In 1945, by executive order, U.S. President Harry S. Truman ordered the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It promptly lead to the surrender of Japan. Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000–80,000 in Nagasaki, with roughly half of the deaths in each city occurring on the … [Read more...] about Remembering Nagasaki and Hiroshima, but other victims too
history
Map of World Population, Year 1AD, 1500AD, and 2000AD; and some questions.
"The Worldmapper Team" has recently released some astonishing cartograms, illustrating various aspects of humanity on this planet. Cartograms are land maps usually with some demographic information expressed on them. Their maps are fascinating to look at, because they help expand our imagination and allow us to ask some profound questions without feeling silly. Of particular … [Read more...] about Map of World Population, Year 1AD, 1500AD, and 2000AD; and some questions.
Li Qingzhao: “月滿西樓”
"月滿西樓" is a poem written by 李清照 (Li QingZhao, 1084AD ─ 1155AD), regarded as one of the most prominent female poets from the Song Dynasty. The poem is about Li's longing for her husband's return from travels. Here is a song of the same name with lyrics entirely based on the poem, performed by singer 童丽 (Tong Li). … [Read more...] about Li Qingzhao: “月滿西樓”
“夜来香” (“Evening Primrose”), a scent of modern Chinese history
(If you are inside China, your may want the same version hosted on Tudou). This is 张燕 (Zhang Yan) performing "夜来香," a modern Chinese classic. I can't quite put my finger on why I think this video is really good - perhaps the confidence projected by 张燕. In English, "夜来香" means "evening primrose," a flower that opens in the evening. The Chinese characters literally mean … [Read more...] about “夜来香” (“Evening Primrose”), a scent of modern Chinese history
Extreme Airports Crosswind Landing at Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport in 1998
Human can accomplish incredible feats. Here is one of a pilot for JAL landing a Boeing 747 in 1998 in extreme crosswind conditions at the Hong Kong Kai Tak airport (source: AIRBOYD). The airport has been closed (obvious reason being the crosswind conditions). The technology to detect the crosswinds, the training that goes into making this kind of maneuvers with such a big … [Read more...] about Extreme Airports Crosswind Landing at Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport in 1998