Ape-Unit

Film Noir

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:51:25 GMT

Scenic Wuxi! Visit today!

Feeding freezy.

Put yer handz up in da ayereeer

L'Idiot

Unfortunately, she hates my guts, but I did get a picture out of it!

Red Cliff Drama King!

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:49:16 GMT

The tale of Most Troubled Chinese Epic continues!

RED CLIFF - The John Woo directed film suffered problems with it's stars: Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung had a spat, and both had quit and come back or not, once or twice... the film suffered major scheuling setbacks and budget problems, and now DEATH!!!!!!

FROM CHUD.COM!

TRAGEDY ON RED CLIFF

By Russ Fischer

There's a very specific sadness associated with news of death on any film set. We invest emotion and energy in movies, often to an almost absurd degree, but on any broad timeline almost no film counts as essential in any way. To die creating entertainment is a terrible thing.

This time tragedy struck John Woo's monumentally-scaled Red Cliff, based on the epic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In northern Beijing a 23-year old stuntman was killed in a set fire yesterday and six others were injured. CNN reports that the scene featured a small boat set aflame, which was meant to collide safely with a larger warship fitted as the day's set. After the collision the fire burned out of control on both ships.

Production has halted temporarily. Woo was not on set, which was supervised by his second-unit director. The $80-million production is said to be Asia's most expensive in history, so the shutdown likely won't last long.

BLACK_DEMOCRAT.MP3

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:38:48 GMT

Goddamn Right!

You know, having lived in Canada, I've been flooded with American TV and media. So, during election times, it's hard not to get excited. This would be one of those moments where I'd be happy to be an American - one of those moments where you think it's possible - it might actually happen!

Good Luck to Barack Obama. He's running on pure class.

Superman Dat Ho

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:58:37 GMT

Today is Elsie's wedding, one of our longest running Student Advisors. She's always been a go-to person for questions and help, so to her I offer a sincere congratulations on her continued happiness and success!

What else is new since I haven't posted in EONS? Well, I've got yet another new Chinese tutor. I'm choosy in which kind of tutors I get - I need the right mix of patience, friendliness, expertisem preparation and of course, clarity. If I can't understand half of what's going on, then what's the point, nahmean? Not everyone can do this kind of work. Some people are are just too lazy or too impatient, so you got to move on being courteous, after all, I'm paying for the classes, my money votes for quality.

I had an interesting series of SPCs lately, if I may so myself. Thanks to some of Terry's advice, I've been focusing on universal themes - things that anyone could relate to - broad themes such as Responsibility, Rituals and Traditions, Happiness and so on. I try to find a specific topic that zooms in on a particular facet of those broad themes and it allows us to pull back on it to see the bigger picture. Last time I did a class about 'uncontacted' tribes in the Amazon, and it was interesting, but I still have kinks to work out. All in all, I feel like I've been on top of my game, for now. I want to keep pushing this to see how far I can go with it.

There was a Hip-Hop party at BCM yesterday night that our new teacher, Ian, has prepared. I'm going to BCM tonight for the weekly Pub Quiz. Last time Gary, his gf Lucy, Rob, his gf Lili, and I held our position within the quiz with a solid score, but not a win. Then again, the winning teams had more people than us... not that it matters. It's all in good fun. I don't know if the hip-hop party was any good, but I wouldn't have gone to it anyway because I can't be pubbing twice a weekend. Too expensive. I know that if I'd gone I would've just been around to complain about someone playing DMX's PARTY UP for the 5 billionth time. Not that I know for sure, but DJ adam isn't a name that says: I know what 'knuck if u buck' or 'crank dat robocop' means. jus' saying. I'm biased. I'm a hater. A certified A++ hater...

What would be a killer tracklist for a party in Wuxi? I'd have to incorporate some Jap hip-hop for flavour (Heartsdales, Teriyaki Boyz), some Reggaeton, heavy hittaz like Akon, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Nas, JayZ, Ghostface and so on. I'd want to put in some French hip-hop and lots of gems that I've heard on that way but never heard played out loud.

Ron Burgundy's City

Thu, 15 May 2008 02:43:09 GMT

Here are some pics of the last time I was in Shanghai... figured I'd post something on the front other than DMX's arrest story.

Injunz! Hide the Custard!

That's a bad word for something, I'll let you figure it out.

City Of Burgundy?

Moroccan resto

A fake Bathing Ape shop.

Asshole.

Woof Woof

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:07:32 GMT

Rapper DMX arrested for speeding, reckless driving in Arizon

By The Associated Press

PHOENIX - Authorities in Phoenix say rapper DMX was arrested after highway cameras captured him speeding in his bright yellow 1966 Chevrolet.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety says the rapper and actor was taken into custody Tuesday at his north Phoenix home without incident. He posted bond and was released.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was booked on charges of criminal speeding, public endangerment, reckless driving and driving on a suspended licence.

Electronically activated cameras placed along the Loop 101 freeway in Scottsdale captured him three times on Jan. 21 in his Nova II with a large "DMX" decal on the windshield.

He was driving at speeds equivalent to 160 to 183 km/h.

The speed limit on the stretch of roadway is 65 mph or 105 km/h.

The 37-year-old rapper's lawyer, Murray Richman, said he had no comment.

F'LOL

Last time he was jailed for impersonating a federal agent at an airport. This time he drove around in a bright yellow car with DMX all over the windshield. Woof Woof, Ruffffffff Rydaz!

Because I'll post anything related to Sofia

Wed, 07 May 2008 04:31:32 GMT

Pam sends me news of Sofia's progress:

"Hey Luis

Here are some fun facts about your niece:

at 5 months: (she is the size of a 5.5 month old in height & weight - only 25% of baby girls are bigger than her at this age)
-25 3/4 inches - so we think she will be a little taller than mommy
-16lbs, 1oz

-regularly sucks on her toes... too cute.
-she is discovering that she can turn her wrists
-has been teething for 3 months now and we have to change her very wet bib several times a day - we are hoping all this work will soon pay off and she will have teeth. At 4 months the doctor could hear the teeth when she scraped
-does not generally like being on her belly - she can ALMOST roll over
-When on her back, she can push herself head up within seconds and can rotate her body in a circle
-Is learning now to babble. She can say a looooong string of 'Dadadadadadadadadada' which tends to get progressively louder.
-now gets a regular breakfast and supper (3 teaspoons of cereal + milk) whereas before she was just eating every 3 hours. Next week she starts her vegetables.
-She can sit on her own for brief periods of time with supervision... (2-5 minutes)
-When she drops things, now she looks for them, they no longer disappear from existence.

That's all I can think of for now.

Attached, you will find some of the newest photos of her. Marcos hasn't had time to update is site yet with these.

Hope all is well :)
Pam & Marcos"

Back From The Dead

Tue, 06 May 2008 08:19:24 GMT

The dog I'm proud to say as a new home with one of my colleagues at work. God bless.

I'm back from the dead, holidays can sometimes be more tiring than work. All that lazing about, doing nothing, not calling mum for Mother's Day yet... (oops!)

But, since I've had absolutely zip-all to talk about for the longest time, I now give you pictures! Boo! I know!

The first batch is all about that food:

Chinese Fast-Food

With crazy disgusting little white fish

yummy dofu

flat squares of vermicelli

Soup!

dumplings

looks better than it tastes.

pasta n' shrimp

Dog for Adoption

Fri, 02 May 2008 04:54:39 GMT

I found this little puppy in the streets on the eve of the May holiday, she's about 20 days old, and she needs a home. I'm taking care of her for now, but I can't keep her.

She healthy, I've taken her to the vet's and she's got a clean bill of health, she's very gentle, and just now learning to walk.

I'll give her away for free with a supply of food. I just want her to have a good home.

Please contact me if you're interested. Obviously, this is only for people living in Wuxi.

These pictures are MSG free

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:30:07 GMT

Here's the latest slew of pictures that explain why I've been away from the computer lately.

Enjoy responsibly.

Phew!!

Jay-Z Makes Dat Money; News at 11

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:33:15 GMT

Like the title says, Jay-Z, as good an example of the entrepreneurial spirit as there ever has been, MAKES DAT CAKE:

Jay-Z Deal Offers New Model for Music Sales

LOS ANGELES — In a move that reflects the anarchy sweeping the music business, the superstar rapper Jay-Z, who released his latest album to lukewarm sales five months ago, is on the verge of closing a deal with a concert promoter that rivals the biggest music contracts ever awarded.

Jay-Z plans to depart his longtime record label, Def Jam, for a roughly $150 million package with the concert giant Live Nation that includes financing for his own entertainment venture, in addition to recordings and tours for the next decade. The pact, expected to be finalized this week, is the most expansive deal yet from Live Nation, which has angled to compete directly with the industry’s established music labels in a scrum over the rights to distribute recordings, sell concert tickets, market merchandise and control other aspects of artists’ careers. (READ ALL)"

So there you go. There's a story of success for ya. From selling coke on street corners to major music mogul to pioneering businessman. That's the example of being hungry I talked about in yesterday's post.

Get on your grind,

listen and learn to the ways of the world ('cuz shit is deep)

and know when and how to reinvent yourself.

It's just leanin', like to the left...

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:28:57 GMT

Man, I've just been for a haircut, and I got say, I feel better. Funny how a simple thing like that can turn your disposition around.

I need to buy some fresh new threads. I'm still wearing most of the same clothese I brought with me from Canada. The question is what do I do with my old clothes? I'd feel guilty throwing them out. It's all about what to do with them. I 'd like to have some way to donate some of this stuff to some kind of Chinese version of the Salvation Army. Where? I got an SPC (Speaker's Corner) today, so I think I'll start off with that topic.

Okay. Now I get why I was feeling down - and believe it or not - I think it's because I haven't an MP3 player for a while. My IPOD went kaput some time ago, and I even bought a cheapy little Chinese MP3 player which ALSO lasted about 3 months. I'm really not rough with this shit, i's just like that. I need one because I need to hear that LOUD MUZIK to get me pumped up sometimes. I think my Chinese studies have been a little slower lately because I haven't had that Nas or Wu-Tang buzzing in my ear...

It's all about the raw CONFIDENCE this music exudes, not about relating to the material. I can't relate to stories of dealing weight, but I can relate to the hunger, knowing that there's a piece out there with your name on it, but nobody's gonna hand to you - you gotta smack a $@#&% upside the head and take it. It sounds a little dog-eat-dog, but the right kind of music also reminds you of brotherhood. I love this music for all the right reasons, even when its not about all the right reasons.

That's it - SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING IN A LONG TIME MOM!

UPDATED AT LAST! 新-新-新ＳＨＩＴ！

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:39:00 GMT

Look, shit's all messed up right now. My shoulders ache at different turns (last night was the right shoulder, this morning is the left one) and I woke up and had the liquid shits this morning. Now I hear our school wants to have the foreign trainers sitting in the different offices (divide and conquer!). Egh....

But here was the real story... my kitchen sink...

In order to fix my sink they had to make the lovely hole on the side there...

and here's the fellowship that did it. The 3 stogeys.

First it was cat-bus, now it's all about ... Cat-Ball!

The Wuxi Wars of 2006-07 left the city in Ruin.

Portuguese Wines in China? Hey, I could be a salesman! ＨＩＲＥＭＥ！

Betty Boop shops... what universe am in?

ＳＰＥＲＭＣＯ　－　I am SO CLEVER!

Caribbean Pirate Chip Pizza

Human Embryo Egg Rolls

Bruce Lee would be proud.

Blueberry Popcorn.

Big Boss Magazine - that's what the readership looks like too.

Kanyeezy in our reception.

Hy-Lite Advertisement

Street Fighter Love but no arcade cabinets anywhere to be seen.

That nigga was straight out of a 60's Japanese Yakuza flick.

Apple looking creepy!

Terry's become a Russian Secret Agent!

Thanks for dropping by!

Old Video of a Hippo's Ass

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:16:01 GMT

I'm super-stressed lately. Too much negative shit happening. Can't focus on my Chinese practice.

Here's an old video of a hippo's ass I took at the end of last summer:

Director Anthony Minghella dies

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:16:03 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7302841.stm

British film director and writer Anthony Minghella has died aged 54.

Minghella's films included The English Patient - which earned him an Oscar for best director in 1997 - as well as Truly, Madly, Deeply and Cold Mountain.

He suffered a haemorrhage in London days after having surgery for cancer of the tonsils and neck, his US agent Leslee Dart said.

There Will Be Blood (on your shirt)

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:22:04 GMT

Raining again in Wuxi today - nice and wet, just the way I like it...

The pavement in wuxi is made of tiles, so whenever you step on a loose one on a rainy day, it splashes water all over your shoe, pants, etc. It's like something out of a slap stick film. And imagine the dirtiest water you've ever seen. The road I walk down every day is HouXiXi - also one of the dirtiest streets in downtown Wuxi. There's rubbish, meat-on-a-sticks all over the ground, heaps of rubbish food after the restaurants close. So of course the Chinese traditional medecine hospital entrance is also on the same street. Keepin' it clean.

Most buildings on the street are scheduled for demolition, but they're scheduled for demolition since... same time last year.

Apparently, our school wants to hold a meeting about us using uniforms. Oooooooh boy.

What was that movie called? "There Will Be Blood "?

Sympathy for Lady Vengeance

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:42:58 GMT

From CHUD.com, your best source for film news...

HOW VENGEFUL IS CHARLIZE THERON?

By Russ Fischer
Published March 14th

I can't quite explain why I don't cringe at the notion of a Sympathy For Lady Vengeance remake the way I did for the potential Americunizashun of Oldboy. On most days I think Lady Vengeance is the better film. But I since it doesn't have the instant recognizance of Oldboy, maybe it's that I don't harbor suspicions that a remake is only the result of a studio trying to latch onto what was (for some) the movie of the minute.

Or maybe it's that, despite the title and basic premise (a woman released from prison recruits former prison associates to help her orchestrate a revenge scheme) this isn't as personal a story as Oldboy. Lady Vengeance has a broader take on the impact of vengeance and what it can mean to a group of people, not just to an individual. That leaves it open for wider successful interpretation; a lot of things can change, either cultural signposts or the actual plot and character, and you'd still have a movie worthy of the title.

Or maybe it's just that I know Charlize Theron can act when she wants to, so when she mentions remake potential to Boston.com (as noted on Bloody Disgusting) I don't get that sinking feeling. This is just talk right now, and we all know how much luck has befallen the Oldboy remake, so there's plenty of time to grab Tartan's Lady Vengeance DVD and make it (deservedly) your new movie of the minute before the real shit hits the fan.

UPDATED!

If you like the idea of Theron starring in this remake, you're not alone. According to MTV, original director Park Chan-Wook was the guy that suggested she try it.

Does that put a different spin on things?

“He made an almost perfect film," Theron says, "[but] he came to me and said he really wanted us to do this. He wanted to see that story told in an American society. If he wasn’t so encouraging I don’t think I could go through with it. We’re intimidated almost beyond belief.” She also says that the project is in "very, very early stages of development," so it might not ever happen.

Now I'm so much more intrigued.

I form the head like Voltron

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:21:47 GMT

I saw a few great Chinese films lately. Let me tell you about 'em, because all three of 'em are not 'mainstream' films to come out of China, and are mostly censored here in the mainland.

我看了3个中国电影。我要告诉你。。。

First up, Les Filles Du Botaniste (french title, English title: The Botanist's Daughters)

The film is about an orphan that travels to Yunnan province to study botany with a famous prof. She falls in love with his daughter, and soon the relationship complicates when the Prof's son returns from his barracks in Tibet and chooses the orphan as his wife. Needless to say, it's a story of forbidden love between two beautiful women. The ending is very tragic indeed, as you well know, homosexuality is considered a 'disease' in China at the time of this story. It's a French film essentially (with full-frontal nudity, as is their trademark) but directed by a Chinese director. It had to be made in Vietnam due to its content and story. An excellent film, touching, tragic and terribly arrousing!

So Close to Paradise. This film takes place, I guess... in Beijing. Two guys from the countryside wind up in the big city - one is a pole carrier, doing hard-labour for peanuts. The other better dressed, better off engages in crime. Both are not particularly smart and plan a kidnapping of a cabaret singer (and prostitute) to ask for a ransom. Things go awry and the better dressed of the two falls in love with the singer. You can guess where things from there. Also banned, cut and censored, this film reveals some of the poor hard-labourer's lifestyle and the dressing and atmosphere is generally more interesting than the main plot, but the characters are interesting in themselves.

Histoires de Cannibales (We're Going To Eat You! is the English title, which is really revealing - it's the only Chinese Horror film I've ever seen. The story revolves around a police officer who goes to an island of cannibals who feast off strangers - literally. The film is a strange mix - gore, kung-fu and slapstick comedy. This is a Tsui Hark film after all. I'll let the trailer speak for itself - the film uses music from Dario Argento's SUSPIRA too...