* There is a set of elements called "rare earths" that are used in green technology (electric cars, more efficient light bulbs, large wind turbines). The U.S. military is dependent on these elements, too. Rare earths come almost entirely from China, where they are being mined in an environmentally unfriendly manner. Where there were once fertile rice fields, there are now swaths of barren clay left behind in some areas where the elements were mined. If we're going to make use of more green technology in the future, it's important to know that China holds the key to these elements that make it possible.
* In New York City during the month of January, many of the city's taxi cabs will feature artwork instead of ads. (Yoko Ono is one of three featured artists.)
* Amazon.com provided a grant to a small publisher, Open Letter Books (affiliated with the University of Rochester), to translate more works of international literature into English. Open Letter Books focuses on translated works, and Amazon.com states that it's on a mission to get more Americans reading the works of international authors.
* Mexican president Felipe Calderon made the country's military a cornerstone of his battle against drug traffickers.
* The new "Star Trek" movie is the most pirated film.