Esther Tran-Le

While Americans discuss the health care system or abortion, Chinese mainlanders take sides on whether the Hukou system should be abolished or not. The Hukou system is one of the hottest topics debated in China, yet it receives little attention beyond Chinese shores. A hukou (湖口) is an official household registry permit that every...
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The free mobility of a global workforce is an issue rarely covered by the media, yet it remains a heated debate topic between businessmen and policy makers. Free mobility of a global workforce allows companies to recruit international talents more easily and frequently. Governments often believe it should employ citizens before ‘foreigners.’ However, as...
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As an American living in China, China’s road to democracy seems more unrealistic each day. I’ve often heard the Chinese, whether expatriates in America or here in China, say that the National People’s Congress (NPC) is a joke. It’s hard to believe China will become a democracy when the Chinese themselves find no urgency...
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China’s rapid development and expanding economy has occurred at the expense of the environment. The massive industrialization is a leading cause of water pollution. Although laws and policies against factories dumping waste-water in water sources do exist, implementation at the local level has been ineffective. Factories are often free to pollute the water without...
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It has been about a week since I have been back from Shanghai, China. During my semester studying abroad, I observed the peculiarities and the similarities between Chinese and American lifestyles. Both in my studies and everyday life, I discovered the predominant challenges facing Chinese society. For instance, Shanghai – China’s largest city –...
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Westerners often depict China as the sleeping dragon (“Chimerica” if you will) that should not be awoken. Indeed, Napoleon’s quote lives on: “Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.” Here we are in the 21st century. The “dragon” has certainly opened and rubbed its eyes wide while the media...
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Blue Valentine is the kind of movie you come out of depressed or relieved. You’re relieved because you think that Cindy (Michelle Williams) and Dean’s (Ryan Gosling) relationship is nothing like the one you have. Or you’re depressed because you don’t even have a significant other in your life, and you’re telling yourself that...
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This morning, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Thomas Sherak and actress Mo’Nique announced the 2011 Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actress Amy Adams as Charlene Fleming in The Fighter Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth in The King’s Speech Melissa Leo as Alice Ward in The Fighter Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross in...
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Directed by David O. Russell, The Fighter summarizes the true-life story of Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his brother Dickie Eklund (Christian Bale). The Fighter is a simple story of hope. Older brother Dickie is a former boxing champ but has since taken to smoking crack. Younger brother Micky aspires and trains to be...
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If you would like to learn more about the Black Swan production, watch this video about the Swarovski crystal chandeliers used in the movie and the Rodarte costumes Nina wears. Black Swan Behind the Scenes from ny lon on Vimeo. Tweet This Post
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