That’s One Way of Putting It

This article, Officials paint mountain green, illustrates the insanity of the Chinese people:

Local government officials in China have been criticised for spraypainting a barren mountain face green. Laoshou mountain, near Fumin in Yunnan province, was left an eyesore by quarrying. But instead, of re-foresting the mountainside, foresty officials hired seven workers for 45 days to spraypaint it green.

Nearby villagers have been driven from their homes by the strong smell of paint, reports City Times. They claim the workers told them the work was being done to improve the view from a newly-built government building.

Local businessman Huang said: “At first I was glad to see the green mountain, thinking the government was paying more attention to the environment. “But then I noticed the great contrast with the surrounding mountains.”

Another villager complained: “We thought the workers were here to spray pesticides before planting saplings. But it turned out to be green paint.”

Ok, well… the insanity of some Chinese people.

I also wanted to acknowledge the insanity of the… er… some American people. I believe this NPR story, Ban Thwarts ‘Year of the Pig’ Ads in China, is anti-China nonsense:

A ban on pig references in commercials illustrates problems with China’s advertising industry. The Year of the Pig begins Feb. 18, and many advertisers planned pig themes. The pig ban is meant to protect the sensibilities of 20 million Muslims.

This isn’t true. Or, at least, it isn’t happening here in Yunnan Province, where a huge percentage of the country’s Muslims live.

Yes, this Sunday begins the New Year here in China. It will be the Year of the Pig, and more importantly the Year of the Golden Pig. Anyway, it’s a very lucky year, and so the holiday is extra crazy this time around. It is by far the most important holiday season for the Chinese. New Year’s is the only day all year that some businesses close. So, of course, the holiday is about BUYING things and buying LUCKY things, like things decorated with pigs or advertised with/by pigs. This includes billboards, newspapers, and t.v. commercials. Really, pigs are everywhere.