I know, I know…

Originally uploaded by PlanoMUG

Why keep a blog if you’re never going to write in it. There’s a lot going on at the moment. There’s a big thing that I can’t quite talk about yet. I can only promise that it’ll be both a big thing and a good thing and that’s about all I can say. Then there are lots of little things. Like having two of our favorite people in town last week. Like spending late nights fleshing out an exciting idea. Like conspiring with talented people again and spending Friday at the beach. Heading into the end of the year, things look good. I’m going to enjoy every second of it and look forward to big things in 2009 no matter how gloomy the forecasts may be. Because THAT is what any good pirate would do.

Japan Unveils “Escaped Rhino” Emergency Plan

We’re planning a trip there early next year. Fortunately, this puts 98% of my safety concerns to rest.

Country Club Life In Serious Need Of Chaos

Just got back from another few days in Shanghai and it reminded me how much I miss the texture, grit, and pace of a hungry city. Singapore is wonderful, but it’s regulated out much of the serendipity, hunger and momentum that make cities inspiring. That said, it’s a wonderful place, I have a pet project getting me excited, we’ve met some wonderful people, and with a few new imports on the horizon, Singapore’s looking like a good place to be.

But point made: Shanghai is pretty damn fantastic.

Obama Is The New Che

Couldn’t help but look at this crowd protesting the Georgian government and think “shouldn’t they be holding Che Guevara posters?” Let’s face it, Che’s image has become a cliche symbol of idealism and change for those who conveniently ignore the fact that most of his efforts left countries in shambles under inept regimes. Che is a great symbol of hope in the sense that he doesn’t need to follow through. His image inspires change without having to close the deal. Che doesn’t need to be accountable to what he inspires. Obama does. I’m not suggesting that Obama can’t change the world (“yes we can”), but I wonder if one person can bring about the level and breadth of change people around the world are now expecting. Maybe I’m being cautious, but I wonder if some expectation setting may be in order. Just a thought.

Off to Holland Village to get a haircut. Thought I’d throw that in there so this can start feeling like a blog again. Far too much politics as of late. Apologies.

And the world celebrates with us…

I just watched President Obama’s response to George Bush’s last State of the Union address and it reinforced the “we’ve chosen the right guy” feeling I’ve had since Wednesday. And given people’s vision of what this means, it looks like the world just might conspire to make this work.

“He had an Asian childhood, African parentage and has a Middle Eastern name. He is a truly global president” – Bangkok Resident

“I am confident that we can look forward to an era of renewed partnership and a new multilateralism. If ever there were a time for the world to join together, it is now.” – Ban Ki-moon, United Nations

“‘He will speak and talk rather than use a weapon.” – Baghdad Resident

“Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place,” Nelson Mandela

“This is an important victory for all of us. Mostly, of course for America, but also for everyone else in the world who’s tired of a U.S. in the likeness of George Bush. Tell your readers France says ‘Thank you, America, for giving the world Barack Obama!’” – Paris resident to Time Magazine

“We see Obama’s victory as a victory for oppressed people, and since we’re living under Israeli occupation, we feel he’s with us,” said a professor from Jerusalem’s al-Qods University to Time.

“America Reborn” – Front Page Headline of Korean Newspaper Joongang Ilbo. The article painted Obama’s election as the beginning of a social and cultural revolution in the US.

“BRRACK is a BRRACK man. CORREKT??? That means less terrorism. Safer for all of us. CORREKT??” – Singaporean Taxi Driver

“For most of my lifetime there has not been a possibility for a black politician to be anything other than an insurgent.” – Trevor Phillips, The Times

“Nation Finally Shitty Enough To Make Social Progress.” – The Onion

And of course, Japan’s “Obama is Beautiful World” song.

Yes we can people.

Everyone Loves Barry

Spent today in Jakarta and it turns out that people in Indonesia think Obama is their president too. Apparently, he speaks Bahasa Indonesia and lived in there as a kid. They couldn’t be prouder. Oh. And they call him “Barry”.

Here in Singapore, the general consensus is that any change from all things Bush is probably a good thing for all of us. Taxi drivers immediately bring Obama’s age into question (I’ve had this conversation about a dozen times), but also think new ideas in politics could be a good thing. In principle.

On our flight from Shanghai this Tuesday, a Malaysian woman who works in China was holding a copy of the Economist with Obama on the cover and turned giddy. “He LOOKS like a president of America, doesn’t he? He’s like Denzel Washington.

I’m not sure exactly how he did it, but it appears that “Barry” has been elected as the world’s US president. And the world couldn’t be happier.

President Obama

Yes we can.

Spent this morning at the embassy casting my vote.

Couldn’t be prouder of my country right now.