The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival 2012

“Every March, The Bookworm is transformed into a hub of literary, intellectual and creative activity as we celebrate all things books with The Bookworm International Literary Festival.”

The International Literary Festival at The Bookworm has grown exponentially each year and 2012 is not only bringing more authors, more booktalks, panel discussions and chances to meet your favorite authors, but also writing and publishing workshops, a Chinese program, a Children’s Programme, International School’s Programme, Migrant School’s Programme, and Footnotes Programme with film screenings, performances, music and special live literature events.

“We seek to showcase the modern voices of Chinese authors to the world and bring some of the world’s leading literary lights to China.” – The Bookworm

Featuring international literary sensations, brilliant debut novelists and China’s leading intellectuals, this year’s festival promises to be as diverse as ever with an eclectic range of events for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to enjoy.

With so many events lined up, it may seem overwhelming at first to digest the action-packed 2-week festival program.  But thanks to the generous help of Festival Director Kadi Hughes, she has taken the time to explain her top 10 “must-see” events this 2012 International Literary Festival at The Bookworm.

Festival Director Kadi Hughes’s Top 10 Picks:

(listed in chronological order)

1. Sunday March 11 6pm

If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry with Gary Shteyngart & Andrei Kurkov

Gary Shteyngart and Andrei Kurkov both write novels that criticize and comment on the ills of modern society. And they are very, very funny. I am a huge fan of humor writing, which often doesn’t get the same respect that more dramatic writing receives. But comedy is something that is often much more difficult to perfect. I am incredibly excited to see these two very talented and funny men in conversation.

2. Monday, March 12 10 am

You Will Be My Friend!  with Peter Brown

Peter Brown writes and illustrates gorgeous picture books that remind me of all the books I loved to read (and read again and again) when I was a kid. His latest is about Lulu the Bear who is trying to make friends with a bevy of other animals.

3. Wednesday, March 14 6pm

Knifepoint with Mai Jia

Mai Jia writes incredibly cool spy thrillers (think a Chinese James Bond, but with more lady trouble). Agents double crossing each other for political and romantic intrigue, all in a glamorous setting of Shanghai during the Republican era.

4. Thursday, March 15 8pm

City of the Dragon with Di An

Di An is a post-80′s generation literary sensation. Only some excerpts and a few pieces of her work have been translated into English so this event will be a great chance to hear from one of China’s most exciting new writers. Like a lot of people, I don’t read a lot in Mandarin so our events with Chinese writers are a way for me to find out more about the literary scene and culture in China.

5. Saturday, March 17 4pm

Sally Kindberg Comic Workshop

Sally Kindberg is a very cool and hilarious illustrator and comic novelist. She will be instructing us how to turn our stories into graphic tales, using the comic strip as a platform. She has a great style and this workshop will be a huge hit. She will be leading a lot of events for kids but this is an adult workshop – because why should the kiddies get all the fun?

7. Sunday, March 18 12pm

Men & Monsters with Carol Birch & Albert Sánchez Piñol

Carol Birch’s Jamrach’s Menagrie was one of my favorite books of 2011, full of all the things I love: adventure on the high seas, exotic animals, Victorian ruffians and really, really dark surprises. Albert Sánchez Piñol’s Cold Skin is so unnerving that I may or may not have needed to sleep with the lights on after I finished it. A young scientist is posted to tint island in the south Atlantic, alone except for the attendant of a light house and an unending army of attacking humanoid reptilian creatures. Both of these writers tackle of the subject of ‘the heart of darkness” and what happens to humans when they are pushed to their moral and ethical breaking point.

8. Sunday, March 18 4pm

Life to the Fullest with Kjersti Skomsvold

Kjertsi Skomsvold is a debut novelist from Norway. Her book The Faster I Walk, the Smaller I Am is a heartbreaking account of an elderly woman at the end of her life. As she reflects back, she realizes that no one will know that she has ever lived, that nothing she has done has ever mattered. So yes, I cried a lot reading this one. But Skomsvold has a very dark sense of humor with hilarious commentary sprinkled throughout. I am always excited to read and hear new writers talk – it’s always exciting!

9. Monday, March 19 6pm

The Underbelly with Paul French, Chris Womersley and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (moderated by Catherine Sampson)

Criminals, thugs, gangsters and thieves, what’s not to love? This is a panel of writers from all over the world (Australia, Iceland, UK/China) who write about all the dark and scary things on the fringes of society.

10. Thursday, March 22 1pm

They Think It’s all Over… sports writing with Alan Bissett, Peter Sampson and Rowan Simons (moderated by Jonathan White)

I am not a huge sports fan but sports writers are some of the best wordsmiths. It’s a tricky task to take something that is so visual and turn it into compelling writing. This is a panel of a novelist, a sports journalist and a memoirist who all are very passionate about sports. Plus I am expecting some heated debate over which football team is best and all that barroom chatter.

A massive thanks to Kadi for sharing some of her top picks!!

A Few More….LDS Picks for The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival 2012:

• Opening Event: Super Sad True Love Story with Gary Shteyngart. Friday, March 9 at 8PM (RMB 180)

  Gary Shteyngart’s wickedly funny Super Sad True Love Story is a dystopian love story set in the not-too-distant future.

• Tiger Head, Snake Tails: China today, how it got there and where it is heading with Jonathan Fenby. Sat, March 10 at 12PM (RMB 80)

  Economists, policy makers and armchair historians alike have made popular sport debating the future role of China. Will China rule the world? Or is all just smoke and mirrors?

• “A Funny Thing Happened…” by Beijing Improv Performance. Sat., March 10 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  The oldest and largest English-language improvisational theatre organization in China, Beijing Improv’s Mainstage English Players, trained at the best improv schools from around the world, put on a side-splitting show for our festival audience.

• Unnatural Selection: The Consequences of a World Full of Men with Mara Hvistendahl. Sun., March 11 at 10AM (RMB 80)

  There are over 160 million females “missing” from Asia’s population. This gender imbalance, caused in part by sex selective abortions, has dire consequences for the entire world.

• Hot Art with Joshua Knelman and AAB’s Tom Pattinson. Thurs, March 15 at 1PM (RMB 65)

  Canadian journalist Joshua Knelman immersed himself for four years in the enigmatic high-stakes world of international art theft.

• From Banished to Screwed with Han Dong. Sat., March 17 at 12PM (RMB 65)

  Han Dong has been a major voice in Chinese literature since he burst onto the scene in the 1990s.

• The Holy Woman with Qaisra Shahraz. Sun., March 18 at 10AM (RMB 65)

  Pakistani-born British writer Qaisra Shahraz’s novels, with their strong female characters and multilayered plots, explore the complex relationship between faith and family, tradition and independence in the Muslim world.

• Putong Hua – Animal Encounters. Live storytelling with Tim Clare, Kjersti Skomsvold and Chris Womersley. Sun., March 18 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  A special live storytelling event! We’ve trawled pubs, playhouses, classrooms and street corners to find some of the Beijing’s best storytellers.

• Death Drive - Performance by Tim Clare. Mon, March 19 at 8PM (RMB 80)

  British writer and poet Time Clare performs his brutally honest stand-up show, Death Drive, told through poetry, true stories and the ukulele. 

• The Moira Monologues – a “One-Woman” Performance by Alan Bissett. Wed., March 21 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  Alan Bissett performs his “one-woman” show, based on stories and characters from his childhood in Falkirk.

For a full list of The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival Events, see here.

Last year, certain events were sold out within days of tickets being released. Hurry as tickets are going fast!

Tickets are exclusively being sold at The Bookworm (starting January 30 for Friends of the Festival and to the General Public on February 6) from 9AM-9PM daily.

What qualifies a “Friend of the Festival”?  Want to support The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival and get hooked up to early-bird tickets and VIP events?

“Our festival simply would not be possible without the invaluable support of our sponsors and friends of the festival. From international flights to marketing materials, the festival relies on the support of many. Your donations – large or small – are what keep us going and help us bring you a world-class festival.”

Friends of the Festival Benefits:

• Early-bird tickets: the ticket office opens to Friends of the Festival before opening to the public
• Invitation to a special VIP events and cocktail parties for Friends of the Festival, sponsors and authors
• Name listed on our website
• Great literary karma!

Friends of the Festival Levels

• 1st Edition – 5,000rmb
• Gold Leaf – 1,000 rmb
• Leather Bound - 500rmb

The Bookworm International Literary Festival Event Details:

• Date: Friday, March 9- Friday, March 23 (2 weeks)
• Tickets: Exclusively sold at The Bookworm starting January 30 for Friends of the Festival and to General Public on February 6
• Location: The Bookworm
• Address: Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼
• Tel: 6503 2050
• Website: http://bookwormfestival.com/

Have a Happy Lóng Chinese New Year 2012!

Like me, I’m sure many of your email boxes have been filling up the past week with Chinese New Year E-cards and thoughtful holiday messages. While I’ve received  lot of cool designs featuring dragons, the color red, symbols of good luck and fortune for the upcoming year of the dragon, I’ve got to say the most creative design for a CNY card would be by Nathan’s Famous.

This card creatively emphasizes its brand identity while simultaneously wishing Chinese New Year holiday wishes for all with a dragon head sketched out of our famous hot dogs, burgers and chicken tenders! A brand synonymous with the world’s best hot dogs, 100% beef burgers, unique golden crinkle-cut French fries, Arthur’s Treachers quality seafood products and Chicken Classics, they have branches all over the world and currently have three locations in Beijing.

Some additional good news from Nathan’s is that they have just launched a partnership with Beijing’s best delivery service – Jinshisong.com. Open throughout the Chinese New Year holiday week, you can get Nathan’s delivered straight to your door!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Lóng and Happy Chinese New Year!

* Lóng (龙) is Chinese for Dragon.

Jump Start 2012: Startup Weekend Beijing

Produced by Red Pagoda, Startup Weekend Beijing is all about giving entrepreneurs a chance to pitch to world class VC and angel investors while also a chance to meet awesomely talented developers, UI designers and product managers.

“Delivering exceptional talent to audaciously visionary startups, so far four of our entrepreneurs have been funded by investors like Blue Run Ventures, Innovation Works and Dave McClure’s 500Startups.” - Andy Mok, Organizer of Startup Weekend Beijing and Founder of Red Pagoda Resources

Coaches and judges of the event include:

• Fritz Demopoulos, co-founder and CEO of Qunar.com

• Xiaojun Li, Partner at IDG

• Robbi Jiang, Investment Director at Blue Run Ventures

The event will take place January 13-15 and will take place at the Holiday Inn Express on Dongzhimen.  Registration is RMB 500 per person and sign up is here.

Event Details: 

• Date & Times: 7 pm, Friday, Jan 13 – 9 pm, Sunday Jan 15
• Location: Holiday Inn Express Dongzhimen, 1 Chunxiu Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 
• Registration: RMB 500 per person
• Sign Up: Website here.

LumDimSaying: Welcome Each Day of 2012

“What are days for?

Days are where we live.

They come, they wake us

Time and time over.

They are to be happy in:

Where can we live but days?

Ah, solving that problem

Brings the priest and the doctor

In their long coats

Running over the fields.”

- Philip Larkin, ‘Days’

Seems only appropriate to begin the new year with the inspiration to “make each day count”.

I hope you spend this first day of 2012 with these thoughts in mind and get in the habit of making this year your happiest of all.

*What is a LumDimSaying? A quote I find worth noting. And sharing.

LumDimSum Christmas Cheer 2011

Merry Christmas!!!

Allow me to share a corny Christmas joke I just love:

What do you get if you cross a snowman with a vampire?

(scroll down for answer)

.

.

.

Answer:

Frostbite! 

No matter how much older I get each year, the traditions surrounding Christmas season never seem to get old.

From decorating our tall Christmas tree to baking cookies for Santa, listening to Christmas carols, visiting neighborhoods famous for their insane amount of Christmas lights and decorations, last-minute Christmas shopping and spending the day with family, this is a holiday that rightfully encourages childhood innocence, playful fun, generous giving, a renewed sense of hope and a charitable spirit.

If any of you have some fun or silly Christmas jokes, please feel free to share by posting a comment to this article (click here and scroll down to comments).

I wish you all a very merry Christmas wherever you are in the world!

Snapshots of My Very Merry LumDimSum Christmas:

A Thoughtful Discussion: Dissecting Beijing’s Soul

Beijing is a fascinating city.  It’s ever-evolving landscape and energy is something that is undeniably apparent for all who call this city home.

China’s capital is rich in history and tradition, but as it changes into a concrete jungle piled with skyscrapers, it’s become a city of contrast contradictions, a city of extreme and hypocritical dynamics and its future is arguably questionable.

Beijing’s “Renaissance man” Kaiser Kuo, author Zha Jianying (“China Pop” and “Tide Players”), sinologist David Moser and Danwei.com‘s Jeremy Goldkorn all come together for a thoughtful discussion of Beijing as a quickly changing city and where it’s future lies.

“Where is Beijing headed in the 21st century?  What sort of city is it morphing into?  Has it found a way to maintain its role as political and cultural capital while keeping its historical character and ineffable personality?  Why do we still love it so, despite it’s toxic air, its horrific traffic, its disastrous fengshui?  And is it in danger of losing its soul?”

A CET-Sinica podcast live from Capital M on Saturday, December 3 starting at 4PM, the event is RMB 65 (RMB 20 for students) and this cover fee includes a drink.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011
• Time: 4PM
• Location: Capital M
• Address: 3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street, 前门大街2号3层
• Website: www.m-restaurantgroup.com

LumDimSaying: A Toast To Tasty Turkey Feasts

“May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!” – Unknown Author

The last thing on your mind this Thanksgiving should be guilt.  All diets are thrown out the window as loved ones gather together and enjoy all the fixings of a Thanksgiving feast that really only comes once a year.  

In the thoughtful and giving spirit of Thanksgiving, here’s a toast to my LDS friends, fans and readers.  

Savor every last bite and enjoy every moment of this day and all the wonderful memories that come with it!

Thank you for being my sole motivation for continuing to post each and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

*What is a LumDimSaying? A quote I find worth noting. And sharing.

Jasmine Beijing: Network with Entrepreneurs & Investors

Join Jasmine Beijing as they host their monthly networking event for entrepreneurs and investors and they get together to exchange ideas, seek investment opportunities, make new contacts and catch up with like minded friends all in the cool surroundings of PUNK at The Opposite House this Wednesday, November 9 at 7:30PM.

“Confident that no one leaves disappointed, this event offers a monthly platform for entrepreneurs to mix and mingle; with frequent special guests (Beijing Olympic Committee heads to Department of Commerce officials); and a great opportunity for investors to meet some of the rising talent, of whom Beijing is so proud.” – David Ronald, Founder of Jasmine Beijing

In addition to complimentary drinks upon arrival, 2-for-1 happy hour until 9PM, and hongbao of goodies, this Wednesday also marks Jasmine Beijing’s their first anniversary, so all guests will be treated with Opposite House snacks and CAKE if you’re lucky!

With a live band and delicious drinks to consume, you can sign up early and get RMB 50 off pre-registration (RMB 150 if you register online or RMB 200 at the door).

Early Bird Web Registration Here: Jasmine-Beijing Networking.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, August 10
• Time: 7:30PM
• Tickets: RMB 150 (pre-registration – click here), or RMB 200 at the door
• Location: Punk, The Opposite House
• Address: B1 floor of The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Road, 三里屯11号
• Website:  http://www.jasmine-beijing.com/

Kagen & Summergate Wine Dinner: Wine Geeks Unite!

Catch the Changing Colors of Autumn

Only lasting a few weeks each year, catching the changing of colors in the mountains just outside of Beijing is something worth the hour+ long trip out of the city.

A shame it only lasts such a short period of time, but it’s absolutely breath-takingly beautiful and if you can possibly find a day or two to escape Beijing (as it will only last at most another week), then GO-GO-GO! As the skies are still blue and there’s a slight breeze for comfort, you must rush to go before the wind blows away all the colorful leaves!

You can thank me after.

LumDimSum Snapshots of the Mountains Erupting in Vibrant Colors:

Support Magic Hospital: Beijing ABC’s Kids Book

 “Laughter is the Best Medicine.”

Richard Robinson is a long time friend and Beijing expat who has a passion for sharing laughter through means of entertainment (he’s co-founder and producer of Chopschticks comedy shows and plays) and writing children’s books.

Beijing ABC’s is his first book, which he created to bring smiles and laughter to children through educational books with ALL proceeds being donated directly to Magic Hospital. Featuring simply adorable illustrations by Ren Fengmian, this will make a great gift for kids of all ages.

“At 52-pages and full-color, it’s filled with fun rhymes and illustrations. As a bonus it features some Chinese words in both character and pinyin format making it both a fun and educational read for the whole family!” 

With each book at RMB 88, just remember: ALL proceeds of this book go directly to Magic Hospital!

To order a copy of Beijing ABC’s, please contact Magic Hospital’s fundraising manager – fundraising@magichospital.org or communications@magichospital.org.

Some Snapshots of Beijing ABC’s Book:

Background Info for Magic Hospital:

Magic Hospital strives to help in the healing of sick, abused, neglected and  orphaned children by restoring an element of fun in their day. They design and implement activities and programs for those children who are temporarily or permanently deprived of a carefree childhood.  

“Bringing fun and laughter to children across China”

Magic Hospital Website:  http://www.magichospital.org/

The Many Faces of Brazil: DocBrazil Film Festival 2011

7 Documentaries
Brazilian Parties with Sambasia
Tasting Brazilian Cuisine

A taste of Brazilian culture, this film festival is the first Brazilian documentary film festival held in China and this year will be featuring seven documentaries that focus on technology, culture, architecture and Brazil’s social challenges.

“This festival wants to show as many faces of Brazil as possible. The country’s main feature is diversity. The films showcase the similarities and disparities between Brazil and China but more importantly, they suggest new bridges of understanding between the people in both countries.”

- Fernanda Ramone, curator and director of the Brazilian DocFest

More than just educational and unique films, there will also be Brazilian festivities including parties all weekend long and performances by Sambasia and more.

“The festival will be one of the main features at the 789 Festival, the biggest cultural event in town, organised by Sohu.com”

DocBrazil Film Festival Schedule:

September 3

12.30 – Brazilian Taste

14.30 – The Sound of Time

14.40 – The Sky is Watching Us

14.50 – Little Ball Satellite

15.00 – Tracing the Invisible

16.00 – What We Don’t Create Doesn’t Exist

17.30 – Q&A with Special Guests

19.00 – Brazilian Party – Sambasia and More

September 4

12.30 – Brazilian Taste

14.30 – From Within Your Landscape

15.30 – Ginga, the Soul of Brazilian Football

16.30 – Q&A with Special Guests

18.00 – Brazilian Party

6 of 7 DocBrazil Feature Films:

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 3-Sunday, September 4
• Time: From 12:30PM-onwards
• Location:  The Yard
• Address:  Wudaoying Hutong, n.55 – 五道营胡同,55 号
• Tel: 6407-7608
• Website: http://www.docbrazilfestival.com/

Network with Beijing’s Entrepreneurs & Investors at PUNK

Join Jasmine Beijing as they host another networking event for entrepreneurs and investors and they get together to exchange ideas, seek investment opportunities, make new contacts and catch up with like minded friends all in the cool surroundings of PUNK at The Opposite House this Wednesday, August 10 at 7:30PM.

“Beijing is a city of SME’s. A large amount of R&D and tech-based industry in Beijing, means this is the city for cutting-edge entrepreneurs in China.”

With a live band at 9:30 and delicious drinks to consume, you can sign up early and get 50% off registration (RMB 50 if you register online or RMB 100 at the door).

Early Bird Web Registration Here: Jasmine-Beijing Networking.

Ticket gets you first drink for free + hong bao + prize draw and happy hour drink specials until 10PM.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, August 10
• Time: 7:30PM
• Location: Punk, The Opposite House
• Website: http://www.jasmine-beijing.com/EInetworking10.htm

LumDimSaying: by Alfred Lord Tennyson

*What is a LumDimSaying? A quote I find worth noting. And sharing.

From Cellars to Penthouses: Beijing’s Disparity of Wealth

Everyday, I park my bicycle underground in one of the apartment buildings in my complex, and I walk past a few undergound “cellar” rooms where families live.

The apartment I currently live in is not a luxurious apartment by any means – it’s actually quite a basic 1 bedroom apartment, but still catastrophically different from those who live just floors below me, in the underground of the same apartment building…but in rooms I can’t imagine were originally built to be lived in.

Thanks to Migrant Children’s May newsletter, an article caught my eye that gave me a jolt back to reality – a reminder of the vast disparity in the standards of living you see on a regular basis in China. After almost five years of living in Beijing, I have almost become numb to the same sights that used to shock me when I first arrived to this complex and still developing city I now call home.

Examples of extremes in poverty and wealth are blatantly seen everywhere.  Just the other day, I saw a brand new Lamborghini speeding past a peddler lugging a mountain of recyclables piled high beyond comprehension and just across the street from my local corner selling chuar and jian bing is one of the most expensive apartment complexes in Beijing’s CBD.

If you have a few minutes to spare, check out this article The Cost of Success: Life in Beijing’s Cellars by Spiegel Online for eye-opening insight into a side of Beijing not often spoken of.

Another article on this topic – Newser’s article: For Many in Beijing, Home Is Deep Underground.