6 July 2011 - East of times

It is the West of times, it is the East of times, it is just like you think, it is nothing like you think, which is (as Dickens said) the usual way. On one shore the Americal idle watch American Idol, on the opposite shore a people with the opposite angle of inclination hunger for resources and ready themselves for a mighty battle to the dearth. The Clash of the Totems! Meanwhile, back in physical reality, the same old historical and economic forces are busily making the world at large better for everybody.