Life Is A Sasquatch

My Retirement.

2010-02-02T17:08:00.002+08:00

I never post on blogger anymore. It's sort of lame. In lieu of setting up anything more permanent, all of my random blog musings are moving to a new website. Please mark your Google Readers accordingly. (and if you don't have Google Reader, than maybe the internet is not for you).

http://joeydembs.posterous.com

learn it, live it, love it.

Live in China? Have Money? A Vibrant Nightlife? P1.cn Wants You to Join Their SNS

2010-02-02T16:50:00.001+08:00

Chances are, if you’re a young, affluent Chinese guy living in a large city of China, you’ve heard of P1.cn. Further chances are, your picture was taken by them and posted on their exclusively naughty and niche SNS community. You were probably then identified by a friend or co-worker and “tagged”. The next thing you know, you’re hooked into the P1.cn SNS world of exclusivity, affluence, and showmanship. So goes the life of a P1.cn user.

In a recent story on the Chinese tech blog, Mobinode, Gang Lu spoke with the founder of P1.cn, Wang Yu, who explains P1’s remarkable SNS philosophy.

“We brought in photographers who were asked to spend time in night clubs, shopping malls, etc. They took photos of fashionable young guys, then invited them to P1.cn in person and asked for their permission to use the photos on P1 to attract more users. It’s the strategy P1 has been using until now (P1.cn membership is also invitation based). It’s simple but really works. It helps us be sure of identity verification and it also guarantees the high quality of our user base.”

P1’s extremely niche focus is representative of China’s fragmented youth online landscape. Some Chinese youth netizens are seeking alternatives to massive SNS and BBS forums where their voices may get drowned out in the crowds of 10 to 20 million users.

P1.cn also posts ads from companies traditionally geared towards wealthy and affluent customers, including Bentley and TAG Heuer. Although the legitimacy of these ads is a question we choose not to delve into at this time, the future may point to an increased relationship between these affluent brands and P1’s affluent, niche community.

enoVate is an insights and design firm based in shanghai. we publish daily insights and develop creative solutions for China’s youth market. visit enoVate’s website for more information.

via psfk.com

my most recent article that I contributed to PSFK...

Posted via web from The Joey F. Dembs Extravaganza

In China Underworld, Hacking for Fun and Profit - NYTimes.com

2010-02-02T16:39:00.001+08:00

Indeed, in China — as in parts of Eastern Europe and Russia — computer hacking has become something of a national sport, and a lucrative one. There are hacker conferences, hacker training academies and magazines with names like Hacker X Files and Hacker Defense, which offer tips on how to break into computers or build a Trojan horse, step by step.
For less than $6, one can even purchase the “Hacker’s Penetration Manual.” (Books on hacking are also sold, to a lesser extent, in the United States and elsewhere.)
And with 380 million Web users in China and a sizzling online gaming market, analysts say it is no wonder Chinese youths are so skilled at hacking. Many Chinese hackers interviewed over the last few weeks describe a loosely defined community of computer devotees working independently, but also selling services to corporations and even the military. Because it is difficult to trace hackers, exactly who is behind any specific attack and how and where they operate remains to a large extent a mystery, technology experts say.
And that is just the way Majia, the young Chinese hacker, wants it. On condition that he not be identified by his real name, Majia agreed two weeks ago to allow a reporter to visit his modest home in a poor town outside Changsha, and watch him work.

via nytimes.com

Great Article from the New York Times, extremely relevant in a post- apocalyptic global economic landscape - hacking is cash, hacking is life.

Posted via web from The Joey F. Dembs Extravaganza

Hello World. ((joey dembs, life is a sasquatch))

2010-02-02T16:29:00.001+08:00

Hello, fellow readers, both from Life Is A Sasquatch and which ever country you have come from. This is my new experiment, Posterous.

Posted via email from The Joey F. Dembs Experience

My Next Sneakers.

2010-02-02T16:22:00.001+08:00

via hypebeast.com

loving these.

Posted via web from The Joey F. Dembs Experience

Shanghai's The Cottage Cafe

2009-10-18T11:17:00.003+08:00

Anna and I stumbled on the cool, low-key Cottage Cafe yesterday while walking around a gorgeous day. This place feels sort of like a mix between a Salvation Army and an upscale coffee joint. We had a really great homemade ginger ale and some blue cheese bruscheta (and some extremely Chili rice and chicken, not worth mentioning..whoops). I half expected people to be smoking joints in the open air "Smoking Room" upstairs...

Smart Shanghai of course has a write-up.

(Photos taken from iPhone, click for larger)

New Apartment in Shanghai...

2009-10-10T20:21:00.002+08:00

Well, it's been a long time. I have no excuses other than I've been busier than dirt and the Chinese government makes it difficult, ahem, stupidly hard to access Blogger. So here we are. Lucky for you, maybe not me, I know how to get on here. But it won't be a regular thing anymore. I'm working on a new personal blog / website to satiate everyone who needs to keep tabs on my personal life. I digress.

I MOVED. oh, and ANNA MOVED TO SHANGHAI. kind of a big deal. We're now living in a great apartment space in the heart of the French Concession. I know you're curious to see our new place. Well people, lucky for you (again, not me) I filmed a tour of our apartment! It's amazingly exciting, or a bit boring, whichever you prefer. Enjoy. (It's in two parts, so bear with me.)

Shanghai Apartment Tour Part 1 @ Yahoo! Video

Shanghai Apartment Tour Part 2 @ Yahoo! Video

Roger Chan x Mark Williams S/S 09 Photos...

2009-06-20T18:34:00.003+08:00

Featuring ME!

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to take some photos for Roger Chan's new S/S '09 Bag line. Most turned out pretty dope! Here are some that didn't make his site (and I actually prefer):

One Night In Beijing...

2009-06-18T23:13:00.004+08:00

This film; shot, edited, and produced in about 12 hours by Guardian writer Dan Chung gives a great depiction of not only Beijing at night, but also China living in the the night as a whole. Many images captured in film here bring back vivid memories of living up north in the winter time. Great 4 minute film. Enjoy. Via (PSFK)

Canon EOS5DmkII, One night in Beijing. from Dan Chung on Vimeo.

Antidote. The Antithesis of of Corporate Concerts.

2009-05-24T21:31:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I attended the Antidote music festival in Zhujiajiao, a miniature relic in the far outskirts of Shanghai. Having no idea what to expect from a one day, daytime DJ / Electronic music festival in the center of a famous Shanghai water town, I soon realized that "Antidote" was not the proper name for this venue. "Antithesis" better suits the exclusive and organic nature of this uber-cool, corporate be damned festival.

A direct contrast from heavily branded and sponsored festivals I have attended in the States, Antidote parlays it's exclusivity and organic nature into an extremely fulfilling experience (the one major brand sponser I noticed, Vedett sells beer. Beer sponsors are of course exempted from criticism). For example, examining my ticket, I noticed they were individually numbered by hand and only 450 were dished out. This made me feel exclusive and and entitled to be attending such an event. Companies looking to tap into a successful "experience" and "environment" should keep in mind this level of exclusivity. It's an overall mindset of witnessing something amazing and knowing there are only 449 other people sharing the same experience. It's impossible to feel this way in the midst of hundreds of thousands.

Antidote's locale was set in a four-walled traditional Chinese courtyard. In order to find the venue, one had to first traverse through Zhujiajiao's picturesque bridges and waterways. There was definitely an "adventure" type feeling to finally getting there. And the setting also provided a great way to gain a more rounded perspective of Chinese culture and music. The interconnectedness was both natural and stimulating.

The mix of hipster laowai's from all over the world, local Chinese youth, curious older Chinese people, and the gazing eyes of bewildered Chinese cops is an astute example of globalization and international influence among China's youth. Music has long acted as a cultural bridge and Antidote continued much in this tradition. Foreigners danced to Chinese DJ's such as Ben Huang and B6, and old Chinese people were cutting rugs to foreign acts, such as... It was also great to watch the artists finish their sets and then mingle in the crowd, enjoying the other shows, having a blast. Music is superb at bringing together diverse and eclectic people, and musical events in China such as Antidote, and other future events will continue to be a way for China's music scene to grow. I hope to continue to see a cross transfer of musical ideas and cultural influences between China's youth and international youth. It makes the world flatter, the music better, and party-goers drunker.

I don't want to be forgotten.

2009-05-18T01:19:00.002+08:00

There's a lot going on my mind right now about being indispensable. Showing that I matter. Making a strong impression so that people don't walk by me and say, "oh that guy, his name is uhh..."

But now I'm worried about being dispensable. I've been out of the United States for almost 7 months now. And it's looking like it will be longer. When you are gone, people forget about you. This is human nature. There's only so much I can do via the Internet to stay in contact with friends, family, and loved ones back home.

I don't want to be forgotten.

I love my job right now. It's exciting, I'm learning so much every single day, and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. But how do you balance the difficulties of not being that happy outside of work? When you've spent your whole life building up a great core of friends and then you leave all of them behind and move to China, it takes a bit of time to accumulate another great group of friends. Part of me is like "Why try?" Everyone here in Shanghai is networking, networking, networking. Mutually molesting social relationships for maximum corporate mobility. I hate that aspect. I like building friends in an organic way, sharing similar interests, similar pitfalls, similar goals. But this is also difficult in an environment where everyone my age is either teaching English or dicking around China like salmon swimming upstream in the Spring. I have met a lot of cool people, and I've only been in Shanghai for almost 2 months. These things take time. But do I have the time? Do I have the effort?

I don't want to be forgotten.

Part of me wants to just move back home and visit every single one of my friends to let them know that I still exist. I'M HERE, LET'S HANG OUT, DRINK A BEER. This would make a lot of people happy, myself included. I've had to deal with a lot of bullshit to get to this point in China. Constant visa issues. Ridiculous hassles with the Bank of China. Cross-country travels on busses, trains, and planes. I've yet to pause and catch a gasp to grasp the reality of the whole situation. I'm just riding things out and walking through a jungle blind-folded trying to find my way. I know looking back on this period in my life, I will be in awe of myself. Not in a conceited, I'm the shit type of way, just a wow, you really accomplished a lot for being a shy guy growing up without a lot of street smarts. I'm trying to advance my career, but at what costs? Perpetual bouts of loneliness, scraping financial stresses, moving cities with no one to welcome me...I've paid these costs and I'm almost down to my last nickel in my pocket.

I don't want to be forgotten.

I also don't want pity. Maybe some people are jealous of me. Maybe others think I lead a ridiculously exciting life, I'm not sure what anyone thinks. I'm not thinking about what other people think, I'm just acting on impulse and instinct. It's gotten me pretty far and I'm relying on it to take me where I want to go. I'm also staying positive. Anxiety is a burden that confronts people who are to scared to take action and do something about their anxiety. The pieces will fall into place, the sand will crunch through the hour glass, and someday I will come home, hopefully not forgotten.

April 77 Autumn / Winter 2009.

2009-05-12T08:17:00.003+08:00

April 77 officially just killed it with this line. Damn.

Check out more looks here.

Adidas Vulcanized Slim.

2009-05-09T23:20:00.002+08:00

These shoes are killing it on so many levels. Damn.

Available at select Adidas originals concepts stores.

MIDI Festival in Zhenjiang.

2009-05-06T23:16:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday, my roommate Max and I took a spontaneous day trip to Zhenjiang, a city about 2 hours away from Shanghai for the MIDI Music Festival. There were some pretty famous Chinese bands there (I still had never heard of them) and overall it was a great day. I'm too lazy to make this post very extensive with music and things like that, so just enjoy some pics! I have some video too, but my internet is too slow to upload anything (plus Youtube is still censored in China).

If you want to read about some youth trends and insights I gathered while at MIDI, check out my blog post at enoVate's blog: (some of the same pics are the same.)

Pics!

Hong Kong is China's Bitch.

2009-04-30T20:16:00.003+08:00

Or is it the other way around?!

Sorry for the shock blog post title. I do not feel this way, nor have any reason to.

This past Monday, I had to fly to Hong Kong to take care of some visa issues. Basically if I didn't leave the country, I would have been fined heavily and probably deported. Luckily, at my new internship with eno, they gave me an invitation letter, so shit was supposed to be correct on a six month business visa.

Well it wasn't. Something got lost in translation and I was only given 30 days more to stay in China. The people at eno have promised to get things straightened out and I should be here for longer.

Anyways, as a perceptive human being, I of course noted many nuances about the Hong Kong social and cultural scene and would like to share some of my thoughts:

- Girls in Hong Kong are less cautious about exposing their legs or arms through the way they dress. I'm not sure if it's because the weather is hotter or it's just more socially acceptable in Hong Kong, but I saw A LOT more legs and shoulders. Girls in Shanghai tend to wear more skin colored or multi-colored stockings and t-shirts or sweaters.

- Not that I was looking for or buying it, but I kept noticing excessive amounts of blatant XXX porn being sold at regular magazine stands. The kids man! Think about the kids!

- Flannel in China is very popular. However, when people wear flannel in Shanghai, it generally looks tacky and dumb. Yet, guys and girls rocking flannel in Hong Kong still make it look fresh. Good work.

- I felt like everyone was wearing some form of Crocs footwear. How are Crocs in Hong Kong defying downward global popularity and general disliking? Not too sure.

- Double-decker 2D trolley cars are hilarious to watch on the streets. I feel like they are going to tip over or something. Great method of advertising though.

- Cantonese is even harder to understand than Mandarin. This did not make things very easy for me.

Those are my Hong Kong thoughts. Here are some pics!

The Life of an Intern.

2009-04-26T14:24:00.002+08:00

I apologize for the lack of updates, most of my creative thoughts and ideas are going into my slave labor positions, I mean unpaid internships. Ha, I got jokes.

Anyways, I actually am really enjoying my internships and the type of work I am doing. Let me give everyone a breakdown of some of the things I am doing:

I'm conducting market research and innovation insights for a really smart and motivated individual named Dara MacCaba at his company Lucid 360. We're working on a lot of ground breaking market research techniques that are very revolutionary in the field of market research. These center around private online communities and psychological deep dives to extract unique insights from consumers.

In a similar vein, I just started as a marketing / market research intern at Chinese streetwear clothing company eno (http://eno.cn). eno has unique access and knowledge of youth Chinese consumers, so they have spun off a side company called enoVate (http://enovatechina.com). enoVate acts as a consulting connection between foreign companies and eno's creative design team. Companies come to enoVate for innovation, ideas and product designs.

It's my job here to help formulate the market research methodologies to best extract information from youth Chinese consumers. Not an easy task, but it's an interesting challange. I'm also doing trend forecasting, and thought leadership pieces. And on the daily I'm creating content ( for enoVate's blog (which I also designed!) and enoVate's twitter account (follow us!).

In addition to these two internships I'm also contributing content for Adam Schokora's 56minus1 blog which looks at digital media, art, trends, music ,etc. in China. It always has great content and I'm honored to be writing some pieces for it. It was just named one of the Top Ten Most Eclectic English language blogs about China.

AND I'm doing part-time English teaching subbing on weekends. So, clearly my free time for blogging is at a minimum. BUT, I will try my best to be a little more consistent.

Supra - The Strapped Sneaker

2009-04-15T13:56:00.002+08:00

I don't normally mess with Supra's (a little steezy for me), but this pair combines unique textures and colors, excellent attention to detail, and of course, my favorite sneaker material: suede. Would love to cop.

152$ at Karmaloop

Roger Chan: Local Shanghai Bag Designer.

2009-04-15T13:24:00.003+08:00

I sat down yesterday with local artist and designer Roger Chan (陳中海) to discuss his new collection of unisex bags called TAXI by Chan.

I recently purchased one of his bags at Loomoo and I was struck by the organic and natural Chinese characteristics of the bag. I asked Chan why the collection is named "Taxi" and his response affirmed by first impression.

"I named the collection Taxi because taxis are everywhere in Shanghai and in China. They also represent a certain openness and extroverted character that I use in the colors of my bags. It's also about being close to the street."

In a further written explanation Chan says he draws inspiration from old Chinese things. The green canvas bag with distinctive Chinese characters he was carrying yesterday was modeled after bags used by old postmen of Shanghai.

He says the main consumer for his bag is the youth of Shanghai. TAXI by Chan's subtle and mature styles are in direct contrast to the flashy glitz and materialistic nature of higher end designer bags. His most recent collection features materials from local fabric stores and utilizes canvas and other industrial materials.

Roger Chan began making his bags as a hobby in college and decided to pursue design as a full-time profession. He has put out bag collections for the past three years. "When I'm not designing, I like to spend most of my time relaxing," he said as he smoked cigarette after cigarette.

Many designers in Shanghai force patterns and trends down the throats of their consumers. But Chan remains consistent with his mature and classic style. This is easily reflected in the quality and styling of his Taxi by Chan collection.

A recent quote from John C. Jay, Co-Executive Creative Director of W+K Tokyo, examines a recent youth Japanese consumer trend: "Young Japanese consumers have turned their attention to local brands, not because of price but for the uniqueness that they offer."

China is not quite at this tipping point yet, but once they are tired of the "Westernization" of their consumer goods, designers like Roger Chan will step up to satiate their local flavor.

Taxi by Chan can be purchased fine local retailers such as Loomoo at No. 348, North ShanXi Rd. and other select retailers. Also visit his website to see more of Taxi by Chan at www.bychvan.cn. He can be reached by e-mail at rogerchan1900@gmail.com

The IL bag in canvas and green industrial material.

Nike Tennis Classic Vintage.

2009-04-12T20:12:00.003+08:00

I would buy these in a half second.

130$USD here.

Links to Facebook Pictures.

2009-04-10T22:53:00.002+08:00

To everyone that does not have access to Facebook, here are some links to my Shanghai pics.

Shanghai 1.
Shanghai 2.

Passover in Shanghai.

2009-04-10T22:16:00.002+08:00

I thought it might be interesting to see what events if any were being held for Passover in Shanghai. Well, it turns out zero. Meshuganah.

A little more online digging led me to discover that there are only two synagogues still standing in Shanghai. So getting my Jew on, I traveled over to Ohel Rachel Synagogue today.

The Synagogue is located inside a fenced compound with other buildings of whose functions I do not know. So, at the gate, there was a security guard, who would absolutely not let me go inside. I told him I was Jewish and that today was a very important holiday. No budge.

He told my roommate Max in Chinese, that if I could gather some other local Jews and petition the government for a guest pass, they would let us go inside and visit. Maybe in the future.

The history of Jews in Shanghai is actually very fascinating and I wish I had more time to do some local research. The Shanghai Jewish Center online gives a lot of interesting facts and Jewish related sights around Shanghai. Check it out.

English Teaching Jobs in China = Restaurant Jobs in Amerca.

2009-04-09T23:43:00.005+08:00

I made this comment a while ago in regards to the similarities between English teaching jobs in China and general restaurant type jobs in America. Let me break it down a little further.

There are many reasons why I make this connection.

- If you can speak English you can be an English teacher in China. Just about that simple. If you have hands and a brain, you can work in a restaurant in America. Just about that simple.

- There's an interesting similarity in the ethno-immigrant type worker who apply for these sort of jobs. In China, you have many Africans, Eastern Europeans, and other non-Native English speakers who can speak English as a second language and come to China because English teachers make high wages. In America, (particularly in larger, or more affluent cities) you have immigrants from all over the world who come to work in restaurants where they can make considerably higher wages than in their home country.

- There's always some sort of under the table, grey area type shady dealings that go on in the hiring process. It's convenient for English school bosses to hire illegal workers to teach English, just as it's way more convenient for restaurant bosses to hire illegal immigrants to wash dishes or do other jobs in the kitchen.

- If you get fired from one job, you can pretty much find another job with a snap of your fingers. This is exactly the same in both industries.

- The demographics of workers in both industries tend to be 25-40 year old, single men, living a vagrant lifestyle.

EDIT:

Let me clarify a few things. Ok, both are not necessarily mindless or remedial jobs. I'm referring to the fact that I feel both jobs do not require advanced skills or advanced learning to perform the duties required by each job. In fact, most people who work in these jobs are overqualified individuals who work these jobs because the pay is good. I'm also obviously not referring to Managers or Specialized Chefs or Head Teachers or Bosses as these are upper-level positions unlike the entry-level positions I am referring to.

In the Words of John C. Jay

2009-04-08T23:54:00.002+08:00

John C. Jay is the Executive Creative Director and partner of Wieden+Kennedy. He blogs on honeyee.com. He has some great wisdom. Take heed.

"The computer has given us instant knowledge, but it didn't make us all smart. It teaches new skills but it doesn't make everyone equal as a creator of ideas, art or communications...
The new democracy of creativity offered by technology has unleashed a wonderful spirit of self-expression, young people can make their ideas become a reality without the barriers of corporations and institutions. Open source alliances, consumer created designs, a new generation which thrives on collaboration has given the creative process a deep well of ideas and the creative community has grown in both size and relevance.

However, it also dramatizes the need, more than ever, for strong leadership as we yearn for the visionary with cultural acuity. In this global sea of opinion and ideas; the art of craft, uniqueness and originality fueled by a passionate personal point of view is paramount. It is time for all creative people to step up their game. Being truly "creative" today demands a greater depth and breadth of skills.

There are so many wonderful aspects to our new creative democracy and we all benefit from a culture of openness. However, the ability to make something of the highest quality and originality takes talent and a passionate devotion to the skills of "making". Having the ability to execute, to make an idea into reality changes your thinking, concepting power and approach to ideas. This skill is what separates the truly creative and those with ideas. It doesn't matter if we are dealing with old media or new media...skill and talent still rules.

Case in point, I write a blog....but that clearly doesn't make me a Writer."

I feel many people, myself included, must reflect on these words and push harder into the fields of being creative rather than simply thinking we are creative.

Vivism Fabro Folk Loafer

2009-04-08T17:42:00.003+08:00

I warned of a penny loafer resurgence for the next year. Vivism of course is on top of it with a ridiculously dope pair. Me want.

Umm, only about $580 USD here.

回力鞋子 - Warrior Athletic Shoes

2009-04-08T01:27:00.004+08:00

I've recently created the job description for myself, "wanderer arounder". That's basically what I do all the time right now. Can't complain.

Yesterday on another of my, "let's go out and get lost" treks around Shanghai, I stumbled onto a shop called Culture Matters:

I'm a strong believer in culture, and I feel it matters, so of course I had to go inside. Other than the most random American and English CD's and DVD's on the planet, they had a whole wall stocked with classic Chinese and Shanghaiese sneakers! They had Feiyue's (the Chinese version, not the new, high-priced French version. Though they are the same.), and they had Warrior's. Much scoping led me to discover a great pair of olive, canvas lace-up sneakers. Classic styling, interesting details, and a unique history. A fantastic purchase at only 100RMB.

dope.

UPDATE:

Found this really cool advertisement for Warrior.

Looks old, but actually says Bringing Athletics to China for 70 years. Cool stuff.

Warrior has a nice throwback logo as well. They should bring more of this stuff back. I love it.

Fear of Failure : Another Baseball Analogy.

2009-04-06T22:07:00.002+08:00

Today is baseball's opening day. This post has nothing to do with that. Other than the business / baseball analogy.

A lot of times when I do things, projects, poetry, writing blogs, etc. I always want to hit a home run, or do the best that I can. I think this is simply human nature. But I'm always afraid of failure or not being satisfied with my finished product. This will cause me to just not do something. A shame, I know.

The New York Times has an interview with John Donahoe, President and CEO of eBay, who explains that he at one point also shared this mentality. But a former co-worker of his gave him this advice:

" I didn’t know it at the time, but I was suffering from a real fear of failure. Kent said, “You know, John, your challenge is you’re trying to bat .900.” And he said: “When you were in college, you got a lot of A’s. You could get 90, 95 percent right. When you took your first job as an analyst, you were really successful and felt like you were batting .900.”

But he said, and this is probably five years into my career: “Now you’ve moved from the minor leagues. You’re playing in the major leagues, and if you expect to bat .900, what happens is, either you come up at bat and you freeze because you’re so afraid of swinging and missing, or you’re a little afraid to step into the batter’s box.

He said, “Best I can tell, the best hitters in Major League Baseball, world class, they can strike out 6 times out of 10 and still be the greatest hitter of all time.”

And he said, “That’s my philosophy — the key is to get up in that batter’s box and take a swing. And all you have to do is hit one single, a couple of doubles, and an occasional home run out of every 10 at-bats, and you’re going to be the best hitter or the best business leader around.” You can’t play in the major leagues without having a lot of failures."

I think that I really need to take this advice. Obviously it follows the old cliche that says you can't succeed by not trying, but for some reason this makes more sense to me. The greatest batters in Major League Baseball hit around .350 - .390 and the extraordinary ones hit better than that.

So as long as I can hit one home-run out of ten in life, then I have great chance of being successful. I'll take those chances.

MY NEW BIKE!

2009-04-05T00:07:00.002+08:00

Every day in Shanghai has been an adventure. Yesterday was no different. I decided I wanted to purchase a bike. My roommate Max found one on Taobao for 130RMB. So we traveled about 35 minutes outside of Shanghai to locate the guy selling this bike. After some nail-biting negotiating, we settled on 70RMB and I had my new bike.

Max was telling me stories about bike sellers in Shanghai who will walk with you down the street and you point out a bike you want, and they say, "Wait, ten minutes." Ten minutes later you have a new bike. Have to love the Chinese entrepreneurial mindset.

One of the 1000 things I love about China is that every block of every area in China has a Mr. Fix-Anything-With-Two-Wheels guy. These dirty bike fixers park themselves on a corner, spread out all of their shit and fix bikes all day. Yesterday I dealt with two of them. The first one I bought a new bell from. (My bike cost 70RMB, but a new bell and lock cost 35RMB, Chinese consumerism these days, geez.) On the bike ride back home, my inner wheel bladder got a hole, but of course, a dirty bike fix-it guy was only a few minutes away. 2RMB later, my wheel was patched up and ready to cruise.

My bike is a classic Forever. This is an old Shanghai brand. According to there website:

"Shanghai Forever Co., Ltd was founded in 1940, and has established a world wide reputation for producing the Forever brand traditional bicycle, children bike, and mountain bike – one of the largest and best established bicycle companies in the world."

Pics:

Early Impressions of Shanghai...

2009-04-04T23:24:00.002+08:00

A good example of the Neoclassical architectural style that can be found all over Shanghai. Most of it was built in the 1930's before the Communist party forced most outside influences out of China. Shanghai at one point in the early 1900's was one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. I believe it's almost come full circle on regaining this claim.

Along Nanjing Dong Road. This is one of about 20 large mall type areas in Shanghai it seems.

The Pearl Tower on the Pudong side of the river. It's function is technically a large TV tower. It has become one of the central icons of modern-day Shanghai.

Looking across to The Bund side of the River.

Only in China.

The bridges in Shanghai are brightly lit and act as picturesque landmarks, especially at night.

Main entrance to 1933, a creative / art gallery / shopping area.

Interesting combination of Western and Eastern architecture utilized by this church.

A typical old style street. People still live in those homes above the shops.

Along the Suzhou River. This separates The Bund and the Pudong regions.

There is construction at almost every junction, area, road, building, etc. in Shanghai.

Money shot!

My apartment building looks like this.

Great Fall '09 Look from Wood Wood...

2009-03-29T22:05:00.001+08:00

Shanghai Architecture.

2009-03-29T18:38:00.002+08:00

On my walk yesterday I became enamored with many buildings featuring a unique brick architectural style. I haven't done much research about the origins of this style, but I will. Here are some examples:

Click for larger.

My Roommates new A-Bike.

2009-03-29T18:32:00.002+08:00

A-Bikes are a collapsible A-Frame bike that are extremely lightweight and feature smaller, more mobile wheels. The concept of a collapsible bike is nothing new, but the cheap cost, low weight, and functionality of the A-Bike makes it one of the most promising ones to catch on with a global audience. I worry slightly about overweight people though. It also sort of reminds of the Razor Scooter, but more technical and practical.

My new Chinese roommate bought a knockoff Chinese version of course. 350RMB! I might have to indulge...

The BLB Declares War On Sobriety...

2009-03-19T10:32:00.001+08:00

The Future is Bright...

2009-03-18T23:51:00.002+08:00

Lights

of Shanghai
of my computer
of nearby.

My future I cannot see
black folds tied
behind my head
too tight it
hurts. One
poke two pokes
tiny pokes
torturing my eyes &
teasing them with light.

I wrote this poem May 21st, 2008. Almost 10 months ago. I had just graduated college and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. The imagery in this poem is of a person wearing a blind-fold and someone is poking tiny holes in it until finally all of the light rushes in and they can see things clearly. This is sort of how I felt leaving college.

I vividly recall a memory from my sophomore year in college: I'm in New York City with some of my fraternity brothers visiting some recent Michigan graduates and they ask me why I'm majoring in Chinese studies, etc., etc. And I tell them, "To be honest? My goal in life is to have an apartment and a scooter and live in Shanghai." They laughed and said that this goal was pretty attainable. Well, easier said than done, I suppose.

Shortly I will be living up to these dreams and moving to Shanghai. Shanghai to me is like a combination of the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz and the old American wild west. There are riches and tall buildings, but also opportunities. I feel this is the first step in realizing many of my dreams.

Dreams or Nightmares.

2009-03-17T15:51:00.004+08:00

This is a poem I wrote the other day. It's basically about wanting what you can't have. On days when you have everything you want nothing. On days when you have nothing you want everything. Enjoy.

Dreams or Nightmares

Sometimes on rainy days
I dream of sun-spackled rays
or sit in the dark,
a nest of absolute gray
in the morning in the middle
of something
I don't want to wake
afraid this something,
I cannot explain, floats away
a ruminated thought lost, caught by a tail
buried deep in my brain.

Or on cloudless sun-filtered days
I hope for cold insolent fingertips
beating me senseless
rain
these dreams in my sleep
where pain does not permeate
unless you die in your sleep
of old age though even then no one knows
what lies beyond the grave
my money's on nothing,
sandals, a robe, some grapes

shook off the vine no sentiments just to make
wine or champagne
a vintage bottle from 1979 or 1988
to celebrate New Years, Bar Mitzvah's,
your best friend's wake
a drink or two, a drinky-poo! always.

So is the culture
of decay; it begins as a child learns to speak
and the first letter of the alphabet is "A"
dreams don't forget
they haunt you hunting you
hide from mistakes
it could take the rest of your life to make them go away.

A Panjin Hospital Visit.

2009-03-17T14:10:00.002+08:00

I have developed a canker sore in my mouth the size of Panjin. It hurts to talk, eat, drink, think, breathe, etc. So today I finally decided that I needed to take action on this. I call up Simon who says we can make a visit to the local hospital.

We arrive and it is pretty much what I expected from a Chinese hospital. It's quite barren, not much activity, and it lacks the cleanly nature of hospitals in America. We walk in through flaps covering the doors, which I guess is the sanitary way to keep germs out of the hospital. Again, like most buildings, I feel a breeze and no change in temperature from the outside. We stop and look around and it seems that everyone is on their Chinese siesta, which again is normal for around 1:00pm in the afternoon. The receptionist says that if it is urgent we can wander around and find a doctor. It wasn't very urgent, but we decide to wander around anyway. No doctor was to be found. Luckily I just had a canker sore taking up the whole right side of my mouth and not anything more serious.

We wait outside and talk about the American and Chinese space programs. Both of us share the same sentiments and wonder why America is still sending people into space. It seems to be a waste of taxpayer money. But China has just announced they will be sending a mission to the moon in about 2 years. Um, hey China, sorry to inform you, we accomplished that about thirty years ago. Simon interjects and says that American scientists know too much. I agree, but I personally think that China has the capabilities to catch up to the United States and eventually pass us.

After about twenty minutes, we go back into the hospital and wait in line. Simon fills out information for himself, even though I'm the one who needs attention. This is no big deal. You have to respect the socialist methods of this hospital visit. Apparently visits are covered under the Chinese people's national health care plan. This visit would be offset by a charge of 4RMB, or about 60 cents. Magical.

We are sent to the fourth floor where there are patients lingering around and Simon nabs a doctor walking down the hall. I'm not sure if there's a method or queue on this floor. Some of the signs had English describing rooms for Oral Cavity problems and the Doctor of Stomatology. I want to be a Stomatologist when I grow up! The doctor points me to a chair in a room that slightly resembles the basement of the old Munster family house. There's a jar on the table by my seat that looks like it contains three year old ear wax.

The doctor opens my mouth and sees the canker sore. She then puts some bitter numbing thing directly on it which causes me to writhe in pain. While the piece of material is in my mouth she begins examining my teeth and keeps exclaiming how every tooth is perfect. I tell her I visit the dentist about once or twice a year. She nods understandingly. She decides I've had enough Chinese Orajel for this visit and she asks Simon and I to follow her. We go into a back closet where she explains to Simon that a) we could either go downstairs and pay full price for this little tub of mouth sore cream, or b) pay her 10RMB less and she can hand it over right now. We go with option b. Simon tells me that if we went through the hospital, it would take more time and the doctor would receive none of the money for this treatment. This makes me feel better about illegally paying her. She was nice and helpful.

Total time spent on this visit = 1 hour. Total money spent on this visit = 34RMB or about 5 US dollars. And I have more insight into the Communistic practices of Chinese hospitals. Time and money well spent.

Apolis Activism is dope.

2009-03-13T12:11:00.001+08:00

Some fresh Spring '09 gear.

The Cool Kids. "Pennies".

2009-03-13T00:22:00.002+08:00

I first discovered The Cool Kids in April 2007 (read my blog post here) and I heralded their homage to throwback rap while still maintaining a futuristic edge. Well, fast forward to 2009 and so-called "hipster rap" has ushered in many more acts with a similar sound.

This video is great. Mainly for the fact that Chuck English raps about '89-90 Bad-Boy era Pistons, WHILE wearing a throwback Joe Dumars jersey. I almost cried tears of coolness and joy.

Can't wait for the new album, coming out sometime soon hopefully.

A Cliff Called Infinite

2009-03-10T16:16:00.003+08:00

There are cracks in my shower
where the shampoo lingers
and festers, harboring perhaps
micro molecular organisms
nano-soldiers fighting the good war
on non-sick individuals
their knives tiny
thrashing through my nose-hair
making serious headway
to capital, Brain City.

It's odd in China
customs dictate that a sneeze is not obliged with a pleasantry
I guess it makes sense
Why dignify particles blasting off out of the nose
and the horrendous blabber it all makes, quite ugly,
it makes me feel good though.

I stare at my new 40-watt light bulb
in the shower because Science told me something
about the inter-connectivity of light and your nasal tingles
not unlike the reaction ignited by staring at bosoms
not your grandma's
and a subsequent pool stick striking the cue ball
eight ball back wall corner pocket type of C & E
all in a simultaneous instant slightly complicated to comprehend
I understand.

Back to the crack in the wall
it's shaped like a smile
though a cautionary shrill smile
lacking glee and friends
it's a mimicry mocking me maybe a mini-cry for pity
always laughing and cracking up.
(I pause for a round of ironic chuckling.)

I turn off the water,
forgot to hit my armpits, shit
again I turn off the water.

As naked as I stand
As lonely as I am
my feet grip the towel's fringes
almost like dangling toes over the edge of a cliff called infinite
or a crack called life,
make a decision
achoo.

Another Great Spring Jacket.

2009-03-09T17:23:00.003+08:00

I'm obsessed with jackets and outerwear. They always add such a great dimension to your wardrobe and outfit. Stussy is a pioneer in the streetwear fashion movement. An OG brand for real. And everyone needs a varsity jacket. This one is on point.

Buy here.

Sneaker Feedback.

2009-03-08T22:15:00.003+08:00

Sent to me by loyal Sasquatch reader, Mr. Jeremy Levine, here is a picture of a recently purchased pair of Nike's that were featured in my Spring Sneaker '09 post.

The Ironic Hello.

2009-03-06T15:32:00.002+08:00

Today I witnessed an ironic "Hello!"

I'm not speaking of a "Hello!" in Chinese, no I mean an outright, one old Chinese man to another Chinese man, "Hello!"

I heard it and turned around. I thought maybe they were aware of my presence and they were mocking me, but no. I was completely incognito in line at the grocery store.

This is the second time I've heard such gesture happen at the grocery store. Both instances could not be more different.

The first instance was witnessed when two Chinese mom's were pushing shopping carts. In each shopping cart was a young, perhaps 6 year old boy. I assumed the boys were classmates of some sort because they got excited when they saw each other. But to my surprise, one said "Hello!" to the other! The mom's both laughed as if this was normal.

English is not widely spoken in Panjin, but every person can undoubtedly say "Goodbye" or "Hello!" I'm now wondering if the English "Hello!" has become as cognizant as the English "Bye Bye!" The English "Bye Bye" is used universally in China as an ending exchange on the telephone.

Perhaps the "Hello!" remains ironic in a similar sense as "Hola!" in America. Many Americans like to differentiate their greetings resulting in some interesting variations of "Hello!". I will have to keep my ears open for more ironic hello's.

A Global Anti-Depressant.

2009-03-06T01:51:00.004+08:00

Look up the word "depression" in the dictionary. Scroll past the melodramatic explanation of severe and disturbing psychological despondency, or a prolonged economic recession and settle on the definition stating, ahem, "a sunken place or hollow on a surface". That sounds better now doesn't it? Perhaps the word depression needs to be reconquered from these fallow and brutal connotations and reinstated as simply a description word for something with a dent in it.

Every car I've ever driven (for the most part) has had a slight depression. They still drove well, I treated them reasonably well, just, once in a while, a brick wall would come out of nowhere and I would swipe it. This had little outcome on the performance of the car; it still drove smooth, the engine ran great, the tires were still filled with air...

The word depression has been floating around in the air quite a bit these days. Sometimes you see it with a capital D in reference to some disastrous event in the 1930's, or you see people becoming inflicted with this "d" word disorder due to circumstances detrimental to the current economic state. What may have you, the world seems to be rotating with a slight depression in it's axis, a global dent.

Let's go back to my initial definition for depression: "a sunken place or hollow on the surface". Ok, got that? Now let's bury every other meaning for depression in this hollow place below the surface and leave it there like roiling waste sewage.

Sometimes I get the sense that people think the world is almost about to end. I don't understand these people. These may be the same people that have lost all of their savings on the stock market or now realize that they owe more money on their house than it is even worth. For these people I sympathize with. Yet, I do not feel sorry for the people in these situations who carelessly threw their money in a black hole of greed and economic lust. Some people deserve what they have coming.

I also do not feel sorry for those who use the current economic crisis as a justification for their own pitfalls or self-injurious state. We may be headed for a Depression, and it may cause a lot of depression, but right now the world is only slightly depressed. As in slightly sunken. Not a gaping hole or a jagged, parted cliff. So people should not be lining up at the edges of these holes or cliffs quite yet. There is so much positive and creative opportunities in the world, happening at this very instant, that my mind is continuously boggled at random points of every ten seconds. Like woah.

I gather inspiration from musicians, fashion designers, artists, businessmen and women, all who are SURVIVING right now. Not only surviving, but fighting for what they believe in and still producing amazing things for the world to see. From a recent story in the Economist and a conversation my dad and I had about 5 months ago, it feels like the main plot line from Atlas Shrugged. The movers, shakers, and thinkers of the world are still out there, doing what they know how to do best. It may take some digging to find them, but fuck it, let's get creative, follow your dreams, find inspiration wherever you can; don't let the harrows of the world tie a noose on your neck and leave you swinging from the gallows.

The world is like my car, it has a slight depression in the door, the tires are slightly depressed, and sometimes it hits a depressed part of the road. But it still gets me from point A to point B. Why? Because there is someone in that car with their eyes focused on the road and their foot on the gas pedal, ready to go somewhere.

What's Your Color?

2009-03-04T00:04:00.003+08:00

I was directed to a website called Colourism that unscientifically gives you an unique color. Here is my unique color. Very exciting shade of red, yes.

Colourism is the website.

American Man Stabbed With Knife In Panjin.

2009-03-03T21:49:00.003+08:00

No, it was not me.

Once again I'm resting in the Foreign Teacher's room between English classes and Mr. Liu comes in and closes the door behind him. I prepare myself for an awkward conversation.

"Joe, I need to talk to you about something." Mr. Liu says to me. "It's about your safety."

At this point, I cannot even fathom the direction this is going. Mr. Liu never ceases to surprise me with his wisdom.

"Yesterday, an American man was traveling on a bus in Panjin headed to the train station, and he witnessed an attempted robbery," Mr. Liu continued, "He decided to help and confront the thieves and one of them had a 9-inch blade! The man was slashed in the head and had to be taken to a local clinic."

I was sort of shocked and I wasn't really sure what to make of this.

"Is he alright? Did he live? Why was he in Panjin?" These are questions that came rushing to my lips.

"Yes, he survived, he lost a lot of blood, but now he is back in Beijing. He was in Panjin for a conference. How do you say it, Technology, a Technology conference? I'm friends with the police so they asked me to help translate. The man was about 50 years old and his Chinese was very good."

"This is crazy!" I both thought and said at the same time.

"So, Joe, I wanted to tell you how important it is for you to be safe while in Panjin. Don't walk around the streets at night by yourself. If you are leaving the city make sure you tell one of us. And if you are at a bar or restaurant and things start to get out of hand, give me or Simon a call. Sometimes people can get drunk, too drunk and they don't know how to act. Especially around an American." Mr.Liu said in much more broken English than this.

"And let me tell you about Chinese culture. This is important for an American to know because it is very different in your country. If you see something like this happening, DON'T DO ANYTHING! Chinese parents teach their kids that they should avoid conflict and stay out of other people's business. For example if a man falls down, Chinese people will step over him or walk around him. Because if you stop to help, he might accuse you of pushing him and then make you give him money. It can be a large ordeal. So if you see something like this happen, ignore it and walk the other way."

I make a mental note of this and think that this is probably what I would do anyways due to my limited strength and general passive nature. But this Chinese cultural characteristic brings up some other relevant notions that can be applied to what is happening right now in US-Sino economic relations.

Right now in a metaphorical sense, America is that man who has fallen. America is withering on the ground in pain with a busted knee and a scraped elbow. We clearly need help. China clearly has the means to help us. Nothing appears to be wrong with its arms or legs, and it has money to help us out. Yet their is a hindering reluctance to aid us directly in any sort of financial or strategic manner. Perhaps this stems from this old Chinese way of ignoring those in dire need. One could argue that China is aiding the United States by cooperating with them on many strategic, diplomatic levels. However, China owns 22% of the United States debt. The largest foreign owner of US debt. This places a lot of power in the hands of the Politburo in Beijing. China has the ability to flood the markets with US currency effectively making the dollar worthless. This would also cripple the Chinese economy which is the reason they will never do it.

But, perhaps one day instead of ignoring the US in its state of peril, China could stab us in the head with a 9 inch blade.

Orisue is my favorite streetwear brand. Period.

2009-03-03T21:31:00.004+08:00

Orisue continues to put out amazing streetwear, season after season. There pieces are essential and classic wardrobe type pieces, yet they maintain a distinctive streetwear edge. I love it.

This jacket is amazing.

ORISUE

Flight of the Conchords - Korean Karaoke.

2009-03-03T01:04:00.000+08:00

This is a hilarious music video from last night's Flight of the Conchords episode. Thought it's in Korean, this is identical to what Chinese karaoke videos look like, hahah, so familiar and funny. I love it.

Originality in Chinese Sports Brand Logos.

2009-03-02T21:55:00.004+08:00

Let me first show you the logo of the world's most famous, iconic and recognizable sport brands.

Nike

That iconic swoosh symbolizes grace, movement and everything sports related.

While watching Chinese sports television I often see advertisements for other sports brands. It's no secret that Chinese sports branding is a cannibalizing and imitation driven business, but this is quite ridiculous. Look at these other famous Chinese sport brand logos and then let me ask you who they are copying.

Li Ning

China's most famous sports brand, it is number three in sales behind Nike and Adidas. Li Ning’s logo design is based on its own initial letters L and N. It is said that the visual identity is based on these 3 elements: flying red flag - youth (or communism), flaming torch - passion (or pre-Olympic posturing), and moving rhythm - vitality (or blatent Nike knock-off).

Anta

Another famous Chinese sports brand. Oddly familiar logo...

361

361 couldn't decide which way to put their Nike knockoff logo, so they chose both ways.

Erke

Erke wants to be Number One! So they added edges to the Nike logo and called it their own. Here is a description of their logo from their website:

"The Erke logo is a brave and engrossed swan, representing lofty ambitions, and the faith of the company to be an outstanding example by taking the bull by the horn, overcoming difficulties, constant challenge and hard struggle. With lofty ambitions, the company is moving forwards at a pace."

If I was a brand attempting to build a unique image in China, I would choose another route than the Nike Logo. Perhaps Adidas?!

Never mind, looks like Kangwei has that area covered.

A 4 Month Update ( China.is.a.big.deal.).

2009-03-02T20:48:00.004+08:00

So, here I am at 4 months living in Mainland China.

It oddly seems like I've been here an outrageously long and exhausting period, yet it's also gone by very quickly. This is vexing to comprehend, but my four months have had every measure of pleasure, loneliness, new friendships, new love, individual exploration, and cultural understanding. These are traits shared by most 22 year old people, though mine have been endured in Panjin, China.

My last post made me sound miserable, bitter and distressed about my plight-filled, down-trodden life. This I am certainly not. I apologize for the tone and senseless pity gouging. I look at the relative ease of my lifestyle and thoughts about hating teaching die down. I wake up late, I have zero preparation, I'm paid in tax-free cash, and I have extremely minimal living expenses. Cushiony might be the right word actually.

It's true that I'm not that happy doing what I'm doing right now, but then again who is? Everyone wants to be somewhere else, be with other people, and do other things than what they are doing in their current state. I guess I am no different.

I have done so many great things during my time in China and learned ungodly amounts of precious insight about the language and culture that it has changed the trajectory of my career and future life. It's hard to imagine me pursuing a career that does not involve China in some nature or form.

And because I am only 22 (23 in two months, weird age) this experience will have long-reaching benefits towards my next life decision.

I think back to my sophomore year of college sitting in the now demolished Frieze building at the University of Michigan, listening to Asian Studies professor Miranda Brown's quizzical and judgmental inquiry about my decision of study:

"I hope you have something else planned to major in besides Chinese Studies," she said to me.

"Uh, I was thinking Economics?" I replied. Also thinking, "Why was this professor steering me away from something that I want to do?

Well, Economics didn't work out so hot and here I sit with a degree in Chinese Language and Culture. I often think back to that discouraging conversation and think about how much I want to prove her wrong. It's not about your major in college. It's about what you do with your major after college and the position you place yourself in to be successful. Being here in China at this critical junction of global crises, definitely puts me in a better position to succeed than being jobless in the United States.

Also during college there were skeptics and doubters, indubitably talking behind my back questioning why I was studying the Chinese language, or learning about Chinese history, or majoring in Chinese Studies. I guess maybe I didn't even understand the potential significance this would have at that point-in-time. I've recently been reading about politicians, lawyers, and businessmen being promoted and asked to step forward based solely on their background and experience with China. I look at the crumbling stature of the United States and the inevitable global takeover by China (speaking strictly in perception as a global leader).

And I ask those who asked me the simple, "Why China?" question: "Can you see it now? Do you understand now"

China.is.a.big.deal.

Blog Updates.

2009-03-02T12:19:00.003+08:00

Loyal Sasquatch readers may have noticed some aesthetic updates to the website. Indeed.

On the left side I have cleaned things up and made it more professional. I am now easier to connect to and contact if anyone so desires.

I've also made the font larger as I got the sense it was small. If you take a look at most modern websites these days, the font is large, bold and easy to read. I like this feature.

I'm always open for suggestions, comments, etc. Lookout for an official LifeIsASasquatch website in the next few months. Gathering ideas and making moves. This is where I'm at.

Taiwan has annoying Facebook trends too.

2009-02-28T19:40:00.003+08:00

After being bombarded with a million of the "25 Random Things about yourself" notes on Facebook, it looks like the next annoying thing is tagging people as the old Mr. Men cartoon characters (remember them?!). It's funny though to see this transcend onto the Taiwan network of Facebook.

The version in Mandarin is not quite as clever in my opinion.

A Beijing Rap Song. Sort of.

2009-02-27T17:18:00.002+08:00

Ah, my Beijing rapper friend. Your rapping is terrible, but highly entertaining. This song is essentially about the traditional Beijing culture. MY favorite thing to rap about to! Crazy! Here's a link to a full description and translation if anyone is interested.

Rizzuto.

2009-02-26T01:03:00.003+08:00

Today in class I had two kids who couldn't write their "r's" It reminded me of the part in Billy Madison where he can't write Rizzuto in cursive, hahah. Here's how they were writing them.

The backwards "r" is understandable, but the elephant "r" was cracking me up the most.

Obama's Pandering Chinese Politics.

2009-02-26T00:38:00.003+08:00

Pandering.

In a recent blog post about President Obama's selection of Steven Chu as Secretary of Energy, I noted the potential strategic brilliance of this selection and the connection to Chu's Chinese ancestry. So with the recent announcement of former Washington Governor Gary Locke, it's hard once again to believe that this is simply a coincidence. Locke was America's first Chinese-American governor and has personal and professional ties with China.

“He’s really, really proud of his Chinese heritage, and he’s passionate that we need to have a positive relationship with China,” said Chris Vance, a Republican who served with Mr. Locke in the State Legislature and in King County government." New York Times.

President Obama is clearly not messing around when it comes to using any strategic measures to pander to the politico in Beijing. Due to the popularity of Former-President Bush in China (an odd position based on his almost global disapproval) President Obama actually has a slight uphill climb to equal the progress made by Former-President Bush. (At least in the mindsets of China's older generation, the younger generation in China is slightly more informed when it comes to understanding the differences and benefits in his global policy change.)

"Several leaders of trade groups in Seattle say Mr. Locke, the child of Chinese immigrants who lived the first years of his life in public housing in Seattle, is treated like a “rock star” when Chinese officials visit Seattle and when he travels to China. “That means he’s got access and sort of a special cachet that’s probably going to get him a very special hearing,” said Bill Stafford, president of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle." New York Times.

Though the Commerce position in President Obama's cabinet has remained elusive to fill, it also does not hold that large of an impact on any foreign relation policy. But what this continues to do is bring a positive spotlight to the Obama administration and display to Beijing that China is a key global partner.

It'd be interesting to imagine a Chinese-American in the same position in the People's Republic Government. Ha. Maybe in another lifetime or after the next revolution.

Spring '09 Footwear. Get Familiar.

2009-02-25T17:29:00.005+08:00

In case you do not know what shoes to get this spring, here is a run-down of quality sneakers and shoes, all at good prices that will give you style and appeal in the warm weather.

Things to look for:
- Clean, neutral colorways. Khaki's, browns, gray's, maroon's, navy's. Can't go wrong with these colors.
- White soles always indicate spring and summer have arrived. Nothing dirty, keep 'em clean.
- Classic and simplistic styles never fail. They will last you forever. Shoes are an investment, remember that.
- No socks. Come on people. It's too warm for socks.

Toms classic slip on shoes are functional, stylish, and charitable. For every shoe bought another pair is donated to the shoe-less in Africa.

Nike comes through with a remarkably detailed yet subtle design on this under-utilized Sportswear Air Zoom Toki Lux model.

Classic Adidas Rod Laver's. Modeled after the 1974 shoe, this shoe is vintage, flawless and highly relevant.

Nike Air Max 1 in a great, clean colorway. Perfect with shorts or jeans.

Van's Authentic in a great maroon color-way. Great low-key style, yet adds a color pop to pretty much anything.

The epitome of classic. This fantastic Chuck high-top is done up in a superbly neutral khaki color, perfect with madras or jeans.

Amazing suede Van's Chukka lows. Just clean. You can skate in these and dress 'em up.

Superga - Low Cut Moccasin Penny Loafer

Boat shoes have hit the tipping point. You can still pick 'em up, but penny loafers are at the next level.

The YMC Classic Plimmy is super low cut, with a nice molded white exterior and toe-cap.

Swag Surfin' in China.

2009-02-24T00:48:00.002+08:00

This has been quite the tumultuous past week. Anna left to go back to the United States. Check number one on the shitty scale. I'm still teaching every day of the week because the students of Panjin are STILL on holiday for the Spring Festival. It's like it never ends. I dread going to work everyday because it is so incredibly boring and the children are so unmotivated it's as if I'm teaching to a group of little monkey children. Nothing makes sense in what I am teaching. I'm basically shoving garbage English into the throats of these little monkey children like old, brown bananas left over from the trash heap. There is no logical progression to their learning, and sometimes I even wonder if I'm teaching anything. I have no leeway to be creative or introduce anything fun and clever into the classroom. Mr. Liu tells me to make the class fun, active, and talkative and in the next sentence tells me to control the students and to make them read more. These are perpendicular hypocratic ideologies. Communication between Mr. Liu and I has pretty much broken down. I hate talking to him and I get the feeling that it's mutual. I'm not sure why he was so keen on my degree from the University of Michigan if all he wanted me for was to be the trophy white teacher to make the parents happy and then place me in a belittling teaching position where my talents go to waste. Garbage. That's why I'm about to swag surf straight out of this xenophobic, backwards-ass, America circa 1915 Birth of a Nation-town known as Panjin.

It's difficult when you have a tantalizing opportunity dangling in front of your face, yet you are stuck in an environment as I have just described. That is where I am at right now and I don't know what to do. I need to negotiate out of my contract, yet talking to Mr. Liu is like talking to a reflective backboard of ignorance and misunderstanding. Nothing gets accomplished unless I tell him a million times. Even then I'm never sure if anything got accomplished until it actually happens. Yet, deep in the back of my mind, I still feel that neglecting my duties and contract will inflict bad karma upon me. I have a permeating guilt factor that is telling me to stick this thing out for another two months, rather than to swag surf (which is what I really want to do). I hate not knowing what to do.

My mind has resembled raman-noodle mush the last few days. Too much emotions, too much professional insolence, too much introspection. I hurt my brain thinking too much sometimes. I need a breather, I need someone to answer all my questions and fix my problems. I need to be clean like this detergent. I need someone to teach me how to swag surf. Anyone have any suggestions?

The Chinese Lunar New Year is FINALLY Over.

2009-02-13T23:27:00.006+08:00

Mass hysteria in Panjin.

About damn time. My ears are still ringing from the incessant barrage of fireworks, firecrackers, and other explosive devices that people have been setting off. It seemed endless. My joke was that the Lunar New Year doesn't end until next year's celebrations begin. Ha, funny, I know.

The last day of the Chinese Lunar New Year is marked by the Lantern Festival celebration. This "festival" of sorts marks the traditional final day of the New Year celebrations and is celebrated by eating sweet dumplings, setting up large light displays, and lighting off seizure inducing, ear-drum busting fireworks.

For the global New Year celebrations on December 31st, Panjin was relatively silent and seemed to hardly acknowledge this event. I was told that that the Lunar New Year celebrations would be a different scene in Panjin. Um, yes, definitely, to say the least.

After eating dinner, Anna and I could not help but be drawn to the ridiculous firework displays that were happening near my apartment. My Youtube videos don't quite do justice to how outrageous and spectacular the fireworks were. But you can enjoy them anyways:

A question that I have often been asking during this whole firework extravaganza ordeal, is why aren't more people injured, or why aren't there more prominent fires. Then comes this relatively large story in the midst of China's suppressive grip on anything bad happening in China.

One is of course the large fire in the CCTV Headquarter complex. Link Here. This is particularly crazy, because I was just there to visit. But China has once again dropped the ball on reporting about this story. It only broke headlines a few days after the event, and is still being looked at as a minor thing. If a major building in the largest city in America burned down there would be public outrage for weeks with blaming, scandals, heroic stories, etc etc. It just shows the barren contrast between the Chinese media and American media.

The side CCTV tower that burned to a crisp. A picture I shot on my recent trip to Beijing.

Panjin, Let Me Upgrade You.

2009-02-09T00:40:00.004+08:00

I'm sorry Panjin. I have called you countless names. The butt-hole of China. The underside of China's toilet seat. Etc, etc. I would like to offer my apologies. I am now upgrading you to the dirt behind China's ears. You exist and are still a little dirty, but you are tolerable and have potential to be cleaned.

The reasoning behind my shift in mindset has been triggered by recent discoveries of actual culture here in Panjin. Yes, actual, real-life, engaging, cultural activities. Yesterday, Anna and I were walking by the large shopping complex known as Si Bai (or Four Hundred in literal English, but translates better to Lots of Random Shit) onto the large, barren square by the Musuem that I have previously mentioned and filmed in a recent post. But due to the seemingly never-ending Chinese New Year celebrations, the square is now filled with large lanterns, lots of people, and a previously lacking vibrant Chinese energy. There is something utterly Chinese about a large square packed with little kids running around lighting off fireworks, street vendors hawking sugar coated fruit, large float like "lanterns" providing odd depictions of oxes in various cartoon positions...just gotta love it.

Also by the square is the Liao He Art Museum which is currently holding an arts exhibition for young Chinese artists. Anna and I decided to take a leisurely tour of the museum to check out the paintings. We were actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of the paintings and the showcase ability of the museum. I was not aware Panjin had such culturally minded individuals to appreciate fine art. Perhaps it was quite telling that we were the only ones wandering around.

Lots of the art was an interesting meld of traditional Chinese cultural themes and modern artistic styles and motifs. There were also many pictures of normal Chinese people involved in various unflattering activities that seemed a little odd to be captured by an artist. Chinese art has seen a resurgence among art circles in the past year or so, so it was interesting to witness first-hand some of the young talented artists of China. Especially in a city like Panjin.

Here are some pics from the Museum.

Aliens in Panjin.

2009-02-06T22:21:00.003+08:00

I was having a conversation with my Dad who suggested that my lack of blog posting is a result of having a visitor here in Panjin, thus an absence of serious, deep-thinking, revelatory thoughts to share with my loyal blog readers. This is probably true. I think it's also an effect of being less bored and actually having an outlet of constant social interaction. When I spend countless hours by myself with only my own harrowing thoughts to keep me company, my fingers get itchy and my expressive conscious feels the need to scream and share my ideas with anyone who wants to listen. So at the moment it is nice not to be burrowed into my computer with thoughts of loneliness and despair.

Being in Panjin (a.k.a., the underside of China's toilet seat) with another similar aged and similar minded foreigner has been an interesting experience thus far. When Anna and I walk around, it's like the local people's eyes are having a "who do I stare at?!?" battle and their mind opens an internal dialogue that reads something like this:

"Wow, he's white and in Panjin. I would love to ask him five thousand questions about why he is in Panjin."

"HOLY MOTHERFUCKING HELL!@#@@# A REAL LIVE WHITE GIRL IN PANJIN!!!"

And then they get over-excited to the point of spontaneous combustion and their hands get twitchy and they don't know what to do first: grab their camera-cell phone and take a picture, or poke their friend or relative and begin pointing and jabbing excitedly. But my personal favorite is the slow-motion head swivel with the permanent agape mouth and the wide-eyed look of bewilderment. People go home with kinks in their necks due to what is known by local doctors as "I-Saw-A-White-Person-itis" It's only cure is to stop in the middle of whatever you are doing and give an awkward, "Helllow", making sure their is a rising inflection at the end of the hello to carefully mock and satirize actual white people speak.

I am long since used to the staring, characterizing, and overall xenophobic attitudes of Chinese people in Panjin. However, I feel sheepish towards Anna though, who is being thrown to these people who act like of bunch of ravaging, staring wolves. She is holding her own though, and for the most part doing all you really can do, and that is to ignore it.

In America, the tolerance level of foreigners, lower-class people, or people who standout in a crowd, usually subsides at a young age (unless you live in the middle of bum-fuck Texas where it never quite leaves, and then you get elected President of the United States, and then, shit, um, yeah, we have a problem also...). But in Panjin, it's as if this tolerance level is just ignored. Every, every, every, every, single person stares at me or Anna when we are in public place. Every single, eensy-weensy, teeny-tiny person. Little babies point their fat little fingers at us. Grade school kids gawk and stare, grabbing their mother or father's hand, who in turn also begin to stare. Old people are probably the worst. Like most of my pieces about China, I am probably overgeneralizing some aspects of this, but for the most part, this is very accurate.

I'm over the feeling that I have food stuck in my teeth, or my zipper is down, or that I'm some sort of celebrity (ok, this part is somewhat enjoyable). So to the people of Panjin, I would like to give you this message:

TURN ON A COMPUTER, TURN ON A TV, BUY A MOTHER-FUCKING MAGAZINE. SEARCH BAIDU FOR "WHITE PEOPLE". PRINT OUT THESE PICTURES AND CARRY THEM WITH YOU IF YOU MUST. WE ARE NOT ALIENS. STOP STARING AT US.

Thank you.

Deceptive Dalian Pictures.

2009-02-01T22:47:00.003+08:00

Anna and I traveled to Dalian over the weekend. The weather was chilly in the upper 30's but very enjoyable and sunny. Here are some pics and a hilarious video of people doing a reverse bungee thing. I thought for sure it was going to snap and I would have the footage for CNN. Enjoy.

Warm enough for swimming. Pshhh.

"I think it's going to break and they're going to fly off. It's going to be great." Hahah.

Travels in Beijing. Part 2.

2009-01-29T20:29:00.004+08:00

We are now home in Panjin. The residual Spring Festival fireworks are just as loud, if not louder than in Beijing, and I'm feeling quite sad our time in Beijing has ran its course. But that's not to say that it wasn't a satisfying success. Anna and I visited, walked, ate at, took pictures of, or got lost in almost every part or attraction of Beijing. Upon leaving Panjin, I had a mental checklist of everything that could go wrong, and this was a long list. With some hand of god, some timely Chinese, and sheer luck and perseverance, we made it to Beijing, to our hostel, and to all of the sights with no problems or stress.

Having knowledge of Chinese is the savior to traveling in China. Without it, you will undoubtedly be paying more (for tours, for gifts, for food, etc.), treated as a stupid foreigner, not eat as well, and have to rely on the good fortune and translation skills of others. But with it, any street or tourist attraction is a quick cab ride away and it allows for a greater sense of independence when you are telling people what to do rather than relaying information.

The city of Beijing is magnificent. On the list of top-tier cities of the world, Beijing, if not already, should be included on the list. Beijing is still in it's post-Olympic orgasm phase. Moving around the city and traveling to the popular destination spots, it remains evident that the city was polished to a fine, glossy sheen, waiting for the approval of the World and its Olympic athletes. The streets are impeccably clean. The palaces, squares, hutongs and shopping areas, all glitter and sparkle with refurbished architecture and design. This is the China that China wants you to see.

But, I'm coming from Panjin. I've seen a quick gasp of the real China living here. I know that poverty exists, poor people still outnumber the wealthy, and open-mindedness is equivalent to a cracked door. All of this was on my mind in Beijing. Some spots even felt like a Chinese cultural Disneyland. Outside of the Olympic Park area, there was a park with replica Chinese dwellings and palaces meant to mimic the Forbidden City, presumably for tourists unwilling to take the time to actually travel and walk to these places. Gah. Ignorance is always fun to deal with.

But do not misread my sentiments as disdain. Beijing is phenomenal. It's so fascinating to actually walk around these historical palaces and cultural relics that have been around for 600 or more years and then travel to the financial district of the city and feel like you've been transported 600 years in the future. The dichotomy is breathtaking and incredible.

And of course, the quintessential Chinese excursion. The one thing that people will ask you if saw. The Great Wall of China. A definite must-see. Thus, on our second to last day in Beijing, Anna and I traveled to Simatai, a scenic portion of the Great Wall, about two and half hours Northeast of Beijing. Our hostel arranges "tours" though the word tour is loosely used because all the price accounts for is a car ride and admission. From the main gate, you are on your own, free to roam the allowable portions of the Wall. It was a relaxing and pressure-less hike up to the actual Wall itself, until us and few other members walking with us began to be harassed by locals trying to sell us books, postcards and other frivolous tourist shit. After about 15 minutes of them following us, I had had enough. I was not going to let them ruin my Great Wall experience. I turned to them and said in Chinese, very briskly, "We want to walk by ourselves, go back down the mountain!" The somewhat listened and backed off. But a little later on, two other members of our crew were being unmercifully harrassed, and they needed some help. I was a little pissed, so I shouted at her in Chinese, "We don't want to buy your stupid children's books! The quality is poor and they are stupid! Leave us alone and go back down the mountain!" This made her extremely angry and she began swearing and mumbling at me in Chinese. But finally, she left and everyone was relieved.

Simatai is actually quite high up in the mountains and the hike was a little more exhausting than anticipated. Luckily, about three quarters of the way into the hike, there is a gondola slash escape back down the mountain for weary hikers. Though a little rickety, it was pretty fun, and offered some great shots of the wall itself.

Now we're back in Panjin, attempting another mini-adventure to Dalian tomorrow to see some friends and do a little more sight-seeing. I'll post some of my best pictures from Beijing in a near future post.

UPDATE: Here's a link to more Facebook photos. Enjoy. Click here.

Travels in Beijing. Part I.

2009-01-26T19:46:00.002+08:00

I'm sitting in a room at the Peking Youth Hostel as firework after firework blasts off into the night sky welcoming in the New Year. For the last 48 hours, I have heard some of the loudest and longest fireworks, firecrackers, and holy-shit sticks of dynamite in my life. But that is just part of the entertainment of being in Beijing for the Spring Festival / Chinese New Year.

My blog posts have been few and far between in the past week or so and I apologize for that. Besides being wrapped up in the insanity that is known as the Chinese Spring Festival, I had been teaching on average about 6 hours a day for 15 straight days. These were exhausting days, leaving my mind creatively warped. I was also straightening out my Visa issues so I could remain in China for another three months. This involved some smokey back rooms with overly inquisitive Chinese policemen, money changing hands, and finally, an extended Visa and my processed passport.

On top of all this, I was preparing for the arrival of my good friend Anna who decided to come visit me. As of a week before her arrival I did not know where we were going to go, or what we were going to do for my ten-day vacation period. But this was part of the excitement I guess. Finally, after a stressful trip to the train station to buy tickets, numerous hours spent researching places to stay in Beijing, everything was situated for an extended vacation staying at an organic, hip youth hostel in a quaint hutong (old Chinese neighborhood) of Beijing.

When Anna and I first left Panjin the weather was brilliantly sunny and mind-numbingly cold. We waited on the train platform for the three-hour express train to Beijing as the wind scraped the warmth off our bones and gave us a message of cold days ahead in Beijing.

We arrived in Beijing and at the Peking Youth Hostel later in the afternoon on our first day really quite unaware of our plans or goals for the next few days. But to me, this is part of the excitement, adventure, and self-discovery of a city. To really find the heart and soul of a city, you should be lost and hungry wandering the streets needing to survive and be aware of your whereabouts. Well, maybe not quite to this extent, ha, but I strongly dislike being a tourist in a city where I am a tourist. So sometimes this means making mistakes, having successes, and occasionally wandering the streets looking for a decent restaurant.

I have a lot more to share about my thoughts and impressions of Beijing, but I currently have a touch of a fever and a bad sore throat, so my thoughts are slightly scattered.

To view pictures of the first three days of my travels in Beijing, click on this link: Joey's Beijing Facebook Photo Uploads.

Freak Snowstorm in Panjin.

2009-01-22T22:29:00.003+08:00

As many of my fellow readers are aware, Panjin is one of the sunniest cities (and coldest cities) I have ever resided in. (I have lived a long 22 years, yes I'm aware, ha.) But last night, I could hear the winds a creakin' and the trees a blowin' and I woke up this morning to about three inches of snow on the ground. Nothing compared to the snow in Michigan, but quite eventful nonetheless here in Panjin.

Outside my apartment.

Happy Full? Happy Empty?

2009-01-17T22:48:00.001+08:00

I look down to see if my glass is full
it's full and I return to my book
the words scatter and trot along the page
my mouth waters for a taste, a thirst -
I know the glass isn't full
I look down
It's full
so I sip
just a little though, it tricks my mind
into thinking the glass is still full
which it is
I think
I look down at the glass
like specks of sand gradually
draining lower
and lower until it is empty
but no, it's still full
almost full
save that last sip now in my stomach.

It's never full
enough in my mind
I get up to re-fill my glass
until it is full
again.

Now I'm sure it is full
to the brim
I even spilled a sip
carefully walking steadily
to my seat,
I sit down.

I look at my glass
tormentingly full
infuriatingly full
still full.

It's never full
enough even when it's too full

I'm never happy
enough I think my glass is empty
even when it's full.

1.17.09

A Grandpa Rap

2009-01-14T23:44:00.001+08:00

I'd walk a million blocks
for bagels and lox
salami!

My Grandpa used to say.
Who knew I could have a rapping Grandpa,
so cool.

The last meal we ate together
eggs and salami
was only a short drive away.

I now stand a million blocks
from you with my bagels and lox
and of course the salami, I promise
to bring it to you one day.

No one remembers the old age
the pain, a delicate shake of your hand
I knew you knew my name,
it made you happy to say.

Your smile, your stories, especially your
silly shirts, I hope to inherit and share
with my grandchildren, shouting and singing,
rapping and laughing so when life turns a page

I can be a rapping grandpa, just like you,
so cool.

R.I.P. Sol Dembs.

A.P.C. is the greatest clothing brand.

2009-01-12T23:34:00.003+08:00

Spring / Summer '09.

Animal Collective - My Girls.

2009-01-12T23:19:00.002+08:00

This song is just fucking amazing. Listen to it five or so times and you will understand. Trust me on this.

Panjin: The Spitting Hole of China.

2009-01-12T21:06:00.002+08:00

I was sleeping early this morning when I was awoken by a thundering spectacle of intrusive noise and lights.

BANG!WHEWREREWERWBANG!!!#@!BANGWREWRHEW!!

I startlingly sat up in bed, checked the time (6:15am) and looked outside of my window. I saw a revolving firework on the ground causing quite the commotion, spewing sparks and light in every which direction.

"Seriously?!" I thought to myself. "Right now?" "Hamas? Is that you?"

In class I told Simon about this and he said an old Chinese joke after hearing such a calamity outside is, "The Americans are coming, The Americans are coming!" Ha...ha...ha.

Consider it part of my adaptation to the city of Panjin, but after about two and a half months here, something like this does not phase me. I blinked twice and went back to bed. If this would have happened in the first few weeks of my tenure in Panjin, I think I would have stayed up and worried about what the hell is going on. Instead, I just yelled a Chinese swear-word into my glass window knowing it would not reach them over the din of the firework.

I have certainly adjusted to Panjin to the point where I know I do not want to spend any more time in this city than I have to. Panjin lacks much of the beauty and history that make China a swallowing hole for foreigners who come to visit. Panjin is more of a spitting hole. People spit in it, then wait to be spat out. I'm not complaining (ok, I am complaining, ha) but I just know that China has more to offer than the city of Panjin. This is not to say that I have not been attempting to make the best of my stay here. I'm lucky that I ran across another foreigner in this city who has introduced me to a few of the moderately eventful night time watering holes. I'm also in an ideal teaching English situation that is allowing me to save copious amounts of money while spending next to nothing. And of course I am living the life of a responsibility free vagabond and can pack up my things and hop ship at the right opportunity.

I figure this six-month stint in Panjin should be labeled, Joey's Adventures in China, Volume I, with many, many more Volumes to follow. I just hope that I can soon discover the mystical China that I see in travel magazines or the historic, cultural wonderland that I've learned in college.

Dope, dope, dope.

2009-01-11T18:29:00.002+08:00

Throw in some mono laces to make it look more clean and you are all set. I might have to find a knock-off pair here...

I'm having an existential crisis.

2009-01-07T22:44:00.005+08:00

Do you ever feel yourself sitting in a lonely city in China, watching as gravity takes hold of fate like an apple and drops it to the ground with a dull thud? Oh, yeah, perhaps that's just me. I seem to have some sort of intrinsic purpose in life where books I read, movies I watch, and music I listen to, all create a vortex of hidden contexts and subtle meanings, acting as a mentally exhausting jigsaw puzzle with the pieces scattered over various mediums and places around the world. And somehow, I feel as if I'm supposed to put them together and this puzzle will provide me with the meaning of life and eternal happiness. But these things all happen at random intervals and I am not given any clues.

Sometimes I just stare at people and think to myself, "What is your goal in life? What makes you happy? Why are you doing what you are doing? Why do you exist on this planet?"

Why do any of us exist?

Do I exist to fulfill some sort of predestined path, or to succeed a prophecy of a higher nature?

It seems incorrect to say that I exist solely as an individual and I must satisfy only my individual needs. Yet, no one is dependent on me, so I am independent of dependence. But is my individuality independent of dependence? I exist for no one else but myself.

Then I am conflicted about my biological inclination to need love and human interaction. These seem to be dependent attributes. My brain tells me that I must love and my body must be quelled of its satisfactory needs. But can man exist without this dependence? Do I want to meet a man who can exist without feeling capable of love?

Where does love fall into the philosophical realm of existence?

Can anyone answer my questions?

I'm having an existential crisis. AND I'M FREAKING OUT.

Dry Rags

2009-01-07T19:23:00.001+08:00

I'm in a wet, drippy mood
but there's no rain, no clouds,
no water outside. My kitchen is flooded
and my mood turns to moppy,
mopey, moping and crying my tears
only add to the watery river of soap
and food flowing foul through
the cracks of my disaster that I created
by not clearing with fluidity (or regularity)
the build up, buckets full, probably.

drip

drip

drip

downstairs is damp I hope
and my mood turns to soppy,
soapy, sopping with galoshes
and umbrellas and oversized latex gloves.

I'm covered in a film of mist and splashes
as the ceiling parted and rain
hits me like the first day of school in the fall
of september when also
I can count the drops like sheep jumping over
a fence in my sleep into puddles of mud.

My sandals track water
more like black acid always
seeping weeping creeping
crawling little molecules of anxiety
caused by you, water,
making everything wet and unpleasant
except as a cool desert remedy
I get on my knees with a bucket
and some dry rags.

Time to clean up this mess,
clean up my life.

I picked up a vicious knock-off Moncler Jacket.

2009-01-06T22:40:00.004+08:00

Moncler makes some of the finest outerwear on the planet. Jackets range from $700-$1000 USD. I picked up a great knock-off in Dalian for about 60 bucks.

Friends in Dalian.

2009-01-06T22:09:00.002+08:00

Some Pics!

Brian, I forget your name, and me.

Good times.

Dalian is beautiful. China is about explode for the New Year (January 26th).

Brian, his wife, and me at Love Club.

Thoughts on Barack Obama in China.

2009-01-06T21:21:00.005+08:00

The tentacles of President-elect Barack Obama's captivating election victory have died down considerably here in China with news coverage primarily focused towards the American economy. Yet, I try to stay abreast of American politics and I like to ask Chinese people's opinions of Barack Obama. What I discover is not very shocking, yet it displays many poignant characteristics of Chinese people.

Chinese people are extremely blunt. They will tell you that you are fat. They will tell you that you have a big nose. They will call you ugly, they will address you as "foreigner", they will call you black person, white person, green person, etc etc etc.

The other day in one of my middle school classes I had some extra time to talk about elections. An election is a foreign concept to many Chinese people. They understand the basic premises of voting and elections, but completely misunderstand the democratic ideals, the campaigning, the overall principle of people appointing a leader. So, I'm talking to them about John McCain and Barack Obama and I ask there opinions about Obama. Here are some answers:

"I don't like him." This was the majority opinion of the class. Ok, ok, but, "Why?" I asked.

"He's black." About four or five people said this.

"He's American." One kid said this, and I looked at him and said, "So am I." And he said, "Well, I don't like one American, that's Obama."

"He has a funny name." I pause to look around to make sure I'm not in Texas or other parts of rural America where the people share these painfully banal ideas.

Some people did not even know who he was.

I'm not sure where, or how they have formed these opinions. My guess is to assume that it is coming from the Chinese media, or from their parents, and probably a healthy combination of both. But I understand that Panjin is underdeveloped both structurally and culturally. I'm certain a larger city would also have more developed opinions beyond, "He's black." or "He's American."

But what do I know. I'm just a white, curly haired, big nosed American living in Panjin.

山寨熊猫 "Village Pandas"

2009-01-02T09:16:00.003+08:00

I was just reading a hilarious article about people turning their dogs into panda bears.

This is so great.

2009-01-01T15:58:00.003+08:00

I spotted this at another amazing blog being written by two English teachers in Nanjing.

This Ridiculous World.

Apparently instead of teaching their kids Christmas songs, they went on a little more nontraditional route. Haha...

New Year's Day 2009 Playlist.

2009-01-01T15:03:00.002+08:00

Nothing better than to welcome in the New Year with a great batch of songs. Enjoy.

Playlist:

Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance
KiD CuDi - Heaven At Night
The Walkmen - In The New Year
Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream
The B.L.B. - Sticky Sweet
Kanye West - Streelights
MGMT - The Youth
The Fratellis - A Heady Tale
k-0s - 4,3,2,1
Broken Social Scene - Anthems For A Seventeen-Year-Old Girl

Download

Fall Palisades Poetry.

2009-01-01T13:50:00.002+08:00

September

They say Labor Day is the end of it all.
The laughter, the smoke, the late nights, &
the sober mornings.

The slow burn on the tip of my nose
or peeling the sun-damaged skin
from my shoulder.

Signs of Summer slipping away
come in August
when real-life creeps back into every one's mind.

Yet, a brief, sliver-y eighty degree day
in September
rekindles my summery spirit
burning a small reminder
into the left side of my chest.

September 20th, 2008.

October

The sun sets farther south in October.

The moon touches the night sooner,
colder tipped stars streak the sky
over our heads
in October.

We still laugh and drink,
our fingers slightly shiver,
wishing it were Summer.

But in October,
the air loses steam,
preparing for the end.

The dreary end.

October 12th, 2008.

The Chinese Godfather.

2009-01-01T11:42:00.001+08:00

I'm standing in the back of the classroom feeling like Mr. Liu is the Godfather, Don Corleone, and I am the young underling waiting to be made. Mr. Liu recently instructed me that I need to "take control" of my classes better and make them "listen to me to effectively communicate" with them. I actually feel that I do a pretty good job of this, albeit through different methods than Mr. Liu, but apparently my leniency and nice-guy approach are not tolerated in the twisted teaching world of Mr. Liu.

"Give me your hand!" Mr. Liu screams in Chinese at a quivering seven year old girl. Her sharp eyes look up at him already filled with tears, and she petulantly brushes them away. He strikes her left hand five times with a small flexible, glow stick like object. She draws her hand back and defiantly holds back her emotions. My mouth is shut and my heart feels the pain. The girl is one of my favorites. She is adorably tiny, very intelligent, but sometimes does not put out her best effort. On this occasion she had simply misspelled a word. Mr. Liu turns his back and she sticks out her tongue at him.

"Joe, you must take control..."

These words echoed in my head through the next few days and I dropped a few of my buddy teacher tactics in favor of some old fashioned shouting and making students stand discipline. I refuse to hit a child in anger, especially over something as trivial as a misspelled word. These children are very young, and in my mind, I remember the evil ways of some of my old teachers and I always learned most from those who were encouraging rather than nasty, and constructive rather than severely critical. But Mr. Liu is what we would call a throwback Chinese teacher. Traditional in the sense of rote memorization, strict discipline, and rigorous testing, it is no wonder Mr. Liu has a favorable reputation among the parents of Panjin. I had a conversation with the other foreign teacher, Jason about this and he told me that if a kid came home saying that Mr. Liu hit them, the parents would ask what the kid what they did wrong, rather than be mad at Mr. Liu. This is clearly in stark contrast to the hyper-sensitive nature of the American school system. Yet, I would be interested to examine the psychological impacts of both styles to determine which method is more effective.

I see Mr. Liu standing there to the side of the class. The children are extremely loud and rambunctious. Mr. Liu is waiting for me to do something, gathering what I am going to do...

I hit a piece of metal with a marker and it makes an extremely loud BANG.

"CLASS, BE QUIET, SIT DOWN, LOOK AT ME, AND OPEN YOUR BOOKS!"

Mr. Liu gives me a sinister smile, and says "Good, good."

What have I become?!

Bbrother : Taiwanese Street Artist.

2008-12-29T20:29:00.003+08:00

Bbrother is the most prolific Street / Graffiti artist on the island of Taiwan. Well he may be one of the only ones. Inspired by the likes of Banksy and Inoue Takehiko, a Japanese manga artist, Bbrother's amazing street art is quickly becoming well-documented and respected around Taiwan. Here are some shots:

Find more Bbrother information and pictures on Format and flickr

NEW Weekly Video Blog (or "Vlog" which sounds stupid)

2008-12-29T19:30:00.004+08:00

Let me know how everyone feels about this, kind of testing it out, if it gets a good response, I'll make it a regular feature.

A Chinese Christmas Story. Part II.

2008-12-28T20:55:00.005+08:00

After teaching English classes that night on Christmas Eve, I came home to rest for my trip to Dalian with my friend Brian. Brian's sister, a bunch of his friends, and his wife and daughter all live in Dalian. I was very excited about the fact that I would not have to spend a lonely Christmas all by myself here in the desolate city of Panjin.

So, the next morning, Brian and I get up early and head to the bus station where we pick up a bus to Dalian. The trip is not too bad, it's about three and half hours away from Panjin. The scenery is very boring. I spent most of the time staring at these large concrete pillar like structures that looked like the supports for some sort of high speed train. (I came home and looked this up, and it is just that: a high speed train network to be completed by 2013.) Brian makes this trip pretty regularly, so he was aware of our destination and our whereabouts.

We arrive in Dalian and I am immediately struck at the beauty of the city. It is right along the coast of the Pacific, but it is also nestled in a slightly mountainous regions. There are pine trees that run along the mountains, but also beaches right on the shore. It is no wonder that Dalian is widely regarded as one of China's most beautiful cities. To me it seemed to be a cross of Chicago and Denver. It was highly evident that there were actually cultural activities and a coherent city infrastructure in Dalian, unlike in Panjin. Dalian is a highly developed city with a rich history of foreign occupation from both the Russian and Japanese. This makes the city of Dalian highly unique in China. Not very many cities in China possess international influences, particularly architecturally, or on a cultural level. But Dalian is different. From the layout of the city and the design of the buildings, one can gain a strong sense of foreign influence. This only adds to the appeal of the city. Contributing to this international flair is an abundance of foreigners; Africans, Russians, Japanese, Americans, etc. that gives the city an open feeling of excitement and a multicultural characterization that is in stark contrast to the typical Sino-centric Chinese cities.

My mind is simply in awe at this city. Perhaps it is due to my isolationist attitude being in Panjin. But everything here seems so fresh and invigorating. There are actually trees! And people! And tall buildings! Everything seems to actually have a distinct style and a unique feel.

Brian and I venture around the city a little bit and hop onto a public transportation trolley and head to Xinghai Square & Park. Xinghai Square has been designated the largest square in Eastern Asia. It is truly magnificent. Trees line the clean roads and there are interesting monuments and structures that are splattered on the open grassy areas. And then right along the beach is this half-bowl shaped structure that made me immediately want a skateboard to cruise on it. There are many beaches in Dalian, and unfortunately it was colder than a polar bear's toenails, or else you know I would have been bumming it on the beach.

My Christmas experience in Dalian was another amazing cultural experience. Brian, his sister, his friends and his wife are all from various parts of Africa. They were all extremely nice to me, calling me their "kid brother" and genuinely welcoming me into their evening festivities. I had given Brian most of my presents from the previous day's Christmas party to give to his daughter "Princess". She loved them. She is adorable. She is sure to have an interesting future growing up in China, as well as in Kenya.

So, here I am in China, spending time with many people of African descent, enjoying an authentic Kenyan meal on Christmas and simply having a great time. It is quite unexplainable, this whole experience, but it is definitely one that I will never forget.

A Chinese Christmas Story. Part I.

2008-12-28T20:29:00.004+08:00

I was not eagerly anticipating Christmas (or Hanukkah, or any other holidays for that matter) here in China. It's tough being away from your friends, family and other loved ones, especially being in a isolated foreign country that does not celebrate the traditional "Western" holidays. But I must say, this was a Christmas holiday season that I will never forget.

It was Christmas Eve and I was lying in bed around 9:30am when I get hear my phone vibrating on the shelf next to me. I groaned and rolled over to see who it was. It was my boss Mr. Liu.

"Ah, Joe! I hope I didn't wake you up!"

"No, no, of course not," I lied.

"Ok, good, because at 1:30 I'm going to need you to go the local Middle School and speak in front of a class about Christmas and the American traditions of Christmas. It is an English class and they need a foreign teacher to teach them about Christmas."

Shit. This was probably the last thing I wanted to do. One, I know absolutely nothing about Christmas. Two, I am Jewish and barely celebrate the holiday outside of the present giving aspects. But fine, fuck it. This will be a good experience and it will earn me more respect from Mr. Liu. And unfortunately I am also afflicted with the Dembs guilt syndrome and can never say "no" to anything that is asked of me. So I had to do it. Santa would have wanted me to.

"Ok, ok, yes I will be there, give me the information..."

Mr. Liu's wife drops me off at the Middle School and I walk in with the English teacher. I'm wearing a nice shirt and tie and am carrying a bag full of candy to hand out to the students. I absolutely have zero idea of what I'm going to say, nor do I feel confident in my Christmas bullshitting abilities.

So, the students begin filing into the classroom and each one grabs a Santa Clause hat from the table to wear on this oh so festive occasion. I am also wearing one of the hats and I feel like an idiot welcoming all of these students. But I'm the foreign teacher representing America and Christmas in this class, so damn it, I'm going to put on my cheery face. I recognized a few of the students from my regular English classes and gave them big hellos.

This was a Middle School class so the students are around the ages of 13 or 14 and the class has over 60 people in it. I realize that I need to focus and not make myself look stupid. I must save Christmas for these students! This, by the way, is a bonified Chinese Christmas party. We first begin listening to Christmas songs in Chinese, and a group of students who are leading the party make the introductions. I am then introduced and it is my time to shine. And of course, if this is not embarrassing enough, there is a Chinese man with a video camera and a digital camera capturing every second of this momentous Christmas miracle.

So there I am rambling on about Christmas, some shit about Jesus, the Miracle of Christ, the Reindeer's, the importance of family, friends and food on Christmas, the Christmas tree, decorations, the lights, and the next thing I know, I wrapping up my speech and the class is enthusiastically clapping. Somehow my 15 minutes of Chinese Christmas fame were over.

The rest of the class was actually very enjoyable. After my speech, I went around the room handing out candy and fruit, and other small gifts, and every single student gave me a gift for Christmas. It was ridiculous. I had to make several trips to the front of the classroom to drop off my Christmas load. Then there were many games, Christmas skits and songs in English. At the end of the class, the teacher helped me gather all me gifts into this huge black bag and sent me to grab a taxi. I felt like Santa Clause carrying his endless bag of gifts, yet I was lost in Panjin, in a taxi, heading home to spend the rest of Christmas teaching my normal English classes.

Christmas Trip to Dalian. Pictures...

2008-12-28T20:21:00.003+08:00

Dalian had cool mesh-wire structures around Xinghai Square.

Very interesting half-pipe like structure right on the Pacific.

Massive structure. Not sure what was in here.

Chilling with Mark, Brian, and Brian's daughter, "Princess".

Brian and Mark at Alice Bar.

Coasting through Dalian.

Hot girls and creepy birds.

Xinghai Square.

"Look Mom! Foreigners!" I hear this every day...

View of the ocean.

Right in the heart of Dalian.

Shredding some of the Dalian slopes.

View of Dalian from the bus.

Brian and I on the bus.

Barack Obama. Steven Chu. China.

2008-12-23T15:22:00.003+08:00

The selection of Steven Chu as President-elect Barack Obama's Energy secretary is being lauded by many as a brilliant move. A former Nobel Prize winner, and an experimental physicist, Chu appears to have the mental capacity and the necessary qualifications to bring actual change in America's faltering energy policy.

Another country who is applauding this selection is China. You see, Steven Chu's parents are of Chinese descent, having moved to America right before the Communist takeover of China in 1949. To China, a selection of a man with Chinese heritage, albeit a Chinese-American, is an extremely large deal. When a person of Chinese descent rises to global prominence, he or she achieves a cult like following among Chinese people. (Of course, unless it is for negative reasons, then they are vilified and almost denounced as Chinese.) For example, Yao Ming's presence and success in America makes Yao Ming a national celebrity of epic proportions. He is on billboards, advertisements, lunch boxes, pencil cases, etc, etc. By President elect Barack Obama making his selection of Mr. Steven Chu, this represents a firm handshake and a confident smile and an invitation for dinner at the table of one of the future's most crucial topics: energy.

I do not feel like writing a research paper on the US-China energy policy, but as I have stressed in many other political minded posts about US-China relations, success relies primarily on increased levels of cooperation and mutual decision making. Mr. Steven Chu will be treated like a celebrity when and if he visits China in future energy talks. His presence as a Chinese man will make him recognizable and immediately familiar to members of the government and the nation as a whole. This can hopefully bring about actual changes in energy policy and make strides to relinquish the dependence on oil worldwide.

PSFK: On Finding a Job Out of College...

2008-12-20T10:19:00.002+08:00

PSFK has always been one of my favorite websites. Each day is a fascinating look at trends, culture, design, innovation and ideas. They recently have an opinion article on finding a job right out of college. This is definitely something that I agree 100 percent with. Here are some of the better bullet points mentioned:

* You have the right to work. You do not have the right to have a job.

* There are no jobs waiting for you. Your education was designed to place you into factories that no longer exist. You must be responsible for your own re-training.

* The workforce is making a large shift to freelance / flexible working whether you like it or not. There will be far less permanent jobs available.

* Working for a large company does not mean that you’ll get the necessary experience to help your career.

* Working for a large company with much safety means less drive, less will to succeed, less fear of failure, less connectivity with the world, less lessons for a great career.

* The internet provides better career learning that your job ever will.

* Your 20s is the decade you need to least care about your healthcare. If you really think great healthcare coverage is high on your list when considering employment, get a job as a coffee grinder at Starbucks.

* Turn to your out-of-work peers and collaborate. You have to make the effort to make it all work for you.

I agree with these points to the utmost degree. Graduating from the University of Michigan is a fantastic step towards a future career. However, I sometimes felt it was more of a processing plant for future careers due to the intense emphasis on finding jobs that U of M helped you find. It was rare to find someone (like myself) who took the time to do their own extensive research outside of the provided resources and find a unique job utilizing their passions. Mainly I'm talking about the Business School. With the workforce dwindling, it is now time to get creative and act upon your own talents rather than rely on the good fortune of other people.

Insight is so great.

2008-12-18T13:36:00.001+08:00

I miss the Footprints hook-up. :(

The most disturbing thing you will read today....

2008-12-17T13:37:00.005+08:00

"At 3:37 on December 10th, the K25 train arrived at Dongguan East Station. About 1,500 cats had been sent on the train from Nanjing. Eight men wearing camouflage got on the train and started to move off the cages crammed with cats. Every time a cage landed on the ground, cats screeched in pain.

The invoice showed that this shipment contained 1,500 cats, and included a sterilization certificate and an animal quarantine certificate issued by official veterinerians.

The cats were loaded to trucks and sent to the Guijiang Three Birds Market, which is the biggest wholesale poultry market in southern China. Every day, more than 100,000 animals are sold here. From that market, the cats were distributed to other cities in Guangdong.

Around ten wholesale vendors are involved in the dog and cat trade. One of them, known as "Big Boss," spoke Mandarin with a Cantonese accent, while the others spoke different dialects.

Cats here are sold in cages to smaller vendors for 4 yuan per kilogram, which includes the weight of the cages and any dead animals. For smaller-volume trading, the prices are 9 yuan per kilo for medium-sized cats and 14 yuan per kilo for the bigger ones.

Following a man who bought some cats, the reporter arrived at a Cantonese food restaurant where cat is priced for 36 yuan per kilo. In the restaurant, customers ordered a dish called "braised cat," which cost 147 yuan. Describing the dish, the waitress said that cat meat has the medicinal property of "nourishing yin and boosting yang." The customers said that they wanted to try it because they were curious."

I don't even know what to say about this. It's sort of a mantra of mine while I'm here not to eat dog or cat meat. Regardless of the "nourishing yin and boosting yang" philosophies. No thanks.

Read more here.

EDIT: My photos of cats in crates got nabbed by the Internet cops. They were more disturbing.

"MEOW!! Save me......!"

The Peep.

2008-12-17T13:30:00.002+08:00

Chinese men always look for the best. The biggest, the brightest, the best. It's as simple as that. They want Buicks, Bvlagari watches, expensive beer, and big golf clubs.

Speaking of shafts...

I would like to discuss a matter of extreme sensitivity. It may be a taboo subject, particularly among Chinese men, and it may be delicate to elaborate, especially as a heterosexual male, but Chinese men have issues with "the peep". The quick glance. The slight aversion of the eyes at a urinal. You know what I'm talking about.

In a sense this is a classic representation of the epochal Chinese male. They must know the truth to satiate their egotistical queries. I should also note that this characterization transcends "Western" and "Eastern" cultures. It is the holy grail of all male questions. The World Series, The Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby, all rolled into one little, (or big, depending on your stature) question.

Do I measure up?

On a global scale, China now faces the question it has been seeking throughout history: Is our dick big enough to take over the world?

China knows America has a large "stake" in global affairs and that Europe is a crucial "member" of most economic and political organizations. It is aware of the inferior stereotypes perceived by the Richard Johnson's of the West. At this moment of impending global economic doom, China is poised to weather the storm and continue to display staggering "growth". Hopefully, China has the gall to keep it's pants on and it's eyes straight ahead.

So, if you are a foreigner from the "West" and you are in a dive bar surrounded by Chinese men and one follows you to the bathroom, beware of "the peep". It has larger global ramifications than you think. Because when China discovers that all men are not created equal, they will make amends and find a way to overcome their globally discerning small penis syndrome.

YES!

2008-12-16T14:12:00.001+08:00

The Art of the 比较。

2008-12-15T11:30:00.004+08:00

(比较=bi jiao) (trans. to compare, comparatively, than)

比较 is one of the most useful phrases as a foreigner here in Panjin. 比较 is comparing one thing to another thing. I'll often times be in a taxi and a taxi driver will initiate a conversation with me.

"So, what country are you from?" He questions me.

"I'm from America." I respond.

His eyes will then open very wide in brief astonishment and his mind seeks the proper thoughts to comprehend the magnitude of this situation. One, there is a foreigner riding in his taxi. Two, this said foreigner is from America. There is then an awkward minute or two pause while he thinks of something to ask me.

"What do you think of China?" Is the most common next move in this conversation.

This is the perfect time to bust out your 比较.

"Well, I think the weather is 比较 warm." "I think the food is 比较 spicy." "I feel the girls are 比较 attractive." And so on, and so on.

This establishes that I have experience with the Chinese language, not only the vocab, but also the grammar. It's also a time to pay respect to the country of China and ultimately win over the accords of the taxi driver, or your conversing partner. Chinese people love when you are self-deprecating.

A taxi driver will say, "Oh your Chinese is not bad!"

I respond, "No it's not! It's very bad! I'm sure your English is 比较 good." This is a proper response to a compliment and a perfect instance to use 比较.

There are many more instances to use 比较. I don't even remember learning about 比较 in Chinese class, but it's one of those important language patterns you pick up on the streets. The best place to learn a language anyway.

Tokyo Police Club & k-os...

2008-12-14T20:51:00.003+08:00

Your English Is Good (k-os Remix). DOPE.

Supreme.

2008-12-14T11:38:00.002+08:00

STOLEN Dancing With The Stars Tryout Tape!!!!

2008-12-14T08:49:00.001+08:00

A recent EXCLUSIVE Dancing With The Stars tryout tape has come into my possession. Enjoy.

I Live in a Land of Two Languages

2008-12-13T18:20:00.000+08:00

Jargon and gibberish
all garbled and gray
is what I hear everyday.

Like linguistic linguine
twisted around my tongue,
I never have a handle of this
languid language, lazy maybe
and never the right thing to say.

Each day I conquer ponderously
questioning this and that
How much?
Where to?
are the most common denominator's
to my diction disdain.

Another vivacious verbal exchange.
I swear, my eyes blink, blank,
"再说一次, zai shou yi ci!"
In English I think, "say it again!"
Say it ain't so.

I play connect the dots
with gregarious grammar
my stuttering stamina
hardly shattering the
voluminous vocal void
of childish, simple understanding.

Finally, I get my point across.

The Atlantic-Pacific
more specific, English
and Mandarin translate
to West and East:
a dictionary of dichotomy.

Fascinating Interview on Chinese Streetwear...

2008-12-13T00:42:00.002+08:00

I love it. This is my future. I want to get involved anyhow, anyway.

Super Clean. Super Suede. Nike Dunk High...

2008-12-12T22:12:00.003+08:00

I'm a sucker for suede shoes. These are pretty much perfect. $115.

Oh Snap! Did you hear that new B.L.B. Song?!

2008-12-12T15:25:00.002+08:00

Well here's a leak:

Seven Days by The B.L.B.

Chinese-French Fry Diplomacy.

2008-12-10T22:48:00.006+08:00

I'm sitting at a table in a bar the other night with my new friend Brian (longer story) and a gentlemen comes up to me and asks me in Chinese if I am French. I tell him of course not, I am American. We leave it at that, but I am very curious so I ask him why he thinks I am French. He replies (translated), "I am glad you are American, I do not like the French. Sarkozy is a fool! I just wanted to make sure."

I'm trying to rack my brain as to why a random Chinese person in Panjin would have such a strong anti-French attitude and I remembered that President Sarkozy of France had recently spoke out advocating increased Chinese human rights, particularly in the Tibetan region. (Read: "Sarkozy defies China with Dalai Lama Talks") This was a causing a major headache for French and Chinese diplomatic relations as well as economic relations.

Although Sarkozy has since sought to "assuage relations between China and France", this brings up a significant issue for me as an American expat living in China. I was told upon arriving in Panjin that I would probably have to deal with some negative American sentiments from the local people. However, I have rarely came across any of this. Other than a lot of pointing, whispering, giggling, staring, picture-taking, and other extremely extremely obvious ways that Chinese people make note of my existence, it seems to stem more from curiosity than resentment.

I strongly believe that Chinese people now view America as simply a passing sign on a busy highway. It is still maybe a few miles in the distance, but they can see it, and they are ready to cruise right by it. But they also realize, and what I feel Americans need to embrace more openly, is a sense that China will only achieve success through cooperation with America, not resentment, or petty diplomatic differences. Yet, it's the people of America who do not feel this way. We carry a superiority complex like a hiking pack on our back. When I worked at Footprints selling shoes, I used to cringe when ignorant customers would say, "Excuse me, do you sell any shoes that AREN'T made in China?". Like this was somehow a determinant of quality.

The United States needs China as much as China needs the United States. A moderate boycott of Chinese goods would only add to the devastating economic peril already being faced by the United States. Because even though we won't buy Chinese goods, American companies need a future market to dump their consumer goods. And the swelling middle class of China cannot wait to hop in their new car, drive on their new highway and buy, buy, buy.

I was thinking about this at the bar while ironically eating a plate of complimentary "French" Fries. What's next China? "Communist Fries"?!?!

An Old Chinese Joke...

2008-12-10T22:31:00.003+08:00

After teaching today, Simon pulls me aside and says, "Hey Joe! I've got something to tell you, come here, come here!" So I walk over to him and he says to me, "Joe! I want to tell you a great story, it's an old Chinese joke!" So without further ado, here is the joke told to me today by Simon. (I've reinterpreted it, it was told to me in extremely broken English.)

A wealthy man is driving with his wife (a Buick, of course) and they are in the midst of a huge argument. She claims he is a booze-hound drunk, a gambler, and a womanizer. He pulls over his car and sees a beggar walking down the street.

He shouts to the beggar, "Hey you come here!"
The beggar, afraid he did something wrong, walks over to the car.
"You!" the wealthy man shouts. "Come with me, let's have a drink."
The beggar replies, "No, no!"
The wealthy man says, "Fine, let's go to the bar and play a few games of pool, hundred bucks a game."
"No, I cannot!" The beggar replies, confused and scared.
"Ok," the man says, "Let's go pick up some whores then."
The beggar is in a state of shock, "No! Why do you ask me these things, leave me alone!"

The wealthy man drives off and turns to his wife and says: "That is a man who refuses to drink, gamble, and be promiscuous. Would you like to be his wife?"

Someone tagged a wall in Panjin with my blog name, how perfect...

2008-12-10T13:54:00.002+08:00

Hope everyone enjoys the minor updates, let me know if there's anything else I can do to make the blog more readable!