I ♥ Zhonghua

As I near a year stateside my thoughts have turned to China. When I was there, my immediate reaction to all things irritating was to contrast them with America. The American parallel didn't matter so much. I was just sure that America would deal with whatever it was in a plainly superior way. My country came to symbolize all that was good and logical of humanity, and China the opposite.

The blind and annoying jingoism of the people toward their country and leaders is one example. Countless trips in China were peppered with the "I Love China" song screeched over the bus or taxi stereo; Chinese passengers singing along and Americans rolling their eyes.

But since I've been back, so often when I talk about these kinds of things, I'm reminded of the same sorts of annoying idiosyncrasies in America. When I mention how difficult it is to find a blade of grass in a big Chinese city, a friend says that American big cities are becoming the same way. I say that political corruption is a huge problem in China, and I see the latest Democrat or Republican exposed for graft. I mention the uberpatriotic, government-controlled Chinese media, and then I see FOX News.

I guess it's easy to be negative when you're homesick, but when you get home you realize that everyone's a little bit Chinese.

Fish Fry Friday

Free Trade

All Chinese people in China love Bill Clinton. It's one of many state-sponsored opinions, but I'd always wondered where the opinion came from. This Frontline show about Walmart offers a possible explanation.

Overcast; 100% Chance of Crappie

Andy Wicked,
I didn't see your comments about fish because I was real busy catching them at the time. We had an average-sized catch Friday, taking in only around 100. My arm's really tired, dude, so I'm having trouble typing. I'm sure you understand.
Toodles,
Anthony

Pinback 是非常好的

We went to a supercool concert last week (we being Molly, Kelli, Xiaomeng, the Gu and I). Pinback played at the Granada in Lawrence.

I ecoute la musique beaucoup; yet I've only been to about ten bona fide concerts. They've all been supercool.

Do you like music? What do you like about music? Can you play an instrument? Do you like to sing in the shower? What do you sing?

To Listen, Too

Pray for (No) Rain

Jim, I know my dad and I planned to take you fishing on Friday and share in the marine bounty of the Flint Hills. I'm sorry to say it looks like rain is again heading our way.

But not to worry: I've called an emergency meeting of the Department of Defense-Department of Fish and Wildlife Joint Flyfishing Taskforce. We're exploring breaking up the incoming storm fronts with some C130s out of Nebraska. They're going to deploy some top-secret monosodium glutamate flares. If that doesn't work, we've got a team negotiating with the Pawnee to do a very rare Reverse Rain Dance. I'll keep you informed on our progress.

Amexico? (Clickable)