Shanghaiist

Extra! Extra! China's work in Africa, credit risk and water pollution levels

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-09T21:30:52+08:00

Photo from Andrew Juderajanathan

A lot of China's work in Africa has been called everything from "rogue donating" that "hurts ordinary system," but there are a lot of myths and half-truths that need to be addressed before we can accurately assess what they're actually doing there. [Aidwatch]
China apparently has 8,000 or so credit risks, since it holds billions of dollars in off-balance-sheet debt that would vastly undermine its 9% growth rate. [WSJ]
More than 300 villagers attacked a Guangdong government building on Sunday to protest a project that would've diverted some of its water to a neighboring town. [China Daily]
A new government survey has found that water pollution levels in 2007 were twice the government's official estimate - mainly because the previous one didn't include agricultural waste. [Reuters]
What's going to happen to artist villages in China? While some, like 798 in Beijing, have managed to get semi-"official" art center status, others are being repeatedly threatened by hungry real estate developers. [Red Box Studio]
The Times recently reported on the rise of Chinese language studies in American schools, but will Americans actually choose it? Room for Debate debates about it. [New York Times]
China has shut down a bunch of ice cream makers for using melamine-tainted milk powder. [Business Week]
While everyone's been touting the new energy initiatives in China and the U.S. as the "new Sputnik," one person questions if there actually is an energy race at all. [The New Republic]

Malone's insane burger deal: 50RMB for burger + pint

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-09T20:30:00+08:00

When Blue Frog moved away from its Tongren Lu location, we shed a single tear for the Jing'an district's best burger bargain. Little did we know that three months later, an even better deal would pop up... at Malone's of all places.

Right now, Monday nights means that any of the 30 some burgers off the Malone's menu plus a Tiger pint is 50RMB. Considering pints normally go for around 40 there, and the burgers can be priced up to the 100s, we're finding it hard to find an excuse not to go there on Mondays.

In fact, it was the thing that actually brought us back to Malone's for food for the first time in years. While we'd never had problems with the food there, the price point always gave us pause when there was Munchie's decent (if smaller) options closer by and cheaper.

This time around, we opted for the Mushroom Swiss burger and the Texas Chili - which, when we ordered it medium rare, came out so bloody it fell apart in our mouths. Both were thoroughly filling, half the size of a person's head and with a fluffy sesame bun and the choice between a salad, potato wedges of fries as a side. Speaking of choices, apparently the beer can be exchanged for a soda drink as well.

Unfortunately, good things like this never last for long. According to Malone's brass, the deal will only go from now until the end of March. We'll be seeing if we can somehow manage to try all thirty burgers in that time.

Malone's is located at 255 Tongren Lu, near Nanjing Xi Lu 铜仁路255号，近南京西路. Telephone: 6247 2400

Upcoming movies: Shanghai, I Love You

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-09T18:00:00+08:00

Despite generally middling to low reviews for its latest film, the team behind New York, I Love You and Paris Je t'aime is now allegedly bringing its romantic short story collection making antics to Shanghai. Shanghai, I Love You (maybe Shanghai, wo ai ni?) will supposedly start shooting in October and details will be announced around April, says City Weekend. We're curious about the love stories they'll feature - and desperately hoping this one will be closer in kind to Paris than New York.

Presented By:

2010-02-09T18:00:00+08:00

Cinematheque: Going berserk in Las Vegas (and other film news)

Kirsti Jönson — 2010-02-09T17:00:00+08:00

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - the film version of legendary journalist Hunter S. Thompson´s novel.

If Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas isn't checked off your list of classic must-see movies, Vienna Café will help you sort this out on Thursday! Johnny Depp styled to the point of impossibility of recognition, an immensely decadent ride through Las Vegas casinos and hotel rooms, one of the most vivid depictions of a psychedelic drug rush and in the same time a crucial part of journalistic history. Legendary reporter Hunter S. Thompson made the journey that became a book that became a movie...

Thompson´s book Fear And Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream is one of his key works, rooted in autobiographical incidents. The novel first appeared as a two-part series in Rolling Stone magazine in 1971, was printed as a book in 1972, and adapted into a film of the same name in 1998 starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.

You will see Johhny Depp as you've never seen him before - this is surely one of the movies that shows how broad his acting skill is and if you thought he could never ever be anything than gorgeous, well, you're wrong. Both the novel and the filmed version:

revolves around journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo, as they arrive in 1970s Las Vegas to report on the Mint 400 motorcycle race. However, they soon abandon their work and begin experimenting with a variety of recreational drugs, such as LSD, cocaine, alcohol, mescaline, and cannabis. This leads to a series of bizarre hallucinogenic trips, during which they destroy hotel rooms, wreck cars, and have visions of anthropomorphic desert animals, all the while ruminating on the decline of American culture.

The main interpretation of Thompson´s work is that it shows his experience of and showdown with the hippie movement and its convulsive attempt to remain as a contrast to conservatism and the soulless search of wealth in a USA who´s illusions had been ravaged by the Vietnam war.

Thompson later referred to the novel as "a failed experiment in the gonzo journalism" he practiced, which was based on William Faulkner's idea that "the best fiction is far more true than any kind of journalism, and the best journalists have always known this". Thompson's journalistic style blended the techniques of fictional story-telling and journalism.

The man who put the story under his creative wings and made this excellent movie out of it is former Monty Python member Terry Gilliam. Gilliam is currently in the spotlight for his latest film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and at the moment working on The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, in which we might pair with Johnny Depp once again...???

The Vienna Café screening of this reckless ride will be in English with Chinese subtitles.

FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS
Where:Vienna Café, No.2, Lane 25 Shaoxing Lu, Luwan near Shanxi Lu, Metro Line 1 Shanxi Nan Lu Station, 绍兴路25弄2号近陕西路, 地铁1号线陕西南路站.
Starts:19:30 Thursday 11 Feb 2010
Cover: Free event
For more local events, visit the Shanghaiist Calendar.

Check out what other movies are showing in Shanghai this coming week. Links lead to info about times and venues.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE MOVIES

Ms. 45: Tuesday this week Sub-Cinema presents Ms. 45: Thana, a shy and mute seamstress, is attacked and raped whilst walking home from work one night. After escaping the attacker, she arrives home only to find an intruder in her flat who then proceeds to rape her a second time. After these horrific events, something changes inside of Thana. Full of hate, rage and disgust for men, she takes to the streets after dark with her partner, a .45 caliber hand gun, to take out her vengeance on any man who crosses her path! Set to a gritty, 80´s New York backdrop, Abel Ferrara´s Ms. 45 lives true to its reputation and cult status.
Avatar: (阿凡达): James Cameron is back with this super expensive sci-fi thriller in 3D. Follow ex-marine Jack (Sam Worthington) as he explores planet Pandora as an avatar; a human mind in an alien body. On this paradise-like planet, he faces hostilities from exotic life forms and falls in love with a female alien. This movie used ground-breaking techniques and is being shown in 3-D. In English or Chinese depending on the cinema.
The Spy Next Door (邻家特工): Seasoned secret agent Bob Ho has lived through a number of impossible missions, but he soon realizes that watching his girlfriend´s three kids will be his toughest task yet. Featuring Jackie Chan as the undercover babysitter, the film shows you how complicated babysitting can be, even for a skillful spy. Language TBA.
Alvin and the Chipmunks (鼠来宝：明星俱乐部): The Squeakquel: Three sensational and oh-so-cute chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore are returning to the silver screen. They end up living with owner Dave’s nephew Toby and meet their equally talented female counterparts, the Chipettes. In English or Chinese depending on the cinema.

CHINESE LANGUAGE MOVIES

True Legend (苏乞儿): Set at the turn of 19th and 20th century, the story of begins with Su Can, a wealthy man who loses all his fortune and reputation as a result of a conspiracy against him. After being forced out onto the streets, he dedicates his life to martial arts and reemerges as a patriotic hero as he challenges foreign fighters at a boxing ring. The story is loosely based on the life of Su Can, nicknamed Su Qi Er (Su the Bagger), who developed his own fighting style, known as "drunken fist". This is Yuen Wo-Ping's first directorial work since 1996 and may also give a major boost to the career of 37 year old China's born martial-art star Zhao Wenzhuo.
Hot Summer Days ( 全城热恋): "Hot Summer Days" unites a galaxy of stars in China's show business, including Jacky Cheung, Rene Liu, Nocholas Tse, Barbie Hsu, Daniel Wu and Vivian Hsu. The romance is slated for release across China in February the 11th. The film consists of six intertwining love stories, all set in a stifling and sultry summer. As Valentine's Day this year falls on the first day of Chinese lunar new year, the release date for "Hot Summer Days", February 11th, was chosen to coincide with the big occasion, aiming for a lion's share of the movie market.
All's Well Ends Well 2010 (花田喜事): Director Raymond Wong heads up another all-star Lunar New Year comedy. "All's Well Ends Well 2010" stars Louis Koo, Sandra Ng, Raymond Wong, Ronald Cheng, Lam Tze-Chung, and "Ip Man" co-star Lynn Xiong. Plot: Princess Pearl of Flowerland is sent to Midland at a young age to learn her ceremonials duties. Her mother, the Queen Mother misses her daughter very much that the King orders his sister, the princess, to return home. However, the princess has fallen in love with Gerenal Wing of the Midland army and is reluctant to part from him. As their boat approaches the Flowerland border, Pearl & Wing save the life of a girl named Ying, who seeks to throw herself into sea after running away from an arranged marriage. Pearl, Wing and Ying are attacked by pirates and Pearl falls overboard in the ensuing chaos. On arrival in Flowerland, the King mistakes Ying for his sister, while Pearl is saved by Ying's father, Million.
Da You Cun Bright Future (大有前途): Da You Cun Bright Future, directed by Deng Zhiheng, may be the best comedy of this movie-packed season. Focusing on a group of people living in Da You Cun, a poor village, the movie tells the story of making dreams come true. The head of the village, Li Biao, who wants to improve people's lives, comes across a Taiwan hotshot who promises to invest in the real estate market. Unfortunately, all the money is lost and the village becomes even poorer. But the simple but optimistic villagers decide to build back their lives. After a series of battles with city folk, they eventually build a movie base in the village. Da You Cun Bright Future is a good choice for those who just want to kick up their feet and have a good laugh.
Fortune King is Coming To Town (财神到): This Chinese New Year celebration comedy tells a story that is very similar to "Santa Clause is coming to Town". Fortune King is Chinese goddess; they come down from heaven to the earth and give money to people like what Santa does for children. Lead Actor Tan Yonglin says the Fortune King also only help people who watch out. "Our film is more than fun. If you do not work hard, the Fortune King will know and refuse to help you. The movie also tells us to open our heart and love others."
Qi Shi Er Jia Fang Ke (七十二家租客): In 1970s Hong Kong rapacious landlords try to evict 72 tenants but sworn brothers Ha Kung (Eric Tsang) and Shek Kin (Jacky Cheung) help the group of 72 defeat the landlord (Lam Ka Tung) and landlady (Charmaine Sheh) and coincidentally rescue Pinky (Anita Yuen) from a planned forced marriage. When both sworn brothers fall for Pinky and propose to her she flips a coin “heads or tails” and Ha wins her hand in marriage. In Cantonese.
14 Blades (锦衣卫): Daniel Lee´s martial arts epic stars certified Kung Fu badass Donnie Yen in the role of Qinglong, or Green Dragon. He is the best of the so called Jinyiwei, an imperial elite force of assassins recruited from street orphans. Jinyiwei were masters of the 14 Blades, eight being for torture, five for killing, and the last blade being reserved for suicide when a mission failed. When the emperor is kidnapped and the court taken over, Qinglong takes on the mission of restoring the emperor to power. Also starring Vicki Zhao and Chun Wu.
The Story of Hong Mao Lan Tu Huo Feng Huang (虹猫蓝兔火凤凰): The cartoon has a fan base of millions because of its TV version and tells of the adventures of a Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit. They are sent to witness in the rebirth of the Phoenix, and then the rebirth is sabotaged by the Black Dragon.
Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf (喜羊羊与灰太狼之虎虎生威): This movie is from the same title Chinese Animated Television series which tell stories of bouts between Family Sheep and descendants of wolf on the grassland. This time, the story happens in the world of snail. There is a serious bale coming to snails. The biological warfare happens between two of bacterial kingdoms, "Black Null" and "White Null", who exist on antennae of snails. The White Null Kingdom recruits all military force around the country to perish the black-hearted Black Null Kingdom. Sheep Xiyangyang sides with White Null Kingdom, and Wolf Huitailang is siding for the opposite.
Confucius (孔子): Learn more about the respected Chinese thinker in this film. Directed by Hu Mei, China´s fifth-generation director, the film features Chow Yun-fat as Confucius. The plot depicts the latter half of Confucius´ life, from when he takes up the chancellor position of his home Kingdom until his death. Zhou Xun stars as the beauty Nan Zi in this high-budget . Mandarin only or in Mandarin with English subtitles depending on the cinema.
Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (名侦探柯南：漆黑的追踪者): The 13th episode in the Japanese movie franchise starring Japanese detective Conan finally comes to Shanghai. This 2009 anime film follows the prodigious young detective as he solves a serial murder case in Japan. Six people are killed and Mahjong tiles are left next to each victim as a strange clue. Dubbed in Mandarin or in Japanese with Chinese subtitles, depending on the cinema.
Park Shanghai: Local director Huang Kai's debut film explores China's post '80s generation. The romantic drama follows former lovebirds Dong and Rerei as they meet again at their high school reunion years after graduation. Huang Kai will attend the screenings. Call for more information. Mandarin, Shanghainese and English dialogue with Chinese and English subtitles.
Amazing Tales: Three Guns (三枪拍案惊奇): This comedy thriller, also known as "A Simple Noodle Story" is Zhang Yimou's remake of the Coen brothers´ "Blood Simple". The story begins as a noodle restaurant-owner in the northwest part of ancient China hires a soldier to kill his cheating wife and her new man, a waiter, but the soldier has a plan of his own. Expect heaps of nonsensical humor and a line of A-listers in the cast, including comedian Xiao Shenyang, Zhao Benshan and actor Sun Honglei. Mandarin only.
Poker King (扑克王): See amazing gambling tricks in this Hong Kong comedy. Louis Koo stars as Randy, who´s just inherited a majority stake in a casino in Macau, but hasn´t yet earned the trust of the casino´s other shareholders. So he joins a gambling tournament and tries to beat all rivals, including the casino´s seasoned manager. In Cantonese or Mandarin depending on the cinema.

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Meet the Spanish pavilion's Miguelin: the first female Expo mascot?

Catherine Lewis — 2010-02-09T15:45:00+08:00

Photo courtesy of World Expo Blog

Last May we were introduced to the kookaburra "Peng Peng", Australia’s cheeky mascot for the 2010 World Expo. Shortly after, a whole gaggle of pavillion mascots started popping up: the Francophile feline "Léon", the stinkin "Durian Star" from Singapore, the turd-like “Yabi” from Taiwan, the not-so-gentle Giant “Tai” from (you guessed it) Thailand and everybody’s favorite blue gang “the Smurfs” representing the shared Belgium/ EU pavilion.

This week, the folks at World Expo blog got a sneak peek at Spain’s representative: a blue little critter named Miguelin.

We are unsure at this point if the um, "thing" is a boy or a girl, but something about that stylin' polka dot ensemble and distinct wavy black hair tells us Miguelin is a Spanish senorita. This would make her the first female mascot amongst the crew of boy critters represented thus far. Unless of course you count "Tai" who's pink jewels got him pegged as a possible katoey. Regardless, there's a good reason why our man Haibao's standing so close to Miguelin in this photo...and we think it's more than their obvious shared appreciation for the color blue.

Chinese dislike the new rich, probably should dislike SOEs more

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-09T14:45:00+08:00

We already know that there's a pretty great amount of resentment towards the rich - not to mention, a wide perception of corruption - here in China, so it's probably not surprising that a People's Daily poll recently discovered that over 90% of people think the neo-rich got their wealth by networking with government officials.

The poll found that 74% of people felt the key to success for nouveau riche - usually private entrepreneurs and especially those people that feature on lists like Forbes' 400 Richest in China and Hurun's categorization of the same - was "being good at networking with officials." Only 16% were willing to attribute fortunes to "wisdom and hard work of family members."

Even with a good one-eighth of pollsters admitting that rich people might have spent some effort getting where they are, only 3% actually had "OK" or "very good" impressions of the upper class. 69% were inclined to think "badly" or "really badly" about the newly rich.

But as much antagonism as the new rich bring, especially with their unabashed flaunting of their money and their tendency to do stupid things like run over poor people in their luxury sportscars, perhaps all that anger would be more useful if directed at much more insidious, and actually provably corrupt figures: SOE bosses.

Says Cai Jiming, director of the Center for Political Economy at Tsinghua University, "It is natural to understand the public's anger but we should also be aware that the wealth and deals of bosses in State-owned enterprises are more lacking in transparency."

Citing that same study suggesting that 90% of China's fortunes were held by 0.4% of the population that officials quickly denied last year, Cai pointed out that many of the rich on China's richest people lists were "unknown" and were likely obtaining their wealth through abusing industry monopolies or public rights. Incidentally, The Sydney Morning Herald's John Garnaut has an interesting take down of how SOE officials/bosses end up cheating the public out of tons of money. While most their methods tend to be complicated machinations involving off-shore accounts and manipulating markets, Garnaut (or, more specifically, his source) provided a simple example of how they can use connections to make money as well:

"My friend uses his dad's connections to persuade the port authority to allow particular ships to load," says Lee's business partner. "Ships would rather give the money to my friend and the port officials than waste it out at sea. If they don't pay a 'bonus' then there's no way they can load their stuff in time. That's why port officials can earn a BMW per day if they want to, or at least one per week. And that's why smaller or foreign companies can't make money because there's no way for them to get their ships loaded efficiently and cleared to leave."

Yeesh, compared to that, the nouveau riche are annoying but generally pretty harmless. As Cai states, "While for the private entrepreneurs, I believe they need more guidance, but generally speaking, the booming of the private economy is doing much more good than harm to the nation..." Hmmm, we suppose that's as long as you're not getting the worst of both worlds - like Huang Guangyu of Gome and his Guangdong official partners.

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Ticketmaster China kicks the bucket

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-09T14:00:00+08:00

Ah, the beleaguered state of show promoters here in Shanghai. According to China Music Radar, Ticketmaster's China operations were "officially shelved" last week. The company had only just bought high-profile upstart Emma Entertainment in 2007. That merger, Emma Ticketmaster, managed to screw up safety at an Avril Lavigne show, failed to bring Oasis, did an okay job getting John Legend here and then spluttered to a halt in May 2008. CMR has a history lesson on the soap opera antics of its foray here in China which is well worth reading... and a lament about the state of ticketing/promoting now that this option, as messed up as it was, is gone.

ArtSpeakChina: The wiki on Chinese contemporary art

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-09T11:00:00+08:00

Recently we were at a party when the topic of contemporary Chinese art came up. "It's a shame we don't see any more from Wang Xiaojin right? His works sold so well," someone tittered to us. Who? was our reply. "Do you think Xiao Lu has any future past her shock value?" another one asked. Buuuh, we gave as an answer. If only we had ArtSpeakChina to quickly wiki an opinion - or at least a hint about what was going on - up.

ArtSpeakChina.org is a new collaboratively-authored bilingual encyclopedia of Chinese contemporary art. Online at both www.artspeakchina.org and www.tanyishu.cn, the guide provides hundreds of in-depth articles on Chinese artists and what's going on in China's ever evolving art world.

As they put it:

ArtSpeak China now contains well over 300 articles and a multi-media timeline of historical and arts events since 1949, and is growing by the day. Articles can be explored by category (artists, curators, critics, museums, galleries, collectors, etc.); by searching on a specific name, topic or text; or by following articles’ internal links.

ASC operates not only as a direct reference source, but throughout its articles provides context-specific links to other definitive sources, including Asia Art Archive, the San Francisco Art Institute, AW Asia, Artzine China, and the Asia Society Museum. ASC also provides previously unavailable information, including a real-time view of the most accessed artists’ entries by number of page views and location, revealing for the first time such shifts in community interest and involvement. With more than 10,000 page views a day prior to its official launch this week, such rankings and other statistics constitute a meaningful indicator of developments and trends in contemporary Chinese art.

And most importantly, it'll give us something to go on so we'll feel less silly when we're amongst our artsy friends again!

Sichuan Auto Industry to re-create panda-monium

Catherine Lewis — 2010-02-09T10:00:00+08:00

Photo from OS Universe

On Friday we reported that Tai Shan's return to his Chinese roots might create a “normal” panda environment for the furry guy—one that would focus more on breeding and less on the panda cams and fan clubs of yesteryear. Well guess who just scored a corporate sponsorship, oodles of money and even more of a lifetime guarantee of fame and fortune?

A mere few hours after Tai Shan’s arrival into China on Thursday, the famous panda bear has won a gig as the new "image ambassador" to Sichuan Auto Industry Group. Oh snap, this bear moves fast.

The Chinese automaker reportedly offered one million yuan to sponsor the 4-year old panda for life. Although there was no elaboration on what exactly a furry, 184-pound“image ambassador” does, the corporate sponsorship guarantees that all Tai Shan’s daily food, health care and basic panda needs (like the mass production of life-size posters with his face on it) will be taken care of forever.

We should have guessed that a bear who blows into town on his own Boeing 777 freighter, with private language tutors and a dinner menu of fresh bamboo shoots and ’wotou’ steamed sorghum, would see the opportunity for “image ambassador” as the natural next step.

But for all the animal lovers out there and the legions of Tai Shan fans (who actually purchase those Tai Shan mugs, shirts, key rings and license plates) you can be rest assured that the beloved panda remains in good care despite his new claim to fame. Tai Shan will continue to live at the Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya'an City as part of China’s extensive breeding program. Moreover, Cao Guodong, the automaker's deputy general manager, told the Washington Post that the company does not even expect Tai Shan to leave the panda base to do things such as, say, attend product launches.

But wait... No product launches? That means no parties. Sheesh. Next thing you know they’ll be skimping on the daily caviar snacks and Swedish massages too.

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Photo of the Day: Ephemeral calligraphy

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-09T09:00:00+08:00

Photo by belgrave

More photos on the Shanghaiist Contribute page. To see your photos on our Contribute page, use Flickr and tag your photos “shanghaiist”. Or you can email your photos to photos@shanghaiist.com and they will automatically appear on our site (and here).

Extra! Extra! Dinosaur footprints, antiquing "Idol" and the little information release law that didn't

Robert Schrader — 2010-02-08T22:23:19+08:00

Terrorists, dollars and (polar) bears, oh my: why the United States should focus more on China's strong stance against the first rather than its less-than-perfect record on the last two. Reads a bit like something by Ann Coulter, but still worth reading nonetheless. [China Law Blog]
The newest discovery RE: China's paleolithic dino-sty: more than 3,000 dinosaur footprints, ranging in span from 10 to 80 centimeters, blanket the ground near Zhucheng "dinosaur city" Shandong. [Yahoo! News]
China's Next Top...Antique Collector? Now that Mao's dead, those who went against his orders to destroy all things old are cashing in on their defiance, reality TV style. Instead of getting "voted off the island," however, your item must pass an "authenticity test," lest you smash it, Cultural Revolution-style, on live television. [New York Times]
It's always best to look on the bright side, even when you're a formerly-loved college professors with only two opportunities for free speech in as many decades, both of which were spent in prison. The guards were nice, though, so it's all good. Right? [Chinese Law Prof Blog
Pissed about those "Three Gorges Dam" fees tacked onto your electric bill? Well, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that the National Ordinance on Government Information Release provides legal justification for you to ask why. The bad news? The government can tell you to eff off, because the law is "enumerative" in nature. [China Media Project]
Stop the presses! Chinese universities are requiring English-language entrance exams. Curiously, the Chinese audio transcription of the original article sounds more like a rural American than a Chinese person reading pinyin. [Language Log]

Photo: [Hugh Rock's photostream]

Don't Watch This: Confucius

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-08T18:30:00+08:00

Ever since the China Media Group's uber-unpopular decision to pull out uber-popular Avatar from 2D screens for Confucius, there have been multiple rumblings about the philosophical implications of Chinese audiences abandoning the centuries-old sage for blue-skinned aliens. While we won't completely dismiss the "Avatar = nailhouse troubles" argument, based on our recent viewing of Confucius, we think there's a much simpler reason people are avoiding it: It sucks.

Seriously, it's long and tedious and very, very boring.

Granted, we've never been that big of a fan of Confucius' conservative feudal society philosophies - perhaps, drunk on Western thought (which is what our parents accuse us of being), it's harder for us to accept values that ask you to docilely obey someone just because they're older/born higher up the food chain/have testicles. Even without our inherent prejudices, we're sure that trying to write a script about a guy who's life story involves waxing on about morality before being kicked from country to country is no easy task.

Still, we're not sure the screenwriters of this movie even tried to make it anything but a misstep of a Chinese epic. A soaring score punctuates everything Confucius and his disciples do - whether it's pleading for the life of a burial slave or deciding not to stay in a country because the Princess is too pretty.

Speaking of the Princess, while Zhou Xun is billed as a star in the movie, her role is nothing more than a very transparent paste-on to make the Confucius plot sexier. Spoiler alert: She's the one pulling the strings behind an old pervy Emperor of the Wei Kingdom. She invites Confucius over after being wowed by stories of his smarts, flirts with him a little, and is subsequently wowed even more by his ability to stay strong in the face of her beauty. Then he leaves and she gets assassinated, likely by an envious Wei Prince. The end.

Subplots like that, which go nowhere, are a staple of the film. Other staples: moments where disciples are like "Gee, Confucius is great," moments where officials are like "Gee, Confucius is troublesome," moments where someone sacrifices something for a dubious reason - I.E. when (again SPOILER ALERT) one of Confucius' favorite disciples dies trying to save his teachings from falling to the bottom of a frozen river. The kicker being that Confucius' teachings were all written on bamboo, which... floats. Was there ever a saying that went "Not thinking before jumping into icy water, person is bound to get cold feet"?

But worse than all the plot failings and ploddingly long scenes is the sad possibility that this was somehow suppose to rejuvenate Confucianism in China, to provide a moral backbone to the populace now that Maoism has failed and Dengisms are beginning to ring hollow. If that was the case, the producers missed the mark entirely, skipping over what interesting and enlightening truisms Confucius did have (including the social responsibility of a leader to his people) to fill the time instead with militarist Red Cliff-style machinations.

And so you have people of this generation watching the movie and at best concluding that "It is a film that could be completely done without" and at worst, hating viciously on the old guy when just last year saying anything bad about him would have caused you to be human flesh searched within an inch of your life.

As Raymond Zhou of China Daily points out, "What serious scholars could never achieve in demystifying, and whom former chairman Mao Zedong, Lu Xun and all the revolutionaries failed to topple from the pedestal, the film authorities did with one simple stroke - by throwing a boomerang at Pandora, the flying island populated by athletic blue men, and instead hitting the man they had crowned with a halo."

So we're saying: give it a pass. Even those of you who like Confucius will be sorely disappointed.

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Feathers ruffled by tire tariffs, China slaps "anti-dumping" duties on chicken products

Catherine Lewis — 2010-02-08T17:30:00+08:00

Photo by joeffrey

Last Friday, after an investigation by the Chinese Commerce Ministry concluded that U.S. companies were hurting local producers by dumping their poultry products into the Chinese market, China stated it would be slapping up to 105.4% in tariffs on imported U.S. poultry products. While this is sure to be yet another issue rocking the already unsteady boat of diplomatic relations between the two countries, we couldn't help but snicker at the product in the middle of all this turmoil.

Because by “poultry products,” the ministry really means chicken feet a.k.a. a worthless byproduct in the US that happens to be a Chinese delicacy millions of locals love to snack upon.

Wang Xiulin, president of the Chinese Poultry Association told Reuters: "Chicken feet and wings are not wanted in the U.S. so they sell them to China, they dump them below cost. For over a decade, the U.S. has sent big volumes of chicken to the Chinese market, hurting producers here. Last year, the Chinese poultry industry was really hurting so we asked for this investigation."

But the U.S.A. Poultry and Egg Export Council cried foul, as China’s initial investigation into its poultry market was sparked only after the U.S. imposed safeguard duties on Chinese-made tires back in September. Even then, the tire trade dispute left China threatening to cut-off its U.S. imported chicken supply, causing American poultry experts to come out of the woodwork with assurances that they had “jumbo, juicy paws” the Chinese just couldn’t get enough of.

Apparently, the appeal of jumbo juicy paws (shouldn't it be claws?) weren't as long lasting as they had hoped. As a spokesperson for the USAPEEC states, the new tariff decision threatens to “virtually eliminate U.S. chicken exports to China for the foreseeable future.”

Among the companies slapped with duties are, Pilgrim's Pride Corp (hit with an 80.5 duty) Sanderson Farms (64.5 percent duty) and Tyson Foods (one of the lowest at a 43.1 percent duty).

This latest development in the Chinese-American trade-disputes is part of a ~~weirder~~ larger saga involving tires, cars, steel and now, um, chickens. But as Beijing and Washington continue to quibble over Taiwan, Tibet, trade, climate change, internet freedom, protectionism, human rights and the value of yuan, they have some people convinced we're headed to war. And that's nothing to cluck at.

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Dapu Lu tunnel opens fully on Wednesday

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-08T17:00:00+08:00

Now that we have the Yan'an Lu and Renmin Lu and like six other tunnels connecting Puxi and Pudong, it's hard to remember the time when there was only one underground linkage across the Huangpu. But now the Dapu Lu tunnel, which first opened in 1971, has finished its seven-month renovation run and is expected to be fully utilizable by Wednesday. A second tube right next to the existing part will open at the same time. Hopefully this will make traffic a little more bearable around rush hour.

China's sick healthcare system breeding antibiotic-resistant "superbugs"

G.M. Giacomelli — 2010-02-08T16:00:00+08:00

Photo from University of Arizona

Ever notice the tendency for medical clinics and hospitals to over-prescribe medications here in Shanghai (even for things like simple colds and sore throats)? This bottle of pills is for the inflammation, take three times a day. Take one of these twice day, it'll help reduce the pain. Oh, those ones? We're not quite sure, but trust us, you need 'em. Turns out the practice isn't just dangerous for your wallet, it's also breeding strains of bugs that are becoming antibiotic-resistant. Uh oh.

Some leading scientists say that the reckless use of antibiotics in the Chinese healthcare system is unleashing an explosion of drug resistant superbugs that could be a medical cocktail for a global disaster. How over-prescribed is China? Says Professor Xiao Yonghong of the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology at Beijing University, "In Chinese hospitals our data shows that 60 per cent of in-patients are being prescribed antibiotics compared with the WHO guideline of 30 per cent."

Throw twice as many antibiotics at a person as needed and, according to the studies, you get a rapid rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). And with the relative ease of international air travel today, these new strains of superbugs could depart Shanghai in the morning and arrive in Toronto the same day.

According to Dr Andreas Heddini of the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control:

"We have a lot of data from Chinese hospitals and it shows a very frightening picture of high-level antibiotic resistance. Doctors are daily finding there is nothing they can do, even third and fourth-line antibiotics are not working. There is a real risk that globally we will return to a pre-antibiotic era of medicine, where we face a situation where a number of medical treatment options would no longer be there. What happens in China matters for the rest of the world."

But why do so many Chinese doctors feel the need to over medicate their patients?

While it's possible the doctors are just overeager to care for their patients' well being, a more convincing argument points to the underlying systematic deficiencies of the ailing Chinese health care system.

Public health experts have pointed out that China has an underfunded health system where medical centers take up to half of their operating income from selling drugs, a haphazard solution to the semi-privatization of the entire industry.

Or as Drew Thompson, Director of China Studies at the Nixon Center in the U.S, explains:

[With the] widespread dismantling of the public sector in China and growth in the private sector, health care was heavily affected. Factories, state-owned enterprises, no longer were running their own health care clinics; public hospitals increasingly began to operate like private hospitals; government funding was reduced for the public health care system. The result was the health care system became heavily dependent on fees."

When you add that to the fact that all medical professionals are treated - and paid - like public officials (which, incidentally has caused a shortage of doctors here since long gruelling years of study don't translate to much more money), it's no wonder the doctors become pushers. And as the doctors become pushier, Chinese people become more suspicious. Says Helen Ye, a Beijing resident, ""We go to clinics for colds, but we don't trust the doctors because they are all being paid by the drug companies and so they over-prescribe."

China is not turning a blind eye to these huge problems. In March 2009, it announced a $123 billion health care reform plan. Under the plan, 90% of China's citizens will be covered by a universal health care system and health care facilities will be upgraded, including construction of 30,000 hospitals, clinics, and care centers across the country.

The State Council says that by 2020, the world's most populous country will have a basic health-care system that can provide safe, effective, convenient and affordable health services to urban and rural residents. Of course, as with any huge reform plan, it will be some time before the effects trickle down (and, as with any huge reform plan in China, a lot will most likely "disappear" through intermediaries).

But until then, make sure you ask what's in the anonymously marked box of drugs that you apparently "need".

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Pencil This In: February 8-12

Edna Zhou — 2010-02-08T15:00:00+08:00

This week is marching in, and with it comes a wide and wild variety of events to check out, from horrible 90s movies to special burlesque shows to a ballet about Marco Polo.

Monday: Troll 2

Not Me is showing a screening of Troll 2, also known as "the worst movie of all time." In the movie, which has no relation to Troll 1 and shows no trolls whatsoever, a family vacations in a world inhabited by vegetarian goblins and must avoid eating food that will turn them into plants. The 50 RMB open bar might help you get through it.
8 PM. Not Me, 21 Dongping Lu near Hengshan Lu (东平路21号近衡山路) No cover

Tuesday: Lesinshanghai Drinks

The second Tuesday of every month, this group for lesbian, gay, and bisexual women gather to meet, socialize, network, and organize future events. While they're very friendly and welcome anyone to come along, it's for women only.
7:30-11:30 PM. Cotton's, 132 Anting Lu near Jianguo Xi Lu (安亭路132号近建国西路)

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Shanghai Centre Theatre puts on a production of Shanghai Beauty, famous dancer (and one of the most high-profile Chinese transsexuals) Jin Xing’s best-known piece. Shanghai Beauty is based on the philosopher François Jullien’s musings about the differing conceptions of beauty and this dance performance aims to examine the contrasting views of beauty held by China and the West. For tickets, email jinxingdancetheatre@yahoo.com or call 6327 0578
7:45-10PM. Shanghai Centre Theatre 上海商城剧院 Add: 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu 南京西路1376号近西康路, Tickets from ¥100-380

Wednesday: Marco Polo Ballet

"The Last Mission of Marco Polo" tells the story of Marco Polo as he escorts a Mongolian princess to meet her groom in Persia. Produced by the Shanghai Ballet Theatre and performed by some of its leading dancers, the ballet also features costumes designed by Pierre Cardin.
7:15 PM. Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 Renmin Da Dao near Huangpi Bei Lu (人民大道300号近黄陂北路) Tickets ¥80-580

Thursday: People's Republic of Chinatown

You've probably heard and/or frequented burlesque house Chinatown, but did you ever wonder how it got there? Through music, comedy, and stripping, this special show tells the story of how owners Norman Gosney and Amelia Kallman made the move from New York, and their "quest to revive burlesque in Shanghai" (a move for which many are thankful).
Doors open 7:30, show begins 8:30 PM. Gosney & Kallman's Chinatown, 471 Zhapu Lu near Haining Lu (乍浦路471号近海宁路) Tickets ¥80 presale, ¥100 at the door

Friday: Lady in Red Special

Spanish tapas lounge Azul is closing for Valentine's Day weekend, so if you want an early V-Day treat, head here on Friday night for some Latin spice. They're offering a three-course set dinner for ¥498/couple (¥298 if you're single), and any fair ladies wearing red clothing get to enjoy free sangria all night.
7-10 PM. Azul, 18 Dongping Lu near Wulumuqi Lu (东平路18号近乌鲁木齐路)

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You're hot then you're cold. What gives, North Korea?

Robert Schrader — 2010-02-08T14:00:00+08:00

from Mike Licht's photostream

Just hours ago, recently-freed American missionary Robert Park landed back on U.S. soil. Born to Korean parents, he had gone back to his ancestral homeland in hopes of singlehandedly inspiring a change in leadership, only to be detained after crossing into North Korea over an icy river on Christmas day. While we can't say his cause is unworthy, he's lucky to have gotten out without the prodding of Bill Clinton. Unfortunately, his release is hardly a bellwether for the state of North Korea's relations with the West. Envoys from China, along with a team from South Korea, headed to Pyongyang this weekend to resume dialogue that will hopefully lead to the disarmament lobbied for by the stalled "six-party" talks.

While the UN plans to send its own envoy later in the week and the U.S. has vowed to continue its policy of engagement, it is China that has the greatest influence with its neighbor. At the center of the current diplomatic happenings in the North Korean capital is Chinese Communist Party international affairs chief Wang Jiaru, who last year received a denuclearization pledge from Kim Jong-il himself.

What's ironic is that the biggest benefactor of the entire situation may in fact be the United States, who has been the architect behind disarming destitute North Korea.

Along with Iran, China's communist comrade is a pillar of a new sort of "Axis of Evil," as identified by former U.S. President Bush. It would seem, however, based on the tone of recent U.S.-China relations, that any benefits the U.S. might reap from this transaction are inconsequential - and that any friendly overtones are purely political in nature. As a piece in the Australian explains:

Almost 55 per cent of those questioned for Global Times, a state-run newspaper, agree that "a cold war will break out between the US and China"

An independent survey of Chinese-language media for The Sunday Times has found army and navy officers predicting a military showdown and political leaders calling for China to sell more arms to US foes.

The trigger for their fury was Mr Obama's decision to sell weapons to Taiwan. "We should retaliate with an eye for an eye and sell arms to Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba and Venezuela," declared Liu Menxiong, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

He added: "We have nothing to be afraid of. The North Koreans have stood up to America and has anything happened to them? No. Iran stands up to America and does disaster befall it? No."

Egads! We're happy that they freed the missionary and everything, but let's just hope that's not the shining moment of North Korean goodwill toward the rest of humanity. All these words and phrases coming up RE: past global conflicts are a bummer, at best.

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Jessica Alba "distressed" by Jessica Alba girl

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-08T11:30:00+08:00

Jessica Alba has spoken out against the Shanghainese girl who was getting free plastic surgery to look like her. The Maxim Hot 100 list frequenter said she was distressed that Xiaoqing was planning to win her Alba-obsessed ex-boyfriend back by undergoing extensive nips and tucks. "I think you should never have to change yourself like that," said Alba, who was once voted the Sexiest Woman in the World (by FHM). "If somebody loves you, they'll love you no matter what."

Video: Riding down Da Jing Lu

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-08T10:45:00+08:00

Ah... for a somewhat peaceful start to your morning (and week), here's a sweet video by photographer Ryan Pyle as he rides down Da Jing Lu in Central Shanghai, an old lane way near the bund. Da Jing Lu, while not a particularly famous street, does contain a landmark amidst its hustle and bustle. A part of the old city wall can be seen at the corner of Da Jing Lu and Ren Min Lu.

We covered its history way back when (click through for the full article), but here's a little taste:

Once upon a time, way back in the days when the Song dynasty discovered oil in Hangzhou* and moved south, a nearby fishing community called Hutu (also sometimes called Hudu) found itself strategically situated and soon became home to several the bigwigs from up north. After a short time, the fishers became traders and the traders became pajama-wearin' xiao long bao-guzzlin' urbanites. All was peaceful for a time in Shanghai, as Hutu became known, but just a short ways away on the East China Sea evil Japanese pirates hatched nefarious plots of rape and pillage. And so in 1553 Ming officials decreed an enormous wall 5 kilometers in length and eight meters high to be built around the city. The wall had a 20 meter wide moat, soldier outposts, four gates, and six sluice ways. The people rejoiced and the pirates sailed back to Japan in search of ladders.

Presented By:

2010-02-08T10:45:00+08:00

Week Around the Ists

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-08T10:00:00+08:00

Photo by James Calder.

DCist is busy digging out of the great Snowmaggedon of 2010.

Londonist discovered an alpine ski lodge, some abstract art, a treasure-trove of antiques and several tube-carriage offices, all in the unlikely setting of East London's rooftops and alleyways.

Gothamist was amazed when a Best Buy shopper was arrested for using valid gift cards. Oh, and when a 12-year-old was arrested for doodling on her desk. Oh, and when a 9-year-old was almost suspended for a Lego-sized toy gun. Oh, and when ?uestlove wondered about NBC's Black History Month cafeteria menu.

Phillyist reported from the Miss'd America pageant in Atlantic City, former home of the Miss America pageant.

Torontoist has been interviewing the members of the Kids in the Hall one by one by one, now that the much-loved comedy troupe is back on TV with a new mini-series, Death Comes to Town.

Shanghaiist got shoved into overcrowded subways by new professional subway shovers.

Bostonist toyed around with a naked Scott Brown action figure.

LAist was exited to announce that a light rail line and route connecting Santa Monica to Downtown had finally been approved.

Chicagoist followed PETA's battle to get the controversial "Lobster Zone" game removed from a local bar (PETA won).

Seattlest checked out the strange case of a photographer sued for taking a picture of Seattle public art.

SFist recoiled at senate candidate Carly Fiorina new campaign attack ad, which features swine, sheep and furries.

Houstonist focused a spotlight on the local music scene.

Shanghaiist Sunday Show: Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square

Kenneth Tan — 2010-02-07T11:45:15+08:00

Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square (French: Le jour se lève sur la place Tienanmen) is a 1998 National Film Board of Canada short animated documentary directed by Shui-Bo Wang which received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. Consisting of a colourful collage of personal and archival photos and original artwork, this fascinating documentary is one man's autobiographical look back at the turbulent Cultural Revolution and the subsequent years. An exceptional piece of work that is well worth 29 minutes of your time this Sunday:

Haven't had enough? Watch previous Shanghaiist Sunday Shows here.

Spotted at the Beijing airport: US missionary Robert Park

Kenneth Tan — 2010-02-07T04:59:08+08:00

Korean American missionary Robert Park is besieged by journalists at the Beijing Capital Airport after being freed from detention by North Korea. The 28 year old entered North Korea from China last Christmas by walking across the frozen Tumen River, carrying a letter to Kim Jong Il asking him to close down concentration camps and release all political prisoners. A report by the DPRK's Korean Central News Agency claims that Park attended a church service in Pyongyang, whereupon it suddenly dawned on him that "the DPRK people can read and believe whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want" and that he has since "seriously repented of the wrong I committed, taken in by the West's false propaganda". Sinologistical Violoncellist notes that police in Yanbian appear now to be trying to track down Park's collaborator in Yanji and that while the media circus surrounded Park in Beijing on Friday, Kim Jong Il was busy watching Russian opera. [h/t to Danwei]

Can't view the above video? It's time to get yourself a VPN!

JUE | Music + Art Festival 2010: March 12 - 29

G.M. Giacomelli — 2010-02-06T15:00:00+08:00

As if to signal the end of another dreary winter, this Spring brings the 2010 JUE Music + Art Festival. A celebration of the alternative, creative and progressive arts in Shanghai with no branding, no restrictions and no hidden agenda, JUE is an excuse not to be cooped up in your apartment.

Experience a punk show, an art installation, and everything in between - Split Works, along with local galleries, record labels, and the international music community, has knitted together a diverse mix of visual arts exhibitions and live shows at venues across the city.

And they've outlined at least some of the things you can look forward to, listed after the jump:

JUE | Music

Optimo (DJ Twitch + DJ Wilkes = Optimo): UK dance music legends, spinning everything from electro to post-punk to 50s swing music
details TBA

Hanggai: Mongolian folk rockers/throat singers
March 12, Yuyintang, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu

St. Vincent: experimental folk rocker and indie crush-object from Houston, Texas
March 13, Yuyintang, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu

Julie Doiron: the fairy-godmother of Canadian indie rock, whose latest offering was the #1 album of 2009 on Canadian campus radio
March 17, Yuyintang, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu

Trippple Nippples: Japanese synth-punk freakazoids
March 19, Yuyintang, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu

Dead Elvis & His One Man Grave: rockabilly from a Dutch zombie
March 20, LOgO, 13 Xingfu Lu

Omnipotent Youth Hotel: mellow rockers from Hebei, with a traditional Chinese twist
March 20, Zhijiang Dream Factory, B4/F, 28 Yuyao Lu

Yufeimen: Indie-electronica from Guangzhou
March 27, MAO, 46 Yueyang Lu

JUE | Art

NeochaEDGE & Idle Beats: screen printing workshop
March 13, details TBA

MOVING HOUSE!: art exhibition (more details TBA)
March 5 - 26, Art Labor Gallery, #10-36 Yongjia Lu

Libido, Mortido: art exhibition, an extenuation of themes related to the sub-strata of conscious/subconscious determinants and according manifestations within the creative process
March 6 - April 30, Island 6 Art Center, 50 Moganshan Road, building #6, 2F

Shanghai Photographer Night: curated by Tim Franco with special guest Matthew Niederhauser
March 24, Dada, 115 Xingfu Lu

Andrew James Gallery: independent gallery that offers interesting works by leading Asian contemporary artists
details TBA

5th Wall: a new performance troupe in Shanghai, exploring, re-imagining and re-enacting the world around us. This bold and experimental group strives not merely to be a passive social filter, but also an actively thought-provoking element in Shanghai's cultural life
details TBA

Zuloo Theatre Productions: a grass roots theatre organisation from the UK
details TBA

Want to get involved in JUE? Drop them a line at shanghaijue@spli-t.com

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Extra! Extra! Unchained toddlers, satellite fears, and corrupt internet monitors

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-05T18:00:00+08:00

A Chinese toddler who was chained to a pole while his father worked in order to protect him from the same fate as his sister (who was abducted) has now been given three years of free childcare. [Daily Mail]
The U.S. is thinking about switching out its satellites... because of perceived threats from China. [Reuters]
A former Internet monitor is on trial for allegedly having taken 14 million yuan in bribes to help an anti-virus company defeat its competitor with manufactured criminal evidence. Uh, reason 3,034,109 for a free internet. [Global Times]
Tudou and Youku are teaming up, launching a new online video joint broadcast model... possibly to combat competition and problems they get from CCTV. [China Tech News]
Josh of FarWestChina talks to the BBC about how much of an "internet prison" Xinjiang has been since July. Sheesh, for all our GFW troubles, at least we aren't there. [BBC]
Caijing reports on how systemic corruption in local governments has created a thriving market for "professional blackmail journalists." [Caijing]
China's unwillingness to even talk about human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who disappeared under Chinese security agent custody last year, make people fear the worst. [New York Times]

Shanghai politicos not sold on Shanghai Disneyland

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-05T15:30:00+08:00

Despite approval from Beijing authorities, it seems like the future of Shanghai Disneyland still isn't completely certain. Now the Shanghai members of the Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC, a top political advisory body) are raising a fuss about how much money the amusement park will hemorrhage once it's built. It pointed to the losses sustained by Hong Kong Disneyland, arguing that perhaps that should serve as a warning before details are signed off on. Welp, even if Shanghai Disneyland never comes to fruiton, here's something else we can look forward to: a space park, which will open in Hainan in around 2013.

Panda Express - and no, we don't mean the mall food

Robert Schrader — 2010-02-05T14:30:00+08:00

Photo from pandora_60's photostream

While China's busy being pissed off at the United States, maybe now's the best opportunity to talk about something, well, cuter and cuddlier between the two nations. See, the United States is about to change direction and make a rare export to China - namely, two giant pandas. Mei Lan, born in Atlanta in 2006 and Tai Shan, born in Washington, D.C. in 2005, are currently aboard a Boeing 777 freighter from Washington, D.C. to Beijing.

Dubbed the "FedEx Panda Express," several veterinarians are on board during the 14-hour flight to ensure all the pandas' needs are met.

This is hardly the first time our harlequin bear friends were used to smooth relations between nations. "Panda diplomacy" began in the 7th century AD, when Empress Wu Zeitan sent two to the emperor of Japan.

The practice was revived under Chairman Mao in 1958, and the United States received its first pandas in 1972, after Richard Nixon's landmark visit. The pair, named Ling-Ling and Tsing-Tsing, became greatly beloved fixtures of Washington D.C.;s National Zoo, which received outpourings of sympathy when the pandas passed away in 1992 and 1999, respectively. It's important to note that even if pandas die stateside, they are constitutionally the property of China.

Atlanta's "Person of the Year" in 2006, Mei Lan was born to great acclaim and became an instant celebrity - her naming contest broke the zoo's contest participation records. Tai Shan made news in 2005 when he survived past five days, which doesn't seem long until you find out none of Ling-Ling and Tsing-Tsing's offspring made it that far. Now the young pandas are leaving - Mei Lan is going to a "panda base" in Chengdu and Tai Shan to Ya'an in Sichuan province - and the American public is saddened by news of their departure.

Tai Shan's zookeeper has been quoted as saying that Americans are "too emotional" about the giant panda, whose fame and notoriety will disappear when he arrives in Sichuan sometime tomorrow. He'll be one of about 150 male pandas at a breeding center there - and once he adjusts to the conditions, including, surprisingly, the new language - he'll be expected to help in China's effort to increase the population of the extremely endangered panda, of which there are estimated to be just 1,600 remaining in the wild.

Let's hope that Tai Shan gets to work making babies so China can send more pandas to the States once they're maybe a little less angry!

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Weekendist: Hope for Haiti night, comedy & fuzzy critters

G.M. Giacomelli — 2010-02-05T13:00:00+08:00

Every Friday, Weekendist brings you our picks of the best of what's coming in the next three days.

This weekend's going to provide some fun and entertainment for all ages - it's like Chucky Cheese's, at least until the guy in the giant mouse costume starting getting a lil' creepy. Side splitting comedy? Check. A charity night for Haiti? We got it. Play with or adopt a needy animal? Damn right. Check out all your options below:

FRIDAY

Hilarious stand up comedy from Steve Byrne and Sam Tripoli of late night TV fame.
250 RMB advance, 300 RMB door
8pm - 11pm, Number 5 Bistro, B1, 20 Guangdong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu 广东路20号，外滩五号B楼，近中山东一路

Dada is proud to be the first bar in Shanghai to sell and promote Beer Lao. From the country of Laos, Beer Lao has been popular in South East Asia for decades, and is now finally available here. Available as a Lager or Dark beer. 1 bottle is 20RMB.
9pm - 11:30pm, Dada, 115 Xingfu Lu, between Fahuazhen Lu and Pingwu Lu, 幸福路115号进法华镇路

That's Shanghai has got hold of Lounge18 for a night of pre-new year fun. Tiger beer, CWPL wine and Godiva chocolate are on board so expect some treats. RMB100 open bar on beer, wine and selected cocktails.
9pm - 12am, Lounge 18, 4/F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu
中山东一路18号4楼近南京东路

SATURDAY

Cheap drinks, incredible music and it's all to help Haiti earthquake victims! Organized by the people behind Hideout, this is the city's first electronic charity night arranged to help those who need it most. Shanghai Ultra, Nat Alexander and Brown Nylon Suit are confirmed to play. Don't forget to drink Haiti's favorite drink, as 1/2 of every rum cocktail you purchase will be donated to the cause! 50RMB at the door, with all proceeds going to Partners in Health (PIH), one of the foremost providers of emergency medical relief to the people of Haiti.
9:30pm - late, Not Me, 21 Dongping Lu, by Hengshan Lu, 东平路21号近衡山路

The folks at this friendly, bustling community lane get together again just in time for Leo Gallery's 'Young Artist Show'. All shops will be offering special events and promotions throughout the day. Look forward to 20% off footwear and accessories at Mary Ching Shanghai, 30% off at D.I.S' F/W collection, 20% off at Shui Urban Spa, tastings at The Wine Way starting at RMB6 plus bin-end discounts, and an all-day happy hour as well as bin ends and CNY gifting at Globus Wines.
5pm - 7pm, Ferguson Lane, 374/376 Wukang Lu, near Huaihai Zhong Lu, 武康路374/376号
近淮海中路

Js Ozone, MHP and Sacco dress in black and bring out the goth madness: goth metal, goth rock, industrial, EBM, dark dance, 4AD, 80s synth-pop, illbient and other neologisms. Bringing back the spirit of the Goth glory days, from Depeche Mode to Wax Trax. Black dress is essential. Black-eyeliner, black lipstick, black fingernails and black underwear are highly recommended. No cover.
10pm - late, Dada, 115 Xingfu Lu, between Fahuazhen Lu and Pingwu Lu, 幸福路115号进法华镇路

SUNDAY

Animal Adoption Day: Lend a helping hand and a warm, loving home to a furry creature in need in this cold, bustling metropolis. Second Chance Animal Aid is holding its monthly adoption day, where you can play with cats or dogs in a friendly, casual environment. If adoption is not an option, there's always foster parenting.
12pm - 3pm, O'Malley's Irish Pub, 42 Taojiang Lu, near Hengshan Lu, 桃江路42号
近衡山路, 地铁1号线衡山路站

Rather than attempting to revive the universally-known disco anthems of the 70s, DJ Santo Chino is bringing an eclectic mix of 'older, weirder, and overlooked disco' alongside a newer strain of disco tunes to Dada every Sunday night. Check it out for a new spin on your night out in Shanghai.
10pm - 11:55pm, Dada, 115 Xingfu Lu, between Fahuazhen Lu and Pingwu Lu, 幸福路115号进法华镇路

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Chinese teens feel happier on the internet

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-05T12:30:00+08:00

The plague of disaffected over-connected and really, really emo youth has hit China! A recent study on the country's post-90s (born after 1990) generation, done by the Shanghai Teenage Research Center, has found that many teens feel happier surfing the internet rather than spending time with family or friends. These kids claim they are "always misunderstood by society." One, a freshman in Changning, says he doesn't like hanging out with his parents because "I can't communicate with them effectively." Wow! Watch out Shanghai - next thing you know, they'll be writing bad poetry on their livejournal equivalents and worshipping movies like Thirteen... and then they'll be virtually indistinguishable from American teens.

That shove on the subway? It was intentional

Catherine Lewis — 2010-02-05T11:30:00+08:00

Rather than bother with the headache of adding a few more subway carriages, Shanghai Metro has decided to hire people to personally shove you inside one. Because when you live in the most populous country on earth, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands: literally.

China Daily reports that Shanghai is dealing with its massive subway congestion Japanese-style: utilizing professional people-pushers to manage crowd control. In an attempt to reduce train delays and keep the commute flowing, these professional people-pushers give you that extra shove to make sure those doors close behind you (since your daily commute shouldn't look like this):

Daily commuter Liao Yumei tells China Daily: “You have to be really rude and brutal to cram yourself into the carriage.” With people-pushers in the mix, now someone else can do your dirty work.

However, pushing and shoving those unsuspecting commuters ain't a walk in the park. A professional shover states: "It's like trying to close an overfilled suitcase. I sweat so much that my shirt gets soaked."

Yeah... we are now officially hoofing it to work. Whether it's a professional push, or just an amateur shove, the whole ordeal makes traveling on foot the new way to go.

In other metro news, here is a sneak peek at the new metro mascot. Sonic the Hedgehog on roller skates? It's fast, it's small, it kinda makes sense...as much as Haibao does anyway.

Around Shanghai: Sad statistics, shopping with SIM cards, and sperm

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-05T10:30:00+08:00

Shanghai's primary and secondary school students were involved in 1,717 accidents and suicides, which claimed 68 last year. [China Daily]
Starting today, you'll be able to use your mobile phone to shop at malls... as long as you change your traditional SIM card with a customized RF UIM chip. [Global Times]
Yikes, just a reminder: not everyone who says they're connected to the Expo actually is. Chinese police have arrested a man who allegedly posed as an official in charge of construction projects, defrauding supply companies of 360,000RMB. [Inquirer]
Shanghai is thinking about running China's first oil pollution fund... you know, just in case. [Shanghai Daily]
If there's anything we're known for as a city, it's sperm research. Shanghai Jiaotong has identified a gene involved with sperm development that could lead to new male infertility treatments. [Xinhua]

Extra! Extra! Gay social sites, gangsters getting death sentences, and citizen participation in China?

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-04T21:00:00+08:00

Well, hello! Steven Millward of Sinobytes talks to our own Kenneth Tan about Gays.com, the online gay social networking site started right here in Shanghai. [CNET]
Two gangsters have been sentenced to death after being caught in the massive Chongqing corruption crackdown. [Washington Post]
Does China need to start letting ordinary citizens take part in the political process in order to maintain a stable growth? At least one place thinks so. [Foreign Affairs]
Oh here's another guy who wants people (namely the media and film industry) to have more rights as well - Charles Zhang, CEO of Sohu.com. [Reuters]
One Chinese college is trying to reverse the trend of not-great students graduating from today's universities by... forcing them to think for themselves. [Little Red Book]
Li Ka-shing is still really, really rich. Like Hong Kong's richest person with a net worth of $21.3 billion. [Business Week]
All that talk about China ruling the world soon? It's total B.S., says Kim R. Holmes. [Washington Times]

Shanghai Snapshots: Goodbye Wujiang Lu

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-04T20:00:00+08:00

From @louisalim

Let's all pour one out to our favorite little food street, which was cleaned up and moved into a shiny, but lifeless, food mall right next door sometime late last year. Today, the bulldozers came in and tore it down for good. The picture to the right is by NPR China correspondent Louisa Lim, who was there on the scene to witness the end to what once was known as Love Lane.

Speaking of which, a little Wujiang Lu history, courtesy of Bricole Urbanism:

...Situated in Jing’an district just off Nanjing Xi Lu near the subway station on Line 2, the street’s origins lie sometime before the 1860’s when its winding path following a creek made such a convenient shortcut that it became Shanghai’s first toll road and was known in chinese as Diamond Bridge Rd.

Wujiang Lu was (rather ironically) called Love Lane when it was part of the International Settlement and was notorious from the 1920’s as a den of brothels and vice unparalleled even in the Shanghai of the time. “Despite its romantic name, everything was for sale on Love Lane.”

And now, nothing's for sale. Sadface.

China, why are you pissed? O, let me count the reasons...

Robert Schrader — 2010-02-04T19:00:19+08:00

Photo: Rajkumar1220's photostream

Things aren't looking too great between China and the U.S. these days. While some say it'll all blow over (because it has to), a China with hurt feelings makes us bite our nails at least a little. Not to mention, the sheer amount of things annoying this country can get kind of confusing! So for your sake and ours, we've listed them out below:

It's curious that such a peaceful, exalted individual could cause much ire, but his Holiness the Dalai Lama's upcoming visit to Washington has ruffled Beijing's feathers - an official warning from the capital states the visit will "damage trust and cooperation." Ouch. As to what the two will talk about, that's anyone's guess. Realistically, the meeting is probably part political posturing, part publicity and part primo meditation for the Prez, but we suppose that only time will tell. Anyway, who could hate a face like that? (see above)

Mr. Obama himself isn't looking too good from this side of the Pacific either. It kinda sucks for him, because aside from his less-than-noteworthy but majorly-hyped visit last year and aforementioned rendezvous, he hasn't really done much worthy of China being pissed off. Oh wait, except "vowing a tougher stance on China." D'oh!

Oh, and also, approving a $6.4 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which prompted China to cry and leave the proverbial military playground. Beijing has vowed to sanction US companies involved. What's more is that the sale adds further strain to the base of the Taiwan-China-U.S. love triangle. Experts on both sides question the move, as much of the U.S.'s continued recovery moving forward will depend on China's support.
And speaking of U.S. companies, Google continues to make blood boil as China is once again implicated with regard to last month's hackings. It's true that many of the hackings have been linked to American-made glitches and, some would argue, the citizen-spying protocols of the Bush administration. Still. we all know how well the "devil made me do it" excuse works in real life.

Tainted milk: the melamine crackdown

G.M. Giacomelli — 2010-02-04T14:00:00+08:00

Four people have been arrested in Northern China in response to a crackdown on milk products tainted with melamine, the same industrial chemical held responsible for six deaths and sickening 300,000 in 2008.

This time the culprit is Lekang Dairy and three of its' senior employees already arrested - although one was then released on bail due to a reportedly serious heart condition. The fourth man, a milk powder dealer named Ma Shuanglin, is said to have been selling powder that should have been destroyed by a 2008 government order.

But these four are just the most recently charged in a surprising emergence of melamine cases.

Earlier this year, news got out that our city's own not-so-cuddly Shanghai Panda Dairy Company was caught diluting their products with melamine for the second time - they were one of the 22 companies implemented in the 2008 scandal as well.

Considering the huge push for food safety when melamine first raised its tainted head, what exactly is the government doing and saying about these serious issues now that they've resurfaced?

In response to an outcry earlier this week from the official media for an intensive sweep of the industry, Chinese authorities have ordered a crackdown. Specifically, inspectors have been dispatched to 16 provinces for a fresh look at all suspect products.

The Financial Times has quoted Chen Zhu, China's health minister, as saying:

"A few unscrupulous companies and individuals still put profit above conscience and neglect the public's health, even though [the government] has launched a high-pressure clampdown on food safety."

But what about in 2008 during the Beijing Olympics, when the actual damage was being done? Local government officials were found to have covered up reports of severe illnesses directly linked to melamine. Protecting the country's image while the spotlight was on? Maybe decisive action could have been taken earlier on in order to prevent the unnecessary deaths of six babies and countless others.

Either way, action is being taken now. Those four arrested yesterday are scheduled to be put on trial (possibly) by next month. In the words of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, "Off with their heads!" Stay tuned.

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Rant of the Day: Glenn Beck on Sino U.S. relations... and Harry Potter

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-04T11:30:00+08:00

We were pointed to this February 2nd edition of Glenn Beck on Fox News, which was so unintentionally funny, we decided to pass it along. The conservative pundit takes on why we need to be scared of China owning us: well, look at what they did to Harry Potter (back in 2007. Maybe Glenn gets his news on a three year cycle?). We've transcribed it below if looking at Beck's smug, bloated face may be a little too much for your stomach in the mornings - we know we got a little nauseous when watching.

Who owns us? Better yet... who owns our CHILDREN? Quite honestly, I'd rather go back to 1895, I'd rather be owned by JP Morgan, at least he was a Capitalist American and not communist Chinese. But we're doing it to ourself
You might say, oh Glen that's ridiculous, China's a great trading partner! Really, there's no problem. Mmhmm mmhmm.

Remember the poisoned toys and poisoned dog food? Yeah. How about this one - the Clinton influence buying scandal? Hey, remember we sold sea ports in CA to China back in the 90s? And now we're taking them off the spy lists - they don't look so hard over there.

Do you really think they're not going to steal anything? Really? May I show you the cover of a book over in China:

Look in that corner, recognize that little boy over there with the glasses? Yeah, it's Harry Potter. This book popped up in China before the ink was even dry. Unauthorized. Incredibly bizarre stories stealing JK Rowling's beloved stories and work EVERYWHERE. They were everywhere in China - including a version of the boy wizard as a fat hairy dwarf.

China's response? "We're looking into it. What?"

Our national debt has become a freakish fat hairy giant, stealing from our children's futures and dishonoring our founders and everything they stood for. And quite honestly, I think... dishonoring us in the eyes of the rest of the world and more importantly, in our children.

Presented By:

2010-02-04T11:30:00+08:00

Shanghai sees 10-fold rise of kids with cancer

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-04T11:00:00+08:00

Tomorrow is World Cancer Day and the outlook on cancer in Shanghai isn't shiny - according to local medical experts, there has been a 10-fold increase in the number of children in Shanghai hospitalized for cancer in the past decade. The disease is responsible for 10% of local children's deaths and has risen to be the second leading cause of death for grade school kids, after accidents. We couldn't find much more info, but experts have said the rise is linked to unhealthy diets, second-hand smoking and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Electrolist: Chi-town's in the house tonight

Shanghai Ultra — 2010-02-04T10:00:00+08:00

Electrolist, by Shanghai Ultra of the VOID crew, gives the lowdown on the Shanghai electronic music scene each week, with picks, tips, news, and other rumors.

A real mix of diverse party themes this weekend for those into "DJ music". Most attractive date on offer this weekend (if you start early and count Thursday as the weekend) is at Logo where locally-based American DJ Casie Lane is throwing a a Chicago House night. She's digging into the best of her collection for a party entitled A Taste of Chicago.

"Casual Records, Classic Records, Dust Traxx, Dance Mania, NRK & some newer stuff from boompty headquarters, Kinky Movement, Spatula City, Drop Music, OM, Amenti and more" is on her musical menu this evening. This night is well worth going to even if you just have a passing interest in electronic music - Chicago House is one of the most influential genres in modern music, its legacy can be heard everywhere. Indeed, house music is disco's revenge, as a famous DJ once said. Anyway, check out Casie's style for yourself, she has a new mix uploaded online.

On Friday night, its the return of Bananas at the Shelter. Bananas was a regular feature on the Shanghai circuit from 2006 until head honcho DJ Mr Stokes left town about a year and a half ago. They threw a "Bananas is Dead" party last summer when Stokes made a flying visit back to Shanghai. However, they have made something of a comeback in recent months with remaining members Kamikaze & El Nomo. A zany mish-mash of hip-hop and house and everything in between is on the cards at their gig. They are using four turntables and two mixers - if you know what that means, then you will need no more persuasion. If you don't, its worth checking out the spinning, scratching, mixing and general fiddling that a technical setup of such configuration entails.

Saturday night sees three DJ's from Electrolist's own Void crew in action. MHP appears alongside DJs Ozone, Whale, Sacco, and Black Rose Thorn for a Goth night at Dada Bar. Don your darkest garments and get the mascara on. The perfect excuse for all closet metrosexuals to raid their girlfriend's makeup bag. Hair will be let down.

Over at Not Me, Shanghai Ultra and Nat Alexander man up for charity to bring their underground house and techno. They team up with fellow UK-types the Brown Nylon Suit collective for a charity gig, Hope for Haiti. There is a minimum donation of 50 RMB for this very worthy cause - but consider giving more if you can spare it.

TONIGHT: A taste of Chicago @ Logo, 13 Xingfu Lu near Fahuazhen Lu 幸福路13号，近法华镇路. No cover.

FRIDAY: Banana's Ain't Nuthin To F**K With!@ The Shelter, No. 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu 永福路5号，近复兴西路. 40 RMB on the door.

SATURDAY:Hope for Haiti @ 21 Dongping Lu, near Hengshan Lu 东平路21号，近衡山路 50 RMB minimum charity donation.

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Photo of the Day: Offerings

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-04T09:00:00+08:00

Photo by Bert van Dijk

Extra! Extra! Tutors for Pandas, 9-year-old mothers, and other news

Elaine Chow — 2010-02-03T19:00:00+08:00

Photo by ucumari

Mei Lan, a giant panda born in the U.S. will get a Chinese language teacher and a boyfriend when she returns to China this week. What? [Telegraph]
Oh goodness, a 9-year-old in Northeast China gave birth to a baby boy, becoming one of the youngest mothers in the world. Somebody arrest the father. Now. [DailyMail]
Peter Hessler, authors of the upcoming Country Driving, talks to Urbanatomy about why he writes. [Urbanatomy]
Michael Pettis tells us why Thomas Friedman is wrong, wrong, wrong about China. As he says, "although I have no doubt that he is a very smart man... I also have no doubt that he does not understand China much..." [China Financial Markets]
China suspended 1,739 police from duty because of various discipline violations in 2009. That's a lot of undisciplined police. [People's Daily]
The trial of the most senior official implicated in the Chongqing corruption crackdown has now begun! [CNN]
China is amending its renewable energy laws... and like everything else, the devil is in the details. [NRDC]

Crazies on the Shanghai subway

Ashley SHEN — 2010-02-03T18:00:00+08:00

What is it with people acting strangely on the subway these days? Yesterday, a woman caused a delay on the Line 9 after brandishing a fruit knife at other passengers. Also, a man has apparently been dressing up as his favorite Korean Idol and doing strange dances all over our metro - to the delight of netizens, who've named him "Leopard Print Man" and uploaded videos and posted his pictures on various internet forums.

As for knife lady, she caused a ruckus yesterday on Line 9 at around 3pm. According to the Shanghai Transportation police, the woman was paring an apple with her knife. Suddenly, the knife blade broke and she tried to reset the blade into the handle by continuously knocking the knife on the carriage wall.

One witness said the woman was leaning against the pole with an extremely fierce expression in her eyes.

“The female psycho was waving a knife toward other passengers and talking nonsense in the first carriage. I was scared by her abnormal behavior. So I ran to the back carriage.” said another a passenger.

At 3:02PM, more passengers changed carriages when Line 9 arrived at Lujiabang station, saying the woman was behaving even more aggressively. The metro staff suspended the line and cleared all carriages on the train. They then called security to talk to the woman. By 3:08PM, security staff had taken away the woman's knife and Line 9 was back on track.

The Police stated that the woman didn't threaten the other passengers. Her family members said she was sent to hospital for psychological problems. After investigation, the police asked her family to bring her home and strengthen custody on her.

As for "Leopard Print Man" - it seems that he has an unhealthy obsession with an unnamed Korean model (we'd love to know who - it seems like she's heading for a Perfect Blue moment), writing in his journal:

I want to become you

Emotions are complicated. Everyday, I have been waiting for this day to come, but just what is this day for? I myself do not know why I am so obsessed with you, not clear why I want to become you!!! Since yesterday till now I have not slept, not knowing whether all of this is worth it or not worth it. I’ve been thinking of this problem constantly! Sigh, better go to sleep, and hope that in my dreams you can tell me what I should do. What should I do in order to become you! Love you.

Creepy! But is it creepier than this video?

Additional reporting by Elaine Chow

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