The Useless Tree

Sam Crane

  • Roots

    Sorry for the relative blog silence of late.  Traveling home was time-consuming.  And, once here, family duties, work and jet lag have demanded my time.  Today, however, I  have found a moment to write… Let me expand upon an observation… Continue reading

  • Daoism is not an ideology

    Sitting in Zhazha Cafe on Nanluoguxiang, working off the wireless here.  Let's see how long it lasts before it crashes…. Alan, over at Frog in a Well, called me out the other day, asking for a response to a blog… Continue reading

  • A Quick Question (that would likely require a long answer)

    What would Mao Dun have to say about 798? (Photos: an original manuscript of Mao Dun's "Midnight" at the Mao Dun Residence, Beijing; installation by Qin Yufen, at 798, Beijing) Continue reading

  • Nanluoguxiang

    Had a great session last night with Daniel Bell, Chris Panza and Randy Perenboom, among others.  They all had detailed comments on a couple of chapters of my book.  Some of Daniel's graduate students were there as well and they,… Continue reading

  • Nanjing Pictures

    I'm back in Beijing, staying near Nanluogu Xiang.  It's a hutong neighborhood that has been built into a touristy bar-and-boutique area.  But the old, low architecture is being preserved, albeit in revised form.  I had a nice walk this morning,… Continue reading

  • Nanjing

    When I drove in from the airport yesterday my heart sank.  It seemed like everything I liked about this city was gone. I first visited Nanjing in 1983 and passed through again in 1984.  During the 1988-1989 academic year I… Continue reading

  • Beijing Pictures

    Here are some shots I took today. This first one is from the Confucius Temple.  I just happen to have another picture on my computer here from 2006, which allows for a bit of comparison.  Behind my daughter (mugging with… Continue reading

  • Another Day in Beijing

    Here I am, in an internet bar (wangba) just across from the south gate of Beijing University, my old, old stomping grounds.  Just came from doing a class with Jeremiah's students.  It was a good session.  I presented the ideas… Continue reading

  • Beijing Notes

    After checking into the hotel late yesterday afternoon, I headed out to find some dumplings.  I walked along Jinbao Jie to Chaoyangmen Nanlu and pulled into a spot, Dongfang Jiaozi Wang. It was good.  Nothing fancy.  Just standard northern dumplings… Continue reading

  • Off to Beijing and Nanjing

    I'm taking a trip, so posting may drop off a bit over the next week or so.  From Saturday to next Tuesday I'll be in Beijing.  I'll meet up with Jeremiah, and perhaps some other bloggers there, and generally reacquaint… Continue reading