Featured Post

A Blossom Like No Other: Li Qingzhao

A Blossom Like No Other: Li Qingzhao

Wei Djao’s latest book is about Li Qingzhao (~ 1084 – 1156 CE) of the Song dynasty who is indisputably the most brilliant woman writer in Chinese history. This biography offers an insightful interpretation of her character and a new translation of some of her writings. Wei Djao’s English rendition consistently captures the [...]



Day to Day

Review of “Old Boy”

Review of “Old Boy”

February 1st, 2010

This is a review of the second film in Director Park Chan-Wook’s trilogy on revenge. If Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is a simplistic yet unadulterated exchange of tit-for-tat revenge, his second film in the revenge trilogy examines the psychological complexities of revenge—for the avenger and the wrongdoer. That is the fundamental question the director asks [...]

Heritage Treasure:  Tang Dynasty Painting “A Hundred Horses”

Heritage Treasure: Tang Dynasty Painting “A Hundred Horses”

January 21st, 2010

Section of the Tang dynasty handscroll “A Hundred Horses”
The handscroll “A Hundred Horses,” ink on silk, was by an unknown artist of the Tang dynasty (618 - 907 CE). It shows horses in various poses: galloping, charging, rolling on the ground, feeding, etc. There are altogether 41 grooms in the picture and [...]

“The Celestial Gents” 1937-1941

“The Celestial Gents” 1937-1941

September 1st, 2009

Music was always a staple in the Chan Dun family of Victoria, B.C. It helped ease the long, hard days after working in the Panama Café located on Government Street. It loosened the stress and the tension of the day and gave them some freedom and relaxation when they played their instruments in practice and [...]


Smart Living

Varadero’s Cuban Grill: Sol y Arenas

Varadero’s Cuban Grill: Sol y Arenas

January 11th, 2010

It’s a truism that Cuban food relies on black bean and rice. But there’s more to just that staple to gladden the palate and heighten the senses. At the Barcelo Solymar (meaning Sun and Sea) Resort in Varadero, one of the five restaurants available to guests is its Cuban Grill known as Sol y Arena [...]

What to Expect in 2010, the Year of Tiger

What to Expect in 2010, the Year of Tiger

December 27th, 2009

The chart above represents the first day of the Chinese New Year and the dominating theme of the year. By looking at the chart itself, the Year Pillar, Metal is fighting with the Tiger which is predominantly wood with fire and earth. The Yin Wood (乙) self is surrounded heavily by wealth elements, in [...]

Restoration of Bruce Lee’s Residence

Restoration of Bruce Lee’s Residence

December 6th, 2009

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Mrs Rita Lau, met Ms Shannon Lee, daughter of the late Mr Bruce Lee, recently in Hong Kong to exchange views on the planned restoration of Bruce Lee’s Residence in Kowloon Tong and on opportunities for co-operation in the project.
Ms [...]

Family

A Watch Story

A Watch Story

December 20th, 2009

The Chinese have a great tradition of keeping things for their descendants. Most families would have some kind of heirloom that has been handed down from generation to generation. Jewelry, rare books, paintings, scrolls of calligraphy, mementos from emperors, whether they are of monetary value or not, are priceless to their collectors and keepers.
Other cultures [...]

“The Celestial Gents” 1937-1941

“The Celestial Gents” 1937-1941

September 1st, 2009

Music was always a staple in the Chan Dun family of Victoria, B.C. It helped ease the long, hard days after working in the Panama Café located on Government Street. It loosened the stress and the tension of the day and gave them some freedom and relaxation when they played their instruments in practice and [...]

Remembering the Legacy

Remembering the Legacy

July 6th, 2009

A recent vacation to China brought us face to face with a modern version of our heritage. The culture shock was palpable, especially for those of us who were uninitiated and unprepared. Such views as the throngs of people on every city block, the mix of old and modern, and the wealth of [...]


Yummy

Vegetarian Mock Duck

Vegetarian Mock Duck

October 8th, 2009

Meiling Cao has provided us with a recipe for another delicious dish. And it is vegetarian too!
Combine and heat the following in a saucepan:
1 cup of water
2 pieces star anise spice

Salsa for the Summer Evening

Salsa for the Summer Evening

July 14th, 2009

As you enjoy the long summer evening, you may want to have some fresh homemade salsa to go with the cool drinks.
Chop the following into small cubes:
2 pieces of jalapeno hot peppers (The amount depends on how hot you want it to be)
1/2 large yellow or white onion (They are juicier than purple [...]

Shaoxing wine (Shaohsing Wine)

Shaoxing wine (Shaohsing Wine)

June 11th, 2009

Editor’s note: There have been several pieces in the Ginger Post in the past few weeks about the cuisine of the Jiangnan region, that is the region of the Changjian (Yangzi River). Here is an article about a beverage that goes well with the Jiangnan dishes.
Among all Chinese alcoholic drinks, Shaoxing wine is probably [...]

Mad Money

The $700 Billion Price Tag

January 18th, 2009

US$700 billion can buy you lots of things. Or, have you ever thought of that you would have that much money? If you were given $700 billion, what would you have done? The US government decided

Impress Me

Review of “Old Boy”

Review of “Old Boy”

February 1st, 2010

This is a review of the second film in Director Park Chan-Wook’s trilogy on revenge. If Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is a simplistic yet unadulterated exchange of tit-for-tat revenge, his second film in the revenge trilogy examines the psychological complexities of revenge—for the avenger and the wrongdoer. That is the fundamental question the director asks [...]

REVIEW OF SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE

REVIEW OF SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE

January 13th, 2010

2002, directed by Park Chan-Wook.
Often referred to as the first movie in the revenge trilogy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (hereafter SMV) is director Park’s first attempt at examining revenge as a motif. The film does not address the moral, psychological, and social complexities of revenge and struggles of the characters involved. Those emerge in his [...]

Will Kwan:Multi-lateral

Will Kwan:Multi-lateral

November 13th, 2009

Multi-lateral is the first major solo exhibition of Toronto-based artist Will Kwan. Born in Hong Kong in 1978, Kwan’s work examines diverse cultural practices as impacted or resurrected in the flows of historical and contemporary economic relations. Involving intensive research and collaboration, the works presented in the exhibition map patterns and traces of colonialism as [...]

Treasures Inherited

Heritage Treasure:  Tang Dynasty Painting “A Hundred Horses”

Heritage Treasure: Tang Dynasty Painting “A Hundred Horses”

January 21st, 2010

Section of the Tang dynasty handscroll “A Hundred Horses”
The handscroll “A Hundred Horses,” ink on silk, was by an unknown artist of the Tang dynasty (618 - 907 CE). It shows horses in various poses: galloping, charging, rolling on the ground, feeding, etc. There are altogether 41 grooms in the picture and [...]

The Four Pillars (Eight Characters) in Chinese Astrology

The Four Pillars (Eight Characters) in Chinese Astrology

November 27th, 2009

Jerry King is a Fengshui consultant trainer in the Four Pillars of Destiny based in Vancouver, Canada. He consults in China, Hong Kong, North and South America.
In my Fengshui practice, many clients always want to know about their destiny which includes a consultation of their career, health, wealth and relationships. Many methods are [...]

Introducing Treasure Troves:  Lao Zi

Introducing Treasure Troves: Lao Zi

November 20th, 2009

From time to time, Ginger Post will post selections from Chinese proverbs, fables, paintings, calligraphy, porcelains, literature, philosophy and other treasures from Chinese civilizations for the enjoyment of the readers.
From the Book of Lao Zi,* Chapter 58:
Misfortune, happiness leans on it;
Happiness, misfortune crouches under it.
禍兮福之所倚,福兮禍之所伏。
Fable from the book of Huai Nan Zi: [...]

Mouthing Off

Bowing

Bowing

November 20th, 2009

Images of U.S. President Barack Obama bending almost ninety degrees at the waist, hand extended in a handshake with Emperor Heisei of Japan plaster the news. Headlines scream their criticism at the American leader bowing down to another. God forbid the superpower of America should show any deference as it would be a sign of [...]

Reflections on Identity

January 27th, 2009

I have always identified myself as “Canadian” despite my Chinese heritage. Yet the Olympics in Beijing this summer brought out some deep buried