The big little Stockdale and the middle little Stockdale and I are currently in Shanghai for a couple of weeks so the two of them can attend ‘Mandarin Camp.’  More on that later, but for now here’s something to consider.  Which of the following best explains China’s rise:

A.   Their ability to have a washing machine play ‘Jingle Bells’

B.  Their ability to stack fifty styrofoam coolers on a tricycle

C.  Their amazing ability to stack wicker chairs on a cart

D.    Their ability to harness the international popularity of ‘tug of war’ to teach kids mandarin

I have no clue what the answer is.  I do know the washing machine cleans clothes about as well as it plays Christmas carols.  More on camp later, including our trip to Hooters!