At what point in our culture did chefs become as famous and watched as tv and movie stars? I guess its pretty obvious, the starting point is the day Food Network hit the air and Mario was trundling around in his orange clogs, Emeril was shouting bam, and, well, Rachel Ray was making a fool of herself (then again, its very hard to even mention her name amongst those of 2 excellent chefs).
The New York Times recently examined the phenomenon of chefs and reality tv. I found myself agreeing with a lot of what the article is saying, while also being thankful that this "trend" is unlikely to ever hit China, where I doubt it could ever take hold. The strange thing is these chefs seem to be making these tv appearances just to make them, for their (extended) 15 minutes of fame. In reality, while they are getting their name out (and their restaurant's name as well), those who have the serious cash to eat at their establishments will have already heard of them, while Joe Public isn't dropping $100 per person and up to eat at the restaurants of these "celebrity" chefs. Further, the more concerned they are with their growing empire and public persona, the less time they spend doing what they are most famous for, feeding people. Beyond that, where does public interest come from? The reality shows these chefs are appearing on are only vaguely about cooking and none will improve your own skills in the kitchen? What is with the interest in what goes on beyond those swinging double doors that lead to a restaurant's kitchen?
2007/10/17
The Rain in Shenzhen?
I know its October and so this story of black rain in Shenzen is well past its "sell by" date, but now that Al Gore is a Nobel Peace Prize winner (since the environment and peace have a clear connection, eh?), why not give it a reprise?
When I saw the story it shocked me, not so much because of the black rain (it is a sad state of affairs when black rain falling isn't something shocking, but such is China's environment), but that it happened in Shenzhen, while I've been living here, and yet I had no clue about it. It seems this problem occurred away from the city center, however Nanshan is still within the SEZ. This is really surprising because at least during my experience here over the last 6 months, environmental conditions in Shenzhen are better than almost all other large cities in China. I've heard horror stories about the situation outside the SEZ, where factories are abundant, but that is far from the case inside the SEZ.
Beyond that, though, even if it is a freak occurrence, the fact you have black rain falling should come as a huge shock and lead to massive changes instead of being covered up.
When I saw the story it shocked me, not so much because of the black rain (it is a sad state of affairs when black rain falling isn't something shocking, but such is China's environment), but that it happened in Shenzhen, while I've been living here, and yet I had no clue about it. It seems this problem occurred away from the city center, however Nanshan is still within the SEZ. This is really surprising because at least during my experience here over the last 6 months, environmental conditions in Shenzhen are better than almost all other large cities in China. I've heard horror stories about the situation outside the SEZ, where factories are abundant, but that is far from the case inside the SEZ.
Beyond that, though, even if it is a freak occurrence, the fact you have black rain falling should come as a huge shock and lead to massive changes instead of being covered up.
2007/10/11
Shanghai Surprise(s)
Other than a brief stop in Shanghai a few months ago, my national day soiree was probably my first lengthy experience in that city in 2 years or so. It was strange to see last time that some old favorites like the hotpot restaurant at Shanghai Stadium is long gone, while Bourbon Street bar where once (or even twice) a crazy night was had is still standing. This time, however, it was about discovering new places and creating a new bit of "history" to be looked upon fondly in the future. While photos will have to wait for the future, 2 important observations can be made now...
1. It's gotten a lot of pub, and I often wondered whether deservedly as most western food in China is shite, but City Diner is amazing. The idea of having a good burger had been evilly placed in my head and it was a required meal before I left the city. I went into City Diner with a healthy doubt of what I'd be met with, but came out converted. while the menu tempted me with many of its options, I knew going in that I was having the burger, and it was a good choice. A large thick burger, lots of toppings, and a good bun, this isn't just the best burger I've had in China, but probably one of the best I've ever had. I would place it as the 3rd best I've ever had, close behind an unhealthy, since childhood addiction for Hackneyburgers and the Kobe beef and Foie Gras deliciousness that was the Rockit burger, before the idiotic ban. This place is not like any diner I've ever been in, I'd call it more of a gastropub (China's first?) and a definite hit. Just be warned, the service can leave something to be desired at times.
2. On a cab ride home going down Nanjing West Rd, I passed a very familiar sign from my travels through Europe, a red square with 4 Chinese/Kanji characters and 4 English letters, it was Muji. In Europe, its a one stop shop for stylish and reserved clothing, stationary, and household goods. In Japan, you can even buy cars and prefab houses at Muji. I've come across smaller stores in Beijing and Shanghai before, but they always carry strictly women's clothes and seem to stray away from the Muji style, however this was the real thing. I've bought a few favorite pieces of clothing at Muji, though in Europe, it is not exactly cheap. However at the Shanghai branch, prices were surprisingly reasonable, with much of the (men's) clothing below RMB200. For those in the US who haven't traveled abroad and experienced Muji, don't fret, Slate says its coming soon to your shores.
1. It's gotten a lot of pub, and I often wondered whether deservedly as most western food in China is shite, but City Diner is amazing. The idea of having a good burger had been evilly placed in my head and it was a required meal before I left the city. I went into City Diner with a healthy doubt of what I'd be met with, but came out converted. while the menu tempted me with many of its options, I knew going in that I was having the burger, and it was a good choice. A large thick burger, lots of toppings, and a good bun, this isn't just the best burger I've had in China, but probably one of the best I've ever had. I would place it as the 3rd best I've ever had, close behind an unhealthy, since childhood addiction for Hackneyburgers and the Kobe beef and Foie Gras deliciousness that was the Rockit burger, before the idiotic ban. This place is not like any diner I've ever been in, I'd call it more of a gastropub (China's first?) and a definite hit. Just be warned, the service can leave something to be desired at times.
2. On a cab ride home going down Nanjing West Rd, I passed a very familiar sign from my travels through Europe, a red square with 4 Chinese/Kanji characters and 4 English letters, it was Muji. In Europe, its a one stop shop for stylish and reserved clothing, stationary, and household goods. In Japan, you can even buy cars and prefab houses at Muji. I've come across smaller stores in Beijing and Shanghai before, but they always carry strictly women's clothes and seem to stray away from the Muji style, however this was the real thing. I've bought a few favorite pieces of clothing at Muji, though in Europe, it is not exactly cheap. However at the Shanghai branch, prices were surprisingly reasonable, with much of the (men's) clothing below RMB200. For those in the US who haven't traveled abroad and experienced Muji, don't fret, Slate says its coming soon to your shores.
2007/10/10
Remembering the Roar...
I've been away from this blogging game for awhile, but golden week can't serve as an excuse for my failure to post on this particular story. The reasoning is more internal, trying to deal with the event in a composed, normal way and not react like the typical fan. There are few events that could force me back to Chicago from China and the majority are all family related, but if the Blackhawks ever made it to the Stanley Cup finals, I'd be hard pressed not to make the trip back. Good ol' Dollar Bill, William W. Wirtz passed away on September 26, a story that is now 2 weeks old. As a lifelong Hawks fan who experienced many a night in the old barn on the west side (remember the roar being the salute given to it during that final season when it was on its last legs) and the UC, Wirtz was always a villainous character to me as well as many Hawks fans who would curse his name for being a tight wad, refusing to put home games on tv, as well as a number of other injustices. The man basically ran an NHL Original Six franchise, once one of the league's strongest, into the ground, with the franchise being named the worst in professional sports by ESPN, failing to be able to give away tickets, barely getting the stadium to half capacity, and putting out a team that has consistently failed to make the playoffs (and hasn't won it all since '61).
It's easy to recite the bad, but there was also some good, as strange as it sounds to Chicagoans, he was a strong advocate for hockey and played a crucial role in shaping the NHL during his reign in Chicago and also was involved with a large number of charitable organizations.
If I was at the UC for the season opener, I don't think I'd be among the fans who booed the moment of silence for him, but a part of me can understand the fans who live and die with the Hawks that did. For me, its time to move on, the move by Peter Wirtz to step down instead of ascend to the top spot was a class move. Rocky Wirtz's takeover and his proclamations so far serve as a fresh start that hopefully will lead to the franchise moving in the right direction. Though still cursed with some old problems (Havlet going down in the first game of the season), the future looks promising for the Hawks, and the fans deserve it.
It's easy to recite the bad, but there was also some good, as strange as it sounds to Chicagoans, he was a strong advocate for hockey and played a crucial role in shaping the NHL during his reign in Chicago and also was involved with a large number of charitable organizations.
If I was at the UC for the season opener, I don't think I'd be among the fans who booed the moment of silence for him, but a part of me can understand the fans who live and die with the Hawks that did. For me, its time to move on, the move by Peter Wirtz to step down instead of ascend to the top spot was a class move. Rocky Wirtz's takeover and his proclamations so far serve as a fresh start that hopefully will lead to the franchise moving in the right direction. Though still cursed with some old problems (Havlet going down in the first game of the season), the future looks promising for the Hawks, and the fans deserve it.
Live from Macau: One Up on Vegas...
Macau, the small configuration of islands and a peninsula off China's south coast that was long held (and neglected) by Portugal, is coming on strong. In recent years it has even overtaken Las Vegas in gambling earnings. The opening of the Macau outpost of over-the-top Vegas casino, the Venetian, is sure to help Macau expand the lead over Vegas even more. Along with the local casinos, Macau opened up to Vegas exports and currently boasts a Sands, Venetian, Wynn, and coming soon, an MGM Grand (to be opened by mid-December). Vegas hosted the NBA All-Star Game, Macau's going to host exhibition games between Cleveland, Orlando, and the Chinese National Team to take place in 2 weeks time. There is also the upcoming tennis duel between Federer and Sampras, as well as Macau's famous grand prix, unique to Macau and another famous gambling spot that begins with M, Monaco.
While there is the gambling, beaches, and a very interesting, real fusion cuisine, what is most attractive about Macau, to me, is its uniqueness. While Hong Kong was a British colony for so long, it is hard to see or feel a Britishness there. However, Macau is oozing with a Mediterranean vibe, a relaxed Iberian lifestyle. Due to basic abandonment by the Portuguese, the islands were in a state of disrepair when the Chinese took over in 1999, but things have already started to pick up and the rough edges do a lot to add something to the atmosphere.
For those interested in a trip, here are some tips:
1. From Shenzhen, the best option is the boat, which will get you to Zhuhai Customs in about an hour (or if you're a foreigner with a multientry visa, head into Hong Kong, the boat will take the same amount of time, but HK Customs is a lot faster). Boats from HK leave from the HK/Macau port near Central, in Shenzhen they leave from Shekou. There are also buses from Huanggang Customs.
2. Avoid a taxi and just take a free casino bus, even if you don't intend on gambling at the casino, it's a good way to get into town. If you're going to the town center for some sightseeing, the best options are probably the Emperor or the Grand Lisboa.
3. If you're entering Macau from Zhuhai, consider spending a night there and getting up bright and early the next morning to avoid the huge crowds.
While there is the gambling, beaches, and a very interesting, real fusion cuisine, what is most attractive about Macau, to me, is its uniqueness. While Hong Kong was a British colony for so long, it is hard to see or feel a Britishness there. However, Macau is oozing with a Mediterranean vibe, a relaxed Iberian lifestyle. Due to basic abandonment by the Portuguese, the islands were in a state of disrepair when the Chinese took over in 1999, but things have already started to pick up and the rough edges do a lot to add something to the atmosphere.
For those interested in a trip, here are some tips:
1. From Shenzhen, the best option is the boat, which will get you to Zhuhai Customs in about an hour (or if you're a foreigner with a multientry visa, head into Hong Kong, the boat will take the same amount of time, but HK Customs is a lot faster). Boats from HK leave from the HK/Macau port near Central, in Shenzhen they leave from Shekou. There are also buses from Huanggang Customs.
2. Avoid a taxi and just take a free casino bus, even if you don't intend on gambling at the casino, it's a good way to get into town. If you're going to the town center for some sightseeing, the best options are probably the Emperor or the Grand Lisboa.
3. If you're entering Macau from Zhuhai, consider spending a night there and getting up bright and early the next morning to avoid the huge crowds.
Golden Week Tales
Having just returned from my first ever experience of a "golden week" its been difficult to get back into the flow of things, especially the habit of blogging, something I wasn't so good about even before golden week.
During the golden week, the rich head to Europe, Egypt, anywhere far, far away (or do the smart thing and stay at home), the middle class heads to south or southeast Asia, and everyone else travels around China (or does the smart thing and stays at home).
After originally planning on just taking it easy and exploring some nearby sites in the countryside, hoping for a bit of piece and quiet, I did the exact opposite and headed to the packed metropolis that is Shanghai. Shanghai, a city that is crowded enough when the entire country isn't on holiday, was insane during the holiday. On top of the insanity that was golden week, Shanghai's calender was chock full of interesting events, including: the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics (and all the international and Chinese celebs that came to town for that), Yue Festival and Talib Kweli's debut performance in Shanghai, and the F1 race that could have been the crowning of Lewis Hamilton.
That said, I was still able to have a wonderful time in the city (that I hate) and of course got some good street shots. The worst part of the trip was leaving out of Pudong, Shanghai's beautiful and still relatively new international airport. While the upstairs part of the terminal is all glistening and nice, the downstairs area where my flight was boarding out of resembled a run down old Chinese train station, with the amenities and (lack of) seats to go along with it. It was a startling end to what was otherwise an overall great trip to a place I don't usually enjoy going to.
During the golden week, the rich head to Europe, Egypt, anywhere far, far away (or do the smart thing and stay at home), the middle class heads to south or southeast Asia, and everyone else travels around China (or does the smart thing and stays at home).
After originally planning on just taking it easy and exploring some nearby sites in the countryside, hoping for a bit of piece and quiet, I did the exact opposite and headed to the packed metropolis that is Shanghai. Shanghai, a city that is crowded enough when the entire country isn't on holiday, was insane during the holiday. On top of the insanity that was golden week, Shanghai's calender was chock full of interesting events, including: the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics (and all the international and Chinese celebs that came to town for that), Yue Festival and Talib Kweli's debut performance in Shanghai, and the F1 race that could have been the crowning of Lewis Hamilton.
That said, I was still able to have a wonderful time in the city (that I hate) and of course got some good street shots. The worst part of the trip was leaving out of Pudong, Shanghai's beautiful and still relatively new international airport. While the upstairs part of the terminal is all glistening and nice, the downstairs area where my flight was boarding out of resembled a run down old Chinese train station, with the amenities and (lack of) seats to go along with it. It was a startling end to what was otherwise an overall great trip to a place I don't usually enjoy going to.
2007/10/09
2007/09/14
警察叔叔Says: We Still Control You!
Within hours of declaring my "victory" over the Great Firewall, I learned my hubris was not a good thing and that I could easily be beaten back down as once again, blogspot is blocked in Shenzhen. Anybody anywhere else in the country experience sudden access to Blogspot yesterday? Does anybody still have access? This leaves me to wonder, did somebody at the GFW department suddenly and accidently walk into the switch yesterday or something? Why the sudden access yesterday and (equally) swift killing of access? Mysterious...
2007/09/13
Live from Shenzhen: Victory Is MINE!!!
Well, this victory it is happily shared with all those who are using Blogspot in the PRC and have not backed down in this standoff of waiting for our blogs to be unblocked. As of this afternoon, I've been able to access all my favorite Blogspot blogs from Shenzhen. I have no idea if this is true across China or how long this bit of openness will last (especially since wiki is still blocked), but I'm rejoycing for the moment, let's hope the wonderful JingCha Shushu Men in charge of the Great Firewall continue this wonderful period of sunshine...
2007/09/09
Live from Shenzhen: There is a Season...
Fall seems to have arrived in Shenzhen and it is beautiful. The rain has stopped, or at least diminished, and while it is not exactly cool, the weather can no longer be described as hot and is actually livable. While this has meant road construction until all hours of the night in my part of the city, it has also meant I haven't turned on the air conditioning in a week and instead enjoy the natural breeze which on some nights can even leave a bit of a chill.
Beyond all that, the (minimal) drop in temperature that signals fall has been a bit unnoticeable to me. As someone who spent most of his life in the US (and as a student), it is still sort of strange to not be headed off to school (though I did have to say goodbye to the office interns who are heading back to Beida, all my good luck wishes to them during the year and hope they will come back to our firm when they're done). Most of all though, fall means football and, more specifically college football. I'm not a huge NFL fan (or even a football fan in general), but the spirit and pageantry of college football is always great to veg out to on a Saturday afternoon. While my alma mater, IU, has a perennially crappy team, its fun to watch whatever big time Big 10 game is on and also cheer for family favorite, USC. Plus, the start of football season means it's a bit closer to the start of the hockey season.
I always say that when I'm in the US, I constantly miss China, but when in China I only occasionally miss life in the US. Being in China now and not able to watch football, a part of me feels like the seasons aren't really changing. Chalk this up to one time when I do miss the US...
Beyond all that, the (minimal) drop in temperature that signals fall has been a bit unnoticeable to me. As someone who spent most of his life in the US (and as a student), it is still sort of strange to not be headed off to school (though I did have to say goodbye to the office interns who are heading back to Beida, all my good luck wishes to them during the year and hope they will come back to our firm when they're done). Most of all though, fall means football and, more specifically college football. I'm not a huge NFL fan (or even a football fan in general), but the spirit and pageantry of college football is always great to veg out to on a Saturday afternoon. While my alma mater, IU, has a perennially crappy team, its fun to watch whatever big time Big 10 game is on and also cheer for family favorite, USC. Plus, the start of football season means it's a bit closer to the start of the hockey season.
I always say that when I'm in the US, I constantly miss China, but when in China I only occasionally miss life in the US. Being in China now and not able to watch football, a part of me feels like the seasons aren't really changing. Chalk this up to one time when I do miss the US...
Asia's Music Powerhouse
There is a strange phenomenon that one finds in any major city in China (and in Korea and Japan to a lesser extent) whenever you look at the listings for bar events, you will often come across this "Live Filipino Band." It didn't really strike me until this past weekend in Hong Kong where I went to a number of bars, all featuring live bands, all of which were entirely (or almost entirely) Filipino. Okay, an obvious reasoning for this is that the Philippines has a large population that speaks English as a first (or very close second) language. Another reason is the large amount of Filipino immigrants that can be found throughout Asia.
But this got my mind to wandering, what makes it such a big draw to have a Filipino band? Does it bring in more business than a local band who (especially in HK) should be able to speak excellent English? Is it that you can pay them less? Is it "exotic"? Bourdain claims there is a town in Mexico that produces the majority of cooks in New York kitchens, is there one Filipino town that is producing all these bands? A bored mind wonders...
But this got my mind to wandering, what makes it such a big draw to have a Filipino band? Does it bring in more business than a local band who (especially in HK) should be able to speak excellent English? Is it that you can pay them less? Is it "exotic"? Bourdain claims there is a town in Mexico that produces the majority of cooks in New York kitchens, is there one Filipino town that is producing all these bands? A bored mind wonders...
Live from Shenzhen: I'm Back and Handing Out the Love
I hahttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifve no idea how people like Dan Harris do it, maintaining a successful legal practice as well as a successful daily blog (perhaps that is one of the perks of being a named partner), but I don't have my name on the door (or any door for that matter) and therefore am stuck writing on the rare occasions when I have the time and inclination to do so. Between work, traveling all over southern China for work, new friends, a terminal addiction to facebook and dianping, and looking for an apartment in Beijing, blogging hasn't really found a place in the mix. Beyond that, to be honest, there isn't a lot happening right now as China (or the world goes), fortunately. Certainly there are some major issues, but perhaps this is sort of the calm before the storm, when Congress really hits out at China, but right now, there just isn't too much to talk about. Of course, there is always the fact this blog is on blogspot which is still blocked in China, thus destroying a major part of the potential readership...
To ease my way back into the game and to clear out a lot of what I've been collecting, here's another simple blog wrap up...
First off, last month's issue of Esquire had an article on Shenzhen titled, , that is now available online (though thanks to my inside source for the advanced copy). It's a good read and for the most part paints a pretty accurate portrait of this city, if a bit (or WAY) over the top. World famous DJ, Paul Oakenfold, weighed in on the China club scene in the Guardian, overall he was very complimentary about China's burgeoning scene, but then he said this:
Enough of that, on the blog front, Lost Laowai chimes in on the recent popularity of China bashing in an excellent article. Guangzhou Bang, a newish(?) blog that has become a popular read for me, has a hilarious post about when Zhang met Petra. Imagethief has an interesting post on the Chinese film industry, though I think much of the problem is that since Zhang Yimou figured out crap sells (thanks to Ang Lee), he hasn't made a decent film, Jiang Wen has been banned from film making for the past 7 years, and everyone who isn't making crappy period pieces is making crazy and impossible to understand avante garde films.
Lao Wai Wen Shen has a thought provoking post on how similar things are across China. While I completely disagree with everything he/she says and feel you could make a similar example out of any other country if you tried, it does get one to thinking and is worth a read and wider discussion.
To close it out, a great NYT story on fashion and our love/hate relationship with it, the crazy story of a 9 year old college student， and a funny story on sohu about trying to get away from Chinglish menu items (mostly in Chinese) that includes this piece of genius:
童子鸡
新版译法 Spring Chicken
民间译法 Chicken Without Sexual Life(还没有性生活的鸡)
To ease my way back into the game and to clear out a lot of what I've been collecting, here's another simple blog wrap up...
First off, last month's issue of Esquire had an article on Shenzhen titled, , that is now available online (though thanks to my inside source for the advanced copy). It's a good read and for the most part paints a pretty accurate portrait of this city, if a bit (or WAY) over the top. World famous DJ, Paul Oakenfold, weighed in on the China club scene in the Guardian, overall he was very complimentary about China's burgeoning scene, but then he said this:
"Playing in somewhere like Shenzhen, a big, polluted, overpopulated, industrial city, you can be the only Westerner in the club. You are a long way from home and you feel it."What? Where the hell was he? I don't have much love for southern China, but just like Dalian IS NOT Dongbei (more on that later), Shenzhen is not southern China. Shenzhen is big, but inside Guan Nei, it is NOT polluted, overpopulated, nor industrial and it is quite possibly China's most livable city. While foreigners don't overwhelm in Luohu, there are plenty in Shekou, the closest thing to a Western city area that I've seen in China.
Enough of that, on the blog front, Lost Laowai chimes in on the recent popularity of China bashing in an excellent article. Guangzhou Bang, a newish(?) blog that has become a popular read for me, has a hilarious post about when Zhang met Petra. Imagethief has an interesting post on the Chinese film industry, though I think much of the problem is that since Zhang Yimou figured out crap sells (thanks to Ang Lee), he hasn't made a decent film, Jiang Wen has been banned from film making for the past 7 years, and everyone who isn't making crappy period pieces is making crazy and impossible to understand avante garde films.
Lao Wai Wen Shen has a thought provoking post on how similar things are across China. While I completely disagree with everything he/she says and feel you could make a similar example out of any other country if you tried, it does get one to thinking and is worth a read and wider discussion.
To close it out, a great NYT story on fashion and our love/hate relationship with it, the crazy story of a 9 year old college student， and a funny story on sohu about trying to get away from Chinglish menu items (mostly in Chinese) that includes this piece of genius:
童子鸡
新版译法 Spring Chicken
民间译法 Chicken Without Sexual Life(还没有性生活的鸡)
2007/08/13
SB, tmd, I just. don't. get it...
ESWN has put together some interesting sites on the whole 京骂 "controversy". I'm sorry, I just don't get it...Swearing is part of being a passionate sports fan, I know its not the most cultured, but the sports stadium, despite the odes about soccer being like art, is a battle and people are sure to get angry when in a battle. In my days as a Chicago Fire supporter amongst their most rabid fans, there used to be a chant we would sing that would end "kiss our ass and fuck off home." Okay, granted its not the most mature, but its terrace humor, it was written to a famous children's song and it worked, it was kind of funny and it was profane, everything a classic chant should have. It wasn't like the whole stadium got up and started screaming "FUCK" and its not like that with the catcalls of SB at Guoan matches. Sure, a few guys in a section or maybe even a group of 10 might start screaming out SB, but, so what, you are at a soccer match, its like a rated R movie, you have to expect that kind of environment and decide if its appropriate for you (and your child) or not. A connection between "cursing" and hooliganism? You're having a laugh!
I want Beijing to be a cultured city, I want the city to leave a good impression on all foreign (and fellow Chinese) who come to visit it, however I could care less about a few hundred or even a few thousand people showing passion at a soccer game by yelling SB. This is not a bad thing and doesn't reflect badly on the city, it just shows we have the best, most passionate fans in China. Once again, by making such a big deal out of something so minor, its causing unnecessary negative attention to be focused on the city. Wholly embrace the 京骂 and make Fengtai Stadium an unwelcomed place for visitors. I even like the idea of a "Welcome to Hell" banner if you can really create an atmosphere worthy of that monicker. It's a lot better than Workers Stadium's overly polite "工体欢迎您！", SB, I always wished that could set a little more fear in the heart's of opponents....
I want Beijing to be a cultured city, I want the city to leave a good impression on all foreign (and fellow Chinese) who come to visit it, however I could care less about a few hundred or even a few thousand people showing passion at a soccer game by yelling SB. This is not a bad thing and doesn't reflect badly on the city, it just shows we have the best, most passionate fans in China. Once again, by making such a big deal out of something so minor, its causing unnecessary negative attention to be focused on the city. Wholly embrace the 京骂 and make Fengtai Stadium an unwelcomed place for visitors. I even like the idea of a "Welcome to Hell" banner if you can really create an atmosphere worthy of that monicker. It's a lot better than Workers Stadium's overly polite "工体欢迎您！", SB, I always wished that could set a little more fear in the heart's of opponents....
Another Good Old Blog Wrap Up
Having spent so much time abroad, I understand that when it comes to certain things, especially understanding sarcasm, Chinese have a hard time with comedy. That said, I don't get what others, including Zhongnanhai, who I also recently praised, find funny about the f.u.c.k.u China line of tshirts some enterprising idiot came out with. The "designer" offered the excuse that the line stands for the "fascinating & urban collection: kiss you China." Yes, Chinglish for the Chinese, umm...except, I call bullshit. Further, I don't see how its meant as a "joke on China's rampant pirating of the fashion company's products." I have no idea who Phillip Plein is, nor have I heard of his "fashion company." Perhaps what was meant is China's pirating of the products of famous fashion companies, though one of those wouldn't be Mr. Plein's company. I don't agree that its "hurting the feelings of the Chinese people," but it is extremely insulting and not at all funny.
On another note, I have long though that Wang Zhizhi didn't get the respect that he deserved. In the Dazhi-Yao Ming sweepstakes, I was always for Dazhi and believed he would be an NBA star, boy was I wrong, though I still remember fondly watching him play Jordan and the Wizards and Dazhi "going off" for something like 8 points. In any case, I'm glad to see that somebody else at least thinks he should be back in the "Association" and getting some minutes.
Guangzhou Bang is an up-and-coming new blog that I've really enjoyed reading lately, I also find their speculation that the CCTV firings has something to do with the newly released Labor Contract Law very interesting, as the law is something I've spent a lot of time researching recently.
It's not a blog article, but Shenzhen Daily reports on the stories that have set the Chinese language blogosphere alight in the early part of 2007, I wonder if the early exit from the Asian Cup will make the year end wrap up.
Having just read the very interesting and insightful Yan Geling book "The Uninvited" and understanding a bit about the "money for your troubles" that goes to journalists, I found the comments of China Economic Review on a recent FT article about money and journalists in China a great read.
That's all for now...
On another note, I have long though that Wang Zhizhi didn't get the respect that he deserved. In the Dazhi-Yao Ming sweepstakes, I was always for Dazhi and believed he would be an NBA star, boy was I wrong, though I still remember fondly watching him play Jordan and the Wizards and Dazhi "going off" for something like 8 points. In any case, I'm glad to see that somebody else at least thinks he should be back in the "Association" and getting some minutes.
Guangzhou Bang is an up-and-coming new blog that I've really enjoyed reading lately, I also find their speculation that the CCTV firings has something to do with the newly released Labor Contract Law very interesting, as the law is something I've spent a lot of time researching recently.
It's not a blog article, but Shenzhen Daily reports on the stories that have set the Chinese language blogosphere alight in the early part of 2007, I wonder if the early exit from the Asian Cup will make the year end wrap up.
Having just read the very interesting and insightful Yan Geling book "The Uninvited" and understanding a bit about the "money for your troubles" that goes to journalists, I found the comments of China Economic Review on a recent FT article about money and journalists in China a great read.
That's all for now...
Money, Meet Toilet....
Earlier this year I talked about Guangdong Television's purchase of the rights to broadcast the English Premiership. They were going to set up a subscription-only station called Tian Sheng and were going to charge a shitload as a way of recouping the US$50 million or so they spent to buy the rights.
Well, two weeks ago I was in Hong Kong and on every corner it seemed like there were people signing up people for whatever station you need in Hong Kong to watch English soccer. When I returned to Shenzhen, I figured I would see what was available here, despite the rumors that Tian Sheng would charge RMB188 a month. Since the majority of people reading this are expats (who are rich) and foreigners (who are richer and if in the US, own guns, isn't steoreotyping fun?) because this site is still blocked, despite rumors to the contrary, RMB188 doesn't seem like a lot. Yet right now I pay RMB120 and get HBO, Cinemax, Star Movies, Star Sports, ESPN, and a host of other channels.
That isn't the issue, even if it is RMB188 a month (which it turns out IS indeed how much it costs in Guangzhou) or even if its RMB588 a year (like in Wuhan), I'm willing to pay it. But...
It seems that in their infinite wisdom, after spending US$50 million, Tian Sheng failed to complete licensing agreements with all the local providers and so they are only up and running in a few "second-tier" cities. Beijing? Nope. Shanghai? Not yet. Shenzhen? Sorry, go to Hong Kong. Hmm...So the three richest cities in China, the ones that have the most number of people who would be willing to spend an outrageous amount for something trivial like soccer and the ones where people actually could afford the channel are the ones where you can't get it.
As a fan of the EPL, I'm outraged I still can't see it in Shenzhen. As someone looking in from the outside, I can't help laughing at how Guangdong TV tossed its investment, at least for this year, down the drain by horrible planning, I just hope that doesn't come out of the taxes I pay to Guangdong Province.
Well, two weeks ago I was in Hong Kong and on every corner it seemed like there were people signing up people for whatever station you need in Hong Kong to watch English soccer. When I returned to Shenzhen, I figured I would see what was available here, despite the rumors that Tian Sheng would charge RMB188 a month. Since the majority of people reading this are expats (who are rich) and foreigners (who are richer and if in the US, own guns, isn't steoreotyping fun?) because this site is still blocked, despite rumors to the contrary, RMB188 doesn't seem like a lot. Yet right now I pay RMB120 and get HBO, Cinemax, Star Movies, Star Sports, ESPN, and a host of other channels.
That isn't the issue, even if it is RMB188 a month (which it turns out IS indeed how much it costs in Guangzhou) or even if its RMB588 a year (like in Wuhan), I'm willing to pay it. But...
It seems that in their infinite wisdom, after spending US$50 million, Tian Sheng failed to complete licensing agreements with all the local providers and so they are only up and running in a few "second-tier" cities. Beijing? Nope. Shanghai? Not yet. Shenzhen? Sorry, go to Hong Kong. Hmm...So the three richest cities in China, the ones that have the most number of people who would be willing to spend an outrageous amount for something trivial like soccer and the ones where people actually could afford the channel are the ones where you can't get it.
As a fan of the EPL, I'm outraged I still can't see it in Shenzhen. As someone looking in from the outside, I can't help laughing at how Guangdong TV tossed its investment, at least for this year, down the drain by horrible planning, I just hope that doesn't come out of the taxes I pay to Guangdong Province.
2007/08/08
Live From Shenzhen: Photo Edition III
sorry if the last photo comes up on its side, I'll blame it on the typhoon. If anyone knows why that happens in blogger and how to correct that, I'd greatly appreciate the help!
Live From Shenzhen: Foreigners Wanted, Apply at Your Local PSB Bureau
I like reading the Shenzhen Daily on a regular basis, it usually has good information on the goings on in the city and had some interesting and often times (unintended) humorous articles. This article on the local police looking for foreigners to work for them as "undercover shoppers" in Luohu Commercial Center really caught my eye.
The idea is that some sellers won't showcase the main counterfeit goods in their store, but will present a catalogue to foreign customers that includes all of the fake designer goods. It will be very interesting how this effects business there and how many fines or closings this will bring about. Will there be foreigners interested in doing it? Hell, a weekend strolling through the mall and getting paid isn't so bad, but then you have to deal with people pulling you every which way and offering you everything under the sun, maybe I should rethink trying for the job.
That said, I'd still love to see an all or nothing approach instead of this "we'll ignore it, but occasionally take action when the mood (or the campaign) calls for it" attitude that exists. The problem is that its such a big part of the economy and it employs so many people that it is impossible for the police to shut it down, but at the same time, if they don't appear like they're doing something, they'll be attacked by foreign companies and governments, so the middle road is all there is.
Oh yeah, and just to show how informative Shenzhen Daily is, the day after the article reporting the "foreign shoppers" there was this article about a new breakfeast place called "Ihope" that has a logo (and name) eerily similar to a famous US chain that also offers all-day breakfeast. Though whatever Ihope stands for, the P definitely isn't for pancakes, as it seems (at least according to the article) this breakfeast place doesn't serve them.
The idea is that some sellers won't showcase the main counterfeit goods in their store, but will present a catalogue to foreign customers that includes all of the fake designer goods. It will be very interesting how this effects business there and how many fines or closings this will bring about. Will there be foreigners interested in doing it? Hell, a weekend strolling through the mall and getting paid isn't so bad, but then you have to deal with people pulling you every which way and offering you everything under the sun, maybe I should rethink trying for the job.
That said, I'd still love to see an all or nothing approach instead of this "we'll ignore it, but occasionally take action when the mood (or the campaign) calls for it" attitude that exists. The problem is that its such a big part of the economy and it employs so many people that it is impossible for the police to shut it down, but at the same time, if they don't appear like they're doing something, they'll be attacked by foreign companies and governments, so the middle road is all there is.
Oh yeah, and just to show how informative Shenzhen Daily is, the day after the article reporting the "foreign shoppers" there was this article about a new breakfeast place called "Ihope" that has a logo (and name) eerily similar to a famous US chain that also offers all-day breakfeast. Though whatever Ihope stands for, the P definitely isn't for pancakes, as it seems (at least according to the article) this breakfeast place doesn't serve them.
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