Gawker: dalai lama

Unlike Bush, Obama Won't Meet Dalai Lama

Andrew Belonsky — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:52:34 EDT

Well, well. Liberals and lefties try to claim President Obama's far more progressive than George W. Bush. That may not entirely be the case, because, unlike Bush, Obama can't bring himself to meet with the Dalai Lama...

Not yet, at least: White House officials have reportedly asked Tibetan authorities to keep their distance when the Lama visits next week. This is the first time a President has refused to meet with the spiritual leader since he first came to the U.S. in 1991. Even Bush met with him, and he was evil!

Apparently Obama and his administration are worried about pissing off China, which rules Tibet with an iron fist. But some experts say it's a pointless gesture, because China doesn't really give a damn:

"We've got the classic case of a Western government yet again conceding to Chinese pressure that is imaginary long after that Chinese pressure has ceased to exist," said Robert Barnett, a Tibetan expert at Columbia University. "The Chinese must be falling over themselves with astonishment at what Western diplomats will give them without being asked. I don't know what the poker analogy would be. 'Please, see all my cards and take my money, too?' "

Oh well, Dalai: better luck next life!

China Renovates Dalai Lama's Homes

Andrew Belonsky — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:40:10 EDT

China spent $44 million renovating the Dalai Lama's palaces. If only he could live there!

Electronic 'GhostNet' Spy Ring Linked to China

Owen Thomas — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:05:21 EDT

GhostNet, a "cyber espioniage network," has broken into 1,295 computers in 103 countries. Canadian researchers have traced the operation to China. The Dalai Lama and NATO were among its targets.

Correction of the Month: The Dalai Lama Gave You AIDS

Pareene — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:12:59 EDT

This, from the Columbia Spectator, is a truly beautiful correction. Turns out there's no evidence to support the claim that "one Dalai Lama" had sex with hundreds of men even though he knew he had AIDS. The fact that the current Dalai Lama has held the position since 1950 certainly narrows down the candidates there, doesn't it. Beautiful. [Spectator]

Dalai Lama threatens to resign

Nick Douglas — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:29:19 EDT

"The Dalai Lama threatened Tuesday to step down as leader of Tibet's government-in-exile if violence committed by Tibetans in his homeland spirals out of control." [AP]

UPDATE: Apparently he both can't resign and is super-resigning: "The Dalai Lama cannot technically resign as he is revered as the re-incarnation of his predecessor, but he has often suggested that he will not be re-incarnated again." [Times UK]

Neither Snow, Nor Rain, Nor Heat, Nor Gloom of Night Stays These Couriers from Achieving Enlightenment

Jesse — Mon, 26 Sep 2005 10:49:05 EDT

You thought the plan to turn the Farley Post Office on Eighth Avenue into a new Penn Station had a powerful backer in Pat Moynihan. After he died, you thought it had an even more powerful backer in the politically savvy Moynihan family's invoking of his memory. But, reports the Sun the plan just picked up its most powerful backer yet.

The Dalai Lama, usually preoccupied with matters of religion or foreign policy, yesterday tackled a more mundane matter, endorsing the idea of spending nearly $1 billion to turn the Farley Post Office in Manhattan into a new train station for commuters.

Hey, with his backing and political influence, it's now really bound to happen.

Right after they free Tibet.

Mayor Seeking Momentum on Penn Station [NY Sun]

Herb Ritts dead at 50

Gawker — Fri, 27 Dec 2002 10:04:35 EST

Celebrity photographer Herb Ritts died yesterday in an L.A. hospital after a bout with pneumonia that resulted in fatal complications. A contributor to Vogue and Vanity Fair for over 15 years, Ritts photographed subjects ranging from Madonna to the Dalai Lama. His latest series for Vogue, including shots of Kofi Annan and track star Marion Jones, will appear in the February issue.
Herb Ritts, celebrity photographer, dies at 50 [NYT]
Ritts, R.I.P. [Page Six]