August 1, 2010 - Guilin, Guangxi, China
"The superior man seeks what is right; the inferior one, what is profitable."
~ Confucius
~ Confucius
China's censorship is frustrating. This week I'm suppose to embark on a 4 day, 3 night Yangtze (Chang Jiang) River cruise from Chongqing through the Three Gorges Dam. With the endless rain and some infrequent television references to mudslides, it appears the Yangtze River region is under environmental stress. I'm wondering if it's just plain safe. Through numerous internet searches in China ("Google with Chinese characteristics"), I can only find outdated information, nothing current. However, access to the Iowa, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Pakistan floods is endless; in addition to hourly updates on Chelsea Clinton's wedding. Even if current information could be accessed in other countries, China would not release specific data for fear of looking unprepared to global critics of the Three Gorges Dam.
In February 2009, during Beijing's Chinese-Lunar New Year's celebration, fireworks ignited a blaze which engulfed a massive 44-story skyscraper. Luckily the building was under construction and no one was injured. Always concerned with appearances, China forbid television, radio stations, newspapers, and other media outlets from showing or discussing the monumental fire, so no one in China knew about the major event. Most Chinese learned about the event from out-of-country friends who watched the fire on live television.
Yangtze River & Three Gorges Dam information I've been able to gather:
+ 2010 is worst flood year in more than a decade
+ 15% more rain than in an average year
+ Last Wednesday water flow at 56,000 cubic meters per second (1.96 million cubic feet)
+ Peak flow was 518 feet (158 meters)
+ About 10% less than the dam's maximum capacity
+ China reports over 1,200 people missing or dead
+ Last Monday boat travel was stopped
After being disappointed by last nights possible endangered snake purchase, tonight I came across a local restaurant selling a cute little Chinese Mole Shrew (about $50 US). I guess happily, or sadly, the little fella is not on a threatened list, but obviously endangered in the immediate context.
After being disappointed by last nights possible endangered snake purchase, tonight I came across a local restaurant selling a cute little Chinese Mole Shrew (about $50 US). I guess happily, or sadly, the little fella is not on a threatened list, but obviously endangered in the immediate context.
