One of my favorite YouTube channels for learning Chinese is Chinese Buddy Songs. It uses quirky songs and animation to teach basic Chinese words, phrases, and structures. Chinese Buddy is the brainchild of a New Zealander named Timothy. He is a trained musician and is passionate about “using music and technology to grow Mandarin learning.” Awhile […]
A Rearview Mirror
Ten years ago today I had knee surgery in Hong Kong to re-align a knee-cap. A couple of friends from the US happened to be in town that day and accompanied me to the hospital. Both of them have had more than their fair share of surgical procedures so they had lots of advice and […]
July 4 Fireworks — Made in China
A question for my American readers — did you enjoy your local fireworks display last night? They were most likely made by hand in a small factory somewhere in China. The Asia Society blog recently posted a series of photos from a fireworks factory in China. Here is some of the accompanying text: Fireworks and the […]
Reading Up on South Africa
With the passing of Nelson Mandela this week, I thought it would be a good time read up on South Africa. I ordered Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation, the story of how rugby brought healing to a nation. I look forward to digging into it. […]
And the Winners Are…
A special thanks to all the new subscribers from last week. Unfortunately, only 2 of you could win a copy of my book. The winners are Mark J. and Elaine C. I will contact you by email to get your mailing addresses. And now for something completely different to start off your Monday morning. The […]
Toast Stories
Is there a more quintessential comfort food for Americans living abroad than toast (preferably slathered with peanut butter and jelly)? Most of us can go a long time with out a lot of things, but extended periods of time without toast will eventually start to prey on our minds and emotions. Earlier this week a […]
