SmartShanghai.com Blog

[My Weekender] with el Willy

2008-07-25T00:00:00+01:00

Willy is the head chef at Spanish tapas restaurant, el Willy. If you dine there, look for the man in the hat.

weekend |week-end|
-noun
The period from Friday evening through Sunday evening, esp. regarded as a time for leisure: she spent the weekend camping | [as adj.] a weekend break.

It's been a good reminder to check in the dictionary for the definition of weekend, to realize that when you work in the Restaurant the weekend is something that does not exist in terms of leisure...

Friday early evening in el Willy is all about the telephone and the reservation book...Usual tsunami of calls asking for a table available for the same night¡then our work is like putting together a puzzle of tables and schedules...inside the kitchen is a big chaotic space with lots of foods being transformed at a frenetic rhythm¡

Around 5pm the SmartShanghai crew start showing up for happy hour...by 6pm the first locals for dinner and around 8 we get hit by the tsunami. 10pm is when the Spaniards show up and I step off the kitchen by 11ish...then open some good wine¡ªusually "Milmanda" from Torres China...later we'll head down to Jean Georges at Three on the Bund to chill with the boys in the bar¡later hit the last drinks at Velvet Lounge.

Saturday morning alarm by 11ish...wake up with SO and have some espresso with milk at home...head down to el Willy again, around 12 or so there ready to have the next Illy coffee...check the kitchen for the organic products from the Cixiang Organic Farm and hit the organic brunch with the boys...after check the organization for the Saturday night puzzle of reservations...talk to the floor staff about how to organize the reservations and leave for some Chinese food...this time Charmant, in Fuxing rd...great Taiwanese food...hit some Taiwanese cold cuts, cabbage salad with coriander, curry crab, veggies and some pig ear with chili oil...go back to el Willy check around, scream a little to make sure the things are well prepared for the night...Crazy busy again...that's the weekend in a restaurant! After service Max shows up, also SO with her friend Hiromi...we hit some wine...later we go to Glamour Bar to hear their Japanese friend Dj...have some more supersexy wine...head home and bang around wildly 'till falling asleep in some corner of the bed...wake up on Sunday, bang around some more...go to bistro Franck to start with some sexy oysters...continue with white asparagus, salad, lamb and codfish...drinking some excellent burgundy Chardonnay from Franck's special selection...hit some chocolate mousse and peaches melba style...oishi lunch!

Go home for siesta...around two hours...go to Aric´s home in Taikang Lu... and BBQ there for the whole afternoon to night...with beers and good music...some Ratatat, Hot Chip, boards of Canada and some good flamenco...

The weekend will finish at home watching "El Sol del Membrillo" and falling asleep in the sofa...

Interview: Alec Haavik

2008-07-24T00:00:00+01:00

A highlight of the local Shanghai jazz scene for two years, American saxophonist Alec Haavik is know for his maniacal performances at local jazz clubs, a seemingly inexhaustible wardrobe of fabulous suits, and his mutli-textured, genre-bending, hyper-expansive, death-defying jazz compositions.

He's releasing his latest CD, "Ye Shanghai!" with his band the Friction Five tonight (Thursday) at the JZ Club.

SmartShanghai talked to Alec about recording his album, writing and playing jazz in Shanghai, and heavy metal paradoxes.

***

SmSh: What were the first records or performers that you saw or heard that made you want to play jazz. Can you pinpoint it to one thing? Light a lightning bolt?

Alec: Made me want to play jazz... Well, it's hard to pinpoint one thing because I grew up with the music. Both my parents listen to jazz so I don't... I think there was a moment when I wanted to play music... and that moment was in this talent show in middle school. I was in 7th grade. And I was in a rock n' roll band actually. So the music that made me want to be a musician was rock n' roll. And... I remember the feeling very distinctly, the curtain was closed and we were behind it, but the curtain was just a cloth curtain, so you could heard the audience very clearly, sort of murmuring and wondering what was coming next.

And I was sitting behind the drums, and the lights were out and that feeling was so exciting... the moment before performing in front of people and so that was a lightning bolt moment for me for wanting to become a musician for sure.

SmSh: You were playing drums then?

Alec: Well that was in middle school and I was playing the drums, but I've played many different instruments. Started out as... well, my parents started me out as all good parents do on the piano [Laughs]. So I studied piano as a young child and then switched over and started playing in the school orchestra with the cello and then later on switched over again and played trombone for a while. Then I got into rock n' roll and started playing drums and guitar too in a band. And then, it wasn't until I was 19 years old until I finally settled on the saxophone as the instrument that I felt I could express what I wanted to express.

SmSh: So can you describe Friction Five's take on jazz music?

Alec: Well, Friction Five... it's interesting because some of the guys originally are jazz players... such as the drummer Chris Trzcinski, you know he toured with Tommy Dorsey's band back in the States. So for sure he knows the jazz idiom inside and out. And also our guitar player Lawrence Ku. But some of the other cats in the band don't really come from a jazz background. We have a percussionist, Leonardo Susi, and he's from Brazil, so he plays all kinds of music and Brazilian styles -- not really a jazz player. And so a totally different cultural dimension comes into the music. And I think part of the purpose for me of the band and of writing music is to make music that doesn't fit easily into a category. So I would like it to be an amalgamation of many different cultural influences and different music genres, ideas, and approaches to try to create something new.

SmSh: So on your bio on your web page it talks about your music and describes it as a "multi-textured language of jazz mixed with the raw energy of rock." What are your rock influences then?

Alec: Well for sure Led Zeppelin has always been my favorite rock and roll band -- and I have a number of tunes -- I have a tune on my first CD... that was a time I really set out to write something imagining if Led Zeppelin was to play jazz with a saxophone player, what would it sound like [Laughs].

And even the title, "Freezer Burn" was my own little play on heavy metal groups that have opposite things in their name like Led Zeppelin -- a balloon made of led or Iron Butterfly -- something that looks like a butterfly but made out of iron. So I thought it was funny that "freezer burn" is like that... and it has e's and z's in it like Led Zeppelin.

And on the CD that's coming out we cover a Led Zeppelin song, "Four Sticks." So that was a wonderful music experience for me to pay tribute to my favorite rock n' roll band -- the track I used to listen to in 6th grade and used to think was so cool. And now when we play it, we get to re-invent it using jazz language and methodology which is improvising and reacting and having musical conversations within ourselves.

SmSh: For the JZ School opening concert at the JZ Club -- I don't know if you remember that one, it was a while ago -- you had a white board on stage...

Alec: Oh were you there?

SmSh: Yeah, I saw that [Laughs]. You were giving a class on "Freezer Burn,' playing and writing on the white board.

Alec: Yeah, that's the one. Freezer burn. Freezer burn. Yeah, that was awesome. Yeah, that was great...

SmSh: So what kind of music are you listening to these days?

Alec: Well, let see... what am I listening too. Mostly I'm wrapped up in my own projects and mostly end up listening to myself quite a bit, but, um, yeah I'm always listening to Bach and he's one of my favorites, and I've been checking out Fat Boy Slim. Kind of interesting...

SmSh: So how does the song writing for the Friction Five work? Is it a group thing? Or do you bring the ideas?

Alec: Well, it's mostly my compositions. So, you know, I do all the writing ahead of time, all the hard thinking and imagining, and then it's a band that brings it to life. So there's always things that get changed or the guys that play the music bring some new dimension to it and some new ideas -- sometimes to the point that it makes me rethink the composition and change it. So this process takes various forms. I have one composition that I have which will be on the CD after this one [Laughs] and that one is perhaps more of a band thing... because there was a lot of indefinites... and every time we played it we weren't sure what the next part would be, but over time it became clear how one section would follow another.

But for the most part it's me, you know, writing things out. I have written music for everything we play, you know... because a lot of the guys in the band are very busy and I'd have to get someone else to play so it's important to have clearly written out music that somebody else can follow.

SmSh: So can you talk about the recording process of the album?

Alec: Yeah, so the recording, we had three different days. The first was in April of last year, and the other two days were in July of last year, and so basically it was a something that we'd been working on, the band had been learning it, and I had been sort of fine tuning the adjustments, and then I think the recording happened at just the right time -- just as things were coalescing and things were coming together, you know, the tunes had found their proper form and the guys had become comfortable enough with the songs to really bring life to them. So I think it was the perfect time to take the band into the studio, you know, before you get too comfortable with it, because then there is still some... still some sense of discovery that happens.

So yeah, we did three full days in the studio and then afterwards it was a long process of doing editing, editing little parts, cutting one thing from one section, and pasting it in to another take. And then we took a lot of time with mixing, getting the tones all right. And we recorded it in the bass player's studio, and he also did the mixing, so it's very much about him and the hard work that he put into this. And I'm really ecstatic about the mix... he really outdid himself.

SmSh: So was it difficult capturing the energy of the live performances on CD? Is that something you were considering? Or do you view the two as separate?

Alec:Yeah, that's always a tough question how to do it. One of the factors is if you are all together in one room recording or not. In the past, for my previous CD everybody was entirely separate, so its an advantage to separate all the sounds and everything is very clear and you have more flexibility with editing, cutting and pasting, and the mixing can go a little easier because there is not so much blending in each microphone, if each guy is in their own separate room.

But as you say, the live energy, sometimes it's hard to capture. So for this CD we were all in one room recording together. And I think that really comes across -- there's a much more frenetic, kind of crazy energy, and that's really important to the sound of this album too. Like the sound of the saxophone being really pushed beyond where it should be, with all kinds of crazy squawks and growls and screams that come out. It's definitely a big part of the sonic texture of the album.

SmSh:So where can people get the CD? Are you pressing them?

Alec: Yeah, I'm doing this myself. It's a self released effort. It will be available at the JZ Club and it will be available at Graceland on Ulumuqi Lu, and also, you probably know Mark Pummel. He's got a shop called Music Pavilion, so it will be at his shop.

And I'm looking for some other small shops to put it in. It's always hard to distribute it yourself, but the goal is to find small places where I can talk directly to the owner [Laughs] and sell 'em that way. And of course on my website.

SmSh: So you've been living and playing in Shanghai for two years. Did you know Shanghai's jazz history before you came? Was it a reason why you came?

Alec: No actually, I ended up here through several different roads that converged... I ended up living in Taiwan for a while, and I was studying Chinese and playing jazz, and at that time, and this might still be the case, a lot of the musicians in Taiwan were talking about Shanghai: "Oh Shanghai is the place, that's where things are developing and expanding, that's where the action is." So one musician that I had met in Taiwan, she ended up moving here to become the music director of CJW, and so CJW was the club that first brought me to Shanghai. But as soon as I got here I realized what a fantastic jazz scene there was here...

SmSh: For the past few years, since the opening of the JZ School, the festivals, and the abundance of locally-based talent, lots of people are talking about "the revival of Shanghai jazz." What's your take on that? Is that something you see also?

Alec: Oh yeah, for sure, for sure. Yeah, without a doubt. Yeah. "Revival" is a good word for it. Because it's... there is a vibrancy to it and a life to it, and a feeling of rebirth, renaissance -- and part of what makes it possible to be revived or [laughs] re-birthed is the fact that everybody knows and everybody feels that there was jazz in the city long ago -- that this was a jazz city.

And so it's just a tremendous feeling to know that these echoes are still strong in the city. And somehow it seems that it's made such a perfect environment for the music here to once again come to life. Everybody likes it. Everybody is into it and has a good time. You know, JZ Club is a fantastic place to hang out, a great vibe, and there is some crazy musical experimentation in the jazz idiom which is happening there, and so I mean it's... yeah, it's a revival for sure.

SmSh: What are some highlights in the past two years -- seeing or playing jazz in Shanghai. Are there shows that stick out?

Alec: Yeah, I think, probably my favorite show of all time was at the 1918 Art Space. It's a gallery not far from Moganshan Lu, and this was a show with my band -- the six person version of my band, which includes our percussionist Leonardo from Brazil. And that show, it was in the art gallery, and it was such an inspiring environment to make music... and you know I love playing in a bar [Laughs] but it was especially stimulating to play surrounded by other peoples' works of visual art.

We didn't have any microphones and that room is huge... so the sound of the saxophone was amazing. It sounded like it was right close to you no matter if you were standing next to it or 50 feet away down at the other side of this big cavern. It was like a warm sound, and I had just an absolute ball that day. I was running around, running from one end of the room to another while I was playing and poking my head out from behind the works of art. Someone posted a little YouTube clip. That gives you a little taste of it. And I was happy to find that because it made me remember just how much fun it was.

So that was a highlight... all the big shows have been highlights... we opened up for a Chinese rock star last yeah at the JZ Festival -- we played before Dou Wei -- and it was you know... thousands of screaming teenage fans getting ready for his show, and we got out there and we laid it down you know. It was a tremendous, high-energy show -- all-instrumental, all-original jazz rock music. And the crowd loved it, so that was tremendous too.

SmSh: Were you nervous?

Alec: Well, it's weird, I don't really get nervous. But yeah, I was scared that they would judge us, and you know -- that they would think it was stupid to play music that doesn't have a singer [Laughs]. And that they would think we're not cool enough or rock enough, but in the end we were, even for the rock n' roll kids.

SmSh: So what's the CD release show going to be like tonight?

Alec: I'm especially excited to say that at the CD release show we'll have something of a reunion band, because Leonardo, he just got back from Brazil and he was there for six months... he recorded the tracks for the CD and then shortly after that left the country for a long time and has only just gotten back in time for the release of the CD. And Nicholas who recorded with us, who hasn't played with us for a little while, he'll be back as well, and Lawrence Ku, whose been taking some time away from the club -- he was just in LA -- he's back tomorrow, so it will be kind of a reunion show as well as a CD release show.

SmSh: So besides your CD release concert tonight is there any concerts in Shanghai you're looking forward to?

Alec: David Friezen and I will be performing with him... but as much as I'm looking forward to playing that, I'm looking forward to his show which is going to be solo -- a solo jazz bass concert. Which I think is going to be pretty tremendous to see if somebody can pull that off [Laughs]. I'm looking forward to that.

SmSh: So I was going to ask as well, you've got a pretty singular look and performing style, would you say the visual aspect of your show is cultivated or a natural thing?

Alec: Well it's a little of both... you know. I take it very seriously, the visual, theatrical aspects of performing music, and for sure that's a part of rock and roll... well, I mean it's an essential part: what do these guys look like on stage and what are they wearing and how do they behave when playing music. But at the same time I try to make it as honest [Laughs], well I hope that it's an honest expression as well...

And these are the kind of opposite things as an artists, our role -- or my role -- is to try to unify these opposites: how can something be contrived, yet at the same time spontaneous and completely honest, so I'm trying to resolve these things every time I get on stage and get in front of people... these are the opposites that I'm trying to make one.

SmSh: Like "Freezer Burn."

Alec: Like "Freezer Burn"... How can it be frozen and burnt at the same time?

***

Alec Haavik Friction Five performs tonight at the JZ Club. Their CD "Ye Shanghai!" available in locations around town and through Alec's website.

Photos used with this article are from Alec's website.

Can Art Prevent Suicide?

2008-07-23T00:00:00+01:00

Dozens of hideously mangled dead crows, claws curled and beady eyes glazed over with the yellowing film of decay are the red carpet welcome to Zendai MoMA's white cube exhibition space. It's a jolting first glimpse into Qiu Zhijie's installation work, "Ataraxic of Zhuangzi," a stomach-churning examination of suicide in China.

The gruesome exhibition engulfs the entire building and the highlight is an enormous mud and coal trench installation reaching two floors high. Sheath your shoes in plastic and become a part of the doomsday scene: warm mud squelches beneath your feet while you fight off the all-pervasive death stench. More dead crows hover -- some styled to appear alive, others camouflaged under layers of mud and grime in the walls, and still more strewn on top of one another, their once-living bodies crushed and distorted.

Ostensibly, "Ataraxix of Zhuangzi" addresses the suicide phenomenon at China's Nanjing Bridge. Constructed under Mao from 1960-68, this double-decker feat of modern engineering appears on the second page of every school child's textbook in China. It's also the spot where as many as 2,000 Chinese citizens have chosen to end their lives.

Qiu's grotesque presentation of avian carcasses is a physical distillation of emotions the artist underwent while investigating and archiving the Nanjing bridge suicide phenomenon. "Ataraxic" is a tranquilizer and the phrase, "Ataraxic of Zhuangzi" refers to the Taoist philosophy of Chuang-tzu, a precept that rejects materialism to enhance spiritual well-being.

It's an apt title for Qiu's exhibit, which sheds a metaphoric tear for the "suicide" bridge. An artist known for exploring themes of social fragmentation and transience, Qiu traveled to Nanjing to gather information about the structure that has become one of the most dangerous spots in China for the deeply depressed.

During his research Qiu became intimately acquainted with Chen Si, the so-called "soul catcher" of the Nanjing Bridge. Chen, a man with an eagle eye for the disheartened, has been patrolling Nanjing's bridge every weekend since 2003. When Chen sees a potential jumper he talks them down and escorts them to the "Soul Clinic," a psychological consultation room that emphasizes art therapy as treatment. Chen is estimated to have saved nearly two hundred lives.

Qiu replicates this clinic on the second floor of Zendai. The reproduction includes three wooden cots with alarm clocks tied to the bedposts and a floor-to-ceiling photograph depicting a handful of the many "soul catchers" who have joined Chen's humanitarian efforts.

By replicating a clinic for the suicidal in a museum, Qiu effectively forces mental illness and death into the artistic spotlight. Suicide, a phenomenon that much of modern society would blithely shovel into unseen crevices, is unearthed and exposed in this exhibit. Qiu shines a light of compassion on the human soul at its most distraught, but more importantly, his work asserts that preventative action can be taken to help these individuals.

Although Qiu himself became a "soul catcher" manning the bridge, perhaps it's his act of bringing metaphorical suicide prevention to the museum that will prove to be most effective. This exhibit could be viewed as an ultimate trial for "art," so often deemed an effete confluence of over-stimulated intellectuals and the wealthy. Could an exhibit actually have enough impact to save lives?

Numbers can and do lie, but the increasing rate of suicide in China is no fabrication. Qiu attributes the spike in self-immolation to a "material spirituality" overhauling all other value systems in the Middle Kingdom. Zendai's curator, Shen Qibin is in agreement: "China practices an emerging money worship system," he writes. Does the emphasis on money worship in the social sphere leave individuals searching for meaning elsewhere without recourse to deeper happiness and well-being?

As of 2008 China has no national plan for addressing its suicide problem. While the country continues to produce and distribute textbooks glorifying the bridge's ingenuity, "soul catchers" mourn the individual bodies that slip through their fingers, dropping silently into the water below.

Ataraxic of Zhuangzi runs through August 24 at Zendai Museum of Modern Art

Interview: Miniless Records

2008-07-22T00:00:00+01:00

Formed in 2006 and based in Heifei, Miniless Records is an independent label recording and distributing Chinese bands and artists at the experimental end of the contemporary music spectrum. Four bands on their roster -- Muscle Snog, Grace Latecomer, Self Party, and LAVA|OX|SEA -- are coming to town to play a label showcase this Saturday at Yuyintang called "Miniless: Shanghai Calling."

SmartShanghai caught up with Hans, the manager of the label and singer of LAVA|OX|SEA, to talk about the art, politics, and business of indie labels in China.

SmSh: So, firstly... can you talk about how Miniless Records came to be?

Hans: Ah, sure. It all started about two years ago. I had the idea that since I'm familiar with several bands which have "something" in common, why not start an indie label?

So I talked with several friends, who had been listening to music -- I mean not only rock but also experimental jazz and even classical music -- for at least 10 years...

We finally figured out whether it would become a major label or whether we would try to keep it underground. And we decided that we would offer a comparatively distinct audio, visual and also, if possible, spiritual impression.

At that time, the founders were Yang Chang from Chengdu, Li Xiaoliang from Shanghai, and me in Hefei.

Another reason why Miniless Records came about was that we thought that there was no label which could be considered as a gathering of people who shared a common idea toward the world and society. Most of the bands on the label tend to view society as "absurd" or "funny," and nearly all the bands tend to consider the world in a more cynical way.

And most of the people at Miniless are interested in youth culture and their inner feelings about the world around them, rather than being in bands to become famous or attract female fans... at least I think so.

SmSh: So how big is the label in terms of band roster? Releases? Staff?

Hans: About five of us on staff I think, but other people in bands will help us out also. As of now we have nine releases, but by August I think there will be 12 or even more. Bands? Let's see. Including side projects there are 18 bands.

SmSh: What kind of distribution network do you have? How do you make the music available to people?

Hans: We work with people in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, and other major cities right now. But the most convenient way for us is using the Internet to sell records... like taobao.com. Promotions are also carried out online mostly. But also, in the last year, several magazines have reviewed Miniless Records releases, which is great for us I think.

SmSh: I'm not really familiar with the legality of CD distribution in China. Is there legal problems with pressing CDs? Like... don't you have to register them?

Hans: Yeah, there are legal problems if we press CDs I think. So that's one reason why we put stuff out on CDRs. But we can't register without financial support. But we are planing that...

SmSh: So what kind of artists/bands do you look to work with then?

Hans: I'm more willing to work with artists who are talented but also have their "life" -- meaning people who know how to enjoy life and not only make their living on selling records. If an artist said to me that music is his life, then I'll be scared maybe... [Laughs].

SmSh: Regarding the bands/artists that are on the label, this line was taken from your MySpace introduction :

"We don't have any kind of restrictions, however what we most concerned is the true emerging status of the musician rather than a false gesture of indie/rock or any other kind of obsolete stuff."

Can you talk about what you mean more? How are the bands reacting to mainstream / "false" gestures?

Hans: I would use the world "irrational" to describe our take on mainstream music, and "pretentious" to describe false gestures.

Talking with my friends in the US and the UK, or other countries seemingly more democratic, in my opinion all media in all countries is irrational because they're designed to "push" something on their audiences. And that's the most absurd thing. As we all have a job or are still at school, we have our own routines. So "the true immerging status of the musician" is what is valued at Miniless.

SmSh: "True emerging status" as what then?

Hans: Well, when bands are rehearsal or having a show at a livehouse, maybe they should be affected by themselves first. Only in that way could the music they make inspire others.

A C, F, or G chord with loud guitar riffs may cause the audience to pogo, but that's too easy and totally nonsense to us.

SmSh: Would you say the label is a business venture, a creative one, or both? Do you see Miniless Records progressing into a large business? This is the point when we start asking about indie vs. major politics...

Hans: That's a good question I think. Yeah, I like that question.

In fact, at the beginning we didn't expect Miniless Records to become a large business. But as the bands are more... matured now... you know, I think their music should be promoted to a larger audience. But it's a tricky thing, especially in China. Plenty of people think that "indie" should never be mixed with business stuff, but actually I think independent music is a "miracle" engendered by the music industry itself.

So, I think, if there was opportunity for it, we wouldn't refuse growing. By the way... we hate the word "indie"... because it's also nonsense to us today, I think.

SmSh: So you don't see a distinction between "major" and "indie" labels so much?

Hans: Yes, in my opinion there are only two kinds of records or bands: one is boring and obsolete, the other is creative and inspiring. It doesn't have anything to do with business or being "indie," I think. Maybe that's a little extreme... but those are my thoughts.

SmSh: It's not really extreme... I don't think the labels really apply either... it seems the Internet erased them... and maybe the bands themselves
did 15 years ago too.

Hans: Totally. China is like a new continent to indie music these days, I think.

SmSh: How does Miniless respond to the emphasis on Internet sharing of music. Is it changing the way you record albums? Release albums?

Hans: Absolutely it will, but not right now... in fact, we are planning to sell albums online in October or September of this year. By that time, our releases might be available on itunes, napster, and other platforms.

I think digital forms are more convenient for both musicians and listeners. But we'll also keep on releasing limited CDs.

SmSh: Do you think P2P file sharing of copyrighted music helps or hinders the label? What is your opinion of illegal P2P file sharing downloading in regards to independent artists?

Hans: As far as I know, most of the so called independent artists use soulseek, emule and BT to collect music, at least in China. So I think... well, it's inevitable for our releases to be shared too.

And in fact most of us would be glad if our albums get shared. Because, as I've mentioned before, we are not dependent on the money from selling albums. One of the bands on the label Monkey Power even uploaded their first EP to the Internet themselves and told people who did not want to buy the CD to download them. So I think P2P helps labels, at least small or "indie" labels.

Since it's uncontrollable, why not face it. Like the label called "Rune Grammonfon" in Norway. Their releases always have beautiful design and great sound quality, and the music on CD could be a completely different experience to listening to the MP3s.

SmSh: Which releases are you most proud of and what can you recommend that people get?

Hans: Can I recommend three?

SmSh: Sure.

Hans: Okay, those would be "mini004 monkey power - pop songs," "mini005 muscle snog - live @4live," and "mini008 porn moon twins & junky - junky is not edison." I'd also recommend patel pretal from London and luhn from Canada, who will release their first album on Miniless Records in August or September.

***

Check out more of the label and their releases at their MySpace page and their website. "Miniless: Shanghai Calling" is this Saturday at Yuyintang. Cover: 45rmb (35rmb for students). Starts 8pm.

Interview: GIGA

2008-07-21T00:00:00+01:00

Belgian graphic designer Mario Van der Meulen, founder of sgth designs, and Canadian architect Raefer Wallis, principal at A00, have recently dusted off a project that's been simmering on the back burner for five years. It's called GIGA and it stands for Green Ideas Green Actions. The two have collaborated on a number of projects, (perhaps most famously the new boutique hotel URBN) but GIGA is a different entity altogether. It's a website that's uniting green-minded designers with local sustainable materials. It's a three-month old "catalyst" for change...and it's not-for-profit.

SmSh: What is GIGA?

RW: Basically, what we're doing is connecting green-minded designers and architects to locally produced goods. GIGA also provides a platform to rate the products on sustainability, so that when other designers surf the site they can select the greenest products, based on recommendations by us and their peers. Over time, this system should raise the bar for local green products.

One thing people don't always think about is the entire life cycle of a given product. Say you've got a green toilet. When it's in use it's conserving water compared to your average toilet. But how much energy did it take to build this toilet? And will disposal of the toilet damage the environment at the end of its life cycle? These are questions GIGA asks and would like to make its users ask.

SmSh: Can we talk about the actual GIGA website? It's seriously one of the coolest sites I've ever seen.

RW: That's all Mario's doing.

MVdM Ah...the cool factor. Well, the floating bubbles on the site are flash-based, but it's come to our attention that some people are just playing with the bubbles and never accessing the content. I'm working on taking the next version out of flash to make it more user-friendly.

We have a platform called "GIGApedia," which lists tons of green terms and allows users to expand on the definition of these terms. But some of this great info is being ignored because the site is too trippy.

RW: The other challenge with the website is making the next version bilingual. This version is only in English. The second version will definitely be in Chinese, which means creating Chinese editorial content, and translating English words many of which do not have Chinese equivalents.

SmSh: Like what?

GIGA: Formaldehyde. Our translators came up with about three different ways to translate that word.

SmSh: What other challenges is GIGA facing?

MVdM: Well, GIGA is a time-consuming side project. We both have our own businesses to maintain. GIGA is definitely open for volunteers ¨C some eco-warriors who want to step up and help out. The deadline for the next version of the website is September.

SmSh: So, you've both lived in China for a number of years now. Isn't going green in this country next to impossible? It seems that there would be a lot of countries where it's simpler to get the sustainable ball rolling¡.

MVdM: Actually, the green future for China looks pretty good. This year in China a couple hundred thousand industrial designers will graduate. Compare that to just a few hundred in the U.S. What's more, the demand in China will drive down prices for solar panels.

SmSh: Prices for solar panels? I didn't realize Chinese builders were interested in solar panels.

MVdM: The young generation of designers in China ¨C the ones we give lectures to at Tongji University ¨C all these students are so in to it. Granted, this generation of designers is mostly foreign led, but green and sustainability is the number one topic on their minds. All they need is a little more training. It's the local Chinese who will effect change, but it's exciting for us to see our bit of influence.

SmSh: What else makes you hopeful about GIGA?

RW: In addition to the feel-good factor? We're seeing really positive responses and mostly in recent months. In the initial five years we found 50 local green materials. In the past couple months we've found about 25.

MVdM: Or they found us.

RW: Right. The very real possibility of making an impact in China is what's so exciting. That's why a lot of people believe so much in this country ¨C it's why we're still here. Why would I be here instead of Canada if I didn't think I could have some influence?

SmSh: I'm still not completely convinced. China is so polluted. Every time I fly in here all I see is pink smog. Where is the hope?

RW: Actually, China's potential is because of the government. If the government decides to go green, China will go green. Look at this situation with the plastic bags. That came out of nowhere. And guess what, if you have a problem with no plastic bags, go talk to the wall. It's mind blowing. In North America the lobbying you would have to go through to get rid of plastic bags¡

MVdM: This is exactly why I don't get when people around here say there is nothing we can do. In many ways change is easier in China.

RW: Initially, you do have to lower the bar. If you decide you need a perfect green project tomorrow, you create an impossible situation. But when you give designers options to use greener materials and improve projects through small steps there can be real progress.

MVdM: Still, the cynical mentality is really pervasive here. Everybody arrives in China with high hopes. They want to go green, but they don't know where to turn. It's like running when you haven't learned to walk ¨C it's really hard to stay in a straight line. The 2010 circus (Shanghai Expo) is already a high-pressure situation. We know that every building being done for the Expo has to be green but the regulations change so rapidly it's tough to keep up. Especially if you're operating out of another country.

RW: There's a lot to do.

MVdM: It will be a green summer.

MVdM: The great thing is we're all very gung-ho. Usually Shanghai is filled with people who have the talent and ambition but get disillusioned within a couple weeks, months at most. For GIGA it's quite the opposite, we feel that we're not going fast enough and that's great. It's good to have a product that people are waiting for and want to hear about.

RW: Most of it is an attitude, just the attitude you have as a designer.

MVdM: God. More work.

GIGA is a not-for-profit catalyst designed to unite designers and architects working in China with locally produced, sustainable materials.

[My Weekender] with Maya Poulton

2008-07-18T00:00:00+01:00

Maya is a self-described "accident waiting to happen." She also writes for SmartShanghai, and you can read her articles here.

This week's "weekend" started on Wednesday, when I slipped and fell into a bottle of white wine at Enoteca on Anfu lu.

As many nights in Shanghai start, this one began with an absolution to "have a chill one" and have a healthy girls' dinner catch-up. Of course, as soon as the venue was changed from the healthy Haiku to Eno (as we so fondly call it) I knew that I was in trouble. When I walked in and spotted my friend Megan Fischer standing at the bar with the legendary party boys Toby and Ian I knew my number was up (the number of drinks I would consume, that is). In all honesty I shouldn't be writing this as this Wednesday ended on Thursday morning (and I don't mean 12:01 am), and resulted in my being "sick" from work yesterday. However, as today is my last day of work in Shanghai, that dangerous statement should be okay.

Besides, in typical Shanghai-small-world fashion, I bumped into my boss Kellie at YY's (Shanghai's 1st and perhaps longest enduring bar) after Enoteca. And let's just say I think she realized the source of my Thursday illness as I'd jumped into her lap and professed my love for her.

Anyways, 2 years ago when I moved to Shanghai, weekends started on Thursdays (seemingly tamer than this week's "end" day). However, besides my recent transgression I have been tamed / exhausted by Shanghai's lifestyle and am usually not spotted out until Friday. I'm also in the opinion that the once cool Laris Thursdays has gone downhill, as like all things popular in Shanghai the word is out and it's now rammed with tourists. At 2 years in as a relative Shanghai oldie I'm very prissy, re: my dislike of tourists, and as life is ironic I also tend to get claustrophobic (I know, good choice of cities to live in with that!) and can't stand people pushing me around and scuffing my beloved shoes.

Luckily, Shanghai is usually big enough and has enough on every weekend to avoid being in a mosh pit. I will not get into the details of the weekend days as they are filled like anyone else's with DVDs, retail therapy, and spa treatments. I am however hoping there is a new Taikang Lu-type hangout soon though as it's now rammed and no longer a fun outdoor brunch spot. As a seasoned connoisseur of the mega-brunch, I would say the top spots in Shanghai are Enoteca (which I dare you to try and finish), Crystal Jade in Xintiandi for dim sum, and Azul Viva (killer French toast).

Like my dear gay boyfriend Kiko Sih, I am a fashion whore, and consequently if there is a show, store party, soft launch, or any other invite-only event then I am there. The free champagne and canap¨¦s also help, which when I first moved to Shanghai to start my career after university I basically lived off (to my amusement).

The last of these parties that I went to was the opening of LAN, which I have to say is gorgeous and massive. I do wonder how they will fill it. After being a social butterfly in Shanghers for so long, there's usually a birthday or leaving party to attend these days. This weekend there is fittingly both: my good friend Jane Dee is having a lavish girls' dinner at LAN tonight, followed by a bash where I'm sure much Mumm will be consumed; Saturday Chin Okeke is having his leaving dinner at an as of yet secret location (the hype!), themed by Kubrik's Eyes Wide Shut. Dress code black and sexy with masks (though luckily not topless).

After both of these dinner parties I will go with my heterosexual life partner Amina Belouizdad to one of a handful of places that I frequent, namely Lounge 18 and my favorite place, the unpretentiously cool The Shelter. On a night that isn't lined up with large parties I like to wine-dine at Issimo at JIA or roomtwentyeight at URBN, and then have a quiet cocktail at the superb Constellation Bar (which has the best dirty martini in town, prepared by a bow-tie clad professional in a closet-sized space) or the URBN Private Bar (if you haven't been, you must find a way in!), a Bungalow 8-type incarnation where you drink beside a bonsai and watch 70s Bruce Lee kick ass along to the beats of the thumping music. To conclude my 2 years and 12 day tenure in Shanghai I will actually be hosting my own leaving party there next week, to go out in style as I came in.

Turntabalism for Dummies

2008-07-17T00:00:00+01:00

This Friday is the China final of the 2008 DMC championship, an international competition featuring DJs from around the world. Sponsored by Techniques, finals are also being held in the UK, Canada, the U.S., and Australia, among others, with winners going on to compete at the world finals later this year in the UK.

Basically the competition judges DJs on skill, artistry, and their ability to "beat juggle," with the rule that the program "Serato" isn't allowed. Serato, I gather, removes the possibility of human and technical error. The China final hosts over 20 DJs from all over the country playing five minute sets, and it's all judged by DJ Shortkut from The Beat Junkies, and DJ Swift Rock (Vestax World Champion).

When I was a wee lad in Jah-nah-dah, I remember going to one of these DMC things and being fucking bored to death. Basically, it's 900 DJs playing similar sounding stuff, some more fluently than others, and a big TV screen shows what they're doing on the decks. Then some dude gets a trophy.

Anyways, I figure I didn't like it, not because it's not my kind of music, but because I didn't really know anything about scratching or what "beat juggling" was, and I couldn't really appreciate the tremendous skill involved.

But this year I gave it another shot and went down to The Lab to get V-Nutz to show me what exactly all this DJing business is about so I'd know what's going on.

Below is the fruits of that journey, which might help you out if you -- like me -- know absolutely shit-all about DJing, scratching, and beat juggling.

V-Nutz: So what do you want to know?

SmartShanghai: How do you make the record go wikka-wikka-wikka?

The Set-Up:

The basic DJ set-up is two turntables on either side of a mixer (as pictured above). The sound comes from the turntables and is fed through a mixer, which combines the two audio signals, and then out into the speakers. The knobs running from the top vertically down the mixer manipulate the equilibrium levels of the audio signals (bass, middle, treble), the two vertical levers at the bottom are for volume control, and the horizontal lever at the bottom is called the "cross fader," and that controls which of the two records playing is heard through the speaker. If you move the cross fader from left to right, it fades the record on the left out and fades the record on the right in.

Scratching:

So you get that wikka-wikka sound by moving the record back and forth with your hand. Pretty basic. I knew that.

What I did not know, however, was that you can manipulate that scratching sound with the cross fader, which clips and chops up the wikka-wikka in various ways according to however you jimmy with this cross fader. V-Nutz showed me about four different ways to manipulate the cross fader that produces various different types of scratching, but apparently there are like 80 different techniques that you can do. My favorite was something called "the crab" (I think) in which all four fingers are used on the cross fader in quick succession like tapping on a table.

When he was showing me all this, it reminded me of someone showing off how you do moves on Street Fighter 2. Like a "haroken" is down, diagonal, and right on the joystick with the punch button... scratching is pretty much like that. Left hand on the record (joystick), right hand on the cross fader (punch and kick buttons).

Beat Juggling:

So this "beat juggling" is the really hard thing to do and it's a main component of the competition.

Beat juggling is this: two of the exact same records playing at the same speed on turntables one and two, and the DJ creates a unique composition by manipulating the mixer and the records themselves. When you see DJs stepping side to size, going back and forth between the two records real fast, they're beat juggling. It's called juggling I guess because doing it is like trying to keep a ball in the air -- trying to maintain the flow of tempo but layering on phrases of music taken from the records.

If you look at the above picture, you can see that there are stickers on the faces of the records themselves. These mark the position of specific audio content on the records (a particular snare drum here or a high hat there) and the DJ layers these -- pausing, back spinning, delaying the record with a finger -- and restructures the song itself.

The compositions are structured along the repetition and laying of musical bars (a phrase of music): listen for a bar repeated four times, then two times, then one time. That's one general trajectory of beat juggling.

The real difficulty involved is being able to maintain the flow of the beat, but also thinking fast enough and broad enough to see where these samples are on the records and layering them accordingly.

Or to revisit the Street Fighter analogy: it's like trying to fight yourself using both Player 1 and Player 2 controls.

Here's an interesting thing I read about beat juggling on wikipedia: "The inventor of the technique, DJ Steve Dee from Harlem, NYC, referred to it simply as bringing "The Funk" out of a record."

***

So those are the basics. Now all you have to do is spend 12 hours a day doing it in your parents' basement for a few years, refining your skills. Or you can just head down to the Zhijiang Dream Factory on Friday and watch China's best do it for you -- which is what I'll be doing, beer in hand. After party at The Shelter...

***

Here They Are Now, Entertainers

2008-07-17T00:00:00+01:00

Just a few shows here and there to look out for in Shanghai this weekend, as you wait for Rock Band 2 to come out and make all this shit obsolete...

NOIShanghai at Live Bar

...the first is the 17th installment of NOIShanghai at Live Bar -- Shanghai's only consistent experimental/noise night featuring the huggable Torturing Nurse. For the Friday show, the SH harsh noise act will be joined by Dr Rock from the Australian band Kunt, who is calling herself "Vario Air" and describing it as "hot, sexual noise."

Have a look at Kunt's website here or their MySpace page here. If this isn't the world's scariest act, it's pretty damn close. They describe their sound as "a mix of new years eve and hell" and it looks like a power saw plays a pretty large part of their set.

Head on down and check out just how sexy a power saw can be.

0093 at Yuyintang

0093 is a rock showcase night featuring bands that practice at the Shanghai-famous 93 Linling Lu bomb shelter. It's a real charming little shithole, and because of the low cost of playing there, just about every band in Shanghai uses it. Anyways, for this the sixth edition of 0093 on Saturday at Yuyintang, a bunch of newer Shanghai bands will take the stage, including Six Shot, which is a death metal band, along with Red Grid, BlacKRomancE, Brunch, lollipop, 5-pointed star, and Dessert Store. Starts 7pm.

I've never seen or heard them, but I'm really looking forward to seeing "Brunch" on name alone. Cover: 30rmb.

Upcoming

Keep your calendars clear for the Miniless Records showcase at Yuyintang on July 26. "Miniless: Shanghai Calling" will feature experimental rock-ish acts singed to miniless records, which is an indie label in Hefei.

Performing is Muscle Snog, Self Party, Lava/Ox/Sea, and Grace Latecomer.

Should be a good one if you like your rock esoteric.

***

Qimin Chicken

2008-07-16T00:00:00+01:00

Shanghai's pioneer organic restaurant is situated in a decidedly inauspicious locale. Over recent years a handful of western places have opened and closed in this old Shanghai villa on Shanxi Bei Lu, none of them ever establishing a foothold.

Qimin is doing things differently from its forebears; the art deco exterior is now painted stone gray and burgundy and large windows look out onto a cultivated garden with stalks of bamboo. What's more, Qimin is Chinese owned and managed, serving one of the most authentic cuisines ¨C hotpot - in an upscale setting. The restaurant's name is derived from China's classic cookbook, the Qimin Yaoshu.

A quick word on organic: becoming a licensed organic farm or venue requires muddling through an extensive legal process to prove that all produce is untainted by pesticides and meat is never "genetically modified" - fed growth hormones. Qimin, for instance, imports its vegetarian ingredients from a farm in Kunshan and its mountain raised, free-range chicken from Taihu.

Qimin's interior d¨¦cor can only be described as rustic ¨C burnt reds and all wood generate a farmhouse ambiance. Simple but elegant photography of freshly picked strawberries dripping with dew and other ripening fruits are hung sparingly on the earthy walls. Complementing the overall d¨¦cor is exquisite glassware. A private room on the second floor is enclosed by opaque glass and is big enough for a small gathering will be completed in the near future.

So often the mention of hotpot conjures images of Chinese-style fondue with twelve people and their 24 chopsticks diving into a filthy steel bowl where meats and veggies mingle with floating unidentifiables.

As a pleasing and complete departure from this mental vision, Qimin's set menus are catered with the single diner and hygiene in mind. One can order a la carte, but the set menus are the way to go.

Qimin offers different "levels" of set menu but all include appetizer and a consomm¨¦ of your choosing in which to cook your hotpot ingredients. My appetizer arrived on a white plate in four partitions, each of which contained a dainty a color-complementary morsel. A small mouthful of succulent cabbage doused in special sauce, long-stemmed shitake mushrooms floating in delicate butter sauce, a deviled mushroom bursting with fluffy egg and bite-size pieces of dark meat chicken made for a striking contrast in flavors. Light sauces and small portions ensure you'll still have an appetite for your main.

The broth at Qimin Organic Hotpot "took us half a year to perfect," says Stephanie Ho, General Manager of YFY Biotech. "The Qimin Manual calls for the bones to be splintered and then simmered at 80¡ãC for 6 hours, during which time it is carefully strained." The result is a light but flavorful broth that doesn't weight you down.

Presentation of the actual hotpot ingredients is unique. Each diner receives a tiered platter laden with a colorful array of veggies, the meat of his choosing and a set of multiple tongs, for ladling, straining and stirring. A waiter ignites the personal stove at your place setting, which reaches 140 degrees centigrade. As usual, vegetables take longer to simmer so toss them in the pot first. On the other hand, thinly sliced pieces of pork cook within minutes.

The set meal is called for one person, but after finishing the last scrap of lettuce I realized that the meal could probably be shared by two provided they are less than ravenous.

Attentive, efficient, and donning silk costumes, the servers speak very little English but are knowledgeable about their craft. Qimin is new, but so far it attracts locals and foreigners alike. The restaurant also appears to cater a late night crowd - business picks up around 9pm.

Set menus for 120rmb, 150rmb and 200rmb.

For more information on the organic trends in China click here for an article by SmSh writer, Bruce.

[Wellbeing] A Balanced Lifestyle

2008-07-15T00:00:00+01:00

Looking for ways to enhance the overall quality of your life? The simplest habits in life are actually the most important in determining balance and overall happiness. It's tough trying to juggle everything at once, especially living in Shanghai. And most of us don't always make time for all the things that make up a balanced lifestyle. Going to the bar, working late at the office, entertaining clients or friends in town - it's always hard to find the time for just one more thing. So I've put together some suggestions and facts to help you gain a deeper understanding of the importance the most basic lifestyle habits. These suggestions are all ways to boost energy levels, improve focus, and increase happiness. Take what you want from this and find out what works best for you.

Always eat breakfast!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. A healthy meal in the morning can balance your blood sugar levels and give you the sustenance you need to handle physical and mental stress. While skipping breakfast is often a common strategy for losing weight, it actually has the opposite effect. Those who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.

What your body needs most first thing in the morning is protein and fiber. Fiber can be found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits; foods rich in protein are low-fat meats, eggs, beans, and soy.

It's better to stay away from sugary cereals and pastries that will leave you feeling hungry and tired after only a couple of hours. A breakfast diet rich in protein and fiber will leave you feeling full and energized through until lunch. If your energy starts to fade and you need a pick-me-up, try trading in the chocolate and coffee and going for something with slow-releasing carbohydrates like popcorn, fruit, yogurt, or nuts.

Easy Breakfast Suggestions: Hard-boiled egg, an orange or banana, and a bowl of whole grain cereal (or) yogurt and a piece of whole grain toast.

Drink plenty of water

The human body consists of 50% to 70% of water, and it's our job to ensure that we maintain optimum hydration levels. The benefits of drinking plenty of water are endless. In addition to the fact that it's hot as hell in Shanghai, and naturally your body needs to stay hydrated, it's also really important for your health, figure, and overall wellbeing. Drinking adequate amounts of water is essential for maintaining proper energy levels and bodily functions. Some benefits include maintaining healthy skin, flushing toxins, reducing the risk of heart disease, sustaining energy and alertness, and burning fat.

Healthy skin: Water moisturizes skin from the inside out by cleansing skin cells and leaving the skin healthier and younger looking. The true fountain of youth can be found in a glass of water!

Flushes toxins: Drinking plenty of water helps remove toxins from the body, specifically in the digestive tract. This in turn can prevent things such as headaches and fatigue from occurring.

Reduces risk of heart disease: Dehydration causes cells and tissues to absorb water from the bloodstream and thus decreases the volume of blood flow. In other words, it raises your blood pressure. Drinking enough water can help prevent this from happening and ultimately reduce the risk of heart disease.

Energy & Alertness: Even minor dehydration can cause impaired concentration, headaches, and fatigue. So often when we feel we need that mid-morning energy boost it's often due to lack of water. As your body takes in more water, the oxygen levels increase in your bloodstream, which gives you more energy. Try to replace that second or third cup of coffee with a glass of water. Drinking plenty of water can also help you think more clearly and focus on the task at hand.

Burns fat: Maintaining the proper level of hydration can help increase your metabolism and thus keep your weight at a healthy level. Water is calorie free, so it's a great alternative to sodas or sugary drinks. It can also act as an appetite suppressant, making you feel full.

So, just how much should you drink? You should drink about 50 to 75% of your body weight in ounces.

Exercise at least three times every week

Some form of regular exercise is absolutely essential to maintain a healthy body and mind. Life in Shanghai can be insanely busy, but so making time for exercise will help keep you focused, calm, and energized. Below are some of the main benefits of exercise:

Improves Mood: Exercise provides an opportunity for your body to "de-stress" which can ultimately elevate your mood and self-esteem. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression tend to melt away during a workout, and a regular exercise routine can help manage these issues. Exercise stimulates brain chemicals like serotonin and endorphins, which often leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than before you began exercising. A regular workout routine can even reduce your frustration with daily problems - like the common outbursts in taxis we all seem to have.

Strengthens Heart and Lungs: Exercise aids in the prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes. Blood travels more efficiently by bringing the essential oxygen from your lungs, and nutrients to the rest of your body. This is why we often feel more refreshed and energetic after a workout.

Look (even) Better: Exercise has the obvious benefits of looking better in addition to the health advantages. You'll feel better about yourself, lose weight, or maintain an ideal weight. Studies have also shown that athletics help you sleep better thereby enhancing your appearance. And those that sustain long-term exercise programs will age better than those who don't.

Builds Strong Bones and Muscles: Aerobic and strength training are the two essential components in an exercise routine. Aerobic training is any kind of exercise that gets your heart pumping and quickens your breathing. It makes your heart stronger and more efficient in delivering oxygen to all parts of your body. Strong muscles can help burn more energy when a person's at rest than fat does, so building strong muscles helps you burn more calories and maintain a healthy weight. Building and maintaining strong bones is especially important for women because they're more prone to osteoporosis later in life.

Enhances Sex Drive: If you're too tired or feel too out of shape for intimacy, regular exercise can heighten energy levels and also improve your circulation which can lead to more satisfying sex.

So even when exercise feels like the very last thing you feel like doing because you're stressed or tired, try to remember that once you take that initial step it becomes much easier, and eventually you'll be anticipating your workouts!

Even if you don't have a gym membership you can still add a regular exercise program into your weekly routine. I know it's tough to exercise outside in Shanghai, but finding a park to jog in would be pleasant compared to dodging bikers and random stray walkers on the sidewalk and street. Running, biking, hiking, and climbing walls are all great ways to cardio train. Yoga and Pilates are also fantastic for strength training and increasing flexibility. And all of these activities are available in Shanghai.

Okay so maybe you really are "too busy" to belong to a gym or maintain a regular workout routine. Here are some options for you to help get the blood flowing: When you wake up first thing in the morning, try doing some basic stretches and/or some push-ups or sit-ups before you get into the shower. This should only take you about 5 or 10 minutes. Walk or bike to work instead of cabbing it. Studies have shown that a brisk walk can dramatically alter consciousness. A morning walk can help you mentally prepare for your day, manage stress, and even sleep better at night. If you need a mid-day energy boost, try walking or jogging up and down a few flights of stairs in your building.

For information on gyms around Shanghai click here

Get enough sleep

Getting the proper amount of sleep every night is a challenge we all face living and working in Shanghai. With the work hard, and play even harder mentality sleep become a secondary concern at times. If you experience low-energy levels on a regular basis it may be because you're not getting enough sleep.

When we get less sleep than our bodies need each night, or we're just not sleeping well, sleep deprivation develops. This "sleep debt" will continue to build over time and promote a host of problems. Even if you don't feel sleepy during the day, sleep debt can still have powerfully negative effect on your daytime performance. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can lead to a number of issues including heart problems, obesity, mood disorders, mental clarity, memory, and an overall poor quality of life.

Sleep is an active process of repair and restoration. Generally speaking, sleep is compromised of two states: REM and Non-REM (rapid eye movement). REM is responsible for our mental and emotional wellbeing, and Non-REM is for our physical wellbeing. It is essential to achieve both states of REM when sleeping to avoid sleep deprivation.

While many people claim they can function on 6-7 hours of sleep, extensive research studies show that most people perform best with 7.5-8.5 hours. Find out what's right for your body and try to make more time for a healthy dose of sleep each night. You'll wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Proper sleep can also keep you looking young. Long-term sleep habits have been known to directly affect facial features, weight, and even lifespan.

Maintain a healthy and balanced mind

The overall wellbeing of our emotional state is equally important as the aforementioned routines, and is often the most overlooked. People need just enough stress to maintain energy and alertness, but too much can lead to a "burnout" and/or disease. Finding the right balance in life is extremely important. Here are a few suggestions on how to manage stress and maintain a balanced state of mind:

Deep Breathing: Take a few moments each day to relax and take several deep belly breaths (inhale slowly through the nose and into the abdomen, not the chest). This can help control stress and give you sense of calm.

Simple Stretching or Yoga: Both are great ways to promote mental and physical relaxation and balance.

Journaling: Writing in a journal on a daily basis can help you feel focused, process negative emotions, solve problems, and lead to increased self-awareness.

Try implementing some of these routines one by one into your schedule and you're guaranteed to see an improvement in quality of life. Just remember to breathe and relax....Life is beautiful.

For further reading and some of the author's references please click here,
here and here.

Flower Power

2008-07-14T00:00:00+01:00

Wujiaochang art space is a 50rmb cab ride from Hengshan Lu. It is also the location where models draped in so-called "ready-to-wear" peony-flower inspired fashions strutted down the catwalk to the delight of approximately 150 members of the local population and a lone laowei this past Saturday night.

The title of the show, Peony Pavilion, does not refer to the multi-functional free-standing cube hall in the courtyard of 800 Wujiaochang where the leggy ones struck their poses. Stephane Cheung's Autumn/Winter collection is named after a 16th century Chinese opera during which a young girl sleeping in a garden dreams of a lover she's never met. Upon waking to dull reality she withers away and dies.

This Frank Gehry inspired hall including a stage and capacity to seat a couple hundred is a truly unique space. Wooden slats constructed in series of three-dimensional hexagons make up the four walls and ceiling. Concaving and convexing in infinitude, the walls themselves are an installation work. In various spots slats of wood are exchanged for gentle beams of light that glowing through plastic casing.

Absent from this catwalk was the heroin-chic, Gia-style train wreck. As far as this fashion critic is concerned all models should be opiate-addicted waifs. Although these ladies appeared healthy, seductive they were not.

The 40 plus designs inspired by the aforementioned Ming dynasty opera and China's floral symbol ushered vegetation into the realm of high fashion. Many of the models donned corset-style tops, cinching their healthy-sized torsos into painful contortions. High-waisted Capri pants sprouted leaf-like petals of fabric that grew as far north as the bust area - creating women that resembled unfurling bean sprouts.

Mr. Cheung's fashion opinions for the fall/winter season: As far as the color palate - per usual black is in. The majority of the outfits were neutral, wintry shades of gray and beige although the occasional hot pink jacket and ice blue dress did make the cut. Poofy white dresses that terminate at the butt cheek crevice offset by sheer black stockings and patent leather pumps are also in. Pants and dresses lined with exceptionally large pockets into which the models shoved balled up fists as they swaggered through the hall are all the rage. Many design aspects were purely aesthetic ¨C long flowing ribbons with no function trailed from dresses and tops.

From starting 40 minutes late, to the slew of photographers, Peony Pavilion proved a more or less professional fashion show. Models' exits and entrances were precision timed, while artistic lighting and heavy-bass music set the atmosphere. All the models were able to "turn left," although some of the ladies exhibited more adept gaits than others. And, from my seat hovering near backstage I witnessed the models burst into giggles as soon as they completed their turn on the catwalk.

Check out the website here and the Chinese-language blog here.

DVD Sunday: The Happening

2008-07-13T00:00:00+01:00

M. Night Shyamalan's newest thriller, The Happening was anything but. Granted I'm not a fan of the scary movie ¨C jumping out of my seat and nightmares are hardly my bag. But Shyamalan's films have always occupied a separate category in my mind ¨C a departure from the typical "don't run upstairs" terror film and worth some uncomfortable suspense on account of enlightening twists at the end. However, The Happening did not deliver the goods to keep me happy with my 11rmb purchase. I could have found more entertaining uses for my time - like ironing my socks.

Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel star in this flick as a newly wed couple on the rocks, forced to evacuate Philadelphia after a so-called terrorist attack releases a deadly toxin into the air. It's a no stretch role for Wahlberg who plays yet another reincarnation of the go-getter character. Deschanel, who you might remember from films such as Almost Famous (2000) and Elf (2003), assumes a doe-eyed maternal role when she's forced to care for a young girl while the couple braves the toxin-ridden landscape in search of survival. The film also features famed comedian and actor John Leguizamo in a supporting role, who failed to infuse some much-need comic relief into this movie.

The film begins with Wahlberg, a high school science teacher, lecturing about a strange phenomenon, pontificating on experimental procedure to teenagers. You'll really have to suspend disbelief to buy into Marky Mark as a wizened science teacher, but so be it. The plot thickens when news of a treacherous toxin forces him to leave school and flee the city with his wife and colleague (Leguizamo). The escape is interrupted only by shots of gruesome deaths, which lose shock value once you realize how and why everyone's dying. What transpires from there is not only predictable, it's downright annoying.

Surprisingly, absolutely nothing in this film "surprised" me. Every character dies in the same way. And the "why" is explained in the first 30 minutes ¨C leaving you wondering, ¡°no, that couldn't be it...this is only the beginning." But yes, it could be it and it is. By the time credits were rolling I was left sitting there disappointed, confused: "What?!...that's it? Where was the twist?" ¡Alas, The Happening was not so happening. Yeah, I was somewhat entertained (thinking at any moment some radical turn of events was going put me on the edge of my seat). But did I hang on to my seat's edge for a brilliant plot? No. Suspense? No. Creativity? No. And most of all, twists?...What twist?

Grade: C-/D+

[My Weekender] with Shane Benis

2008-07-11T00:00:00+01:00

Shane is a young entrepreneur who came to Shanghai to expand his family's commodities business amongst numerous other things, including media and marketing for the Shanghai Hairy Crab Rugby Club.

I regularly get asked the question: "What you doing this weekend, mate?"

And it takes me a few minutes to think... "Shite, what did I do last weekend?"

Our apartment is littered with trophies from random and crazy nights, for instance: on my office desk there's a multi colored wig, an afro, bra, angel wings, Matsume's tights, and a business card of some lady who sells vibrators (and this is supposed to be where I work).

Shanghai weekends are blurry... I go out so much you'd think it was my job, different pieces from different nights all get blended together. There isn't a structure to my "typical weekend" -- it starts Thursday (guaranteed), I'll hobble down to Scotty's studio and get a few hours boxing in, then head home for a bite to eat, a refreshment or two, and planning where exactly we're going to terrorize that night.

Planning on the phone sounds like this:

Me: Get your shoes on son, we're going out.

David: Ah I dunnooooo you knooooow, I'm struggling after the last two nights... but where were you thinking? I might be tempted...

Me: Let's go to the Cotton Club, have some JD's and listen to some good music.

David: Hmmm, I'm ON IT, but let's go Racks first and do some tequila. Yeah that sounds good, meet you downstairs at 10 -- oh, and Chapin's not coming because he's got another blood clot.

We end up missing my nice evening listening to jazz, and going to places like Honey, MAO, and Laris and all I end up doing is making sure it's a tamer night than last week, where we almost died cab surfing. I'll go home around 2 pretty tired, while David shoots off into the night creating situations and stories which I'll hear all about on the phone Friday lunch time:

David: Bro, I'm in pain!

Me: What the f***! You still in bed Ghani?!

David: Yeaaaah man, hung over and in a random house, and went to Dragon agaaaain... *explicit content*...

Me: You did WHAT!? Don't you work?

David: This is my job bro, this is my job.

Maybe I should consider a career change.

Anyways, back to the rest of the weekend. Muse, Sugar, MAO, Lounge 18, Shelter, Velvet, Volar are usual haunts. Yes, shoot me for not being original. A good mix of music, friends and intoxicants turns me into a party animal! I rate Racks as being a quality place for a night with the boys. The Cotton Club, Labella caf¨¦, JZ Club and Kommune are awesome places to kick back and chat with friends when I don't fancy venturing to clubs. Big Bamboo or The Blarney when rugby's on.

The weekend is always good to spend time cooking... long and detailed meals, followed by couch time and DVDs. I'm lucky to have some really good people as friends in Shanghai, so I try make time to see them all. "Big" Kash, David, Dean, Hien, Arnaud my giant French bodyguard, and numerous others are regular night owls you'll see me bopping around with. My idea of a good weekend is to not think about work, meet new people, and try go to different places or do different things. Bottom line -- enjoy myself!

The rugby season's finished, but the pool parties are back and I plan on making it to a few of them -- sun, friends, music, champagne, and bikinis around water always put a big smile on my face!

Shane x

P.s. Call 15000909814 Kash for a good time.

Review: Hairspray

2008-07-09T00:00:00+01:00

Coming off the mewling "Mama Mia!" last year -- the last big deal musical in town -- "Hairspray" blasts onto the stage with an unexpected edge, coming across as downright "transgressive," if such a thing is even possible for musical theatre.

True to the original staging of the musical, this Shanghai production doesn't dull the "edge" of the original -- or at least it dulls very little -- and although it's a slick, splashy, and bombastic Broadway musical comedy in the best way, it also dishes up double and triple doses of that fine and fast bitchy wit that originated with John Waters, but was streamlined in the original book by Thomas Meehan and Mark O'Donnel.

Here are some standout zingers:

"Tracy is retard and a tramp. She's slow and fast at the same time!"

"You want to be famous? Learn how to get blood out of car upholstery. That's a growth industry."

"OH my God! Colored people in the house. I'll never sell it now!"

"The darker the chocolate, the richer the taste."

Although its still John Waters' "safest" work (one critic called it his "most hygienic"), Hairspray's risky PG-13ness is something of a novelty in China English-language theatre, and watching the production one can't help but think that some censor somewhere was asleep at the switch -- or at least they had some inner fat girl that could not be silenced. There is a race riot in it after all. And the police show up to quell it by force. It is a Broadway-esque race riot (about as perilous as a Jets-Sharks gang war), but hey, it's still in there. Exhilarating.

But to focus on the racy (for China) bits -- surging relentlessly as they do from just about every actor on stage -- would be an inaccurate representation of what is truly a glowing, endearing, and heart-warming Broadway musical comedy.

Set in a wonderfully cartooney Baltimore in 1962, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, an overweight teenager and aspiring star of the Corny Collins Show, a '60s dance cabaret featuring teen dancers. After a star on the show leaves (due to pregnancy no less), Corny Collins holds auditions to find a replacement. With the help of her "negro" friend Seaweed, teaching her new moves in detention ("ain't no black and white in detention, it's a rainbow experience!"), Tracy makes it on the show, despite the machinations of the evil star dancer Amber Von Tussle and her mother/producer of the show, the bigoted Velma von Tussel.

Velma von Tussel, a sort of campy, stock '50s Cruella Deville character, harbors a venomous prejudice against both blacks and fatties, and focuses her rage on Tracey as her popularity rises and Amber's wanes. Tracy then realizes that it's not fair that the black kids can only dance on the Corny Collins Show once a month, and with the help of Seaweed and his mother Motormouth Maybelle, she fights to integrate the Corny Collins show. And much epic singing and dancing ensues.

At her side all throughout is Tracey's gargantuan mother Edna Turnblat, originally played by uber dag-queen Devine in the John Waters original, and John Travolta in the 2007 movie remake. Edna is the quintessential John Waters character, being paradoxically the campiest character in the cast, but also the most honest, endearing, and sympathetic one as well.

A glorification of the true heart at the centre of American trash, Hairspray is uplifting as it is entertaining, glossy without being self-important. Although the messages of acceptance and tolerance are straightforward, they nonetheless ring out earnestly all the same when delivered at full volume by 20+ people in unison, and the Shanghai stop of Hairspray is a truly enjoyable experience.

In short, go see it. It's really good.

I also hope the popularity of this musical will bring about the mass flooding of our sacred black market DVD stalls with copies of that other John Waters epic, the decidedly unhygienic Pink Flamingos.

For show times and ticket info click here.

For those About to Rock

2008-07-08T00:00:00+01:00

After a fairly quiet weekend in Shanghai last week, looks like things are picking up a little bit with some good options for live shows this weekend...

WangWen

WangWen are a "post rock" band (which is like somewhere between indie rock, prog, and math rock) from Dalian, stopping in Shanghai for two shows in support of the latest album, IV. Fresh off a European tour which took the band all the way to the UK, WangWen were formed in 1999 and were last in town supporting their last album in 2007 at the old Yuyintang. If I remember correctly that show was a good one, with a good turnout, and plenty of kids getting all blown away by that sick-ass guitar tone, man.

Musically, their latest album is a tamer version of the explosive post rock visions of Mogwai or Explosions in the Sky, but with more varied instrumentation -- strings, and *shock* some vocal parts here and there -- and it's more ambient and cinematic, as apposed to the slow-crescendo-to-the-boom of most post rock. Less mathy than most, WangWen's alternative background bleeds through the expansive song writing in early Smashing Pumpkins crunchy guitar tones in places. Also, you can download two full albums of theirs off their Myspace page, so that's nice too (click on the band blog).

Anyways if you're a guitar tone freak, and totally on board for 10 minute instrumental songs, check them out. WangWen are playing at something called Swing Bar on July 11 and if you miss that one, they're playing a Tuesday night show at Yuyintang.

***

Carsick Cars

Hugely popular in Beijing, Carsick Cars are back in town for a Sunday night show at Yuyintang. Famous, of course, for being chosen to open for Sonic Youth in China, then being denied the opportunity by The MAN, they nevertheless played some shows with the band in 2007. So musically they sound like they love Sonic Youth, but are also down with New York '70s punk and '80s post punk, which is to say indie rock with noise/post punk overtones. They're supposed to be releasing an album soon. Or maybe they just did. Either way... maybe look out for that one if that's your thing.

Carsick Cars are playing at Yuyintang this here for their MySpace page.

***

Thee, Stranded Horse

And in the not-from-China-at-all category is Thee, Stranded Horse, a singer/songwriter called Yann Tambour from Normandy. This one's being put on by local promoters, S.T.D. at it's at LOgO bar on Saturday. Putting a world-music spin on acoustic guitar, singer/songwriter fair, homey plays a lute. For real. So expect some quiet, subtle, and earthy tones in a more subdued S.T.D. show that you're used to. Maybe even Lord of the Rings-ey. (I hope.) Usual DJ support in the form of trip hop, electroklash, etc. Cover is 30rmb.

Click here for Thee, Stranded Horse's MySpace.

***

A few other ones are also happening -- Xiao He at Live Bar and some local mainstays this Saturday at Yuyintang. Click on the links for more information.

In the next few weeks keep an eye out for NOIShanghai at Live Bar and Super VC at Windows Underground.

The Fruits of Colonialism

2008-07-08T00:00:00+01:00

We supped at the Macau Portuguese Restaurant because it's one of the only restaurants with English-language signage in the north Jing'an area (Xikang Lu) that's not in The New Factories. I know nothing of Portuguese cuisine and even less about Macanese cuisine, but I presume the restaurant stands in testament to some horribly egregious and wide-reaching act of colonialism that thrust the two culinary cultures together, i.e. French Vietnamese.

Sure enough, Wikipedia elucidates that "In 1535, the Portuguese obtained the right to anchor ships in Macau harbors and carry out trading activities. In around 1552-1553, the Portuguese went ashore and erected storage sheds, in order to dry out goods drenched by sea water, and established a settlement..." blah, blah, blah, blah.

Anyways, Macau Portuguese specializes in mostly mid-to-low priced grilled, BBQ, and seafood dishes, but they've also got a slew of Filipino dishes on offer at reasonable prices, which probably explained the amount of Filipino diners that were there when we went. Maybe it also explains the vile muzak on the stereo too -- Celine Dion and other offenders. But that's fine. The restaurant doesn't really sell itself on ambiance and decor, but perhaps they're just being... unpretentious.

Service was better than good, very professional, making us feel valued as soon as we entered, but not accented to the point of forced sycophantism. The Macau Portuguese has a relaxed diner-feel to it and is very ho-hum until the food starts arriving, which is just about when it deserves to be qualified as one of the finer options for budget dinner in the area.

Prices afforded us the opportunity of sampling a slew of dishes, including Shrimp Toast (15rmb), Baked Broccoli w/ Bacon and Cheese (38rmb), and a Mixed Meat Skewer dish (40rmb). All three of these were delicious, singular, and warrant repeat ordering when we go back. Especially that cheese-drenched broccoli... it's about time someone made broccoli unhealthy.

For a main, I had Grilled Spare Ribs with Pepper Sauce (48rmb), which was satisfying -- tasty pepper sauce -- but my partner, somewhat inexplicably, went for the burger, which was rather sad-looking and disastrous. Perhaps this was to be expected, however, as burgers are probably ordered as frequently at the Macau Portuguese as are hot dogs at old movie theaters or pickled eggs at dive bars.

So I'd stay away from the Burgers (20rmb) and Hot Dogs (20rmb) they offer despite the price and just go with their grilled section, along with an ample array of appetizers.

The chief selling point of the Macau Portuguese Restaurant is that it's affordable food that doesn't taste like it came off of an assembly line. It's a diner restaurant without the diner prices that are the norm at western diners around town. Overall, it feels like a more south-east Asian version of Always Caf¨¦, which is an underrated little eatery in my opinion.

Here are some of their deals that might interest you: Daily Lunch Set, Monday to Friday, with a soup and a main for 28rmb. Try the Portuguese Chicken.

Weekend Buffet from noon to 3pm, with over nine dishes to sample from and a full salad bar. For 50rmb.

The Macau Portuguese Restaurant: 466 Xikang Lu, near Kang Ding Lu. Tel: 6255 0092

Mining Nature

2008-07-07T00:00:00+01:00

(Wim Wenders, Lake Galilee Before Sunrise, 2000)

It's the fourth week of unrelenting rain and I'm trudging through the muddy grit of a steamy alleyway to Shanghai's newest art gallery, James Cohan. First established in New York in 1999, the second branch is tucked into an early 20th century mansion. Just inside the deco doors I see a workman and the gallery assistant conversing hurriedly while examining one of the gallery's walls. Large black lettering reads "Mining Nature," the upcoming exhibition's title. The letters are slightly off kilter.

It's eight days from the inaugural show and Arthur Solway, longtime director of the gallery, who relocated permanently from Manhattan to oversee James Cohan is flustered. Shipments of art have been delayed due to Olympic-related customs hassles and the workmen turned up at the gallery without levels, resulting in the uneven lettering. Solway is explaining to his assistant that the gleaming white walls must be repainted and the lettering reapplied. The necessity of this repainting and the fact that it will happen before opening day do not appear to resonate.

The discussion comes to a close and Solway promptly lights a cigarette. "This is the real story here," he says abruptly. "Just how difficult it is to host a show with international art and at international standards." Despite the newness of the gallery, Solway is no stranger to Shanghai. He represented James Cohan Gallery at SHContemporary last fall and has been in and out of the country for the past year becoming acquainted with Shanghai's underpinnings while unearthing the right space for his gallery. Nevertheless, the obstacles confronting an international art exhibition in China may not have appeared quite so vividly until now.

During my 15 months in Shanghai I've witnessed galleries with extremely high hopes compromise, caving to the diverse nuisances inherent in getting things just so - from spelling mistakes to catered food arriving late at an opening because someone left it to ferment on the ground outside. Solway doesn't seem daunted at the mention of these failings: "I'm cursed by perfectionism," he responds swiftly. The language of compromise does not come into my vocabulary. Accomplishing something in China is often a question of when and of how many tries it takes to get it right, but precision is always possible."

The first question off many lips may be why did James Cohan Gallery choose to open its Asian branch amidst Shanghai's somewhat half-baked art scene? Beijing thrives in comparison, at least in terms of the arts. But Solway felt that what he brings will be more effectively absorbed here: "My hope is that Shanghai will welcome what we have to offer. One idea I¡¯d like to communicate is that a gallery is not just a commercial space, it¡¯s also a think-tank. The gallery should be a space that generates ideas in the minds of the visitors." Additionally, Solway prefers Shanghai to Beijing on a personal level. "I find this city studded with pockets of authenticity everywhere you look," unlike Beijing, which he likens to "Los Angeles on steroids."

Shanghai has always been an international city, a fact that parallels Solway's perspective on Chinese Contemporary art - he's not interested in it as such. Not that Solway disdains art emerging from China, he's just not particularly concerned with an artist's geographical origins: "I don't care where you're from, I care about what you do, what you're thinking and how you're going to elicit a discussion about the human condition."

The imminent show, "Mining Nature," displays artists exploring man's ever-changing relationship with his surroundings. In this age of environmentalism one might expect that a show with nature in the title would put forth a particular message, but Solway denies agenda pushing. "I have no desire to implant a particular thought in viewer's minds. I want to curate a show that generates contemplation so visitors use their own voices to bring meaning to the work."

One highlight of the show is Bill Viola's Old Oak Study (2005), a time-lapse video on LCD panel that compresses 24 hours segments of footage of a tree into a single 30-minute film (main image). Very much an artist of the times, Viola is celebrated for implementing technology to discuss the human condition. Old Oak Study offers a vision of a sped-up life cycle. Natural light illuminates the screen and then fades back into nighttime at a rapid rate, altering the viewer's perception of time.

Filmmaker, photographer and poet Wim Wenders (who self-describes as "traveler") will be represented by a 14-foot panoramic print Lake Galilee Before Sunrise (2000), pictured above. It is tempting to assign meaning to this sweeping image of Israel's largest freshwater lake. Although Galilee is laden with biblical allusions, in recent times the site has become a heavily populated tourist spot. At its core however, Galilee is quite simply a beautiful body of water.

Visitors to the gallery should expect any variety of artistic media. Solway happened upon a location with outdoor space and plans to make full use of the garden for sculpture and performances, both musical and otherwise. Embracing culture in its many forms, James Cohan Gallery will join a few pioneers in Shanghai that are developing projects in this vein, where a single location becomes a hub for various types of creative projects.

Mining Nature runs from July 10th - August 31 at James Cohan Gallery

Image Credits:

Main Image:
BILL VIOLA
Old Oak (Study), 2005
Color high-definition video on LCD panel mounted on wall
14 X 24 3/4 in
35.6 X 62.9 cm
Edition of 12
Photo: Kira Perov
Copyright the artist

Article Image
WIM WENDERS
Lake Galilee before Sunrise, 2000
C-print
70 1/8 X 176 in
178.1 X 447 cm
Edition of 6
Copyright the artist

Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan Gallery, Shanghai

DVD Sunday: War, Inc.

2008-07-06T00:00:00+01:00

Too soon for jokes about "Operation: Iraqi Freedom?" John Cusack doesn't seem to think so.

Cusack both wrote and stars in War, Inc. (2008), an obscene, yet heartfelt satire of a certain war waged by a certain Bush Administration and the rampant profiteering that has characterized "rebuilding" efforts. At times discombobulated, the movie takes a humorous nibble at the powers that be.

Brand Hauser (John Cusack) is a down and out hitman who drowns his personal problems in the sauce ¨C the hot sauce that is. During moments of extreme stress Hauser serenely tips back shots of Tabasco. Hauser is commissioned by Mr. Vice President (Dan Akroyd) to fly to Turaqistan (it's a fictional country) and rub out indigenous entrepreneur Omar Sharif (Lyubomir Neikov), whose success would threaten the oil interests of American business conglomerate Tamerlane (it's Halliburton spelled backward). Did I mention that the VP delivers these instructions from the can via telecam? "Hope you like the smell of fresh liberation," Cheney/Akroyd cracks while flushing the toilet.

As a ploy to lure Omar to the killing zone Tamerlane hosts a Brand USA Trade Show MC'd by Hauser and organized by his snippy proxy, Marsha Dillon (Joan Cusack). Uber liberal, disillusioned reporter Natalie Hegalhuzen (Marisa Tomei) shows up to rain on the parade with a healthy dose of integrity and expose Hauser for his ethical failings. A fumbling love affair ensues.

War, Inc. produces a handful of snort out loud moments: one highlight of the Trade Show is a Rockett style performance by the one-legged and legless casualties of war who've been carefully fitted with Tamerlane-brand prosthetics. As the (now) physically challenged practice for the big day, kicking their plastic limbs hither and thither, Hauser remarks, "It's just another breathtaking example of how American know-how alleviates the suffering it creates."

But comic genius erupts with the on-screen arrival of Asia's pop-star Yonika Babyyear (Hilary Duff) at the Emerald City (Green Zone). Yonika, ante-breakdown Britany Spears, is set to wed Omar's son in the ultimate Trade Show celebration. Her entourage of hummers bursts into the compound pouring forth a chain-wearing gang of scalawags draped in bodysuits, one of whom proceeds to pummel an overzealous fan with a baseball bat. Hauser greets the clan wearily, nodding to each in turn: "Hello, nice work with the bat, hi, Mr. Pickle, Las Vegas, Mr. Federline." What?! K-Fed! Surely, if there is one thing funnier than death, war, rape and pillage it is Kevin Federline.

As satire, War, Inc. does not offer an engrossing plot-driven narrative. All the same, it achieves what it sets out to do ¨C pour acerbic glee onto the oozing disgrace that is American foreign policy.

Grade: Shock and awe

NB: Make sure to cop the version with deleted scenes. Includes a mockumentary style romp through the trenches of Abu Ghraib with Will Ferrell as Army Reserve Spc. Charles Graner Jr.