China is the second largest economy in the world and every significant brand's future is impacted by its growth (or collapse)—but who's got the time?! Here's the week's reads that will make you look like a keen China observer in case you find yourself immersed in a cultural conversation.

This week: VW gets nostalgic... Luxury brands suffer... Starbucks canbalizes itself... Apple "ruins" family life... Translating cat app... Tencent profits... BYD... Let Li... Dutch infant formula... What Taobao can tell you about breast size... McDonald's McCafe absurdity... Face toothpaste... What a poorly made $30 hamburger reveals about China's middle class... and more.Continue reading...

AB InBev will return Clydesdales to Budweiser Super Bowl advertising.

Amazon offers free MP3 of CD purchases.

Apple was awarded 1,136 US patents last year, while top spot went to IBM.

BBC back in the spotlight with former star Jimmy Savile's official police report on abuses.

BlackBerry is restoring service in Europe as US carriage firms up for closely watched BlackBerry 10.

Boeing faces FAA investigation of 787 Dreamliner.

David Beckham strips off again for H&M.

Dish Network charges CBS with censorship due to litigation.

ESPN favored for more spending by ad execs in survey.

Ford plans to hire 2,200 white-collar workers as American Express begins mass layoffs.Continue reading...

Air Canada avoids strike for now; hits union with labor-board unfair practices complaint.

Apple defeats Samsung in Australian tablet patent case; prepares to offer movies over the "cloud."

Carrefour cuts its profit targets.

Citigroup's Vikram Panda ready to talk with Occupy Wall Street protesters; calls their concerns "completely understandable."

JPMorgan profits sink.Continue reading...

Apple won't exhibit at CES in Las Vegas this week, where competitors (including Vizio) will unveil tablets that will take aim at the iPad; and increases Q1 orders for the iPhone in advance of Verizon launch.

Arnold Schwarzenegger leaves office after seven years as governor of California.

Australia braces for damages claims as flooding projected "to last weeks."

Bank of America sees home loan charge, buys back bad loans and mounts defense against WikiLeaks.

Best Buy aims to become a major content creator online.

Buzz Aldrin sues over use of his image on moonwalk trading card.Continue reading...

Alexander McQueen label settles with Hells Angels by agreeing to destroy merchandise with skull logo.

Apple challenged by 2010 MacBook Air owners reporting logic board and display issues.

Best Buy goes national with online launch.

Hermes tells LVMH to back off.

J. Crew promotes self-gifting for the holidays.

J.P. Morgan Vice Chairman Steve Black is leaving the firm.Continue reading...

Sony and Samsung, with similar products, have different priorities. [Business Week]

Verizon text messages donate $3 million to the Haiti relief effort. [Daily Finance]

Ford's MyTouch software adds smartphone-like applications to its vehicles. [CNN Money]

AT&T launches unlimited plans available for all phones. [Consumerist]

"Moldy" odors causes Johnson & Johnson to recall several over-the-counter drugs. [CNN Money]

Electric bikes are the future of transportation. [NY Times]Continue reading...