The C.A.Y (Care About the Youth) activity group works for the public good. Public figures from various circles take part in this group for life-care education, psychological consultation and crisis prevention. The purposes of this organization are as followed: To make everybody cherish their lives as well as others'; To establish a Youth Suicide Prevention mechanism joint by the government and social power; To set up a non-religion, non-politics, non-government, non-profit organization, aims at youth suicide prevention and life-care education. Now, the C.A.Y activity group is under the guidance of China Song Chingling Foundation, Chinese Youth Life-education Committee. It’s office is in Liling No.1 Middle-school, Hunan Province.
In Nov. 2005, Premier of China’s State Council, Wen Jiabao extended warm greetings and thanks to all the members of C.A.Y activity group. He also wrote instructions on youth suicide :"The governments and Communist Youth League at all levels as well as schools ,bear responsibilities for both physical and mental health of youth. Related departments should pay highly attention to those issues and suggestions."
In the past 3 years, more than 500 thousand people joint C.A.Y activity group through different ways. Those people including leaders of the Party and State governments at all levels, stars(or celebrities),professors as well as overseas Chinese. During the 3 years, more than 1000 young people who tried to suicide were assisted. Thus to put forward relative motions and proposals on NPC, which refers to suicide prevention and life-care education. What’s more, the annual Jasmine Forum has become a platform to discuss issues, such as to strengthen moral construction among minors and college students, the realization of self-worth under the market economy environment and so on..
In the three years, a volunteer team was set up by CAY activity group, and the work of this team is preventing crisis and educating people about life. It consists mainly of psychiatric consultant experts, educators and social workers from the whole country. In this team, 40% are graduates, and 90% have the related abilities. There is a professional operating team in the group which is rich in international experiences and tactful perceptions. The group also has a top advisory team which can provide for professional guides. The volunteers of CAY activity group are preparing to help others at any time, and they can provide the people who need help for best services.
More than 100 activities about educating people about life have been held through out the whole country by CAY activity group, and these activities were going on with student forums, debates, theme speaking and so on. The contents are mainly about mental education, safe education, health education, drug-fighting and AIDS-preventing and etc. More than 400 materials and handbooks about educating people about life were handed out like “Discussing briefly about teaching people to live”. More than 10,000 publicity papers were handed out, and exhibitions about caring life were held for several times. More than 30 comments and special articles after the interview were given by different media, and more than 10 articles were published in the newspapers and magazines.
A professional team was organized by CAY activity group to serve voluntarily in Sichuan province for 10 days on July 12, 2008, and these volunteers have different professions such as psychology, physic, education and so on. By using these professional advantages, they helping people in many fields like medical treatments, mental aids and etc.
The web about preventing youths from committing suicides and educating people about life, the special audio and video web about caring life, and Jasmine forum are the expanded projects of CAY activity group. These projects are charged by the web management center of CAY activity group.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Politicization and Depoliticization of Beijing Olympics
---Causes, Forms, Tendencies and Countermeasures
by BI Yantao, China
The politicization of Olympics was prematured in the international community when Beijing decided on its Olympic bid, which justifies my assumption that the depoliticization of Olympics is nothing but an ideal. The politicization of Beijing Olympics is an outburst of the international community’s uncertainty about China, an evolved form of international struggle, and a warning about China’s diplomatic doctrine. As Beijing Olympics approaches, the collaboration between the globalized political society and the globalized civil society will be further elaborated and professionalized. Understandably, the external pressure on Beijing Olympics will be increased. In addition to its diplomatic endeavors, to turn to professionals and public diplomacy seems primary now for Beijing.
P.S. : This abstract was submitted to a conference held in China before the Beijing Olympics)
by BI Yantao, China
The politicization of Olympics was prematured in the international community when Beijing decided on its Olympic bid, which justifies my assumption that the depoliticization of Olympics is nothing but an ideal. The politicization of Beijing Olympics is an outburst of the international community’s uncertainty about China, an evolved form of international struggle, and a warning about China’s diplomatic doctrine. As Beijing Olympics approaches, the collaboration between the globalized political society and the globalized civil society will be further elaborated and professionalized. Understandably, the external pressure on Beijing Olympics will be increased. In addition to its diplomatic endeavors, to turn to professionals and public diplomacy seems primary now for Beijing.
P.S. : This abstract was submitted to a conference held in China before the Beijing Olympics)
The political legitimacy in contemporary China
by BI Yantao, China
According to Alan R. Kluver, “Political legitimacy is the perceived convergence of legal and moral authority to rule a nation.” It is “the extent to which the populace views the rulers as deserving of that authority.” Methodologically, it is necessary to classify legitimacy into two types: internal legitimacy (IL) and external legitimacy (EL). In some cases, IL and EL are not consistent to each other. Take China for example. Many Westerners hold firmly the belief that the Chinese government is suffering from such a legitimacy crisis that it will collapse sooner or later. To a great extent, this perception justifies D. McGregor’s approach to the factor of the wishful thinking in the making of prediction: “Unguided by objective evidence, most people will make their prediction in accordance with their subjective preference”. Although the legitimacy of the Chinese government has been eroding these years, it has not declined to such an extent as many Westerners estimated. This essay tries to identify the major variables that contribute to the discrepancy between IL and EL of the Chinese government, mainly by questionnaires and in-depth interviews. My speculation is that the Chinese people residing in the Chinese mainland base their judgments on firstly, social interaction, secondly, personal experiences, and thirdly, new media, while people outside China make their judgments based on firstly, mass media, secondly, social interaction, and thirdly, personal experiences. This essay also discusses the interaction between IL and EL.
(This abstract was submitted to an European conference on China.)
According to Alan R. Kluver, “Political legitimacy is the perceived convergence of legal and moral authority to rule a nation.” It is “the extent to which the populace views the rulers as deserving of that authority.” Methodologically, it is necessary to classify legitimacy into two types: internal legitimacy (IL) and external legitimacy (EL). In some cases, IL and EL are not consistent to each other. Take China for example. Many Westerners hold firmly the belief that the Chinese government is suffering from such a legitimacy crisis that it will collapse sooner or later. To a great extent, this perception justifies D. McGregor’s approach to the factor of the wishful thinking in the making of prediction: “Unguided by objective evidence, most people will make their prediction in accordance with their subjective preference”. Although the legitimacy of the Chinese government has been eroding these years, it has not declined to such an extent as many Westerners estimated. This essay tries to identify the major variables that contribute to the discrepancy between IL and EL of the Chinese government, mainly by questionnaires and in-depth interviews. My speculation is that the Chinese people residing in the Chinese mainland base their judgments on firstly, social interaction, secondly, personal experiences, and thirdly, new media, while people outside China make their judgments based on firstly, mass media, secondly, social interaction, and thirdly, personal experiences. This essay also discusses the interaction between IL and EL.
(This abstract was submitted to an European conference on China.)
Snapshot of Yan Xiaofeng
by BI Yantao, China
Mr. YAN Xiaofeng (闫肖锋), born 1963 in Beijing, now works as Writer-at-large of New Weekly (《新周刊》）published in Guangdong Province in south China.
Educated at Qinghua University and Peking University, Yan Xiaofeng is particularly interested in globalization and cultural transmission. Trained by his supervisor Mr. FEI Xiaotong (费孝通), Mr. Yan is good at analyzing social tendencies.
Yan Xiaofeng once worked for China’s State Commission for Economic Reconstruction, Peking University, Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences, Guangzhou Economic Development District Administration Committee of Guangzhou Municipal Government, and New Weekly Magazine. He is a long-standing consultant of Guangzhou Blue Cre Ad China, one of the top ten advertising companies in China.
As a writer at large, Mr. Yan has published countless articles, essays, translations. Among the books he wrote and edited, I am especially interested in Agenda Manufacture: Sociology of New Weekly and Crossover.
Mr. YAN Xiaofeng (闫肖锋), born 1963 in Beijing, now works as Writer-at-large of New Weekly (《新周刊》）published in Guangdong Province in south China.
Educated at Qinghua University and Peking University, Yan Xiaofeng is particularly interested in globalization and cultural transmission. Trained by his supervisor Mr. FEI Xiaotong (费孝通), Mr. Yan is good at analyzing social tendencies.
Yan Xiaofeng once worked for China’s State Commission for Economic Reconstruction, Peking University, Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences, Guangzhou Economic Development District Administration Committee of Guangzhou Municipal Government, and New Weekly Magazine. He is a long-standing consultant of Guangzhou Blue Cre Ad China, one of the top ten advertising companies in China.
As a writer at large, Mr. Yan has published countless articles, essays, translations. Among the books he wrote and edited, I am especially interested in Agenda Manufacture: Sociology of New Weekly and Crossover.
Great! Access to RFI website resumed
by BI Yantao, China
This morning I successfully logged onto the official website of Radio France International (RFI), which was inaccessible for some time after the Beijing Olympics. I deem it a positive signal in terms of China's media policies.
Now, the websites of VOA, BBC, DW (Deutsche Welle or Voice of Germany) and RFI are all accessible here in Jinan, capital of Shandong Province, China.
Although I am well conscious that different degrees of media bias do exist in foreign reports about China, I still believe free access to these websites will bring more benefits than harms to China. Disagreements in opinions and stances are natural. Furthermore, causes for media bias are quite complicated.
This morning I successfully logged onto the official website of Radio France International (RFI), which was inaccessible for some time after the Beijing Olympics. I deem it a positive signal in terms of China's media policies.
Now, the websites of VOA, BBC, DW (Deutsche Welle or Voice of Germany) and RFI are all accessible here in Jinan, capital of Shandong Province, China.
Although I am well conscious that different degrees of media bias do exist in foreign reports about China, I still believe free access to these websites will bring more benefits than harms to China. Disagreements in opinions and stances are natural. Furthermore, causes for media bias are quite complicated.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wordpress not workable in China
by BI Yantao, China
I have succeeded in opening an account at wordpress.com, and I am able to view its blogs, but I am unable to post any article or manage my account. I have tried again and again, but every time it turns out frustrating me.
I am wondering what is wrong with it.
I have succeeded in opening an account at wordpress.com, and I am able to view its blogs, but I am unable to post any article or manage my account. I have tried again and again, but every time it turns out frustrating me.
I am wondering what is wrong with it.
BBC: Internet Freedoms in China
Bi Yantao contributed this written piece for the BBC Your Story project . These are his own personal views. He is a communication researcher based in China.
China's websites are beginning to impose the long debated true-name registration policy, which I believe will frustrate an increasing number of netizens in China.
Early this morning, I tried to register with the Tianya Community website, one of the most popular websites in China.
I am required to activate my account to be qualified to post. To activate my account, I have to obtain a Tianya code through my mobile phone, or by my own Tianya email. But to apply for a Tianya email account, I have to provide my true name and birth date.
In China all mobile phone users are already required to register with their real names. Tianya website has effectively adopted the controversial true-name registration system.
On the registration page the Tianya website explains these new measures are designed to stop illegal, nasty and harassing information. On these points I understand and support Tianya, but there is another side to the story. I am more concerned to what extent the new requirements will restrain critical voices, and how many websites will follow suit.
So far I am not clear how these new techniques help build China into a harmonious society.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/interact/2008/11/081114_yourstory_chinainternet.shtml
China's websites are beginning to impose the long debated true-name registration policy, which I believe will frustrate an increasing number of netizens in China.
Early this morning, I tried to register with the Tianya Community website, one of the most popular websites in China.
I am required to activate my account to be qualified to post. To activate my account, I have to obtain a Tianya code through my mobile phone, or by my own Tianya email. But to apply for a Tianya email account, I have to provide my true name and birth date.
In China all mobile phone users are already required to register with their real names. Tianya website has effectively adopted the controversial true-name registration system.
On the registration page the Tianya website explains these new measures are designed to stop illegal, nasty and harassing information. On these points I understand and support Tianya, but there is another side to the story. I am more concerned to what extent the new requirements will restrain critical voices, and how many websites will follow suit.
So far I am not clear how these new techniques help build China into a harmonious society.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/interact/2008/11/081114_yourstory_chinainternet.shtml
Yin Zhisheng, a grassroots thinker in China
by BI Yantao, China
Mr. Yin Zhisheng (殷之声) , who passed away in 1999, is appraised as a grassroots thinker in China. I got to know him via his wife Ms. Liu Zhen (刘真）, a good friend of my friend and teacher Yue Jianyi （岳建一）.
To be honest, I knew little about Mr. Yin and his family before I read some articles at a blogosphere designed to commemorate Mr. Yin Zhisheng. I am moved by his candid writings and his love for truth.
For more information about Mr. Yin Zhisheng and his family, please log onto http://blog.sina.com.cn/yinzhishengjinianwenxuan .
Mr. Yin Zhisheng (殷之声) , who passed away in 1999, is appraised as a grassroots thinker in China. I got to know him via his wife Ms. Liu Zhen (刘真）, a good friend of my friend and teacher Yue Jianyi （岳建一）.
To be honest, I knew little about Mr. Yin and his family before I read some articles at a blogosphere designed to commemorate Mr. Yin Zhisheng. I am moved by his candid writings and his love for truth.
For more information about Mr. Yin Zhisheng and his family, please log onto http://blog.sina.com.cn/yinzhishengjinianwenxuan .
VOA: Rice Hails US Election as Example to World
By Greg Flakus
Houston
14 November 2008
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the U.S. presidential election held on November 4 was an example for the world in how a nation can overcome internal differences. Rice spoke at the 15th anniversary of the James Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University in Houston Thursday. VOA's Greg Flakus was there and filed this report.
In her remarks, Secretary of State Rice addressed the importance of the recent U.S. presidential election for the world and for the United States. She noted that people in far away nations had followed the election campaign, even learning about the Iowa caucuses, which started the process in early January. She also spoke of the significance of Barack Obama becoming the first person of African descent to become president, saying that the United States had shown how democracy can help erase divisions between races and ethnic groups."
[For] A girl like me who grew up in segregated Birmingham, Alabama to now elect an African-American president is an extraordinary matter," Rice noted, "and it says to the world that differences can be overcome and in a world in which different is still a license to kill, that is an awfully important message."
As she prepares to leave her position as secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice says there are two matters of unfinished business that concern her more than many of the foreign challenges facing the nation. The first, she said, is the need for comprehensive immigration reform so that, as she put it, "people living in the shadows can achieve legal status to live and work in this country." She said anti-immigrant attitudes could undermine one of the things that has made America great."
Unless we can renew that spirit of wanting to be open to those who want to be part of us, we lose a part of who we are," Rice said.
Rice said the other concern she has for the United States is the state of education. Noting her background as a college professor before becoming a government official, she said she has always believed education is the means for a person from a modest background to achieve great things. Rice said the nation's failure to provide a good education could limit its future."
It breaks my heart as an educator, but you know, as secretary of state, it terrifies me," she admitted. "Because if we are not able to educate our people, I can assure you we will turn inward, we will protect, we will be afraid of the world. And that will be a disaster for the world because America will not lead if we are not confident that our people are able to compete."
Secretary of State Rice said the world craves American leadership and looks to this country as a place of endless possibilities. She says that makes a domestic issue like education important as a foreign policy issue as well, because education is the key to fulfilling the American ideal that what matters most is not where someone comes from, but what they are able to achieve.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-11-14-voa7.cfm
Houston
14 November 2008
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the U.S. presidential election held on November 4 was an example for the world in how a nation can overcome internal differences. Rice spoke at the 15th anniversary of the James Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University in Houston Thursday. VOA's Greg Flakus was there and filed this report.
In her remarks, Secretary of State Rice addressed the importance of the recent U.S. presidential election for the world and for the United States. She noted that people in far away nations had followed the election campaign, even learning about the Iowa caucuses, which started the process in early January. She also spoke of the significance of Barack Obama becoming the first person of African descent to become president, saying that the United States had shown how democracy can help erase divisions between races and ethnic groups."
[For] A girl like me who grew up in segregated Birmingham, Alabama to now elect an African-American president is an extraordinary matter," Rice noted, "and it says to the world that differences can be overcome and in a world in which different is still a license to kill, that is an awfully important message."
As she prepares to leave her position as secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice says there are two matters of unfinished business that concern her more than many of the foreign challenges facing the nation. The first, she said, is the need for comprehensive immigration reform so that, as she put it, "people living in the shadows can achieve legal status to live and work in this country." She said anti-immigrant attitudes could undermine one of the things that has made America great."
Unless we can renew that spirit of wanting to be open to those who want to be part of us, we lose a part of who we are," Rice said.
Rice said the other concern she has for the United States is the state of education. Noting her background as a college professor before becoming a government official, she said she has always believed education is the means for a person from a modest background to achieve great things. Rice said the nation's failure to provide a good education could limit its future."
It breaks my heart as an educator, but you know, as secretary of state, it terrifies me," she admitted. "Because if we are not able to educate our people, I can assure you we will turn inward, we will protect, we will be afraid of the world. And that will be a disaster for the world because America will not lead if we are not confident that our people are able to compete."
Secretary of State Rice said the world craves American leadership and looks to this country as a place of endless possibilities. She says that makes a domestic issue like education important as a foreign policy issue as well, because education is the key to fulfilling the American ideal that what matters most is not where someone comes from, but what they are able to achieve.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-11-14-voa7.cfm
Welcome to Second Mission to Sichuan Earthquake Zone
by BI Yantao, China
To celebrate the 2009 New Year's Day with the victims of Sichuan earthquake and offer what we can to help the affected people, a second mission to Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, has been launched. All individuals and institutions who are willing to offer a hand are welcome to join us.
This mission is designed and coordinated by Care for Life Campaign, a NGO registered in Hunan Province, China.
To celebrate the 2009 New Year's Day with the victims of Sichuan earthquake and offer what we can to help the affected people, a second mission to Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, has been launched. All individuals and institutions who are willing to offer a hand are welcome to join us.
This mission is designed and coordinated by Care for Life Campaign, a NGO registered in Hunan Province, China.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Access to Deutsche Welle Suspended today
by BI Yantao, China
To my unexpectation, Deutsche Welle (Voice of Germany) was not viewable this morning in JiNan, capital of Shandong Province, China. It was approachable yesterday.
At 17:00 (Beijing time), it is available again when I tried another time, but some of its contents about China's political reform are blocked.
Usually, I look thru Deutsche Welle website (Chinese language service) quickly every morning.
Some time after the Beijing Olympics, RFI (Radio France International) was said to be blocked again in China.
(last updated: 17:20 Nov. 15 Beijing time)
To my unexpectation, Deutsche Welle (Voice of Germany) was not viewable this morning in JiNan, capital of Shandong Province, China. It was approachable yesterday.
At 17:00 (Beijing time), it is available again when I tried another time, but some of its contents about China's political reform are blocked.
Usually, I look thru Deutsche Welle website (Chinese language service) quickly every morning.
Some time after the Beijing Olympics, RFI (Radio France International) was said to be blocked again in China.
(last updated: 17:20 Nov. 15 Beijing time)
Gou Tianlai, a moral model for university students
by BI Yantao, China
Mr. Gou Tianlai (苟天来), born in Sichuan Province, is a PhD candidate of China Agricultural University, specializing in rural sociology. I was lucky enough to meet him at UCC, Ireland, where he was studying on an international exchange program in 2007-2008.
I was deeply impressed by Mr. Gou's academic capacities and his moral merits. Vastly different from many other Chinese students studying abroad, he readily helped fix my PC when needed. When I was in low spirits at UCC, he comforted and encouraged me considerately, like a shepherd. A friend in need is a friend indeed, isn't it?
I wish Tianlai good luck in his career and love affair.
For more information about Gou Tianlai, please log onto his Chinese blogosphere: http://goutianlai.blog.163.com/
Mr. Gou Tianlai (苟天来), born in Sichuan Province, is a PhD candidate of China Agricultural University, specializing in rural sociology. I was lucky enough to meet him at UCC, Ireland, where he was studying on an international exchange program in 2007-2008.
I was deeply impressed by Mr. Gou's academic capacities and his moral merits. Vastly different from many other Chinese students studying abroad, he readily helped fix my PC when needed. When I was in low spirits at UCC, he comforted and encouraged me considerately, like a shepherd. A friend in need is a friend indeed, isn't it?
I wish Tianlai good luck in his career and love affair.
For more information about Gou Tianlai, please log onto his Chinese blogosphere: http://goutianlai.blog.163.com/
Tombstone to 36 million people
by BI Yantao, China
Yang Jisheng (杨继绳), a former veteran reporter of Xinhua News Agency, has published a book this May in Hong Kong, entitled Tombstone:Archives of the Great Chinese Famine in 1960s (墓碑──中国60年代大饥荒纪实), to commemorate the 36 million people who died of hunger during "the Great Leap Forward" (1958-1960) in China.
Yang's Tombstone was published this year by Cosmos Books (Tian Di Tu Shu), a Hong Kong-based press.
Yang Jisheng (杨继绳), a former veteran reporter of Xinhua News Agency, has published a book this May in Hong Kong, entitled Tombstone:Archives of the Great Chinese Famine in 1960s (墓碑──中国60年代大饥荒纪实), to commemorate the 36 million people who died of hunger during "the Great Leap Forward" (1958-1960) in China.
Yang's Tombstone was published this year by Cosmos Books (Tian Di Tu Shu), a Hong Kong-based press.
Detaining of Chen Shui-bian
by BI Yantao, China
A Guangming Observer （光明观察）contributor Xu Xunlei （徐迅雷）argues Nov. 14 the detaining of Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's former "president", is an end to Taiwan's shame.
Earlier this week, He Jingkai (何京锴) advocates the detaining of Chen Shui-bian should trigger reflections on Taiwan's democracy.
On Nov.13, an article at huanqiu.com （环球网）claims the detaining of Chen Shui-bian is a heavy hit on those pro-independent (deep green) forces in Taiwan.
A Guangming Observer （光明观察）contributor Xu Xunlei （徐迅雷）argues Nov. 14 the detaining of Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's former "president", is an end to Taiwan's shame.
Earlier this week, He Jingkai (何京锴) advocates the detaining of Chen Shui-bian should trigger reflections on Taiwan's democracy.
On Nov.13, an article at huanqiu.com （环球网）claims the detaining of Chen Shui-bian is a heavy hit on those pro-independent (deep green) forces in Taiwan.
BBC's Debate on China's Internet Freedoms
BBC website is hosting a debate on Internet Freedoms in China. Everybody is welcome to join it. Here is the link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/interact/2008/11/081114_yourstory_chinainternet.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/interact/2008/11/081114_yourstory_chinainternet.shtml
Why I Joined Global Voices Team?
by BI Yantao, China
I became a contributing author of Global Voices Online November 12, 2008 (GV localized time), and I feel good about it.
Currently, Global Voices (GV) has 104 contributing authors, from across the world. My search reveals only a few of them are from Greater China. I feel puzzled. China is the No. 1 in terms of population, and English teaching is a prosperous industry in China, but why are there only a few Chinese people writing for GV?
I believe one of the reasons is writing for GV yields no income. Most of the authors are volunteers, except the regional editors. As a PhD candidate, I don't receive any salary at the moment, but I feel satisfied with writing in English. I get many benefits from it, except money.
Here is my page at Global Voices Online: http://globalvoicesonline.org/author/yantao-bi/
I became a contributing author of Global Voices Online November 12, 2008 (GV localized time), and I feel good about it.
Currently, Global Voices (GV) has 104 contributing authors, from across the world. My search reveals only a few of them are from Greater China. I feel puzzled. China is the No. 1 in terms of population, and English teaching is a prosperous industry in China, but why are there only a few Chinese people writing for GV?
I believe one of the reasons is writing for GV yields no income. Most of the authors are volunteers, except the regional editors. As a PhD candidate, I don't receive any salary at the moment, but I feel satisfied with writing in English. I get many benefits from it, except money.
Here is my page at Global Voices Online: http://globalvoicesonline.org/author/yantao-bi/
China: a black business flourishes
by BI Yantao, China
In China, to publish an academic essay is extremely difficult for simply one reason: Too many people are compelled to publish essays to get promoted, to obtain a master or PhD, but the number of journals is miserably limited. Reluctantly, contributors have to pay certain sum of money to get their essays published. But demand still overwhelmingly exceeds supply. Therefore, a new type of brokers came into existence: they help polish, rewrite and publish essays for blind profits. Should journals charge so much money? Is it really an international practice for journals to charge the contributors? Academics debate heatedly. But a high-rank official openly supports charging the contributors.
(Originally published at Global Voices Online)
In China, to publish an academic essay is extremely difficult for simply one reason: Too many people are compelled to publish essays to get promoted, to obtain a master or PhD, but the number of journals is miserably limited. Reluctantly, contributors have to pay certain sum of money to get their essays published. But demand still overwhelmingly exceeds supply. Therefore, a new type of brokers came into existence: they help polish, rewrite and publish essays for blind profits. Should journals charge so much money? Is it really an international practice for journals to charge the contributors? Academics debate heatedly. But a high-rank official openly supports charging the contributors.
(Originally published at Global Voices Online)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Nightwatch witnesses the conscience and insights of a Chinese professor
by Joan Bright, China
Nightwatch (http://nightwatchcn.blogspot.com/), taglined as The Conscience and Wisdom of A Chinese Professor, is an English blogospher by a Chinese communication professor. Launched on October 28, 2008 (Beijing time), nightwatch is developing at so great a pace that it is inaccessible in some areas of China.
Nightwatch (http://nightwatchcn.blogspot.com/), taglined as The Conscience and Wisdom of A Chinese Professor, is an English blogospher by a Chinese communication professor. Launched on October 28, 2008 (Beijing time), nightwatch is developing at so great a pace that it is inaccessible in some areas of China.
China: Does the secret “Fifty Cents Party” exist?
by BI Yantao, China
Wu Mao（五毛）is fifty cents or half yuan in Chinese currency. Wu Mao Dang (五毛党), or Fifty Cents Party, is a derogatory term applied to those pro-government bloggers who are suspected to receive fifty cents for every pro-party post. Does Wu Mao Dang really exist in China, as rumors say? A Chinese blogger took great pains to collect some evidence, but dlliushaokui at sina.com expressed his doubt about its existence.
(Originally posted at Global Voices Online)
Wu Mao（五毛）is fifty cents or half yuan in Chinese currency. Wu Mao Dang (五毛党), or Fifty Cents Party, is a derogatory term applied to those pro-government bloggers who are suspected to receive fifty cents for every pro-party post. Does Wu Mao Dang really exist in China, as rumors say? A Chinese blogger took great pains to collect some evidence, but dlliushaokui at sina.com expressed his doubt about its existence.
(Originally posted at Global Voices Online)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Nightwatch is inaccessible in Beijing and Liaoning Province, China
by BI Yantao, China
Earlier this week, one of my friends told me nightwatch is not accessible in Beijing. This morning another friend of mine warned me nightwatch is probably blocked in Liaoning Province, China. I feel disappointed and concerned.
Afterwards I asked some of my friends to try logging onto nightwatch. Luckily, it is approachable now in Shandong Province and Hainan Province.
Why am I becoming more concerned about China? Because the blind or false patriotism is rampant in China.
As I have stressed in the preface to my latest book Reconstruct the World with Information, to be patriotic requires not only to be enthusiastic but also to be wise and strategic. To call a spade a spade, I love China more than any other self-proclaimed patriot. But to love China doesn't necessarily mean not to write critiques of China! That is the difference between true patriotism and false patriotism, which I feel definitely sure about.
Earlier this week, one of my friends told me nightwatch is not accessible in Beijing. This morning another friend of mine warned me nightwatch is probably blocked in Liaoning Province, China. I feel disappointed and concerned.
Afterwards I asked some of my friends to try logging onto nightwatch. Luckily, it is approachable now in Shandong Province and Hainan Province.
Why am I becoming more concerned about China? Because the blind or false patriotism is rampant in China.
As I have stressed in the preface to my latest book Reconstruct the World with Information, to be patriotic requires not only to be enthusiastic but also to be wise and strategic. To call a spade a spade, I love China more than any other self-proclaimed patriot. But to love China doesn't necessarily mean not to write critiques of China! That is the difference between true patriotism and false patriotism, which I feel definitely sure about.
China: Different interpretation of Taiwan politics
by BI Yantao, China
A well-known Chinese blogger WU Jiaxiang argues the “riot” that happened at Taipei Hotel November 6 is in fact part of the rampant “political kidnapping” in Taiwan. The blogger further analyses who are ultimately behind “the political violence” in Taiwan.
(Originally posted at Global Voices Online)
A well-known Chinese blogger WU Jiaxiang argues the “riot” that happened at Taipei Hotel November 6 is in fact part of the rampant “political kidnapping” in Taiwan. The blogger further analyses who are ultimately behind “the political violence” in Taiwan.
(Originally posted at Global Voices Online)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Let the people speak!
by BI Yantao, China
Mr. Wu Heping, the spokesman of China's Minsitry of Public Security once openly advocated: Let the news media speak; the heavens will not fall. To this, I will applaud sincerely.
As a communication researcher, I would say: Let the people speak; the earth will not perish. But in practice, there are roughly two types of governmental officials: the liberalist and the conservative (I wouldn't label them the leftist and the rightist). Some of the conservatives will not accept any form of criticism. In fact, they will make every effort to browbeat the public into keeping silent.
A good case in point is as follows. From last evening to this early evening the water supply in my residential quarters was cut off. To make complaints I chose to publish a critical post in a discussion room at baidu.com. To my appreciation, the administrators didn't delete it. But one of the visitors to the discussion room was unhappy with it. He tried to intimidate me into stopping the complaints. Who is he on earth? So absurd!
Mr. Wu Heping, the spokesman of China's Minsitry of Public Security once openly advocated: Let the news media speak; the heavens will not fall. To this, I will applaud sincerely.
As a communication researcher, I would say: Let the people speak; the earth will not perish. But in practice, there are roughly two types of governmental officials: the liberalist and the conservative (I wouldn't label them the leftist and the rightist). Some of the conservatives will not accept any form of criticism. In fact, they will make every effort to browbeat the public into keeping silent.
A good case in point is as follows. From last evening to this early evening the water supply in my residential quarters was cut off. To make complaints I chose to publish a critical post in a discussion room at baidu.com. To my appreciation, the administrators didn't delete it. But one of the visitors to the discussion room was unhappy with it. He tried to intimidate me into stopping the complaints. Who is he on earth? So absurd!
Water supply cut off again in JiNan!
by BI Yantao, China
For some reasons, I have no alternative but to live in JiNan, capital of Shandong Province, PRC, for some time. But the life here is really frustrating. Why? The water supply is frequently cut off without prior notice! What a life it is if your child is in a haste to go to school! More terribly, the electricity in my residential quarters sometimes breaks off suddenly! Imagine what it is like if you are working on a computer!
I once lived in some other cities in China, so I will say the public service in JiNan is much inferior to those of many other cities in China. What's wrong with the public service system here?
What I feel puzzzled about is why the local citizens don't take some effective measures to defend their own rights? Why don't the people's congressmen and the CPPCC members stand up for it?
Why? And why not?
For some reasons, I have no alternative but to live in JiNan, capital of Shandong Province, PRC, for some time. But the life here is really frustrating. Why? The water supply is frequently cut off without prior notice! What a life it is if your child is in a haste to go to school! More terribly, the electricity in my residential quarters sometimes breaks off suddenly! Imagine what it is like if you are working on a computer!
I once lived in some other cities in China, so I will say the public service in JiNan is much inferior to those of many other cities in China. What's wrong with the public service system here?
What I feel puzzzled about is why the local citizens don't take some effective measures to defend their own rights? Why don't the people's congressmen and the CPPCC members stand up for it?
Why? And why not?
Cholera erupted in Hainan Province, China
by BI Yantao, China
Cholera broke out late October on Hainan Island, China. It firstly erupted in Danzhou City and Lingao County, Hainan Province, and then spreaded to Haikou, capital of Hainan Province.
It is reported that Hainan University has 8 confirmed infections. On November 1 the university imposed quarantine, which was lifted November 10. All the restaurants on campus were closed for rectification until early morning of November 7.
In fact, as early as June 17, one confirmed cholera infection has been admitted by the local authorities in Hainan Province.
Cholera broke out late October on Hainan Island, China. It firstly erupted in Danzhou City and Lingao County, Hainan Province, and then spreaded to Haikou, capital of Hainan Province.
It is reported that Hainan University has 8 confirmed infections. On November 1 the university imposed quarantine, which was lifted November 10. All the restaurants on campus were closed for rectification until early morning of November 7.
In fact, as early as June 17, one confirmed cholera infection has been admitted by the local authorities in Hainan Province.
Monday, November 10, 2008
China Internet: true-name policy enforced
by BI Yantao, China
Recently, China’s websites begin to impose the long debated true-name registration policy, which I believe will frustrate an increasing number of netizens in China.
On the early morning of November 7, I tried to register with Tianya Community website, one of the most popular websites in China, finding again I am required to activate my account to be qualified to post. Any account that remains inactivated more than one week will be cancelled. To activate my account, I have to obtain a Tianya code through my mobile phone, or via a friend whose Tianya account has already been activated, or by my own Tianya email. But to apply for a Tianya email account, I have to provide my true name and birth date. Because in China all mobile phone users have already been demanded to register with true names, Tianya website has in fact adopted the controversial true-name registration system. But it is unknown what on earth has caused the sophistication of registration.
On the registration page Tianya website explains these new measures are designed to stop illegal, nasty and harassing information. On these points I understand and support Tianya, but there is another side to the story. I am more concerned to what extent the new requirements will restrain critical voices, and how many websites will follow suit. So far I am not clear how these new techniques help build China into a harmonious society.
Recently, China’s websites begin to impose the long debated true-name registration policy, which I believe will frustrate an increasing number of netizens in China.
On the early morning of November 7, I tried to register with Tianya Community website, one of the most popular websites in China, finding again I am required to activate my account to be qualified to post. Any account that remains inactivated more than one week will be cancelled. To activate my account, I have to obtain a Tianya code through my mobile phone, or via a friend whose Tianya account has already been activated, or by my own Tianya email. But to apply for a Tianya email account, I have to provide my true name and birth date. Because in China all mobile phone users have already been demanded to register with true names, Tianya website has in fact adopted the controversial true-name registration system. But it is unknown what on earth has caused the sophistication of registration.
On the registration page Tianya website explains these new measures are designed to stop illegal, nasty and harassing information. On these points I understand and support Tianya, but there is another side to the story. I am more concerned to what extent the new requirements will restrain critical voices, and how many websites will follow suit. So far I am not clear how these new techniques help build China into a harmonious society.
A defender of freedom of press in China
by Joan Bright, China
Prof. BI Yantao, educated in China, UK and Ireland, has been persistently appealing for freedom of speech in China since he turned to communication and media studies in September 2002. So far he has published a great number of essays, commentaries and translations in print media and new media, calling for free press.
Here is a list of his essays published in print media, advocating and defending freedom of speech.
1. Bi, Yantao. “Only Civil Society Can Save China”. [USA] Beijing Spring. November Edition 2008
2. Bi, Yantao. “Beijing Olympics and Political Communication”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest, August Edition 2008, pp1-2
3. Bi, Yantao. “Unschackle China’s News Media”. [USA] Beijing Spring. August Edition 2008
4. Bi, Yantao. “Sichuan Earthquake and CCP’s Communication Techniques”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest, June Edition 2008
5. Bi, Yantao. “Liberate News Media and Revive China”. Youth Journalist. Late June Edition, 2008
6. Bi, Yantao. “The Crises in Tibet and China’s Communication Techniques”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest, May Edition 2008
7. Bi, Yantao. “The Transition of China Urgently Needs Guidance of Advanced Theories”. [USA] Beijing Spring. May Edition 2008, pp71-72
8. Bi, Yantao. “The Structural Reconstruction of China’s News Media”. Youth Journalist. Late March Edition 2008. p.p.11-12
9. Bi, Yantao. “King’s Way and Soft Power of China”. [USA] Beijing Spring. March Edition 2008. p.p.68-69
10. Bi, Yantao. “The Premises for News Media to Practise the Right to Express on Behalf of Citizens”. Youth Journalist. Early March Edition 2008. p.p. 23-24
11. Bi, Yantao and Zhou, Yongxiu. “Curb the Linguistic Violence and Defend the Public Interests”. Security of Internet. December Edition 2007
12. Bi, Yantao. “How to Curb Online Filthy Information”, Security of Internet. August Edition 2007
13. Bi, Yantao. “Beware two trends of thoughts, widen the channels of opinion”. In Reconstruct the World with Information. Hong Kong: Heyi Cultural Press, September 2007.
14. Bi, Yantao. “Is the Chinese Media Nth Estate?” [Hong Kong] Media Digest. May Edition 2007
15. Bi, Yantao. “2006 Annual Report of Hainan’s Newspapers”. in 2006 Yearbook of Chinese Newspapers. Beijing: Chinese Unification of Industry and Commerce Press. April 2007.p.p.93-95
16. Bi, Yantao. “Communication of NGOs Conference”, International Public Relations. Issue 6, 2006
17. Bi, Yantao. “Is News An Obstacle or Supporter?” [Hong Kong] Media Digest. July Edition 2006
18. Bi, Yantao. “Mass Media, a platform where powers compete”, [Hong Kong] Media Digest, February. Edition 2006
19. Bi, Yantao. “The Cyber Politics of China”. Baixing (The Public). Second Edition 2004
20. Bi, Yantao. “News Media in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province and Their Political climate”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest. December Edition 2003, pp8-9
21. Bi, Yantao. “The SARS Turmoil and China’s News Media”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest. June Edition 2003, pp8-9
In addition, Prof. BI Yantao has managed to publish a book entitled Reconstruct the World with Information September 2007 in Hong Kong, after it was turned down by a press in mainland China.
Meanwhile, he is a diligent and fruitful columnist writing for dozens of influential websites, including Guangming Observer, China Think Tank, China Elections and Governance, and so forth.
Recently, Prof. Bi published a commentary entitled “China: Internet Censorship Tightened” at Fool’s Mountain (http://blog.foolsmountain.com/), a globally well-known English blogosphere on Chinese issues. It incites heated discussion and receives high appreciation. Steve, one of the regular visitors to Fool’s Mountain, commented, “I admire you for your willingness to risk a lot just communicating with us.”
(Last updated: November 7, 2008)
Prof. BI Yantao, educated in China, UK and Ireland, has been persistently appealing for freedom of speech in China since he turned to communication and media studies in September 2002. So far he has published a great number of essays, commentaries and translations in print media and new media, calling for free press.
Here is a list of his essays published in print media, advocating and defending freedom of speech.
1. Bi, Yantao. “Only Civil Society Can Save China”. [USA] Beijing Spring. November Edition 2008
2. Bi, Yantao. “Beijing Olympics and Political Communication”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest, August Edition 2008, pp1-2
3. Bi, Yantao. “Unschackle China’s News Media”. [USA] Beijing Spring. August Edition 2008
4. Bi, Yantao. “Sichuan Earthquake and CCP’s Communication Techniques”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest, June Edition 2008
5. Bi, Yantao. “Liberate News Media and Revive China”. Youth Journalist. Late June Edition, 2008
6. Bi, Yantao. “The Crises in Tibet and China’s Communication Techniques”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest, May Edition 2008
7. Bi, Yantao. “The Transition of China Urgently Needs Guidance of Advanced Theories”. [USA] Beijing Spring. May Edition 2008, pp71-72
8. Bi, Yantao. “The Structural Reconstruction of China’s News Media”. Youth Journalist. Late March Edition 2008. p.p.11-12
9. Bi, Yantao. “King’s Way and Soft Power of China”. [USA] Beijing Spring. March Edition 2008. p.p.68-69
10. Bi, Yantao. “The Premises for News Media to Practise the Right to Express on Behalf of Citizens”. Youth Journalist. Early March Edition 2008. p.p. 23-24
11. Bi, Yantao and Zhou, Yongxiu. “Curb the Linguistic Violence and Defend the Public Interests”. Security of Internet. December Edition 2007
12. Bi, Yantao. “How to Curb Online Filthy Information”, Security of Internet. August Edition 2007
13. Bi, Yantao. “Beware two trends of thoughts, widen the channels of opinion”. In Reconstruct the World with Information. Hong Kong: Heyi Cultural Press, September 2007.
14. Bi, Yantao. “Is the Chinese Media Nth Estate?” [Hong Kong] Media Digest. May Edition 2007
15. Bi, Yantao. “2006 Annual Report of Hainan’s Newspapers”. in 2006 Yearbook of Chinese Newspapers. Beijing: Chinese Unification of Industry and Commerce Press. April 2007.p.p.93-95
16. Bi, Yantao. “Communication of NGOs Conference”, International Public Relations. Issue 6, 2006
17. Bi, Yantao. “Is News An Obstacle or Supporter?” [Hong Kong] Media Digest. July Edition 2006
18. Bi, Yantao. “Mass Media, a platform where powers compete”, [Hong Kong] Media Digest, February. Edition 2006
19. Bi, Yantao. “The Cyber Politics of China”. Baixing (The Public). Second Edition 2004
20. Bi, Yantao. “News Media in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province and Their Political climate”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest. December Edition 2003, pp8-9
21. Bi, Yantao. “The SARS Turmoil and China’s News Media”. [Hong Kong] Media Digest. June Edition 2003, pp8-9
In addition, Prof. BI Yantao has managed to publish a book entitled Reconstruct the World with Information September 2007 in Hong Kong, after it was turned down by a press in mainland China.
Meanwhile, he is a diligent and fruitful columnist writing for dozens of influential websites, including Guangming Observer, China Think Tank, China Elections and Governance, and so forth.
Recently, Prof. Bi published a commentary entitled “China: Internet Censorship Tightened” at Fool’s Mountain (http://blog.foolsmountain.com/), a globally well-known English blogosphere on Chinese issues. It incites heated discussion and receives high appreciation. Steve, one of the regular visitors to Fool’s Mountain, commented, “I admire you for your willingness to risk a lot just communicating with us.”
(Last updated: November 7, 2008)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Why Obama is hailed in China?
by BI Yantao, China
Why is the U.S. president-elect Barack Obama so popuar among the Chinese people?
In addition to Obama's age and personality, his African descent is the major reason, as far as I can see. For many of the Chinese people, it is a miracle for a man of African descent to rise to the presidency of the United States of America, the unparalleled superpower in the world.
It is both an inspiration and comfort for the Chinese people, who are struggling for success, painstakingly but mostly in vain.
Obama's success is to greatly enhance the soft power of America, from the perspective of international communication.
Congratulations to Mr. Barack Obama!
Why is the U.S. president-elect Barack Obama so popuar among the Chinese people?
In addition to Obama's age and personality, his African descent is the major reason, as far as I can see. For many of the Chinese people, it is a miracle for a man of African descent to rise to the presidency of the United States of America, the unparalleled superpower in the world.
It is both an inspiration and comfort for the Chinese people, who are struggling for success, painstakingly but mostly in vain.
Obama's success is to greatly enhance the soft power of America, from the perspective of international communication.
Congratulations to Mr. Barack Obama!
Updated Info about one of my online articles
by BI Yantao, China
On Oct. 30, I submitted a post entitled China: Internet censorship tightened to Fool’s Mountain. To my surprise, it incited a hot discussion and received high appreciation. Until 16:00 Nov. 8 (Beijing time), 131 commentaries have been posted.
One article entitled Blog censorship silences free speech around the world at worldfocus mentions this post as follows:
Bi Yantao of the “Fool’s Mountain” blog reports that China – perhaps the country most famous for Internet censorship and its “great firewall” — tightened its Internet censorship as the Beijing Olympics finished and foreigners left.
Meanwhile, it is included in RSS Feed of Alltop---Top China News.
On Oct. 30, I submitted a post entitled China: Internet censorship tightened to Fool’s Mountain. To my surprise, it incited a hot discussion and received high appreciation. Until 16:00 Nov. 8 (Beijing time), 131 commentaries have been posted.
One article entitled Blog censorship silences free speech around the world at worldfocus mentions this post as follows:
Bi Yantao of the “Fool’s Mountain” blog reports that China – perhaps the country most famous for Internet censorship and its “great firewall” — tightened its Internet censorship as the Beijing Olympics finished and foreigners left.
Meanwhile, it is included in RSS Feed of Alltop---Top China News.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
How Should We Then Live?
by BI Yantao, China
How Should We Then Live? is a book by Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer, an American Evangelical Christian theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor, according to Wikipedia. The Chinese version of this book was first published in China January 2008 by Huaxia Press. This is the first time for his books to get published in mainland China.
The book is subtitled as The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture, which reveals what it dwells on. According to the writer, the primary sin for Man is the created tries to take the place of the Creator. Although this book, ultimately, serves as a pastor, it is actually enlightening and well worth reading.
I cherish this book for one more reason. The writer is in fact a great communication scholar when he claims in Chapter I:
"People have presuppositions, and they will live more consistently on the basis of these presuppositions than even they themselves may realize. By presuppositions we mean the basic way an individual looks at life, his basic world-view, the grid through which he sees the world. Presuppositions rest upon that which a person considers to be the truth of what exists. People's presuppositions lay a grid for all they bring forth into the external world. Their presuppositions also provide the basis for their values and therefore the basis for their decisions."
Chapter VI and Chapter VII of the book expounds social masterminding and political controlling by the elites. Therefore, I put this book on the collection list of Daizong Meditation Room, a nonprofit research platform for political communication in China.
For more information on the writer, please refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Schaeffer
How Should We Then Live? is a book by Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer, an American Evangelical Christian theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor, according to Wikipedia. The Chinese version of this book was first published in China January 2008 by Huaxia Press. This is the first time for his books to get published in mainland China.
The book is subtitled as The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture, which reveals what it dwells on. According to the writer, the primary sin for Man is the created tries to take the place of the Creator. Although this book, ultimately, serves as a pastor, it is actually enlightening and well worth reading.
I cherish this book for one more reason. The writer is in fact a great communication scholar when he claims in Chapter I:
"People have presuppositions, and they will live more consistently on the basis of these presuppositions than even they themselves may realize. By presuppositions we mean the basic way an individual looks at life, his basic world-view, the grid through which he sees the world. Presuppositions rest upon that which a person considers to be the truth of what exists. People's presuppositions lay a grid for all they bring forth into the external world. Their presuppositions also provide the basis for their values and therefore the basis for their decisions."
Chapter VI and Chapter VII of the book expounds social masterminding and political controlling by the elites. Therefore, I put this book on the collection list of Daizong Meditation Room, a nonprofit research platform for political communication in China.
For more information on the writer, please refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Schaeffer
Ms. Chen Yuexia, a symbol of righteousness
by BI Yantao, China
Ms. CHEN Yuexia (陈月霞), born in Ningyang County, Shandong Province, now works as a lecturere of Department of Foreign Languages Teaching, Taishan University, China. Always a reliable help to his colleagues, studentds and friends, she is praised as a symbol of righteouness and quite popular among her students.
While at college, Ms. Chen majored in English and minored in Japanese. Today she specializes in moden American literature and literature theories.
Ms. CHEN Yuexia (陈月霞), born in Ningyang County, Shandong Province, now works as a lecturere of Department of Foreign Languages Teaching, Taishan University, China. Always a reliable help to his colleagues, studentds and friends, she is praised as a symbol of righteouness and quite popular among her students.
While at college, Ms. Chen majored in English and minored in Japanese. Today she specializes in moden American literature and literature theories.
Prof. Miao Xingwei, a noted linguist in China
by BI Yantao, China
Prof. Miao Xingwei (苗兴伟 ), born 1967 in Yiyuan County, Shandong Province, is a deputy president of School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Shandong University, China. He is a well-respected PhD supervisor and fruitful researcher. His major research areas include functional linguistics, pragmatics, discourse analysis, and applied linguistics.
For more information, please log onto http://www.flc.sdu.edu.cn/bencandy.php?fid=14&id=8 .
Prof. Miao Xingwei (苗兴伟 ), born 1967 in Yiyuan County, Shandong Province, is a deputy president of School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Shandong University, China. He is a well-respected PhD supervisor and fruitful researcher. His major research areas include functional linguistics, pragmatics, discourse analysis, and applied linguistics.
For more information, please log onto http://www.flc.sdu.edu.cn/bencandy.php?fid=14&id=8 .
Who will defend the status quo in China?
by BI Yantao, China
The other day I talked with some governmental officials in China. When it came to political issues, they made all efforts to defend the status quo and criticized the Western democracy. Furthermore, they tried hard to convince me of their perception and help adjust my stance.
I once talked with a businessman, who has accumulated a great amount of fortunes in the past years. He also tried hard to persuade me the current system fits in well with China.
These remind me those people in China who have been benifited from the current system will endeavor to maintain the status quo. Generally, only the people who are marginalized at present are hoping to reform the system.
The other day I talked with some governmental officials in China. When it came to political issues, they made all efforts to defend the status quo and criticized the Western democracy. Furthermore, they tried hard to convince me of their perception and help adjust my stance.
I once talked with a businessman, who has accumulated a great amount of fortunes in the past years. He also tried hard to persuade me the current system fits in well with China.
These remind me those people in China who have been benifited from the current system will endeavor to maintain the status quo. Generally, only the people who are marginalized at present are hoping to reform the system.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Full text: Obama victory speech
Here is the full text of Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack Obama's speech in St Paul, Minnesota, at his winning the presidential election.
Tonight Minnesota, after 54 hard-fought contests, our primary season has finally come to an end.
Sixteen months have passed since we first stood together on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.
Thousands of miles have been travelled. Millions of voices have been heard.
And because of what you said - because you decided that change must come to Washington; because you believed that this year must be different than all the rest; because you chose to listen not to your doubts or your fears but to your greatest hopes and highest aspirations, tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another - a journey that will bring a new and better day to America.
Because of you, tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States of America.
I want to thank all those in Montana and South Dakota who stood up for change today. I want to thank every American who stood with us over the course of this campaign - through the good days and the bad; from the snows of Cedar Rapids to the sunshine of Sioux Falls.
And tonight I also want to thank the men and woman who took this journey with me as fellow candidates for president.
At this defining moment for our nation, we should be proud that our party put forth one of the most talented, qualified field of individuals ever to run for office.
I have not just competed with them as rivals, I have learned from them as friends, as public servants, as patriots who love America and are willing to work tirelessly to make this country better.
They are leaders of this party, and leaders that America will turn to for years to come.
Made history
And that is particularly true for the candidate who has travelled further on this journey than anyone else.
Senator Hillary Clinton has made history in this campaign not just because she's a woman who has done what no woman has done before, but because she is a leader who inspires millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight.
I congratulate here on her victory in South Dakota and I congratulate her on the race she has run throughout this contest.
We've certainly had our differences over the last 16 months.
But as someone who's shared a stage with her many times, I can tell you that what gets Hillary Clinton up in the morning - even in the face of tough odds - is exactly what sent her and Bill Clinton to sign up for their first campaign in Texas all those years ago; what sent her to work at the Children's Defense Fund and made her fight for health care as First Lady; what led her to the United States Senate and fuelled her barrier-breaking campaign for the presidency - an unyielding desire to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, no matter how difficult the fight may be.
And you can rest assured that when we finally win the battle for universal health care in this country, and we will win that fight, she will be central to that victory.
When we transform our energy policy and lift our children out of poverty, it will be because she worked to help make it happen.
Our party and our country are better off because of her, and I am a better candidate for having had the honour to compete with Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Inspired a nation
There are those who say that this primary has somehow left us weaker and more divided.
Well I say that because of this primary, there are millions of Americans who have cast their ballot for the very first time.
There are Independents and Republicans who understand that this election isn't just about a change of party in Washington, it's about the need to change Washington.
There are young people, and African-Americans, and Latinos, and women of all ages who have voted in numbers that have broken records and inspired a nation.
All of you chose to support a candidate you believe in deeply.
But at the end of the day, we aren't the reason you came out and waited in lines that stretched block after block to make your voice heard.
You didn't do that because of me or Senator Clinton or anyone else.
You did it because you know in your hearts that at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - we cannot afford to keep doing what we've been doing.
We owe our children a better future. We owe our country a better future.
And for all those who dream of that future tonight, I say - let us begin the work together.
Let us unite in common effort to chart a new course for America.
Republican agenda
In just a few short months, the Republican Party will arrive in St Paul with a very different agenda.
They will come here to nominate John McCain, a man who has served this country heroically.
I honour, we honour, the service of John McCain, and I respect his many accomplishments, even if he chooses to deny mine.
My differences with him are not personal; they are with the policies he has proposed in this campaign.
Because while John McCain can legitimately tout moments of independence from his party in the past, such independence has not been the hallmark of his presidential campaign.
It's not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush 95% of the time, as he did in the Senate last year.
It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs, or insure our workers, or help Americans afford the skyrocketing cost of college - policies that have lowered the real incomes of the average American family, widened the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, and left our children with a mountain of debt.
It's not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians - a policy where all we look for are reasons to stay in Iraq, while we spend billions of dollars a month on a war that isn't making the American people any safer.
Foreign policy
So I'll say this - there are many words to describe John McCain's attempt to pass off his embrace of George Bush's policies as bipartisan and new.
But change is not one of them.
Because change is a foreign policy that doesn't begin and end with a war that should've never been authorized and never been waged.
I won't stand here and pretend that there are many good options left in Iraq, but what's not an option is leaving our troops in that country for the next hundred years - especially at a time when our military is overstretched, our nation is isolated, and nearly every other threat to America is being ignored.
We must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in - but start leaving we must.
It's time for Iraqis to take responsibility for their future.
It's time to rebuild our military and give our veterans the care they need and the benefits they deserve when they come home.
It's time to refocus our efforts on al-Qaeda's leadership and Afghanistan, and rally the world against the common threats of the 21st century - terrorism and nuclear weapons; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease.
Understanding struggles
That's what change is.
Change is realising that meeting today's threats requires not just our firepower, but the power of our diplomacy - tough, direct diplomacy where the president of the United States isn't afraid to let any petty dictator know where America stands and what we stand for.
We must once again have the courage and conviction to lead the free world.
That is the legacy of Roosevelt, and Truman, and Kennedy.
That's what the American people demand.
That's what change is.
Change is building an economy that rewards not just wealth, but the work and workers who created it.
It's understanding that the struggles facing working families can't be solved by spending billions of dollars on more tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy CEOs, but by giving a middle-class tax break to those who need it, and investing in our crumbling infrastructure, and transforming how we use energy, and improving our schools, and renewing our commitment to science and innovation.
It's understanding that fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity can go hand-in-hand, as they did when Bill Clinton was president.
John McCain has spent a lot of time talking about trips to Iraq in the last few weeks, but maybe if he spent some time taking trips to the cities and towns that have been hardest hit by this economy - cities in Michigan, and Ohio, and right here in Minnesota - he'd understand the kind of change that people are looking for.
Maybe if he went to Iowa and met the student who works the night shift after a full day of class and still can't pay the medical bills for a sister who's ill, he'd understand that she can't afford four more years of a health care plan that only takes care of the healthy and wealthy.
She needs us to pass health care right now, a plan that guarantees insurance to every American who wants it and brings down premiums for every family who needs it.
That's the change we need.
Our children
Maybe if John McCain went to Pennsylvania and met the man who lost his job but can't even afford the gas to drive around and look for a new one, he'd understand that we can't afford four more years of our addiction to oil from dictators.
That man needs us to pass an energy policy that works with automakers to raise fuel standards, and makes corporations pay for their pollution, and oil companies invest their record profits in a clean energy future - an energy policy that will create millions of new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced.
That's the change we need.
And maybe if he spent some time in the schools of South Carolina or St Paul, Minnesota, or where he spoke tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana, he'd understand that we can't afford to leave the money behind for No Child Left Behind; that we owe it to our children to invest in early childhood education and recruit an army of new teachers and give them better pay and more support and finally decide that in this global economy, the chance to get a college education should not be a privilege for the wealthy few, but the birthright of every American.
That's the change we need in America.
That's why I'm running for president.
Americans first
The other side will come here in September and offer a very different set of policies and positions, and that is a good thing, that is a debate I look forward to.
It is a debate the American people deserve on the issues that will help determine the future of this country and the future of its children.
But what you don't deserve is another election that's governed by fear, and innuendo, and division.
What you won't hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon - that sees our opponents not as competitors to challenge, but enemies to demonize.
Because we may call ourselves Democrats and Republicans, but we are Americans first.
We are always Americans first.
Despite what the good Senator from Arizona said tonight, I have seen people of differing views and opinions find common cause many times during my two decades in public life, and I have brought many together myself.
I've walked arm-in-arm with community leaders on the South Side of Chicago and watched tensions fade as black, white, and Latino fought together for good jobs and good schools.
I've sat across the table from law enforcement officials and civil rights advocates to reform a criminal justice system that sent 13 innocent people to death row.
I've worked with friends in the other party to provide more children with health insurance and more working families with a tax break; to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and ensure that the American people know where their tax dollars are being spent; and to reduce the influence of lobbyists who have all too often set the agenda in Washington.
In our country, I have found that this cooperation happens not because we agree on everything, but because behind all the false labels and false divisions and categories that define us; beyond all the petty bickering and point-scoring in Washington, Americans are a decent, generous, compassionate people, united by common challenges and common hopes.
And every so often, there are moments which call on that fundamental goodness to make this country great again.
Our time
So it was for that band of patriots who declared in a Philadelphia hall the formation of a more perfect union; and for all those who gave on the fields of Gettysburg and Antietam their last full measure of devotion to save that same union.
So it was for the Greatest Generation that conquered fear itself, and liberated a continent from tyranny, and made this country home to untold opportunity and prosperity.
So it was for the workers who stood out on the picket lines; the women who shattered glass ceilings; the children who braved a Selma bridge for freedom's cause.
So it has been for every generation that faced down the greatest challenges and the most improbable odds to leave their children a world that's better, and kinder, and more just.
And so it must be for us.
America, this is our moment. This is our time.
Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for this country that we love.
The journey will be difficult. The road will be long.
I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations.
But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people.
Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth.
This was the moment - this was the time - when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals.
Thank you, Minnesota, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
Tonight Minnesota, after 54 hard-fought contests, our primary season has finally come to an end.
Sixteen months have passed since we first stood together on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.
Thousands of miles have been travelled. Millions of voices have been heard.
And because of what you said - because you decided that change must come to Washington; because you believed that this year must be different than all the rest; because you chose to listen not to your doubts or your fears but to your greatest hopes and highest aspirations, tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another - a journey that will bring a new and better day to America.
Because of you, tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States of America.
I want to thank all those in Montana and South Dakota who stood up for change today. I want to thank every American who stood with us over the course of this campaign - through the good days and the bad; from the snows of Cedar Rapids to the sunshine of Sioux Falls.
And tonight I also want to thank the men and woman who took this journey with me as fellow candidates for president.
At this defining moment for our nation, we should be proud that our party put forth one of the most talented, qualified field of individuals ever to run for office.
I have not just competed with them as rivals, I have learned from them as friends, as public servants, as patriots who love America and are willing to work tirelessly to make this country better.
They are leaders of this party, and leaders that America will turn to for years to come.
Made history
And that is particularly true for the candidate who has travelled further on this journey than anyone else.
Senator Hillary Clinton has made history in this campaign not just because she's a woman who has done what no woman has done before, but because she is a leader who inspires millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight.
I congratulate here on her victory in South Dakota and I congratulate her on the race she has run throughout this contest.
We've certainly had our differences over the last 16 months.
But as someone who's shared a stage with her many times, I can tell you that what gets Hillary Clinton up in the morning - even in the face of tough odds - is exactly what sent her and Bill Clinton to sign up for their first campaign in Texas all those years ago; what sent her to work at the Children's Defense Fund and made her fight for health care as First Lady; what led her to the United States Senate and fuelled her barrier-breaking campaign for the presidency - an unyielding desire to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, no matter how difficult the fight may be.
And you can rest assured that when we finally win the battle for universal health care in this country, and we will win that fight, she will be central to that victory.
When we transform our energy policy and lift our children out of poverty, it will be because she worked to help make it happen.
Our party and our country are better off because of her, and I am a better candidate for having had the honour to compete with Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Inspired a nation
There are those who say that this primary has somehow left us weaker and more divided.
Well I say that because of this primary, there are millions of Americans who have cast their ballot for the very first time.
There are Independents and Republicans who understand that this election isn't just about a change of party in Washington, it's about the need to change Washington.
There are young people, and African-Americans, and Latinos, and women of all ages who have voted in numbers that have broken records and inspired a nation.
All of you chose to support a candidate you believe in deeply.
But at the end of the day, we aren't the reason you came out and waited in lines that stretched block after block to make your voice heard.
You didn't do that because of me or Senator Clinton or anyone else.
You did it because you know in your hearts that at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - we cannot afford to keep doing what we've been doing.
We owe our children a better future. We owe our country a better future.
And for all those who dream of that future tonight, I say - let us begin the work together.
Let us unite in common effort to chart a new course for America.
Republican agenda
In just a few short months, the Republican Party will arrive in St Paul with a very different agenda.
They will come here to nominate John McCain, a man who has served this country heroically.
I honour, we honour, the service of John McCain, and I respect his many accomplishments, even if he chooses to deny mine.
My differences with him are not personal; they are with the policies he has proposed in this campaign.
Because while John McCain can legitimately tout moments of independence from his party in the past, such independence has not been the hallmark of his presidential campaign.
It's not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush 95% of the time, as he did in the Senate last year.
It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs, or insure our workers, or help Americans afford the skyrocketing cost of college - policies that have lowered the real incomes of the average American family, widened the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, and left our children with a mountain of debt.
It's not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians - a policy where all we look for are reasons to stay in Iraq, while we spend billions of dollars a month on a war that isn't making the American people any safer.
Foreign policy
So I'll say this - there are many words to describe John McCain's attempt to pass off his embrace of George Bush's policies as bipartisan and new.
But change is not one of them.
Because change is a foreign policy that doesn't begin and end with a war that should've never been authorized and never been waged.
I won't stand here and pretend that there are many good options left in Iraq, but what's not an option is leaving our troops in that country for the next hundred years - especially at a time when our military is overstretched, our nation is isolated, and nearly every other threat to America is being ignored.
We must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in - but start leaving we must.
It's time for Iraqis to take responsibility for their future.
It's time to rebuild our military and give our veterans the care they need and the benefits they deserve when they come home.
It's time to refocus our efforts on al-Qaeda's leadership and Afghanistan, and rally the world against the common threats of the 21st century - terrorism and nuclear weapons; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease.
Understanding struggles
That's what change is.
Change is realising that meeting today's threats requires not just our firepower, but the power of our diplomacy - tough, direct diplomacy where the president of the United States isn't afraid to let any petty dictator know where America stands and what we stand for.
We must once again have the courage and conviction to lead the free world.
That is the legacy of Roosevelt, and Truman, and Kennedy.
That's what the American people demand.
That's what change is.
Change is building an economy that rewards not just wealth, but the work and workers who created it.
It's understanding that the struggles facing working families can't be solved by spending billions of dollars on more tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy CEOs, but by giving a middle-class tax break to those who need it, and investing in our crumbling infrastructure, and transforming how we use energy, and improving our schools, and renewing our commitment to science and innovation.
It's understanding that fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity can go hand-in-hand, as they did when Bill Clinton was president.
John McCain has spent a lot of time talking about trips to Iraq in the last few weeks, but maybe if he spent some time taking trips to the cities and towns that have been hardest hit by this economy - cities in Michigan, and Ohio, and right here in Minnesota - he'd understand the kind of change that people are looking for.
Maybe if he went to Iowa and met the student who works the night shift after a full day of class and still can't pay the medical bills for a sister who's ill, he'd understand that she can't afford four more years of a health care plan that only takes care of the healthy and wealthy.
She needs us to pass health care right now, a plan that guarantees insurance to every American who wants it and brings down premiums for every family who needs it.
That's the change we need.
Our children
Maybe if John McCain went to Pennsylvania and met the man who lost his job but can't even afford the gas to drive around and look for a new one, he'd understand that we can't afford four more years of our addiction to oil from dictators.
That man needs us to pass an energy policy that works with automakers to raise fuel standards, and makes corporations pay for their pollution, and oil companies invest their record profits in a clean energy future - an energy policy that will create millions of new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced.
That's the change we need.
And maybe if he spent some time in the schools of South Carolina or St Paul, Minnesota, or where he spoke tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana, he'd understand that we can't afford to leave the money behind for No Child Left Behind; that we owe it to our children to invest in early childhood education and recruit an army of new teachers and give them better pay and more support and finally decide that in this global economy, the chance to get a college education should not be a privilege for the wealthy few, but the birthright of every American.
That's the change we need in America.
That's why I'm running for president.
Americans first
The other side will come here in September and offer a very different set of policies and positions, and that is a good thing, that is a debate I look forward to.
It is a debate the American people deserve on the issues that will help determine the future of this country and the future of its children.
But what you don't deserve is another election that's governed by fear, and innuendo, and division.
What you won't hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon - that sees our opponents not as competitors to challenge, but enemies to demonize.
Because we may call ourselves Democrats and Republicans, but we are Americans first.
We are always Americans first.
Despite what the good Senator from Arizona said tonight, I have seen people of differing views and opinions find common cause many times during my two decades in public life, and I have brought many together myself.
I've walked arm-in-arm with community leaders on the South Side of Chicago and watched tensions fade as black, white, and Latino fought together for good jobs and good schools.
I've sat across the table from law enforcement officials and civil rights advocates to reform a criminal justice system that sent 13 innocent people to death row.
I've worked with friends in the other party to provide more children with health insurance and more working families with a tax break; to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and ensure that the American people know where their tax dollars are being spent; and to reduce the influence of lobbyists who have all too often set the agenda in Washington.
In our country, I have found that this cooperation happens not because we agree on everything, but because behind all the false labels and false divisions and categories that define us; beyond all the petty bickering and point-scoring in Washington, Americans are a decent, generous, compassionate people, united by common challenges and common hopes.
And every so often, there are moments which call on that fundamental goodness to make this country great again.
Our time
So it was for that band of patriots who declared in a Philadelphia hall the formation of a more perfect union; and for all those who gave on the fields of Gettysburg and Antietam their last full measure of devotion to save that same union.
So it was for the Greatest Generation that conquered fear itself, and liberated a continent from tyranny, and made this country home to untold opportunity and prosperity.
So it was for the workers who stood out on the picket lines; the women who shattered glass ceilings; the children who braved a Selma bridge for freedom's cause.
So it has been for every generation that faced down the greatest challenges and the most improbable odds to leave their children a world that's better, and kinder, and more just.
And so it must be for us.
America, this is our moment. This is our time.
Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for this country that we love.
The journey will be difficult. The road will be long.
I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations.
But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people.
Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth.
This was the moment - this was the time - when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals.
Thank you, Minnesota, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Convert to Taoism?
by BI Yantao, China
Some years ago I took interest in the mystery of Yingyang and the Five Elements (or Wu Hsing). Now I feel fascinated with them and even Taoism. In my research I am repeatedly surprised to find the philosophy of the Five Elements can be applied to guide political communication. I once successfully used it to analyze the political struggles in Hong Kong.
As I fall for Taoism, I am afraid I will, probably, convert to it when I meet my master who is destined to guide me to righteousness. When I am in low spirits, I feel a great need for a shepherd. To be honest.
But where is it? Or would someone guide me to it?
Some years ago I took interest in the mystery of Yingyang and the Five Elements (or Wu Hsing). Now I feel fascinated with them and even Taoism. In my research I am repeatedly surprised to find the philosophy of the Five Elements can be applied to guide political communication. I once successfully used it to analyze the political struggles in Hong Kong.
As I fall for Taoism, I am afraid I will, probably, convert to it when I meet my master who is destined to guide me to righteousness. When I am in low spirits, I feel a great need for a shepherd. To be honest.
But where is it? Or would someone guide me to it?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Mount Taishan, “the first of the Five Sacred Mountains” in China
by BI Yantao, China
Basic Information
Location: Spanning Tai’an City and Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
Height: 1545 meters above sea level
Mount Taishan (“shan” means “mountain” in Chinese), with its main peak in Tai’an City, Shandong Province, China, is famous for being the “First of the Five Sacred Mountains” although it ranks third among the five mountains in terms of height. In Chinese history, Mount Taishan has been held in high esteem mainly due to its unparalleled position in Chinese culture. Since the Zhou Dynasty of China (1066 B.C.-256 B.C.), Mount Taishan has become a sacred halidom haunted by emperors to offer sacrifices to Heaven. Historical records reveal that a total of 72
Chinese emperors visited it.
The official website of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) describes Mount Taishan as follows:
The sacred Mount Tai was the object of an imperial cult for nearly 2,000 years, and the artistic masterpieces found there are in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. It has always been a source of inspiration for Chinese artists and scholars and symbolizes ancient Chinese civilizations and beliefs. (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/437)
Dai Temple, closely at the foot of the mountain, is among the most famous palace complexes in China. The Azure Clouds Temple, near the top of the mountain, is a splendid religious building complex. On the way from Dai Temple to Azure Clouds Temple scatter countless stone tablets and inscriptions as well as ancient buildings. From the Red Gate at the foot of the mountain to the South Heaven Gate at the top, there are approximately 7,000 stone steps, winding their way up to the mountain.
In 1987, Mount Taishan was listed among both the world natural and cultural heritage by UNESCO. In 2006, Mount Taishan was listed as a World Geopark by UNESCO.
Copyright@2008 BI Yantao. All Rights Reserved.
Basic Information
Location: Spanning Tai’an City and Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
Height: 1545 meters above sea level
Mount Taishan (“shan” means “mountain” in Chinese), with its main peak in Tai’an City, Shandong Province, China, is famous for being the “First of the Five Sacred Mountains” although it ranks third among the five mountains in terms of height. In Chinese history, Mount Taishan has been held in high esteem mainly due to its unparalleled position in Chinese culture. Since the Zhou Dynasty of China (1066 B.C.-256 B.C.), Mount Taishan has become a sacred halidom haunted by emperors to offer sacrifices to Heaven. Historical records reveal that a total of 72
Chinese emperors visited it.
The official website of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) describes Mount Taishan as follows:
The sacred Mount Tai was the object of an imperial cult for nearly 2,000 years, and the artistic masterpieces found there are in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. It has always been a source of inspiration for Chinese artists and scholars and symbolizes ancient Chinese civilizations and beliefs. (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/437)
Dai Temple, closely at the foot of the mountain, is among the most famous palace complexes in China. The Azure Clouds Temple, near the top of the mountain, is a splendid religious building complex. On the way from Dai Temple to Azure Clouds Temple scatter countless stone tablets and inscriptions as well as ancient buildings. From the Red Gate at the foot of the mountain to the South Heaven Gate at the top, there are approximately 7,000 stone steps, winding their way up to the mountain.
In 1987, Mount Taishan was listed among both the world natural and cultural heritage by UNESCO. In 2006, Mount Taishan was listed as a World Geopark by UNESCO.
Copyright@2008 BI Yantao. All Rights Reserved.
A reliable translation agency in China
by BI Yantao, China
Beijing Reach Interpretation and Translation Services, affiliated to Beijing Reach Business Consulting Co. Ltd., is a professional translation agency registered with Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce and recognized by Beijing Notary Authorities.The Company, launched by people with international educational and working backgrounds, is noted for its top quality services in interpretation and translation.
The company’s clients include international organizations, foreign embassies, government departments, business units, research institutions, societies and individuals. Its operation models of procedure control, specialization and quality management guarantee the comprehensive, quality and speedy services for our clients.
For more information, please log onto http://www.reachcon.com/index.htm.
Beijing Reach Interpretation and Translation Services, affiliated to Beijing Reach Business Consulting Co. Ltd., is a professional translation agency registered with Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce and recognized by Beijing Notary Authorities.The Company, launched by people with international educational and working backgrounds, is noted for its top quality services in interpretation and translation.
The company’s clients include international organizations, foreign embassies, government departments, business units, research institutions, societies and individuals. Its operation models of procedure control, specialization and quality management guarantee the comprehensive, quality and speedy services for our clients.
For more information, please log onto http://www.reachcon.com/index.htm.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
One of my hot posts written in English
by BI Yantao, China
On Oct. 30, I submitted a post entitled “China: Internet censorship tightened” to Fool’s Mountain. To my surprise, it incites heated discussions among the FM’s users. Until 16:00 Nov. 2 (Beijing time), 67 comments have been posted.
To tell the truth, it is a good opportunity for me to enlarge my horizon and improve my English. Jerry, one of FM’s users, said openly to me, “It is an opportunity to learn to communicate across our language, social and cultural barriers”. He is so wise to have observed “Miscommunications and misunderstandings will happen. And learning is never in a straight line. ”
On Oct. 30, I submitted a post entitled “China: Internet censorship tightened” to Fool’s Mountain. To my surprise, it incites heated discussions among the FM’s users. Until 16:00 Nov. 2 (Beijing time), 67 comments have been posted.
To tell the truth, it is a good opportunity for me to enlarge my horizon and improve my English. Jerry, one of FM’s users, said openly to me, “It is an opportunity to learn to communicate across our language, social and cultural barriers”. He is so wise to have observed “Miscommunications and misunderstandings will happen. And learning is never in a straight line. ”
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Dr. Cui Guitian, a noted political professor
by BI Yantao, China
Dr. Cui Guitian, born in Jimo City, Shandong Province, works for School of Political Science and Public Administration, Shandong University, as a well-respected professor. I got acquainted with Dr. Cui via one of my relatives, who convinced me the professor is a trustworthy and easygoing scholar.
Dr. Cui specializes in comparative studies of political parties and governance modes in socialist countries. His profile available on the official website of his school shows Prof. Cui has implemented two research projects concerning governance strategies of the ruling parties in China and VietNam, which are closely related to one of my key research areas: political communication. From the micro perspective, the most important task of political communication is to legitimate a government, a politician, a policy or a political party, which I once termed as “the 4-Zheng” because all of them begin with “Zheng” in Chinese.
Dr. Cui Guitian, born in Jimo City, Shandong Province, works for School of Political Science and Public Administration, Shandong University, as a well-respected professor. I got acquainted with Dr. Cui via one of my relatives, who convinced me the professor is a trustworthy and easygoing scholar.
Dr. Cui specializes in comparative studies of political parties and governance modes in socialist countries. His profile available on the official website of his school shows Prof. Cui has implemented two research projects concerning governance strategies of the ruling parties in China and VietNam, which are closely related to one of my key research areas: political communication. From the micro perspective, the most important task of political communication is to legitimate a government, a politician, a policy or a political party, which I once termed as “the 4-Zheng” because all of them begin with “Zheng” in Chinese.
Zhang Xi'en,a reputable political professor
by BI Yantao, China
When surfing the official website of School of Political Science and Public Adminsistration, Shandong University, my attention was caught by Prof. Zhang Xi-en's profile.
Prof. Zhang, born in Jiaxiang County, Shandong Province, now works as a vice president of his school. He is a well-respected PhD supervisor.
Prof. Zhang's main research areas include theories and culture of politics, governmental system and governance. Some of his research projects are closely related to my PhD project "Political Communication in Contemporay China". Undeniably, today in China, the most critical challenge the ruling party confronts is how to enhance its legitimacy.
Prof. Zhang impressed me deeply by responding to my email timely and decently, on a Sunday early morning, which suggests he is diligent at his age. In this email, he expressed his appreciation of one of his PhD students, who now also works for Hainan University. Today, not all teachers are so good to their students as Prof. Zhang. I really appreciate it.
When surfing the official website of School of Political Science and Public Adminsistration, Shandong University, my attention was caught by Prof. Zhang Xi-en's profile.
Prof. Zhang, born in Jiaxiang County, Shandong Province, now works as a vice president of his school. He is a well-respected PhD supervisor.
Prof. Zhang's main research areas include theories and culture of politics, governmental system and governance. Some of his research projects are closely related to my PhD project "Political Communication in Contemporay China". Undeniably, today in China, the most critical challenge the ruling party confronts is how to enhance its legitimacy.
Prof. Zhang impressed me deeply by responding to my email timely and decently, on a Sunday early morning, which suggests he is diligent at his age. In this email, he expressed his appreciation of one of his PhD students, who now also works for Hainan University. Today, not all teachers are so good to their students as Prof. Zhang. I really appreciate it.
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