Issue 15, Jun/Jul/Aug 2008

Beijing (Olympics)

We take a look at how August’s Olympics will affect ordinary Beijingers and speak to some of the most vocal locals: Beijing’s taxi drivers. Our Indexed section brings you the very best of Beijing, straight from the residents who know all the best spots. —Sold Out

Articles Available Online

The New's JooYoun Paek

Artist splices new technologies into everyday objects and movements: zippers play music, umbrellas shy away from each other, dresses inflate with the wearer’s steps.
The New's Touhou Rikimaru, Pro Manga Reader

Touhou Rikimaru is a professional manga reader—likely the only one in the whole world.
China Beijing Architecture

Architect Gu Wei reveals the secrets of modest, decentralized spaces of this ancient and tranquil city.
China Beijing Food

Former pastry chef and now food writer and blogger Diana Kuan gives Theme the download on where to eat in Beijing.
China Beijing Art

Stacey Duff, art critic and editor for Time Out Beijing, introduces us to the spaces and people who are working to build a lasting infrastructure for the rapidly expanding scene.
China Beijing Creative Spaces

Shu Hung and Joe Magliaro are currently working on a book about Beijing’s thriving creative community. They give Theme a sneak peek.
Theme Cai Guo-Qiang’s Creative Destruction

As the artistic director of visual and special effects for the Beijing Olympics, artist Cai has spent the past two years planning an elaborate pyrotechnic display for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Theme Beijing Taxis: Off the Clock

Part tour guide, part philosopher, and part news-commentator, Beijing taxi drivers are some of the most unabashed opinioned voices on life in the city.
Portraits Spirit of the Olympics

Seiji Fujimori shoots away as New York City’s CPC Open Door Senior Center’s seniors channel the Olympic spirit.

In the Magazine

Profiles

The Selmanaires
This Atlanta-based band is “The Hardest Working Band in Show Business.”

Carsick Cars
A catchy noice band at the front of China’s new wave.

Alex Wagner
The former magazine editor is saving the world with star power.

Eairth
Fair trade, natural dyes, and traditional craft never looked so good.

Anon Pairot
Don’t call it furniture design—this Thai designer makes “Jewelry for Landscape.”

OBSERVED
National Fast Food Chains of China, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, and South Korea

INDEXED
Beijing’s Music, Skate Spots, and Transport

Sports Medicine
Chinese Herbs to cure your sport injuries.

When in Beijing…
Your guide to official Olympic Cheers!

Stranger than Fiction
Numbers on the impact of the world’s biggest event.

“Mostly Good Things Will Come from the Olympics”
Theme asks Beijingers about the upcoming Games.

The Design Olympics
Dispatches from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing’s Olympic image machine.

The Dreamers
Tales from Olympic hopefuls.

Man-Adjusting-His-Trousers
Irene Hwang gives us an overview of the new shape of Beijing architecture.

POP MEDIA
Geek Girls Rule!

TOP 10
Albums by Beijing’s experimental music champion, Yan Jun

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