About 2, 000 people, many carrying American flags, banners reading "Don't tread on me" or "Impeach Cuomo" signs, turned out for the chilly outdoor rally.

WSJ: Gun owners rally in NY state capital

Last year Ma staged a fifth-anniversary bash, in an arena, for all 2, 000 employees, with Taobaoists waving flags of worker ants, the mascot of Taobao--because enough ants united can defeat an elephant.

FORBES: OutFront

In environmental news, Xinhua flags up a survey by the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences showing that only 22.2%of shallow groundwater in the North China Plain is drinkable because of pollution.

BBC: China media: Vietnam row