China is pulling out all the stops to crack down on an endemic drug problem, that is gripping the nightclubs and bars of Beijing and other major cities.
Ecstasy use is now rife in clubs and bars, and the Chinese authorities want to be rid of the problem of "recreational drugs" by the time the 2008 Olympics are under way in Beijing.
As such club and bar owners are being trained to look out for drug use, ectasy is known as the "head shaking" drug, by videos and lectures.
Now if only the athletes competing in the Games could be made drug free as well, then the Olympics might actually gain some credibility.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Forecasting The 2008 Beijing Olympics
It is reported that China is working on improving its weather forecasting systems, in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
It is even speculated that there will be a separate forecast for every street in Beijing, when the Summer Games open in 2008.
It is even speculated that there will be a separate forecast for every street in Beijing, when the Summer Games open in 2008.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The Definition of Freedom
In an earlier article on this site a few days ago, I noted that Tessa Jowell (Britain's Olympics Minister) when visiting Beijing gushed that she had received a positive response when she raised the issue of press freedom with her counterpart Mr Liu.
Quote:
"He gave me a clear assurance that he would support unimpeded movement of accredited and non-accredited journalists to report not just on the Games but on China."
Seemingly she was talking bollocks.
Beijing activists are up in arms about China's proposed new controls on foreign news agencies, which give the government's Xinhua News Agency control over distribution within China of news, information and other services from foreign agencies. Xinhua said it would delete items deemed to violate national unity or social stability.
These new controls quite clearly fly in the face of what Jowell was claiming only a few days ago.
Sharon Hom, executive director of Human Rights in China, said in a statement:
"These measures are an authoritarian attempt to control news and information dissemination and the access of China's users to uncensored news and information."
Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement:
"These new regulations on the distribution of foreign news are a step backward."
Hom said that the new regulations would deprive Chinese society of information needed to address corruption and social problems.
A Paris based group, Reporters Without Borders, said that the regulations might violate China's commitments to the World Trade Organisation.
The European Union said that it would take them up at human rights talks with China in October.
So much for the words and promises of Jowell!
Quote:
"He gave me a clear assurance that he would support unimpeded movement of accredited and non-accredited journalists to report not just on the Games but on China."
Seemingly she was talking bollocks.
Beijing activists are up in arms about China's proposed new controls on foreign news agencies, which give the government's Xinhua News Agency control over distribution within China of news, information and other services from foreign agencies. Xinhua said it would delete items deemed to violate national unity or social stability.
These new controls quite clearly fly in the face of what Jowell was claiming only a few days ago.
Sharon Hom, executive director of Human Rights in China, said in a statement:
"These measures are an authoritarian attempt to control news and information dissemination and the access of China's users to uncensored news and information."
Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement:
"These new regulations on the distribution of foreign news are a step backward."
Hom said that the new regulations would deprive Chinese society of information needed to address corruption and social problems.
A Paris based group, Reporters Without Borders, said that the regulations might violate China's commitments to the World Trade Organisation.
The European Union said that it would take them up at human rights talks with China in October.
So much for the words and promises of Jowell!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Shortage of Olympic Doctors
Despite the fact that the 2012 London Olympics are still 6 years away, doctors are warning that the UK has too few specialist doctors in sports and exercise medicine to be able to cope with the injuries that could occur at the 2012 Olympics.
Charles Galasko, of the Royal College of Physicians, said that 30 specialists would be needed. Currently there are only 3 specialists in the UK at the moment.
It seems that whilst doctors in other specialist fields, such as orthopaedics, treat sports injuries, they do not have the all-round expertise needed.
Quote:
"The orthopaedic surgeon can deal with the ankle injury but would not necessarily be in a position to deal with an abdominal injury that may have occurred at the same time."
I am sure that this is an unnecessary concern, as the competitors will doubtless bring their own specialists with them in their entourages.
Charles Galasko, of the Royal College of Physicians, said that 30 specialists would be needed. Currently there are only 3 specialists in the UK at the moment.
It seems that whilst doctors in other specialist fields, such as orthopaedics, treat sports injuries, they do not have the all-round expertise needed.
Quote:
"The orthopaedic surgeon can deal with the ankle injury but would not necessarily be in a position to deal with an abdominal injury that may have occurred at the same time."
I am sure that this is an unnecessary concern, as the competitors will doubtless bring their own specialists with them in their entourages.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Press Freedom At The 2008 Olympics
The Beijing 2008 Olympics organisers have promised that the media will be allowed to move freely around China.
That at least is what Britain's minister for culture media and sport, Tessa Jowell, is saying.
The promise has been given by Liu Qi, the head of the organising committee. In the event that the promise is honoured, it would mean a drastic change in the current restrictions imposed on journalists in China. Correspondents are frequently detained by police, and sent back to Beijing when they try to cover sensitive stories in the provinces.
Jowell, who is visiting Beijing as UK Olympic minister, claims that she received a positive response when she raised the issue with her counterpart, Mr Liu.
Quote:
"He gave me a clear assurance that he would support unimpeded movement of accredited and non-accredited journalists to report not just on the Games but on China."
As with all political promises, parts of it are unclear; eg whether this new openness would apply only for the duration of the Olympics, or be permanent.
Jowell went on to say:
"I believe that once we establish freedom in this way, even after the delegates and the athletes have gone home, China won't reverse it and the Games will have a lasting legacy of opening China to the world."
The proof of the pudding, as the old saying goes, is in the eating.
That at least is what Britain's minister for culture media and sport, Tessa Jowell, is saying.
The promise has been given by Liu Qi, the head of the organising committee. In the event that the promise is honoured, it would mean a drastic change in the current restrictions imposed on journalists in China. Correspondents are frequently detained by police, and sent back to Beijing when they try to cover sensitive stories in the provinces.
Jowell, who is visiting Beijing as UK Olympic minister, claims that she received a positive response when she raised the issue with her counterpart, Mr Liu.
Quote:
"He gave me a clear assurance that he would support unimpeded movement of accredited and non-accredited journalists to report not just on the Games but on China."
As with all political promises, parts of it are unclear; eg whether this new openness would apply only for the duration of the Olympics, or be permanent.
Jowell went on to say:
"I believe that once we establish freedom in this way, even after the delegates and the athletes have gone home, China won't reverse it and the Games will have a lasting legacy of opening China to the world."
The proof of the pudding, as the old saying goes, is in the eating.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Bird's Nest Ready
China has completed the stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
The Bird's Nest can hold 91,000 spectators, and is made of approximately 22 miles of unwrapped steel, weighing 42,000 tons, that has been welded into a crisscross shape to resemble twigs in a bird's nest.
It measures approximately 1,052 ft. long by 731 ft. wide by 226 ft. high.
It was designed by the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron with the assistance of Ai Weiwei, one of China's leading modern artists.
The cost was around $500M.
The Bird's Nest can hold 91,000 spectators, and is made of approximately 22 miles of unwrapped steel, weighing 42,000 tons, that has been welded into a crisscross shape to resemble twigs in a bird's nest.
It measures approximately 1,052 ft. long by 731 ft. wide by 226 ft. high.
It was designed by the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron with the assistance of Ai Weiwei, one of China's leading modern artists.
The cost was around $500M.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Olympic Volunteers
The Beijing Organising Committee for the 2008 Olympics have officially launched a recruiting drive for 100,000 volunteers.
The Committee said that 70,000 helpers would serve at the Olympics, and 30,000 at the Paralympics.
International Olympic Committee president, Jacques Rogge, said:
"An Olympic Games stands no chance of success without a team of well-trained volunteers and high-standard voluntary services."
The Committee said that 70,000 helpers would serve at the Olympics, and 30,000 at the Paralympics.
International Olympic Committee president, Jacques Rogge, said:
"An Olympic Games stands no chance of success without a team of well-trained volunteers and high-standard voluntary services."
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Zara Phillips Goes For Gold
Following on from her victory in the World Equestrian Games Sunday, Zara Phillips the Queen's granddaughter is setting her sights on gold in the 2008 Olympics.
Phillips said that winning had been beyond her wildest dreams, she is the first British winner since 1986.
Quote:
"It's been a massive dream but you have to get everything right leading up to it, and have the horse power. It's still two years to go. Horses get injured, so it's a long way away.
Winning was an awesome experience - beyond my wildest dreams."
Phillips said that winning had been beyond her wildest dreams, she is the first British winner since 1986.
Quote:
"It's been a massive dream but you have to get everything right leading up to it, and have the horse power. It's still two years to go. Horses get injured, so it's a long way away.
Winning was an awesome experience - beyond my wildest dreams."
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Beijing Olympics Go Mobile
China is ensuring that the 2008 Olympics in Beijing fully embrace the digital age, by broadcasting them on mobile phones.
The will start testing mobile TV services using DMB in the middle of 2007.
China's State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), said that transmission of TV signals to mobiles would be tested in mid 2007, and the satellite system activated in the first half of 2008.
China Mobile and China Unicom, major players in the Chinese market, are expected to sign agreements at the end of the month with mobile phone makers to buy TV handsets.
Big-screen PDAs and MP4 players will also be able to receive TV signals.
China has over 400 million mobile phone users, increasing by 5 million a month, according to the Ministry of Information Technology.
The will start testing mobile TV services using DMB in the middle of 2007.
China's State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), said that transmission of TV signals to mobiles would be tested in mid 2007, and the satellite system activated in the first half of 2008.
China Mobile and China Unicom, major players in the Chinese market, are expected to sign agreements at the end of the month with mobile phone makers to buy TV handsets.
Big-screen PDAs and MP4 players will also be able to receive TV signals.
China has over 400 million mobile phone users, increasing by 5 million a month, according to the Ministry of Information Technology.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The Heraldry Olympics
St Andrews in Scotland is hosting the Olympics of genealogy and heraldry this week.
The the international event was officially opened by its patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
Around 300 heraldic experts and aficionados from across the globe have gathered in what is the greatest single gathering of heralds since the Middle Ages.
Delegates and heralds have come from 26 countries including; South Africa, Russia, Canada, Spain and Norway.
To mark the event, the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Robin Blair, has granted supporters (Saint Andrew and a lion) and a crest to the university to add to its arms.
The university and the Burgh of St Andrews was presented with keepsakes in the form of specially created heraldic processional banners, 'gonfannons', which were blessed by The Bishop of Edinburgh and presented during the opening ceremony.
The the international event was officially opened by its patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
Around 300 heraldic experts and aficionados from across the globe have gathered in what is the greatest single gathering of heralds since the Middle Ages.
Delegates and heralds have come from 26 countries including; South Africa, Russia, Canada, Spain and Norway.
To mark the event, the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Robin Blair, has granted supporters (Saint Andrew and a lion) and a crest to the university to add to its arms.
The university and the Burgh of St Andrews was presented with keepsakes in the form of specially created heraldic processional banners, 'gonfannons', which were blessed by The Bishop of Edinburgh and presented during the opening ceremony.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Beijing Runway Trials
Beijing's Capital Airport will test its three runways this coming October, in the configuration designed for the 2008 Olympic Games.
The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) said that it had signed a contract with the Boeing Company to conduct a study of the operating mode for the three runways, using Atlanta International Airport as a comparison.
After six months of trial operation, the three runways, two old ones and the newly constructed one, will begin official operation in May 2008.
Computer simulation modeling and analysis will maximise the efficient operation of the three runways.
Under CAAC's air traffic control plan for the 2008 Olympic Games, the Capital Airport will upgrade its existing facilities and build two new radar navigators and a series of signal processing systems for communication and weather observation.
The Capital Airport is being expanded to cope with rising passenger volumes, and the inflow of tourists expected for the 2008 Olympic Games.
The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) said that it had signed a contract with the Boeing Company to conduct a study of the operating mode for the three runways, using Atlanta International Airport as a comparison.
After six months of trial operation, the three runways, two old ones and the newly constructed one, will begin official operation in May 2008.
Computer simulation modeling and analysis will maximise the efficient operation of the three runways.
Under CAAC's air traffic control plan for the 2008 Olympic Games, the Capital Airport will upgrade its existing facilities and build two new radar navigators and a series of signal processing systems for communication and weather observation.
The Capital Airport is being expanded to cope with rising passenger volumes, and the inflow of tourists expected for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Anti Terror Training
Chinese State Councilor Zhou Yongkang has called for the strengthening of anti-terrorism training for security guards, in order to ensure the safety of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Quote:
"As the international security situation is very complicated, anti-terrorism efforts are of great importance to the safety of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games."
He has asked for the establishment of a system to ensure a quick response to terrorist emergencies. Additionally he has noted that all the security guards must be given anti-terrorism training courses, and that the Olympic stadiums' security facilities must be improved.
Finally, he has called for China's Exit and Entry Administration to improve their anti-terrorism capabilities prior to the Games, and for intelligence on terrorist activities to be intensified.
Quote:
"As the international security situation is very complicated, anti-terrorism efforts are of great importance to the safety of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games."
He has asked for the establishment of a system to ensure a quick response to terrorist emergencies. Additionally he has noted that all the security guards must be given anti-terrorism training courses, and that the Olympic stadiums' security facilities must be improved.
Finally, he has called for China's Exit and Entry Administration to improve their anti-terrorism capabilities prior to the Games, and for intelligence on terrorist activities to be intensified.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
China Educates The Uncouth
As the 2008 Beijing Olympics draws ever near, the authorities in China are aware of the PR and image issues associated with the Games. Specifically, they are focusing their attention on the impression that their own citizens make on the rest of the world. After all, the best/worst ambassadors for a country are usually its own citizens.
As such the Spiritual Civilisation Steering Committee, the Chinese etiquette watchdog, has launched an education campaign to correct the embarrassing habits of Chinese tourists at home and abroad.
The Committee's "Campaign to Promote Civilised Chinese Travellers" will last until after the Olympic Games.
The Committee states:
"Currently, the behaviour of our country's tourists is not compatible with the rapid development of the tourist industry, nor with China's international standing."
The official Xinhua news agency has already quoted Singapore media reports of airline and hotel staff complaining about Chinese tourists spitting, talking loudly and being rude. That being said, Singapore has very high standards indeed with respect to behaviour in public.
The committee has highlighted a number of areas of concern including; appearance, hygiene, courtesy, the law, the environment and public infrastructure, as damaging "the image of China as a civilised country" and generating "widespread attention and criticism domestically and overseas."
The China Daily said:
"Many tourists clear their throats loudly and spit, take off shoes aboard planes and trains, squat and smoke in public places, and often appear uncouth."
Civil servants and state company executives will be targeted for training, the general public will be educated via the media and pamphlets distributed at public transport stations, hotels, travel agencies, tourist spots, schools and work places.
I would venture to suggest that other countries could also benefit from applying such an education programme.
As such the Spiritual Civilisation Steering Committee, the Chinese etiquette watchdog, has launched an education campaign to correct the embarrassing habits of Chinese tourists at home and abroad.
The Committee's "Campaign to Promote Civilised Chinese Travellers" will last until after the Olympic Games.
The Committee states:
"Currently, the behaviour of our country's tourists is not compatible with the rapid development of the tourist industry, nor with China's international standing."
The official Xinhua news agency has already quoted Singapore media reports of airline and hotel staff complaining about Chinese tourists spitting, talking loudly and being rude. That being said, Singapore has very high standards indeed with respect to behaviour in public.
The committee has highlighted a number of areas of concern including; appearance, hygiene, courtesy, the law, the environment and public infrastructure, as damaging "the image of China as a civilised country" and generating "widespread attention and criticism domestically and overseas."
The China Daily said:
"Many tourists clear their throats loudly and spit, take off shoes aboard planes and trains, squat and smoke in public places, and often appear uncouth."
Civil servants and state company executives will be targeted for training, the general public will be educated via the media and pamphlets distributed at public transport stations, hotels, travel agencies, tourist spots, schools and work places.
I would venture to suggest that other countries could also benefit from applying such an education programme.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
A Foretaste of 2008
There is a foretaste being provided this week for those people keen to see what the 2008 Olympics in Beijing may be like, as Beijing hosts the 11th IAAF World Junior Championships.
1,400 athletes from 182 countries will compete in track and field events at the Chaoyang Sports Centre in Beijing. The competition kicks off today, and runs until Sunday.
Beijing is using the event as a dry run for the 2008 Summer Games.
1,400 athletes from 182 countries will compete in track and field events at the Chaoyang Sports Centre in Beijing. The competition kicks off today, and runs until Sunday.
Beijing is using the event as a dry run for the 2008 Summer Games.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Free Press For The Beijing Olympics 2008
The Chinese have announced that China will guarantee the freedom of foreign journalists to cover news in China during the games.
Jiang Xiaoyu, Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Olympic Committee, said that Beijing has:
"..made a solemn promise to provide the service necessary for the media during the Olympic Games.
If there is any conflict between the Chinese media rules and those of international practice, China will follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines as well as the established norms of international practice."
Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Olympics Organising Committee, last September also made a similar undertaking.
Jiang stated that all foreign journalists, not just those who are accredited by the IOC, will enjoy free access to news coverage during the Olympic Games.
However, he noted that foreign journalists need to abide by Chinese rules and understand the "national conditions" of China.
Jiang Xiaoyu, Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Olympic Committee, said that Beijing has:
"..made a solemn promise to provide the service necessary for the media during the Olympic Games.
If there is any conflict between the Chinese media rules and those of international practice, China will follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines as well as the established norms of international practice."
Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Olympics Organising Committee, last September also made a similar undertaking.
Jiang stated that all foreign journalists, not just those who are accredited by the IOC, will enjoy free access to news coverage during the Olympic Games.
However, he noted that foreign journalists need to abide by Chinese rules and understand the "national conditions" of China.
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