|
| New Items |
Quote of the Day: Morrissey on Chinese being a "subspecies" |
 "If anyone has seen the horrific and unwatchable footage of the Chinese cat and dog trade - animals skinned alive - then they could not possibly argue in favour of China as a caring nation. There are no animal protection laws in China and this results in the worst animal abuse and cruelty on the planet. It is indefensible."
— Rock artist Morrissey (formerly of The Smiths)
Said in a statement defending his pronouncement that "you can't help but feel that the Chinese are a subspecies," because of their treatment of animals. Morrissey, an animal rights activist, is known for acting erratically when confronted with meat eating. Last year, he abandoned the stage at Coachella, a rock festival, when he smelled cooked meat. He has also been accused of being racist in the past, after making statements to NME about immigrants in England. He emphatically denied those comments later, saying the magazine was trying to frame him to boost sales.
 
|
|
|
|
|
 |
TEDxShanghai livestream: Sunday on Tudou |
For those of you who were hoping to join in on this year's TEDxShanghai but for some reason couldn't make the actual event, they're taking a page out of last year's playbook and streaming everything on Tudou.
TED conferences are "famed intellectual destinations for 'Ideas Worth Spreading' through high quality influencer speech videos." Basically, people in the know give lectures that might help you better understand some topic that coverges on the three topics of "technology, entertainment and design."
As for the livestream, say the organizers:
This coming Sunday 9/5 from 10:00-18:00 Tudou will be live streaming TEDxShanghai event on http://www.tudou.com/home/tedxshanghai2010 The theme is “10,000 Hours” - referring to a rough number needed for someone to develop strongly one’s skill / profession. Very interesting mix of 10+ speakers. In the “Unleashing the Creativity of Young Chinese Animators” topic, Tudou will also be presenting a few brilliant animations and inviting two young animators joining us on site around 16:30 on the day.
So, like, check it out tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weekendist: Dance, dance, learn to dance |
 Every Friday, we tell you what sounds exciting to us over the next three days! This weekend, look forward to dance opportunities - both watching and learning, and charitable events galore! Not to mention, rugby fans get to cheer for their favorite leagues LIVE at the Shanghai Sevens and the father of minimal music, Robert Hood, is in town (for all you DJ lovers).
For this weekend's live music offerings, check out our Midweek Music Preview.
FRIDAY
Party animals pay attention! Not Me brings you MELTDOWN; A 5 hour alcohol extravaganza! Yes, for only 80RMB you can enjoy an open bar as DJ’s bring you the best in Hiphop, electro, house and everything in between!
10pm, Not Me, 21 Dongping Lu near Hengshan Lu
LA's International Contemporary Dance comes to Shanghai's Downstream Garage. Choreographer Susan Rose and her dancers have dedicated Friday and Saturday to cooperating with Shanghai's experimental indie choreographers Nunu Kong and Nannan for "Powerplays."
7pm, Downstream Garage, 200 Longcao Lu, south of Hua Ting Hotel
SATURDAY
Rugby fans rejoice, it's finally time for Shanghai Sevens! For the second consecutive year, the Shanghai Sevens are proud hosts of the IRB Asian Sevens Series and will welcome an expanded roster of 12 international teams, 16 amateur club teams, 4 international women's teams, and 2 vets teams. The games on Saturday are 70RMB. For a two day package of Sunday and Saturday is 150RMB.
If you just want to come for Sunday, it's 100RMB. Other options: One day VIP Hospitality is 1200 RMB; two day VIP Hospitality is 2000 RMB; Long Lunch (per person) is 880 RMB; Long Lunch (per table) of 10 and Two day VIP Package (per person) is 8000 RMB. Got all that? Good.
8am to 5pm each day, Shanghai Rugby and Football Club ZhangYang Bei Lu 张扬北路
The perfect way to try getting fit while looking hot... for free! Popular yoga and pilates center, theOrangeRoom, is offering a free hip hop dance class for youth this Saturday. You'll be taught by Bella. Bella is a qualified instructor from Korea. She has taken up street dance / hip hop for 7 years and has been a member of a dance crew for 4 years. To sign up, call them at 64063642 or email at information@theorangeroom.cn.
11:30am to 12:30pm, Room B, 7th floor, Saint Laurent Commercial Block, No. 201, Lane 3215, Hongmei Lu
To celebrate the launch on their new play this coming week, Shanghai Repertory Theater will be having a party at Abbey Road. 100RMB buys 3 drinks and a raffle ticket and you can win a whole bunch of prizes, including tickets to the play itself! Should be a hoot.
3pm to 6pm, Abbey Road, 45 Yueyang Lu, near Dongping Lu 岳阳路45号, 东平路口.
He caused quite a storm when he was in Shanghai last time, at one of most talked-about parties of the last couple of years in Shanghai. Coming back on Saturday to the Shelter with VOID is Robert Hood, who is a pretty big deal aparently and one of the biggest names in "proper" DJ music. The man from Detroit is credited for inventing "minimal" music 15 years before it became the trendy sound dominating clubs in Europe. 50RMB cover.
10pm, Shelter, 5 Yongfu Lu near Fuxingxi Lu, 永福路5号进复兴西路
SUNDAY
Learn new dance moves while giving back to the Earth! ARTIST Shanghai will be offering a full day of dance classes at a fraction of the cost. For RMB 50 per class, you can learn Ballet, Modern Dance, Belly Dance, Neo-Jazz and Hip Hop. Best of all, all the proceeds will be used to plant trees to fight desertification and offset carbon emission through Shanghai Roots & Shoots' Million Tree Project! For class schedule and reservations, please call the studio at +86 21 5196 1120
11am to 5pm, Dance Studio ARTIST Shanghai, Room 02-03, F/5, No. 1035 North Nan Quan Rd. in Pudong
Jaiya's Animal Rescue (JAR) is a non-profit small animal rescue group. JAR holds monthly Adoption Days and this September 5th is your next chance to get involved. The event is an opportunity for both humans and animals. The animals (dogs, cats, kittens and puppies) have a chance at being adopted, and you guys get the chance to play with the animals and learn more about adopting/fostering via JAR. It’s a free event, so get down there, boost your karma and play with some puppies!
11am to 3pm, Papas Bierstube Restaurant, Hongmei Road 3338, Hongmei Pedestrian Street 22-24, Shanghai. 德国乡村西餐厅上海市闵行区虹梅路3338弄
Help BEAN by baking chocolate, peanut butter, and chocolate chip cookies to sell at the BEAN booth at the Charity Flea Market. All proceeds from the Charity Flea Market support Stepping Stones, a community group which supports English language lessons in migrant schools around Shanghai. BEAN will supply all the materials and ingredients- all you need to bring is yourself! There are limited spaces for this event, so please send an e-mail RSVP to beanshanghai@gmail.com if you would like to join.
2pm to 4pm, Jing An District (email BEAN for actual location)
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Economist interviews "Mao's translator" Sidney Rittenberg |
The Economist has posted an interview with "Mao's translator," Sidney Rittenberg (李敦白). Arriving in China in 1944, Rittenberg befriended Mao, Zhou Enlai and other top Communists. During his long involvement with the Chinese Communist Party, Rittenberg was imprisoned twice. The first time in 1949, after being falsely fingered as a "spy" by Joseph Stalin, he spent six years in solitary confinement and the second time in 1968, for ten years when labelled a "May 16th element" (五一六分子).
In spite his long time in prison, Rittenberg still expresses a restrained fondness for Mao, who he describes as the "best listener I've ever run into." Like any reformed communist, Rittenberg is now making big bucks as an advisor for multinationals like Hughes Aircraft and Intel on their China buisness, and he has many interesting observations on China, past, present and future.
The interview runs about 15 minutes and streams a bit slowly, so you may wish to download it directly here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pet(s) of the Month: 11 cats of Lane 26 |
 This month's Adoptable Pet from Jaiya's Animal Rescue
Name: The 11 cats of Lane 26
Age: From 3 to 6
Health: Vaccinated, dewormed and de-flead. All spayed and neutered.
Ideal Home: People that have experience with adult cats.
Story:
CF (rescuer), an animal lover and keen supporter of animal rescue groups in Shanghai contacted JAR in hopes that we can provide a permanent roof and love for the cats that he has managed to rescue in the past 6 months.
Marvin (JAR founder), Alejandra (rescuer/foster parent and volunteer), Dr. Stephanie Goltz and CF met up on August 2nd in order to decide how to help these beautiful cats. Luckily, CF has kindly provided cat litter & trays, cat food, water, bowls, bedding, cushions and a fan to try and make the cats as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, the room that CF has rented (where the cats are residing in) will be taken over very soon.
Hereafter, JAR needs to find foster/permanent homes for all these 11 cats as soon as possible. JAR requires adopters/foster parents who are experienced with adult cats, having patience, compassion and determination to rehabilitate them after the hard life that they have had. Certainly, JAR wants to give them a chance to be re-homed and to have loving permanent homes. The cats are very timid and shy, but quite lovely and sweet.
Can you help? Are you willing to support JAR and give these cats the opportunity they never had?
All these cats have been spayed/neutered, and they are 3 to 6 years old. All of them have received their vaccinations, which has been possible thanks to the gracious support from Dr. Stephanie Goltz (who currently is working at the PetsHome Gubei Hospital).
As always, time is of the essence. Please consider offering your love to these beautiful cats!
For more information about being a foster parent or how to adopt another cat or dog from JAR, please contact shanghaidogs@gmail.com, or come to visit JAR during its “Special Adoption Day in Pudong” on Sunday, September 5, from 11:00 to 15:00 hrs, at Papas Bierstube Restaurant, Hongmei Road 3338, Hongmei Pedestrian Street 22-
24, Puxi, Shanghai (德国乡村西餐厅上海市闵行区虹梅路3338弄虹梅休闲街).
JAR is a non-profit small animal rescue group that is committed to protecting and improving the health and welfare of animals through pet health care, education, and the promotion of adoption/ foster care as an alternative approach to purchasing animals. We are dedicated to domestic animal population control, promoting pet adoption / fostering and reducing the incidence of abandonment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yunnan cooperating with US conservative group on new 'abstinence education' program |
 young couple, girl pulling away from boys advances. As if China’s hormonal and horny students haven’t got enough to contend with. With universities getting all up in their "are you or aren't you a mistress" business and some high schools already patrolling the halls for kissing couples, now "God" has gotten in the way of them even learning about doing it... at least in Yunnan.
The Educational Bureau of Yunnan province has recently instructed schools and universities to teach students to abstain from premarital sex and to ‘cherish their chastity’. The program; ‘No Apologies’ (无悔今生) is the ‘love child’ of an American conservative Christian organization - Focus on the Family (FOTF), whose main goal is "nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths worldwide”.
Some of the things they teach include the dangers of pornography (sore wrists? Big phone bill?), the benefits that delayed gratification has on marriages (after so long, anyone will do), and the theory that sex distracts youngsters from realizing their dreams (because successful single people are eunuchs).
Oh, and no fundamentalist Christian group is complete without a homophobic slur, right? They also preach the importance of ‘honoring the heritage of sexuality’ whilst condemning SpongeBob SquarePants for its pro-homosexual messages to elementary kids. Barney and Jimmy Neutron were in the firing squad too. Strangely enough, FOTF's co-founder, who was recently caught vacationing with a known male prostitute, wasn't.
In the organization's quest to promote their rants message, they are now spreading the message in China by hitting the younger generations. Schools in Yunnan will soon be issued with a US-published booklet that contains topics on contraception (hopefully not just the rhythm method), how to maintain pre-marital chastity, things to consider with regards to abortion and rather bizarrely..... ‘how to tell whether a person is infected with the HIV virus’.
Now, we're no doctors, but we’re pretty sure (really, really, really sure) that unless HIV sufferers walk around with ‘HIV’ stamped on their forehead, then telling whether or not a person suffers from the illness is almost impossible.
The focus being on the maintenance of pre-marital chastity, the pamphlet also includes role-plays in order to fully verse students on what to say if they face a situation that could lead to sex. Role play scripts include:
Boy: "If you love me, you will have sex with me."
Girl: “If you love me, you would not want me to give up my cherished chastity.”
Boy: "It's very safe, I have a condom."
Girl: You want me to bet my future with that condom?”
Boy: "You are the only thing I want to dedicate myself to."
Girl: Good! If I am your only, then you can wait until after we are married.”
Sassy! We love how it's only boys who are made out to be the horny ones. After all, girls can't really want it themselves, right? That'd be so... ungirly! Also, can you imagine anyone actually being shut down by these? Our guess: These phrases will work as well on innocent Yunnan girls as they did on Bristol Palin.
When it comes to the ‘birds and the bees’, Chinese students have a pretty raw deal. They are either faced with the prospect of learning ‘what goes where’ from the internet (which could be pretty risky given the nature of some sites. Coming soon - ‘Why Chinese students love BDSM’) or from so called ‘sex-perts’ sharing their ‘sexpertise’ when parents don’t feel comfortable doing so. If you really want more than the current 32% of today’s Chinese youth learning about sex through school, do you really want them learning it this way?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yunnan cooperating with US conservative group on new 'abstinence education' program |
young couple, girl pulling away from boys advances. As if China’s hormonal and horny students haven’t got enough to contend with. With universities getting all up in their "are you or aren't you a mistress" business and some high schools already patrolling the halls for kissing couples, now "God" has gotten in the way of them even learning about doing it... at least in Yunnan.
The Educational Bureau of Yunnan province has recently instructed schools and universities to teach students to abstain from premarital sex and to ‘cherish their chastity’. The program; ‘No Apologies’ (无悔今生) is the ‘love child’ of an American conservative Christian organization - Focus on the Family (FOTF), whose main goal is "nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths worldwide”.
Some of the things they teach include the dangers of pornography (sore wrists? Big phone bill?), the benefits that delayed gratification has on marriages (after so long, anyone will do), and the theory that sex distracts youngsters from realizing their dreams (because successful single people are eunuchs).
Oh, and no fundamentalist Christian group is complete without a homophobic slur, right? They also preach the importance of ‘honoring the heritage of sexuality’ whilst condemning SpongeBob SquarePants for its pro-homosexual messages to elementary kids. Barney and Jimmy Neutron were in the firing squad too. Strangely enough, FOTF's co-founder, who was recently caught vacationing with a known male prostitute, wasn't.
In the organization's quest to promote their rants message, they are now spreading the message in China by hitting the younger generations. Schools in Yunnan will soon be issued with a US-published booklet that contains topics on contraception (hopefully not just the rhythm method), how to maintain pre-marital chastity, things to consider with regards to abortion and rather bizarrely..... ‘how to tell whether a person is infected with the HIV virus’.
Now, we're no doctors, but we’re pretty sure (really, really, really sure) that unless HIV sufferers walk around with ‘HIV’ stamped on their forehead, then telling whether or not a person suffers from the illness is almost impossible.
The focus being on the maintenance of pre-marital chastity, the pamphlet also includes role-plays in order to fully verse students on what to say if they face a situation that could lead to sex. Role play scripts include:
Boy: "If you love me, you will have sex with me."
Girl: “If you love me, you would not want me to give up my cherished chastity.”
Boy: "It's very safe, I have a condom."
Girl: You want me to bet my future with that condom?”
Boy: "You are the only thing I want to dedicate myself to."
Girl: Good! If I am your only, then you can wait until after we are married.”
Sassy! We love how it's only boys who are made out to be the horny ones. After all, girls can't really want it themselves, right? That'd be so... ungirly! Also, can you imagine anyone actually being shut down by these? Our guess: These phrases will work as well on innocent Yunnan girls as they did on Bristol Palin.
When it comes to the ‘birds and the bees’, Chinese students have a pretty raw deal. They are either faced with the prospect of learning ‘what goes where’ from the internet (which could be pretty risky given the nature of some sites. Coming soon - ‘Why Chinese students love BDSM’) or from so called ‘sex-perts’ sharing their ‘sexpertise’ when parents don’t feel comfortable doing so. If you really want more than the current 32% of today’s Chinese youth learning about sex through school, do you really want them learning it this way?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Job Ad: Executive Editor for new Urbanatomy family magazine |
 This is an advertisement. Candidate should have the editorial, writing and project management skills required to take a piloting role in a new magazine. An interest in family/kids issues (schools, health, and recreation) is essential. The successful candidate will also have the talents and personality suited to team work, rigid schedules, and a varied task load. Dedication, flexibility, and imagination will be highly appreciated. Please send a cover letter, resume and writing samples to hr@urbanatomy.com. A full job description is available upon request. More job ads. Information on how to place a job ad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Li Ning picks up Evan Turner and USA Diving |
 In what could be its biggest get yet, China's leading sportswear brand, Li Ning, signed NBA rookie Evan Turner to an endorsement deal Monday. Turner, the 2010 NCAA National Player of the Year, was selected second overall in the draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Li Ning already has bigger NBA names in Shaquille O'Neal and Baron Davis, but both were signed when they were well past their prime.
USA Diving has also inked a contract with Li Ning, making it the team's official apparel sponsor through 2012. The brand's other non-Chinese national team sponsorships include Spain and Argentina's basketball teams, and USA Table Tennis.
Although these signings and Li Ning's opening of an Oregon concept store and R&D center have all lead to speculation that this could be China's first brand to become an international powerhouse, I've always said that these moves are more about creating an appearance for Chinese customers than about seriously competing with Nike and Adidas globally. Quoted in People's Daily, Ben Cavender of China Market Research Group puts it pretty clearly: ""What they don't admit to and what they are being slightly cagey about is that their strategy is to firm their position in China as a domestic brand. They can appeal to a certain Chinese nationalism by playing on being able to compete head-to-head with the major international brands because they have these big-time athletes."
Related: Can China's hottest sportswear brand go global?
Evan Turner image: Hi.baidu.com
This article also appeared on China Sports Today
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peking Uni Law Professor He Weifang: More press freedoms equal less revolt |
The argument that more press freedom is the first step towards political reform here in China is not new. But it feels like, with Wen Jiabao's recent remarks on the very subject and new protections for independent press, the doors have opened for academia to discuss their right to... well, discuss. China Media Project has translated a blog post by Peking University Professor of Law He Weifang comparing Shanghai and Guangzhou's media during the World Expo and Asian Games, respectively. Namely how, while Guangzhou's media was a storm of criticism, Shanghai's media 'had been “had.”' The most notable quote, I think, is something I've discussed with various Chinese locals who've insisted that more media freedom would lead to more chaos in China: "The people can voice their resentment through the newspaper pages and on the Internet, and this means they don’t have to take to the streets, and even less likely are they to stage a revolt."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask Shanghaiist: Should I be a pet foster parent/adopter? |
 Last month, we asked the folks at Jaiya's Animal Rescue to help us write up a guide for what you should do if you find a stray animal and your heart won't let you let it be. Now we're tackling the question of whether or not you should consider offering your home to one of these animals, from either just a couple of weeks to permanently. Save allergy issues and time constraints, we think you should! And here's why:
Every year, during the Spring/Summer season, many animals are born and abandoned in the streets, gardens and parks of Shanghai. Jaiya’s Animal Rescue (JAR) and other animal rescue groups do their best to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abandoned animals since all of them deserve a second chance in life. However, a major problem during this season is the number of animals being rescued coupled by the lack of foster parents and resources to help with this task.
Do you how important is the foster parent role in the running of an animal rescue organization? Do you know about the different types of foster parents needed?
In this article we present you four excellent reasons for being a foster parent while you are living in Shanghai and the different types of foster parents that you can be:
1 . Fostering is an ideal activity for people that love animals but cannot commit to having a lifelong pet in China. In fact, every additional foster parent that animal rescue groups can get represents in most cases the difference between life and death for animals abandoned in the streets, gardens and parks of Shanghai. Aside from regular day-to-day care (feeding, grooming, exercise), the responsibilities of a foster home may include basic training (housetraining, walking on leash, etc); behavior modification (to correct problems such as jumping, mouthing, barking, destructive chewing, dashing through doors, etc); socialization and temperament evaluation
(to determine whether the dog or cat is good with different types of people and other animals); medical care (dispensing medication, taking the animal to vet appointments), and of course plenty of playtime and snuggling.
2 . Most animal rescue groups in Shanghai do not have a shelter, so they depend on the help of rescuers and foster parents to take care of kittens, cats, puppies and dogs until they are adopted. The more foster parents they have, the bigger the number of abandoned and/or neglected animals they can help. In fact, a shelter is not a good option in many ways because dogs and cats can lose touch with being in a home environment. Hereafter, a network of foster homes can take a dog or cat in and give them the care and training they need: the one that can only be accomplished at home. Fostering also bridges the gap between total abandonment and a permanent home. Just think of a shelter dog's day: they can be in their cage (without human
contact) for more than 18 hours. If you multiply that by how many days they can be at the
shelter, then the risk with a long-term dog or cat is that they lose touch and exposure to a loving home, interacting with people and even with other pets.
3 . It is a hugely rewarding experience to give an abandoned and/or mistreated animal a second chance to recover its health, as well as to provide him with love and affection while he/she is waiting to get a permanent loving home. The most amazing thing is that rescued animals respond to your care with lots of love … they cannot talk, but certainly they show how much they appreciate all your efforts. Fostering a dog or cat may seem like a formidable task, but it is a very tangible way to make a difference. Everyone benefits: the foster parent gets to spend time with a special dog or cat, while an animal rescue group gets valuable help with rescued animals. The foster dog or cat gets a break from a very hard life of abandonment and neglect, and a second chance at becoming a cherished pet. Then, the new owners get a dog or cat that is better adapted to home life, and therefore has a better chance of remaining in the new home
forever.
4 . Pets reduce stress and anxiety! According to some studies, interacting with a dog or cat is a profound and effective stress reducer. It increases feelings of contentment and relaxation. Not for nothing dogs are described as man’s best friend! (even though for some people this applies to their cats!). Walking and/or playing with a pet is an effective mean of spending quality time at home, make exercise, reduce stress and anxiety, forget about the problems of the day ... and to give your foster cat or dog lots of love, exercise and entertainment! Please consider to be a foster parent … abandoned animals will appreciate your help with all their hearts!
Animal rescue organizations such as JAR always need more foster parents. For you it is a great way to have a “temporary” pet here in Shanghai if you cannot adopt, miss your own pet from home, you want to have a furry companion in general or if your own pet needs a friend to play and have company. By being a foster parent you get a companion and help save an animal at the same time! In the particular case of JAR, it needs to have foster parents for emergency cases (1-2 days) or long-term to foster dogs, cats, kittens or puppies.
In a similar way, JAR also needs “special care” foster parents who are willing to take in sick animals or animals that require bottle feeding in a regular basis every day. It would be ideal to have additional foster parents available during the holidays as sometimes foster parents, rescuers or adopters go on holidays (summer holidays, the October and May holidays, Christmas and Chinese New Year) or back to their home countries too.
JAR is always grateful to foster parents because it takes dedication, time and love. When you see a five-day old kitten or puppy survive because of the efforts that foster parents make, it is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment! So, if you like the idea of being a foster parent, please send us an e-mail! The JAR Group will be very happy to have your help!!!
Curious about what animals are up for adoption? Shanghaiist features some every month with our Pet of the Month articles. Both Jaiya's Animal Rescue and Second Chance Animal Aid have adopt-a-thons once a month for prospective new parents.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanghaiist Scrabble winners: Hoo Hoos! |
 Congratulation Hoo Hoos, for blasting past the competition at our most recent Shanghaiist Scrabble night! The five of you managed to throw up 1004 points worth of words onto the board, effectively beating out everyone else by quite a large margin! Hope you enjoyed the 250RMB worth of drinks and join us again for the next Shanghaiist Scrabble on September 28th.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Photo Set of the Day: Abandoned Buildings on Suzhou Creek |
       While one of them found a rollicking second life as a haunted house, there are other equally haunting buildings on Suzhou Creek that haven't been put to use. A member of our Shanghaiist Flickr pool, Hey It's William, went by last month to snap pictures of some of the abandoned, surprisingly graffitied, buildings by the water.
More photos on the Shanghaiist Contribute page. To see your photos on our Contribute page, use Flickr and tag your photos “shanghaiist”. Or you can email your photos to photos@shanghaiist.com and they will automatically appear on our site (and here).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tourists want to go to Shanghai most of all! |
Is it our sexy Bund waterfront? The promise of haggling in old merchant gardens? The Expo (probably not)? Whatever it is, Shanghai beat out Beijing and Chengdu as the place international tourists want to visit the most in China! The poll, co-conducted by Gallup and Fudan University, found that Shanghai ranked top in most of 12 qualities, which included criteria such as attractiveness, culture, environment, individuality, integrity and investment value. It was deemed lower, however, in security.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday Timewaster: Literal translations of Chinese songs |
We're not exactly who's behind these literal English translations of Chinese songs, but they seem to have gained quite a following! Youku user Ouzi (欧子, which could be literally translated into "Euro kid") has 27 videos of literal translations up on his page. The most recent one, about Chinese children's songs, was published 8 hours ago but has already garnered over 20,000 hits.
All of the different songs follow the same easy, but hilarious format. Ouzi makes a literal translation of the words of the song: for instance, “没有共产党就没有新中国" becomes "No the Communist Party, No the new China." Then he sings it in slightly tone deaf broken English and everybody, English-speaking or not, is entertained!
Besides translating Chinese songs into English, apparently Ouzi has also tried his hand at translating English songs into Chinese. These efforts have not met with as much acclaim (though it could be that he chose James Blunt to translate. Maybe netizens have better taste in music than I thought).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shandong deer refuses to drink water, only beer |
I was just in Qingdao for the weekend for the Beer Festival, but it looks like the real beer drinking fun was to be had in its northern neighbor Weihai. This deer has been known to knock back four beers over the course of the day and will often deny water in order to get more beer. Good thing it's Tsingtao, so no worries about the deer being dehydrated too quickly.
The Telegraph has more information:
According to Zhang Xiangxi, who works as a waitress at the resort's restaurant, she discovered the deer's unusual tastes last November when she was cleaning up after some customers. She says: "I saw a bottle of beer was still half full so I playfully passed it to the deer. Unexpectedly it bit the bottle and raised its head and drank all the beer in one shot." Since then, says Zhang, whenever there is any leftover beer she takes it to feed to the deer. She comments: "It has a growing addiction to beer. To begin with it was half a bottle but now it is several big bottles in a row. Her daily feed is around two bottles of beer."
The Sohu report on it also reveals that locals think the environment may have had an impact on this deer's tastes. Apparently, beer is spilled a lot in that area, so deer probably end up drinking it even when waitresses aren't pranking them. Also included in the Sohu report is some hilarious "funny moment" jazz music, which the Today show segment unfortunately does not have.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Typhoon Kompasu scares Shanghai's schools closed |
While today has been delightfully not typhooning so far (cross our fingers, knock on wood), apparently scares about Typhoon Kompasu coming to town actually closed all Shanghai schools on the day they were supposed to start. So yay! One extra day of summer vacation for all! School will start up tomorrow, but I wonder when the typhoon will actually hit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Princess Di's death anniversary used to sell underwear in China |
   Guangdong-based underwear company Jealousy International has been selling their Diana brand of underwear for years now. But to commemorate the anniversary of Princess Diana's death, they rolled out a new ad campaign featuring a half-naked Diana doppleganger playing a cello. Unfortunately, a British citizen was right there to capture it.
And then he told the Daily Mail about it:
A British journalist who happened to see the images this morning was appalled. Sam Chambers said: 'I was just going to collect my baggage from the carousel when I saw it flash up on a rolling advertising screen and couldn't quite believe what I was seeing.'
Mr Chambers, who is originally from Kent, but has worked in China for a decade, added: 'I thought, surely not, because it was rolling quite quickly. So I waited to check when it came up again and, sure enough, there was an image of Diana.
'It's all the more striking because today is the anniversary of her death.'
The company told China Radio International that, from the beginning, the "Diana" line was supposed to honor Princess Diana's taste in underwear. Their website for the line depicts Diana's taste as very faux "French Romantic," which leads me to wonder if they ever actually saw anything she wore.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Midweek Music Preview: Sassy Kraimspri, Black Violin and Jeff Lang! |
 All the live music picks for this city from now until Sunday. This week brings a smattering of southern Norway rock, some sassy Taiwanese indie, violinists getting all modern with classical pieces, local bands heading back to school and the return of Australian song maestro, Jeff Lang! If you recall, we interviewed him last year and were absolutely wowed by his performance. If these are all our picks, he's our pick of the week.
If you're looking for non-live music stuff to head out to, we covered that back in our Pencil This In.
WEDNESDAY
After being no-noed by the police earlier this year, Oscar's is bringing back its open mic night - where "special emphasis is being focused on the 'communal jam global village attitude where all are welcome to come and entertain or just enjoy the space. " To help you enjoy the space, all ladies' cocktails are free, select beers are 2-for-1 until 11pm, and if you perform, you get a free beer as well.
8:30pm to 11:45pm, Oscar's 1377 Fuxing Lu near Baoqing Lu, 复兴中路1377号
If you're in the mood for some Norway punk, Sassy Kraimspri hits Yuyintang tonight to throw up a mix between "Bosshog and Crass, Motorhead and PJ Harvey." That means that it'll be rockin' and soulful at the same time or something. 50RMB cover.
9pm, Yuyintang, 851 Kai Xuan Rd by West Yan'an Rd, 凯旋路851号
THURSDAY
ANTIDOTE brings you ‘Emil de Waal + Spejderrobot’ and Xiao He 小河 on September 2nd at Yuyintang. Something very different awaits you as intense drumming clashes with electro jazz. Experimentalism is the word of the evening. Cover: 30RMB
9pm, Yuyintang, 851 Kai Xuan Rd by West Yan'an Rd, 凯旋路851号
Never thought violining could be cool? Check out Black Violin, two classical-trained violinists who combine pieces like those of Bach with hip hop, jazz and funk. We knew Shostakovich was due for a mash up with Jay-Z! Wild! And it's sponsored by the USA Pavilion, so it's free!
9pm, Mao Livehouse, 570 Huaihai Xi Lu near Hongqiao Lu, 淮海西路570号
FRIDAY
Yuyintang welcomes all the local Shanghai school bands back on Friday night to rock out to their first school weekend (assuming Tyhoon Kompasu doesn't actually come). Come to see Five Fingers Dancing, Fivepence, Crossroad,Delusion and The Rank! 40RMB.
9pm, Yuyintang, 851 Kai Xuan Rd by West Yan'an Rd, 凯旋路851号
SATURDAY
Australian blues legend Jeff Lang returns to Shanghai to promote his new album, Chimeradour. Lang has been compared to the likes of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix for inspired and unique performances. Doors open at 9 PM. Cover charge: 60 RMB, 40 RMB with student ID.
9pm, Yuyintang, 851 Kai Xuan Rd by West Yan'an Rd, 凯旋路851号
On Saturday, Mao Livehouse is hosting Taiwanese indie group katncandix2. An indie duo began on the streets of Taipei, Sheng Zhe (guitarist/composer/producer) and Xiao Qiu (vocalist/lyricist) tell more stories about growth and being young in their 2010 new album, with folk-flavored songs such as the titular first single "Goodbye Prince", "Nice Day", "How Should I Put It?", and "The Traveler Who Cannot Return". RMB120, RMB150 at the door.
9pm, Mao Livehouse, 570 Huaihai Xi Lu near Hongqiao Lu, 淮海西路570号
SUNDAY
We welcome Beijing's Hao Yun, folk singer and songwriter, to Yuyintang for a mellow Sunday night. Called the "new spokesman of city folk," he has signed onto Universal Music and recently released his first album. 60RMB cover.
9pm, Yuyintang, 851 Kai Xuan Rd by West Yan'an Rd, 凯旋路851号
|
|
|
|
|
|
Job Ad: That's Shanghai magazine seeks senior editors |
 This is an advertisement. That's Shanghai magazine is recruiting for two senior editorial positions: Life & Style Editor and Food & Drink Editor. Preference will be given to applicants with the following: Strong writing skills, preferably with prior magazine experience and / or journalist qualification; Spoken Chinese; Familiarity with, and enthusiasm for, all things Shanghai; Strong organizational skills and 100 percent commitment to deadlines; An abundance of ideas, creativity and enthusiasm. Please send a cover letter, resume and writing samples to hr@urbanatomy.com. A full job description is available upon request. More job ads. Information on how to place a job ad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The next Shanghai Apple Store is located on Huaihai Lu |
   Back when we covered the opening of Shanghai's first apple store in the IFC building of Lujiazui, we mentioned that this was just the beginning of a full retail onslaught Apple had planned for China. Now several people have reported seeing the next Shanghai Apple Store on Huaihai Lu.
One tipster, who sent in the first picture, reported that it was located at the corner where there "was a computer/electronics market not too long ago (before it got shifted further east on Huaihai)..." The other two pictures are from MIC Gadget.
If what Apple's Senior Vice President of Retail Ron Johnson said was true, it is one of two other stores in Shanghai (and one of 23 in the entire country) that will open by 2012.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officials insist Shanghai smoking ban is working, 66 places fined |
Update on Shanghai's smoking crackdown: It took three months for the smoking ban to nab one establishment. Now, according to Xinmin, that number has risen to 66 as of June 30. Another 1,345 were given a warning. Unfortunately, that's hardly... well, anything. There's probably 66 stores in one section of a street here in Shanghai. But officials insist that the overall smoking rate in the city has gone down. Stats collected by their team of anti-smoke regulating volunteers found that the smoking rate at banned locations dropped to 28.1% from 37.5%, while incidences where people were discouraged from smoking went from 19% to 51.9%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Watch: Timelapse of the Italian Pavilion at Shanghai Expo |
Last month, we asked you guys to submitmovies to the Italian Pavilion's My Expo Movie contest and possibly send your submissions our way too. Now someone has done so - and just in time for Vimeo to go back behind the GFW. Boo. Well, I suggest you either get a vpn and watch this anyhow.
The movie is made by Joe Nafis, whose great timelapse videos we've featured before. Love timelapse as much as we do? Here's a couple more of other pavilions by other people.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Site Info
Links
Articles
Videos
News
Site features
Members
Styles
Links
Articles
Videos
News
