[davisfh]

I think that truthandlife asks a valid question. Why would someone be teaching anything in a country that is mired in the worst form of Communism? Can any of us even imagine how closely his classroom activity was monitored? I'd be willing to bet that the monitoring rendered him as nothing more than a mouthpiece for the Communist government.

As for Mr. Woodruff's injuries, I can only say that when you put yourself in harm's way, bad things sometimes happen. That is indeed regrettable, but that's the way it works.

I find that the word smarmy is synonymous with unctuous. The definition of these words is defined as "having the quality or character of oil" and "characterized by affected, exaggerated or insincere earnestness." Howlin's remarks fit neither of these definitions.

This little tutorial in the use of english words, and particularly those of a perjorative nature, comes to you absolutely free of charge.

[Howlin]

This little tutorial in the use of english words, and particularly those of a perjorative nature, comes to you absolutely free of charge.

I guess that explains why you got the name wrong in the third paragraph, huh?

[WV Mountain Mama]

My room mate's dad was teaching in Beijing during this. He was a college lit professor teaching English literature there, I believe. I am sure the government selected his material, but I sincerely doubt my roommate's dad was a spy. As I mentioned, he was a college prof, and probably on "their" side. His second wife was from there, thus his interest in the country...