CitizenSugar -- Breaking News, Together.

Briefing Book! Chinese AIDS Attitudes Often Misguided

LibertySugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0800

AIDS: Forty-eight percent of Chinese would not share a meal with someone with AIDS? Misconceptions around AIDS contributes to stigma in China. — Shanghaiist
Obama Administration: Reader beware? In the transition name game, reported cabinet appointments aren't always done deals. — Talking Points Memo
Food: How much do Americans spend on food each day? Find out! — SavvySugar
Global Warming: Obama's only one man? President-elect got caught on tape during debate prep asserting colorfully that he alone can't solve global warming. — 23/6
McCain: McCain at ease after loss? The day after the election Obama faced global crises, McCain faced a barbecue. — Politico

Source

Front Page: Late Rallies Hope to Push Voters to Morning Polls

LibertySugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:30:00 -0800

Last night the candidates wrapped up two years of campaigning. Barack Obama saved his biggest Virginia rally for last — a jam-packed event in Manassas with 90,000 people reportedly in attendance. Meanwhile, a fired-up John McCain told supporters to "be strong and fight" in an election eve rally Monday, his last before voters in swing state Nevada weigh in. — Huffington Post
Long lines formed when polls opened in Eastern states. Barack Obama's bid to become the first black president faces the final test of his remarkable two-year journey, while Republican John McCain presses for an Election Day upset. — MSNBC
A report released on Monday by a state board found that Gov. Sarah Palin did not apply improper pressure to try to dismiss a state trooper who was her former brother-in-law and did not violate state ethics laws in the firing of her public safety commissioner. The report by the Alaska Personnel Board contradicts the conclusions last month of a separate inquiry into the matter overseen by a bipartisan legislative panel. — New York Times

Taiwan and China set aside decades of hostilities today, agreeing to expand flights and allow shipping links across the Taiwan Strait, a hotspot that has long threatened to become a war zone. — Associated Press
Iran's parliament sacked its interior minister after he admitted a degree he said he obtained from Oxford University was a forgery. It is a setback for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad eight months before he faces presidential elections. — BBC News

Source

Briefing Book! Experience China's Censored Internet at Home

LibertySugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0700

China: Want to come face-to-face with China's Net Nanny? New Firefox ad-on lets you experience the censored Chinese internet at home! — Shanghaiist
Palin: Will Tina go softer on the Palins? Sarah offered her daughter Bristol to babysit Tina's daughter during SNL. — Huffington Post
Voting: No long lines there? Astronauts cast ballots from space. — Neatorama
Florida: An effective surrogate? Republican strategist says Governor Charlie Crist's decision to extend voting hours in Florida just blew the state for John McCain. —23/6
Media: Is the media getting bored with pointing out campaign falsehoods? ABC picks apart lies about Obama's 2001 radio interview that are now centerpiece of Palin's stump speech. — Talking Points Memo
McCain: Behind the fancy campaign lies the truth? McCain responds to Obama's half-hour ad with new video. —Townhall

Source

Human Rights Online: Tech Companies Adopt Conduct Code

LibertySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:15 -0700

Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft are set to adopt voluntary and uniform guidelines to govern their international business practices, this week. These Internet companies have struggled to find acceptable means to deal with countries like China, which silence the voice of dissidents on the Internet, and block certain websites. China has used emails sent by dissidents as evidence to put them behind bars.

Part of the code of conduct will require the companies to carefully scrutinize a government's demand for information about users, or government requests for nationwide censorship. The rules, generated by teams from the tech companies, public interest groups, academics, and socially conscious investment funds, weren't just created in the name of human rights — they're also designed to counter bad publicity surrounding tech company compliance with repressive governments.

Should international companies stay true to their hometown freedoms, or should they expect to play by the rules of all the countries where they do business?

Source

Human Rights Prize Could Spoil Chinese-EU Relationship

LibertySugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:13 -0700

China has thrown its weight around in Europe, declaring that its relations with the 27-members of the European Union will be seriously damaged if a dissident, currently jailed by China, receives the EU's top human rights award. Hu Jia is one of three finalists for the Sakharov Prize, and has campaigned on behalf of Chinese democracy, environmental, and HIV/AIDS movements. He has been imprisoned since last December, and was sentenced to "inciting subversion of state power" this past April.

Writing a letter to the president of the EU assembly, China's ambassador said:

If the European Parliament should award this prize to Hu Jia, that would inevitably hurt the Chinese people once again and bring serious damage to China-EU relations. . . Not recognizing China's progress in human rights and insisting on confrontation will only deepen the misunderstanding between the two sides.

In addition to this letter, China may have an opportunity to exert some pressure during the EU-Asia summit in Beijing. Starting Friday, Nicolas Sarkozy, current EU president, will ask China to become a partner in saving the world's financial system. Can one country's criminal be another 27 countries' hero? Or is Hu Jia undeniably a hero for all humans?

Source

China Tries to Rule Out Islam

LibertySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:00:53 -0700

China, an officially atheist government, closely controls the five recognized religions — Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Taoism, and Buddhism. China keeps an especially close look at the northwestern Xinjiang region, where Islamic and separatist ties are strong. This weekend's New York Times took a look into how a rising China wants to blunt the rise of Islam.

Some restrictions include:

Sermons at Friday Prayer cannot be longer than a half-hour.
Prayer in public, outside the mosque, is forbidden.
Many residents can only worship in mosques located in their cities.
Government workers and Communist Party members cannot attend services.
Non-official versions of the Koran are illegal.
Only special government school may teach Arabic.
Students and government workers must eat during Ramadan.

China seems more concerned with freedom from religion, than freedom of religion.

Source

Front Page: UN Chief Offers Emergency G-8, Poll Finds 15% Happy With Country's Direction, China's Growth Rate Slows

CitizenSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:56:14 -0700

UN Chief On Emergency G-8:
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has offered to host an emergency G-8 summit at the UN to discuss the global financial crisis. Backing Sarkozy's appeal for world leaders to act together and meet by December, Ban said, "Such a format will allow us to more effectively act upon this crisis which requires a global solution through cohesive international partnership."

15% Happy With Country's Direction:
An AP/Yahoo poll just released found the number of people who believe the country is moving in the right direction has fallen from 28 percent last month to 15 percent this month. Respondents gave President Bush a 25 percent approval rating and nearly half of those in their 30s and 40s are worried about losing their jobs.

China's Growth Rate Slows:
The growth rate of China's economy has fallen for the third straight quarter to 9 percent, down from 10.1 percent in the previous quarter. A spokesman for the statistics department said of the trend, "The growth rate of the world economy has slowed down noticeably. There are more uncertain and volatile factors in the international economic climate. All these factors have started to release their negative impact on China's economy."

Source

Front Page: Bush Defends Economic Measures, China's Media Freedoms to End, US Pushes for Iraq Security Deal

CitizenSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:00:41 -0700

Bush Defends Measures:
In a speech at the US Chamber of Commerce moments ago, President Bush defended the government's recent intervention in the financial crisis as measures of "last resort," saying that it will "take a while" for the credit system to thaw and that Americans can be confident it will. He said of the intervention, "Had the government not acted. . . We would have been forced to respond with even more drastic and costly measures later on."

China's Media Freedoms to End:
The rules that allowed greater freedom for foreign reporters during the Olympics are set to expire. There has been no word yet whether they will be extended, tossed, or traded for a new set of rules. The rules that allowed journalists to travel around China without applying for permission did not apply to Chinese journalists. Many hope the freedom will expand as a legacy of the Games.
US Pushes for Iraq Security Deal:
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is seeking to extend the US mandate in Iraq which is set to expire later this year. The details of the planned draft would have US troops withdraw from Iraq by 2011. Official approval by Congress isn't required though approval from Iraq, is. The current mandate expires on Dec. 31.

Source

Beijing Brings Back Olympics Car Rules to Cut Smog

CitizenSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

While the medals and finish lines from the Olympics are becoming a distant memory — so was the hard-fought clean air that Beijing enjoyed during the Games. Residents have been discussing just how to keep the measures in effect, and now they might have won. A partial victory at least.

Traffic restrictions have been re-introduced to Beijing, hoping to bring back the easy-breathing peace and quieter of the Games. The new plan doesn't go as far as the original measures however — each car only has to spend one day a week off of the roads, as opposed to the every other day plan during the Olympics. The benefit is, "expected to reduce Beijing's average road traffic flow by 6.5 percent," according to one city official. During periods of heavy pollution, the restrictions can be returned to the more stringent every-other-day plan.

How many cars are we talking that will be affected by the plan? To find out,

Briefing Book! China Surveillance Spying on Skype Users

LibertySugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0700

China: Wireless wiretapping? Chats over Skype network are being tracked and recorded by computers located in China. — Shanghaiist
McCain: Is John McCain a hipster? Campaign could roll out old pics to help McCain with hipster demographic. — 23/6
Abortion: Will it swing voters to McCain? Pro-life group prepares radio ad charging Obama allowed babies to die. — Talking Points Memo
Bailout: Bailout for House Email needed? The Write Your Representative feature on House.gov came under more stress than the credit markets. — The Lede
Biden: What might Joe Biden say at tonight's debate? McCain released web ad of Biden's greatest hits. — Townhall
Grammar: Does diagramming a sentence provide insight into the mind of its perpetrator? Amateur language buff takes a crack at diagramming Sarah Palin's sentences. — Slate

Source

Front Page: Senate to Vote on Bailout, Chinese Gymnasts Win Age Fight, Spain Arrests 121 For Child Porn

CitizenSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 06:53:42 -0700

Senate to Vote on Bailout:
Senate leaders have scheduled a vote today on the $700 billion bailout proposal after adding tax breaks and a higher insured bank deposits limit in an attempt to win House approval and send the bill to President Bush by the end of the week. Senator Harry Reid said, “It has been determined, in our judgment, this is the best thing to move forward," when he announced the unexpected move.

Chinese Gymnasts Win Age Fight:
International gymnastics officials closed a five week investigation in to the ages of the Chinese gymnasts competing at the Beijing Olympics, ruling that documentation rules that the gymnasts were old enough to compete. The scrutiny has not yet cleared gymnasts who won the team bronze in Sydney eight years ago saying, "The FIG does not consider the explanations and evidence provided to date in regards to these athletes as satisfactory.''
Spain Arrests 121 For Child Porn:
In what's described as Spain's largest operation against child internet porn, Spain's authorities say they have arrested 121 people and millions of images. Police say two of those arrested were using their own children to make pornography. The sting involved 800 officers, 210 searches, and 347 hard drives seized. The raids bring the number of people arrest for child porn in Spain in the past five years to 1,200.

Source

China Takes a Giant Leap Forward With Its First Space Walk

LibertySugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:38 -0700

China wants to become a modern world power, and it's willing to go to the moon for it. Building on national pride generated by the Beijing Olympics, China sent three astronauts to walk in space on behalf of the Chinese people. The mission intended to test and display Chinese space technology. Yesterday, the "taikonauts" returned home to a hero's welcome.

Becoming only the third nation to walk in space, China took the first step towards its goal of building a Chinese space station as a challenge to Russia and the US Western powers and Japan have become nervous with suspicion that China wants to militarize space.

But even though China conducted an anti-satellite missile test last year, prospects for closer US-Chinese space cooperation have improved. This summer the US Treasury Department lifted sanctions against China, imposed thanks to allegations that China helped Iran develop its missile program. Top space officials from both countries have met, too. Here's to hoping the world doesn't face a space war!

Source

Front Page: Bush to Meet Candidates, China Launches Space Mission, Civilians Flee Violence in Somalia

CitizenSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:54:22 -0700

Bush to Meet Candidates:
After his address on the economy last night where President Bush said, "we're in the midst of a serious financial crisis," Bush is set to meet with both candidates plus leaders of Congress today. It's a session he hopes will, “speed our discussions toward a bipartisan bill.” It was Bush's first prime-time speech devoted to the economy that he says, is "in danger."

China Launches Space Mission:
China's third manned space mission blasted off today on a journey that will last 70 hours and will include the country's first space walk. China's president was on hand to see the astronauts off on their riskiest mission to date. China became the third nation ever to put a man in space in 2003.

Civilians Flee Violence in Somalia:
Thousands are fleeing the capital of Somalia following fighting between AU peace keepers and insurgents have left 50 dead since Monday. Aid workers say between 15,000 and 18,000 have fled the city and are now living in terrible conditions in makeshift camps. Aid will likely not reach the needy as conditions in the country are too dangerous for agencies to operate.

Source

China Hosts Massive Post-Olympics Job Fair

LibertySugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:10 -0700

When a country spends seven years getting ready for the Olympics, a whole lot of jobs must be created along the way. In fact, Chinese officials estimate that since 2001, 600,000 Olympic-associated jobs were created each year. Now that the big games are over, China's labor force wants to use the skills to transition into new employment. The government is happy to help, setting up a massive two-day job fair.

About 100,000 Chinese are expected to attend the fair, which kicked off yesterday. While access to companies ready to hire is promising, it must be hard to make a lasting impression among such a sea of people. Hopefully the job seekers have some memorable resumes!

Source

Front Page: Chinese Milk Toll Rises, Embassy Attack Kills 16, House Passes Offshore Drilling

CitizenSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:00:40 -0700

Chinese Milk Toll Rises:
Twenty-two brands of Chinese baby formula have been found to contain toxic levels of melamine. The tainted milk has sickened 6,200 babies and killed three, the toll five times higher than previously announced. Those diagnosed with "acute kidney failure" numbers 158, and the Chinese health minister says they will all receive free health care.
Embassy Attack Kills 16:
An attack by Islamist militants on the US Embassy in Yemen has left 16 people dead. The second strike on the highly secured compound in six months, a group called Jihad in Yemen has claimed responsibility. Fierce gunfire erupted after a suicide bomber detonated a car at the entrance. The embassy spokesman said, "We are very aware that there is a continuing threat here and we are continuously reevaluating our security status."
House Passes Offshore Drilling:
The US House of Representatives passed legislation this morning that lifts the ban on offshore drilling and opens much of the coastline to exploration. The vote was 236-189 in favor of the plan which gives individual states the option to explore between 50 and 100 miles from their shores, and completely opens areas 100 miles out.

Source

Briefing Book! Olympic Medalist Calls Chinese "Scum"

LibertySugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0700

Diplomacy: Can one stupid comment hurt the countries' relations? Israel's lone medalist calls the Chinese "scum." — Shanghaiist
VPs: How do you debate a woman and win? Pretend she's a man, and you're not Joe Biden. – Slate
Healthcare: Who will it help? John McCain wants to tax your employer-provided healthcare benefits. — Swampland
Palin: Fact or fiction? Breaking down the rape-kit story. — Townhall
Lobbyists: Birds of prey or part of a complex Washington reality? McCain's aides often end up as lobbyists. — Politico
Michelle Obama: Will you tune in for Michelle, the food, or both? Michelle Obama to appear on Paula Deen's Food Network show to make fried shrimp. — YumSugar

Source

Front Page: Haiti Faces Weather Catastrophe, Ice Sheet Breaks Loose, Gas Explosion Kills Miners in China

CitizenSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:00:02 -0700

Haiti Faces Weather Catastrophe:
After being hit by three storms in less than 21 days, killing 170 people and causing thousands to flee their homes, Haiti's president says the country is facing a "catastrophe." The latest storm, Hanna, could cause more destruction than the one in 2004 that killed 3,000 people. The Haitian leader is holding emergency talks with donor countries appealing for aid.

Ice Sheet Breaks Loose:
A chunk of ice shelf almost the size of New York City has broken away in Canada's northern Arctic. Scientists say it's a dramatic indication as to how much warmer temperatures are. The 19-square mile shelf is part of the 4,500-year-old Markham Ice Shelf and is now adrift in the Arctic Ocean.

Gas Explosion Kills Miners in China:
A gas explosion has killed 23 and trapped four others in a mine in China's northeast. A spokesman confirmed the explosion but would not say more. China's coal mines are among the world's deadliest with fires, floods, and other disasters killing an average of 13 miners a day.

Source

The Chinese Got Used to Clean Air — Can They Make It Stay?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:45:00 -0700

Now that the torch has been shelved for another four years and the birds' nest stadium is empty, Chinese residents are hoping to keep one benefit of the Games — increased air quality. During the Olympics, officials enacted strict measures to try to clear out the perpetually smoggy air, including limiting traffic and curbing factory production. The measures are set to stay in place until Sept. 20, and tons want them to stay longer than that.

At least 400,000 Chinese have joined online discussion groups to talk about how to keep the measures well beyond the Paralympics Games which kick off today. Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed supported continuing the traffic restrictions which keep half of the vehicles off the road at any one time — better for the air and the traffic. Pollution is down by 50 percent, a 10-year record.

With ideas like keeping the special lanes created for the Olympics and turning them into mass transit lanes, is it possible that the will of the people will be heard? If the Chinese are willing to accept inconvenience for cleaner air, will economic factors persuade the government to go back to business as smoggy usual?

Source

Front Page: McCain Set to Announce Palin as VP, Iraq Signs $3 Billion Oil Deal, Mexico's Court Upholds Abortion

CitizenSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:05:56 -0700

McCain Set to Pick Palin as VP: According to sources close to the campaign, John McCain has picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. A formal announcement is expected shortly at a campaign rally in Ohio. A 44-year-old mom, Palin flew overnight to an airport in Ohio near Dayton, thought to be awaiting her formal introduction.

Mexico's Court Upholds Abortion:
Mexico's Supreme Court has voted to uphold legal abortion in Mexico City, keeping the city one of only a few places in Latin America that allow abortion without limitations in the first trimester. The Roman Catholic church blasted the 8-3 decision announcing that they will redouble their fight against it.

Iraq Signs $3 Billion Oil Deal:
Iraq has signed a $3 billion oil deal with China, its first oil deal with a foreign country since 2003. The contract is pending approval by the Iraqi cabinet, but if passed work could begin on the oil field in a few months. The 22-year contract is a new version of a 1997 contract with China began under Saddam Hussein.

Source

Briefing Book! China Faults Paperwork For Gymnasts' Ages

LibertySugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:30:16 -0700

Gymnastics: Confusion or cheating? China acknowledges gymnastics team age confusion, blames bad paperwork. — Huffington Post
France: Lethal summer in the Alps? Ten missing after yet another summer avalanche, 100 have died this summer. — The Lede
Romney Does he have to go with experience? Biden pick means McCain has to tap Romney. — Donklephant
Gas: Silver lining? High gas prices drive down traffic fatalities. — Townhall

Source

Chinese Made in the USA Tee — Pointed Critique or Pointless?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:00:10 -0700

With all of the controversial news that's sprung to life out of China during these Olympics (protesting and grandmas facing labor camps, to name a few) this t-shirt encompasses a whole slew of thoughts behind the complicated nature of the relationship between China and the US. The design is pretty cute — and the slogan, "Made in the USA" written in Chinese characters, makes a statement of its own. But between Chinese products causing trouble, manufacturing moving there, and China's growing economy, what appears to be a hipster fashion choice could very well have political implications. What do you think? Would you wear the statement?

Chinese Made in the USA Tee — Pointed Critique or Pointless?

Pointed Critique. It calls attention to China's looming presence in the US economy.

Pointless. Who's going to know what it even says? And China is far from taking over.

Other. I know it's just a t-shirt, but I have some stuff to say about it in the comments.

Elderly Chinese Women Sentenced to Hard Labor For Protests

CitizenSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:00:40 -0700

Despite the news of sparkly gold, silver, and bronze medals raining out of China, some awards haven't been so auspicious. Despite big plans to allow dissent during the Games, not only have no protests been approved, some of those who did apply have either disappeared or were sentenced to labor re-education camps.

Who's being sent to camps? Threatening characters like two women in their late 70s who were forced from their homes in 2001 and wanted to use the Olympic opportunity to protest. On their first trip to Beijing Public Security Bureau, they were interrogated for 10 hours and then the two septuagenarians were then sentenced to one year for “disturbing the public order.” To see what the sentence means for the women,

Nothing to See Here: China Has Yet to Approve a Single Protest

LibertySugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:00:51 -0700

Chinese athletes may be winning more gold medals than any other Olympic team, but the country's protesters haven't won an ounce of government approval. China got a pat on the back when the country agreed to special protest areas in three parks during the Olympics. Well, it appears China had a trick up its sleeve when it made that concession: so far none of the 77 protest applications have been approved.

Activists can't just wing it in China. The government has strict guidelines for potential protesters — applicants must provide the types of posters and slogans to be used, how many people will participate, and the names and addresses of the organizer. According to China's demonstration law, applications can also be rejected if the protest could harm national sovereignty or unity, or if police suspect it will undermine public order. To see what Beijing officials say about the lack of protests,

US Gymnastics Blames Stadium Officials For Silver Meltdown

LibertySugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:14 -0700

The US women's gymnastics team pointed to stadium officials when explaining their disappointing silver medal finish in the team competition. US coach Marta Karolyi blamed the Beijing stadium officials for disrupting Alicia Sacramone's preparation for the beam. Karoyli said: "First they called her name up, then they did not even put her name up even though the Chinese had finished . . . (it was) totally unusual holding."

The loss of concentration apparently caused Alicia to fall off the beam and then slip during the following floor exercise. If it weren't for the unsettling, Karolyi maintains, Alicia would not have made the crucial mistakes and China would not have won the gold medal. Hours after Karoyli's lashout, the USA Gymnastics president mitigated the statements suggesting that Karolyli was simply disappointed by the loss.

Some believe the Chinese government issued falsified passports to underage members of their women's gymnastics team, making them eligible for competition. Has China given itself some unfair home-field advantages, or is the US just being ungraceful losers? To see some a lot more beautiful pictures from the competition,

Olympian Milli Vanilli? Cuter Girl Lip-Dubs For Real Singer

CitizenSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:02:02 -0700

The angelic-faced cherub singing with a voice from heaven during the opening ceremony of the Olympics really only had one piece of that puzzle: Lin Miaoke, the 9-year-old who was featured performing "Ode to the Motherland" while fireworks flared and 1 billion people watched was pulling one of the oldest tricks in the book. She was lip-synching the song.

And not just to ensure a flawless performance in case nerves or the wires interfered with her singing — she lip-dubbed because she was cuter than the girl who owned the voice. Under pressure from the highest levels of the Communist Party, the ceremony's production team was sent on the ultimate star search: to find the perfect face and voice to represent China. Unable to find the whole package, they pulled a C+C Music Factory swapperoo: Lin Miaoke performed to 7-year-old Yang Peiyi's voice (pictured below). To see why this happened,

Racist or Funny? Spanish Teams Pose With "Slit" Chinese Eyes

LibertySugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:45:10 -0700

While making a slit-eyed gesture and standing near a Chinese dragon, members of Spain's Olympic basketball teams posed for an advertisement, apparently unaware of offensive overtones. Two large photos, one of each team's members pulling back the skin by their eyes, filled an entire page in Spain's most popular newspaper. A sponsor of the Spanish Basketball Federation published the questionable good-luck message, but apparently the sport's governing body saw no reason to object either, as its seal also appears on the ad. Racism and sports have collided before in Spain. Perhaps the International Olympic Committee will consider Spain's cultural insensitivity when assessing Madrid's bid for the 2016 or 2020 Olympics.

Racist or Funny? Spanish Teams Pose With "Slit" Chinese Eyes

Racist! This ad is offensive.

Funny. What's wrong with a little teasing between sports rivals.

This is an isolated bad joke, but it's not the end of the world.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Relative of US Olympic Coach Killed in Beijing

CitizenSugar — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:55:15 -0700

Olympic Tragedy: Relative of US Olympic Coach Killed in Beijing A Chinese man stabbed the in-laws of the US Olympic men's volleyball coach, killing one and injuring the other while they visited a Beijing tourist site near the main venue where Olympic competitions began Saturday. The assailant also stabbed and injured a Chinese tour guide with the Americans. He then committed suicide by leaping from a 130-foot-high balcony of the ancient landmark the Americans were visiting.

China's Dislike of Activism Unmasked — Officials Revoke Visa

LibertySugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:00:41 -0700

The Chinese government has a short fuse when it comes to tolerating activist-athletes. Chinese officials revoked the visa of Joey Cheek, a gold-medal speedskater and co-founder of Team Darfur. Cheek, who won the gold at the 2006 Olympics, helped create the organization of athletes dedicated to ending human rights violations in the Darfur region of Sudan. China has come under fire for its human rights policies and for purchasing large amounts of oil from Sudan.

And perhaps not wanting to be booted out of China themselves, the four US cyclists who wore black pollution masks over their noses and mouths in the Beijing airport have apologized. The US Olympic Committee chief said the athletes sent a written apology to the Beijing Organizing Committee because "they've now seen how their actions have been perceived. They were very eager to take the right action, which was to apologize to their hosts." Do you think an apology was in order?

The US Olympic team has chosen a Sudanese refugee to carry the American flag at the Beijing Opening Ceremonies. I wonder how China feels about that.

Source

Front Page: US Cracks Largest ID Theft, Rwanda Accuses French of Genocide, Bush to Urge Human Rights

CitizenSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:00:26 -0700

US Cracks Largest ID Theft:
US authorities have charged 11 people in what they're calling the largest-ever identity theft case. Hacking into the computer systems of major retailers like TJ Maxx and Barnes & Noble, the group is accused of stealing 40 million credit card numbers before selling them. The DOJ says the scam caused "widespread" losses, and US AG Mukasey says, "this case highlights our increasing vulnerability to the theft of personal information."

Rwanda Accuses French of Genocide:
Rwanda's government issued a report accusing French officials of involvement in the 1994 genocide that left 800,000 dead. The officials are accused of giving political and logistical support to Rwanda's extremist government and Hutu forces. The report says, “French soldiers themselves directly were involved in assassinations of Tutsis and Hutus accused of hiding Tutsis."
Bush to Urge Human Rights:
In Thailand today, President Bush is delivering an address communicating his "deep concerns" about human rights in China, and urging the communist nation to broaden political freedom. Bush says, ''America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates and religious activists. We speak out for a free press, freedom of assembly and labor rights — not to antagonize China's leaders, but because trusting its people with greater freedom is the only way for China to develop its full potential.'' Bush arrives in Beijing for the Olympics later today.

Source

Front Page: Assault at Chinese Border, Rescue on K2, Pakistan Army Kills 94 Militants

CitizenSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:57:52 -0700

Assault at Chinese Border:
An attack on a border post has left 16 policemen dead in China. The border with the Muslim region of Xinjiang (near Tajikistan) was breached by two attackers who drove up in a garbage truck, threw two grenades, and then moved in to attack with knives. The area is home to Uighur separatists, who human rights groups say are oppressed by Beijing.

Rescue on K2:
Pakistani helicopters have rescued two members of a K2 climbing group that lost 11 members over the weekend after an avalanche swept away their fixed rope, leaving the climbers to freeze to death. Bad weather has prevented efforts to rescue one Italian climber still stranded. K2 is thought to be the most dangerous mountain to climb.

Pakistan Army Kills 94 Militants:
During fighting in northwestern Pakistan, the army has killed 94 Taliban militants and lost 14 soldiers in fighting. It's thought that 25 civilians and eight policemen have also been killed in a flare up of violence burst in the past week. The former tourist area has a fragile peace deal between the government and militants, and the violence has led the military to say, "the operation will continue till the objective of clearing the area of militants is achieved."

Source

Total Solar Eclipse Passes Canada, Russia, Welcomes Olympics in China

LibertySugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:15:11 -0700

Canada, Russia, and China saw a total solar eclipse today. The moon passed directly between Earth and the sun, revealing the breathtaking outer atmosphere of the sun, which is made up of super-heated gases. Other locations saw a partial eclipse. The Chinese consider eclipses bad luck; in ancient times they believed that a dragon or dog was swallowing the sun. But the Chinese media dubbed this one the "Olympic eclipse" and broadcasted the astrological event live on national television. Thousands of people watched the eclipse the old-fashioned way, too, by going outside. In Novosibirsk, Russia, 10,000 tourists came to the city to witness it, securing hotels months before. We cannot usually see the outer-atmosphere of the sun, called the corona, because the sun's light is too bright. Check out these stunning pictures of one of nature's most beautiful phenomenas.

What Not to Wear: Beijing Olympics Edition

LibertySugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:02 -0700

Chinese authorities know that looking fierce is key to making a good impression on the world. That's why they're handing out etiquette books to 4 million households. In the books, the Chinese fashion police have put white socks with black shoes, outfits with more than three colors, and pajamas in public on the Olympic "don't" list.

The Chinese are also trying to make sure Olympic fans and participants will have no need for tacky-looking breathing masks — drastic tactics are being used to improve air quality. On alternating days only even or odd license plate holders are allowed to drive in Beijing, and some factories have been shut down. Since air quality is still horrible, Beijing might turn to "ultra-emergency" tactics, like shutting down most industry, along with 90 percent of car traffic. According to experts, air quality is pretty elastic and could improve quickly if most emissions stop. Let's hope so!

What sounds like a worst PR disaster: no visibility due to smog, or a public pajama spotting? Maybe if it's smoggy enough, we won't be able to see the pajamas anyway.

Source

Is It Important for the US to Win the Most Olympic Medals?

LibertySugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:30:38 -0700

Fifty-three percent of American adults think it's important for the US to bring home the most medals from the Beijing Olympics, with 19 percent saying that it is very important. While it's one thing to root for the home team, it's another thing to say medal supremacy is "important." Where does the importance lie? Does the winner get to set the agenda for the UN General Assembly? Or could a seemingly public relations victory increase (or save) America's international standing and influence? If America does not hold onto victory on China's home court, has it somehow symbolically passed the torch of preeminent global influence to China?Since World War II the US has topped the gold medal count in more than half the Olympic Games. In the last three Summer games, the US won the gold medal count, and the overall count. But this year the US Olympic Committee is dimming expectations, saying that China will most likely win the most medals. Do you think it matters? Be honest!Source

Is It Important for the US to Win the Most Olympic Medals?

Yes. China's athletic competitiveness suggests economic and military competitiveness.

No. American would win if it lost its xenophobic fear of relinquishing world dominance.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Front Page: US Homeless Population Drops, Internet Censored For Games, Bush Signs Housing Rescue

CitizenSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:00:05 -0700

US Homeless Population Drops:
The number of homeless people living on the streets and in shelters dropped by 30 percent between 2005 and 2007, according to Bush administration officials and statistics compiled by local counts. The drop is attributed to a "housing first" strategy. The plan emphasizes placing the chronically homeless in permanent shelters to stop the cycle of emergency shelters, hospitals, and the streets. The decline is the most significant officials have seen in years.

Internet Censored For Games:
Journalists will not have uncensored access to the Internet during the Olympics, according to officials. Sites related to human rights and the group Falun Gong will be blocked. When China bid for the Games, they said journalists would be free to report, and blocking the "sensitive" sites does not go back on the pledge in their minds. "We will provide reporters with sufficient Internet access."
Bush Signs Housing Rescue:
President Bush signed a housing rescue package into law today that, in addition to protecting mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, includes $4 billion in grants to states to buy and repair foreclosed homes to "flip" them for profit and a fund to help homeowners get more affordable mortgages. The nation as a whole is $12 trillion in mortgage debt.

Source

Fights Break Out As Chinese Stampede For Last Olympic Tickets

CitizenSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:55:34 -0700

Fights Break Out As Chinese Stampede For Last Olympic Tickets
Thousands of eager fans who had waited for up to two days swarmed sales windows Friday for the final batch of tickets to next month's Olympic Games, knocking people to the ground and bending metal barricades in the chaotic crush. Witnesses said scuffles broke out at one ticket site as officials opened additional sales windows at the last minute, causing some fans to stampede ahead of others in a bid to buy some of the 250,000 tickets that went on sale in different parts of the host city.

Does Your Olympic Knowledge Deserve a Gold Medal?

LibertySugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:00:47 -0700

The Olympic Games have been going on since 776 BC! That's a whoooole lot of time for trivia. Did you know that when you put together the names of this year's five Olympic mascots — Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni — they say "Welcome to Beijing?" Go for the gold, and test your knowledge of Olympic history.

Source

Front Page: Hurricane Dolly Hits Texas, China to Allow Protests, Iran Says No Concessions

CitizenSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:56:59 -0700

Hurricane Dolly Hits Texas:
Hurricane Dolly arrived on the Gulf Coast early Wednesday with heavy rain and winds ramping up before the center of the storm hits towns on the Texas-Mexico border later today. The hurricane will bring up to 15 inches of rain, threatening local levees that gave way 41 years ago in Hurricane Beulah. The National Hurricane Center said Dolly could approach Category 2 strength when it makes landfall today.

China to Allow Protests:
China has announced that protests will be allowed in three specific city parks during the upcoming Olympics. To protest, one has to apply for permission from the city government and police, and stay within the parks. The director of the Beijing committee said the parks are "close to the city proper and the Olympic venues," but didn't know how the application process would work "at this time."
Iran Says No Concessions:
The president of Iran says the country will not back down in its nuclear activities. The US, UN, and EU have instructed Iran to give an answer on the issue within two weeks or face sanctions. President Ahmadinejad responded in a televised speech, "the Iranian people are steadfast [they] will not retreat one iota in the face of oppressing powers."

Source

Are You Satisfied? The World's Most Optimistic Countries

LibertySugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Satisfied with the direction your country is headed? The Chinese sure are. The rising nation tops the list of optimistic countries with a glass much more full than those of trailing countries. Eighty-six percent of the Chinese are content with China's direction, compared to 61 percent in second place Australia, according to the Pew Research Center. Eighty-two percent of the Chinese are also happy with their economy.

Economic growth and national excitement surrounding the Beijing Olympics seems to be boosting China's civic mood — in 2002, only 48 percent of the Chinese responded positively. But the people still have their concerns, most notably, worries about inflation, rising prices, and environmental degradation burden the Chinese.

To see how other countries compare to China, and who makes the list of the top-10 most optimistic countries

Olympics Emergency Air Plan: Is Wearing a Mask an Insult?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:00:26 -0700

Traffic restrictions started in Beijing over the weekend in a frantic effort to try and improve the city's air quality before the start of the Games. By only allowing vehicles with odd-numbered license plates into the city on alternating days with evens, officials hope the halving of traffic will take 60 percent of the city's 3.3 million cars off the roads and reduce emissions by two-thirds.

Though the atmospheric throat-clearing is all about getting gussied up for company, locals are loving the effect. One mom said, "it's great — today there are far fewer cars on the road and the air quality is so nice. This is good for the children." With 1,000 new cars hitting Beijing streets every day the measures are herculean in one of the world's most congested cities.

Not limited to cars, construction and factories have also been quashed, making it clear that the bid for cleaner air is wholly temporary — once the rings come down, it's business as usual. For now, an extra 4 million people are expected to smush their way onto public transportation — claustrophobes, stay out of China.

Though the plan seems to be helping a little, all of this effort still might not be enough — and the stars of the show, the athletes, are grappling with a crisis of manners over performance. To see how,

China Urges Court to Rethink Sudan Arrest Warrant

CitizenSugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:50:38 -0700

China Urges Court to Rethink Sudan Arrest Warrant
China urged the International Criminal Court to rethink its arrest warrant for Sudan's president Tuesday in a sign of Beijing's skittishness over its already difficult relationship with the African country. China, which buys two-thirds of Sudan's petroleum exports, has been repeatedly criticized for not using its economic leverage to apply more pressure on the government of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to end a civil war in his country's Darfur region.