Yesterday, June 23, was a traditional Chinese festival called Duan-wu (端午). Most people know it for the sticky rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves and for the dragon boat races. The holiday supposedly commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a great poet from the Chu Kingdom in the Warring States period of Chinese history (~500-300 BCE). He committed suicide by tossing himself into a river when he disagreed with his state's policies and failed to persuade his king. Today, the holiday retains some patriotic connotations while the popular celebrations focus on the dragon boat races and the arrival of mid-summer.
I admittedly did little to celebrate the holiday. I instead went with my friends to visit the Instituto Cervantes's El Dia E, its annual commemoration of Spanish culture. The Instituto held a block party with Spanish music, food, books, and crafts. There were tours of the Instituto and its library and galleries. We did a flamenco dance class, which was fun and too short, yet not that long lest I suffer more embarrassment. Altogether it was an enjoyable part of the weekend partaking of the rich cultures that New York and living in our time have to offer.
Sunday 24 June 2012
Sunday 3 June 2012
Queen's Jubilee; World Science Festival
Has it been 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne of the United Kingdom? For many Britons who are celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this weekend, these sixty years have seen profound changes in their nation and its place in the world. The empire where the sun never sets is no more, as numerous former colonies sought and obtained independence one after another. The relic of the empire and vestiges of British power remain on the Security Council, where it maintains a stature above its actual weight. For an actual demonstration of British power, look at its operations in Libya and Afghanistan, where it plays mostly a supporting role to the US and NATO.
For many Britons, the tough problems remain at home. Two years of the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coalition rule have brought austerity to the land and another recession. The Tories have sought to jettison Europe off Britain's shoulders but for better or for worse, Britain cannot live without Europe. Like their fellow citizens in other EU countries, Britons and their leaders must ask how much austerity is permissible at the expense of growth. Britons may direct their ire at the Queen and her address but it is government that must be held accountable. Even beyond the economic crisis, Britons continue to question their national character and sense as a people. What it means to be British is different today than in 1952, and clinging to nostalgia, and especially using the monarchy, will not do the country much good.
On aside, I stopped by the World Science Festival this weekend. If only my work wasn't as busy during the week, I would have regaled myself in the various presentations on topics such as neutrinos, quantum mechanics and biology, and Einstein's theory with atomic time. Science is fascinating, and I'm glad to see so many children exploring science at Washington Square Park today. It is also important, and something each of us as citizens should understand a bit. We may not all be the next Thomas Edison but let's make sure this country produces the next one.
For many Britons, the tough problems remain at home. Two years of the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coalition rule have brought austerity to the land and another recession. The Tories have sought to jettison Europe off Britain's shoulders but for better or for worse, Britain cannot live without Europe. Like their fellow citizens in other EU countries, Britons and their leaders must ask how much austerity is permissible at the expense of growth. Britons may direct their ire at the Queen and her address but it is government that must be held accountable. Even beyond the economic crisis, Britons continue to question their national character and sense as a people. What it means to be British is different today than in 1952, and clinging to nostalgia, and especially using the monarchy, will not do the country much good.
On aside, I stopped by the World Science Festival this weekend. If only my work wasn't as busy during the week, I would have regaled myself in the various presentations on topics such as neutrinos, quantum mechanics and biology, and Einstein's theory with atomic time. Science is fascinating, and I'm glad to see so many children exploring science at Washington Square Park today. It is also important, and something each of us as citizens should understand a bit. We may not all be the next Thomas Edison but let's make sure this country produces the next one.
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