Author Archives: Joel Martinsen

Invisible Wings: 2009’s college exam essay questions

Beijing’s essay topic was “invisible wings.” That and the rest of this year’s prompts, as well as some responses from famous authors.

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Anticipating the college entrance exams

Nanguo Metropolis Daily reports on the fatal storm in Henan. Also, a look back at the gaokao of 1977.

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News anchor Luo Jing dies at 48

Luo Jing, the face of CCTV Network News for two decades, passed away in Beijing this morning.

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Twenty years later

Zhou Yingjie looks back on two decades.

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Reading Style: Another dodgy digest magazine launches in Beijing

Reading Style (精品阅读) launches with a two-year-old “launch editorial” by Mao Yushi.

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Foreign books for Chinese children

Four Chinese authors recommend children’s books.

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NDRC refutes rumors, raises the price of fuel anyway

Last week, NDRC said it wouldn’t raise the price of oil. This week, it has.

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The cult of a Super Girl

Super Girl Li Yuchun Photoshopped into a messianic figure.

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Someone’s got to give a urine sample

Mandatory bloodwork: “The patient doesn’t have to do them himself.”

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The right to refuse to “chat”: Liu Xiaoyuan on Ai Weiwei’s police visit

Liu Xiaoyuan explains the logic behind “chats” after Ai Weiwei gets a visit from the police.

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