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The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real China

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From the outside, China may seem homogenous and monocultural, but once you delve further, you’ll find out that assumption is wrong. With 56 official ethnic groups and 100s of other unique communities throughout the country, it is almost impossible to get to know it all. But you can get a deeper understanding of the country than most visitors if you are willing to make a little effort. Here are things you can do to know the real China better. 

Five Ways to Better Understand China

Number 5: Stay Away From Guided Tours

The draw to join a guided tour when visiting China is strong. After all, you can’t speak the language, and most tour groups seem like a good value. Although you will probably save money and see a lot more touristy stuff with a group, you definitely won’t see the real China, but only an approved and sanitized version of it. Independent travel may be more expensive and riskier, but it is worth it overall. A good travel guidebook and phone translator can help make traveling to China on your own very doable. 

Number 4: Understand the Political Landscape

Politics play a tremendous role in the lives of ordinary Chinese people from their school days onwards. The government delivers a codified political message through the country’s news and most aspect of public life. So, despite many Chinese people being sophisticated and modern thinkers, the majority still tow the party line in most situations. Understanding this aspect of the Chinese psyche sheds light on why Chinese people can hold certain beliefs that dumbfound Westerners. 

Number 3: Learn the History of China

China has a long and colorful history, and modern Chinese people appreciate and incorporate it into many aspects of their daily lives. Chinese TV shows and movies based on ancient history are popular and are the basis for countless historical comics and novels as well. And, of course, the ideas of ancient philosophers like Confucius, Sun Tzu, and Lao Tzu are still taught in school. This shared history seeps into the way Chinese people view the world, and by learning Chinese history, you will better understand how the Chinese people think and why they do what they do. 

Number 2: Take a Western-Bound Train

Many of the most popular cities with tourists are on the east coast of the country, but if you want to get to discover the heart of China, you need to head west, preferably by train. Traveling by train exposes you to the real China, both inside and outside the train compartment. You will have time to converse with locals and see the changing landscape while getting a chance to experience the landscape and sheer scope of the country. Some cities to consider traveling to include: Guiyang, Xi’an, and Chongqing. 

Number 1: Meet the People

There is no better way to get to know a country than to engage with the people there. Luckily, most of the young people in China can speak English decently and are more than happy to try it out by having a conversation with you. So, when you are in China, put yourself out there, and speak with locals. Whether with a patron at a local bar or a staff member at your hotel, you will come away with a new perspective on the country. 

Making an effort to learn more about China will make your trip more exciting and give you a better understanding of one of the most influential countries in the world. 

 

5 Times TV Shows Had to Replace Their Lead Actor

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Television shows that have found commercial success with a specific formula do NOT want to deviate from it. There is a reason that viewers don’t necessarily want to see the characters from Friends launched into space or follow Gilligan and the Skipper for several seasons after their rescue from the island. 

Given this emphasis on sticking to a formula, you can imagine what a nightmare it is for the producers when they lose their lead actor.  Let’s take a look at five of the most notable lead actor replacements in the history of television and see how the showrunners managed.

  1. Two and a Half Men

The series Two and a Half Men fared far worse after the departure of its star Charlie Sheen. Whether he was fired due to creative differences or for, as CBS executives said, his “dangerously self-destructive conduct,” Sheen disappeared and his character, Charlie Harper, was killed off by writers at the end of a tumultuous eighth season. Although the show persisted for another four seasons with Ashton Kutcher starring as Charlie’s impoverished brother, the show never regained the popularity it enjoyed with Sheen.

 

  1. The Office

Steve Carell stayed on this popular NBC comedy departed into its seventh season, leaving some big shoes to fill. Rather than casting a single actor, the network rotated heavy hitters such as James Spader, Will Ferrell, and Kathy Bates, as the head of Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch. Despite this stunt casting, The Office slipped in ratings and left the air two seasons later.

 

  1. Northern Exposure

A cult favorite with a big roster of kooky characters, Northern Exposure still couldn’t survive the departure of its main character Joel Fleischman (actor Rob Morrow) halfway into its fifth and final season. The show lasted only 15 episodes with his replacement Phil Capra (actor Paul Provenza).

 

  1. Bewitched

Although they rarely disappear entirely without explanation, major characters may suddenly appear on-screen played by a different actor. The most famous example of this was the fifth season transition from Dick York to Dick Sargent as Darrin Stephens, the husband of the kindly suburban witch Samantha Stephens in the hit TV show Bewitched. Back problems simply prevented York from continuing in the role. Although executives were nervous, the series survived for three full seasons with Sargent.

 

  1. Cheers

When Shelley Long left the series Cheers at the end of its fifth season, show runners needed another character to continue the “will they or won’t they” romantic intrigue between her character (Diane Chambers) and Sam Malone (played by Ted Danson). Cue the entrance of actress Kirstie Alley as Sam’s new boss Rebecca Howe. Cheers continued to prosper in the Danson/Alley era, continuing for six seasons. Shelley Long even returned to play Diane again before the show’s end. 

The Magic of Istanbul – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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There is plenty to see in the fantastic city of Istanbul, Turkey. There are historical sites that every visitor needs to see at least once, like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Spice Market. What about those lesser known but just as majestic places in the City of the World’s Desire? Consider five unique attractions that you need to add to your itinerary. 

1. Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is an old underground chamber that served as an early water filtering system for Istanbul. This cistern, which can contain 80,000 cubic meters of water and is about the size of two football fields, is a one-of-a-kind historical place to see.

The cistern, which has survived centuries of battle and siege, was erected in 532 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to retain fresh water for the palace and neighboring structures. Take a tour to discover more about the history, especially about the famed Medusa heads at the base of one of the 336 marble columns that support the structure.

2. Ottoman Bird Palaces

People had been making birdhouses in Istanbul even before the Ottoman Empire, but they were not as extravagant. The Ottomans created sophisticated multi-level buildings with numerous ornamentation and embellishments rather than simple constructions. They resembled the type of stately home you’d expect to see royalty living in, with elaborate windows, balconies, roofs, and towers.

Today, there are only a few of these ornate bird houses left. They’ve aged and faded with time, yet some still have the amazing features that make them so appealing. You’ll find the oldest one on the side of the Büyükçekmece Bridge.

3. Tombs of the Sultans

Speaking of palaces, few are as beautiful as the tombs of the sultans of yore and their families. The tombs of Mehmed III, Selim II, Murad III, Brahim I, and Mustafa I resemble majestic palaces in honor of the memories of sultans’ past rather than what most people imagine when they think of permanent resting places for old, departed royals. You’ll find the tombs along the periphery of the Hagia Sophia. 

4. Viking Runes

While at the Hagia Sophia, make sure to see the small etching written in a runic script by a Viking. They are the Viking version of Halfdan was here. Halfdan was most likely a soldier trying to pass some time back centuries before and one of many members of the Varangian Guard who came to Constantinople looking for fortune. 

5. Miniaturk

Get unique views of Istanbul from one of the world’s largest miniature parks. It offers 1/25 scale versions of some of the most popular sites in the city, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, The Mostar Bridge, and, of course, the Hagia Eirene Church. The park covers 15 acres and will likely be one of the most interesting things you see while visiting Istanbul. 

There is plenty to see in Istanbul and lots to miss. Make sure you see some of its more unique attractions while in Turkey.

 

5 Biggest Flops by Big Tech Companies

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As tech companies race to release the next big thing, not all ideas work out as intended. Sometimes, the products transcend simply failing to gain a foothold and flop hard. The resulting shockwaves of their failure reverberate across the lands, leaving everyone tittering about their unrealized hopes and dreams. Although this might sound more than a bit dramatic, these five biggest flops by tech companies show just how hard the mighty can fall.

HD DVD

Created as a high-capacity DVD format, HD DVD might have just worked if it wasn’t for those wily folks at Sony. With their release of the Blu-Ray format, the battle was on in an instant.

Unfortunately, for the creators of HD DVD, Toshiba and NEC, Sony had big pull in the movie production world. They used their weight to convince many studios to go with Blu-Ray instead, sealing the fate of HD DVD. By the end of the ordeal, Toshiba lost over one billion dollars while Sony forged steadily ahead.

Segway

In a lofty bid to end tiresome walking for the masses, Dean Kamen rolled out the Segway to the delight of practically no one. While the initial reception was somewhat positive, the overall clunkiness and high cost of the personal transporter system left much to be desired.

Perhaps if Kamen continued to massage his creation to improve upon its faults, it would have worked out. But instead he sold the business to Jimi Heselden, who tragically died at the hands of the country-version of the original Segway. Upon tragically plummeting off the cliff, he took the hope of Segway becoming a household name with him.

Windows Me

With the advent of Windows 2000 came the seemingly unnecessary but proudly acclaimed Windows Me release just one year later. If it had worked right, then perhaps it would have stood a chance.

Unfortunately, it only lasted one year before Microsoft shelved it altogether. Tons of bugs, ultra-slow performance, and wholly unstable operation left many people more than a bit miffed with its mere existence.

Apple Maps

Not to be outdone by Google, Apple decided to release their own version of their coveted mapping service in 2012. Dubbed Apple Maps, this carbon copy failed to work as intended. And still leaves people running for Google within minutes of trying to gain their bearings.  

The overall buggy operation was a definite problem, but it just got worse from there. Landmarks would appear underwater. Blank voids sat in place of whole cities. Overall, its mapping program better served as an apocalypse simulator than a place to get directions.

Google Glass

Science fiction led the techies at Google to dream up a heads-up display for the common man. But in the end, the threat of constant surveillance proved to be all too much for everyday use, killing their beloved Google Glass where it stood.

Their dream stays alive though, as enterprise versions still exist. Average consumers lost the ability to purchase their own pairs in 2015, however – not that anyone was interested.

So, what’s your prediction on the next biggest flop in the tech world? There’s often no telling what’s going to capture the hearts of many – and which products will fall into disgrace. If you can predict the winners, then you might want to try your own hand at rolling out the next big thing in tech. 

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting Malaysia

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Malaysia is known for its friendly, relaxed people, but you’ll still want to ensure that you don’t take part in any cultural faux-pas behaviors that could offend locals. Here, we’ll take a look at five cultural don’ts when you’re visiting Malaysia. 

1. Point With Your Forefinger

Pointing is seen as bossy, rude, and overbearing in Malaysia, as this gesture is used to scold, not direct attention. Simple solution: instead of using your forefinger to direct someone’s attention, use your thumb.

2. Show Anger and Frustration

When traveling, it’s likely that you’ll encounter at least a handful of tough situations, like struggling with translation or being late to the start of a tour. As mentioned above, Malaysian people highly value politeness, and often feel embarrassed when others show anger or frustration. Instead of blowing up when things get tough, work hard to smile and keep your cool. 

3. Dress Inappropriately

In Malaysia, most people dress modestly but comfortably. Many historical landmarks in Malaysia are affiliated with a religion, and it’s important that you do your research on how to dress appropriately for the temple, monastery, or other religious building you’re visiting. Don’t just look to others in the area to clue you in on how to dress–many tourists (unfortunately) disregard best practices and dress in a way that Malaysians find offensive for visiting religious sites. 

4. Touch Someone’s Head

While it’s not likely that you walk around touching people’s heads, it’s especially important that you don’t do this while visiting Malaysia or other Asian nations. In Asian culture, the head is considered a sacred part of the body. It’s considered especially offensive to touch children or elderly people on the head. 

5. Go Overboard with Public Displays of Affection

In America and many European countries, PDA is the norm. This isn’t the case in Malaysia. Giving quick hugs or a kiss on the cheek is fine, but don’t go beyond that with your significant other. Malaysian people greatly value acting respectfully in public, and many feel uncomfortable witnessing others giving or receiving affection. 

Top 5 Craziest Sports Stars

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Kyrie Irving

Kyrie is an incredible basketball player and a great human being who’ll talk to anyone. He’s respected as one of the greats, was rookie of the year, has a ring from 2016, has played on the all-star team seven times, and even won the MVP award for the 2014 All-Star Game.

He also said the world is flat, and there was a conspiracy to kill JFK. Honestly, there needn’t be any further summation.

Dennis Rodman

If there is a list without Dennis Rodman in the top five, the person who wrote it should receive some mandatory testing. Besides the hair dyed every color, the original piercings, and wearing a wedding dress in public, yeeeaaahhh, we’re open-minded. So what? You know, if he’s happy, who cares?

But multiple trips to North Korea and calling the tyrant, murderous Kim Jon-Un a friend for life is the tipping point. Rodman now goes over frequently to a country with horrific human rights abuses to train their basketball team.

Mike Tyson

Oh, Mike. We love you regardless of how you’ve been insane over your career. Maybe that’s the appeal. Everyone loved you in the Hangover movies. And, you’ve become like the seasoned older guy with his own Adult Swim cartoon. But here is a pretty definitive list:

  • 1987, you bit off Evander Holyfield’s ear! WTF?
  • During your career, you used insane amounts of cocaine and admitted to using a fake penis for drug tests.
  • Three years were spent in prison for rape, but upon release in 1995, you mostly were a changed man.
  • Reporters that interviewed you were terrified. Always.
  • The face tattoo was a sign of insanity when you got it, but we all think it is cool now. I am considering it.

Diego Maradona

Maradona is still a legend; there are shrines with candles that never burn out in Argentina, but the guy was not mentally well. Maradona’s list makes Tyson look like he just needed a little Wellbutrin.

Where does one even begin between three-day cocaine binges, karate kicking people, and shooting journalists with an air rifle?

Let’s just go with elbowing one player in the face and putting a knee to another player’s head, all in one move. That’s good enough.

Tonya Harding

Yes, her name has been on our lists before, but when it comes to crazy, how can this not be the Mac Daddy of crazy? You’re a top skater bound for the Olympics. Still, you hate that another skater is “America’s Sweetheart” and favored over you…

… so you just hire some guy to bust her knee cap with a police baton.

Harding went on to run up a considerable “crazy list.” Still, this one act has resulted in movies and sports lookbacks for decades.

If one thing is sure, no matter how talented or how much you make, you’re no less predisposed to go absolutely nuts. These are just five situations, and almost every week in the NFL produces one or two such situations.

Could it be that the crazy draws us to the sport a bit more sometimes? In a world that watches “Married at First Sight,” we love crazy.

5 Movie Franchises Whose Sequels Are Better Than the Original

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We’re all used to sequels that merely try to financially capitalize on a hit original film – From Dusk Til Dawn 2 anyone? Typically, the best you can expect is a passable, but inferior, imitation of the original. But there are those exceptional cases where a sequel hits heights the original failed to.

Here are the top five arguably great sequels that are better than the first movie in the series.

5. The Godfather Part II

Francis Ford Coppola directed a trilogy of Godfather films. While the original is regarded as a classic in its own right, part II is the one which garners the most critical acclaim and attention.

The Godfather introduced the Corleone crime family, led by Don Vito Corleone in New York in the 1940s, while the sequel picks up the story in the 1950s as well as presenting a plotline from Italy in the early 1900s exploring the family’s roots. Not only is the follow up more gripping than the original – as Michael undergoes multiple assassination attempts as part of a riveting gang war – its exploration of Vito Corleone’s early life in Italy adds depth to the original movie. As film critic Roger Ebert notes, The Godfather Part II “enhances our understanding and appreciation of the legendary characters presented in the original film. It surpasses it, in part, because it manages to make its predecessor even better.”

How about that for a successful sequel? 

4. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Star Trek: The Motion Picture, released in 1979, was Paramount’s way of trying to capitalize on the success of Star Wars. The film got mixed reviews. Fans were not excited about the movie’s changes from the beloved television series.

However, with the release in 1982 of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan with Ricardo Montalbán brilliantly playing the character of the evil Khan, the audience loved the film. The film explores human frailties, along with intense action, a suspenseful plot, and a bit of comedy. The tone more closely matches what made the television series so popular. Kirk must defeat his nemesis Khan, even though we learn that our hero, Captain Kirk, is a flawed person with fathership issues.

3. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Director James Cameron and producer Gale Anne Hurd created The Terminator franchise. The first film was released in 1984. The reception was decent, and the global box office was $78 million.

Due to disputes between the stars and the producer, it took seven years before Terminator 2: Judgment Day was released in 1991. The film is by far the best in the franchise. An evil artificial intelligence sends the Terminator robot back in time to kill the leader of the human resistance while he is still a child. The special effects are awesome. The second film did much better numbers, earning $515 million. 

2. The Dark Knight

Director Christopher Nolan made The Dark Knight trilogy of Batman films, which are Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), with a much darker portrayal of Batman and Gotham City than was previously seen on the silver screen. The second installment already has the makings of an enduring classic, which built off the character development and world-building of the original to create a gripping movie with serious philosophical undertones – so much so that noted philosopher Slavoj Zizek has produced numerous commentaries on the film. 

Also notable is Heath Ledger’s classic portrayal of the Joker, which was much lauded – and perhaps made more poignant and arreseting by his death shortly after filming. The late actor won an Oscar for his performance, and is regarded as having significantly upstaged previous actors who took on the role, including legendary actor Jack Nicholson.

1. Top Gun: Maverick

The original Top Gun movie was released in 1986. It made $357 million worldwide. It took until 2022 for the sequel to be released. This new film exceeds expectations. It was the first film to pack movie theaters after they reopened from being closed for so long during the pandemic. It made $1.14+ billion globally. Once again, the story is the kind of high quality action-packed thriller that pleases everyone, even if some would regard it as a guilty pleasure.

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting Australia

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Australia has a rich culture, and as a visitor, there are some things you should not do to respect their way of life.  Here are five things you should avoid doing when visiting Australia.

1:  Don’t be late

Punctuality is essential in Australia, and being late can be disrespectful. If you’re meeting someone, arrive on time or a few minutes early. For Australians, casually being late tends to be seen as wasting someone else’s time, and probably won’t go down too well.

2: Don’t skip out on tipping

While tipping isn’t mandatory in Australia, it is still considered good manners to leave a tip for good service. 10-15% is standard, but you can always give more or less depending on the quality of service.

3: Don’t talk about personal space

Australians are generally quite laid back regarding personal space and don’t tend to stand too close to strangers. So, if you’re talking to someone and they step back, don’t take it personally – they’re just respecting your personal space.

4: Don’t be too loud

Australians are pretty relaxed, but that doesn’t mean they like noise pollution. Avoid being too loud in public, and be mindful of how your voice carries.

5: Don’t forget your manners

Manners are essential in any culture, but they’re necessary for Australia. Say please and thank you when appropriate, and always mind your P’s and Q’s.

Wrapping Up

The rule of thumb for visitors visiting Australia is to respect the local culture and customs. This means punctuality, tipping for good service, being aware of personal space, and being mindful of noise levels in public places.

Additionally, remember to use your manners when interacting with others. Following these simple guidelines, you can avoid cultural faux pas and have an enjoyable and memorable trip to Australia.

 

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting Greece

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Ready to see the stunning islands and ancient ruins that Greece has to offer? You’re going to have a great time–and you’ll want to be sure to avoid doing these five things while you’re in the gorgeous southern European country. 

1. Only Carry Credit Cards

We get it–when you’re in a foreign country that you are not familiar with, you may feel more comfortable carrying credit cards than cash. In Greece, however, you’ll likely run into quite a few stores and restaurants that are cash-only. Be sure to carry cash on hand so you don’t have to deal with the hefty fees that come with using an overseas ATM. 

2. Forget a Gift

In the exciting event that you’re invited into a Greek’s home for dinner, it’s common courtesy to arrive with a gift. Showing up empty-handed shows as lack of respect for local tradition and culture, and a lack of appreciation for the invitation. 

3. Toss Your Toilet Paper into the Toilet

To most Americans, this one isn’t going to come naturally. Greece is an old, old country with old, old plumbing systems that struggle to handle modern-day toilet paper. When you go to the bathroom in Greece, you’ll notice a trash can with every toilet. Throw your toilet paper in there instead to avoid an embarrassing and costly mistake. 

4. Speak Your Mind to Smokers

Nearly half of all Greeks smoke cigarettes, and it’s not a smart move to criticize locals who are lighting up. The country attempted an indoor smoking ban, and it failed miserably. If you’re not a smoker, you’ll be happy to know that the weather in Greece is typically fantastic, and there’s no need to be cooped up in a smoky bar or restaurant if that’s not your thing. 

5. Ask For Butter With Your Bread

When you sit down to dinner in Greece, you’ll (almost) always be served a bread basket. Don’t ask for butter to go with your bread–instead, Greeks dip their bread in the communal salad bowl to soak up the dressing. Tear off a small piece of bread and dip it in the salad bowl so that you’re not double dipping.

Are All NFTs Bad for the Environment?

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Saying that every NFT is bad for the environment is a big claim. But overall, NFTs aren’t environmentally friendly. Here’s what you need to know about the environmental impact of NFTs, and why a digital asset could be causing physical harm.

NFTs Are a Source of Environmental Worry

An NFT, or non-fungible token, is a way for a creator to sell unique digital assets. NFTs were huge business in late 2021, but since that time the interest in them has declined sharply.

But it’s not the cost of NFTs that’s the concern. It’s the fact that they aren’t easy on the environment. Most of the NFTs today are traded on the Ethereum network. Every transaction requires a mining process to confirm the transaction and the trade.

There is energy used in mining, and that’s a concern for people who feel the trading will add to emissions of carbon. Sometimes clean energy sources are used, but that’s often not the case.

Here’s How the NFT Process Works

The majority of NFTs are on the Ethereum blockchain, and that means they require a confirmation with each new block. Then:

  • A computer network has complex problems they have to solve, for the right to confirm that block.
  • The network uses energy, and vies for the gas fees that come from the block’s confirmation.
  • The system offers incentives for miners who invest in hardware, which takes more grid power.
  • Power sources affect the environment through the emission of greenhouse gases.

When an NFT is resold, it also uses an equal amount of energy in that process. That can quickly create energy usage issues, along with a lot of problems for the environment. A sale that takes only 10 seconds can consume around 8.7 megawatts of energy.

There Are Some Options for Improvement

Fortunately, the fact that NFTs are bad for the environment is something that can change. First, not every NFT uses non-green energy sources. Some of them aren’t actually harmful. Second, there are ways to incentivize the use of NFTs that use green sources of energy.

Ethereum is also working toward a different system, much like those used by Solana and Cardano, that is proof-of-stake. Because this system validates transactions based on a number of coins, the amount of problem-solving is smaller. In turn, that makes it easier to move through transactions with less energy.

Proof-of-stake uses the machines of coin owners to change the way blocks on the chain are verified. Owners offer their coins as collateral, which gives them the opportunity to validate blocks. When the owners have staked coins, they’re listed as “validators.”

Then a validator is randomly selected to validate or “mine” the block. Since the selection is random there’s no competition. When enough validators have “mined” the block, it’s considered validated and the transaction involving it can be finalized.

Batching transactions is another way that NFTs can be easier on the environment. Transactions would be made outside the network and batched at a certain time. Doing that makes it easier to reduce energy usage, and would help protect the environment more easily.