China’s Most Popular Export Milking the Olympics

You don’t need to have in-depth knowledge about China to know how much actor Jackie Chan means to the country. Chan and basketball superstar Yao Ming are China’s golden boys and its most popular exports (along with Mu Shu Pork). Right now all eyes are on Beijing as the Summer Olympic Games enter week two and no surprise, Chan is in the middle of all the action. The Chinese government recruited the movie star as an Olympic ambassador and he has been busy promoting the Chinese culture at various sporting events. “The Forbidden Kingdom” star was also given the honor … Continue reading

Olympians Sizzling Bodies May Be Too Hot for China

If you needed incentive to get your body in shape then the Summer Olympics came just in time. Good gracious, have you seen the killer bods these elite athletes are sporting? Seriously, U.S. swimmer Dara Torres could have ignited the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony via spontaneous combustion had she simply marched into the stadium wearing her bikini. Her body is so ripped I try to block out the fact that she gave birth just two years ago. Michael Phelps is cut like a rack of lamb, as is the entire U.S. men’s gymnastics team (or all the gymnasts … Continue reading

How to Avoid Eating Dog When Visiting China

The hotels are ready, the cabs are clean, and the hospitality workers are trained… let the games begin! In less than 24 hours the 2008 Summer Olympic Games will officially get underway in Beijing, China. There have been a number of critics who have questioned whether the country could pull off the massive undertaking, but by all accounts it appears that the Chinese are ready to host the world. Millions of people (including athletes and spectators) have traveled thousands of miles to attend the Games and the Chinese government promises the venues will not disappoint. The country has gotten help … Continue reading

Crazy 8s–The Lucky and the Unlucky

Clay Aiken’s new son may not be the luckiest baby in the world after all. Food Network’s Tyler Florence and his wife Tolan Clark Florence welcomed daughter Dorothy Tyler Florence on Friday, August 8th at 8:08 am as well. According to Florence’s rep, the new baby girl weighed 9 lbs and was 19 inches long. Dorothy joins big brother Hayden who is 14 months old. The celebrity chef is also dad to a 12-year-old son Miles from a previous relationship. As I mentioned in a previous blog, in China the number 8 is considered very lucky because the Chinese word … Continue reading

Classic Chinese Cooking—Marvelous Mu Shu

Even if you can’t make it to Beijing for the Summer Olympic Games you can still get a taste of China in your own home. Dishes, like mu shu, are extremely popular in Chinese restaurants and are not hard to replicate at home. Mu shu pork is one of the most popular Chinese recipes in the west. The dish is comprised of either deep-fried or stir-fried pork combined with fresh vegetables. Mu shu originated in northern China and was given the name as a tribute to flower blossoms from the cassia tree. But, not everyone agrees with that origin. Some … Continue reading