Craig Hill
Writing Samples
eChinacities (Online Magazine – Chinese Tourist Sites)
Exploring the Ancient Sites and Streets of Wenshu Temple and Beyond
Published at eChinacities online magazine Many visitors come to Chengdu for the temples, the shopping, the restaurants and sightseeing. Wenshu Temple and surrounding area has all that and more. Lined with quaint buildings in the ancient Chinese architectural style, each part of this fascinating area has its own feel and its own culture, yet it … Continue reading »
Vegetables with a Vengeance – Meat-free Dining in Chengdu
Published at eChinacites online magazine Like most other Western foods in Chengdu, or China for that matter, many vegetarian restaurants never seem to get it quite right. However, there are a few that are surprisingly good, even if their menus overly emphasise tofu-based dishes. That’s fine, if you really love your tofu. However, for those … Continue reading »
Where to Get a Good Pizza in Chengdu
Published at eChinacities online magazine Pizzas are a staple for many Western travellers, and Chengdu has a lot of expats looking for pizzas. Pizza is a little taste of home, a link to sanity and the “real world.” So the question arises: where can one get a good pizza in Chengdu? For the traveller who … Continue reading »
Chengdu’s Tibetan Quarter – Gateway to Tibet
Published at eChinacities online magazine Many consider Chengdu to be the gateway to Tibet, so it is only reasonable that visitors to Chengdu would want to visit the Tibetan Quarter. Chengdu’s Tibetan Quarter, or Little Lhasa, is located in the south-west of Chengdu, near the First Ring Road. It is in close proximity to two … Continue reading »
China Trade Mag (Online Magazine – Chinese Business and Trade)
On-line survey reports more than half all apartments empty in major cities
More than half the apartments in Beijing and Shanghai are empty, the China Daily reports, quoting an online investigation of 100 Chinese cities by news website Sina.com. Hainan rated over 70 percent empty, Beijing 66 percent and Shanghai 51 percent, based on counting the number of apartments with no lights at night time, on more … Continue reading »
China to develop internet search engine in competition to Google
China’s news that it is developing its own state-run search engine is not the country’s first such project, but this time around they are supported by China Mobile Communications and Xinhua News Agency. China Mobile has the world’s largest number of mobile subscribers, guaranteeing an instant and enormous audience on the mobile front. Xinhua, China’s … Continue reading »
China and Switzerland going strong after 60 years
Central Committee Political Bureau Member Liu Qi hopes hopes the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland provides an opening for the two countries to to increase mutual political trust and assistance. Liu, speaking at a reception in Beijing, added that China sees significant value to increasing friendly relationships with Switzerland, one of … Continue reading »
Chinese Vice Premier campaigns for mutual agreements with other developing countries
Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has called for other developing countries to extend mutual support with China, and for countries assisted by China to work towards attaining shared benefits. The call was made in Beijing at an exhibition to showcase China’s international aid efforts, this year marking the 60th anniversary of the nation’s international aid … Continue reading »
Collapse of joint China-US venture highlights need for advisory partners
The apparent collapse of the joint-venture China-US construction of the world’s largest solar power plant has underscored the perils that can be faced by foreign companies trying to break into the lucrative Chinese market. It also highlights the need for foreign companies to enlist business advisory firms with proven track records in assisting foreign companies … Continue reading »
China exempts service outsourcing companies from business tax
China’s Ministry of Finance has announced on its website that it will offer an exemption from business tax for offshore service outsourcing companies, in an apparent bid to win business from India and other countries. The exemption, in place from July 1 2010 until December 31 2013, assists firms which specialize in information technology outsourcing … Continue reading »
China strengthens monopoly in rare-earth minerals
Chinese state-owned Baotou Steel Rare-Earth High-Tech Co and Jiangxi Copper Corp, two of China’s largest rare-earth miners, have announced a unified pricing system, according to the China Daily. China supplies 95% of the world’s rare-earth oxides, so therefore Baotou and Jianxi will virtually control the market, good news for China as it can control use … Continue reading »
Chinese officials call for intellectual property trade deficit reduction
Ministry of Commerce official Wu Guohua, speaking at the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Summit in Beijing, has called for the creation of indigenous brands to ease China’s disturbing intellectual property trade deficit. Wu further stated that it is crucial for China to bring into being indigenous brands, pointing to the large amounts spent on foreign … Continue reading »
China quantity bubble fears as speculators leave apartments empty
A recent media story, which power companies denied, claimed that almost 65 million power meters in urban China had registered zero consumption over a six month period, which raised a theory that there are enough empty apartments in China to house 200 million people. However, the true figures will probably never be known, because there … Continue reading »
Rio Tinto’s record profit aided by China’s resource demand
Mining giant Rio Tinto has posted a record first-half profit, driven by iron ore sales to China, with net earnings up 260 per cent to almost US$6.4 billion. Rio has announced plans to spend about US$13 billion over the next 18 months, displaying its confidence in Chinese demand, even though China has started the process … Continue reading »
“Made in China” brands emerging in luxury goods market
Billionaire investor Warren Buffet and Microsoft founder Bill Gates have revealed they are fans of Chinese suit maker Trands, and Buffet believes China is the future of fashion. Trands, based in Dalian in China’s northeast, is one of several up-and-coming Chinese brands taking on Gucci, Armani and Prada. Chinese sales of luxury goods grew by … Continue reading »
Civilian high-tech projects benefit from China removing tariffs and value-added taxes
Major civilian high-tech projects will benefit from China’s decision to scrap import tariffs and value-added taxes (VAT) on key imports used in these ventures. The Ministry of Finance, Customs Department, made the announcement today, stating that the tariffs and VAT had not been imposed since July 15, and the move was designed “…to promote the … Continue reading »
Suite 101 Canada (Online Magazine – General Interest)
Borobudur Temple In Indonesia
Borobudur Temple In Indonesia A Monolith Rising Above The Jungle Of Central Java Borobudur is one of three exactly aligned Buddhist Temples, located in Central Java, and each approximately a mile apart. Archaeologists know there is a religious relationship between the three Buddhist temples. However, the exact significance is a long-forgotten mystery. Location of Borobudur … Continue reading »
Australia Will Censor the Internet
Australia Will Censor the Internet Internet Censorship in Australia will be Mandatory Australia is set to introduce the harshest internet censorship laws in the free world. Australia already has the free world’s harshest sedition laws. When Australia first announced it’s intention to introduce compulsory internet censorship, it was supposedly to control access to anorexia and … Continue reading »
Edmund Barton – Australia’s First Prime Minister
Edmund Barton Australia’s First Prime Minister One of the Founding Father’s of Australian Federation Edmund Barton helped write the Australan Constitution before Federation, administered it as Prime Minister, and interpreted it as a High Court judge. Early Years Edmund Barton was born in Glebe Sydney in 1849. As a boy, he had a love of … Continue reading »
Underground City Of Seattle
Other features About Seattle: Seattle USA Underground City; Seattle Space Needle; Seattle Underground Homeless Underground City of Seattle A City That Burnt Down, then Rebuilt on Top of Itself Beneath the sidewalks and city of Seattle, another world exists. It is the world of the pioneers, the original settlers of Seattle. There are subterranean passageways … Continue reading »
Barack Obama Antichrist Claims
Barack Obama Antichrist Claims Deliberate Misquoting of the Bible and Nostradamus There are people making claims that Barack Obama is the antichrist. Many are falsely misquoting the Bible and Nostradamus in attempts to lend credibility to their claims. There’s a lot on the internet recently about Barack Obama supposedly being the antichrist, including claims nobody … Continue reading »
Nancy Bird Walton Australian Aviator
Nancy Bird Walton Australian Aviator Australia’s Greatest Female Aviator and Living National Treasure A love of life above the clouds took Nancy Bird-Walton around the world, fulfilling dreams that began in childhood. Australian aviation pioneer Nancy Bird-Walton was named a Living National Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1997. She was one of … Continue reading »
Ulica Magazine Fighting Poverty In Macedonia
Ulica Magazine Fighting Poverty In Macedonia A European Social Venture to Address Unemployment and Homelessness The Ulica magazine, published in Macedonia, aims to tackle poverty. Homeless people and the unemployed sell the magazine on the streets. The social magazine combines various genres and forms, and provides valuable information and entertainment for the reader. This ensures … Continue reading »
Big Issue Australia (Street Magazine Helping Homeless People)
Letters To Me Mum 01 Everything’s All Write
Dear Mum Sorry I haven’t written for a while. OK, so it’s been three years. This is just a short note to let you know where I’m up to with things. As you know, my injury has stopped me from getting a lot of jobs. That narrow-mindedness really makes me mad. Well, now I have … Continue reading »
Murphy’s Law 01 China Streets
Murphy watched as the seller sold his papers on the street corner. Murphy knew the man was homeless, and admired the work he was doing. He was trying to help himself, and making money to live on. This allowed him to feed himself, and maybe buy things he needed. Murphy decided this was good, and … Continue reading »
Murphy’s Law 02 Play A Song For Me
Murphy listened with interest to the school headmaster. The man told of his plans for introduction of inclusive education strategies into his school. Many considered Murphy something of an expert on the subject. Murphy didn’t like that label. He had been lucky enough to work with many so-called disadvantaged people. It was just that he … Continue reading »
Murphy’s Law 03 River Deep
Murphy always admired the work of the emergency services. Seeing them on the news trying to locate a woman missing in floodwaters in Queensland, his stomach tightened as he felt the familiar certainty that nothing good would come of their search. It was partly a survival instinct he had developed after 30-odd years as an … Continue reading »
Murphy’s Law 04 Cop This
Murphy heard the man yelling at the woman, and saw her cowering from him. She covered her face with her hands, and crouched so her knees covered her stomach and lower body. The instincts of a woman used to being hit. Murphy’s instinct was to go to her assistance, but then he noticed the police … Continue reading »
Murphy’s Law 05 Pride Without Prejudice
Murphy listened with intent, as the man on stage spoke. The topic was Aboriginal Education, and the speaker knew his stuff first hand. Murphy listened, and took notes. He had much to learn here, and he didn’t want to miss a thing. He reflected what he knew of this man’s life, and the struggles he … Continue reading »
Murphy’s Law 06 Constance Of Thought
Murphy felt the change as soon as he stepped into Chinatown. It was one step from the streets of Brisbane. It was also a giant step back into the village of Jiangdu, in Eastern China. He reflected that smell was the major trigger of memory. He drew deep breath, and took in the smells of … Continue reading »
Big Issue Vendors 01 Shane S
Shane sells the Big Issue outside Borders Books on the corner of Albert and Elizabeth Streets, Brisbane. Raise your hand if you have met a Premier and helped to get the ball rolling on $135 million of extra funding towards homelessness projects. No? Well, Brisbane vendor Shane can lay claim to doing just that. Shane … Continue reading »
Media Release 01 Big Issue Aboriginal Vendors
Media Release – National Indigenous Times – Aboriginal Vendors AUSTRALIA’S leading street magazine, The Big Issue, is looking for Indigenous people who want to work for themselves. The non-profit magazine is sold on the streets by people like Reuben (pictured) who has been selling The Big Issue in Brisbane for two months. He enjoys meeting … Continue reading »
Various Print Media (News and Features)
News 01 New Press Shield Laws Announced
Reforms to evidence law will protect confidential communications between journalists and their sources, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said in a media release on 24th May. However, Amy Coopes, from the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, believes the laws, in their current form, do little in a practical sense. The Evidence Amendment (Journalists’ Privilege) Bill was announced … Continue reading »
News 02 Affordable Housing Projects To Be Expanded
Affordable housing numbers in Queensland are increasing, according to information from the Department of Housing and Brisbane Housing Company. Scott Chandler, Media Advisor to Queensland Minister for Housing, Robert Schwarten, said that 15 million dollars funding had been committed to thee Gold Coast Housing Company over the next three years. This was in addition to … Continue reading »
News 03 Murri Courts Expanding In Queensland
Murri Courts will soon be operating in Cairns, Caloundra and Mackay, according to Donna O’Donoghue, Adviser to Queensland Attorney-General, Kerry Shine. The courts, designed to meet the special needs of Indigenous Australians, commenced operation in Brisbane in 2002, and are currently operating in Brisbane, Ipswich, Mt Isa, Townsville, Caboolture, Cherbourg and Cleveland, Ms O’Donoghue said. … Continue reading »
News 04 The Great Burke Debate
All constituents should have access to all parliamentarians, regardless of the constituent’s background, according to Senator Andrew Bartlett, Deputy Leader of the Australian Democrats. A spokesman for Senator Bartlett stated that the Democrats did not have a policy of their elected parliamentarians, or members of the Democrats, being prohibited from contact with former Western Australian … Continue reading »
News 05 The Birds That Flu
The virus was spread by birds. Twenty-five million people died. First, it infected the pigs, where the virus could mutate. Then it infected the humans. Eighteen months after appearing, the virus vanished completely. Sound like a projection of the possible devastation of the current bird flu threat? Maybe an extract from Stephen King’s apocalyptic novel … Continue reading »
News 06 One Way To Tragedy
Susan Smith, 18, died instantly, and another girl is injured, both passengers in a car that hit a pole and overturned at Glenelg last night. Police report the car as travelling the wrong way in Ringer Street, with speed and risky driving other possible factors. The male driver has been released from hospital after being … Continue reading »
Feature 01 Backyard Blues
The traditional use of suburban backyards for weddings, cricket matches, children’s parties and barbecues is under threat. Only the very wealthy in the inner city and those living in country towns look like having large backyards by 2020. NSW State Planning estimates an extra 82,600 houses will be needed in the middle suburbs by 2020, … Continue reading »
Feature 02 Seattle USA Underground City
Seattle is best known for the Space Needle, which offers breath-taking views of the city. However, beneath the sidewalks and city of Seattle, another world exists – a city which was burnt down, then rebuilt on top of itself. It is the world of the pioneers, the original settlers of Seattle. The subterranean passageways under … Continue reading »
Feature 03 Australia Internet Censorship and Sedition Laws
Australia is set to introduce compulsory internet censorship, supposedly to control access to anorexia and bulimia sites. It would appear only a matter of time before it is expanded to incorporate the new sedition laws, introduced in 2005. Governments around the world and throughout history have always used a softening approach to introduce controversial, unconstitutional … Continue reading »
Feature 04 Barack Obama May Not Be The Antichrist
There’s a lot on the internet recently about Barack Obama supposedly being the Antichrist, including a post that claims nobody knows anything about his origins. While there may be real concerns about his past, much of what is being written seems to be deliberately misleading. Now I’m not American, but I did live in Hawaii … Continue reading »
Media Release 01 Goulburn Reconciliation
Walking Together – A Closer Look At Our History Much has been written and discussed about reconciliation recently. Many people have asked “But what is it?’ Australians For Reconciliation is a project of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. This council was formed, as an act of legislation, in 1992. It is a result of the … Continue reading »
Media Release 02 Big Issue Vendor Shane S
Shane sells the Big Issue outside Borders Books on the corner of Albert and Elizabeth Streets, Brisbane. Raise your hand if you have met a Premier and helped to get the ball rolling on $135 million of extra funding towards homelessness projects. No? Well, Brisbane vendor Shane can lay claim to doing just that. Shane … Continue reading »
Comment 01 Train Of Thought
I marvelled at how no one was complaining. Usually, when the trains run late, that was the only topic of discussion among the passengers. Today, November 14, 2005, Brisbane got a little taste of terrorism, and nobody was saying anything. It had started earlier in the day. The lunch time trains and buses had been … Continue reading »
Comment 02 Makes No Scents
Every morning, I wake up, and have a shower. I use scented shampoo and scented conditioner to make my hair smell nice. I use scented soap and scented body wash to make me smell nice all over. Then I use a scented deodorant to keep me smelling nice all day. I also use a scented … Continue reading »
Review 01 King of Torts by John Grisham
The King of Torts is typical of the perception most people have of John Grisham. It portrays two lawyers, one honest and one corrupt. The twist in this tale of litigation and intrigue is that the main character is both lawyers. Clay Carter is a burnt out public defender, an honest man who has failed … Continue reading »
Review 02 The Courier Mail, Brisbane Newspaper
The Courier Mail is Brisbane’s only daily newspaper, and is published Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday Mail on the seventh day. Once a broadsheet, it became a tabloid on March 13 this year, promising to continue the broadsheet style of in-depth journalism. The main reason for changing was to produce a more compact newspaper, … Continue reading »
Reports and Essays
Report: National Council of Women (Queensland) – Psychiatric Homelessness
Psychiatric Homelessness Seminar National Council of Women Queensland Branch Part One A seminar on Psychiatric Homelessness was held in Brisbane on 11th August 2005, convened by the National Council of Women Queensland Branch. The issue was Psychiatric Homelessness. I have some first hand dealings with this issue, over many years in various positions, and was … Continue reading »
Essay: Discourse Theory and Black English Vernacular Amongst Australian Aborigines
To understand the Discourse Theory, it is first necessary to distinguish between the terms “Discourse” (with a capital letter) and “discourse” (all lower-case). The term “Discourse” refers to the ways in which social and political inequity is reproduced (or subverted) through the uses to which language is put; whilst “discourse” refers to the actual use … Continue reading »
Stories and Poems (Creative Writing)
Poem 01 – Equity
The policeman, and prisoner, both stand in the court; Both equal, in the eyes of the law. It was just yesterday, that these two had fought, But now they’re equal, in the eyes of the law. The black man, they say, raped a white girl; All equal in the eyes of the law. Now, as … Continue reading »
Poem 02 – It Snows
It snows and it snows My clothes are all froze And so’s my nose And so’s my toes Why do you s’pose It’s cold when it snows Here’s how it goes ‘Cause a freezing wind blows The wind blows the snows And it gets up your nose And freezes your toes And freezes your clothes … Continue reading »
Discussion
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