Snippets that may grow up to be blog posts - 1st edition

I've considered writing about several of these items, but figured I'd just throw them all into one messy post. Here goes...

Doing business in the DPRK

I met last night with one Mr. Alejandro Cao de Benos. If you Google his name, you'll see he's rather well-known among North Korea-watchers. He's an interesting gentleman, and is certainly dedicated to the DPRK's cause. Some of his more interesting comments surrounded China's decision to "go capitalist". He said North Korea would never follow in China's footsteps, as they've sold themselves out, "cheap". There were many surprising revelations from our discussion as well, such as the fact many large companies are already doing business in the DPRK, and many household items that say "Made in China" are actually made in the DPRK. And who knew that Pyongyang hosted a trade fair each year? Mr. Cao de Benos traveled to the DPRK today with a business delegation, as North Korea realizes that trading with the outside world can be beneficial... even if it doesn't follow China's path.

Shep Smith lights it up at $7 mill a year

Okay, you caught me. I'm not one of the Fox News bashers out there. That doesn't mean I take their word as gospel, or believe it's strong journalism, though. I just think Fox News is what it is, and most times it's quite entertaining. I've had friends visit and we've turned on Fox for some chuckles. That same entertainment value just isn't there with CNN or BBC (although there can be plenty of chuckles -- embarrassed ones -- while watching CCTV 9).

One of my favorite anchors on Fox News is, ironically, one of the most balanced: Shepard Smith. As a journalist, I've realized that high-speed, visually-appealing, concise news is what appeals to wide audiences, and Shep Smith's Fox Report is the best in the business at this. The show goes a mile a minute and, I'm sure for those vulnerable, may even cause seizures. Regardless, his delivery is professional and he's being rewarded for it -- to the tune of $7 million a year. That's higher than Lou Dobbs or Anderson Cooper at CNN, and is approaching the salaries made by anchors at the major networks. After dominating the 7pm Eastern time slot for six years, he deserves it.

Is Beijing's gritty bar scene vanishing?

Perhaps Beijing Boyce might be the best one to comment on this. But after reading a recent issue of That's Beijing, I've learned that the notorious Bus Bar has reopened in swankier digs, as has live-music joint Yugong Yishan. What happened?

When you think about it, Nanjie, which was as gritty as they came back in the old Sanlitun South Street days (which tells you I've been here too long), has also become more upscale since its location north of Gongti met the wrecking ball. These joints are going upscale, and are joining other news bars like Block 8, Lan, and Face. With the Olympics around the corner, Beijing's nightlife will likely take a few more steps up (as will the prices). Those that like to claim Beijing is more "real" than Shanghai might not be noticing what's happening around them.

Does the Kindle kindle your interest?

The announcement by Amazon regarding its new e-book reader has left me scratching my head. I am a news junkie, and I love reading anything I can get my hands on. As many of you are aware, this is difficult in China, where western newspapers and books are often hard to come by. It doesn't make it any easier that my areas of interest are politics and history, two disciplines home to books normally censored by the government.

The idea of an e-book reader that updates newspapers and periodicals automatically, overnight, without any internet connection fee or connection to a computer, is awfully appealing. Books on Amazon.com are starting at only $9.99. The eternal question with e-book readers is: do you feel comfortable reading off of a screen? I'm curious to know if the Kindle will push you into finally buying an e-book reader, and why.

Me, I'm still on the fence.