http://blog.johnmizell.com Devouring Global Resources? Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:28:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 John (& friends) have put together a collection of random media focusing on the ubiquitousness of simple good fun. Through music and video, interviews, and ambience, this podcast hopes to entertain you, just a bit. From around the world, johnmizell.com 帅巴 J no 帅巴 J john.patrick.mizell@gmail.com john.patrick.mizell@gmail.com (帅巴 J) John Patrick Mizell simple good fun Mizell, 帅巴J, California, Travel, http://blog.johnmizell.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://blog.johnmizell.com http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/10/riding-hohhot-nei-meng-china http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/10/riding-hohhot-nei-meng-china#comments Thu, 11 Nov 2010 03:18:45 +0000 john http://blog.johnmizell.com/?p=2060 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/10/riding-hohhot-nei-meng-china/feed 1 Bicycle,Camping,China,Hills,Hohhot,Nei Meng,Nei Mongol,Podcast,rain,Video Here's to riding bikes. - & in HD on YouTube Here's to riding bikes. & in HD on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdwWRFVbVLI) 帅巴 J no Here’s to riding bikes. & in HD on YouTube http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/05/podcast-running-hills http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/05/podcast-running-hills#comments Sat, 06 Nov 2010 01:15:30 +0000 john http://blog.johnmizell.com/?p=2049 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/05/podcast-running-hills/feed 1 China,Hiking,Hohhot,Podcast,Running,Video A short and dizzying film running on the hills north of Hohhot, China - Enjoy - In HD on YouTube: A short and dizzying film running on the hills north of Hohhot, China Enjoy In HD on YouTube: 帅巴 J no A short and dizzying film running on the hills north of Hohhot, China Enjoy In HD on YouTube: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/05/podcast-a-chinese-mine http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/05/podcast-a-chinese-mine#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:28:18 +0000 john http://blog.johnmizell.com/?p=2037 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/11/05/podcast-a-chinese-mine/feed 0 Cave,China,Chinese,Hiking,Hohhot,Mine,Podcast,Spelunking,Video From the Archives, I present a short story - A Chinese Mine.  A couple of waiguorens in northern China explore an abandoned mine.. obviously hilarity ensues infront of the live audience. - Cheers. From the Archives, I present a short story - A Chinese Mine.  A couple of waiguorens in northern China explore an abandoned mine.. obviously hilarity ensues infront of the live audience. Cheers. 帅巴 J no From the Archives, I present a short story – A Chinese Mine.  A couple of waiguorens in northern China explore an abandoned mine.. obviously hilarity ensues infront of the live audience. Cheers. http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/08/06/heres-to-fairness http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/08/06/heres-to-fairness#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:14:11 +0000 john http://blog.johnmizell.com/?p=1974 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/08/06/heres-to-fairness/feed 0 Aston,Aston Recruiting,astonrecruiting.com,China,Chinese Democracy,Competition,Fairness,Hohhot,Recruitment Video,Voting A special note on Chinese Democracy & Fairness. - We produced a stellar video: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment - For a competition that they created: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/vote-for-hohhot - A special note on Chinese Democracy & Fairness. We produced a stellar video: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment (http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment) For a competition that they created: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/vote-for-hohhot (http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/vote-for-hohhot) In order to develop free marketing for their school (which they still use): http://www.astonrecruiting.com/hohhot-aston.html (http://www.astonrecruiting.com/hohhot-aston.html) The competition developed: *PICTURES TO COME SOON* And then we were disqualified: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/05/taking-my-leave (http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/05/taking-my-leave) ... I'm not bitter. I'm still disappointed in Aston English Schools (http://www.astonrecruiting.com/). *From the Archive* 帅巴 J no A special note on Chinese Democracy & Fairness. We produced a stellar video: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment For a competition that they created: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/vote-for-hohhot In order to develop free marketing for their school (which they still use): http://www.astonrecruiting.com/hohhot-aston.html The competition developed: *PICTURES TO COME SOON* And then we were disqualified: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/05/taking-my-leave … I’m not bitter. I’m still disappointed [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/08/05/when-pick-me-ups-dont-work http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/08/05/when-pick-me-ups-dont-work#comments Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:00:55 +0000 john http://blog.johnmizell.com/?p=1910 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2010/08/05/when-pick-me-ups-dont-work/feed 0 Agression,China,Friends,Hohhot,Podcast,Punching,Street Fight,Video,Watermelon I present, from the archive and in the raw, the answer to "Why didn't you just punch John?" ...because sometimes you just need to punch something, and you understand the that there is no answer to "Why didn't you just punch John?" - I present, from the archive and in the raw, the answer to "Why didn't you just punch John?" ...because sometimes you just need to punch something, and you understand the that there is no answer to "Why didn't you just punch John?" Happy Thursday Everybody. 帅巴 J no I present, from the archive and in the raw, the answer to “Why didn’t you just punch John?” …because sometimes you just need to punch something, and you understand the that there is no answer to ”Why didn’t you just punch John?” Happy Thursday Everybody. http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/28/one-day-chopsticks http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/28/one-day-chopsticks#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:42:09 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=1036 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/28/one-day-chopsticks/feed 0 It’s raining.  We enjoyed our last sun set in Hohhot last night.  A bright flame of light through the emptied and deflated clouds peeking between grey wet buildings.  No sunset tonight.  Too busy packing.  My bed is half covered with the few things I will take with me this month.  In the corner is a [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/23/to-post http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/23/to-post#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:05:55 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=891 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/23/to-post/feed 0 Photo Credit: Dan Tuttle, 2009 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/23/solar-eclipse-one-week-to-go http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/23/solar-eclipse-one-week-to-go#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:59:30 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=884 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/23/solar-eclipse-one-week-to-go/feed 2 Oh, what a week.   WELL… Sunday, I woke up to Chat with Chris – expecting a casual ‘hey-o.’ I found myself quickly back on track, as if he’d rolled into Tucson for the night and my obligatory senses kicked on.  About 3 hours later I was beyond help and neither Dan nor Becci could [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/13/a-photo-full-of-awesome http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/13/a-photo-full-of-awesome#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:58:48 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=804 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/13/a-photo-full-of-awesome/feed 0 Because this photo can stand on it’s own. http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/13/cycling-on-monday http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/13/cycling-on-monday#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:16:39 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=799 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/13/cycling-on-monday/feed 2 Couch surfers showed up promptly in the morning, four of them.  A bit surprised, I had confidence they’d turn out to be good ones.  So far, they are.  After getting them all settled Dan and I dawned our outfits and loaded our bags.  Today we’d make another test run, this time not for time or [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/07/a-chinese-haircut http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/07/a-chinese-haircut#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:53:14 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=779 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/07/a-chinese-haircut/feed 0 Haircut,Hohhot,Inner Mongolia,Salon Here's the story... - ...It was the fifth of May, el Cinco de Mayo, and Dan had decided that he was willing to go vogue and embarked on this several hour adventure in the seat at a Chinese salon. While the pop music of the salon has been overdubbed, Here's the story... ...It was the fifth of May, el Cinco de Mayo, and Dan had decided that he was willing to go vogue and embarked on this several hour adventure in the seat at a Chinese salon. While the pop music of the salon has been overdubbed, hopefully this short film conveys the experience well enough for anyone who would also dare give up ultimate control over their sense of style for an afternoon. Please enjoy responsibly. 帅巴 J no Here’s the story… …It was the fifth of May, el Cinco de Mayo, and Dan had decided that he was willing to go vogue and embarked on this several hour adventure in the seat at a Chinese salon. While the pop music of the salon has been overdubbed, hopefully this short film conveys the experience [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/29/project-loki http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/29/project-loki#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:48:01 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=762 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/29/project-loki/feed 0 China,Franti,Hohhot,Video,Warfish Project Loki, as named sometime after we started work on it, was a work put together in less than three days and with a supprisingly minimal amount of man hours.  It was well focused and executed.  We only sustained minor injuries, and, as WE believe, Project Loki, as named sometime after we started work on it, was a work put together in less than three days and with a supprisingly minimal amount of man hours.  It was well focused and executed.  We only sustained minor injuries, and, as WE believe, yielded fantastic results.  I hope you enjoy & please share. P.S. .. someone ask Franti if I can use his song for this.. I forgot to mention it last time we spoke. In Other News: Dan and I acquired our bicycles today, ordered saddle bags, planned our detailed route, and have confirmed another couple of hosts along the way.  More news to come as we create it. 帅巴 J no Project Loki, as named sometime after we started work on it, was a work put together in less than three days and with a supprisingly minimal amount of man hours.  It was well focused and executed.  We only sustained minor injuries, and, as WE believe, yielded fantastic results.  I hope you enjoy & please share. [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/26/neighborhood-fishing http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/26/neighborhood-fishing#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:43:59 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=754 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/26/neighborhood-fishing/feed 0 China,Fishing,Hohhot,Video A while back we set out on a plan to enhance our neighborhood, now that it was finally spring time.  I'd say we accomplished our goal, 60%.  That's more than half.  There's still hope, but then again, winters are harsh here.  I who knows. A while back we set out on a plan to enhance our neighborhood, now that it was finally spring time.  I'd say we accomplished our goal, 60%.  That's more than half.  There's still hope, but then again, winters are harsh here.  I who knows.  Perhaps turtles will find a new home beneath the public waters. 帅巴 J no A while back we set out on a plan to enhance our neighborhood, now that it was finally spring time.  I’d say we accomplished our goal, 60%.  That’s more than half.  There’s still hope, but then again, winters are harsh here.  I who knows.  Perhaps turtles will find a new home beneath the public waters. http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/25/august-update http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/25/august-update#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:17:12 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=581 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/25/august-update/feed 0 We’re closer to knowing our specific plan for the end of our stay here in China and as you may know it involves two bicycles (or one tandem bicycle), close to 2000 km of Chinese road, and my mustache with the possibility of a penguin suit or many multiples of dozens of California Flags. Here’s the scoop: [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/24/sidecar-fun http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/24/sidecar-fun#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:18:53 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=576 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/24/sidecar-fun/feed 0 Imagine … no, believe this all happened.  Now close your eyes. (hopefully someone is reading this aloud). Your buddy had this box in his driveway.  It’s a big crate looking thing.  It’s all wooden.  He/she’s standing there with a crow-bar and saying, “go ahead, open it.  have a look.”  The temptation overwhelms you, you’re soaked. [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/01/hiking-through-hohhot http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/01/hiking-through-hohhot#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:47:28 +0000 admin http://84b97de2-6891-461b-aae0-39431c8a55c8 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/06/01/hiking-through-hohhot/feed 0 Perhaps we’re at the end of our rope, or perhaps we’ve finally found something else to hold on to in life, but Dan and I have begun and maintained a nice streak of extracurricular activities that shy away from visiting various clubs and bars and sucking down the worthless beer of China just for giggles. [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/31/our-musical-talents http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/31/our-musical-talents#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:45:44 +0000 admin http://afc9439e-ecca-486e-bb86-a68e917bbb41 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/31/our-musical-talents/feed 0 China,Hohhot,Magic,Podcast,Video Often we’re asked how we became such good musicians. The answer: Magic! - Here is a short bit of insight into how some of our music is made with this video about making a custom glass slide for playing stringed instruments. - Often we’re asked how we became such good musicians. The answer: Magic! Here is a short bit of insight into how some of our music is made with this video about making a custom glass slide for playing stringed instruments. Remember always wear eye-protection and use good judgement. Enjoy. 帅巴 J no Often we’re asked how we became such good musicians. The answer: Magic! Here is a short bit of insight into how some of our music is made with this video about making a custom glass slide for playing stringed instruments. Remember always wear eye-protection and use good judgement. Enjoy. http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/bicycles-from-the-past http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/bicycles-from-the-past#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 05:46:16 +0000 admin http://982f367f-618f-48bc-9e0a-c0ca0c627dd3 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/bicycles-from-the-past/feed 0 Bicycles,China,Hohhot,Podcast,Video A long while back Dan and I bought some bicycles. Two ‘very nice’ in-town single-speed cruisers. They had baskets and racks and petals, that stayed on for the first week. We used and abused those bikes. I think myself more so than Dan. - A long while back Dan and I bought some bicycles. Two ‘very nice’ in-town single-speed cruisers. They had baskets and racks and petals, that stayed on for the first week. We used and abused those bikes. I think myself more so than Dan. My bike was borrowed a number of weeks ago and still has not been returned. Dan’s bike is available to any visitors as we both now sport fancy Giant mountain bikes. Here is a short film in dedication to those bikes and their first journey out. Original Music by 蛋糕. Enjoy 帅巴 J no A long while back Dan and I bought some bicycles. Two ‘very nice’ in-town single-speed cruisers. They had baskets and racks and petals, that stayed on for the first week. We used and abused those bikes. I think myself more so than Dan. My bike was borrowed a number of weeks ago and still has [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/vote-for-hohhot http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/vote-for-hohhot#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 13:53:13 +0000 admin http://e3cae850-170b-4449-8700-44bc1f70259d http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/vote-for-hohhot/feed 0 Aston Corporate has finally put it’s pieces together and erected a live voting site for the various recruitment videos regions have put together. Remember ours, way back at the end of March? Here’s another look if you’ve forgotten. Now we’re going to need your Honest To Goodness Opinion and a couple clicks with a pointer [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/14/evening-recording-session http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/14/evening-recording-session#comments Thu, 14 May 2009 14:01:26 +0000 admin http://beb03ee4-4c7f-44eb-bb9b-5b14251c4590 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/14/evening-recording-session/feed 0 Audio,China,Hohhot,Live,Podcast Rain poured down all night and into the morning. Our plans for a massive mountain bike ride was heavily diluted and we sprung onto plan B. Dan and I rearranged the house a bit and I moved my queen bed into the ‘lobby’ as dan dismantled his and to... Rain poured down all night and into the morning. Our plans for a massive mountain bike ride was heavily diluted and we sprung onto plan B. Dan and I rearranged the house a bit and I moved my queen bed into the ‘lobby’ as dan dismantled his and took ownership of mine. Only one broken glass later we were moving parts of Dan’s bed down stairs and across the ‘quad’ into Becci’s extra room, from which we were extracting my new single bed. Still stiff as a board and with a few broken planks I was happy to have more space in my already large spacious corner of the apartment. Dan graciously stuck to the plan and heaved beds up and down stairs and within the hour we were all cleaned up and tucked back into our apartment. About an hour later we called B to get some lunch and revise our previous plans. The suggested in town bicycle ride accompanied by small shopping stops and lunch hit home and we embarked. The rain fell harder as a result. Dan and I were wearing shorts. My hands were cold, but the weather was warm enough. A man passed us along the way carrying five locked bicycles in his bike-truck. I wanted to kick the thief’s teeth in. Dan and Becci asked me to relax. I held on as long as I could and then followed their advice. We continued on. Parking our bikes we successfully obtained a new sleeping bag for me, a head lamp (for me), lunch (for all of us), a hand drier, and a soap dispenser (for the school). Feeling successful we stopped at the school to drop our goods and then jumped down stairs to pick up a new phone for me, where upon Dan lost his mind and Becci followed quickly. Less than 30 minutes later we were in the apartment drinking and writing songs. Close to 4 hours later Becci picked up her keyboard and Dan put away his guitar and we called it a night. The number of tracks recorded exceeding 15. This is the finest of them all. Un-edited. Un-cut. Un-professional. Yet fantastically awesome. I hope you do enjoy. NOTES REGARDING THE SONG: Daye (大爷）Pronounced something like Dye-yea, is translated to mean uncle, but has context of any elder and respect man. Strangers whom you meet at shops, stores, help you with directions, or watch after your things can all be referred to as daye. In this case Daye is our school’s night watch man and security guard, handy man, janitor, and general go to guy. And he’s got the most personality of all employees at Aston, including myself. With the most respect, this song was written and recorded, and we all hope to make him as happy and comfortable as we possibly can. Hat’s off to our Daye. 帅巴 J no Rain poured down all night and into the morning. Our plans for a massive mountain bike ride was heavily diluted and we sprung onto plan B. Dan and I rearranged the house a bit and I moved my queen bed into the ‘lobby’ as dan dismantled his and took ownership of mine. Only one broken [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/12/project-inventory-blowout http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/12/project-inventory-blowout#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 15:02:08 +0000 admin http://3262b28f-3e3f-477d-afe5-3f5b49bee60f http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/12/project-inventory-blowout/feed 0 Audio,China,Hohhot,Podcast It’s important, Dan says and I agree, to keep inventory low and maintain our project momentum. This project has been on the shelf for about a month now, collecting dust, requiring a great deal of polishing, It’s important, Dan says and I agree, to keep inventory low and maintain our project momentum. This project has been on the shelf for about a month now, collecting dust, requiring a great deal of polishing, and weighing down our All American Creativity and Freedom Balloon Ride Festival. Therefore, in order to save resources and set ourselves free, we have decided to pull it off the shelf and we’re passing the savings on to you! Fortunately, with this number out of my hair, I can now spend time on grooming new projects and my mustache. I’m excited about our upcoming projects and hope you are looking forward to our next quality feature. Stay tuned. Song Background: This little number came while walking back from the office about two months ago. Settled nicely into our neighborhood, we continually received the attention of every single individual within sight. This confused us, we no longer felt alien, in fact we corroborated that our comfort level was that of our native home. It was becoming more and more difficult to make distinctions between our global locals. Burdened by our chnscienceness, we felt there was only one way to express ourselves. This song is it. 帅巴 J no It’s important, Dan says and I agree, to keep inventory low and maintain our project momentum. This project has been on the shelf for about a month now, collecting dust, requiring a great deal of polishing, and weighing down our All American Creativity and Freedom Balloon Ride Festival. Therefore, in order to save resources and [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/06/a-library http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/06/a-library#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 03:58:47 +0000 admin http://33bf7791-4963-45a8-bcc8-642d39eaa4b2 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/06/a-library/feed 0 Aston,Children,China,Da Qi District,Dongsheng,Erdos,Hohhot,Library,Podcast,Rural,School,Video Sitting in the office Wednesday afternoon, I was watching Los Super Campeones. Matthew approached me and asked if I wanted to truck up to Erdos on Thursday to deliver some books to a school with him and some other Aston staff. Sitting in the office Wednesday afternoon, I was watching Los Super Campeones. Matthew approached me and asked if I wanted to truck up to Erdos on Thursday to deliver some books to a school with him and some other Aston staff. I thought it sounded fu... 帅巴 J no Sitting in the office Wednesday afternoon, I was watching Los Super Campeones. Matthew approached me and asked if I wanted to truck up to Erdos on Thursday to deliver some books to a school with him and some other Aston staff. I thought it sounded fun and agreed. He then informed me we’d be leaving [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/23/metamorphosis http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/23/metamorphosis#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:18:46 +0000 admin http://a9f4a76c-ad57-4009-ad9b-c2354e49201c http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/23/metamorphosis/feed 0 China,Hohhot,Podcast,Suits,The Moon,Video Metamorphosis can describe the seasonal changes in Hohhot, the emotional transition of living someplace new, or the simple changing of ones appearance into something completely new and often times much much cooler. - Metamorphosis can describe the seasonal changes in Hohhot, the emotional transition of living someplace new, or the simple changing of ones appearance into something completely new and often times much much cooler. The last few weeks have been full of change. Kindergarten is becoming easier. I’ve moved the office onto a group calendar & email system. I’ve begun a regiment of significantly less alcohol and significantly more exercise. I’ve built the confidence in my Chinese skills to talk with strangers, order food, and make purchases. Dan’s lady arrived into town. The winds have begun to blow. I bought turtles. My ginger-mint has taken root. and I’ve started going to the park. But in all fairness, these things are only trivial compared to the changes in my closet. 帅巴 J no Metamorphosis can describe the seasonal changes in Hohhot, the emotional transition of living someplace new, or the simple changing of ones appearance into something completely new and often times much much cooler. The last few weeks have been full of change. Kindergarten is becoming easier. I’ve moved the office onto a group calendar & email [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/03/whats-in-the-water http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/03/whats-in-the-water#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 03:35:22 +0000 admin http://5b5949fa-7623-4fcc-9c84-46da09270d37 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/03/whats-in-the-water/feed 0 Cocaine? Calcium? Tin-oxide? or tasty tasty grape-drink concentrate? In the first week we were here I discovered a murk to our boiled water. We kind of ignored it for a bit, but then this murk seemed to settle out and collect at the bottom of my glass regularly. We got into the habit of tossing [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/02/the-weekend-begins-again http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/02/the-weekend-begins-again#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:14:59 +0000 admin http://517f7f21-238a-4695-8431-3b039ca93271 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/04/02/the-weekend-begins-again/feed 0 As the weekend begins agin Dan and I reflect on a job done. We have yet to find out if our boss actually received the video or has watched it, however, it’s not important. What is important is that we’ve begun brainstorming our next projects and they’re going to be substantial. Using our daily experiences, [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:18:20 +0000 admin http://b745d771-2420-44c0-86fd-cf933efaa941 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment/feed 1 Aston,China,Hohhot,Podcast,Recruitment,Video We were asked to do some recruitment for Aston-Hohhot. So we looked into it and here were the terms: Make a recruitment video for the Hohhot branch of the company as a tool to recruit new teachers with. It was to be a competition. We were asked to do some recruitment for Aston-Hohhot. So we looked into it and here were the terms: Make a recruitment video for the Hohhot branch of the company as a tool to recruit new teachers with. It was to be a competition. (the other schools had know about this for months already) First prize was 2000 RMB. The other videos are on YouTube. We checked them out. We thought we had a chance. We began brainstorming ideas putting down pages full of notes, hours of tea and cakes, and really difficult work. Really. After two weeks of scripting, filming, and producing, we feel that TODAY we finally have the perfect representation of both city, society, and school here in Hohhot, China and we present it to you now, so please enjoy. Copyright John Patrick Mizell & Daniel Gregory Tuttle 2009, All Rights Reserved. link: http://john.from.thecalifornias.org/Media/09-03%20MTV%20Hohhot%20-%20Mobile-1.mov (http://john.from.thecalifornias.org/Media/09-03%20MTV%20Hohhot%20-%20Mobile-1.mov) 帅巴 J no We were asked to do some recruitment for Aston-Hohhot. So we looked into it and here were the terms: Make a recruitment video for the Hohhot branch of the company as a tool to recruit new teachers with. It was to be a competition. (the other schools had know about this for months already) First [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment-audio http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment-audio#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:24:53 +0000 admin http://8480e17f-436c-46dd-95ec-22c90ff8a9ea http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment-audio/feed 0 Aston,Audio,China,Hohhot,Podcast,Recruitment Audio from our Recruitment video. For your pleasure. Audio from our Recruitment video. For your pleasure. 帅巴 J no Audio from our Recruitment video. For your pleasure. http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/30/new-additions http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/30/new-additions#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:09:12 +0000 admin http://dcf93055-1779-4a53-b3f1-e34b87586695 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/30/new-additions/feed 0 China,Green Screen,Hammer,Hohhot,Podcast,Video Look at what I bought! It’s a hammer! - And check the video! (http://john.from.thecalifornias.org/that_of_China/Media/09-04-23%20Suits%20-%20Mobile_3.jpg)Look at what I bought! It’s a hammer! And check the video! 帅巴 J no Look at what I bought! It’s a hammer! And check the video! http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/25/bicycles-fiddles-the-life http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/25/bicycles-fiddles-the-life#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:48:55 +0000 admin http://2f266953-c5e5-49fe-9c60-0f8006eb8b75 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/25/bicycles-fiddles-the-life/feed 0 Let’s see, since creating the wondrous Ji’nan video things have fallen silent. I contracted a cold after that thorough week and have yet to fully recover. Dan and I have settled deeper into our routine and lifestyle. We’re working diligently on producing another short film for those of you following the podcast. We deeply apologize [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/15/english-school-blues http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/15/english-school-blues#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:37:23 +0000 admin http://f151094c-ae7b-4d8c-a0c4-005b4d02e6f0 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/15/english-school-blues/feed 0 At the end of last weekend, I was enthusiastic and motivated to tackle new challenges and build on old strengths. After this past week of travel and the weekend of teaching that followed, my motivation and energy for the sport has suffered. This past weekend was a series of unplanned lessons, increased class sizes, botched [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/13/bath-house-exfoliation http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/13/bath-house-exfoliation#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:40:21 +0000 admin http://d8e7a076-0894-4c90-bfd4-8f878ee2eb8b http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/13/bath-house-exfoliation/feed 0 We were back in town… tired… Dan was craving a massage. We went out looking. Perhaps you were unaware, but we live in this particular district. Pink lights illuminate the street starting at dusk and shopkeepers sit at their doors waiting for customers. Activity is often muted, but decisive. Shoppers rarely peruse, but purchase instead, [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/07/weekend-face-punchers http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/07/weekend-face-punchers#comments Sun, 08 Mar 2009 06:43:07 +0000 admin http://da5ec23d-fa4d-4a0c-aafa-78307c8147d1 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/07/weekend-face-punchers/feed 0 Aston,China,Hohhot,Teaching “He punched me in the groin. Yeah.. let’s get some lunch.” This was our first weekend teaching for the semester. With classes throughout the entire day, it’s no family picnic, though it involves many many many families. “He punched me in the groin. Yeah.. let’s get some lunch.” This was our first weekend teaching for the semester. With classes throughout the entire day, it’s no family picnic, though it involves many many many families. Class ages vary between 5 and 45. Needless to say we’re not stacking the 45 year olds into the 5 year old classes. Dan and I have made a reasonable attempt at coping and rationalizing any negative emotion, buffering each with a fantastic stories of dragons, warriors, and non-substantive positive experience fallacies as well as anticipation of upcoming courses of enthusiasm and novelty. More so, I’ve found one of my classes is asking for true english experiences in debate, reading, listening, culture, etc. I’ve invited Dan to sit in on this class and help share in the fun of planning what part of the English world we’ll expose these new speakers to. - we’re thinking The Economist, Wikipedia, Fitzgearld, and Notorious B.I.G. In the mean time, while the office is used by many for prep work and serious planning, Dan and I have found much joy in the simple task of classroom detox, pranking the English, sharing cookies, and loading up with squeaky toys to put into our pockets for classroom fun. Starting Friday Dan and I have been sacked with tasks, planning, and a break here and there for a beer or some Oreos. After today’s last class we’ll seek out a local German bar to throw back some imported wine (we’ve quickly become friends with the owner) and then it’s off to Jinan to take care of governmental visa work and a bit of touring on the Company. 帅巴 J no “He punched me in the groin. Yeah.. let’s get some lunch.” This was our first weekend teaching for the semester. With classes throughout the entire day, it’s no family picnic, though it involves many many many families. Class ages vary between 5 and 45. Needless to say we’re not stacking the 45 year olds into [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/05/teaching-taught-soccer-ball http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/05/teaching-taught-soccer-ball#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:00:20 +0000 admin http://15910377-3b0c-4bb8-9e95-ee10697b5e47 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/05/teaching-taught-soccer-ball/feed 0 China,Hohhot,Soccerball We have a new resident in the apartment. A Chinese size 5 soccer ball. - I’ve now officially taught my first class, an elementary adult class where I passed along such great words as ‘occupation,’ ‘Lawyer,’ ‘Structural Engineer, We have a new resident in the apartment. A Chinese size 5 soccer ball. I’ve now officially taught my first class, an elementary adult class where I passed along such great words as ‘occupation,’ ‘Lawyer,’ ‘Structural Engineer,’ and ‘cardiopulmonary resuscitation.’ 帅巴 J no We have a new resident in the apartment. A Chinese size 5 soccer ball. I’ve now officially taught my first class, an elementary adult class where I passed along such great words as ‘occupation,’ ‘Lawyer,’ ‘Structural Engineer,’ and ‘cardiopulmonary resuscitation.’ http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/03/good-people http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/03/good-people#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:53:32 +0000 admin http://f4faff7a-f8b5-4583-ac57-5da305867be9 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/03/good-people/feed 0 So happy together – we’ll take a photo at the end to see who’s still smiling. After the photo it was down to business working out the details of training and teaching. I don’t think it’s going to be too bad. After all I know the material, right? We’ll see, first class is tomorrow at [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/03/first-days-training http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/03/first-days-training#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:28:45 +0000 admin http://3b59c8ca-1642-44b2-b465-9d00058ff77c http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/03/first-days-training/feed 0 China,Hohhot,Snow Snow continues to fall throughout the day leaving a beautiful white layer across the otherwise grey footed city. Here’s a short view of snow falling after we accomplish our shopping tasks for the day. Tomorrow we begin our training with Matthew. - Snow continues to fall throughout the day leaving a beautiful white layer across the otherwise grey footed city. Here’s a short view of snow falling after we accomplish our shopping tasks for the day. Tomorrow we begin our training with Matthew. concise - enjoy VIDEO CONTAINS ERRORS :( - We're currently working on the issue. 帅巴 J no Snow continues to fall throughout the day leaving a beautiful white layer across the otherwise grey footed city. Here’s a short view of snow falling after we accomplish our shopping tasks for the day. Tomorrow we begin our training with Matthew. concise – enjoy VIDEO CONTAINS ERRORS :( – We’re currently working on the issue. http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/28/cell-phones-falling-snow http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/28/cell-phones-falling-snow#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:47:53 +0000 admin http://a25e9131-c843-406f-b881-76d5477da2d7 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/28/cell-phones-falling-snow/feed 0 Cell Phones,China,Hohhot,Snow Yesterday we enjoyed our first day of classroom time. It was observations with a bit of interaction and ranged from 5 year-olds to adults. It was interesting to see the techniques for forcing language down someone’s throat in hopes that it will com... Yesterday we enjoyed our first day of classroom time. It was observations with a bit of interaction and ranged from 5 year-olds to adults. It was interesting to see the techniques for forcing language down someone’s throat in hopes that it will come back up within moments. The whole day was quite informational and gave Dan and I a good amount to chew on before starting our teaching next week. I finally picked up a cell phone and sim-card and now I can leave the nest without fear of never seeing anyone again. Though it’s quite difficult to return to the standard black and white candy bar phone after using a smart phone for the past year and a half. Especially since it’s in Chinese... at least until I changed the language settings. I’m not really sure what I’m charged for, but if anyone needs to get a hold of me - 150........... I’ll get it to you later. This morning, bright and early, a rally woke me up. It was refreshing. A peek out the window showed no crowds but lovely falling snow. I guess it’s going to be a cold one today. 帅巴 J no Yesterday we enjoyed our first day of classroom time. It was observations with a bit of interaction and ranged from 5 year-olds to adults. It was interesting to see the techniques for forcing language down someone’s throat in hopes that it will come back up within moments. The whole day was quite informational and gave [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/27/a-night-for-firsts http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/27/a-night-for-firsts#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:03:24 +0000 admin http://bf04a86e-72ea-4140-a64e-bee93410acd7 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/27/a-night-for-firsts/feed 0 Looking for beers after a great meal at ‘the local joint’ and we find ourselves here. We duck into the only place that doesn’t seem to be Muslim, across from the hotel Becci is staying in, and the first two characters in it’s sign are Tea and Beer.. Not a bad start. Oddly enough we [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/26/neighborhood-blasts http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/26/neighborhood-blasts#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:34:15 +0000 admin http://8bfc26ad-4e8b-4a19-b843-91cc289efb25 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/26/neighborhood-blasts/feed 0 Punk ass kids. Firecrackers are accessible, fun, and LOUD. Our courtyard, four stories down, is a bit of an attractive nuisance for such neighborhood thrills. It seems the name of the game is get all the car alarms in the block to go off, wait, then do it again. Not bad fun if you’re the [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/25/1st-kitchen-cooked-meal http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/25/1st-kitchen-cooked-meal#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:04:31 +0000 admin http://b6156d89-52c3-426d-b7ac-53e297495b43 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/25/1st-kitchen-cooked-meal/feed 0 China,Cooking,Hohhot,Vegitables A collection of brand new spices & oils, a collection of dilapidated cooking equipment, including a wok without a handle and no pots to speak of, and a bundle of fresh ingredients we picked up on the street for about $2 USD, A collection of brand new spices & oils, a collection of dilapidated cooking equipment, including a wok without a handle and no pots to speak of, and a bundle of fresh ingredients we picked up on the street for about $2 USD, here is the adventure and the risk of cooking at home in a foreign place. I’d consider it a success. 帅巴 J no A collection of brand new spices & oils, a collection of dilapidated cooking equipment, including a wok without a handle and no pots to speak of, and a bundle of fresh ingredients we picked up on the street for about $2 USD, here is the adventure and the risk of cooking at home in a [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/25/welcome-to-our-apartment http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/25/welcome-to-our-apartment#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 07:28:28 +0000 admin http://542b4516-c91d-495d-b2a3-ddb95628fece http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/02/25/welcome-to-our-apartment/feed 0 Apartment,China,Hohhot,Tour On our first day ‘home’ we give a quick look at the general layout of our abode. Dan gives the comprehensive tour. - While things didn’t seem too ‘complete’ when we arrived, we’ve slowly begun to fill the house with our own character. On our first day ‘home’ we give a quick look at the general layout of our abode. Dan gives the comprehensive tour. While things didn’t seem too ‘complete’ when we arrived, we’ve slowly begun to fill the house with our own character. Starting in the kitchen, we’re working on floor and wall treatments and will hopefully have some plants and perhaps a turtle in the short future. Updates will obviously be published. 帅巴 J no On our first day ‘home’ we give a quick look at the general layout of our abode. Dan gives the comprehensive tour. While things didn’t seem too ‘complete’ when we arrived, we’ve slowly begun to fill the house with our own character. Starting in the kitchen, we’re working on floor and wall treatments and will [...] http://blog.johnmizell.com/2008/12/27/next-step http://blog.johnmizell.com/2008/12/27/next-step#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 02:57:00 +0000 john http://www.thecalifornias.org/?p=257 http://blog.johnmizell.com/2008/12/27/next-step/feed 0 A Letter: In the last month I have been working to secure a six-month job with Aston Schools teaching English. In the last week I was told my Chinese visa was just about secured, I bought my plane ticket, and I found out that my traveling partner was a 100% “go.” So I concluded there [...]