This book explores xiangsheng, one of the most popular folk art performance genres in China, its enlistment by official propaganda machine after the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and its revival in popularity under Guo Degang and his Deyun Club. Just as the 1950's saw the shift of xiangsheng 's social function from entertainment to the political tool of 'serving the party', Guo Degang has completed the paradigm shift by turning its focus back to 'serving the people' as a means of entertainment and social criticism. This volume examines how Guo has resurrected the essence of xiangsheng, successfully commercialised it in a market economy, and simultaneously deconstructed the official discourse through grassroots means.

This book explores xiangsheng, one of the most popular folk art performance genres in China, its enlistment by official propaganda machine after the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and its revival in popularity under Guo Degang and his Deyun Club. Just as the 1950's saw the shift of xiangsheng 's social function from entertainment to the political tool of 'serving the party', Guo Degang has completed the paradigm shift by turning its focus back to 'serving the people' as a means of entertainment and social criticism. This volume examines how Guo has resurrected the essence of xiangsheng, successfully commercialised it in a market economy, and simultaneously deconstructed the official discourse through grassroots means.

The Church of Almighty God, also known as Eastern Lightning, teaches that Jesus Christ has returned to earth as a Chinese woman to judge humankind. The Chinese government has banned it and similar groups, and targeted them in its campaign against "cults" such as Falun Gong. Based on the Church's own texts and exogenous reports, Emily Dunn offers the first comprehensive account of what the Church of Almighty God teaches, how Chinese Christians and the government have responded to new religious movements related to Protestantism, and how it all fits with global Christianity and the history of Chinese religion.

Mrs. Baxter is no ordinary grandmother In fact, she's down right eccentric Martha Baxter does lots of wacky things like carrying an iron skillet with her everywhere and frying up frog legs in the Biology lab at the high school. The story begins when Mrs. Baxter is summoned to Principal Thompson's office to discuss the pending expulsion of her grandson, Norman, who has gotten himself into a bit of trouble. After the meeting, Martha does what any loving grandmother would do--she becomes a substitute teacher to keep a closer eye on Norman. Go with Granny Baxter on a comical adventure as she sets out to discover what's going on with her trouble causing grandson and his friends at Mount Vernon High School. With any luck, she will learn the truth behind Norman's drinking, smoking, and swearing troubles.