-- Amid a discussion of trade in 1973, Chinese leader Mao Zedong made what U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger called a novel proposition: sending tens of thousands, even 10 million, Chinese women to the United States.
Chinese leader Mao Zedong, here depicted in an Andy Warhol painting, offered women to the U.S.
"You know, China is a very poor country," Mao said, according to a document released by the State Department's historian office.
"We don't have much. What we have in excess is women. So if you want them we can give a few of those to you, some tens of thousands."
A few minutes later, Mao circled back to the offer. "Do you want our Chinese women?" he asked. "We can give you 10 million."
After Kissinger noted Mao was "improving his offer," the chairman said, "We have too many women. ... They give birth to children and our children are too many."
"It is such a novel proposition," Kissinger replied in his discussion with Mao in Beijing. "We will have to study it.
To Drive or Not to Drive: That Was Never the Question
Topic: Society
10:22 pm EST, Jan 21, 2008
The ever-essential Verlyn Klinkenborg, following up on the thread about Magic Highway:
Every now and then I meet someone in Manhattan who has never driven a car. Some confess it sheepishly, and some announce it proudly. For some it is just a practical matter of fact, the equivalent of not keeping a horse on West 87th Street or Avenue A. Still, I used to wonder at such people, but more and more I wonder at myself.
Driving is the cultural anomaly of our moment. Someone from the past, I think, would marvel at how much time we spend in cars and how our geographic consciousness is defined by how far we can get in a few hours’ drive and still feel as if we’re close to home. Someone from the future, I’m sure, will marvel at our blindness and at the hole we have driven ourselves into, for we are completely committed to an unsustainable technology.
ONCE it was only revolutionaries such as Fidel Castro who could seize a Caribbean island. Yesterday it was Google, the internet giant, that took control of Necker in the British Virgin Islands for the wedding of Larry Page, its co-founder.
There was a price: Sir Richard Branson, the island’s owner, was ready to step up as best man for the marriage of his fellow multi-billionaire.
RE: A Visit to the Creation Museum, 11/10/07 - a photoset on Flickr
Topic: Society
9:42 pm EST, Nov 15, 2007
noteworthy wrote: Thanks; this is a rather comprehensive tour.
This museum has been discussed here previously over the years. ....
Sorry about the repeat. I came across the photo tour while watching NOVA do a two-hour special on Intelligent Design (the topic is mainly if ID is creationism is disguise). If anyone has 2 hours free, I would recommenced watching it, the full show is on PBS's website. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/id/
A Visit to the Creation Museum, 11/10/07 - a photoset on Flickr
Topic: Society
11:56 am EST, Nov 15, 2007
A photo collection from some kid's visit to a creationism museum. The title's and commentary make it rather interesting.
Apparently God is an Average Student
Hey, it's not me. Look at this report card! It's all "Cs"! Sure, he could probably do better if he applied himself, but then why should he? When you're already omnipotent and all-knowing, you don't exactly have to make the extra effort, now, do you? That said, I'm personally holding out for an Eternal Plan that's all As. It's not too much to ask for some quality work from one's creator.
A Thorny Problem
Follow the "logic" here.
International Brotherhood of Ark Builders, Local 122 Takes its Contractually Provided 15-Minute Break
Yes, they know Noah's in a rush. But it's in the contract. Don't worry. God dealt with them. Yes, He was the world's first union-buster.
The Names of the Two Biggest Rock Bands in the Immediate Post-Flood Era
RE: YouTube - Miss Teen USA 2007 - South Carolina answers a question
Topic: Society
11:33 pm EDT, Aug 27, 2007
dc0de wrote:
I asked our local office 'chick' who's into 'pageants' what the deal was, and she informed me that she has the entire answers taped, and Ms. Teen South Carolina wasn't the worst... .
The full set of 5 questions is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMU192Kp02o
Sherborn teen charged with bestiality - MetroWest Daily News
Topic: Society
5:54 am EDT, Jul 6, 2007
A Sherborn teen was charged yesterday with having sex with sheep at a farm near his home, and police reports suggest the encounters may have gone on for nearly a year.
Roger Henderson II, 18, was arraigned yesterday in Natick District Court on charges of bestiality, cruelty to animals and breaking and entering in connection with an incident police say took place at Boggastow Farm on June 27.
What is the world coming to? Can't even get it on with sheep anymore.
