MOJO IN CHINA

China Daily on Obama Win

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:57:14 +0800

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."

More on today's floods

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:12:53 +0800

Found this on Shanghai Daily...

"The rainfall in many local districts exceeded 50 millimeters per hour, far more than the city

LEAVE LIU XIANG ALONE!!!

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:52:49 +0800

(Preface for those not in the know: Liu Xiang is a 110 meter hurdler and winner of the gold medal in Athens in 2004. He's all over the place in China with ads and commercials, but he did the unexpected, he came first as a Chinese in track and field. This is for all the Liu Xiang haters, esp. the ones in China.)

Ok, I kind of feel like the guy on You Tube who said to leave Britney Spears alone... But in this case, an athlete really can't control whether or not he or she gets injured. It happens in sport... Get used to it.

Yeah, he did all the Coke and Nike commercials and a lot of money was made from that, but at the end of the day, Liu Xiang is a human and he ruled in a sport that China isn't exactly good at, he got injured and at the wrong time and place. That's a lot of pressure for one man and the dude is like what, my age?

Get a grip and let the man breathe. He couldn't do the run, but he tired and if you feel let down, go for a run and let out your pain that way... Let's see if you will ever be as fast or smooth as Liu Xiang.

China's Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:49:14 +0800

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!)

Oh snap... Liu Xiang, WATCH OUT!

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:21:03 +0800

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.

YES WE CAN!!!

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:22:24 +0800

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

Mon, 26 May 2008 22:02:21 +0800

Sharon Stone in Shanghai. How ironic...

Thoughts?

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

Wed, 21 May 2008 07:58:54 +0800

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.

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

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:18:41 +0800

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.

All Chinese Websites are in Black and White

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:12:24 +0800

This is usually in Red and Blue. Baidu's main page...

All in Black and White.

512

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:04:59 +0800

3 minutes of mourning held in China today...

Mon, 19 May 2008 20:56:24 +0800

China, Day One Of Mourning Period for Sichuan Earthquake victims. (May 19-21)

Support Sichuan Earthquake Victims in New York City

Sun, 18 May 2008 16:31:44 +0800

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.

Help Out The Victims Of The Quake

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:24:09 +0800

IN CHINA: Text message the number "2" to 1069999301 to donate 2 kuai to the Red Cross' earthquake relief fund. (This might work outside of China, I'm not sure...)

Everywhere else around the world: Check out the Red Cross site.

Thank you for the tip, Miki.

I'll try and cover as much as I can regarding this tragedy.

CCTV Reporter in tears over China Quake tragedy

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:16:37 +0800

I've been meaning to get a proper translation on this, but it's been hard. So if someone has a good one, please send it over to me.

This is a CCTV reporter pretty much explaining that his reason for covering all this news regarding the earthquake in Sichuan is because CCTV reporters love this land. CCTV and all stations all over China have been working hard and bearing all the sad and grisly news over this tradegy...

How will YOU help?...

China Quake

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:24:43 +0800

Folks out an about in Beijing after earthquake....

It was a very similar scene in Shanghai, many folks evacuated high rise buildings and took to the streets after the earthquake happened yesterday afternoon at aound 3:15pm. I personally didn't feel the earthquake or notice it, even though I was in a meeting at Soulfire at the time. Our office is quite low and not much was affected.

However, several friends of mine working in skyscrapers told me the opposite. Most told me it wasn't too heavy of a rumble, but the shaking did knock some stuff down off of cabinets and walls.

Anyway, I am doing ok over here and Shanghai, from what I've seen, is all good. But my prayers go out to all the folks over in Sichuan, particularly in Chengdu.

Cool vid on The Lab

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:33:03 +0800

Check out this video on The Lab (Shi Yan Shi) in Shanghai and check out how these guys live, eat, sleep and breathe DJ! (In Mandarin Chinese)

(Towards the end, there's a bit of a surprise... for you AND me both!)

MoJo in Good Magazine

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:23:33 +0800

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!!!

The Expat Directory Warms My Heart

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:39:12 +0800

Props!!

Check out what the China Expat Community from The Expat Directory have to say about MoJo In China (And I didn't write this!):

"....Probably the most energetic Expat website I have had the pleasure of reading through. The site is about MoJo and his take on life in China as a hip-hop MC, China academic and whatever else. You won't regret browsing this very interesting, funny and entertaining site! Highly recommended..."

This is the part when I start to tear up... Nah, man!! It's just dust in my eye!!, Alright?!?!, Just dust!... From all the construction and developing a harmonious society! Nah mean? I'm still a man! A sensitive one... but still!!... Hehe

I'll keep jia'ing my you (jia you) for the world to learn more about China, from MoJo's eyes... Xie xie, dajia!

(Note to self... Write book on MoJo In China... make millions... MUAHAHAHAHAH....)

Chinese MSN users aren't very happy...

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:40:47 +0800

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... =)

Nas in Shanghai

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:28:16 +0800

I'll believe it when it's all 100% confirmed.

More info here...

And China's Premier is...

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:42:55 +0800

Wen Jiabao (I think he's thinking... "You press guys give me a headache THIS BIG!!")

Honestly, I didn't know Wen Jiabao was going for re-election until today. I used to not understand why most people in China didn't know about Chinese elections... but now, I understand. It isn't like another election (slash paegant) happening this year that everyone in the world knows about.

(Actually, the news for the American Elections is bigger than most Chinese news... Shhh... Don't tell anyone!)

Anyway, I checked out the boob tube today and saw Premier Wen in all his glory while I was at my favorite Lanzhou Ramen place... It was so ironic because while in the Lanzhou Ramen spot, as an American, I listened to Premier Wen (in very clear and slow Chinese) talk about all my favorite issues (Both begin with a capital T...): Tibet and Taiwan.

I want to keep my blog, so I'll just leave it at that! But I'll say this... There a lot of changes and things happening here in China...

(But I loved being able to have a great Strawberry Milkshake with my wife last night at Metro Town.)

Will Chinese Hip-Hop ever take itself seriously?

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:09:56 +0800

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.

Bjork in Shanghai

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:10:46 +0800

This song's called "Declare Independence".

I'm not going to say anything to you guys, except listen carefully and discuss. This was from her concert last Sunday in Shanghai.

Anyway, I think Bjork is one of the most creative and innovative music artists in the world and I love her song with Rahzel.

Back To The Roots. This Saturday. It's March Maddness.

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:24:30 +0800

A lil' bit of shameless self promotion won't hurt...

A lot of folks ask me, "When can we see your shows?...", "When can we see you perfrom?...", "Who is Redstar?"

Well... Do yourself a favor, stop asking and come out to Back to the Roots this Saturday (3/8, Happy International Women's Day!!) at The Shelter.

Experience great music and great fun in China.

"Xie Xie Ni Men De Pei He."

And for today's weather...

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:53:42 +0800

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!

In-Nanjing.net

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:24:27 +0800

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.)

Amazing translation by Chinese reporter from Edison Chan (Chen Guan Xi) press conference

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:07:42 +0800

I'll never be able to top this reporter...

Anyway, if you guys haven't heard about the latest news on entertainer Edison Chan (Chen Guan Xi), do a google search cause there's a lot out there about this and people in China talk about it everyday...

Edison speaks English in this one (He's Canadian), so for all the Yankees, Brits and speakers who use the words: the, that and those in their common language, it won't be a problem understanding him...

The part that caught me the most was the translator who is a reporter on this news channel. The simutaneous translator is superior and accurate... Also, I think he was an actor before he became a reporter because he sounds like someone trying to get an Oscar or working on a crtically acclaimed flick. And his speed is on point!

Anyway, that's it from me. I hope things boil over for Edison and all the other folks involved in this matter and they can live normally once again. Maybe an EDC-Redstar Collabo? Who knows... I'm out!

Happy Lantern Festival

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 07:44:55 +0800

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!

Nothing more fun than some Beijing Olympics gossip!

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:44:08 +0800

OWNED

I know this is old news, but this video is about (former) CCTV sportscaster Zhang Bin got totally played out by his wife Hu Ziwei at a media press conference for CCTV's kick off for the Olympics. This video is worth watching.

Basically, Zhang Bin cheated on his wife, wife finds out, wife goes to (ex)husband's biggest media event of his life 2 hours after the bad news (and CCTV's!) and calls his bluff in the biggest way.

This is translated in English and Chinese so you won't miss a thing, particularly Hu Ziwei's meaning and metaphorical usage. It's pretty deep...

To follow up, Hu Ziwei is now an anchorwoman for a new program on CCTV about a greener Olympics. As for Zhang Bin... I don't think China has heard from him since.

KARMA.

Peace out to Ningbo.

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 13:51:13 +0800

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!

Outside My Window

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 13:34:40 +0800

It's been snowing like crazy out here in China, especially Shanghai. Usually the snows just falls and melts right away on the ground. Here's one yesterday and one today picture from my terrace window, check the difference:

Yesterday

Today

Pretty nuts... For China. This is why my flight is delayed today from 4:50pm to 6:10pm.... But at least Ctrip.com let us know early! Good service!

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

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:37:41 +0800

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!

Vacation is is coming!

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:40:21 +0800

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!

Concerned Shanghai Residents Not Pleased With Maglev Train

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:47:03 +0800

Shanghai Maglev

It's been a while since I've posted some hard-hitting news. For all visitors of Shanghai coming into Pudong Airport and those concerned about the environment, check this out:

Local residents aren't pleased with the extension (from Pudong Airport to I'm not sure where...) of the maglev which currently runs between Pudong Airport and Long Yang Road station on the city's Metro Line 2 saying that the radiation causes problems for those living near the line. Some have said that residing near the maglev is like living near a microwave oven. There have been protests (the protesters have called them "strolls") about the maglev in public spaces out and around the maglev.

Inside of Line 2 Metro

Protests don't happen much here, or at all, but I think this is for good reason. Here's yet another environmental "Inconvenient Truth".

Local officials have notified the residents and told them that they are taking every step to lessen the hazardous effects of the maglev and to stay calm.

I've taken the maglev a few times and I find it quite fast and convenient and for 50 kuai and a subway ride (about 4-5 kuai), it's much cheaper than taking a cab. But I didn't know that the maglev can cause radiation. Maybe next time, I'll take the bus that leaves from Jing An Temple by Jiu Guang mall... But it is true, many residents live near the line and it whizzes by several thousand homes and apartments about a several hundred times a day. (imagine the noise too, eh?)

I've heard about maglev developments between Shanghai and Hangzhou before, but if that happens, it will bring big bucks to the city, but a bit of an environmental stir...

All in all, this is another issue I have a tough time with. This train has brought a lont of money and prestie to the city, it's convenient and fun for travellers - like yours truly, but it's killing people... Let's hope scientists and officials out there can get behind this matter and help those people living by the maglev. Any ideas, Germany?

MoJo In China (Daily)

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:46:02 +0800

I'm in this issue of China Daily and I don't know why...

But they put me in. Check out the article online here. It's about the things you normally hear on my blog: Redstar, Hip-Hop, Chinese, Future and Current Plans, and last but certainly not least, my family life. Respect.

Peace to Ida on the article and congrats on getting the 1,000 words!

ICS Shanghai

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:00:54 +0800

"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!

Assembly and My Blueberry Nights - Chinese Directors are hard at work!!

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 07:50:56 +0800

Chinese movie directors are making it happen this year!!!

Here's a new and super intense war movie by Chinese Director/Actor Feng Xiaogang called "Assembly". My wife Zoe and I watched the movie's preview party last night on CCTV 6. There were about 10,000 audience members and tons of Chinese celebs at the party and they were all pretty hyped up about the flick. The movie takes place during the Chinese civil war in the early 20th century and is about a soldier who watched all his army comrades die in a bloody and violent battle. Based on a true story, Assembly is guaranteed to move you. It should be out in the states and around the world, so if you get a chance, watch it. Jerry Bruckheimer, eat your heart out. Here's the trailer:

My Blueberry Nights, starring Norah Jones, is a movie by another critically acclaimed cult movie director, Wang Kar Wai. You might have heard of him from Chongqing Express and 2046. I'll be performing at the My Blueberry Nights Shanghai release party this evening with Redstar and The Lab. Check out this trailer:

NPR about Hip-Hop in China with MoJo and Redstar

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:15:33 +0800

Redstar on NPR

We're on NPR, but this isn't about self-promotion, it's all about hip-hop in China. Check out the article here.

Enjoy!

(Thanks for the interview, Jamila!)

Check out this clip of Redstar at the Shanghai Art In Motion tour by HP. Clothing by Eno, video taken by Mike Mou. Check out this song, "My Show Sux" by DJ Mr. Tsang on Redstar's Myspace page!

China Christmas

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:38:39 +0800

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!

Sadly, this will be my first Christmas in a long time from home in the US, but I'm celebrating it with my new family out here in China and I'm excited.

Little do many know, but Christmas is getting big out here. I stopped by Carrefour in Gubei last night and the place is stocked with Santa hats, Poinsettas and table top plastic Christmas trees. Anything you need for Christmas decoration, they got it - and for cheap.

It's a great time for shopping out here. XinTianDi is all over it. All the stores around the area are ready for big sales and deals over this Christmas holiday. Even JiuGuang near JingAn Temple pulling out all the elevator music versions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Jingle Bells".

My only concern is do people out here know the true meaning of Christmas? Half of the name says it all: Jesus Christ. Now I'm not going to go into a faith/spritual tangent or eveangelistic push over here, but I don't see as many crosses or Jesus pics or signs around...

I've asked some folks what Christmas was about around here and all the responses were similar, "It's a time to get and give presents."

NO! NO! NO! NO!

This is something we would say when we were kids- prepping our Chirstmas lists (and checking them twice), but the idea of Christmas is quite similar to China's Spring Festival: Spend time with those you love, eat, be merry and be thankful.

RIP Donda West

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:10:14 +0800

RIP Donda West

I don't know Kanye, but I've felt kind of a connection to him since performing hip-hop and studying in Nanjing. Kanye West's mother, Donda West - an English professor and former Nanjing visitng faculty, passed away last Saturday.

Donda was a visiting professor in Nanjing. in 1987 (anyone know which school?), which to me, is crazy because I couldn't imagine what Nanjing looked like in '87, and it must have been a wild experience. She even brought her son Kanye along for the journey. I heard that when he was in Nanjing, Kanye spent time breakdancing (ahem... breakin' for all my real bboys and bgirls out there!) on the streets on Nanjing.

Imagine that, a 10 year old little black kid amongst all these Chinese onlookers. I don't know if it is or isn't true, but it sounds like that family has made the best out of any given situation.

My regards go out to the West family from China.

October 1st, China National Day is here!!!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 07:23:49 +0800

National Day is coming up! Raise those flags!

Yes, it's China's version of July 4th, except in the Fall and there's a lot more Chinese people running around in this country visitng every spot in and out of China for a week. It's bananas.

I don't think you guys really understand how crowded it gets... Here's another video:

They say that every human being needs at least three feet of personal space. National Day is when you give back those three feet away to the entire nation, litterally.

I'm off to Guiyang with my lovely and smart wife, Zoe. She set up the trip... well... kind of... she used Ctrip and got us a good package. I've never been to Guiyang, nor Guizhou before, but I've heard a lot of great things. Apparently there's a few waterfalls to check out and stuff like that. I just know one thing... when 1.3 bllion people are on vacation at the same time, everywhere's gonna be packed! Happy National Day!

Say goodbye to space and hello to body odor!

H&M in CHINA!!!

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:58:49 +0800

Kylie Minogue helps my blog and H&M become popular. Kylie in SH for H&M Grand Opening on April 12th!

OK, so this post is a little late, yeah, yeah... But the big news isn't in H&M's initial opening... it's in H&M's growth.

Yours truly just picked up a copy of H&M magazine just outside of my complex. I took a picture with the lady so kindly handing out the magazine on the store to all passer-bys. (She needs the picture to show her boss!!) She told me what this was all for, and of course, it for the openig of H&M at Cloud 9 Mall, only two blocks from my house!

I'm starting to see kind of a "Starbuck's trend" with H&M, cause you can find a local friendly H&M in just about any neighborhood in Shanghai. H&M's marketing team must be really tired, cause they work their butts off to get Shanghai's attention. Tons of signs around, but no date on the exact opening, the suspense is killing there people! (Opening is September 27th at Cloud 9 Mall, payday's the 28th... Excellent...)

But don't sleep on C&A, Mango, and Zara. What are all these brands doing here? They aren't Louis Vuitton type brands, but they aren't LV knockoffs either... and they are all real... Are we seeing the beginning of a middle class in China??? Will Old Navy, Banana Republic and... you guessed it... The Gap makes it's mark too??? Hey Madonna went from The Gap to H&M... I can see the Gap taking the market out here to give Madonna a run for her money... Who knows... T.I.C. (This is China!!)

Transformers: the Movie - Turning Heads (And Bodies) In China

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:46:10 +0800

Changing State King Kongs: Transformers is in China!

It's been such a big topic here that I HAD to do a post about it.

Last week I saw Transformers with my wife the first day it came out in the theatres. That's a big deal here cause if you tried to order tickets for the movie on the phone or even tried to get tickets at the box office, man... GOOD LUCK!!!

When we went to get tickets, we tried to hit up all the early evening shows and nothing. We luckily grabbed a show at 10pm. Even though Chinese people, in general, like to end their evenings early, ESPECIALLY on a weekday like Wednesday, the theater was packed, the movie cinieplex needed to show it on two screens and that's how it went down. Don't believe me, check out this pic:

"Optimus Line"... DAMN!!

For those that you that don't know, Transformers has been a part of China for a while. I can't tell you how many times I've been told of some man or woman whose parents bought them Transformers toys straight from Japan or some other country when they were kids. Transformerts the cartoon came out 9 years after it did in the states, but it still made a lasting impression in China and you can see it over this last week since the movie's been out in China.

The sad thing is, some of these scenes in this movie were chopped up for content. I am sure a lot of you know why... But even watching the movie on the big screen, censorship or no censorship... this is definitely a dope movie worth watching.

However, I won't spend 90 kuai on a ticket! (40 kuai after 10pm daily or just go on Tuesday's and Wednesdays! I also heard they are showing it on the IMAX out here!)

(Also, did you know that Darius Mcrary is in the movie??? Rememeber Family Matters?! Steve, go home!)

1 Guangzhou woman saves 800 cats.

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:30:23 +0800

Dozens of helpless cats trapped in wooden boxes in Guangzhou Province.

I've written quite a bit on stray cats in China, heck, I got a few myself, but dang it, this really takes the cake.

A Guangzhou woman finds a truck with 800 cats in it. Now this isn't more than one truck with 800 cats, this is just one. If you want to think of conditions these cats were under, think about conditions on slave ships about 400 years ago. That should help.

About 30 cats died in travelling and quite a few were injured as they were transported throughout China under nasty summer conditions in this truck.

A Guangzhou woman found this truck, but the truck owners wanted to sell the entire truck of cats for some 3,500 USD (a lot of money in China), but bought it for about 350 USD. Phew... Great, now these cats don't have to go to the chopping board.

BUT, they are now all at her house, she has no job and the landlady is threatening to kick her out. SO sad...

Apparently this lady has a blog/BBS asking for people to adopt some cats from her... Does anyone have the web address? Would love to throw it up on the site!

For now, if you see a lost cat out there, call a vet, give it some food, cause stray animals can't survive in this human world...

Soulfire New Official Website!

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:58:12 +0800

Grab a glass of Ballantine's and break out the Cohibas...

Soulfire is online with a brand new look! It's got all you need to know about the show AND you can listen live! Check it out and "Ignite Your Passion For A Fine Life!

China Stock Market today...

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:48:40 +0800

I'm not a big Stock Market follower, but my wife is, and we both are buy stocks. Apparently, China's stock market is going up in a big way. However, with all the buying going on there, there's the possibility of a bubble among Chinese shares, in other words... stock market crash very soon.

R-16 Korea... Sparkling

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 10:20:56 +0800

Yes, I am in Seoul and I am in the Ramada. Mom, I made it.

So this competition is called the R-16. R is for Respect and 16 is for the 16 countries that participate. One of those countries is China and the representing team is STO, Mainland China's best crew, pound for pound.

As for the "Sparkling" part of the name... I didn't make that up. Sounds like toothpaste to me. =)

Yesterday was the performance competition and today is the battle competition. I can't wait to see what happens.

This event has caught some media attention. Check it out.

Looking for slick, snazzy business space in Shanghai? Check out Redtown.

Wed, 23 May 2007 11:06:52 +0800

Redtown: Artsy, stylish and new for Shanghai.

So I work in this new complex in Shanghai called "Redtown". It's pretty nice and large, tons of bricks and stuff like there. It's a lot like Xintiandi nightlife and Moganshanlu art mixed together.

Soulfire's office is here and there several other clubs and museums near by. The whole section is new and there's still some construction going on so tons of dust and stuff like that... But give it another year and it's going to look like a billion bucks. Lots of cool structures within the complex, a few trees here and there and a great grassy space (see above). I really like the red brick buildings. It's funky.

For all you folks looking to get premiun land in Shanghai for your business Redtown is the place, but I can bet you it will cost a pretty penny. On top of that, we got some big gov't buildings near by. This place IS important.

Update: My Cat

Tue, 15 May 2007 21:40:54 +0800

You might remember this sweet thing from this post.

Muffin has given me 7 months of joy and happiness. But now, unfortunately, she's feeling a bit sick. She's got "mao wen". I can't explain this term too well in English, but it's basically the worst form of a fever for a cat.

No worries, the animal hospital is downstairs from our place and she's beginning to look up!

As I write this post, I realize that China's really gotten into having pets. It's a pretty cool and progressive thing to do out here. It's displays one's status (cause it costs money, time and knowledge to raise a pet) and love (Food, shelter and hugs!). From dressing them up, to styling 'em out, these pets get first class treatment.

So for all ya'll that think these cats are getting eaten up and chopped up at the local Sichuan style restaurant... WRONG. They get treated better than people. (But I still worry about the street barbecues!)