Here’s a chalkboard summary of my summer in China:
I don’t like to be friendly.
I don’t like people.
I don’t like friendly people.
I don’t like sharing food.
I don’t like hugs in hot weather.
Thanks a lot for not letting me be comfortable, FRIENDS.
Edited: Friday, August 22
When I got back, everyone kept asking why I didn’t stay for the Olympics. My answer was “it’s better watching it on TV.” But now that I’ve seen these pictures, I guess being at the opening ceremonies wouldn’t have been too bad.
More here or check out some weird Olympics photos.
Beijing, China
I don’t think I posted a picture of this from 2006, but here it is with 50 days to go. We were on an outing at Tiananmen Square with the kids this past Thursday. It felt like an oven in the middle of the square.
Just got back from a sneak preview of The Forbidden Kingdom that opens this Friday, along with Expelled. Don’t worry, no spoilers here because I don’t really like to write. I’m just embarrassed every time Jet Li speaks in English. I think filmmakers make the effort to minimize his lines. But boy, he does move beautifully. Jackie Chan–always funny. Great choreography by the famous Yuen Woo Ping, whose moves most Americans would know from the Matrix movies and Kill Bill.
I remember watching Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in the theater, especially during the scenes when the Chow Yun Fat ran across the water or over trees, people whispered “that’s so fake.” OF COURSE IT’S FAKE, PEOPLE!!! Anyhoo, I think The Forbidden Kingdom will make just about anyone appreciate fantasy martial arts movies. My friend’s 3 (almost 4) year old daughter Mackenzie was so gripped by the movie that at one point she yelled out about Jackie Chan’s character “you just can’t kill him!”. Too cute.
This is the first film that features Jet Li and Jackie Chan together. Apparently, Jackie Chan said it was pretty easy to work together.
I have not worked with someone whom I’m comfortable with, in terms of
movements, rhythm and natural reactions, in the last 10 years. I have
done many fight scenes with others but there were usually more than 10
takes, which is a waste of time as the person may forget his moves and
unnecessary injuries. When I fought with Li, our actions were quick. We
also didn’t have to do the same stunt over 20 times. #
Ok, I’m motivated to go to the park again. My new dream job: to be in a movie with both of them.
There’s just something about snow that makes me smile.
Gilbert & George put themselves at the center of their artwork. Identifying as “living sculptures” in art and daily life, they eliminate the distinction between artist and art. They began their career together with a tabletop vaudeville performance piece called The Singing Sculpture. Eventually, they began photographing their performance work to extend its reach and range. Over the years, their art has incorporated film and computer graphics.
Looks interesting, even though I know nothing about art. Anyone want to pay a visit to the de Young?
“Found”, the latest episode of GALACTICAST is a parody of the TV show “Lost” and features a reference to those now famous numbers.
Edit: oops, should have put up a warning about some “not so nice” words and magazines in the clip.
For all of us John Williams’ fans, previews of Memoirs of a Geisha.
Someone get me this monitor!
Bike to one of the BART Energizer Stations on May 19 and receive a free t-shirt and refreshments.
Ok, finally got time to play around with the forums. I’ve upgraded the version and it’s now in a new location. Go check it out here. I’ve tried to make things look the same as before, but there’s a few new features on it. Hopefully, it won’t be as hard to login as before where you get the “stripped carriage return” error. Let me know how it goes.