Exploits in North Asia
Before making my grand exit out of Shanghai, I decided it was more than necessary to revisit The Manchurian, or Dongbei Ren (东北人), a chain of atavistic eateries that perfume a potent Mao-era ambiance. While I love the nostalgic decor and variety of northeastern dishes (the medley of fried mushrooms comes to mind), the real …
Continue reading Goofed up Translations from The Manchurian’s Menu
I’ve been monitoring an increased amount of traffic the past two weeks coming to a post of mine about the illegal trade of wild frogs in Shanghai. The spike of interest in frogs instantly got me thinking that a possible story was brewing, and, sure enough, the inclination was well-founded. A report published on June …
Continue reading Frogs jump back into the news, and this time with cholera
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be a bewildering science to make sense out of, and not just for foreigners. Prescriptions offered by TCM gurus are increasingly thought of as archaic to today's younger Chinese, but perhaps that's because they're not old enough yet to soak up the real benefits of the practice. Catching myself at …
Continue reading 10 Traditional Chinese Medicine Exercises to Promote Longevity
When reporting on a story, I typically know that I’m working with an alluring narrative when I suddenly start unearthing new, unexpected topics in the midst of research. There is a boost of adrenaline that comes from the intellectual discovery, which in turn propels the story forward. That’s how a lot of my stories in …
The scene of unbridled jubilation broadcast from in front of the White House last Sunday in reaction to Osama bin Laden’s death could have been mistaken for a Fourth of July celebration. American flags flapped around behind reporters speaking over a roaring crowd of revelers; a group of 20-somethings hoisted upon their peers’ shoulders pumped …
Justin Calderón 