Happy Anniversary

1 March, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order to officially establish the Peace Corps.

23 February through 1 March was Peace Corps week. In addition, this week was the final first week of classes of my own Peace Corps experience. My final semester has begun. I'm trying to be mindful of this. I want to appreciate everything, and if you'll cue up Aerosmith, I don't want to miss a thing. (Don't click on that link; you know what it's going to be.)

The Great Firewall...

Earlier this year, I linked to a TED talk by the wonderful Abigail Washburn. I just hid it behind the text, because it wasn't vital to the story, but some great background information about her and her experiences.

This time, however, I've found a fascinating TED talk that I want to share with everyone. Embedded below (or found here) is Jing Zhao speaking about one of the most ubiquitous (and misunderstood) aspects of contemporary Chinese culture: internet censorship.

Rollin'... Rollin'...

Sometimes, here in China, I have moments where I can't help but laugh. Tonight, I had one of those moments next to a taxi driver who couldn't stop staring at my crutches.

With my little bit of Chinese, I can usually have a four or five sentence conversation with whomever is driving. Often, now, it revolves around why I'm using these metal poles under my arms that are taller than most Chinese people.

I was stuck in traffic (shocker!) on my way home tonight, after exhausting my five sentences. At that point, I usually just enjoy the incomprehensible Chinese coming through the radio. Quite literally, it sounds like this looks:

Folkin' Around

Folk music is something I never adequately enjoyed until recently. I am not too proud to admit that the sudden popularity of Mumford and Sons helped. (Actually, it was a dear friend’s insistence that I should listen to them, because they were not just some one-hit radio wonder.)

My budding appreciation for folk music has officially blossomed, and I can thank China and the Peace Corps for that…