Wednesday linkage: Gangnam Style, Philippines, Neil Armstong and more

The Economist charts R&D spending in five big economies since the \'80s. On the face of it, there doesn\'t seem to be a strong correlation between growth and high R&D spending.
I wish I could write like this: Anthony Lane\'s stirring obit for Neil Armstrong.
On Australia\'s integration with Asia, two straws in the wind from the aviation world: first, a revitalised Filipino aviation industry has eyes on the northern Australian market, and second, Air India will soon fly direct to Australia.
The good news about the Filipino economy is not confined to aviation. (H/t MR.)
Julie Bishop says her preparation for Friday\'s Lowy Institute event, in which she will turn the tables on two Canberra journos, \'included studying CIA techniques for psychological torture during interrogations\'.
Why do Chinese people save so much? To prepare for old age. A government pension system may not change that, but a growth slowdown could.
I\'ve learnt some things about South Korean politics and society from Andrew Sullivan\'s coverage of the musical sensation Gangnam Style (68 million views!!). No doubt the bubble will burst (it is pop music, after all), but judging by this live performance, the kids are still having an awesome time: