According to this WashingtonPost.com article, China is quickly becoming the next Silicon Valley. The area has seen substantial growth in startups over the past decade because of an aggressive government campaign to attract private investment. The new companies emerging involve websites, telecommunications, biotech development and medical devices. Yet despite the excitement surrounding the technical revolution in China, some fund managers worry that China is creating a bubble that could burst just like it did in the U.S. about seven years ago.

On the other hand, VCs and entrepreneurs point out that Silicon Valley has still remained a prominent tech area, despite the dot-com bust. Some analysts say it's hard to compare the two locations. "The scope of investment is much greater in China. In the U.S., it's all about tech," said Joseph Chan, a managing partner for Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

If your only New Year's resolutions involve working out and cutting back on your coffee intake, you should check out Rhonda Abram's list of resolutions for entrepreneurial companies for 2008. Abrams, president of The Planning Shop, a publisher of books for entrepreneurs, says she's optimistic about 2008, despite the likelihood of an unsettled economy. Here are a few of the resolutions she shares in this USA Today article:

• Evaluate what you did right. See how you can continue or increase your commitment to the positive ways you currently run your business.
• Treat your employees right. If you have high turnover and dispirited employees, resolve to change the way you hire, manage and reward your staff.
• Get your financial information organized. If you're using a wordprocessing or spreadsheet program, get a good, easy financial accounting program.

A California-based company has combined two hot trends--dogs and being green--with their company, Skooperbox. According to this Springwise newsletter, Skooperboxes are small, pop-open boxes made from 100 percent recycled materials. They come with a lid and a scraper, so dog owners no longer have to mess with plastic bags. Not only are they easier to use, but the boxes are completely biodegradable in less than a month. Compare that to 100 years for a plastic bag to degrade. Skooperbox's founders say they started the company because they became frustrated with the available options for cleaning pet waste. "We also knew plenty of good people who did not pick up because of lack of a good product," explained the founders. Skooperbox products are now available in retailers throughout North America and online.