Loiminchay may not be a very familiar name but most of the pen connoisseurs have surely heard about it. Loiminchay is known for its fine writing pens, which are inspired by Chinese art and culture. It is really interesting to know that a pen could actually have so much of connection with a culture. This time around, Loiminchay is introducing their latest limited collection called the Loiminchay Calligraphy II.

The interesting feature of this collection is that it illustrates xingshu (Chinese calligraphy) characters. There is also an interesting history connected to this pen. Apparently, Patrick Chu, the founder of Loiminchay pens was strongly inspired by Chinese art and culture. Patrick started as a hobby of collecting pens and later own turned professional by designing his own collections. The word “Loiminchay” is derived from Chinese. ‘Loimin’ means ‘delight or understanding,’ and ‘Chay’ means ‘artelier or group.’

All the black, gold and red characters and images are depicted in the Mi Fu style. This involves the use of large wet dots of ink applied with a flat brush. The pen is available with a heavy price tag of $15,000. You could also take a look at Loiminchay’ s Gilted Bronze Animal Pen stand, which is made of hammered gold and silver on a bronze body. This too is a limited-edition and only 12 pieces are available.

Via: RobbrePort\Loiminchay

China’s economy has shown a marked increase in the increase in its GDP. The economy expanded by 8.7% in 2009. This increase comes even as the world economy collapsed under the pressure of global financial crisis. This increase is 10% more in comparison to the same time last year.

Japan’s GDP figures will be out next month. Analysts are of the opinion that the Japanese economy may contract by 6% in 2009. The growth in the Chinese economy makes it the second biggest economy and a tough competition to Japan. Experts are of the view that the huge increase in the GDP could be fuelled by the “smart policy stimulus” the Chinese government provided at the wake of the financial meltdown.

The aggressive fiscal policy that enabled domestic demand and replaced exports increased China’s importance at the same time decreasing the importance of US. This domestic driven economy has established itself in the world economy directly or indirectly affecting many nations. However, the stimulus provided by the Chinese government may inflate the economy when it withdraws it once the economy recovers. According to the UN standards, on an average this GDP growth may still be $1 per day, considering the poverty in China.
Via:BBC

American Chinese businessman and merchants are being targeted by the extortionists in China. Many Chinese in US have been phoned threatening them to pay thousands of dollars to free their Chinese brothers from jail in China. Some horrified victims have even wired big lump sum amount of dollars for the safely of their lives and family. Threat calls also include threats to damage their businesses if they fail to give in to the extortionist’s demands.

Victims are from Atlanta, Georgia, Boston, Massachusetts, Chicago, Illinois, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and even some from Toronto. The police have suspected that there are four to five people involved in this crime. Investigations are still on. However, the police in the US say that it’s a tough task to trace the extortionists as they would have used fake identification. Moreover, they have no clue as to which branch of Western Union in China is being used to make the transfer. These extortionists may have extorted as much as $100,000 from the Chinese in United States alone. No one has been physically harmed so far.

Via: CNN