China), mostly positive news stories (including one …

COMMENT, Korea –A design agency in South Korea exploring new materials have arrived at a new design incorporating green ideas into the design of a shop.

The basis is a French botanist using a light material on the skin of a building, on which various plants can be grown.
From the site:
“Mass Studies was founded in 2003 by Minsuk Cho in Seoul, Korea, as an investigation of architecture in the context of market-privileged culture of mass production and intensely over-populated urban condition. Mass Studies explore building materials/techniques, space matrixes and building typologies …

ANALYSIS, Australia — The significance of Kevin Rudd beating substantively John Howard as Australia’s leader cannot be overstated in terms of global politics.
Background for our global readers: Rudd is from the Left, although a moderate. Howard was from the Right, and part of a NSW branches of the Right that are increasingly moving far-Right, by Australian standards (although not yet Neo-Conservative).
And Australia generally prefers moderates and punishes radicalism.
The true significance of this win, has been lost on some commentators. Here’s why…

ANALYSIS, Sydney & Melbourne, Australia –
An open letter to visiting President Bush.
Mr Bush is in Sydney Australia at current for the APEC summit, this was written just after his joint speech with Mr Howard today.
Dear Mr President,
You spoke at the APEC Summit with our Prime Minister, Mr Howard.
I agreed with your remarks Sir, about freedom and human rights being critical to the world’s future.
But the Oil War is not the way to spread freedom.
This war is deeply unpopular because the people ‘get’ it was not an honest war.
Another’s freedom …

COMMENT, Melbourne – There has been much debate recently over the 7 Wonders of the World,.
However no-one has focused on the most inspiring wonders representing mankind’s achievements.
Such lists may seem unimportant, but they are symbolic. Symbolic of our achievements, our history, our foibles and humanity’s potent greatness.
But how to properly arrive at a list of the 7 New Wonders?
To arrive at an updated list of the 7 New Wonders of the World we could engage in a vote (an exercise done recently), but that tends towards nationalistic results.
So we started …