The Mountain Spirits are Laughing
I am barely surviving Shangri La. In fact, at 15,000 feet above sea level it is taking a very specific act of concentration not to lavishly soil myself. [Read More...]
2015
The short reign of Zhu Changluo
On August 28, 1620, Zhu Changluo took power as the Taichang Emperor. Less than a month later, he was dead, apparently having pooped himself to death. [Read More...]
Forbidden City to close from August 22-September 3
Just heard from a reliable source that the [Read More...]
Large Mammals Crossing: Jogging in Beijing
I'm a large mammal in a country of mostly smaller mammals. But this summer I have resolved to lose weight and get healthy...even if it kills me. [Read More...]
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences throwing shade at The New Qing History
Why did the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences launch an attack on Qing historians Mark Elliott, James Millward, and Pamela Crossley? It seems they had the temerity to challenge long-cherished tropes of Qing history, and that Just! Won't! Do! [Read More...]
Advice to New Wai: Things I wish I learned 13 years ago about life in China
Let’s face it: It’s not easy to live [Read More...]
Kind of Online in the PRC: The New Normal?
For anybody who still thinks China is a great business environment or that China has a bright future as a research hub, intellectual incubator, or simply a good place for their next office or factory, I would strongly suggest spending 30 minutes trying to do a few routine tasks that involve using the Internet. [Read More...]