(Update 4/20/2012: see update section below with response from Branigan.) There has been a lot of rumor mongering going on in the Western press about Bo Xilai and the alleged murder of British citizen Neil Heywood by his wife Gu Kailai. In an otherwise fairly well researched article by Guardian U.K. reporter, Tania Branigan, there were couple of crucial errors that were … [Read more...] about A few gripes with Tania Branigan’s Bo Xilai corruption piece
‘Green’ protests in India backed by U.S.-funded NGO’s
Interesting take by Russia Today about U.S.-funded NGO's operating in India doing 'green' protests against the country's aim to develop more nuclear power plants. India has shut down some of such NGO's while Russia Today insinuate they specifically targeted nuclear plants under construction by Russian firms. … [Read more...] about ‘Green’ protests in India backed by U.S.-funded NGO’s
Syria, Resolution 2042, a true win for humanitarian intervention
Joshua Goldstein wrote a whole book to explain that our world today, despite the seemingly endless number of crisis, is in fact the least brutal it has ever been. He concluded with empirical evidence that U.N. peacekeepers, as neutral third parties on the ground, have been stopping tribal factions from fighting and escalating violence. That form of humanitarian intervention … [Read more...] about Syria, Resolution 2042, a true win for humanitarian intervention
Book Review: Shaun Rein, “The End of Cheap China”
If I have to pick three books for Western readers that best explains modern China, I would recommend Shaun Rein's recently released book, "The End of Cheap China: Economic and Cultural Trends That Will Disrupt the World." (Also, see my interview with the author earlier this year.) The book draws heavily on Rein's personal experience working and living in China. During one of … [Read more...] about Book Review: Shaun Rein, “The End of Cheap China”
A Dance Show to Remember
The following series of photos were taken by me few days ago featuring local dancers from Silicon Valley. I was really impressed by the stunning visuals, both in the costumes and the choreography. The red, the vibrance, and the amazing grace were all so 'Chinese.' While photographing, I was struck by the idea that this cool art is endowed in my heritage. … [Read more...] about A Dance Show to Remember