Geopolitics – December 2023 / January 2024

Compare that with the UK's (maybe) 250 km single line (HS2). With Jason / Living In China ... With For All Life's Adventures ...

With Roger Waters. Exceptional talent here. Love music; love peace ? Then you'll love this. Know every note, or first time listen - let's go ..... Ashes and diamonds; We are all equal, In the end. Mother, will they drop the bomb ? [hint - they did already - two different designs tested on the ["inferior"] women, children and elderly of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; among others]. Mother, should I trust the government - [no ****ing way ! Five Eyes brat pack] Mother / state / control. Only because the masses are (deliberately) distracted by TV, shopping, sex, fashion, alcohol, gambling, and more, can the tiny minority elite enslave us. It's like a cult; part of it ? Alive, or just a robotic believer ?? A fool is one who doesn't know what they are doing, or why they are doing it. Don't be fooled. Bonus film 1 : Bonus film 2 - Us and Them : Or is it really just 'WE' ?! Don't believe anyone. Don't believe any ism. Don't even believe in truth. Truth is reality; no belief required. It's all there to all who can see clearly, without blinkers.

With Little Chinese Everywhere ... The Hani rice terraces are a spectacular example of ancient agricultural engineering located in the Yuanyang County of Yunnan Province, China. These terraces are renowned for their beauty and cultural significance, as well as their sustainable farming practices that have been maintained for over a millennium. Historical and Cultural Background Origins and History The Hani people, an ethnic minority in China, began constructing these terraces around 1,300 years ago. They transformed the steep slopes of the Ailao Mountains into a series of stepped terraces, making the land suitable for rice cultivation. Cultural Significance The terraces are not just a testament to agricultural ingenuity but also a reflection of the Hani culture and their harmonious relationship with nature. The Hani people believe in a symbiotic relationship with their environment, which is reflected in their farming practices, spiritual beliefs, and festivals. Agricultural Practices Irrigation System A sophisticated irrigation system channels water from the forested mountaintops down through the terraces. This system ensures a stable water supply, critical for the cultivation of rice. Sustainability The Hani terraces are an example of sustainable farming, with practices that preserve soil fertility and biodiversity. Crop rotation and the use of natural fertilizers are integral parts of their agricultural methods. Natural and Scenic Beauty Visual Appeal The terraces are most visually striking during the planting season when the fields are filled with water, reflecting the sky and creating a mirror-like effect. During different seasons, the terraces change colors, ranging from the vibrant green of growing rice to the golden hues of the harvest season. Tourism The terraces attract tourists from around the world, especially photographers and nature enthusiasts. Key viewing points include Duoyishu, Bada, and Laohuzui, each offering breathtaking views of the terraces at different times of the day. UNESCO World Heritage Status Recognition In 2013, the Hani rice terraces were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition underscores their cultural and historical importance, as well as their unique agricultural landscape. Conservation Efforts Efforts are underway to preserve this heritage site, focusing on maintaining the traditional farming practices and protecting the environment from modern threats such as tourism pressure and climate change. Conclusion The Hani rice terraces are a remarkable blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty. They represent the Hani people's enduring relationship with their land, showcasing a sustainable agricultural system that has thrived for centuries. As both a cultural treasure and a stunning visual spectacle, the Hani rice terraces continue to captivate and inspire visitors from around the globe.

With Raz / YChina ...

With M&X's Vlog ... Daytime : Nighttime :

YT comment : dominique ridoux : True story: I once visited a couple of friends in their flat in downtown Shanghai city. When I arrived the whole street was under construction, the road, the side walks, everything... We had lunch, played mahjong, then dinner. When I went out after the evening dinner, the street was completely finished! New asphalt, sidewalks paved and new trees planted all the way. I even went back thinking my friend's building had 2 entrances... The big difference with us in Europe is when a decision is made the do some infrastructure work, they will put as many workers as needed to do it very quickly, they cannot afford to have streets blocked for weeks in a city of 23 million people like Shanghai. In China everything is about efficiency because they have no other choice. Can you afford to queue for tickets and so on in a city of 23 millions? No! Ok, let's all use Wechat and Alipay to increase efficiency... Done in a few years! Almost nobody is using cash anymore in China! They apply the same mindset to everyday activity, may it be transportation, food industry or even paying your taxes! The result is (as far as I am concerned) a full body check (including check in, CT scan, blood work etc) in less than 2 hours including a complementary breakfast for less than 400 Euros. Or Visa application done in 20 minutes. All car parkings are using plate recognition technology decreasing time wasting again and again. High speed train are efficient, can move large amounts of people at a fantastic pace. Also as mentioned by many people, they build "hubs", you get out of the train and you have 2 or even 3 subway lines to bring you to your final destination, more and more you even have the airport hub at a walking distance! We have a similar hub in Paris (CDG with RER and TGV within the airport walking distance) but the size of it in Shanghai makes it spectacular! YT comment : rhn94 China spent 1 Trillion USD over 10-15 years building this network, that is 1/4th the cost of the Iraq War the US paid. YT comment : Pal Sih China is building their country. USA is destroying other countries. YT comment : thata xx The best part of China's high speed train is you can order food from any of the restaurants in the station on your phone and designate at what time during which stop to have it delivered to you. During the 2-3 minutes stop, your food is already there waiting to be distributed to you on the train. I miss it so much.

With FunFancie ... TeamLab is an interdisciplinary art collective and creative studio based in Japan that is renowned for its innovative and immersive digital art installations. It has expanded its presence globally. In Shanghai, TeamLab has created several immersive art experiences that blend digital technology, interactive elements, and traditional art forms to create breathtaking environments that engage the senses and encourage visitor participation. These exhibitions often feature a combination of projection mapping, interactive projections, LED lights, soundscapes, and sensor-based technology to create dynamic and interactive environments. One of the most notable exhibitions is TeamLab Borderless Shanghai, which is featured here. It is characterized by its seamless integration of digital art into physical spaces, creating a sense of boundless, dreamlike environments where visitors can explore and interact with the artwork freely. In these exhibitions, visitors are invited to walk through rooms filled with mesmerizing digital art installations that respond to their movements and interactions. For example, visitors may find themselves surrounded by vibrant, blooming flowers that change color as they move, or immersed in a digital ocean where schools of fish swim around them in response to their presence. The exhibition aims to create immersive experiences that evoke wonder, curiosity, and a sense of inter-connectedness with the world around us, unforgettable experiences that blur the boundaries between art, technology and the imagination.

Billions of life-viable planets; yet an eerie silence. Are we really alone in the universe ? Do civilizations always quickly self-destruct as (war) technology advances faster than (political) intelligence ? With Lemmino ... With Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell ...

With Walk East ...