The ferries in Hong Kong hadn’t changed much from 1960 when this movie was made, until I visited in the mid-to-late 90’s. I remember picking up the book in a hotel lobby, or got from a fellow expatriate. I’ve been…
Movie night: Nanking
Found a handful of movies on or about China in the JCCC library, and started with Nanking, a documentary with real footage and photos, and interviews with people – Chinese civilians and Japanese soldiers. Some serious actors read letters and…
China history and language: found pics
Found some some interesting images Re: China this week. Will need to find my notes on Zheng He. We discussed the scale of the ship(s) in past Title 6 meetings, but seeing this helps. (Found at http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/2013/january/images/20-History.jpg). The Map below…
Nobel Prize in Literature Announced
The nobel Prize in Literature was just announced, and it goes to a Chinese Writer – Mo Yan, who, while arguably not dissident, allegedly manages find ways to tell inconvenient truths. I am at the moment unfamiliar with his work,…
“Sabotuer” by Ha Jin
For text free online see here. Class brought up some some good questions that indicate a need for a Chinese culural informant. authentic Chinese tea cups have no handles, so the distinction between a cup and a bowl is a…
Anti-Japanese Riots in China
Imgur currently has pictures of Chinese rioting that are disturbing. Claims by China are being made over some islands that were sold by their Japanese owners to Japan. In the Good Guy Chinese dude in Xian here below is telling…
Kung Fu Hustle
I hate to admit I enjoyed Kung Fu Hustle. There are aspects of traditional Chinese culture, and Hong Kong action stars from the manic hey-day of the 70’s. It isn’t fresh in my memory now, and to be honest I…
China in the news: late August.
The olympics brought interesting headlines, though I haven’t seen anything about Taiwan being pressured to march with China, and refusing to march if that was the condition of their participation. If anyone has anything on that please share. As she…
“Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress:” the movie
Just watched the movie, and it isn’t bad. It isn’t the book I remember, but it was an official selection at the Cannes Film fest, won the National Board of Review in 2004, and was nominated for 1/2 dozen or…
Summer East-West Center Retreat in Oahu
This summer focused on history, which ironically may be of more relevance to me for my English classes than if it focused on literature (especially poetry). I’ve had the unique opportunity to work with some truly gifted bilingual Ph.D.’s, and…