The recent political turmoils have received relatively scant coverage in the Western Press. Nevertheless, many of us here at Foolsmountain think the events in Thailand are important and interesting because they touch upon so many interesting issues - including the rule of law, democracy, class warfare, public education, and the role of military - all of which are also … [Read more...] about Thailand's political turmoil
education
(Letter from The Trapped) Tibet officials issued with Dalai school ultimatum
Here is a piece of news on CD. Party members and public servants working in the Tibet autonomous region were given an ultimatum on July 14 to call back their children within two months from overseas schools and monasteries run by the "Dalai clique", the International Herald Leader (IHL), owned by the Xinhua News Agency, said Wednesday. Under a regulation drawn up by the … [Read more...] about (Letter from The Trapped) Tibet officials issued with Dalai school ultimatum
"Direct" flights commence between Taiwan and mainland
Today, without too much fuss, regular direct flights between mainland China and Taiwan began, fulfilling a campaign pledge of Ma Yingjiu. The flights run Friday-to-Monday between Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Xiamen, Guangzhou and Taipei. As you can see from the maps (from Sina & Chinanews) below, all flights still route near Hong Kong airspace so they are "direct" only in … [Read more...] about "Direct" flights commence between Taiwan and mainland
"Two Million Minutes" – High school in US/China/India
This seems like a thought-provoking movie. This LA Times articles provides the basic details: But one faculty member, Compton recalled, told him that "we have nothing to learn from Third World education." Another, renowned education theorist Howard Gardner, took him to task for comparing the U.S. with China. "His point was: How can you have a great educational system when … [Read more...] about "Two Million Minutes" – High school in US/China/India
Essay topics: 50 years of Gaokao
As many might know, this weekend was the 3-day university admissions test (gaokao). For decades, all Chinese children have studied for this test as if their life depended on it... and for decades, it really did. For those living in a culture that has long treasured the value of academic study, and a country with a planned economy, receiving a university degree has meant … [Read more...] about Essay topics: 50 years of Gaokao