Smeared Type

Selection by Diane Ledet

I’m thrilled and honored to be notified about the selection of Mulberry Child in Diane Ledet’s “Top Ten of 2011″ book list.

Here is Ledet’s posting: http://bookwinked.wordpress.com/2011/12/03/top-ten-2011/.

I’d also like to share some exciting news: Mulberry Child movie, a feature-length documentary based on the book, will come to Chicago in January, 2012. It will be shown as part of the documentary series at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Screening schedule is as follows:

8 P.M., Saturday, Jan. 21;

8 P.M. Tuesday, Jan. 24; and

8 P.M., Thursday, Jan. 26.

Director Susan Morgan Cooper will come from Los Angeles to attend all the screenings, so will be Lisa and me. We will be all at the Q & A after each show. Hope to see you at one of these screenings!

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. Mulberry Child movie is directed by Susan Morgan Cooper and narrated by Jacqueline Bisset.

Little Jodi who played Jian

Director Susan Morgan Cooper and cast–who played little Jian and her parents in Mulberry Child speak about their experience behind the scene. Click on the link below to view the interviews.

Director and Cast Talk about the Making of the Film

Enjoy!

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. For more information, visit www.mulberrychildmovie.com, www.mulberrychild.com, and www.moraquest.com

Maya Lin with her fans at ITT

Last week, Maya Lin, best known as designer of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D. C., came to Chicago to give a talk about art and the environment to a packed auditorium of 500 people at the College of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).

I learned about Lin when I was doing my graduate studies at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. My landlady Margaret was a close friend of Lin’s mother and I heard about the controversy on the Vietnam Memorial from them. Over the years, I came across Lin’s name at various occasions and knew she had become a well-known architect, but never followed her work or activities.

The Wall by Lin

Listening to Lin, I learned for the first time about her large-scale outdoor and indoor designs that immerse themselves with their natural surroundings. Lin stated that is a balance of art, architecture and monuments. Her talk at IIT was focused on art and environment and the work her foundation “What is Missing” strived to achieve: advocating for a sustainable living world.

She uses recyclable and sustainable materials for her artwork. Terra Bench, one of her artwork, is selected in “Design for a Living World” exhibition at the Field Museum in Chicago. It is made from red maple that was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and was sustainably harvested from Maine forests. It showcases the beauty of a tree while presenting forest terrain in the seat base.

Terra Benby by Lin

“I’m an landscape artist of the 21^st century, balancing between outdoor and indoor designs,” Lin said. “I want to create a different relationship to the world around us.”

Lin showed short videos from “What is Missing” that aimed to bring “awareness about the present sixth mass extinction of species,” and to “prevent deforestation.” She advocated it as “a wake up call and a call to action.”

“We spend more time planning what to have for dinner than what our great grandchildren will have,” she said. She urged Americans to reexamine their lifestyle and consume less.

I gained a new level of respect and admiration for Lin’s work and her devotion to the protection of the environment as an artist and citizen.

By Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. Mulberry Child has been developed into a feature-length documentary film by award-winning director and is narrated by Jacqueline Bisset. For more information, visit www.mulberrychildmovie.com, www.moraquest.com and www.mulberrychild.com.

Wang Jisi giving a talk in Chicago

Professor Wang Jisi, Dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University, gave a talk on the grand strategy of China earlier this week in Chicago. The event was organized by the Chicago Council of Global Affairs.

Several hundred people packed the meeting room at the Peninsula Hotel. Wang, who is currently at Princeton University as a visiting scholar, captured the full attention of the audience. He talked about China’s core interests today, namely sovereignty, security and development; China’s domestic priorities and foreign policies, and the focus of Chinese government on “the improvement of Chinese people‘s living standards, welfare and happiness via social justice.”

The key issues of the talk was covered in his article titled China’s Search for a Grand Strategy which was released in the Foreign Affairs, March/April 2011. Read details from link below: http://www.ciss.pku.edu.cn/en/DocumentView.aspx?id=666.

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. Mulberry Child has been made into a feature-length documentary film by award-winning director Susan Morgan Cooper and is narrated by Jacqueline Bisset. Visit www.mulberrychildmovie.com for more details. For more information about the book, visit www.mulberrychild.com, www.moraquest.com

Mulberry Child, the feature-length documentary based on my book Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China, is finally coming to its completion! Last week, Jacqueline Bisset did the voice narration for the film and this week, the filmmakers are working on the final sound mix and color treatment. I can hardly wait to see the final cut!

I’m delighted to learn about the involvement of Jacqueline Bisset. Not only because she is a well-known actress and will bring more appeal to the film, but also the fact that she replaced much of the narration which was given by me. I must say that I’m much relieved, although my producer and director have been most supportive and encouraging about my voice and accent.

I very much enjoyed the film making process and loved working with the crew, especially Susan Morgan Cooper, my director. However, I also realized my limitations. One of the most humbling experiences was my struggle with the pronunciation of certain words.

Susan interviewing Jian Ping

I still remember vividly a roomful of people helping me say “a long gown,” which somehow, became something like “long gone” when I said it. In the end, we had to change the word to “long robe”. We laughed about it so hard that Susan and I were literally in tears.

I did learn to speak slower and clearer, which is of tremendous importance to me, for I’ve given and continue to give frequent talks about my book, China in the 60′s/7-’s and today, and other social and cultural issues related to China at schools, organizations and book groups. I even gave a few motivational speeches to large groups, sharing the resilience demonstrated by my family–the mulberry children who survived and thrived like mulberry trees–to encourage people to overcome the hurdles in their lives. And I’ve learned just as much from many people in the audience by our interactions and conversations.

As for the film, there are many personally important and moving moments for me: re-enacted scenes on my grandmother, Nainai, a woman with bound feet but boundless love, my father, Hou Kai, who passed away right after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and my mother, Gu Wenxiu, who was stoic and strict when I was a child and a wonderful and loving mother and grandmother today at 83.

After the hard work of a year and a half, a feature-length (86 minutes) documentary has been produced by a strong, professional team. The result of collective efforts, with the vision of a creative director. I feel very fortunate to have their belief, support, and dedication!

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. www.mulberrychild.com, www.moraquest.com. Mulberry Child has been developed into a feature-length documentary film and will be released in 2011.

By Jian Ping

Gan, Corkery, Li and other delegation and faculty members

The John Marshall Law School (JMLS) officially opened its Chinese Intellectual Property Center in Chicago on August 23. Dean John Corkery presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was well attended by distinguished guests, representatives of Chicago law firms, faculty, students, and the media.

The Center is the first of its kind in the U.S. I was pleased to have the opportunity to attend the ceremony.

“The John Marshall Law School and the Chinese intellectual property community, particularly the State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO), has enjoyed many years of successful cooperation,” said Dorothy Li, Co-Director, Asian Alliances Program at the John Marshall Law School. “The Resource Center will provide a unique stage for IP dialogue between the U.S. and China in the years to come.”

Professor Wen, Chief Judge Holderman, Hon. Sharon Barner and IP attorney Jeff Duncan at the panel

A delegation of six people headed by Mr. Gan Shaoning, Deputy Commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), and Lu Kun, Deputy Consul General from the Chinese Consulate in Chicago also attended the opening ceremony.

Over the past 17 years, SIPO has sent more than 600 Chinese students for short and long term studies at  JMLS. Gan said the Resource Center would provide a new platform for American students and IP practitioners to learn more about Chinese intellectual property law and help enhancing the mutual understanding and communication between the two countries.

Professor Wen Xikai, a member of the Chinese delegation, gave a two-hour lecture on the implications of the third amendment to China’s Patent Law that became effective on October 1, 2009. She briefed the captivated audience of nearly a hundred students, faculty and IP attorneys from the Chicago area, providing them with the background of the three amendments implemented respectively in 1992, 2000 and 2008 and addressed in details the changes made in the 3^rd amendment.

Ribbon cutting at the opening ceremony

Joining Wen after her talk in a discussion panel regarding the Chinese IP law and practices are Hon. James F. Holderman, chief judge of the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Hon. Sharon Barner, former Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Jeff Duncan, partner at Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione.

“Foreign companies welcome the changes,” Barner commented about the 3rd amendment. “However, the key still lies in the ability to enforce the regulations.”

John Marshall Law School started working with China’s law schools and government agencies in 1994. Besides training Chinese students in the U.S., the School also runs a summer program in which they send 20 or so students to study in China for a month.

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. Visit www.mulberrychild.com, www.moraquest.com for more information. Mulberry Child has been made into a feature-length documentary film by award-winning director Susan Morgan Cooper and will be released in 2011.

by Jian Ping

Front Gate of Cook County Jail

I had a special opportunity of visiting the Cook County Jail in Chicago last week at the invitation of Sheriff Thomas Dart. I had never stepped onto the territory of a jail, nor had I ever had any desire to do so. However, I must say it was an eye-opening experience. I first met Sheriff Dart at a dinner hosted by Dean Fennell at the College of Arts and Sciences at Loyola University Chicago. I was the speaker at the commencement in the morning, and Sheriff Dart the speaker at the afternoon commencement. After the commencement ceremonies, I had the opportunity of meeting him and his wife over dinner, along with my husband, Francis, and daughter, Lisa. During a conversation, Sheriff Dart learned that Francis is a horticulturist. He invited us to visit the vegetable garden(s) at the cook county jail.

Francis, Sheriff Dart and me

“We had the largest jail in the country,” he said. “Is that something to be proud of?” I asked, laughing. It never occurred to me that someone should visit a jail unless absolutely necessary. “Maybe not,” he said. “But we do have the largest jail.” He gave a hearty laughter. I must say Sheriff Dart showed a level of energy, sincerity, and warmth that I rarely saw in politicians. I was intrigued. But I dismissed his invitation, thinking it was just a small talk.

I went to China for three weeks soon after. Upon my return, I saw a card from him to me, saying he was looking forward to reading my book Mulberry Child in the near future, and a card to Francis, inviting him to visit the jail garden. I was impressed by his follow up, again with a sense of sincerity.

A jail building

I arranged the trip with Brenda, his assistant. I was surprised to see the large area of jail facilities so close to the city center when we arrived for the tour. Sheriff Dart appeared in a pair of Khaki pants and a blue shirt with white stripes hanging loosely over a t-shirt. He greeted us like an old friend and showed us a map of the jail layout, with each division of the jail from the Boot Camp for younger prisoners to the building that had the maximum security. A total of 96 acres.

Instead of having a Deputy Sheriff to show us around, Sheriff Dart walked out of his office with us and took us to the first vegetable garden. Again I was impressed. (To be continued)

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. Visit www.mulberrychild.com, www.moraquest.com. Mulberry Child has been turned into a feature-length documentary film by award-winning director Susan Morgan Cooper and will be released in 2011.

by Jian Ping

Stone Talk by Yu Jiyong

A Chinese sculpture, which serves as the good will and relationship between Shanghai and Chicago, will soon find its way to a new home in a park in Chicago.

Stone Talk, a sculpture of column made of stainless steel and granite, is the brain child of well-known artist, Yu Jiyong. It was one of the sculptures displayed at the Shanghai World Expo. The City of Chicago has recently accepted a sculpture as a gift from Shanghai, one of its sister cities in China.

“The sculpture has the elements of earth and metal,” said Bill Spence, Co-chair of the China Committee, Chicago Sister Cities International. “To me, it symbolizes a mix of the new and the old, a dramatic combination of the new China and the old cultural tradition that dates back to five thousand years. It’s a representation of modern China.”

The discussion of having one of the sculptures from the Shanghai World Expo installed in Chicago started when former Chicago Mayor Daley visited Shanghai in September last year. Stone Talk, a straight column that represents “unity, harmony and growth” is selected among five pieces of sculpture that were offered for consideration by Shanghai.

“It’s a very beautiful artwork,” said Jerry Fogelson, Founder and President of Fogelson Companies and Co-chairman and CEO of the Central Station Development Corporation. Fogelson, one of the most successful real estate developers in Chicago, has offered to cover the transportation to move the sculpture from Shanghai to Chicago.

Fogelson plans to place the sculpture in a park in the Central Station area of the city.

“The sculpture has many features that will go well with this area,” Fogelson said. “It’s vertical, the tower of strength. It radiates the right, powerful feeling, and it’s welcoming.”

In recent years, the Central Station has become Chicago’s premier lakefront neighborhood. Many Asians, especially Chinese, have moved into this area.

 “The sculpture symbolizes the relationship between China and the United States,” Fogelson continued. “We’d like to turn the Mark Twin Park at Indiana and 16th Streat in Central Station into a Chinese garden that will be designed to prominently feature the sculpture.”

The sculpture Stone Talk is currently on display at the site of the Shanghai World Expo and will soon be shipped to Chicago.  

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. Visit www.mulberrychild.com or www.moraquest.com for more information. Mulberry Child has been turned into a feature-length documentary film by award-winning director Susan Morgan Cooper and will be released in 2011.

By Jian Ping

Bill Spence (left) and Steve Fisher and Lisa Xia, co-chair of the event, speaking at the Gala

The Swinging Shanghai Gala, an annual fundraising event organized by the China Committee, Chicago Sister Cities International, was held at Maxim’s last Wednesday, May 25. It was an evening of fun and networking. Many Committee members and their guests attended the gathering.

The China Committee gave recognition and honor to the University of Chicago for its “wisdom of establishing the Beijing Center.”

“University of Chicago is a major Chicago institution,” Bill Spence, Co-Chair of the China Committee, said at the Gala. “The Beijing Center not only serves as a center for scholars, but it can also be used for business and cultural exchange programs and meetings.”

Louis, Lisa and Jennifer posing for a snap shot at the Gala

Spence praised University of Chicago’s (UChicago) long history of involvement with China. He pointed out that the reputation of UChicago would help draw renowned scholars around the world to the Center and also attract Chinese policy makers and scholars to Chicago.

Judith Farguhar, Professor and Chair, Department of Anthropology, received the plaque of recognition on behalf of UChicago.

“University of Chicago has rich and deep connections with China for many years,” she said. “The Beijing Center is a wonderful conduit to widening and deepening these connections and exchange programs.”

The annual gala was a great success. Many members and local businesses donated items for auction, which include luxury hotel stays in Shanghai and Chicago; tickets to concerts, sports events, and golf outings; classes for language and cultural studies, including a 10-week, 3-hour/week course from the Asian

Members and guests enjoying an evening of wine, beer (including Tsingtao Beer from China), and delicious food at Maxim's

Classics Program at the Graham School, UChicago. Proceeds from the auction will support the Committee’s activities in “strengthening the partnerships among business, government, cultural and educational institutions” between Chicago and its two China sister cities, Shanghai and Shenyang.

Tabitha Mui played Gu Zeng (古筝), a traditional Chinese music instrument, throughout the evening. Artists from the Hip Hop ChicaGO, organized by the Center for Asian Arts and Media at Columbia College, also entertained the guests with their performance.

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. The book has been developed into a feature-length documentary film by award-winning director Susan Morgan Cooper and will be released in 2011. Visit www.moraquest.com, www.mulberrychild.com for more information.

By Jian Ping

The temporary podium for BenU's commencement ceremony

I created a record by attending two commencement ceremonies in three days—one for giving a keynote speech at Loyola University Chicago, and the other, doing a coverage for Xinhua News at Benedictine University (BenU) in the western suburb of Chicago.

BenU held its ceremony in the football field on campus. A temporary podium was set up, and more than a thousand chairs were placed in the middle of the field for the graduating students. Family members and friends of the students were seated on the benches of raised platforms.  

Faculty members welcoming graduating students as they walked to their seating area

Unfortunately, winter returned to Chicago in the middle of May, at least for the day. A strong wind blew a constant drizzle over the field, making it seemingly colder. Many people came prepared, bringing down coats or blankets. The graduating students braved the wind, holding down their academic caps with their hands as they walked into their seated area, their gowns fluttering.

I shivered in the cold and retreated indoor as soon as the keynote speech by Donna Brazile was finished. I was surprised to find many people crowded in front of computer screens at the Krasa Center to watch the ceremony from inside.

Families and friends all bundled up

A group of 26 MBA students came all the way from China to attend the ceremony. They had completed a 2-year study program offered by BenU, along with its partner universities in China. It was their first time to visit BenU, for that matter, the United States. At the special welcome luncheon organized by BenU’s Asia Institute, Dr. Carroll, President of BenU, greeted them.

Watching the commencement at Krasa Center

“Don’t be discouraged by the weather,” he said. “If you stay in Chicago long enough, you’ll find it changes every ten minutes.”

They all laughed. The bad weather didn’t dampen down their enthusiasm. They enjoyed a variety of Chinese food for lunch, plus many Western style deserts. I interviewed a few of them and wrote a brief feature for Xinhua. Click on the title to read it:  Students from China receive degrees at Chicago area

Jian Ping, author of Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China. Visit www.mulberrychild.com, www.moraquest.com for more information. Mulberry Child has been made into a feature-length documentary film and will be released in 2011.