Chinese language - Party animals

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CITYLIFE / Bars & Cafes






Party animals


By Carissa Welton (Beijing Weekend)
Updated: 2007-08-13 10:31







While there may be more than an overwhelming amount of watering holes,
dancefloors, and bar menus floating around Houhai Lake, there is one
that's set apart from the rest. The Houhai Zoo is positioned on the east
side of the lake, promising institutional support for all Beijing party
animals.

In addition to its picture-perfect location, the venue offers affordable
drinks, a full food menu, and a good-sized dance space. Opened last
August, the Zoo shares the "Shut Up, Just Drink" philosophy with its
popular siblings.

Buying copious amounts of alcohol without damaging your pocketbook is
easy to do. The bar is best distinguished by its reasonable prices.
Standard drinks start at 20 kuai per glass, and bottles of Qingdao are 10
kuai. On Sundays from 4 to 7:30pm, an open fresh fruit margarita bar is
served for 50 kuai per person. A BBQ buffet including salads and veggie
skewers is also available for an extra 30 kuai per person.

"The idea behind this place was always to provide an upscale venue with
good service and low prices," said Zoo owner, Huxley. "This year we're
planning more special events and theme parties, to provide a more
attractive and unique atmosphere."

Over the last year the bar has built a reputation for hosting private
parties. The intimate interior offers high-standing cocktail tables, cozy
booths and a semi-private room. Rain or shine, guests can stretch out on
the patio deck under canopy umbrellas, overlooking the lake. It's the
perfect place to get away from all the tourist traps and take them all in
at the same time.

Houhai Zoo
Location: Bldg 2, Qianhai (next to East Shore Live Jazz)
Opening hours: 10am-late
Tel: 010-6403-6690























Feature ?




Pilgrimage to Tibet If you want to get a detailed Travel Handbook to
Tibet and know more interesting tour routes leading to this divine place.
Please click here!

Yunnan New Film Project Ten female directors from China! Ten unique
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with the film.Wanna know more? Please click here!




Editors' Picks ?




* Master storyteller has something to say
* Lookng after your skin naturally
* Evocative scents in a glass of wine
* Go on a shopping spree to discount stores
* Teatime!





Beijing Guide ?


Eating out: Mouth-watering magic
Bars&Cafes: Catch underground bands
Weekend&Holiday: An Oasis at Shichahai
Shopping: Ice up your world
What's on: Smoke society





Shanghai Guide ?


Eating out: An institution in the making
Bars&Cafes: The new money
Weekend&Holiday: Band of gypsies
Shopping: Chinese made delicacy
What's on: Teenage wasteland





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Chinese Speaking - Dish upon a star

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CITYLIFE / Eating Out






Dish upon a star


By Xiao Changyan (Beijing Weekend)
Updated: 2007-08-10 10:10







Fancy a dinner date with Chinese actress Gao Yuanyuan. It's as easy as
heading to her new Honey Honey restaurant.

Tucked away in Shangdu SOHO, the 100-square-meter restaurant looks more
like an elegant bar or an upmarket bookstore. Its decor includes crystal
curtains, a nicely patterned velvet sofa, and big Chinese wash paintings
on the walls. As one of three owners of the restaurant, the Shanghai
Dreams star is often spotted there dining with friends.

As her first such venture, Gao said she was reluctant to use her fame to
promote the business, so doesn't display any of her pictures or posters
at the restaurant. "But the food here is recommendable, Gao said. "My
most favorite dishes include fern stir-fried smoked pork, sour-spicy rice
noodles, sour fish soup. Featuring authentic Guizhou cuisine, the
restaurant's specialties include pig's trotter hotpot, rice balls fried
with pickled Chinese cabbage, and honey chops. According to Gao, making
pig's trotter hotpot is complicated. First, kidney beans are boiled and
pureed, then some special spice is added and pig's trotters, and boiled
over a slow fire for several hours. The hotpot therefore takes on an
alluring smell and tastes appetizing.


Gao said she loves the taste of rice balls fried with pickled Chinese
cabbage, a special dish for Guizhou locals that is sweet and sticky, but
at the same time sour and spicy. Honey chops is another dish that earns
the restaurant its name. Chops are first pickled with secret sauce, then
steamed and covered with special sauce. Average price: 150-200 yuan for
two.

?

Honey Honey restaurant
Location: 3rd floor, west tower, Shangdu SOHO
Tel: 010-59003106
Open: 10am-10pm.























Feature ?




Pilgrimage to Tibet If you want to get a detailed Travel Handbook to
Tibet and know more interesting tour routes leading to this divine place.
Please click here!

Yunnan New Film Project Ten female directors from China! Ten unique
sights from mysterious Yunnan Province!Yunnan New Film Project,Travel
with the film.Wanna know more? Please click here!




Editors' Picks ?




* Master storyteller has something to say
* Lookng after your skin naturally
* Evocative scents in a glass of wine
* Go on a shopping spree to discount stores
* Teatime!





Beijing Guide ?


Eating out: Mouth-watering magic
Bars&Cafes: Catch underground bands
Weekend&Holiday: An Oasis at Shichahai
Shopping: Ice up your world
What's on: Smoke society





Shanghai Guide ?


Eating out: An institution in the making
Bars&Cafes: The new money
Weekend&Holiday: Band of gypsies
Shopping: Chinese made delicacy
What's on: Teenage wasteland





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Learn Mandarin online - Hilton and Richie inspire new porn movie

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Hilton and Richie inspire new porn movie


(Digital Spy)
Updated: 2007-08-08 21:12





The Simple Life stars Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's stints in jail
have inspired a new porn movie.



Hilton served 23 days in jail for driving while suspended, and Richie has
recently been sentenced to four days in prison after pleading guilty to
driving under the influence.

The movie titled Paris and Nicole Go to Jail features porn stars Sindee
Jennings and Aubrey Addams in the leading roles.

Based around their appearance on The Simple Life the story depicts: "That
life is different on the inside, and at first [they] have trouble
adapting, but [they] soon learn how to get things in prison by becoming
friendly with the warden, the guards, and the inmates."








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Chinese Studies - Forbes: Damon's a 'Bourne' moneymaker

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ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Forbes: Damon's a 'Bourne' moneymaker


(AP)
Updated: 2007-08-07 19:02



NEW YORK - Matt Damon is Hollywood's best investment, says Forbes.com.

For every dollar he was paid for his last three roles, Damon brought in
$29 of gross income, the site calculated.





That put the 36-year-old "Bourne" star atop a Forbes list of 22 film
heavyweights, ranked by the same financial formula.

The first two "Bourne" movies grossed an estimated $850 million at the
box office and in DVD sales, Forbes said. The third installment, "The
Bourne Ultimatum," opened last weekend and raked in $70.2 million at the
box office. It was the biggest August film opening ever.

Brad Pitt took second place on the list, with a gross income return of
$24 for each dollar of his pay, and Vince Vaughn tied with Johnny Depp
for third with $21.

Pitt's ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston, is the most profitable actress with a
gross income return of $17. Pitt's current significant other, Angelina
Jolie, ranked sixth with $15.

"The biggest stars in Hollywood are not the actors that deliver the
biggest returns," Forbes senior editor Michael Ozanian said in a
statement Monday.

Russell Crowe is at the bottom of the list. His last three films 鈥� "A
Good Year," "Cinderella Man" and "Master and Commander" 鈥� averaged just
$5 in gross income for every dollar spent on the Oscar winner, Forbes
said.

Movies starring the two Toms 鈥� Hanks and Cruise 鈥� averaged $12 and
$11 of gross income, respectively. Will Smith and Denzel Washington each
brought in $10.

On the comedic front, Adam Sandler brought in $9 per dollar earned, Will
Ferrell and Jim Carrey $8 each).

Forbes.com calculated the net revenue for a film by adding the worldwide
box office and revenues from U.S. DVD and video rentals and then
subtracting its budget. The net revenue was divided by the actor's total
compensation to derive gross income. The average gross income of an
actor's last three films produced their box-office return.

The "Ultimate Star Payback" list was posted Monday.























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HSK Exam - Beckham, Williams for 'Housewives' couple?

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Television






Beckham, Williams for 'Housewives' couple?


(Digital Spy)
Updated: 2007-08-06 16:17



David Beckham wants to play Robbie Williams's boyfriend on Desperate
Housewives, the show's creator has claimed.





Marc Cherry, who said Beckham picked the singer over his new American
friend Tom Cruise, thinks the pair would be an ideal match: "David and
Robbie are perfect to star as the new neighbours' best friends - the
gorgeous, eccentric couple flown over from Blighty.

"David's keen, but though the obvious choice was to work with Tom Cruise,
we wanted someone who matches him in height and well, Britishness, so
Robbie is the one.

"They're both funny, game for a laugh and ridiculously macho, so it
should work wonderfully. The English are pitch-perfect for sending
themselves up."























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Learn mandarin - LonelyGirl15 dies in season finale

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ENTERTAINMENT / Television






LonelyGirl15 dies in season finale


(AP)
Updated: 2007-08-04 11:27






The fate of Bree, the Web's 'LonelyGirl15' star portrayed by Jessica Lee
Rose of New Zealand, seen here in a file photo taken in New York on June
5, 2007, was revealed Friday, Aug. 3, 2007.[AP]



?

LOS ANGELES - LonelyGirl15 dies.

?

After more than a year and 260 episodes, 16-year old Bree, the main
character on the Web drama "LonelyGirl15," was killed off Friday at the
hands of the religious cult that had chased her for the life-giving
qualities of her rare blood type.

?

In her last appearance on the popular and influential Web show, Bree,
portrayed by Jessica Lee Rose, lies lifeless on a table while her blood
is transfused into one of the cult's elders. The monotone of her
flat-lining heart pierces the silence as her devastated friends watch
from a distance.

?

But her death was not in vain! Setting the show up for its second season,
Bree reveals in a post-mortem voice mail that the cult, "The Order," is
pursuing other girls with the same blood properties.

?

The Season One finale played out in 12 videos posted over a 12-hour
period exclusively on MySpaceTV and the "LonelyGirl15" Web site.

?

Starting next week, the show will continue with the same title with the
remaining characters weighing what to do with Bree's dire warning.

?

"I was real emotional, filming that," Rose said. "I'm really going to
miss filming 'LonelyGirl.'"

?

Rose, who is a regular on the ABC Family show "Greek" and is in the
upcoming film "Perfect Sport," said she didn't mind not having a more
dramatic death scene.

"I didn't want it to be over the top or cheesy," she said.

?

Rose has come a long way since walking into an audition for a project
titled "Children of Anchor Cove" in April 2006.

?

At first, she thought it was the kind of a scam they warned her about in
film school 鈥� a series of Internet videos for which she would not be
paid, at least for a while.

?

Rose kept her jobs working at an Abercrombie & Fitch store and a TGI
Friday's while filming the first few weeks of "LonelyGirl15."

?

But by September, the series had created a sensation, with stories
appearing in major media outlets once it had been revealed that Bree was
not a real 16-year-old posting video blogs on YouTube, but an actress
playing a part in a scripted show.

?

The show continued to attract fans, and the cast developed into more of
an ensemble. But as Rose's career began to take off, the creators decided
it was time to bring the plot to a close.

?

"This was a character who was meant to do the ceremony," said Miles
Beckett, one of the show's three writer-producers. "It's going to give
the show a lot more space to breathe. Jessica is doing other things now,
and we are excited about her future and her career."

?

Rose hasn't abandoned the Web. She is developing a new Web comedy that
should launch later this year. And she has signed on to a TV project
titled "E-lebrity," along with fellow online stars Taryn Southern and
Stevie Ryan.

Meanwhile, "LonelyGirl15" will add new characters who will help battle
the evil Order.

?























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Chinese Online Class - "Idol" judge Cowell "Struck" by movie idea

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






"Idol" judge Cowell "Struck" by movie idea


(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-08-02 19:54



LOS ANGELES?- "American Idol" star and reality TV producer Simon Cowell
is venturing into features with a music-themed project tentatively titled
"Star Struck."

Inspired by Alan Parker's 1980 film "Fame," "Star Struck" is set behind
the scenes of a TV singing competition in the vein of "Idol" and the
Cowell-produced British show "X-Factor" and follows 10 contestants trying
to make it to the top.

"The story is told through the eyes of those 10 contestants," said
Cowell, who will produce "Struck." "We want it to be the musical version
of 'Rocky' -- an underdog story, a feel-good film."

A singing reality show is a perfect setting to make the story in the film
relatable, Cowell said.

"'Fame' was all about young people wanting to be famous, and in order to
do that, they enrolled in a drama school," Cowell said. "The difference
25 years later is that everyone who wants to be famous today signs up for
'American Idol."'

For authenticity, the leads in the film -- playing participants in a TV
singing competition -- will be cast through nationwide open call
auditions similar to those used on the reality shows. Cowell, who hopes
to hold the calls early next year in seven or eight cities, believes
casting unknowns for the leads is crucial.

"To enjoy the film, you've got to watch the actors and believe that they
are contestants on a reality show," he said.

Just as he does as a judge on "Idol" and "X-Factor," Cowell will be at
the auditions for the movie. And just like a singing reality show,
"Struck" will open with clips from the auditions.

Cowell, who is busy executive-producing the summer reality series
"America's Got Talent" for NBC and "American Inventor" for ABC, has had
the idea for the movie for two to three years. After meeting a number of
writers early on, he picked British TV scribe Jonathan Harvey, who
followed him around for the past two years.

On Wednesday, Cowell signed off on Harvey's synopsis for "Struck" and is
moving forward with the film, which he hopes to get released in summer
2008.

"The most important thing for the film was the timing," Cowell said. "We
decided that next summer will be the right time to launch it."

"Star Struck," which Cowell produces through his Syco Prods., is not yet
set up at a studio but has garnered interest from several places.

In doing the movie, Cowell is going with his instincts. Five years ago,
it took him and "Idol" creator Simon Fuller months of relentless pitching
until Fox finally picked up the show.

"We always believed that a TV show like 'Idol' would be successful,"
Cowell said. "I have the same feeling about doing the movie."























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Chinese Tutor - Walk away the summer heat

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CITYLIFE / Odds & Ends






Walk away the summer heat


(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-08-01 10:25



Shanghai

?

Minhang Sports Park

Apart from doing various sports activities including boating and riding
tandem bicycles, people come to Minhang Sports Park to camp there for the
night. No admission ticket is needed.

?

Location: No.456, Xinzhenlu, Minhang District

?

Guilin Park

A rather quiet area accompanied by delicate garden view which is filled
with various osmanthus flowers. This garden is designed as a typical
classical garden in southern China, dotted with distinctive pavilions,
covered walkways, and winding creeks.

?

Location: No.1 Guilinlu, Xuhui District

?

On the street


For those who have neither a university nor a park nearby, go find a
quiet street and take a stroll. Having spent a day at the office
wrestling with paperwork, we should then spend the evening in an easy
way. With the cool breeze touching your face, buy some fun snacks, like
deep-fried smelly tofu, or fresh lotus seeds from a street stall, and
bargain with small vendors for a cute item. Here are some famous streets
for after-dinner walks.

?

Beijing Houhai Street With various bars lining one side, and the other
bordering a calm lake, this may be the best street for an after-dinner
walk.

?

Location: opposite to the northern gate of Beihai Park, No.1 Wenjinjie

?

Shanghai The Bund The symbol of Shanghai for quite a long time, the Bund
gives a full display of Shanghai, both old and new. The walkway along the
river has a sweet name as "lovers' dyke", which is filled with couples in
love at night.

?

Location: downtown Shanghai, along the Huangpu River

?

Tips for taking a walk at night

?

1. Check the opening hours of the park you want to visit, as not all
parks are open at late night.
2. Don't walk alone in dark areas.
3. Apply some mosquito repellent before going out.
4. For women, don't wear very short skirts when going out for a walk at
night. 5. Take some money with you in case you want to buy something.




?? ?? 1?? 2?? ??

?? ?? 1?? 2?? ??
























Feature ?




Pilgrimage to Tibet If you want to get a detailed Travel Handbook to
Tibet and know more interesting tour routes leading to this divine place.
Please click here!

Yunnan New Film Project Ten female directors from China! Ten unique
sights from mysterious Yunnan Province!Yunnan New Film Project,Travel
with the film.Wanna know more? Please click here!




Editors' Picks ?




* Master storyteller has something to say
* Lookng after your skin naturally
* Evocative scents in a glass of wine
* Go on a shopping spree to discount stores
* Teatime!





Beijing Guide ?


Eating out: Mouth-watering magic
Bars&Cafes: Catch underground bands
Weekend&Holiday: An Oasis at Shichahai
Shopping: Ice up your world
What's on: Smoke society





Shanghai Guide ?


Eating out: An institution in the making
Bars&Cafes: The new money
Weekend&Holiday: Band of gypsies
Shopping: Chinese made delicacy
What's on: Teenage wasteland





Learn Chinese, Chinese Online Class, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese Character - Full of beans

? ?



CITYLIFE / what's on








Full of beans

By Chen Nan
Updated: 2007-07-31 09:47





It's tough to make a family friendly film these days without spending an
enormous amount of money on either computer generated animals or boy
wizards with computer generated magic tricks. But there is an exception,
Mr. Bean, whose story requires little or no computer generation.

Titled Mr. Bean's Holiday, British actor Rowan Atkinson is back to play
our ever-lovable and funny Mr. Bean this summer.

If the character has run his course, he's had a full life. Mr. Bean has
gone from sketch comedy on stage, to international stardom on TV, before
making the jump to the big screen in two films, all without uttering a
full sentence.

With his reliance on physical rather than verbal comedy, Mr. Bean has
been catapulted to pop culture icon status. Atkinson has even been dubbed
the modern Charlie Chaplin for his silly exploits.

This is the second film based on the television series, Mr. Bean,
following the 1997 success of the film Bean.

As all Mr. Bean TV series and movies go, misfortune and bad luck follows
him in his journey. It starts with a misunderstanding involving a taxi at
the railway station in Paris. Bean was forced to walk toward the station
for his train to Cannes. A funny sequence sees Bean follow a map,
disregarding any obstacles he meets along the way. Arriving at the train
station, a vending machine causes him to miss his train, giving him an
hour until the next train for Cannes arrives.

But it's not just the language barrier that Bean has to hurdle when he
reaches France.

The plot thickens when he accidentally separates a Russian film director
and his son at a train station as they head for Cannes and then tries to
reunite them, only to have the vacation footage from his video camera
screened at the famous film festival.

Mr. Bean attempts to befriend the boy and together they were bound for
more comedy and adventure. This involves performing in public for ticket
money and being cast in a French movie, which Bean manages to destroy
because of his ignorance. Funny and hilarious scenes follow, whether
because of Bean's ignorance or his indifference. The conflict of the
story comes when Bean is suspected of kidnapping the boy.

However, at the end, all is worked out and Bean finally reaches Cannes
and spends his day on the beach.

The movie does skimp on scenes with Teddy, Bean's ever loyal and cuddly
companion. In the TV series, a lot of gags and sequences were featured
between Teddy and Mr. Bean.

Comedy films for most people are relaxing. Viewers just love to laugh and
forget all their worries. This film gives that and more.

Atkinson has definitely made Mr. Bean his own character, and viewers
wouldn't be able to watch a movie if the person playing Mr. Bean was not
him.

This is the first time Mr. Bean has hit the big screen on the Chinese
mainland. However, reports suggest it will also be the last, as the film
is expected to be Mr Bean's farewell project.

"I think it is true that it might be his last outing," Atkinson said as
he arrived for the North American premiere of the movie. "I think it's
unlikely that I will do any more Mr Bean, highly unlikely." "It's not
impossible. You must never say never, so I'm never going to say never but
I think it's unlikely."

Mr. Bean's Holiday opens at cinemas citywide from July 27.

?

?











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Chinese Pinyin - Nicolas Cage, son unveil comic book

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Gossip






Nicolas Cage, son unveil comic book


(AP)
Updated: 2007-07-30 08:54





?

Actress Christina Fulton poses with her son Weston Cage at the premiere of
her film 'When Giants Collide,' Friday, July 27, 2007, in Los Angeles.[AP]

Nicolas Cage loves comic books so much, he created one of his own.

The actor and his 16-year-old son, Weston, took their new comic book,
"Voodoo Child," to the pop culture expo Comic-Con on Sunday.

Weston dreamt up the main character, Gabriel, a biracial teenage ghost
who fights the evil of bigotry in post-Katrina New Orleans.

"He's specifically dealing with racism," said Cage, a lifelong comic-book
collector who played Marvel superhero Johnny Blaze in the movie "Ghost
Rider" this year.

The 43-year-old Cage made no secret of his cinematic aspirations for his
new comic creation.

"I have very high hopes to push 'Voodoo Child' into script and production
... and perhaps play a role in the movie," he said. "We have those ideas
in motion."

Weston said he would like to play a villain in the film.

Cage said that Weston inspires him and that they hope to collaborate on
other comic-book ideas. The six-book "Voodoo Child" series is published
by Virgin Comics. The first issue was released this month.

"This is a highlight in my life," Cage said, "that I got to create
something with my son."








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Learning Mandarin - Knowles brands high heels 'easy' despite fall

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Gossip






Knowles brands high heels 'easy' despite fall


(WENN)
Updated: 2007-07-27 10:04





?

Beyonce Knowles

The singer was about to descend a staircase at Florida's Amway Arena
during a performance of Ring The Alarm, when she lost her balance and
fell head-first down 15 steps.

But Knowles is adamant mastering the art of moving in high heels on stage
is "second nature", despite getting a heel caught in her trenchcoat which
caused the fall.

She says, "The easiest part is dancing in the heels. I don't even think
about it anymore; it's just second nature. But it is difficult to dance,
to sing at the same time. I have to make sure I'm in shape and I'm
hydrated... I don't want to wear myself out and get exhausted.

After Tuesday's accident, Knowles pleaded with the audience not to post
any videos of the accident online; however one fan surrendered footage
captured on a camera phone to local TV station WKMG-TV.








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HSK Exam - Britney behaved badly at photo shoot

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Gossip






Britney behaved badly at photo shoot


(AP)
Updated: 2007-07-26 09:07




?


?

Britney Spears

Britney Spears sat back and watched as her Yorkshire terrier puppy pooped
on a $6,700 designer gown at a photo shoot for OK! magazine. "I wasn't in
the room but I was there to hear the upset shrieks of the stylist,"
editor-in-chief Sarah Ivens told The Associated Press in a phone
interview Wednesday.

"Her assistant dealt with it in the end, after being asked to take care
of it. They had to be asked to clear it up."

Spears also wiped grease on a designer dress, treating it like "a
napkin," took frequent trips to the bathroom 鈥� leaving the door open
鈥� and complained that the high-end clothing put together for the July
19 fashion shoot weren't sexy, short or tight enough, the magazine said.

After about three hours, the 25-year-old singer bolted, walking away with
more than $14,000 of borrowed apparel, Ivens said.

"I've never seen anything like it," she said. "It's definitely the most
bizarre shoot I've ever been on."

Representatives for Spears had offered an exclusive interview that was
intended as career comeback for the singer, Ivens said.

"What actually transpired on the day was a shock to us and left me and
the whole crew feeling quite shocked and sad, really," she said.

OK! publicist Brian Strong said the magazine didn't publish the photos in
its latest issue because they "weren't up to standard."

A representative at Jive Records, Spears' record label, didn't
immediately return a phone call and e-mail seeking comment Wednesday.

"She needs to have a really strong team to advise her what to do, what
not to do," Ivens said. "And then, if she gets that, I'm sure she can
pull it around. It's all there. She's got talent. She just needs to get
her priorities straight, I think."








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Learn Chinese online - Lohan learning the tango for movie role

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Lohan learning the tango for movie role


(WENN)
Updated: 2007-07-24 09:54





?

Actress Lindsay Lohan

Actress Lindsay Lohan has reportedly landed her first movie role since
leaving rehab--but will need to dance for the part.

The Georgia Rule star, who ended a 45-day stay at Malibu, California's
Promises Clinic on July 13, has landed a part in new movie Dare to Love
Me, reports People.com.

But the movie, which documents the life of dance legend Carlos Gardel,
requires the 21-year-old to dance the tango.

The actress is rumored to be taking weekly one-hour lessons to perfect
the routine ahead of filming, which is due to begin in Romania later this
year.

?

?








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Study Chinese - Gorgeous Angelina Jolie

ENTERTAINMENT / Special Coverage








Gorgeous Angelina Jolie

Updated: 2006-05-12 15:08





She is exotic, stunning, gorgeous, and beyond words of comparison.She's
got that pregnant glow, but it is Angelina Jolie's humanitarian efforts
that make her most radiant, according to People magazine.


Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
















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Alibaba is the largest B2B marketplace in the world. Source model ship,
wooden puzzle, one-piece toilet, RC hovercraft, photo album, prom dress,
pocket bike, Vaginal Speculum, Samurai Sword, String Panty and PVC Pipe.





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HSK Exam - Haagendazs ice cream tour

CITYLIFE / Hip & New








Haagendazs ice cream tour

Updated: 2006-04-24 15:40



To celebrate its 10 years' anniversary in China, Haagendazs will promote
10 new products, presenting 10 world's cities and regions, including New
York, England, Tokyo ... The promotion period starts from April 11 and
ends on June 30.

Lovingly crafted from only the finest ingredients, Haagen-Dazs is the
ultimate in luxury ice cream. The unrivalled creaminess of the ice cream
is achieved by using a high percentage of fresh cream. Haagen-Dazs also
whip less air into their ice cream so that everyone get to enjoy the
unique 'melt in the mouth' moments for which Haagen-Dazs is renowned.




Alaska







Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
















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Chinese Speaking - CPI rise of 1.3% recorded in June

/ Page 15








CPI rise of 1.3% recorded in June
By Lillian Liu
Updated: 2007-07-26 06:53




The Hong Kong consumer price index (CPI) in June was 1.3 percent higher
than in the same period last year, indicating moderate inflation in the
city triggered by growing food prices.

The SAR Census and Statistics Department (CSD) also said the composite
CPI for June increased 1.2 percent compared with May.

"The slight creep up was mainly due to hikes in pork prices as a result
of a supply shortage," said a government spokesman.

In addition to food, year-on-year increases in June were also recorded
for clothing and footwear, meals bought away from home and miscellaneous
services.

Prices for durable goods, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, electricity, gas and
water declined year-on-year in June, the CSD said.

Food prices showed the largest increase, some 4.5 percent, among all
consumer prices, followed by clothing and footwear, which rose 4 percent
and meals bought away from home, which registered a 2 percent jump in
prices.

Durable goods showed a 4.5 percent year-on-year price decrease, while
alcohol and tobacco were 2.4 percent lower.

Rapid growth in labor productivity should provide some cushion against
overall inflationary pressures, the spokesman added.

Analysts say the CPI increase originated from the mainland, the prime
source of many consumer goods in Hong Kong.

Over 90 percent of the pork supply in Hong Kong comes from the mainland,
where the wholesale price of pork has increased dramatically.

The rise in the price of pork and eggs led mainland consumer price
increases, which as a whole jumped 4.4 percent in June.

Pork prices on the mainland increased almost 75 percent in June compared
to the same period last year, largely due to higher feed costs and an
outbreak of a deadly swine ailment called blue-ear disease.


(China Daily 07/26/2007 page15)
















China Daily PDF Edition











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Learn Chinese online - Strident and sentimental

? ?



CITYLIFE / Weekend & Holiday






Strident and sentimental


By Michelle Qiao (Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2007-07-20 09:45



Suona, the eight-hole oboe or trumpet, is the loudest Chinese instrument
and has a bad rap as simply a horn or bugle for rustics in common wedding
and funeral bands. It's also called the eight-eyed monkey because it can
be difficult to control, like the ornery primate.

The suona or Chinese oboe, sometimes called a trumpet, is the loudest
Chinese instrument, and as it is passionate and lively it frequently sets
the rhythm and beat for a band. It is the musical mainstay at weddings,
celebrations, parades and funerals.

It has earned the reputation, unfairly, as a rustic, low-class instrument
because of its often piercing loud sound. The suona, in fact, is capable
of subtlety, of plaintive, sentimental performances.

It also can create a brilliant sound of hundreds of singing birds. All
this depends on which size the suona and how it is played, of course, but
the reputation of vulgarity stuck.

"The distinctively loud and high-pitched sound of suona was perfect for
outdoor performances. It had been used for festival and military purposes
and currently is widely used in traditional weddings and funerals in the
countryside of North China," says suona performer Hu Chenyun from the
Shanghai Chinese Music Orchestra.

"That gave people an impression that it was not a decent instrument, but
only created some bustling noise."

The suona was originally introduced to China from Central Asia, developed
from Central Asian instruments such as the surnay or zurna, from which
its Chinese name probably derives. A musician playing an instrument very
similar to a suona is shown in a drawing on a Silk Road religious
monument in what is now the western Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,
dating back to the third to fifth century AD.

"Suona was formerly made all of wood and it was used in military
processions as bugles," says Hu. "People later used brass or copper to
make the mouthpiece for a even louder and brighter sound."

But it was the unique loud and bright sound that had attracted French
composer Krystof Maratka to write a concerto for suona. He was the
youngest of the eight French composers, who were recently commissioned to
write music about Shanghai using traditional instruments and Chinese
melodies for a project titled "Presences China" last year.

Other composers chose other instruments after coming to China, but
Maratka decided on the suona when he happened to hear an album of the
instrument in France, says Hu.

After coming to Shanghai, Maratka asked suona performer Hu to demonstrate
different effects on the instrument - the lightest or the highest
pitches, the most passionate or the saddest emotions.

"Suona's timbre is so loud and characteristic that during a concerto it
could never be drowned out by a symphony orchestra. But it's also very
hard to write a composition for suona because it's so characteristic,"
says Hu.

As a result, the suona concert "Chan G'hai" won the first prize after
audience vote. (You can listen to excerpts of this on the Website.)

The humble suona is a simple and inexpensive instrument. It has a conical
wooden body, similar to that of the European oboe. However, it uses a
brass or copper mouthpiece to which a small double reed is affixed,
possessing a detachable metal bell at its end. The best suonas are made
of old rosewood, costing only a little more than US$100.

These instruments are used in the woodwind sections of traditional
instrument orchestras in China and Singapore. Chinese rock star Cui Jian
once featured a suona in his song "Nothing to My Name," which was played
by a saxophonist.

"But unlike Western oboes which have keys to control the pitches, the
two-octave suona has only eight holes, and they rely on the breath and
fingers of a performer to control the pitches and tunes," says Hu. "But
with such a simple structure, the instrument can vividly imitate the
talking, singing or even Chinese opera singing of a human being."

Mastering the suona is difficult and the eight-hole instrument has been
called the "eight-eyed monkey" because like a monkey it is difficult to
control.






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Chinese Tutor - Sienna Miller urges energy conservation

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Sienna Miller urges energy conservation


(AP)
Updated: 2007-07-18 11:41





In this Handout photograph provided by Genesis, British actress Sienna
Miller, right, and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan pose during a photo
shoot to launch the 'Global Cool' campaign to promote awareness about the
effects of global warming in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, July 17, 2007. [AP]

Sienna Miller teamed up with Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday
to urge Indians to do more to slow global warming.
The 25-year-old actress met Bachchan in Mumbai at the start of a weeklong
trip to India as an ambassador for Global Cool.

"If each one of us does our bit, we will be helping to keep global
warming from harming our countries," Miller said.

Bachchan, India's biggest movie star, announced that the Indian
International Film Academy would partner with Global Cool, an
organization that spreads awareness about global warming, to increase
knowledge about greenhouse gas emissions.

"Carbon emissions will be huge from countries like India and China with
growing populations and economy," Bachchan said. "It will be wise to
start doing whatever we can to protect our planet."

Miller's screen credits include "Interview," "Factory Girl," "Casanova"
and "Alfie."























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Learn Chinese - Angelina Jolie to buy Yorkshire home

ENTERTAINMENT / Gossip






Angelina Jolie to buy Yorkshire home

(Digital spy)
Updated: 2007-07-17 11:09


Tomb Raider star Angelina Jolie has been searching for a home in
Yorkshire.

The actress has fallen in love with a four-bedroom cottage in Richmond,
where she hopes to visit for holidays with husband Brad Pitt and their
four children.

A source told the Daily Star: "Angelina thought it'd be great to have
somewhere to get away to. And she adores Yorkshire."

Jolie recently revealed that she is taking a break from acting, and hopes
to spend more time with her family.







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Speak Chinese - Transformers

ENTERTAINMENT / New Releases






Transformers


Updated: 2007-06-29 11:28





The Earth is caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between two
races of robots, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, which are
able to change into a variety of objects, including cars, trucks, planes
and other technological creations.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation

Running Time: 2 hrs. 20 min.

Release Date: July 3rd, 2007 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief
sexual humor and language.

Distributors: di Bonaventura Pictures, Inc., Paramount Pictures























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HSK Exam - Lohan aims for Oscar glory

ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Lohan aims for Oscar glory

(WENN)
Updated: 2007-07-13 09:36





Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan is desperate to rid herself of the wild-child tag and
replace her bad reputation with Oscar glory.

The Mean Girls actress checked into rehab facility Promises in May after
being charged with driving under the influence following a Beverly Hills
car crash.

And she is now focusing all her efforts on her career.

She says, "Look, I want to win Oscars. I want Academy Awards. I am
serious about what I do. I detest being known as a party girl."









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Chinese Pinyin - One-note "Xanadu" strikes campy pose

ENTERTAINMENT / Theater & Arts






One-note "Xanadu" strikes campy pose

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-12 08:40


NEW YORK - "The theater? They'll just take some stinkeroo movie ... throw
it on a stage, and call it a show."

I wish I could take credit for that astute bit of analysis when it comes
to "Xanadu," the new Broadway musical adaptation of the cult favorite
1980 stinkeroo film, but it comes directly from the show itself. Its
author, Tony-nominated playwright Douglas Carter Beane ("The Little Dog
Laughed"), clearly wants to head off at the pass the inevitable
criticism. No doubt that's why a character also declares at one point:
"This is like children's theater for 40-year-old gay people!"

Unfortunately, such self-consciousness is not likely to increase your
enjoyment of this slipshod enterprise, which belongs more in a fringe
festival than on Broadway. Despite running a mere 90 minutes, it quickly
proves wearisome in its one-note camp attitude.

You might recall the plot of the film, if post-traumatic stress hasn't
erased it. It has to do with the efforts of a beautiful muse from ancient
Greece (Kerry Butler, in the role of Kira, originally played by Olivia
Newton-John) to inspire Sonny (Cheyenne Jackson), a down-on-his-luck
artist. Her appearance prompts him to try to restore an old, abandoned
theater named Xanadu and convert it to a roller disco.

Fortunately for Sonny, the building's greedy businessman owner (Tony
Roberts) has a weak spot: He had an encounter with the same gorgeous muse
many years earlier.

The show, like the original film, features a musical score by Jeff Lynne
(Electric Light Orchestra) and John Farrar, with the amusing addition of
Newton-John hits like "Have You Never Been Mellow?"

Although the satirical book has its flashes of wit, it doesn't manage to
transform the horrific source material into anything theatrically viable,
at least not in a way that hasn't already been done countless times
before. (At one point, there's an insulting reference to Andrew Lloyd
Webber, but musicals in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.)

The music, featuring such familiar numbers as "Evil Woman," "Party All
Over the World," "I'm Alive" and the title song, certainly demonstrates
Lynne's trademark pop tunefulness. Unfortunately, it isn't well served
here by the tinny arrangements and lackluster vocals.

Butler, wearing the character's trademark leg warmers, is certainly perky
enough, even if she never seems quite comfortable on her roller skates.
Jackson, a last-minute replacement for original star James Carpinello (he
had a skating malfunction), well displays his hunky attributes in tight
shorts and tank tops. Veteran performer Roberts handles his rather
humiliating chores with the grace and good humor of a true professional,
and Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa deliver some hilarious moments as
Kira's fellow muses.

But for all their efforts and those of director Christopher Ashley, who
has staged the proceedings with a suitably hokey silliness, "Xanadu"
should have stayed in the DVD bargain bin.

Cast:

Clio/Kira: Kerry Butler

Sonny: Cheyenne Jackson

Danny/Zeus: Tony Roberts

Calliope/Aphrodite: Jackie Hoffman

Melpomene/Medusa: Mary Testa

Thalia/others: Curtis Holbrook

Euterpe/others: Anika Larsen

Erato/others: Kenita Miller

Terpsichore/others: Andre Ward

Book: Douglas Carter Beane; Music-lyrics: Jeff Lynne, John Farrar;
Director: Christopher Ashley; Choreographer: Dan Knechtges; Set designer:
David Gallo; Lighting designer: Howell Binkley; Costume designer: David
Zinn; Sound designers: T. Richard Fitzgerald, Carl Casella.























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HSK Exam - German anti-Nazi hero backs Cruise in film on plot to kill Hitler

ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






German anti-Nazi hero backs Cruise in film on plot to kill Hitler

(AFP)
Updated: 2007-07-11 09:37





Tom Cruise received backing for his contested plans to play the
mastermind behind a daring bid
to assassinate Adolf Hitler from one of the real-life hero's fellow
conspirators,
Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager, seen here in 2004 in Kreuzberg.[AFP]

Tom Cruise received backing Tuesday for his contested plans to play the
mastermind behind a daring bid to assassinate Adolf Hitler from one of
the real-life hero's fellow conspirators.

Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager, 89, told the German daily Bild that the
uproar in Germany over the Hollywood star's links to the Church of
Scientology in no way disqualified him to play Count Claus Schenk von
Stauffenberg.

"I think it is good that Cruise is playing Stauffenberg," Boeselager said
in an interview to be printed Wednesday.

"He is a good actor. But he must not be allowed to advertise for
Scientology with the movie."

Filming is to begin next week in Berlin on "Valkyrie," named after the
code name of the plot.

But the city authorities have restricted where the crew can film and some
German officials have expressed discomfort with the idea of Cruise, a
dedicated Scientologist, playing a national hero and martyr.

Germany considers the Scientology movement a commercial operation that
exploits vulnerable people.

Boeselager belonged to Stauffenberg's cadre of aristocratic military
officers who conspired to kill Hitler in 1944.

The group planted a bomb under a table in Hitler's eastern headquarters
in East Prussia.

But the Nazi leader escaped with slight injuries because an officer had
moved the briefcase containing the explosives behind a sturdy leg of the
oak table.

Stauffenberg was rounded up that night and executed by firing squad along
with other officers at the Bendlerblock, then the army headquarters in
Berlin and now a memorial to the German resistance.

Boeselager, who had acquired the explosives used in the attacks, said he
believed the Hollywood thriller had an important message to send to
international audiences.

"I hope that the German resistance will become more well-known thanks to
the film. People know so little about it in the United States."

In Germany, the group is under observation by the Federal Office for the
Protection of the Constitution and several state security watchdogs.

But it is no longer being monitored by the Berlin authorities after a
successful court challenge by the group.

The US-based Church of Scientology is also regarded with suspicion in
European countries such as France and Belgium.

"Valkyrie" is directed by Bryan Singer and co-written by Christopher
McQuarrie, the team behind the Oscar-winning 1995 thriller "The Usual
Suspects".

























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Chinese Speaking - Pouring on the authentic charm

? ?



CITYLIFE / Eating Out






Pouring on the authentic charm


(Beijing Weekend)
Updated: 2007-07-10 10:08



Having opened last week at the former site of Little Penang, Awana
Beijing?is a fine dinning restaurant and the latest installment of the
London chain.

The food reflects a common mix of the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese,
Dutch and Borneo in Malaysia. Specialties include curries, soups, satays,
and grilled and fried foods. Tropical herbs and spices are used heavily.
There is an emphasis on health at this establishment, so MSG is not used.
Olive oil is also included in some dishes.

There is a Satay bar on the second floor, where you can watch the chef
grilling your order. There is also a cocktail bar on the ground floor.
Pork is not served.

Recommended dishes: chicken and scallop satay, char-grilled butter fish
fillet wrapped in banana leaf, tiger prawns with peppered leaves and
homemade chili jam, slow-cooked beef curry with coconut milk, fried
coconut and brown sugar with pancake and fried flat noodles with lobster
and shellfish.

Average spending: 80-120 yuan

Opening hours: 11am-11pm, 32 Tianze Lu, Lady's Street, Chaoyang District
Tel: 010-64620004
























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Tibet and know more interesting tour routes leading to this divine place.
Please click here!

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sights from mysterious Yunnan Province!Yunnan New Film Project,Travel
with the film.Wanna know more? Please click here!




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* Master storyteller has something to say
* Lookng after your skin naturally
* Evocative scents in a glass of wine
* Go on a shopping spree to discount stores
* Teatime!





Beijing Guide ?


Eating out: Mouth-watering magic
Bars&Cafes: Catch underground bands
Weekend&Holiday: An Oasis at Shichahai
Shopping: Ice up your world
What's on: Smoke society





Shanghai Guide ?


Eating out: An institution in the making
Bars&Cafes: The new money
Weekend&Holiday: Band of gypsies
Shopping: Chinese made delicacy
What's on: Teenage wasteland





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Study Chinese - Ducks with exotic flavor

? ?



CITYLIFE / Eating Out






Ducks with exotic flavor


(noblesse.com)
Updated: 2007-07-09 10:13



Duck, which is a rarity in traditional Italian fare, is one of the
signature dishes at Toscana-roasted duck wrapped in pineapple.

Seasoned with Italian vinegar, it pleases the palate with its sour and
spicy flavors. Then there is another fusion dish-pasta seasoned with
Shanghai soy sauce blended with diced spring onion, just like the locals
do. The aroma of spring onion blends perfectly with the flavors of spicy
peppers.

Toscana
Location: 8F, 278 Shaanxi Road N. Shanghai
Tel: 021-6288-3781
Opening Hours锛�11:00-22:00























Feature ?




Pilgrimage to Tibet If you want to get a detailed Travel Handbook to
Tibet and know more interesting tour routes leading to this divine place.
Please click here!

Yunnan New Film Project Ten female directors from China! Ten unique
sights from mysterious Yunnan Province!Yunnan New Film Project,Travel
with the film.Wanna know more? Please click here!




Editors' Picks ?




* Master storyteller has something to say
* Lookng after your skin naturally
* Evocative scents in a glass of wine
* Go on a shopping spree to discount stores
* Teatime!





Beijing Guide ?


Eating out: Mouth-watering magic
Bars&Cafes: Catch underground bands
Weekend&Holiday: An Oasis at Shichahai
Shopping: Ice up your world
What's on: Smoke society





Shanghai Guide ?


Eating out: An institution in the making
Bars&Cafes: The new money
Weekend&Holiday: Band of gypsies
Shopping: Chinese made delicacy
What's on: Teenage wasteland





Learn Chinese, Learn mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing,

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