Tag Archives: China

Should Maglevs be Upgraded to Vactrains?

Should Maglevs be Upgraded to Vactrains Table

There has been a great deal of discussion of whether the future of high tech transportation will be maglevs or hyperloops. Hyperloops can theoretically travel around 600 mph. Maglevs can theoretically travel around 300 mph. However there is a third alternative that is being ignored. Theoretically if you build a vacuum tunnel around a maglev system then you create a vactrain and can achieve theoretical speeds of up to 8,000 mph. Vactrains could more or less ten times faster than hyperloops! China, Japan and Germany have already invested billions of dollars on maglev lines. Can maglev lines be retrofitted to be vactrains? Instead of replacing maglev, a proven technology, with a new technology that is only twice as fast, maglevs can be upgraded and be made 20 times faster! The following points provide a starting point for this discussion.

1) Pipeline Design

If maglev upgrade is the purpose of vactrain design then the pipeline probably needs to be designed to be more modular to fit around an existing maglev.

2) Pipeline Fabrication

China is facing an industrial output surplus. Can any existing factories be modified to make vactrain pipeline instead?

3) Pipelines and Solar Power

China is a major user of fossil fuels. China is also a major manufacturer of solar panels. Can pipeline be fitted with solar power panels in order to cut down on fossil fuel use and also provide a market for Chinese solar panels?

4) Pipelines as National Nervous System

The world faces growing terrorism, more extreme weather and nuclear proliferation. Can the pipeline double as a hardened nervous system of the nation?

5) Pipelines as Robotic Project

The next big space project will be a city on the moon. The next big rail project will be creating pipeline that can link continents via underwater pipeline. Humans are not designed to operate underwater or in a low gravity vacuum. The conquest of inner space via robots can be a precursor of the conquest of outer space with robots. Sooner or later robots will be needed to build in space on any sort of large scale. Building pipeline underwater with robots is a technical challenge that naturally leads to technological advances that prepare China to create megastructures in space.

Handout at:

Megaproject Ideas

Airship Powered from Space

Extending the One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Pay for the Thai Canal with an Island Next to Bangkok!

Space-based Solar Power for Defense + Desalination + Energy Independence

WereVerse Universe Baby!

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16 Basic Desires: China versus US

16 Types of Motivation and Culture Table Resized

16 Basic Desires  

I have been teaching in Asia at the college level for the last sixteen years. This semester just like every semester I reflected that my Thai students have very different motivations than other students I have had including American and Chinese students. I didn’t really find anything on the internet that was useful directly but I did run into one general theory of motivation that I think is detailed enough to be useful in the classroom and with adaptation the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom.

Professor Steven Reiss has proposed a theory that found 16 basic desires that guide nearly all human behavior. The focus of research on motivation in the ESL classroom is on intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation.   Lile provides a good overview of the application of intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation in the classroom as well as some practical suggestions.

My observation is that most American teachers in Asia tend to think that Americans have more intrinsic motivation and Asians have more extrinsic motivation.  In language terms this is framed as integrative motivation (intrinsic) versus instrumental motivation(extrinsic). I might agree that Asians study English because this subject can lead to career advancement when they graduate but I think the picture is actually much more complex.

Below are the 16 basic desires listed by Reiss and I would like to suggest that there are consistent cross-cultural differences. My analysis is informal, subjective and speculative but based upon more than 20 years living in nine different countries. This is a post on my personal blog not a research article! Perhaps my blog post will MOTIVATE a researcher to follow up with empirical research that can be published in a peer reviewed research journal.

I am American. I lived in China for one year and Taiwan for seven years so I do have some familiarity with Chinese culture. In my opinion Chinese and Taiwanese are only slightly different in the area of motivation. Chinese/Taiwanese on the other hand as a group are very different from Americans. Below is a table comparing the US and China using Hofstede’s Dimensions.

Hofstede US vs China

I have five years of teaching Americans at the secondary level and ten years of experience teaching Americans at the college level. Below is a record of my thoughts followed by a table that provides a synopsis of my analysis.

Acceptance – The need for approval

The US scores higher on Hofstede’s individualism score than China so probably acceptance is a higher motivation in China than the US. Many Chinese universities do have an official class leader. I have found that choosing one or two students to be class leaders when this formal mechanism is not present does seem to motivate the top students and I think most Americans would find this practice elitist and at odds with their egalitarian sensibilities.

Curiosity – The need to learn

Americans are perhaps the most curious people I have ever lived with. Curiosity is almost a defining characteristic of Americans. As a teacher who has taught in American and Chinese settings I have had to adapt my teaching style by relying less on curiosity as a the motivating factor in my lessons. However, Chinese, based purely on my experience, are more curious than perhaps Thai students, who I have taught for over six years. There are ethnographic studies that show American students are very active in the classroom compared to their Asian counterparts. Inductive lessons seem to work better with Americans since inductive lessons rely heavily on curiosity.

Eating – The need for food

I would say food is a more central part of Chinese culture than American culture but this is a very subjective view. At the college level, students are much more likely to take their respected university American teacher out to dinner in China. Conversely, rewarding your top students with a dinner at a restaurant can instill an incredible amount of loyalty among your Chinese students. This practice might seem a little elitist to many Americans but is not unheard of in the US.

Family – The need to raise children

Again as a measurably more collectivist culture, China is generally presumed to view family as being more important than Americans. At the practical level this means Chinese students may miss class because of family obligations. Chinese parents can and do order their adult college students to attend family functions. For example, my Chinese students studying in Thailand can be told by their parents that they need to go home for Chinese New Year. Officially Chinese New Year is not a holiday in Thailand. An American teacher should reflect that giving a Chinese student more leeway in this area than an American student might be a positive cultural adaptation on the part of the teacher that will instill more loyalty in the students in the long run.

Honor – The need to be loyal to the traditional values of one’s clan/ethnic group

As defined above, China clearly values honor more than Americans. American is a multi-cultural country and even defining “American” values is difficult. However, there are some transcultural values such as a commitment to democracy that are very strong in Americans. Criticizing your host country in class is a bad idea anywhere but is probably an even worse idea in China. Discussion of the Three Ts (Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen) in China in an inappropriate manner can lead to your quick dismissal from your teaching post.

Idealism – The need for social justice

Americans have a very strong commitment to democracy and that includes strong views about social justice including a strong commitment to equality under the law, privacy, and the rights of the individual overall. Discussions about politics may lead to dead silence in your college class in China. There may be less interest in the topic and of course the students may correctly assume this is a topic that can get everyone involved into trouble.   As mentioned, the three T’s, Tiananmen, Tibet and Taiwan are probably best avoided in classroom discussions in China. This is the one area in which Taiwan is very different. You have a much, much more freedom to discuss politics in Taiwan but I would say once again this might be a topic Taiwanese are not all that interested in compared to Americans.

Independence – The need for individuality

As measured by Hoftstede, the US is much more individualistic than China. Autonomy is a large goal for many Americans at work and in life. I think my biggest surprise in Asia has been that many college students are studying majors their parents want them to rather than majors they want to study. Asian students do seem less willing to share class work alone and would rather share work with the class with a group or a classmate. Having a student read their paper alone in front of the class might actually be perceived as punishment by many Chinese students.

Order – The need for organized, stable, predictable environments

There is a lot of overlap between this concept and Hofstede’s concept of uncertainty avoidance. China scores higher on uncertainty avoidance. Chinese might prefer a more predictable environment than US students.

Physical activity – The need for exercise

I don’t perceive a lot of difference between American and Chinese students in this area. Chinese universities sometimes have a physical education requirement that is not present in American universities. However, both countries suffer from rising obesity albeit the US more so than China for now.

Power – The need for influence of will.

Hofstede’s power distance dimension applies to this area directly. There is much higher power distance teachers and students in a Chinese classroom than in an American classroom. I do think Chinese students will be less comfortable with extracurricular activities without strong teacher supervision and certainly the Chinese system will not allow them a much freedom as in the US. However, that doesn’t mean the Chinese students don’t want more power over their lives. Chinese in a work setting do seem to be willing to go to great lengths to achieve more power.

Romance – The need for sex and for beauty

Maybe a long time ago China was less driven by consumerism and the message that everyone should be sexy and beautiful. I think nowadays both countries put a premium on romantic needs as part of a successful life.

Saving – The need to collect

Chinese have a higher uncertainty avoidance index and a tradition of saving more income than Americans.

Social contact – The need for friends (peer relationships)

China is less individualistic than the US and peer relationships are much more important than in the US.

Social status – The need for social standing/importance

Both Chinese and Americans put a premium on social standing. I would say this is something that both countries have in common.

Tranquility – The need to be safe

Again, China has a higher uncertainty avoidance score so a desire for tranquility is probably higher among Chinese students than American students.

Vengeance – The need to strike back and to compete

There is a Chinese legalistic tradition that favors harsh punishment in order to maintain social harmony. In theory harsh punishment is not about revenge but historically this has not always been the case. The US probably emphasizes due process more than any other country in the world and certainly more so than China! Due process does make using the system to exact revenge using state resources more difficult regardless of motivation.

Links

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/curious/201407/16-ways-motivate-anyone

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivation#Intrinsic_motivation_and_the_16_basic_desires_theory

Document at:

My Articles About China and/or Chinese Culture

16 Basic Desires: China versus US

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

36 Stratagems

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

American versus Chinese Culture

American versus Chinese Culture

Astrology Chinese

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrology 60 Year Cycle

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Chinese vs. Western Astrology

Confucius in Thailand 2012

Extending China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Table of Chinese Astrology 19th – 21st Century

The 36 Stratagems as Portrayed in Comic Books

Virtual Chinese Reunification Palace

Am I Kitsune

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts Resized

Do

1) Do address a business associate with their professional title.

2) Do bargain.

3) Do be prepared for random people approaching to you and asking to practice their English.

4) Do be punctual.

5) Do beckon someone by waving them over to you with your palm down.

6) Do carry around a business card of the hotel you are staying in.

7) Do eat all of the rice in your bowl.

8) Do eat what your host offers and orders, including alcohol; it’s rude to refuse.

9) Do fill your companion’s tea cup when it’s empty.

10) Do give your host a gift.

11) Do greet the eldest person in a Chinese family first.

12) Do keep calm when dealing with officials, especially if tense situations arise.

13) Do learn how to use chopsticks correctly.

14) Do present important things to people with both hands.

15) Do present your gift with two arms, and if you are given a gift, receive it with two arms.

16) Do refuse a gift several times before accepting it.

17) Do remove your shoes when entering a Chinese home.

18) Do say hello (ni hao) in Chinese.

19) Do think twice about sharing your opinion especially at formal meetings.

20) Do toast with the word ganbei (“empty glass”).

21) Do touch your glass below that of the eldest person in the group when toasting.

22) Do try to understand indirect communication.

Don’t

1) Don’t be offended when asked if you’re married.

2) Don’t criticize someone in public.

3) Don’t discuss the three T’s (Taiwan, Tiananmen, Tibet) in class, if you are the teacher.

4) Don’t engage in public displays of affection.

5) Don’t expect to tip everywhere you would tip in Western culture.

6) Don’t give clocks, knives, scissors, white or yellow flowers, or pears as gifts.

7) Don’t immediately put the card away in your pocket or bag.

8) Don’t leave your chopsticks upright in your bowl or tap your bowl with them.

9) Don’t open the gift upon receiving it unless it is insisted upon. Instead, open it later.

10) Don’t point or use your finger (this gesture is used for dogs).

11) Don’t point the bottom of your shoes/feet at someone.

12) Don’t point the spout of the teapot at anyone.

13) Don’t point with your index finger. Instead, use an open hand.

14) Don’t pour your own drink first.

15) Don’t put sugar or milk in your tea.

16) Don’t say “no”.  Instead say “maybe” or “you will think about it”.

17) Don’t shake your feet, lest you shake away all of your luck.

18) Don’t take the last bit of food in a serving plate.

19) Don’t touch someone’s head.

20) Don’t wear bright colors or shorts for business meetings.

21) Don’t whistle or snap your fingers to get someone’s attention.

22) Don’t wrap a gift in white wrapping paper.

23) Don’t write anything in red ink unless you’re correcting an exam.

24) Don’t write on the business card unless you are told to do so.

Handout at:

https://www.scribd.com/doc/254273071/Chinese-Do-s-and-Don-Ts

Hugh Fox III - Xian Liu

My Articles About China and/or Chinese Culture

16 Basic Desires: China versus US

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

36 Stratagems

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

American versus Chinese Culture

American versus Chinese Culture

Astrology Chinese

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrology 60 Year Cycle

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Chinese vs. Western Astrology

Confucius in Thailand 2012

Extending China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Table of Chinese Astrology 19th – 21st Century

The 36 Stratagems as Portrayed in Comic Books

Virtual Chinese Reunification Palace

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

Hugh Fox Chinese Regional Cuisine Acronym

The eight types of Chinese regional cuisine are Anhui, Cantonese, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Szechuan, and Zhejiang.
All – Anhui
Chinese – Cantonese
Food – Fujian
Has – Hunan
Juicy – Jiangsu
Sweet – Shandong
Sour – Szechuan
Zing – Zhejian
All Chinese food has juicy, sweet, sour zing!
Now you can easily amaze friends and family with your knowledge of Chinese cuisine!
Also check out List of Food Adjectives

Worksheet at:

My Articles About China and/or Chinese Culture

16 Basic Desires: China versus US

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

36 Stratagems

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

American versus Chinese Culture

American versus Chinese Culture

Astrology Chinese

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrology 60 Year Cycle

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Chinese vs. Western Astrology

Confucius in Thailand 2012

Extending China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Table of Chinese Astrology 19th – 21st Century

The 36 Stratagems as Portrayed in Comic Books

Virtual Chinese Reunification Palace

Hugh Fox III - Aurora Borealis

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

Image

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

1) Modern China has become the biggest market in the world for luxury goods.

2) Modern China has become the largest auto market in the world.

3) Modern China has become the second-largest economy in the world (soon to be first).

4) Modern China has been leading the world in cat-scan technology.

5) Modern China has been leading the world in DNA mapping and synthesizing.

6) Modern China has brought 400 million people out of poverty in only 30 years.

7) Modern China has built the most undersea tunnels.

8) Modern China has built the world’s largest dam.

9) Modern China has built the world’s longest bridges.

10) Modern China has built two series of commercial aircraft that now compete with Boeing.

11) Modern China has created the largest (and best-funded) banks in the world.

12) Modern China has created the world’s fastest train.

13) Modern China has created what is already the world’s largest middle class.

14) Modern China has Designed and built a series of 4-passenger flying boats.

15) Modern China has designed and built the world’s fastest computer – 1.5 times faster than the Jaguar in the US – due to a Chinese-designed O/S.

16) Modern China has designed and built the world’s second-deepest submersible.

17) Modern China has designed and built two fully electric aircraft now on sale in the US.

18) Modern China has designed and its own space station.

19) Modern China has developed the deepest ultra-oil drilling.

20) Modern China has developed embryonic stem cells using human skin cells.
21) Modern China has discovered of Earth-like extra-solar planets.

22) Modern China has drawn graphics of dark matter in the universe.
23) Modern China has done successful tracing of the photon.
24) Modern China has discovered genes that cause various diseases.
25) Modern China has accomplished the first “genome transplant” in living organisms.
26) Modern China has created a DNA brake.
27) Modern China has achieved a record in quantum communications distance.

28) Modern China has had an increase in GNP of 10% p.a. for 30 years.

29) Modern China has created its own GPS Satellite System.

30) Modern China has put a probe on the moon.

31) Modern China has put men into space.

32) Modern China has surpassed Japan for the number of patents issued annually.

33) Modern China has the highest number of English-speaking people in the world.

34) Modern China has the largest HSR track network.

35) Modern China leads the world in electric car and battery technology.

Document at:

Hugh Fox III - Xian Liu

My Articles About China and/or Chinese Culture

16 Basic Desires: China versus US

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

36 Stratagems

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

American versus Chinese Culture

American versus Chinese Culture

Astrology Chinese

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrology 60 Year Cycle

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Chinese vs. Western Astrology

Confucius in Thailand 2012

Extending China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Table of Chinese Astrology 19th – 21st Century

The 36 Stratagems as Portrayed in Comic Books

Virtual Chinese Reunification Palace

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

New Astrology Analysis of Nations

Western Astrological Analysis of Nations Table Resized New Astrology Analysis of Nations Table Resized

This article deals with mundane astrology which is the application of astrology geographical regions, places, countries and the whole world as opposed to individual astrology.

Analysis from:

http://suzannewhite.com/index.php?target=new_astrology

Suzanne White’s system of New Astrology combines the Chinese and Western astrological systems to produce synthesis types.  Perhaps this system can give us some insight into the national character of people in a particular nation.

Brazil, Mexico – The Prancing Producer

Virgo – Horse

 

The marriage of Virgo and Horse is one both lofty and elegant. Horses are self-motivated strivers, doers of grand deeds and sometimes – with all of their paradin – a mite foolish and overly passionate. The Virgo, as we all know by now, is reserved. He takes care never to go outside the lines in the coloring book of life. Virgo is tasteful and a bit of a nit-picker to boot. He or she is also a borderline social climber. You won’t find this subject hiding under any rocks or living among the homeless. His associations as well as his goals are high-minded and often intellectual. The Love life of the Virgo born Horse is never dull. He is both amiable and appealing. People literally fall at this alluring person’s feet. In bed, he will be efficient – not cuddly or cozy – but effective and eager to achieve satisfaction by any and all means available. If ever you find yourself in bed with this entrancing creature, you might be shocked. But you won’t be surprised at the skill with which…

Famous Virgo Horses – Sean Connery, Alan Jay Lerner, Leonard Bernstein…

Good Compatibilities – Cancer Dog…

Canada – The Diplomatic Enigma

Libra – Cat

 

Tasteful, safe and gracious living is the aim of the character born in the double sign of aesthetic appreciation. Librans born in Cat years are stay-at-home, suspicious, squeamish souls. They trust with great difficulty. Libra’s discretion about passing quick judgments becomes, in this subject, a near refusal to judge anything or anyone. Libra/Cats hesitate so long before making decisions or committing themselves that they frequently lose their prey. These subjects are, however, socially conscious. They worry endlessly about the fate of the underdog and long to improve the lot of everyone in the universe. Trouble is, they want the universe to cooperate, to see things their way and will argue vehemently if the universe doesn’t comply. The intimate life of Libra/Cats is intricate. Romantic entanglement fascinates them. Tender, generous lovemaking never fails to…

Famous Libra Cats – George C Scott, Arthur Miller, Gunther Grass…

Good Compatibilities – Aquarius Dog…

China – The Lucid Seeker

Libra – Ox

Beauty and the Beast. This subject is a veritable storm of contradiction. Every detail must be perfect, every line straight and every flaw concealed. Weakness must be routed. Sloth eradicated. Yet, under this foil of faultlessness, Libra/Ox hides a secret. On the strict surface, Libra/Ox is efficiency and power, example and security. Underneath? An anthill of conflicting emotions. Purity charms this sterling character. He claims not to want any messes about. He protests he needs calm and cannot live in turmoil, Yet, Libra/Oxen are forever getting themselves involved in emotional scrapes. Even though they seem to be above it all, they take in strays. They seek out madness. They are magnetized by complexity. The love life of Librans born in Ox year roil with complications. Nothing is simple – even in the bedroom where arcane tactics and multiple phantasies…

Famous Libra Oxen – Gore Vidal, Art Buchwald…

Good Compatibilities – Leo Snake…

France ­­ – The Snappish Mediator

Libra – Dog

 

Libra/Dogs are both dignified and brilliant. They possess innate humanitarianism and are softhearted in the best possible way. You will always be able to get sympathy from a Libra/Dog. He will help you, cheer you along and applaud your courage. He’s a great friend, a super associate and a bundle of nerves. Libra is able to sort out any of life’s conflicts through diplomacy and impartiality. In fact, one of the most annoying things about Libras is their refusal to take unpopular stands. They can always see both sides and will often agree with an adversary merely to keep the peace. This is a gentle (if sometimes controlling) soul with a brusque manner and a biting tongue who basically wouldn’t hurt a flea. Love and the Libra/Dog? Loyal. True. Faithful… and mostly very naughty in bed!

Famous Libra Dogs – Brigitte Bardot, George Gershwin…

Good Compatibilities – Gemini Tiger…

Germany – The Profligate Traditionalist

Gemini – Ox

 

Ox is a boon to the Gemini’s blithe spirit. This is an almost settling down Gemini – a family sort of Gemini with eyes for the good life. A Gemini born Ox will always go forward, albeit more deliberately and ponderously than other Geminis, toward goals big and small. This Gemini is a thinker, yes. But he’s not guilty of leaping from thought number one to idea number thirty-three and back to thought number one in two seconds flat. Concentration is more than possible and great work may even be accomplished. Under the quilt, this armchair lothario will work characteristically harder than most to do the job “right”. Not a lot of time for extensive foreplay when there’s serious business ahead so get ready for….

Famous Gemini Oxen – Yeats, Waylon Jennings, William Styron

Good Compatibilities – Aries Rats…

India, Pakistan – The Sybaritic Jester

Leo – Pig

This fiery, conscientious soul will always leave you laughing. Even in the most tragic circumstances, when the chips are down and Leo/Pigs seem to have reached an emotional nadir, from out the shivering bundle of despair will shine one little quip, one last pun or smart remark to bring a smile to your lips. Leo/Pigs cannot help it. They’re funny people. It must be the Leo sun shining on the Pig’s sincerity meter. Or else it s the Pig’s honesty infused with Leo’s philanthropic side. Whatever causes it, this person’s sense of fun will be capital. As they are packed with emotion, they can also be super sad – even depressive. But they always pull out of their doldrums because these people simply adore living Life with a capital L. Experiencing natural pleasure is their most intimate aim. Food. Love. Children. Home. Countrysides etc. As they are both Leo and Pig. Sex is high on their list of priorities, I won’t go into too much detail here because the juicy parts are a mite off color, but….

Famous Leo Pigs – Henry Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, Carl Jung…

Good Compatibilities – Aries Ox…

Iraq – The Glib Manipulator

Libra – Monkey

The Libra side of this person’s nature will want to live life as a couple and will be attracted to early marriage. Adding Monkey traits to the jabbery Libra’s chart infuses it with an increased need for communication – and even a certain desire for healthy conflict. The Libra/Monkey combo is not restful. These people are attracted to motion for its own sake. Sometimes they need to forget what they have just seen and travel on to new territories in order to soak up some joyful or at least different vibrations. Love, for the Libra/Monkey, must sizzle and snap. No lukewarm one night stands for this highly evolved gourmet of passion. Because they remain youthful well into old age, Librans born in Monkey years are not always lifelong faithful to one partner. But while they are being held in thrall by a lover, they are skilled and tender with techniques that will…

Famous Libra Monkeys – Jacques Tati, J.K.Galbraith, Timothy Leary, Buster Keaton…

Good Compatibilities – Leo Dragon…

Israel – The Protective Leader

Taurus – Rat

Taureans born in Rat years benefit from a happy accident. Rats are often hyper. The Taurus influence mitigates the Rat’s piano-wire nervousness. And… to the lumbering Taurus personality, Rats adds spice, pizzazz and a hefty pinch of calculation. The Taurus/Rat is a combination of William Shakespeare and the Alexander the Great: tough, bright, with nerves of steel and natural superiority. In most life situations, their reputation for strength of purpose precedes them so (obviously) one is not surprised to discover this person’s relentless, insistent ability to seduce and conquer. The sex may be fierce but …

Famous Taurus Rats – William Shakespeare, Ayatollah Khomeni, Charlotte Bronte…

Good Compatibilities – Pisces Ox…

Japan – The Silent Showoff

Taurus – Dragon

Might and bite come together here, giving us a powerhouse of brutal energy and excessive adroitness. Nobody will ever tell you that they “just couldn’t care less” about a Taurus/Dragon. People either adore Taurus Dragons or they detest them! On the one hand, this native exudes down-to the-ground good sense, but on the other he is tempestuously foolish and selfishly attention-getting. Taurus and Dragon form an unforgettable couple – a peripatetic love bug whose desires may suddenly shift from stuffy missionary to raunchy and rambunctious in what seems like a quest for pleasure at any cost. The sensuality quotient is exceedingly high in this fiery creature. Many sizzling sexual memories will be forged during lovemaking sessions with partners who dare to go all the way with a Taurus who…

Famous Taurus Dragons – Salvador Dali, Sigmund Freud, Shirley Temple…

Good Compatibilities – Cancer Rat…

Peru, Singapore – The Snake Charming

Leo – Snake

The Snake born in Leo is always right. Even if he’s wrong. He is nonetheless absolutely certain that he knows best. And frequently, especially for himself and in order to achieve his own ends, the Leo/Snake is not far off. Wisdom and clairvoyance are part of the Snake legacy. But the addition of Leo to the cool-headed Snake character, although it lends some sunshine and warmth, also deals this character a hand loaded with vanity. Now the already extravagant and presumptuous Snake has to carry around excess baggage in the form of a swollen skull that just doesn’t quit. Love is the outlet that this person seeks – everywhere! Multiple love affairs, serial marriages and a deep longing for true love characterize this gorgeous person’s sexual history. Intense lovemaking lends closeness and intimacy to this otherwise heady person’s existence. Let’s just say the Leo/Snake is famous for bone-chilling sexual exploits and, trust me, if you ever have the good fortune to bed one, you will remember my words…

Famous Leo Snakes – Mae West, Jackie Kennedy, Robert Mitchum…

Good Compatibilities – Gemini Ox…

Russia – The Luxuriant Philosopher

Scorpio – Snake

 

To a Scorpio/Snake, life without beauty and luxury, tenderness, compassion, admiration and extravagance is not worth living. This person is sensitive in the extreme and, for a cool-handed Snake, remarkably warm-hearted and loving. People appreciate this character for a certain innate nobility, which is both unquestionable and very comforting. Scorpios are already very sensual people with a tendency to introspect and suspect. To add the Snake characteristics of sagacity, clairvoyance and intuition certainly doesn’t diminish the philosophical side of Scorpio’s nature. This person is deep-thinking, sometimes even tormented. The love life of a Scorpio born Snake is always compelling. They take on lovers and acquire spouses, as effortlessly as they splurge on luxury items at every airport duty free shop. Scorpios born in Snake years enter love affairs with a dense silent passion. Then. sometime later, their utterly rambunctious, noisy plate-throwing breakups go clattering about the newspapers and gossip columns of the world and we wonder whatever happened to that nice dense quiet passion. Let’s just say this person is a sexual powerhouse whose grip on his or her lovers tends to be at least ruthless, if not lethal.

Famous Scorpio Snakes – Grace Kelly, Indira Ghandi, Pablo Picasso…

Good Compatibilities – Pisces Dragon…

South Korea – The Anxious Debonair

Leo – Rat

 

The cinematic image that comes to mind when I ponder the combination of Leo and Rat is of Gene Kelly, umbrella in hand, dancing through teeming rain and singin’ his heart out. Leo/Rats have it all over everybody for conjuring sunshine. They can make a party out of a thunderstorm more lavishly and efficiently than you can imagine possible. Leo/Rats’ attributes are many, their faults serious but few. Enterprise is their strong suit. In bed as well as in the world outside, this person will undertake to manage things. He or she is a take-charge lover whose technique between the sheets is notable by it sizzling passion and direct approach. There is never a dull.

Syria – The Petulant Sweetheart

Aries – Dog

 

Aries and Dog both call up a spirit of naiveté. In the case of Aries there is the ever-present quality of soldierliness. Aries is a scout, a pioneer and as credulous as they come. He is so nice. Why shouldn’t everybody else be nice too? The Dog is also quite nice. But he is also nervous and skeptical. Like Aries, the Dog wants to believe in the basic goodness of mankind. But he knows better. And that very knowledge can make him or her a shaking wreck. Kindly and giving of excellent advice, this person is also world famous for his or her ultra direct approach in the bedroom…

Famous Aries Dogs – Houdini, Paul Robeson

Good Compatibilities – Gemini Cat….

Thailand, U.S.A – The Emotional Planner

Cancer – Monkey

This person is forever awake to new concepts and possible avenues. He’s always on his toes. Even in the middle of the night, this variety of Cancer is raring to find out who makes the kinds of candles that exactly replicate church candles from Poland in the eighteenth century. Like all Monkeys, the Cancer/Monkey is a problem-solver. He can not only see a situation for what it is – as he is coldly objective when necessary – but he can see through cloudy dilemmas and for that reason come quickly to the end of them. The Cancer/Monkey lets very little grass grow under his feet. – especially when it come to love. Cancers born in Monkey years incessantly seek love wherever they can find it. They make rapacious love and don’t stop at…

Famous Cancer Monkeys – Julius Caesar, Nelson Rockefeller, Yul Brynner….

Good Compatibilities – Pisces Dragon…

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Western Astrological Analysis of Nations

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You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

WereVerse Universe at Google Drive Link

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations Table

This article deals with mundane astrology which is the application of astrology geographical regions, places, countries and the whole world as opposed to individual astrology.

Brazil

Water Horse – Horse in the Army – Jen Wu

Key Words: dedicated; resourceful; financial stability; lively; independent

Canada

Fire Rabbit- Rabbit Looking at the Moon – Ting Mao

Key Words: great endurance; enthusiastic in work; over-excitable

 

China

Earth Ox

Ox Inside the Gate – Chi Ch’ou

Key Words: open, reliable, independent, filters speech

France

Earth Dog

Dog Going into the Mountain – Mou Hsu

Key Words: open, reliable, independent, filters speech

 

Germany

Earth Ox

Ox Inside the Gate – Chi Ch’ou

Key Words: open, reliable, independent, filters speech

India

Fire Boar

Boar Passing the Mountain – Ting Hai

Key Words: alert and enthusiastic; family life is priority

Iraq

Water Monkey

Elegant Monkey – Jen Shen

Key Words: bright; gregarious; moody; needs financial security

Israel

Earth Rat

Rat in the Warehouse – Chia Tzu

Key Words: pleasant and bright; adapts to the unexpected; uneasy w/domestic affairs; trusting; focus on positive

Japan

Water Dragon

Dragon in the Rain – Jen Ch’en

Key Words: industrious and intelligent; courageous

Mexico

Metal Horse

Horse in the Hall – Keng Wu

Key Words: industrious and intelligent; courageous

Pakistan

Fire Boar

Boar Passing the Mountain – Ting Hai

Key Words: alert and enthusiastic; family life is priority

Peru

Metal Snake

Snake Sleeping in the Winter – Hsin Szu

Key Words: original; intelligent; ambitious; hard to commit; good with finance

 

Russia

Fire Snake

Snake in the Fish Pond – Ting Szu

Key Words: tough and decisive; dedicated; maybe unconventional

South Korea

Earth Rat

Rat in the Warehouse – Mou Tzu

Singapore

Wood Snake

Snake Coming out of the Hole – Yi Szu

Syria

Fire Dog

Sleepy Dog – Ping Hsu

Key Words: relaxed; helpful; cannot make deadlines, lacks efficiency

Thailand

Water Monkey

Elegant Monkey – Jen Shen

Key Words: bright; gregarious; moody; needs financial security

U.S.A

Fire Monkey

Monkey Climbing the Mountain – Ping Shen

Key Words: bright; gregarious; moody; needs financial security

Also see:

New Astrology Analysis of Nations

Western Astrological Analysis of Nations

Hugh Fox III - Banner

My Articles About China and/or Chinese Culture

16 Basic Desires: China versus US

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

36 Stratagems

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

American versus Chinese Culture

American versus Chinese Culture

Astrology Chinese

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrology 60 Year Cycle

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Chinese vs. Western Astrology

Confucius in Thailand 2012

Extending China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Table of Chinese Astrology 19th – 21st Century

The 36 Stratagems as Portrayed in Comic Books

Virtual Chinese Reunification Palace

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

WereVerse Universe at Google Drive Link

Image

Western Astrological Analysis of Nations

Western Astrological Analysis of Nations Table Resized

This article deals with mundane astrology which is the application of astrology geographical regions, places, countries and the whole world as opposed to individual astrology.

The following site was used to calculate the Moon signs:

http://www.moonsigncalendar.net/moonphase.asp

The main source of founding information was:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_independence_days

The Sun sign describes the outer face of the nation.  In the case of nations, this may refer to how this nation interacts with other nations i.e. diplomacy and/or international relations.

The Moon sign shows what is going on in the nation under the surface.  In the case of nations, this may refer to how the government deals with its own people i.e. domestic politics.

Brazil

Virgo Sun Sign Keywords:  analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, and conscientious.

Taurus Moon Sign Keywords: persevering, down-to-earth, stable, stubborn, possessive, prosperous, dependable, physical, and sensual.

Canada

Cancer Sun Sign Keywords: gentle, conservative, feeling, nurturing, defensive, and contemplative.                                                      

Gemini Moon Sign Keywords: talkative, mental, adaptable, flexible, changeable, responsive, sociable, and superficial.

China

Libra Sun Sign Keywords: just, sociable, refined, accommodating, kind, fair, diplomatic, likable, indecisive, respectful, and artistic.

Capricorn Moon Sign Keywords: tenacious, conservative, resourceful, disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, and constant.

 

France

Libra Sun Sign Keywords: just, sociable, refined, accommodating, kind, fair, diplomatic, likable, indecisive, respectful, and artistic.

 

Gemini Moon Sign Keywords: talkative, mental, adaptable, flexible, changeable, responsive, sociable, and superficial.

Germany

Gemini Sun Sign Keywords: talkative, mental, adaptable, flexible, changeable, responsive, sociable, and superficial.

Aries Moon Sign Keywords: active, initiating, leading, independent, aggressive, impatient, combative, energetic, pioneering, naive, and assertive.

India

Leo Sun Sign Keywords: magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open.

Leo Moon Sign Keywords: magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open.

Iraq

Libra Sun Sign Keywords: just, sociable, refined, accommodating, kind, fair, diplomatic, likable, indecisive, respectful, and artistic.

Scorpio Moon Sign Keywords: passionate, perceptive, resourceful, possessive, psychological, prowling, determined, probing, fixed, and focused.

Israel

Taurus Sun Sign Keywords: persevering, down-to-earth, stable, stubborn, possessive, prosperous, dependable, physical, and sensual.

Cancer Moon Sign Keywords: gentle, conservative, feeling, nurturing, defensive, and contemplative.

Japan

Taurus Sun Sign Keywords:  persevering, down-to-earth, stable, stubborn, possessive, prosperous, dependable, physical, and sensual.

Gemini Moon Sign Keywords: talkative, mental, adaptable, flexible, changeable, responsive, sociable, and superficial.

Mexico

Virgo Sun Sign Keywords: analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, and conscientious.

Taurus Moon Sign Keywords: persevering, down-to-earth, stable, stubborn, possessive, prosperous, dependable, physical, and sensual.

Pakistan

Leo Sun Sign Keywords: magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open.

Cancer Moon Sign Keywords: gentle, conservative, feeling, nurturing, defensive, and contemplative.

Peru

Leo Sun Sign Keywords: magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open.

Cancer Moon Sign Keywords: gentle, conservative, feeling, nurturing, defensive, and contemplative.

Russia

Scorpio Sun Sign Keywords: passionate, perceptive, resourceful, possessive, psychological, prowling, determined, probing, fixed, and focused.

Virgo Moon Sign Keywords: analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, and conscientious.

South Korea

Leo Sign Keywords: magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open.

Sagittarius Moon Sign Keywords: optimistic, restless, enthusiastic, adventurous, honest, irresponsible, outspoken, and independent.

Singapore

Leo Sun Sign Keywords: magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open.

Capricorn Moon Sign Keywords: tenacious, conservative, resourceful, disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, and constant.

Syria

Aries Sun Sign Keywords: active, initiating, leading, independent, aggressive, impatient, combative, energetic, pioneering, naive, and assertive.

Scorpio Moon Sign Keywords: passionate, perceptive, resourceful, possessive, psychological, prowling, determined, probing, fixed, and focused.

Thailand

Cancer Sun Sign Keywords: gentle, conservative, feeling, nurturing, defensive, and contemplative.

Pisces Moon Sign Keywords: intuitive, dreamy, artistic, humane, sympathetic, sensitive, compassionate, perceptive, tender, and impressionable.

U.S.A

Cancer Sun Sign Keywords: gentle, conservative, feeling, nurturing, defensive, and contemplative.

Aquarius Moon Sign Keywords: individualistic, assertive, independent, humanitarian, inventive, original, eccentric, opinionated, intellectual, idealistic, cool, friendly, and detached.

Sun and Moon Sign Combinations

New Astrology Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

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You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

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Taiwan Faces Dangerous Times!

Taiwan Faces Dangerous Times

The source material is from articles from the US, Taiwan and mainland China and there is a lot of repetition between these studies so I have attempted to focus on different weaknesses in the Taiwanese military position in the different studies.

A) Synopsis of points taken from Brookings Study (2011)

http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2011/08/chinas-military-development-yang

This study is a bit dated since the military situation is changing dramatically but still makes some points worth noting.

1) The PLA has vastly improved the military capabilities of its artillery, including missiles, air capabilities, naval capabilities, ground and amphibious capabilities, cyber and electronic capabilities, and enjoys a huge quantitative edge in all these areas and will soon have a qualitative edge as well! The Brookings Study does not mention any dates.

2) China has pursued a policy of befriending neighboring nations that narrows Taiwan’s military options.  I would have to add this policy has been much less effective since 2010 when the report came out and many Asian neighbors now do view China as a potential military threat.  However, I see no attempt by Taiwan to take advantage of this situation as is the case with Japan.

B) Synopsis of points taken from Taiwan’s Defense Ministry (2012) via Reuters. 

I would have loved to get a copy of the actual report in English but couldn’t find it anywhere on the web.  The study was widely quoted in media outlets around the world.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/10/09/uk-taiwan-china-idUKBRE99808Y20131009

3) “In the future, the Chinese military will continue focusing on further integration of its military units, with the expectation that it will be able to resist foreign forces’ intervention in any attack on Taiwan.”

4) “Over the long-term, it will be wholly sufficient to engage in a war over Taiwan by 2020.”

C) Synopsis of points taken from an article in mainland China. 

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200208/16/eng20020816_101585.shtml

The following article has to be viewed with some suspicion since the line between objective journalism and propaganda often does not exist in newspapers in China but I would say some of the points are valid and very interesting.

5) Wartime ammunition insufficient.  This point has been verified by Taiwanese military reports in the past that I read while I was in Taiwan in the Taipei Times a long time ago!  An almost incredible, surrealistic situation in which Taiwan’s military literally runs out of ammo in days and even hours!  Perhaps steps have already been taken to rectify this colossal weakness.

6) “Many men are afraid of dying” i.e. poor morale on the part of soldiers in Taiwan. I think the article exaggerates the number of desertions that would occur in combat among Taiwanese soldiers.  Taiwanese soldiers are after all trained professionals.   Chinese military thought going back to Sun Tzu puts a lot of emphasis on psychological elements and this article does not disappoint.  There are some interesting points about American psychology that I think are difficult to verify logically but the historical events used to make the points did happen.  There is a place for this sort of “Chinese” analysis and I would like to add a few psychological observations of my own.

D) Personal Observations

Personal observations are extremely subjective and this is by far the weakest evidence in this essay.  However, not everyone has had the experience of living in both China and Taiwan.  I hope my observations are at least interesting.

7) I have taught in China and Taiwan and have dealt with hundreds of Chinese students and thousands of Taiwanese students.  Taiwanese students in general tend to be better educated and more polished than their Chinese counterparts.  However, Chinese students are tougher than their Taiwanese counterparts!  Many schools in China still have a physical education requirement in college.   Chinese students can put up with physical hardship since frankly as a less developed country there is more hardship to put up with.  Chinese students are often ambitious to the point of delusional.  Taiwanese students seem to have given up on life before life has even started.  Chinese students are like Rocky in the Hollywood movie and have a fire in the belly.  Taiwanese students just don’t have that same fire in the belly.

I think calling the current generations of Taiwanese “peaches”, as is common in the Taiwanese press, is an exaggeration but the current generation is softer than their parents and far softer than their grandparents.  I like the softness of Taiwanese but not sure it’s a good quality in soldiers! I am not sure how important this point is in modern warfare but 300 hundred Spartans were able to defeat thousands of Persian but 300 peaches would not fare as well!

8) Based on countless conversations with mainland Chinese students I would have to say that the mainland Chinese are united in their belief that Taiwan is part of China and that they personally would volunteer for such an operation.  When I have talked with Taiwanese students they have consistently expressed the view that war between mainland China and Taiwan as a big joke and basically feel their only hope is US intervention and would attempt to flee the conflict rather than fight or resist China.  I am totally aware that Chinese are more likely to say what is “politically correct” than Taiwanese due to the differences between the governments of both lands.  However, in private Chinese students can be surprisingly honest about what they really think.  Even Chinese who want more democracy in China and do not support many Chinese government policies do agree with the Chinese government when it comes to Taiwan!  One has to say that students are not professional soldiers.  However I do think students are representative of civilians in general in many respects. Based on this limited sample, students, I would have to say China wins in the civilian morale department!

Conclusion

Politics is the art of the possible.  Taiwan realistically has two options in the long run:  peaceful reunification or a war with China that it will surely lose.  Economic integration could buy Taiwan time that could be used to address the issues listed in this paper but I think this is very, very unlikely.

Taiwanese simply lack the Real Politik outlook needed to make the sacrifices needed to prevent reunification.  Taiwan has a truly mountainous center and giant monetary reserves and could study how Switzerland and Finland resisted giant neighbors using mountainous geography.  Taiwan could also study how Israel used a universal military conscription system effectively versus the mockery of such a system that currently exists in Taiwan.  China has the largest army in the world and Taiwan’s current big plan is to have even less soldiers than now in an all volunteer force in the future.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2014/01/22/2003581842

To paraphrase a rather famous mainlander, “War is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. The Taiwanese are more refined, leisurely, gentle, temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous than their mainland Chinese brothers and their strengths as humans will be their undoing in war!  This seems to be a recurring theme in Chinese history.  Taiwanese like their low taxes and creature comforts and do not have the will to do what must be done!  In short, Taiwan truly is a paper tiger and a smart paper tiger negotiates before the other side figures what’s up!

The vast majority of Taiwanese do not want to become part of mainland China!  Can mainland China become a society that Taiwanese want to join voluntarily?  Taiwan is part of China legally but can one ethically ignore the desire of the vast majority of Taiwanese to remain separate from a society that has not evolved politically to a level the Taiwanese consider acceptable?

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You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

WereVerse Universe at Google Drive Link

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Hugh Fox Chinese DreamTo achieve the Chinese Dream by copying the US then….

China must!

1) China must add another political party, and say it’s a democracy even though both parties represent the same special interests.

2) China must give everybody guns.

3) China must create lots of lawyers so everybody can sue each other over the most trivial issues.

4) China must go from having the largest currency reserves to having the largest national debt.

5) China must convert train tracks to freeways.

6)  China must abolish free healthcare.

7)  China must abolish national maternity leave.

8)  China must abolish nationally mandated paid vacation.

9) The Chinese must increase their calorie intake and body fat by 50%.

10) The Chinese must see bicycles as toys for children and not vehicles for adults.

11) The Chinese must have two cars per household instead of mass transportation.  The Chinese must give up small cars for trucks and giant cars that have low fuel efficiency.

12) The Chinese must have everyone live in big houses and not apartments.  The houses must have huge lawns that require tons of water even in the middle of a desert!

13) The Chinese must heat or cool the whole house not just the rooms being used!

14) China must incarcerate 2% of the population (34 million people!).

15) China must expand their military to challenge any country that doesn’t align with Chinese corporate interests while ignoring education and infrastructure at home.

16) The Chinese must spend less time in school.

17) The Chinese must increase the cost of their higher education system so their college students graduate with crushing debt.

18) The Chinese must pick one religion over all others and give this religion special protections and privileges at the expense of all other religions.

19) The Chinese must close down their national government from time to time in order to squabble about political issues.

20) The Chinese must make public educational funding more unequal so that education cannot allow smart but poor students to use education to rise economically.

China and the US are both great countries and both have strengths and weakness.  However, the US is not China’s big brother and the US should accept that China has the right and wisdom to handle its own problems its own way.

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My Articles About China and/or Chinese Culture

16 Basic Desires: China versus US

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

36 Stratagems

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

American versus Chinese Culture

American versus Chinese Culture

Astrology Chinese

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrology 60 Year Cycle

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Chinese vs. Western Astrology

Confucius in Thailand 2012

Extending China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Table of Chinese Astrology 19th – 21st Century

The 36 Stratagems as Portrayed in Comic Books

Virtual Chinese Reunification Palace

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

WereVerse Universe at Google Drive Link