 Gypsy King Adventures - GypsyKing | All Comments |
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| 7th December 2009 Bishop | schedule - From: Last minute photos before we say goodbye... Hey, email me your schedule coming back. I'm off work starting Wednesday until the 11th of Jan. I'll meet you at the airport. |
| 5th December 2009 Fara | Family trip - From: Schooldaze are here again... You are welcome to come to Denver!! I would love to see you and meet Jennifer. :) |
| 1st December 2009 HAJ | YEAH!! - From: Our Year is Almost Over in... Very nice Sean, you guys seem to having the time of your lives over there. Once in a lifetime I'd say. Good for you!! Hope to see you soon when you get back to the US! Haj |
| 13th November 2009 Carlsberg | Yo bone daddy! - From: Schooldaze are here again... I just wanted to say that the family road trip is a wonderful idea! You should deffinatley come allll the way up to Vermont and visit me! |
| 5th November 2009 GypsyKing | The Bodies are everywhere! - From: First KFC and McDonalds - now Disney World! Hey, Dad...yea, I went to that amazing exhibit when it was down in Tampa at the MOSI space and science center. Breathtaking stuff, at first they couldn't show it because of the protests, seems most of the bodies came from China, peasants probably, nobody knew for sure, but it eventually was opened to the public and it was so much more than amazing..it's not just the human bodies, they have a whole room of real hearts, cells, stuff that most of us only see in textbooks...I went with a physician I was dating at the time and that made it even more astounding..if you can go - GO!! |
| 4th November 2009 Dad; The Man:Pater Famalias: The stud etc. | the truth - From: First KFC and McDonalds - now Disney World! tick tick tick tick the countdown is ticking away......we'll be glad to get you back safe and sound. If life gets boring again in 2010 you'll be allowed to carry your passports around in your pocket back here too. Thought of you the other day when I saw that the exhibit on "The Human Body" was being shown at the High Museum here in Atlanta. I never knew that real people had their skin cut off. Then they were soaked in epoxy and bent to dry in different poses to show the muscles and tendons as they appear when they are used. Quite an exhibition. I didn't go but I heard it was a true wonder. Any idea where the original people came from, the ones whose bodies were used in the exihibit? |
| 23rd September 2009 Dad | Something we have in common - From: Schooldaze are here again... You Said: .".. celebrating the next one (birthday) in a strange land with no clue as to where I would be living, where I would be working, what my days would be like." Sounds like a summary of my life!!! Love ya son, Your Pater Familias |
| 22nd September 2009 GypsyKing | To Ken Wang, from GypsyKing - From: The Big "T"... Yes, my thoughts and feelings about Tibet have changed drastically since I visited and saw for myself what is happening there. I thought long and hard about writing a manifesto about how I feel about Tibet today. However, there is no upside to writing about the Tibet situation, only downsides, and it's simply not prudent for me to publish these while I am living and working in a communist country known for daily abuses of human rights. While I am a visitor here I want to be an ambassador from the U.S., foster friendly relations and experience as much of Chinese culture as I can, regardless of my feelings towards the political landscape. After talking with you on several occasions I am confident I am considerably more well-informed than you are in every aspect of our short acquaintance and to put it gently - I don't suffer fools lightly. There are many travelers out there who enjoy instigating discourse in the selfish attempt to appear intellectual and well-traveled, well-read, etc. and these folks love to sit around and argue just for the sake of something to do. If you have read my other posts you would realize I am not one of these folks. That's why I have blocked your communications on Skype and am not interested in your emails teaching me all about your view of USA as it supports your nugatory arguments...I'm just not listening anymore. Enjoy Bali! Peace. |
| 22nd September 2009 ken | what has changed ? - From: The Big "T"... Sean, I just stumbled on this earlier blog piece..I note your ideas have actually changed since....after you visited Tibet... why ? I also note that many blog responses were pointing you to the facts... hope you are better informed now. One thing I do know about is that tourism has NOT destroyed the Balinese way of life ... That is the reason we spend so much time there to experience Balinese culture. PS I not you have blocked the birthday greetings I sent u a few days ago on skype |
| 19th September 2009 GypsyKing | To Becky, from GypsyKing - From: Saying Goodbye to Tibet Thanks for reading my blog, Becky. I did not understand the situation before I went to Tibet and didn't realize that much of my money was going to Chinese oppression, for example the tour company I used, Access Tibet Travel, is a Chinese-run company so I was putting money in their pocket. Now I realize the financial situation but I would still do the same thing again. However, there is no way to go to Tibet and see for yourself what is happening w/out some, or most, of your travel money going to the Chinese government. I felt it was more important to see Tibet and her people myself than to let the Chinese government continue oppressing and killing Tibetan culture by fostering the belief that it would be better for all tourists to "stay away!"...that is exactly what they want and I refused to accommodate. Everyone has to make their own decision though, personally, I am forever changed by going to Tibet and I believe you would be too... Peace. |
| 16th September 2009 Becky | Thank you for sharing - From: Saying Goodbye to Tibet I have been planning to go to Tibet next march and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. I feel a bit hesitant to travel to a country that is undergoing cultural death, and I feel guilty to participate in the tourist rush that is only fuelling the fire. At the same time, I feel its important to see it before its gone. Thanks for sharing your experience. |
| 7th September 2009 GypsyKing | To Comment #1, from GypsyKingAdventures - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 I did my research on the history of Tibet and here is what I found. Historically, Tibetan dynasties often conflicted with Chinese dynasties (and of course you and your countrymen take the opposite side of this argument). The Tibetan Yarlung dynasty (ruled during 6th - 9th centuries) conquered the Chinese T'ang dynasty (7th - 10th centuries) - you read that right, they conquered the T'ang dynasy, for most of the 8th century. No indigenous Chinese dynasty ever conquered Tibet, although the Mongols and the Manchu Empires pulled in both China and Tibet under their imperial hegemony. The Brits invaded Tibet and forced a trade treaty on her, but they also did the same thing with China. The big point here is NONE of these three empires made any attempt to homogenize China and Tibet into a single national entity, or to even colonize Tibet with Mongolian, Manchu, British, or surrogate subject Chinese settlers. And another point - except for a few border regions in the Far East, there was almost NO CHINESE POPULATION in high plateau Tibet until the People's Republic of China (PRC) invasion between 1949 and 1951 - that's when your government began invading, occupying, and colonizing Tibet. Your country invaded Tibet immediately after the communist victory over the Chinese Nationalists (who fled to Taiwan), they imposed a treaty of "liberation" on the Tibetans (what they really wanted was more power and more money and suppress any culture that was different), the Chinese militarily occupied Tibet's territory, and divided that territory into twelve administrative units. Now, we can argue these facts all day because you, like your entire country prefers to do, will just ignore how you got there and what you are doing in Tibet today. My real question is, China is so big and so powerful - why do you feel the need to eradicate the entire culture of Tibet? Why is your country so afraid of the Dalai Lama and a population consisting of monks and farmers? Surely such a big and powerful country can figure out how to "make lives better for Tibetans" (that was China's reason for invading Tibet after all) without killing them, killing their language and arts, killing their spirituality, and killing their way of life? Why can't your country do this without using guns, spies, and violence? Those are the questions that your government does not, and simply can not answer. The truth is Tibetans ARE different, they do not follow China's strict Buddhist forms, they don't worship the mainland and instead look to H.H. Dalai Lama, and big and powerful China sees this as a threat. And like a petulant child with a big stick, China marches in and crushes a weak, spiritual country until it quickly gets on it's knees for survival. And today China is mining Tibet's natural resources, using their spiritual temples as tourist attractions, developing Lhasa and surrounding cities into thriving industrial zones to continue China's only real motivation - to make as much money as possible. Because the more money you have the more powerful you feel and you can continue ignoring the world's pleas to stop abusing human rights. |
| 6th September 2009 FYI | - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 You want to argue about Tibet history. OK. Please wiki "Qing dyansty" "Republic of China(ROC)" "People's Repulic of China(PRC)", or Please google image"Qing dyansty" "Republic of China" "People's Repulic of China" which indicates Tibet was/is an independent country? Which country recognized/recognizes Tibet as an independent country. China never said Tibet was part of China because the Tibetan King married with a Tang princess or because of Genghis Khan. But Tibet was part of China since Yuan Dynasty(the grandson of Genghis Khan found Yuan Dynasty). PS. there are about 6m mongolian people in China(some live in Tibet and Qinghai), while leass than 3m in Mongolia. The tomb of Genghis Khan is in China. Yuan Dynasty is not equal to Genghis Khan's empire. You know HongKong and Macau have their own special systems, but no one can deny they are part of China now. You mentioned Tibetan language and arts are no longer taught in schools. Could you provide the name of the School? Just one school! By the way, I know the American history you told me. Thanks. |
| 6th September 2009 GypsyKing | To Comment #2, from GypsyKingAdventures - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 I'm not sure you understand what you are saying, but I will refresh your memory of American history. From the beginning, the American colonists were used to doing things their own way and yes, although we came from Great Britain, she was far, far away and that's the way we liked it. When problems arose, we fixed those problems ourselves rather than waiting for Britain to tell us what to do and we, like the Tibetan people, are willing to pay dearly for this autonomy. When Britain decided American's should pay a large part of the money Britain owed to its banks and other countries they levied huge taxes on the American's and we got pissed off - and unlike the Tibetans, we were not peaceful Buddhists by nature and instead we formed militias and fought back with a vengeance. Dozens of battles later, it looked like Britain was going to win as they were highly skilled and they were winning almost every battle in sight. However, we won a key battle, Saratoga, and France took notice and agreed to help us fight the British by supplying money and troops. The Brits continued to try to conquer us but we kept fighting and as French ships sailed into Yorktown harbor our American army advanced. Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington and the Brits left America, the Treaty of Paris was signed and America had won our war of independence. My point is, at one time we were considered part of England but eventually we wanted our autonomy and independence and considered ourselves American EXCEPT in the eyes of Britain. And just as you can ask any Tibetan, if you had the courage to go anywhere near Tibet which I doubt you do, he will also say he is only part of China in eyes of the Chinese. |
| 6th September 2009 GypsyKing | To Comment #2, from GypsyKingAdventures - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 What needs to be new in this argument? - the facts speak loud and clear. The saddest part of the problem is the "kind" Chinese who do not believe reality - the rest of the world and especially Westerners know what you are doing. What evidence do you need to believe what the whole world knows and only your government does not accept, and therefore by default your people do not accept either? You're right though; there is no argument that Tibet was/is part of China because it never was but you have invaded their country with force and so now it is. How powerful you are conquering a small peaceful country of monks and farmers! Perhaps you and your countrymen are still angry and raging about not stopping your insane hero Mao's Cultural Revolution and only now need to vent your hatred anywhere you can - and if your enemy is weak and spiritual and can not fight then you can feel that much better - you are crushing them unfettered and unresisted. Do you really believe your country invaded, conquered, and is now strangling Tibet in order to improve their lives? What would Confucius say about this atrocity? If you do not believe the monks in Tibet are peaceful I plead with you to turn off your television and the internet and go there yourself and spend a few days in what is left of their homeland. Then look in your heart and make up your own mind - you will be changed. |
| 6th September 2009 FYI | - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 Using this reasoning, America should belong to England right now. ---------------------------------- History is interesting. If England had defeated USA in 1770s, USA was part of England. Before 1770s, USA was truly part of England. |
| 6th September 2009 FYI | - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 Your argument is nothing new---copied from "Tibetan government" in exile or “free tibet movement”. I saw too much in their website. Only the "kind westerners" believe that. But they can not provide any evidence. Whether Tibet was/is part of China, it's not necessary to argue about that. I just want to say Chinese are not just Han people. Have you ever seen the mosque in Tibet? Some "PEAeaceful " monks wanted to fire it. |
| 6th September 2009 GypsyKing | To Comment #1, from GypsyKingAdventure - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 Your argument that USA provides a bad example has nothing to do with what is happening in Tibet and certainly does not mean that what I am saying is not occurring in Tibet. Instead of attacking the person you need to attack the facts. Here are some for you: The Chinese assert that Tibet has always been part of China and this is not true. Tibet was not part of China at any time, in any way. China invaded Tibet and says that Tibet should be part of China because a Tibetan Emperor had once married a Chinese princess. Later on, the Chinese said that Tibet was part of China because of Genghis Khan, talking about when the Mongols came to Tibet and subdued it. Although Genghis Khan and the Mongols controlled Tibet - they never incorporated Tibet into China. Using this reasoning, America should belong to England right now. Chinese and Tibetans are completely different people, as different as the Uighurs are from Han. Tibetan culture, religion, way of life, habits, even their way of eating is different than Chinese. And the Chinese hate these differences because as a culture you detest anybody who behaves differently because they are viewed as a threat. This is referred to as splitism and it is the primary reason China invaded and is still in Tibet. And of course the language is also different; Tibetans have a spoken and written language that comes from Indian script Sanskrit. Before the invasion, Tibet has it's own theocratic government led by H.H. Dalai Lama. They had a National Assembly and their own army. They also had their own currency, gold and silver coins, and they also had paper money, their own postal system and their own stamps. Before the invasion, Tibet has nothing to do with China and did not threaten China in any way - there only 'crime' was being different, the irony is they were also peaceful, fundamentally spiritual people who choose the peaceful way and not the violent way. Since the Chinese invasion over 1 million, of the 6 million Tibetans, have been murdered - 17% of the population. In the Amdo region alone, there are less than 5,000 people of the Golok tribe of the 100,000 who lived there before the invasion. Over 6,000 monasteries is now reduced to less than 10% of this number and the monastic population is now completely controlled by the Chinese government. Tibetan language and arts are no longer taught in schools and monks have been replaced with Chinese spy's to both entertain the tourists as well as report on any uprisings. Lhasa has only 1/3 of the Tibetan region left and that is quickly dissolving, being swallowed up by a voracious Chinese appetite for money and power. The Tibetan population are almost all displaced as Chinese fill up all new jobs and soon Lhasa will be all Chinese - there is now only 1 Tibetan for every 6 Chinese in this capital city. I live here in China and have been to Tibet and have done some research and can see with my own eyes what is happening there. These are only my personal opinions, and I say what the Chinese are really doing in Tibet is a genocide against the Tibetan people and their culture. DR Congo, Sudan, Chechnya, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Rwanda, Burundi, Darfur...as defined by the 1948 Convention, genocide consists of acts committed with the intent to physically destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group resulting in widespread crimes against humanity or systematic attacks against civilians... Peace. |
| 5th September 2009 FYI | - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 What type of people usually are the manual workers in USA? What type of people usually are the low-income people in USA? What type of people usually have a large percentage in jails in USA? Are Hawaiians still the majority in Hawaii? Is the NATIVE Indian culture still alive? Is the official language of Alaska the Native Alaskan Language? How many people are dying during the bombing of USA in Iraq and Afghan? How many Iraq people have died since Iraq War? Which country provide weapons and money to Israel to kill the Palestinian people and overthrow their houses and occupy their land? Which Country keep Israel from being condemned in UN? Please THINK ABOUT THIS. Should China use reservation to keep Tibetan people just like the Indian reservations in USA? Absolutely not. USA shows us a bad example. Why the eastern minorities have lived peacefully with Han Chinese for thousands of years? Tibetan people should interact with other Chinese people and develop their culture and show their culture to China and the world. I am happy there are a lot of Tibetan singers/artists who are famous in China. I donot mean every aspect is good. But some bad things happened and are happening in whole China. Not just in Tibet. So you should not think that just aims at Tibetan culture. Now China is participating in the globalization and Chinese are eager to learn foreign languages and some Chinese like the KFC, McD, Starbucks. There are more and more Christians in China. There are not China's traditions. Should China forbid these? Learn form others and develop ourselves. This is the key to survive in the era of globalization. So does Tibet and Tibetan people. I have deep confidence in China and Tibet. |
| 5th September 2009 FYI | - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp Adventure 14th Dalai was not picked up by PanChan Lama, is he real or fake? Dalai has not right to pick up Panchan Lama. Panchan Lama used to rule west Tibet, while Dalai ruled east Tibet. But 9th Panchan Lama had to flee Qinghai Province because 13th Dalai Lama wanted to conquer his place. 14th Dalai even didnot recognize 10th Panchan Lama and appointed his 10th Panchan, but he had to recognize 10th Panchan Lama, and Panchan he appointed fled India and no one knows where he is. Kangxi emperor had ever abolished 6th Dalai Lama in history. |
| 5th September 2009 Dad | Reality - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day 3 I'm crying. |
| 31st August 2009 Tommy Toes | Amazing! - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp, Day Two What an amazing trip. The artwork alone speaks volumes for how unique their culture is. It looks like the music hall was good times. I am glad I finally got the link from you. I would hate to have missed this. |
| 23rd August 2009 Manuel | Help finding tour operator to E.B.C. please - From: Mt. Everest Base Camp Adventure Hi! How are you? My name is Manuel, I live in Spain and I'm going in September to Lhasa. I saw your blog about your 3 day trip to Everest Base Camp. I want to do exactly the same (3 day ride to EBC) because I'll be travelling only 3 weeks in China and I plan to go from Beijing to Xian, Lhasa, Chengdu, Guilin, Hong Kong and Shanghai, so I don't have much time to stay in Tibet but 5 days max. I would appreciate if you could tell me the name or even the contact details of the tour operator with whom you booked your 3 day tour to Ev. B. C. and if it is possible the price they charged for it. Thank you very very much, and I hope you'r enjoying your long stay in China! Best regards! Manuel |
| 21st August 2009 GypsyKing | Evidence, what evidence? - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... When your government fears any civil unrest, such as that among the six million Tibetans last year, they use their unfettered power not for dialogue, but to lock down huge areas of territory. They send in thousands of troops, cut off cellphone, internet services, deny foreign journalists access, and make 'problems' disappear. In this unofficial state of martial law, soldiers and police officers constrict then restrict all travel using checkpoints, march through streets and check people for identification cards. How do you think any evidence the PRC opened fire on Tibetans will ever be seen or heard, and just in case, nobody in all of China now has access to Youtube. Everything you know as reality is a result of carefully planned and organized mis-information...go see for yourself. |
| 21st August 2009 GypsyKing | Go see for yourself... - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... In response to your assertion that the PRC does not want to kill Tibetan culture, you are not aware of reality and simply spewing the misinformation that is rampant here. The media tends to focus on the politics of the protests since these provide such rewarding drama, but after almost 50 years of living under Chinese rule, show me a Tibetan that doesn't believe Tibet is an independent country? And China continues to be baffled, “Why do Tibetans feel this way? Have we not modernized Tibet? Tibetans now have electricity, roads and medical care. Aren’t Tibetans more prosperous than they were fifty years ago?” These advances are material in nature and confined almost exclusively to urban areas. The Tibetans I talked with feel like they are second class citizens under the thumb of the PRC. They don't have the same rights, privileges, or economic opportunities that the Han Chinese enjoy. They also feel their culture is under siege and this is obvious from anyone who visits. For example, at Tibet University in Lhasa, the only officially recognized institution of higher learning in the TAR, Chinese is the only official language of instruction, along with scant support or academic programming related to Tibetan language, literature, culture, or the arts. Go there and see for yourself, don't just repeat what your own rulers tell you... |
| 20th August 2009 FYI | - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... Nobody in your country can own a gun except the government/military, and this also means the government/military are free to do whatever they want, to whoever they want, whenever they want - such as opening fire on peaceful monks who are protesting their cultural genocide. --------------------------------------------------- After more than one year, even Dalai can not provide an evidence that Chinese policemen did open fire on PEACeful monks. How about you? |
| 20th August 2009 FYI | - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... No one wants to kill Tibetan culture. Tibetan culture is part of Chinese culture. However, bad traditions should be got rid of. Dalai is just like Middle Ages Pope. He owned slaves and enjoied the Potala Palace and the summer palace (Norbulingka) while average tibetans had no land of themselves and were treated badly. So the TRaditional slavey should be abolished. Culture is developing, and never stop at one point. China has influenced Korea for thousands of years. But now Chinese like korean movies and TV dramas. Why? Because Koreans develop their economy and their culture. So only developing economy of Tibetan area is most important. When you enjoy your modern living condition, you want the Tibetans to stay and live like nomad just for your curiosity. |
| 20th August 2009 GypsyKing | Hey, Comment #2... - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... Mao once said that the Chinese Communist Party should always work “to accept what is useful and healthy, and to discard what is not.” Let these words serve as a guide for the Chinese leadership TODAY, and in the future...the current policy in Tibet is not working, is there anyone who thinks it is? I have noticed that Chinese police usually don't carry guns - why would they - there is no need. Nobody in your country can own a gun except the government/military, and this also means the government/military are free to do whatever they want, to whoever they want, whenever they want - such as opening fire on peaceful monks who are protesting their cultural genocide. Thanks for the comment and for reading our blog... Peace. |
| 20th August 2009 GypsyKing | Hey, stopandstare... - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... Actually I do not detest the Chinese government at all and I am quite surprised that they have such little interaction with the Chinese people on a day to day basis; I was expecting the exact opposite - a cloying, suffocating machine that stifles liberties and expression at every turn. What I do detest though, is how they handled, and continue to act today in the name of 'liberating' Tibet. I do agree that Tibet is not a separate nation and belongs to China, but how is China's fear of split-ism a reason for the strangling and killing of an entire culture of peaceful, fundamentally-religious people? |
| 19th August 2009 FYI | - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... If Dalai stopped making trouble, and the separatists stopped making trouble, it's not necessary to have police and army in the street. You may have noticed that chinese policemen usually don't carry guns with them in most Chinese cities, unlike in US. |
| 19th August 2009 James Li | Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... Hi, I commented on one of your earlier blog posts. It is clear that you detest the Chinese government. Thus a natural question arises: what are the hell are you doing in China? |
| 19th August 2009 Dad | plesantly surprised - From: Potala Palace, Summer Palace, Walking in circles... I enjoyed the subtle intrusion of the one English word (sorta) that I could see in all your excellent photographs. In the midst of Gods and palaces and mountains and ageless wonders lies the fascade of some building with the artistically etched words "Budwiser" marching around the perimeter. Subtle, berry subtle Sean O San. |
| 12th August 2009 Dad | - From: Hello from the Rooftop of the World... Thanks for pausing and leaving a note. I can not stop myself from being nervous. I had no idea I cared so much about both of you and your safety. I look forward to your resting up and then blogging for all of us. |
| 6th August 2009 Super Dave | ....Of Love, say What! - From: Daming Lake, Jinan China Awesome video. It lifted my heart to hear you laughing and talking... most times when we skype, you have only been awake for 2 minutes, so it's nice to hear/see you in normal times... Jen, hope you didnt have to change your shorts.... you sounded a "little" nervous there towards the end =) |
| 6th August 2009 Little Brother | Little Girl - From: Schoooooooools Out For Summer!! Did you ever find out if that little girl on the track passed her test? |
| 6th August 2009 Tim | remember - From: Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain) Part II Sean, Do you remember the lyrics from the Rush song I sent you a while back? I believe it was about this mountain and place. Just an interesting side note. Glad you made it out alive. |
| 6th August 2009 Little Brother | Stages - From: All Quiet on the Eastern Front... Sean. what a wonderful encounter. It is so easy for (many) us to take for granted the fears and anxiousness in others, especially in a different culture. I have always been amazed at how having daughters has affected you and the way you react with children. I remember, and notice, every time we shop together or just go anywhere together how relaxed, loving, and generally at ease around kids, be it in lines, or at the beach, or where ever. I was supprized with your decision to teach kids when I first heard it years ago, but that single encounter really sums up why this path is so right for you. I know you are on a spiritual journy to discover "yourself", but I believe it is importaint (and I am sure you do) to remember how many people's lives you are and will be effecting. Much more that the average bear. These kids, the locals, everyone you encounter will most likely remember you forever. |
| 6th August 2009 BroKowski | Hats? - From: Class Trip with the English Club... Sean, I have noticed in many of the photo's of your students, they all seem to (at one time or another) to be wearing white and blue ball caps. I am assuming that these would be the school colors (like their wind breakers). Is this correct? |
| 25th July 2009 GypsyKing | The Big T... - From: The Big "T"... Thanks for reading, but hey, get your own blog and stop using my comments section for your own political megaphone (although you are quite prolific).... |
| 25th July 2009 GypsyKing | a ruled by a gentle, giggling monk?? or not - From: The Big "T"... Thanks for reading...but, you missed my point, my description of the Dali Llama is the way I used to view Tibet and his Holiness - the point being I don't see Tibet the same way anymore...yes, Westerner's have been brainwashed, another one of my points..keep reading, I will have more thoughts on Tibet when I return in a month. |
| 25th July 2009 GypsyKing | your nuts... - From: The Big "T"... Thanks for the response...I've been living in China for seven months, not two, and I am the first to admit I don't know much about either of the Big T's...that's why I went to T-Square and that's also why I'm going to Tibet, to see and experience it for myself. Much of China is not pretty, much about every country on earth is not pretty depending on your perspective, but I do love it here and am looking forward to the next six months very much... |
| 24th July 2009 harry | your nut's - From: The Big "T"... Two weeks and you think you know the whole truth about the T's try living and working inside China for years like me. Get a Chinese wife like me and try to live a normal life in China like me, You will see the real China.................... and it not pretty......................... |
| 22nd July 2009 NYCkid | actually i do agree with u on most of your points - From: The Big "T"... agree with you on most of the points....bring enough sunscreen and enjoy your trip in Tibet. |
| 22nd July 2009 NYCkid | a ruled by a gentle, giggling monk???or not - From: The Big "T"... it just bothers me while reading your blog. "Tibet itself is a magical kingdom, ruled by a gentle, giggling monk"??? really? Is that how westerners got brainwashed? or you just watched too many hollywood fairy tales? The fact is Dalai himself was a dictator and Tibet was a society of few monks ruling slaves. Yes, Monks and Slaves are pretty much the two words that can summarize Dalai's old Tibet. Well, whether Tibet should be a part of China or not, I don't care. But Dalai and his old Tibet was nothing but a brutal feudalism society. The Chinese government at least brought more freedom to the slaves. Yes, you hear me, MORE freedom than Dalai's old Tibet.... |
| 22nd July 2009 James Li | The Big "T" - From: The Big "T"... Hi, I happened to stumble upon this particular blog entry, and read, with great interest, your thoughts on Tibet. First let me state, for what it is worth, that I am an overseas Chinese (who has never been through the Chinese education system). Thus I hope that my comments will not be misconstrued as somehow pontificating Party lines. I believe that Tibet is the metaphorical baton that is used, by the West, to give China a bloody nose. That the Western media is often biased against China is now well-known. But the extent to which the media - often the only gateway of information and understanding between China and the English speaking world - portrays the Tibet story in a wholly one-sided fashion is appalling and serves, in fact, neither the interests of the Chinese government, the Tibetan government-in-exile nor the Tibetan people themselves. In fact, it would not be a hyperbole to suggest that some (Western) media outlets are mouthpieces of the Free Tibet movement. I do not make such an accusation lightly. But watching news channels (notably last year when troubles began) in which representatives of such groups were free to describe whatever "facts" (historical or current) they liked without any retort, or forensic questioning, from the reporter lends at least some credence to my claim. The Tibet story is presented, in the West, as a simplistic moral fable in which, to quote the academic Donald S Lopez Jnr, "an undifferentiated mass of godless Communists [are] overrunning a peaceful land devoted only to ethereal pursuits". In fact, Free Tibet groups often portray the Chinese (because Tibetans are not Chinese?) as subhuman, as a slitty-eyed, god-less, militarized, materialistic, and expressionless horde. This is seen easily in cartoons in many of their campaigns. This over-simplistic, and perniciously moralistic, portrayal of the Tibetan plight is served the oxygen of publicity to the extent that no-one has ever questioned the official account, whatever that may be. What is certain, though, is that whatever the Dalai Lama says is true, and not to be questioned, of course. I observed, and chuckled internally to myself, that no (Western) media coverage was afforded to the Western Shugden Society in their protests again the Dalai Lama when he visited the UK last year. That is not to say, however, that there are no serious grievances among the Tibetan people, politically, socially and economically, that need to be addressed. Of course it needs to be. However, no serious dialogue can take place so long as the Dalai Lama and his followers continue to advocate for Tibetan independence, or be prescribed "genuine autonomy” (which really is a euphemism for independence, as Serbia can attest). No country, indeed no government - communist or democratically elected - would give up territory willingly. Given China's painful history of seceding territories - Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan - this last point is particular poignant. |
| 15th July 2009 Bobby Luv | Enjoying your blog - From: Good times for Gypsy King and Monkey Girl... Sean, Your writing is excellent when it comes to describing your Chinese adventure. I haven't been able to read all your blog entries but I have enjoyed the ones I have had time to read. Take Care & Stay Safe, Bobby Luv |
| 28th June 2009 He who must be obeyed | it rolls around - From: Schoooooooools Out For Summer!! Emmett Fox says that the wonders God (i.e. the universe) provides are like an ocean of goodness. All we have to do is dip in our cup and take all we want. Unfortunately most people feel unworthy and take very little. I backed up a tanker truck and have filled it a few times already as I seem to have taught you. Go with it, Boy! Fill that sucker again and again. Remember when you hit that base camp that any steps you take toward the top could go into the expression, "While we were there we climbed Mt. Everest. We didn't make it to the top, but we enjoyed ourselves." Yea, do it. Is it Everest or K-2 you have to walk around counter clockwise to avoid evil spirits? Dad |
| 22nd June 2009 GypsyKing | This is Alice... - From: Schoooooooools Out For Summer!! Yea. Cooper! nice post dude, thanks for the props about my song...had me some kick-ass summers, bro, hope you did too. Billion Dollar Babies was a good one too but nobody bought that album...take it easy, have fun in China. Peace out, Love, Alice. |
| 15th June 2009 Dad | Fathers Day Presents - From: All Quiet on the Eastern Front... As I see you on that track I thank God that you "rang the bell" so many years ago. Even then you knew you were on the wrong path. This little girl was unborn, but waiting to meet you in her future. Two paths cross and each is changed by the encounter. That's life. That's the meaning of community and evolution to the Godhead. (Or as you like to say the Budda while others use different names and sounds to describe the concept of perfection many strive to emulate in face of all opposition that attempts to drag us back to the primeval ooze) When I was a boy of sixteen I asked my father in private, "How will I know when I am a man, Dad?" he replied, "When you can walk in the darkness without fear son. Then you will be a man." I never forgotten that, and used it as a mantra for many years, but one day I realized it wasn't enough for me. Maybe for a doctor from Montana, but not for me. I altered it. From that day on I have said, "When you can walk in the darkness to bring light to one who is filled with fear, then you are a man." This short article shows me you are a man, my son,in full. |
| 16th July 2006 Chel | - From: Culture Abounds in Madrid Where are all the hot "SPANISH" chicas? You can find girls that look like this here ;) |
| 16th July 2006 uhohacropol | details - From: Culture Abounds in Madrid This is the some of the best use of adjectives I have seen in a long time (non-Hemingway, how ironic). Your details are explicide and interesting to read. Glad you are having fun. Travel safe! Tampa misses you. |
| 13th July 2006 Dad | Throwing the bull - From: Up All Night Before Running with the Bulls! Ahhhhh, what a wonderful irony that the bull is for once throwing you, sean. Love the story, the drama, the great adjectives! Hemmingway would be proud of you. Please stay safe while you flirt with death. Love ya, Dad P.S. Don't want to get political but Americans aren't liked in most of the world, Sean. Get use to it |
| 11th July 2006 Tek | Hola - From: Up All Night Before Running with the Bulls! Wow Spain is just like S. Tampa, don't speak the language, ignored by Latinas and trying to get across Howard for a McDinton's drink or drown without getting run down... who woulda thunk it!!! I am truly jealous sounds like you guys are having the time of your lives!!!! FYI - Maybe if Bishop leaves the bullhorn at home the locals will be more receptive... |
| 11th July 2006 Dr. Debbie Gibson | - From: Dreams of Sangria... You jsut love to make a scene in airport bars, don't you? BellAAAAgiO! |
| 10th July 2006 Gypsy Prince | Cant Wait to rule the Tribe - From: Quick Fix! hola! So, with the King away, proving something to someone, the next in command is me, i guess. I am the King's younger brother, and I hope all is well. We here in the caravan are missing his leadership, but we wish him well in his dance with death. Remember, That which does not Kill you can still leave you horribly maimed, or make you stronger! Good luck with your stroll with the steaks, and don’t worry, Ill keep an eye on the Tribe while you are away. |
| 9th July 2006 Gordon | What up Bull Man! - From: Goring Away Party Sean, I get auotmated e-mails from Google anytime there is a website mentioning KOB. A link to your Blog came in this morning (07/09). Have fun with the bulls. G |
| 8th July 2006 Al | Plagarism - From: Seven Days and a Wake Up Hello older bro--How is it that you can not "Wrap your brains around it" however, you could never say that to Susan while the horses were trampling you--do you like the special effects?? Wrap my brain around it only comes out of the mouths of AIG babes--Are you truly gifted in other areas other than romance, looks, writing and charm???? Why would you be so blessed? Please remember on thing--you already have the title of 'the guy who broke off the marriage the night of the rehearsal dinner". It's hard to top that!! I would love to add: He also ran with the bulls because he pictured one of them as being Karen.... but, there could be another ending...We all ate Bull .... for dinner---or they flew the remains of an "A" type personality home today. We will throw him out of the plane as we are sky diving--it is waht he would want. Thanks for being able to take the risks. You make us look good!!!! Al |
| 8th July 2006 married to literature | You go Boy!!! - From: Goring Away Party Wow! What an exciting you leave. My students have decided that you are the bomb and want to know how tall you are and how much you can lift--many of their dad's are currently in Iraq, so being in shape is important to them. I almost beat the strongest 8th grader at arm wrestling, but you know, I had to give in when my vein started to bulge. It only took two days to recover. I have explained to my students that their frontal lobe is not "totaly cooked" until they are 21 years of age--how about that for irony--so they are quite interested in the fact that someone "a little older" than 21 would still seek thrills knowing the consequences. I must say that I am impressed. You only have one life and you choose to make it exciting. I choose to live vicarously through you. Sounds like a wild and swinging time. Please....."Billy, don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your life.....the right lane is for slow runners--or in Spain, is the left lane for slow drivers/runners?? You might want to check that out. I hope you video live tape and possible make it onto America's Funniest... With all the confidence and admiration in the world, Allison |
| 7th July 2006 Dr. Debbie Gibson | Ciao Bellagio!!!!!! - From: The Beauty of Anticipation Good luck and have a great time!!!! Sorry I missed the happy hour - I was at an STC meeting. :oP |
| 4th July 2006 Sean's sister | Only my bro!!! - From: Seven Days and a Wake Up I don't know who Bish is, he sounds alot like Mike(?) in Scottland. I can honestly say, as an ER nurse, I would be honored to tell my friends all about my brother being killed running from a bunch of bulls. What a cool story that would make!!!! Please be careful you friggin nut! I love you, Mel |
| 30th June 2006 Dr. Debbie Gibson | Leave it to you and Bish - From: Seven Days and a Wake Up I don't know if I have the stomach for this blog. It's a little too bloody for my blood, and you haven't even left town yet! I'm sure the bulls will think you're just gored-geous. |
