Shanghai Expo and looming US embarrassment

Of course everything on the Atlantic's site is great. Or almost everything. But in case you missed it, be sure to read Adam Minter's dispatch from Shanghai about a looming potential big (and avoidable) embarrassment for the United States.

The campy mascot of next year's Shanghai World's Fair -- �;�宝, Haibao, "Treasure of the Sea" -- is all over Shanghai these days, somewhat belying its self-image as suavest place in China.
 

But Haibao will wear a frown, and so will Uncle Sam, if the U.S. screws this up. Check out Adam's report for more.

I kind of like Haibao. That could be because I'm not living in Shanghai any more and so don't see him all the time. Or maybe it is because, like me, he has strong Scottish heritage.

 

In a similar spirit of tasteful international goodwill, El Haibao:

Seriously, it's a consequential issue that is barely on the radar screen in America but certainly will be noticed here where a billion people live. Congrats on this story.

This article available online at:

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2009/04/shanghai-expo-and-looming-us-embarrassment/13005/