Keep a completely open mind, washed of all past ideas and clean of every concept you have made.

a life-bearing planet

He gave me a hint that my breath smelt.

The Nationalists used their control of offshore islands in a harassing blockade of China's central and southeast coasts. The Dachen Islands, two hundred miles south of Shanghai, interfered with trade to China's most important port. Mazu Island blocked the sea lanes to Fuzhou in Fujian Province, and Jinmen (Quemoy) blocked Fujian's second port of Xiamen.