Björk offends Chinese over Tibet independence

by Anna Brones on

The status of Tibet is a touchy subject. Abroad, China‘s 58 year occupation of Tibet is seen as controversial, but most Chinese see Tibet as a part of their country. Speak of Tibetan independence is therefore seen as divisive, which is why at Björk’s recent Shanghai concert, she managed to push some serious buttons.

At the end of her Declare Independence song, originally dedicated to Greenland and the Faroe Islands which still have formal links to Denmark, the Icelandic singer shouted “Tibet! Tibet!” clearly indicating her feelings on the controversial issue. Although her statements were greatly appreciated by the Free Tibet Campaign, Björk can probably plan on not being invited back to China anytime soon.


Via Boing Boing

Zebra Map: A Map For Time Zones, Not For Zebras

by Willy Volk on

Got a travel blog and want to feature different time zones? The ZebraMap time zone map is a free, customizable map that you can use on its own or as part of a blog or web site. You can choose from twenty color schemes, add locations, and position the labels anywhere on the map. This map illustrates Bjork’s summer concert schedule.

You can also add hyperlinks to the labels, so people can click on the label “Roskilde, DK,” for example, and visit the concert’s site.

By the way, if you want to learn more about Roskilde — or any other summer concerts — be sure to check out Gadling’s Massively Huge 2007 Summer Music Festival Roundup. If you want to learn more about zebras, check out the African Wildlife Foundation.

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of February 4

by Adrienne Wilson on

There was a tremendous out of activity going on here at Gadling this week. There were mentions of huge music festivals; silly hitchhiker’s auctioning off their names and enough Valentine’s suggestions to eliminate any and all excuses. We understand that you may have missed something in the frenzy and so now it is time to catch-up. Here are some picks hand plucked by me that are worth viewing once more.

5. How Was the NFL Experience?:
Those of use who were either snowed in or couldn’t get closer than our television sets to experience some of the NFL Superbowl action down in Miami for some reason or another, can now check out Willy’s play-by-play coverage for the NFL Experience. The event wasn’t exactly the big game, but sports lovers may find this one inspiring enough to experience it on their own next year.

4. How Environmentally Friendly Are You? Take the Ecological Footprint Quiz:
Afraid? Be very afraid. If you think you’re the environmentally friendly type take this quiz to find out just how happy or unhappy the planet is with your actions.

3. Army of Bjork:
Round of sound to Erik for giving Bjork some additional play with this video found on Travelistic. I never knew of this event until recently which looks to be held annually in Brooklyn so for all the other Bjork fans and people-watchers I hope that this one comes in handy.

2. How to Buy An Island:
C’mon, who doesn’t want their own little chunk of land off a beautiful turquoise ocean? If I had the dough I’d surely grab my own tropical island or two. If you’re a bit closer to making it a reality than I am check out this easy two step plan to get one.

1. Backing up your Travel Journal:
Always looking for a plan B, C, or Q to backing up your photos and precious travel works? Neil points worry-warts and smart-thinkers alike to a nice cheap gadget that can back up your goodies in addition to other back up methods. I’ve never heard of this one, but it sounds worth a try.

Army of Björk in Brooklyn

by Adrienne Wilson on

Just as I start to believe I am a die-hard Björk fan some quirky costume party comes along knocking my theory out-of-whack. For instance, on Wednesday, January 31 the Stain bar on Grand Street in Brooklyn is having an Army of Björk costume party where fans or anyone game to dressing up like the eclectic Icelandic artist can do so and be accepted with open arms. In addition to frosty weather they’ll be offering warm wine (glogg) and enough people dressed up as swans and so forth to gawk and watch all night long.

For all the real fanatics out there planning on attending, please do share a photo after the event.

via Gridskipper