This belongs to the "random musing" category. What's your take? In some quarters, the Beijing Olympics were compared to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. During the debates of that IMHO ill-conceived moniker "Genocide Olympics", Jesse Owens' name was often used. A dominant narrative was that in 1936 the more progressive United States, sent in some black athletes such as Jesse Owens … [Read more...] about (Letter) Jesse Owens, Hitler and Olympics (narratives and history as it really happened)
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(Letter) Chinese Men's Weightlifting Champion Was A Girl
You think after the underage gymnasts allegation, lip syncing, Han children dressed as minority, and modern warriors pretending to be ancient warriors at the opening ceremony, China's Olympic woes can't get any worse - think again. … [Read more...] about (Letter) Chinese Men's Weightlifting Champion Was A Girl
Recommended reading: The Online Evisceration of David Brooks, A Cautionary Tale
I have followed the responses to David Brooks' essay “Harmony and the Dream” published in the New York Times with interest ever since first reading James Fallows mercilessly picking Brooks' theme apart. There have been others joining the "onslaught" as well since then. Elliott Ng has now compiled a nice summary of Brooks' thesis and various responses online. It is well worth a … [Read more...] about Recommended reading: The Online Evisceration of David Brooks, A Cautionary Tale
(Letter) Xinhua – Post games analysis has started.
Beijing landlords reap disappointment at Olympics Overall, I would say that the games have been a staggering success. I'm extremely happy for China. But... since Xinhua broke the ice, one of the concerns I had leading up to the games was the shortfall of the economic benefit from expectations. Landlords didn't get the occupancy they hoped for - 60% of the units were vacant. … [Read more...] about (Letter) Xinhua – Post games analysis has started.
Dalai Lama offers olive branch. Is he going to visit China this November?
According to New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristof, Dalai Lama no longer insists on the "meaningful autonomy" of Tibet in the one-country-two-systems model. He will accept communist rule in Tibet. According to Kristof it is imperative for the Chinese authorities to reciprocate. He suggests a possibility for Dalai to visit China in November, for the commemoration of the … [Read more...] about Dalai Lama offers olive branch. Is he going to visit China this November?