Beijing Air is not healthy and where to get regular updates about Beijing Air Quality

I used to check the government website for air quality here. It provides daily the Air Pollution Index (API) and corresponding grade for about 85 Chinese cities.

But when you live in Beijing you would be interested in getting this information updated more regularly throughout the day. Especially, if you want to go for outdoor activities, you better check the air quality as the air is really bad in winter. Today early afternoon, the API was over 400! Now, 11pm it is down to 107.

You can find the information via www.bjair.info

actual information and overview throughout the day

Be an artist and add to the installation of Mo Yi at the Opposite House

During these cold winter days in Beijing, you might come along the streets of Sanlitun. And when the icy wind makes you shiver, stop by The Opposite House - the boutique hotel with the green glass front - for a hot tea or a tasty lunch - and for some fun creativity.

The Opposite House is hosting an installation of Mo Yi (see press release below) and is inviting guests to interact. Get your eyes photographed and think about issues related to sight. Write it around your photo in your language and let it be part of the growing installation. - You will also get a copy as a souvenir to take home.

You can be an artist while in Beijing.

This reminds me of a quote of the German provocateur artist Joseph Beuys: " Jeder Mensch ein Kuenstler" - everyone (is) an artist - meaning, that everyone can be creative and reflecting . It does not take much - and it makes the world a better place.

The installation will be running until December 31st 2011. The interactive session is from 11.00am to 2.00pm daily in the atrium of The Opposite House, Beijing. The photographer will be taking photo of the guests and adding the new photos to the installation.

Hong Kong: Handbags by Bez & Oho

Bez & Oho online Boutique

The internet is a great place to discover new things - and that's why we all love it!

Today I found Bez & Oho in Hong Kong via Nicely Made in China. And you do not need to be in Hong Kong to see their colourful handbags made of receycled rice bags. They sell online.

Shanghai: HGTV needs Relocation Expert

Dear Readers,

After my last post about HGTV calling for casting here is another urgent request from the HGTV production team. For the HGTV show going to be produced in Shanghai they need a local relocation expert who is fluent in English.

Shanghai: HGTV Home and Garden Television Casting Call

Dear Expats living in Shanghai,

a few days ago, I found in my mailbox a message from a producer of Home and Garden Television (HGTV) who came across my blog. They are going to film a new show for HGTV in Shanghai!

The producers want to know if any of my readers or friends in Shanghai might be interested in applying to be on the show. As it is a very popular U.S. TV show, they call for American Expats living in Shanghai. The shooting will be after the golden week holiday in the week of October 10, 2011.

HGTV press release

Here the details from the press release:

HGTV IS CASTING AMERICANS LIVING IN SHANGHAI FOR A NEW TV SHOW


Home & Garden Television (HGTV) is launching a new international series that features American expats telling their stories about what it’s like to live abroad.

HGTV Producers want to hear from fun, outgoing, enthusiastic Americans Expats who are living in Shanghai RIGHT NOW!

In each episode, our host will experience Shanghai through the eyes of expat families. From the design of your space (what features of your home are typical of properties in Shanghai?) to the lifestyle and culture of the area (what major life changes have you experienced as a result of your move? What do you do for fun?), the American Expats will give viewers a first hand look at what it’s like to live overseas.

About HGTV INTERNATIONAL

HGTV International is a voyeuristic look at the stunning home properties and lifestyles of American expats. This program showcases home design, set within the hottest places to live around the world.

About the HGTV

HGTV, America’s leader in home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 89 million U.S. households and is one of cable’s top-rated networks. HGTV.com is the nation’s leading online home and garden destination that attracts an average of 5.2 million unique visitors per month.

About HIGH NOON ENTERTAIMENT

High Noon Entertainment, located in Denver Colorado, produces HGTV International. In addition to HGTV International, High Noon produces many other shows including VH1’s Tough Love; TLC’s Cake Boss; Food Network’s Unwrapped, Challenge; HGTV’s My First Place, House Hunters; You may learn more about High Noon at http://www.highnoonentertainment.com.

Contact

If you’re interested or if you have any friends that might be in applying, please contact the producer immediately and email photos of you and your family along with photos of your home to:
Callie Zanandrie
Producer
Email: czanandrie@highnoontv.com