Ever since the China Media Group's uber-unpopular decision to pull out uber-popular Avatar from 2D screens for Confucius, there have been multiple rumblings about the philosophical implications of Chinese audiences abandoning the centuries-old sage for blue-skinned aliens. While we won't completely dismiss the "Avatar = nailhouse troubles" argument, based on our recent viewing of Confucius, we think there's a much simpler reason people are avoiding it: It sucks. more ›

Last Friday, after an investigation by the Chinese Commerce Ministry concluded that U.S. companies were hurting local producers by dumping their poultry products into the Chinese market, China stated it would be slapping up to 105.4% in tariffs on imported U.S. poultry products. While this is sure to be yet another issue rocking the already unsteady boat of diplomatic relations between the two countries, we couldn't help but snicker at the product in the middle of all this turmoil. more ›

Ever notice the tendency for medical clinics and hospitals to over-prescribe medications here in Shanghai (even for things like simple colds and sore throats)? This bottle of pills is for the inflammation, take three times a day. Take one of these twice day, it'll help reduce the pain. Oh, those ones? We're not quite sure, but trust us, you need 'em. Turns out the practice isn't just dangerous for your wallet, it's also breeding strains of bugs that are becoming antibiotic-resistant. Uh oh. more ›

This week is marching in, and with it comes a wide and wild variety of events to check out, from horrible 90s movies to special burlesque shows to a ballet about Marco Polo. more ›

Just hours ago, recently-freed American missionary Robert Park landed back on U.S. soil. Born to Korean parents, he had gone back to his ancestral homeland in hopes of singlehandedly inspiring a change in leadership, only to be detained after crossing into North Korea over an icy river on Christmas day. While we can't say his cause is unworthy, he's lucky to have gotten out without the prodding of Bill Clinton. Unfortunately, his release is hardly a bellwether for the state of North Korea's relations with the West. Envoys from China, along with a team from South Korea, headed to Pyongyang this weekend to resume dialogue that will hopefully lead to the disarmament lobbied for by the stalled "six-party" talks. more ›

Ah... for a somewhat peaceful start to your morning (and week), here's a sweet video by photographer Ryan Pyle as he rides down Da Jing Lu in Central Shanghai, an old lane way near the bund. Da Jing Lu, while not a particularly famous street, does contain a landmark amidst its hustle and bustle. A part of the old city wall can be seen at the corner of Da Jing Lu and Ren Min Lu. more ›

Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square (French: Le jour se lève sur la place Tienanmen) is a 1998 National Film Board of Canada short animated documentary directed by Shui-Bo Wang which received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. Consisting of a colourful collage of personal and archival photos and original artwork, this fascinating documentary is one man's autobiographical look back at the turbulent Cultural Revolution and the subsequent years. An exceptional piece of work that is well worth 29 minutes of your time this Sunday: more ›

Korean American missionary Robert Park is besieged by journalists at the Beijing Capital Airport after being freed from detention by North Korea. The 28 year old entered North Korea from China last Christmas by walking across the frozen Tumen River, carrying a letter to Kim Jong Il asking him to close down concentration camps and release all political prisoners. A report by the DPRK's Korean Central News Agency claims that Park attended a church service in Pyongyang, whereupon it suddenly dawned on him that "the DPRK people can read and believe whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want" and that he has since "seriously repented of the wrong I committed, taken in by the West's false propaganda". Sinologistical Violoncellist notes that police in Yanbian appear now to be trying to track down Park's collaborator in Yanji and that while the media circus surrounded Park in Beijing on Friday, Kim Jong Il was busy watching Russian opera. [h/t to Danwei] more ›

As if to signal the end of another dreary winter, this Spring brings the 2010 JUE Music + Art Festival. A celebration of the alternative, creative and progressive arts in Shanghai with no branding, no restrictions and no hidden agenda, JUE is an excuse not to be cooped up in your apartment. more ›

• A Chinese toddler who was chained to a pole while his father worked in order to protect him from the same fate as his sister (who was abducted) has now been given three years of free childcare. [Daily Mail]
• The U.S. is thinking about switching out its satellites... because of perceived threats from China. [Reuters]
• A former Internet monitor is on trial for allegedly having taken 14 million yuan in bribes to help an anti-virus company defeat its competitor with manufactured criminal evidence. Uh, reason 3,034,109 for a free internet. [Global Times]