In this delightfully written memoir, "HOME is a ROOF OVER a PIG, an American Family's Journey in China," Aminta Arrington details the experiences of her all-American family, from suburban Georgia, fully immersed in language and culture in Tai'an, a relatively poor city in China's Shandong Province. The title derives from the character, “家,” which Arrington recounts someone … [Read more...] about Aminta Arrington’s “HOME is a ROOF OVER a PIG, an American Family’s Journey in China”
politics
President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, to Julian Assange, “welcome to the club of the persecuted”
Following is an interesting interview of Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa, by Julian Assange. There are many criticisms of U.S. foreign policy, but what I find most interesting is Correa lamenting the fact he has to fight against moneyed interests within his own country who control the mass media. Assange asked about China being a replacement devil as source of capital. … [Read more...] about President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, to Julian Assange, “welcome to the club of the persecuted”
American Public Media’s Marketplace casts doubt on China’s investment in Mongolia, what about America’s in Canada?
In this American Public Media's Marketplace report (which I heard on NPR yesterday), reporter Rob Schmitz casts some doubts about China's investments in Mongolia (podcast segment starts at 10:40 mark), especially with respect to recently discovered coal deposits. Of course, this is the same Rob Schmitz who exposed the Mike Daisey lies about working conditions at Foxconn. … [Read more...] about American Public Media’s Marketplace casts doubt on China’s investment in Mongolia, what about America’s in Canada?
Symbolic victory: Bush & Co guilty of war crimes
A court In Kuala Lumpur has found Bush and many of his administration and his advisers, tried in absentia, guilty of war crimes. Of course, that is not surprising considering that the evidence is overwhelmingly against them. Many of Obama's administration including the commander in chief are almost certainly just as guilty. This represents a symbolic victory because currently … [Read more...] about Symbolic victory: Bush & Co guilty of war crimes
Lacking insight in James Fallows’ piece, “What Is the Chinese Dream?”
James Fallows is one of the most accomplished journalists in the West. His talents were demonstrated very early on in his career, being former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's chief speechwriter; the youngest person to ever hold such a job. Personally, I admire his understanding of the Western media. For example, his take on the "new media" is totally excellent. However, Fallows … [Read more...] about Lacking insight in James Fallows’ piece, “What Is the Chinese Dream?”