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Why is there an exposed wire in my bathroom??? random video 3

2010-02-11T16:57:00.006-06:00

A law grad student and a Mechanical Engineer discuss why there was an exposed wire in my Beijing apartment's bathroom.

Now, keep in my mind that in many Chinese hoems the bathroom floor is also the SHOWER floor, meaning there is no 'tub' or separate area for the water to drain into. My cousin was concerned when he came to visit because there was a random wire that terminated into the wall just below the shower and it had exposed copper. So these two investigated...

Driving in China... random video 3

2010-02-11T16:52:00.008-06:00

Lanes? We don't need no stinking LANES!!! One of the most difficult adjustments for Westerners in China is the beautiful chaos that is traffic. :)

Here are two videos that give you a glimpse...

(upload in progress)

This first short video shows my taxi driver in Chengdu driving down the left side of a major road...in fact THE major road in Chengdu. The entire drive to the airport was some form of creative driving acrobatics, which you will get a taste of in this video...

The second video is a typical Beijing moment in traffic...

Creepy Chinese toys on Witch Mountain Random vid - 2

2010-02-05T07:47:00.004-06:00

WuShan is a little city located on the 3 Gorges Damn project. My guide and I walked around town in the evening and I was surprised to see so many....toys. Creepy toys, mind you.

As a bonus this video captures my failed attempt at humor, which is probably why many foreigners end up talking aloud to themselves... but that's another story. ;)

My comment: "What is That?" (Taken from the Princess Pride "What is THAT THING...")

Serious response: "Pedestrian Walkway."

Thinking to myself: I know this is a ****** walkway, what is that THING that just went by with a person on it????

Random China videos - take 1

2010-02-05T01:14:00.011-06:00

Random things native English speakers are asked to do in China? How about being asked to give a Chinese company an English Name? Haha.

Chengdu, China - Pandas and The world's biggest Buddha

2010-02-02T00:30:00.007-06:00

I met my friend Hana in Chengdu to go see the Pandas and check out the city. We also made it to Leshan to see the world's biggest Buddha statue/sculpture, which rests in the side of a mountain. Chengdu is a pleasant city located not too far from Tibet. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it surprised me to see such a commanding military presence there.

The center of the city features a massive statue of Mao whose hand is slightly larger than normal proportions. It seems to be saying "In your FACE." but most people think it is a friendly wave...

We stayed in a Hostel that cost something around 10 dollars for two evenings. The first day we walked around and looked at the city-center and The People's Park.

We only had one full day in Chengdu and woke first-thing to see the Pandas. I was a bit critical of the setup at first...it seemed more of like a panda prison to me, but It's hard to know if they would even be alive if not for places like this. It's pretty funny to watch pampered Pandas...humans cut their bamboo for them and serve it in bundles where people stand around and watch.

That afternoon we went to Leshan with two awesome Danish travelers. It was a 2.5 hour car ride from Chengdu and totally worth it. Leshan's big buddha truly is...big!

My acquaintance in Beijing suggested that I contact his best friend when I arrived in Chengdu and he was kind enough to show us some of the refurbished tourist areas.

Hillary Clinton's speech on Internet Freedom

2010-01-21T10:03:00.008-06:00

Text of Clinton's speech: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/01/21/internet_freedom?print=yes&hidecomments=yes&page=full

Part1

Only a week after Google's announcement to the world that it would no longer censor in China, the timing of Clinton's speech likely makes the relationship between Google and the US Government seem closer than it actually is.

Not to mention that..historically The Chinese have not taken all to well to direct confrontation or any challenge to their absolute authority and Goggle's move followed by Clinton's speech makes me, as an Emerging Media and Communications Graduate student, a bit uncomfortable.

I'm currently living in Beijing and have had an opportunity to ask many locals what they think about the Google 'threat' (as it is now being called). For the the most part, people think Google's decision is entirely motivated by profit. And, quite frankly, those inside China do not have access to blogger.com, so how would they be able to read Google's post? On State-run news? No.

While many netizens in China use a variety of means to circumvent the 'Great Firewall of China' the majority of the population only have access to a censored or 'harmonized' Internet. What this means is that while the rest of the world is patting Google on the back, the Chinese people are getting the impression that Google is abandoning them for the sake of their bottom line. Many of my Chinese professors and Beijing Yuppie friends use Google services and it seems that the middle class will be hit hardest if Google decides to close shop. Though, I've also been met with great hostility from individuals while trying to discuss the topic. One person told me: "WE HAVE OUR OWN! We don't need Google!"

While I think this is short-sighted, it sobers my enthusiasm and causes me to ponder on the long-term ramifications of Google's announcement.

Two personal insights from Clinton's speech:

While I resonate with the description Clinton used of the Internet being "a new nervous system for the planet." I was disappointed at her lack of sensitivity when she cited that Internet freedom as a "god-given right."

Personal beliefs aside, that was a diplomatically irresponsible statement to make when you are having a conversation with the world and particularly the Chinese. The ground of conversation is simply doomed to fail if diametrically opposed from the beginning - and makes finding a common ground difficult, if not impossible.

While living in China I would benefit more from a REASONABLY PRICED international DATA service plan - one that didn't cost me over $100 additionally per-month. The cost of global, mobile internet service is more crippling to me than the Chinese Firewall. I can get around the Firewall! I cannot, however, get around my AT&T International Data charges!!!!

Harbin Ice Festival - China - 2010

2010-01-20T08:58:00.024-06:00

The temperatures in Harbin today were a high of 1 and a low of -22. If you're thinking about visiting to see the ice festival, you might want to find a better strategy for keeping your feet and hands warm than I had! Even with warm boots, thick wool socks and an under-layer of cotton socks my toes went numb in less than an hour!

There are about 10 tourist hot spots outlined for Western eyes and I managed to see three of them today. I first ventured to Zhongyang Street during the daytime. There were a variety of shops, nothing special for most Western shoppers, but there were several ice sculptures along the street. Though, my favorite was a statue that displayed the frigid temperature!

I headed back to the Shangri-La hotel where I was staying and had a Cappuccino to warm up. Here's a tip: when you're in China - drink tea. The coffee is terrible.

After resting I ventured out to a smaller park called Zhaolin Park. My favorite part of this park was that it had ice sculptures from different countries. Team USA had two sculptures. The first was sort of an abstract thing and the second was mind-numblingly simple: a squirrel. Though I found it endearing!

Next I went to the main park which is called the Ice and Snow World. This place is amazing! Though be careful walking around. I fell on the ice and smacked me head on an ice sculpture. No, I wasn't taking a photograph or doing anything silly...I was just walking! My feet began to go numb and when it felt like I had no toes...I knew that wasn't good so I headed for a taxi. It should have cost 15RMB to get to my hotel, but a crowed to taxi drivers tried to rip me off at 50RMB. I ended up getting back to the hotel for 20RMB...Anywhere there are Westerner tourists you've got to really be mindful of getting a fair deal. ALWAYS ask the hotel how much things should cost!!!

Breath taking Beauty of Three Gorges - China

2010-01-17T07:15:00.016-06:00

I visited Three Gorges University in Hubei Provence, Yichang - China to check out the campus and see the area.

The countryside of Yichang is beautiful with every square meter of land being farmed - I love how they farm the hills! This is the 'low season' so we were one of very few people on the tour circuit that day! Luckily we were allowed to tour the caves with no one else around, what a treat!

The next day I ventured to Fengjie and Wushan with my guide, Ginger. She was EXCELLENT!

Ginger is a Yichang local and she and her husband provide tours for visitors. She is well versed in the area's history and was great company during the weekend. We took a 2 hour boat ride to Fengjie from YiChang on a Speed-boat, those things are FAST! The sit up out of the water and almost glide on top.

Fengjie is a county with a dense history. Since the Xia Dynasty (21st - 16th BC), people have been living in this place. The county was named during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) in honor of Zhuge Liang who answered the call to take care of the son of Emperor Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms Period (220 - 280). Zhuge Liang was a clever strategist and there is a video below that tells how he got arrows for his army when they did not have any!

Fun story:

Wushan is a county located in the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir Area through which Yangtze Cruise ships pass. As the eastern gate of Chongqing, Wushan has a long history and abounds with rich resources. My favorite part of Wushan was watching the ladies dance in the town square with kids and people all about.

Last stop was The Ancient Town of Dachang! Located in Wushan County, in the middle section of Daning River, the Ancient Town of Dachang is the only well preserved town in the Three Gorges Area of the Yangtze River. Built in the Jin Dynasty, it has a history of over 1,700 years. Although the site of many wars, it has retained much of its original appearance. The town was literally relocated after the damn project and they moved a section of the ancient city and re-built it on higher ground.

Thanks to: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/

Internet policy in China

2010-01-15T01:59:00.005-06:00

I came across this on Twitter and thought it was an interesting thing to share with Western eyes. It's nearly impossible to get a straight answer on what is and is not allowed here in China regarding the Internet. We generally just know whether it works or not...

The original document is in Chinese and here's basically what it says:

公安部第82号令: 互联网安全保护技术措施规定

Ministry of Public Security Decree No. 82:

"Internet security protection technology measures required"
(December 13, 2005 Ministry of Public Security published)

Order to strengthen and standardize the first Internet security technology, prevention, protection of the Internet network security and information security, the promotion of the Internet healthy and orderly development, and safeguarding national security, social order and public interests, under the "Computer Information Network and the Internet Security Protection and Management Measures" , the enactment of this provision.
Article II The term Internet security protection of technical measures is to protect the Internet network security and information security, to prevent crimes of technical facilities and technical methods.
The third Internet service providers, network use the unit is responsible for the implementation of Internet security protection technology measures and Internet security protection of technical measures to protect the normal functioning.
Article IV Internet service providers, networking using units shall establish a corresponding management system. Without user consent shall not be disclosed, disclosure of the user registration information, but laws and regulations, except as otherwise provided. Internet service providers, network use the unit to use the Internet security according to law, technical measures, must not use technical measures to protect Internet security violations of the user's freedom and privacy of correspondence.
Article V public security organs of public information network security supervision department is responsible for Internet security technology, the implementation of measures to implement supervision and management according to law.
Article Internet security protection technology measures should be in line with national standards. No national standards, should be consistent with public safety industry technical standards.
Article VII of the Internet service providers and networking using the units should implement the following Internet security protection technology measures: (a) to prevent computer viruses, network intrusion and attacks against network security matters sabotage or acts of technical measures;
(B) the important databases and systems major equipment redundant disaster back-up measures;
(C) record and retain a user logs in and out of time, calling number, account number, Internet address or domain name, and system maintenance logs of the technical measures;
(D) laws, regulations and rules and regulations should be implemented other security protection technical measures.
Article VIII provides Internet access service unit addition to the implementation of this provision provided for in Article VII of Internet security protection of technical measures, should also have the following functions to implement the security protection technology measures: (a) record and retain the user registration information;
(B) the use of the internal network address and the Internet network address translation means to provide users with access to services, be able to record and retain users of the Internet network address and the internal network address corresponding relationship; (3) records, tracking network running status, monitoring, Record network security incidents and other security auditing features.
Article IX to provide Internet information services unit addition to the provisions of Article VII of the implementation of this provision of Internet security protection of technical measures, should also have the following functions to implement the security protection technology measures:
(A) was found in a public information service to stop transmission of illegal information, and keep the relevant records;
(B) to provide news, publishing and electronic bulletin board services, and be able to record and retain information published content and release time;
(C) to establish portals, news sites, e-commerce sites, and can prevent websites, web pages have been tampered with, altered automatically after the recovery;
(D) to establish electronic bulletin board services, with user registration information and publishing information on the audit function;
(E) to establish an e-mail and on-line short message service, and be able to prevent, clear to send mass forgery, hide the true sender of the e-mail or short message tag.
Article X provides Internet data center services, units and units in addition to the implementation of this network to use the provisions of Article VII of the Internet security protection of technical measures, should also have the following functions to implement the security protection technology measures: (a) record and retain the user registration information;
(B) public information service found to stop transmission of illegal information, and keep the relevant records;
(C) networking using the unit using internal network address and the Internet network address translation means to provide users with access to services, be able to record and retain users of the Internet network address and the internal network address corresponding relationships.
Article XI providing Internet access service unit, in addition to the implementation of the provisions of Article VII of the Internet security protection of technical measures, should also install and run Internet Public Internet access workplace safety management system.
Article XII of the Internet service provider in accordance with the provisions taken by the Internet security protection technology measures should be consistent with public safety industry technical standards for networking interface.
Article XIII Internet service providers and networking using the units in accordance with the records retention provisions of the implementation of technical measures, it should be preserved for at least 60 days with a back-up records functions.
Article XIV of Internet service providers and networking using the unit may undermine the implementation of the following measures of Internet security protection technology acts:
(A) stop or in part without permission to stop the security protection technology facilities, technical means of operation;
(B) the deliberate destruction of security protection technology facilities;
(C) unauthorized deletion, tampering with security technology, facilities, technical means of operational procedures and records;
(D) changing the use of technical measures to protect the safety and scope;
(5) other technical measures to deliberately undermine the security or interfere with their function was normal play behavior.
15th in violation of the provisions of Article VII to the provisions of Article XIV, by the public security organs in accordance with "Computer Information Network and the Internet security protection and management measures" the provisions of Article XXI shall be punished.
16th The public security organ shall, within their jurisdiction in accordance with law Internet service providers and networking technology, the use of units of security measures for the implementation of the guidance, supervision and inspection. Supervision and inspection of public security organs in accordance with the law, Internet service providers, networking, using the units should attend the workshop. Public security organs of the supervision and inspection of the problems identified, it should suggest improvements to notify Internet service providers, networking rectification used in a timely manner. When the public security organs in the supervision and inspection, supervision and inspection personnel shall not be less than two, and shall produce law-enforcement identification.
Article XVII public security organs and their staff who violate this provision, there is abuse of power, nepotistic practices and corruption, the directly responsible persons in charge and other directly responsible persons shall be given administrative sanctions; constitutes a crime, they shall be held criminally responsible.
18th in the provisions referred to Internet service providers, is a point to provide Internet access services, Internet data center services, Internet information services and Internet access service providers. The term cluster utilization unit is defined as unit-based applications need to connect and use of the Internet unit.
The term to provide Internet data center services unit, is to provide hosting, leasing and rental services such as virtual space units.
The provisions of Article XIX since March 1, 2006 into effect.

Puppy Invasion! Beijing, China!

2010-01-12T09:20:00.002-06:00

My first Chinese Essay!

2010-01-11T04:30:00.004-06:00

Our professor asked us to compose a short essay describing our experience here in Beijing, which could be selected for a school wide competition!

The following is the essay that I wrote, which was selected for the competition:

我很高兴我可以得到奖学金来北京学习汉语。我一到北京就认识了很多很好的人，有的是中国人，有的是从世界各国来的。我们互相学习，互相帮助。

在北京，我最喜欢的练习时间是打车的时候跟司机师傅聊天儿。他们常常问我：“你是哪国人？”现在我问他们：“你是中国人吗？”他们喜欢这个问题，每次听到都哈哈大笑！我喜欢他们笑，因为从他们的笑声里我可以听到他们的内心。这让我不再觉得我是一个外国人。

在北京两个多月，我去了很多地方：长城、天安门、故宫、孔庙、天坛、北海、奥运公园……可是我最好的经历是跟我的美国大学院长和两位中国教授一起去人民大会堂参加宴会。人民大会堂很大、很漂亮。我的美国朋友都喜欢我在那儿照的相片。我最喜欢的照片是跟我的院长在中国画“江山如此多娇”前边照的。不但因为那幅画儿非常漂亮，还因为我的院长是我的良师益友。吃饭的时候我的院长对全桌人说：“你们知道吗，我已经来过这儿五次了。”两位教授中的一位说：“按汉语的习惯你应该说，这是我第一百零一次来这儿了！”我的院长很高兴，因为他学会了用汉语表达他的幽默。我也很高兴，因为我体会到了两种文化不一样的幽默方式。

我在北京遇到了很多让我难忘的人，也经历了很多有意思的事，可是我觉得还有很多东西应该学习和体验，还有很多东西需要我用心去思考和感受。因为中国太大了，要想了解中国，得花很长时间。我的一位中国好朋友的爱人告诉我，我应该去一些小镇看看。我觉得他说得很对，我也对旅行很有兴趣。有很多地方是我想去的：宜昌，哈尔滨，三峡大坝，西安，杭州，青岛，曲阜……我不知道我能不能完全理解我看见的中国文化，可是我要试一试。

I start by describing my enthusiasm for being awarded a scholarship to study Chinese in Beijing! Then I explain that I learn a lot from my Taxi drivers here in Beijing and that they often ask me where I am from. So, I say that I often ask my taxi drivers if they are Chinese. Which makes them laugh! (Every taxi driver in Beijing is Chinese - it's not like New York!!!) And I like to see them smile because then I get to see their heart and I do not feel so foreign, just for that moment!

Next I explain that after more than two months in Beijing, I went to a lot of places: the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Confucius Temple, the Temple of Heaven, Beihai, Olympic Park ... ... But the most unique experience was going to The Great Hall with my American university Dean and two Chinese professors. The Great Hall of The People is very Big and beautiful and my American friends liked the photos that I took there. (ironically posted on Facebook) My favorite photo is with my Dean standing in front of a famous Chinese painting, "江山如此多娇." The photograph is memorable because of the location and because it is taken with an academic mentor. During dinner the Dean said to the table: "You know, I've been here five times." One Chinese professor smiled and said: "according to Chinese custom you should say that this is my 101st time to come here! He was very happy because he had learned in Chinese another way to express his sense of humor. I am also very happy because I learned something new and was reminded that the two cultures have different expressions for similar humor!

Last I explain that While in Beijing I have met many memorable people and had lots of good experiences both thinking and feeling and that because China is so big, It will take a long time to Understand China. One of my Chinese friend's husband told me that I should go take a look at some of the smaller towns. I think he is right to say that I am also very interested in travel. There are many places that I want to go: Yichang, Harbin, the Three Gorges Dam, Xian, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Qufu ... I do not know if I can fully understand what I experience in Chinese culture, but I would like to try.

Basically a paper that would take me an hour to write in English took an entire week, many revisions and lots of questions to bring together! It was a wonderful challenge!

Xi'an, China - Terracotta Warriors 兵马俑

2010-01-07T09:04:00.004-06:00

During the holiday my cousin and I visited Xi'an to check out the famous Terracotta Warriors.

Our Tour-guide, Helen showed us around:

The Army is housed in three separate buildings, the oldest one likens to an old military hanger and houses the most impressive display of the army. There is even a warrior triage section in the back where they are being painstakingly cleaned and pieced back together. The Farmer that found them was there, but he wouldn't let his picture be taken...something about being old and it would steal his Spirit. No Kidding.

The second building is a bit newer and houses a smaller number of warriors, which are shattered...yet, it gives a good idea of how the warriors were placed in their final resting spot via ramp.

There's one more spot, but FIRST! There's a shop where you too can buy a Terracotta warrior with authentic dirt from the same ground that surrounded their 2k year resting place. My cousin purchased two miniatures.

Then off to the third building, which is more of a Beijing-style building. A big impressive looking... thing. This is the largest excavation and the viewing vantage is much higher than that of the other two. More thought was put into it being a tourist site. They have several warriors encased for viewing up-close.

As for this piece of...Art? Your guess is as good as mine:

New Years Eve in Shanghai

2010-01-01T23:56:00.007-06:00

The only thing worse than food poisoning or the stomach flu is being in a foreign country while experiencing it. Fortunately I had all of my International SOS information handy in my iPhone and was able to speak to an English speaking doctor on the phone, who arranged our visit to a hospital and coordinated with the hotel staff to make sure we got there safely. High praise to everyone who helped out!

My cousin and I had just watched Tarantino's classic film - Four Rooms. How could we help but chuckle at the irony. We were in the hands of the Bell Boy. It gets even better...his name is Clark. ;) He's our Super Man, for sure.
This photo shows Clark, the Bell-Man, from the Radisson hotel that escorted my cousin and I to the hospital. What a relief! He stayed with us all night and got us back to our hotel safely.

Dr. Chen and Dr. Garcia discuss His case, Cousin get's an IV...

Shanghai from the window...

Yeah! Fever broke, so we could fly back to Beijing. Healthy and recovering.

Happy New Year!

Blue Sky! Can you hear me now?

2009-12-25T12:52:00.002-06:00

Christmas in Beijing

2009-12-25T10:03:00.003-06:00

My cousin and I are celebrating the holiday together here in Beijing, China...last night we strolled down WangFuJing and stopped by the Catholic church only to find vendors selling Mardi Gras styled masks and devil's horns. It was a spectacle...

Temple of Heaven - Beijing China

2009-12-23T11:04:00.005-06:00

Today my cousin and I visited The Temple of Heaven located a bit south of Tian'anmen on line 5 of the subway (tiantandongmen).

My favorite spot was the Circular Mound Altar, which is most significant this time of year! This is a photo of my cousin Elliott looking regal as he poses.

The Circular Altar has three layered terraces with white marble. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 A.D. - 1911 A.D.), the emperors would offer sacrifice to Heaven on the day of the Winter Solstice every year. This ceremony was to thank Heaven and hope everything would be good in the future.

Another important building in Temple of Heaven is Imperial Vault of Heaven. If you look at it from far away, you will find that the Vault is like a blue umbrella with gold head. The structure of it is like that of Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, but smaller in size. The structure was made of bricks and timber. The Vault was used to place memorial tablets of Gods. White marble railings surround the vault.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is a big palace with round roof and three layers of eaves. Inside the Hall are 28 huge posts. The four posts along the inner circle represent four seasons-spring, summer, autumn and winter; the 12 posts along the middle circle represent the 12 months; and 12 posts along the outer circle represent 12 Shichen (Shichen is a means of counting time in ancient China. One Shichen in the past equaled two hours and a whole day was divided into 12 Shichens). The roof is covered with black, yellow and green colored glaze representing the heavens, the earth and everything on earth. The Hall has a base named Altar for Grain Prayers which is made of three layers of white marble and has a height of six meters.

Thanks to: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/heaven/ for the intel!

Teaching The People's children

2009-12-08T12:09:00.014-06:00

This entire video was shot with an iPhone 3GS, converted to .mov files and edited in FCP.

I accompanied my BLCU classmate, Nils, to a local school for migrant children. Many of the children who live in Beijing don't have access to "proper" schools and attend schools like the one in this video, which rely on assistance from volunteers.

Video project for @therefore's Digital Video class.

Meeting the German Ambassador to China...

2009-12-01T08:30:00.008-06:00

Today I accompanied my friend, Carolyn, and a group from Tsinghua to meet with Germany's Ambassador to China: Michael Friedrich Wilhelm Schaefer.

We were greeted by Conrad, a friendly young German, and given a short tour and Q&A session. He reminded us that November was the 20th Anniversary of the Berlin Wall being taken down and said they had many events in celebration of the reunification of Germany.

He then took us to the Ambassador's residence where we meet with the Ambassador for two hours of Q&A. I was impressed by the hospitality and relaxed Question and Answer format - it was a truly unique experience.

It was the first time I had the opportunity to hear a German Euro-Centric perspective. So often here in China things are polarized between US and China, but the Ambassador framed the perspective of the EU as an entity that, collectively, surpasses the US in it's economic significance. He was openly able to evaluate the challenges the EU faces while clearly stating the significance of the Union, which as an American was a unique perspective to hear.

He also said that China was not only a 'responsible stakeholder,' but becoming an equal shareholder.

Armin Van Buuren, Beijing China - 2009

2009-11-27T17:10:00.002-06:00

Need I say more?

What does a 7.7 Million dollar necklace feel like?

2009-11-27T05:57:00.005-06:00

I agreed to accompany my classmate to a function on behalf of his family and didn't know what to expect. But, I must say that I enjoyed it throughly. A girl's true delight - the most beautiful and expensive jewelry I've ever seen. Chopard's designer has my deepest respect - she truly makes ART!

Beijing, China.

This is a video of me trying on a 52$ RMB necklace...just do the math.

Superficial thoughts on Hong Kong and Jing...

2009-11-15T09:31:00.006-06:00

I must start this post by saying that it is simply not fair to compare Hong Kong and Beijing.

Having said that, please indulge me and let me share a few superficial observations about Hong Kong:

Hong Kong is 21 degrees warmer than Beijing (Celsius)
People in HK were smiling...and for no apparent reason. (radiant faces)
Everyone I met in HK spoke basic English. (No surprise)
Old men dye their hair. (not so good on the root upkeep, however)
People in HK WAIT until people get off the subway before entering.
In HK got a handout for a good cause - to recycle old clothes.
In HK kids were running around, playing and being...kids.
No one spits massive phlegm on the streets of Hong Kong.
Men wear different kinds of belts in HK. (difficult to explain)
People aren't just SHOPPING in GUCCI, they are BUYING GUCCI.
and can someone tell me:
WTF IS an "Administrative" district anyways?

And yes, Beijinger's still go to Hong Kong to shop!

Though, I must admit that Hong Kong felt a bit like Las Vegas? How so? Well, you know how in Vegas it is almost impossible to find your way outside of the casino? And, if you do, there is a conveyor belt taking you to the next casino? Well, Hong Kong's subway system is pretty much designed to take you from shopping malls to more shopping plaza's. Seriously. Too much shopping!!!

Hong Kong...first evening.

2009-11-13T10:42:00.006-06:00

Harbor Grand Hotel:

I just arrived in Hong Kong and have had such luck. So much for Friday the 13th...This has been a GREAT day!

More to follow tomorrow.

How Beijing men shovel the snow...

2009-11-10T09:23:00.003-06:00

First Snow in Beijing

2009-11-01T04:38:00.004-06:00

I looked out the window this morning and was startled to see that it was snowing... Here comes winter!

Yet, I don't feel cold.

The Great Wall - photos

2009-10-30T00:34:00.001-05:00

Trashy! Beijing Art!?

2009-10-29T06:07:00.005-05:00

One thing you quickly learn to appreciate in Beijing is the fact that EVERYTHING is recycled or put to good use. No matter where you go there are people making good of what, to some, is simply trash.

Today there was a man outside of the University loading up his bicycle with a massive heap of packaging that came from Dell boxes.

...at the end of the video he yelled at me. :( But I have no idea what he said...

His pile of trash reminded me of my 3D design class and I considered it a true example of Beijing ART! Not to mention the acrobatic feat of balance to keep all of the foam on the bike and driving that load on a Beijing street? INSANE!

Here's a video of his creation:

Youku.com on THIS 中国 SIDE of the Great FireWall...

2009-10-27T10:35:00.010-05:00

So, there are advantages to the Great Fire Wall. What are they? Full length movies on Youku...

What is Youku.com? Well, it's like YouTube, but... BETTER? (that's what a girl in class told me last week)

hmm.

The catch?

If you try to load it from the USA, you get an error:

But if you load it from China? You see the the full-length feature film which looks like this:

Yeah for Intellectual Property...

Street food in Beijing and a crowded elevator at school

2009-10-27T09:21:00.003-05:00

These are typical moments in my daily routine...

Street food in the morning for breakfast is fabulous! McDonalds
ain't got nothing on these guys!!!

Yes, and the elevator at school.
I often climb 8 flights of stairs...You'll see why!

Peking Opera

2009-10-25T10:11:00.002-05:00

Clip edited together on my iPhone with ReelDirector for iPhone...nothing fancy, just 60 seconds from the Peking Opera. Hope to get even more editing in later versions of ReelDirector.

Sliding down the Great Wall of China...

2009-10-23T07:47:00.002-05:00

Today's adventure was to the Great Wall of China...short video of us sliding down!

A hamster's life in Jing...

2009-10-19T07:29:00.002-05:00

The Anti-"Secret"

2009-10-15T07:12:00.008-05:00

Barbara Ehrenreich recently appeared on John Stewart, and I felt it worthy of sharing.

The author shares her perspective on the American obsession with being 'positive' and also gives a critique of the New-Age hit The Secret.

John Stewart asks: If it works for someone isn't it ok? She said: "Delusion is never ok."

Does being obsessively positive, as she suggests, indicate an 'empathy deficit" in our culture?

She also attacks the industry of pink everywhere...and as for 'The Secret?' She believes that the rich boomers live in a 'bubble' completely disconnected from reality...

So, what does she suggest? Be grounded and be real. This sounds very...pragmatic, in the common use of the word, but not William James's Pragmatism. I think it would include...a bit of both?

What is an empathic deficit? And is this really part of the problem in America? In China it is almost an unspoken rule: do not mention health problems. So, what kind of empathy deficit is she talking about? She wants to be grumpy during her treatment...or at least feel the freedom not to let other's down. I wonder if other's feel this way too?

That's Chinese for Smith!

2009-10-15T04:46:00.001-05:00

Apparently this is my last name in Chinese, which makes my name:

史密斯肯布丽 or "金"

Musician performs on a Beijing Subway, Line 10...

2009-10-12T09:45:00.003-05:00

What a pleasant surprise this evening...

How (some) people roll here in Jing...

2009-10-10T11:05:00.005-05:00

My agent took me for a ride on the back of her bike to hit up an ATM.

And in case you are wondering, no. We took a car to view the apartment.

This was a kind gesture on her part and gave me the real...

'Beijing on a Bike' experience.

No extra charge. ;-)

One of my favorite features on my MAC...

2009-10-08T22:39:00.005-05:00

I just want to pause for a moment and thank whoever came up with the 'view all application windows' on MAC OSX....

This feature has changed my work flow and allowed me to be my often seemingly random-self while maintaining a productive work flow! Far from linear...it more closely imitates the way I see things in my mind's-eye - as I am - grooving a long moment-to-moment. The 'view-all' screen is a nifty tool and GREAT reminder of the objects I am juggling in my mind that allows me to re-focus...not to mention easily shift between apps.

As technology becomes more advanced and user-friendly...It is becoming more and more 'cool' to be myself...a bit ADD and a lot Dyslexic, because it slowly allows a more fluid extension of my 'consciousness' as it is. These little advancements both shape and increasingly allow more intellectually-informed intuitive expression and for that I am deeply grateful!

I can't wait for a holographic and tactile interface!!! A please, let's not forget sound!

Thanks all you sexy-smart engineers that make this possible!

Beijing, China - It's SMOG-o-rrific!

2009-10-07T22:06:00.010-05:00

Well, Just a week after National day things here in Beijing have returned to normal.

What do I mean?

You know the song by the Eurythmics...Here come's the rain again? Just imagine that song with slightly different lyrics. Yes, replace 'rain' with the word 'smog' and you will have an idea of what it is like here in Beijing...after the holiday:

On Tuesday I looked outside the window and noticed that there was a distant haze. I had already been spoiled! Fresh Air, clear sky!

Sobered, I wondered how long it would take for the city to be engulfed in the approaching darkness.

This morning I awoke to find that, unlike a thief in the night time, smog had stolen the sun and didn't even attempt to hide it's presence.

I suppose it is something like awaking and having a burglar staring you in the face - laughing - as they casually walk out with the TV. Watching, putting up no fight...only thinking: that van lingering outside was suspicious!

Okay, perhaps it isn't that dramatic. But, only sort of.

I sure hope the weather makers that cleared things up for the holidays (that is the rumor going around campus) give us a few days of clear-sky again...

Otherwise: Hainan, here I come!

The weekend after...Walking around Tian'anmen today

2009-10-03T07:46:00.007-05:00

National Center for the Performing Arts...

This is where I went to see the Lucerne Festival!

People, people...everywhere.

Yum Yums.

Left, right, left...

This man is sporting his 60 year sticker... Only saw about a million of those today.

Boys to the rescue...

I just like this one.

That thing I said in the previous blog about the guns? I take it back. Beijing SWAT team, in da house.

This kid was so excited to get some sugar-covered cherries! Yummy. His mom let me try one! No kidding. It was sooooo good! :)

He's such a poser...National Center for the Performing Arts.

Monument in Tian'anmen...

Mao...

Cute.

A massive official-looking building.

This is so typical in Beijing! Any space big enough to lay down is a nap spot!

Beijing on OCT 1 - photos from the street

2009-10-01T10:50:00.014-05:00

What you will see are a few photos from an area just North/East of Tian'anmen Square. The entire area was blocked off for miles around Tian'anmen and what you will see is people going about daily life and an increase of security, police and military presence. I learned a lot about the area from local people. My schoolmate and I got as close as one could possibly get to the festivities...We actually got onto a restricted road where the dignitaries, ambassadors and those attending the festivities were being shuttled in an out.

Overall, the presence of authority in the area surrounding Tian'anmen was awesome. However, it was primarily the number of people that seemed impressive, but not in weapons. I have only seen a gun on police officers here once. Yes, the cops here don't have guns...

The popular shopping area, Wangfujing, was completely shut down. Below there are a couple of shots of police just standing on the vacant road. I have never seen Wangfujing empty and THAT was as impressive as the presence of authority.

I was extremely conservative with my photographs, for obvious reasons...But this might give you a little taste of life *around* the festivities...as close as any human could get who wasn't actually in or attending the events.

(above) A very long day for Beijing Police standing in Wangfujing, vacant and a bit eerie.

Poor guys, military stood at attention most of the day. (Wangfujing Dajie/street) How do they keep from passing out?

Police presence doesn't always pimp it in the Audi's! Check out this trashy ride!!!

Volunteers wore these yellow shirts for National Day (above and below)

Motorcycle cop...I saw this guy many times today...

Locals riding past a government building, this building houses an, umh... "investigative" branch... (knocks at the door)

Security guards were in love with this female statue...

Men playing...chess?

Flags were all over the alleys and streets...

Military marching. Apparently this street houses...umh, yeah: important people. (again, knocks at door)

On the road leading to Tian'anmen - police and military escorted all of the dignitaries and guests who were attending the celebration...I have never seen so many black Audi A6's in my life. Glad to know the police also sport the Mercedes Benz.

My Schoolmate, TaoJing and I at WangFuJing tonight.

A few night photos from Beijing...

2009-09-30T06:01:00.003-05:00

Preparing for National Day...

2009-09-29T09:07:00.004-05:00

Walking on campus today I passed by a group preparing to participate in the National Day parade.

The parade that I, as a foreigner, am forbidden to go near, but can watch on TV.

It is the biggest celebration in 60 years and with a population of 1.3 billion... I guess crowd control makes sense.

It would be fascinating to see the celebration up close, but I have a feeling the city will be a buzz no matter where I am that day.

I hope to shoot some video, but Tian'anmen is closed starting tomorrow until after the celebration. The fireworks are supposed to surpass that of the Olympics...

The toilet that swallowed my iPhone - Whole

2009-09-28T01:40:00.010-05:00

How do you flush a phone down a toilet, you ask?

I had my iPhone tucked safely (I thought) in my back pocket... and went about normal business. However, in China things are a bit different - ladies.

It isn't as simple as 'hovering' - you have to squat and it takes skills. Skill can be measured by how successfully you get in and out of one of these toilets without peeing on your own feet, the floor, or making the mistake of looking down and running a high risk of being splashed in the face.

Points are deduced if you touch the walls for support, unless you are so, so very brave or have hand sanitizer by the case!

And GOD help you if you forget to have your tissue in-hand upon entering...

While in the midst of this tricky business someone did the unthinkable and upset the balance of the universe by trying to force into the stall. I was startled, violently shaken from my perfectly poised squatting stance and as I bounced up and the phone bounced out.

It was surreal.

I heard something hit the porcelain and looked down to see it slide into a dark, mysterious abyss. It took a few moments for it to register... I replayed it in my mind over and over, blankly staring at the hole.

Not only did I drop my iPhone in the toilet - the toilet swallowed the WHOLE PHONE as if it were some sort of sacrificial offering...

This is the note that my teacher wrote for the maintenance people.

I went downstairs, with this note in hand (my Chinese is not good enough to accommodate such circumstances) and they said it was impossible to recover. This was not a sufficient answer and my classmates - a few brave men, rolled up their sleeves only to discover why the maintenance people refused to help.

What we discovered was a seemingly endless abyss, at least over 4 foot long. Don't ask how we measured, but it is quite accurate. There was no bottom from the hole....down.

Alas, my iPhone is nestled somewhere near the center of the earth...and while they tell us it is forbidden to flush toilet paper, their plumbing can, apparently, digest an iPhone - whole.

It feels strange to say, but I have peed on it since...

Score! Chinese tutor and Veggie Bao all in one day!

2009-09-26T06:45:00.009-05:00

Today my classmate, Nils, and I met at the University to study for class tomorrow. Yes, for those of you doing the math...we have class on a SUNDAY. (sighs)

Nonetheless, we were a bit of an attraction to our fellow classmates. Many people would stop, linger and then approach us wanting to know what we were studying and offered to help us with our Chinese practice.

One girl, TaoJing, was a particularly good match because she is Chinese and has been studying English for six years. She sat down with us at noon and after studying for almost 3 hours we left for some lunch and then had a nice chat over coffee. It works out well because about the time I become exhausted from questions, she has questions of her own, which are as elementary as what we are asking her. Elementary, yet absolutely critical. As you will see in the video when Nils trys to order another order of Bao and instead of saying 'you' it sounds like 'jio,' which causes the lady to giggle. THIS IS SO COMMON... us trying to speak and insighting giggles. :) So, Tao Jing will now be helping us as our schedules permit.

For those of you that heard about my other tutors...that is just going to have to wait until after the National holiday. So, stay tuned for updates on that.

We found a wonderful Bao place... Yummy. Nils is a vegetarian, which is fairly uncommon here. So, we found a great place for veggie bao right next to campus and conveniently located next to a coffee shop that serves excellent cappuccino's! So after filling our bellies with bao we moved next door for coffee and studying...

all-in-all, a wonderful day...

Swede and American on a scooter...

2009-09-25T00:54:00.000-05:00

Today my classmate, Nils, showed me his new electric scooter 1700¥.
This was quite an adventure and helpful because I am considering
getting a bicycle for getting around campus.

How was the ride? Well, a bit like an episode of the Flinstones.
Nils started up the scooter and the (imagine Fred Flinstone) used his
feet to get the scooter moving. We didn't even make it off campus and
had a little crash with a bicycle.

Granted we can't compare what we call a crash in The States because
scooters here are in the bike lane, not with the cars.

So, a crash is not really a big thing like a motorcycle. What happens
is more like a little comedy... So today the Chinese were laughing at
two blondies on a scooter...in Beijing! :)

Here is a short video and little picture!

Celebrating my roommate...

2009-09-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

My roommate, Antonella, celebrates her birthday today. This brought
to mind one of my concerns of being so far away from home during
special holidays...

We had tea from China, Korean cake with a French name, and I cooked
Cinese food for dinner.

Nothing replaces those who earn our heart and trust over the years, or
our precious and dear family, and yet - still, as relative strangers,
we can come together for each other - supportive and aware. When we
are far from home we recreate our world.

I feel very fortunate to have such a warm and kind roommate here in
Beijing. I am not accustomed to sharing my living space with others
and, in fact, I cherish both my private time and personal space.

Those that know me well might have bets out on how long I will last in
the dorms...well, we shall see, but thus far it is a wonderful
learning experience in so many ways.

My roommate showed me how to properly hand-wash clothes, my Indonesian
hall-mates taught me how to work the stove in the kitchen, a floormate
from Sudan shared food from his country and study survival skills, a
local Chinese police-official set me up with a language partner, and
the list continues...

Chinese military over Tian'anmen - video

2009-09-21T05:47:00.001-05:00

Military display over Tian'anmen Square

2009-09-21T05:25:00.001-05:00

Today I visited Tian'amwn Square and was impressed by the color
display of China's military air presence.

It started just after 11AM with aircrafts trailing a stream of Red,
Yellow, and Blue smoke. What followed was a variety of aircraft in
unique formations both plane and helicopter.

I notice your absence...

2009-09-20T01:22:00.000-05:00

Not as a teacher taking attendance or the preacher estimating
tithings, but as a warmth.

So, Now I pause and consider if it is best to share this creative
expression on my blog and decided that I rarely let the inner working
of my playful thoughts and musings (creative writing some call it?)
out-in the rawness of words. Why not, then? There is delicateness of
words that only describe a feeling...easily judged or more often
misunderstood. Nontheless, I will post this and pray your heart be
amused.

A thought:

Some despise another's silence because their immagination gets the
best of them. Others avoid the concreatness of truthful words that
settle the matter.

Why prefer the former? Like seasons, ones' chill might thaw. The
latter is an enterprise that takes not only time, but great effort-
plus mutual humility...

Most humans can hardly endure their own foolishness lighty enough to
allow another the same. How little patience we have for some and more
for others.

All this?

Nothing but my thoughts...when met by your silence.

I can only conclude: it seems, somehow, I offended thee.

Well, I will not force the matter. I would rather stand at a distance
to your back and feel a chill than prompt you to close the door-
whereby surely I would freeze.

My friend, your open kindness is a fire by which I warm my soul.

But, in truth-we only meet one another in front of the fire, it is not
yours or mine. This house is a mansion with billions of fires, surly
I will stay warm, it is my nature to be met by the warmth of light.

But why do you stand in the corner? And why do I care? Meet me half
way, won't you? Neither silence-nor words, but an honest glance or a
simple embrace. But, true-you are not here.

Is your silence but wisdom?

Yes! I see! Only after this reflection.... I am guilty, of youthful
ignorance!

Grasping for a phantom! Describing, capturing, clinging to our
meetings and what we share-reducing it to words!

You! You are silent, not in distance, perhaps, but in wisdom?
Distant enough to witness.

I, on the other hand, sound a fool as I describe the moment when I
noticed I had not heard from you.

It is as if I am trying to report the detail of each
sensation...nuance and moment! I suppose, and I know it is futile.

I don't know why I try.

Oh, of course! I am doing it now! Damn! My imagination has filled
the silence...with words, with nothing-you are not here. Neither in
presence, nor- as silence tells me, in mind.

Strange, but I think in your absence I have attempted to relive the
intimacy of your actual presence only to fail, but all the while
willing! I do not say that my minds imagination of you replaces your
presence and if your silence alone has taught me anything, it is this.

If at the very least you see this as an amusing way to say that I
notice: You are not here!

Please, Be only flattered or ammused!

This dance of words was performed for my mind, in memory-of you!

Sent from my iPhone

Bicycles in Beijing...

2009-09-19T21:57:00.000-05:00

National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing - China

2009-09-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Today I ventured over to the National Center for the Performing Arts.
Only three subway lines from campus.

The center is located at Tian'amen West (subway stop) and sits
elegantly surrounded by water. It is truly beautiful. I can't think
of anything like it. To enter you must go to the South side and walk
underneath the water.

I purchased a membership and ticket for tomorrow's show, Lucerne in
Beijing. I'm looking forward to the performance tomorrow and future
performances of opera and Chinese theater!

Mind, Body, Spirit - Lecture Series at CC Young

2009-09-17T23:02:00.003-05:00

Wish I could have been there for this, I hear it was an EXCELLENT talk by Dr. Craig Powell. Insights into Alzheimer's...

The mind was willing, but the body was...

2009-09-17T22:56:00.000-05:00

On the way to yoga last night I encountered a typical set of stairs
that one finds here in Beijing.

The first thought that came to mind when I saw the stairs was: "umh,
no". But more like "Oh HEL* NO!!".

Yoga class was fabulous and I met a women whose father just wrote a
book on the Development of China.

Only in China...

2009-09-16T07:42:00.000-05:00

Now, I walked by these guys on campus today and the first thought I
had was: why are they shoveling sand to the second floor? What could
they possibly be doing?

Then I realized that they were shoveling sand...to the second floor -
by sheer brute force in a bizzare chain of effiency.

So, I watched in curious awe thinking: hmm, only here.

US Embassy in Beijing - an adventure

2009-09-15T06:20:00.001-05:00

This is a photo of the US Embassy in Beijing...It looks something like
a Borg ship. I have to say that this was my first visit to a US
Embassy over seas and I was shocked to find that everyone working there was...Chinese. Umh?

No US Marines outside? Instead, Chinese military! Once you pass in
the gate there is a stream of people in line, VISAs I suppose?

It took 30 minutes to translate and get me to the right place only to
find out that I could have registered online. However, I am glad I
went there today because it is ALWAYS good to know where the embassy is.

So, they do not allow ANY electronics in the building. The guards had
a heck of a time with my Kindle. I told them: it's a book. They
said: electric box! You must leave it here! It made me giggle when I
caught the guards playing with the Kindle when I came back (I had to leave my stuff
with them). All-in-all today was exhausting, but so wonderful! I
discovered places I hand not yet been and the city is slowly opening
up. I look forward to the adventure!

BLCU registration gets an EPIC FAIL

2009-09-15T03:50:00.002-05:00

I have spent over five hours trying to register and get my room. Oh, riiiight. I can't register yet because I must have a room number (makes no sense) but I can't get a room because they don't have any left. FAIL #1

I am a scholarship student, which means that the housing is provided
by the University. Others, without a scholarship, are dismissed and told to find a place. EPIC FAIL #2

I'm lucky, I have a scholarship. Two Italians lost their cool and were freaking out and some guy from, don't know where, yelled at the guy behind the desk, in Chinese - impressive.

I suppose it is easy to be cool when other people get to be "that guy" and I just watched the circus. I was first in line and the guy told me (and dozens traveling from around the globe: "sorry,
rooms are all full")

Umh, WTF? But, since I have scholarship they would help. (awkward glares in my direction)

Then they sent me over to a building next to staff dorms and told me
that it would be 25RMB a night. That is like $4 a night. I figured out the cost and was mildly annoyed, but (not fuming like
the Italians) So, I said: no problem that adds up to $500 for the term of the
semester. So, I go over there and they tell me that they have no
rooms. Umh, but they just sent me over there. Keep in mind it was
probably over mile walk.

I'm sitting here, back where I started, waiting for them to figure it
out. (ha)

I started surfing the net looking for apartments and they cost
starting at ¥6000, which is like $900 US. A month. Whoa. Two
bedroom is ¥8000 or $1100. That wouldn't be too bad with a roommate.
Not sure how this will turn out...

Pic of me now...do i look tired and a little annoyed? I feel pretty
zen inside...

First test-blog from China

2009-09-14T21:38:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting in Starbucks enjoing a Red-Bean scone. Oddly enough, Red-
Bean is the blueberry of China. Granted, it is not a fruit...

I woke up at 0600 today, no alarm clock, and was pleased to find a
nice blue sky (see photo). I was worried when I arrived last night
because the air was thick and smoggy...brown and orange so
thick that it was difficult to see at any distance. As the taxi drove west
towards the university district - the air cleared.

My taxi driver managed to
avoid (inches) a major collision on the highway... the car in front of us clipped another
taxi and as they spun off the road-we swerved. Scary! I was on the phone during all of this and think I screamed or something.
My driver got a tip when we arrived safely.

I am on my way to the consulate to check in and am pleased to report
that I was only 20 yards out of the hotel when the spitting started (people spit EVERYWHERE) this was followed by a trail of
unique smells-ahhh, Beijing!

I am extremely thankful to have spent time here this summer. Why? It
feels comfortable and though my Chinese isn't great-I know the Subway
and can spot the English speaking Chinese fairly easily.

I am also glad to be staying at a different hotel. Why? Because I can
recognize the uniforms and see that there is a system - a subtle class/
role indication by how people are dressed. This is something entirely
instinctive back home. Here, everything is...similar, but VERY DIFFERENT!!!

My Kindle is a blessing-got 20 minutes of reading done on the subway
and a lot of stares, too. :)

Ok, this is a test post from Beijing! Hope it works!

Kim

(photo was taken outside my hotel down the street- check out the Blue
sky!!!)

Testing the iPhone 3Gs video-to-blogger via email

2009-09-04T18:36:00.000-05:00

Is this a typical peptalk before the lunch crowd comes in? I wonder.

Nonetheless, This video was shot on the iPhone 3Gs and emailed directly to this post. The time limit emailing the post is, apparently, 47 seconds. The phone clipped the video before it sent it. One con of the post from phone option.

I'm testing different ways to upload video from China.

WOOSH!

Street Food? in Beijing, China, 2009

2009-09-04T10:21:00.000-05:00

Well, one of the popular things to see in Beijing is the 'street market' - there are two right off of WangfuJing, an upscale shopping area near Tian'a men Square. This one is located smack in the middle of the shopping area that includes Gucci and other upscale brands.

Then, out of the corner of your eye you see a little side street...dark and glowing red. What is it? Night Market...

This video shows a Canadian eating some of the 'local' street food from the Market. Though I suspect it is as much fun for the Chinese to watch the tourists eat this stuff...seems like some kind of reverse joke. While some people in certain areas might eat: bugs, snakes, scorpions and even items like star fish, it seems that this is still relatively rare.

We asked our teacher (native Chinese) about it and she cringed at the thought and was grossed out at the mere suggestion.

So, who knows - maybe the joke's on....us?

Lost in Beijing

2009-09-02T22:27:00.000-05:00

This video was shot in July
while studying in Beijing.

My classmate, Stephan and I
took a wrong turn down a
Beijing alley while walking home
from school.

We almost walked through someone's
house to find our way out, but
eventually made it.

I am going to be posting a few
videos from my time in China
to figure out the easiest ways to
upload photos and video to the blog.

Wish me luck!

Art scene in Beijing - the work of Zhou Jun at the Red Gate Gallery

2009-08-03T18:15:00.000-05:00

Local art patron describes the importance of Zhou Jun's artwork, which shows a red streamer wrapped around iconic buildings such as CCTV's headquarters in Beijing.

He has seen the rise of China and finds this art work important because it remembers the hard work and cost of change.

Adventure in China

2009-07-14T19:20:00.000-05:00

I've been in China for almost 3 weeks studying Chinese in Beijing. The experience has been wonderful.

This is a photograph that I took last weekend at the Great Wall:

The air quality in Beijing is not as bad as what I expected. It was blue skies for the first few days here, but when the rain came through the air seemed thicker and a haze of fog made it seem a bit dreary.

Since the riots in N/W China Facebook and other popular tools for social networking have been blocked. There are ways around it, but for those accustomed to open-access it is an equally powerful cultural lesson. I will comment on this later as I have time to reflect on my experience.

I wake up every morning and watch CCTV 9. At 0730 they have a program called: Dialogue, which I find very interesting...

More to come. On to classes, now.

UT Dallas squirrels are more friendly...

2009-06-17T22:43:00.000-05:00

High School physics teacher and UT Dallas graduate student feeds the squirrels on campus and talks about the program he is involved in that hopes to introduce engineering to 4th year high school students. I must admit... I stopped because of the squirrel and so glad that I did!

Tribute to Patricia A. Porter - 2009 Obelisk award

2009-06-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

This video is a tribute to the life-long contributions of Patricia A. Porter to the Dallas art and business community. Her contribution to the Dallas arts community is immeasurable and this video contains interviews with friends, family and colleagues that help give an idea of Pat's unique presence and contributions.

The video was made by two UT Dallas graduate students, Kim Smith and Joe Chuang, at the request of NTBCA's Ray Jordan and Christie Gard to be shown at the 2009 Obelisk Awards Banquet.

San Santiago of American Airlines, Narrator.

Thanks to everyone who contributed and Thank you so much, Pat - for all of your contributions!

Behind The Scenes for Sony covering the GS Boyz

2009-05-13T00:29:00.000-05:00

Today I pulled a 13 hour shoot for Sony to cover behind the scenes action for the GS Boyz' 2nd song: Booty Dew.

In this shot you see the GS Boyz surrounding B-Hamp AKA "Ricky Bobby", They show us how it's done.... The 'Booty Dew,' that is.

Nice group of guys.

The Twitter Experiment - Bringing Twitter to the Classroom at UT Dallas

2009-04-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

UT Dallas History Professor Dr. Monica Rankin, @monicarankin, wanted to know how she could reach and include more students in the class discussion. She had heard of Twitter... The following is a short video describing her "Twitter Experiment" in the classroom with comments from students about the pros and cons of Twitter in a traditional learning environment.

I am Graduate student at UT Dallas pursuing a Masters in Emerging Media and Communication (EMAC) and collaborated with Dr. Rankin to see how Twitter might be used in her US History 2 class. This experiment was both exciting and a bit daunting...

The video is one of my projects for a digital video class with Dean Terry, @therefore, and part of a class project in my content creation and collaboration class with Dan Langendorf, @dlangendorf.

http://emac.utdallas.edu

@kesmit3

An afternoon at CC Young - community arts with Ebby Halliday

2009-04-25T22:47:00.000-05:00

This afternoon I attended an event at CC Young that featured community arts.

Ebby Halliday attended and even played the Ukulele and sang a few songs. I was deeply impressed by her humor and radiant presence. She made a point of reminding me that she is 98 years old...three times!

CC Young is a retirement community that rests overlooking Whiterock Lake.

They are also beginning to look into the use of video games as a way to engage their residents in a range of activities that will help keep the mind young. More on that to come!

Jonathan Dotson - UT Dallas 2009

2009-04-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

This is one of five pieces that Jonathan performed during the annual UT Dallas guitar competition. Guitarists traveled from all over to train with David Russell and compete.

Ben Pila - UT Dallas 2009

2009-04-17T11:21:00.001-05:00

One of five pieces Ben played at the UT Dallas guitar competition. Excellent.

Vicious Pink - Centraltrak, UT Dallas Artist Residency

2009-04-15T03:50:00.001-05:00

This Toy inspired a nanotech genius - really? YES!

2009-04-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

How did this toy inspire nanotech? Well, you'll have to wait to find out... This clip is a classic on it's own. A true 'direct observation' clip...

More nanotech clips to follow! I have 7 hours of interview footage with Dr. Baughman with more interviews to do. This piece is geared more towards him as a person and will be a summer project. Check back later for Nanotech updates!

See how Professor Langendorf explores the toy to find its' mytical powers...

Rough edit - UT Dallas US History class experiments withTwitter

2009-03-31T00:10:00.001-05:00

Jorge Misium - Skunk Works an interactive installation

2009-03-17T09:46:00.000-05:00

During the month of March 2009 Jorge's exhibition - a prototype - was shown at Eastfield College located in Mesquite, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

David Russell instructs Ben Pila at the UT Dallas Guitar Competition 2009

2009-03-14T02:05:00.001-05:00

bebe the book-chewing dog

2009-03-12T02:04:00.001-05:00

Random clip from an interview...

My Grandmother's perspective on life...

2009-02-20T22:21:00.000-06:00

RIP

Zak Stein - Stratified Democracy

2009-02-20T21:08:00.000-06:00

Zak fields a question regarding stratified democracy and the role and cautions of assessments...

Zak Stein - assesments and education clip 1

2009-02-19T03:11:00.000-06:00

Short clip of Zak Stein speaking to a group in Dallas regarding his research in assesments and education.

UT Dallas Dancers perform with instruction from Lily Cai

2009-02-16T13:38:00.000-06:00

Short clip from the UT Dallas dance performance under instruction from Lily Cai.

Nanotech - NanoEnergetics Program - Dr. Ray Baughman

2009-02-15T17:28:00.000-06:00

An impromptu interview with NanoTech's Dr. Ray Baughman... artificial muscles
http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2008/02/08-004.php

Shot on a JVC GZ-HD7U hand-holding a lav mic in a very crowded room.

Hello Kitty - Why to ask for a release form

2009-02-15T17:26:00.001-06:00

This was done with a lav mic on a JVC GZ-HD7U
The JVC has Automatic Gain Control, which means that you can't adjust the levels manually, therefore: the audio runs hot and clips the beginning of the signal.

first edit - Dr. Dufour interview

2009-02-08T01:01:00.001-06:00

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day gets upgraded

2009-02-07T10:02:00.000-06:00

I subscribe to Merriam-Webster's Word Of The Day and have for years. Today I was pleasantly surprised when I clicked on 'Play Podcast' -- where they used to just 'say' the word - they now pronounce the word, give you the various meanings, and its etymology via PodCast.

Of course this also means - advertising.

Merriam-Webster’s
Word of the Day
February 7

quantal

\adjective\

adjective

Meaning

*1 : of, relating to, or having only two experimental alternatives (as dead or alive, all or none)
2 : of or relating to a quantum

Example Sentence

The experiment with the herbicide will generate a quantal response — either the plant to which it is applied will survive, or it will die.

See a map of "quantal" in the Visual Thesaurus.

Did you know?

In Latin, "quantum" is the neuter form of "quantus," meaning "how much?" Both of these forms played a role in the development of "quantal." The first sense of "quantal," used in scientific experimentation to refer to cases in which only one of two possible results occurs, derived from "quanti," the plural of "quantus." ("Quantus" is also an ancestor of our noun "quantity.") The second sense of "quantal" is more directly related to Latin "quantum" and the English noun "quantum," which refers to the smallest possible unit of a form of energy (such as light).

Dave Parry "Be online or be irrelevant."

2009-02-05T23:25:00.000-06:00

@academicdave

Mr. Martin's Shoes...

2009-02-05T01:11:00.000-06:00

4 Things not to do when interviewing...

2009-02-04T22:03:00.000-06:00

Angle and Shots - snippets of class 2 - Digital Video lecture

2009-01-31T13:45:00.002-06:00

John Reoch at Centraltrak - January 30, 2009

2009-01-31T00:08:00.001-06:00

Where do I begin, again?

2008-09-25T13:37:00.000-05:00

I just started graduate studies at UT Dallas and UCLA/Fielding online and I feel as if I'm re-inventing myself: again.

Before it was USAF to civilian.
Then I went into the IT field for a few years while continuing in the USAF reserves and going to school full time in the evenings.

The long and short of it was: I burned out. I decided to stop working and go to school full time only to find myself longing for something deeper. I didn't know what that was.

Then one day sitting in class I realized that I couldn't stay there any more and two weeks later I was on the road heading to California for Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. I lived in LA for a short time during training and then headed back to Dallas where I taught yoga and went to school for a year. But school wasn't touching my soul ... or my heart.

So, I traveled: Switzerland, Italy, Peru, Bolivia, All over the US, Germany, and those stories are for another time.

In Spring of 2006, after some serious consideration I decided to attend UT Dallas and finished my BA in Arts and Performance in Spring 2008.

I am currently a student of Art and Technology at UT Dallas and a student of Media Psychology and Social Change at UCLA/Fielding online. I teach Bikram Yoga and practice tai chi, qui kung, and yoga.

I'm floating in a sea of information and opportunity. Sometimes it's too much.

This is the beginning of a blog.

My blog.

Life.