Jeffrey Sachs on China and the West

GuangDong province.

HangZhou is located in north-western ZheJiang province, at the southern end of the Grand Canal, which runs from BeiJing, in the south-central portion of the YangTze river delta.

With TRACKS - Travel Documentaries ... The Travels of Marco Polo Introduction Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer, is renowned for his extensive travels along the Silk Road during the 13th century. His journey provided Europe with one of the earliest comprehensive glimpses of the East. This guide focuses on Marco Polo's travels, with a particular emphasis on his time in China and the significant experiences he documented in his book, "The Travels of Marco Polo." Early Journey Marco Polo embarked on his journey to Asia in 1271, at the age of 17, accompanied by his father, Niccolò, and his uncle, Maffeo Polo. The Polo family traveled overland through the Middle East, passing through regions such as Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Pamir Mountains, enduring harsh climates and difficult terrains. Their ultimate goal was to reach the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China. Arrival in China In 1275, after nearly four years of travel, Marco Polo and his family arrived at the court of Kublai Khan in Shangdu (Xanadu), present-day Inner Mongolia. Kublai Khan, impressed by their knowledge and skills, took a particular interest in Marco Polo, employing him as a diplomat and sending him on various missions throughout his empire. Marco Polo's Time in China Service to Kublai Khan Marco Polo served Kublai Khan for 17 years, undertaking diplomatic missions that allowed him to travel extensively across China and other parts of Asia. He became well-acquainted with the Mongol administration and the diverse cultures within the empire. His detailed observations and accounts provided valuable insights into the life and governance of the Mongol Empire. Explorations and Observations During his time in China, Marco Polo visited numerous cities and regions, documenting their unique aspects. Some key places he described include: Beijing (Khanbaliq): The capital of Kublai Khan's empire, Beijing was a bustling metropolis with grand palaces, markets, and administrative buildings. Marco Polo marveled at the city's size, organization, and the wealth displayed by its inhabitants. Hangzhou (Quinsai): Marco Polo described Hangzhou as one of the most magnificent cities in the world, renowned for its beautiful canals, thriving commerce, and vibrant culture. He noted its sophisticated infrastructure, including bridges, markets, and gardens. Suzhou and its Silk Production: Marco Polo provided detailed accounts of silk production in Suzhou, highlighting the meticulous process of harvesting silk from silkworms and weaving it into luxurious fabrics. He was fascinated by the craftsmanship and the high demand for silk across the empire. Yunnan Province: During his travels, Marco Polo ventured into Yunnan, describing its diverse ethnic groups and unique customs. He also noted the region's rich natural resources, including gold and other minerals. Tibet: Marco Polo's travels took him to the Tibetan Plateau, where he documented the distinctive culture, religious practices, and the high-altitude lifestyle of the Tibetan people. Technological and Cultural Observations Marco Polo's accounts also included descriptions of various technologies and cultural practices he encountered in China: Paper Money: Marco Polo was fascinated by the use of paper money, a novel concept to Europeans at the time. He described the process of printing and distributing paper currency, which facilitated trade across the vast empire. Postal System: The efficient postal system, known as the "Yam," impressed Marco Polo. This network of relay stations and couriers enabled swift communication and the transportation of goods and information across great distances. Innovations and Inventions: Marco Polo documented various Chinese inventions, such as gunpowder, printing, and the compass, which later had a profound impact on European technology and exploration. Cultural Exchange: Marco Polo's interactions with diverse cultures within the Mongol Empire enriched his understanding of different customs, religions, and lifestyles. His accounts reflect the multicultural nature of the Silk Road and the exchange of ideas and knowledge it facilitated. Return to Venice In 1292, after spending 17 years in China, Marco Polo and his family decided to return to Venice. They joined a Mongol princess's escort on her journey to Persia, eventually making their way back to Europe via the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. They arrived in Venice in 1295, after 24 years of travel. Legacy of Marco Polo Marco Polo's detailed accounts of his travels were compiled into a book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," which became one of the most important sources of information about the East for Europeans. His descriptions of the wealth, culture, and innovations of China and other Asian regions inspired future explorers, including Christopher Columbus, and significantly influenced European knowledge and perceptions of Asia. Marco Polo's travels along the Silk Road highlighted the interconnectedness of the world through trade and cultural exchange, and his legacy continues to be celebrated as a testament to the spirit of exploration and curiosity.

With Andy see the World ...

HangZhou, in ZheJiang province, south from ShangHai ...

10 word summary : eat real (natural / unprocessed) food; be active; relax; be kind / appreciate. The 'low fat (low saturated fat) diet' has led to increased disease and early mortality. Real food - including, eggs, meat and dairy was replaced by highly processed toxic foods such as margarine, 'vegetable' oils, and refined grains. A recipe for disaster. Over the last 100 years, cancer went from rare to common; same with heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, poor eyesight and degenerative brain disorders (these are all symptoms, not really diseases). Especially from the 1950s / 60s. So why ? In short, increasing amounts of processed foods; though pollution, tobacco and alcohol also played a part. In particular, the cause of the increased incidence of disease was the adoption of the 'low fat diet' dogma, that allowed cheap, but nasty, 'food' to be made from 'vegetable' oils, plus sugar and refined carbohydrates (and a large variety of additives, such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives). The big two culprits are : *** 1) 'vegetable' (seed and bean) oils - sunflower, canola / rapeseed, corn, etc. These oils are highly processed, very unstable (easily oxidise and degrade) and are pro-inflammatory (omega-6). Note that extra virgin olive oil is not a vegetable oil, and is un-processed. Saturated fats are not a problem. Neither is cholesterol - so essential to life that every cell can make it; and if they didn't, we'd die. It is needed by the brain, for making vitamin D and other hormones, and much, much more. The problem isn't too much fat; the problem is eating the wrong fats. Don't think 'low fat', think 'good fat'. Good fats include fish oil / cod liver oil (choose a good one), EVOO, butter / ghee, coconut oil. *** 2) sugar and refined carb.s - bread, cakes, biscuits, pastries, colas, fruit juices, etc. These easily overload metabolism leading to fatty liver, weight gain and many other disturbances. Even whole-grains are not a good source of nutrition and have anti-nutrients (vegetables are where to get fiber, not grains). Sugar and refined carb.s are addictive - the more you eat, the more you want. Real food is the answer. Rather than managing symptoms, we need to fix the root problem. Avoid processed foods, also known as fake 'foods'. Real foods include non-starchy vegetables (arugula, broccoli sprouts, garlic, tomato, onion, ...), meat (not the preserved type) and wild fish, some whole fruit (berries, avocados), nuts, eggs, cream, kefir; sauerkraut; kimchi. Small amounts of rice and pasta and potato may be okay for some people. High potassium 'lo salt'. Herbs and spices. Tea and coffee (unsweetened). The more variety, the better. The microbiome in the gut is a key to health, and it needs real food. Start the regeneration. The liver, in particular, but all the digestive system, and ultimately every part of the body, hates highly processed foods. End the poison. Kefir and sauerkraut can help. Carnivore ? Vegan ? The important thing is to avoid processed 'food', especially sugar, refined carb.s and 'vegetable' oils. Yet going to either extreme is far from ideal. Healthy keto would be a good choice, and maybe semi-keto for some. Variety. Quality (grass-fed, organic, etc.). Animal foods for high quality protein and good fats; vegetables for fiber and their many phytonutrients (and feeding the gut microbiome). Vegetarian ? Don't rely on fake 'meats' and include eggs, butter and cheese; plus fermented veggies. If include high quality eggs daily, a vegetarian diet can work. Time restricted eating (and no snacks or 'grazing') and fasting. Intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating) gives your body a chance to repair, heal and clean house. Breakfast is the easiest meal to skip. Also, try not to eat for a few hours before sleep. At root, the point is to balance energy storage and building the body, with using that stored energy and repairing the body. 1) Try to have a minimum of twelve hours a day not eating (the longer the better); 2) eat real food, not processed food. This is important for everyone, but especially for diabetes / pre-diabetes (and that's almost the majority now). Vitamins and supplements ? It depends on one's circumstances and the quality of one's food. Because of soil depletion, intensive farming and breeding, food can be lacking in nutrients these days. While food is the go to, one might consider fish oil if do not eat fatty fish, vitamin D in the winter, + vitamin K2, CoQ10, magnesium, NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), nutritional yeast (or at least a B-complex or B1), and if not eating these : green tea extract and garlic extract. Dr.s and professors who make sense include : Mark Hyman, Jason Fung, Sten Ekberg, William Li, Eric Berg, Robert Lustig, Rangan Chatterjee, Tim Spector. Next big thing to take care of is stress, then moderate exercise, then good sleep. And stay positive - stay alive - be grateful everyday for life, for all that is beautiful, all humanity, and all that can be. Take time to relax, to help others, to de-clutter one's mind. .

With Sherendev ...