I can't explain how, I can't explain why, but yet the comment function is somehow responsible for a myriad of problems. And as a non pro, I have absolutely no clue how to tackle this. That is why I had to turn it off, so I apologise to all those who wanted to share their thoughts. 

There are still ways though: you are free to comment whatever on any platform this site has been shared. As for me I  appreciate any sort of comment, greetings or criticism. So feel free to contact me.

You can reach me the best ways:
minh.li@artofconflict.com
WeChat ID: yuantwothree

I'll be seeing you around.

A 118 floors! Imagine how you'd look like if you take the stairs.

My head was almost literally up in the clouds, which is a fantastic place, to let the mind go adrift and have the head, figuratively, up in the blimmin' clouds.

Considering all the talk about the clouds, I was pretty happy there weren't any.

So, now that I lured you with some pretty pictures, I want to show you what was almost as beautiful as the view - to me at least.

Up there on top of Shanghai, I've seen a pin.

Please note, I got this pic from the Internet. I did not actually photograph the pin (Shutout to The Climate Reality Project). I Could have, I probably should have... But ya. Captain hindsight.

I apologise to have tricked you, but you see, I feel very strongly about this. This has actually occupied me for quite a bit: the notion, that facts could be ignored, just because of inconvenience. And this is happening not only on the big scale, but also to the people I have the pleasure to work with.

Lately, I often came across sentences like these in different iterations:

"You don't need to know this"
"You don't need to understand it"
"Just do what you're told"
"Its my opinion"
and
"It doesn't matter."

All in the context of opposing facts. And a lot of people who work with hard data, have even a harder time to fight against the maelstrom of conflicting agendas and biases. Of course the people rowing against accuracy are doing so out of self protection, but they do so to the detriment of the organization, of their colleagues and ultimately of themselves.

It is bad business practice, simple as that. And there are much better ways.

I dare to claim: most of us care about verifiable truth. We have all seen, what happens, when we stop doing so. And that is why I felt so strongly to write about this issue over at the official blog.

Many struggle, because they lack the methods on how to see through the jungle of confused jargon and navigate the web of intrigues and agendas. If you are are among those - or even if you are just curious - have a look at the specific 4 part guide. Perhaps someone can get their data to steamroll false and unjust attempts of silencing. And maybe, just maybe, we can get some people to stop playing the ostrich and have their heads pulled from wherever they're stuck in.

So, let us try to be part of the solution!

And for that, please give the guide on the AOC blog a go and thank you for the read.

I'll be seeing you around.

I know it seems like a horrendous flex, but to my defense, everything I will say or post about here will look like flexing regardless. So bear with it, if just for a little bit.

Her eyes shone with excitement on our first visit, but a spot was not guaranteed for her. And this school is notoriously known for being extraordinary selective. Honestly, I did not want her to experience this kind of failure: one of non-acceptance. This would have ended in a traumatic heartbreak. I mean, which parent would not worry?

At the end, she prevailed. She managed it on her own and we as the parents, were brimming with joy. There is still a lot to do, but she proved, that she can handle it. And for everyone who knows her: you can be proud of her, as we are.

That was what we were up to and I hope you stay tuned for more. There are tons of things to learn, like how the Shanghainese have eliminated cash (!), the newly ramped recycling process or the robots trotting around all over the place. For all the ones not from here, you'd be surprised and for the others who live here: you can giggle at the ignorance of us outsiders.

What is left to say is thank you. To all of you, old and new friends alike, thank you for being with us, and thank you for being with me.