Jottings from the Granite Studio

A Qing historian reads the newspaper…

Jottings from the Granite Studio header image 4

Getting real about "Getting Real in China"

October 10th, 2007 · 14 Comments

UC Irvine history professor Jeffrey Wasserstrom has an article in The Nation this week about recent criticism of China. First off, let me say that I have enormous respect for Professor Wasserstrom and have enjoyed his essays a great deal. I also fundamentally agree with the general premise of his most recent piece.
Professor Wasserstrom argues:

I’m [...]

[Read more →]

Tags: Chinese History

Morning tea: Visa crackdown in Beijing…Catharsis and the automobile…How to draft a tri-shaw?

October 10th, 2007 · 3 Comments

The old Talk Talk China had a theory called the “cycle of China funk” to describe the oscillation that most foreigners here feel between loving and hating the place that we call home. This week I’ve been on a bit of a downswing, but no matter. YJ, who spent two years studying law in France, [...]

[Read more →]

Tags: Beijing Journal · Life in China

Asian History Carnival #17

October 10th, 2007 · No Comments

There have been some fascinating postings on Asian history of late and a great place to check them all out in one easy click is the (mostly) monthly Asian History Carnival, this month being hosted by the excellent folks over at Frog in a Well. Check it out.

[Read more →]

Tags: Chinese History

Starbucks’ revenge?

October 10th, 2007 · No Comments

Kick us out of the Forbidden City, will you? Hell, nobody’s been kicked out of there since Puyi. Is this how the Seattle coffee giant gets its revenge? (Revenge is a latte best served with foam?)

[Read more →]

Tags: Beijing Journal · Life in China