Shanghai 2010 World Expo & Shaolin Haibao

[GeneChing]

China has funny mascots


Armed police and an Expo mascot in Hena (http://www.danwei.org/front_page_of_the_day/armed_police_and_an_expo_masco.php)n
Posted by Joel Martinsen, September 29, 2009 7:52 PM
Henan Legal Daily
September 29, 2009

Just two days ahead of the 60th Anniversary festivities on October 1, today's Henan Legal Daily featured a photo of a recent police exercise.

The caption reads:

To preserve overall social stability for the National Day, more than 1,300 police, armed police, firefighters, and security officers in Jiaozuo conducted an anti-terrorism exercise.

But Henan is already looking beyond the 60th Anniversary to next year's Expo 2010, to be held in Shanghai.

The Expo's mascot, Haibao, a stylized ren (人, "people") character with an ocean-wave tuft of hair, will star in the animated feature Shaolin Haibao, co-sponsored by the Henan Daily Press Group.

According to the buzzword-heavy report, the cartoon will combine Henan's native Shaolin and Zen with the cultures of harmony and "sea treasure" (the meaning of Haibao's name), and will be an expression of the friendship that exists between Henan and Shanghai. Five thousand years of history plays a role, as well.


Haibao stars in kung fu cartoon (http://en.expo2010.cn/a/20090929/000004.htm)
Date:29/09/2009

Production started yesterday on a cartoon about the Shanghai 2010 World Expo mascot Haibao, who will show off his martial arts skills and embark on a journey exploring Chinese kung fu culture.

Authorities in Henan Province, which is home to the famous Shaolin Temple, where kung fu originated, will organize the production.

Henan Daily Group will be responsible for the program. The animation called "Shaolin Haibao" will show China's wisdom and culture of 5,000 years.


World Expo Mascot Figure "Hai Bao" Debuts in Toronto (http://news.chinaa2z.com/news/html/2009/20090701/20090701100927176976/20090701101214518945.html)
By lily Updated:2009-07-01 02:33:51

Annual "Taste of Asia" Carnival was held in Toronto on June 27 and June 28, which was an important content of "Asian Cultural Month" in Ontario. The personal admission ticket of Shanghai World Expo will be officially sold from July 1, 2009. And the debut of "Hai Bao" in "Taste of Asia" Markham Carnival sends invitation and blessing for Toronto citizens.

http://img.chinaa2z.com/uploadpic/news/2009/20090701/20090701100927176976/1246414226.jpg

[wuseng33]

i do believe this is scraping the bottom of the barrel!! is there anything they wont do for money now? shaolin is becoming sader and sader every day. this kind of stuff just really isnt necessary.

[GeneChing]

I suppose I should include Shaolin Temple: Saga of Warriors Monks as another new show, but we've already had two others this week: Shaolin Spirit (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55601) and Legend of Yin & Yang (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55604). I'm glad the biaoyanseng are finding work.

I've been seeing that weird Haibao mascot a lot lately, particularly dangling off car windows like those old suction cup Garfields.


Shaolin, Wudang to present Kungfu shows at Shanghai World Expo (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-10/29/content_12357490.htm)
www.chinaview.cn 2009-10-29 23:17:32

SHANGHAI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Shaolin and Wudang, two leading schools of Chinese martial arts, will both stage performances at the next year's Shanghai World Expo, offering a Kungfu gala for fans from around the globe.

It will be the first time for Shaolin monks and Wudang Taoists to perform at the World Expo that has a history of 158 years, as Shi Yongxin, principal abbot of Shaolin Temple from central China's Henan Province, and Li Guangfu, president of Mt. Wudang Taoist Association from central Hubei Province, singed here Tuesday performance agreements with the Shanghai World Expo organizers.

Shaolin, in cooperation with Chinese, Australian and German artists, has produced a 45-minute stage play that tells a story of the cultivation and growth of little Shaolin monks in four scenes of the four seasons in a year. Dances, acrobatics and multi-media art forms can also bee seen in the play.

The stage play, titled "Shaolin Temple: Saga of Warriors Monks," will be performed at designated theaters in Shanghai for two months during the Expo.

In addition, Shaolin monks will present a total of 736 Kungfu shows in the half year when the Expo is held, about four per day.

The Shanghai World Expo, with the theme of "Better City, Better Life," will be held from May 1 to Oct. 31 next year and is expected to attract 70 million visitors.

"In Kungfu shows, Shaolin monks will carry out exchanges with spectators and teach them face-to-face some ways to strengthen their bodies and preserve a good health," Shi said.

"Monks will also perform the famous 'Shaolin 72 stunts' that are exclusive to Shaolin Kungfu, such as the forefinger deep meditation stunt and the iron cloth stunt," he said.

For Wudang, which is well-known for being a holy land of Taoism and its "Taijiquan," a kind of traditional Chinese shadow boxing, the Taoists have themselves produced a 30-minute Kungfu show "Wudang: Taiji Taoism."

From next July to September, the Wudang Taoists will present a total of 276 Kungfu shows, about three per day, Li said.

"It will be the first time for the Taoist culture, which advocates the idea of harmony, to appear at the World Expo. I hope through the Wudang Kungfu, we can present the world the traditional harmonious Chinese culture," he said.

"In addition to shows of unique Wudang Kungfu, we will demonstrate different ways of traditional Wudang's tactical deployment of troops," he said.

According to Shi and Li, Shaolin will dispatch 50 to 80 monks to attend the World Expo for Kungfu performances, while Wudang will send about 60 Taoists. Many of them are good at not only martial arts, but also speaking English.

When asked whether Shaolin monks and Wudang Taoists will hold a martial arts contest on stage during the Expo, Shi told Xinhua: "That needs the overall arrangement of the organizers."

While Li said: "Since the Oriental culture and the Western culture can have exchanges, so it is absolutely OK for different schools of traditional Chinese martial arts to do so."

"Let nature take its course, as we Taoists believe," he added.

[GeneChing]

I've never been to a World Expo...

Kung fu masters set for Expo (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200910/20091030/article_417940.htm)
By Yang Jian | 2009-10-30

VISITORS to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo will be able to see the invulnerable "iron skin" and the invincible 18 bronze monks from China's Shaolin Temple.

And they'll also be treated to qinggong, the Wudang Taoist Temple's "light body skill" that can help people vault over walls.

Masters from the country's centuries-old and most famous martial arts groups will also teach visitors some basic kung fu at the 2010 event in both Chinese and English.

The Shaolin and Wudang temples yesterday announced they would send martial monks and Taoists to the Expo.

Shi Yongxin, the 30th abbot of Shaolin, and Li Guangfu, the chief master of Wudang, signed contracts at the Expo bureau in Shanghai.

More than 50 Shaolin monks, including young and senior ones, will perform Shaolin boxing and hard qigong (a kind of deep breathing exercises that can make the belly or the top of head invulnerable to knife and sword) four times each day during the 184-day event at outdoor squares around the Expo site.

Many martial art skills that have never been performed publicly, including some of the Shaolin 72 Skills, the magic-like martial arts that can destroy wood and stone by fists and palm, will be on display, Shi said. The 72 skills are seen in many Hong Kong kung fu movies.

At the end of each performance, monks will invite visitors on-stage for lessons in basic Shaolin kung fu.

Some English-speaking monks will teach visitors from foreign countries, he added.

Shaolin will also give a 45-minute stage show involving martial arts and acrobatics about the daily lives of Shaolin monks. Those will be in July and August.

The Shaolin kung fu helps people maintain healthy lives, which is in line with the "Better City, Better Life" Expo theme, Shi said.

Shaolin regards the Expo as a prime showcase for Chinese and Shaolin cultures, he added.

The equally famous Wudang will dispatch 60 Taoists ages 20 to 30 to the Expo site from July to September.

The Taoists will wrap boxing, swordsmanship and stick work into a stage show that will tell the story of the legendary Zhang Sanfeng, who is believed to have achieved immortality and founded the Wudang Taoist Temple in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Wudang wants to promote its "harmony" concept by showing its kung fu to world visitors, Li said.

Shaolin is famous for its powerful attacks, while the soul of Wudang kung fu is to conquer the strong by soft power, shifting heavy weights by a minimum force.

The Shaolin monks and Wudang Taoists may also fight for mastery of the Expo, according to Li.

No extra money will be charged for the performances.

The 2010 Shanghai World Expo will have a total of 20,000 sessions of performances.

[GeneChing]

My boss might go. I've told her to make sure to report on this, if she does. You don't know how satisfying it can be to tell your boss to work on their vacation. ;)

Kungfu Expo (http://news.alibaba.com/article/detail/business-in-china/100199796-1-kungfu-expo.html)
Published: 12 Nov 2009 18:01:51 PST

Kungfu artists from two major Chinese schools will perform during the World Expo 2010 Shanghai

The two major schools of Chinese martial arts, Shaolin and Wudang, have agreed to perform during the Shanghai World Expo in 2010, offering a kungfu gala for fans from around the globe.

Agreements were signed on October 29 between Shanghai World Expo organizers and Shi Yongxin, Principal Abbot of the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province, and Li Guangfu, President of the Wudang Mountain Taoist Association in central Hubei Province. It will be the first time that Shaolin monks and Wudang Taoists perform in the World Expo's 158-year history.

Working with martial artists from China, Australia and Germany, the Shaolin Temple has produced a 45-minute kungfu play called Shaolin Temple: Saga of the Warriors Monks, which tells a story of growing young Shaolin monks in four scenes set during each of the four seasons. The play features martial arts, acrobatics and multi-media art. It will be performed at Shanghai theaters for two months during the Expo.

The monks will present 736 kungfu shows during the six months of the Expo, putting on an average of four shows each day.

Shi said the monks would interact with spectators during the shows and teach them some of their methods to strengthen their bodies and maintain good health.

"The monks will also perform the famous Shaolin 72 Stunts that are exclusive to Shaolin martial arts, such as the forefinger deep meditation stunt and the iron cloth stunt," he said.

Practitioners in Wudang, which is well-known for being a holy land in the Taoist religion, have developed the famous Taijiquan, a form of traditional Chinese shadow boxing. They have produced a 30-minute kungfu show called Wudang: Taiji Taoism.

From July to September 2010, the Wudang Taoists will present 276 kungfu shows, amounting to about three shows per day, Li said.

"It will be a first for the Taoist culture, which advocates the idea of harmony, to appear at the Expo. I hope through Wudang kungfu, we can present the world the traditional harmonious Chinese culture," he said.

Li said the Wudang Taoists would demonstrate different ancient martial tactics in addition to Wudang kungfu.

The Wudang kungfu group is a non-profit organization that has never before done commercial performances. The group decided to appear at the Expo to perform an original show, which will be the first time domestic and foreign visitors will be able to witness Wudang kungfu up close. The Wudang performers are all skilled martial artists who are 20 years old on average.

"The audience will be led into a Taoist world accompanied by Taoist music," said Li.

As one of the world's intangible pieces of cultural heritage, Wudang kungfu fits into the Shanghai World Expo's theme of "Better City, Better Life" by letting the world know about Taoism, and the healthy way of life it promotes.

Older Taoist practitioners will be among the performers who have spent almost all their lives perfecting their art and have seldom left Wudang Mountain, meaning that the audience will see genuine and original Wudang kungfu, said Li.

The 50-80 Shaolin monks and the 60 Taoists who will attend the Expo are not only experts at martial arts, but can also speak English.

Shi noted that it would be possible for Shaolin monks and Wudang Taoists to have a martial arts contest on stage during the Expo, depending on "the overall arrangements of the organizers."

"Since Eastern and Western cultures can have cultural exchanges, it is also absolutely acceptable for different schools of traditional Chinese martial arts to do the same," said Li. "Let nature take its course, as we Taoists believe."

The Shanghai World Expo will be held from May 1 to October 31 next year and is expected to attract 70 million visitors.

[GeneChing]

They should stage a battle. ;)

Two martial arts schools contend (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200911/20091124/article_420390.htm)
By Yang Jian | 2009-11-24

A monk stretches himself out on five sharp spears, with two against his breast, another two on his legs and one on his belly, but when he gets up from the spears, there's no mark on his body.

A Taoist priest dashes to a three-meter-high wall. His right foot hits the wall, then his left and his body vaults over.

These sound like magic shows or kung fu movie stunts, but they are the very real "iron skin" kung fu of Shaolin Temple in Henan Province and the "levitation skill" qigong of Wudang Taoist Temple in Hubei Province.

All kung fu fans know these seemingly enchanted skills from movies, and they will be able to see live demonstrations at the Shanghai World Expo next year.

Demonstrations of the two biggest and most famous martial arts centers in China will be staged throughout the six-month Expo that opens on May 1.

Kung fu masters will also teach visitors some basic skills -- in both Chinese and English.

Shaolin kung fu is known for rapid and powerful strikes; Wudang kung fu is known for its inner power.

The Shaolin site became famous as the Indian monk Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism, meditated there for nine years in a cave. The fame reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) as the first Tang emperor and his son (later to be emperor) were rescued from a warlord by 13 Shaolin warrior monks.

With considerable imperial support, the temple became known as the "No. 1 Temple Under Heaven."

At the Shanghai World Expo more than 50 Shaolin monks, both young and senior, will demonstrate Shaolin boxing and hard qigong four times a day at outdoor squares on the site. Qigong involves deep breathing "iron skin" exercises that are said to make the belly or the top of head impervious to weapons.

Many martial art skills that are seldom performed publicly will be demonstrated, including some of the Shaolin 72 Skills, the magic-like martial arts that can smash wood and stone with the fists and palms.

"Iron skin" is one of the 72 skills. Many Shaolin monks practice this because it can protect them so they do not need to fight, which accords with the Buddhist essence of mercy.

It takes at least five years to develop "iron skin," says Shi Yanlu, chief trainer of the Shaolin kung fu monks. Shi will also attend the Expo.

A monk with the highest level of "iron skin" skill can lie on a single spear tip without being injured, he says.

Shaolin kung fu is do-able but requires years of continuous practice, he says. A monk practices an average of two hours a day and also does Zen exercises for many hours.

Shaolin has 708 kinds of kung fu skills. Some disable opponents by attacking vital body points; some can dislocate bones with little force.

It is also famous for its qigong, especially yi jin jing, which means "bone-changing skills." It is said to maintain healthy life and enhance the power of attacks.

In kung fu movies, anyone who acquires yi jin jing will soon become one of the most powerful masters.

The legendary yi jin jing will be demonstrated at the Expo.

In July and August next year, Shaolin will present a 45-minute stage show of martial arts and acrobatics, demonstrating daily lives of monks.

Shaolin kung fu helps people maintain healthy lives, which is in line with the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life," says Shi.

Taoist essence

Wudang in Hubei Province is the origin of tai chi boxing. It is as significant as Shaolin but is lower profile.

While Shaolin kung fu was developed as a way to protect Zen Buddhist books, Wudang was known for practicing the Taoist essence through martial arts. Thus, the Wudang Taoists live in seclusion and seldom perform publicly.

From July to September, Li Guangfu, chief master of Wudang, will lead 60 Taoists, 20 to 30 years of age, to the Shanghai World Expo.

Wudang aims to promote its "harmony" concept by showing its kung fu to visitors from around the world, Li says.

The Taoists will combine boxing, swordsmanship and stick fighting into a stage show that will tell the legend of Zhang Sanfeng, who founded the Wudang Taoist Temple in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and is believed to have achieved immortality.

While Shaolin is famous for its powerful attacks, the soul of Wudang kung fu is to conquer the strong by soft power, to resist rapid attacks by very slow movement and shifting heavy weights with minimal force.

Around the world many people practice tai chi for exercise and at the Expo the most authentic Wudang tai chi boxing will be demonstrated. It has never before been "released" to the public, Li says.

Wudang swordsmanship is said to be "No. 1 under heaven." Seven Taoists will stand in the shape of the Big Dipper and demonstrate. The formation is said to be able to defeat all kinds of kung fu skills.

They will also fight each other with special weapons such as fans and horsetail whisks.

The Shaolin monks and Wudang Taoists may also compete for mastery of the Expo, according to Li.

Wudang sees the Shanghai World Expo as an opportunity to communicate with Shaolin not only by fists but also with minds, he says. Two magnificent shows "Legend of Shaolin Monks"

Date: July-August, four performances daily

Length: 45 minutes

Venue: Pudong section of the Expo site

It tells the story of how a young Shaolin monk becomes a kung fu master. It has four parts -- spring, summer, autumn and winter. The monk practices many skills and finally will fight with the 18 Bronze Monks. Zen philosophy is expressed.

"Wudang -- The Philosophy of Tai Chi"

Date: July-September, three performances daily

Length: 30 minutes

Venue: Public squares in Pudong and Puxi sections of the Expo site

It tells the story of Zhang Sanfeng, who is said to have created tai chi boxing after witnessing a fight between a snake and a crane. Zhang is believed to have founded the Wudang Taoist Temple in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and achieved immortality.

[Shaolindynasty]

I think chin woo is having it's 100yr aniversery tournament in shanghai at the same time

[GeneChing]

Jimmy Wong was talking about that in our 2009 July/August (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=824) cover story (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=825).

I wasn't sure if this was implying Yanlu is putting on a new show. It doesn't sound like it. Yanlu is well within the Abbot's circle and stands to have an official Shaolin Cultural center if he doesn't already. It mentions the Shanghai show, so I'm posting it here for now.

Shaolin Kungfu masters promote cultural exchange in Chicago (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/11/content_12632741.htm)
www.chinaview.cn 2009-12-11 19:36:51

CHICAGO, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Shaolin Kungfu is a precious part of Chinese culture and Shaolin Kungfu masters are helping promote cultural exchange between China and other countries, and ultimately help enrich people's life all over the world, a distinguished Shaolin Kungfu master said here on Thursday.

As the chief coach of Shaolin Warrior Monks, Shi Yanlu arrived in Chicago Monday, along with a group of other 13 Kungfu monks from Shaolin Temple in China.

Invited by Suncastv, a Chicago-based IPTV provider, the Shaolin delegation will present Shaolin martial arts performance at Paramount Theatre of Aurora, a suburb of Chicago on Saturday.

"We are here to showcase our Shaolin Kungfu and Shaolin culture. We would like to promote culture exchanges and help American friends get more interested in and better understand Chinese culture," Shi told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

Shi came from a well-known family of martial arts performers and became a monk in 1985. In 1988 he won the championship at the World Martial Arts Meeting held in Toronto, Canada. In 2004, he set up overseas divisions of the Shaolin Training Base in many countries including the United States, France, Russia and Germany.

According to Shi, Shaolin Temple is a Chan Buddhist temple located at Mount Song in China's Henan Province. Founded in the 5th century, the monastery has long been famous for its association with Chinese martial arts and particularly with Shaolin Kungfu.

"Shaolin Temple has a history of about 1,500 years. Generations of Shaolin monks have done years and years of research, experiment and innovation to develop Shaolin Kungfu into a famous martial arts form in the world," Shi said.

"However, most people only know about the Kungfu but don't understand the deeper Shaolin culture. The essence of Shaolin culture is a unique blend of spirituality, wisdom and courage."

According to Shaolin Temple, the foundations of Shaolin culture are Chan, martial arts and medicine. It advocates the Shaolin way of life in order to improve the physical and spiritual well-being of humanity. Its ultimate goal is to promote, put into practice and spread the Shaolin Chan sect spirit to the world.

Asked about the international influence of Shaolin culture, Shi said: "Shaolin Temple has become more and more international over the last few years. We maintain exchanges with hundreds of cities and regions in the world. Each year we welcome thousands of international friends to Shaolin Temple for short-term or long-term training. Meanwhile, we are also trying to send our Kungfu monks to different places of the world so that we can bring Shaolin culture closer to people who love it."

As one of its international training bases, Chicago Shaolin Temple was established a couple of years ago to introduce and promote Shaolin culture in Chicago and beyond.

"We have set up centers in France, Russian, Germany and so on. ... Hopefully, our overseas centers can help people not only to learn and practice Shaolin Kungfu, but also to understand our culture better," Shi said.

"Shaolin culture is a precious part of Chinese culture. By spreading Shaolin culture to more and more people in the world, we help them get to know and become more interested in Chinese culture. As a result, it will ultimately enrich people's life both spiritually and physically."

According to Shi, Shaolin will stage performances titled "Shaolin Temple: Saga of Warriors Monks" during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, offering a Kungfu gala for fans from around the globe.

"We are very excited and grateful about this wonderful opportunity to show the world our Kungfu. We are working very hard to prepare for it now and we will do our best to help make the Shanghai World Expo the best expo in history," Shi said.

Liu Yingbiao, secretary general of Shaolin Charity and Welfare Fund, is leader of the Shaolin Temple delegation. "I joined Shaolin Temple in 1983 when it was not very well known yet. Today we are known worldwide for our Shaolin Kungfu. Many international VIPs have visited our Temple including former Russian President Vladimir Putin. We would love to serve as a bridge to help promote communication between China and the rest of the world," Liu said.

Talking about the Shanghai Expo 2010, Liu said: "Shaolin Temple will have an 80-people group to perform. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to present to the whole world our Shaolin culture and help them understand and appreciate Chinese culture better."

Xie Yunliang, acting consul general of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago, said the Shaolin Kungfu masters' visit to Chicago was "very meaningful." "Shaolin Kungfu is not only martial arts, but also a philosophy. That is why it can last for 1,500 years and become even more popular today. I am very happy to see that Shaolin Temple has started entering the world stage, promoting cultural exchanges around the world."

"(U.S.) President (Barack) Obama has just had a very successful visit to China in November. ... Cultural exchange plays a very important role in enhancing U.S.-China relations. Shaolin Temple is making a great contribution to promoting Chinese culture and enhancing cultural exchange," Xie added.

[Shaolindynasty]

I met yanlu at his school when I was at shaolin last summer. I will be at the chicago perfomance this saturday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fpn08QRCnE

[GeneChing]

See 2010 Rose Parade (http://www.ktla.com/entertainment/roseparade/), part 7 @ 5:30-7:30.

[GeneChing]

From the Jimmy Wong's Legends of Kung Fu (http://www.legendsofkungfu.com/home.html) site:

100 years of Chin Woo Celebration & World Championship in CHINA
Beijing - Tianjin - Shanghai
July 27 - Aug 9, 2010
That definitely overlaps with May 1 to October 31.


Kung fu king Jackie Chan kicks on for parade (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2010-01/18/c_13140682.htm)
English.news.cn 2010-01-18 11:21:16

BEIJING, Jan. 18 --Famous for his acrobatic fighting style and signature stunt movies, Jackie Chan is a kung fu movie legend with millions of fans around the world.

Starring in more than 100 movies has not only secured him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but also turned him into a Chinese cultural icon.

Together with Shanghai-native National Basketball Association star Yao Ming and famous pianist Lang Lang, Chan has been selected as an image ambassador for the upcoming World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Two of them, Chan and Yao, flew to the southern California town of Pasadena at the start of the year to feature on the Expo Shanghai float in the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade, one of the most famous and traditional New Year's Day celebration activities in the United States.

Chan discussed his contribution to Chinese culture as well as the work of being an Expo ambassador after the parade finished.

Q: What's your impression of the Expo Shanghai float at the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena?

A: I was quite proud to see a Chinese float in an influential foreign country like the US.

It seems that many big international events have occurred in China in recent years, the Olympics, World Expo and the Asian Games. I'm touched to see so many people devoted to working for the events.

Q: What was it like as one of the few on the float for the entire parade?

A: Oh, that was tiring. I could hardly move my shoulders the next morning after waving and smiling to the crowd for the three-hour parade.

My arms gave out, my face muscles stiffened and the seat was so small. But I was happy to hear people of different races chanting "Jackie Chan" along the road.

Q: You seem to be a popular image ambassador for big events. What do you think of the job?

A: Yes, I was selected to be the image ambassador for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and this time for Expo Shanghai. Also, I will work for the Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou. The government and organizers call me whenever there's an overseas promotion for big events.

Of course I'm happy to be an image ambassador, and if my influence helps I am pleased to do the job. It's tiring being Jackie Chan, but it's also a self-improvement process as I learn a lot by doing this.

Q: Are you comfortable being a cultural icon and even a symbol for Chinese culture?

A: It never occurred to me to symbolize Chinese people or Chinese culture, nor did I deliberately build myself into this. I originally went into the film industry to make money and earn a living.

But as I grew up, I came to realize that incorporating martial arts (in my movies) was a quick shortcut to easy fame.

That's why I chose to do my own stunts without any assistance or technology. In this sense, I subconsciously promoted Chinese culture, especially kung fu, to foreigners. The pressures are heavy but I feel my efforts paid off.

I'm proud to have turned myself from a rough, redneck chap into a civilized man, although still not a well-educated one. It's an honor to showcase China's image and culture to the world.

Q: As an image ambassador for World Expo Shanghai, what will you do to promote the event?

A: The next couple of months will be critical, although I have already been busy attending promotion sessions and recording songs for Expo.

I have a new project to start in April but I will set aside May for the Expo opening ceremony and other major events. Whenever Expo calls, I'll be there. If I really cannot make it, I will take turns with Yao Ming to fulfill our responsibilities.

[GeneChing]

Sipping maotai while ethnic girls sing to me? Dang. Forget those legendary Shaolin monks. It's straight to the Guizhou pavillion! ;)

China's provinces strive to outdo each other at Expo (http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20100310-203780.html)
Wed, Mar 10, 2010

SHANGHAI - A river of liquor, a robotic version of a famous emperor and Shaolin monks - China's provinces are going all-out to woo tourists and investors at Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

The nation's 31 provinces, regions and mega-cities are using exhibition space near China's towering national pavilion to market local attractions, lure foreign funds - and in some cases, convey a political message.

"They hope that visitors will flock to see their province, region or city thanks to the World Expo," Qian Bojin, deputy director of the Expo's China pavilion department, told AFP.

"They want to lure guests from abroad and from China into coming to invest, to participate in construction, in development."

Expo will open on May 1 and run for six months. Between 70 and 100 million visitors, 95 percent of whom are expected to be Chinese, will flood into Shanghai for the huge event.

Authorities aim to use Expo to showcase China's growing global clout in the same way the 2008 Beijing Olympics did, and provinces have jumped at the chance to make their own - sometimes quirky - statement on the world stage.

At the Guizhou pavilion, a mix of potent Maotai liquor from the southwestern province and water will cascade from a giant jug into a decorative river, Qian said.

The first 30 visitors of the day will get a cup of liquor while ethnic Miao girls in colourful dress sing to them - a traditional custom for hosting guests. And every 1000th person will be given a bottle of the pricey spirit.

Officials from Shaanxi province in the north are banking on history to draw visitors - robot versions of Tang dynasty Emperor Xuanzong (685-762) and his consort Yang Guifei, one of the four famed beauties of ancient China, will greet the masses.

Henan province meanwhile will feature daily martial arts routines performed by its legendary Shaolin monks.

"The pressure is huge," said Tong Genrong, deputy director for Henan's Expo organising committee.

"After all, the Expo is so big, there are so many highlights - it's not easy to stand out."

Planning for the regional pavilions began in 2006, and each province solicited designs from all over the world. All structures are expected to be completed this month, Qian said.

Each region will be given a five-day theme window at Expo, during which hundreds of performances and activities will be organised, he added.

Some of the pavilions have foregone the gimmicks to push a distinctly political message.

Official documents say the Tibet area is focused on a "new Tibet, new development, new life and new changes" - two years after the eruption of deadly riots against Chinese rule in the Himalayan region.

"Through items such as the Qinghai-Tibet railway, housing projects... the pavilion will showcase the tremendous changes under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party," according to the Expo documents.

Qian said Expo offered a particularly good opportunity for the more backward western regions of China to shine.

"They... are extremely enthusiastic as they know that more than 200 countries and international organisations will be coming," he said.

"So they realise they must publicise themselves to the world."

[GeneChing]

Shi Yongxin answered a question I asked him on the Shanghai Expo very diplomatically in the 2010 Shaolin Special (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=892)(on stands now ;) ) but I sense this is a much bigger thing for him than he lets on with that answer.

Shows feature monks, kung fu and city folk (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2010/201004/20100413/article_434035.htm)
By Nie Xin | 2010-4-13

THE World Expo won't lack for entertainment. Officials yesterday described a few of the performances that will be staged regularly during the event.

One will be the thematic show "Windows of the City," a 30-minute story with music and dance that will show urbanites' warmth and care. It will run from May to October.

Another is "Wudang; Tai Chi and Tao," an original martial arts program from the Wudang Taoist Kung Fu Academy. The 30-minute kung fu show will be staged from July to September. Three shows are scheduled daily.

And more than 50 Shaolin monks, including young and senior ones, will perform Shaolin boxing and hard qigong - a kind of deep breathing exercise said to make the belly or the top of head invulnerable to knife and sword.

They'll perform four times each day during the 184-day event at outdoor squares around the Expo site.

Admission will be free once visitors are on the Expo site. Advance bookings are not possible by Internet, phone or fax. Visitors can reserve spaces in advance at the site of the performance venue several hours before shows begin, the organizer said.

[GeneChing]

There's a vid comparison.

Copycat? Shanghai World Expo song hits sour note (http://www.cnngo.com/shanghai/none/shanghai-world-expo-promotional-song-pulled-after-copycat-allegations-166377)
A Shanghai World Expo promo song is off the air after rumors of plagiarism -- of a decade-old J-pop ditty at that

The Shanghai World Expo’s promotional lead-up song has been abruptly pulled by organizers yesterday because of claims that it was a direct rip-off of a 1996 Japanese pop song.

To the untrained ear, “Right Here Waiting For You in 2010,” which featured voices of China’s biggest celebrities including Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, and Yao Ming, sounds exactly like J-pop singer Mayo Okamoto’s "The Unchanged You Is The Best.” Check out the You tube clip above for a verse-by-verse comparison of the two songs done by a Taiwanese media outlet.

This is their second musical fiasco in recent memory, after the lip-syncing drama at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Expo tune, composed by Shanghai Conservatory of Music graduate Miao Sen, was picked as the Expo promotional song after winning an open competition in 2004. Miao was unavailable for comment.

According to Shanghai newspaper East Day, Expo deputy director Huang Jianzhi said the song was being suspended “for caution’s sake.” “We’re investigating the matter and will take action after clarifying the issue,” he said in the report.

Music industry veterans and netizens across Asia are reacting with indignation. Established Singaporean songwriter Yan Yu-tian was quoted as saying that the two songs are 97 percent similar in rhythm and musical arrangement, while Japanese internet users are having a field day with the scandal.

The Shanghai World Expo runs from May 1 to October 31 and is expected to attract 70 million visitors, state news agency Xinhua reported.
I didn't know Yao Ming sang. :p

[GeneChing]

Washington Post coverage

Shanghai opens Expo with dazzling display (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/30/AR2010043000804.html)
By Farah Master and Ben Blanchard
Friday, April 30, 2010; 2:36 PM

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Shanghai officially opened its multi-billion-dollar Expo Friday with a dazzling display of fireworks, lasers and dancing fountains, amid tight security and the virtual shutdown of its main Pudong financial district.

After a rather low-key performance by singers and dancers in an indoor arena, the ceremony moved outside, with fireworks exploding off bridges and fountains shooting water up as high as 80 meters (263 ft).

Some 6,000 LED fuchsia, red and yellow balls floated into the murky Huangpu River, creating a bright sea of balloons against the black water.

"The World Expo is a grand event to showcase the best achievements of human civilization. It is also a great occasion for people from around the world to share joy and friendship," President Hu Jintao told a welcome dinner for foreign leaders.

"As the first registered World Expo hosted by a developing country, the Shanghai Expo will be an opportunity for China and also for the world," Hu added, to an audience which included North Korea's number two, Kim Yong-nam.

The city left nothing to chance for the big night, lining the roads with police and all but shutting down from early in the morning the Pudong financial area, home to China's tallest building, its main stock exchange and numerous upmarket hotels.

China's business capital, playing host to world leaders including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, is swabbing travellers for explosives at its airports, x-raying bags on the subway and even warning people not to hang their laundry outside.

The Expo aims to showcase the latest technology and inventions from 189 countries ranging from the United States and Germany to North Korea and financially troubled Iceland and Greece, often in innovative or bizarre national "pavilions."

Shanghai has taken great pride in hosting the Expo, nearly two years after the capital Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics, winning huge praise for the opening and closing ceremonies in another high-level security operation.

The city has spent a reported $58 billion on the Expo and related infrastructure to accommodate the 70 million mainly Chinese who will visit during the six-month spectacular.

The Expo site, which opens to the public Saturday morning, is expected to host on average more than 300,000 visitors a day.

"It's not a waste of money because as Chinese we need to support it. It is necessary for China as it will help us rise in international stature," said Chen Wei, 26, who was watching the ceremony on a giant screen in the ritzy Xintiandi shopping area.

'PEARL OF THE ORIENT' REVISITED

The Expo's theme is "Better City, Better Life," a slogan plastered all over rapidly expanding and crowded Shanghai.

The main site has been designed to be environmentally friendly, incorporating the country's largest solar plant and the use of zero-emission vehicles. However, most of the pavilions will be demolished after October 31 when the Expo ends.

The government also had to relocate thousands of people for the Expo, some forcefully, according to rights groups. Activists have been threatened by the police to keep quiet during the festivities.

"The Shanghai Expo authorities should be mindful that many remember the 2008 Beijing Olympics as much for the arrests and detention of peaceful protesters and journalists as for the achievements of the athletes," said Sophie Richardson, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch.

Shanghai is counting on spectacle, business and tourism keeping politics out of most visitors' minds.

The city has tried to revive the glamour associated with it in the 1920s, when Shanghai was dubbed the "Pearl of the Orient" for the lavishness of its glitterati and art deco buildings.

Swathes of streets have been redeveloped, including the historic Bund waterfront promenade, where the government splashed out on a $700 million revamp.

Still, not everyone watching the ceremonies on screens around the city seemed to know much about what an Expo, also known as the world's fair, is.

"I was talking to a security guard the other day and he said the Expo only happens every 150 years. Is that true?" said Xiao Xiong, 32, a cleaner from the southwestern city of Chongqing.

(Additional reporting by Royston Chan, Melanie Lee and Jason Subler; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)

[GeneChing]

This popped to the top of my newsfeed, probably because it mentions Jackie prominently.

Shanghai kicks off World Expo (http://english.aljazeera.net/business/2010/04/2010430143512904735.html)

Countries from all across the globe will have a presence in the 2010 World Fair in Shanghai

The multi-billion-dollar 2010 World Expo has officially opened in Shanghai, China's commercial capital, in what the country hopes will highlight its rising global influence.

More than 180 countries and 57 international organisations are expected to showcase their culture in the six-month long event themed around sustainable development.

Many are doing in so in pavilions with radical architecture.

Friday's opening ceremony was held amid tight security, featured a song by Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan, Austrian waltz music, a performance by pianist Lang Lang and a rendition of Puccini's Nessun Dorma by Italian pop tenor Andrea Bocelli.

A barrage of fireworks along the Huangpu River and a light show followed.

Relocation

World leaders, including Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, attended the opening ceremony.

The Chinese government spent eight years and more than $50 billion preparing for Expo Shanghai 2010, the country's first world's fair, which aims to showcase the latest technology and inventions through innovative or radical national "pavilions".

The main site has been designed to be environmentally friendly with the creation of the country's largest solar plant and the use of zero-emission vehicles. However, most of the pavilions will be demolished after October 31, when the Expo ends.

The government also had to relocate thousands of people for the Expo, some forcefully, according to rights groups.

"The Shanghai Expo authorities should be mindful that many remember the 2008 Beijing Olympics as much for the arrests and detention of peaceful protesters and journalists as for the achievements of the athletes," Sophie Richardson, the Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said.

Al Jazeera's Divya Gopalan, reporting from Shanghai, said despite the billions of dollars that had gone into preparing for the Expo, more than what was spent for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, there is more to the event than meets the eye.

"This event is not only about showcasing China's economic strength, it's also about showing the country's strength on the diplomatic front," she said.

"Leaders of countries are here to build ties with China with the view to improving their monetary status and their diplomatic relations.

"If a country chose to not come to this event, it would be regarded as a snub towards China. As a result we have seen 189 countries, ranging from the US and Germany to North Korea and financially troubled Iceland and Greece, come to Shanghai, and many of them have spent lots of money on pavilions to show their support to China."

Tight security

The government also launched the biggest security operation in China since the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing in preparation for the event.

As a result, not all Shanghai residents are celebrating the event, which brings additional traffic restrictions and security checks across the city.

"The traffic restrictions are not convenient for Shanghai residents but in the future, it will bring Shanghai many business opportunities," Xu Qing, a local resident, said.
in depth

An additional 8,000 police officers have been brought in to help Shanghai’s 46,000-strong police force to patrol the city, according to Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency.

An estimated 70 million people, mainly Chinese, are expected to tour the giant exhibition site, as Shanghai hopes to recreate the glamour of an event that was traditionally seen as one of the most prestigious international events before the rise of the Olympics.

Shanghai allocated $45 billion to upgrade the city's infrastructure, creating the world's longest metro system, two new airport terminals and a $700 million promenade on the historic Bund as well as new roads, parks and bridges.

"They have certain expectations of the international audience," Bo Zhiyue, a Chinese politics expert at the National University of Singapore's East Asian Institute, said.

"They are trying to boost their international image by trying to doing what they think will meet the expectations of foreigners."

The first world fair was held in London's Hyde Park in 1851, in the landmark Crystal Palace which was later destroyed in a fire.

The 1889 Paris Expo saw the creation of another famous landmark as French structural engineer Gustave Eiffel presented his Eiffel Tower as a tribute to
developments in science and engineering.

For China's 1.3 billion people, powering an economy likely to soon overtake Japan as the world's second-largest, the outcome of the Expo will be cast as another display of the Communist leadership's power and prestige.

factbox: SHANGHAI world expo

Expo's theme is "Better city, Better life"
70 million visitors expected, mostly Chinese, just five per cent will be foreigners
Will showcase the latest green technology from 189 countries and 57 organisations
20,000 cultural performances
First Expo in a developing country
Site spans 5.3 sq km across both sides of Huangpu River, twice the size of Monaco
China says it has spent $4.2bn - others say true cost is closer to $58bn
Standard day ticket costs $23 (160 yuan)
Shanghai allocated $45bn to upgrade city's infrastructure
City has adopted a blue shaped mascot called 'Haibao', meaning treasure of the sea
Runs from April 30 - October 31
Source: Reuters

[GeneChing]

First the theme song scandal and now this?


Has Gumby Been Robbed in Shangai? (http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/has-gumby-been-robbed-in-shangai-expo-mascot-haibao-bears-resemblance/19460224)
Updated: 7 minutes ago
Jonathan Adams Contributor
AOL News

(April 30) -- The Shanghai Expo, the biggest world's fair ever, opened today amidst fireworks and lavish performances from Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. But as the event's five-month run begins, at least one nagging question remains unanswered: Is the ubiquitous symbol of the extravaganza a straight rip-off of Gumby?

The issue came up amidst uproar at a Shanghai news conference April 23, when a National Public Radio reporter produced pictures that highlighted similarities between the beloved, bendable green American character and the Shanghai Expo's mascot, Haibao.

According to NPR, Expo spokesman Xu Wei responded, "Haibao was unveiled a long time ago. If anyone thinks that their copyright has been violated, that person would already have used legal means to address this by now."

Haibao's creator, Wu Yongjian, said he never set eyes on Gumby before making his character and called any accusations of plagiarism an insult.
In comments to United Daily News, Haibao's Taiwanese creator Wu Yongjian strongly denied plagiarism, saying he had not seen the Gumby character before conceiving Haibao. He said the accusations were a "huge insult to his integrity" and reputation, and that he would not rule out legal action against anyone making reckless claims.

Gumbygate followed similar charges in the Japanese media that a tune used as an "official" song for the Shanghai Expo was a knock-off of a Japanese pop song, and that the Expo's China Pavilion borrows concepts from a Japanese architect.

Japan's NTV News even tracked down Joe Clokey, the son of Gumby's late creator Art Clokey. "It looks like they were influenced by Gumby, because that's Gumby's eyes, Gumby's shape, and the cowlick, [it's] a little bit like Gumby's hair," the junior Clokey said.

"When people want to use Gumby's shape ... they should just contact us. Gumby could be in China," he said, before joking, "Looks like he already is!"

Chinese blogger Han Han had other concerns. "Haibao makes my head hurt," wrote Han Han, as translated by China Smack. "When everyone saw that he was flat, it raised a big problem for those who were trying to make three-dimensional Haibaos: what should his back look like? Does he have a tail? Does he have a butt? Does he have a butt crack?

"No one knew, so when we saw statues of Haibao in the city, the front sides were all the same, but some Haibaos had backs without cracks, and others had cracks. But recently, because the Haibaos without butt cracks were more numerous, the butt crack has been announced officially as having left China."

Herewith, a brief look at how the two cow-licked humanoids stack up:
Gumby, left, and Haibao
Click the link for this last part - it's funny

[Skip J.]

""As the first registered World Expo hosted by a developing country, the Shanghai Expo will be an opportunity for China and also for the world," Hu added,"

I didn't think China thought of themselves as a developing country????

[GeneChing]

433,000 people @ 86 degrees and 82 people with heat stroke isn't too bad. At a concert with 1/10th the attendees, we'd a higher percentage than 9 people.

Shanghai Expo Gets 433,000 Visitors on First Weekend (Update1) (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-03/shanghai-expo-gets-433-000-visitors-on-first-weekend-update1-.html)
May 03, 2010, 5:56 AM EDT

May 3 (Bloomberg) -- More than 433,000 people visited Shanghai’s $44 billion World Expo on its first weekend, enduring temperatures as high as 86 degrees Fahrenheit as they stood in queues that were as long as three hours for some exhibits.

Almost 128,000 people streamed into the 5.3 square kilometers (2 square-mile) Expo park today as of 5:00 p.m. local time, according to organizers. More than 225,000 visitors toured the exhibits yesterday, 17,900 more than the 207,700 there on May 1, the first day the event was open to the public.

“We came yesterday and today and all we did was wait in queues,” said Yang Jun, who came with five family members from neighboring Jiangsu province. “I’d have rather watched it on TV. It’s too hot out here.”

Police were deployed to oversee longer queues at some of the pavilions and water mist was sprayed over walkways and benches to help cool visitors after doctors at the site treated 82 people yesterday for heat stroke and other ailments. Shanghai, China’s richest city, estimates 70 million people will visit the six-month long expo, more than 10-times the number who traveled to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Temperatures rose to as high as 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) today, according to the China Meteorological Administration. Thunderstorms are forecast to hit the city tomorrow evening and the morning of May 5, with temperatures as high as 28 Degrees Celsius, according to the weather bureau.

More Shade

Organizers today opened special lines at gates into the park for visitors more than 70-years old and said they’re installing more shelters for shade, providing more water to visitors and adding doctors. Lines for more popular exhibits such as the Australia and U.K. pavilions continued to be as long as 30 minutes to 40 minutes, China Central Television reported.

Shanghai’s Dragon TV, a unit of government-owned Shanghai Media Group, called on visitors during its broadcast to obey rules set out by expo organizers as it showed footage of people cutting in line, trash littering the grounds and visitors circumventing a barrier to pick flowers off a tree on display.

“The expo is great,” said 29-year old Liu Ting, who traveled to Shanghai from northern China’s Inner Mongolia province. “It’s crowded but we were expecting that,” she said after visiting the Australian pavilion.

China Pavilion

Passes for the red China pavilion named “The Crown of the East” were gone before 9 a.m. local time on the Expo’s opening day. Pavilion officials yesterday handed out 50,000 of the free passes, China News Service reported. Arguments broke out between police and visitors barred from the China pavilion because they failed to obtain passes, Shanghai’s Dragon TV reported.

Lin Youmian, the 28-year old owner of a fashion accessories business in Fujian province, was among visitors who failed to get passes for the China pavilion today. Instead, she sat at the Turkish pavilion eating Iskender kebab, a traditional dish of grilled lamb and beef served over bread, which she described as “acceptable.”

“What I wanted to visit was the Chinese pavilion but we were too late,” Lin said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao officially opened the expo on April 30 at an evening ceremony marked by fireworks, a laser show and performances by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and martial-arts film star Jackie Chan. Visiting leaders including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso watched the display from the expo site along the shores of the Huangpu river.

Five-Day Holiday

To ensure smooth operations for the fair, Shanghai has deployed armed police to patrol the Expo park, restricted sales of knives and given local residents a five-day holiday through May 4, during which they’ve been asked to stay at home as much as possible.

Exhibits at the Shanghai expo include a giant mechanical baby at the Spanish pavilion, ostrich meat wraps at the Africa hall, Italian artisans making shoes by hand and beer served outside the German pavilion.

World expos began with the 1851 World’s Fair in London’s Crystal Palace that showcased the wealth and technological prowess of Europe’s industrialized nations.

They’ve led to the construction of iconic structures, including the Eiffel Tower and Seattle’s Space Needle. The events are now divided into so-called Universal Expos, such as the one in Shanghai, and smaller, more specialized exhibitions.

“I went to the expo in Hanover and this one here is so much nicer,” said Rufus Brevett, 19, a student from the U.K. “It’s massive.” Hanover, Germany hosted the 2000 expo.

--With assistance from Chua Kong Ho, Allen WanFan, Wenxin, Yang Huiwen and Luo Jun in Shanghai. Editors: John Liu, Gregory Turk

[GeneChing]

Point 3 is very interesting.

May 11, 2010
10 Facts About the Shanghai World Expo 2010 (http://blog.cheapoair.com/news/facts-about-shanghai-world-expo.aspx)
by Andrew Hickey

The largest World's Expo ever is currently underway in Shanghai, China, with an estimated 70 million people expected to visit and celebrate the festivities. Not since the 2008 Summer Olympics has China had such a bright spotlight placed upon them. Here are 10 facts about this year's epic global event:

1. Shanghai World Expo is being held between May 1, 2010 and October 31, 2010.

2. Environmentalists should be happy to hear that this is the first "green" Expo. China has pulled out all the stops to ensure they are being eco-friendly with such measures as building the country's largest solar plant for the event and using zero emission vehicles for guests to get around town during their stay.

3. Although a whopping 70 million people plan to attend the Expo, only 5 million of them will be foreigners.

4. Shanghai has tightened security with more police on the streets and bag checks at every train station.

5. Shanghai spent a reported $45 billion on giving the city a facelift which includes two new airport terminals, the world's biggest metro system, new roads, parks, bridges and more.

6. Just how big is Shanghai's World Expo? To compare it with previous hosts, this year's event is 20 times larger than 2008's Expo held in Spain. The site spans an amazing 2 square miles.

7. Standing 207 feet tall, the China Pavilion was created to mimic an ancient crown. It was painted red like Beijing's imperial palace. The pavilion overlooks the eastern side of the Expo.

8. China spent an estimated $4.2 billion on the World Expo, which is double what the country put into hosting the Olympics. The price tag makes it easily the most expensive world's fair ever. Local media believes China is low balling the numbers with some reporting it cost about $58 billion!

9. The Shanghai World Expo actually has its own theme song, which is called "City" and performed by actor Jackie Chan.

10. The official mascot for the Expo is Haibao (pictured above), which translates to "jewel of the sea" and is shaped like the Chinese character for the word "human."

[hui]

People's Daily Online

Shaolin Kung fu is a gem of the Chinese nation that reveals the great and profound Chinese tradition. That's why it is absolutely essential for Shaolin Kung fu to be displayed at the World Expo.

Masters of the Shaolin Temple came to the exposition to give a live performance of Shaolin Kung fu for the visitors. The Kung fu of broadsword, fist and stick showed the quintessence of Chinese Kung fu culture, which has constantly received the praise of the visitors.
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201005/19/P201005191404183213671695.jpg

[GeneChing]

Robot aliens? Cool.

The Shanghai Expo by Night (http://gochina.about.com/b/2010/06/03/the-shanghai-expo-by-night.htm)
Thursday June 3, 2010

So reports from last weekend put the daily visit total on Saturday, May 30th at half a million people. Lines at some pavilions were reported to be up to 8 hours long (although why anyone would wait over 1 hour is beyond me). But we wanted to get to Expo with the kids while Dad was still visiting so we decided to wait and go in the evening on a weekday. This is definitely the time to visit.

We bought evening tickets (90rmb per person, kids under 1.2m free) at the gate and arrived at the Expo grounds around 6pm. There were no lines for tickets and the entrance area was nearly empty. As we ascended from the subway on the Puxi side (Lupu Bridge stop on the Expo line), the lights on the pavilions were just turning on and it was certainly worth seeing as it began to get dark. My five-year-old was impressed by the light and music displays. On the outside of the Japanese Industry Pavilion three robotic aliens climb up and down all day and night. The Oil and the Shanghai Corporate Pavilions were distinctly impressive with light displays. In fact, we found ourselves outside the Shanghai Corporate Pavilion when it began to perform. The building literally has a sound and light performance. Covered in what look like Christmas tree strings of lights, the lights change to music blaring out of the "Dream Cube". It was mesmerizing. If my son hadn't been dragging us away to see the Railway Pavilion, Dad and I would probably still be outside watching.

We caught the Shaolin Warrior Kung Fu performance. It wasn't quite as dazzling as seeing it at Shaolin Temple, but my son enjoyed it and even participated in the call to audience members to go on stage and learn some moves. We also enjoyed the evening parade. We didn't go into many pavilions - though we could have. Lines were very short looking but when you go with kids, there's little patience for even the shortest of lines. The culinary highlight of the evening was the soft-serve ice cream outside the Japanese Industry Pavilion. I would suggest the chocolate.

[GeneChing]

I love the title of this show.

Shaolin's abbot more than a CEO (http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20100618-222855.html)
Fri, Jun 18, 2010

By Cheong Poh Kwan

The principal abbot of the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple is more than just a CEO, said veteran Hong Kong director Clifton Ko.

In the eyes of Ko, the abbot Shi Yongxin, 45, is certainly a very smart and sharp decision-maker for an organisation, but he cares about more than just dollars and cents.

For instance, although the abbot has received flak for turning the venerable temple's warrior monks into performing troupes, Ko said he ought to be credited for keeping the Shaolin image and the ideals of Zen Buddhism alive through these performances.

Ko, 52, who is famous for directing Hong Kong comedies like the Happy Ghost Series and All's Well End's Well, has been working with the abbot on a kungfu musical which celebrates the Shaolin culture since last year.

He said the abbot would be present to offer his insights during the rehearsals, and what he was often most concerned about was whether the core values of Buddhism were well-represented in the musical.

Ko is in town to promote the gungfu musical, Samsara - The Shaolin Legacy, with the Shaolin's performing troupe.

The musical, which promises a dazzling display of Shaolin kungfu and a well-meaning storyline, debuted in Hong Kong last November. It will be staged at the Singapore Expo on 19 June 2010.

Catch the preview on RazorTV.

[GeneChing]

Part one (http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/94/49488.html) isn't playing for me.

Unremarkable, except the rep speaks Cantonese and the ads cover the subtitles. "kung fu is not just a show" (it's a musical ;))

18 June, 2010
6-yr-old monk wants to be Jet Li (Samsara-The Shaolin Legacy Pt 2) (http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/94/49486.html)
[03:16]

Six-year-old Song Jian is a warrior monk trained in a Shaolin Temple, and he plays the protagonist in kungfu musical Samsara, a Shaolin Temple’s production which debuted in Hong Kong last November. The child monk says he’d like to be a kungfu star!


Same as always

18 June, 2010
Shaolin kungfu display (Samsara-The Shaolin Legacy Pt 3) (http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/94/49484.html)
[04:05]

From drunken fist to double whips, Shaolin warrior monks show you what they have been training hard for. Also, catch one of them folding his limbs and bending his joints into the most humanly impossible positions.

[GeneChing]

Word is that the lines are atrocious and unbearable.

Shanghai World Expo presents 6,500 free performances over two months (http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90782/7047334.html)
17:00, June 30, 2010

As of June 25, the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai already presented a total of 6,500 performances, or 116 performances per day on average, since the opening of the Expo Park, with 348 performance programs being repeatedly staged, according to a report by Wen Hui Daily.

Tourists who have viewed the performances number about 8.5 million and one of every two tourists to the World Expo has watched such a performance. Over the past two months, the World Expo-related cultural performances have been staged in a generally smooth and orderly manner.

They have highlighted the World Expo theme, enriched the happy atmosphere and helped to disperse tourist flows at the Expo Park.

There were average 116 performances per day in May and June at the Expo Park. The performing programs are large in number and high in performance frequency, implying the future trend for the World Expo – cultural performance activities will come to be the extension of the exhibition content.

During the two months, 39 countries from five continents, six international organizations and 14 cities conducted national pavilion days and honor day activities and special activities, and 11 Chinese provinces and municipalities each held week-long activities. Carefully selected by the organizers, all the performances highlight the most unique cultural features of every country and region, from which tourists have experienced the charm of diversified culture.

Three original performance programs will be staged in July and August. The shadow puppetry "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" will be staged at the Dock Theater between July 1 and Oct. 8. The warriors from the Shaolin Temple will give a Kung Fu performance, tailor-made for the World Expo, at the Entertainment Hall between July 1 and August 31. Another Kung Fu show "Wudang: Taiji and Dao" will be presented just at the Entertainment Square in front of the Entertainment Hall to compete with that of the Shaolin Temple.

As of June 25, exhibitors submitted 195 performance applications to the World Expo organizers, including much-watched famous performances to be performed by renowned performing groups. Scotland’s bagpipe is known as the "cultural business card" of Scotland and a bagpipe performance will be staged in the European Square in mid-July.

India's song and dance drama "Ticket to Bollywood" will be staged at the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Center in mid-July. The drama, strongly recommended by Indian government departments, showcases the 40-year development course of Bollywood. Furthermore, performances will be given by a Jamaican Reggae band, a drum performance group from Burundi, Italy's Teatro Regio Totino and other performing groups and all represent the highest artistic level of each country.

[GeneChing]

This kid is kungfu fighting (http://www.china.org.cn/travel/expo2010shanghai/2010-07/02/content_20404292.htm)
Print E-mail China Daily, July 2, 2010

This kid is kungfu fighting

One of the most popular attractions in Henan Province is the Shaolin Temple, a Buddhist temple famous for kungfu fighting monks. Now, visitors can catch a glimpse of the martial arts practitioners the temple is renowned for at the Expo 2010 Shanghai.

The Henan Pavilion promotes its culture to the world by bringing kungfu masters to perform in the Expo Garden. The Shaolin Temple kungfu show will continue until the end of the Expo.

Twelve-year-old Zheng Haohao, or Shi Yanhao, the name he goes by at the Shaolin Temple, is one of those performers. The young boy is a specialist in kungfu and enjoys sharing his talent with audiences all over the world. He performs four times a day. His passion and interest in learning kungfu convinced his parents to send him to the Shaolin Temple. Haohao left his home in Fuyang, Anhui province, three years ago at the age of nine. Devoting his life to the martial arts and the temple, he left behind his parents, a 14-year-old sister and a three-year-old brother. He only gets to go back to his family for 15 days a year during the Spring Festival.

Although he is away from home, he enjoys his life at the temple. And those who live at the temple enjoy a very healthy lifestyle.

He begins his day at 6 am with a run in the fresh mountain air. He said that this part of the day is very important in order to maintain his spirit.

After breakfast at 8 am, young monks like Haohao will spend time before noon taking school lessons in subjects such as maths and science.

"Basic courses are taught," said Shi Yanfeng, a 27-year-old senior monk. "They're not so hard. After all, here it is the kungfu that is essential."

After lunch, the afternoon is spent practicing kungfu. Haohao said he has learned more the three major kungfu styles taught at the temple.

Food at the Shaolin Temple is basic. Monks are served vegetarian dishes. Haohao is okay with a life without meat and, in fact, says he loves the food in the temple, especially the eggplant.

While other children his age have the Internet, TV and comic books, Haohao lives in a world focused on nature and peace. Instead of hanging out with friends in the street, he spends his time practicing kungfu with other young monks.

"We usually compare kungfu moves in our spare time," he said.

"They always like to run in the mountain," said Shi, the senior monk. "We quite enjoy this lifestyle. It's pure and simple."

This is not the first time that Haohao has left the temple to give performances. He said that he has visited New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom in past three years. That's why he says he is never nervous performing in front of people.

"I like to perform in front of an audience. They like my performances, and I feel very happy when performing."
That's true, the local eggplant is delicious. I used to hate it, but after eating so much of it at Shaolin, I've learned to love it.

[GeneChing]

I posted a new thread on Shaolin Zai Wo Xin Zhong (Shaolin Temple in My Heart) by Abbot Shi Yongxin (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58024)two days ago.

Shanghai Book Fair 2010 opens (http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2010-08/11/content_20683660.htm)
China Daily, August 11, 2010

Shanghai Book Fair 2010 starts on today at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. The annual exhibition features the theme "Love reading, love life - hand in hand with the Expo".

Nearly 500 Chinese publishers will bring some 150,000 books to the event, among which at least 100 will be new books.

Actors Jet Li and Zhou Libo, as well as Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple will attend along with celebrity writers like Mo Yan, Wang Anyi and Liu Xinwu, who will give lectures or sign their books.

Besides showcasing a host of Expo-themed books, the book fair will also hold 20 Expo-related activities alongside its 400 cultural activities.

Visitors to Shanghai, with their Expo tickets, can enjoy all three evening book exhibitions for free, in addition to a discount of 20 percent on all books.

[GeneChing]

Maybe this will become my Shanghai news repository thread...

More parents in Shanghai send kids for kungfu classes (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/view/1075714/1/.html)
By Channel NewsAsia's China Correspondent Glenda Chong | Posted: 18 August 2010 0002 hrs

SHANGHAI : Summer holidays are here.

But instead of enrichment classes at summer school, a number of children in Shanghai are picking up another skill.

Rather than wield electronic games, they are now throwing real punches.

And kungfu classes have seen an increase in enrolment this year.

"Lately parents have been sending their children to learn martial arts because they want their kids to grow stronger and have more confidence. The kindergarten stabbing cases is another reason. Teaching kids kungfu can increase their awareness of self-defence," said head coach Liang Sheng Wen.

A series of attacks on schoolchildren left more than 20 dead earlier this year.

Concerned parents want to make sure their children know what to do.

So the focus of the kungfu classes is to teach kids how react to threats and evade potential attackers.

"There are several reasons for getting him to learn martial arts. First of all, it can strengthen his body and increase his awareness of self-defence," said one grandparent.

But for the little ones, it's just another fun activity.

"Firstly, after learning Taekwondo I can protect myself. Secondly, it can also strengthen my will power. Thirdly, I can make more friends," said a young Chinese girl who is enrolled in a kungfu class.

The kungfu lessons cost about US$300 for 50 sessions.

Parents said this is a small price to pay for peace of mind. And for the kids, the training will help them stay safe. - CNA /ls

[GeneChing]

This is connected to a post I just made on the Bruce Lee Museums thread (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1032945#post1032945).

Kung Fu Pavilion shows its chops (http://life.globaltimes.cn/travel/2010-08/564920.html)
* Source: Global Times
* [17:16 August 18 2010]
By Duan Wuning

Foshan marked the opening of its China Kung Fu Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai yesterday, featuring kung fu elements and ceramic displays.

Situated in the Pavilion of Future in the Urban Best Practices Area, the pavilion will be open until August 23. It covers an area of 1,200 square meters and features 50 ceramic statues of Bruce Lee.

The Guangdong city of Foshan is known to the world as the hometown of the late martial artists Bruce Lee and Ip Man, as well as for its major industry of ceramics.

"We want to make use of international platforms such as the Expo and the Asian Games to promote martial arts to the world, which we hope can one day be an Olympic event," said Qiu Dailun, president of pavilion co-organizer 1506 Creative City.

Organizers of the pavilion will select a kung fu advocate through a talent competition, in which they will invite 1,506 visitors to the pavilion to strike a pose that they think best encapsulates kung fu. Pictures of the entrants will be posted on the China Kung Fu Wall inside the pavilion. Awards of up to 4,518 yuan ($664) will be given for the best poses.

They added that they are considering submitting the wall for a Guinness World Record which, at 20 meters long, four meters tall and carrying 1,506 pictures, they claim will be the largest kung fu display in the world.

Also on show are examples of the global use of Foshan ceramics.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/attachment/100818/2e9ed75e64.jpg

[GeneChing]

China seeks ultimate image representative of Chinese Kung Fu (http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90782/7109768.html)
13:25, August 19, 2010

Flocks of tourists gathered around 110 red Chinese Kung Fu sculptures of Bruce Lee on display at the World Expo on Aug. 17. On the same day, the week-long Foshan Case Pavilion opened, seeking the ultimate image representative of Chinese Kung Fu all over the world.

The Foshan Case Pavilion, the theme of which was "Chinese Kung Fu," swept the Expo Park with a red whirlwind and fascinated tourists. Each of the 50 sculptures in the pavilion has a different item placed on one foot. The Bruce Lee sculpture with a TV screen on one foot is as high as 5 meters and attracted most of the attention.

The organizer of the Foshan Case Pavilion said that 50 of the 110 statues that have been moved all the way to the Expo are on display at the Foshan Case Pavilion, and the rest are in the City Square, the Expo Center and other areas.

It was disclosed that the Foshan Case Pavilion will give one statue to Shanghai as a gift after the Expo ends, and the organizer hopes that the statue can be put in front of the China Pavilion or on the Expo Meteorological Tower at the Pavilion of the Future.

In addition, the Foshan Case Pavilion has designated a special area for taking Kung Fu photos and started looking worldwide for image representatives for Chinese Kung Fu. The organizer will invite 1,500 domestic and foreign Expo visitors from Aug. 17 to Aug. 23 to pose for photographs.

After the tourists sign an agreement that grants the organizer rights to display their portraits, they can stand in poses that they think can best represent Chinese Kung Fu before the statues. Their photos will be pasted on the Chinese Kung Fu Display Wall after being developed and printed.

In addition to immediately seeing their photos, visitors taking photos with the sculptures will also receive a commemorative stamp with the engraving "Chinese Kung Fu" and a commemorative T-shirt.

According to sources, this activity will also be held in many cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou and Guangzhou as well as overseas cities. Ten types of Chinese Kung Fu images, including the most powerful image, the most creative image, the most professional image, the most intelligent image, the most adorable image, the most intelligent image, the most beautiful image, the gentlest image, the most confident image, the most heroic image and the most martial image, will be selected and be rebuilt and integrated into one ultimate image that is able to represent Chinese Kung Fu the most.

The ultimate figure will be built as a 35-meter-high ceramic sculpture baked in the Foshan Nanfeng Ancient Kiln and titled "Kung Fu God of China."

In addition, sponsors will create a dedicated Web site for Chinese Kung Fu after collecting 1,500 Chinese Kung Fu photos and allow netizens around the world to select the most representative photo of Chinese Kung Fu through the Internet. The winners will be rewarded a total of 150,600 yuan and the photo of the grand prize winner may also become the prototype of the "Kung Fu God of China."
Kung Fu God of the whole world is more like it. I've always felt Bruce was more San Franciscan than Chinese. :cool:

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201008/19/P201008191500051375324038.jpg
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201008/19/P201008191500212218814707.jpg

[r.(shaolin)]

Kung Fu God of the whole world is more like it. I've always felt Bruce was more San Franciscan than Chinese. :cool:

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201008/19/P201008191500051375324038.jpg
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201008/19/P201008191500212218814707.jpg

Good point. Bruce's fame and even a good part of his art are "Made in the USA"
The PRC/CCP red seem rather . . . inappropriate.

r.

[Northwind]

ACK!!!!
Yah...I think 李小龍 is not the best choice :(

[GeneChing]

I know several people who have been to the Expo already, but
I have yet to hear from anyone who has actually seen these shows.


Chinese martial arts showcased at Expo (http://www.china.org.cn/travel/expo2010shanghai/2010-08/23/content_20766761.htm)
China Daily, Xinhua, August 23, 2010

A monk from the Shaolin Temple performs Shaolin Kungfu at the Entertainment Hall of the World Expo Park in Shanghai, August 19, 2010. Monks from the Shaolin Temple and members of the kungfu team under the Wudang Taoist Association showcased two distinctive styles of Chinese martial arts, Shaolin Kungfu and Taichi at Shanghai Expo on Thursday. [Xinhua]

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100823/001ec94a1ea10ddc0ba701.jpg
http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100823/001ec94a1ea10ddc0bb302.jpg
http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100823/001ec94a1ea10ddc0bc303.jpg
http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100823/001ec94a1ea10ddc0bd004.jpg
http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100823/001ec94a1ea10ddc0c1d05.jpg
http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100823/001ec94a1ea10ddc0c5406.jpg

[GeneChing]

We need more photos from this exhibit.

Bruce Lee kicks back at the Expo (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-08/26/c_13463454.htm)
English.news.cn 2010-08-26 10:27:01

BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Kung fu icon Bruce Lee - a powerful figure in shining red ceramic - stands on one leg and kicks the other explosively, almost vertically into the air, balancing the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Forty-nine other bright-red Bruce Lees in identical poses balance landmarks from around the world, such as the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium in Beijing, the Arc de Triomph in Paris, the Sydney Opera House, the post-911 World Trade Center site, the Guggenheim Art Gallery, the British Museum and the Burj Dubai hotel.

The idea is that superhero Lee can lift mighty monuments.

The spectacular kick is called the "Foshan shadowless foot" (Foshan wuyingjiao) because the motion is so fast that it is said to have no shadow. Foshan City in Guangdong Province nurtured Lee and other kung fu masters.

The 50 figures, each around two meters high, are a big draw at the world Expo where they are clustered outside the Pavilion of Future in the Urban Best Practices Area. Visitors can stand next to the master and assume their own poses for photographers.

The statues comprise an art installation, "China Kung Fu," by Shu Yong, the winner of the 2007 Florence Biennale Career Award. It combines sculpture with video and performance art.

All sculptures, and the mini monuments, are made of famous ceramic from Foshan, one of the cradles of Chinese ceramics.

Foshan is also significant because of its kung fu history involving Bruce Lee, Wong Fei-hung and Yip Wen.

The installation was sponsored by 1506 Creative City in Foshan; 1506 refers to the date of the early Foshan kilns.

"Some people challenged me saying that this piece is too aggressive," says Shu. "Those who say that don't have a deep knowledge of Chinese kung fu. Chinese martial arts activate one's inner power through body techniques that harmonize with the outside world.

"The highest level of Chinese kung fu is restrained, self-cultivated and profound rather than arbitrary and aggressive."

The director of 1506 Creative City, Qiu Dalin, says that if visitors don't know the history and background of Foshan, then they cannot truly interpret the sculptures.

"The city is one of the birthplaces of China's ceramics and is also the largest ceramic production area in the world," he said.

Porcelain from Foshan can be seen virtually everywhere in the world.

"But many people don't realize the significance of Foshan. I'm glad this is the first time Foshan ceramics and culture are presented in the spotlight of the World Expo."

Artist Shu Yong says he is connected to Foshan because one of his ceramic works "Flower of Life" was made in Foshan.

"At that time, I searched almost all the kilns in the country but still could not make it. By accident, and with help of Qiu Dalin, I completed the work in Nanfeng Ancient Kiln in Foshan."

He said he began to understand Foshan that once represented a quarter of the world's ceramic production, and he learned its many stories.

So when he thought of a work about Foshan, he thought of Bruce Lee to convey the message.

The task was difficult, involving more than 200 people working for half a year, getting up at 8am and working until 2 or 3am, or even around the clock, said Shu.

"Sometimes I felt like an abusive contractor, but actually I am an artist. Sometimes I felt very confused because I didn't want to be that harsh, but I had to get the work done."

Shu is proud that the statues attract so much attention at the Expo.

"They resonate with the viewers," he said.

"We aim to make exactly 1,506 Bruce Lee sculptures because Nanfang Ancient Kiln in Foshan was built in 1506."

He likes to imagine a touring exhibition of Bruce Lees made in Foshan.

"It would be fascinating to see a cluster of Bruce Lees in front of the White House or the British Museum - both housing Foshan ceramics, a hidden link between these iconic buildings," he said.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)

[GeneChing]

Maybe this needs it's own thread soon...maybe not.


By Joyce J. Chansingh, 01/10/2010
President’s Star Charity 2010 will be an international talent show (http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4370442)

Unlike last year’s footloose fest this year’s charity extravaganza will feature artistes’ exclusive talents to help raise funds for the beneficiaries. Plus, your chance to see Tay Ping Hui sing opera in English

President's Star Charity 2010

Gravity defying parkour performances (better known as the art of movement), acrobatics contortion, Shaolin kung-fu, powerhouse medley of timeless tunes, heart-stomping percussion number. This year's charity extravaganza looks set to be a spectacular affair with a stellar cast of local and international performers.

Local celebrities from Channel 5, 8, Suria and Vasantham, winner and runner-up of Singapore Idol 3, Sezairi Sezali and Sylvia Ratonel, Project Superstar 2 Daren Tan, together with international star Karen Mok will join forces with various performers such as well-known comedian Norleena Salim, percussion group Bloco Singapura, the Shaolin Monks from Samsara - The Shaolin Legacy Musical as well as Alexey Goloborodko from Voyage De La Vie will do their bid in a bevy of performances to raise funds from viewers for 37 beneficiary organizations.

Hosted by Soo Kui Jien and Michelle Chia, this year's President Star Charity will be a night of talent showcase featuring a combination of music, dance and acrobatic display, in high definition glory for the first time.

At the press meet yesterday, the media was given a preview of a couple of performances from percussionists Bloco Singapura, beatboxer [and Idol 3 contestant] Charles "Stitch" Wong and 9-year-old drumming sensation Zidann.

Not to be missed will be the opera singing Tay Ping Hui who will, for the first time, perform 'Italian opera' as part of a medley in "Andrea Bocelli style". The actor who's always up for new challenges told xinmsn: "When the company asked me what I'd like to do [for PSC 2010], opera just popped to my mind."

"I didn't know they'll take me seriously but they did!" Having attended three lessons thus far, the self-professed perfectionist who doesn't speak Italian humbly rated five and a half out of 10 for his apprenticeship, citing "it's always good to pit ourselves amongst the best".

When asked about his missus' reaction to his new challenge, Ping Hui replied: "She's used to me doing weird things and practicing extra-ordinary stuff in my backyard in the middle of the night."

Local funnyman Gurmit Singh who's another regular face on charity shows will ditch his [Michael Jackson] dancing shoes for acrobatic stunts this time. The 45-year-old will join professional traceurs to perform a special parkour item to "scale heights and obstacles".

At 45 years old, is Gurmit pushing his limits with such gravity defying stunts?

"Yes I am! But if I were to go onstage and do something easy how boring is that for viewers? Let alone to part their money and donate."

"This is one of those stunts that I find I'm really pushing myself because it's totally new to me. It's challenging but totally worth it for the beneficiaries."

Amongst the artistes who will be lending their vocal talents through a medley of English tunes from timeless classics is Channel 8 actress Patricia Mok.

The funny woman who was last year's "performer of the night" when she did a Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was noticeably disappointed about her "not challenging" singing segment.

"Singing...I cannot sing you know! I want to be a dancer like last year!" Pat exclaimed and added, "But honestly that's a challenge for me lah because I don't like to sing."

"But since it's group and it's for charity, I can try lah."


Catch the President Star Charity "LIVE" on 17 Oct, Sunday at 7.30pm on Ch 5.

Donation lines are open now till 24 October 2010:
1900-112-8821 For $5 donation
1900-112-8822 For $20 donation
1900-112-8823 For $100 donation

[GeneChing]

....and not one member of our forum here. :(

Shanghai World Expo ends; drew 72 million visitors (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/10/30/international/i181508D92.DTL)
By ELAINE KURTENBACH, Associated Press
Associated Press October 31, 2010 06:36 AM
(10-31) 06:36 PDT SHANGHAI, (AP) --

China wrapped up its record-breaking World Expo on Sunday with a lavish display of national pride, as organizers of the mammoth event pledged to continue pursuing more sustainable, balanced growth.

More than 72 million visitors have been treated to a smorgasbord of cultures and technologies focused on the theme "Better City, Better Life" in the biggest, most expensive expo since such events began with the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, which marked the coming of the Industrial Revolution.

The event showcased China's rise as a modern industrial power, and drew accolades from U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who said it "offers hope for tackling global challenges."

"The Shanghai Expo will close soon but it will not be forgotten," Ban told dignitaries gathered Sunday for closing festivities. "Let us keep the Shanghai vision alive in our discussions and our lifestyles."

The expo's theme of urban sustainability dovetails with Beijing's own agenda of shifting to a more sustainable pace of growth after decades of untrammeled industrialization that have brought unprecedented affluence, but also huge gaps between wealthy and poor and massive environmental degradation.

Building better cities is an urgent priority, not "just something that would be nice to have," said Sha Zukang, U.N. under secretary-general.

"We must make it possible and make it happen," he said.

China spent 28.6 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) on the event and many billions more on improving subways, airports and other public facilities in Shanghai, a metropolis of more than 20 million people. The entire city got fresh paint, new landscaping and flowers and a kaleidoscope of decorative lighting.

In an effort to make the event "green," Shanghai deployed electric buses and carts and installed energy-saving air conditioning and water filters meant to reduce use of bottled water. It also recycled rain water and made use of solar power.

But lavish opening and closing ceremonies — Sunday's extravaganza included ladies in pink gowns wearing headpieces shaped to represent the myriad national pavilions — showed the country's obsession with exhibiting its newfound wealth and power.

The majority of visitors were from the Shanghai region and elsewhere in China — ordinary folk who flooded into the city, enduring waits of up to 10 hours, sweltering summer temperatures and other inconveniences for what might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of foreign places and people.

The 72 million who managed to get to the event surpassed the previous record of 64.21 million visitors who attended the 1970 fair in Osaka, Japan. The two square mile (5.2 square kilometer) expo zone handled an average of 370,000 visitors each day, and a record 1.03 million on Oct. 16.

"The pavilions look great from the outside, better than I expected, but I'm not convinced it's worth waiting for hours in lines to get in," said Liu Xiaoyin, who drove her 13-year-old daughter to Shanghai from a nearby city.

For those patient enough to wait, highlights included Denmark's famed "Little Mermaid" sculpture, a rooftop cable car ride above a replica alpine meadow at the Swiss pavilion, famous impressionist paintings from the Louvre at the French pavilion, and entertainment by Cirque du Soleil courtesy of Canada.

"Thanks to the expo, people like me who never would have a chance to go abroad can experience the whole world," said Zou Aiguo, a retiree from central China's Jiangxi province whose son gave him an expo tour as a present.

Though the event did provoke some complaints, especially from those unhappy to be forced out of old housing to make way for the expo zone, the authorities stifled any public protests or dissent.

All but a handful of the more than 200 structures built for the expo along the banks of the Huangpu river — former shipyards and steel works likely destined to become prime real estate — are to dismantled and recycled or otherwise disposed of.

The next expo, in 2012, will be in the South Korean port city of Yeosu, with a similar theme of "Green Growth, Blue Economy," or marine-based sustainability. After that the expo will move to the Italian city of Milan in 2015, with a focus on food safety and security.

[wenshu]

....and not one member of our forum here. :(

Was there in July. My review: Meh.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LZZ116SJC7Q/TM8JRsM_NRI/AAAAAAAAAB8/d2V-hIWQquE/s800/IMG_1340.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LZZ116SJC7Q/TM8JSN7FvtI/AAAAAAAAACM/GJOdL13C0Lg/s800/IMG_1426.JPG



The China Pavilion had this digital animated painting that was incredible.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LZZ116SJC7Q/TM8JRoZGIAI/AAAAAAAAACA/J-8Ige1jD0o/s800/IMG_1383.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LZZ116SJC7Q/TM8JR10MjbI/AAAAAAAAACE/NWksZMmWmDc/s800/IMG_1384.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_LZZ116SJC7Q/TM8JR9AyeQI/AAAAAAAAACI/upAn_RvnzhU/s800/IMG_1385.JPG

The USA Pavilion was a national corporate sponsored embarrassment.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LZZ116SJC7Q/TM8Jesd02II/AAAAAAAAACU/_bKWLX7RC8o/s800/IMG_1437.JPG

Forgot to mention. It was really crowded.

[GeneChing]

Thanks for chiming in. :)

[GeneChing]

Not sure if this is the same Samsara (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55355-Shanghai-2010-World-Expo-amp-Shaolin-Haibao&p=1021093#post1021093).


SAMSARA ★★★★★ (https://list.co.uk/news/42589/samsara)
Attribution/author:Article by: Lucy Ribchester
Publish date:23 August 2022
Article Type:by:
Two dance masters are at the top of their game in this duet of epic proportions from Aakash Odedra and Hu Shenyuan

https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.list.co.uk/1758/EIF_Samsura_4-%C2%A9-Jassy-Earl-resize.jpg?
Picture: Jassy Earl

Samsara is based loosely on the Chinese novel Journey To The West but thankfully no knowledge of that is necessary. You just have to surrender yourself to the seismic building of the world that takes place in Aakash Odedra and Hu Shenyuan’s dance.

It starts with three figures onstage; two of them aren’t real, though you wouldn’t yet know it from Yaron Abulafia’s beguiling lighting. Hu emerges like a spirit hatching from an egg, undulating isolated muscles and stretching his limbs. He and Odedra stalk the stage in hooded black gowns, portentous and monastic. They battle in Shaolin-like spinning combat: legs and clothing slice the air. Then comes an evolution to a calmer, more curious place, where detailed hands and fingers (showing Odedra’s background in Kathak and Bharatanatyam) make bird and flower-like patterns in the air.

The connection between the two men is astounding; Odedra supports Hu while he dances in midair; Hu suspends Odera from round his neck. They stand, one behind the other, making multi-limbed gods. One of the stand-out stars of the piece is undoubtedly singer Nicki Wells. As part of a live, three-piece band her voice sounds as if it’s coming from the centre of the earth. She brings a feminine power that counterpoints the masculine strength and beauty on display.

When we come full circle to those statues again, with sand pouring down over them (and the dancers) in columns of light, it all feels tranquil, hopeful and weightless; as if the whole thing could be ready to begin again.

Reviewed at Lyceum Theatre as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.