I have managed to dodge the great Chinese firewall (currently in Hangzhou; who knew Substack was blocked in China?) to get this bulletin out, part of which must be dedicated to the new subs from last week who signed up after my offer to donate new subscription fees to the British Legion. I have not counted it all up yet, but I think there must be at least US$300 heading their way. For a teeny-tiny newsletter like this, that’s pretty gratifying.
Initial thoughts from Hangzhou:
Surprisingly high proportion of vehicles are electric. At least 90% I would guess. My district is soulless, full of huge arterial roads and huge, towering buildings, but at least walking the pavements is relatively quiet and fume-free.
The pavements are not just for walking. Electric scooters quietly slalom their way up, down and sometimes across these pathways-turned-danger-channels. Phone-fixated walkers live in peril.
Cash is not king. Not even a prince or lord, by my reckoning. Alipay, WeChat Pay and other mobile-enabled payment services have usurped every taxi, restaurant and convenience store. For the traveler without, be prepared for apologetic shakes of the head as clerks rummage through till drawers, now used to keep pens, rubber bands and other stationery items.
Calls for pitches below.
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We are looking for reported pieces, opinion and perspectives. Five articles are planned for the first issue, and subsequent monthly issues will feature between five to 10 pieces.
If you interested in becoming a contributor or one-email TheMuslimMonthly@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/MonthlyMuslim/status/1721378588874752085
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Looking to commission a story about an inexpensive, low-input, & truly carefree holiday. Something ad hoc, joyful, sensory-rich. Think sleeping on the beach, free campsites, absolute abandon. 1000-1500 words; €.50/word.
https://twitter.com/fieldsandstns/status/1724781219563610133
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Hi! I'm going a series of stories on JAPAN history/culture and looking for writers based in or from Japan Please email me at allie.yang@natgeo.com if you're a good fit! ありがとう
https://twitter.com/byallieyang/status/1724815915441594784
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[taps mic] is anybody still here?
I have some big career news: starting in Jan, I'll be a senior editor at @hakaimagazine, editing features about coastal science and societies! Pitch guidelines etc TK
https://twitter.com/cestmoiLanglois/status/1725217787285815399
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Are you a journalist interested in reporting on health, science or technology? Applications are open for ICFJ’s Health Innovation Journalism Fellowship for an opportunity to receive funding, training & mentorship in order to publish stories. Apply: https://buff.ly/3ufELSE
https://twitter.com/ICFJ/status/1725408579421630660
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New freelance gig : Home Solutions is looking for freelance editors.
https://twitter.com/joinPF/status/1725489712629244017
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We’re hiring! Applications are now open for our two Staff Writer positions in the Audio Comedy Team.
It’s a great opportunity to work across all our famous comedy shows and to kickstart your writing career. We look forward to hearing from you!
https://twitter.com/BBCStudiosAudio/status/1725463459251331447
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JOB ALERT
Deputy Travel Editor - @timeout
Check this out!
https://twitter.com/weblackjournos/status/1725534892094624245
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REMINDER! Are you an investigative journalist interested in reporting on environmental crimes? @GRIDArendal is offering grants of around €2,000 to journalists highlighting environmental justice issues and illicit financial flows. Apply by December 4: https://buff.ly/47abWFT
https://twitter.com/earthjournalism/status/1725533213613834654