Hong Kong's embattled leader believes protests could last weeks: source

(Reuters) - Hong Kong authorities will not immediately move to clear tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters occupying large areas of the city, and will let them stay for weeks if need be, a source with ties to leader Leung Chun-ying said on Wednesday.

In contrast, students spearheading the protest movement ratcheted up pressure on Leung, saying they would occupy more government buildings unless the Beijing-backed chief executive stepped down by Thursday night.

Hong Kong protesters are angry about China's decision to limit voters' choices in a 2017 leadership election, and, in a major challenge to Beijing's authority in Hong Kong and beyond, have brought much of the financial hub to a standstill.

As the mass action approached its sixth day on Wednesday evening, the number of people on the streets remained high.

Fears among demonstrators that police might try to remove them forcibly ahead of the National Day holiday marking the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 proved unfounded, and the atmosphere was calm but defiant.

Hong Kong student leader Lester Shum issued an ultimatum to Leung: step down or else face wider protests.
"We will escalate the action if CY Leung doesn't resign by tonight or tomorrow night. We will occupy more government facilities and offices," he told protesters.

"I believe the government is trying to buy more time. They want to use tactics such as sending some people to create chaos so that they would have a good reason to disperse the crowd."

Riot police had used tear gas, pepper spray and baton charges at the weekend to try to quell the unrest, but tensions have eased since then as both sides appeared ready to wait it out, at least for now.
Protesters have dug in, setting up supply stations with water bottles, fruit, disposable raincoats, towels, goggles, face masks and tents.

Leung has said Beijing would not back down and that Hong Kong police would be able to maintain security without help from People's Liberation Army troops from the mainland.

According to a government source with ties to Leung, the chief executive appeared ready to allow the anger to subside, and would only intervene if there was looting or violence.

"Unless there's some chaotic situation, we won't send in riot police ... We hope this doesn't happen," the source said. "We have to deal with it peacefully, even if it lasts weeks or months."
Leung could not be immediately reached for comment.

BEIJING'S BALANCING ACT

The protests are the worst in Hong Kong since China resumed its rule of the former British colony in 1997.
They also pose one of the biggest political challenges for Beijing since it violently crushed pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989.

China has dismissed the protests as illegal, but in a worrying sign for the Communist Party leadership in Beijing, the demonstrations have spread to neighbouring Macau and Taiwan.

On Wednesday, hundreds of people moved into Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui, a shopping area popular with mainland Chinese visitors. It would normally be doing roaring trade during the annual National Day holiday.
The celebrations went ahead peacefully, although scores of students near the ceremony at Bauhinia Square booed as the national anthem was played.

A beaming Leung shook hands with supporters waving the Chinese flag, even as protesters who want him to stand down chanted: "We want real democracy."

"We hope that all sectors of the community will work with the government in a peaceful, lawful, rational and pragmatic manner ... and make a big step forward in our constitutional development," Leung said in a speech.

The Hong Kong and Chinese flags billowed in the wind at the completion of the ceremony, but one of the main protest groups said they marked the occasion "with a heavy heart".

Cracking down too hard on the movement could shake confidence in market-driven Hong Kong, which has a separate legal system from the rest of China. Not reacting firmly enough, however, could embolden dissidents on the mainland.

China rules Hong Kong under a "one country, two systems" formula that accords it some autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, with universal suffrage an eventual goal.

However, protesters reacted angrily when Beijing decreed on Aug. 31 that it would vet candidates wishing to run for Hong Kong's leadership.

In contrast to National Day celebrations in Hong Kong, hundreds of people attended a tightly choreographed flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The daily event was typically austere, with goose stepping troops and a brass band.

Communist Party leaders in Beijing worry that calls for democracy could spread to the mainland, and have been aggressively censoring news and social media comments about the Hong Kong demonstrations.
A strongly worded editorial in the People's Daily, the Communist Party mouthpiece, attacked the "Occupy Central" protests as being confrontational.

"And now, a handful of people are bent on confronting the law and stirring up trouble. (They) will eventually suffer the consequences of their actions," it said on Wednesday.

Rights groups said that a number of mainland activists supporting the Hong Kong protests had been detained or intimidated by police on the mainland.

The turmoil has hit the share market, with the city's benchmark index .HSI falling 7.3 percent over the past month. Markets are closed on Wednesday and Thursday for the holiday.

Some banks and other financial firms have begun moving staff to back-up premises on the outskirts of the city to prevent growing unrest from disrupting trading and other critical functions, two business services firms said.

Mainland Chinese visiting Hong Kong had differing views on the demonstrations.

"For the first time in my life, I feel close to politics," said a 29-year-old tourist from Beijing surnamed Yu. "I believe something like this will happen in China one day."

But a woman surnamed Lin, from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, said the protesters' demands for a democratic election were "disrespectful to the mainland".

In Taipei's Liberty Square, some 5,000 mostly young protesters, many wearing symbolic yellow ribbons in a show of solidarity, encouraged Hong Kong people to fight for democracy.

The Hong Kong protests have been watched closely in Taiwan, which has full democracy but is considered by Beijing as a renegade province that must one day be reunited with the mainland.

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has said Beijing needed "to listen carefully to the demands of the Hong Kong people".

In the former Portuguese colony of Macau, which like Hong Kong is now a Chinese "special administrative region", organisers said around 1,200 people gathered in a show of solidarity at Friendship Square.
Former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten called for genuine consultation over demands for greater democracy.

"I think we've got to see dialogue replacing tear gas and pepper sprays," Patten, the last British governor before the 1997 handover of the territory to China, told BBC radio.

(Additional reporting by Irene Jay Liu, Farah Master, Diana Chan, Twinnie Siu, Yimou Lee, Kinling Lo, Charlie Zhu, John Ruwitch, Clare Baldwin, Diana Chan and Anne Marie Roantree in HONG KONG，Sui-Lee Wee in BEIJING, Michael Gold and J.R. Wu in TAIPEI and Stephen Addison in LONDON; Writing by Paul Tait, Jeremy Laurence and Mike Collett-White; Editing by Mike Collett-White)

Source : http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/01/us-hongkong-china-idUSKCN0HN03Q20141001

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7 Traditional Things To Do In Japan

7 Traditional Things To Do In Japan - When planning a trip to Japan it may be easy to fall into the usual trap of only planning to go to “modern “attractions, such as electronic shops and concerts. However, Japan is an ancient and diverse culture offering a wonderful trip back in time. Whether you’re staying only a week or a full month, be sure to check out the following traditional things that make this such a rich place to go.

1. Stay in a ryokan. Shirk the five star Western hotel and opt for the traditional ryokan, a favorite of the Japanese for centuries. Sleep on a comfortable futon while enjoying picturesque garden views and sipping homebrewed green tea. Ryokans tend to offer traditional Japanese dishes as well. Don’t ask what’s in it. Just eat it and enjoy.

2. Go to an onsen. Japan is famous for their hot springs, and you should definitely check one out. Some are coed and will let you in with a bathing suit. Most times, however, they are divided by sex and require you to go the full monty. Even if you’re shy, it’s still not an opportunity to pass by. Hot springs have healing qualities that will help wipe away your jet lag while letting you become one with nature.

3. Check out the shrines and temples. It’s not a trip to Japan without the obligatory visits to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Some are certainly more famous than others, so check out the biggest ones in the area you’re going. Also, some that are historical landmarks may require admission. Either way, please read up on etiquette rules for visiting shrines and temples before going.

4. See a traditional show. Japan is not lacking in the ancient arts that are now put on display. Traditional Japanese theater, such as kabuki, noh, and even bunraku, should be beheld at least once in your life. The performers have trained for years and are regarded as masters of their work.

5. Take in some sumo wrestling. Sumo is the one traditional Japanese sport that is often on display. Revel in the chaos as everyone around you cheers on their favorite wrestler. It’s easy to follow, and lots of fun to tell your friends back home about.

6. Attend a tea ceremony. Professional tea ceremonies are both beautiful and relaxing. Rent a kimono for the day and take part in this ancient art.

7. Take part in a festival. Summertime is festival time in Japan. Nearly everywhere in the country will have at least a couple of festivals during the summer and early autumn seasons. Take a walk down residential streets and sample the homemade foods of the locals. You can even try your luck at some sideshow games, but don’t expect to win.

Next time you visit Japan, be sure to check out some of the attractions above. Not only will you get a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but you will also become more connected with this ancient culture.

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5 Tips For Traveling With Children

5 Tips For Traveling With Children - Family vacations are special times of the year, but they can be very challenging for parents get through. Air travel is especially difficult and can be the cause of significant levels of stress for the entire family. Unfortunately for many types of vacation there is no way around going through an airport and flying by private jet is beyond most of our wildest dreams.

However, there are a couple of things that you can do to make the airport experience less stressful and not be a cause of arguments. The following points are very simple to plan for and will not result in significant increases in costs. Ultimately the trade-off will be a much happier day of travelling.

1) Book Your Seats In Advance

To avoid being separated in different rows and even parts of the plane you should always pre-book your seats. While young babies up to the age of 2 usually are seated on a parent’s lap, this is not the case with children over 2. If you are delayed in any way on your way to the airport you will not be guaranteed seats together, so make sure you plan for this in advance.

2) Allow For Extra Time

Whether you are traveling with a baby or trying to deal with teenagers you will have to allow for additional time at the airport. Passing through security will take longer the more people you are travelling with and with heightened security procedures this can take several hours. The last thing you want to happen is to end up running to your departure gate only to be told that you have missed a flight.

3) Book Into An Airport Lounge

Especially when travelling with small children it is a lot easier to deal with an airport in one of the lounges. Most people do not know that you do not have to be travelling business class to get access to a lounge. The advantages are that for a relatively small fee you will have a closed off, quiet environment. Snacks and refreshments are also available, and many lounges have small play areas and other kid’s entertainment.

4) Have Small Surprises For The Flight

No matter how old your kids are, they will enjoy receiving a small gift. For a young child this can be as simple as a new book or pens to do some drawing. Dependent on the age the attention span will differ, so you may need to bring along a few small surprises. For older children you may need to spend a little more, e.g. on new games for a portable console or download some new music tracks ahead of time to listen to.

5) Do Not Rush Off The Plane

When is the last time you got to the luggage belt to find that you suitcase is already there? For most people this will never have happened, so when the airplane arrives at the gate, just stay seated and wait for everyone else to push and shove their way off. Especially with young children it is not necessary to be part of that hassle of being first off the plane.

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The Times leaves out the 'Waldorf' in Waldorf School portrayal

Matt Richtel, a technology reporter for the New York Times, has a front-page story about a school in silicon valley, popular among tech execs, that keeps computers out of the elementary school classroom.  That's interesting as far as it goes -- if my children were elementary school age, I would be open to putting them in  a computer-free classroom. Yet the article is quite odd, in that Richtel seems to have very little idea of what kind of school he is affording a 1500-word front-page article.  The school is the Waldorf School of the Peninsula in Los Altos, California -- that is, per its name, a Waldorf School, i.e. a school based on the educational theory that the Anthroposophist sect founder Rudolph Steiner derived from his own idiosyncratic fusion theology, which combines elements of eastern mysticism with Christianity (overlaid by what C.S. Lewis called a "reassuring Germanic dullness") .  That means that students' education is shaped by a set of religious beliefs quite as specific and literal-minded as those at an evangelical Christian school.

In  a second psychological typology, as summarized by Wikipedia, "Waldorf teachers use the concept of the four temperaments to help interpret, understand and relate to the behaviour and personalities of children under their tutelage. The temperaments, choleric, phlegmatic, melancholic, and sanguine, are thought to express four basic personality types, each possessing its own fundamental way of regarding and interacting with the world." That's typical Steinerism: treating a set of mystical formulations reworked from medieval and/or far eastern doctrines as definite facts, the physiological phenomena aligned with spiritual counterparts.

Other Steinerite nostrums: a) That human physical activity is more or less spiritual depending on how close to the head it originates. Hence soccer is bad, because it's centered on foot action; similarly, most human dance as we know it needs a revamping, provided by Steiner's "eurythmy," which emphasizes arm and upper body movement. b) In drawing and painting, hard lines defining shapes are verboten until a certain age/level of spiritual development -- hence the Steinerite classroom art products that are all pale pastel shadings reminiscent of the drawings of William Blake, whom Steiner admired. c) In woodworking, children are not allowed to hammer nails until a specific age -- I think about 10 or 12 -- until, again, their spirits enter a defined new stage.  An account of how these strictures can play out when a child doesn't fit the Anthroposophist mold is here.

At the Scottish school, many of our fellow volunteers were Germans who had been educated in the system. One of them told me that in her late teens she was surprised to learn that the Greek gods were not historical figures, so thoroughly did the curriculum meld myth and history.  Another Waldorf school vet (American) told me that Waldorf schools generally included study of the phone system in their science curriculum -- because Steiner had a great enthusiasm for it. The hot new technology of the late nineteenth century was reified for another century because it caught the founder's fancy.

The Scottish school, part of the Steinerite Camp Hill organization, did create an aesthetically attractive and culturally coherent environment, a warm and rich cocoon that screened out the surrounding junk culture. For mentally retarded children in particular, it was a nurturing and stimulating environment, full of song, short and accessible prayer, spiritually accented appreciations of nature, and arts & crafts produced to Steinerite specs. It was also quite pleasant for the emotionally disturbed kids of normal mental ability.  The children, considering their emotional disturbances, were quite kind to each other -- a notable accomplishment I appreciated afterward, working in the far crueler environment of an American special needs school  -- though it's impossible to say how much of the difference was due to a milder degree of emotional disturbance in Camp Hill school.

As indicated in Richtel's article, Waldorf schools allow a good deal of free play and self expression, albeit through the subtly coercive anthroposophist modes. Today, to varying degrees, in different countries and communities, they do equip graduates to deal with the modern world (though the Scottish school where my wife and I worked did not do so for children of normal mental ability or higher). Certainly, affluent American parents in places like Silicon Valley demand no less.

But Waldorf education also exerts a form of mind control, an inculcation of religious belief as fact, as is done in fundamentalist schools of all stripes. Waldorf school are not obviously "fundamentalist," because the truly controlling scriptures are the writings of Steiner, through which the Christian Bible is filtered. But those writings have served as the basis for a cult, abiding by a set of spiritual dictates straining credibility less than Mormonism only insofar as Rudolph Steiner confined his storymaking to the spiritual history of the universe at large and did not make up whoppers about himself.  Still...however subtle and in some ways humane the indoctrination at Steiner schools, it's still indoctrination. 

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RED RIBBON WEEK

"Red Ribbon Week" -- this week -- is the largest drug-prevention campaign in the United States.

By wearing a red ribbon this week, participants show their willingness to stand up against drugs. Schools throughout Dublin plan to do just that.

The Dublin Unified School District will participate in a variety of activities, including decorating classrooms with red ribbons and passing out pledge bracelets, working on classroom posters and practicing how to say no to drugs.

Red Ribbon Week recognizes the memory of Special Agent Camarenam, who lost his life during an incident related to his role in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

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Dan Wheldon, Indy 500 Winner, Dead at 33

Race car drivers always know the worst can happen whenever they get behind the wheel. On Sunday, it happened to one of IndyCar's biggest and most popular stars.

IndyCar Driver Dan Wheldon died in Las Vegas today after his car crashed during a massive 15-car accident during the Las Vegas Indy 300.

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died after his car became ensnared in a fiery 15-car pileup, flew over another vehicle and hit the catch fence just outside turn 2 in a season-ending race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Wheldon's car went airborne after hitting another car during Lap 12, then apparently caught part of the catch fence just outside of Turn 2.

"Things happen in this kind of racing," said Wade Cunningham, also caught up in the wreck. "It's so close. Not much room for error. I was near the front of what caused all this, so I'm not thrilled about it. At this point, whose fault it was is kind of immaterial." The green flag had barely stopped waving when disaster struck.

IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard announced Wheldon's passing, saying, "IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today."

When drivers returned to the track for the tribute laps, Wheldon's No. 77 was the only one on the towering scoreboard. Franchitti sobbed uncontrollably as he got back into his car for the memorial ride. The sound of "Danny Boy" echoed around the track, followed by "Amazing Grace." Hundreds of crew workers and representatives from each team stood at attention in honor of Wheldon.

"What can you say? We're going to miss him," Ganassi said. "Everybody in IndyCar died a little today."

Wheldon won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011.

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Texas Rangers Nelson Cruz wins ALCS MVP

Words can not describe the series of Nelson Cruz had. The boy who was thrown into a trade from Milwaukee in 2006 (where Carlos Lee was the headliner) and waived at the start of the 2008 season has shown the world the boomstick we all knew he had.

With two-run homer Saturday night, Cruz has increased his total to six homers and 13 RBIs ALCS - both records for a major league playoff series. The numbers will, too, because his Texas Rangers beat the Detroit Tigers 15-5 in Game 6 to advance to the World Series for the second consecutive year.

The Rangers become the first AL West to repeat in the American League Champs the Oakland A's Bash Brothers era is. A dominant performance by Cruz and a second straight trip to the World Series for the Rangers. What a night.

Cruz was an easy choice for the series MVP. He went 8 for 22 (.364), with each stroke going to the foundation in addition, his two homers were not double. Only once has anyone had more extra-base hits in a playoff series, Hideki Matsui for the Yankees when he was nine.

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Index Tumbles Due to Blasts

VIVAnews – The blasts at JW Marriot and Ritz Carlton had triggered the composite stock price index in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) to slide by 55 points to 2,062.

“The investors tend to refer to the blast incident at the JW Marriot and Ritz Carlton,” said Head Researcher of PT Paramitra Alfa Sekuritas to VIVAnews in Jakarta on Friday, July 17. He projected that the index would move between 2,080/2,050 and 2,150/2,200.

IDX managing director Ito Warsito did not want to make any speculation on the bombing incident. “I have no further information on the incident. We are awaiting an official announcement from the police,” he said.

However, foreign investors still recorded buying transaction worth Rp 67.08 billion and share sales valued Rp 30 billion.

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Holcim Director Dies in Bombing Incident

The bomb explosion that Struck the JW Marriott on Friday morning, 17 July 2009, several persons injured. PT Holcim Indonesia Tbk (SMCB) President Director Timothy Mackay was a victim because of the incident.

After Holcim Indonesia Coordinator Corporate Communications Dedy Nugroho when VIVA news, Mackay Medistra was immediately rushed to the hospital, but could not do it. "Tim Pak died," says Nughroho.

The loud explosions took place at the Hotel JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton in about the same time today, Friday, 17 July, at 8 clock time. The hotels are next to each other and are located in a Central Business District called Mega Kuningan, Jakarta.

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Darth Vader Toaster

yes , wicked it's here and you know you lack one: the darth vader toaster.wicked it's for all those who haven't seen the movies often sufficient and have not as yet made fools of themselves with star wars paraphernalia.wicked yet , wicked for of lesson breakfast deportment the image of the sith lord is likely to revolve smooth the most productive of dates into a one night stand.

The darth vader toaster has been available for pre order for many time but is now truly on the market: apparently in time for comic survey , wicked presumably the target market.

As to the technical details , wicked it's made out of black plastic supposedly to remind you of darth's helmet and it'll parch a perfect image into each and every shear of toast you concoct.wicked it'll smooth alter (or you can alter it) to toast from frozen or smooth to reheat.

The downsides: it's a one shear toaster , wicked it's $55 (yes , wicked $55 for a toaster!) and , wicked umm , wicked it's a darth vader toaster.

But calm , wicked ain't capitalism grand?

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