Rants —

The military government (that is, the repressive junta) ruling Myanmar has relented in its opposition to allowing neighboring countries to transport supplies across its borders.

Hello Kitty has been named Japan’s official tourism ambassador.

Raves —

Panic ensued in China’s Sichuan province after the government warned that a major aftershock to last week’s earthquake was imminent.

A shaky domestic economy has led to a drop in American giving. This “donor fatigue” is affecting aid relief to China and Myanmar.