Author: Barry D. Wood

Barry D. Wood is a writer, teacher and journalist in Washington, DC. His focus is the global economy and financial markets. He has reported from 60 countries and specializes in US China relations, Eastern Europe and Southern Africa. His 2017 book is Exploring New Europe, A Bicycle Journey.
China, globalization, Uncategorized

Letter from Shanghai: A Reflection on China Rising

SHANGHAI: As long as your visa is in order, it’s a fast passage through immigrations and customs in Shanghai. This sprawling city of 23 million has a modern, efficient international airport and it’s only a short walk to the world’s fastest train. The Siemens built maglev costs only $7 for the eight-minute, 200 mph journey to Shanghai’s outskirts. Connected to hotel Wifi, your laptop’s home … Continue reading Letter from Shanghai: A Reflection on China Rising

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architecture, Uncategorized

Remembering the Genius of IM Pei

HONG KONG: From the moment I first laid eyes upon it, I was captivated by the east wing of the National Gallery of Art in Washington. When it opened in 1978 from my work place across the National Mall I marveled at its sharp angles and irregular shapes so strikingly different from the main gallery’s neo-classical style. It was apparent that not only was IM … Continue reading Remembering the Genius of IM Pei

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Automotive, globalization

Tesla’s Future Linked to Nevada Gigafactory

SPARKS, NEVADA:  At Tesla’s annual general meeting June 11thElon Musk observed that five years ago the Gigafactory didn’t exist. It was merely a vast expanse of rocks and dirt. Today it is a sprawling three-story red and grey building stretching across the desert.  Its footprint equals a dozen football fields and is expected to become the world’s largest building. This is where half of the … Continue reading Tesla’s Future Linked to Nevada Gigafactory

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Uncategorized

The Great Flu Epidemic in Southern Gallia County, Ohio

The great flu epidemic that began in 1918 killed half a million Americans and 25% of the entire population was infected. Cincinnati was hard hit with 80,000 cases and 1,700 deaths from flu in 1918. To cope with the poorly understood disease, hotels removed chairs and sofas from lobbies. Theatres, schools and churches were ordered closed. Leaf burning was banned. At Camp Sherman in Chillicothe … Continue reading The Great Flu Epidemic in Southern Gallia County, Ohio

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