On November 4, 2008, the world changed. For someone like me that embraces historic moments like this, I expected to have plenty to write on this here space. Emotions were running high, the feeling of patriotism and hope was palpable, and a world that I would want to bring children into returned. I definitely had plenty to say. Coupled with the fact that I was in Beijing on election night (actually early morning), my election experience was unique and the post-election dialogue here has been stimulating, exciting and worthy of posterity on this blog. I likely will still put my thoughts down here over the next few days. But I had one question of myself...
why has it taken so long?
I have tons of thoughts floating around in my head, yet no blog posts to show for it. While jetlag and long work days here are part of the problem, there is a single leading factor in my recent departure from writing. Thy name is facebook.
This blog had always been a convenient way for me to quickly write down my thoughts in any medium I want— photos, blurbs, formal essays, links, etc. Then along comes facebook, which has made this lazy guy even lazier. A quick status update and all my contacts know how I’m feeling. A quickly tagged photo and everyone knows what I did last weekend. A post on my wall, a perusal of friends’ profiles, and I feel connected with the world and without much feeling for writing too much more. Admittedly, I do utilize the status update feature to try to concisely convey my mood, activity, or sentiment at that moment with the use of a bit of creative writing whenever possible. For example, you’ll never see my status update say, “Kye is.” or “Kye .” Unfortunately, once my profile is updated, that’s likely the only personal writing for public audiences that I’m going to do that day. Probably a maximum of 30 words. Sad really.
I’m hoping that now that I have made this revelation, I will be re-inspired to get back into the blog a bit more wholeheartedly. While I have tons to say about my opinions about the future of the US, Manny Ramirez, the quest for a fourth Final Four, and international work/travel, I have been remiss in letting facebook tell my story.
No more. Change has come to America and will come back to this blog. Yes I Can!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sports and Politics like Oil and Vinegar
Last night I stayed up late to watch the US versus Spain in the gold medal basketball game. Fun game to watch, impressive effort by Spain, alpha roles showing themselves among the US players, and when healthy, Dwyane Wade showed that his game is the most complete and clutch of all, even more so than Kobe and Lebron in my opinion.
At halftime of the game, NBC showed an interview with IOC President Jacques Rogge and Bob Costas, where they discussed the Games in general and whether China lived up to its end of the deal regarding human rights reforms and other political stances as a result of being granted the Games. I did not envy Mr. Rogge. Understanding China and its growth as an international economy, while still functioning under a very authoritarian government has so many layers, particularly when posited from a Western, first world perspective. Even after my several visits there, and upon numerous conversations with Chinese nationals, American political scientists, and other folks simply living in Beijing, an oft-repeated answer I get is "It's China." Getting absolute answers to complex questions is very difficult when discussing China. Often one must resign themselves to the fact that the answers they want to hear will not be given and understanding the depth of their development is impossible, particularly in sound-byte halftime interview form.
Despite this, I was very impressed with many of the answers that Mr. Rogge gave to Costas' tough questions. When asked about whether China has lived up to its promises regarding human rights and such since being granted the Games, Rogge mentioned that there was never a contract in place that required China to alter its practices in order to host the Olympics, but only that they would urge or hope that China would look at practices that are more in line with global community. Fair enough. I particularly like his answer to a follow-up question. He said, heads of state, multi-lateral organizations (United Nations), and international NGOs (Amnesty International) have been dealing with the issues for years and have made strides but continue to seek reforms. How can the Olympic Committee be asked to transform a country's political practices when other more significant global leaders have been trying to do this for years.
This seems like an obvious point, but one that I believe needed to be expressed. While the whole world is watching the Olympics, it would seem that the IOC can have the influence to alter nation's behaviors, but really how can they? They have done all that they can regarding open media for internationals allowing for more Western perspectives about China to be transmitted around the world, and have been effective in making the Olympics a safe and fair (for the most part) international event, but I think being asked to do much more is unfair.
It seems so simple coming from our Western perch to criticize other countries' practices, and seek easy answers to what are the most complex questions. Evidence of this attitude is supported by the fact that discussion of today's most complicated issues were shown during halftime of a basketball game. This is not to say that such questions should be ignored. China's stance on Darfur is shocking, their treatment of Tibet is brutal, and their labor records are spotty to say the least. Reforms in these areas and many others should continue, but to place a brunt of the responsibility on the IOC is completely unfair and I think Jacques Rogge expressed as much in the interview. I also appreciate that he highlighted the great success of Beijing as a host city, and acknowledged the generosity and dedication of the Chinese people to pull off such a great event.
Obviously, I'm biased here and have developed a soft spot for China after my several visits there over the past three years. China has so much history and with that comes thousands of years of successful cultural development and unfortunately a record of atrocities as well. In today's sound byte driven world with information traveling faster than ever imagined, I would hope that people are able to grasp the concept that answers to many questions are not easy. This is why I was worried that the interview at halftime would not serve any real purpose other than allowing Bob Costas to show the world how well-rounded an interviewer he thinks of himself. I hope that others recognize that the IOC has done as much as it possibly could (note: the IOC has proven itself to be a corrupt organization in the past, so please don't think I am sympathetic to them generally) and cannot possibly have all the answers all the time.
What the IOC can do though is to remove the 20K walk from the Games altogether...such a dumb sport.
At halftime of the game, NBC showed an interview with IOC President Jacques Rogge and Bob Costas, where they discussed the Games in general and whether China lived up to its end of the deal regarding human rights reforms and other political stances as a result of being granted the Games. I did not envy Mr. Rogge. Understanding China and its growth as an international economy, while still functioning under a very authoritarian government has so many layers, particularly when posited from a Western, first world perspective. Even after my several visits there, and upon numerous conversations with Chinese nationals, American political scientists, and other folks simply living in Beijing, an oft-repeated answer I get is "It's China." Getting absolute answers to complex questions is very difficult when discussing China. Often one must resign themselves to the fact that the answers they want to hear will not be given and understanding the depth of their development is impossible, particularly in sound-byte halftime interview form.
Despite this, I was very impressed with many of the answers that Mr. Rogge gave to Costas' tough questions. When asked about whether China has lived up to its promises regarding human rights and such since being granted the Games, Rogge mentioned that there was never a contract in place that required China to alter its practices in order to host the Olympics, but only that they would urge or hope that China would look at practices that are more in line with global community. Fair enough. I particularly like his answer to a follow-up question. He said, heads of state, multi-lateral organizations (United Nations), and international NGOs (Amnesty International) have been dealing with the issues for years and have made strides but continue to seek reforms. How can the Olympic Committee be asked to transform a country's political practices when other more significant global leaders have been trying to do this for years.
This seems like an obvious point, but one that I believe needed to be expressed. While the whole world is watching the Olympics, it would seem that the IOC can have the influence to alter nation's behaviors, but really how can they? They have done all that they can regarding open media for internationals allowing for more Western perspectives about China to be transmitted around the world, and have been effective in making the Olympics a safe and fair (for the most part) international event, but I think being asked to do much more is unfair.
It seems so simple coming from our Western perch to criticize other countries' practices, and seek easy answers to what are the most complex questions. Evidence of this attitude is supported by the fact that discussion of today's most complicated issues were shown during halftime of a basketball game. This is not to say that such questions should be ignored. China's stance on Darfur is shocking, their treatment of Tibet is brutal, and their labor records are spotty to say the least. Reforms in these areas and many others should continue, but to place a brunt of the responsibility on the IOC is completely unfair and I think Jacques Rogge expressed as much in the interview. I also appreciate that he highlighted the great success of Beijing as a host city, and acknowledged the generosity and dedication of the Chinese people to pull off such a great event.
Obviously, I'm biased here and have developed a soft spot for China after my several visits there over the past three years. China has so much history and with that comes thousands of years of successful cultural development and unfortunately a record of atrocities as well. In today's sound byte driven world with information traveling faster than ever imagined, I would hope that people are able to grasp the concept that answers to many questions are not easy. This is why I was worried that the interview at halftime would not serve any real purpose other than allowing Bob Costas to show the world how well-rounded an interviewer he thinks of himself. I hope that others recognize that the IOC has done as much as it possibly could (note: the IOC has proven itself to be a corrupt organization in the past, so please don't think I am sympathetic to them generally) and cannot possibly have all the answers all the time.
What the IOC can do though is to remove the 20K walk from the Games altogether...such a dumb sport.
Friday, August 15, 2008
My Very Own Closing Ceremonies
Well, that's it. After seven weeks I'm leaving Beijing and heading back to the homeland. Its been an ultra-rewarding experience and had tons of great memories. Natalia and I went to the Great Wall; I had a great professional experience that went off without a hitch; and of course the Olympics. I'll write more about the other games I went to soon and post more pics etc, but wanted to send a quick parting shout to Zhong gou (Chinese for China).
First off, I realized that this is the longest time I've been oveseas for a single stint in my life. Crazy. But its good to know that I can pull this off, so hopefully there will be a time for me to break my own record soon.
Secondly, there's been a lot of buzz about the Chinese government launching missiles to clear the air and controlling the weather during the Olympics. After the first week, clearly the weather control was overstated. It was overcast, smoggy, rainy, hot, humid, and downright nasty on a couple days. Then yesterday, Friday August 15, the first day of events and activities at the Bird's Nest stadium, the weather was nothing short of perfect. I mentioned to a number of people that yesterday was a perfect Southern California day. Blue skies, probably 83 degrees, and periodic breezes. Rarely in all of my visits here have I experienced a day like this. I couldn't help but think that the govt somehow made this happen. The only evidence would be if the weather could sustain. It is now 8am in Beijing on Saturday morning and looking out the window the blue skies are still here. Very interesting.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Picture Diary (Day 1-Women's handball)
Last Saturday I went to my first Olympics game in Beijing and second of my life (during the 1984 LA Olympics, I went to a soccer game at Stanford. US v. Costa Rica. I remember US won 3-1 and this was the first time I ever participated in the wave.). Women's handball.
Here are some shots from Saturday's action:
As you can see, there was not too much action happening around the venue. It actually had the feel of a high school game or a Round 1 NCAA game.
We had pretty cool seats right behind the net of this crazy sport. Its like a cross between basketball and soccer and allows for crazy physical play. I actually enjoyed it.
Here are the two reasons I really enjoyed myself:
The exchange rate is 6.8 RMB to $1. Translated...beers cost about $0.75. Also, the second game featured Korea v. Russia. I still remember a lot of the cheers from World Cup 2002, so I found myself rooting for them. After an even match, the Russians took what seemed to be an insurmountable lead, but Korea showed resounding Olympic spirit and caught and ended the game in a 29-29 tie. Russia was bummed and Korea was lucky to escape with a tie.
As is the case with most of the games I've seen on TV and the two I've attended here, there are tons of empty seats despite being touted as sell-outs. Based on conversations I've had with folks, a huge allotment of seats are earmarked for corporate sponsors who often do not use their tickets. Such a waste. They also fill up sections of the stands with students and migrant workers. This I can dig because at least they're at the game. The unused seats thanks to Budweiser and Coca-Cola are a bummer.
Lastly, after the tons of cheap beer, I had no choice but to use the dreaded port- a-potty. Here is where the US can learn something from Chinese technology. Periodically, the squatter will fill up with suds in a mechanical self-cleaning mode. It's great. The booths don't reek and you don't have to see what lies beneath. You just see peaceful flowing suds like in a soothing bubble bath.
Here are some shots from Saturday's action:
As you can see, there was not too much action happening around the venue. It actually had the feel of a high school game or a Round 1 NCAA game.
We had pretty cool seats right behind the net of this crazy sport. Its like a cross between basketball and soccer and allows for crazy physical play. I actually enjoyed it.
Here are the two reasons I really enjoyed myself:
The exchange rate is 6.8 RMB to $1. Translated...beers cost about $0.75. Also, the second game featured Korea v. Russia. I still remember a lot of the cheers from World Cup 2002, so I found myself rooting for them. After an even match, the Russians took what seemed to be an insurmountable lead, but Korea showed resounding Olympic spirit and caught and ended the game in a 29-29 tie. Russia was bummed and Korea was lucky to escape with a tie.
As is the case with most of the games I've seen on TV and the two I've attended here, there are tons of empty seats despite being touted as sell-outs. Based on conversations I've had with folks, a huge allotment of seats are earmarked for corporate sponsors who often do not use their tickets. Such a waste. They also fill up sections of the stands with students and migrant workers. This I can dig because at least they're at the game. The unused seats thanks to Budweiser and Coca-Cola are a bummer.
Lastly, after the tons of cheap beer, I had no choice but to use the dreaded port- a-potty. Here is where the US can learn something from Chinese technology. Periodically, the squatter will fill up with suds in a mechanical self-cleaning mode. It's great. The booths don't reek and you don't have to see what lies beneath. You just see peaceful flowing suds like in a soothing bubble bath.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
08.08.08 O My
Tonight it all begins. After seven years of preparations, Beijing will welcome the world with the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. Locals have been told to stay home from work today, bars and restaurants are getting booked, and red China flags are out in full force...along with security.
A group of us will be watching the Ceremonies in typical ex-pat fashion- at a Western style, hip bar on a giant flat screen tv. Good times. It really feels like New Years Eve. Excitement is in the air, folks are making plans, and traffic is eerily light.
Quick weather update: much has been made about the weather here and the plans to blow up the clouds, shut down factories, etc. At 12:15pm on Aug 8, it is an overcast day. The air actually doesn't have the brownish tint that I've gotten used to, but is just a foggy day, almost SF style plus the ungodly heat. Hopefully, it will rain early this afternoon so the clouds could thin out, but at the moment, thoughts of a clear night doesn't seem likely.
Ticket update: I have been able to score some games and am hoping for more during my one week of Olympiad. Here's what I have so far:
A group of us will be watching the Ceremonies in typical ex-pat fashion- at a Western style, hip bar on a giant flat screen tv. Good times. It really feels like New Years Eve. Excitement is in the air, folks are making plans, and traffic is eerily light.
Quick weather update: much has been made about the weather here and the plans to blow up the clouds, shut down factories, etc. At 12:15pm on Aug 8, it is an overcast day. The air actually doesn't have the brownish tint that I've gotten used to, but is just a foggy day, almost SF style plus the ungodly heat. Hopefully, it will rain early this afternoon so the clouds could thin out, but at the moment, thoughts of a clear night doesn't seem likely.
Ticket update: I have been able to score some games and am hoping for more during my one week of Olympiad. Here's what I have so far:
- 8/9 Women's handball prelims- Korea-Russia & Kazakstan- Romania
- 8/10 rowing prelims
- 8/13 Men's soccer- US-Nigeria & Argentina-Serbia
- 8/15 boxing prelims- lightweight and bantamweight prelims
- 8/15 baseball- Japan-Netherlands
Later today I head to the NZ Embassy to try to score some of their unused tickets. More soon.
**UPDATE**: I just returned from the NZ Embassy. Nothing is better than getting tickets from nice folks that speak like Jemaine and Bret. Apparently a number of game tickets reserved by the Kiwis have gone unused. The games that they had available though were not too sexy. I picked up:
- 8/12 women's field hockey: US-Japan; Korea-Netherlands
The other sports they had included softball, equestrian (in HK), soccer (in Sheyang), and canoeing. Like I said, not too sexy. The bright side is the field hockey tickets only cost me 72 RMB each ($10.58). It also doesn't look like I'll be getting tickets to US-China hoops on Sunday night. I can't afford the $500 price tag. I did find out about a viewing party hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce. For 250 RMB ($36), all you can eat and drink at a BBQ joint during the game. Sounds like a sweet alternative, no?**
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Balling in Beijing
I'm back to about 85% health-wise and spent a Sunday afternoon playing hoops with a co-worker. We went to the Beijing Communciations University to play some pick-up. First of all, it was great to know that the atmosphere on a college campus in Beijing mirrors the vibe of a campus in the US. I've never been able to put my finger on it, but whether I'm at UCLA, Stanford, or Beijing, the same sensation resonates. It must the concentration of thousands of young, eager minds coallescing in one tree-lined, grassy commune that gives off a certain sentiment. Either that, or the innumerable dating opportunites for college kids that gets everyone excited.
So basketball is indeed a popular sport here. There were five full-courts full of people playing 4-on-4 halfcourt with a least one team waiting at each court. Furthermore, there were packed volleyball courts, soccer fields, and of course badminton. It was great to see.
As I got in my first game (I was the only foreigner in the whole joint), the other three guys each a
sked if I could speak Chinese. When I said no, they all looked bummed. Once the game started, it was all good. A couple of passes to guys for easy buckets put me in good graces. Unfortunately, my first shot was a wide open 18 footer for an airball. Nice. I later hit my stride and it was fine.
sked if I could speak Chinese. When I said no, they all looked bummed. Once the game started, it was all good. A couple of passes to guys for easy buckets put me in good graces. Unfortunately, my first shot was a wide open 18 footer for an airball. Nice. I later hit my stride and it was fine.
More than breaking down my own game, I wanted to point out a few differences of pick-up on this side of the Pacific. 1) they play games to 5. The insane amount of people in China must be the reason. Only short doses so all could get a taste. Quite communist. 2) when you get fouled, you take the ball out from under the hoop, not up top. 3) they don't "check" the ball, whenever I was taking it out after a bucket, I would instinctively pass to the guy guarding me first. Fortunately, he immediately passed it back seeming to know what I meant, but one guy on my team told me to stop doing that. 4) screening has not exactly made its way to China. Its a ton of one-on-one isolation, and drive and kick or shoot. 5) This one is perhaps universal. The fellas with the best gear were not the best players. A kid with the crispy Jordans and the Lebron t-shirt was garbage, while the dude in jeans was going off. 6)Like the Fresh Prince once said, basketball courts in the summer got girls there. Among the 150-200 guys playing hoops, there were a handful of ladies checking out the scene and watching their guys play. Again, this is fairly universal. 7) Not much acknowledgement for a good pass. Anyone that has played with me knows that I like to distribute. Not that I need it, but a nice gesture, finger point, or high five would have been nice. Its all for the greater good, so I guess its fine.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Week Until the Games Begin
Anyway, with only a week to go until the Opening Ceremonies, and a slow Friday work day (finally!), I wanted to catch everyone up on the latest goings on here in Beijing.
First of all, the anticipation is palpable. I had been staying at some nice hotels this past month, and just this week, I noticed a lot more foreign faces wearing the obligatory Olympic placards around their necks. Important people I assume. Excitement is definitely in the air as more folks are arriving. This morning I met a woman in the elevator with a bag full of adidas boxes and geared up in adidas herself (My experiences attending international sporting events has taught me how to pick out sporting officials from a mile away. Its the athletic gear and always with the crispy, clean kicks- mostly adidas). I come to find out that she is one of the dozens of FIFA referees staying at the hotel to participate in training to gear up for the Games. Pretty cool. Unfortunately, their arrival and other Olympic folks means that I have to move out of these fine digs tonight, and into a modest two star hotel. The rates at the hotel have gone up to about $800 a night and my non-profit can't afford such a price. Such a bummer. I had been living pretty large for the past month at the Ritz-Carlton and then The Regent (I know, crazy, but we get an insanely reasonable rate usually), and instead of rubbing elbows with fancy Olympic folks, I may end up having to make my own dumplings for the next two weeks. I move into the new digs, Home Inn (or as a buddy of mine here calls it-- Homey Inn), tonight. I'm hoping for the best. OK, enough whining, here are some quick hits of what's been going down lately:
- I have tickets to rowing preliminaries on Aug. 10, US-Nigeria and Argentina-Serbia (Messi!!) soccer double header on August 13 (compliments of US Soccer of course), and a baseball game to be determined. I'm working hard to score a US hoops game, but this is obviously a tough ticket. I also want to check out the track stadium and swimming venue which are great architectural designs. Whether or not, I get tix, I'll post pics of the venues. Pretty amazing stuff.
- I've watched so many DVD's this past month, I wanted to give a very quick list and review: There Will Be Blood (excellent!), Cloverfield (great concept, too shaky), Hot Fuzz (funny), Hancock (wait for video), Season One Dexter (very good, but I doubt I'll watch season two. Serial killers aren't my bag), The Other Boleyn Girl (good first half, fell asleep for the rest-shocker!), Super High Me (super mediocre), The Hammer (I like. Rent it if you can) and others I can't remember right now.
- I went for pizza at a place called The Tree last week near Sanlitun (bar street). This is a popular place for foreigners and they serve up a decent pie as well. Anyway, in the bathroom I saw a sign that said during the Olympics, the bar will close at 10:30 each night instead of the usual...actually I have no idea, but I know this place usually rages until the wee hours. So weird. I would have thought that places would have wanted to take advantage of the foreigners wanting to party, but instead the Chinese govt decided to close a lot of nightspots early during the olympics to prevent any ruckus I suppose. Terrible plan. I have a feeling that the vanilla hotel bars and their $8 beers will be all the rage. I'll let you know what happens.
- Somewhat related to the above point, all of my "go-to" DVD shops have vanished since last Sunday. Actually, they haven't vanished, but any of their English language titles (aka bootlegs) have disappeared. It is as if you went to McDonald's for a burger and found out they were serving spaghetti, it was pretty jarring. Especially since I was hoping to pick up Season One of Mad Men that I had just seen a week prior, and now it was gone. When I asked, the guy behind the counter shrugged. I think if I went with a local, they could speak Mandarin and get the low-down, but a foreigner like myself gets nada.
- My language skills are still atrocious but I have a few words down: hello (ni hao), thank you (xie xie), The Regent Beijing (li jing da jo dian), cold- as in cold beer (bing da), check (mai dan), I understand (ming bai), I don't want (bu yao), I don't have (mei yo), OK (hao), yes (duai), rice (mi fan), Tsingtao (Tsingtao). Sadly, that's about it. I actually know a few more words, but these listed above usually get me through the day.
- I really enjoy meeting ex-pats when I travel. Last week, a partied with an Irish guy, and 3 Dutch folks that all live and work here. Its especially great after a few drinks and realizing that I'm in Beijing talking about agricultural engineering in Pakistan with a Dutch guy while listening to hip-hop playing in the background. This never gets old.
- Also, our organization actually has a blog to give some Asian perspectives on things happening on this side of the Pacific, I contributed an entry this week: http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2008/07/30/in-china-olympic-expectations-and-anxieties/ I've received pretty good feedback from co-workers, but any faithful readers to this here site will recognize that I have been edited to no end. I mean not one of my jokes were left in. Anyway, have a look and if you are interested in such info, please subscribe to the weekly newsletter. You can get email updates and the content is usually very strong. Also note that my entry has zero to do with issues.
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