(no subject)

[lizzybennet]

Connor is still feeling poorly. He's gone through more than 10 diapers today. I finally got the puke laundry cleaned up, so thankfully that chore is done. Since he threw up in his car seat, I got to dismantle and wash that also. I hadn't realized how filthy that thing had gotten. It looks practically brand new again.

I just found out that I'll have a new professor in the fall. I was really looking forward to the "Modern China" class I've signed up for in the fall. The professor who was slotted to teach it is one of my favorites. He knows that Chris is also pursuing a Chinese history degree, and we had had conversations about it. Today I received an email informing me that my favorite professor is too busy to teach "Modern China" and as a result it will be taught by a new hire. This new professor just had his dissertation defense in February of this year (I googled him). He is a JAPANESE history scholar. I know, I know. It is the intellectual snob in me who even cares that this matters. The truth is that he did his dissertation on a very interesting topic: pirates- the pirates that sailed between Asia and the west coast of North America. So, while I am disappointed not to be in class with my favorite professor I know I should also give this new guy a chance.

Book club tonight!!

Comments

[blackie-fox.livejournal.com]

Hey! I have a China question for the Dalton family...

I was watching this show the other day and it talked alot about the Shaolin Monks in China and how they practice their martial art traditions. They are absolutely amazing!

Anyway...how are they allowed to "practice" their religion in a communist country? Just a question. Mike asked me and I didn't know and so I thought I'd go to the source!

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

I shall ask the all knowing master and let you know later today :~)

[blackie-fox.livejournal.com]

Coolo thanks!

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

Newdi Limler, Meet Chris! I signed him up for an lj account so he could answer your question himself. Hope your day is going well!

[blackie-fox.livejournal.com]

I got his message it. Very cool. It's what I thought the answer might be - in my very limited mind set.

[professor-c.livejournal.com]

The freedom of religious belief is actually written into the People's Republic of China's constitution. However, there are certain clauses in that constitution that, of course, give the central government the right to oversee all religious organizations or entities. Buddhism, particularly Zen Buddhism, which is the sect that the Shaolin monks belong to, is quite harmless to the government. If anything, it promotes a sense of peace and stability through its meditative teachings. Buddhism is also by and large state-sponsored. This is because it encourages tourism, both domestic and foreign. In the case of the Shaolin monks, it is not only the economics of tourism that are a benefit, but also the good press. They make the Chinese culture unique. I have planned on traveling to see the Shaolin temple in central China this summer when i am in the country. I hope to take some good pictures, which I'll get mysteena to post later.

[blackie-fox.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! That makes sense. I think it's totally amazing that you are going to China. I really want to go to Asia - visit as many countries as I can. I've always been really interested in the differences between the Japanese, Chinese, and American cultures. All three are so vastly different, which just fascinates me.

I hope you have a fantastic trip!