I have a U.S. passport and it is full of strange text and images designed to emphasis the positive aspects of the U.S., many of which are at odds with policy of the Bush regime and indeed the history of the nation´s formation. Much of the design and content of my U.S. passport is meant to be both aesthetic, patriotic and lend an air of ancient authority to the entity that … [Read more...] about (Letter) Chinese Passport Design and Content– What does it Say about the Government´s Role in People´s Lives
General
Let's Talk some Cross-Strait Politics
It's been almost four months since Ma Ying-jeou has been sworn into office in Taiwan. After the first few weeks of euphoria, there hasn't been that much published about Taiwan in English sources - partly because of the Olympics, and partly because not much concrete has happened. … [Read more...] about Let's Talk some Cross-Strait Politics
2008 Beijing Paralympics Ends
Without too much fanfare in the West, the 2008 Beijing Paralympics has ended almost as fast as the main Olympics events had rushed onto the world stage. It's hard to imagine that in a little over 1 month - the whole hoopla that is the Beijing Olympics has officially ended … [Read more...] about 2008 Beijing Paralympics Ends
Tainted baby formula scandal blows up in China
The brand is Sanlu (三鹿), one of the best known domestic manufacturers of milk products in China. The scandal involves babies falling ill across the country with kidney stones after consuming Sanlu brand baby formula that have since been found to contain melamine, which can boost the apparent protein content of the product in quality control tests. How did this happen? Sanlu … [Read more...] about Tainted baby formula scandal blows up in China
Russia, South Ossetia, China and West
On Wednesday, Mr. Gorbachev wrote an opinion piece in New York Times commenting on the South Ossetia crises. The following passage sounded eerily familiar: … [Read more...] about Russia, South Ossetia, China and West