Category Archives: Uncategorized

Flounder with kale, almonds and preserved lemons

When I was in high school, Dad bought a liquor store, and I became a liquor store employee. Contrary to popular expectations, being a teenager in a liquor store is not a high road to debauchery. I had to be there first thing in the morning to help with beer deliveries, which also meant cleaningContinue reading “Flounder with kale, almonds and preserved lemons”

“China’s dairy century,” video online

This talk introduces China’s dairy century as three distinct trajectories: production, consumption and culture. I gave this talk a few months ago, and the nice people at Cornell were kind enough to make a very good recording. Other talks from their “Contemporary China Initiative” series are available on the same page. I’m curious about justContinue reading ““China’s dairy century,” video online”

From Pasture to Plate – upcoming talk!

Upcoming at the University of Oxford China Centre! http://www.chinacentre.ox.ac.uk/talks-and-lectures/   Many Roads from Pasture to Plate: China’s Beef Trade, 1732-1931 Friday, 26 January, 13:00 – 14:00 at Ho Tim Seminar Room Refrigerated transport made fresh beef a global commodity. China was the last great frontier of this  transformation, but bringing Chinese beef to market presentedContinue reading “From Pasture to Plate – upcoming talk!”

Boston! Upcoming Harvard talk on milk in China

Another busy week. Last Sunday, I flew to Boston, not (as I had dreaded) through Newark, but through Delta’s pleasant hub in Detroit. Why the change? Because the whole Northeast was blanketed in thunderstorms, which prompted a last minute rerouting. It also made the flights themselves a real adventure, especially for those of us inContinue reading “Boston! Upcoming Harvard talk on milk in China”

Shenzhen – double skin milk

Its been a couple of weeks and a few thousand kilometers since Bayannuur. After that, I went on an epic train journey through Hohhot, Chifeng, Tongliao and Qiqihar – arriving three days and some visible beard growth later back in Hailar. Hailar was basically the three r-s, resting, riting, and running so apart from theContinue reading “Shenzhen – double skin milk”

Seriously, Bayannuur, what the hell? (also, sheep)

Here’s a trick for you. The next time you find yourself in the mountains, or specifically find yourself leaving the mountains, make sure to bring a loaf of bread. Pack it nicely so it doesn’t get smooshed in your luggage, and then open it up at sea level. I did this recently when I left Lanzhou.Continue reading “Seriously, Bayannuur, what the hell? (also, sheep)”