11 Comments

Fascinating post, Jenna. This reminds me of the impact of the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 in the UK, which certainly cleaned up London.

I once read writer the novel “Wolf Totem" by Jiang Rong set in Inner Mongolia. It was good in Jack London kind of way.

Expand full comment

Thank goodness for clear air. Our textbook always discuss the Industrial Revolution in the UK and the pollution that resulted. I'll have to have my students compare UK and US Clear Air Acts one day. Also, I've never heard of Wolf Totem! I'll have to check it out.

Expand full comment

That would be an interesting comparison. I plan to post about my first trip to London (also my first to any big city) aged about 8 at some stage. Some of the trees were black with soot.

Expand full comment

I'll have my students read it!

Expand full comment

😊

Expand full comment

Great post! I wish the under-educated, disruptive, extremist congresswoman who represents my district (Lauren Boebert) could read and do some of your students’ lessons and gain more appreciation for the institution and its history.

Also, that’s great you ran in Mongolia. I’ve read about the Mongol Derby multi-day horse endurance race but wasn’t aware of any running races.

Expand full comment

Yikes! I would definitely have less appreciation if Boebert was my congresswoman (I get Patty Murray as a Senator ❤️)

About the race: It’s called the Xiwuqi King of the Grasslands Challenge (biking and running options), but it’s technically in China (inner Mongolia), not actual Mongolia

Expand full comment

Jenna, this is just wonderful. Will you please run for Congress?

Expand full comment

Noooo! I hate it when people are mad at me :(

It would be so fascinating to work in government though...

Expand full comment

Jenna, no one could possibly be mad at you.❤️

Expand full comment

Oh Mary, you are too kind :)

Expand full comment