Chinese webmasters set their sites to monochrome in honor of earthquake victims.

Russia’s new president, Dmitri Medvedev arrives tomorrow in China on his first trip abroad. The two nations are core members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which seeks to counterbalance US dominance in the region. Medvedev recently said it “made no difference” who becomes the next US president. “Democrat or Republican, Mr Bush’s successor would have to operate in a multipolar world in which power was dispersed; one in which the US could no longer expect to get its own way.” In April, China became the world’s top carbon polluter. Russia is currently the world’s biggest energy exporter. The trip will likely lead to new deals in telecommunications and nuclear power.

Bidding started today on America.com, reaching $1,050,000 with 6 days left. Last year, Chinese.com sold for $1.1 million. ❑