CHINAINSIGHT Yao Ming: CHINA's

News

E-Government Sam’s Club is Open Yao Ming: CHINA’S China’s First Environmentally- Friendly Road Three Gorges Power HOT NEW EXPORT! Plant Founded

INSIDE on page 3 & 4

Sports

Yao Ming: China’s Hot New Export Page 1 and INSIDE on pages 6 & 8 Exclusive: Interview with Yao Ming INSIDE on page 8

Travel Summer Palace in Beijing Page 1 and INSIDE on page 9 & 10

Events

Minnesota International Center’s Year of China Events. INSIDE on page 12 Story by Gregory Huge, China Insight Staff Writer Photo by Richard He

o most National Basketball Association (NBA) fans, on Sat., Dec. 21, 2002, the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Language Houston Rockets was just another game, but to many Chinese and other Asians, it was their first chance to get a glimpse of Yao Ming from China, the Rocket’s 7-foot-6 center in his rookie year from China. As the NBA’s No.1 draft choice in 2002, Yao became the first- The Chinese Language - T ever number one draft pick to come from an international league. Unquestionably this makes him the hottest export from China this Just the facts year and unofficially its “goodwill ambassador”. If you’re expecting play-by-play commentary of the basketball game that took place on the first meeting of these two teams, you’re going to INSIDE on page 13 be disappointed since more qualified sports columnists from the Twin Cities area have already provided that. Instead, this article will focus on what we feel is the cultural and business significance of Yao’s entry into the NBA. Conversation Strategies YAO MING continues on page 6 INSIDE on page 14

he Summer SummerSummer PlacePlace Palace is one of the most TT popular tourist attractions in the city of Beijing. Located 8- 10 miles northwest of the Forbidden City as the crow flies, it occupies an area of approximately 725 acres. Comprised of large gardens, ornamental paths, and beautiful bodies of water, it is one of the most peaceful palaces in Beijing, Photo by Mark LaFon Mark by Photo and highly popular with both Beijing residents and tourists.

Happy Chinese SUMMER PALACE New Year ! in BeijingS continues on page 9 February 1, 2003 INSIDE on page 5 tory by Mark LaFon Announcements CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 2 JANUARY 2003 Arden Hills Great China, 3547 N Lexington Ave. 651-481-8100 Bloomington HINA NSIGHT New Century Buffet, 7827 Portland Ave S. C I 952-888-3177 Brooklyn Center New King Buffet, 5927 John Martin Dr. Publisher: Gregory Hugh 763-566-8300 [email protected] Brooklyn Park Panda Garden Buffet, 8089 Brooklyn Blvd Editor: Daniel Wang 763-391-8061 [email protected] Coon Rapids Circulation: Richard He New China Buffet, 105 85th Ave NW [email protected] 763-780-2636 Crystal/New Hope Advertising: Amy Lau Hong Kong Buffet, 4211 Winnetka Ave N, New (952) 220-2828 Hope. 763-531-9489 [email protected] Eden Prairie Copy Editor: Corine Schweiger Asia Grille, 549 Prairie Center Dr. 952-944-4095 [email protected] Edina China First Person Editor: Kate Kysar Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave. S. [email protected] 952-847-5900 Travel Columnist: Mark LaFon Golden Valley Chan's Restaurant, 2480 Winnetka Ave N. [email protected] 763- 525-9876

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TCM Health Center Clinic, 613 Grand Ave. * If you want to be included as a 651-726-2459 distribution location, contact China Wayzata Jade Fountain, 838 Lake St E (Wayzata Bay * New rate Is effective Jan. 1, 2003 Insight at [email protected] Shopping Ctr). 952-473-4646 News CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 3 JANUARY 2003 employees reached 416,442, an increase of Jilin Province December 12th, 2002. 63%. Last year, the top 100 chain stores’ Shanghai Airport Begins sales volume accounted for 4.3% of the total To Expand sales volume of consumer goods retail sales. Construction of The white paper forecasts that in five to China Foreign ten years, of China’s total retail market, the Enterprise Credit According to Mr. Xia Keqiang, market share of small and medium-sized Trade Volume supermarkets will be 15%, hypermarkets and Information chairman of the board of directors of department stores will each have 10%, Reaches $560.2 Shanghai Airport Group Company, after leaving each of the other types of retail units System winning the bid to host the 2010 World Expo, to occupy 10%. Billion in First Shanghai will accelerate the expansion of Eleven Months of Pudong International Airport. It is estimated Source: International Finance News, 12/ Like Shenyang city in Liaoning that during the international exposition, to 16/2002 - Translated by Nancy Xu. Province, the Jilin Province Administration 2002 be held from May to October 2010, the for Industry and Commerce (AIC) has volume of passengers coming to Shanghai established an online information service will reach 70 million. The annual turnover to improve public access to enterprise credit According to statistics from the volume of Shanghai Airport is currently Sam’s Club information through the internet. Jilin only 60 million, which means the airport has General Administration of Customs (GAC), to be expanded. The new runway will be Province’s efforts are a part of the China’s foreign trade volume reached $560.2 Opens in nationwide Hong Dun 351 program that has completed in 2004 during the second phase billion in the first eleven months of this year, of the expansion, and the terminal building been designed by the State Administration up 21 percent from the same period last year. Changchun for Industry and Commerce. Other cities in in 2007. The total airport capacity will be The statistics also showed that exports rose doubled after expansion. Mr. Zhu revealed the northeast region, including Dalian, 21.6 percent to $293.69 billion, while imports Harbin, and Jilin, have markers on the that the runway for the third phase of the On December 12, PCO Sullivan grew 20.5 percent to $266.49 billion, creating engineering will be completed before 2010. SAIC’s Hong Dun website, but the links are a trade surplus of $27.2 billion. attended the opening ceremony of Sam’s not yet operational. In November 2002, the trade volume Club in Changchun, a retail membership SAIC’s goal is to improve transparency Source: China Aviation News, December shopping company operated by WalMart. reached $59.95 billion, up 33.7 percent from 15th, 2002 - Translated by Ying Bai. of commercial information, encourage last year. Of the total, exports were valued This store is Walmart’s fourth Sam’s Club corporate accountability to the public, and at $31.21 billion, up 30 percent, while imports in China, and the first in the northeast to improve government oversight of reached $28.74 billion, a rise of 37.9 percent. region. During the past two years, WalMart commercial activity. Foreign companies can These statistics show a stable rise in More Olympic has steadily expanded operations in the become subscribers to the service and can the volume of processing trade. The trends northeast. The company now has five retail access the information to improve corporate also demonstrate that exports and imports Competitions to shopping supercenters in the region, in due diligence efforts. Visit www.saic.gov.cn of foreign-funded firms have increased addition to the new Sam’s Club. Within six to learn more about the provincial and city- rapidly, and foreign trade involving state- be Held at months, Walmart plans to open two more level AICs that are participating in the owned enterprises has begun to grow at a Beijing shopping supercenters in Changchun, Jilin program throughout China. faster speed. China’s export products were Province. concentrated in the machinery and Universities Source: Interview with Jilin Province electronic products sectors, as well as Source: U.S. Commercial Service Administration for Industry and Commerce, traditional goods, while import products Shenyang. consisted primarily of raw materials. In order to improve the standard of the sports infrastructure in universities and Sources: Xinhua News Agency, December broaden the efficiency of utilization, Beijing China’s First 12th, 2002 - Translated by Shujuan Cao. Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) intends to Environmentally- transfer the ping-pong, badminton, wrestling and fencing competitions to Friendly Road To E-Government in university and college venues instead of the China International Exhibition Center as Be Built In China originally planned. During the Olympics, all Sichuan students will be able to watch the Games without leaving campus. BOCOG believes The 2002 China E-Government that this will not only show the participatory According to the Sichuan Technology and Appliance Conference was spirit of the Olympic Games, but will also Transportation Bureau, construction held on December 10-13. The conference increase the enthusiasm of students to take recently began on the first environmentally- was co-organized by the State Council part in sports activities. friendly road in China. It will run from Informatization Office, China Academy of Jiuzhai-Huanglong Airport to the entrance Science, China Council for Promotion of Source: www.bjinvest.gov.cn/gb/news/hot, of Jiuzhaigou, a famous tourism site in International Trade (CCPIT) and China December 11th, 2002 - Translated by Sichuan. The Jiuzhai-Huanglong Road is 91 Science and Technology Association. The Sherry Cai. kilometers long and will have a total main purpose of the conference was to investment of RMB 3 billion (USD 363 discuss e-government strategic plans, e- million). The Jiuzhai-Huanglong Road is government platform technology, e- 2002 Retail being built as a solution for the potentially government appliance case studies and large flow of visitors to the area after the solutions for different levels of central Industry White Jiu-Huang Airport is opened to the public government, local government, and in 2003. This road will be the first industries. Paper Issued environmentally-friendly road model in Mr. Lou Qinjian, Vice Minister of the China, combining good road construction Ministry of Information Industry, pointed techniques with ecological protection. The ecently, the China General Chamber out that the promotion of e-government R road is expected to be completed along with would be treated as one of the crucial goals of Commerce issued its 2002 Retail Industry the Jiu-Huang Airport in August 2003. in the field of informatization. E-government White Paper. According to statistics in the promotion will strive to: 1) expedite the white paper, in 2001, for 80% of consumer Source: Sichuan Economic Daily, development of the information equipment goods, supply exceeded demand. Residents’ November 21st, 2002 - Translated by manufacturing industry, communication consumption price level increased by 0.7% Chengdu Post. operations, and the software industry; 2) over the previous year, while goods’ retail strengthen the standard implementation of price index fell by 0.8% over the previous e-government; 3) setup an overarching year. secure network. In 2001, the top 100 chain stores CHINAINSIGHT reported a sales volume of USD19.7 billion, BusinessNews Source: China Information World, an increase of 48% compared to the previous December 16th, 2002 - Translated by year. The number of stores reached 13,117, Xiaolei Wan. an increase of 56%. The number of News CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 4 JANUARY 2003 Beijing’s Natural Yangtze Power Co. Ltd., which also owns length of the Cheng-Nan Highway is 214 principles for development of the software the Gezhouba Power Plant, having an kilometers. Upon completion, driving time industry in China. Under the principle of Gas annual power output reaching 13.8 billion from Chengdu to Nancong will be reduced “pushing forward industrialization through kWh. After the first generating unit of the from 6 hours to 2 hours. informatization,” the plan aims to: accurately Consumption To Three Gorges project goes into operation define the roles of the government, in 2003, the company will seek an Source: Chengdu Evening News, enterprises, and the market; strive to meet Triple By 2010 opportunity for the newly-established plant November 27th, 2002 - Translated by the needs of the domestic market; actively to go public. Chengdu Post. promote exports by utilizing domestic and According to the construction plan for overseas markets and resources to expand In order to ensure implementation of the Three Gorges project, the Three Gorges the industry scale; and enhance the the strategies for the Olympic Games put Power Plant will begin generating electricity China’s State international competitiveness of China’s forward in the “Program of Beijing Olympic in October 2003. Two 700,000-kW units will software industry. Games Actions,” Beijing City Gas Group go into operation in October and December Council Issues The plan sets several development Company revealed that by 2005 the supply 2003 respectively and generate a total of 5.5 targets for 2005 which include the of natural gas in Beijing will reach 4 billion billion kWh in the year. 3-4 additional Action Plan for development of a number of internationally- cubic meters, and will exceed 6 billion cubic generating units will go into operation each competitive software products, several key meters by 2010. year during the 2004-2009 period. Developing software enterprises with sales value At the end of last year, the volume of exceeding RMB 5 billion, a talent pool of natural gas consumed in Beijing reached Source: China Electric Power, November, Software 800,000 software technical personnel with 1.448 billion cubic meters, and has hit 1.8 2002 - Translated by Michael Mei. Industry optimized staff composition, and software billion cubic meters this year. According to products and systems with proprietary the strategies worked out by Beijing City intellectual property rights in critical sectors Gas Group Company, in several years, In its “Action Plan for Invigorating the of the national economy and social Beijing will complete construction of the Sino-U.S. Trade Software Industry” issued recently, the development. second line of gas pipes for transmission of To Reach $92 State Council of China has set the following According to reports, China’s software natural gas to Beijing from Shaanxi Province. targets for the development of China’s industry sales reached RMB 7.5 billion, and The underground gas reservoirs will also Billion In 2002 software industry: 1) sales volume to reach exports totaled $750 million in 2001, up 34.3% be broadened, and the utilization of natural RMB 250 billion; and 2) domestic software and 87.5% over the figures for 2001. It is gas expanded. Efforts will be made to extend and service to account for 60% of the total estimated that software sales growth will gas service to suburbs far outside the city, Two-way trade between China and the market share by 2005. reach 30% to 35% in the next few years, and and construction of vehicle-use natural gas United States may reach 92 billion U.S. The “Action Plan” is a general guiding the growth rate of exports will hit 50% to and vehicle-use liquefied gas stations dollars this year if it continues to grow at document formulated in reference to new 60%. By 2005, the sales value and export should also accelerate. the current rate of 14.6 percent, trade software industry development both at value for software are expected to reach By the end of 2000, natural gas analysts say. home and overseas, and in recognition of RMB 250 billion and $5 billion respectively. consumption (if measured by volume) China-U.S. trade from January to August the urgent needs of domestic software reached 1.097 billion cubic meters in Beijing, Sources: People’s Post, December 4th, this year totaled 60.2 billion U.S. dollars, up enterprises. The plan clarified the guiding putting the city in first place among large 14.6 percent. While China’s exports to the 2002 - Translated by Xianmin Xi. cities nationwide in terms of volume U.S. increased 22.7 percent to reach 43 billion consumed. By the end of last year, natural U.S. dollars worth of goods, China’s imports gas customers in the city as a whole totaled of U.S. goods decreased 1.7 percent to 17.18 1.7 million households, while customers of billion U.S. dollars. man-made coal gas totaled 0.21 million China’s exports to the U.S. were mainly households, and customers of liquefied gas machinery and electronic products, textile reached 1.23 million households. The products, toys, footwear, furniture, base construction of more than 180 kilometers of metal, plastic and rubber products, and fur liquefied gas pipe lines has just been and leather. U.S. exports to China were completed in Beijing. primarily machinery, electronic products, Think Global... Speak In recent years, gas boilers substituted chemicals, medical equipment and medicine, for coal boilers have produced 9300t/h of optical goods and aircraft. energy capacity, converting to 83 million In addition, China’s strong economic square meters of heated area. At the same growth and its reduction of tariffs following Chinese time, the construction of complete gas its entry into the World Trade Organization, transmission engineering facilities from together with the U.S. economic recovery Shaanxi Province to Beijing is being sped were the main factors leading to the trade *Evening Classes up. Furthermore, five natural gas filling growth. The U.S. is now China’s second parent stations for cars have been built, and largest trading partner after Japan. over 1700 large gas-fueled buses have hit the streets in Beijing, greatly changing the Source: China Business Time, November *Language Skills

fuel consumption makeup in Beijing. Natural 25th, 2002 - Translated by Peining Zhao. LIFETIME gas as a proportion of all energy sources (Mandarin) increased to 8.8% from the previous 0.4%. for all levels Source: China Petrochemical News, Cheng-Nan November 12th, 2002 - Translated by Cindy Wang Highway To Open *Classes start To Traffic February 1 & June 1, 2003 Three Gorges A LEARNING FOR The Cheng-Nan (Chengdu - Nancong) Power Plant Highway is one section of the main line of the Shanghai-Chengdu Master National Master of International Founded Road. It is the longest highway project with the largest investment and highest Management Program construction standards at present in he world’s largest hydropower plant, T Sichuan Province. The Cheng-Nan Highway the Three Gorges Power Plant, was is also the first key highway project for 651-962-4840 launched recently in Yichang City, Hubei Sichuan that has utilized Asian Province. Development Bank funding and adopted www.stthomas.edu/mim According to official sources, the plant international bidding standards and will be in charge of the operation and supervision systems. The project has a total [email protected] maintenance of the 26 large generating units investment of RMB 63.619 billion (USD 2.25 of the Three Gorges project, and its annual billion). Ground breaking took place on power output will top 84.6 billion kWh. November 1, 1999 and the road is expected The plant is affiliated with the China to be completed by December 2002. The total The University of St. Thomas admits students of any race, color, creed, and national or ethnic origin. Arts & Culture CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 5 JANUARY 2003 HapHapppyy ChinesChinesee NNewew YearYear !! (February 1, 2003)

Year of the Sheep The 15-Day Celebration of Lunar Year 4701 Chinese New Year

Those born in the year of the sheep are happy and contented when doing something Although the celebrations of the Chinese New Year vary from region to region, there creative. They are wise and compassionate, especially gifted in the arts and decidly tasteful. are some common traditions. New Year’s festivities traditionally start on the first day of Charming, elegant and artistic, they often find themselves the center of attention, and are the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people envied for their successes. On the other hand, it’s also believed that sheep people are may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year. pessimistic, puzzled about life and seem to lack a sense of direction. The first day of the Lunar New Year is “the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and Sheep people are followers (naturally), not leaders. They need to be guided because of earth.” Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is their basic insecurity. However, despite their shyness and timidity, sheep usually manage believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them. to eat well, wear nice clothes and live comfortably. On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They Those born under the sign of the sheep have a passionate nature, wisdom, and an are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the inborn gentleness and frequently throw themselves passionately into what they do and birthday of all dogs. what they believe in. Many sheep people, as it happens, are deeply religious and spiritual. The third and fourth days of the Chinese New Year Festival are the days that married This doesn’t, however, curb their materialistic tendencies and they cling to their beloved daughters return to their parents’ home. If a bride is a newlywed, her husband must possessions tightly. accompany her and bring gifts for her family to pay respect to parents-in-law. Financially, sheep are volatile but always manage to get by. Sheep never seem to worry The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of about having the best in life as their abilities and artistic flare bring them the success they Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties need in their chosen career. bad luck. In love, a sheep needs a lot of pampering On the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They although they will not always return the favor. also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health. Commonly, sheep are attracted to generous The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These partners who will give everything and expect farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The nothing in return. And their concern for the seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to underdog often has them lending someone promote longevity and raw fish for success. unfortunate a helping hand. However, they prefer On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight to keep their philanthropies anonymous. They they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven. do not so much dream as imagine, appreciating The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor. the written word, peace and beauty. They are The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for strongly family orientated and the Chinese think dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day you should have simple rice congee and of them as the harbingers of peace. They are mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system. pacifists by nature unless fighting to end The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is to conflict. be held on the 15th. In many areas the highlight of the Lantern festival is the dragon Years of Sheep: 1907 1919 1931 Careers suited to Sheep are Acting, dance. The dragon – which might stretch a hundred feet long – is typically made of silk, 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 Gardening and Beach Combing. paper, and bamboo. Sports CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 6 JANUARY 2003

YAO MING from page 1

Yao Ming, whether he likes it or not, country that does not actively support impacted by the recent accession to the at Yao. Duffy took a holistic approach to represents the dreams of many of his 1.3 professional athletics. World Trade Organization and more liberal courting Yao and Chinese officials. He billion countrymen in China. Following Yao’s athletic development began at policies. China was also successful in being believes China was looking for someone fellow Chinese National Team members birth when he acquired the right genes. Both awarded the 2008 Olympic Games, which will who wouldn’t just raid the country of its Wang Zhizhi and Mengke Bateer, he of his parents played for China’s National be held in the country’s capital city of top players, but would give them NBA becomes the third Chinese player to enter Teams. His father Yao Zhi Yan stands 6- Beijing. exposure while also trying to improve the the NBA. foot-7 and his mother Fang Feng Di stands Within this setting, sports are regarded quality of basketball in China. Although Yao must still prove his 6-foot-3. He joined the Youth Sports School as a unifying, energizing force, politically The attitude of this sports agent may athletic skills and ability to play in the NBA, at age nine and received formal training in and at grassroots levels. Success in hosting have had some influence on Chinese his impact on the Chinese-American basketball for the first time. At age 14 he major events is a source of national pride, officials that it would be in their best interest community is readily apparent. China was selected to the Shanghai Youth Team as is world-class sports performance by Insight was asked to help promote Yao’s and has played against elite international some of its stars. Athletes have become debut at the Target Center and, on short talent since being named to Chinese new role models as sports begin to shift notice, the game was promoted within the National Team at age 18. more towards consumption and Chinese community and hundreds of In the 2000 Olympic Games, Yao scored entertainment than pure participation. Chinese people attended the game that 10.5 points per game with team-leading China now has its first male and female would otherwise not have had any interest. averages of 6.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocked sports millionaires. A group of 13 Chinese students from Iowa shots. He averaged 13.4 points on .724 The road from China to the NBA and State University even drove up for the game. shooting with 10.1 rebounds and 2.8 the Houston Rockets for Yao Ming was It was the first NBA game for all of them and traveled via basketball camps in Europe and the United States when he was 18. When he returned to China, the Chinese people began looking for someone to help pursue the NBA and a number of NBA scouts recommended Bill Duffy. Duffy had lived in China for two years as a child. His father was in the Army and Duffy attended kindergarten and first grade there. It appears Duffy may have possessed the right Guanxi (social relationships). In early 1999, Duffy went to China, met to allow their best players to play at the Yao’s family and got his first in-person look best arenas. By so doing, it would improve the awareness of China basketball and inspire Chinese players to be the best in the world instead of just the best in Asia. Although there was a great deal of interest in Yao during the 2001 NBA draft, the China Basketball Association (CBA) was not ready to sign a release that was necessary to allow Yao to join the NBA. they proudly displayed a You Are blocked shots in the 2001 Asian Basketball Finally in June of 2002, the CBA agreed to a Outstanding sign to cheer Yao on. This is Championship for Men, helping China release and Yao’s agent, Erick Zhang the reaction of many Chinese. There is a lot capture the title and an accompanying berth negotiated a 4-year deal worth 17.8 million of national pride and support for Yao. in the 2002 World Championship. with the Houston Rockets to become the However, support is not limited to the Ever since the founding of the People’s No.1 NBA draft choice for 2002. Chinese/Asian community, as evidenced at Republic of China in 1949, the country has By the time this article appears, the the Target Center by two young men focused on developing their sports program. Houston Rockets will have played over 30 games and much more media coverage will have been focused on Yao Ming. According to all of this coverage, it appears that Yao is learning to adapt to the NBA and has earned the respect of many of the players. It is even conceivable that he may be selected to play in the 2003 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 9, 2003. The selections are made by the votes of fans so if you haven’t voted yet, you can cast your vote for all of your favorite players online at nba.com. Prior to the Timberwolves – Rockets game on Dec. 21, 2002 Yao granted a brief pre-game interview. A question was asked

YAO MING continues on page 8

Corine Schweiger As a result, many achievements have been sporting homemade Yao Ming T-shirts. made in all kinds of sporting events. Sports Chinese Interpretation Services Maybe the NBA and Houston Rockets have played a very active role in promoting Have a business delegation arriving from should turn up their Yao merchandising the health and longevity of the Chinese China? machine so that his fans can properly people. China did not have any Olympic promote and recognize him. champions before 1949, but today it has Going to China on business? Being the No. 1 NBA draft choice is no more than 1,200 world champions and has Let us help you: easy accomplishment. The competition is won 52 Olympic gold medals. It now has learn what the Chinese are really saying fierce and there is a lot of excellent talent over five million athletes. make sure you are 100% understood that trains within the U.S.A. with the focus Since the introduction of political and of making the NBA. So you can imagine economic reforms some 20 years ago, China Call for more information: (612) 483-2599 what it must be like to achieve this in a is a nation in transition, significantly * Ask about our 20% discount for new clients * Yao Ming Night II

Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets Tuesday, February 4th, 7:00PM, Target Center

After the huge success of our December 21st Chinese- American Night featuring Yao Ming, we have put together an even better deal for Yao’s second visit to the Twin Cities!

$17 PACKAGE INCLUDES: ♦ $22 ticket to the game ($22 seats are located in the upper level corners and behind hoop and are booked on best available at the timeof order) Come see 7' 6" Yao Ming and the Houston ♦ FREE Timberwolves/China Insight T-Shirt Rockets battle Kevin Garnett and the (voucher will be included with ticket and is redeemable at game) Timberwolves! ♦ Entrance into a drawing to win an authentic YAO MING autographed item! (drawing will be done week after game) ♦ A chance to win a Rasho Nesterovic bobblehead at the game (in-arena half-time drawing gives each fan a 1-in-5 chance of winning presented by Pepsi and Rainbow Foods) ♦ $32 package can be substituted for a $37 game ticket with all additional itemsincluded! ♦ No discount at arena. Discounted tickets must be ordered prior to the game. ♦ Package available on higher price seats without discount. (Call for availability)

Doors open at 5:30PM and all fans can sit in the lower level to watch player warm-ups until 6:15PM Rasho Nesterovic

For More Information: Contact Dan @ 612.673.8392 or email [email protected] of 20 or more— please call to reserve tickets. Yao Ming Night II Special Offer Order Form February 4th vs. Houston Rockets, 7:00 PM

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Shipping & Handling + $3.00 City/State/Zip ______

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Mail Order Form To: Email ______CHINAINSIGHT MN Timberwolves Promoting US-China Cultural and Business Ties c/o Dan Haugland Check Payment to: Minnesota Timberwolves 600 1st Ave North Credit Card: _Visa _MC _AmEx _Discover Minneapolis, MN 55403 # ______Exp. ___/___ or Fax to: 612-673-8362 or order on-line at All tickets are subject to availability. All orders must be received www.chinainsight.info at least 1 week prior to game date to be mailed out. Tickets can Questions? Call Dan @ 612.673.8392 be picked up at will call for orders received the week of the game. II Sports CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 8 JANUARY 2003

YAO MING from page 6 as to what he thought about the emotional playing style of the Timberwolves Kevin game, Yao extended his hand to assist a pleased to announce that we have been Garnet and he teammate or opponent off the floor after they selected to help promote this game and the answered that he fell or were knocked down. MN Timberwolves have put together a thought that Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets special promotional package especially for Garnet’s return to the Target Center on Feb. 4, 2003. this event. Details can be found in their demonstrative This will be the last time these two teams full-page ad that appears within this issue style was will meet this year. The Timberwolves will of the newspaper. Let’s show our support appropriate for play the Rockets twice in Houston during for Yao Ming and what “Minnesota Nice” him. In response to the month of January. China Insight is means. the question of whether or not he considered himself a role model to other Asians, Yao responded by Exclusive: saying “I’m trying to do for myself what I can do”. As Interview with to what kind of pressure does he experience in the NBA, “Having so many people YAO MING around me.” As noted in the beginning of this On December 21, 2002, Richard He of on each game. How do you think you played article, there would China Insight interviewed Yao Ming right today? be no attempt to after the game between the Timberwolves offer any and Rockets. Yao: We played well at some times and commentary as to poorly on other occasions. But overall, we the actual game but He: I am from China Insight, the only did not control the game well. this writer does English-language newspaper in North want to make one American to promote Chinese American He: Another question about the All-Star observation that business and cultural ties. We worked with game. Some Chinese students and scholars may reflect on the Timberwolves to promote this game. urged the Chinese community to participate Yao’s style of play. Could you please pose for me for a close- in the voting for NBA all-star. How do you On at least 5 up feature photo, and may I ask you a few feel about the all-star? occasions questions? throughout the Yao: I do not urge people to do that. I do Yao: OK, no problem. (took picture). not agree with that. I do not hope so. If the people really want to vote, go vote. Let it He: Thanks. I think you must be very develop naturally. disappointed to lose the game tonight, but I think you played well. How do you think (Richard noticed Yao was icing his ankle.) about Minnesota, the cold weather? Did He: Did you hurt your ankle today? you have a chance to see around here? Yao: The ankle was hurt a long time ago. Yao: I arrived here 4am this morning. I did not have a chance to go around. He: In the NBA western conference, besides you and Shaq, how do you feel about your He: We might have had a few hundreds of energy, strength when you played against Chinese/Asians here watching the game. other centers? Some students just finished their finals and came over to watch you. We also had tens Yao: It helped me a lot when I played against of students who drove from ISU (Ames, IA) them because the centers in the western just to watch you. We will also promote the conference are very good. But I can easily February 4th game right after the Chinese get hurt. lunar new year. He: Will you leave tonight or tomorrow? Yao: Thanks. Yao: I will leave tonight. He: Sorry I gave all of my newspapers and the promotion flyers for the February 4 game He: Thanks a lot. I will look for my partner to my partner. I know a lot of Chinese to see if I can get you a few copies of our students and scholars at the U kept track newspaper and the promotional flyer. 10% Off your game and stats to see how you played Otherwise, we will see you in Feburary.

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SUMMER PALACE from page 1 vendor and client, but that’s an article all by itself! Buyers beware; make sure the book Most tourist buses drop their you purchase is in the language you desire, passengers off near the East Palace Gate, as they come in many different languages which is the main entry gate to the grounds. and you must check closely. Every group I It is one of my favorite sections of the area have been with has had at least one person primarily because of the street vendors who who ended up with a book in Japanese or jostle each other trying to sell everything Chinese instead of English in spite of my from Chairman Mao watches to postcards cautions! Another thing I like about this to picture books with wonderful pictures area is: the commotion of groups milling that I couldn’t possibly get with my amateur about makes for interesting people- equipment. I also have yet to figure out watching as tourists and locals interact. how to get aerial pictures like those in the While waiting for guides to get tickets or books without a plane! I have purchased for stragglers to catch up with the group, many picture books and postcards from the people have the chance to realize their vendors there and treasure them all. The surroundings without having to keep interesting part of buying from these moving all the time. vendors is the haggling that goes with every Before I describe the park itself, let’s take transaction. It doesn’t take long for the a brief look at the history of the attraction. process to turn into a sport of sorts for both SUMMER PALACE continues on page 10

Above: Boat and Buddhist Fragrance (by Dennis Kruger) Left: Pathway (by Jeanette Green) Below: Long Corridor (by Dennis Kruger)

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SUMMER PALACE from page 9 from “behind the bamboo curtain” that was around the lake and under the bridges, a safe return home. The walkway around It was originally established by an emperor behind the throne he sat on when he issued enjoying the sight of the gardens from their the lake and its many artistic bridges are sometime between 1200 and 1300 AD. proclamations of state policy. From 1885 to vantage point on the lake. In the winter it is easily seen from the boats as they venture Originally known as the “Garden of 1895 the grounds underwent extensive a popular place to ice skate. Several tourist to the island. Today couples and groups Nurtured Harmony” it was allowed to renovation under the orders of Cixi and she boats ply the waters, ferrying people from stroll the paths and climb over the foot languish unused for hundreds of years until moved to the Palace in 1889. When the the main shoreline to Dragon King Island in bridges as a form of relaxation and recreation. in the 1600s the area was developed into a Palace was destroyed in 1900 by the Allied the middle of the lake. From there most One of the two most famous bridges on the series of formal gardens and pavilions for Powers Cixi fled temporarily to Xi’an. After people walk across the 17 Arch Bridge lake is the “Jade Belt Bridge.” Its beautiful the pleasure of the Qing emperors. In 1750 the war was over she returned to the towards the main entrance of the Palace but but steep arch is captivating in the way it it was renovated and greatly expanded to Summer Palace and once again spent huge a few return to the northern shore to explore blends so harmoniously into the celebrate the 60th birthday of the emperor’s amounts of China’s money rebuilding it. She the grounds further. background. The other famous bridge is mother. Lake Kunming and Longevity Hill, spent most of her later years residing in the Longevity Hill is located on the north the “17 Arch Bridge” which connects the two of the main focal areas of the Summer Summer Palace. After her death the grounds end of the Palace grounds, and comprises Dragon King Island with the shore near the Palace, were named at that time and the area were closed for some years until they were most of the land in the Palace grounds, with eastern entrance which is the main gate. became a favorite of the ruling class in reopened to the public in 1914 and the Lake Kunming to the south, and is This bridge spans over 450 feet and is Beijing especially during the hot summer government began charging a fee to enter. surrounded by West Lake and “back designed to look like a rainbow over the when they could experience a cool breeze When entering the park from the East, lake(s)” to the north of the hill. On the hill water. As with most bridges and buildings, off the lake. you pass through several pavilion areas and are many pavilions and formal gardens, but the 17 Arch Bridge is highly decorated with As peaceful as the Palace grounds are are confronted by a pair of “lion” type the most famous pavilion, “Tower of carvings including 500 stone lions on its today, they haven’t escaped the ravages of bronze animal sculptures. The purpose of Buddhist Incense,” takes a predominant balustrades. The combination of the lion wars. Several times most of the buildings these statues is to keep evil spirits out of position on the hill. It is over 114 feet tall, carvings and the beauty of the structure have been destroyed by fire. Most notably, the Palace grounds and protect the three stories, and can be seen from almost itself prompt many tourists to take photos. in 1860 a joint Anglo-French force burned inhabitants. Each has a front paw raised on every point on the Palace grounds. It is an The vendors renting row boats are visible the place to the ground, leaving only metal an object. One, the male, has a model of the important principal of Chinese gardens to from the 17 Arch Bridge, on the eastern shore and stone standing. Again in 1900 the globe under his foot signifying power. The have an outstanding building on a hill, and of the lake. grounds were severely damaged by Allied female lion has a cub under her foot, this is it. In front of the Tower are several Two lesser-known features of the Forces as they overran Beijing. Today the signifying the presence of a matriarch. pavilions which were used by Cixi for Summer Palace are the Suzhou Market Street area is totally renovated and very beautiful. After a short stroll Lake Kunming is birthday celebrations and to showcase the and the “Back Lakes.” Suzhou Market Probably the most famous occupants of visible through the shrubs and trees of the gifts given to her by visiting dignitaries. Street is located behind Longevity hill, along the Summer Palace were Empress Dowager gardens. Lake Kunming is the main focal Just before reaching the lake you pass one of the “Back Lake” shorelines and just Cixi who was the real power behind two point from much of the Summer Palace. It through the “Cloud Dispelling Gate” which inside the Palace wall, close to the north is a formal entrance to this set of buildings gate of the Palace. Designed to resemble a from the pathway that borders the lake. shopping street in Suzhou, a city in Shortly after entering the Palace southeastern China near Shanghai, this area grounds, you follow a path that heads down provided the Empress and her entourage to the Lake. There you encounter a covered the opportunity to experience a “shopping corridor that Guinness has certified as the experience” in relative safety and longest covered corridor in the world. But convenience, without leaving the safety of the cover is not what is so remarkable about her Palace grounds. Today there are still this corridor. The décor is! The corridor is merchants selling there, but their over 2300 feet long and includes four merchandise is targeted to tourists rather pavilions which are built into it. On the than royalty. The “street” is actually a canal rafters and ceilings of the entire structure which separates the two rows of merchants. are thousands of paintings depicting Suzhou is a canal city with many waterways, nature, landscapes, mythology, and ancient and boats were, and still are, a main way of Chinese history. They are magnificent and getting around and moving merchandise in no surface is undecorated! The detail is Suzhou and many other cities in southern amazing considering that they have been China. Back Lake, actually two lakes, is Above: 17 Arch Bridge (by Jeanette Green) touched up many times over the years, and located on the opposite side of Longevity many people notice how the rough surfaces Hill from Lake Kunming. Although there of the beams are taken into account by the are paths and beautiful gardens there, few Chinese emperors. She was the wife of occupies about 2/3 of the acreage of the artists who hide all the imperfections in the tourists venture back to see them because Emperor Xianfeng who died during the Palace grounds and is one of the main draws wood using perspective in their paintings. of the somewhat tiring walk involved. It Anglo-French invasion, and left Cixi’s six of the attraction. It is a shallow lake without This is truly a fascinating stroll along the remains the peaceful domain of the lovers year old son, Tongzhi, as Emperor. Cixi ruled any waterfalls or fountains as the Chinese lake, not to be missed! It is wonderful to sit of Beijing! the empire through him until he died at the put a high value on peaceful surroundings, down on the railings that enclose the I hope you have enjoyed “touring” the age of twenty, and then quickly replaced and thus the lake is very still unless there is corridor to take in the gardens and nature. Summer Palace with me today, and that you him on the throne with her nephew who was a wind. Swimming is not allowed, but several Sometimes water birds like herons are seen have the opportunity to see this wonderful also very young – only four years old when vendors around the lake rent rowboats to in the ponds and other fauna is also set of gardens for yourself some day. It is he took the throne. Cixi directed his every the public for about $1.50 per hour. On a sometimes evident if there is not a great definitely a “must-see” for anyone who order to the government by speaking to him nice day the lake can be full of people rowing crowd of people. visits Beijing, and another of my favorite At the western end of the lakeshore walk places in China. is a large marble boat. This two story Cruise the Yangtze Before the Dam Closes! structure was refurbished by Cixi using funds that were supposed to have been 19 day China Odyssey Fully guided and escorted! May 14-June 2, 2003 dedicated to training the Chinese navy, and 810 Mile - Four Day “Three Gorges” Cruise on the Yangtze River! this diversion of fonds lead to the defeat of Plus: the Chinese navy by Japanese forces. The - 4 nights Beijing (2 ½ days of fully guided touring, 1 ½ days free time) boat is two stories tall and has elaborate - Visit Terra-Cotta Soldiers at Xi’an - Ride on West Lake in Hangzhou carvings on all the surfaces as well as - 3 nights in Suzhou (5 star hotel in silk mkt area) 3 nights in Shanghai! stained glass in the windows. Officially Inside China we travel by plane 3 times, cruise ship, sampan, canal cruiser (on the named the “Boat for Pure Banquets”, Cixi Grand Canal), and train, We visit two “water cities”: Wu Zhen and Zhou Zhuang, and stay in 4 or 5 star hotels. spent much time there enjoying the beauty of the lake from her safe and luxurious Tour price: $3095* includes Yangtze Cruise on Victoria Cruise Lines vantage point. AND Trans-Pacific airfare on Northwest Airlines from MSP (other Directly in front of the “Cloud Dispelling cities avail) plus all tours, hotels, transportation within China and most Gate” is a dock for the motorized boats that meals. Professional, English speaking Chinese guides (CITS) take tourists to the island in the middle of Mark Inquire and register early - only 30 seats available on this trip the lake and back. The island is the home of This and other trips hosted by Mark LaFon at: www.travelwithmark.com the “Dragon King Temple” which is a home (651) 774-1365 cell (651) 592-1477 e-mail [email protected] common temple on many bodies of water in * plus departure taxes, visa fees, safety fees, and PFC charges, fuel charges, misc airline charges, tips China. In this temple the Chinese prayed to to guides and drivers, meals not specifically listed on itinerary, alcoholic beverages, and personal items the gods of the seas to protect them as they Registration Deadline January 15, 2003 Buddhist Fragrance Temple (by Dennis venture out on the water, and to assure them s Kruger) Events CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 11 JANUARY 2003

13th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Basilica magazine “fresh and interesting.” of Saint Mary, 7pm, doors open at 6pm Pronunciation guide: “T’ai Chi” and The Big Screen: “Celebrate the Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on “Taiji” are both pronounced “tie-jee.” T’ai Painted Tales, 12 noon and 2 pm his birthday, January 15. Dr. King’s eldest Chi Ch’uan and Taijiquan are both Rarely seen in the West, this diverse Dream” son, Martin King, III will be the keynote pronounced “tie-jee-chwan.” For further collection of shorts from China’s Shanghai Animation Studio reveals talented artists Presented by Minneapolis Community speaker. Enjoy music from the Twin Cities information, call 612-822-5760 whose creations speak in a universal visual and Technical College of the Basilica of Saint Community Gospel Choir and others. language. Also on screen is The Dragon Mary, 7pm, doors open at 6pm. Wore Tennis Shoes starring Gum Lung, the Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.on Thursday, Jan 16 120-foot Golden Dragon, a lively his birthday, January 15. Dr. King’s eldest MLK Events FREE First documentary of the highlights of the annual son, Martin King, III will be the keynote Whitney Fine Arts Theatre San Francisco Chinese New Year’s Parade, speaker. Enjoy music from the Twin Cities 11:00am Chuck Mc Dew, Civil Rights Saturdays are for produced and directed by Diane Li. Community Gospel Choir and others. Each Activist. In 1969, Chuck McDew, the year, Minneapolis Community and Technical national chairman of SNCC (Student Families! Family Gallery Adventure: College (MCTC) hosts “Celebrate the Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) Hear All About It, 2 pm Dream”, a tribute to honor Dr. Martin Luther “snick”, was beaten, jailed, and charged with CELEBRATE THE NEW Learn about brand new works of art and King Jr. on his birthday, January 15. This criminal anarchy for encouraging Black Saturday, February 1, 11 am–4 pm FREE where they came from in Walk Around Time: annual event brings the community citizens to vote. He risked his life to Come and celebrate Chinese New Year Selections From the Permanent Collection. together to reflect on the humanitarian work challenge racist traditions and practices. at the Walker Art Center and join in on an Free First Saturdays are made possible and efforts of Dr. King. The focus of the Part of his story is told in the movie extraordinary array of fun. All activities are by Coldwell Banker Burnet. Saturday Family program is to reflect Dr. King’s vision of “Freedom Song”. Mr. McDew will share free and available on a first-come, first- Programming is made possible by Target reaching a time when people of different some of his experiences and take questions served basis. Stores and the Jay and Rose Phillips Family ethnic groups, cultures, and generations can from the audience. Foundation. coexist in harmony. On Wednesday, January 11:45am Dr. King Essay Contest Winners On Stage: All activities are available on a first- 15, 2003, Martin Luther King, III (the eldest Reading and Awards Ceremony Winners of the contest will read excerpts from their CAAM Chinese Dance Company, 11 am come first-served basis. son of Dr. King) will deliver the keynote Classic, new and colorful dances address. essays. Awards will be presented. including Mountain-Water Coloring evoke ARTWORK OF THE MONTH Enjoy music from the Twin Cities 12:15pm College Bowl Competition the exquisite and profound harmony The February Artwork of the Month is Community Gospel Choir and others. MCTC student teams will compete in a Civil Rights Movement College Bowl between mind and nature. Led by world- The History of Chinese Painting and the renowned choreographer Shen Pei. History of Modern Western Art Washed in Other Events Competition. For more information contact Jill the Washing Machine for Two Minutes by Art-Making for the Whole Family: Huang Yong Ping on view in Gallery 6. Make Dr. King Celebration Week MCTC is Gebhardt at 612-341-7667 Flowers and Fruits, 12 noon–4 pm sure to pick up a free family activity guide hosting a series of special events during Make your own bamboo brush and about this artwork when you visit the Dr. King Celebration Week. Join in the monogram stamp and use them to create a museum. celebration! All events are free and open to Free Lecture: personal wish for the new year using inks Artwork of the Month is made possible the public. “T’ai Chi for and papers. Led by a local artist. by Target Stores. Monday, Jan 13 “Celebrate the Dream” Poster Display Optimum Health” Technical Building, Skyway Posters from MCTC’s 13 years of MINNEAPOLIS, MN, December 13, “Celebrate the Dream” will be on display. 2002-”T’ai Chi for Optimum Health” is the title of a free lecture-demonstration that will Tuesday, Jan 14 be given Tuesday, January 7th, 7-8 pm at Film Series: Eyes on the Prize Great River T’ai Chi 1940 Hennepin Av. S., Eyes on the Prize is a critically acclaimed 2F, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The talk is free series dealing with the American Civil Rights and open to the public. Attendees will have Movement. Eyes on the Prize includes an opportunity to try out some T’ai Chi archival footage and contemporary exercises. interviews with participants in the struggle T’ai Chi originated in China several for and against Civil Rights. In addition to centuries ago and has become one of the some of the landmark events, it also world’s most popular forms of exercise. documents the workings of the movement Practiced in a group or alone, medical on a grass-roots level, presenting events studies have shown that T’ai Chi helps and individuals often overlooked. lower blood pressure, helps with concentration, and improves balance and Wednesday, Jan 15 coordination. T’ai Chi is also a Chinese “Wednesdays in Mississippi” martial art and a form of moving meditation. Whitney Fine Arts Theatre, 11am - Noon Presenter Barbara Davis M.A., is Moderated by Don Shelby director of Great River T’ai Chi and editor of Civil rights leaders Josie Johnson and Taijiquan Journal, an international quarterly. Maxine Nathanson will share their Davis has an M.A. in East Asian Studies experiences working for social justice in and is a well-respected T’ai Chi writer and 1960’s Mississippi. During the Civil Rights researcher. Movement, these two Minnesota women Great River T’ai Chi, established in 1979, became known as a team who crossed the is one of the oldest T’ai Chi groups in the boundaries of race, religion and age - to Upper Midwest. Great River instructors bring a peaceful message and to encourage have trained in Taiwan and the United States, the advancement of civil rights. Supported and have taught at the University of by the National Council of Negro Women, Minnesota, Minneapolis Community and teams of northern white and black women Technical College, Macalester College, the traveled south to visit Mississippi during Bakken Museum, Minneapolis Institute of the summer of 1964 to be a quieting influence Arts, Fairview Hospitals, Mankato State in racially tense areas - to be a ministry of University and other institutions. peace. The project became known as Davis is founder and editor of Taijiquan “Wednesdays in Mississippi”. Among Journal, which is beginning its fourth year other things, these interracial teams began and was nominated for a prestigious Utne voter registration projects and reported on Reader award. It is a quarterly publication the status of civil rights violations. with international distribution, and features articles by leading authorities on the history, Wednesday, Jan 15 theory, and philosophy of T’ai Chi and 13th Annual “Celebrate the Dream” related arts. Library Journal called the Events CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 12 JANUARY 2003

MINNESOTA INTERNATIONAL CENTER’S YEAR OF CHINA EVENTS

Great Decisions: spent ten years as a correspondent for the Year of China which opened the door to Asians and other Far Eastern Economic Review, based at non-Europeans to come to America in record China - New various times in Hong Kong, China and Event - Becoming numbers. The three-part series continues Taiwan. He has a master’s degree in right up to the present, as new Chinese Leaders, Old journalism from Columbia University and a American: The immigrants join Chinese-Americans who bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies from have lived here for generations in a dynamic Challenges Cornell University. Chinese example of the American experience. Great Decisions is sponsored nationally Join MIC and the Minnesota Historical January 15, 2003 by the Foreign Policy Association and Experience Society on February 24, as Bill Moyers Come to MIC to learn about and discuss coordinated in Minnesota by MIC. New discusses this project and shows highlights current foreign policy issues in a small- participants are welcome to attend this February 24, 2003 of the PBS documentary. The presentation group setting. January’s topic is China - group, which meets at MIC on the third complements the Historical Society’s Bill Moyers and a team of filmmakers The Chinese-American New Leaders, Old Challenges with Carl Wednesday of each month. special exhibition, have collaborated to tell the dramatic story Experience in Minnesota, which runs Goldstein, an independent journalist who • Time: 5:30-7:00 P of the Chinese experience in America. covers national and international economic through April. Through interviews with historians, For more information on the and business issues. He previously served • Place: MIC, 711 East River Road, descendents and recent immigrants, as senior editor for business and economics Minneapolis. Parking available at nearby documentary, which premieres on PBS on Becoming American: The Chinese Mar. 25, visit www.becomingamerican.org. at Minnesota Public Radio. Mr. Goldstein ramps or meters. Experience tells this fascinating story, • Cost: including the impact of the landmark • Time: 2:00 p.m. (tentative); For updated $5 Member Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 — the first information, call 651.296.6126. Sunny Sky $10 Non-Member time the United States ever banned a group Chinese Antique Furniture and Gifts • Place: Minnesota History Center, 3M (Please register in advance - MIC’s of people based on race or nationality — 760 Grand Ave., (651) 224-9988 Auditorium, 345 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul living room only seats 25 people. ) and the Immigration Reform Act of 1965, • Cost: Free

Mortgage/Real Estate

Seeking english/chinese speaking person, preferably with real estate/mortgage background, with good math and communication skills. Highly aggressive compensation structure. Celebrating Di You CALL Nick Dzandzara at (952) 417-0050 Chinese New 511, University Ave SE, Apt 104 Custom Mortgage & Funding, 11100 Wayzata Blvd #525, Minnetonka, MN 55305 Minneapolis, MN 55414 Year! Please include the following information with your reservation: Friendship Association of Chinese Your name Students & Scholars (FACSS) ”Year of the Your day time phone number Goat” New Year’s Event will be held in the Your UMN student email ID (or email evening on Saturday February 8, 2003 at St address if you are not a UMN student) that Paul Student Center. There will be four parts you have provided to FACSS in your of this event: membership registration form we’ve got it 1. Performing Arts Show, in the Ballroom Your membership number (you will 2. Movie Show, in the Theater receive this number after you register with 3. Chinese Puzzle and Traditional Games, FACSS) going on! in the Terrace Please make your checks payable to 4. Karaoke and Social Party, at MN FACSS. Common. After FACSS receives your reservation computers • business degrees Items 2 to 4 are free to the public. FACSS and the check, they will send you a manufacturing technology • liberal arts is now selling tickets for the performing arts confirmation email to the email address you law enforcement • dental hygiene • show to the members at a discounted rate provide. Please bring your ID with you on nursing • hospitality management for a limited time period. February 8th to pick up your ticket at the and much more, From Dec 13th to Tuesday, Dec 31st, ballroom entrance. Since there are limited seats available in the ballroom, and FACSS for less than you think FACSS members may purchase entrance tickets for the performing arts show at a needs to allow a certain number of tickets deeply discount rate of $5.00 (limited to two for sale to the public, there are only limited tickets per member, $8.00 for extra tickets if numbers of discount-rate tickets available register now by phone or on the Web you need more than two). After Jan1st, 2003, for members. Please mail out your the ticket price will be $10.00 for adults 12 reservation as soon as possible. First come, spring semester classes begin years and older and $5.00 for children from first served. january 13, 2003 6 to 11. (2003 Spring semester new students It is not too late to register for FACSS may still purchase tickets at discount rates membership. Please visit 952/487-8299 after registering for FACSS membership) www.tc.umn.edu/~facss/Facss/member/ www.normandale.mnscu.edu To reserve your tickets, please send index.html for more information. your reservation and check to: an equal opportunity educator and employer

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a highly controversial subject among Chi- ernization and development. Mandarin was nese people, as it brings up the sticky issue chosen because it is the easiest Chinese dia- The Chinese of modernization versus tradition. lect to learn and was already spoken Interestingly, young people and foreign throughout northern China. students begin learning Chinese by first The grammar of Mandarin Chinese is mastering a spelling system that uses the quite simple compared to English, with plu- Language western alphabet. Once they reach a certain rals and time tense seldom used unless nec- level of understanding, they begin to switch essary. The difficulty lies in the use of four to using Chinese characters. Again, there is tones to distinguish words. The most com- a stumbling block in this area, as Mainland monly cited example of tone differences is China uses the pinyin spelling system, the word ma. When ma is pronounced in a - Just the facts whereas Taiwan uses a modified version of high pitched and steady drawn-out tone it By Neal Grasdalen the old Wade-Giles system in addition to a means mother. But when ma is pronounced unique system of phonetic symbols. For ex- by starting with a high tone, dipping down isitors to China are usually over- meaning to study or learn, is repeated in the ample, that is why one sees Beijing spelled to a lower tone and then up again, the word whelmed and certainly intrigued words for school (xuexiao), student “Peking” outside of the mainland. means horse. Misuse of tones is the most by the country’s unique cuisine (xuesheng), and study subject (xueke). Spoken Chinese common problem for non-native speakers and language. While the food is Language specialists have said that for of Chinese, and has caused many embar- V probably the most accessible and Seeing a native speaker of English, learning how to rassing or funny mix-ups. enjoyable part of Chinese culture (you just compound words written together on a speak and understand Mandarin Chinese Since each Chinese character is a one- dig in and learn), the language is not so easy. printed page, as well as speaking them to- (also called Standard Chinese or putonghua) syllable word, there are only about four hun- Chinese writing on shop signs bear no re- gether as two-syllable words, makes the lan- is slightly more difficult than learning dred plus words in the language. But, you semblance to an alphabet, and the tonal ups guage more comprehensible for the beginner. French, while reading and writing Chinese get tens of thousands of words once you and downs of the spoken language appear For many centuries, Chinese was writ- may be several times more difficult. factor in the four tones, begin to combine chaotic and incomprehensible. Chinese ten vertically from top to bottom and from Mandarin Chinese is based on the dia- them into compounds of two or more char- people who speak English--tour guides, ho- right to left, the opposite of English. But lect of northern China, with an emphasis on acters, and allow for many homonyms that tel workers, or folks on the street--are bom- reforms in the 1950s began to promote print- the Beijing sub-dialect. Because China has are pronounced the same and with the same barded daily with questions about their ing Chinese in the same format as European so many mutually unintelligible dialects tone but have different meanings. Once the language: Just exactly how many characters languages. Among other things, this made (some say they are so different that they non-Chinese ear is tuned to differentiate the are there? How many do you know? Do you it easier to insert alphabetized Western should be considered distinct languages), tones and look at the context of the situa- really read from right to left? Is it true there names into sentences. However, in Taiwan, the government has long promoted the wide- tion, Chinese becomes a relatively easy lan- is a different character for every word? Hong Kong and many overseas Chinese spread use of Mandarin as an aid to mod- guage to speak and understand. communities you can still see Chinese news- Writing papers published in the traditional vertical While it is true that there are over 50,000 columns reading from top to bottom and from characters in the Kangxi Dictionary (18th right to left. century), only 4,000 are needed to read a It should be mentioned that in the 1950s, highly literate article in a magazine, and the China began to simplify the writing of Chi- majority of newspaper stories require as few nese characters in an attempt to raise lit- as 1,500 to 2,000 characters. And while it is eracy. Non-communist Taiwan, Hong Kong, also true that every word does have its own and overseas Chinese communities, how- Chinese character, this was more common in ever, made no change and have continued “Classical Chinese,” which fell out of use to use traditional characters. Not surpris- about a century ago. Thankfully, books, ingly, this has made information exchange magazines, and newspapers published to- somewhat cumbersome between mainland day use modern Chinese, which is quite simi- China and Taiwan. Although people in Tai- lar to spoken Chinese in grammar and wan can, after some study, read simplified vocabulary. Most words are two-character characters, only elderly or well-educated compounds, making the language much more Mainland Chinese are able to read traditional manageable, for the same character can be characters. Some scholars speculate that in repeated to form many compound words. the future, a happy medium will be reached For example, the character pronounced xue, as the two systems of writing merge. This is Language CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 14 JANUARY 2003 ConversationConversation Strategies:Strategies: How can I Manage a Difficult Listener? By Marlene Schoenberg

"Excuse me, I'd like to tell you something." 7. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CONVER- use drawings to express your idea more R.C. from Golden Valley writes: as a warm up to give the listener a chance to SATION, GIVE THE LISTENER PERMIS- clearly. hear your voice before you begin the impor- SION TO STOP YOU WHEN HE OR SHE "How can I help American-born lis- tant part of your message. CAN NOT UNDERSTAND SOMETHING. 11. BE PREPARED FOR A BRICK WALL!. teners follow what I am saying better and The listener may think it is impolite to If a person has great difficulty tolerat- ask me to clarify when they may not un- 4. SAY YOUR NAME SLOWLY AND interrupt you, but it is worse not to. You ing speaking differences, here are several derstand something I say?" CLEARLY! might say, " Let me know if you miss some- strategies to use : Most people say their names in the cul- thing and I'll explain it again". a. Say, "You must be having a bad day. Dear R.C., tural voice of their native language. This May I speak with someone else?". sometimes may create the impression that 8. DO NOT NOD YOUR HEAD "YES" b. “You probably haven't had much ex- You would like to know what you can your whole conversation will be difficult to WHEN YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND. perience with international speakers. Have do when your conversation comes to a stop, understand. Say your name as usual and You have the right to stop the speaker patience with yourself.” if a listener does not understand you. Some- then translate it into American sounds. Make and ask for clarification if you don't under- c. ”I'll come back later when you are not times it is not the speaker's fault. Sometimes a comment about how to associate your stand. so rushed. This will take a little time.” both people need to step back and assist in name with some familiar word or name. Nodding your head "yes" under these the interaction. circumstances can lead to misunderstand- 12.YOU'RE A DIVERSITY AMBASSA- Many people avoid what sounds unfa- 5. KNOW THE SOUNDS AND WORDS ings. DOR!. miliar. They don't realize that they need to WHICH ARE CHALLENGING FOR YOU. You are not just representing yourself make an effort to figure out the message Watch your listeners' facial _expression 9. REASSURE YOUR LISTENER BY YOUR but also your ethnic group and other for- they hear, so they just walk away. This may and if you get a puzzled look, repeat the word WORDS AND ATTITUDE. eign born employees this person will meet. leave the speaker feeling disappointed. or phrase with a clearer /r/ or /l/ or what ever In a relaxed friendly way, you have to This is an opportunity to teach others cul- Don't let scornful looks or rude comments sound you are practicing. demonstrate, "We can work this out". They tural understanding. If more people made "put you down". Maintain your dignity. If might pick up your confidence and stay in this effort on both sides, the world would be you keep these guidelines in mind you can 6. SLOW DOWN BUT PHRASE YOUR the interaction. a better place. come out ahead in everyday conversations. SENTENCES CAREFULLY! You can group small words together but 10. REPEAT AND REPHRASE. Sincerely, 1. FIRST, YOU MUST TAKE CHARGE! remember to emphasize the important nouns, Be willing to repeat, rephrase, spell, or Marlene Schoenberg Don't let the conversation just happen verbs and adjectives with higher pitch or a or not happen. Have a plan. Keep a list of longer vowel. Over the past 16 years, accent expert Marlene Schoenberg has provided speech different strategies to use if the listener gets coaching for professionals in the Twin Cities' Chinese community. She will share her experience and knowledge about accent issues at work on a regular basis in China Insight. What else do you need when you have us as the Please e- mail your questions to Marlene at [email protected]. INSIDERs?

We consult/investigate for American and Chinese clients, coordinate civil actions in both countries, provide legal services related to business, contracts, corporation, employment, immigration, matrimony, personal injury and real estate.

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Caryn Ye, attorney and counselor at law phone/fax: (651) 983 9838/255 0500 [email protected] 2579 Hamline Ave. North, Ste. C, Roseville, MN 55113 stuck. This makes you feel more in control. 2. DETERMINE THE IMPORTANCE OF NEW CENTURY BUFFET YOUR LISTENER Is this just someone you met at a bus Asian-Syle Buffet stop? (You don't have to tell him your life story if he asks where you are from). Is this Mongolian BBQ, Japanese Sushi, American Cuisine going to be an important co-worker or cus- and All Types of Chinese Cuisine tomer in your work? The more important the ongoing relationship is, the more work you 10% OFF Lunch or Dinner Buffet have to put in to make the interaction a suc- Coupon not valid with any other coupon. Valid for up to 8 people. Expires: 1/31/2003 cess. Lyndale Ave. S. 3. MAKE SURE YOUR GREETING IS HOURS: 77th Street CLEAR! Mon-Thurs: 11:00am to 10:00pm 494 Highway Try to get the other person's attention Fri-Sat: 11:00am to 10:30pm and sit down face to face early in the con- 78th Street Frontage Steet versation. Too often people are pre-occu- 7827 Portland Ave. So NEW CENTURY Portland Ave. S. pied with their own thoughts when you Bloomington, MN 55420 Nocollet Ave. S. begin speaking. They need time to tune into (952) 888-3177 Amoco Walmart you and your speaking patterns. Some FAX (952) 888-3207 people use an introductory phrase such as, Healthcare CHINAINSIGHT > PAGE 15 JANUARY 2003 Dr. David Lu’s Mailbox

f you have any questions regarding purchasing a supplement, we need to know per serving of each ingredient. Generally, other minor ingredients in a product. Chinese medicine, acupuncture, how to read the label to learn what a there are two unit of measures: International Before taking them, if you have any herbs and your health condition, supplement claims to do and what Unit ( I. U.) and Milligram(mg) / questions or concerns regarding individual I you can contact Dr. David Lu via e- ingredients it includes. Microgram(mcg). International Unit ( I. U.) health supplement products, you should mail: [email protected]. The doc- First, we need to look at the ingredients. is a standard unit of measure for fat-soluble consult a health care provider or contact tor will answer selected questions through The ingredients will tell you exactly what vitamins such as A, D, and E. Milligram(mg) the manufacturer directly. Dr. David Lu’s Mailbox in China Insight. you are getting from this product. For and Microgram(mcg) are units of example, ginseng tablets on the market may measurement for water-soluble vitamins, Question: Dr. David Lu, not contain 100 percent ginseng. They may such as C and B complexes and minerals. A There are so many different kinds of contain many other vitamins or herbs along milligram is equal to 0.001 grams. A herb and vitamin supplements on the with ginseng, even though the product is microgram is equal to 0.001 milligrams. market. People often have different opinions named ginseng. Some multivitamins contain We need to take a good look at the about certain products. One says that this the ingredient ginseng. If you have certain supplement label on the supplement product is good, and others say that this health conditions, such as high blood products before purchasing them. product does not work. Could you please pressure, then those multivitamins will not Especially pay attention to the main let me know how to pick the right kind of be good for you. ingredients and do not forget to look at the supplement and if you have any Secondly, we have to look at the amount recommendations ? I am confused !

Answer: Dear Kristina, TOTAL HEALTH CLINIC This is a huge question and it is a common question for which everybody ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL MEDICINE wants the answer. Different companies use Dr. David Lu L.Ac.M.O.M.N.D different formulations. As of now, there are A 3rd Generation Practitioner In Acupuncture & Herbs no regulations or standard formulas on supplements. Each product has its own Specializing in: Supplement Facts listed on the label. Before * Pain Relief esp. Neck & Back Pain * Complicated Cases * Chi/vital Energy Balance * Asthma * Injuries: Auto, Sport, Work * Arthritis * Chronic Fatigue/Illnesses * Sinusitis * Adjunctive Cancer Care * Impotence * Headaches/Migraines * Tennis Elbow * Hight Cholesterol * Quit Smoking * Frozen Shoulder * Carpal Tunnel * Sleep Disorders * Stomach Disease * Stroke Sequela * Immune system Support SHANGHAI 763-586-6045 1101 E. Moore Lake Dr., Fridley, MN 55432

LEADSLEADS ININ David Lu is a 3rd generation practitioner in Acupuncture & Herbs. He started learning and practicing Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from his family when he was young. He is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal Doctor and a Doctor of Naturopathy. He studied both western and oriental medicine and he is a state and nationally licensed acupuncturist. If you need further information about Oriental HUMANHUMAN DEVEOPMENTDEVEOPMENT Medicine, please feel free to contact Dr. Lu at Total Health Clinic. Tel: 763-586-6045.

Thanks to the city’s rapid economic, cultural and human development, the 16 million residents of China’s commercial center of Shanghai are today enjoying a high quality of life. Shanghai’s human development index (HDI) has topped 0.80 according to standards set by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The HDI is used by UNDP to rank countries and regions by a composite measure of life expectancy, education and income per person. The HDI has been published since 1990. In 2001, the average life expectancy of Shanghainese was 79.7, 4.7 years over the 1989 figure. Meanwhile the newborn death rate dropped 0.67 percent over the same period to 0.571 percent. In 2001, 8.95 out of every 100,000 women in Shanghai died during pregnancy or childbirth, a 70.6 percent decline from 1989. According to the 2002 UNDP Human Development Report, China ranks 96 among 173 countries and regions in HDI, which is also reflected in improved education and income per person in the area.

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