It hasn't been the most uplifting week in the news, to say the least.  The markets in China don't look much better than in the U.S., as the China Securities Index reported its worst week on record, dropping 4.4 percent, and even though China's government would love to put the melamine-tainted milk disaster behind it, many consumers, both in China and abroad, have lost confidence in Chinese-made products.

Fortunately for Bao Xishun, the world's tallest man, there is a bright spot amidst these turbulent times.  Our favorite 7'9" Mongolian herdsman has become the world's tallest father. 

Bao first endeared himself to the world when he used his long arms to rescue two dolphins, who would have choked to death on plastic bits if he didn't remove them from their throats.  He then invited a global audience to his traditional Mongolian wedding, with his lovely bride, Xia Shuijian who is 5'6", but over two feet shorter and about 26 years younger than her groom.  

Now Bao has reached another milestone: the birth of his first son, Tianyou.  Bao's new addition was 22 inches at birth, and weighed 9.26 pounds, which is larger than the average newborn, but doesn't set any records.  Another Chinese baby who was 29 inches set the record of world's tallest baby a year ago.  

Of course, if little Tianyou inherits his father's height, he has a great shot at achieving Bao's dream for him: playing in the NBA.