tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54654132011-04-22T08:35:02.749+08:00For three years, I have been in China teaching Swing Dancing. Now I'm wandering yet again...Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.comBlogger2541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-79463269845001806462008-08-10T01:46:00.001+08:002008-08-10T01:46:05.885+08:00

My flight from the US connected through Tokyo on its way to Beijing.  I postponed my connection flight by four days and stayed in Tokyo.  This is what I found:   I have known for a long time Beijing is not the city for me.  It was probably 6 years now.  I never liked Beijing from the first time I visited it.  Still don't.   Tokyo, by comparison, is civilized.  People are (ultra) polite, and every

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-92100526401007330672008-06-25T03:31:00.001+08:002008-06-25T03:31:07.488+08:00

I have been in Beijing almost one year now.  When I was in America, I was not happy.  I had grown accustomed to a particular lifestyle in Shanghai, and I felt I must return.  As such, I did return.  Now I've been in Beijing, so it's time to give a little report on what life is like here. First and foremost, it's not the same.  A few things have changed within myself; namely I'm older and I

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-41293772134698967532008-04-20T16:39:00.001+08:002008-04-20T16:39:41.545+08:00

Hello again-I just looked at my blog. I have been neglectingit for a long time. Most likely, no one isreading it anymore. So, if you are reading this,you are the first one!I am in Beijing, working for Microsoft. It takesa lot of my free time. My life is nothing likeit used to be in Shanghai.First of all, Beijing is not as good a city asShanghai. It is much larger here, and it takesalmost

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-52319300824345942342007-10-07T15:32:00.001+08:002007-10-07T15:32:59.506+08:00

Folks-This is my first blog post from my apartment in Beijing.  It was a long struggle to get the right place, and right now I am only halfway set up here.  My ADSL is working, however, so I thought I would use my Sunday afternoon to send out an update.First thing: last week was Mid-Autumn festival.  The entire country takes a week off and goes home or goes on vacation.  Of course, some people

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-85482590501282527822007-09-16T22:19:00.001+08:002007-09-16T22:19:14.785+08:00

This weekend I met with two of my old friends from Shanghai.  One was the guy who shot the video for our very first swing dance party back in Christmas 2003.  The other was one of my oldest friends back in Shanghai.  Both of them were active in the Shanghai Swings group way back.  It was really great to see the both of them, because this last week had gotten a little more difficult.  Work had

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-74549786325203433612007-09-07T21:59:00.001+08:002007-09-07T21:59:34.203+08:00

  It's the end of week 2.  Things are pretty good.  I met quite a few of my workmates.  Plus, and old friend from Shanghai came into Beijing recently.  He's doing some sort of program with a local college.  And, he's asked me to put together a swing dancing class for his students.  Why not?  Sounds like fun.   The only big problem is that I haven't got my home sorted out.  Thought I did, but

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-7452089396480794972007-08-24T23:27:00.001+08:002007-08-24T23:27:53.251+08:00

Well folks, here's the story...   I'm in Beijing now.  It does feel strange to leave my 'home', which is Shanghai.  But I went into work the other day and met my co-workers.  Everyone is quite nice and they are very enthusiastic to have me on board.  I felt quite welcome and even a bit flattered by their response.  So, thus far so good.   I am living in a part of the city called Hai Dian. 

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-38020108451065413072007-08-17T14:28:00.001+08:002007-08-17T14:28:19.750+08:00

I've spent the last week in the US.  I had to return here to renew both my passport and visa, but it turned into a good chance to visit with some of my old family and friends.  My brother was in town, so we got to spend some time together.  Unfortunately, my mom was away in Montana and my sister in Colorado.   I did see each of my friends once.  It's not like the old days.  I used to just call

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-69039966978453691842007-07-25T06:02:00.001+08:002007-07-25T06:02:40.324+08:00

After some amount of back-and-forth, I am happy to say that I have reached an acceptable agreement with the company in Beijing.  My start date will be very soon; within a week's time.  I'll be moving to Beijing for the foreseeable future.  (So Mom, please sell the car!)   The timing on this came down to the wire.  My visa expires at the end of this month, and I had set a last-possible-day

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-26810395913866323282007-07-22T15:58:00.001+08:002007-07-22T15:58:49.973+08:00

Hey Folks- It is Sunday in Shanghai.  I'm waiting around a bit.  I'll be going to the outdoor swing dance in a few hours to say goodbye to the folks there.  One way or another, I will be leaving Shanghai within the week.  Either going to Beijing to work with this company, or back to the States if they cannot come up with an acceptable offer.  Things seem positive so far.  I've been (still)

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-20440276990163220592007-07-15T20:44:00.001+08:002007-07-15T20:44:09.380+08:00

Hello Folks- The news is, the company in Beijing has stated they want to hire me.  It's not a done deal yet; I am still negotiating for a suitable package.  But I sent them my last offer, which is pretty much my 'final' offer, and the HR person says it sounds reasonable and they will probably be able to meet it.   The person in charge is on vacation next week, so I will not have an answer

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-15750169819876492882007-07-12T11:50:00.001+08:002007-07-12T11:50:26.033+08:00

Hello!

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1441048776155875682007-07-10T13:14:00.001+08:002007-07-10T13:14:23.428+08:00

Today I had a phone interview for a job in Beijing with a well-known American company.  Its the job in my specialty field.  The first thing the interviewer said was, "Well, if you are talking to me that's good news already."   It was a one-hour interview, during which the expected questions were asked regarding my technical specialty, my approaches to work, and my ability to speak Chinese (

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-90624575119993068362007-07-03T04:37:00.001+08:002007-07-03T04:37:41.011+08:00

This is a bit different from the usual entries.  I had been dating my dance partner, Chris, for a long time.  We were together in Shanghai for about a year and a half, then when I returned to the US I broke it off after a few months.   When I got back to Shanghai, I realized I still had feelings for her.  At the time, she said she had moved on, which I took as a bit of a small shock, but I

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-64599952804573559622007-06-30T02:20:00.001+08:002007-06-30T02:20:16.319+08:00

Today I did my first signficant-potential interview.  It was in Beijing with a well-known American company.  I think it is a good fit in the position.  I interviewed with three people at the same time.  It lasted just short of two hours.  To me, it seemed like 15 minutes.    I hope it was well received.  I am optimistic, but there's a lot running on this working out.  It would be right in many

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-22617884937063664462007-06-24T17:45:00.001+08:002007-06-24T17:45:24.003+08:00

Hello Folks- I am in my second day in Beijing.  I have a very nice apartment that my friend is letting me stay at. There is a pool and a workout gym in the basement.  Yesterday we went to the Summer Palace, which is an enourmous park and bridge and palace combination.  It took about an hour to walk around the entire circle.  It was quite interesting.  Apparently, this massive lake there was not

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-58293554632858026282007-06-23T09:45:00.001+08:002007-06-23T09:45:21.751+08:00

Hello Folks- On Wednesday I had a feeling I should leave Nanjing.  That's what I like about impulse traveling; as soon as you feel like going, you get on a train and go. It's the best freedom.  BUT, for some reason I hesitated.  I thought it would be a good idea to stay one more day in Nanjing.  It wasn't really.  I did not do much during the day.  But in the night, I took a train to Beijing. 

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-29833800459691256042007-06-21T20:03:00.001+08:002007-06-21T20:03:04.784+08:00

Obviously, I have not been keeping up this blog very often.  When I came to China the first time, the blog was a survival technique. No matter what happened, I could at least write about it and people back home would know about it.  Know that I'm used to China, I guess you could say I dont need it so much.  And I dont think it's all quite as interestng as it was in the beginning, but lately

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-42124602016556884272007-02-02T22:49:00.001+08:002007-02-02T22:49:17.691+08:00

Today is Friday night.  I went out late last night, and I am going to an early-morning Mandarin lesson, so tonight I'm taking it easy.I'm still feeling a little sensitive about the ex-.  It's still just sinking in the implications of our separation.  I think that in the back of my head, I had actually hoped she would have wanted to get together again when I came back.  As stupid as this sounds, I

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1158555712565362872006-09-18T11:58:00.000+08:002006-09-18T13:01:52.613+08:00

Hello, Hello again.These days I'm simply Jim again. I have gone back to computer consulting. It's different. The one vital difference, of course, is that now I actually am making a living. The other vital difference, is , of course, that I am now the guy-who-used-to-be-the-guy-from-Shanghai-Swings.It has been a very difficult adjustment coming back to America. As I said before, I was living

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1148850025424455562006-05-29T04:50:00.000+08:002006-05-29T05:00:25.440+08:00

I'm in Chicago right now. Living in my mom's basement, in the far, FAR suburbs. I don't have a car, and I'm dependent on others to drive me around. It's been a nice stop-over, because my sister, her husband, and my niece are all staying here by coincidence.I've been here almost two weeks now. I must admit that once I landed, I did not want to get a job right away, even though the offers were

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1146206297452125172006-04-28T14:38:00.000+08:002006-04-28T14:38:17.506+08:00

The time is 2006, April.  I am going back to America in one week from today. My time here in Shanghai has come to and end, for now.  I have created something from nothing, introduced a dance style, and created a dancing social group.  The group will continue in my departure. I have appointed a manager, and I have two local Shanghainese instructors who are now promoted to full instructors.   I,

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1143435700663436222006-03-27T13:01:00.000+08:002006-03-27T13:01:40.710+08:00

Today I am going to work at a new job, potentially. It's a part time sales position for a company with which I have been loosely associated for some time. It's an expat-oriented web portal for the city of Shanghai, and they have several corresponding businesses. They also do event planning, custom logo printing (on shirts and such), and of course sell advertising space on their website.I feel

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1141660899050939992006-03-07T00:01:00.000+08:002006-03-07T00:01:41.386+08:00

Today and for the last few days I have been hanging out with a friend of mine from America. I have not seen him in almost 10 years, when we worked together in Los Angeles as a computer game company out there. He came in town to check out a business opportunity, but we've had a chance to hang out all day today. Plus, he also came to the swing dancing class Sunday night.Today we spent the day

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1140887631812328182006-02-26T01:13:00.000+08:002006-02-26T01:13:51.843+08:00

Hello Swing Fans- This weekend (right now) is the annual Swing Dance Convention in Singapore.  Three people from our group have gone: Chris & Ramulas (my two Shanghainese proteges) and Orchid (my business manager).  I, on the other hand, am staying here.  I am in a money pinch, as usual, and I think I had better pay for rent than travel.  or so the logic goes.  But now that I am hearing reports

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1138378029789911652006-01-28T00:07:00.000+08:002006-01-28T00:07:09.843+08:00

An update on what's been going on since my return to China.We had a performance on the 19th and 20th.  It was our largest attended performance, which was during a concert for a Chinese big band.  We performed two dance numbers during a 1:45 long musical performance.  This was one of the most difficult performances we've ever had to get ready for.When we began rehearsals, it was a weekend at my

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1137432989702225872006-01-17T01:36:00.000+08:002006-01-17T01:36:29.760+08:00

I'm back in Shanghai.  I've been here about two weeks, and here how it's gone.   As soon as I arrived, I realized my home apartment sucked.  After spending a month in America, living in the houses of my friends and relatives, I had re-familiarized myself with the usual ways of life of which I been accustomed.    When I returned, I found my home had no insulation to speak of.  The

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1135716072907646972005-12-28T04:41:00.000+08:002005-12-28T04:41:12.906+08:00

This Christmas has been one of great contrast.  On the one hand, I have found it very fulfilling in that I am with my family again, especially because of the new arrival -- my sister's child, now 10 months old.  On the other hand, two relatives have passed away within the last month.  In both cases, the news was unexpected, with just one month notice in one case and almost no notice in the

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1135716038921504742005-12-28T04:40:00.000+08:002005-12-28T04:40:38.926+08:00

Since it has just gone past midnight, it is now technically Christmas.  I'm very tired and about to go to bed, but first I thought I'd put down a few thoughts. Today I went to Willow Creek community church, which has some 70,000 members.  They have done a very good job there of making the church current.  Their services include a lot of singing by a talented group of musicians.  The entire thing

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1135715997826963362005-12-28T04:39:00.000+08:002005-12-28T04:39:57.856+08:00

Blog 2005-12-14 San Francisco: Complete It's now near midnight on Wednesday evening.  Tomorrow morning I'm on a plane to Chicago, where my mom will be picking me up from the airport.  (Note to self: Send email to confirm) I have completed my San Francisco tour.  It began at Greg & Barbara's, and I've just come back to their place again.  A quick rundown of everything I've seen: First 3 days: Greg

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1134952851834594102005-12-19T08:40:00.000+08:002005-12-19T08:40:51.906+08:00

I'm enjoying my days lately.  It's a real comfort to get back in touch with my family and argue with them in all the typical ways.  It used to be for a long time I was hoping people would change after I'd been gone a long time.  But people don't change, as a rule.  So I've decided that I'm going to do what suits me best, and then it's not so important if they change or not.  That's the thing.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1134352759033532212005-12-12T09:59:00.000+08:002005-12-12T09:59:19.066+08:00

Day 7 of America.   I have been going to different places.  I spent one and half days with my friend Steve.  He and I worked on a computer game while I lived here.  The game never got finished, but Steve and I became good friends.  He's gotten married while I was away.  He's been married almost two years, so he must have gotten married just after I got in China.  I don't remember if he sent

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1133855477236029792005-12-06T15:51:00.000+08:002005-12-06T15:51:17.276+08:00

My last day in Shanghai, staying in China the entire time... was DAY 836. Yes, eight hundred thirty-six consecutive days in China.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1133852188490912162005-12-06T14:56:00.000+08:002005-12-06T14:56:28.523+08:00

Hello Folks- I've arrived at my friends' home in the San Francisco area.  Today I spent most of the day asleep.  My friends have a two-year old, and after my own nap I spent the day playing with toy trains and giving airplane rides as such.  I also taught him how to use a screwdriver from the local tool set. It is strange arriving back in America.  Although I have been gone to a foreign country

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1131683815938459892005-11-11T12:36:00.000+08:002005-11-11T12:36:55.976+08:00

Ack.. bird... flu... (cough)... wheeze....   No, I'm fine.  Lately I've been mulling what to do about a job.  I'm debating going back into IT, but I don't feel all that good about the idea right now.  I've been getting a resume together, and I think it looks pretty good, but it reads something like this: 1994-2002: Computers, E Commerce, Consulting 2003-2005: Swing dancing, throwing parties,

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1130003486241329392005-10-23T01:51:00.000+08:002005-10-23T01:51:26.276+08:00

She said yes.  

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1129673604715669402005-10-19T06:13:00.000+08:002005-10-19T06:13:24.773+08:00

So, after careful consideriation and measurement of my bank accounts, I have decided to get a regular job.  I'm not sure exactly what to pursue, but my most likely choice will be in the computer field, like before.  It's been a hard decision, one which really has been taking me many months to come to terms with.  As it stands, the main reason I will be changing my focus is that the money is

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1128962663279921162005-10-11T00:44:00.000+08:002005-10-11T00:44:23.350+08:00

We have an opportunity to hold a new, large party.  A big new venue has opened up which can hold 300-400 people.  I'm going to submit a proposal for it tomorrow.  I'm thinking about the plan today and making items that we'll need, and I'm also trying to think of the 'goal' of the event; what's most important. Done correctly, this could be a great boost for swing dancing. A friend of mine out

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1127416788144155562005-09-23T03:19:00.000+08:002005-09-23T03:19:48.183+08:00

So, it did happen again.  I just finished filming another 1920's movie with dancing, this one staring Edward Norton (of Fight Club, Rounders, the Italian Job, etc.)  My role on this was as a general dance consultant, and I'm supposed to get the title of Choreographer in the credits, if they hold up on their end of the bargain. I received a call about two weeks ago.  An actress friend of mine

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1127414938756228432005-09-23T02:48:00.000+08:002005-09-23T02:48:58.806+08:00

6am: Alarm Goes Off 7:15am: Finally get up, quick breakfast and shower.  Grab my bag with dance shoes, music, and food.  Also take garment bag with zoot suit and other swing dance outfit items. 8:10am: Arrive at Shanghai Television Station, ten minutes late.  My teacher for Peking Opera, Lui Laoshi (Teacher Lui) has already arrived and is putting on his face makeup.  I wait in a chair while

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1125769288860140642005-09-04T01:41:00.000+08:002005-09-04T01:41:28.896+08:00

So... In the past few months, nothing too incredibly much has happened in the swing dance scene, or in my personal life (besides the fact I was feeling fatigued.)  In the past two weeks, a whole bunch of things have begun rolling. First is the party.  I'm working on another 1930s style party.  This one is called Casablanca, and we have secured a 17-piece big band to play at the event.  Now

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1125112054499390122005-08-27T11:07:00.000+08:002005-08-27T11:07:34.536+08:00

I've got some good friends out here.  My friend Orchid, student card #001, is one of the most stable and helpful persons I've known.  She's the most likely person to rely upon if something important and challenging needs to be done.  She's also a quite good dancer. Chris is also a good girl.  She and I trained extensively for a while, and she became my dance partner.  She's doing so well at

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1124681222370806872005-08-22T11:27:00.000+08:002005-08-22T11:27:02.413+08:00

So, I received a call from a Beijing group which was doing casting for a Warner Bros movie being shot in Shanghai.  From the description of the casting person, I thought it might be a significant part- maybe something with speaking lines, possibly with the star in the movie in the same scene. As it turned out, this was not quite the case.  It's an extra role, doing some singing and foolish

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1124421202890260182005-08-19T11:13:00.000+08:002005-08-19T11:13:22.943+08:00

My language tutor is an interesting person.  She's very tough.  She puts me through learning a lot more words than I'm comfortable with.  In my ad, I asked for a slow-paced learning schedule.  I said, five words per session.  Any more than this and it's pointless, because it's too hard to remember in the long term.   Well, technically she does put me through five words.  But today it was

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1124142212133280982005-08-16T05:43:00.000+08:002005-08-16T05:43:32.140+08:00

One addition- My roommies not a bad guy.  He's actually in many ways quite a good guy.  But I have to say that from my experiences as an adult with roommates, I think it's better not to have them.  Both my past roommates would have made fine see-you-around friends, but who as an adult male wants to share a place with another adult male whom you barely know?  Last time I considered having a

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1124140392934816932005-08-16T05:13:00.000+08:002005-08-16T05:13:12.966+08:00

I've come to the conclusion that a large part of the reason I have been keeping strange hours is to avoid my roommate.  I've started looking for new places to live now.  Once I find one, my plan is then to set up the new rental and find a peson to sub-let my existing rental.  Should not be too complicated a task, just take some time and require the benefit of good timing.   Today I was up at

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1123932892653191042005-08-13T19:34:00.000+08:002005-08-13T19:34:52.756+08:00

Some people in life seem to inherently know what it is they want, or know what they have to do.  I'm not that kind of person.  It takes me a long time to figure out what I want, especially when it's a big change.  Sometimes, I may consciously think that I want some thing, but then when I look at my behaviors and actions, it really seems like I want something else.   Over the last several

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1122923358432845262005-08-02T03:09:00.000+08:002005-08-02T03:09:18.466+08:00

So today I met with my student to talk over how we can put together the class schedule.  As it stood, we were teaching three different styles of swing dance: East Coast Swing (a six-count dance, sometimes called Jitterbug, similar and the ancestor of Rock N Roll dancing), Charleston (a version of the 1920's dance which is the precursor to Lindy Hop), and Lindy Hop.   Among the hardcore people,

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1122835250157700762005-08-01T02:40:00.000+08:002005-08-01T02:40:52.166+08:00

Today is Sunday night (monday morning) and I'm relaxing after the Sunday night swing dance.  We had a monthy party at a bar on the Bund (a relatively famous area of Shanghai).  It rained heavily, and the summer is a slow time as many expats flee the city's heat.  But we still had a good attendance, near 100.  It was good fun and I think we'll have a few new students from it.   As for me, I'm

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1121800233923693922005-07-20T03:00:00.000+08:002005-07-20T03:10:33.933+08:00

I stopped doing this blog some time ago, but today merits a return. My original dance partner, Kellian, is going back to the United States the day after tomorrow. Tonight I and several of the swing dancers and others had a dinner with her. That's likely the last time I'll see her while she's a resident of Shanghai.She plans to go back to the US to help her folks and take care of affairs in

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1109009468700249502005-02-22T02:02:00.000+08:002005-02-22T02:11:08.703+08:00

Final Blog EntryThe Chinese New Year has come and gone. This past year, amazingly enough, as been the Year of the Mokey. I kid you not. This present year is the Year of the Rooster. My birthday falls between Western New Year and Eastern New Year. And my Chinese Zodiac sign is the Rooster. So this is my year, apparently.I have kept this blog because I needed it. I really did! So many times

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1108836684648067702005-02-20T01:41:00.000+08:002005-02-20T02:11:24.653+08:00

I'm taking another step in permanence. I'm going setting up the paperwork and putting up official schedules for a dance studio. I've got a location with a really good studio and good relations with the management. And I feel like, yeaoh, this is a big step. On the home front, things are smoothed over fine with the roommie. Just a bit of a complication; nothing serious. He's gotten a new job,

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1107975861854063492005-02-10T03:02:00.000+08:002005-02-10T03:04:21.856+08:00

Yesterday I was hanging out with the new girl. It was late at night, quite late, and she got a call from someone. A guy. I don't know what they were talking about because it was all in Chinese. But she left shortly afterwards. Where are you going? I asked. She said to see a friend. I said, who is this person? She said a person she knows. At first she said it was a guy, then she said it

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1107796371031192502005-02-08T01:11:00.000+08:002005-02-08T01:12:51.030+08:00

This is Chinese New Year. Everyone gets Wednesday off, and the rest of the week. The Chinese travel en masse all around to the country... to... wherever they come from. The transportation system is pressed to the limit as probably a quarter of the country moves at the same time. During this time, I chose to stay in Shanghai. Most foreigners do. There's no point in trying to beat the mobs.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1107023456353771172005-01-30T02:30:00.000+08:002005-01-30T02:30:56.353+08:00

So I've had the talk with the roommie and the air is cleared.  I'm set to stay here if he ends up moving out.  But now, strangely, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better just to get a place of my own.  There's advantages and disadvantages.  Going to sleep on it and see what I think about it tomorrow. -J

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1106983779111866422005-01-29T15:29:00.000+08:002005-01-29T15:29:39.113+08:00

So I had a chat with my roommate.  I think it turned out OK.  After the talk things seemed a bit colder between us, but I felt it was necessary and important that we have it.  I did strike a serious tone for the meeting.  When I asked to talk to him he originally said "Dont worry, you won't be left in a lurch" but I told him I needed more assurance than that.    I told him I was wanting to

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1106983707132943102005-01-29T15:28:00.000+08:002005-01-29T15:28:27.133+08:00

So the magazine cover is out.  I thought that they would put four of us on the front cover of the magazine.  As it turns out, it's just me and Kellian!  A good picture, too, she says.  It's been three days and I'm yet to find a copy of it, but I will soon.   So this boost is combined with finding a new dance studio in which we can hold classes.  I'm going to start holding two or three new

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1106420167729377112005-01-23T02:56:00.000+08:002005-01-23T02:56:07.730+08:00

Tonight I met a friend of mine.  We had not planned to meet.  It is Saturday night and I was wondering what I should do.  I had no real cash to spend.  No real love interest to pursue.  And no clear interested in going to the bars again. So I went to the gym.  I sat in the sauna for a while.  Then I went out to the streets.  Walking.  Would I go to the computer game place?  No, I think not.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1106158043784331822005-01-20T02:07:00.000+08:002005-01-20T02:07:23.786+08:00

I am working on two new projects right now.  The first is a small party on Valentine's Day.  The second is a big party on the first Saturday in March.  We've had a lot of parties since I first got here.  Most have been relatively small.  These upcoming two will hopefully be larger.   The Valentines day party is relatively easy to prepare for.  We're collaborating with a local bar and having

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1105955673315683582005-01-17T17:06:00.000+08:002005-01-17T17:54:33.316+08:00

Shanghai- Beijing Lindy Exchange (from written notes on plane) It is Sunday morning. I am in the Beijing Airport. This weekend was spent in Beijing. Eight of us came by train to a dance party with the Beijing Swing Dancers. The ride up was exciting in the beginning. We left as a group Friday, 7pm. We had seats all together, and soon found our way up to the retaurant car for some drunken

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1104703261337774702005-01-03T06:01:00.000+08:002005-01-03T06:01:01.336+08:00

Dance stuff aside. Over the last few days my roommate has had some friends visiting from Australia.  He's been meeting up with them and I haven't seen him much for about five days.  I ended up going to a party with them on New Year's night.  Interesting affair, that.   I guess it's safe to say that I'm dating a new ladyfriend right now.  It's a big chance, I'm sure.  She's bright,

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1104699627934104152005-01-03T05:00:00.000+08:002005-01-03T05:00:27.933+08:00

Today was a new dance class.  This was one of the more satisfying nights.  Many good things came together at once.   Over the last week I have organized the music.  Most dance CD's have a few good danceable songs but many you cannot dance to.  So I took the entire music collection, listened to every track on every CD, and classified them.  Type of swing music, the speed of the beat,

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1104440316388500802004-12-31T04:58:00.000+08:002004-12-31T04:58:36.386+08:00

Wednesday (Yesterday) Wake up.  Work on class organization. Go across street and buy meal at dodgey-but-decent Chinese restaurant.  They speak no English and have no English menu, so you have to order in Chinese (which I can do, finally).  Cost: 15 quai. Taxi (10 quai) to screening for TV commercial.  They are doing a two-day infommercial shoot for an excercise machine, and they need

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1104113568566885812004-12-27T10:12:00.000+08:002004-12-27T10:12:48.566+08:00

My friend from the UK has gone back to the UK.  My current flatmate is from Australia, and he's been pretty agressively persuing a job since he got out here.  But he's now facing the do-or-die decision as well.  It can be a bit of a trick getting a job out here.  The basic fall-back position is teaching English.  My roommate is willing to do this until something better comes up.  I'm

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1103483014414545202004-12-20T03:03:00.000+08:002004-12-20T03:03:34.413+08:00

Wednesday: The last day of filming.  I go onto set, make last minute connections with anyone I've run into, while all the time being extremely conscious of not becoming at all annoying. They are striking the set.  All of the material will be torn down and thrown away, so I and a group of others take souveniers (with permission from the higher-ups).  I got a large oil painting (rather art-deco)

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1102754502526170852004-12-11T16:41:00.000+08:002004-12-11T16:41:42.526+08:00

Today is Saturday. On Thursday we filmed the last dance scene, which ended my planned involvement in the movie.  By the last day I'd developed an awful cold, and I spent Friday mostly resting and recovering.  But... some amazing things have developed in those four days.   On the first day, I personally did not dance.  Rather, I stayed behing the monitors and reviewed the film, alongside the

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1102751837546289602004-12-11T15:57:00.000+08:002004-12-11T15:57:17.546+08:00

 

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1101491230014700002004-11-27T01:47:00.000+08:002004-11-27T01:47:10.013+08:00

Last night was Thanksgiving.  I didn't realize it until about 5pm when someone said it to me.  I said, "Really?"  There were no reminders at all that it was coming.  Most of my friends are not Americans.  Brits, Aussies, and elsewhere.  It was kind of strange.   My mom gave me a call in the evening.  I was actually at a party held by the guy who is organizing the music for the movie.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1101226373239279122004-11-24T00:12:00.000+08:002004-11-24T00:12:53.240+08:00

Today I woke up and wanted to quit.  I wanted to find a new job, a real job, and it worried me because I don't know what career I mignt go into.  But, I checked email and there is a guy who is starting a new jazz bar out here and he wants me to dance at the opening.  Then in the evening, the film company called and want me to work tomorrow as Ralph's stand-in.  So for the moment I

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1100804254338100132004-11-19T02:57:00.000+08:002004-11-19T02:57:34.336+08:00

Tonight I'm at home, trying to get to sleep.  Was out a bit late yesterday and now I'm trying to go back to normal.  Kind of hard when you are not sleepy to sleep.  Forming a new dance class on Sunday.  I still have a few things to do.  I hope we get enough people to keep the night viable.  I just had to fight to keep the Sundays so we're not in the strongest of positions since

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1100369823636272992004-11-14T02:17:00.000+08:002004-11-14T02:17:03.636+08:00

Today is Saturday, and I went to the Shanghai film studio to teach dancing and organize the extras.  I also sealed a deal with the Producer who has the authority to hire me, so I'm officially on.  I may have made it unclear before; this is not a new movie, this is the same movie as before.  They are filming another dancing sequence and I've been called in to help with it.  As I had

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1100110753367785952004-11-11T02:19:00.000+08:002004-11-11T02:19:13.366+08:00

Yesterday I went to the Shanghai Film Studio and got a copy of the script, which I have just finshed reading.  The first thing of note is how very few words are actually in a script.  It contains all of the dialogue, but the scene and situation descriptions are really minimal. I think back to just how much preparation it took for the taxi dance hall scenes. All of that effort --

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1099641741861693572004-11-05T16:02:00.000+08:002004-11-05T16:02:21.860+08:00

Since the movie filming has ended, it's been a bit of a blah point.  I've had the troubles with the Sunday night swing venue.  That was some serious stress.  It has fortunately worked out OK, so we can continue to dance there.  I'm glad, because the swing dance 'movement' can't live without a venue and we've been running out of choices.  Plus, I'd sold a month of classes and this

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1099386253833747982004-11-02T17:04:00.000+08:002004-11-02T17:04:13.833+08:00

Last week the swing dance night went very well.  I approached the bar and asked them if they were could hold another dance night, either on Thursday or Wednesday.  They said they were going to do salsa every day of the week.  I said, OK, though I was dissapointed, and walked around the neighborhood to find another place we might be able to hold our dancing.  I went to the place which

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1098247464233959322004-10-20T12:44:00.000+08:002004-10-20T12:44:24.233+08:00

Yesterday was my final scheduled day of filming for the White Countess production.  Overall, I was on site five days, plus five days of rehearsals and two dance lessons with the primary actors.  While it was going on, the days can seem very long.  For me the shoot was always very beneficial, but I know that for many it was a difficult and sometimes frustrating experience.   The schedule begins

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1097841206176793582004-10-15T19:53:00.000+08:002004-10-15T19:53:26.176+08:00

These past two days have been a very big thing.  Starting with yesterday... Thurdsday was the first day of filming.  We began by gathering at the film studio at 5am. Everyone was barely moving, quite tired.  We got into busses and drove to the shooting location, which was an old Shanghai dance hall which had since fallen into disuse and disrepair.  It had been partially restored for the shooting

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1097605578487464582004-10-13T02:26:00.000+08:002004-10-13T02:26:18.486+08:00

So here's the latest news.  I have been taken on officially on the movie production in the capacity of a dance instructor and evaluator of dancers and music for the film.  This means I help train people a bit and help organize those people who are extras dancing in the movie.  Also, perhaps more excitingly, I am having some private dance lessons with the stars and I am scheduled to appear in the

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1097174306279956152004-10-08T02:38:00.000+08:002004-10-08T02:38:26.280+08:00

I filmed a TV show today with my friend the actress from Beijing.  I have been used to being a night owl, and today's TV show began filming at 9am.  I came later, about 11am, and I didn't know exactly what to expect.   The location of the shoot was the historic Paramount Ballroom -- the same place at which Shanghai Swings had the 1930's Christmas party last year.  The actress whom I had been

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1097057471670996622004-10-06T18:11:00.000+08:002004-10-06T18:11:11.670+08:00

It never rains but it pours.  Lately I've been in the Blahs because not much seemed to be happening.  This week, if things go as planned, I will film a TV show tomorrow and begin training to be an extra dancer in a movie this weekend.  The TV show is with the Beijing actress I trained over the last couple of days.  I'm not sure what is going to happen, because she says the director can be

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1096831447775896892004-10-04T03:24:00.000+08:002004-10-04T03:24:07.776+08:00

Today was Sunday, and it was much better than the beginning of the weekend.  Last Friday was supposed to be the second week of our regular Friday dance.   I knew attendance would be low because of the Labor Holiday.  (The entire country takes a week off and goes traveling.  Businesses close early, and so forth.)  70% of my loyal students were going out of town.  I had thought to cancel the Friday

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1096571506942281202004-10-01T03:11:00.000+08:002004-10-01T03:11:46.943+08:00

Today is Thursday.  Tomorrow is our swing dance night, the regular Friday one.  We had 42 people last time, which has been about average.  The odd thing about it was that they were mostly Asian, non-English speaking people whom I had never seen before.   This time I did a lot of advertising.  I collected all of the emails we have ever assembled during our  year here.  It was over 800, of which

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1095764065536519662004-09-21T18:54:00.000+08:002004-09-21T18:54:25.536+08:00

In the time since the last entry, many things have happened.  I’m settling into my new place.  My roommate is very cool and quite relaxed.  This is good because it helps me to relax as well knowing things are not uptight at home.  The location of my new home is fantastic.  I can leave the house and come back several times per day without feeling like I’m making a long trip or taking too much

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1094741650788479172004-09-09T22:54:00.000+08:002004-09-09T22:54:10.786+08:00

On Wednesday I moved my stuff into the new apartment.  It is very nice, centrally located.  I feel better already.  There is no garbage on the street, and there is even a security guard at the gate and front door.  Not that I ever felt any need for security when I was living in my last place.  I'll say this for China, you don't feel at all uncomfortable walking around even at night in pretty much

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1094579729554001342004-09-08T01:55:00.000+08:002004-09-08T01:55:29.553+08:00

Morning: Woke up. Took Metro Line 2 to Shimen Yi Lu (Shimen Number One Road).  When to my local "Kinko's" and designed a poster for an upcoming swing dancing event.  This takes 3 hours, and it's not quite complete when I have to leave... Afternoon: Leave and take Metro Line 2 to center of the city, People's Square (Ren Ming Guan Chang).  Transfer to Metro Line 1 and take this to Xu Jia Hui ( a

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1094578502117953092004-09-08T01:35:00.000+08:002004-09-08T01:35:02.116+08:00

 

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1094397711490452402004-09-05T23:21:00.000+08:002004-09-05T23:21:51.490+08:00

I've been in a funny way lately.  Just a few items of pressure which have made me uncomfortable.  One is my roommate moving out and having to find a new place.  Two is getting booted out of one of our swing dance venues which I had really liked.  Three is our declining numbers for swing dancing and struggling to find a method to spread the word better. I'm feeling a bit improved now.  A few good

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1094397288641492592004-09-05T23:14:00.000+08:002004-09-05T23:14:48.640+08:00

 

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1094214870657677512004-09-03T19:34:00.000+08:002004-09-03T20:34:30.660+08:00

Granted, I have been saying some pretty optimistic things in the last two posts, but recently I have been having some doubts about my own situation. Last night, and two nights before, as I went to sleep I came to a 'realization' or 'feeling' that I don't want to do this swing dancing this anymore, this China thing anymore. I have always had the most trouble figuring out what it was that I

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1094104734953932552004-09-02T13:58:00.000+08:002004-09-02T13:58:54.953+08:00

Lately I've been feeling a lack of energy for the swing dancing movement.  We've lost a few students recently, and gained some, too, but I don't feel the momentum.  Plus, our Sunday venue, which I had spent a good deal of time and expense promoting, just cancelled us for the next three weeks because they are having corporate events there during our time. I don't hold it against them.  We do not

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1093077789629257442004-08-21T16:35:00.000+08:002004-08-21T16:43:09.630+08:00

Talked to a guy today who can help me put together a proper website, hosted out of Hong Kong. He runs a big website for foreigners out her in Shanghai. I'm really glad he's helping. Man, I need some help with all of this stuff. I'm beginning now to ask my loyal dancers to help in organizing and spreading the word. Work is always easier if there are more capable people going towards the same

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1092904061649932862004-08-19T16:08:00.000+08:002004-08-19T16:27:41.650+08:00

Stuff Going On Lately it's been pretty busy on the dance scene. A few weeks ago, some of our very important dancers left the country, and we've felt the lack of their presence. It is really difficult on the morale and the movement if only four or five people show up for a dance night. Our Sunday night's not doing so well, but Wednesdays are going strong. A lot of people say Sunday's not a

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1092499269477965762004-08-14T23:37:00.000+08:002004-08-15T00:01:09.476+08:00

A few things going on right now. First, I am moving (again) out of my current apartment into one to be determined. My roommate from England is leaving China and going out to Australia where his sister is staying, and thence to points unknown. I'd been unhappy with the neighborhood dirtiness for some time, so I'm taking the change as an opportunity to get a new place. I'm trying to find

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1091574973701345992004-08-04T07:16:00.000+08:002004-08-04T07:16:13.700+08:00

It is approaching almost one year now.  I've been out here just about one year.  I think I'll review what has happened, what I wanted to do, what I have done, and what I hope to do next year... First, I did make the big move out here.  It was a time in my life when I didn't have much going on.  It was difficult to leave the friends I had back home, but I really needed a change, and I have gotten

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1090661878461448322004-07-24T17:36:00.000+08:002004-07-24T17:37:58.460+08:00

Damn, it's hot.  The Shanghai summer is here and it's 38 degrees with humidity.  I don't know what that it is Farenheit, but it's pretty hot.  Tomorrow we begin a new dance night at a great new venue.  It may take a few weeks to get rolling but I think it's got real potential. And, I am currently looking for a regular day job.  I'm going to continue with the swing dancing efforts but you gotsta

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1090388764508616762004-07-21T13:44:00.000+08:002004-07-21T13:46:04.506+08:00

Back in Shanghai now, back to the usual grind.  I appreciate this city more now that I have been out to Nanchang.  That place had it's charms, but Shanghai is the place to be.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1090051100358339992004-07-17T14:54:00.000+08:002004-07-17T15:58:20.356+08:00

Nanchang Today  I am in the middle of my trip to Nanchang.  This is a relatively small city of 4 million, about one hour's flight from Shanghai.  I am here with an American dancer, Amanda, who had obtained a university grant to travel China teaching swing dancing for five weeks.  (Yes, that is pretty amazing in its own right.) Nanchang is very different from Shanghai.  It is still in the "less

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1089471474634711342004-07-10T22:47:00.000+08:002004-07-10T22:57:54.633+08:00

A trip to the Chinese Opera. I just got back from a Chinese opera house. I did not see the whole performance, just a few minutes of it. Just as well, since it was in Chinese and I could not follow it anyhow. But it was pretty cool to see. I was there to talk to the General Manager of the opera. He was a friend of a Chinese lawyer here, who is a friend of one of my friends. We were talking

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1089109794237152512004-07-06T18:04:00.000+08:002004-07-06T18:29:54.236+08:00

Roaches (Odd subject but these are important things in the life of Shanghai.) Granted, I know I am living in a low-rent neighborhood. Granted, the folks do not keep it clean outside, and various bad smells exude as you approach the dumpster area by the front gate. I've been struggling with my hate of this area and weighing it against the low cost to live there. It's a bit of a necessity right

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1088677060641196752004-07-01T18:05:00.000+08:002004-07-01T18:17:40.643+08:00

Football is very big out here. That is to say, soccer. The Euro Cup is going on right now. And it's just as big as the Superbowl or World Series. People out here stay up until 3am to watch the game live in pubs. Last night Holland was playing Portugal, and there were about 150 people in the bar which I went to. Same thing happened a week ago when England played Portugal. Right now I'm at an

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5465413.post-1088628049371241502004-07-01T04:33:00.000+08:002004-07-01T04:40:49.370+08:00

O wut a nite Tonight we had our dance night. We had 42 people come on the dance floor area, plus more upstairs. That bar would have 10 people total were it not for us. And still we get no payment for the event. As soon as we have an alternative place, go go go. So after the event, I was thinking of going home, but we have a party planned this weekend. So instead I headed out and went to a

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358764706446212239noreply@blogger.com0