My time in Shanghai is almost done. So I'm looking back on this time trying to gather my thoughts on my time here and determine what the greatest thing I learned was. To be honest, I've learned a lot, which I will probably write about in the future, but for now, I want to write about what I've learned about the future of China.
In order for China to compete, they need to create value. If they do not add value on a microeconomic level, their macromistakes will soon catch up to them. China has been so concerned with catching up with the major players in the world, and has done so by sacrificing its own land and people.
China's Return On Capital is horrible when compared with it's output levels. If they expect to maintain this growth, they must find a way to increase their returns. The country needs to realize that large a large GDP and a trade surplus does not make you a major world player. Thousands die a year in China's workforce in order contribute to the countries expansion. For instance, experts estimate that 4,000 miners die a year in China. (The latest mining accident occurred three weeks ago and killing almost 200.) Granted, most of these accidents occur in illegal mines, but when eight miners are trapped in a mine in America, it's a national tragedy. However, you won't hear a single thing from the Chinese media about this story.
Workers are held as slaves by extreme factory managers, and quality control is placed on the back burner while our children in America are roofied freshman-sorority girl style. All of this is overlooked for the "greater good," a "harmonious society."
The countries impact on the environment is another story. There is no safe drinking water aside from bottled water, rivers are highly polluted, the list goes on. The local government's attempt to "make their areas greener" includes planting trees in designated areas, not regulating CO2 output or any sort of other regulations. However, according to my Chinese professor, trees are good because "the color green makes the area pretty and helps give oxygen." Which I don't disagree with, trees are pretty, but what about the pollution killing those trees?? National parks are treated like theme parks. One of my visits to a glacier park in the Sichuan province revealed trails destroyed by horses and humans walking on the same path, the ground was destroyed. Convenient stores littered the side of the paths, selling instant ramen noodles and other packaged products. No trashcans along the trail, trash everywhere. Where is the value?
The issues raised by the Western media over the past six months have shown the need for the creation of value. If China does not adapt to the current world economy, other developing countries, like India, could easily overtake China in the next 30 years. Although these issues may not be of importance right now, if China is to become a self-sufficient economy, there must be a creation of value. However, what if this a cultural difference between China and the Western world? In a collectivist society like China, is it possible to create value on a micro level?
In other news, I just got the new Lupe Fiasco CD "The Cool." It's the nastiest, dirtiest, most glorious piece of art I've owned in a very long time. Dig it.*
*= This can also be said of "In Rainbows"
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Beliefs
I recently returned from Beijing this weekend. I spent two days there and saw everything that one would need to see (Great Wall, Tianamen, Forbidden City) and established some new beliefs. Well, they're not really beliefs, I don't even think some of them were new. I think I've always thought these things, but I settled them this weekend, at least two of them.
First, I believe in the power of music. Of the 10 posts currently on my Facebook wall, six of them are lyrics from songs. Their lyrics from my friends. I'm a guy, and it's hard for us to share our feelings through words. So, for my friends and I, we find that lyrics express our emotions in an easier way. If I'm feeling like Mariah would suit my mood right now and how I feel about you, well, then I'm going to put some sweet sweet nectar from her song 'Hero' all over your wall. These songs define my feelings, if I can't describe the emotion through a song, then I can't experience that emotion. Also, music helps envelope a mood. That's why I wear headphones all the time, if I like the state of emotion I'm in at the current time, I'll keep the phones in. Ex. one day, between classes, on your way to work, listen to 'Life on Mars' by Bowie. Life will move in slow motion, then you will see what I'm talking about.
Second, I believe British people are my new favorite regionality. I know what you're thinking, 'regionality isn't a word.' Well you're right, and you're also a nerd. Regardless, British people know what's cool before you even think about what's cool. You also might be thinking, 'but what about Italians?' Italians can hang from the Gucci belts in which they so fervently wear. British make it look easy, ex. Carey Grant, all of the James Bonds, Anthony Hopkins, The Kinks, and for that matter, every other British band ever. Why do you think in every historical film, everyone speaks with a British accent? You might say, 'well the Elizabethan Age in Britain really brought about the rise of British theater (British would say theatre by the way) and thus influenced Western theater.' You're wrong, it's because history is cooler when it's in a British accent. Another example, is there an actor/actress you thought was American, but found out he/she was British? How much cooler does that make them?! For instance, Christian Bale is from Wales....did you know that? NOW how cool is he? Also, British invented sarcasm. The single greatest comeback ever.
Third, I believe I thought about missing Thanksgiving this week. I actually didn't realize that it was almost Thanksgiving until last Thursday. I've realized that there are a few things that are missing that are necessary for me to realize that it's almost Thanksgiving. Changing leaves, commercials highlighting Christmas, Peyton Manning, and tests before the Thanksgiving break. Of which, I've had none. I will miss Thanksgiving a lot. More so, time with my family and friends.
First, I believe in the power of music. Of the 10 posts currently on my Facebook wall, six of them are lyrics from songs. Their lyrics from my friends. I'm a guy, and it's hard for us to share our feelings through words. So, for my friends and I, we find that lyrics express our emotions in an easier way. If I'm feeling like Mariah would suit my mood right now and how I feel about you, well, then I'm going to put some sweet sweet nectar from her song 'Hero' all over your wall. These songs define my feelings, if I can't describe the emotion through a song, then I can't experience that emotion. Also, music helps envelope a mood. That's why I wear headphones all the time, if I like the state of emotion I'm in at the current time, I'll keep the phones in. Ex. one day, between classes, on your way to work, listen to 'Life on Mars' by Bowie. Life will move in slow motion, then you will see what I'm talking about.
Second, I believe British people are my new favorite regionality. I know what you're thinking, 'regionality isn't a word.' Well you're right, and you're also a nerd. Regardless, British people know what's cool before you even think about what's cool. You also might be thinking, 'but what about Italians?' Italians can hang from the Gucci belts in which they so fervently wear. British make it look easy, ex. Carey Grant, all of the James Bonds, Anthony Hopkins, The Kinks, and for that matter, every other British band ever. Why do you think in every historical film, everyone speaks with a British accent? You might say, 'well the Elizabethan Age in Britain really brought about the rise of British theater (British would say theatre by the way) and thus influenced Western theater.' You're wrong, it's because history is cooler when it's in a British accent. Another example, is there an actor/actress you thought was American, but found out he/she was British? How much cooler does that make them?! For instance, Christian Bale is from Wales....did you know that? NOW how cool is he? Also, British invented sarcasm. The single greatest comeback ever.
Third, I believe I thought about missing Thanksgiving this week. I actually didn't realize that it was almost Thanksgiving until last Thursday. I've realized that there are a few things that are missing that are necessary for me to realize that it's almost Thanksgiving. Changing leaves, commercials highlighting Christmas, Peyton Manning, and tests before the Thanksgiving break. Of which, I've had none. I will miss Thanksgiving a lot. More so, time with my family and friends.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Impatience as an Expression of Selfishness
First things first, this wouldn't be a true Guide to Unassured Behavior if I didn't provide in someway of how I misunderstood and how it led to unassured behavior....again. My time China has further helped me realize just how carried away I get with stories, more importantly, how AWESOMELY I get carried away with stories (see previous post). I'm very misunderstood in this country, not by Chinese people, but by the people on my trip and at work.
For instance, I really offended one of my coworkers today by offering my take on the recent fires in San Diego (I really hope everyone in the area is ok). My coworker was reading aloud about the fires and once he finished he said, "I wish I was a fire fighter in the West, that would be so cool." And me being me, I took it to the next level. Here is a brief excerpt of today's dialogue:
Seth: "OH MAN I KNOW! But I think I would be a fire fighter in Boston...you know what I mean? I think Boston because I would have a thick accent and burly chest hair. And if anyone disagreed with me on anything, I could fight them, preferably in a bar, and win, because I'm from Boston and I'm a firefighter."
Co-Worker(in an offended tone): "Um....no, I meant the saving lives part and helping people...you know, being a decent human being"
Seth: "You mean in a Howie Long, 'Fire Storm' kind of way? Like just bringing the pain on terrorist and fires? In a helicopter?"
Co-Worker:........(blank stare).........(looks down at desk, continues to work).....
Sorry, but you know it would be awesome to be a Boston firefighter...or Howie Long.
On a completely unrelated topic: I've learned a lot in these two months. Namely, the manifestations of selfishness. I call one of them impatience. The Shanghai subways are a perfect example of this. It's just like it looks on TV, too many people and complete silence. It will really stretch what your idea of "comfort levels" and "personal bubbles" really are (Which is propaganda made up by your tree-hugging elementary school counselor). The subways can make you very impatient and frustrated. They drive me crazy. I've really been 'bouting with selfishness before I left for my trip, and I've tried to find ways to determine the root of the problem and how to correct it. I still haven't found the root of the problem, but I have found a very good example of selfishness manifesting in my life.
Impatience is an expression of selfishness. Why are we impatient? Is it because WE have to be somewhere? Maybe the redlight is making ME late....maybe the people walking so slow down this hallway are blocking MY way. I must be on time to MY meeting.
Regardless of the circumstances, I always find myself to be impatient because the result of me being: late, frustrated with someone else's ignorance, etc. All of these things stem to my wanting something for myself.
I still haven't completed this thought, like I said, I've just identified a part of the problem.
For instance, I really offended one of my coworkers today by offering my take on the recent fires in San Diego (I really hope everyone in the area is ok). My coworker was reading aloud about the fires and once he finished he said, "I wish I was a fire fighter in the West, that would be so cool." And me being me, I took it to the next level. Here is a brief excerpt of today's dialogue:
Seth: "OH MAN I KNOW! But I think I would be a fire fighter in Boston...you know what I mean? I think Boston because I would have a thick accent and burly chest hair. And if anyone disagreed with me on anything, I could fight them, preferably in a bar, and win, because I'm from Boston and I'm a firefighter."
Co-Worker(in an offended tone): "Um....no, I meant the saving lives part and helping people...you know, being a decent human being"
Seth: "You mean in a Howie Long, 'Fire Storm' kind of way? Like just bringing the pain on terrorist and fires? In a helicopter?"
Co-Worker:........(blank stare).........(looks down at desk, continues to work).....
Sorry, but you know it would be awesome to be a Boston firefighter...or Howie Long.
On a completely unrelated topic: I've learned a lot in these two months. Namely, the manifestations of selfishness. I call one of them impatience. The Shanghai subways are a perfect example of this. It's just like it looks on TV, too many people and complete silence. It will really stretch what your idea of "comfort levels" and "personal bubbles" really are (Which is propaganda made up by your tree-hugging elementary school counselor). The subways can make you very impatient and frustrated. They drive me crazy. I've really been 'bouting with selfishness before I left for my trip, and I've tried to find ways to determine the root of the problem and how to correct it. I still haven't found the root of the problem, but I have found a very good example of selfishness manifesting in my life.
Impatience is an expression of selfishness. Why are we impatient? Is it because WE have to be somewhere? Maybe the redlight is making ME late....maybe the people walking so slow down this hallway are blocking MY way. I must be on time to MY meeting.
Regardless of the circumstances, I always find myself to be impatient because the result of me being: late, frustrated with someone else's ignorance, etc. All of these things stem to my wanting something for myself.
I still haven't completed this thought, like I said, I've just identified a part of the problem.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Just a few thoughts.....
1. When did Google take over Blogger? I'm sure a long time ago, but it seems like they own everything now, I should've jumped on that stock.
2. I'm currently in China. A country not known for it's hospitality (more like lack there of), and also for it's censorship. Everything I'm writing on this page is in Chinese; not my words, but all the other text. I can't read my own blogs, read others blogs, or read the comments left about my blogs. So for the next three months, you can hurl every insult in the world at me, but it won't matter, because I won't be able to read it. And where's the fun in that? The point of criticizing someone is so that they know you are criticizing them. So they get hurt. However, I look at it as for the next three months, "I'm rubber, you're glue...." anyway, the point of the saying is that I'm awesome and you suck.
3. Now for my real thoughts. I just recently thought to myself the other night, "I'm on an adventure right now, but there's something missing...." After some thought, I realized what was missing. I need to be on an adventure, and I want an old man to tell me, "THAT'S WHY IT'S AN ADVENTURE, MY BOY!" Now, I don't know what would make him say that, it would have to be something along the lines of me being unsure about the future, and then he would say that. I want him to be smoking a pipe when he says it too. So he sounds like he's talking out of the side of his mouth. Also, I want to be riding a horse drawn wagon with him when he says it. However, because of technological advances, this part may be hard to fulfill.
I figure I have like a four year window left for this dream of mine to occur. By then, I'll be 25, and all reference to me being a boy will be gone by then. So I have to hurry up. Also, some substitutions for the words may work as well. Like, "SONNY!" I don't know what else would work, I haven't thought that far ahead. But I definitely know "JUNIOR!" would not work. That seems condescending.
I've been thinking about this scenario all weekend. So, I've obviously thought about the possibility of this never happening to me. HOWEVER, I think I will say this to a boy when I'm an old man. And I think I want it to happen at the most inopportune time. I want to say it in the checkout line at Wal-Mart. I want to say it to the young clerk, and I want to be buying adult Depends, 6 cans of tomatoes, and velcro shoes. That way, he just thinks I'm senile.........but I know......I know........I just made his dreams come true. And someday, he will know too.
2. I'm currently in China. A country not known for it's hospitality (more like lack there of), and also for it's censorship. Everything I'm writing on this page is in Chinese; not my words, but all the other text. I can't read my own blogs, read others blogs, or read the comments left about my blogs. So for the next three months, you can hurl every insult in the world at me, but it won't matter, because I won't be able to read it. And where's the fun in that? The point of criticizing someone is so that they know you are criticizing them. So they get hurt. However, I look at it as for the next three months, "I'm rubber, you're glue...." anyway, the point of the saying is that I'm awesome and you suck.
3. Now for my real thoughts. I just recently thought to myself the other night, "I'm on an adventure right now, but there's something missing...." After some thought, I realized what was missing. I need to be on an adventure, and I want an old man to tell me, "THAT'S WHY IT'S AN ADVENTURE, MY BOY!" Now, I don't know what would make him say that, it would have to be something along the lines of me being unsure about the future, and then he would say that. I want him to be smoking a pipe when he says it too. So he sounds like he's talking out of the side of his mouth. Also, I want to be riding a horse drawn wagon with him when he says it. However, because of technological advances, this part may be hard to fulfill.
I figure I have like a four year window left for this dream of mine to occur. By then, I'll be 25, and all reference to me being a boy will be gone by then. So I have to hurry up. Also, some substitutions for the words may work as well. Like, "SONNY!" I don't know what else would work, I haven't thought that far ahead. But I definitely know "JUNIOR!" would not work. That seems condescending.
I've been thinking about this scenario all weekend. So, I've obviously thought about the possibility of this never happening to me. HOWEVER, I think I will say this to a boy when I'm an old man. And I think I want it to happen at the most inopportune time. I want to say it in the checkout line at Wal-Mart. I want to say it to the young clerk, and I want to be buying adult Depends, 6 cans of tomatoes, and velcro shoes. That way, he just thinks I'm senile.........but I know......I know........I just made his dreams come true. And someday, he will know too.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
In all of my years.....
I've never seen a city like this. It's crazy. Everything you picture a city being, it is....
I arrived in Shanghai last week, and have found that I am in utter awe of this country. It's amazing. Downtown Shanghai is just as you see images of it being. Everything is neon, advertisments litter the building sides, and every building is taller than the next. I can't imagine just how this city was imagined. Buildings are put up in no time, workers work around the clock to finish a building. On Friday night workers were still building at 9 p.m. It's nuts.
I also find myself forgetting that I'm China. It's takes me walking out of my apartment to realize this. I hang out at a local coffee shop called "SPR Coffee." It looks just like Central Perk on the TV show Friends.
Breakfast sucks. I had to go to the local Wal-Mart (which I will write about at a later time) and I bought Cheerios and lunchmeat. The food is overrated.
But I'm loving my experience here, I'm learning more about the people of China everyday, which is why I came. During a taxi ride tonight, I found myself being comfortable with the idea of living here. Granted, I don't like being here with a group of 30 Americans, I can't wait to be on my own and discover and learn about this city and culture on my own.
I arrived in Shanghai last week, and have found that I am in utter awe of this country. It's amazing. Downtown Shanghai is just as you see images of it being. Everything is neon, advertisments litter the building sides, and every building is taller than the next. I can't imagine just how this city was imagined. Buildings are put up in no time, workers work around the clock to finish a building. On Friday night workers were still building at 9 p.m. It's nuts.
I also find myself forgetting that I'm China. It's takes me walking out of my apartment to realize this. I hang out at a local coffee shop called "SPR Coffee." It looks just like Central Perk on the TV show Friends.
Breakfast sucks. I had to go to the local Wal-Mart (which I will write about at a later time) and I bought Cheerios and lunchmeat. The food is overrated.
But I'm loving my experience here, I'm learning more about the people of China everyday, which is why I came. During a taxi ride tonight, I found myself being comfortable with the idea of living here. Granted, I don't like being here with a group of 30 Americans, I can't wait to be on my own and discover and learn about this city and culture on my own.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Click to see where I've been........
Now, I'm a pretty sarcastic guy, at times, very dry and negative. So I'm about to be very negative about something that has caught my eye lately. This is kind of lame that I'm referencing this through another website....but I'm about tired of the applications that have been added to facebook recently, one in particular.
I speak of the "Click to see Where I've Been" application. In case you're not familiar with the application, the user can show people viewing his profile ALL of the countries, his been to, ALL of the states his been to, and even ALL the places he wants to visit in the future. Now, this wouldn't be a problem if I was facebook friends with Ernest Hemingway or Charles Lindbergh....but let's be honest: I'm not, and all my facebook friends are douche-bags. I find the application totally unnecessary if the countries and places you’ve been includes: Mexico (SPRING BREAK '05), Florida (SPRING BREAK '06), Tennessee-Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia (on our way to SPRING BREAK '06!!!!!!). Even including the places you've lived....wow....I visited a foreign country for entire month....that must mean I've lived there. BLASPHEMY!!! This is the worst attempt at seeming like a worldly traveler I've ever seen in my life.
I think my favorite one I've seen so far includes just the states of Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. What a joke. Why don't you put "traveling" in your interests....oh wait, you already did. How was the turquoise jewelry stand on the side of the interstate in Arizona?.....clown.
The following are rules that I am petitioning for Facebook to implicate for adding this application, here are a few examples:
1. You must have had to lived in more than two states or countries to even qualify.
-Same rules apply for getting in-state tuition (1 year of living there with a guardian or alone)
-Going to school in a different state counts as living there (Over a 4 year period of time you will spend 28 months or more in that state)
2. Just because you spent over two months in a country for study abroad or a mission trip....it doesn't count....that's only a visit, you pillow-fluffer (once again in-state tuition rates apply 1 year tenure)
3. You suck.
4. You must have visited countries in different hemispheres.....
5. No one can see Hawaii on the map.
6. Visiting "3%" of the world doesn't qualify as being "worldly." Nor does it necessitate have the application. You must over 7 or 8 to even begin to qualify….
7. No one cares about where you "want" to go....everyone wants to go to Australia...you fist-clincher....
Until Bear Grylls, the Queen of England, or the Pope get on facebook, I don't think this application should be allowed. Oh, and cool turquoise bracelet.....
I speak of the "Click to see Where I've Been" application. In case you're not familiar with the application, the user can show people viewing his profile ALL of the countries, his been to, ALL of the states his been to, and even ALL the places he wants to visit in the future. Now, this wouldn't be a problem if I was facebook friends with Ernest Hemingway or Charles Lindbergh....but let's be honest: I'm not, and all my facebook friends are douche-bags. I find the application totally unnecessary if the countries and places you’ve been includes: Mexico (SPRING BREAK '05), Florida (SPRING BREAK '06), Tennessee-Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia (on our way to SPRING BREAK '06!!!!!!). Even including the places you've lived....wow....I visited a foreign country for entire month....that must mean I've lived there. BLASPHEMY!!! This is the worst attempt at seeming like a worldly traveler I've ever seen in my life.
I think my favorite one I've seen so far includes just the states of Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. What a joke. Why don't you put "traveling" in your interests....oh wait, you already did. How was the turquoise jewelry stand on the side of the interstate in Arizona?.....clown.
The following are rules that I am petitioning for Facebook to implicate for adding this application, here are a few examples:
1. You must have had to lived in more than two states or countries to even qualify.
-Same rules apply for getting in-state tuition (1 year of living there with a guardian or alone)
-Going to school in a different state counts as living there (Over a 4 year period of time you will spend 28 months or more in that state)
2. Just because you spent over two months in a country for study abroad or a mission trip....it doesn't count....that's only a visit, you pillow-fluffer (once again in-state tuition rates apply 1 year tenure)
3. You suck.
4. You must have visited countries in different hemispheres.....
5. No one can see Hawaii on the map.
6. Visiting "3%" of the world doesn't qualify as being "worldly." Nor does it necessitate have the application. You must over 7 or 8 to even begin to qualify….
7. No one cares about where you "want" to go....everyone wants to go to Australia...you fist-clincher....
Until Bear Grylls, the Queen of England, or the Pope get on facebook, I don't think this application should be allowed. Oh, and cool turquoise bracelet.....
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
I Finally Finished a Book
I did it....I finally did it.....I finished a book. I recently finished "Rickles' Book." It's the memoirs of comedian Don Rickles. If you're a fan of the Rat Pack and the glamorous Vegas of the '50s, then you will love this book.
Granted, I didn't finish "Ulysses" or "The Brothers Karamazov," but it was still a very entertaining and funny book. If you know who Rickles is (in my generation he's famous for being the voice of Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story) then you will be enthralled by this book. I couldn't help but having Rickles' voice in my head as I read. It felt as though I was sitting across a table over dinner while he told me the story of his life.
It's always good during the summer to take a step away from classics and read carefree, easy reads. I'm not much of a reader, but I made a pact with myself to read actual books last year. Sure enough, I've read more books this year (4-ish) than I have in the past 4 years. Kind of sad.
I know that reading helps expand vocabulary (just read my friends Chris and Cole's blog). Reading is a vital skill that has been overlooked recently with the popularization of TV. However, I think the Internet is helping reading's cause. Evidence of this is the popularization of online news. (Also, blogs.....duh)
Now although I began this entry with the intentions to call attention to my glorious accomplishment of finshing one of the most poorly written books in recent history, I implore you to read. Read the real deal, but avoid "The Brothers Karamazov" it's a snoozer. You may ask, "Why 4-ish books? " Well, the -ish is the partly finished "Crime and Punishment." No offense to my Russian Literature amigos.
Granted, I didn't finish "Ulysses" or "The Brothers Karamazov," but it was still a very entertaining and funny book. If you know who Rickles is (in my generation he's famous for being the voice of Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story) then you will be enthralled by this book. I couldn't help but having Rickles' voice in my head as I read. It felt as though I was sitting across a table over dinner while he told me the story of his life.
It's always good during the summer to take a step away from classics and read carefree, easy reads. I'm not much of a reader, but I made a pact with myself to read actual books last year. Sure enough, I've read more books this year (4-ish) than I have in the past 4 years. Kind of sad.
I know that reading helps expand vocabulary (just read my friends Chris and Cole's blog). Reading is a vital skill that has been overlooked recently with the popularization of TV. However, I think the Internet is helping reading's cause. Evidence of this is the popularization of online news. (Also, blogs.....duh)
Now although I began this entry with the intentions to call attention to my glorious accomplishment of finshing one of the most poorly written books in recent history, I implore you to read. Read the real deal, but avoid "The Brothers Karamazov" it's a snoozer. You may ask, "Why 4-ish books? " Well, the -ish is the partly finished "Crime and Punishment." No offense to my Russian Literature amigos.
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