Hosting the Olympics was a huge deal for the Chinese government and people. While protesters put their feet down around the world, the Games were a source of pride for the controversial country. Take a look at the biggest stories to come out of China hosting the 2008 Games.
Donatella Versace showed her Spring 2009 Versace collection in Beijing, China yesterday--first seen this season at Milan Fashion Week, the collection was re-shown with Chinese models and an identical stage. Versace arranged the show, in part, as a vehicle for humanitarian work. To see images from the fashion show, click here.
It has been rumored that Mike & Chris is going out of business. A canceled sample sale started the snowball of gossip via Racked's infamous tipline.
Wal-Mart and Urban Outfitters both made it out of the third quarter with overall revenue growth. Their success can be attributed to a combination of low price points and well-timed advertising campaigns.
...and the Commes des Garcon madness ensued. WWD takes us through the adventure play by play and, Network Partner, ShinyStyle, has tug of war videos and photo galleries.
Beijing will be dressed to impress this August when the world turns its attention east for the Summer Olympics. Radar lists eight changes in its July/August issue that China is making to ensure the city is picture perfect when the cameras go on.
There are more upgrades afoot. To see what else is going on, read more
Hungry, hungry pandas! These giant pandas made the trip from China's Sichuan province on Saturday and are settling into their new home at the Beijing Zoo. There were food and (safe) shelter shortages in their original home of Wolong Giant Panda Reserve post earthquake, but they look like they're getting plenty of that leafy green bamboo now. I love watching them eat – seriously check it out . . . adoro – so see a super cute gallery of these pandas when you read more
Last week's horrible earthquake in China caused devastation across the country. The area is home to many pandas, both in the wild and at several zoos and reserves. These black-and-white creatures you see here are chomping on their fave diet of bamboo at the Chengdu Research Base in the Sichuan Province. There are eight giant pandas from the Wolong Giant Panda Reserve – about 20 miles from the epicenter of the deadly quake – calling this their temporary home. Today they'll be flying the friendly skies in a special plane. Destination: Beijing, where the creatures will soon make a new home and be on public display at the Beijing zoo! There are more of these cutie pies when you read more
Considering the intimate economic ties many countries have with China, boycotting the Beijing Olympics to protest human rights violations seems like an incomplete and insincere gesture. Yet, some individuals are attempting to resist China on their own by boycotting products made in China. These conscious consumers are finding it nearly impossible to not buy China.
China dominates the manufacturing market. BBC writes:
Listening to your iPod. Made in China. Fiddling with your key ring. Made in China. Label on the inside of your underpants irritating you a little bit. It more than likely says "Made in China."
Even if you want to buy a TV "made" — aka assembled — in Europe, most of its parts probably come from China. And if you can find the goods, your guilt-free conscious isn't going to be free . . . or cheap.
Is a consumer's hands tied when big businesses and governments decide to do lucrative business with China? Is it a luxury to make a political statement with your purchasing power?
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I'm out watching the Olympic torch run in San Francisco right now! While I get the real story for you, check out a little history of the games in question. China isn't the first country to host Olympics under a shadow of protests. The high-profile event, which commands the attention of the world, is an attractive forum for activists.
Today demonstrates that political controversy is as much of an Olympic tradition as athletic competition. Take this quiz to find out how well you know the story of Olympic protests and boycotts.
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The Olympic torch is coming to North America this week, but not before making a hectic stop in London. Yesterday, 80 English athletes, celebrities, and other respected citizens relayed the torch — and the scene was chaotic. 2,000 police officers lined the snowy route populated with pro-Tibet protesters as well as flag waving China supporters.
At one point the police halted the procession, as a demonstrator attempted to grab the torch out of a torchbearer's hands. Protesters blocked its path and tried to put out its flame. In total police arrested 30 activists.
The relay of the Beijing Olympics torch is the longest torch tour in Olympic history. It began in Olympia, Greece and is expected to meet passionate protesters throughout its journey across five continents. It makes its only North American stop this Wednesday in San Francisco. Stay tuned for our eyewitness coverage!
Would you rather see an Olympics where the world attempts to get along? Or, is it a vital opportunity to call attention to China's very serious human rights violations? Do you think the protesters in London went too far by trying to extinguish the flame?
I recently went to China, and while in Beijing I stopped at the infamous street food market. I wasn't sure what to snack on, but since I'll try anything once, and had a slight obsession with Survivorman, I eventually settled for a deep fried scorpion. It was warm and crunchy, with a little tender meaty morsel in the center. And, most surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. In fact, I'd eat it again. How about you, would you ever eat a scorpion?
.xxlarge/i/Quiz-Nation-History-Olympic-Protests.jpg "Quiz Nation — A History of Olympic Protests")
