MOJO IN CHINA

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China Daily on Obama Win

admin | 05 November, 2008 16:57

Glad to see more positive Black related news in China Daily. hehehe (see what I mean here...)

But on a more serious note take a look at this article by Chinese media on Obama's win. It's interesting, and overall positive. The kind of stuff I like. By the way, China, you'll get your money back soon. Give us some time. It will be better in due time under Obama's campaign.

I'll end off with one portion of the story by Li Hong and Du Wenjuan:

"In all, we have full confidence that Sino-American relations could reach a new high that will benefit both countries and the world as a whole, as President Obama takes the helm."

This hug was a little too long, Yao...

admin | 25 August, 2008 11:12

C'mon now, Lauren... You KNOW he's married!!! Easy...

Olympics is done, but I had fun watching!

admin | 24 August, 2008 10:57

Even Google is celebrating!

This year's Olympics has been pretty special for me. Firstly, I've seen more Olympic events during this Olympics than all of the others combined, US Basketball is kicking butt and it's the first time i've ever truly rooted for China teams though different events.

I don't know how people in the US or other parts of the world feel about the Olympics, but the feeling here is a sense of satisfaction. At first, it the opening ceremony was seen as a bit too Chinese, but then as the events got going, everyone was watching. A lot of companies were selling large screen TV's in malls and everyone was watching ping-pong or beach volleyball on their TV's right in the middle of the mall.

China's Gold medal streak was quite impressive, but I would only expect that out of a host country. But also, China learned a lt more about the skils about the competitng countries. I rememeber when Phelps took home 8 medals and Bolt literally bolted through the 100 and 200 meter dash effortlessly winning gold after gold, record after record. Look at Phelps influence on China... CCTV would run broadcasts on what he eats (15,000 calories a day or something... good god.), his college career in swimming and all of his interviews. It was like China had a lot to learn from him because they kept on stating that the US has the environment of swimming where China doesn't.

But for all those that don't know... China 20 years ago wasn't like this. people were trying to eat then, people were trying to get an education. It was a different country then... As far as China is concerned, sport, particularly organized sport for the public masses is STILL a luxury. But I think that this year's Olympics and China's wins and losses will bring a a new sense and pride in sport for China and the people here for years to come.

Next up, the World Expo in Shanghai! (And I'm sure Shanghai will go through a similar clean-up as Beijing... Oh boy...)

Haibao is ready.

China's Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

admin | 11 August, 2008 13:49

China: We invented fireworks!! AND WHAT!! (Sparks Fly for the Olympics at Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium)

Before watching the Opening Ceremony, I wasn't that interested in the Olympics, but I got a few good friends over, Channel Young came by my place to interview me about the opening and Zoe and I got some wine and champagne... Of course I had to get excited... But what was more exciting?

The actual opening ceremony!

Dude, I studied you in Mu Lao Shi's class...

Yep, that's big time movie director Zhang Yimou. He made the opening ceremony happen. Now let me remind ya'll, most local Chinese aren't really into his work, sometimes it comes off as too Chinese or too artsy. Mostly people outside of China respect the man's work, but then again, most people outside of China, don't get China. It's no wonder that quite a few Chinese i've talked with about the ceremony told me that it wa a bit too Chinese... (Where's the athletics, bro? Yeah, they know we invented silk, porcelain and fireworks!)

Whatever... I thought the Opening Ceremony was amazing and well done. That's really hard to get all those people together drumming and making Chinese characters out of boxes to the music. And Li Ning at the end running around the top on the stadium. Classic. From athlete to CEO (and CEO's get plump after way too much time in the office! HAHA!) back to athlete. Way to go Li Ning. (I bought shoes for my wife from you once...)

China set the standard... Let's see how London takes this one. =)

Of course, there are some haters and folks calling the fireworks fake and all. It's ok. That fakeness was pretty dope. And little do mot of you guys know.. Chinese people have been jia you-ing (Jia You literrally means "add gas" but it's like saying - YOU CAN DO IT!) other countries... Looks like this Olympics extends past politics after all...

(BTW, US Dream Team beat China 101-70... haha! Mei Guo Jia You! 'Coming again to save the day - yeah!!' But props to the China team for pushing on to the last minute!)

My Jeju Review

admin | 08 July, 2008 00:16

Wow. It's been a minute and I'm back with some pictures of my wife and my experience in Jeju, Korea. (By the way, some folks call the island "Cheju"... Same difference)

This was my fourth time in Korea and it was the best time. (Sorry, David, you can't trump my wife on this one! But you are a better bboy.) Zoe handled the kimchi and bulgogi like a pro and I got to relax with a few bottle of soju. You just can't go wrong with that.

Anyway, the following are some pictures of what we saw in Jeju. Enjoy and... Go to Jeju!

From the plane about to touch down...

Loveland - the first tourist spot we checked out. They got a lotta sexual staues there... interesting, inspiring and insightful...

Jeju Teddy Bear Museum - They even got an Albert Einstein mini teddy bear!

Of course, we didn't just go to the cheesy spots. We saw what Jeju is reknowned for... It's Nature. (This place has a lot of waterfalls!!! Jeez!!)This is the Cheonjaeyeon (Tian Di Yuan) Waterfalls. There were 7 Chinese goddesses over there a long, long time ago... Zoe is the 8th in this picture.

Life's a beach! This is Sanyang Beach (I think it's Samyeong in Korean). The green stuff is seaweed and a lot of local people liked to pick it up straight from the beach and take it home. (To eat most likely.) The sands there are black cause of the high iron which is good for arthritis, athlete's foot and something else important that I forgot...

We went to a lot of other great places, but you'll just have to check this page out from more pics. Enjoy!

Oh snap... Liu Xiang, WATCH OUT!

admin | 13 June, 2008 10:21

This guy just beat Liu Xiang's 110m hurdle world record.

His name is Dayron Robles, he's from Cuba, and he is fast! Liu Xiang, as some of you may know, is the reigning king and motivation for the Olympics out here in China. He's in numerous ads out here including Nike and Coke.

Looks like there's some competition brewing in the air from Mr. Liu! Every milisecond counts!

Here's a vid of Liu Xiang's record breaking run last year.

In Jeju, Korea two weeks from today...

admin | 09 June, 2008 13:48

MoJo in... Korea?

Even I need a break. In two weeks, my lovely wife and I will take a trip to the magical island of Jeju, Korea on the 23rd. Just an early warning. I will not update my blog during this time, but up till then, I'll keep filling up this puppy as much as I can till my departure and come back with more posts, news and reviews afterward.

Although this isn't my first time in Korea, I expect it to be my most relaxing trip there (maybe the most relaxing trip ever?) . (Clean air, beuatiful scenery, no meetings, gigs or traffic and some quality time with Zoe...) Wish I could bring ya'll along, but... nah!!! haha

YES WE CAN!!!

admin | 05 June, 2008 07:22

Change is good...

Just want to move away for the China thing for a minute to bring up something alos quite important, the 2008 Election. Thank you, Mom, for bringing me this big new all the way from the US.

Barack Obama beat out Hillary Rodham Cllinton as the Democratic candidate for the presidential election.

THIS - IS - BIG - NEWS

It was a huge battle between Clinton and Obama, but when asked whether or not she would run on the democratic party ticket, Hillary responded - She'll do whatever she could - even a vice presidential bid - to get Dems into the White House.

YES WE CAN!!!

Obama was as proud and as strong as could be claiming the Democratic nomination, but like any important, smart and genuine political figure would go, he goes into the heart of the issues. Here's his statement on McCain:

Sharon Stone on China Earthquake

admin | 26 May, 2008 22:02

Sharon Stone in Shanghai. How ironic...

Thoughts?

The Forbidden Kingdon (Gong Fu Zhi Wang)

admin | 23 May, 2008 07:36

Jackie Chan and Jet Li... at the same time...

You know I had to do a post on this one. Zoe and I saw The Forbidden Kingdom just the other day. Actually, Zoe was more excited about this film than yours truly (Because she is more American than me!). When I heard about it, I wasn't all that shocked and amazed by it. I hear about Jackie Chan and Jet Li all the time out here. If I never learned Chinese and I didn't live in China, I would probably go nuts about this film. Even from it's trailer:

I thought the movie had some good fight scenes and it was nice to see Jet Li be goofy for a change (When he playes the Monkey King). Apparently he wanted to do a role like that for his daughter. The story isn't a real Chinese story by the way, and in certain ways, it's a bit no believeable, particularly for a Chinese audience. (I asked my wife if she ever read about anything like this in High School, she said very clearly... "NO.")

It's also interesting seeing Jackie Chan getting back to his "drunken ways". He's pushing 60 and he moves like a 12 year old in this movie. Really amazing. The role of the kid from Boston is something you see in too many US style Kung Fu movies (Look at The Last Dragon... LEROY!!!), but he's good with the staff.

I think the girl that plays the Pipa in the movie (Liu YiFei?) is going to get noticed in the states kind of like how Zhang Ziyi got noticed in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". To other parts of the world, she's the strereotypical attractive Chinese woman from China, who actually in China, looks normal. hehe. Hats off to Fan Bing Bing (the one with the long white hair). Besides looking like a videogame vixen, she's made a small place for herself in the Hollywood market.

Overall, this movie makes me wonder... Why don't more people in China study Kung Fu? Noone knows it out here. Actually, a lot of When I saw this movie, it made me think that a ton of folks around the world think that in China, all we do out here is fight. Like, when I go to work, I have to battle 10 people at once, no weapons - just fists, bare-chested, on the Line 3 train (or 4) so I can make it to my stop on Hongqiao Lu... That's crazy!

Anyway, Zoe and I were pretty happy to watch this movie together. It's good family fun.

Support Sichuan Earthquake Victims in New York City

admin | 18 May, 2008 16:31

I got an e-mail about this the other day:

Dear Friends,

I hope you can join us on Thursday, May 22nd from 7 to 9pm at ChinaSquare Gallery in New York City to come together in order to raise money for China earthquake relief efforts. We are cohosting this event with InstantStream and West China Development International Association. Funds will support the relief efforts for the earthquake that happened last week in Southwestern China. Refreshments will be provided by Pepe Gaillo, VinLiz and other sponsors. More information on the event to follow.

Any contribution is appreciated and a donation of $25 per person is suggested. Please make checks payable to the Red Cross International Relief Fund for Sichuan Earthquake.

----

If you are in NYC, go.

MoJo in Good Magazine

admin | 23 April, 2008 06:23

Chillin' with the China peeps

Firstly, I want to apologize about MoJo In China's mysterious disappearance from the web. It's been about a year of MoJo In China and we've grown up A LOT... Which means my website expired. But we're back with more posts.

Speaking of getting posted, internationally, I was recently featured in Good Magazine about Strangers in a Strange Land. Decent name for a post, but I defeinitely don't feel strange here... Wanna see strange? Go to a third (or second if you in eastern or southern China) tier city karaoke or club at around 12am. That's strange.

Good Magazine has done some really good stories lately on China, particulary leading up to the Olympics. I bet all the Tibet related stuff going on in the world is really blowing up their mag. Anyway, thanks for the article and great pics, Ariana! I'm still waiting for my copies!!!

Chinese MSN users aren't very happy...

admin | 16 April, 2008 14:40

The heart of a bilion people coming at you on MSN

If you go on MSN messenger, and you got friends from China on your list, check out their names... Most likely you'll find a heart and CHINA in bold letters next to the heart. It's a freakin' phenomenon, man. I have about 30+ people on my list with hearts all over the place... (See Example...)

I thought it was Valentine's Day... again!

This is a new and interesting form of support by most Chinese MSN Messengers for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics in response to comments made about China from CNN and other media outlets we all know and love. The topic? It's one that I hear about all the time everytime... Tibet (Xizang in Mandarin) and the Bejing Olympics.

Check out this Chinese blog post on the topic and the comments below.

Thoughts?

UPDATE: Now people are saying don't shop at Carrefour, don't buy French products... What is this? World War II? Oh well.. At least Carrefour won't be as crowded now... =)

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jessica Simpson Speak Chinese???

admin | 06 March, 2008 07:39

Well... Kind of!

Here's some proof positive that more celebs are getting themselves out into the China market. Here's american Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt and singer Jessica Simpson in a TV commercial/Paid Advertisement for skin care product, Proactiv. Here's the commercial translated:

Jennifer Love Hewitt:

Ni Hao! Wo Shi Jennifer Love Hewitt! (Hello! I am Jennifer Love Hewitt!) Gao Lan Yao Fu, fei chang hao! (Proactive is really good!)

Jessica Simpson:

Da Jia Hao. Wo Shi Jessica Simpson. (Hi everybody. I am Jessica Simpson.) Wo Ai Gao Lan Yao Fu. (I Love Proactive.)

If I were to do a Chinese language battle between these two Hollywood starlets, Jessica Simpson would definitely win. She sounds more natural, smooth and chill, just like the way when someone normally talks to you. Jennifer Love Hewitt has that foreign voice that most Chinese out here make fun of foreigners for...

But these guys are celebs and Chinese is hard... Kudos to the both of these guys for speaking the language and speaking it pretty clearly!

By the way, the first lady in the show is named Annie Shizuke Inoh, also known as Yi Neng Jing... she is a popular singer and actress from Taiwan and is married to singer-songwriter Harlem Yu - Yu Chengqing. I love that he's named after the black neighborhood of Harlem. DEEP down inside... Harlem Yu's a brother.

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

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.

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!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CHINA!

admin | 24 December, 2007 22:58

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS ALL THE WAY FROM SHANGHAI, CHINA!

TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS BACK HOME, I'LL BE BACK SOON WITH MY WIFE... COME TO CHINA, WE GOT AN EXTRA ROOM!

TO ALL OUR PEEPS IN CHINA, ENJOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND DON'T BUG US UNTIL 2008!! BAH HUMBUG! HAHAHA!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Love, Peace and Hair Grease this holiday season!

-- MoJo and Zoe

NFL in China

admin | 27 August, 2007 08:45

American Olive Shaped Ball is coming to China!!

This post is not about cooking, not about what you should put in your martini's or nachos, but about my favorite sport in the world - Football, American Football. And the NFL (National Football League) is looking to make waves in China. (Like another American sports leaague we know and love, the NBA.)

Now this is a tough one. I agree that China's market is huge and that there's so much potential for football to grow out here, but I've talked with a lot of folks about American football in China and most say it's a very violent sport for very big people.

Now, Gong Fu (aka Kung Fu) isn't the most peaceful sport in the world either, but then again it is culturally rooted. There are thousand year-old stories that every student in China must learn about heroes and heroines that were experts in Kung Fu and they made China such a great place full of wonder and excitement...

Football heroes?... Only on ESPN...

I have to admit, The NFL isn't giving up. Check the Chinese site for the New England Patriots! I am shocked and amazed. It may not measure up to the site's English counterpart... but it's a start on impressing 1.3 billion people.

Personally, I would love to see NFL in China. I've seen some clips on subway station TV's and it's kind of a thrill. I played football for 4 years at Midwood and can only relate watching football in the US. I've been all over Asia, but China's the first country I've been in where I could check out the NFL with real Chinese commentary. (Great for my sports Chinese!)

But as a China scholar/lover/resident, it's going to be VERY difficult to get the NFL off the ground in China. This sport is deeply rooted in US culture. Sure, we can bring up the success of baseball in Korea and Japan, but in baseball, you don't have to run each other over and wear a ton of equipment - it's a bit less... violent... Also, football vocabulary can be a pain to translate... Mei Shi Gan Lan Qiu literally means American Style Olive Shaped Ball which means American Football... C'mon, we gotta do better than that?! This name HAS to change... it's goofy!

Anyway, all the best to the NFL on getting into the China market (like everyone and everything else in the world) My only request for the guys working the astroturf... do your homework before you make waves along the Yellow River!

calendar

recently...

China Daily on Obama Win

This hug was a little too long, Yao...

Olympics is done, but I had fun watching!

China's Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

My Jeju Review

Oh snap... Liu Xiang, WATCH OUT!

In Jeju, Korea two weeks from today...

YES WE CAN!!!

Sharon Stone on China Earthquake

The Forbidden Kingdon (Gong Fu Zhi Wang)

Support Sichuan Earthquake Victims in New York City

MoJo in Good Magazine

Chinese MSN users aren't very happy...

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jessica Simpson Speak Chinese???

The Expat Directory

Careful of the snow and safe travels!

ICS Shanghai

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CHINA!

NFL in China

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