Author Archives: Ben

About Ben

Ben Hwang is involved in a number of online publications and also writes at his personal blog, LUX.ET.UMBRA. When he's not in the middle of starting companies and dreaming up new ventures, he is heavily involved in local community efforts. Currently resides in North Carolina.

The practicality of red envelopes

The holidays are upon us. And it got me thinking about some conversations I’ve had with friends and family. More so by those in the family that are more Westernized. Here’s the thing. Westerners really don’t like to give money … Continue reading

Posted in Observations | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

The Great Firewall of China

There is a lot to be said about the Great Firewall of China. Also known as the Golden Shield Project, this baby has been intact since 2003, but has been in design since as early as 98. The goal of … Continue reading

Posted in Technology | 14 Comments

ChinaExpat: China as the next Japan?

China Expat makes some interesting observations in comparing the latest Chinese growth to current day Japan. It’s interesting the perspectives taken are a very westernized look at how China compares up with the rest of the world. Westerners seem to … Continue reading

Posted in Current Events, Observations | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Chinese aren’t into peace and quiet?

Perhaps. In fact, it’s was very interesting when I was perusing Blognation’s Mind the Gap, and practicaly laughed out loud when I saw this littie bit: “Not so in China. Farmers, workers, and even rich businessmen have adopted the universally-accepted … Continue reading

Posted in Observations | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

CnBloggercon 2007

The Third annual Chinese BloggerCon is underway and my what a sight to behold. Don’t worry if you don’t understand Chinese. Rebecca MacKinnon, who used to be the Beijing Bureau Chief for CNN, will probably post her thoughts on it … Continue reading

Posted in Current Events, Technology | 7 Comments

With great manufacturing, comes great pollution

The Chinese are overtaking the US in many things. As said before, one was manufacturing. What’s interesting is that with all this manufacturing requires a lot of power. LOTS of it. And thus, they’re building about one coal plant every … Continue reading

Posted in Observations, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Everything under the sun is “Made in China”

It’s interesting when you read about things that are made in China. I mean, who really doesn’t know that things are manufactured there anyways? Anything you pick up practically has the little sticker on it. But something that I didn’t … Continue reading

Posted in Lifestyles, Observations | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments