Norwegian Moon

by Erik Olsen on

And you thought it was just the Germans and the Brits who behaved badly at soccer games (the Americans would probably give them a run for their money if they cared much about soccer). This is not a World Cup story, alas, but one about a mere match in (of all places China). Turns out it was the Norwegians pulling off shenanigans.

A 25-year-old Norwegian student at the University of Beijing got a wee bit upset and showered both the ref and spectators with abuse. He was shown a green card (green for naughty) and then a red one (really naughty). Then he was ejected from the game.  Not one to go out peacefully, e ten pulled down his shorts and mooned everyone. Apparently, the Chinese are not used to seeing naked buttocks in public, a least not ones so lily white, and so the match was suspended with the student facing punitive action, perhaps even being deported. Ah, those mad Norwegians. I call them kin, you know.

Word for the Travel Wise (06/21/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Tonight’s word is another easy and functional one to use in both Thailand or your favorite Thai restaurant around the block. So practice, practice, practice…

Today’s word is a Thai word used in Thailand:

sawatdee khrab – hello said by male, becomes sawatdee kaa if said by female

Learning Thai dot com is a great starting point for some basic Thai words and referrals to additional resources. For a brief history of the language, Thai alphabet, and pronunciation guide go to Omniglot. (A pretty clean and simple site with good details.) Another good source would be the Pimsleur language audio CD’s. I used these to prepare for my trip and they worked great! Before making the purchase look into your local library. There are several libraries carrying these audio CD’s and many more.

Past Thai words: hàat sai, wan sao

Rebuilding America’s Image

by Erik Olsen on

Unless you’ve been living in a cave (and if so, tell Osama I said hi…and then take him out) you’re probably aware that America’s image has taken some serious hits lately….well, in the last couple of years. Even today, there are protests against America in as nice a place as Austria. Well, one way to deal with this problem is for more of us Americans to head overseas and to be nice to people.

Lonely Planet is one company making this case. And good for them. But there is another group, who also has a vested interest in making sure that Americans, and American products, are not discriminated against. The group is called Business for Diplomatic Action, and is a nonpartisan collective of business leaders who are trying to spread the word. They published a World Citizens Guide for Americans which they hope folks will study before setting foot on foreign soil.

What kind of tips do they offer? Well, they suggest that we be on our best behavior while navigating unfamiliar cultures. Dress appropriately, don’t be so damn loud, don’t be offensive. All common sense stuff, but stuff that is worth bearing in mind as you head out.

World Refugee Day

by Adrienne Wilson on

Today is World Refugee Day and it wouldn’t feel right for me to blog without giving it a mention here on Gadling. June 20 was officially recognized as World Refugee Day back in 2000 when the United Nations General Assembly sought to celebrate the contribution of refugees worldwide. This year’s theme is “Hope,” where the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hopes to draw the public’s attention to the millions of refugees globally, forced to flee their homes.

There are two events scheduled this weekend worth checking out if in the Washington D.C. area if you’re around. The first is an afternoon of exhibits, dance and musical performances by refugee artists and youth at the National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall on Saturday, June 24, 2006 from 12 pm to 4 pm. Additional details can be found by clicking here and personally if I were anywhere around this venue I would seriously make it top priority this weekend.

Can’t make it, but still interested in World Refugee Day? Head to Slate where you can find a collection of Magnum Photos showcasing refugees from all over. The shot above is from a refugee camp in Kurkushetra, India from 1947 taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Africa Remixed: Contemporary Art of a Continent

by Adrienne Wilson on


Looks as if the city of Tokyo will be getting a fine treat for the next three months as the Mori Art Museum will be showcasing 140 works by 84 different artists from 25 different countries of Africa in an exhibit titled: Africa Remixed: Contemporary Art of a Continent. Mediums include paintings, drawing, sculpture, assemblage, multi-part installation, photography, video, furniture design and music. Works by Wangechi Mutu, Jane Alexander, Samuel Fosso, and Ingrid Mwangi’s Static Drift seen above can all be found in this diverse African collection of goodies.  Click here for additional details if staying in Tokyo during the next three months.

Mori Art Museum is located at Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 53F.  Exhibition runs 05.27.06-08.31.06.

via Planet-Mag.com