"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.
World Bank: “A constructive role with China”
Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank, wrote an Op-Ed in the China Daily, titled, "A constructive role with China." Here is his concluding remarks, and the "extraordinary partner" he referred to is China: China has already accomplished a great deal and earned the world's respect. The World Bank Group will be proud to play a constructive and supportive role with our … [Read more...] about World Bank: “A constructive role with China”
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”
Attitude, attitude, attitude
There is no particular point in this post. I recently came across a number of videos I thought entertaining. Below is a performance in the 2007 CCTV National Dance Competition; a bit of hip hop, break dance, and street dance. "Dreaming Back to the Wa Village" - "梦回佤乡." Younger Chinese are getting into it as well. Here is a 7 year old Chinese girl dancing to hip hop … [Read more...] about Attitude, attitude, attitude
Beijing University Professor Fan Gang: Rising labor cost in China not a worry
It's Labor Day in the U.S.! There has been a lot of sensationalism in the West regarding rising labor costs in China (i.e. Foxconn, Honda, etc.). Just to keep things in perspective, we are talking about instances of factory workers making something like $100 a month to making $150 a month in the richer coastal cities. While it is a whopping 50% jump, that $50/month is easily … [Read more...] about Beijing University Professor Fan Gang: Rising labor cost in China not a worry