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."

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

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:12:49 +0800

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

50 Moganshan Lu is the bomb

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:54:20 +0800

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.

The Greenwich Village has finally come to Shanghai

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:41:45 +0800

This was taken on the 2 line in Shanghai... How did I miss this?

The guy in the red with the glasses looks a little... uncomfortable...

"It's gotta be the shoes."

On the note of 'interesting' people on the train, there's this portly guy who (I saw him on the 1 train with my wife) gets on the train, starts ranting away some speeches, preaches about life and current events on the train out loud. It's kind of funny. If anyone can find videos or stories on this guy, please send them in.

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.

My Wedding Pictures

Sun, 18 May 2008 16:34:29 +0800

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! =)

Redstar Intro on Hip-Hop.CN

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:58:17 +0800

MoJo reppin' Redstar for Hiphop.cn

(The following is a translation/transcript by yours truly.)

Ready? OK.

I'm MoJo from Brooklyn, NY, but now, I'm in Shanghai with Redstar, we are a dope hiphop group. Redstar is revolution. We Are Revolution.

We're going to change the shape of China Hip-Hop by giving it more elements, depth and sophistication. This is us, we represent Shanghai, we represent real hip-hop, international hip-hop, China hip-hop, we got it all.

Check it, we were on NPR, and even they wanted to interview us. Take a look at that! Now we're on HipHop.cn. Shoutouts to Hip-Hop.cn for supporting us. We need that support. We need more people like us, more hardworking hip-hop groups.

This makes me think about a picture we have where we were walking down this street and there's this long road behind us in the picture. That picture represents the long road an mc has, a producer has, a band has, particularly a hip-hop band has long and difficult.

But now we're here for the service of the people. The service of China and the service of the entire world. This is our most important and main goal. Holler... Hiphop.cn 4 liiiife!

(Singing "Who We Be" Chorus with Tangking)(Beatboxing)

---------------

Back to the music... Enjoy this tune called "Xun Zhao" (Searching). It's not done yet, but I think you'll still like it.

Nanjing... we back in tha building!

Wed, 14 May 2008 07:25:53 +0800

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.

Just when you though Facebook was the last straw... Here's Shanghai Stuff...

Wed, 07 May 2008 16:20:49 +0800

Shanghai Stuff

Go check it out. Ning is making it happen with the Shanghai-Ning...

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!!!

Whatcha gonna do when Yiwu goes wild on you!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:27:34 +0800

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

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:57:33 +0800

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!!

Faxing in China is really annoying...

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:55:20 +0800

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.

P1

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:42:49 +0800

I just got stopped by these guys on the street today.

They're called P1 and they are a social networking /party picture/ style site targeted for Chinese with social spending power.

I know, I'm not Chinese... I guess they saw some dude dressed with a little bit of style and thought I was interesting... Anyway, check it out. You might even see me on the site.

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... =)

Back on Channel Young Again!

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:25:56 +0800

Miami Vice Revisitied?

No, it's for a show called "Kong Jing Zi" on their program "Jin Ri Ying Xiang" on Channel Young. It's on tonight at 9:30 in Shanghai. They make over people in different office and they stopped by the Soulfire office to pay us a visit. Lucky me, I was one of the one's chosen... I guess I'm THAT BAD... *sniff*...

More and more folks are into the makeover thing out here in China, which was definitely big in the states in the 90's with the likes of Ricki Lake (Go Ricki! Go Ricki!!) and Jenny Jones. (Remember, "From Geek to Chic?")

Anyway, I had fun doing it, but I didn't really like the pink jacket.. it was a bit... too... pink... But I'm glad I could have a chance to re-live my dream to become Philip Michael Thomas (or Jamie Foxx for that matter...) in the flesh.

If you can watch Channel Young tonight, please do. I beatbox too. Holler.

Nas in Shanghai

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

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

More info here...

Redstar video for Fullbright Scholar Angela Steele and Lila Babb and their project, DONG TING

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:29:25 +0800

Enjoy.

Redstar

Chinese People Exersizing Early In The Morning

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:07:04 +0800

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!

Yogi Duncan Wong

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:51:16 +0800

Duncan Wong

I'm kind of shocked that I've been running my blog for so long and have yet to mention this guy. His name is Duncan Wong. If you heard about him, you know he's worked with Madonna and all for her Yoga stuff.

He's a cool dude and pretty serious about his art and his yoga. He has a studio in Shanghai and some other spots around Asia. Zoe and I took a class over there some time ago and loved it... Feel kind of bad cause I haven't been there since... but we'll get back over there soon.

Anyway, here's a vid you guys can check out... This dude is no joke.

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.

Neocha

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:07:40 +0800

A video I found on You Tube on NeoCha.

NeoCha, aka Xin Cha (New Tea) is like MySpace for creative types in China. Redstar is on there too. Here's our (currently so-so) site.

It's started by Sean L. and John L., one dude from B6 and another cat. Sean, John and I go back in our Hopkins-Nanjing days. Crazy, huh?

Sean, if you reading this, get the site fixed. Don't tell me you guys are blocked already! See you at The Lab's 2-year aniversary next week at The Shelter? (I can't make it tomorrow, I'm going to the dentist and I got a marriage aniversary to prep for over the weekend. I'll be at the one after!)

NO TALKING IN THE MOVIE THEATER!!!

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:14:28 +0800

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!

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.

Happy Lei Feng Day!

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:16:58 +0800

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.

Foreigners singin' Chinese songs...

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:48:00 +0800

Below some videos of original Chinese songs and foreigners (aka lao wai) singing new English versions... If anyone can find any more stuff like this, let me know... (Other languages? Whatever, just pass it on...)

Wang Fei (Faye Wong) "Wo Yuan Yi" (I Want)

Not sure of the artist's name... But does it sound familiar? (Ahem... the one with Wang Fei!)

Jacky Cheung (Zhang Xue You) "Wen Bie" (Goodnight Kiss)

Michael Learns To Rock, "Take Me To Your Heart". Hey... This sounds the same as...

Wang Fei and Jacky are huge out here, and "Take Me To You Heart" is played to death in every shopping mall... I think the new "Wo Yuan Yi" will be big out here too... No matter what, it looks like Chinese music is finding it's own ways to spreads it's wings internationally...

I just want to hear more Redstar. Holla!

DoingShanghai.com

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:10:36 +0800

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!

Bring China's Hip-Hop Granny to BOTY China 2008!!

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 13:57:07 +0800

Hip-Hop Granny, In 'Da House!

I saw this exact same report on TV about a week ago, and thank god for Youku, I found exactly what I needed.

This is the Hip-Hop Granny, aka (Jie Wu Nai Nai - Street Dance Grandmother). She 61 and tond of fun. She's from Shanghai and she's got moves. Reminds me of another Hip-Hop Granny in the world... hmmmm...

Hip-Hop Granny, meet Crazy Grandma... (I met her at R-16 last year. 65 years old... wow...)

Anyway, all of this is old news.. my point for this post if for all BOTY organizers in China, get the Hip-Hop Granny in China BOTY 2008. (Happening in Shanghai, folks!)

For all Grannies out there, keep dancing like your grandkids aren't watching!

Linger (Hu Die Fei)

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:53:08 +0800

"Linger", the movie

Last night I checked out a movie with my wife called "Linger" its a cool movie about a lady who loses her lover in a car crash and three years later, he comes back in her imagination from pergatory to help him become free (like a butterfly) and go to heaven. It stars Li Bing Bing and one of the memebrs of F4, (old boy band from Taiwan). The story is simple, yet romantic with hints of the paranormal. Great date movie.

Li Bing Bing is a popular actress from Heilongjiang province (waaaay up North!). Her most recent claim to fame is being the first Asian spokesperson for international luxury products merchandiser, Mont Blanc.

Watch out Zhang Zi Yi, here's Bing Bing!

Li Bing Bing pictured with Chow Yun Fat (one of my favorite Action stars!)

Obama at Chatterhouse Booktraders!

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:19:34 +0800

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

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!

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.

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!

The Expat Directory

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:36:41 +0800

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

If you think expats are only in Shanghai and Beijing... Think again!

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:42:40 +0800

Sanya Bay

I stumbled across a few Sanya expat sites while I was searching for the weather in Sanya (which is now between 70-80 degrees!)

Check them out and let me know what you think... Looks like laowai are everywhere in this country...

Sanya Expat

The Best Sanya Information On The Web (This site is run by an events MC named Mario Cavolo.)

If anyone finds any more related sites... let me know! I leave Shanghai this Saturday afternoon!

MoJo's China stories: Chapter 1

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:59:03 +0800

MoJo stars as Captain America

TRUE STORY: "I Hate Americans"

Last Tuesday evening, I was on my way to the gym near my house. I took the elevator and as I entered the elevator, I stood by the front so I could be the first to get out, show my gym card to the front desk and dash to the lockers. (I was already late for Body Pump class and my wife was waiting on me with al lmy equipment ready.) In the elevator were two young Chinese women, one to my left and another behind me. There was a bit of space in between all of us, since the elevator was pretty big.

The elevator stopped at the 4th floor and three middle-aged Chinese women got on the elevator. And one of them had some things on her mind that she HAD to spurt out for the entire elevator to hear... Of course... this was in Chinese:

"I hate Americans!!" (Wo Hen Mei Guo Ren!)

I had to pause at that moment. I though she said something else... I kind of hoped she said "Wo Hen Mei Li De Ren" which means, "I hate beautiful people", but that wouldn't make much sense... She continued her rant, and this time, with more confidence:

"I REALLY hate Americans!!" (Wo Zhen De Hen Mei Guo Ren!!)

Woah... Ok... I think my hearing was right at this point, I was ready to out on my Captain America suit, load up my shield, and defend my country, but I'm not much of a confrontational person, I needed a bit more... evidence...

"The people I hate the most are Americans!!" (Wo Zui Hen De Shi Mei Guo Ren!!)

THAT'S IT!!! Wow.. I was right all along... Now I don't know what her deal was, but I was floored by her very forward statement in such a public place... And her rants were consecutive... She didn't stop to think about it, she just went for it... Actually at this point, I WISHED she would say that line... and she did!!

She obviously didn't see, me, but if she did when she walked in the elevator.. she might have said it anyway... Thining that I can't understand her... Man, she had another thing coming! It kind of reminded me of when I first got to China in 2002 and overheard this lady talk about black people... Yo, I had to jump in!

For the sake of clarity: The rater will be R, and I'll be M, for obvious reasons... This conversation/debate/punking out session was all in Chinese...

M: "So, you hate Americans, huh?"

R: "Yep!"

M: "Guess what? I am American!"

R: "Really?"(smiles nervously) "Well, you're probably not like all the Americans I'm talking about!"

M: "Listen, miss, you are absolutely rude. I know we may not have the best global policies in the world or a great president that can handle those policies, but do go on thinking all Americans are all the same and that we're all awful!" (The lady to the left of me laughs, probably because she's surprised that I can say global policies in Chinese and the pure fact that that lady just got punk'd!)

R: "Yes, but..."

M: "Next time, you best watch your mouth and be careful when and where you say things and who understands you! Watch your back!"

I left the elevator, politely asked for my locker key at the front desk and gave them my card... I felt like a champion, a fighter for Sino-US Relations...

I can't think of a clever way to conclude this story.. I have no diplomatic ending here... I can't defend Americans or Chinese on this one.. I just think people need to think before they make statements... Even I have to do the same, cause hey, you never know who is out there listening or watching.

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?

MC Battle with Tangking

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:09:39 +0800

Check out a Chinese (Mandarin) freestyle battle between Tangking (Shanghai) and Lil' Ray (Beijing). Is it just me or are Chinese freestyle battles really loud? Oh well... Tangking - Redstar - Jia You!

Chang Chen Yue and MC Hot Dog

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:57:41 +0800

Chang Chen Yue and MC Hot Dog: Reppin' Chinese Hip-Hop on China's pop circuit

What's up, all. I've been checking out a lot of entertainment news lately and R&B singer Chang Chen Yue's name has come up a bunch and when there's smoke, there's sure to be a fire, so along with Chang (aka A Yue), we have popular Taiwan rapper, MC Hot Dog. They're having a show on the 26th in Shanghai and I'd like to go to see how they do with the mainland audience, but I have a lot going on that day with Redstar, so we'll see.

Anyway, I remember watching the Lycra style gala on Channel Young (Yes, Lycra is big out here... Kind of surprising cause Esprit is huge out here too... Random!) the other day and Chang Chen Yue constantly mentioned coming from the street and repping the streets all the way with his music. I have to respect that because he's approaching the pop market with a whole new angle - something a bit more hip-hop.

For all those that don't know about MC Hot Dog, you can check out what he's all about here and peep his music. He's one of the first of his kind in terms of hip-hop in China.

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!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CHINA!

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:58:59 +0800

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

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: