Election 2008

Photo Taken: O’Hare Airport August 31, 2008

I had promised myself I would only post cross cultural comments and avoid political commentary on this blog. Alas, I am human.

Obviously, I had not predicted the impact August 2008 would have on the electoral process. How could I have foreseen that the Democratic National Convention and subsequent events would have generated such profound emotional reactions, from around the world, ranging from the euphoric to the sublime?

I decided to wear my Barack Obama t-shirt on the way back from Chicago to Miami.

In the Chicago and Miami airports, I enjoyed all the connections I made with people who smiled, waved, “high-fived”, and had meaningful conversations with me about how our country is in crises and needs a leader committed to solutions.

Ironically, the gentleman who graciously took my photo told me he was Republican and I flew next to an evangelical Christian missionary from a small farming town in Missouri. He told me he fears terrorists and feels Obama could not have handled terrorists in 2001. He believes Mayor Palin of an Alaska town can protect us. I told him I am not motivated by fear: I am not afraid. Fear is often used effectively to influence others’ behavior. I encouraged him to pray for God to remove his fear and replace it with love. We always make bad decisions when we are fearful. I told him Barack loves our country, wants what is best, selected a VP candidate who could run the country in his absence, and chose a running mate who can advise him on everything from foreign affaires to economics. He seemed open to my opinion. There is always hope..........

Website Maps Surnames Worldwide

A website which maps global surnames has been launched to help people find the origins of their name and how far it may have spread.

The Public Profiler site plots 10.8 million last names using data from electoral rolls and phone directories.

The site covers a billion people in 26 countries, showing the origins of names and where families have scattered.

David Beckham, for example, has an English name, but there are more Beckhams in the US than Britain. But the region of the world containing the most Beckhams was even further from the footballer's east London origins - in the New Zealand province of Northland.

The site - www.publicprofiler.org/worldnames - also reveals which of the 6.5 million forenames are most closely associated with different surnames and lists the top regions and cities for each surname.

A name is now not just a statement of who you are but where you are Professor Paul Longley
It was developed by a team of geographers from University College London.
Professor Paul Longley, one of the researchers, said: "The information is not just historical but geographical.
"We can link names to places - a name is now not just a statement of who you are but where you are."

Most surnames originated in specific places in the world and remain most frequent in those areas, but have often spread to other countries because of migration, the research showed.
Searches for Britain's three multi-gold medallists at the recent Olympics and the leaders of the three main political parties revealed some mixed results.
• Swimmer Rebecca Adlington's surname is most prevalent in New Zealand
• Cyclist Chris Hoy's surname is Irish but more common in Denmark
• Cyclist Bradley Wiggins's surname is most popular in the US
• Prime Minister Gordon Brown's surname tops the list in Australia
• Conservative leader David Cameron's surname is most prevalent in New Zealand
• Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg's surname is still most common in Britain
Prof Longley said that the site was currently struggling to cope with demand.
"We are being deluged with requests and we ask people to be patient. There is obviously a lot of interest in family names and family history globally," he said.

Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/7588968.stmPublished: 2008/08/30 10:36:15 GMT

Overseas Black Market Hurts Apple

Consider the case of the "missing" iPhones.

It is widely estimated that as many as 25% of the iPhones purchased in the U.S. never show up on the AT&T network. And that's a sign Apple made a big strategic mistake by locking itself into an exclusive relationship with the phone carrier.

It has resulted in a huge black market for iPhones. A glance at eBay's daily auctions will show you that easily thousands of Apple's 3G phones are being resold regularly at $800 or more each, with the promise they can be "unlocked" -- used off the AT&T network.

Buying an unlocked iPhone in the booming BRIC countries -- Brazil, Russia, India and China -- is now a status symbol for up-and-comers. In places such as Moscow, unlocked 3G's are being sold by the thousands at $1,200 or more each. This means that by the time a "legal" iPhone makes it to these countries, demand for the phone likely will be largely satisfied. I've seen estimates that 600,000 iPhones are already in use in Russia and as many as a million in China.

Apple and AT&T may have permanently lost out on hundreds of millions (or billions?) in revenue to shrewd middlemen all over the world. As a result, the value of Apple's iPhone business unit is nowhere close where it could be.

Hoteliers pick the world's best tourists

Survey: Hoteliers pick the world's best tourists
Posted by: Sean O'Neill, Tuesday, Jun 3, 2008

In a first-annual survey by Expedia, they asked 4,000 hoteliers their opinions of various nationalities. Although I don’t like stereotypes or promoting them, the results are thought-provoking. The Japanese got the most praise. Americans tied with Thai tourists for an unimpressive 11th place.

Of course, hotel owners and managers have different concerns than fellow tourists. So American travelers may have their own opinions.

The World's Best Tourists, Ranking From Best to Worst, 2008

1. Japanese
2. German/British (tie) (The Germans were considered the tidiest of all nationalities.)
3. Canadian (The most popular tourists in their own country were the Canadians as well.)
4. Swiss
5. Dutch
6. Australian/Swedish (tie)
7. Belgian
8. Norwegian
9. Austrian/Danish/Finnish (tie)
10. New Zealanders (Kiwi)
11. U.S. American/Thai (tie)
12. Irish/Czech/South African/Portugese (tie)
13. Brazilian
14. Italian/Greek/Polish (tie)
15. Turkish
16. Spanish
17. Mexican
18. Russian
19. French ...The French didn't do too well, coming in, as you can see at 19th. They were seen as the most “fiscally conservative,” presumably when it comes to such matters as tipping.
20. Indian
21. Chinese

China Letter #7

Here is the last in a series of letters I emailed home from my China trip Fall 2006.

Of note, my letters were posted in the Miami Herald.

Letter #7

-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 1:00 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China letter #7 Shanghai

>
> From: ? ??
> Date: 2006/11/02 Thu PM 07:17:05 EST
> To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
this was sent from Shanghai airport using someone else’s account because I had problems sending it!
>
Hi Friends
>
Well it’s a sad day. We are on our way back home.
>
We fell in love with Suzhou! Our guide recommended an alternative tour--
of the traditional canal villages. We toured via wooden boat thru the old
section along the canals observing people live the way they have for
hundreds of years: washing clothes in the river, fishing, traveling etc. It was one of the highlights of our tour. In the villages, we watched men playing cards, playing music, singing, and slicing eel and fish.. I found my ideal Kitsch Chairman Mao item: a Mao alarm clock! When the alarm goes off, his arm swings holding up the red book. I also bought a little red Mao book with English translation.
>
Next, we took a 2-hour bus ride back to Shanghai. We had scrumptious Mongolian bar-b-que for lunch.
>
Then, we headed to the vast old town for shopping. It is actually called China Town!
>
We had our farewell dinner then watched a famous acrobatic show. The show’s finale consisted of six motorcyclists riding inside a brass globe AT THE SAME TIME. Phenomenal!
>
We all learned its best to buy a second piece of luggage after the last intra-China flight because within China, only one piece of luggage is permitted for air travel.
>
Our hotel was the historic Peace Hotel built by the Sassoon family in 1926. It is perfectly located right on the Bund. It is known for its art deco design; rooftop garden with panoramic view of Shanghai’s lighted skyline that goes on forever; and for its jazz club with 75-year old jazz artists
from New Orleans.
>
Shanghai is so massive with so many high-rises and bright lights, it makes Manhattan look like a small city. They spend 4 million per night just to illuminate the buildings.
>
I heard on the news that Beijing just hosted a summit with Africa where they hosted 48 of 52 African national leaders. China is aggressively pursuing trade partnerships with all of Africa, even the controversial Sudan and Zimbabwe. It’s nice to have access to international news!

BTW, there is 2008 Olympics logo paraphernalia everywhere!
>
I am typing fast-as usual!
>
What a wonderful vacation, filled with learning, new experiences, and meeting great people. I have walked more on this trip than I have in several years.
>
I hope to return!
>
Thank you for coming along.
>
Love,
>
Karla
Shanghai to Beijing to JFK to Miami
Arrive 10PM November 3, 2006

China Letter #6

> China Letter # 6 Nov 1, 2006 8:30PM
>
> Hello Gang
>
>It's been a while since I have written because we spent three great nights cruising the Yangtze River (no internet access), an entire day transferring and flying to Shanghai/Suzhou, and all day
today touring Suzhou, the Venice of The East.
>
After I wrote last, we took a 1.5 hour bus ride to Chongqing and visited the museum of the Flying Tigers, the Americans who assisted the Chinese fight the Japanese during WWII.
>
Of note, Chongqing is a great place to invest because it is the departure port city of Yangtze which leads to the massive (and controversial) 3-gorges Dam Project. The dam is scheduled for
completion in 2008. Because 1/3 of China's population lives along the river, the dam's flooding of lower lying areas has forced relocation of 2 million people. That is the size of Miami! They have actually built new cities on the opposite side of the river for the relocation initiative--brand new modern cities, where farmers and peasants; lived for many generations.
>
Next we boarded our ship, The Yangtze1. There was a big mishap because a family of three who had booked two suites (staterooms) had only one waiting. They were
livid and it was never resolved. The rooms are not built for three.
>
I was comfortable solo. Our staterooms all had balconies so we could watch the majestic scenery as we cruised through the 3 gorges.
>
I bargained for more goodies before bed.
>
It was nice to have full access to western toilets for 3 whole days.
A hole in the ground variety is simply not my cup of tea. We still had to use bottled water to brush our teeth. This is standard for us.
>
In the AM, we awoke to a soft music wake up call. By then I was sleeping through the night. It took me five days to be able to sleep till 5 or 6AM.
>
During the day, we went on an excursion to Fengdu,The Ghost City. A bit overdone and too commercial was our vote-- but the history of worshipping the dead was interesting and we took cable car up and back.

Today, on the ship, we watched a foot reflexology lecture, I bargained for a great black and red jacket, and I line danced with a group of Indonesians.
>
During meals, they grouped large groups according to country. There was Israel, India, Singapore, Indonesia, America, Germany etc.
>
I read some of my novel; The Other Boleyn Girl. It's about Anne Boleyn’s younger sister who was seduced my Henri VIII before her sister was. I am remembering all I had learned about life
in the English Royal family (Tudors) back then. It is very engaging!
>
The scenery along the Yangtze takes your breath away. I wont use the word majestic again. (smile). It reminds me of Halong Bay (in north Viet Nam) with limestone rock formations, bright green mountains, and it is spotted with commercial fisherman and cruisers. I had a manicure,
We watched a fashion show tonight, and we attended the captain’s welcome party.
>
It was hazy most of the fist day but the second day unfolded as bright and sunny.
>
The 3 Gorges Dam will provide hydro-electric power to much of China (reducing the need for coal); ease shipping; and prevent flooding. The whole world is watching this gargantuan project.
>
Day 2: We took a one- hour ferry surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery, even high-wire artists, to a tributary: The ShenNong Stream. We were ushered into wooden boats-- 15 at a time and rowed and PULLED by FOUR of the strongest men in the world. They pulled us from the shore and while walking in the stream with their bare hands and underwear-clad bodies. It was fantastic! In the past, the men worked naked; they were so poor they would not wear the only pair of pants They ranged in age from 18-79. I am still marveling at their fortitude and persistence.
>
We spent the entire next day touring the Dam and flying to Shanghai, then driving to Suzhou. We are tired of the logistics of buses, airports, airport security, repacking, changing hotels etc.

I had a horrible cold two days in a row.
>
I bargained well for a beautiful jade bracelet! You bargain everywhere here; even in retail stores.
>
Suzhou
>
Suzhou, The Garden City, is known as the Venice of the East.

It is considered to be one the most beautiful in all of China attracting wealthy families who built magnificent private gardens. I M Pei (Louvre Pyramid architect) is from here. The city is built along canals with hundreds of bridges. It is also know for its silk and embroidery and beautiful women. We saw silkworms producing silk in the silk museum, and people spending 3 years on massive embroidery works of art.
>
We toured the Master of the Nets Garden; it’s the garden after which the Chinese garden in the Met (New York) is patterned. I visit that garden every time I go to the Met.
>
Our lovely hotel has several beautiful courtyards that are replicas of the famous gardens. It is nestled in the heart of the lively old town.
>
We had the afternoon free for shopping.
>
>
I am so tired from all the walking and learning (and cold) I hope this letter makes sense. Tomorrow we travel to Shanghai for our last day and night in China.
>
Signing off.
>
Fondly,
>
Karla
Suzhou

China Letter #5

Letter #5 Posted from Fall 2006 trip


-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 10:42 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Letter #5 More Xian

Karla China Letter #5 More Xian

Hello Friends

Last night, I had a pleasant evening exploring Xian near my hotel.

Today, once again, we began the day savoring a sumptuous combination Western/Eastern breakfast buffet.

We then spent another long day in Xian, the ancient capital of China and home to 11 major Chinese dynasties. First, we climbed the city wall, the only well-preserved city wall in all of China. I always marvel at how extravagant the walls are that are built to protect royal families and cities from military invasions. It is vast and well-designed, with far-reaching views of the surrounding land. It is even 4 times wider than the great wall. We learned that the greatest threat faced by many dynasties was from the Mongols who were superior military strategists and whose secret weapon was their mobile cavalry of large horses. The Chinese only had small, pony-sized horses, which were a huge disadvantage.

Next we visited a lacquer furniture factory where we learned lacquer comes from the lacquer tree. In it original form, it is a clear liquid that untreated, turns black. We saw some of the most beautiful and intricately designed works of art.

Next we toured the new Shaanxi History Museum. We learned all about the first inhabitants of this cradle of civilization, from the Stone Age, to Bronze Age, to the rise and fall of key dynasties. The Quin (Chin) dynasty, in 221BC united all of China, and standardized the written language and currency. The Quins (Chin) created China that we know today.

Our flight to Chengdu, I sat between Marshal and Xavier again and we played anagrams and other word games. We met the other 10 travelers upon our arrival. They have visited Beijing, Xian, and Tibet.

Tomorrow, we will tour Chengdu, capital of China’s Sichuan province and one of Chinas mot colorful cities. It is famous for its teahouses; massive chairman Mao statue downtown; fiery Sichuan cookery; and of course, The Giant Panda Research Center. The Center was created to protect the animal from distinction and allow scientists to study it in the wild. I have heard the Panda’s main occupation is to consume bamboo up to 18 hours per day.

We were very tired this evening after spending two days of air travel and lots of touring. (I feel like a zombie right now)

After we leave Chengdu tomorrow, we will drive 5 hours to Chongqing, the world’s largest city, topping 31 million people (metro area). There, we will board our ship for our 3-day Yangtze River Cruise. I don’t know if there will be internet access, so I may sign off till 4 days from now.

Our cruise will bring beautiful scenery, visits to historic sites, and take us to visit the controversial 3-gorges dam. We are thrilled we can stay in one room for 3 nights!--No packing and unpacking for a while!

I am signing off for now. Thanks for coming along!

Love,
Karla Chengdu