Qi Ying Hao - Qing Dynasty Ship - 1848

China: Qing Dynasty Ship – “Qi Ying Hao” [耆英号] – First Modern Chinese Vessel to Visit the West – and Never to Return! (11.3.2024)

The purpose of the “Qi Ying Hao” voyage is not very clear – based upon the extant information available. Certain information suggests that the driving force behind the scenes was a British business group. These investment capitalists intended to have a Chinese sailing ship sail around the Cape of Good Hope – and then sail to the United Kingdom – as a symbolic gift for Queen Victoria!

According to researchers, the “Qi Ying Hao” was secretly sold to the British in August of 1846, because at that time China had legal restrictions that prohibited the sale of ships to foreigners. In order to keep it secret, all the British people changed into Chinese clothes and a Chinese person was temporarily appointed as the Captain. He also used the ship as his personal yacht – and sailed the boat from Guangzhou to Hong Kong.

Pen is Mightier Than the Sword!

My Shakespeare “Complete Works” Editions! (10.3.2024)

The first was in 1992 – purchased from a local WH Smiths in a place called ‘Tiverton’ in East Devon (I believe during the time that my Irish grandmother – Gladys Kilmurray – was very ill and when her British daughter and American grandchildren were visiting the UK from Seattle, US) – whilst the second was acquired from The Works in Torquay High Street in 2007 (five-years after my family had uprooted and migrated to the South Coast). Both are superb editions with the first being easy to carry around whilst the latter is a very large, impressive and “Grand” Limited Library Edition – designed as a “Reference” copy only NOT to be borrowed or moved about (it is far too heavy for that)! The first is compact – whilst the second is lavishly illustrated and easy to read.

The Beautiful Boy!

Emails: The Homosocial World of King James I – as Recorded in Shakespeare’s Sonnets! (10.3.2024)

The Sonnets have been altered, suppressed and repressed over the last four hundred years – and particularly since the advent of the 1885 anti-gay laws in the UK (passed at the same time as the ancient Age of Consent of ’12’ was raised to ’13’ and then to ’16’ in quick succession) which were used to try and imprison Oscar Wilde in 1895. With the 1967 abolition of these anti-gay laws (which outlawed sexual activity between consenting adult men) – the Sonnets were once again lauded as masterpieces of observation and wit. I suspect that an updated edition of Arden will introduce a more astute LBGTQN+ interpretation – one that this community might well find inspiring and uplifting.

Flight MH370 Awaits Detection!

Flight MH370: 10 Years On – Malaysia May Renew Search! (9.3.2024)

In July 2018, the Malaysian government released a more than 800-page report, noting that the evidence led to an “incontrovertible conclusion” that it was under manual control, and it was deliberately flown out into the Indian Ocean. Until the wreckage is found, it will remain unknown as to who was at the controls of the Boeing 777 during that time. Loke, who was also transport minister at the time, described it as the final and full report.

On condition

Nearly four years after the release of the report, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said during a March 4 state visit to Australia that he would be “happy to reopen” the search for the missing MH370 “if there is compelling evidence”.

Computer Interface with Brain!

China: Brain-Computer Interface Assists Paralyzed Patients Regain Mobility! (8.3.2024)

Another 35-year-old paralyzed patient underwent surgery in December 2023 and can control cursor movements with his mind after two months rehabilitation.

The implantable device, called Neural Electronic Opportunity (NEO) is about the size of a coin and employs near-field wireless power supply and signal transmission, thus making the internal machine implanted in the skull battery-free, expert introduced.

Experts explained that brain-computer interfaces are divided into three categories: non-invasive, invasive and semi-invasive. The minimally invasive, wireless brain-machine interface project initiated by Tsinghua University will not damage brain tissue, averting inflammation, scarring and other adverse conditions.

Internationalism is the Essence of Wwomens' Right!

Dzud (Frozen): Mongolia & China Celebrate International Women’s Day! (8.3.2024)

“Women hold up half the sky in poverty alleviation. In fact, women hold up half the sky in every one of our families and in every sphere of society, especially in Mongolia,” Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan said at the reception.

Shen expressed her hope that in the Year of the Dragon, which symbolizes auspiciousness, all women will enjoy good health and happiness, and bilateral relations will see greater development.

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