Okay, let me first state that I am not pro-communism, nor do I agree with using propoganda. However, I do appreciate some of the art that came out of the tumultuous time period in China called the “Cultural Revolution” (look into it, too much to explain here). That said, this website is just too cool! You can have your portrait painted into a replica Cultural Revolution poster. I am so tempted–but can’t find just the right poster that I’d like to have done. Anyway, check it out.
Pimsleur Mandarin Website Link
This language system focuses on speaking the language and helped a GREAT DEAL when I went to China to teach English Teachers for two weeks. As we had no guides for a good deal of the time I was forced to use my Mandarin and let me tell you, it came in VERY handy whenever I was able to use it. The thing I like about this system is that it not only teaches you what to say and how to say it, but it helps you understand what the person you are talking to may say back to you and how to understand that! Invaluable! I was able to help our group out often and I’ve only gone through the first 7 lessons! Well worth the money.
Tiananmen Square Video Website
This site a great source of information about what occurred during the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. The documentary husband and wife team (Richard Gordon and Carma Hinton) who logged over 400 hours of archive video consisting of interviews with student leaders as well as many first hand video clips make this video the only one of its kind. The site also has a ton of information about the events from different perspectives if you are not inclined to purchase or rent the video and would prefer to read instead. I find all of this very fascinating, and maybe you will too.