The Useless Tree

Taoism

  • Useless Arithmetic

        Almost missed this little piece in yesterday’s NYT: When coastal engineers decide whether to dredge sand and pump it onto an eroded beach, they use mathematical models to predict how much sand they will need, when and where… Continue reading

  • Lying in Plain Sight

         The story of Gao Yaojie is a sad reminder of how hard it is for the CCP to give up its reliance on lying and coercion.       Dr. Gao is a courageous and sincere physician who works… Continue reading

  • North Korea Nuke Deal

         Perhaps some good news on the diplomatic front with today’s announcement of an agreement on North Korea’s nuclear program.  I have argued in the past that something like this – essentially buying off NK’s threat – was the… Continue reading

  • Broadway Tao

          Last week was my daughter’s thirteenth birthday – the first teenage year.  I took her into Manhattan, as I have done each of the prior three years, to see a Broadway show.  In fact, we saw two, a… Continue reading

  • Religious Taoism

        I was away in New York City Yesterday, going to see Broadway shows there with my daughter (more on that later); so, I am a bit behind in the news.  Imagine my delight when I discovered this article… Continue reading

  • Idaho Taoists

         Yes, we’re on a Taoist roll here at The Useless Tree this week – and maybe next week as well.  That’s what a tutorial will do to you: close reading of the text brings out lots of possibilities… Continue reading

  • Thinking of War, Again

         Just as a report comes out reminding us of the "inappropriate" uses of intelligence in the run up to the Iraq war, we hear that the same people, using the same methods, are thinking about war against Iran. … Continue reading

  • Mr. Libby Lied

         Reading accounts of the trial of I. Lewis Libby, the former right hand man of Vice President Cheney, I am coming to the conclusion that he will be found guilty of perjury.  The prosecutor has done a masterful… Continue reading

  • So…What’s Up With That Book Banning?

         A few days ago I posted on the banning of eight books in the PRC, how it resonated with the Legalist practices of the Qin emperor and how the the resistance of some writers suggested that China was… Continue reading

  • How Could I Not Run This Picture….

                            And how’s this for a reflection on the long-term prospects of the Yankees in China – or the Chinese in Yankees: Ancient masters of Wayall subtle mystery and dark enigma… Continue reading