Burma's Protest

One of the Nation's largest anti- government protests started in Pakokku, Burma almost two decades ago. And it was repeated recently in the city of Pakokku, the home to over 80 monasteries, and the center of Buddhist learning. In September of 2007, hundreds of thousands of monks and nuns marched in protest against the military government. Burma captured the world's attention when when they took to the streets in cities throughout the country. Burma's most recent protest happened on October 31, 2007. It is good to know that in spite of everything that has happened to monks and the citizens of Burma, they are still standing up for what they believe in.

China's sex ratio in Newborns

In 2005, the China Family Planning Association (CFPA) conducted a survey on the gender ratios of newborn babies in the city of Lianyungang. They found that in children from newborns to the age of four, the ratio was 163.5 boys for every 100 girls, and in 99 other cities in China the gender ratio was 125 boys to every 100 girls. According to the United Nations standards the average range should be below 107:100. When the gender ratio is off, this can be a serious problem, with the stability and harmony of the family structure. If you have more males than females, the males will have more difficulty finding a spouse, and vise-versa.

EU-China Trade Summit

The annual summit between China and the EU has begun and the focus is on trade relations between the two countries. The EU is concerned about the value of the yuan versus the euro as it has weakened in recent years making it more costly for European producers to trade in China. This is an issue that China must tackle if it wants to continue to grow and establish itself as an economic super power around the world. The more China is unwilling to make terms that are more fair to international producers, the more those producers will look elsewhere to trade their products. China is looking out for itself and is trying to get the best deal it can in business which is commendable for itself and for its people. But it cannot go on ignoring the pleas of international manufacturers without eventually facing the consequences of its actions.

'twenty years from now'

I am very interested in how things are going to play out the next twenty years and beyond. China is well on its way in establishing unprecedented economic prosperity. Japan and Korea parallel China's hardworking ethics and economic growth. The United States is on the verge of a new president, which might go down in history as the most significant presidency to date. As the United States and East Asia rely on one another, the next president will play a major role in establishing, or hopefully not, distancing the relationship between the two. The next twenty years will set the foundation for the future of global relations. Not to be forgotten, the next president could possibly bridge the gap between race and gender inequality.

'Chinese' tequila worries Mexico

'Chinese' tequila worries Mexico is the latest headline to be found on the BBC webpage. The article contends that Mexican lawmakers are fearful that Chinese and Japanese buisness interests are beginning to market their own brand of the beverage in competition with Mexican varieties. I find it hilarious, and a confiming send off, that China and Asia have begun to move into other spheres of buisness to create competiton in markets that now are affecting other countires other than the US. While liqour sales and production varies worldwide, this move by the Chinese only solidifies my understanding that the world economy is moving (or has moved) East, back to its origins, which date to the Southern Song dynasty, 1100 AD. I feel that as Americans we should begin to wake up to this fact and stop thinking about ourselves as the number one economic country in the world. Credit cards, housing, and the military industrial complex are what keeps our economy going. America basically produces very little today. And as our housing market has rescinded, and as the military industrial complex has never benifited the American people, we must understand that Credit card debt will only get called in later. We need to right this ship now so that we can compete in the global economy and not get left in the dust of China, which has a sixth of the worlds population, an authoritarian government that can control its populace better, and the impressive (aggressive capitalistic exploitative) modern history of Europe (and its own much vaster cultural history) to look at as an example of what and what not to do. The mexican government seems to be in an uproar over tequila because they fear that they will no longer have a place in the world economy. They don't want Jose Cuervo "made in China" (although Tsing-Tao Beer is much better than most domestic brands includung the Mexican import Corona in my own opinion, so maybe Mexico should let the Chinese have a crack at it). The US should follow suite and find its own producing niche because we need to realize we are not the center of the world, we are a part of it. As such, to live in the new/old economic world order we have to begin producing again. We can't sell guns, and mastercards forever and expect be leaders in the world. There is little choice for us. In my own opinion the next step in energy production is where the US should concentrate its efforts since no one is in the lead in that sector... unless you count Brazil. Its either that or as Retired Major Gene Duncan once said "if we can't protect ourselves abroad, then we might as well pull all of our troops home, close off the borders, and arm ourselves to the teeth!" Sounds alot like isolationist Japan in 1640... makes me want to run to the store for a bottle of Chinese Tequila since we know how that one turned out.

WTO investigates supposed Chinese sales restrictions

"The United States says "less favorable distribution opportunities" in China for foreign-made CDs, DVDs and computer software have cost U.S. media companies millions of dollars"

"For some U.S. audiovisual products, distribution is limited to Chinese state-owned firms. For others, companies face complicated requirements that do not extend to Chinese competitors, the U.S. says."

This is a he said she said kind of thing to me, because Washington claims that these practices are unfair, yet Beijing claims there is ample access. I think its one of those things where one country is going to do one thing no matter what. In a way this is the same with what the US does to its corn growers, they heavily subsidize farmers whom grow corn and other certain crops, yet this violated WTO policy and are ready to scream bloody hell when another country does it.

China: First Photos From Lunar Probe

China recently received its first transmission of photos from its Lunar probe that was sent out into space last year in October. There is only a few countries in the world that posses this technolgy, however I don't think China should be one of them. There is millions of people in China that are poor and perhaps going hungry, this money they're spending on space exploration could be used for other more useful stuff. It's kind of what the soviet union did back in the day, invest the majority of its money into the military and space exploration to keep up with the united states, yet millions of Russians were going hungry, and eventually this overspending on the military helped bring about its demise. I do think China should invest a lot of its money into research, but practical research, I just don't see how mapping the whole of the lunar surface will help them in any shape or form.

Middle Easterners are moving to China

It seems that for the person ready to leave countries like Syria and Iraq that the next likely place would be America, right? Wrong. I believe this middle eastern exodus to China is happening because China is easier to immigrate to the the United States, and the Chinese seem to be more open to the religion of Islam then Americans. I do not know that this trend will continue, but it is something not to forget.

Dubai Firm investing in Sony

As these Asian companies become big global players traded on the open market, what will happen when they become take over targets for foreigners? Will foreign interest in these companies change the work ethic that made them successful in the first place or will they embrace it?

I think the successes of the small family business in places like China can't last. Eventually the most successful families will seek funding for research and development and their industry won't be in favor with their government forcing them to turn to outside financing. This will make the stake holders responsible for working conditions and liabilities that will inevitably lead to worker reform in East Asia, which will cost them their competitive edge bringing the next emerging economy to the front.

Nuclear Containers in Japan

Japan is taking extra precautions in regards to nuclear materials containers, recently there has been a push for tougher rules regarding the transportation of nuclear goods. Due to anticipation of an increase in transportation, Japan has decided that tougher rules need to be created in order to insure safety of its citizens. Japantoday.com states that the Industrial Safety Agency will create methods that will measure the safety of these nuclear containers alongside the Japan Nuclear Energy Safety Organization. Along with these changes, Japan is in need of newer transportation modes following the recent increase in nuclear activities. Japan will also be in cohorts with both Europe and the US, as far as the collection of relevant data. Nearly 62 years after the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the US, Japan is forging ahead in their foreign relations and seeking to confide in the United States. All things considered, I find this to be a remarkable accomplishment, yet if I were the United States I would definitely keep both eyes and ears wide open.

The Nuclear Incentive

Relations between North and South Korea appear to be improving considerably, even beyond the level of mere lip service. The evidence of real progress is the economic agreements that have begun to take shape between the two countries (SEE STORY). This is the first definitive proof that reconciliation is actually likely, because as we all know, money talks. The money in this case amounts to about $11.5 billion in infrastructure renewal (paid for by both sides) on the North Korean side so that economic cooperation between the two countries may begin in earnest.

The reasons for the moves towards reconciliation on the part of the S Koreans are varied but I would not be surprised if it was due in large part to the fact that the N Koreans are now a nuclear armed state. I imagine all the assurances given to the S Koreans by the Bush-league administration of the South's assured safety in their capable hands in security matters did nothing to assuage Southern fears of a nuclear armed North.

bird flu threat remains

Japan has banned trading poultry with Korea due to an avian flu outbreak. The koreans found a weak strand of the flu amongst their ducks, and have slaughtered roughly 17,000 ducks since. Japan has asked that Korea keep them informed of the situation so that they can eventually lift the ban.

The Possible End of the Golden Weeks

Could you imagine only having a mere three weeks a year to vacation, one week in spring, one in the fall and one in the winter? This is how the Chinese vacation, and many feel that after there vacation they need yet another week or so to regroup following the traveling hassle. With China's current population currently standing at 1.3 billion it seems hard to imagine how anyone could get a vacation with everyone traveling at once. The LA Times article stated that sometimes two or three people will vie for the same seat, with people across the country making the pilgrimage back to their hometowns. Many citizens refer to these weeks as "hell weeks" and even officials are looking into ways that will allow for less complications. Recently, officials have considered the idea of a long-weekend (an American favorite), therefore allowing the citizens more freedom. From an economic standpoint, there would be constant production instead of the traditional decrease in production during the three weeks that everyone is on vacation. There are also environmental implications that are being considered such as; people flocking to the national parks and monuments. This new change would also cause changes in the holiday calendar, giving Chinese citizens 11 days off instead of 10 days. Citizens have mixed reviews, with many considering the tradition that will be lost, and as the article stated it is very difficult to change the habits of over a billion people. Whatever the outcome, any major change is going to be a process.

Bigger But Not Better

The Three Gorges Dam was completed in China last year. It broke several world records. It is the biggest dam, biggest power plant, and biggest consumer of steel. Although many saw the completion of the dam as a huge asset, it does have downfalls. Unfortunately, the dam is causing water pollution and landslides. Although the dam is a source of renewable "green" energy, it is currently a detriment to the environment. The leaders of China must remedy the Three Gorges Dam to save face and save the environment.

A Military Mind

The recent actions of Myanmar's Senior General Than Shwe, prove that war torn minds aren't fit for leadership. After spending time in a mental rehabilitation center, do to pts disorder, Than made his way to the top leadership position in Myanmar's military political structure.
I have had many talks with military persons who have served their time in Iraq. I ask them how it feels to be back in the country and most if not all of them say that it is hard to re assimilate to everyday culture. This is due to the very rigid structure that soldiers adhere to while in duty, and the constant threat of being KILLED. The responsibilities of freedom, and and the stress relief, have affected the minds of our soldiers dramatically. A study has been taken on soldiers who have returned home from Iraq, and the majority of our troops have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
This disorder is the exact thing that General Than Shwe was diagnosed with, after his run in with combat. Trying to run a country like an army is futile. In the military soldiers are expected to follow orders, and not to be free thinkers. However in citizens minds, there is always a quest for freedom (in one form or another, be it democracy or free speech, etc.) With military rule this cannot be accomplished, and is the sole reason for the recent conflicts in Myanmar.

Brains Wanted

looks like Japan has once again been able to make us look silly (see story). Because of Pres. Bush-league, we're lagging behind not only in security, but in scientific advancements as well. We are now to the point of having to import our scientists from Japan when it comes to stem cell research. Who woulda thunk it? The US, the country responsible for unleashing the nuclear genie out of its bottle, has to resort to importing genius.

Celebrities against Dolphin killings

Today on television, I learned that Hayden Panitierre faces possible arrest in Japan. The young actress recently traveled to Japan to protest the slaughtering of thousands of dolphins annually. Panitierre waded out to a boat that was full of men killing dolphins and was sent back to shore. Images of her were splashed across the tv screen, crying in anguish at the sight of the killings. It was just last month that I heard of this practice for the first time, so to see a famous face joining the cause, was surprising.

Korean kidnapping issues

Japan is making it obvious that Korea isnt their favorite country. Japanese are troubled that the US might take korea off the list as possible terrorist threats. The Japanese are also troubled with the fact that North Korea has nuclear weapons. Through disarmament, the US is taking Korea off the list, but Japan still has a suspicious eye looking at Korea. Japan admits, part of their trust issue with Korea is the fact that Korea keeps kidnapping Japanese people. Korea has given some of the Japanese back, but Japan claims that there are still more. What may happen with this situation is the US will not let Korea get off of the terrorism list until Korea gives back the people they kidnapped.

A Never Ending War

Although the fighting stopped over fifty years ago, the Korean war never officially ended. The fighting stopped with a cease-fire instead of a peace treaty; therefore, the war is technically ongoing.

The president of South Korea is eagerly encouraging the leader of North Korea to sign a treaty to officially end the war. Ending the war would be seen as another leap forward in stabilizing relations with the North and encouraging their nuclear disarmament.

Perhaps the South is utilizing the end of the war to meet its current agenda. Perhaps this strategy will only increase tensions between the Koreas.

From War and Peace to Gas and Oil

These days there isn't much in the way of international conflicts that does not have something to do with hydrocarbons. The US, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Nigeria, East Timor, Indonesia, India, Russia, The EU, Turkey, Canada (with the North West Passage), Ecuador, Bolivia, to name a few, are all ( some more tragically than others) involved in foreign policy conflicts concerning either the extraction or transportation of hydrocarbons. We can now add China and Japan to the list in light of the two countries recent inabilities to agree on maritime boundaries disputed since the end of WWII (SEE STORY HERE).
Japan is in a very tight spot in the negotiations in light of the recent news that Indonesia will be cutting natural gas exports to Japan by 75% after the contract between the two nations runs out in a couple of years. The fact that China is already extracting natural gas from the region only makes the situation more desperate for Japan.
This is without a doubt the most important issue concerning relations between the two countries and one that will not be settled any time soon, especially considering the matter of China's pride in regards to the atrocities committed by Japan during WWII.

42nd Street in China

The Broadway Musical, 42nd Street is playing in Shanghi. This is interesting because it shows the growth of Chinese society. A western American play is now showing in China. I believe this shows China's dominance and emergence in the world.

Is North Korea to Become South Korea's Mexico?

I found an interesting line in this (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/15/world/asia/15korea.html) New York Times article detailing proposed cooperations between the two Korean governments. Part of the plans would include South Korea "build[ing] special economic zones so it can relocate some of its labor-intensive industries there." At first glance, one might see this as an attempt on the South's part to make the North an area to provide cheap labor to it's companies. Also in the article, however, we read that "South Korea hopes to improve roads and railways in North Korea." I read this and hope it means that as unification looms on the horizon, the South is already planning ahead to fix the infrastructure of a country 50 years behind.

Burma talk

I was unable to attend the lecture on Burma on Thursday because of another class meeting, but I did a little bit of my own research on the matter. Burma, formally known as the Union of Myanmar, has the largest geographical area in southeast Asia. The country achieved independence from the Untied Kingdom in 1948; I was particularly surprised by this fact. I really wanted to attend the lecture because Burmese citizens are rapidly growing in the United States. A friend of mine and fellow co-worker, who is distinctively Burmese, has had great success in the United States and still helps out his family in mainland Burma. He works the Tsunami Sushi Bar that my Kroger store runs, and many people have enjoyed the sushi he makes. I've spoken to him on numerous occasions, he speaks very good English mind you, and he has been quite curious with my own, Korean heritage. He told me of the poverty his parents and grandparents went through and he has been doing all he can to provide for them. I would really like to visit Burma at some point because I have visited China and Korea already and Burma seems to be growing very rapidly.

Implications of future global famine and malnutrtion

China is continuing to experience rapid growth. South Korea is also experiencing the same type of growth however more risk and less foreign interest are present. Southeast Asia is beginning to have an increasing amount of foreign investment and growth. This new growth and opportunity may seem great, yet there is one “tiny” problem which may have major global repercussions. Once again, global warming could easily stunt all of Asia’s growth, as well as the well being of the global economy. On any given day, one can read or watch business articles and television programs implicating how China and countries of East Asia will be part of the next global economic power, China. However, these aforementioned countries have huge populations of farmers and peasants. The problem poised by global warming would directly affect these peoples. According to scientists, the world will face a mass loss of human life in areas which are dependent on natural water sources and subsidence farming. The projection for the future is that over one billion people will perish due to drought and famine. The people that are most likely to experience this outcome are the population residing in isolated regions of Africa and Asia. One has to question what economic effects would be felt domestically as well as globally due to the internal catastrophes that the Asian countries are projected to experience. The biggest and most severe of these problems would be in North Korea. If it has not already been analyzed, which I’m sure it has, what would North Korea do if millions of it’s citizens were dying of famine and malnutrition. Not to say that this is not already occurring, but on an even larger scale; What would the role of the United States and the United Nations be at that point in time?

Japan II

Japan looks like a volcanic island sitting in the Pacific Ocean. Some of the waves that beat against the coast reach as high as 150 feet. One of the most famous symbols of Japan, is the sacred volcano Mt. Fuji, it is known as Fuji-san meaning "Mr. Fuji" in Japanese. This volcano has not been active for about "3,000 years", since 1707. More than a million tourists climb it every year. The most popular city in Japan is the acient imperial capital of Kyoto. It was spared during the bombing of World War II. Today it is an "open-air museum".

Japan

Japan is one of the most beautiful nations in the world. It is an island that sits in the Pacific Ocean. Japan has of lots of mountains and a beautiful landscape. The only way to get their is by air or sea. It has four seasons like the United States. Their most beautiful seasons are the Spring and Fall. During the fall their is a vast display of the beautiful hues of Autumn. During the spring Japan's countryside is covered with pink and white cherry blossoms.

China cracking down on pollution.

China has announced that it will be withholding loans from some companies that are heavy polluters which is a big step forward in slowing the amount of pollution the country is producing. Some of these loans are over one million dollars and the reason this is significant is because the maximum fine for companies is only $13,500. It is nice to see that one of the world's largest producers of pollution is now taking greater steps toward improving the environment. Hopefully we will see more of this to come in the future, even if it means that China's economic growth takes a small hit from these measures.

Shanghai in the Cultural Revolution

China's extensive history has many significant moments that helped shape the future, and defined that particular time period. The Cultural Revolution is no exception. What is truly fascinating about 1966 to 1976, is how the scenario changed dramatically from one city to the next. What was taking place in Beijing, is not necessarily what was happening in Shanghai. The CR, however, exemplifies the Chinese ability to stay united, and keep from falling into civil war. Mao remained extremely influential during this time period, but the weak state, created a scenario where the violence could have been much worse. The cooperation and conflict between the workers and intellectuals in Shanghai is fascinating. Anyone who is interested should read Proletarian Power: Shanghai in the Cultural Revolution.

japan and korea

Japanese parliament decided it would be best to withdrawal from the refueling mission given to them by the US. Japanese leaders will meet with Bush soon and discuss several issues, some of which might have something to do with their withdrawal. Amidst this, Japan does not want the US to take Korea off the blacklist of possible terrorism, even though it is agreed that the US will take Korea off if they disarm their nuclear weapons. So Japan needs the US to keep a watchful eye on Korea for them, it is said that Bush will be asking that Japan loosen regulations on aged beef.

Threat of the North on the South

We recently heard that top officials in South Korea still feel threatened by the presence of their neighbors to the North. Naturally, any country that was close to a country that was in the process of dismantleling their nuclear weapons program would feel threatened. However, South Korea has reason to be extra precautionary, because Kim Jong Ill is such an unstable leader when looking at the situation from a mental level. It is possible that the North Korean leader could turn this into another Iraq situation. Let's hope that's not the case, because the least thing the United States needs right now is another war on terror....

South Korea threatened by the North?

The defense minister of South Korea claims that North Korea remains a serious threat. Although North Korea has pledged to dismantle its nuclear program, South Korea is still intimidated by its military.

The South says it has seen no credible evidence that the North has began nuclear disarmament. However, State Department officials from the U.S. maintain that North Korea has began dismantling its asymmetrical (nuclear) weapons program.

Although they are making progress, North Korea must make greater strides to gain its political incentives from the United States. Perhaps, the claims made by South Korea will pressure the North to continue its disarmament process and make the region safer.

Japan's Most Successful Drug

A Drug is -"any article, other than food, intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of humans or other animals." Most if not all of us have come into contact with this drug, if not partaken in its use. This drug started out named "Nintendo" and has spread to other names commonly known as "Play station, X Box, Wii, and many other forms." When partaking in these drugs, the user loses sense of time and reality. Some adverse affects could include seizures, carpal- tunnel, and poor time management skills. I have seen this one drug destroy peoples lives and today it is heavily affecting our world's younger generations.
These gaming systems have had a detrimental affect on our worlds youth. This phenomenon began in Japan and has spread its way across the pacific and completely taken over the minds of our youth. The quest for never ending entertainment is a seductive thought, but in reality it has caused false hope and retroactive actions.

America's Evolving Relationship with Japan

According to the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/world/asia/09gates.html?n=Top/News/World/Countries%20and%20Territories/Japan) Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is urging Japan to take a more active role in global security, going so far as to say they have an "obligation" to it. It made sense during the Cold War for the US to provide military protection to Japan, allowing them to put their recourses into expanding their economy. America and it's Western Allies needed a strong, stable capitalist democracy in East Asia. But now, with the threat of communism gone, and with Japanese companies out performing their American counterparts in so many fields, it is not surprising to see this slow shift in policy by Washington. It will be interesting to see how Japan responds to this.

It All Leads to Lead

Once again another recall has caused problems in the United States, due to the manufacturing problems in China. I believe the real problem lies not in China but in the large corporations in America. The multi-million dollar companies are acting as though they cannot believe that such an atrocity as lead in a toy could happen. My personal opinion is that the manufacturers are simply telling their subcontractors to make their product for as cheap as possible. That is, do hatever you can to keep the price low and do not tell us how you get it accomplished. This practice has led to increased skepticism in the purchase of Chinese made products which are superior to domestic, American products. The people of the United States consumer needs to quit pointing the finger at the Chinese and turn their finger towards the home grown "honest" American corporations.

North Still Threatening to South

Even though North Korea has begun their Nuclear Arms Dismantlement Program the South Korean Minister of National Defense, Kim Jang-Soo, says that the military threat of their Northern neighbors is still prevalent. Also, he said their was no clear intelligence that the Communist North had stopped it's pursuit for "asymmetrical weapons (unconventional weapons)." What this says to me is that although Kim Jong-Il is keeping his word to abolish his nuclear program he is still unsatisfied with it, at the same time. During my trip to South Korea, the Northerners actually tested a missile in the ocean and caused great distress in Seoul. It's obvious that Kim Jong-Il cannot be trusted, and is gradually making his way to the same plateau as Sadaam Hussein. South Korea needs not to worry about this situation, because if the North does attack, the United States will be behind them 100%. Although the thought of another Korean War is a little unsettling.

WHAT OPPOSITION?

Is there anything more disgusting than the meretriciousness displayed by members of the Democratic party in rubber stamping everything that our fearful leader recklessly crams down this country's throat (SEE STORY HERE) ? Where are the promises to keep this lunatic under control while we all are forced to suffer through the last miserable year of his illegitimate presidency? Didn't these spineless worms get swept into office on promises of bringing an end to the policies of this most embarrassing, incompetent, inconceivably detrimental chicken hawk? Can someone please tell me what happened to the opposition in this country? Right about now I'm thinking I may as well just move to Burma where at least you know what you're up against.

So what does this rant have to do with Japan? I find it amazing how the opposition party in Japan can have the discipline and courage to take on the ruling elites without fear of repercussions or concern for upcoming elections. The upper house of the DIET literally PULLED JAPAN OUT OF COLLUSION WITH THIS MANIAC BUSH'S "OPERATION FREEDOM". No excuses, no strategy explanations, just action. If only we had the democratic traditions of Japan.

Motoyobu Miyazaki is refusing to testify as an unsworn witness in a corporation scandal. Miyazaki is a former executive in Yamada Corp, which is under investigation for collusion. He was summoned recently and has refused to be involved. One can imagine that Miyazaki has something to do with the case that may not be good for his reputation. The case isn't against Miyazaki though, it is aimed at scandals that may invovle the top defense beaurocrat and the defense trader.

China's use of ivory

I recently saw on 60 minutes how China's new wealth is affecting Africa elephants whose populations have been recovering from the slaughters of the 70's and 80's. As China becomes a major economic power--status symbols such as ivory have been in high demand. Although illegal--ivory is traded out in the open in China. The problem is much like the United States drug problem. When there is demand someone will fill it. China needs to enforce the ban on ivory--creating a social stigma for possessing ivory--to discourage its demand. Unless something is done soon the African elephants may face extinction.

Japanese vs. Korean attidue toward Religion

In information I received from several classes, I perceived that Japanese tend to be less religious, while South Koreans tend to be more religious.

I get these conclusions because of hostage cases in Iraq. Japanese Christian missionaries went to Iraq and were captured and held hostage by terrorists. They eventually were set free, but the Japanese government made them pay for their plane tickets home, and imposed huge fines on them. Many of the former Japanese hostages now live in disgrace.

When the Korean Christian missionaries were captured and held hostage by the terrorists this past summer, the Korean government tried to immediately come to their aide by negotiating with the terrorists. They eventually became free also, but they were not criticized like the Japanese.

These two hostage cases in Iraq show the religious differences between the two countries.

Naming frenzy

I saw an article this weekend online about the upcoming 2008 Bejing Olympics. Apparently, more than 3,500 Chinese children have been named "Aoyun," which means Olympics in Chinese. It seems that the Chinese have fully embraced the 2008 Olympics are jumping at the chance to get the Olympics throughout their culture. I have heard that the Chinese oftentimes express individuality through birthnames. This seems that even after the upcoming Olympics are long and overwith, the event will still be evident because of this naming.

Elderly Priosners

Japan is home to one of the world's most quickly aging societies. Because of this reality, most of Japan's criminals are now age sixty-five or older. Most of the perpetrators are imprisoned for nonviolent crimes. The majority of them were found guilt for shoplifting or petty theft.

In the U.S. most of the elderly prisoners are incarcerated for more vicious crimes that led to long sentences without parole.

Japan is seeing a rise in the number of elderly criminals due in part to the breakdown of the traditional society. Because they have no one to care for them, people often turn to crime to beat poverty. This rise in the elderly prison population is increasingly causing problems for the Japanese government due to the high costs of health care for the aging prison population.

Oil an Issue, Once Again

Genocide is what was, and up until very recent the actions that were, and possibly still may occur in Sudan. Here is a country that is mainly rural, and in pre-modern times hasn't been that wealthy, if not poverty stricken. Finally Someone (China) stumbled across some black gold and the show began. Every one knows that oil is the one substance that has caused more conflict in our modern society than anything else, and this is true for Sudan. The Chinese government has been endorsing this whole oil fiasco and doesn't look as if it's going to back out anytime soon. The land that most of the oil comes from belongs to the Sudanese rebels that occupy it. So what does China do, they go and build arms factories to help the government "protect and defend itself" while its invading/ claiming its rightful land... this is the "truth" is in their eyes at least. All of this is common knowledge to the world public, but last weekend 10-27-07 peace talks occurred in Libya, the same day that i met my new co-worker who is from Libya.
Naturally we began to talk about what was happening, and he pointed out something so basic that it is very hard to miss, but no one's talking about it. He stated that the Chinese government is backing the Sudanese government and guess who's backing the rebels, America. Here we have a miniature war over Oil that has so far flew underneath the blatant gossip of our informative and "certainly unbiased media". Support for the Sudan rebels is not a new thing, its just unpopular. Its unpopular due to the nature of the support, which mainly came from religious, and very conservative organizations, there is however one "giant" source of support that is un-fundamental. His name is Manute Bol. Mr. Bol up until a few years ago was the tallest player in the NBA. His success in the NBA provided him with ample funds, most of which went to Sudan. He virtually gave most of his money to the Sudanese rebels and continues to run charity organizations in the rebel's behalf.
This conflict is very unpopular, and has caused thousands of lives. The only way America as a nation is going to get involved and to actually do something, is when there's money to be made, and finally something worth while (of course other than the thousands of lives being exterminated) comes into light and causes us to act... Oil.

Lou Dobbs' Jargon

This past week I witnessed the Lou Dobbs report in which Lou held a special on the "concern" with China's recent passing of Germany on the list of largest economies. Lou went on and on about how the rise of China is just another blotch on the Bush administration. Lou also commented on the United States' massive importation of Chinese goods. What Lou failed to mention was that it was Nixon who opened the gates with China. Mr. Dobbs, acting as if he knew more about China's economy than any cabinet member of the current presidential administration, referred to China's currency as the Chinaese "yen," not the "yuan." In watching the Lou Dobbs report I became very frightened. I was not frightened concerning the growth of China, but that Lou's so called esteemed and professional opinion is conveyed to and believed by the majority of television viewers. It is scary to think that a man in Lou's position, whose opinion impacts many lives, is him himself naive and miseducated on the current happenings in Asia.

Japan Withdrawing from "War on Terror"

The pacifist Japanese people are no longer behind America in the Iraq war. They have called home their ships, which primarily were used for refueling. Japanese politicians are worried about damaging their alliance with America, so are considering getting involved passively in Afghanistan and Pakistan instead.

rotten teeth

Earlier this week there was a mass recall on yet another Chinese made toy which contained lead. This time it was the rotten fake teeth that many wear on Halloween. The question I have is why are we as a country still accept products from China? This year has been full of recalls from China. If this were a smaller or less powerful country than China we would have cut off imports long ago. If we were to take a stronger action , maybe the country would be more inclined to properly produce their products.

Longs to speak for China

Chan Wai-Yee, longs to speak for China. She is a famous female journalist, who has worked for over two decades specialising in reporting political news for China. She has reported some memorable events like the launching of Hong Kong's limited cable television, the birth of the Apple Daily, 1989 democratic movement in Mainland China, the 1997 handover of Hong Kong's sovereignty, and the July 1st mass rally in 2003. Ms. Chan's fervent love of China, and wish is that one day her country will move towards democracy.

Gender Inequality

Apparently, gender inequality is a major problem in Japan. It is a major issue here in the United States as well, but even more so in Japan. The Japanese women only receive about half of a male's salary, and only 5% of leadership positions are held by women. Once women are able to break into the leadership positions, this will give them greater access to bringing awareness and reforms to help eliminate gender inequality. As of the past couple of years, the Liberal Democratic Party has tried to reword the constitution, and put reforms in place that will push gender equality backwards. A 2005 article called In Japan, Women's Constitutional Rights In Peril discusses the seriousness of this issue.

China on the Global Oil Roller coaster

Recently on the BBC homepage there was an article published commenting that the centralized price controls of Communist China were found to be unmanageable when it came to energy prices. The unfortunate truth that China's oil prices have shot up 10% recently have come as another blow to a people whose ideas of the Iron Rice bowl were dashed in the 80's due to Deng Xiaoping's market reforms. Since the PRC is in full competition with any other country in the world for resources shouldn't they be treated like any other country that is developed enough to compete for such resources. In much the same way as any opinion columnist might state his case, I find that the excuse for which China refuses to adhere to any environmental policies because it is still a developing nation, is as ridiculous as the USA's excuse, that it will damage our economy (which has some how become dependent on a housing market/dependent on cheap labor and credit cards, nevermind the 1.4 trillion dollar deficit with the PRC). Both are laudable choices of rhetoric to appease a large section of those with a great deal of money. Interestingly, the United States will have to face up to any major environmental problems in the future as any other world nation because we are quickly being surpassed by China as the leader of the global economy. As such, we, as number 2, will not have such a high perch to caw from. Yes, the Middle Kingdom is once again receiving that which it held sway over for centuries, if not millennium. The world economy within the next twenty to forty years will be centered on Beijing or possibly Shanghai, they will be the new New York of the World and they will be outside the laws of many nations as it refers to environmental impact. While the US might be a bad example as the single largest polluting group in the world today, just imagine the new (re-new?) world leader China, with greater than 1.5 billion people (or more)... that is one massive carbon footprint.