China trying Facebook

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China trying Facebook
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After years of being locked out of China,
Facebook and several media companies have been
given some access to the country. According to
the South China Morning Post, the Chinese
government has decided to lift a ban on foreign
websites deemed politically sensitive, albeit
only within the newly developed Shanghai Free
Trade Zone. That means those within the
17-square-mile area will be able to access
Facebook, Twitter, The New York Times and more.
The Free Trade Zone launches on Sunday and the
purpose is to serve as a testing ground for
financial and service reforms, including
increased access to the yuan (Chinese currency).
This system should make it easier to do business
with the rest of the world than most of mainland
China. Should Beijing deem the experiment a
success over the long run, some of the policies
could be implemented in other parts of China.
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In Other News

• The federal government said it will recommend
  that new cars have rear-view video systems, a
  move immediately denounced as "insufficient" by
  safety groups who say the cameras should be
  mandatory. The camera and monitor system enables
  drivers to see whether people or objects are in
  the blind spot behind vehicles.
• Trailing 8-1 in yachting's most prestigious
  competition, the Americas Cup, Oracle Team USA,
  the defending champion, tied the series 8-8
  Tuesday in San Francisco Bay to set up likely the
  most exciting finish in the 162-year history of
  the event. The one-race decider takes place
  Wednesday between Oracle Team USA and Emirates
  Team New Zealand.
• Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) extended his attack on
  President Obamas health-care law early Wednesday
  morning by continuing a marathon speech modeled
  on old-fashion filibusters that likely will
  complicate House GOP efforts to pass a funding
  bill that would avert a government shutdown next
  week. In other words he has spoken all night.
• The death toll from a powerful earthquake in
  Pakistan climbed to more than 230 on Wednesday.
• A gold coin was sold Monday for 2.75 million at
  Bonhams auction house in Los Angeles. The 1880 4
  Coiled Hair Stella is six grams of pure gold and
  was never released in circulation. The precise
  number minted has been lost, but it is widely
  believed that no more than 10 to 15 exist. This
  particular coin that was sold is considered to be
  the finest certified piece ever auctioned.