“Most people look at a champion and say, ‘Oh, what a great life” but really, it’s a lot of work. The hard part, even harder than getting to be number one, is staying there. Being there and staying there. That’s when the real stamina and real professionalism comes out in a person. That’s when it gets tough.”

In China, there is no pornography. The internet has been censored, and the sale of pornography is prohibitted. To a more serious extent, the production of pornography in any form is illegal. The Chinese government has asked the citizens to report websites and services, and has even offered rewards for people that do so.  There is very little pornography that is exported, or circulated domestically, from a nation with the world’s largest population. Hard to believe, right?

Recently, there has been a big push in China (locally) to eliminate pornography from the web and cell phones. I’ve been reading about it in the local news. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-02/11/content_9465127.htm

I was thinking about the, primarily, social implications this has on China. First and most importantly, the girls. This is obvious. Secondly, the users and viewers of pornography. What effect does this have on them? Is this why Chinese girls are so conservative? Some Chinese girls I have talked to, do not fully understand their bodies, and simply do not know what it takes to become pregenant. Their parents did not tell them, and sex education was very limited at school.

What about adult men? Does this make them more loyal to their wives, or not? Does this lead to other negative behaviors such as alcohol abuse, or gambling? Adult women?

The girls here are special and have a sense of individualism and modesty. The boys show a natural respect for females and their friends that is unique to being in China. Dating often starts after high school, something I know is different in the United States.

I think pornography and it’s effects would only complicate this relationship.

I respect China and the Chinese government. It is sometimes frusterating here, but overall the fact that the government has so much control, and the ability to mobilize an entire civilization very quickly, is an awesome power.

I know I have more to learn, but I guess I can say, I’m glad I don’t live in Japan! haha

Howl’s Moving Castle

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Avatar

Winged Creatures

Interception

Babel

First, you have to learn the language: Ollie, Shove It, Fakie, Nollie, Frontside Shove It, Switch, Backside Shove It, Fakie 180, Backside 180, Kickflip, Heelflip, Manual, Riding Goofy, Riding Regular, etc. Second, you have to learn the technique. Skating is all about technique: balance, foot placement, and focus. Third, you have to practice. Practice, practice, practice. Every day, practice.

The cool thing about skating is that you actually get better.   There is a Chinese saying that reminds me of this. Every Chinese student knows this. It is posted in all the classrooms, and if you begin to say the phrase, they will chime in. It goes:

好好学习，天天向上
Hao Hao Xue Xi, Tian Tian Xiang Shang
Translation: “Good Good Study, Day Day Up”
My intrepretation: everyday use your mind and be productive.

Skating is about the mental game. You have to be sharp, focused, on point, ready to take risks. You have to be able to trust your body and mind. You have to use your judgement, and think fast. You have to be confident. You have to be cool. You have to be disciplined, and well-trained. You have to be yourself. You have to know yourself. You have to push yourself. You have to be somebody else. You have to wear a helmet. You have to be in shape. You have to exercise. You have to see your skateboard as a tool. You have to know your tool. You have to use the tools you have. You have to respect the tools you have. You have to love being outside. You have to love wasting time. You have to drink water.  You have to keep a mean face. You have to keep a game face. You have to love being a superstar. You have to love being yourself. You have to love what you are doing. You have to love skating.

Peace.

Anyways, peanuts are very nutritious. You should eat more nuts!