In my final hours here in Chongqing, I want to post my closing set of images from this fine old city, where Ernest Hemingway once visited, where the WWII capital of Chungking was located so as to be far from … Read more

The further adventures of Jock Lauterer, aka “Mr. Joke,” who is teaching in China this summer. The curious variation of “Jock” is due to the fact that my name is very difficult to pronounce for the Chinese, so I am … Read more

After the sweltering Chongqing sun goes town, my neighborhood of Huixing comes to life, with the streets filled with vendors, hawkers, dancers, loud speakers blaring recorded sales pitches, grandparents with babies, sidewalk cafes, couples strolling arm in arm — a … Read more

Senior Lecturer Jock Lauterer of UNC-CH is teaching Community Journalism in China this May. His report from a groundbreaking seminar held in Chongqing on Saturday, May 21, follows. This is his fifth teaching/research trip to China.   Chinese media leaders … Read more

  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” Mark Twain It is hot. It is humid. The windows are open. There are no screens. The air does not move. An upright room air conditioner sits mute in the corner. … Read more

I love this place. How could you not love a place called “The Don’t Worry Be Happy Hotel”? Upon returning yesterday, my third time since my first visit to Chongqing four years ago, I am greeted as returning royalty. “Aloooooh!” … Read more

    Beneath the spreading leaves of a bent old walnut tree nestles the modest, single-story “hutong” courtyard home of master chef Zhao Jin, 33; his jolly wife, Xiao Xiao; and their roly-poly golden retriever, Zai Zai. In a tiny … Read more

In which UNC-CH Senior Lecturer Jock Lauterer returns to China for the fifth year to teach Community Journalism in the hopes that positive social change, community building and civic engagement might be affected by the growth of “relentlessly local” news … Read more