It seems that poets the world around are encouraging us to better ourselves:

Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.

Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.

A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove’s shade.

A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.

If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.

In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.

Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a “Great Man”.

This is my goal, the person I strive to become.

This post is therefore going to be relatively short and — aside from noting that I’m currently in London — won’t even attempt to cast any light on what it is I’ve actually been up to over the last few weeks. I shall leave that for future ramblings.

It is time, however, to focus on the Beijing Olympics. Google’s logo is particularly close to my heart today:

In 2004, I visited China not long after they had been chosen to host the 2008 olympics. Four years later, I was lucky enough to return and see Beijing transformed, watch the finishing touches being put on the various stadia, trees being shipped into the city, and see Olympic fervour set in, championed by five somewhat unlikely cuddly characters.

Sadly, as I am now returned to London, I will be unable to watch the events live. But, I will — as with most of the rest of the World — be watching with great interest, hoping that everything goes smoothly.

In keeping with this, the following photo was snapped while passing the Natural History Museum during a recent trip to London. Only a week before, I been enjoying turtle soup for my Friday lunch a few blocks from the office. One man’s wildlife is another man’s dinner…

As I slowly prepare myself for the next experience — perhaps a more Western one (in-so-much-as any Westerner can ever have a truly Eastern experience when exporting one’s own culture with such abandon) — I find myself amused by seeing the differences from the ‘other’ side.

Of course, it’s not possible to spend time in China without visiting the various markets, getting a tailored suit, and just generally being a bit of a tourist:

Over the next few weeks, I hope to find a chance to go through the numerous photos I have taken and offer some up online. Thanks, for the time being, have to go to George for his photographic records.

BBC — Nokia in full buy-out of Symbian

Left-to-right, top-to-bottom:

1. Belkin NE-MS 12" Laptop Messenger Case (Website) – Recently purchased during a trip to Hong Kong.

2. Friendly Bunny – An as-yet nameless but exceedingly friendly bunny who recently found his way to Beijing from Taipei.

3. Shanghai Tang Writing Case (Website) – One of the few decent Chinese fashion brands out there, Shanghai Tang contribues one of the more garish things in the bag.

4. MacBook Air (Website) – A fairly frivolous purchase during my last trip back to Japan, the MacBook Air is now the prize jewel of the collection.

5. Sony Reader (Website) – Sony’s second attempt at an eBook reader makes a fairly good paperback replacement.

6. Ray-Ban Sunglasses – Slightly practical. Mostly for posing.

7. Victorinox – A seemingly more heavy-duty gunmetal equivalent of the Leatherman as made by Victorinox.

8. British Passport – A must when living abroad – "Her Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State Requests and requires in the Name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance, and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary."

9. Shure SE310s – Using a pair of these is like hearing your music collection for the first time all over again.

10. Security Pass – Two RFID cards, an RSA keyfob and various other miscellanea.

11. Pen & Glass Marker – While it may be straight out of a scene in A Beautiful Mind, carrying a glass marker is perfect for anyone who finds themselves with an idea but without a whiteboard. Thankfully there is no shortage of windows!

12. Business Cards – No self-respecting business-man-in-asia should be without a set.

13. Wallet – A chinese knock-off bought in the Silk Market, Beijing. The wallet came with a choice of either Gucci or Armani branding. Less than 100 RMB and genuine leather to boot!

14. iPhone (Website) & Moshi iPouch (Website) – The battery life may be terrible and the telephony questionable, but I cannot cope without this one. The iPouch is the best I’ve found so far.

15. Seiko Watch – A 20th birthday present which has suffered more than its fair share of war wounds.

16. Mints – A box of ‘National Embarassmints’ sporting a picture of our good friend Mr. George W. Bush. Some things never get old.

17. Taiwanese Pebble – An exceedingly thoughtful gift from Junko, hand-picked from the shores of a Taiwanese beach.

Looking at the various offerings, it seems I’m not the only one with a bunny in the bag.

Two shining examples stand out thus far — captured on film for posterity:

The Osama Bin Lolly — for want of a better name — seems to be a wonderful example of the marketing techniques of a country which doesn’t quite understand international politics. That attitude which says, ‘if their photo is on the front of a newspaper then they just must be famous’. Somehow the good vs. bad argument just doesn’t enter into it; there just isn’t the comprehension. It is this same attitude which keeps much of Asia thinking that to be British means you must be personally aquainted with David Beckham, the Queen or — god forbid — both.

The second example is more of a multi-directional misunderstanding. Here in China Beijing, the city is gripped in Olympic fever. And by that, what I mean is, it is impossible to go anywhere without seeing the ugly mug of one of those mascots.

The Olympic slogan adopted by China reads “One World, One Dream”. A wonderful sentiment. Until, that is, it is borrowed and tweaked into something bound to upset any freedom-loving American:

Since encountering this, Junko has explained to me how it might not be quite as extreme as it first seems. Apparently, here in China, ‘red’ can mean popular, successful, etc, and might not — in fact — be referring to the ideals of Communism which first spring to mind. Either way, it gave me quite a chuckle.

Apologies to any readership located in China. Wikipedia links will be unaccessible as, for some reason, the government feels the need to block this wonderful resource…

Update: Mouse has pointed out an alternative take on the Olympic mascots.

Shockingly, London proved almost enjoyable this year and wandering around a Covent Garden decked out for Christmas was a pleasant experience. I tried to take a few photos but with a disappointing lack of success: the only one which came out was this heap of giant baubles:

Remember remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason,
Should ever be forgot…

There’s something rather dark about the whole affair which cannot quite be replaced by a superb hour-long display on a clear summer evening in Japan.

While destined to be forever out-classed by the UI wizardry of the Apple iPhone and its Google Maps implementation, In7 is now equipped with a solution of its very own. Currently only showing my trip through Russia, I expect to be expanding upon this in the coming months.

Check out the “Maps” link for more (or go here).