Recently a friend asked for help with the etymology of the word 危险。 She's writing her thesis on the edge that artists have when they skillfully play with "danger." Her whole thesis revolves around the concept of Danger in art and all her professors keep telling her that 危险 has a different connotation in Chinese than danger does in English. So she needs someone to help her … [Read more...] about What I talk about when I talk about copycatting
culture
Song of the Grass-Mud Horse
There's a new phenomenon sweeping China. Back in January on a Chinese web page, a new video made its way from there into the hearts of internet users all across the country, spawning a wave of related items such as cartoons, documentaries and grass-mud horse dolls. … [Read more...] about Song of the Grass-Mud Horse
(Letter from Shane9219) China’s Interaction with Israel and the Jewish People
The unique history of China and the interaction of Chinese people with the rest of world give China many friends around the world. Those ties have been both strong and historical, despite Chinese's common animosity towards old Western colonists and Japanese imperialists. This historic foundation will continue to benefit both China and the world for a long time. The following … [Read more...] about (Letter from Shane9219) China’s Interaction with Israel and the Jewish People
Something to chuckle about #3
One can learn something new everyday. I have known for a while that hanging a flag upside down is a sign of distress, but never realized it could be applied to the Union Jack until now. Apparently, the UK national flag can be distinguished in its orientation by observing the placement of the wider white stripes. Oh well, I feel sorry for the poor staff member who arranged the … [Read more...] about Something to chuckle about #3
(Letter) East is East and West is West… will they ever meet? (a famous poem)
Here's a bit from a famous poem by a famous colonial-era British author. I'll put the original and then an updated version, since his English is old and a little hard to understand. It's from "The Ballad of East and West," by Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). … [Read more...] about (Letter) East is East and West is West… will they ever meet? (a famous poem)