you guys are right…haven’t written on this for a long time…sorry! I have been in Beijing..went to Olympics and Paralympics..and took one of my favorite pictures…nice to be in this after Olympics time now…weather is cooler and I am still rollerblading in the streets…perfect time…if you see me…stop me and say “hello!” Went to Hebei over the national days, did not drink any San Lu milk, and relaxed…these days I am teaching English speaking to some professional people…seems that there are many people in China who need some help with this…and I am also writing a novel and an idea for a movie…lots to do! I am still focusing on the “creative” side of life in China! and “always looking for the Joy in life!”   

Came back to Beijing and was a judge in the Outlook English speaking competition finals. A half a million people tried out for this competition! You will have to watch to see who the winners are. You will be able to see it on CCTV 10 in the near future. I have been consulting English speaking skills for a large cell phone company and a few other clients. And doing some voice work for various products and services. Also doing some writing these days on an autobiography which seems to be taking forever! But I am reminded of the past these days as I am taking the time to clean out storage boxes in my apartment that contain too many pictures and other junk. But I am saving people pix and throwing away pix of scenery, objects, etc. The people pix are irreplaceble. The scenery can be seen on the net easily. 

One of my students asked if I enjoyed being on the radio or teaching more? I enjoy them both, but in many ways I enjoy teaching. I can see immediate results and in many ways it is very rewarding! I will always cherish the bond with the audience and my colleagues of Joy FM on CRI. But that program will never come back as it was. In fact, the name is now used by another radio station in Beijing! I have no idea how that happened! So strange! Wonder who gave away that name so easily which CRI used for about 15 years? Anyway, it is not my concern. But, I do encourage all of you who were part of that program, especially as a listener, to “always look for the JOY in life!” And hope to hear from some of you here on this blog…

Let’s start 2008 with Billboard’s first number one album of the year, “Growing Pains” from Mary J Blige. This woman has gone through a lot and we’ve followed her life through her music. We could feel her frustrations in songs like, “No More Drama.” For Mary J, it is truly “no pain, no gain!”

This album catches Mary J at the stage after her painful period. Not completely, but she is singing about a better time of her life, and she is carrying us with her. This is a very listenable and accessible album, and fans are glad to catch up with her. You can’t always dwell on the tough times! So how is she doing? The single “Just Fine” answers that.“So I like what I see when I’m looking at me
When I’m walking past the mirror…”But Mary is still going through the learning process. It is not complete yet, and she is letting us know that. I like the duet with Usher which is her latest single, “Shake Down.”“If love is the crime, I’m down for it.
If love is the crime.
Let love be the judge”Mary’s voice is as clear and soulful as in her past albums. What I like about her is that you can feel that she’s not just singing the lyrics. She is feeling them! Like this line from “Smoke.”“Holding on isn’t healthy
But it’s killin’ me
To let go.” Mary has had to work for the positive part that comes though her personal experience. On “Work That” she tells us that we need to look at ourselves:“ I’m talking ‘bout things that I know
Work what you got, it’s okay to show yourself some love.”I am a big fan of Mary J’s! We were with her through some troubled times and now some better times. If you have seen her on TV recently, you will find her looking better and more confident in the direction of her life. Her new album is deservedly at the top of the charts!

PS. I started my first website. The reason I mention this is that I am posting all the past articles that I have written for the 21^st Century, so the collection will always be there. Let me know what you think about the site:  www.nihaoareyou.net

People are always looking for the “next Michael Jackson!” Some say it could be Usher and some say it could be Chris Brown. He’s young, a great dancer, and the ability to take a performance to that “wow” level! Is he the next Michael Jackson? It’s way too early to even get into that useless prediction game. But anytime an artist has two successive songs in the top ten on the Billboard charts, they’re making an impact in the music world and Chris Brown is one of those artists! If you listen to pop radio at all you will know the song “Kiss Kiss” from Chris’s latest album, “Exclusive.” And “With You,” the follow up single, is currently number 2 on Billboard. There’s no doubt, Chris has arrived and is on his way with this sophomore release!  

  “I’m into you and
Girl no one else would do
With every kiss and every hug
You make me fall in love
And now I know I can’t be the only one
I bet there’s hearts all over the world tonight
With the love of their life who feel
What I feel when I’m with you.” from Chris Brown “With You”

Chris is 18 years old and there’s enough going on with this album keep him on his path towards superstardom. The first single “Wall to Wall” was a little weak in getting the album started on the charts but “Kiss Kiss” caught the attention of radio listeners. He’s got help on the album from people like will.i.am and Kanye West. Yet, as I listen to the album more, I get the feeling that the producers have a little too much control. I hope on his next album they share the responsibility and avoid the over production that is so common in music today.

I have been listening to “Exclusive” quite a bit and it sounds fine in my iPod while I exercise in the gym. And the CD I bought in China has a bonus CD of extra tracks like “Run It.”.

This is an album of potential radio hits. If you thought his first album was good but perhaps a bit boyish, he seems to have somewhat grown up with “Exclusive.” But he is still a teenager and has more growing up ahead, musically and more, which is good for us!