Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hold Fast good attitude for New Year 2010 as Mark Twain did decades ago

1. When our mind is set,our perception leads to money,status,fame et al.

2. Shake up the routine. Make the difference.

3. We can feel the twinkle of our eyes when opportunity becomes serendipity.

4. Folks are not the same even twins are not alike so let others go without gossip.

5. Stay on the light side of life. Read comics daily especially Pickles, the aging couple with fun.

6. Laughter may be good music to our own ears. Eat sweets if we are not sweet enough.

7. Shake hands firmly or shake our own hand for the sake of muscles.

8. Blessed are those who were not on the aircraft with white powder for explosion.

9. Lucky to be in the USA. United we stand. Smile at life and Awesome relatives or friends. That is the acronym for USA.

10.We bring enthusiasm and vitality to the mundane world until we turn to be centenarians to become taciturn.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao with thoughts for readers of Sino-American economics with humor on Dec.31st 2009 at 1.48 p.m.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Recommending :"Sonic Boom" by Gregg Easterbrook

Wall Street Journal, December 29, 2009 on page A19 Bookshelf:

The book is published by Random House 243 pages,$26

The author begins "Sonic Boom" with a portrait of Shenzhen, China - a city that did not exist a generation ago but that now has 9 million inhabitants.

Paris and London took generations to build. Atlantic and Los Angeles took half a century to reach their current glory but Shenzhen has arisen during the lifetime of its current inhabitants, a testament to the sonic qualities of its commercial dynamism. I had an opportunity to lecture at Shenzhen University years ago with fondest memories of its dynamic progress to compete with the neighbor: Hong Kong.

American Academy of Sciences estimated that 85% of economic growth is now produced by new ideas. Haier, a Chinese appliance maker is now a world-class firm with its American headquarters in Camden, South Carolina. General Electric sells 40% of their locomotives in Erie to China.

The book is reviewed by Adrian Wooldridge, management editor of The Economist.

Page B5: New Edition of "Languages of Economics" by Timothy Taylor who holds his M.A. from Stanford University. Professor George Bach taught at Stanford for many decades with his popular textbook in Economics.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, one of the contributors to the textbooks by Professor Bach in 1970s and 1980s. But I am always a learner trying to compare notes with other educators in the field of economics for updated professional development and intellectual enrichment.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 1.12 p.m.

Be well and Happy New Year 2010 to the readers of Sino-American Economics to stay ahead and stay informed for happenings.

Washington Post, December 30, 2009 page A8

Steven Pearlstein published "Big Business,Big Government and the Big balancing act: An analytical article with insights.

The following passages are quoted with comments for readers of Sino-American economics.

"At its most simplistic level, this debate plays itself out as the choice between big government and small government, between regulation and deregulation, between European-style socialism and Anglo-American free-market capitalism. The one side takes its intellectual roots from Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes and the recently departed Paul Samuelson, the other from Adam Smith, F. Hayek, Joseph Schumpeter and Milton Friedman."

In China, Confucianism has influenced the expansion of the middle class as traditional culture plus the reforms with global outlook in evidence.

"Americans undestand that free markets are the best vehicles for generating innovative products and ever more efficient ways of producing them."

In China, the market system works well to improve the standard of living for most folks and such continuing reforms have generated sanguine prospects as known to the world.

"And while it is now beyond dispute that labor markets today are generating incomes that are increasingly unequal, governments have found it remarkably difficult to come up with cost-effective programs that successfully offset those effect."

"The Future of Community Colleges" was published by the Congressional Record,July 18, 1974 to provide educational and training opportunities for the grassroots to stress vocations or transfer to universities for professions with cost-effective programs in America.

China has been stressing vocational education as well to produce para-professionals that are in dire need. There is the common goal for Sino-American economics especailly in apprenticeship programs for the labor market in socio-economics i.e. social cohesion by expanding the middle class as the backbone of nations for stability.

"The next decade is not only to strike the proper balance between the political and economic challenges but also to perfect the public and private institutions that can deliver on those promises."

Such conclusion is worthy of note as it is evident that the tuitions are extremely high beyond the affordability of the middle class but public institutions such as community colleges are reasonable in cost with work and study opportunities to validate and implement "Work and Study Cycle Theory" Cf.www.ask.com for reference.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a lifelong graduate student with intellectual roots at St. John's university in Shanghai since early 1940s, focusing economic philosophy at Georgetown Graduate School plus five decades of teaching in USA and in China. And as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Hong Kong, 1989-1990.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 10.10 a.m.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

"Scientific American" magazine December 2009

Page 38:: Conservatives Versus Liberals: Stereotypes with different moral values(sic)

www.skeptic.com www.moralfoundation.org for references(with or without Confucianism?)

"Conservatives are a bunch of Hummer-driving, meat-eating, gun-toting, hard-drinking, Bible-thumping, black and white thinking, fist-pounding,shoe-stomping, morally hypocritical blowhards." Such adjectives are hardly suitable with a grin + a grain of salt.

"Liberals are a bunch of hybrid-driving, tofu-eating, tree-hugging, whale-saving, sandel-wearing, bottle-water drinking, ACLU supporting, flip-flopping, wishy-wshy,namby-pamby bedwetters." Such descriptions are ludicruous and amusing for laugh a lot.

How would the reader rate your own traits? I eat meat with to-fu. (Should be Dou-fu in Pin Yin. Comment: I am neither a full-fledged conservative nor a fully developed liberal but an ordinary human being with Chinese ethnicity as my face value and a regular reader of "Scientific American" magazine with some knowledge + a sense of wisdom.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, an octogenarian reader on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 1.40 p.m.

Washington Post, December 29, 2009 page A12

As 2009 draws to a close,Allan Sloan has his deals:

1. "The tax is arbitrary and unfair, I was arbitrary and unfair too." Such admission is truly worthy to be noted with Mea Culpa,Mea culpa,Mea maxi-culpa as expressions to be humble and modest to get along with others.

2. "Washington is becoming the nation's financial center as well as the political center." That is political economy in action in USA and in China as well. Cf."Keys for Economic Understanding" with my awareness of socio-economic happenings as my vision since the 1970s.

3. "It is important to revive the economy but the retired folks trying to live off interest income to supplement Social Security so they have to reduce their standard of living, eat into principal or take more risk to keep their income up such as working after retirement."(teaching was my case till October 31, 2009). Lifetime savers are not rewarded but investment in the stock market was volutle and risky for most elders.

4. "The big players wield real financial power but the middle-income folks get whacked." The middle class is shrinking in USA as per research report from Brookings Institution. But the middle class is expanding in China from my on-the-spot observation during the past years. Media in USA reported such realities as well.

5. "Stocks are a bigger risk than they were a year ago. What will the market be? Would that someone knew or knows?" Such is educated guesstimates.

6. "Social Security would be a big story of 2010." That remains to be seen.

"In the meantime, a happy, healthy and prosperous new year 2010 to you and yours. asloan@fortunemail.com" The above quotes are for reader's perusal with my comments re Sino-American Economics on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 9.46 a.m.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a graduate student from Shanghai in 1947, trying to practise my on-line blogging for the good opportunity of learning from others as my daily routine.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Wall Street Journal,Dec.27, 2009 Page 10A with thoughts

Reasons for cheers in the macro view:
1. The economy is improving;
2. Banks are repaying bailout money;
3. crime is down;
4. Swine flu hasn't been so bad.

Much attention is focused on the financial problems, the health care bill, the jobless crisis and the real estate losses.

Many Americans facing hardship, but nothing compared with what the troops are facing overseas. The dangers they endure daily are unfathomable to us. William Faulkner said 6 decades ago as a Nobel winner:"Humankind will prevail..." "Ren Lei Yao Huo Sheng" in Pin Yin system of romanization for humanity re USA and China on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

Forum for the inspiring and revealing apropos of Health Care Bill: +++ or --- as you would envision: You are what you reason in your mind.

Dealings, Darling... to be done as a done deal for all folks from some folks in USA with liberty and justice to all regardless of race, color, creed and to seniors with or without seniority. The details are to be seen in due course of time as empirical evidence.

Page 1B: Countries with the most millionaire household:

USA - 4 million
Japan - 1.1 million
China,Germany and United Kingdom happen to be the same - 0.4 million Here we may be able to detect Sino-American Economics of the Distribution of Income and Wealth.(sic)

Source: Boston Consulting Group, Global Wealth Report 2009. Such research findings may be questioned if you so desire.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a watcher for moving happenings in economics.

Monday, December 28, 2009 at 1.52 p.m.

Wall Street Journal,Dec.27, 2009 Page 10A

Washington Post, Dec.28,09 page A1,A10,A11

A Cruel lesson in college economics: Lending dries up as strapped schools raise tuition: -US State institutions at $20,000 a year and private one for $40,000 plus other expenses. China's graduates need to be properly placed to avoid waste of human capital in economics.

The macro question is: Will we have to sacrifice the quality of education, or the access based on talent rather than the ability to pay? said Marx, the Amherst president. "Either of those make America less competitive for the next generation."

For an alternative way to learn a marketable skill under the Apprenticeship sponsored by the US Department of Labor with good pay. Such para-professional skills are needed in USA and in China from my observations in the last decade to the present. "Keys for Economic Understanding" is addressed to such problems. www.ask.com and www.Borders.com and click on Used Books for information.

Page A11: University of Oregon economist Mark Thomas argues in a post titled "Conducting Monetarey Policy when interst rates are near zero: Will it work? that fiscal policy- i.e. taxation and goverment spending -should lead monetary policy in the economic recovery. Such traditional macro economic policies are known.

I do remember that vigorous debates occurred in 1970s and I compared notes with Arthur Burns,the distinguished economist as Chairman at the FED and Professor of Economics at Columbia University. He agreed that "Humanpower policy should be stressed because Monetary and Fiscal Policies could not operate in a vacuum." In other words, labor should be trained with skills to supply the demand of a changing economy especially during the time of slowdown under financial crisis. Cf."Work and Study Cycle Theory" listed at the Library of Congress www.loc.gov for reference.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, an everlasting student to observe economic events in USA and in China to share my comments in my blogs. Monday,Dec.28,09 at 10.30 a.m.

"Cancer-testing firm gets China deal" by Mike Musgrove

Washington Post, December 28, 2009:Another evidence of Sino-American Economics in action.

First customer for markpap: Business incubator spawned Maryland start-up:

In a pilot program lasting five years, MarkPap will annually provide rural provinces in China with enough kits to conduct 1 million tests, which the firm says work similarly to Pap tests. The deal, made with a Chinese distributor with a presence in 6 of China's 22 provinces, is worth $13.5 million to the local firm.

Telemedicine is what makes this attractive said Markovidc who left a career at the NIH as a researcher to launch the firm with her husband. For details, please contact: musgrovem@washpost.com Mike is the writer of such feature article.

Perhaps "A Glimpse of the Chinese Language" available free at www.rand.org would be useful re such firm doing cancer research in China for communication in Pin Yin system of romanization as phonetic equivalents for understanding.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a perpetual grad student from China in 1947 on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 9.40 a.m.

"Superfreakonomics":No.8 Best Seller for excitement

Steven Levitt of the University of Chicago as an economist and Stephen Dubner, a journalist published such book in economics for the general public to understand the nature of Economics to be omnipresent and omniscient but may or may not be omnipotent. Readers can detect such book with deep thoughts of non-traditional interpretation of economics with creativity and innocation.

Washington Post, December 27, 2009 issue on page B8 with a feature article on the ultra-conservative economist Ayn RAND with her argument for the traditional American way of life as she understood it: INDIVIDUALISM. That would be debatable under the present circumstances of Health Care Bill as an example. Please reason such to learn the nature of economics with controversies in the American society and in China as well with the influence of Sino-American Economics of culture.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a lifelong student of economics for learning such inexact science from empirical evidence durimg my retirement days as an octogenarian on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 5.36 a.m.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Sequel to Wall Street-wth more greed than gore

Washington Post, December 27, 2009

Page B4: The details in "Too Big To Fail" will turn your stomach. The arrogance, lack of self-awareness, and overweening pride are astonishing.

Our most senior government officials determined that the US must allow Goldman to keep its risky portfolio of assets, while offering it essentially unfettered access to cheap credit from the FED. In rescuing a crippled investment bank, the Treasury created the world's largest government-backed hedge fund.

The people running our biggest banks with incentive to take more risk - if things go well, bank executives get the upside, and if there is a problem, the taxpayer will pick up the check.

Page G1: Spenders become savers: Recession leads some Americans to try to put away more-even with lower incomes.

Comment: It is difficult to change the lifestyle of the folks in USA or in China.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, an observer of lifestyle of the folks in USA and in China on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 2 p.m.

Washington Post, December 27, 2009 page B4

"You can blame the bankers all you want, but it is the government's job to prevent the financial sector from holding or exercising this kind of power over us.

The bigger picture is missing from Sorkin's book: "too big to fail" blow-by-blow accounts, but it is a recurrent theme in past due by journalist Peter Goodman. We can quibble about the relative importance of some details - such as the role of China's high savings rate in lowering global interest rates and feeding the American credit boom - in Goodman's highly informative account.

And, as Sorkin relates, it is hard to escape the conclusion that the rhetoric regarding our supposedly free markets without government intervention just masks the reality - that there is a revolving door between Wall Street and Washington, and powerful people bend the rules to help each other out.

The most significant result of the financial crisis is the emergence of six large banks that are undoubtedly too big to fall and therefore enjoy a strengthened government guarantee; Goldman, JP Morgan, Citigroup, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley are the beneficiaries of the doom loop. The most significant non-result is the fact that no comprehensive legislation has yet been passed to reform the financial sector. Without really serious reform, we have every reason to start counting down to the next financial crisis and to the next fleet of Mercedes lining up before the New York FED." End of quotes of the article. Well, such conclusion remains to be seen from empirical evidence as I would envision as an avid watcher of Sino-American economics in the days to come.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Sunday, December 27,2009 at 9.46 a.m.

What are you smiling about? WashPost, 12/26 p.A23

Tai Ben-Shahar, who teaches positive psychology at Harvard and has written extensively on happiness, calls it" the end toward which all other ends lead." He writes:"Wealth,fame,admiration and all other goals are subordinate and secondary to happiness; whether our desires are material or social, they are means toward one end: happiness."

My Happiness Equation is: Happiness=Material Consumption+Intellectual Pursuit+Spiritual Satisfaction+Good Health as Numerator over Desire as the Denominator. I have sent such in my past blogs for reader's attention.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 6 a.m.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Paul Krugman published "The Return of Depress on Economics"

Paul Krugman is the Winner of Nobel prize in Economic Science, 2008. Listed as the New York Times Best Seller. Published by W. Norton and Co.,New York and London.

Page 11 on China: Great puzzles of political economy to be in line with Sino-American economics to be watched with amazing happenings.

Page 27: Indonesia's life expectancy rose from 46 to 63. Folks can live longer with better weather and good lifestyle.

"It was the indirect and unintended result of the actions of soulless multinational corporations and rapacious local entrepreneurs." (sic)

Page 60: Japan: Distinctive characteristics - the cozy relationship between government and business, the extension of easy credit by government-guaranteed banks to closely allied firms come to be label crony capitalism and seen as the root of economic malaise.

In this regard, New York Times reporter just published "Too Big To Fail" in the same rationale. Such heavy and thick book is truly revealing of the facts.

Perhaps we would be able to detect political economy of human behavior of some leaders in some nations with frailties. Ethics and morality are stressed by Adam Smith as a moral philosopher and an economist. Ben Franklin mentioned virtue. Confucian heritage calls for teachers to be venerated and respected by pupils as the leaders to educate the young generation to serve the society with good moral disciple.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, an avid grad student from China in 1947 trying to learn the transformation in USA and in China from the 20th century to the 21st century with knowledge plus wisdom.

Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 6 p.m.

Washington Post,Dec.26, 2009: Style Section, C1,C3

"Foreign models flock to China, which is increasingly embracing a Western fashion aesthetic." By Keith B. Richburg:

Photo with 4 Chinese large characters in VOGUE magazine: In Pin Yin: "Fu Shi Mei Rong" meaning Decorated Clothing / Beautiful Countenance.

Page C3: Language Barrier: "A Glimpse of the Chinese Language" in English is dedicated to English-speaking folks to have initial understanding of the Chinese language via the Pin Yin system of romanization i.e. phonetic equivalents. However,it would be more desirable to learn the Chinese characters as a form of art re calligraphy. Mandarin has tones with musical underpinning. Chinese language involves both art and music as culture from the East.

"A Glimpse of the Chinese Language" is available free of charge at www.rand.org as public service at pdf format for reference.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao is trying to serve as a bridge between the East and the West via the language as a means of communication in the 21st century.

Saturday, Dec.26, 2009 at 10.25 a.m.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Shanghai "Xiao long bao" making demonstration

Please visit www.youtube.com and click on Shanghai Xiao long bao for details. Here is Sino-American Economics of Human Capital i.e. food to keep body and soul together.

This is sent to YOU for you to enjoy such snack vicariously. Hehehahahoho all the way and we shall live to be centenarians.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Dec.25, 2009 at 6.42 p.m.

A Christmas Presentation of "Jing Ji Xue" to YOU in 2009

During my six decades + years as a lifelong student of economics, I still remember the first course I took at St. John's Uiversity that it changed my life with no hyperbole whatsoever.

I had grown up in a family of teachers of English and in Chinese languages. The pros and cons of various solutions to society's problems generated fervent debates among my friends. But I had been drawn to the hard sciences initially. Whereas economics seemed vague, rambling and subjective, hard science was analytic, systematic, and objective. While political economy continued without end,both hard and soft science made progress for humanity.

My sophomore courses on the principles of economics opened my eyes to a new way of thinking. Economics combines the virtues of social sciences. Its subject matter is society - how folks choose to lead their lives and how they interact with one another. By bringing the methods of science to the problems of daily living, economics tries to make progress on the challenges that all societies face in all nations.

I was invited to write a research project at the US Department of Labor with a subject in which a little knowledge goes a long way. The same cannot be said of the study of phyusics or the Chinese language. Economists have a unique way of viewing the world and my goal in writing "Keys for Economic Understanding" is to transmit my thoughts to the widest audience and to convince readers that it illuminates much about the world on earth. Cf. www.ask.com or www.borders.com for information of the paperback.

I have reason to believe that everyone should study the fundamental ideas that economics has to offer. Professor John K. Galbraith published "Almost Everyone's Guide to Economics" would be an excellent reference. A book review was published by Atlantic Economic Journal in September 1979. One purpose of general education is to inform folks about globalization and thereby make them better citizens. The study of economics, as much as any discipline and in any field, serves the goal. As Professor Paul A. Samuelson put it, "I don't care who write a nations's laws, or crafts its advanced treaties, if I can write its economics book." Here is the succinct words in a nutshell.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on December 25, 2009 at 1.40 p.m.

Retrospect:Christmas Memories with spiritual Joy

Washington Post, December 25, 2009 on page A24, Editorial:

"The sun is shining, the grass is green; The Orange and palm trees sway. There's never been such a day, in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it's December the 24th, And I am longing to be up North..." I recollect the Big Red Lamp Shades in Beverely Hills.

Well, I was teaching in Hollywood,L.A., California from 1958-196l, at the RAND Corporation from 1964-1965 and headed to Maryland re a project for the National Science Foundation in 1965-1966 and resumed my teaching career since 1966 to October 31, 2009. However, I taught in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1961-1964.

Page A5:

The Obamas begin holiday in Hawaii. I remember I was in L.A. in 1951 and met folks from Hawaii to cultivate friendship with Police Chief Dan Liu of Honolulu, Hawaii who granted me the title of Honorary citizen in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1969. Chief Dan was with the Police Department since 1948 and as the Chief for more than two decades. A movie was dedicated to him with John Wayne in "Big Jim Mclain." in 1952.

Page A22:

In 2009, cheer instead of gloom and doom - Feeling a bit of optimism from the strengthening economy, consumers were more willing to spend to boost the consumption sector 2/3 of GDP.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Christmas Day, December 25, 2009 at 9.16 a.m.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Washington Post, December 24, 2009

Page C4:

Christmas Carol: Dickens's gift keeps on giving: Tale that helped ignite holiday spirit in 1843 still sparks it today: A hundred years later: -

In 1943, I was admitted as a Frosh at St. John's University, Shanghai, China and I had the opportunity to read "David Copperfield" by the prodigious Charles Dickens in my English class.

Carol: "Song ge" or "huan le zhi ge" in Pin Yin system of romanization as the song of joy during yuletide. I would recommend that we have such song in our minds and hearts everyday with laughter for longevity to be centenarians.

Page A10: "Ford expects to sell Volvo soon to China's Geely Group. If the sale goes through, it would be another step in the US auto industry's retrenchment from global operations, as well as another acquisition of such assets by a Chinese company." That is Sino-American Economics in action.

Page A14: Editorial: "With the world mired in economic crisis, there has been much talk of China's dynamism and its apparent relative immunity to the vicissitudes of the market. Some even suggest that this makes it a model of sorts for other nations." Comment: Confucianism teaches morality and ethics with the lifestyle of being hardworking and frugal as a way of life re a model for other nations. Needless to say, we must remember Adam Smith as a philosopher and an economist plus Ben Franklin's focus on labor:"He who has a skill has an estate." Furthermore, the humor of Mark Twain may be our model as well. I try to be a student under the influence of all the teachers as cited from 1947 to date, i.e. more than 6 decades in USA.

Yuletide is the season to be jolly. It is the most wonderful time of the year with love and merriment. Faith, Hope and LOVE are my "modus operandi.

Page C10: Zen mode of Buddhism for "amidofu": "Happy, happy happy, peace, peace, peace and joy, joy,joy." Count all the blessings with prayers during Yuletide and other times as well,preferably everyday for genuine joy in spirit with forgiveness of human frailties for holiday cheer!

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a lifelong disciple from Shanghai in 1947 with the intent to be a student forever to gain knowledge plus wisdom as an octogenarian. Christmas Eve, December 24, 2009 at 9.46 a.m.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Nestle made misleading health claims

Washington Post, December 23, 2009 on page A15:

Swiss food giant Nestle made misleading claims about the health benefits of some children's beverages, US regulators said in letter released.

FDA says Nestle made unauthorized nutrient content claims about Juicy Juice Brain Development Fruit Juice Beverage (apple), Juice Juice All-Natural 100% Juice (orange-tangerine and grape flavors)

FDA said Nestle's Boost Kid Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink, in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors, was promoted as a medical food but did not meet requirements for that type of claim. Such is misleading advertisement and is immoral and illegal to the fullest.

I am aware of Nestle's products in China and I believe such case may be the ground for Sino-American Economics to take common legal action re such unethical business dealing.

Page A12: Dollar's decline a boon for US manufacturers: Keith Adams of sheet-metal parts maker said: "It was more cost-effective to go overseas with it,but in the last six to eight months we have started to win some of the business back from China in part because of the declining value of the dollar." The exchange rate depends on the demand and supply in theory.

Thoughts during the Yuletide season: Let us forge powerful bond to keep connected over time across distance: Live with good health; Work for specific purpose and Play to balance our time frame:-

Daily Function=Sleep + Non-Sleep(Leisure, Work,Play) over Time constraint. That may be a good equation for us to make our own adjustment in hours.

We have immediate family but we may extend our greater human family to dear friends, good neighbors and friendly colleagues for mutual caring to be linked in our minds and hearts.

Take time to cherish the life we all have in the mundane world.

Let our light shine in our spirits during this holiday season.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on December 23, 2009 at 6.52 p.m.

Wall Street Journal, Dec. 22nd and WashPost,Dec.23rd

WSJ,Dec.22nd.

Page B2: Honda plans to build a new plant in Wuhan, China to keep up with surging demand there. Vehicles sales in China grew about 50% through November and are expected to grow another 15% next year.

General Motors(GM) plans to boost sales in China to more than 2 million vehicles a year and has plans to introduce 2 dozen new or updated models over the next several years. Moreover, another plant is to be built over the next few years.

Page B3: France Energy Giant,Total SA seeks broader alliance with oil producer CNPC (China National Petroleum Corp.) along with Chinese rising clout in the energy sector.

Page B5: China Telecom to offer Blackberry on Mainland in bid to gain ground.



Washington Post,Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 1.35 p.m.

Page E1: Pancit, a labor-intensive mix of chopped veggies with meat is a birthday party's dish in the Philippines as published with such explanation.

Comment: "Pacit" may be a variation of nuance for the Chinese words of "Pan si" in Pin Yin system of romanization: "Pan" means a plate and "si" means shredded stuff. However,such interpretation must be confirmed by Dr. Bing Inocencio, a former President of an American university and a former Dean of a college, a native of Philippines.

Comment: Such dish may be originated from China,similar to "Chop Suey" to mean broken pieces as known in the Chinese restaurants when I arrived at San Francisco in 1947.

Page E6: Chinese spring roll,wrapped with veggies and pork may have the brand-name of "Wei Chuan" In Pin Yin for Mandarin,the phonetic alphabets would be "Wei Quan" to mean the whole taste in the Chinese characters.

Page E3: "Dim Sum" is Cantonese pronunciation of snack. The Pin Yin system in Mandarin should be "Dian Xin" to mean snack. There is the nuance again.

An evergreen greetings would be "Happy Holidays" to imply Merry Christmas,Happy New Year or Blessings for the Lunar Year of the Tiger effective February 14, 2010, coincides with Valentine's Day in 2010. The Lunar New Year varies each year.
.

For Sino-American Economics,please visit www.Sino-American Economics via www.Google.com

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 2.o8 p.m.

Commentary on 'Simpsons' received a Christian blessing

Washington Post, December 23, 2009 on page C2: The yellow-skinned, Asian-colored characters are manufactured by NANCO, Chelsea MA 02150, USA.

Aristotle's Virtues and Homer's Doughnut," to be credited as the longest-running American animated program with opening up cartoons to an adult audience. Aristotle and Plato happened to be contemporary philosophers of Confucius and Mencius. The West and the East are One in humanity. Adam Smith was a professor of economics with moral philosophy of Ethics.

Homer's religious confusion and ignorance are a mirror of the indifference and the need that modern man feels toward faith. Homer calls for divine intervention by crying: "I am not normally a religious man, but if you are up there, save me, Superman!" Such expression would be addressed to "Laotianye" in Pin Yin system of romanization for such a devoted saluatation. Homer finds in his last refuge even though he sometimes gets His name sensationaly wrong. But these are just minor mistakes, after all, the two know each other well. L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican paper declared.

Here is the common ground for Divine Providence in Sino-American Economics of Human Capital. Human beings are human beings are human beings...word without end...

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao endorses the ecumenical and conceptual understanding of the thoughts of homosapiens on earth in the mundane world during the Yuletide season to look forward to Lunar New Year of the Tiger effective February 14, 2010, Valentine's Day toward all folks with amity apropos of all living being. Tigers are kings in the animal world but the everlasting reign is under the domain of the King in eternity.

Reflection for the spiritual direction from an octogenarian graduate student from China since 1947 to send this blog on December 23, 2009 at 10.18 a.m. Eight is regarded as Good Fortune by folks in Hong Kong and One is considered by the Japanese as the Best in Asian tradition. Such is the creative thoughts for readers to share tidings during the holidays. Thank you and have a great day,everyday!

Blessings to be derived from 10 points/pointers during Yuletide

1. Blessed are the poor in eating for theirs is the menu for good health.

2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be given consolations.

3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth with fortitude.

4. Blessed are those who do the proper things for righteousness.

5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy with fairness.

6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall have faith, hope and love.

7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be the bridge builders.

8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for justice with the mirror of fair reward.

9. Blessed to those who take the opportunities to success regardless of age.

10. Blessed are the beautiful souls in their hearts and minds regardless of ethnicity.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 6.08 a.m.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

China's Market System as I observed during the last decade

China's Market reforms began with leasing of farmland and allowing farmers to sell increasing amounts of their output at market-determined rather than state-set prices. Subsequent reforms included the establishment of townshiop and village enterprises and urban collectives as types of private enterprises and the setting up of special enterprise zones open to international trade and direct foreign investment. More recently, China's reforms have involved development of support and control institutions for the market system and the corporatization of state-owned enterprises via issuance of stocks on NYSE. Many electronic products and other goods are sold in American stores for reasonable prices to benefit consumers.

Shanghai is going to be the Center of International Finance and Maritime Center in the years to come. World Exposition will take place in May 2010. I have been lecturing economics in many cities in China to observe such great progress almost every year since 1981 especially the last three years including the months of February and November 2009 as a witness of the market system in operations.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 7.12 p.m.

Solar Power for energy in USA and in China et al

It would be creative to come up with solutions for farmers. One can build an LED light from a cardboard toilet paper roll and an inside -out potato chip bag; insted of batteries. A person can craft solar panels for power.

Visit www.columbiatribune.com to search Jesuit engineer for such ingenuity.

Epicureanism is a philosophical school in which sensuous pleasure amd luxuries are regarded as devotion. But those who hold such views should understand moderation in all things. In Pin Yin:"Zhong Yong Zhi Dao." Material consumption is NOT the only factor for happiness.

Ben Franklin, who helped USA become independent. At age 12m he wanted to go to sea. He was an apprentice with his brother who was a printer by trade. He worked with his brother, James during the day, and wrote articles for the paper at night. His famous saying: "He who has a skill, has an estate." I admire Ben Franklin for honoring labor in the market place.

For apprenticeship in the labor market ,see "Keys for Economic Understanding" www.ask.com for information.

Pearl Buick won the Nobel Prize for "Americans in China." She had a vision for Sino-American economics in the 21st century.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, an admirer of Mark Twain aka Samuel Clemens,author of "Tom Sawyer" and "Huckleberry Finn" known to Americans.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 3.40 p.m.

Washington Post,Dec.22, 2009: Tidbits to share with readers

WTO rules against China on CDs. DVDs

For a description of WTO, please see the prior blog apropos of WTO, dated December 21, 2009.

Winter can bring comforts on Page E2:

1. Warm up then bundle up.
2. Take a morning walk to ease doldrums.
3. Wear a scarf to feel the difference from the neck to the whole body.
4. Take sunshine vitamin D.
5. Rinse nose with saltwater.

The above may be considered as Economics of Human Capital of Sino-American economics.

Economist Lincoln Gordon lived to age 96 on page B5. He served as US Ambassador to Brazil. I visited Brazil in 1997 for my relatives in Sao Paulo with fondest memories. Dr. Gordon was the President of Johns Hopkins University and graduated from Harvard at the age of 19, a prococious scholar. Professor John K. Galbraith was Professor Emeritus from Harvard and his book "Almost Everyone's Guide to Economics" was reviewed in the Atlantic Economic Journal, September 1979 issue for reference.

Page A15: US Recoery expectrations drive dollar up. Good news for Americans with dollars.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 8.26 a.m.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Thoughts re WTO ruling on China dated Dec.21,2009

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization with over 100 member nations, established in 1995 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of the WTO is to provide a venue for negotiating international trade agreements and then to enforce these global rules of international trade with disputes.

A case of point such as bananas and the European Union. The EU restricted banana imports to bananas from a few countries that were former EU colonies. As a result, the price paid for bananas in European markets was about twice the price of bananas in the US. The largest firms such as Dole, Chiquita, and Del Monte in the US complained that they were being harmed because their bananas, which came from other nations of central and south America, were excluded from the EU system, which favored a few former colonies The WTO ruled that the EU restrictions on banana imoports were harmful and against the rules of trade to which all nations had agreed. This is but one example of the role of the WTO in promoting fair and free international trade. However, such motivational ruling is up to the readers to interpret as you would see fit.

Blessings to each and everyone during Yuletide holidays.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a student of the Law of Comparative Advantage to the fullest extent in my way of thinking on Monday, December 21, 2009 at 3 .03 p.m.

Friendship lasts forever with traits of human behavior

Belated comments about the group photos taken on November 21, 2009 at a restaurant in Shanghai.

Turn the photos into an album. Blog witty and warm captions for such remembrance with the wording of "AFFECTION AND GRATITUDE FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME."

We are sentient adults with our drives,ideas, feelings, opinions, preferences, idiosyncrasies, attitudes, tastes, whims, hangups, passing fancies, inhibitions,impulses and soft spots et al.

However,we are united with our common ground of ethnicity in Shanghai with our sojourn via USA in the mundane world.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a former faculty member from 1945-1947 at Xuhui School aka St. Ignatius Loyola College in Zikawei, Shanghai, China.

Monday, December 21, 2009 -Snow Under as "House Arrest" in Maryland, USA at 12.48 p.m.

The Science of Aging: healthy Cells for healthy aging

Dr. Ames, a renowned geneticist has studied the relationship between diet(Chinese food to sustain energy level and promote brain cell function with powerful antioxidant) and cells for aging process. His research focuses on the links between aging and tiny structures inside cells called mitochondria.

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, the biological engines that convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into the energy used by the entire body. Aging mitochondria are less efficient at converting fuel to energy, and they produce more toxic oxidants.

Healthy mitohondria keep our cells healthy. Healthy cells provide energy, help keep the mind sharp and the memory clear, and provide a sense of over well-being.

The above analysis from science of heredity may be overly academic for ordinary folks. My recommendation would be to follow the guidelines of the Huangdi, the Emperor for our ancestry:

Eat Beancurd and veggies from Chinese varieties plus fish to strive to be centenarians.(sic)

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a lifelong student of economic philosophy for longevity from Chinese culture to be shared with readers of Sino-American economics.

Monday, December 21, 2009 at 6.15 a.m.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Copenhagen talks show US, China may shape future

Washington Post, Dec.20,09 page A1,A16: New World Order may be led by US,China.

US Chinese Wushu Institute for :"Gongfu" in Pin Yin or Kungfu for health: www.uschinesewushu.com for information

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a watcher for such skills on Dec.20, 2009

A superpower not following the US Model

Washington Post, Dec. 20, 2009 on page B7:

Martin Jacques published his book entitled "When China rules the world" The end of the Western World and the birth of a new global order. Penguin Publilsher 550 pp. $29.95

Martin Jacques,a British news columnist, became fascinated by the manic modernization underway in China when he visited in 1993. He saw construction cranes working round the clock, roads streaming with trucks and carts, and peasant women balancing wares on either end of a bamboo pole. The vibrant energy and evident willpower got Jacques musing: Would the economic boom follow the Western model? Or would China pursue modernity in its own way?

Comment: Confucianism teaches folks in China to be industrious and thrifty. That is one of the major reason of China's progress. Needless to say, the policies of the leadership would be another factor as well.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao had vision of a prosperous China apropos of lectures as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Hong Kong, April 5, 1990.

Sundaym December 20, 2009 at 1.36 p.m.

Thayer joins Chinese firm to buy Interstate Hotels

Washington Post, Dec.19,2009 on page A14:

Frederic Malek's Thayer Lodging Group joins with a Chinese hospitality firm to acquire a large hotel firm for $307 million, the firms said.

Thayer is teaming up with Shanghai Jin Jiang Interenational Hotels in an all-cash, 50-50 joint venture.

Photo: The Hamilton Crowne Plaza, at 14th and K Streets, NW, is one of more than 200 hotels worldwide managed by Interstate Hotels.

Malek was president of Marriott Hotels and the Ritz-Carlton hotels. He was president of Northwest Airlines.

Here is another evidence of Sino-American Economics in action.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao was a guest at Jin Jiang hotel in Shanghai and enjoyed Shanghai very much as a native of Shanghai since 1926.

Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 1.12 p.m.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Life is designed fo you to have selection of the following:

1. Material Gains by accumulation of properties. Ownership may be the goal for some folks.

2. Spiritual satisfaction by having faith,hope and love. Dedicated folks seek mental and intellectual activities. Happiness is not material consumption over Desire only in my past blogs for your understanding.

3. Soul-searching pursuit by thinking about our existence via epistemology.

Which one above is most significant for the readers to ponder and reflect profoundly?

During the Yuletide season, let us eat, drink and be healthy with restraint for health. According
to Chinese culture,we allow 70% as the capacity to feed the stomach. In Pin Yin:"qi fen bao."

Have a snack with fiber, protein and a little fat to keep our hunger under control. Needless to say,we must keep our body and soul together by having food everyday.

We should be able to take protective measures against Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
to eat more fish (omega 3 plus Vitamins C & E) and dark-green leafy vegetables as smart living.

Make sleeping a priority, and set aside 7 to 9 hours a night. Too little sleep can hurt our heart, brain and body.

Visit website: HealthyUpdates.com. Here is another blog for Sino-American Economics apropos of Human Capital.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 7.12 p.m.

Economics of Human Capital in the hearts and minds

Four kinds of emotions are to be avoided for our health as Sino-American Economics of Wellbeing:-

1. Anger
2. Depression
3. Hostility
4. Anxiety

Any one of the above is linked with an increased risk of heart disease but they often go together. The danger is when one has all four as listed above. Get rid of these negative words for certainty.

The way to tackle is to have spiritual joy with positive scenario on earth.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a lifelong student of economic philosophy to optimize and maximize our healthy& good living with Faith, Hope and LOVE.

Saturday, December 19, 2009, a day with blizzard and storm emergency in Metro Washington DC but this day will be over and tomorrow,Dec.20th will be a better day for survival in the mundane world. Snow will be gone and the temperature will be up in the days to come. The mindset is significant for our good health,indeed! Thank you for your time in reading my humble thoughts re a Song: "I want a White Christmas "and we have such festival a few days earlier i.e. today,Dec.19th. Should we be satisfied? You bet!

At 2 p.m.

Economics as I see it for your reference

Economics is to be integrated and incorporated into the context of global perspective in the 21st century with the traditional economic principles and policies. Recent events have made this approach more imperative. Economies of nations are interrelated and that should be understood by readers of Sino-American Economics.

Economic happenings cause additions, deletions, and modifications of issues in societies. Data should be updated to include the latest available economic statistics with reservations for discrepancies. We wander around in the trees(micro) to see the forest(macro) with nebulous views. There is no pat answer per se and we are searching for the optimum in the academic community for scholarly endeavors.

The successful features must have enhanced relevance and real-world cases. "Work and Study Cycle Theory" may be validated and implemented in the USA and in China apropos of productivity with improved technology. In other words, productivity determinants may be referred to labor quality,technology innovation,energy prices,shifting from manufacturing to service industries and financial market developments as we shall envision in the days to come in the real world.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Saturday, December 19, 2009 under record blizzard in Maryland with cold weather. However, if we have warm hearts,we can still have positive attitude to be happy on earth in the mundane world. At 9.46 a.m.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Washington Times,Dec.18, 2009

Page A4:

Economists eye on PPI,CPI for any hints of inflation. It is a hot topic nowadays. Bad for the aveage consumer. We need to pay more for goods and services in the days to come in 2010.

For a short definiation of Inflation, visit www.baidu.com and search Precis on Inflation to get some idea if interested.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao who taught economics for 4 decades including PPI and CPI but I have reservation about the accuracy of such. It depends on other factors as well. Economics is an inexact science.

Friday, December 18, 2009 at 2.08 p.m.

Blind spots of free economy in the West with recommendations

An emeritus professor of economics delivered an insightful lecture in Taiwan:
1. Three assumptions:
1. Rational homosapiens for self interest to seek wealth as human nature and government should not interfere individuals at all.
2. Under perfect competition of raw materials and labor,the best and lowest cost can be attained.
3. Balance can be reached via the competition of free markets of imports and exports in the regions via supply and demand of commodities with natural adjustments.

Adam Smith was the father of classical economic studies. Actually,he accepted the ideas of Plato and Aristotle as the guiding philosophy. Smith accepted the thoughts of farming as the ideal but adding commerce and trade in his methodology to seek wealth. He is against the interference of the government. but advocate international free trade.

Malthus started "Population Theory" with agricultural labor on the land introducing production efficiency with reduction due to increase of population.

Mill's famous work on "Taxation Theory in Political Economy" (1848) is the endorsement of the classical school of economics. He was not satisfied with the Industrial Revolution in Europe resulting unfair distribution of income via the exploitation of labor with trend toward socialism. He advocated lowering tax to reduce the burden of the people and to promote education and the voting rights of women.

Marx noted market glut and to try to grab colonies to obtain source of wealth and to enslave natives of Africa to be sold to the continent of America resulting revolution of the class revolution of people without property. on the road toward international communism.

There are shortcomings in the logic of Marxism. Marshall cited the marginal efficiency of utilitarianism to explain supply and demand of consumers and producers with a few natural monopoly under the control of the government to care for livelihood of the people and to give reasonable profit according to the cost of production.

Marshall's "Principles of Economics" (1890) was intended to replace political economy to explain operations in economics with data and a pioneer of econometrics.

Say's Law recognized sufficient consumption from production as a kind of Darwin's evolution. "Survival of the fittest" seems to be incorporated into such thought.

From the end of the 19th century to the Great Depresson of 1929,the New Classical School has mantained the sphere of influence with authority. There have been challenges and revisions but the theory and policy of free economic principles in the West lasted without far distance.

To be continued...

Hopes in Copenhagen: US., China occur on final talks

"Express" a publication of Washington Post, Dec.18, 2009 pn page 8:

US President Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jianbao were to join more than 110 world leaders for the last scheduled day of the conference with hopes to be released by media.

Page A28: US Air Force gives go-ahead to solar project. China has solar projects as well.

Page A26: Cooperation or confrontation for clout in political economy apropos of Citigroup tax ruling? Rep. Dennis Kucinich(D-Ohio), chairman of a subcommittee on domestic policy, called the ruling a "farce" and an "outrage." witha photo in angry posture.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao watching the development of economics in action.

Friday, December 18, 2009 at 9.36 a.m.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

America's Populaton:Express,Dec.17,09 page 3

US population should climb to 399 milion by 2050, under the projection with white making up 49.9% of the population. Blacks will make up 12.2%,virtually unchanged from today, Hispanics,currently 15%, will rise to 28% in 2050. No mention about Asian Americans since we are the minority of minorites or the balance making up 100%. Think as you wish.

Page 9 North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has issued new hairstyle order for citizens. The aficionado reportedly is advising men to keep their hair short and for women to pull back. "To keep your hair tidy and simple...is a very important matter." Christian Science Monitor reported.

It is known in the media that President Obama wrote a letter to Kim and Kim's decree may be the reaction of the hairstyle of the President of the United States by serendipity in the light vein.

Page 11: China and India et al are resisting what they consider potential intrusions of their sovereignty re the monitoring of US developed nations re verification of emissions by developing nations. Let us wait and see the official announcement in a couple of days.

"President Obama is fully aware of the political and economic realities back home."

That is political economy in action for delegates at Copenhagen.

Page 12: "Feds probe schools for gender bias": There was a clear case of racial bias when two Americans of Chinese ancestry taught in the same department and in the same college with tenure for 17 and 18 years. One was forced to resign and the other was terminated in 1983 and 1984. That is a true case in Maryland for readers of Sino-American Economics to be aware of such discrimination in American history. The situation should be better in the 21st century.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Dec. 17, 2009 at 11.28 a.m.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

USAToday,Dec.16,2009

Page 10A: Nike's CEO Mark Parker is considering doubling or tripling its $1.5 billion investment in China.(Cover story, Money,Dec.7th) Jarring to some but OK for others.

Low wage works in China would mean high profit for Nike. That is not untrue for other investments as well.

Page 1D: FARMVILLE: Craig Wilson wrote: " Years ago someone told me I should always have younger friends. They'll look after you when you get older,the advice went.

Another perk is they'll look better than friends our own age - something pleasant to look at.

I took the advice and now have friends 30 to 40 years younger than I am. I've discovered they also keep me up with the times as the "Final Word."

82/28 happened with 54 years difference! They are OK to be young at hearts!

That is Sino-American economics in action.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao,a witness of human drama being unfolded from human nature.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 2.10 p.m.

USAToday, 12/16/2009

USAToday, 12/16/2009

USAToday,Dec.16,09

USAToday,Dec.16,09

Washington Post H4 CLOSER TO CHINA

Three guys are playing the ball,namely:USA,Russia and China in comics by Ralph E. Winnie, Jr., the Director of the Eurasian Business Coalition's China Program: Such comics is relevant to economics in essence.

"The People's Republic of China has become a major economic player in the world community. As China continues to grow, Russia views the situation as more of an opportunity rather than a threat. China has been successful in actively promoting joint venture partnerships with profitable Western companies. Currently, Russia lacks the ability to effectively integrate these new technologies into the fabric of its economy. China's success is known as the market economy.

The Russian government recognizes that the key to developing a robust and stable economy is to push strengthening relations with China. Russia is eager to understand how China has been able to rapidly absorb and utilize Western know-how and entrepreneurial business success; it seeks to emulate China's relatively open economy. It is evident that Chinese leadership has Confucianism as the mindset of flexibility in international businesses.:" Within Four Seas,all are brothers "and sisters( to be added for equal opportunity).

The closer relationship being established between China and Russia should encourage the United States to alter its mindset twward Russia."

The above is a timely description for US-China/Sino-American economics apropos of US outlook for trade opportunities toward China and vice versa for mutual benefit in the 21st century.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao,a student of international economics on December 16, 2009 at 10.10 a.m.

Zion National Park Establishes Relationship with Chinese Park

"Express" paper dated December 16, 2009 on page 26: Please read below:

Officials say Dan xia shan National Park is Zion's first sister park in China, according to the Spectrum, a paper based in St. George, Utah. The agreement between parks will involve sharing ideas, staff and research to better understand both parks and cultures. Needless to say, culture implies languages,i.e. English and Chinese for mutual understanding. The two locations share a similar formation of red rocks. Red signifies Good Luck in Chinese culture as solid as the rock for future US-China relations. Moreover,the American Ambassador to China was the Governor of Utah. The phonetic equivalents sound like "Youta" in Wu dialect for Hebrew or Jew. Furthermore, Alaska sounds like "our world" in the meaning for Wu dialect. My Shanghai background rings the bell for such happenings in the light vein.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao is certainly delighted to learn such news as a student of cosmology and epistemology to share with readers of "Sino-American Economics."

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 9.26 a.m.

Emperor of Japan and VP of Chna met for goodwill

Hong Kong Phoenix TV reported that two Asian leaders had met as a gesture of goodwill with the intent of closer relations of two nations for collaboration in the days to come for mutual benefit. Cooperation instead of conflict would be desirable for bi-lateral relations for Sino-American economics as well.

Such historical meeting shares the vision of a Fulbright Senior Scholar apropos of trade and economic cooperation published by Hong Kong's "Kuai Bao" i.e. Quick Newspaper on April 5, 1990 with a photo of the lecturer from the US at Lingnan College. That is the record in history almost two decades ago!

Washington Post reports on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 that IRS gives tax break of 34 billions to Citigroup as an act in unison re Political Economy i.e. the mix of the public and private sector for the wellbeing of the society. Let us learn the economic system from empirical evidence.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a lifelong student of economics in action to share with readers online.

Wednesday, December 16,2009 at 5.50 a.m.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

USAToday,Dec.15,09/Washington Times,12/15/09 -a touch of humor

USAToday, Dec.15, 09 page 4B: GM sells some Saab assets to No. 5 carmake in China:

Shanghai - Beijing Auto Industry Holding Co. (BAIC) has acquired Saab unit as part of a push to develop its own brand name cars.

BAIC is joining Geely Auto Group and others in chasing Western brands to take advantage of a steep global industry downturn. Most Chinese auto such as Volkswagon and Toyota focused on the low end,as inexpensive as $4,400. Sounds good? Buy one in China?

The Washington Times Dec.15,09 on page A2:

Americans live longer for advances in medical care stretching out life spans.

Researchers say Americans may live as much as 8 years longer than government forecasts by 2050. For example, if a person is 84 in 2010, such person will live to be 124 by 2050 plus 8 to be 132 years old if such research is not incorrect?! Let us wait and see the oldest guy!?

Accordingly,folks in USA would "maximize and optimize" medicare and social security benefits as students of applied economics. (sic) But Uncle Sam has to pay out for such deserving person!

PageA3: US Red Ink(debt) flirts with crisis,panel warns... Red signifies Good Luck in Chinese culture!

Hehehahahoho all the way and we strive to be epi-centenarisns,indeed!

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a lifelong student of applied economics and a disciple of Mark Twain on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 12.16 p.m.

Farewell,Tai Shan/ An Ancient Emperor's toys

Washington Post, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009:

Page A28: The National Zoo's loss is an endangered species's gain: There is no denying the love Washington feels for its giant pandas. So the sadness surrounding this month's announcement that Tai Shan, the panda born in the zoo in 2005 soon will be sent to China is understandable. It's clear, though, that Tai Shan can do more for the panda-loving world by going to China to make babies rather than staying in the District to mollify his fans.

There are only about 1, 600 giant pandas in the wild and just a little more than 200 in captivity. The San Diego Zoo has sent two cubs to China to breed, and one of them has given birth to seven cubs in China. We can hope that Tai Shan will emulate that example.

Well, it is up to Tai Shan to take action when he sees fit but we wish him good luck to find a partner to create a cub for the love of humankind on earth.

Page C10: China's 7,000 Terra Cotta Warriors all have different faces! with photo to see on such page. Qin shi huang di i.e. Qin, the Emperor was only 13 years old when the whole project got started, more than 2,200 years ago. He brought bronze birds, versions of the dancing cranes he kept as pets as his answer to the iPod.

Such exhibition at the Nastional Geographic Museum is up until March 31, 2010.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao blogs the above info for readers of Sino-American Economics.

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 at 9.36 a.m.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Wall Street Journal, Dec. 14, 2009 on page A5

Remembrances - Paul Samuelson: 1915-2009. May he rest in peace with all departed from this mundane world.

"Titan of Economics" as stated by FED Chairman Ben Bernanke, a former student at the MIT.

Paul Samuelson hailed from a family of well-known economists including brother Robert Summers, sister-in-law Anita Summers and nephew Lawrence Summers who runs President Obama's National Economic Council.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao,a lifelong student of economics for six decades on Monday, December 14, 2009 at 1.38 p.m.

Economist Paul A. Samuelson left this mundane world.RIP

On December 13, 2009, the First American Nobel Winner in Economic Science Paul A. Samuelson passed away at age 94 with the legacy of his famous textbook. Prof. Samuelson and Professor Milton Friedman held different views. Prof. Friedman is known to be the advocate of Monetarism as the disciple of Irving Fisher's Quantity Theory of Money or Equation of Exchange. Both Professor Galbraith and Professor Samuelson were advisors to President Kennedy for tax cuts to stimulate spending. Prof. Galbraith published "Almost Everyone's Guide to Economics" and a book review may be searched onlineat the Atlantic Economic Journal,Sept. 1979 issue. Prof. Galbraith passed away at the age of 97.

The first Nobel Laureate was awarded to Jon Tinbergen who developed "Convergence Theory" with his vision in 1969. The combo of private and public sectors is very much in evidence nowadays to validate and implement his "Theory of Convergence" The humble work entitled "Work and Study Cycle Theory" may be validated and implemented in USA and in China in the 21st century as empirical evidence of the real world with relevance. Cf. www.ask.com for reference.

Professor Samuelson mentioned Happiness as the Material Consumption over Desire in his textbook but I would like to add intellectual pursuit,spiritual satisfaction + Good Health to the Numerator in such Equation with the Desire to be the Denominator. I lectured and published such philosophy of life in Shanghai, 1981-1982. Economics has definite bearing with human behavior but the lifestyles of Americans and Chinese are NOT the same with varied tradition and culture. The newly published "Super Freakonomics" 2009 edition by an economist at the University of Chicago may be excellent reference for the true nature of Economics in all shapes and forms to be discovered in human actions everywhere on earth.

Economist Larry Summer is the nephew of Prof. Samuelson as the adviser to President Obama. I heard him at C-Span today with the emphasis of both the public and private sectors as the model from Economist John M. Keynes. i.e. The Keynesian Cross with expansionary and recessionary gaps at best. All economists are searching for the optimum in academic endeavors. Cf. Sino-American Economics with blogs relative to the goal of economics to strive for happiness.

Well,economists left this mundane world short of being centenarians. My uncle died in Shanghai at his age of 99 as a retired auditor with AIG re my family background of my grandfather who started insurance business with the British centuries ago in Shanghai. Needless to state that I am delighted to learn "World Expo 2010 in Shanghai," the city of my birth for world-wide exhibition of products appropos of economics in action.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao with timely reflections as a lifelong student of economics since my intellectual pursuit of economics studies at St. John's University from early 1940s to date.

Monday, December 14, 2009 at 10 a.m.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Ten things to be read for your thoughts with humor

1. Ice lettuce shares a name with what collided with the Titanic. I eat lettuce everyday to recall such historical disaster.

2. Hebe was the goddess of youth and spring in Greek mythology. In Pin Yin,Hebe sounds like Xi pi for "xi pi xiao lian" (grin cheekily) as a mark for youth. What coincidence!

3. If you are a "free-lance person," a new opportunity may open up for you with serendipity.

4. I retreat from the noisy world for a while, and spending some quiet time alone to relax and rejuvenate. Solitary reflection may be favored with taciturn and uncommunicative mood for holy spirituality.

5. I hope to meet someone who complements my personality and value my individuality with luck of the New Year of the Tiger effective February 14, 2010.

6. An Ad in the Washington Post,Dec.13,09 on page A16: 80% of voters nation-wide rank growing budget deficit and national debt a high priority. Folks talk about it but the leaders are trying to do something during the course of time. Patience will be required and patience is a virtue! That is Sino-American Economics.

7. An emotional encounter could be heart-warming and offer valuable insights in my private and professional life.

8. When the Portuguese sent folks to colonize the New World in the mid-1500s, they sent them to Brazil to develop sugar cane plantations to provide sugar to half the world's population. I was aware of such when I visited Brazil in 1997.

9. Amusement to an observing mind is to study all things daily for fun.

10. Exaggeration is a trillion times better or worse than understatement? The reader knows?!

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 2 p.m.

Business Week, December 21, 2009

Page 021: China's excess goods will remain cheap around the world. My reactions are:

Less expensive goods from China will benefit folks who are jobless. Nobody would impugn such basic common sense.


Tom Cook,chief at B. Corning says: "We like what China is doing: they are focusing on who is using resources efficiently." That is Sino-American economics as the basis.

Page 026: US government now owns a 34% stake in Citi i.e. the mix of public and private sectors in the US economy as I have sent my past blogs. Citibanks will expand in China as I have observed when I was in China last month.

Page 028: Bank of America CEO Lewis made repaying TARP as a regulatory seal of approval. Bank of America has stakes in China Construction Bank(CCB) as I noted for several years.

Page 076: USCIS News: Foreign talents are still wanted in USA: Less labor cost,more corporate profit.

Page 092: There is an incredibly high correlation between folk's happiness and meaning in life. I find happiness in reading and blogging with genuine meaning in life(to share knowledge with other readers). We are in this mundane world to make contributions before we become centenarians.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao in Bowie Library on Sunday,Dec.13th at 1.30 p.m. with liquid sunshine outside.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Reflection from 1926: Chronological sequence in brief

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao. May be searched at www.Google.com as a blogger at www. Sino-American Economics. www.bing.com for reference as well.

1926-32 Random Play as a kid.
1933-37 Studied in Shanghai. Elementary school.
1937-42 Studied in Tianjin. Hautes Etudes.
1942-43 Attended Gonzaga College High School,Shanghai.
1943-46 St. John's University,Shanghai for B.A. degree.
1945-47 Taught at St.Ignatius Loyola College,High School,Shanghai.
1947-48 University of San Francisco as a graduate school with a scholarship.
1948-50 Georgetown University Graduate School for M.A.
1951-52 Farmers Insurance Group,Statistical work in Los Angeles,California.
1953-54 US Army Language School,Monterey, California Mandarin Instructor. US citizenship,1954.
1955-56 Working in New York and touring in New Jersey to start a family.
1956-57 Back to Army Language School. Left due to Reduction-in-force.
1957-58 IBM Accounting work,San Jose,California.
1958-61 Taught economics in Hollywood,Los Angeles,California.
1961-64 Taught economics at Grand Rapids,Michigan.
1964-65 RAND Corporation,Santa Monica,California. Research,Dept. of Economics. Author of "A Glimpse of the Chinese Language" available free at pdf at www.rand.org for information.
1965-66 Surveys and Research, a project for the National Science Foundation: a Directory for American scientists to contact Chinese counterparts.
1966-1984 Taught economics in Maryland. Head,1967-69, Chair,1971-73. Ph.D. 1978. Doctoral dissertation entitled "Work and Study Cycle Theory" listed in the Library of Congress with other 9 works in Economics and China studies. 6 are listed at Georgetown University Library online catalog for information. Author of "The Future of Community Colleges": Congressional Record,July 18, 1974. Economist,US Dept.of Labor:"Keys for Economic Understanding,1971"Keys to Economic Understanding,1976. Useful references for USA and China. www.ask.com for details. Contributed to textbooks by Richard T. Gill of Harvard and George Bach of Stanford University: 9 editions in toto. Cornell University Economist Milton Spencer cited my book in "Contemporary Economics" 1983 edition.
1985-1991 Taught economics at Montgomery College. Fulbright Senior Scholar,Hong Kong,1989-1990. Lectured in Beijing and Shanghai et al as a Fulbrighter for scholarly exchanges.
1992-1993 American Expert at Guangzhou Institute of InternationalTrade.
1993-1996 Foreign Expert in Beijing. Beijing Broadcasting Institute and Beijing Second Foreign Language Institute.
1998-1999 Taught Mandarin at Foreign Service Institute of the State Department.
1999-2000 Suzhou University,Suzhou,China. Suzhou is the home of my paternal ancestor.
2002-2004 Diplomatic Language Services. Taught Mandarin and Wu dialect.
2005-2009 Dictyon.net Taught Mandarin and Shanghainese to advanced students.
2009 to date: Independent Research: blogging at the Base Library as my daily routine.

The above is the highlight in a nutshell. It is fun to move around and meet all kinds of people in the USA and in China as fellow homosapiens on earth.

Saturday,December 12, 2009 at 2.32 p.m.

Army Times,Dec.14,09 Federal Times,Dec.7,09

Army Times, Dec. 14,, 2009 page 10:

The nation's prosperity, President Obama said,"provides a foundation for our power." The US spends $200 billion annually just to service the interst on its foreign debt. That figure could rise to $700 biliojn by 2018, according to a budget analyst for the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment.

Our budget deficit at some point becomes a security issue, because we have to finance our debt by borrowing from other countries." Cf. previous blogs at www.Sino-American Economics for reference. j

It is well-known that economy factors into Afghan surge as per the reports from media.

Page 12: Study: Teens, girls struggle more with long deployment. 30% of kids in survey may suffer from anxiety disorders. Children may have more trouble handling household and school responsibilities as the deployment extends.

Federal Times, Dec. 7, 2009: page 11: Obama space policy to focus on international cooperation: The White House intends to yield by mid-2011 a new strategy that places a high emphasis on international cooperation.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao prefers to witness international cooperation instead of international conflict for peace and economic development as the goal of mankind in the 21st century.

Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 1 p.m.

Washington Post, December 12, 2009

Page A7: Nations with the amount of public debt, as a percentage of GDP:

Japan 172.1% with the greatest other than Zimbabwe's 265.6%

Singapore 99.2%

United States 37.5%

Source: World Fact Book.

The readers can detect such as the so-called basis but it is only a rough yardstick to indicate the state of the economy.(sic)

Page A14: With Photo of Tai Shan, the first surviving giant panda cub born at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., USA.

Claudia McMurray of Great Falls wrote a letter to the Editor: "When I served as assistant secretary of state for oceans, environment and science, the US signed an agreement with China to expand protections of endangered species in China and around the world. As Tan Shan departs, it would ease the loss if the National Zoo could help implement this agreement by ramping up work to save the giant panda in China -work that could result in the panda's removal from the endangered species list. In exchange, China could agree to extend the stay of Tai Shan's parents in hopes that there would be another cub to delight us again.

The Panda caretakers must work hard to encourage the arrival of another cub but the Panda couple must work hard themselves to get a new cub. That is a matter of serendipity. Let us wish Tai Shan's parents all the success to have another cub in order to be able to entertain the kids and adults who love to see a new cub soon!? In the meantime,let us look at the photo of Panda to enjoy the loving animal with black and the white in the land of multi-colored homosapiens in the light vein.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao enjoying the colorful America of falling leaves in the Autumn of 2009. December 12, 2009 at 10.16 a.m.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Washington Times and Wall Street Journal,12/11/09

The Washington Times,Dec.11-12, 2009

Page A1: China races to invest in green energy. Regardless of the outcome of climate talks in Copenhagen, China is sprinting ahead in an effort to develop renewable energy sources -especially solar and wind power to ease its reliance on carbon-rich coal.

Page A12: China overtakes US in 2009 sales by more than 2 million cars and trucks.

With photos, China's middle class expands, Chinese buyers are developing tastes similar to those in the United States such as driving Subaru as the common ground of car purchase.

Wall Street Journal,Dec.11, 2009 Page A20: Letter to the editor- Americans will accept capitalism if only welfare is embraced. My comment: Corporate Social Responsibility as Socio-Economics as I would envision in the 21st century. Economics serves the best interest of any society.

Page A16: The return of inflation highlights recovering economy in China.: A brief definition may be searched at www.baidu.com under the title of "Precis of Inflation" "Zhaiyao" in Pin Yin Chinese for reference.

Page B9: iPhone sales pick up in China.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a watcher of Sino-American economics on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 1 p.m.

Happiness from Pin Yin system of romanization

As per the request from the reader,I render recommended "Equation for Happiness" in Pin Yin system of romanization. Please read the following apropos of New Year 2010 Resolution in the Chinese phonetic equivalents for understanding. Needless to say,Chinese characters should be known for authenticity. Thank you for your time in reading.

Kuaile(Happiness)=Jiandan,Zhencheng,Ningjing,Yunqi as 4 S (simplicity,sincerity,serenity,serendipity)

- minus Shiwang,Xieqi as 2 D(disappointment,discouragement)

=Xinxi,Tongqing,Rongqia for RCA(rejoice,compassion,amity)

Xie Shihao aka Francis Shieh on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 10.20 a.m.

The deficit with China rose 2.5%, to $22.66 billion,

Washington Post, Dec.11, 2009 on page A20:

The deficit is the highest level in nearly a year, even though US exports to China hit an all-time high.

"Express" Dec.11,09 on page 3: Pelosi plans to stretch nation's debt ceiling next week. It is now at 12.1 trillion. Democrats want to raise the debt limit before 2010 when they will face voters in November.

A joke a day keeps the doctor away? An apple a day keeps the MD. out of business?

Dr. Miller said: "Potential benefits of laughter include better blood flow through the heart's arteries."

Dr. Taylor stated: "Everyone agrees that laughter and humor have positive benefits on psychological health. Laughter offsets mental stress. You may live longer but you better live better as you can laugh at yourself. I crack my own jokes during a class period for fun. Needless to say,exercise is needed such as walking for physical health. A happy melody may be singing in your ears today or tomorrow if you can sing a song? Christmas songs ring the bell nowadays.

Perhaps it is too early to start New Year's Resolution but I would like to be ahead of the game so that we can start NOW:

4 S - 2 D = RCA

1. Simplicity
2. Sincerity
3. Serenity
4. Serendipity

the above 4 S

Minus

1. Disappointment
2. Discouragement

as 2 D above

We can be happy when we add intellectual pursuit,spiritual satisfaction and good health over desire as the denominator with the necessary material consumption as the numerator in an equation. A bit of modification from the textbook in Economics by Paul A. Samuelson,the first American Nobel Laureate in Economic Science decades ago: Happiness is equal to Material Consumption over Desire. I lectured about such formula in Shanghai in 1981 as my philosophy of life.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao as a lifelong student of human behavior (micro-economics) on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 9.30 a.m.

Wellness to YOU: Eating smart with Chinese food

Greetings to the readers, At your festive gathering, you serve Chinese food with more varieties especially veggies with Chinese condiments plus relish of green onion, ginger as seasonings with flavor for good health. Chinese restaurants are in good business in USA because Americans love Chinese food for its distinct flavor. e.g. P.F. Chang,Panda fast food et al are doing well.

Mindful eating is an outgrowth of mindfulness,itself an outcome of Zen Buddhism with or without adopting such philosophy. However,many Christians are receptive to Budda and Confucianism.

Confucius cited two natural desires of homosapiens,i.e. food and the very nature of man and woman. Perhaps the story of Adam and Eve would be in line with such thought.

Confucianism may be a forerunner of Christianity with similar golden rules plus ethics and morality as I studied since early 1940s in Shanghai with spirituality from intellectual inspiration.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao, a lifelong student of world philosophy as my devotion during the Yuletide for making comparisons for cultural enrichment as my pursuit in daily living.

Friday, December 11, 2009 at 6 a.m. Early bird catches the worm. For my case,early riser starts learning to sharpen my mind. Your endorsement would be welcome otherwise you may opt your way as you would like. I eat at Berger King and I am susceptible to the Ad:"Have it your way." as the motto for all folks in USA and in China as I have experienced at B.K. Such imitation of humor may or may not be detected. Hehehahahoho all the way for laughing aloud to gain longevity to be centenarians.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

John W. Kendrick, expert in productivity,distinguished economist

Dr. Kendrick left this mundane world as the former chief economist for the Commerce Department. RIP.

"Keys for Economic Understanding" (1971) is published to promote productivity.


Dr. Kendrick wrote that he understood life was about more than just output. I do concur.

"A Pure science of living, even if it were desirable, would not be feasible," he wrote,"Living well is an art." Economics is an inexact science and science is knowledge in the heart and in the mindset of folks holding their respective views.

Such art brightens my mind and makes my day,indeed! Chinese language is a form of art apropos of calligraphy. For details,see "A Glimpse of the Chinese Language" in English, available free at pdf from www.rand.org for information.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on December 10, 2009 at 4.30 p.m.

"Economist" magazine,Dec.11, 2009 issue:Shanghai

Page 54: Shanghai's World Expo is a hugely important change to flaunt power and the nation's engineering prowess plus cultural greatness. It will be the fulfilment of a 100-year-old dream as economic Olympics with $45 trillion investment for such show of green economy with red color as Chinese implication of good fortune.

A massive expansion of the Shanghai Metro underground and light rail network for good luck is now underway.

Expo 2010 in Shanghai will be as big as the London Underground. Two airports are being enlarged in Shanghai as well. The road along historic Bund is to build a new promenade. The American pavilion costs $61 million so far but only $49 million has been raised to be one of the bigggest crowd-pullers.

Since Shanghai is in the spotlight,Wu dialect i.e. Shanghainese will be in demand. Wu dialect is offered at www.Dictyon.net in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA.

Francis Shieh aka Xie Shihao on December 10, 2009 at 4.18 p.m.

Professor John K. Galbraith has a witty remark decades ago

"There are those who don't know and those who don't know they don't know. " -John K. Galbraith said such with everlasting impact to all forecasters with projections.

My conclusion after I heard the debates of the Health Care Bill in Congress:

Let us wait and look at the empirical evidence in the years to come. Such would be the fair way to evaluate President Obama's push for Health Care legislation for all Americans.

Would the middle-class folks pay more or less? That remains to be seen. Keep our eyes and ears open with impartial thought for fellow folks as taxpayers.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao,a member of the so-called middle-class in USA as a graduate student from China in 1947 trying to study Economics and Philosophy with focus on the human behavior(psychology) such as greed of some folks in the private interest or power-seeking efforts of some others in the public interest. There should be a mix of both sectors in the best interest of a just and harmonious society as I have observed in the USA and in China for Sino-American Economics to be a watcher and an observer. Hehehahahoho all the way and we shall live to be centenarians + to be exempt from paying tax when all folks leave this mundane world with eternal rest. In the meantime,let us be happy and go lucky when we are still on earth. I do remember that Happiness is NOT material consumption over desire only but to add intellectual pursuit,spiritual satisfaction and above all, GOOD HEALTH. Nobody would impugn,indeed!

Thursday, December 10, 2009 Happy Yuletide with spiritual underpinning. Xiexielaotianye! At 5.48 a.m.

C-Span Radui: Health Care Debates-Demo vs Republicans

I heard both side for their presentations:

Tax will be increased or decreased? Projections? Citing Congressional Budget Office with analysis? Who are the analysts? Do they know for sure for their projections?

Professor John K. Galbraith made an interesting remark decades ago:  

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

George H.W. Bush started Sino-American Economics

Pacific War Museum Expans Its Bush Gallery: "Express" 12.09.2009 on page 34

The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, has expanded its George H.W. Bush Gallery with new multimedia exhibits, testimonials and artifacts about the conflict in Asia during World War II. Such is worthy to be visited by readers of Sino-American economics.

I still remember WWII vividly as a student at St. John's University in Shanghai. Shanghai is the venue of Expo 2010 starting May 2010. That is worthy visiting as well.

In-depth exhibits include a look at the impact and destruction of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Among the artifacts on display is an HA-19, one of five Japanese two-man submarines that took part in the attack. Bush, who lives in Houston, was a WWII naval aviator who survived being shot down by the Japanese over the Pacific. Such was a blessing in history!

The $15.5 million museum expansion had been planned for about a decades as per AP.

Page 12: Paper is still relevant! National Academy of Sciences researchers turned plain loose-leaf paper into a battery by dipping it special ink, Greenbang.com reported. Yi Cui, a Stanford professor from China involved in the research, foresees clever uses for the technology - which might even double as wallpaper.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao, a daily reader to share news with readers of Sino-American Economics. Wednesday,December 9, 2009 at 9.20 a.m.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Wall St.Journal,USAToday,WashTimes,12/8/09

Wall Street Journal page A17: Wellesley college economists Courtney Coile and Philly B. Levine, suggests the effect is large when they estimate 378,000 workers will be pushed into retirement as a result of the weak labor market. Jobs are important for recovery: "Keys for Economic Understanding." elaborates such for economic growth with a vision in 1960s,

Workers need training to supply the changing demand of a changing society. "Keys for Economic Understanding" may be useful for reference. www.ask.com for information.

Page B1: Google employees demonstrate new search features on Monday with photo: The service works in Mandarin, Japanese and English, allowing users to say the name of a restaurant and within seconds,see a map and address for example. "A Glimpse of the Chinese Language",published in 1965 with pioneering vision of the need of the Chinese language in the 21st century.

USAToday on page 1A,2A: Photos:

Chinese college students flocking to US campuses. Thanks to China's booming economy in recent years, more Chinese families can afford to pay. Students contributed nearly$18 billion last year in tuition and living expenses to the US economy. Chinese students need to study economics and American students should study Chinese philosophy i.e. Confucius/Mencius for understanding.

Grads increase from 48,029 to 57,452 and undergrades from 8,252 to 26,275 from a published chart.

The Washington Times,Dec.8,09 page B1: Book Review. "The New American Economy" by Bruce Bartlett. Palgrave MacMillan $28 266 pages.

The author recommends Value Added Tax(VAT) in the conclusion which is cited in "Keys for Economic Understanding" published in 1971 and "Keys to Economic Understanding." published in 1976 with a vision.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao on Tuesday,Dec.8, 2009 at 1.08 p.m.

Parents have college degree or higher:WashPost 12.07

Page A8: Asian children: 59%

White children: 44%

Black children: 19%

Why? Perhaps Asian parents have been influenced by Confucianism i.e. Stressing education as the way of life. Education and Training would generate marketable skills in the world.

Washington Post, Dec. 8, 2009 page A20:

Photo: Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said he is using software to learn Russian, the mother tongue of team star player Alex Cvechkin.

NFL Star Yao Ming's mother tongue is Wu dialect(Shanghainese) and Mandarin.

Hanukkah Happenings to brighten the holiday season: Jews around the world celebrate the start of Hanukkah on Friday at sundown. There are many Jews in China especially in Shanghai,the cosmopolitan city in the world.

Photo: Light Fantastic: The annual menorah lighting on the Ellipse with plenty of standing room takes place Saturday at 4 p.m.

Page B6: Philip S. Brown,economics writer left this mundane world at age 100. Perhaps students of economics shall live to be centenarians. Well,we are all linked with economics so we all can live to be centenarians. Amen!

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 10.26 a.m.

Survive sneeze season for wellness/fit: Economics of Nutrition

How to boost our immune system:

1. Omega 3 Eat fish often. I almost eat fish everyday to boost my system: Omega 3's increase the activity of phagocytes - cells that fight flu by eating up bacteria-according to a study by Britain's Institute of Human Nutrition and School of Medicine. Other research shows that omega-3's increase airflow and protect lungs from colds and respiratory infections.

2. Astragalus. The Chinese root is shown to stimulate the white blood cells that fight infection, says integrative medicine expert and physician Andrew Weil. A pilot study suggests that the herb may have similar effects in people. However, astragaluks may take weeks to reach its full effect.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Quotable Quotes for reader's knowledge enrichment

1. Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration especially in the summer.

2. American multi-millionaire Cornelius Vanderbilt used to keep a dish filled with salt under each leg of his bed, to scare away eveil spirits. Perhaps the ghosts would try to rob him.?(sic)

3. The degree of one's emotion varies inversely with one's knowledge of the facts-the less you know the hotter you get. True or otherwise?

4. Only one man in 1000 is a leader of men. The other 999 follow women. Adam eats apple via Eve's charm. Concur or demur?

5. No kissing in a train station in England. How about smooching? However,there is a kissing zone nearer the car park where one can kiss for up to 20 minutes. Colin Daniels,chief of Warrington Chamb er of Commerce, says the ban is partly in jest, but it also sends a seeriouis message. That is that the station has become increasingly busy, and passengers need to keep moving.(sic)

6. Clean language: in Los Angeles County, California, the board has proclaimed the first week of March to be "No cussing Week," i.e. to stamp out dirty words. I noted cussing from some folks in Shanghai. There is the common ground of Sino-American Economics of decency.

7. Now is the time to use our time and energy with an eye to improving our efficiency and productivity.

8. "Work and Study Cycle Theory" is designed to enhance productivity for economic growth. www.ask.com for details.

9. Self-control and self-discipline are required for Tiger Woods even though the name is Tiger but he is a human being with human frailties as Adam to be subject to Eve. That is the talk of radio shows lately.

10. To err is human and to forgive is divine. That is the lines for faith,hope and LOVE without transgression.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao on December 7, 2009

Remember Pearl Harbor:Washington Post,Dec.7,09

Page A1: A number of events today will commemorate the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

I was a student at Hautes Etudes in Tianjin, China on Dec.8th and the school was closed with Japanese solders. We were forced to study Japanese language then. I like the Japanese language with Kanji as cultural affinity of the Chinese Hanzi. "A Glimpse of the Chinese Language" cites such link for readers. The paper is available free at PDF format at www.rand.org for reference.

Washington Post,Dec.6 2009 on Page H2: Skilled labor is needed in USA. I am aware of the need in China for Gray collar workers. (skilled labor)

China is promoting occupational education in the 21st century. "Keys to Economic Understanding" provides such information for reference. Published in 1976.www.ask.com for reference.

The Washington,DC Joint Steamfitting Apprentice Committee will accept applications for the 2010.

For details of apprenticeship programs,"Keys for Economic Understanding" www.Borders.com click Used Books for information.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao,author for the above works decades ago.

Monday, December 7, 2009 at 10.02 a.m.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Surfing the web may boost brain function

Dr. Gary Small, a professor at UCLA and director of the Center on Aging stated his findings.

"Our most striking findings was that internet searching appears to engage a greater extent of neural circuitry that is not activated during reading."

Cholesterol drugs such as Lipitor may fight flu. Plastics' BPA(bisphenol A) may be linked to impotence. Factory workers in China who got very high doses of a chemical that is been widely used in hard plastic bottles had high rates of such problems,researchers report.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao is blogging to try to boost brain function everyday.

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 at 1.52 p.m.

Death Cometh for the Greenback:National Interest,Dec.09 issue

Henry Kissinger and Jim Schlesinger are members of the directors for"The National Interest" magazine. Both were at the RAND Corporation when I was a researcher in the Dept. of Economics from January 1964 to September 1965.

Joseph E. Stiglitz,Chief Economist,World Bank,1997-2000 published "Death Cometh for the Greenback" as the title of his article. I recommend such article for readers to enjoy his thoughts.

On page 55: China provides "vendor finance" - simultaneously selling the goods and financing the sales - it has more choices to southeast asians,Europeans or Africans to buy goods. In the end, this simply means that China will buy and the value of dollars will fall. The implication for the global financial system: the dollar will no longer be the reserve currency.

On page 39: Zhou Xiao-chuan, Governor of People's Bank of China proposed a new form of synthetic international reserve currency. Such idea is the same as the conclusion as the judgment of Joseph Stiglitz citing John M. Keyes 75 years ago.

Page 67: Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economic Science, 1998: Living economist who takes philosophy seriously citing Adam Smith(hails as an underappreciated moral philosopher) He partnered with Stiglitz to release a study urging governments to incorporate non-economic variables into assessment of well-being. Such rationale is the same in my past blogs re economics and philosophy must be linked) I am gratified to get such support from other thinkers. I try to compare notes with others so that I can find out if my reasoning is shared by others. Making comparisons would be the way for an economist to learn from others.

"Foreign Policy" magazine,Dec. 2009 issue www.foreignpolicy.com

Page 33: The 3 most influential global leaders outside the United States:

President Hu Jingtao of China 33
Prime Minister Putin of Russia 16
President Lula da Silvia of Brazil 15

71% think China will be the world's next powerhouse. The is a survey from independent source.

In the same issue,Brazil and China will work closely to build an aircraft carrier for mutual benefit in exchange of trade to honor the Law of Comparative Advantage.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 1.36 in Bowie Library.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Wall Street Journal,Dec.4,09 and Super Freakonomics

WSJ,12/4/09 page B1: Partner in China aids General Motors's Plan in India:

China has been one of the few bright spots for GM as it worked through bankrupcy reorganization.

Vehicles Sales in China doubled in the quarter from a year earlier to 478,000.

China is on track to surpass the U.S. this year as the world's largest auto market.

An Ad on page W3 Scads of Economics Knowledge:" Super Freakonomics" by Levitt and Dubner

"Inventive, entertaining, and even useful." - Business Week.

"With wisdom, wit and powerful economics insight" Los Angeles Times.

www.harper collines.com/WJ2 promo code WJ20

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao, a lifelong student trying to study Economics since 1943 at St. John's University,Shanghai to date and beyond...

Saturday,December 5, 2009 at 1.40 p.m.

What are the values in USA and in China?

The value of providing health insurance for 30 million uncovered Americans as the value of protecting ill and often impoverished folks from being rejected for health care because of preexisting conditions. Such problems exist in China as well.

Conflicting views of morality are the inevitable as long as there is no world culture per se! At best, culture is transnational in certain historically links parts of the world; for instance,, in Western civilization or the Eastern culture? The East and the West are One re globalization in the 21st century. There are, indeed, certain values that are generally accepted by many countries. Specific nations have developed unique cultures which often embrace distinct views of morality.

Confucianism is known in China,Japan,Korea and other parts of the world for ethics and morality. However,it is high time to renew such interest during the economic crisis in the days to come for economic recovery via ethics and morality advocated by Adam Smith, the philosopher and the economist.

Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao,an octogenarian thinker seeking the best way to try to solve the current financial crisis via the learning Economics from lifestyles of human behavior.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 11 a.m.