MOJO IN CHINA

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Watch Debate Replay in Shanghai

admin | 08 October, 2008 14:40

Image taken from Newsday

Don't think I haven't been keeping up with what's going on with the Presidential Campaign. I'm all over it, and so is Shanghai.

For all those interested and you have the time (I doubt I can go cause I'll be at work, DOH!), you should check out the debates in Shanghai. This is from Democrats Abroad, China Chapter. (Yes, I am a Democrat and I am voting for Obama.)

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Shanghai, Puxi: Malone's American Cafe, Puxi. REPLAY @ 5P. [255 Tongren Ren Lu, Puxi. (021) 6247 2400]. For info contact David, 15801879271.

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50 Moganshan Lu is the bomb

admin | 15 June, 2008 10:54

I need to go there more often...

The last time I was at 50 Moganshan Lu, I was working with the 'Nanking' movie crew at Art Deco. Zoe and I finally found a reason to go checking out second hand fleamarket for our friend Kuli.

The place is full of art studios, clothing designers, antique furniture stores, bookstores and cafes. It's the SoHo of Shanghai, but a bit smaller, more Chinese and trendier.

On our way out, I bumped into two Middlebury alums who also studied Chinese and now live in Hangzhou. They loved the place and would love to go back.

Here's more pics!

Speaking of the fleamarket, my boy Shige (You might recognize him as DJ Shige if you are around Shanghai) had his stuff on sale there and also runs his own little business on the side selling battle breaks and DJ equipment on-line and via e-mail at Scratch Temple. You can contact him at mail@scratchtemple.com. He knows his stuff.

Monsoon Season has arrived!!

admin | 09 June, 2008 13:22

Get your umbrella... ella... ella... eh... eh... eh...

When in Shanghai, or any part of China, during this time of the year, expect VERY STRANGE weather. It'll last for about 2-3 weeks. Also, expect a lot of rain. (Even if you don't expect it, expect it.) Carry a small umbrella in your bag. It's going to be wet and then riduclously hot...

Here's some music to get you going during these rainy, cloudy days. Cheeah!!

No more plastic bags!!!

admin | 06 June, 2008 07:57

You darn skippy it's not a plastic bag!!

Convenience stores and supermarkets are over China are ditching plastic bags for environmental safety. (Actually, you can still get a bag, but it costs extra, and most people don't want to spend more money than they have to.) I think China will make this into a fashion contest, "Who has the prettiest, most cutting edge big shopping bag."

Need Studio Space for rent in Shanghai? Soulfire's got your back.

admin | 05 June, 2008 07:42

Our engineers are hard at work and are ready to make you sound GOOD!

Find out more here! I'll put up a permanent link VERY SOON!

The Last Time We're Going to Kowloon Ice House.

admin | 25 May, 2008 22:00

Sorry, I can't do it... I can't go back.

Kowloon Ice House is a prety popular snack chain in China (a lot in Shanghai) full of snacks, drinks and nice light foods. Once you step inside, the place is full of Hong Kong karaoke and pictures. It's a great spot, especially if you are a fan of HK pop culture, like yours truly.

But after tonight, I think the next time I'm look for that nostalgic feeling, I'll take a flight to HK instead...

After the gym, Zoe and I decided we would go for a snack. I ordered some soup, curry and some drinks. The first thing I noticed before I ordered is that the menu changed. Originally, it was one sheet with selections on the front and back. it was quite clear and easy to follow. Now, it's a thick book with old plastic covers for each page, new dishes (that almost look like a restaurant rather than a snack house) and the prices are sky high. A lot of the small dishes they used to serve... GONE. Now, I'm not a big fan of these changes, but I can deal.

The part that bugged me was there was a fly in the soup...

That's ok, fairly normal, it happens, especially in this weather. We told the staff about it, and they wanted to change it, but fearing that they'll just dump the fly out and give us the same soup, we decided they can just strike it off of our check. No big deal.

Next up, I found a fly in my iced coffee. That's enough. We told them about this too and they had the nerve to say that the fly JUST flew in. (Right so in between you guys walking from the kitchen over to our table, the fly flew in our soup...)

Zoe and I were in shock. Now, in the mall where this Kowloon Ice House is located, you can't find any flies around where we were sitting, and flies like to be around food, especially where there's lots of food... MAYBE, just MAYBE, their kitchen has some issues. I mean, when we found the bug in the soup, it was underneath all the lettuce, and I don;t think the fly was just going for a swim.

Heck, even the white spoon we recieved had all these black spots and marks all over it. Later w got two spoons, with half of the marks gone...

We wanted our money back, all of it. We weren't going to spend nearly 20 bucks (I'm talking in USD here, not RMB) on non-hygenic food. There are other people around ordering as well. After the fuss and battling between us and the waitresses, we finally got our money back... but not our appetite.

I can't go back there because of this. We go for the quality, but if it's gonna be like this, I'd rather go for street food instead. Stop cutting corners!

Saved after being trapped for over 180 hours... and gave birth!

admin | 21 May, 2008 07:58

General jist of this interview is about a pregnant woman who was stuck in the rubble around the earthquake for 180 hours (cause a lot of the roads are messed up and it's hard to walk around). She gave birth yesterday and the baby is safe. It's a miracle.

By the way, two more folks were saved after 196 hours of being stuck in rubble.

Not all have been miracles, the numbers are over 40,000 in deaths and countless numbers of injuries, physical and emotional. Wherever you are, reader, please donate what you can to this tragedy, be it money, clothes or news you can pass along to others. China is also in need of psychology experts (who can speak Chinese). Thank you.

How to Dress for Mourning...

admin | 21 May, 2008 07:50

Dressing fashionable for your memorial?!?!

I was sent this website Yoka.com by my coworker, simply because we use a lot of fashion and style ideas for Soulfire and another webstie for inspiration never hurts. I showed this site to my wife to see what she thinks and she showed me a section on how to dress for a memorial. You can take a look here.

After Zoe and I reviewed the section, we thought it was disrespectful and tacky. So if you are from Yoka.com, please take this down. Now's not the time to worry about how your blacks match with your whites, but rememebring those affected by the tragedy.

Days of Mourning in China, May 19th-21st

admin | 19 May, 2008 21:18

Huge gathering in Tiananmen Square this afternoon.

Today is the first of three days of mourning for the Sichuan Earthquake in China which happened on 5/12. Today, millions of Chinese dressed in black and white, TV station, websites are in black and white letters and backgrounds, and for 3 minutes from 2:58pm-3:01pm, Chinese (and foreigners like yours truly) paused from work, honked their horns, prayed and placed our thoughts on those affected by this tragedy.

Words such as "Unification", "Love" and many words of patriotism and support for this country have come about in a way I've never seen before.

No, this isn't a scary thing, but it's a kind of appreciation of life and people that I've never seen before firsthand in China. It's been amazing.

My wife and I dressed in all black today in respect to the vitims of the tragedy. All movies theaters, bars, clubs and other places of entertainment are temporarily closed during this mourning period. As I've mentioned in a previous post, the mouning period will last from today until the 21st of May.

To wrap up this post, I was watching a TV news report on CCTV with tens upon thousands of Chinese citizens in Tianman Square. Men and women, young and old all chanting one thing: "Zhongguo, Jia You!, Sichuan, Jia You!" (China, Go Go!! Sichuan, Go Go!!)

With everything that's happened this year, from the Olympic Torch issue in Paris, Tibet, Love China on MSN, the Olympics countdowns and now this... We're seeing a new China. Not just the economic powerhouse... but the patriotic, moral and spiritual China.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those families affected in Sichuan. Also, I don;t care if you are from China, the US or anywhere around the world, remember, life is very important, support those that need the help and show love to your neighbor. This is more than politics, this is LIFE. Peace.

My Wedding Pictures

admin | 18 May, 2008 16:34

If you like this, you'll love the other pictures we took!!!

Taking wedding pictures is an expereince, an all day experience. And in China, it's unforgettable.

Zoe and I went to the Shanghai's Forest park, took some more pics in the studio, and even headed to the Bund. Al of this was by Masa LiLi. It was fun and the price wasn't too bad. The wedding market is pretty big out here, so of course, the quality matches the price just right.

After taking so many pics in the hot weather... I started to get sick. Zoe held on pretty tight, so I'm pretty proud of my little model. =) Love you, babe!

So yeah, if you are in China, there's a lot of options for wedding pics. I think Zoe and I made a great choice... Next stop... actually having a wedding! haha! =)

Nanjing... we back in tha building!

admin | 14 May, 2008 07:25

1912 in Nanjing

Once again, I returned to Nanjing and when I arrived, I realized so much has changed. Firstly, the town is a lot greener with more trees. Secondly, there are way more foreigners living there than I've ever seen. Lastly, 1912 has finally become a huge part of Nanjing's dining, nightlife and overall entertainment experience.

1912, as you might know, is called 1912 because in 1912, Nanjing became the capital of China with the country's first president, Sun Yat-sen. (Not far from 1912 is the Presidential Palace.) 1912 was a great time for Nanjing because it shows Nanjing at a time when it was bustling and becoming the true epicenter of China.

Almost 100 years later, it's getting back to that feel from 1912 at the formentioned entertainment district. Full of cuisines from Thai, local Chinese to KFC and more bars and clubs that you can shake a stick at. I perfromed there with Chivas last Saturday night at a place called Fei Bi Club (aka Phoebe Club). The place had a bit too much neon lights and metalic frames for my tasts (which is very common in Chinese clubs), so I did take a trip to Little Scarlet along with my wife, DJ Melkman, along with local friends Yuichiro (my Midd class mate and GT representer), Miki (From F&W and in-nanjing.net) and his girlfriend, and Kai.

If you're looking to move away from the 1912 spots, I would sugest two more places also worth checking out:

Nanjing's Underground Mall (aka Fashion Lady)

You want sneakers, high heels, dresses, shirts, hats and sunglasses for cheap (or relatively cheap), you got it all here. There's like 2-3 floors ful of tiny stores where you can bargain for all your clothing needs. I find that the fit for most of the clothes here is a bit small for me, particularly in the shoes department, but otherwise, it's great if you are a gal looking for a bargain and different styles that, chances are, other people won't have.

The place is full of people, I would recommend going on Sunday afternoon where it is a little easy to walk through. The spot is not far from Xinjiekou across the street from Dong Fang Shang Cheng Shopping Mall (which now has the real Gucci and Armani stores???) near the Jinling Hotel.

Planta

Planta is a Thai food/lounge/bar/club in Nanjing. It's pretty far away from other clubs and kinf of hard tofind because it's way behind some science building. When you areive at Planta, you'll find plenty of couches, dimmed lights and chill music. When I was first there with Aric in '06, there was noone there. Last Saturday, When I was there with Zoe, I thought I was at Glamour Bar on a Friday night. It was packed with people, Chinese and foreigners alike, all dressed in black with downtempo and acid jazz playing and folks schmoozing. Call it pretentious, call it cool, but this is a change for Nanjing, finally, an alternative for all.

Anyway, that's all for now. This Friday is Hangzhou at Lin Ping Ben Se.

More on Ningbo (aka Ning-bizzle)

admin | 06 May, 2008 14:25

Damn! That's a looong bridge!! (Hangzhou Bay Bridge)

Ningbo left a pretty darn good impression on me this weekend. Maybe it's because I spent a whole two days checking out the city rather than an overnight where I see more of the club and the hotel than the actual city. There are three things that stuck out in my mind while I was there...

Ningbohua = Shanghaihua

Ok, Ningbo and Shanghai dialects aren't exactly the same, but apparently, 70% of Shanghai dialect comes from Ningbo dialect. My wife understands Ningbo dialect even though she's never been there, but she could essentially speak Shanghaineese to the people there and it would sound the same... For me, that doesn't matter much because I'm like a guy from Beijing... I don't understand what these people are saying and my Mandarin is too proper.

Ningbo Guide

I'm really impressed by this magazine. They are located in all the right spots in Ningbo, they notify you on all the good deals in Ningbo and it's in both Chinese and English. Nice to see a full bilingual magazine and not just something catered to lost lao wai in this country. Craig, way to go. if it wasn't for this mag, I wouldn't know that Crowne Plaza Ningbo has an all you can eat barbecue for 68 kuai (10 Bucks! It's a steal!)

Hangzhou Bay Bridge

(both of the pictures above)

It's long and convenient. Supposedly the longest bridge in the world... (I think only in China, but they say the world in China...)

Anyway, it's way quicker to take a trip to and from Shanghai to Ningbo by the bus. We took the train over and it took about 3.5 hours (and that was the fastest train). We took the bus back and it was about 2.5 hours, and buses are torture to sit through in this country.

When we first got on the bridge, everyone stood up to look and took pictures and talked about the history of the bridge and what they heard about it and so on.. very excited...

Then... We were still on the bridge..

It kept going... With the sea all around us... Now I know how it feels being a sailor lost at see with water all around you... BORING... hehe

Anyway, that's not the point of the bridge... It's all about from point A to point B and now traveling from Shanghai to Ningbo and back has gotten a lot faster. I see a lot more manufacturing and travelling happening between Ningbo and Shanghai.. Does this mean that Ningbo will surpass Hangzhou in city development???

(I still think Hangzhou is prettier! Sorry, Craig.)

That's all folks. This week... Wuxi and... I'm going back home to Nanjing!

(This one's for you, Miki... IN-NANJING.NET!!!)

Whatcha gonna do when Yiwu goes wild on you!

admin | 21 April, 2008 09:27

Yiwu: The Wholesale Market Capital of the World!

So I took a trip with Chivas 12 y.o. to Yiwu this past Saturday. Heard a lot of things about this place... actually... not so many... but I know that there's a HUGE wholesale market there with a lot of stuff for cheap.

Of course, you have to try to find things you like and buy a lot of it before you can go on and say how much of a great deal all of this is. Clothes, bedding, silverware, utensils, they got it all there for cheap.

Saw tons of Middle Eastern, African and Easter Europeans there getting their deals on for their business... Sometimes, it felt like there were more foreigners there than in Shanghai.

Now only if they work on their social scene...

Overall, in between my trips to Shaoxing and Yiwu, I realized something... A good number of folks in Zhejiang province are really well off.. why? because they got into their businesses early and made something out of nothing. From selling a lot of cheap stuff, making millions off of zippers, or even manufacturing... Zhejiang is loaded.

Shanghai Jazz

admin | 19 April, 2008 02:57

This guys's got it...

Wanna know how I know so much about Jazz on Soulfire... Here's my origional teacher, JQ Whitcomb. He's been involved in the jazz scene in Shanghai for YEARS and he knows what's up... SO, if you wanna know about the jazz scene in Shanghai (as well as the rest of China...) Check out Shanghai Jazz Scene.

For those that don't know, Shanghai has a pretty rich jazz history, from swingin' at The Paramount back in the hey days, to vibin' at The Peace Hotel, to jamming out at JZ Club, Shanghai is all about jazzing it up...

I'm still looking for folks to work with me on a jazz/hip-hop collabo!!

MoJo in Shaoxing

admin | 19 April, 2008 02:10

Waterways and canals can be found throughout Shaoxing.

My wife and I are in Shaoxing located in Zhejiang province, for one stop on a nine city tour for sevan weekends through Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces for Chivas 12 y.o. I'm mcing and beatboxing the shows, which is fun. When ever I do these kinds of shows, I get to see bits and pieces of these cities, but it's never long enough...

Anyway, my wife's family is originally from there (Father-in-law's side, grandfather...) and it's been nice to see it... There are a lot of canals and waterways, much like Suzhou, but I find Shaoxing to be more quaint, at least at first glance.

Next up, Yiwu. Looking forward to it!

Faxing in China is really annoying...

admin | 17 April, 2008 22:55

And Dated!!

I work... and we all do.. Sometimes, we gotta send things, and sometimes those things need a signature... And one of the best ways to do it (if you don't have a scanner) is via fax... If you don't have one at home, you can go to a center to do that for you...

I've found faxing in China as a chore... and it's tiring and it can be costly.. Hong Kong, although is a part of China, is still included as an international number so even for sending to certain parts of the country.. It's more expensive...

I would like to see a Kinko's in Shanghai who can just take your stuff, send it away, and do it all for one low and great price... "Yi Tiao Long" (One Long Dragon... which is kind of like everything in one place...), that's what we need... I'm tired of sending from business hotels and spending more than I have to!

Note to self... Buy a scanner...

Second note to self... develop a perfect fax machine, bring it to China and rule the world... MUAHAHAHAHA... ummm... I think I'll keep my day job.

Outcome vs. Process

admin | 17 April, 2008 16:48

If you want to do business in China, You have to know about Process...

I've lived in China for more than three years and studying China for about eight and there's something that I hear about all the time, but have a tought time geting some time.

Outcome vs. Process

Outcome (Jie Guo) is of couse all about end result. Process (Guo Cheng) is about what it takes to get to the end result. In the west, we see out come as a higly important thing, where as in the East, and particularly in China, you'll find more value in the Process.

This can be diffuicult in business, particulalry for multinational companies... Deadlines, negotiations, executing plans are totally different... I find that this can affect every office and business.

There is no real solution to it all except a hope for more open communication as to what works and what doesn't both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Things you shouldn't do in China... and why.

admin | 14 April, 2008 09:33

Why did you split the pear????

Every now and then, I'll throw up a post on things you shouldn't do while you are in China. Tradition and superstition is pretty big out here, even as China becomes a modern society... here's some stuff you NEED TO KNOW.

1. Don't split your pear and share the other half with your loved one.

Pear in Chinese is "Li Zi" and to say divorce in Chinese is "Li Hun"... notice that both pear and divorce in Chinese contain the word "li" they are written differently with different vocal tones, but are similar because of the li pronunciation. Li, in this case, would mean "to split" or "break up".

Don't give your loved one the other half of your pear... Get a second pear and both you eat a whole one... and don't have so many "li's" going around!

2. Don't giving anyone Chrysanthemums.

Stupid idea. I've done it (And I won't say to who, but that person knows I didn't mean it...). They are are pretty, but they are closely related to Tomb Sweeping Day. Yep... Death Flowers.

The movie Curse of the Golden Flower is also closely related to Chrysanthemums... and at the end of the movie, just about everyone dies.

Get tulips instead.

Soulfire is looking for hosts/presenters!

admin | 14 April, 2008 08:58

Grab the mic and show millions all over China what you got!

We're looking for presenters/hosts at Soulfire. If you speak Mandarin Chinese and you're into this opportunity, please contact ruby.jiang@soulfire.cn. Good luck!

If I Hear "HELLO" One More Time, I'm Gonna...

admin | 04 April, 2008 11:53

I'm all about comunication. Heck, my major in college was a language. I've worked for a PR firm and currently host a radio show, which is all about media and communications. Relating to people is a must for me. So greeting people with a hi, what's up and sometimes "hello" is key...

But not all the time!!!

If you are a foreigner in China, or you look relatively not Chinese, and you are in China, be ready to be told hello... and a lot! And the hello, isn't any random hello... it's a HAAAAAAAAALLLLLOOOOO! (Major stress on the A and O... don't know how the "e" in hello changes into such a strong and harsh "a", but it does.)

I guess it's people being friendly, so I can't be all that mad. The olympics are coming and people out here are taking major and minor steps to be worldly... But please, not so much "hello", we get it all day! And it sounds almost like a 5 year-old saying hello, and I don't even know you! This is why I carry my ipod.

Imagine if I walked around saying "Ni Hao!" to people around China or every Asian looking person I saw... That wouldn't be cool... (And I know people who do that too, they should stop as well.)

In China, don't be surprised if someone uses hello to call you over to remind you about something or to do something... they won't say "hey, you!" They're gonna say, "Hello!", because you look like a foreigner. it sounds like of rude and can defeinitely come off that way, but most people don't know, "Hey you", or "Yo..." You might get a "Lookie Lookie" though.

Chinese People Exersizing Early In The Morning

admin | 04 April, 2008 11:07

This isn't a cult, people! It's old people exersizing in China!!

(I hope this doesn't offend anyone, this is just an observation!)

My wife and I wake up everyday at 6am to get ready for work. I generally walk her over to the subway and send her on her way. This is great for two reasons: 1. I send my wife off feeling energized and ready to go, whcih also makes me feel energized to work that day as well. 2. I can watch old Chinese people geting in some good early morning exersize!

(Note: It's prety much never younger Chinese because they are generally busy getting ready for a long day at the office.)

This morning, from my terrace, I watched an old Chinese woman in her 70's clapping her hands while walking and sitting around the pond in the middle of our complex. There was no music playing. She wasn't applauding for a show. Nor was she trying to compose a Just Blaze beat. She was just clapping.

I'm used to seeing this interesting form of exersize having lived in China for over three years, but I had to ask my wife for myself just what the heck is going on...

Me: Why is this lady clapping her hands like she's calling to aliens or something?

Wife: (Smiles) What do you mean?

Me: Y'know, she's clapping her hands like she's doing a rain dance or reaching out to her ancestors through ESP or something. (Note: Today's Qingming Jie by the way... so I have my reasons fo the ancestor thing..) She's staring around her too... Yo, look at this!

Wife: (Laughs) No, that's just to get more circulation through her body, that's all...

Yes, so it's all exersize. If you see old people walking around slapping and hitting their own bodies, walking backwards, or singing opera songs to themselves, they aren't possessed... it's exersize.

I have to give these people a lot of credit though, I mean, if this is why Chinese live so long, maybe we all should get into these crazy looking exersizes as well... Alas, gyms are starting to take form out here (I work out at a gym myself...), and well... these exersizes do kind of look goofy... to the untrained eye...

I heard that a lot of these movements are a part of a traditional Chinese exersize called Qi Gong. (And Qi Gong makes any weak looking person feel pretty darn gangster.

Anyway, here are some more videos of old people doing some interesting "exersizes". Respect the game, don't hate the player.

This is my favorite video because in the begining of the video, the ldy in the blue is basically popping. She makes the corny song sound pretty dope!

Qingming Jie aka Tomb Sweeping Day

admin | 29 March, 2008 20:13

Tomb Sweeping Day, 4/4

Hey All! It's your boy MoJo again with more China, straight from China. Just want to first send my apologies about DJ Kentaro yesterday because Redstar actually sadly did not perform last night... But there will be more chances to see us do our thing!

Back to the post. Last Friday at work, I checked my schedule at Soulfire and realized that we have a day off next Friday. This is great since we've worked pretty hard these days trying to makes our shows so great, that starting in April, we'll also be broadcasting in Chengdu on Ming Jiang Radio!

So on 4/4 (which is kind of funny cause that's "si si", which sounds similar to "Dead Dead" in Chinese), most folks will be off for Qingming Jie also known as Tomb Sweeping Day.

In short, Tomb Sweeping Day is a big holiday in China all about visiting the tombs of your ancestors, sweeping their tombs and leaving them gifts like flowers, wine, chopsticks and stuff like that. Frequently people burn paper that looks similar to old money.

This is a very old and traditional holiday in China, and for many people to get off this day is China next step in helping people rememeber and take the time to celebrate this holy holiday in China.

I ppersonally don't have any relatives to visit out here, and my wife says that we don't either, but I wouldn't be surprised in on Thursday, I get a call from Dad and Mom telling me that we're headed to the Temple for some reason...

Earth Hour

admin | 27 March, 2008 12:48

What A Wonderful World...

This isn't a post directly related to China, but China's in our world and we need to protect our world to keep China and all the places we live in or visit alive, healthy and strong. Earth Hour is one step to doing just that!

This Saturday at 8pm, turn off you home appliances for just an hour, only one hour and help the world save some energy. It worked in Sydney. Check out Earthhour.org for more info.

China Street Food - Bing Tang Hu Lu (Part One)

admin | 24 March, 2008 09:14

Bing Tang Hu Lu

I got a phone call last night from my friends at Channel Young asking me to do a show on Bing Tang Hu Lu. When I first heard what Bing Tang Hu Lu was, I didn't know what they heck they were talking about, but then I heard that it's a street food, it's sweet, and the word tang (which means sugar) led me to think that it was those candied fruits on a stick.

I say it's China's original lolipop, my wife says it's candy on a stick, no matter what,it's a traditional part of Chinese culture. I first had 'em in Beijing in 2002, but they're everywhere in China, for now... Sadly, this historical candy is slowly fading away with the waves of the mainstream because most people believe that this street food is very unclean. Noone buys em...

Well today, Channel Young and your boy MoJo got an answer for this. I'll be heading to a professional Bing Tang Hu Lu maker and he's going to show me DIY Bing Tang Hu Lu.

I'll keep you posted with pics and vids from today's show and when the show airs.

(This isn't the first time I've worked with Channel Young, I've done a show with them on Foreigners that speak Chinese... They threw me on, beatboxing and speaking really broken Chinese... Now it's time for the "lao wai" to bring real Chinese culture back to China!)

(Update: Bing Tang Hu Lu's translation is "Sugar Coated Haws on a Stick".... What the heck is a Haw and how did it get that name???)

Happy Spring!

admin | 20 March, 2008 17:15

Not Spring Rolls!! Spring is here!

Yes... It's that time of the year again! It's spring time in China. The weather is still a bit chilly, so pack a jacket before going out, but the sun is out and beaming, blue skies even! (Something you HAVE to cherish out here!!!)

I don't have any special stories or anything like that, but just want to wish "yu" all a Happy Spring! (And do celebrate with me and my group Redstar tomorrow!)

Those Spring Rolls still look madd good tho'...

Fake Shangri-La in Wuyi

admin | 18 March, 2008 15:05

WuYi in Zhejiang province

This place is a pretty and quaint city but I partially made my title like this to get you to check out this post... but part of this post is true... The Shangri-La here is fake. It ain't the real deal. But WuYi's got it's cool touches.

WuYi is most famous for it's hot springs, which are quite relaxing. But the ones I went to were rammed with people. My wife says that it's like boiling dumplings in there... haha, it's true... That night, looks like they had a first... a Black dumpling... (I'm talking about Me, fools!)

In the phone book, for foreign food, they have a KFC knockoff... but there is one real KFC there.

They also have this bakery chain throughout the town. They have good lemon bread. (Couldn't eat too much of it though cause my mouth was still a sore from the dentist...)

Overall, it was a good trip and a good chance to get away from Shanghai. You can pick up a package on Ctrip from anywhere in China...

(Warning: If you are in Shanghai and you have to get yoru bus at People's Square, get there early otherwise you will run around through thousands of people to find your guide and hundreds of coaches to find your bus... It's a nightmare - in the morning.)

Happy One Year Aniversary, Babe!

Will Chinese Hip-Hop ever take itself seriously?

admin | 18 March, 2008 14:09

Dragon Tongue Squad

I read this article on the Dragon Tongue Squad in the UK Royal Opera House a few minutes ago. Once you open the page, bam... there's one out of 5 stars for the perfromance. I read City Weekend's post about Yin T'sang's latest album, and you can check their review here...

Two stars... and that's from a magazine IN CHINA...

I know these groups and they are good people. So what's with all the bad press? It's aweful... but is it the fault of the reporters or the fault of the artists themselves?

Reporters will see what they want to see and report stuff as they see it. Hip-hop has been generalized and stereotyped in so many ways. When groups from China come out with repeating already used terms such as "Hustler", "bling" and talking about "gangsters",and dressing like someone you're not... They need to stop it and think about something different to discuss and a new way to express interesting material.

Then again, reporters need to open their mind about hip-hop in China. Why? Because a lot of rappers out here are rather limited lyrically due to censorship, China's exposure to the ouside world (particualry recording hip-hop music in China) has come of age since the last decade), and China is still searching for it's VERY OWN hip-hop culture... Don't diss it until it's ripe and ready...

But maybe that's what hip-hop needs out here... It needs a kick in the pants and for some people to wake up in this country and start taking things to the next level. A more serious level that demands respect.

One that note, some shameless self-promotion...

Redstar is opening for DJ Roli Rho at The Shelter this Friday Night for The Lab's Second Year Aniversary Series and we'll be at Pause this Sunday, also at The Shelter. Do yo' thang, Gary.

Respect Is Given If You Take It. Redstar Is Revolution.

Getting your wisdom tooth removed in China..

admin | 18 March, 2008 07:57

The dreaded building that took away my tooth!

Last Friday morning I stopped by Huashan Hospital to get my wisdom tooth removed. For all those that have never had ther wisdom tooth removed or don't have wisdom tooth problems, consider yourself lucky.

Huashan Hospital has a section for dentistry and they speak pretty good English, but I handled myself well that day in Chinese. But once they started going... let's just say thank god for painkillers.

I felt like I was in the movie "Saw".(Never seen the move and am not a big fan of scary movies... but I can imagine!) They took these hammers and just ripped through my gums like I was on the death penalty. The entire time, they spoke Shanghaineese and I had to figure out what most folks were saying. There were tears, blood and a few yelps of pain from MoJo here... but finally they got it out. It was about as big as a thimble.

The cost was 419 RMB (50 bucks), which is expensive for China, but I think a lot cheaper than America. And they gave me a lot of fun painkillers to cool me off in the mean time. I'm healing up quite nicely...

My lunch today...

admin | 13 March, 2008 13:48

Potato and beef with rice

There's a Lan Zhou Beef Ramen place near my office that sells really good Potato and beef with rice. It's pretty darn good and it costs 6 kuai. Mmm... Mmm... Good.

Just ask for Tu Dou Niu Rou Fan!

NO TALKING IN THE MOVIE THEATER!!!

admin | 13 March, 2008 08:14

NO TALKING IN THE MOVIE THEATER

Last week my wife and i got to check out the movie Atonement (artsy, yet marketable, but the gov. cut out some sex scenes...). Anyway, my wife were really getting into the movie until one dude picked up his phone during the movie and started talking on the phone... LOUD.

This is a common thing in China. No one turns off their cell phones or puts them on silent or vibrate when the movie is on... OK, true, they might forget to switch their cell phone settings... But my gosh... do you have to pick it up and have a full 5-minute conversation during the movie?

This may sound like a rant, but if you love the movie theater expereince, you HAVE to agree with me.

People talk at the movie reading the subtitles from the screen: "Oh! It's 3 1/2 years later now!", "Oh! She's old!"

My favorite was one my wife told me that she heard from the couple beside us: "I think she said 'I Love You' too quickly."

Holy cow! Just close your mouth and watch the movie! If you see something funny, laugh. If you see something scary, gasp. No one is paying 30-70 kuai for your commentary or your phone call!

Happy Lei Feng Day!

admin | 05 March, 2008 10:16

Today is Lei Feng Day. Get 'cha service up!

March 5th is "Lei Feng Day" (Lei Feng Jie). For all you guys who have no idea who Lei Feng is, check out the link below... Mao said that people should be more like this dude, selfless and for his country.

I never knew about this holiday until my wife Zoe told me. Xie xie, lao po!

Anyway, here's a video from the song "All Northeasterners Are Living Lei Fengs". Enjoy! Lei Feng Jie Kuai Le!

Those Those Northeastern Lei Feng's... they're so nice.

DoingShanghai.com

admin | 04 March, 2008 15:10

Here's the pilot episode for DoingShanghai.com!

I found another vidcast series on Shanghai online and this one's called DoingShanghai.com. It's all about the do's (and dont's) in China. Great for folks who've never been to Shanghai and see what it's like on video.

Chris and Kris (formerly of Soulfire) are cooking up something mighty interesting... And it ain't just from the wet market!

Good luck, guys!

Nokia 5300 at Suning

admin | 03 March, 2008 10:41

My wife just copped this Nokia 5300

This phone is one sale for 1380 RMB (original price, 1580 RMB) at Suning (It's like the Radio Shack of China, but bigger, better and cheaper). Throw in 28 RMB and you get a battery and a Suning Charger.

And for today's weather...

admin | 03 March, 2008 07:53

Here's some nice weather... From Me to You!

The last wekk or so has been some mighty good spring weather hitting a peak of about 55 F (something like 10 C). The sun's been out and I don't have to wear my super large, puffy jacket anymore...

Welcome to Spring!

I need protein powder!!!

admin | 02 March, 2008 14:18

If anyone can help me find stuff like this for cheap in Shanghai.. I'd appreciate it!

As of the last 2 months, I've been going to the gym about five times a week. (Thank you, thank you, please hold the applause!) But I've recently run out of protein powder and it's hard to find this stuff (at a good price) in Shanghai. The last time I got this stuff, it cost me about 800 RMB... (Over 100 USD)... It really works, but I would rather SAVE money than spend it... (400-600 RMB is more reasonable for me!

If you have any ideas, post me a comment or you can reply to this post I left on City Weekend. Thanks! (Boy, do I wish GNC was in Shanghai...)

***** UPDATE: Thank you Jordo960 for the helpful site!!*****

Obama at Chatterhouse Booktraders!

admin | 29 February, 2008 16:19

I Got My Obama... Do you???

If you are looking for new English books in Shanghai, you can always check out Chatterhouse Booktraders. Zoe got me the book above from there for about 260 kuai... kind of expensive, but it's the price you pay for a crisp, fresh and new book!

In-Nanjing.net

admin | 29 February, 2008 10:24

Finally, a site all about getting around Nanjing!!

The site is run by my long-time friend and brother from another mother, Miki Nyary. He's been in Nanjing since 2005 (Actually, I kinda introduced him to the place!), and now he's got a site going for all Nanjing visitors and residents in English called In-Nanjing.net! (Chinese coming soon.)

The site is still in its early stages, but for now, there's some good basic info on the page. The site is clear, the listings are to the point, and, as a former resident on Nanjing myself, In-Nanjing.net hits all the spots everyone should check out in Nanjing. Way to go, Miki.

(The above picture is the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.)

Happy Lantern Festival

admin | 21 February, 2008 07:44

Today is Lantern Festival in China!

Lantern Festival is all about hanging cool looking Chinese Lanterns and stuff like that. It happens the last day of Chinese New Year (there are 15 days in the Chinese New Year) and some some say it's like the second New Year for China.

A lot of people eat what's called Tang Yuan. I like the sweet ones better!

Anyway, I came out of the apartment this morning with my wife and all of a sudden, a huge loud firecracker went off... Scared the crap out of me, but it woke me up!

Apparently, were supposed to have days off based on recent holiday regulation changes... but it ain't happenin' today! Maybe these things take time... Anyway, Happy Lantern Festival Day!

Get Yo' Lanterns Up!

Self-Contradictory

admin | 03 February, 2008 20:19

Or as the Chinese call it, Zi Xiang Mao Dun (Selling both the "Strongest Shield" and the "Strongest Spear") This was on my plane on the way to Sanya... I'm confused...

Hey... Smoking's OK?!

Wait... No it's not... I'm confused...

Peace out to Ningbo.

admin | 02 February, 2008 13:51

Your Link To Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.

I got an e-mail recently from Ningbo Guide... I personally never been there myself, but everyone tells me that it's damn pretty and if I were visiting, I'd check it out. But anyway, check out the site and pay a visit to Ningbo. Soulfire is broadcasted out there through Zhejiang's 99.6FM so I have to rep my Zhejiang folks all the way.

Shout out to Craig, by the way. Jia you!

My Trip to Hangzhou for the Zhejiang Media Group Chinese New Year's Party

admin | 01 February, 2008 11:37

So I took a trip to Hangzhou (thrid time this month!) for a Chinese New Years Party with the Zhejiang Media Group in Hangzhou (Their base city in Zhejiang). For all those who are already a bit lost about this post, let me help you out.

Zhejiang is a province in China known for it's most famous city and capital, Hangzhou. Hangzhou is best know for Xi Hu a.k.a. The West Lake. It's a great place to visit, especially in the late spring, early fall months and is a very natural city.

Xi Hu a.k.a. West Lake, in the Winter

The Zhejiang Media Group has a bunch of TV stations and radio stations, including the radio station where my program Soulfire is run from which is called Blue Channel, 99.6FM. (Zhejiang Dian Tai Wen Yi Pin Dao, Zhejiang Arts Station - Jazz is art and living a good life is an artform!)

Here's some more pics from my travels so you can take a good look at Hangzhou in it's beauty as well as how to decorate for a Chinese New Year's Gala. (The party was held at Media Hotel, a hotel owned by the Zhejiang Media Group... They even got their own hotel... Gangster...)

At Shanghai South Railway Station... Madd People!

Zara by the West Lake? Is Hangzhou becoming more like Shanghai? Or is China becoming more international? Things that make you go, "Hmmm..."

Red, Red everywhere... I told you Red is the bomb out here! This is the decor for the night's party... At Media Hotel. We be Media'd up!

The Expat Directory

admin | 01 February, 2008 10:36

The Expat Directory (So nice, I had to write it twice!)

So I am an expat and if you want to link up with expats in different countries, let's say... China, then you can check out this site. Yeah... We're cool.

The Expat Directory

Yah, dude, it's Da Year Of Da Rat!!

admin | 01 February, 2008 09:47

Rats are all about gettin' that cheese! Holla!

Yes, so it's the year of the rat (mouse, whatever -- same difference) and mom wrote me about this because, of course, she's a rat. I gave her some tips and I'd like to share some of this with you guys as well. This is great if this is your year.

RED RED RED

Wear some more red this year. People out here go as far as red undies, long johns and bras out here. They are that gangster. They do it cause it protects you from bad spirits and bad luck. Red is a pretty strong color too. If you want to keep it chill, just get some red string or some silkish type red stuff you can use as a necklace or a bracelet (anklet is cool, stlylish and sexy for the ladies!) with an accent of a light green jade. You can buy a lot of this kind of stuff in China, or you can hook up it DIY style if you got the designing chops for the job.

Feng Shui (Literally means Wind Water)

Yeah man... You can get a guru to Feng Shui your place (but that's expensive back in the states, as compared to about 100 USD out here in Shanghai). I'd google around and check out some DIY Feng Shuo sites... Changing where your furniture is placed, or thowing up some extra mirrors up around the house can really change the feel and spirit of your home.

Zou Yi Xie Xin Li De Zhun Bei (Brace Yourself)

Yeah man, if this is your year, get ready for a year of a lot of changes... In 2006, which was the year of the dog, I went through a lot of changes.. Moved from Nanjing to Shanghai, had a gal and then lost her, but then found another gal, who eventually became my wife... Had a job, then lost my job, then found a job that had completely nothing to do with my last job... Travelled all over the country... to rap... Crazy year? Yes... And for all those rats out there... it will be the same... but different... (That's my phrase of the day.)

I stumbled along this article from China Daily on the year of the rat in Shanghai (I jacked their pic and put it in this post.. I'm a sneaky rat too, when I want to be!). They even give a shout-out to The Shelter. Nice...

Happy Year Of The Rat!! Watch out for the mouse traps!

Vacation is is coming!

admin | 31 January, 2008 11:40

Gloria Resorts Sanya, one of the places Zoe and I will stay for CNY!

The snow is finally starting to melt and the sun is out... the powers from up above is giving China a moment to breathe and get a good start on the Chinese New Year holiday.

The week before the holiday is always the most hectic, everyone's trying to get their last chunk of work done before vacation, folks are trying their hardest to buy bus, train and plane tickets back home to to a special vacation destination... it's a mad house...

Luckily for me and my wife, we manged to score tickets to Sanya on Hainan island, so it'll be a good getaway from the winter cold. We'll be back the eve of Chinese New Year on February 6th.

We'll try our best to put up posts and pics on our vacation!

Careful of the snow and safe travels!

admin | 28 January, 2008 14:47

It's Chinese New Year, have a safe vacation this snowy season!

I've seen nothing like it, a foot of snow in Nanjing, 150,000 passengers stuck in Guangzhou, slush all over Shanghai. Places that haven't been affected by snow in years are getting a taste of winter's medicine.

Just wanted to take the time to which everyone safe travels wherever you go and as the Chinese say, "Wear more, drink more warm water and stay indoors as much as you can!" Peace.

Chinese Inspiration and Leadership by Lao Zi

admin | 25 January, 2008 11:48

Today, I want to share a piece of leadership and inspiration by Lao Zi.

"The leader is best,
When people are hardly aware of his existence,
Not so good when people praise his government,
Less good when people stand in fear,
Worst, when people are contemptuous.
Fail to honor people, and they will fail to honor you.
But of a good leader, who speaks little,
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
The people say, 'We did it ourselves.'"

~ Lao Zi

The Loft

admin | 18 January, 2008 16:49

The Loft

If you're into fashion and you want to find a new plce to get local and international fashin clothes and artistic stuff, check out The Loft. It opened recently and Redstar is performing there tonight. See you there?

Stephen Chow (Zhou Xing Chi) has a new movie called CJ7

admin | 15 January, 2008 21:42

CJ7 aka Chang Jiang 7 Hao

Stephen Chow's got a movie coming out on the 31st called CJ7 (Chang Jiang 7 Hao/ Long River Number 7). He's the director/lead actor for such comedies as Kung Fu Hustle (Part 2 is supposed to come out in 2010!! Just in time to shows it's dope FX during the year of the Shanghai Expo!) and Shaolin Soccer. I hear that this movie is a bit more serious, and less slapstick. I will be sure to check it out on the 31st! Steven Chow is great stuff.

(30 kuai Tuesdays are at Cloud Nine mall!!)

For all "I-something" users on the Mainland...

admin | 14 January, 2008 06:43

You can get your Apple fixed in this country!!

So good news to all Apple/Mac users, you can get repairs out here. Yay! (I use XP, which fails on me every other second, but I got an ipod, so I can kinda relate.)

In Shanghai, you can hit up the Hui Jia Da Xia in Xu Jia Hui (Xu Hui District) and get your ipod, iphone and anything mac related fixed. Hit up the 16th floor and follow all the signs. They're open from 10am to about 5:50pm. The price wasn't cheap though. I had to replace the hard drive on my ipod and it cost me about 360 kuai... uggghh... (but it includes a one month warranty to get it fixed and whatever)

BTW, while I was out getting this fixed and getting some extra shoppng done... it snowed!!!!! It was the first snow I saw in Shanghai... EVER!!! So if you are around SH... 1. Dress Warmly 2. Drink plenty of water. (That's what the locals say... and it really works! China is madd dry!) Peace!

ICS Shanghai

admin | 07 January, 2008 23:00

"I See Shanghai" - Clever, very clever...

Let me start off by just wishing everyone a very Happy New Year to all! I hope you all are writing up your resolutions and sticking to them! This is very important! It looks like China is sticking to one resolution, to become a major player in the inernational community. And what better way to do that than by starting up a new international channel. There's already one on Beijing's CCTV 9 (which is full of news, news... and more news) which is run by the governmentt... It looks like Shanghai's got a brand new bag, called ICS, International Channel Shanghai.

ICS is a more entertainning and flashier than CCTV 9 and has a bit more international flavor... The channel's motto: "I See Shanghai"... That's pretty darn clever... They also have some internationally sydycated shows on the channel like America's Funniest Home Videos (But they change the name on the station to something like "Family's Funniest Videos" and got this young Canadian dude hosting the show instead of Bob Saget) and some national ones like Getaway (with Da Long, aka Andrew Ballen), More Than Jazz with Lawrence Ku and You Are The Chef.

But, (and I have to do this) I'm a bit bitter. I'm waiting for when they'll give your boy MoJo a show. And I would like for the show to be on Hip-Hop or urban culture in China. Why? Because Hip-Hop/urban lifestyle is international, as for the music style, it's will take over pop in China, and they need someone in the know who is in the scene in China and can give it the right reporting that it needs, in Chinese and English -- That person is me.

Also, the market out here in China is opening up for more hip-hop related artists like Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas and Talib Kweli... Anyone from ICS reading this... I'm telling you, You would be making a smart choice...

Anyway, I enjoy watching the programs on ICS and hope to see the channel develop in the near future... then, you can bring MoJo in and pay tha man. Holla!

Sales are all over the place in China.

admin | 28 December, 2007 18:39

I just went out with my wife to do some window shopping... What was window shopping became shopping..

calendar

recently...

Watch Debate Replay in Shanghai

50 Moganshan Lu is the bomb

Monsoon Season has arrived!!

No more plastic bags!!!

Need Studio Space for rent in Shanghai? Soulfire's got your back.

The Last Time We're Going to Kowloon Ice House.

Saved after being trapped for over 180 hours... and gave birth!

How to Dress for Mourning...

Days of Mourning in China, May 19th-21st

My Wedding Pictures

Nanjing... we back in tha building!

More on Ningbo (aka Ning-bizzle)

Whatcha gonna do when Yiwu goes wild on you!

Shanghai Jazz

MoJo in Shaoxing

Faxing in China is really annoying...

Outcome vs. Process

Things you shouldn't do in China... and why.

Soulfire is looking for hosts/presenters!

If I Hear "HELLO" One More Time, I'm Gonna...

Chinese People Exersizing Early In The Morning

Qingming Jie aka Tomb Sweeping Day

Earth Hour

China Street Food - Bing Tang Hu Lu (Part One)

Happy Spring!

Fake Shangri-La in Wuyi

Will Chinese Hip-Hop ever take itself seriously?

Getting your wisdom tooth removed in China..

My lunch today...

NO TALKING IN THE MOVIE THEATER!!!

Happy Lei Feng Day!

DoingShanghai.com

Nokia 5300 at Suning

And for today's weather...

I need protein powder!!!

Obama at Chatterhouse Booktraders!

In-Nanjing.net

Happy Lantern Festival

Self-Contradictory

Peace out to Ningbo.

My Trip to Hangzhou for the Zhejiang Media Group Chinese New Year's Party

The Expat Directory

Yah, dude, it's Da Year Of Da Rat!!

Vacation is is coming!

Careful of the snow and safe travels!

Chinese Inspiration and Leadership by Lao Zi

The Loft

Stephen Chow (Zhou Xing Chi) has a new movie called CJ7

For all "I-something" users on the Mainland...

ICS Shanghai

Sales are all over the place in China.