Bored (and lazy)

My classes ended on Tuesday, so I'm on break until February 24. Travel plans in the works include Nanjing/Shanghai early next month. Until then I need to find something better to do with my time – finally get serious about studying Chinese, perhaps?

Here's an example of where China is willing to take steps many other countries are not: Starting in June, it will be illegal to produce certain plastic bags, and stores will have to charge for their use. Some stores have already started, as I found out last week. According to the article, China uses up to 3 billion plastic bags a day.

I had heard that the Writers Guild Web site was blocked here (unions = bad), but it seems to work fine. AFL-CIO, on the other hand, does not.

I also found this old article about Chinese students who study abroad. I guess this shouldn't really come as a surprise, but apparently 14 percent of international students are from China, more than any other country.

Finally, check out this Wall Street Journal article on mental health care in the countryside.

China Fun Fact: China has become the world's top apple grower, harvesting 26 million tons last year (the world total is 46 million tons). This year the country is also on course to produce 800,000 tons of apple juice, almost all of which will be exported (the U.S. is the world's main importer).