Fast Tube by Casper

How it works? 

The top part of the bottle is positioned on the outside of the roof absorbing sunlight. The bottom part of the bottle hangs inside the building like a normal lightbulb. The water acts as a lens and refractor spreading the light to a wider area inside. As you can imagine this simple idea is perfect for buildings in developing countries where many people live in shanty towns or huts where energy is unaffordable or hard to come by. There are projects implementing these ‘lights’ in Brazil, Indonesia and the Philippines, and the invention most probably derived from one of these places.

One of the drawbacks is that the bottles of water obviously depend on sunlight to work, but if you can imagine a shanty town home, without conventional lightbulbs it’ll be pitch black inside regardless of the time of day.

Relevance to rich countries

As this is a free way to have light energy, this invention can also be used in developed countries too. Just have a look around all the buildings that have lights on during the day time and how much energy is being used. It just takes some good designers to come up with designs that considers the quality of materials used and how it can be fixed on top of buildings. The bigger the bottle the more light it refracts. People in the USA have been using it for their garden sheds and even a church hall has them fitted.

Check out this video to see how these solar light bottles work

DJ VAJRA talks to Nee Hao Magazine

How old where you when you first started DJing? 

I was 17 when I first decided to take the art of dj’ing seriously. That was back in 1996

Has your taste in music changed since then? 

Yes, quite a bit. I like a lot more electronic music now then I did at that time. Back then I was mostly into hip hop.

How did it feel to compete in the DMC World Championship?

It feels pretty good when you win! Otherwise it can be pretty stressful preparing for it.

How does it feel to be world Champion? 

It feels great! It is something I never dreamed I would be able to accomplish, so I am extremely grateful that I was able to do it.

How do you feel technology has impacted your style such as using Serato Scratch Live and DVS compared to the old school stuff?

I like using digital a lot more than just using vinyl alone. The fact that it doesn’t skip, has no bass feedback,  and the addition of cue points, loops and effects expand the creative process to new levels.

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a DJ? 

The love of music. If you don’t love music, and sharing it with your friends, then you shouldn’t be a DJ.

Where and how did you learn your superb scratching and mixing skills from? 

It’s been a process that has taken place over the last 16 years, and I am still studying and practicing to get better every day.

You played in China before, did you enjoy it?

I played at club Mix in Beijing. It’s really cool out there! Interesting people, interesting food. I would love to come back again anytime!

What do you think of DJ Wordy, and the scene in China? 

DJ Wordy is DOPE! China is lucky to have a great champion leading the way for their DJ scene.  

What about the UK? Do you plan to do some gigs here? 

Yeah, I would love to come back there as well. I always have a great time when I’m in the UK.

What do you do to relax? 

Mostly hang out with my girlfriend and watch movies. I have 2 kids as well, so I always take them out to the zoo and museums.

How do you usually prepare for gigs and competitions? 

I try to look at every possible scenario and outcome and get prepared for everything. Things can still go wrong but it’s better to be prepared than not.

What DJs or musicians do you admire? 

Carze, Q-bert, Shortkut, Jeremy Ellis, Fast4wrd. Stevie Wonder, Flying Lotus, Z-trip and many many many others.

What is or are your favourite tracks in your record box at the moment? 

Scratch 22 – “Medicine Man”, Black Star – “Fix Up”, The Roots – “One Time” f/ Phonte

What are your future plans?

I am planning on releasing new mixes, remixes, tracks, and scratch records very soon.

Do you know how to eat with Chopsticks? 

Very well! I can snatch flies right out of the air with them.

Can you come to headline one of our Nee Hao Parties sometime, we have British Chinese DJs such as Dan Ngan, Lazyellow, DSD and DJ Phat leading the scene? 

Of course!!! I have heard that these DJs are doing a really good job in the British Chinese community. Just let me know and I would be honoured.

你第一次当DJ是什么时候的事, 在哪里?

我第一次决定对DJ这门艺术认真对待的时候, 我才17岁. 这能追溯回到1996年.

您对音乐的品味是否从那时开始就发生改变?

没错, 改变得相当多. 现在的我比那时更喜欢电子音乐,当年我可是非常热爱嘻哈(hip hop)一类的街头音乐的.

参加DMC 世界冠军杯的感觉如何? 

晋级时感觉太好了, 还有就是在为下一轮比赛准备的时候压力也相当的大.

在你赢得世界冠军的时候, 你有什么样的感觉? 

感觉简直棒极了. 我从来没想过能当世界冠军, 所以当自己做到的时候, 我既非常激动又非常感恩.

你觉得音乐科技的发展对你的DJ风格产生了影响吗, 特别是相对于运用了新的Serato Scratch Live 和 DVS 系统以后? 

相对于塑胶唱片技术, 我更多地喜欢用电子技术. 因为事实上用塑胶唱片没法有效地切换曲目, 而且它也没有贝斯效果. 还有就是电子技术带来的提示点, 循环以及特效等新增功能使整个创作的过程提高到了一个全新的级别.

你认为作为DJ 最重要的是哪个方面? 

对音乐的热爱最重要. 如果你都不热爱音乐还想要跟大家分享音乐, 那你就不应该做DJ.

你刮牒和混音的超群技术是从哪学的, 怎么学的? 

这是一个长达16年的学习过程, 而我现在还每天不断地学习和练习以求更大的进步.

你去过中国吗?  你觉得中国怎么样? 

我去过. 而且还在北京的Mix 俱乐部表演过呢. 那里真酷.有趣的人和食物! 我任何时候都想再次去中国.

你认为DJ Wordy 怎么样, 还有现在在中国的整个DJ业的情况如何? 

DJ Wordy 简直就是兴奋剂! 中国真是有幸得到他来作为领头军,带领整个DJ业蓬勃地发展.

你觉得英国怎么样? 你计划在这边做些特约表演吗? 

是啊, 我很想回到英国这边. 在这边渡过的时光总是那么的愉快, 让人想念不已.

你平常休息做些什么?

绝大多数的时间都是和女友一起外出, 还有看看电影什么的. 对了我有两个小孩, 所以我还经常带他们去逛动物园或是博物馆.

你通常是如何为特约表演和竞赛作准备的? 

我尝试着去假设可能会在表演秀(或是比赛时)发生的各种情形以及能达到的效果, 然后根据这些问题去寻找对策. 这样能最大程度地避免在表演秀或竞赛过程中发生状况时措手不及. 不过还是难以避免会有你从来想象不到的情况发生, 总之有准备好过没准备.

有没有钦佩或欣赏的DJ? 

有啊, 很多很多, 比如说Carze, Q-bert, Shortkut, Jeremy Ellis, Fast4wrd. Stevie Wonder, Flying Lotus, Z-trip, 等等.

你收藏的最喜欢的音乐唱片都有哪些? 

有, 比如Scratch 22 – “Medicine Man”, Black Star – “Fix Up”, The Roots – “One Time” f/ Phonte , 等等.

你将来的计划是什么?

我正在准备当中, 计划推出一系列的混音, 重混, 唱片以及刮牒记录, 它们很快就会跟大家见面.

你会用筷子吗?

毋庸置疑, 我还会 “凌空夹蝇”的特技呢!

你能来我们 “你好”其中的一个派对做特约表演吗, 是否愿意跟我们的英籍华裔DJ(包括DJ Dan Ngan, Lazyellow, DSD 以及 DJ Phat等)一起做秀? 

当然愿意. 我听说他们最近干得很不错嘛, 为英国华人社区的娱乐事业作出不小的贡献呐. 告诉我你什么时候开派对, 我为能参与 “你好”的派对感到很荣幸.

“本月型男”和“本月宝贝”特辑。参赛者在这里可以递交他们的个人简历以及写真照让大家投票。而读者们通过一个公正但又非常特别的选票系统来为他们喜爱的型男或宝贝打气，并投出神圣的一票。

At the end of a 12 month period, the male and female who receives the most votes will have the honour of being Nee Hao Magazine’s Bachelor and Babe of the year, and a full centre page spread in the in-print magazine will be devoted to them. We are also in talks with modelling agencies in London and Beijing who will potentially sign up the winners to their books.

Nee Hao都将为每年的12位 “本月型男”和12位“本月宝贝”中最高选票者颁发 “年度型男”和 “年度宝贝”的荣誉称号。“年度型男和宝贝”的写真不但会被刊登在Nee Hao杂志的中央页面，并且Nee Hao亦会为他们和中英两地的模特公司对话，型男和宝贝们就有机会获得顶级模特公司的签约。

Do you wish to be Nee Hao magazine’s Bachelor or Babe of the month? Send in a few photos and a brief bio to us and you can be featured in the future.

如果你想成为Nee Hao杂志的“本月型男”或“本月宝贝”，就请尽快给我们寄来你的照片和个人简历吧。 相信你会成为最有型的型男，最有人气的宝贝！

(Get voting just for fun!)

Cup Cake = Delightful, cute and classy

纸杯蛋糕 = 讨人喜欢的， 可爱又时髦

Egg Tart = Nice to eat but can be a little fattening

蛋挞 = 真好吃但是好像有点油腻了。

Mantou = Plain and simple

馒头 = 简单， 纯洁。

Babe of the Month for February 2012:

Winny Wong

From: Gold Coast Australia (originally Shanghai)

來自: 澳洲黄金海岸, 但在上海出生

Job: Student

工作: 学生

Favourite Food: Hot and Spicy

最喜爱食物: 辛辣食品

Enjoy or not enjoy going out clubbing?  Not really, prefer surfing

喜欢参加聚会吗？ 不太喜欢, 比较喜欢冲浪

Click here for Babe of the Month for January 2012

Click here for Bachelor of the Month for January 2012

Coming up tomorrow, Bachelor of the Month for February 

]]> http://www.neehao.co.uk/2012/02/2289/feed/ 0 http://www.neehao.co.uk/2012/01/orientouch-ent-presents-eason-chan/ http://www.neehao.co.uk/2012/01/orientouch-ent-presents-eason-chan/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:08:29 +0000 Editorial http://www.neehao.co.uk/?p=1894 Orientouch Entertainment once again brings Eason Chan to perform at London’s 02 in the district of Greenwich on the 23rd April 2012. This is part of the world tour called Duo, where Hong Kong superstar Chan, will perform in countries such as the US, Australia, China and Canada. 

For more details on tickets and the show, visit www.easonchanduo.com

Eason Chan 

Eason Chan Yik-shun (陳奕迅) is a prominent male singer in Hong Kong’s music industry. Undoubtedly one of the most dominant male singers in the post-1997 era of Hong Kong music industry. Eason Chan has been praised by Time magazine as a front runner in the next generation of Cantopop. He is considered by some to be Hong Kong’s third “god of song” after Samuel Hui and Jacky Cheung.

His Cantonese album U87 was nominated by Time Magazine as “Five Asian Albums Worth Buying” in 2005. Eason Chan was the big winner at the prestigious Golden Melody Awards in 2003 and 2009. In 2003, he won “Best Male Singer” and “Album of the Year awards” for his work in Mandarin album “Special Thanks To…”. In 2009, Eason won “Album of the Year” again for his work in Mandarin album “Don’t Want to Let Go”.

Eason was sent to the United Kingdom for study at the age of 12. He attended St. Joseph’s kindergarten, St. Joseph’s Primary School in Hong Kong, Dauntsey’s School in Wiltshire, England and later Kingston University majoring in architecture. He returned to Hong Kong before the completion of his degree to participate in the 1995 New Talent Singing Awards Competition. He won first place. Immediately after his victory, Capital Artists signed a contract with him, ending his future career as an architect while launching his successful career in music.

Eason Chan is a frequent winner of Asia’s music awards. He is the second non-Taiwanese singer after Jacky Cheung to win Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards. He won “Best Male Singer” in 2003 and “Best Album” twice in 2003 and 2009. He has won the prestigious Hong Kong’s Most Popular Male Singer Award twice, in the year 2006 and 2007. He also won his first Asia Pacific’s Most Popular Singer Award in 2007, and again in 2008. His album U87 (The name of the album came from his favorite microphone), released in 2005, has been recommended by Time Magazine as one of the five best Asian albums worth buying. U87 also won the top sale of album (non-concert, non-collection category) in Hong Kong in 2005. He was Hong Kong’s highest selling male artist in 2002, 2003 and 2007. He has been one of Hong Kong’s top selling artists for all years starting from 2000. His concert DVD Get a Life was the highest selling album of 2006.

Eason Chan has been praised by critics and fellow musicians alike as one of the top singers of his generation. Since the very beginning of his career, Eason has been one of the favorites to lead the new generation of Cantopop. He has been described as a breath of fresh air in the HK music scene. Over the last ten years, he emerged as the leading male singer of his generation, fulfilling his role as an innovator and a leader in the HK music scene, winning prestigious awards one after another. he has also been successful in his work in the Mandopop scene. He has won numerous awards in both Mainland and Taiwan, most notably Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards. “Admit It” was another notable work of Eason Chan, which led to a nomination for Golden Melody Awards’ Best Male Singer.

Eason not only sings but also plays a variety of musical instrument including piano, violin, accordion, harmonica, bass, guitar and drums. He frequently showcases his musical talent by incorporating instruments into his live performances. He is also a song-writer who has written many songs, some included in his albums.

Eason in Concert

Dates for filming 

The following dates are set for the time being. – 1st March, 8th March, 12th April and 26th April 2012. It will take up about 4-5 hours to record.

About the series

The series is about different types of Chinese youth and the older generation life experiences and their profiles. One example is how the expectation from your parents about your future might end up differently, such as you study medicine because your parent wants you to. At the end, you finish the study but do something completely different. Or maybe you are an aspiring artist and what to tell your story. These are just examples, please get in contact so further information can be provided or leave a comment below.

For more information please contact Dee Lo from the British Chinese Network.

Click here and fill out this form. 

Chinese New Year's Day 23rd January 2012

The Lunar new year is the biggest celebration in the Chinese and East Asian calendar equivalent to Christmas and new year’s eve combined together. It is a time to celebrate with family gatherings sharing good food, lion dancing, other traditional performances, fireworks and Chinese firecrackers.

New year fireworks celebration in Beijing

In the UK thousands of Chinese and East Asian families will join together for a ‘united family new year meal’. Afterwards the older generation will maybe have a catch up with each other, play some Mahjong or other games, whilst the younger generation will go and meet friends at one of the many events around the country.

Nee Hao Magazine at one of their events with last minute preparations before the party starts

A family enjoy their New Year's meal in Laoxiancheng Village in Shanxi province. Photo by Natalie Behring

Children and people who are not married will get little red envelopes (利是 Li Shi) filled with money instead of presents. There are many sweets, pastries and Chinese confectionery on offer to so it’s probably not the best time to go on a diet.

Red envelopes with money inside given to represent good luck and Chinese sweets

Traditional lion dance with a contemporary twist

Check out Nee Hao’s latest Chinese New Year event in the city of Plymouth this coming Tuesday 24th January 2012. 

Keep your photos and stories coming in via email, we will upload more as the festivities happen.

Send it to hello@neehao.co.uk

Jason talks to Nee Hao about photography among other things

What inspired you to do these photos of your daughters?

I started this project as a way to document my girls growing up, as my mother was (is) sick with cancer and couldn’t be around sick kids. I wanted a way to share them growing up, and also hoped to make her laugh or smile with some of these photos.

How long have you been into photography? 

I have been taking photos of my kids for about 8 years, and have been photographing portraits and weddings for about 6 years.

What camera and lenses do you use and how much do you need to spend on equipment to be a professional? 

How much you actually need for photos really depends what you want to achieve. For me, I enjoy using artificial lights in my photos, so that adds expense in terms of lights, stands, modifiers, etc. You can see the equipement I use on our Facebook page.

What do you do to relax?

Watch movies, spend time with the kids, and of course take photos : )

Do you think the recession has affected the photography industry? 

I haven’t really noticed any major changes. I have noticed that more and more people are getting into photography, which is great. There are many inexpensive options to get people started, not like when I first got into digital.

What software helps you in post production? 

I use Adobe products, specifically Lightroom and Photoshop CS5. Lightroom is for cataloging and base editing, while PS is for more extensive work.

What tips would you give for photographers just starting out?

Just keep practicing and shooting as much as possible. Try to develop your own style, but look to see what inspires you.

Kristin and Kayla’s Facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/kristinandkayla?sk=wall

To kick start the Year of the Dragon in style, Nee Hao and our collaborators will transform club Vanity on King Street right in the heart of Bristol city centre with our trademark style to make this a magical night to remember.

MUSIC

We have booked DJ Dan Ngan from London to create the ultimate musical atmosphere and party vibe. Every track will be re-mixed and carefully selected for this special event, catering for the locals and students.

7A Haymarket Walk BS1 3LN

GUEST APPEARANCE

The UK’s most beautiful East Asian Model Hannah Le has been booked to provide an element of glamour.

CHINESE CONFECTIONERY

Try our selection of complimentary Chinese festive sweets to boost your energy levels for some disco dancing

DRESS CODE

We suggest that you dress to impress, but will not judge you on what you wear as long as you’re comfortable.

SAFETY

We want you to enjoy the night as much as possible and have a strict safety and attitude free policy -we promote responsible drinking-

Click here for the Facebook Events Page

TICKETS

The tickets also include 10% off vouchers which can be used at Xin He Oriental Foods and Yo Yo Burger Bristol

£6 in advance
£8 on the door
£12 VIP

-STRICTLY OVER 18s ONLY – ID REQUIRED-

Contacts:

Chrissie Lam: 07749944634
Monica Pang: 07411 978005
Yen So: 07922 437630
Gisela Lee: 07982 402524
Felix Hung – 07500 501758
Kwok Sze: 01179 540197

Email: CNY@neehao.co.uk

Do you have a legal question or dilemma? If you do, then send your query to law@neehao.co.uk. If your question is interesting we will ask Solicitor Leon Chua to answer it. We will not reveal your name or any personal details. All answers in this feature are from a fully qualified solicitor, but only acts as a generic guidance as every case is bespoke.

Here we have 2 legal queries, one from a student who wishes to have indefinite leave as she has been in the UK for a number of years, and the other is from a Chinese take away boss who has changed his mind about selling his business and wonders whether he can return the deposit without consequences.

First legal query is from a student who has been studying in the UK for a number of years, she is from China.

I am a student studying in UK from Mainland China. I have been here for 10 years. I wish to apply for PR but I overstayed my visa a few years ago by 30 days due to a mistake. Would this affect my application? 

Solicitor Leon Chua answers… 

To get indefinite leave to remain (PR) using the long residence route, you need to have 10 years continuous lawful stay in the UK. The fact that you have at some stage overstayed means that the 10 years continuous residence is broken and you are not qualified for the 10 year stay application.  It does not matter whether it was 30 days or 1 day. However, we note that your overstay was the result of a mistake.  We need to understand the nature and the reason of having a mistake. We have dealt with an application in which our client has 3 gaps including (a) overstay and (b) left the country for too long.  The reason for his overstay was a careless mistake made by his school.  We are pleased to say that we have been successful in this application on behalf of our client. Although it does complicate matters, it does not necessary mean that you will not be successful with your application.

Second legal query is from a Chinese take away boss who has changed his mind on selling his business. 

I am a take away owner, I have recently agreed to sell my take away. We agreed verbally and the person wishing to buy it paid me £2,000 deposit in cash, and then a date was decided to go to the solicitor to sort out the legalities. I have since changed my mind and do not wish to sell anymore. Can I just give back the money without any repercussions? Nothing was signed. 

Solicitor Leon Chua answers…

It seems that the first issue that you have to look at is whether you have to continue with the conveyancying process so that you are bound to conclude the sale.  The answer is no.  Under section 2 of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 1989, any transaction relating to land / property must be in writing, incorporate all terms and be signed by the parties.  This essential requirement is missing and hence you have no obligation to complete the sale.

In terms of the arrangement with the £2000 deposit, it will be dependent on the precise agreement on under what circumstances that the deposit is to be forfeited or to be refunded.  In general, parties are allowed to enter into contract based on whatever terms and conditions that they can agree.  It may be the case that if you simply change your mind, you may return the deposit to him or may be to return double.  It all depends on the intention of the parties at the time when your verbal agreement was made.  On one practical point, evidence is important to decide the intention of the parties at the time when contract was entered. If evidence is not clear and that the dispute goes to court, it is important to bear in mind that the burden of proof lies with the person who asserts.  For example, if the buyer says that it was agreed that double the deposit is returnable when you change your mind, he will have the burden to proof that this was the case.

Leon Chua, Solicitor

Maxwell Alves Solicitors

75 Farringdon Road

London

EC1M 3JY

United Kingdom

DDI:  +44 (0)20 7632 6954

Mob: +44 (0)75 3018 2211

E-mail: leon.chua@maxwellalves.com

Angel Kwok who studies in Newcastle and is spending her last few days in Hong Kong before returning to the UK said “it should have been obvious to D&G that they have no right to make such a rule up as anyone who would be taking a photo of the facade would be standing on Canton Rd, which is a public space”.

This incensed the HK people, many of whom went to protest and stopped the shop from opening today in the process. The protest was organised through a Facebook page attracting 13,000 likes in a few hours since it went up.

A former D&G employee who wishes not to be named said ” this must be one of the worst PR fails that D&G have experienced, they have to make a big apology”.

Canton Rd T-S-T Hong Kong

Many people went to protest, taking photos of the shop window

Video Advert: Nee Hao and Collaborators Chinese New Year Party Bristol
Friday 20th January 2012 10pm-3am at Vanity.