I was the shopping guru when I was in Beijing. I had to help look for some of these items. Here are some things which were hard to find (on a budget) in China last fall:
1. Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
2. Solid stick deodorant
3. Good shoes (Especially the larger sizes, women's size 8 is a little difficult to find)
4. Fabric stain remover (Spray Wash solid is a good one to bring)
5. Fabric deodorizer
6. 3X5 note cards (You could make your own)
7. Feminine hygiene stuff
8. Good thermal wear (Silk available in Beijing)
9. Dri-fit or Cool Max active wear (Sports bras included)
10. Hiking apparel & shoes
11. Your favorite candy (Bring it!)
12. Clothes for tall people :) (To give you an idea: I wear an PXS here in the USA, but had to get XL.)
13. Supplements and vitamins
14. Ear plugs
Things I didn't regret bringing so I had them immediately:
1. A good knife. I brought a Farberware parer and a peeler.
2. A set of silverware: knife, fork and spoon.
3. Multipurpose tool.
Things I regret not bringing:
1. A good can opener.
2. ... Still thinking ....
Things you should always have with you:
1. Kleenex or toilet paper
2. Hand sanitizer
3. Your own shopping bag
4. A camera
5. A sense of humor & adventure
Things you can get for cheap:
1. Socks (all materials and lengths)
2. Winter coats, scarves and gloves
3. Clothing & other accessories
4. Stationery
5. Umbrellas (get the UV-coated kind, makes a difference in the heat)
6. Clothing alteration (hem pants, repair seams etc.)
7. Gel insoles
8. Prescription glasses
9. Wet wipes
10. Blankets
11. China licensed DVDs and CDs (real and fakes)
12. Surface shipping China Post (All my stuff arrived, undamaged and it took 2 months China-USA. Bring your stuff unpacked and they will pack it for you. If you're planning to ship DVDs and CDs, make sure you save all the receipts and show it to the post office agent for customs clearance.)
Things you should get:
1. Local SIM card for your unlocked cell phone.
2. Travel guide: the local insider's guide written by Beijing expats is a good one. Lonely Planet's Beijing too.
3. Chinese-English/ English-Chinese dictionaries (electronic or otherwise)
4. Chinese-English books, poems
Things you may need to find out more before buying:
1. Musical instruments (apparently there's some paperwork involved)
2. Knives and other traditional weapons (there are restrictions depending on where you buy them)
Random advice:
1. Remember the bus numbers when you get on one. Get a bus/subway card and be adventurous. I familiarized myself to different areas by riding on the bus with no particular destination in mind. I got on a bus and rode for several stops. Then, I got off the bus and walked the bus route, exploring all the shops and places in between.
2. Dab clear nail polish on all the buttons of cheap clothes you buy. This will help them stay on for longer :).
3. There's no return or exchange policy in the bargain areas. May not be able to try on clothing. Bring a tape measure if you're a serious shopper. I brought my fav pair of jeans and used it to measure. This worked well.
4. Cheap scarves sewn together make a good sleep sack.
Will update this page when other things come to mind.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A whim: ice-cream :)
Sitting in front of the computer all day editing my dissertation is not very exciting. I had mentioned on fb that housework has never been more appealing until I had to spend hours writing. Don't ask me what I did when I found out I had a meeting with my committee in less than 6 hrs at the end of April. My dissertation group laughed at my sense of humor and coping skills.
I had Almond Balls at the University Club last week with the dissertation support group and decided I'd make my own version. They used a chocolate shell for theirs but I wasn't in a mood for chocolate tonight so I did this instead.
1. 4 or 5 finely chopped almonds
2. a teaspoon of coconut flakes
3. 2/3 cup of vanilla ice-cream
4. Butterscotch topping to drizzle. (Or chocolate or caramel)
Chop almonds on cutting board and mix with coconut flakes.
Scoop ice-cream and roll on cutting board so that it is coated with the almond & coconut mixture. Put ice-cream into a bowl and drizzle butterscotch topping. Serve immediately. Enough for 1 person!
My other favorite dessert is mangoes over peach frozen yogurt. Top with whipped cream and a sprig of mint. :) I think sometime I would like to have a parfait bar for a party. Wouldn't that be fun? Hands off the berries, they are all mine!
I had Almond Balls at the University Club last week with the dissertation support group and decided I'd make my own version. They used a chocolate shell for theirs but I wasn't in a mood for chocolate tonight so I did this instead.
1. 4 or 5 finely chopped almonds
2. a teaspoon of coconut flakes
3. 2/3 cup of vanilla ice-cream
4. Butterscotch topping to drizzle. (Or chocolate or caramel)
Chop almonds on cutting board and mix with coconut flakes.
Scoop ice-cream and roll on cutting board so that it is coated with the almond & coconut mixture. Put ice-cream into a bowl and drizzle butterscotch topping. Serve immediately. Enough for 1 person!
My other favorite dessert is mangoes over peach frozen yogurt. Top with whipped cream and a sprig of mint. :) I think sometime I would like to have a parfait bar for a party. Wouldn't that be fun? Hands off the berries, they are all mine!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Official Unofficial Resume
AKA Jobs I have performed in the past besides my music stuff.
Agent/Arts Admin: I organize recitals and concerts in Malaysia & Singapore. I'm in the process of being a contact/liason for an upcoming tour for my former college. I think they will be going to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. I can only help with non-profit or educational trips. My fee: please pay my airfare.
Events Management: Details from venue to menu. I was involved in events planning from young as my dad was the national and SE-Asian president for a youth organization, the Boys' Brigade. Talk about fundraisers and protocol for VIPs and royalty! Hosting international guests from around the world made for a very interesting childhood. (I still remember the guests from Germany who came when I was 5-yrs old! I still have the necklace they left me.)
Tour Guide: I love to travel & read. I study maps and public transportation systems easily. It takes me about a week or less to familiarize myself with a new city. I have played tour guide in Malaysia (of course), Beijing, Singapore and New York, NY.
ESL Volunteer: Taught in China, Thailand, Malaysia. I speak good Chinglish and Manglish. I substitute taught for my parents, still do when I am home in the summer.
Test Administrator: I worked with the Success for All Foundation, a literacy program funded by the Dept. of Education. I worked in under-performing elementary schools in Wichita, KS and Eutaw, AL administering reading tests to students.
Counselor: Handling different student problems. I wish students would communicate with their instructors when they are in trouble instead of waiting until it's really late. I refer students to the appropriate services in the university like the Counseling Center, Dean of Students and SGA especially if $$ is involved.
Advisor: I do some informal academic advising. Friends and students ask me what classes to take to diversify their studies. Also, I provide some career guidance for students who aren't quite sure of what jobs are out there for their majors.
Research Asst.: I learned this - never walk into the library the night before a musicology exam when you're the musicology GTA. I get phone calls about how to research and what to research. Where do I find an article about this? Don't ask me about citation stuff :)
The "doctor": I had quite a few knocks on my door in China for medical stuff. I read enough about symptoms of common illnesses, so I know when they should head to the doctor or wait it out. I don't have my first aid certification yet but I have often been with people in accidents until real help arrives. It doesn't faze me to handle a crisis.
Shopper: Yes, my host mom here uses me as her personal shopper. She tells me what she is looking for and I find her the best deal. Makes her Christmas shopping very easy and it gives me my shopping therapy.
Drill instructor: Yes, I was the drill commander for 90+ girls for the 1st Kampar Girls' Brigade Company. Boy, I was strict as my friends recall. I was never guilty of not being heard in high school. I am quite soft spoken now.
Dancer: I have been involved in contra dance demonstrations at the Cowtown Museum, Wichita. I still contra dance regularly even though I am no longer the president of the Tuscaloosa Contradancers. Was in a swing dance performance last year.
Live-wire/Hostess: Of a party. Sometimes I am a live wire but usually I'm behind the scenes, serving guests and all. I enjoy being a hostess a lot. The most recent one: the Clarks' farewell party.
Florist: I will make floral arrangements only when my mom is not around. I do bouquets and some table arrangements. I helped my sis with her wedding flowers and will likely do my own when it happens.
Photographer: One of my dreams is to own a D-SLR camera. If I'm not playing hostess at a party, I love taking pictures. I have a great album of our Halloween in Beijing when I played the role of the paparazzi. I like to take photos of sunsets, nature and scenery. One of my photos of a Beijing hutong was a finalist in a competition recently.
Problem solver: Do I have an "ASK ME" button? FAQs include: Can you come fix the projector? Why is the projector not working? What cables do I need? Where can I find ...? What do I do with ...?
Seamstress: I hemmed another piano major's recital dress in my studio.
Pet-sitter: I do well with cats and dogs. Fish & birds ok, no reptiles.
House-sitter: I will keep your home so secure I might lock myself out. It happened once, much to my embarrassment.
Baby-sitter: Have done it once or twice for my classmate's 2-yr-old. I brought bubbles and play dough. We had fun! (My mom runs a kindergarten. (200+ kids a day) X (17 yrs)... need I explain? I like children, just not that many.)
Mechanic: I helped a free-lance mechanic fix my car. I know my GLOJET mobile pretty well. I usually can diagnose my own car but still take it to a real mechanic to confirm.
This was fun to blog.. I may remember others and will add to the list.
Agent/Arts Admin: I organize recitals and concerts in Malaysia & Singapore. I'm in the process of being a contact/liason for an upcoming tour for my former college. I think they will be going to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. I can only help with non-profit or educational trips. My fee: please pay my airfare.
Events Management: Details from venue to menu. I was involved in events planning from young as my dad was the national and SE-Asian president for a youth organization, the Boys' Brigade. Talk about fundraisers and protocol for VIPs and royalty! Hosting international guests from around the world made for a very interesting childhood. (I still remember the guests from Germany who came when I was 5-yrs old! I still have the necklace they left me.)
Tour Guide: I love to travel & read. I study maps and public transportation systems easily. It takes me about a week or less to familiarize myself with a new city. I have played tour guide in Malaysia (of course), Beijing, Singapore and New York, NY.
ESL Volunteer: Taught in China, Thailand, Malaysia. I speak good Chinglish and Manglish. I substitute taught for my parents, still do when I am home in the summer.
Test Administrator: I worked with the Success for All Foundation, a literacy program funded by the Dept. of Education. I worked in under-performing elementary schools in Wichita, KS and Eutaw, AL administering reading tests to students.
Counselor: Handling different student problems. I wish students would communicate with their instructors when they are in trouble instead of waiting until it's really late. I refer students to the appropriate services in the university like the Counseling Center, Dean of Students and SGA especially if $$ is involved.
Advisor: I do some informal academic advising. Friends and students ask me what classes to take to diversify their studies. Also, I provide some career guidance for students who aren't quite sure of what jobs are out there for their majors.
Research Asst.: I learned this - never walk into the library the night before a musicology exam when you're the musicology GTA. I get phone calls about how to research and what to research. Where do I find an article about this? Don't ask me about citation stuff :)
The "doctor": I had quite a few knocks on my door in China for medical stuff. I read enough about symptoms of common illnesses, so I know when they should head to the doctor or wait it out. I don't have my first aid certification yet but I have often been with people in accidents until real help arrives. It doesn't faze me to handle a crisis.
Shopper: Yes, my host mom here uses me as her personal shopper. She tells me what she is looking for and I find her the best deal. Makes her Christmas shopping very easy and it gives me my shopping therapy.
Drill instructor: Yes, I was the drill commander for 90+ girls for the 1st Kampar Girls' Brigade Company. Boy, I was strict as my friends recall. I was never guilty of not being heard in high school. I am quite soft spoken now.
Dancer: I have been involved in contra dance demonstrations at the Cowtown Museum, Wichita. I still contra dance regularly even though I am no longer the president of the Tuscaloosa Contradancers. Was in a swing dance performance last year.
Live-wire/Hostess: Of a party. Sometimes I am a live wire but usually I'm behind the scenes, serving guests and all. I enjoy being a hostess a lot. The most recent one: the Clarks' farewell party.
Florist: I will make floral arrangements only when my mom is not around. I do bouquets and some table arrangements. I helped my sis with her wedding flowers and will likely do my own when it happens.
Photographer: One of my dreams is to own a D-SLR camera. If I'm not playing hostess at a party, I love taking pictures. I have a great album of our Halloween in Beijing when I played the role of the paparazzi. I like to take photos of sunsets, nature and scenery. One of my photos of a Beijing hutong was a finalist in a competition recently.
Problem solver: Do I have an "ASK ME" button? FAQs include: Can you come fix the projector? Why is the projector not working? What cables do I need? Where can I find ...? What do I do with ...?
Seamstress: I hemmed another piano major's recital dress in my studio.
Pet-sitter: I do well with cats and dogs. Fish & birds ok, no reptiles.
House-sitter: I will keep your home so secure I might lock myself out. It happened once, much to my embarrassment.
Baby-sitter: Have done it once or twice for my classmate's 2-yr-old. I brought bubbles and play dough. We had fun! (My mom runs a kindergarten. (200+ kids a day) X (17 yrs)... need I explain? I like children, just not that many.)
Mechanic: I helped a free-lance mechanic fix my car. I know my GLOJET mobile pretty well. I usually can diagnose my own car but still take it to a real mechanic to confirm.
This was fun to blog.. I may remember others and will add to the list.
Summer Camps 2009
Here are some summer camps which I am really interested in attending BUT I spent all my money on China last year. So if you feel sponsoring a poor international graduate student or have possibilities for a job, please leave a comment. The next thing I'm learning to do is fix a car. Jill of all trades, master of several!
Barbara Lister-Sink, Author of "Freeing the Caged Bird"
Intensive Workshop, June 22-27, 2009. Salem College, NC.
This would be good for anyone who is open to exploring bio-mechanics and ergonomic piano playing techniques. Barbara is a bundle of energy and has a great personality. I appreciate her down-to-earth approach and her teacher's heart. After a quick session with Barbara, I noticed one thing about my playing and she noticed plenty. I changed my sitting posture slightly and have reduced neck/shoulder tension. I am a little more coordinated but I have a long way to go. Her brief workshop at UA reminded me of my years in Kansas when my teachers were focused on injury prevention and better technique for me. Now that I don't have any injuries or maladies, I would love to fully explore my potential at the piano without recital requirements hanging over me.
Malcolm Bilson, David Breitman and Andrew Willis
"Knowing the Score", Summer Fortepiano Workshop August 9-15, 2009. Cornell University.
Another one of my favorite topics is historical performance.
I have not had the chance to explore this too much in the past couple years, because I've been buried in my dissertation research. I have been "Bilsonized" (an example of the American process of verbification) as I have followed some of his work, conference presentations and such. I have met these three wonderful people in person so I would highly recommend this workshop. If all I get to do is see the range of fortepianos they are going to have, I'll be satisfied. I don't think I want to play or perform but just be in the presence of great scholars & performers. I am reminded again of my college years when I had to do research into performance practice and review different recordings, different score editions and produce a written journal on my findings. (Did I become lazier in my DMA?). So if you don't know the difference between fortepianos and the modern piano, and want to find out about notation practices, be there. No excuses!
Barbara Lister-Sink, Author of "Freeing the Caged Bird"
Intensive Workshop, June 22-27, 2009. Salem College, NC.
This would be good for anyone who is open to exploring bio-mechanics and ergonomic piano playing techniques. Barbara is a bundle of energy and has a great personality. I appreciate her down-to-earth approach and her teacher's heart. After a quick session with Barbara, I noticed one thing about my playing and she noticed plenty. I changed my sitting posture slightly and have reduced neck/shoulder tension. I am a little more coordinated but I have a long way to go. Her brief workshop at UA reminded me of my years in Kansas when my teachers were focused on injury prevention and better technique for me. Now that I don't have any injuries or maladies, I would love to fully explore my potential at the piano without recital requirements hanging over me.
Malcolm Bilson, David Breitman and Andrew Willis
"Knowing the Score", Summer Fortepiano Workshop August 9-15, 2009. Cornell University.
Another one of my favorite topics is historical performance.
I have not had the chance to explore this too much in the past couple years, because I've been buried in my dissertation research. I have been "Bilsonized" (an example of the American process of verbification) as I have followed some of his work, conference presentations and such. I have met these three wonderful people in person so I would highly recommend this workshop. If all I get to do is see the range of fortepianos they are going to have, I'll be satisfied. I don't think I want to play or perform but just be in the presence of great scholars & performers. I am reminded again of my college years when I had to do research into performance practice and review different recordings, different score editions and produce a written journal on my findings. (Did I become lazier in my DMA?). So if you don't know the difference between fortepianos and the modern piano, and want to find out about notation practices, be there. No excuses!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
SC Graduate to Perform Doctoral Recital
Gloria Tham, a 2002 Southwestern College graduate, is returning Monday, April 13, to present her third and final doctoral recital titled “Chinoiserie at the Piano.” The recital will be in Messenger Auditorium in Darbeth Fine Arts Center and there is no admission charge.
The recital will trace the history of the piano in China and relate to current events concerning China. The recital is an eclectic mix of miniatures, Western and Chinese-themed pieces ranging from the standard composers of Beethoven, Schumann, and Chopin to Lin Yuepei, a Hong Kong composer. There will also be a display of concert programs, playbills, and scores collected by Tham when she was in Beijing last fall.
Born in Kampar, Malaysia, Tham started piano lessons at age five. She graduated summa cum laude from Southwestern College with a degree in piano performance. Her teacher was Timothy Shook, chair of the division of performing arts at SC. Following a year of graduate work at Kansas State University as a student of Virginia Houser, Tham transferred to Wichita State University. She finished her master of music degree in piano performance, studying under Andrew Trechak, in 2005. She taught class piano and applied piano at Wichita State. Besides being an active performer, Tham was also involved in music ministry, accompanying, teaching, and adjudicating.
“At age 18, Gloria came halfway around the world to Southwestern College,” Shook says. “She had such a fear of performing back then. It is magnificent to see how she has grown.”
Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in piano performance at the University of Alabama, studying with Noel Engebretson. She teaches music appreciation and music in world cultures, and maintains a private teaching studio. She is writing her dissertation on the influence of socialist realism in Chinese piano music during the Cultural Revolution under Chinese history professor, Anthony E. Clark. She expects to graduate in June this year.
For more information about the recital, call (620) 229-6272.
The recital will trace the history of the piano in China and relate to current events concerning China. The recital is an eclectic mix of miniatures, Western and Chinese-themed pieces ranging from the standard composers of Beethoven, Schumann, and Chopin to Lin Yuepei, a Hong Kong composer. There will also be a display of concert programs, playbills, and scores collected by Tham when she was in Beijing last fall.
Born in Kampar, Malaysia, Tham started piano lessons at age five. She graduated summa cum laude from Southwestern College with a degree in piano performance. Her teacher was Timothy Shook, chair of the division of performing arts at SC. Following a year of graduate work at Kansas State University as a student of Virginia Houser, Tham transferred to Wichita State University. She finished her master of music degree in piano performance, studying under Andrew Trechak, in 2005. She taught class piano and applied piano at Wichita State. Besides being an active performer, Tham was also involved in music ministry, accompanying, teaching, and adjudicating.
“At age 18, Gloria came halfway around the world to Southwestern College,” Shook says. “She had such a fear of performing back then. It is magnificent to see how she has grown.”
Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in piano performance at the University of Alabama, studying with Noel Engebretson. She teaches music appreciation and music in world cultures, and maintains a private teaching studio. She is writing her dissertation on the influence of socialist realism in Chinese piano music during the Cultural Revolution under Chinese history professor, Anthony E. Clark. She expects to graduate in June this year.
For more information about the recital, call (620) 229-6272.
Asia Interest Week at UA Presents Film, Music and Scholarship
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Films, lectures and cultural programs highlight Asia Interest Week at The University of Alabama.
This series of six events, stretching from Saturday, March 28, to Tuesday, April 7, celebrates the diversity of Asia and Asian Studies scholarship at UA.
Matsuri at the Mall kicks off the events from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, with a range of performances from Japanese drumming and dance to Japanese swordsmanship at the Center Court of McFarland Mall. This annual celebration concludes the Sakura Festival and is sponsored by UA’s Capstone International Center.
“Master Killer (36th Chamber),” a critically acclaimed Kung Fu film about the famed Shaolin temple, will be shown at 6 p.m. Monday, March 30, in 205 Gorgas Library. Dr. Anthony Clark, assistant professor of history, will introduce the film with a discussion of martial arts in China. The history department has assisted with this event.
“Hindu God or Muslim Saint? Creating a Public Identity with a Contested Figure in India,” a public lecture by Dr. Steven Ramey, assistant professor in the department of religious studies, will be presented at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, in Smith Hall 205.
Ramey will highlight Jhule Lal, a god whom Sindhi Hindus credit with saving their ancestors in Sindh (now in Pakistan). Sindhi Muslims, however, recognize him as a Sufi master. Ramey will use this example to analyze the ways Jhule Lal’s contested identity intersects with Sindhi Hindu efforts in India to maintain a collective identity outside of Sindh. This lecture is a part of the “Religion in Culture” series of the religious studies department.
“Kundun,” the Martin Scorsese film depicting the story of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, in Alston Hall, room 30. Dr. Amy Holmes-Tagchungdarpa, an assistant professor of history who specializes in Tibetan history, will give introductory remarks before the viewing of the film.
Combining pieces of Chinese and Western music, Gloria Tham, a doctoral candidate in the UA School of Music, will present “Chinoiserie at the Piano,” her doctoral recital, at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Moody Music Building.
A photographic exhibition featuring images taken during the UA in China Study Abroad Program will open with a talk at 5 p.m. Tuesday April 7, in the Ferguson Center. This event will feature students who spent the Fall 2008 semester in China and is presented by Crossroads Community Center.
All events are free and open to the public. The Chinese Culture Club organized Asia Interest Week with assistance from Creative Campus, Crossroads Community Center, the Asia Studies Program, the department of history, the department of religious studies, and the Student Government Association.
This series of six events, stretching from Saturday, March 28, to Tuesday, April 7, celebrates the diversity of Asia and Asian Studies scholarship at UA.
Matsuri at the Mall kicks off the events from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, with a range of performances from Japanese drumming and dance to Japanese swordsmanship at the Center Court of McFarland Mall. This annual celebration concludes the Sakura Festival and is sponsored by UA’s Capstone International Center.
“Master Killer (36th Chamber),” a critically acclaimed Kung Fu film about the famed Shaolin temple, will be shown at 6 p.m. Monday, March 30, in 205 Gorgas Library. Dr. Anthony Clark, assistant professor of history, will introduce the film with a discussion of martial arts in China. The history department has assisted with this event.
“Hindu God or Muslim Saint? Creating a Public Identity with a Contested Figure in India,” a public lecture by Dr. Steven Ramey, assistant professor in the department of religious studies, will be presented at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, in Smith Hall 205.
Ramey will highlight Jhule Lal, a god whom Sindhi Hindus credit with saving their ancestors in Sindh (now in Pakistan). Sindhi Muslims, however, recognize him as a Sufi master. Ramey will use this example to analyze the ways Jhule Lal’s contested identity intersects with Sindhi Hindu efforts in India to maintain a collective identity outside of Sindh. This lecture is a part of the “Religion in Culture” series of the religious studies department.
“Kundun,” the Martin Scorsese film depicting the story of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, in Alston Hall, room 30. Dr. Amy Holmes-Tagchungdarpa, an assistant professor of history who specializes in Tibetan history, will give introductory remarks before the viewing of the film.
Combining pieces of Chinese and Western music, Gloria Tham, a doctoral candidate in the UA School of Music, will present “Chinoiserie at the Piano,” her doctoral recital, at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Moody Music Building.
A photographic exhibition featuring images taken during the UA in China Study Abroad Program will open with a talk at 5 p.m. Tuesday April 7, in the Ferguson Center. This event will feature students who spent the Fall 2008 semester in China and is presented by Crossroads Community Center.
All events are free and open to the public. The Chinese Culture Club organized Asia Interest Week with assistance from Creative Campus, Crossroads Community Center, the Asia Studies Program, the department of history, the department of religious studies, and the Student Government Association.
Asian Interest Week
Chinese Culture Club to present Asian Interest Week
Jessie Gable
Staff Reporter, Crimson White (University of Alabama)
Published: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Due to a growing interest in Chinese culture by the students at the University, the Chinese Culture Club has decided to host the first Asian Interest Week from March 28 through April 7 on the UA campus and several nearby locations. All events are open to all UA students and the public. The week will showcase cultural events from China, Japan, Tibet and India.
Susan Gorin, a junior majoring in history and president of the Chinese Culture Club at the University, came up with the idea for Asian Interest Week after studying abroad in Beijing in 2008. Crossroads Community Center, Creative Campus, SGA, Steven Ramey of Religious Studies, Gloria Tham of the Music School and. Anthony Clark of the history department will also be contributing to the events of the week, Gorin said.
The number of students enrolled in Asian language and culture classes at the University and the number of students interested in the UA study abroad program in China has grown to the point where additional majors and minors are being considered.
“This semester, 70 students are enrolled in Chinese, 94 in Japanese, 15 in Korean, and seven in Thai,” Gorin said. “There are also numerous classes offered throughout the year on Chinese and Tibetan History, Japanese film and literature, Chinese art and Asian religions. In fact, there are so many classes pertaining to Asia that Dr. Steven Ramey of the religious studies department is in the process of establishing an Asian studies minor.”
In addition, the number of Asian exchange students at the University continues to grow.
Gorin said after her study abroad, she realized just how much help students need getting acquainted with the United States and the UA campus.
“When I lived in Beijing, all the students at my university went out of their way to help me get adjusted. I just want UA students to show the same initiative,” Gorin said.
Katie Barzler, a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in Chinese, said Asian Interest Week will be a good opportunity to bring a little piece of Asian culture to the students at the University.
“If you see a lecture that sounds interesting, go to it. You have nothing to lose. In a way, it’s just bringing a little piece of their culture here,” Barzler said.
The first event will be the Sakura Festival of “Matsuri in the Mall” to be held at McFarland Mall in the center court from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. The festival will include different Japanese cultural exhibits and performances.
On Monday, March 30 at 6 p.m., Anthony Clark, history professor at the University, will be presenting the film, “Master Killer: 36th Chamber” and a lecture following the movie. This will be shown in 205 Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library.
‘“Master Killer: 36th Chamber’ is considered by many to be the greatest Kung Fu cult film ever produced,” Gorin said. “This 1978 movie about the famed Shaolin Temple was produced by the Shaw Brothers tycoon, Sir Run Shaw, at his Hong Kong studios, and is set during the fall of the Ming dynasty. One critic said that Master Killer contains ‘the most exciting training sequences ever committed to film.”’
On April 2, the Chinese Culture Club will continue Asian Interest Week by presenting a lecture titled “Hindu God or Muslim Saint? Creating a Public Identity with a Contested Figure in India” at 3 p.m. in 205 Smith Hall. Ramey has researched contemporary Sindhi Hindus and other communities whose stories and practices do not fit the standard definitions of Hinduism, Gorin said.
On April 2 at 7 p.m., the club will be showing the film “Kundun,” directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the life and writings of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet.
Then, on April 4, Gloria Tham will be presenting a piano recital, “Chinoiserie at the Piano,” at 2 p.m. at the Moody Music Building.
The last event will take place on April 7 when Crossroads Community Center presents the UA in China Photography Exhibit and talk. This event will take place in 232 Ferguson Center at 5 p.m. and will show photos from some of the 21 students who traveled abroad to China in the fall 2008.
Jessie Gable
Staff Reporter, Crimson White (University of Alabama)
Published: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Due to a growing interest in Chinese culture by the students at the University, the Chinese Culture Club has decided to host the first Asian Interest Week from March 28 through April 7 on the UA campus and several nearby locations. All events are open to all UA students and the public. The week will showcase cultural events from China, Japan, Tibet and India.
Susan Gorin, a junior majoring in history and president of the Chinese Culture Club at the University, came up with the idea for Asian Interest Week after studying abroad in Beijing in 2008. Crossroads Community Center, Creative Campus, SGA, Steven Ramey of Religious Studies, Gloria Tham of the Music School and. Anthony Clark of the history department will also be contributing to the events of the week, Gorin said.
The number of students enrolled in Asian language and culture classes at the University and the number of students interested in the UA study abroad program in China has grown to the point where additional majors and minors are being considered.
“This semester, 70 students are enrolled in Chinese, 94 in Japanese, 15 in Korean, and seven in Thai,” Gorin said. “There are also numerous classes offered throughout the year on Chinese and Tibetan History, Japanese film and literature, Chinese art and Asian religions. In fact, there are so many classes pertaining to Asia that Dr. Steven Ramey of the religious studies department is in the process of establishing an Asian studies minor.”
In addition, the number of Asian exchange students at the University continues to grow.
Gorin said after her study abroad, she realized just how much help students need getting acquainted with the United States and the UA campus.
“When I lived in Beijing, all the students at my university went out of their way to help me get adjusted. I just want UA students to show the same initiative,” Gorin said.
Katie Barzler, a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in Chinese, said Asian Interest Week will be a good opportunity to bring a little piece of Asian culture to the students at the University.
“If you see a lecture that sounds interesting, go to it. You have nothing to lose. In a way, it’s just bringing a little piece of their culture here,” Barzler said.
The first event will be the Sakura Festival of “Matsuri in the Mall” to be held at McFarland Mall in the center court from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. The festival will include different Japanese cultural exhibits and performances.
On Monday, March 30 at 6 p.m., Anthony Clark, history professor at the University, will be presenting the film, “Master Killer: 36th Chamber” and a lecture following the movie. This will be shown in 205 Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library.
‘“Master Killer: 36th Chamber’ is considered by many to be the greatest Kung Fu cult film ever produced,” Gorin said. “This 1978 movie about the famed Shaolin Temple was produced by the Shaw Brothers tycoon, Sir Run Shaw, at his Hong Kong studios, and is set during the fall of the Ming dynasty. One critic said that Master Killer contains ‘the most exciting training sequences ever committed to film.”’
On April 2, the Chinese Culture Club will continue Asian Interest Week by presenting a lecture titled “Hindu God or Muslim Saint? Creating a Public Identity with a Contested Figure in India” at 3 p.m. in 205 Smith Hall. Ramey has researched contemporary Sindhi Hindus and other communities whose stories and practices do not fit the standard definitions of Hinduism, Gorin said.
On April 2 at 7 p.m., the club will be showing the film “Kundun,” directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the life and writings of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet.
Then, on April 4, Gloria Tham will be presenting a piano recital, “Chinoiserie at the Piano,” at 2 p.m. at the Moody Music Building.
The last event will take place on April 7 when Crossroads Community Center presents the UA in China Photography Exhibit and talk. This event will take place in 232 Ferguson Center at 5 p.m. and will show photos from some of the 21 students who traveled abroad to China in the fall 2008.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)