Today, badminton superstar Lin Dan (林丹) triumphed over Malaysian friend Lee Chong Wei (李宗伟) for gold at the London 2012 Olympics. This is one of the most highly anticipated match-ups at the London games as both athletes have faced each other at major competitions in recent years, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics finals. In both Olympics, Lee has been Malaysia's first gold … [Read more...] about Letter to mom by then 9 years-old badminton superstar, Lin Dan (林丹)
Archives for August 2012
Three Common Myths about Democratic Institutions
It is obvious to any China watcher that in the western media, there is ample criticism and exposure of the numerous social and political side effects that accompanies China's rapid modernization. Three such side effects seem more frequently mentioned than the rest: abuse of unaccountable power, the rise of violent civil unrest, and the growing wealth gap between rich and poor. … [Read more...] about Three Common Myths about Democratic Institutions
The politics of the Olympics, more unfounded unfair criticisms
One of my favorite Western reporters in China is Rob Schmitz of the Marketplace program from American Public Media. (In contrast to propagandist variety like Andrew Jacobs who once wrote for the New York Times that China was banning the jasmine flower.) Today, I must take exception to a narrative he offered about Yang Yu and Wang Xiaoli for being disqualified from throwing … [Read more...] about The politics of the Olympics, more unfounded unfair criticisms
CCTV America on Qiao Liang and Gabby Douglas before the games
Curriculum protest in Hong Kong a sign some still prefer wearing dirty British laundary
At a personal level, I can easily imagine Joyce Lau being a friend, and perhaps that may end up being one day. As some of you know, she reads this blog. Her latest article in the New York Times about the recent curriculum protest in Hong Kong over "patriotic" education is tantamount to pushing a British propaganda line. It's misguided. Her article said nothing about the … [Read more...] about Curriculum protest in Hong Kong a sign some still prefer wearing dirty British laundary