There are certain international signs meant to indicate "you are now near the presence of a bloggable sporting event." For example, drunk Northern Europeans screaming out English phrases and hugging everyone in sight. Alternatively, look for synchronized celebratory dances, shirtless adults or any manner of mohawk.

And finally, seek out events at which boys both young and old feel compelled to shave sporting insignias into their skulls. That, friends, will tell you that blogging gold is on the way.

These young chaps were spotted in the Forbidden City this weekend, near Tiananmen Square. When faced with the choice of penning an essay on the international socio-political meaning of the Olympics or the shaved hairstyles of young boys, I seem to have chosen the latter.

After I started shooting pictures frantically, Paparazzi-like, many of my co-workers joined me. Soon, there were Chinese tourists taking pictures of American journalists taking pictures of youthful Chinese head ornaments. That's what globalization means to me.

The older chap with the larger head was 9-year old Xu Jing. Not sure what his brother's name was. But both deserve international acclaim. As do the gents pictured below, from today's China Daily.

By Dan Steinberg  |  August 4, 2008; 10:29 AM ET
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