The Oyster Pail

'The Oyster Pail' is an expatriate's take on Shanghai life. Expect candid dialogue and sincere reflection, set to the backdrop of this unique city.
'The Oyster Pail' is an expatriate's take on Shanghai life. Expect candid dialogue and sincere reflection, set to the backdrop of this unique city.
Mirror mirror on the billboard: an identity crisis and the powerful ties that bind us - China Opinion
Opinion

Mirror mirror on the billboard: an identity crisis and the powerful ties that bind us

What happens when a billboard reflects back a suspiciously accurate version of ourselves? I found myself face-to-face with an Apple advertisement featuring a model resembling me.
An eerie figure appears on Yandang Road in Shanghai - China Opinion
Opinion

An eerie figure appears on Yandang Road in Shanghai

We can (and should) celebrate local entrepreneurs who infuse our lives with creativity and passion while acknowledging convenience's role in a fast-paced existence.
Peaks and pages: conquering mountains and connecting people through words - China Opinion
Opinion

Peaks and pages: conquering mountains and connecting people through words

Storytelling is how we find purpose in a world that’s often dark and confusing. And what could be darker or more confusing than going blind?
Talk nerdy to me: Why intelligence is the ultimate aphrodisiac - China Opinion
Opinion

Talk nerdy to me: Why intelligence is the ultimate aphrodisiac

Like forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge, intelligence is impossible to resist. So why don’t we celebrate good brains like we do good looks?
Faith blossoms in Shanghai this spring - China Opinion
Opinion

Faith blossoms in Shanghai this spring

We need to continually relearn what the trees already know: Life is a cycle. There will be moments of darkness and difficulty, but periods of light and loveliness.
Rebuilding: eight life lessons 2022 taught me - China Opinion
Opinion

Rebuilding: eight life lessons 2022 taught me

I’ve got bad news: We all get damaged. You have a 100 percent chance of being broken ... And through it all, you’ll need to do some rebuilding.
No but really, should we contact aliens? - China Opinion
Opinion

No but really, should we contact aliens?

When we can’t settle on anything from abortion rights, climate change and gun laws to gender, God and Sam Smith’s Brit 2023 outfit, are we mature enough to talk to aliens?
Show us your Shanghai Tootsie Shot - China Opinion
Opinion

Show us your Shanghai Tootsie Shot

To Tootsie is to tell yourself you're the star of your own show. You are strong enough to carry your story and deserving of your own success.
Dear Santa, a(nother) word about your performance - China Opinion
Opinion

Dear Santa, a(nother) word about your performance

I've given up on the idea of well-mannered dogs or socks with sex appeal. But home is something I cannot let go of. Because home is central to the human experience.
Atheism 2.0: blessing 2023 with new faith - China Opinion
Opinion

Atheism 2.0: blessing 2023 with new faith

The guidance and rules look comforting at a distance. But there's another way that doesn't cast non-believers into a spiritual wasteland between Starbucks and Tabao.
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