If there was only a wharf here

I've been thinking about Australia's apology to Aborigines. The first thing that came to mind is Standing on the Wharf, Weeping

American Gangster

American Gangster turned out to be a disappointment. You can take any three episodes of The Wire and make a better crime drama.

It's raining

as water streams without interruption...

Origins of the enlightenment and liberal humanism

Floating Medicine Chests

I like this refreshing look at the origins of the enlightenment and liberal humanism as a gradual evolution of science, commerce, government, and philosophy when they are mobilized toward improving and extending human life.

Scandinavia, and if you want, Finland

Knew most of the Sweden stuff, like the fighters jets(Grippen), IKEA, Saunas. I didn't know Thor would ally himself with the Norwegians. And... poor Finland, at least they have Nokia.

The Wire

The fifth season of The Wire!

The opening theme song is "Way Down in the Hole"



Season 3 intro is not bad either:



Season 4 intro is perhaps the closest in spirit to the show, as it shows the next generation seeking salvation in such an overwhelmingly pessimistic city:

Generation of Giants

The earliest batch of missionaries in China are apparently in a league of their own.

This makes me think of all the people I know who speak and write better Chinese than I do even though they were born non-Chinese.

河殇 River Elegy

河者,黄河也, 母亲河也; 殇者,夭折也

《黄河船夫曲》:

"你晓得，天下黄河几十几道湾哎? 几十几道湾上,几十几只船哎? 几十几只船上,几十几根竿哎? 几十几个那艄公嗬呦来把船来扳?"