The Science of Difference: Sex Ed -- Stephen Pinker -- TNR Online Feb 3
excellent overview of the true state of serious debate/discussioin about gender differences; thoughts about "taboo" topics, why they arise, why they don't belong in scholarship

Matthew Yglesias: Who Hates The West?
thorough, snarky takedown of Reynolds & Armed Liberal -- stabbed in the back by the vast majority of Western civilization -- dismissing them as silly is better than rage; but it doesn't reduce their influence --n

Boston.com / Muslim couple press gender equality
A Boston Muslim couple's textile business promotes opportunities for Pakistani women in more than one way. - MC

Ihsan: The Crisis is Not Only in Higher Education: A Response to Professor Hoodbhoy's Model of Higher Education
Problems in Pakistan's educational system are rooted in deeper socio-economic divides, and Hoodbhoy's proposals represent a proscription for elite, not popular education. - MC

Chan'ad Bahraini: Slingshot Hiphop
Fascinating -- Chan'ad reports on the growing Palestinian hip-hop movement. -prak

Chinese New Year
did you know -- If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous. --n

People's Daily Online -- Link the cultures of China and the world
The official line on Chinese language promotion from People's Daily. - MC

Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Is Korea First Base in Global Chinese-Language Campaign?
New soft power pushes from Beijing. - MC

WSJ.com - China's Global Oil Deals Could Keep Prices High