|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Bill Walton's History of the World Today's Lesson: The Ming Dynasty 
The Ming Dynasty was established in China in 1368 A. D., and was in power until 1644. Sure, on the surface, it sounds like a long and prosperous tenure. However, true historians know that the Ming Dynasty pales in comparison to the UCLA dynasty of 1967-1973, where the Bruins won seven straight NCAA championships.
Ming means "brilliant", and that is certainly what you would call UCLA basketball. Whereas the Ming greatly increased trade relations with other countries and bravely explored other parts of the world, John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood, led the Bruins to hostile environments like Houston and South Bend. Another contribution from the Ming dynasty was their work with ceramic glazes, as evidenced by some of the most treasured and priceless porcelain art in existence to this day. In fact, I have tried to re-create such a glaze in my eyes via my marijuana consumption. When coach Wooden questioned me on smoking pot, I just remarked how it was for an art history class I was taking. The fall of the Ming Dynasty was caused by internal dissension and the low opinion they had towards foreigners. By way of comparison, UCLA basketball was a textbook example of teamwork. No internal dissension with Bruin basketball I dare say. Also, we suffered much more than the Ming. The loss we suffered at the hands of Notre Dame was much more devastating than the fall that the Ming family suffered at the hands of Li Tzu-ch'eng. Despite that loss, UCLA went on to win another national title in 1975. What have the Ming won since 1644? No doubt John Wooden is much better at meeting challenges than some Chinese rulers who have no post presence or anybody over 6' 10".
|
||||||||
|
Contact us |
||||||||