It seems the western media and Chinese blogosphere agree on one thing; Green Dam is not winning any popularity contests. Today, the Chinese government backed down on the mandatory usage of the software, though it will still come either pre-loaded or be included on a compact disc with all PCs sold on the mainland from July 1st. There are several problems associated with this … [Read more...] about Green Dam-Youth Escort
Perception vs. Reality?
I was reading an opinion column in the Washington Post that contained information I thought might be of interest to the group. It concerned a BBC World View poll showing how countries view each other, either positively or negatively and the percentages of each. It was interesting to see not only how countries viewed each other, but also how the view a country has of itself … [Read more...] about Perception vs. Reality?
China in the Year 2020: Three Political Scenarios
In our Dalai Lama Warns of Looming Violence thread, Wukailong linked to this essay covering three political scenarios that China might face in the year 2020. The author, Cheng Li is Senior Fellow at the John L. Thornton China Center of the Brookings Institution and William R. Kenan Professor of Government at Hamilton College. His summary is as follows: … [Read more...] about China in the Year 2020: Three Political Scenarios
Song of the Grass-Mud Horse
There's a new phenomenon sweeping China. Back in January on a Chinese web page, a new video made its way from there into the hearts of internet users all across the country, spawning a wave of related items such as cartoons, documentaries and grass-mud horse dolls. … [Read more...] about Song of the Grass-Mud Horse
Silly Taiwan Acronyms
Reading TonyP4's comment this morning on the Numbers as Language thread, I noticed he used the acronym FOB meaning "Fresh Off Boat". That reminded me of my Taiwan days and especially Catherine, one of the gals at my office in Hsinchu who was one of the funniest people with one of the driest wits I've ever encountered. She seemed to have an acronym for everything! So I thought … [Read more...] about Silly Taiwan Acronyms