Web Surfing Chinese Style

     In a move to help protect what Chinese officials call rumors and vulgarity, the Chinese government is discussing a law that would mean people have to present their government-issued identity cards when signing up for computer network providers and mobile internet access.  The Chinese government says such a system is needed to prevent people from making malicious and anonymous accusations online and that many other countries already have such rules.  See full story, www.nytimes.com.

Television in The Next Decade

     Washington - "90 of the top 100 shows are on regular television", says Gordon Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).  According to Smith regular broadcast television and radio will continue to become more interactive with broadband, internet, and cable television.  Smith also says radio and television will remain the constant if cable crashes in an emergency.  See also,  www.wired.com.

China's Elusive Entertaining First Lady

     She is a renowned soprano, but as China's first lady she must keep a low profile in accordance with the policy since Mao Tse-tung's power-hungry wife.  Many thought the 49 year-old Peng Liyuan would be a cosmopolitan western style first embodying a more open, modern China.  However, their is a balance that must be acheived between the party's own squeamishness about making officials' private lives public, and a gossipy media culture increasingly critical of elites lifestyles and behavior.  "There's still a feeling that women can lead men astray, especially in affairs of the state", says Ross Terrill author of "Mao Tse-tung And His Wife Jiang Qing.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Re-invigorated Tuxedos Are Taking The Red Carpet

     From Bryan Cranston ("Shades of Gray") to Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory") style conscious guys are opting for color and bold tailoring.  The traditional black "penguin suite" in tonal variations of brown and navy (at times with largeer lapels for taller men) are influencing men who once did not like dressing up.  The versatility of velvet and hybrid tux-influenced styles such as silk with denim, or waxed cotton jeans with a stripe down the side are trending upward at this seasons holiday parties.  There is even a computer app that offers pages and pages of tuxedo choices.  The app covers a variety of topics and includes a tutorial on how to tie a bow tie.  See also, www.gentlemensquarterly.com.

Number of People Commenting on TV While Watching TV Increases

     New York - A recent Nielsen study estimated 41 percent of tablet owners and 38 percent of smartphone owners used their device while watching television at least once per day.  The Nielsen study also found that 35 percent of people sho used tablets while watching TV looked up information online about the program they were watching.  The social media websites these people visit while watching television can provide TV networks with real-time feedback on what is being aired at the moment.  The increase in people watching television and commenting about it online has not been affected by the fact that more people are also recording programs and watching them a later time.  See also, www.nytimes.com.

Retailers Include Elements of Online Shopping

     Retailers are gearing up to stop the continous flow of shoppers to computers and smartphones.  Some firms are vowing to match prices with their biggest online rivals.  Others are expanding their assortment of products, or adding Wi-Fi and other digital upgrades inside stores.  In some states traditional retailers are anticipating picking up more shoppers after online retailers started collecting taxes in September 2012, giving some crucial price advantage to traditional stores when consumers comparison shop.  Walmart already allows shoppers to buy items online and pay for them in cash in stores.  Toys 'R' Us is pushing the idea that shoppers can browse online the go pick it up immediately at their neighborhood store.  See also, www.nytimes.com.