MY LIFE AND TIMES

Tibetan New Year

Tashi — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:00:01 +0000

Today is the Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar by Tibetans around the world! The Tibetan New Year is not always the same date each year as on the western calendar, because the Tibetan calendar is made up of twelve lunar months and Losar begins on the first day of the first lunar month. Traditionally, the Tibetan New Year is celebrated for 15 days with the first three days being the most important; however, most families today will take one day to observe the holiday. Having grown up in the United States, I can’t speak personally for all the many rituals that take place over the 2-week holiday, but I do have fond memories of my mother preparing for each upcoming new year by making traditional Tibetan New Year food and drinks. A weekend evening party of Tibetan families in our community were also a fun festive time to celebrate Tibetan culture and reunite with friends and family. Unfortunately for those Tibetans living in Tibet today, there is little cause for celebration as the Chinese government has once again increased security in the region leading up today’s holiday and next months commemoration of Tibetan Uprising Day. This increased security includes restricting international media, a tactic often used by Beijing when swift punishments behind closed doors is the preferred measure of action over due-process. The effort to bring attention to the lack of human rights in China have taken to desperate measures this past year for Tibetans. There have been over 20 buddhist monks who have resorted to self-immolation in Tibet, in other words burning themselves to death in protest of Beijing’s restrictions on Tibetan culture and religious practice. In my opinion, these sacrifices in this most horrific manner are both acts of heroism and desperation. Heroism in terms of dieing for what one believes in and desperation, because the screams of injustice have fallen on deaf ears as world leaders continue to bow to the power of a growing China by allowing these civil rights abuses to continue without international scrutiny. Today plans to be a somber beginning to the Tibetan New Year for Tibetans around the world, as the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, called on Tibetans not to celebrate the new year, but instead to “pay tribute to and pray for those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the just cause of Tibet.”

2011-2012 Fantasy Football Champion!

Tashi — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:13:16 +0000

Seventeen grueling weeks of Fantasy Football trash-talking has ended only to find one last man standing with a megaphone in hand, and that would be my team, THEPOINT5 ALL-STARS! I will remember this season most for my patience in waiting to take injury-prone Matthew Stafford who I drafted in the 5th Round as the 9th QB taken overall in our very competitive head-to-head 12-team league! As I predicted from Week 1, Stafford would have a breakout season, and he did just that! Stafford finished the regular season with 5,038 yards passing and 41 touchdowns, both Detroit Lions single season records! His 5000 plus yards passing, places him 5th in NFL history for most passing yards behind only Drew Brees who broke the record this year and has topped 5000 twice in his career; retired Hall of Famer Dan Marino; and 3-time Superbowl Champion and 2-time MVP Tom Brady ~ not bad company for a third year pro! In terms of Fantasy Football, he was clutch in my 3 playoff games, compiling for 1284 yards passing, 12 touchdowns, and 121.36 Fantasy Football points in Week 15, 16, and 17! And despite having drafted RB Chris Johnson with my first round draft pick, most experts’ Fantasy Football bust of the year, I still won my league even with the 6th playoff seed! Shout-out to the ‘Beers Smokes Liquor League’ ~ until next year fellas!

Dalai Lama visits Japan, meets with disaster survivors

Tashi — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 03:37:42 +0000

According to the Kyodo news service, The Dalai Lama on Saturday visited an area devastated by the March earthquake and tsunami and took part in a Buddhist memorial service for the victims. The 76-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader offered words of encouragement to survivors during the service at Saiko Temple in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture. With about 1,000 people attending, the Dalai Lama said that as a human being he shares the pain of survivors who lost their loved ones, and that he hopes people will be able to overcome their sorrow and rebuild their lives. In Ishinomaki, about 3,800 people were killed or went missing in the disaster, the largest number of victims in a single municipality. The Dalai Lama also plans to visit other hard-hit areas, including Sendai and Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture. He visited Tokyo in April and held a special Buddhist service for victims of the March 11 disaster, but was unable to visit the devastated area. Before his visit to Ishinomaki, the Dalai Lama, who arrived in Japan on Oct. 29, made a speech in the city of Osaka and visited Wakayama Prefecture’s Koyasan University, which is affiliated with Koyasan Kongobuji Temple. The university invited the Dalai Lama to celebrate its 125th anniversary. (Jim Seida, MSNBC)

Dalai Lama’s Visa Request Denied by South Africa

Tashi — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:56:57 +0000

In a previous blog titled, The new Tibetan Prime Miniister-In-Exile I wrote the following: “Despite his best efforts, there is no doubt the Chinese government will continue to demonize the Dalai Lama as a separatist wherever he travels despite his life’s mission to bridge differences between the parties. The Chinese government regularly warns world leaders not to meet with Dalai Lama, or risk political repercussions. A sad state, which requires confident world leaders to look past political threats and see the Dalai Lama as the Nobel Peace Prize laureate that he is.” And on this note, I’d like to offer a recent disappointing example of the South African government folding to Chinese political pressure by denying the Dalai Lama a request for a Visa in order to attend fellow Nobel laureate and friend, Desmond M. Tutu’s 80th birthday celebration. Despite what excuses the South African government may offer for the denial of the Visa, the reason is simple, China is South Africa’s largest trade partner and with such a partnership there are always concessions that are in order. Unfortunately, when one gets in bed with China, it’s sad how quickly moral values are conceded and in South Africa’s case, respect for its own long history of fighting civil injustice as well. By ending apartheid, I believed new South African leaders had garnered a tremendous amount of world credibility and a respected voice on international civil rights issues if they chose to use it. Unfortunately, for those still suffering and fighting for civil rights around the world today, I wouldn’t expect South African leaders to speak up without big brother Beijing’s permission. It appears civil rights, which will forever embody the history of South Africa, is now nowhere near the forefront of their government’s agenda any longer ~ a sad state of forgetting where you came from if you ask me.. In a show of support for his friend, Archbishop Tutu lashed out at the South African government, calling its conduct disgraceful and discourteous toward the Dalai Lama. More specifically, he also criticized President Jacob Zuma and his African National Congress directly saying his government doesn’t represent him and only represents their own interests. In 2006, I had the great pleasure to see the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu speak at the Hiroshima International Peace Summit. Incidentally, the governor of Hiroshima at the time did not attend the event for world peace in his own city, need I explain why..

Dalai Lama & Artbishop Tutu

Danjiri Festival! Kishiwada, Osaka

Tashi — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:50:55 +0000

It’s been over a year since I last visited Osaka, so it was nice to be back, and nicer having experienced the Danjiri Festival in Kishiwada for the first time! Danjiri are large wooden carts in the shape of a shrine or temple. The carts are crafted out of wood with elaborate carvings. The Kishiwada, Osaka Danjiri Festival is a two-day Autumn festival in September. It is widely considered one of Osaka’s most famous and dangerous festivals. On the day of the festival, town members pull their danjiri through the streets and around corners at speeds that have caused accidents and fatalities in years past. Although I anticipated a more dangerous environment, in actuality it didn’t appear to be at all. I’m sure there have been several advancements to the quality of the danjiris throughout the years, so I couldn’t imagine one tipping over at the pace I witnessed. Nevertheless, precaution is advised if you plan to attend this festival. According to local history, about three hundred years ago, Nagayasu Okabe, a feudal lord built Shinto temples to pray for a rich harvest, and he permitted town folks to come into these religious areas of his castle while pulling a danjiri. To this date, it’s customary for Danjiri festival participants to enter into Shinto temples and pray together at the conclusion of the event. All in all, it was an exciting and interesting festival to have seen, and definitely made a weekend trip to Osaka all the more memorable!

Note: Follow this link to all the pictures I took: Danjiri Festival Album

Japan Wins the 2011 Women’s World Cup!

Tashi — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:48:49 +0000

In recent years, the Japanese women’s national teams have had an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion against the United States women when the lights are shining the brightest. This 2011 World Cup victory versus the United States was not the first time when an unlikely Japanese women’s team defeated the American women for all the glory. As recently as in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a similar story played out as well. The Japanese women’s softball team faced an American team that had won 4-straight gold medals and entered the finals with a 22-game winning streak spanning years. As the heavy underdogs on this Olympic stage, the Japanese women defeated the Americans for the gold medal. And in this year’s World Cup, the Japanese women have done it again. Entering into this year’s final versus the United States, the Japanese women had lost to the Americans 25 straight times in soccer, which allowed them to once again play the role as underdogs. With respect to sports in general, I understand playing the role as the underdog has its advantageous, but being the favorite also has its benefits as well – a point not often made. Most teams favored or expected to win have an aura around them, which creates a level of intimidation, an advantage the Americans weren’t able to tap into versus the Japanese this time. Whether they took their eyes off the prize a little with respect to the Japanese and their circumstances, we will never know, but clearly being the favorite again did not help them as the Japanese were never intimidated and appeared more focussed. I think it might have been possible when gloves touched for the first time before this fight, civility took precedent when a stare down may have been more appropriate if you catch my drift… nevertheless, the victory for the Japanese team was earned and well deserved. However, the defeat wasn’t as heartbreaking as one might imagine for most Americans, because as most Americans do, we are a culture that roots for the underdog, and despite this sporting defeat in “soccer” - I think most Americans appreciate the broader significance this win will have for the Japanese. The American women fought hard, and had their chances, but it appeared Japan was more destined to win this one for their country and all those who have suffered at the hands of the earthquake and tsunami – reminiscent of the 2009 New Orleans Saints Superbowl victory in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Congratulations Japan!

Women’s World Cup Final!

Tashi — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:15:40 +0000

The United States and Japan have reached the final of the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany! An improbable journey for both countries, as both teams were dealt with enormous challenges to make it to the final two of the most prestigious tournament in women’s soccer. In the case of the United States, the team appeared finished when entering into an extra time period trailing Brazil by a point, only to score in the closing minutes to even the match and eventually win in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. As for Japan, no one expected this team to have reached it this far, and having already beaten the host country and favorite, Germany in the quarters to advance, one could say they’ve already won their Superbowl. However, Japan, nor the United States were content with their quarter-final success. Both teams have shown an incredible grit and will to win that continued through the semi-finals as the United States defeated France, while Japan upended Sweden’s dreams setting up this weekend’s final. As an American, I will be rooting for Team USA to win, but living in Japan, I understand first hand what this country has endured in recent months and realize how a win on this stage may be the spiritual lift this country desperately needs. Despite who wins, it’s been an amazing ride for both teams who have provided some very exciting soccer, even to someone like myself that had to Google ’penalty shoot-out’ just to make sure I referred to it correctly! Regardless of your level of soccer enthusiasm - if you live in the United States or Japan, it’s time to get your fish and chips ready, break out a sports towel, even it says Seattle Sounders or Seahawks on it, wave them around in the air like you just don’t care, and ask yourself and all your rowdy friends, “Are you ready for some fooooooty?!!”

United States vs. Japan

Marketshare in China ~ at what price?

Tashi — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:01:26 +0000

Business Insider recently reported that China is trying to buy into Facebook, as the leading online social network explores plans to partner in China. If the deal goes through, China’s position is not expected to be large, but is cause for some level of concern. The Communist Party, despite three decades of economic reform, insists on its monopoly of political power. And to maintain that monopoly, the government operates as a constant watch dog of its citizens and the various forms of new internet media. A bit of irony, since the media is the government watchdog in most free democratic countries. At present, the Chinese government is in the midst of the most comprehensive crackdown on society since 1989. Chinese leaders clearly view social media as a threat to their rule, especially after watching protests around the world generated online that have rocked governments. It is common knowledge, many American companies stumble in China because the government tends to favor locals when it comes to regulations. As a result, foreign companies agree to sell the Chinese government a stake in their company, resulting in Beijing having an operational voice. Although the level of involvement may vary, censorship of some form is no doubt at the root of their demands and a rather large compromise for companies such as Facebook. Some companies like Google have taken a strong ethical stance on the subject of censorship in China, resulting in a high-profile fallout with Beijing over the matter. Then, there are companies like Microsoft, which recently partnered with China’s Baidu in order to expand its web search market share in China. Microsoft’s decision to compromise internet freedom for the sake of future profits is disappointing, and Facebook appears to be treading down dangerous waters as well - a slippery slope of business over ethics that I wanted to bring attention to.

Is Beijing’s Censorship Machine Going Hollywood?

Tashi — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:25:42 +0000

The summer is a time for Hollywood blockbuster movies to drive audiences to the theaters all over the world, and the new Transformers movie is no exception. It recently broke the record for July 4th tickets sales in the U.S. and it’s been smashing records in many of the 110 countries around the world it’s showing in. It has already made almost half a billion dollars worldwide. However, according to CNN reports by Fareed Zakaria, it is not being shown in China, because Beijing has imposed a moratorium on new foreign films in order to encourage the Chinese people to watch a state-sponsored propaganda movie called, The Beginning of the Great Revival. The film is being released this year to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party. It describes the party’s influence as having led China down a glorious path of ethnic independence, liberation, national wealth and strength. However, it conveniently left out any mention of the Great Leap Forward, the famine, the Cultural Revolution, Tiananmen Square, or the cultural genocide of the Tibetan people from 1951 to the present. The Chinese Communist Party has made sure that this movie will be seen by its people. The movie is being shown in more than 6,000 theaters accompanied with massive publicity. This obvious grand scale attempt to temporarily mute the outside world while it brainwashes its people to be patriotic is very disturbing to the say the least. I have little doubt that Transformers will be shown in China at some point, but that’s not my point… The Chinese government will stop at nothing in order to censor its people, its media, the internet, the outside world, and not to mention the truth. This type of government propaganda should be brought to proper light, because when coupled with government censorship, billions of Chinese are in danger of being grossly misinformed without any ability to determine the truth for themselves.

Samsung Galaxy S2

Tashi — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:45:52 +0000

After some considerable research on the subject of smartphones, I recently became among the first in Japan to own the Samsung Galaxy S2! Released by Docomo in Japan on June 24th, 2011 and in my hands the same day, this phone is amazing to say the least! It features a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED screen which is incredibly crisp. The back of the phone has a 8 megapixel camera with an LED flash. The phone takes great looking pictures and can also record HD 1080p video. There is an additional front facing camera that is great for video calling with specific applications. The Samsung Galaxy S2 runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with a 1.2 GHz dual core processor. This phone is fast, ultra slim and sets the bar very high as far as I’m concerned, it will be interesting to see how the iPhone 5 counters later this year! I’d expect Apple to be a little concerned… it’s quite possible the days of Apple holding back features on their products for future generation upgrades maybe over… if Apple has any tricks up their sleeves this time, I’d suggest they not hold back, because the Galaxy S2 ain’t playin’. Having initially launched in Europe and South Korea, and last month in Japan, the company has already sold a record 3 million phones in 55 days! The U.S. launch is expected soon…

A very bad boy