THOMAS PODVIN’S FREELANCE WORK
Freelance writer - translator - Editor

http://www.expatauction.com

Online shopping is a profitable, and highly addictive, practice in the West, but purchasing over the Internet in China is still something of a risky business. Indeed, oftentimes sending electronic payment online is the equivalent of throwing your money away. No more. Shanghai expatriates and locals alike can finally relax, Expatauction.com allows browsers to buy and sell through private auctions or partner with web stores.Categories range from home accessories (hardly used Ikea lamp, anyone?) to antiques (a Qing Dynasty desk from Jiangsu province), and just about everything in between: clothing, books, collectibles, movies, computers, jewelry, music, business, recreation and games, you name it.
Targeting local and worldwide customers, the site, cohosted by that’s Shanghai, offers both feedback and rating options, in other words the very essence of trust-based transactions, if we do say so ourselves. So what does Expatauction.com offer that you can’t find on Ebay.com? Well, the website and its partners provide free home or office delivery (within the Shanghai Inner Ring Road), factory warranties, authenticity certificates (for antiques and art) and even a seven-day return policy for some products, as well as auction-based, localized classifieds for Shanghai and English product information. Japanese and German versions are coming soon.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
September 2005 issue

French fashion-design houses have always been ruled by strong-minded and creative individuals including Coco Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld and the likes. Nelly Biche de Bere is no exception and may soon find her name among this prestigious list. Combining artistic aptitude and a strong entrepreneurship spirit, Biche de Bere's designs are creating an international roar that is currently rumbling through the Middle Kingdom.

"China is a bit like the US 30 years ago" says Biche de Bere. "At that time, there was this same kind of energy, which I find here to be 10 times stronger." In 2003, she set up a fashion boutique in Shanghai and a workshop in Xinzhuang. "I always have been fascinated by Shanghai. There is an incredible energy."

Biche de Bere's own energy has been her primary strength in making a name for herself. After 10 years in the US and another 10 in Europe to develop her business, Biche de Bere is now in Asia for yet another decade, with Shanghai as her headquarters. Her company has set a foot in four continents and reports a current world-sales turnover of US$19 millions. In late 2004, she received the Pierre Cardin "Best French Designer in China" award in Beijing and currently dresses Chinese stars Mimi Sun, Anna Wang, Lu Yi and Jane Zhang. For another feather in her oh-so-fashionable cap, this year the French business magazine L'Expansion named Biche de Bere one of France's five most influential business owners.

"She is full of energy" says Shanghai-based communication assistant Vivian Dong. "[Biche de Bere] is a woman with a strong character, if she has a goal, she will simply do it."
But achievement isn't possible without a tad of luck and loads of talent and ambition. After graduation, Biche de Bere left France for New York to pursue the American dream. Already pragmatic and business orientated, Biche de Bere sold her "anti-atomic shelters" thesis to the France Ministry of Defense to finance her departure in 1985. She fought her way up the New York fashion ladder by creating evening jewelry from recycled materials, which led to a surprise 30,000 piece order and a full-time career.

Returning to Europe in 1993 with her husband and associate Christophe Cais, she launched the Biche de Bere Company, specializing in jewelry and ready-to-wear collections for women. They've since diversified into kids, men and couture lines, as well as sportswear, house linens and general design. The company currently employs 350 personal, owns two factories in France and delivers 15 collections a year. This is what you'd call productive, creative and successful. Born in Brittany, a French region where traditions are highly valued, Biche de Bere graduated in industrial design. This influence is clearly seen in her creations which combine traditional style with modern techniques. Such concepts have successfully attracted American and European women in the past and are whipping Chinese into a frenzy since the move to Shanghai a year and a half ago. "I am fascinated by China, because it is a place so different, with a huge history" she says. "But despite this, the country has a strong desire to come into the third millennium at full speed."

Dressing women of the new millennium - to enhance each female's individuality - is her prime motivation. "There is certainly a common point between all women," explains Biche de Bere. "They want to feel pretty, to satisfy themselves and others when dressing." But the Biche de Bere brand aims to take fashion past the basics by using unique fabric, color and style combinations, leading to their motto: "Difference is that wonderful thing that we all have in common."

Weekly cocktail parties are held every Friday at the Xintiandi boutique, among displays of Biche de Bere's new collections. For those not lucky enough to live in mainland China's fashion mecca, check out Biche de Bere's line at www.bichedebere.com.

(c) City Weekend, national edition
Editor: Lydia Holden
Photo courtesy Biche de Bere
September 1-15, 2005 issue

http://www.storewars.org

"Not long ago, in a supermarket not so far away…"
In May 2005, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) launched this online Star Wars movie spoof to attract a new generation of organic-food consumers. The five-minute animated mini-feature has vegetables in fancy dress posing as organic rebels. Meet Cuke Skywalker, Princess Lettuce, Chewbroccoli, Ham Solo and Darth Tader! Produced by Free Range Studios, this a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies and a great tool for the OTA to encourage global sustainability through promoting and protecting the growth of diverse organic trade.
If you liked this one, you'll love The Meatrix (www.themeatrix.com).

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

http://aventurinaking.blog.com/beijing/
Nineteen-year-old Aventurina King knows what it's like to experience rejection. Like most writers, she’s had work rejected by publishers and felt the frustration (and money concerns) that are part and parcel of a young writer's struggle for recognition.
Her New York-based blog (though the author resides in Beijing) provides a showcase for her work. And good work it is. King's unpretentious, sympathetic tales examine life in China, including the culture gap, changing lifestyles, food, entertainment and street life. Her witty and eloquent daily comments provide site visitors with a cool insight into life and the capital and, of course, a window of the French/American writer to attract a publisher.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

http://www.jitterbug.com/origins/index.html

This mini-site from the online entertainment magazine, Jitterbug Fantasia, explores the possible origins of Star Wars phenomena. Playfully compiled by Kristen Brennan, the site offers a selection of original material that may have inspired George Lucas to create the series, including the serial Flash Gordon, Kurosawa movies, the Lord of the Rings, Dune, 2001: Space Odyssey, Ben-Hur, The Wizard of Oz and so forth.
Brennan attempts to explain how Lucas borrowed from these diverse sources with "such intelligence, insight and compassion" to create his enormously successful series. Brennan isn't accusing Lucas of plagiarism, rather she offers an insightful look at the how the creative process works.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Belgium may be a small country, but it's big on talent. Like Benoit Franquet, a master of musical composition, who's delivered a 24-carat debut with "Zero Gold".
Immersed in classical music from an early age, Franquet has become one of the leader's of house and techno music. He's wrote a number of early club anthems at his own studio, including 'I'll Be Right Here" and "Angel". Later, he signed with the respected UK label Bedrock Music and released another hit single "Apollo Vibes" under the pseudonym Pole Folder. After 18 months in production, Franquet released his first full album of material, Zero Gold in May 2005 which was immediately boosted by DJs round the globe.
Distributed in China by Hinote Records, this release is far more that the usual sequencer sounds and beats. "Zero and Gold represent two human fears," says Franquet, "which characterize the main theme of the album. Human fears govern our acts more than our own desires."
Zero Gold is a mix of electronic music, pop, atmospheric melodies and the human voice. Several tracks ("Before It All Changes" and "Fall In Violet") are clearly influenced by film. "When I was younger," Franquet says, "I was composing for imaginary movies. This vision of the music is strong in me and this feeling came naturally during the creative process."
In the studio, Franquet starts with the drum track, later adding melody with a bass line and pads. Then he wraps the music with mental elements, "the mainstream melodic atmosphere is present but the psychedelic side makes it special, and allows listeners to feel the music on different levels."
And feel it you will. This CD is richly rewarding, whatever camp you're in.
Asks Franquet: "Is this a psychedelic pop album or a progressive electronic album. I let you choose."

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Shanghai Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
August 2005 issue

For a decade now, British clubbers have been dancing to the punkoid soul of duo Basement Jaxx. Make no mistake, when Brixton natives Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliff gig, they're hands on: hands on funky guitars, keyboards, drums, computer and decks. The wonder is that they could fit this explosion of good vibes and exhilarating energy, the essence of the Jaxx live experience, on one compilation.
the singles features 15 studio tracks culled from their three UK Top 5 albums: Remedy, Rooty and Kish Kash with all the big hit: "Romeo," "Red Alert," "Oh My Gosh," "Bingo Bango" plus their new single, "U Don't Know Me."
If we had to come up with one word to describe the Jaxx style, it would have to be "collage". The band's brand of audio-visual art, from CD covers to poster designs to website (check out basementjaxx.co.uk) combines, well, you name it. So does their music, a patchwork of soul, punk, Motown, electro, Latin funk, samba and house, not necessarily in that order. Adding to the monstrous assortment of beats are guest vocals by KeLe Le Roc, Lisa Kekaula and Glamma Kid among others.
2005 Grammy Award winners for Best Electronic/Dance Album Kish Kash, Basement Jaxx are currently touring the UK. Book your flight now!

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
August 2005 issue

This is not a Beatles tribute. But there's no denying that this Shanghai band of four is greatly influenced by Brit-pop.
Without trying to pigeonhole Crystal Butterfly (Shui Jin Die), pop is actually the best definition of their sensual brand of music. But pop with some range, from uplifting ballads ("Your Sky No Rain", "Float Down" in English), to light rock ("Judy's Too") and more sonic-laden tracks (hidden track "Fuzzy"). You'll find it all on this debut album.
So what makes this release especially Shanghaiese? Talent. A lot of bands in the city have similar influences and play in similar styles. What makes the Butterflies stand out is the ability to write catchy melodies that capture the listener on first hearing. There's nothing dark about Magical Mystery Tour. It is a feel-good record especially enjoyable in summer. The band's promised to release a second record called Fantasy Forest soon. Can't wait!

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
August 2005 issue

Grammy Award nominees The Crystal Method toured China last month and stopped in Shanghai for an impressive gig at La Fabrique.
The Las Vegas-based band has been mixing and sampling on the international electronic scene for a decade now. Community Service Volume 2 gathers a selection of break-beat tracks, along with new remixes of songs by The Doors, the Smashing Pumpkins and New Order. Experimental they are, and though less accessible than the Prodigy, the duo, Jordan and Kirkland, are certainly skilled with sequencers and beat boxes.
You probably won't play this American answer to the Chemical Brothers and Aphex Twin at home in your living room, but you'll be requesting them on the club floors.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
August 2005 issue

Some time in the late 90's, Aussie Kylie Minogue discovered that success rhymes with sex. And she's been flashing her pants ever since the release of the single "Spinning Around" in 2000 in the hope that her body will continue to sell music. It seems to work; tunes like "Can't get You Out Of My Head" and "In Your Eyes" received a lot of play in UK and in Australia. A lot of play. Her fit, sensual body appears to be a big marketing asset for admittedly catchy dance-pop melodies ("Slow").
Prior to 2000, in the mid-nineties, she was in her girl-next-door period (on the soap Neighbours) followed by a long dry spell. Indeed, at this time, who would have guessed that a girl dressed in casual attire singing boring dated tunes would ever get this big?
Those who value nostalgia will eke some pleasure from Ultimate Kylie, a two-CD release compiling her best, from "The Locomotion" to "Please Stay". One wonders what she will reveal next to keep the public satisfied.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
August 2005 issue

Think of J-pop and artists like Utada, Amuro or Hamasaki immediately come to mind. This is unfair. God's gift to Japanese pop is Hitomi Yaida. The voice of the 27-years old female singer (and composer, lyric writer, producer and mixer!) is heavenly, far from the high-pitched wobbles of the teen idols who overpopulate the archipelago.
More rock than pop (comparable to Nippon rock singer Shiina Ringo), Yaida (aka Yaiko in the UK) vibrato vocaling is wonderfully accompanied by distorted guitars and a solid base line on "My Sweet Darlin" and "I Am Here Saying Nothing." The musical chemistry is, in a word, perfect.
Singles Collection, released in China by EMI, is a good start to discover what Yaida calls "heart rock" or music that comes with a lot of soul. This is one of the best J-pop records released this year.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
August 2005 issue

Translated document:

Cet article fournit un résumé sur l’utilisation de la technologie Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) dans le cadre de l’implémentation et du déploiement de WSUS. [NDT, Cette phrase est en double dans le document original]

Utilisation de Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
Les mises à jour sont constituées de deux parties: une partie de méta données qui décrit l’utilité de la mise à jour (mise à jour d’informations, ou mise à jour de méta données), et les fichiers pour installer la mise à jour sur un ordinateur (fichiers de mise à jour). Pendant la synchronisation, les deux parties de la mise à jour sont synchronisées avec le serveur WSUS, mais au travers de ports séparés.

Pour la synchronisation avec les serveurs upstream WSUS, vous pouvez utiliser Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) pour sécuriser la mise à jour de la portion méta données de la synchronisation. WSUS peut utiliser Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) pour : -permettre les ordinateurs clients et les serveurs WSUS downstream d’authentifier un serveur WSUS upstream -encrypter les méta données envoyées sur les ordinateurs clients et les serveurs WSUS downstream.

Si le serveur WSUS reçoit directement des mises à jour de méta données de Microsoft Update, il n’est pas nécessaire d’utiliser Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) car Microsoft sécurise la synchronisation pour vous. Pour plus d’informations sur la façon dont Microsoft sécurise la synchronisation de la mise à jour des méta données entre Microsoft Update et les serveurs WSUS, voir http://www.microsoft.com/Deploying Microsoft Windows Server Update Services http://www.microsoft.com}

Vous ne pouvez pas configurer Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) pour mettre à jour une portion de fichier de la synchronisation. Cependant, Microsoft prend en charge pour vous la sécurisation du processus, atténuant le risque d’envoyer des fichiers mis a jour par un canal non encrypté en signant chaque mise à jour. Quand une mise à jour est téléchargée, la signature digitale est vérifiée. Si la mise à jour a été falsifiée, elle n’est pas installée.

Limitations des déploiements de WSUS SSL

Il y a deux facteurs limitants que les administrateurs qui considèrent l’utilisation des déploiements de WSUS SSL doivent connaître :

Sécuriser votre déploiement WSUS avec Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) augmente la charge du serveur. Vous devriez prévoir une perte de performance d’environ 10 pourcents due au coût additionnel d’encryptage de toutes les méta données envoyées sur le réseau. Si vous utilisez un serveur SQL distant, la connexion entre le serveur WSUS et le serveur gérant la base de données n’est pas sécurisée par Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Si la connexion de la base de données doit être sécurisée, prenez en compte les recommandations suivantes :

-Mettre la base de données sur le serveur WSUS (la configuration du WSUS par défaut) -Mettre le serveur SQL distant et le serveur WSUS sur un réseau privé -Déployer le IPsec (Internet Protocol Security, protocole de sécurité Internet) sur votre réseau pour sécuriser le trafic du réseau

Configuration du SSL pour le WSUS

Pour installer Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), vous devez installer un certificat sur le serveur WSUS, et ensuite configurer les ordinateurs clients (et les serveurs WSUS downstream le cas échéant) pour qu’ils se fient au certificat du serveur. Les procédures pas-à-pas pour l’installation Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) dépassent les limites de l’aide pour le WSUS. Cependant, plusieurs articles sur le sujet sont disponibles. Pour plus d’information et d’instructions quant à l’installation des certificats et l’installation de votre environnement, voir les pages suivantes sur le site Internet de Microsoft :

Source document:

This topic provides an overview of utilizing SSL technology in the WSUS implementation and deployment. This topic provides an overview of utilizing SSL technology in the WSUS implementation and deployment.

Using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

Using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

Updates consist of two parts: a metadata part that describes what an update is useful for (update information, or update metadata), and the files to install the update on a computer(update files). During synchronization, both parts of the update are synchronized to the WSUS server, but through separate ports.

For synchronization with upstream WSUS servers, you can use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol to secure the update metadata portion of the synchronization. WSUS can use SSL to:

Enable client computers and downstream WSUS servers to authenticate an upstream WSUS server. Encrypt metadata passed on to client computers and downstream WSUS servers.
If the WSUS server gets update metadata directly from Microsoft Update, it is not necessary to use SSL because Microsoft secures the synchronization for you. For more information about how Microsoft secures update metadata synchronization between Microsoft Update and WSUS servers, see http://www.microsoft.com/Deploying Microsoft Windows Server Update Services http://www.microsoft.com}

You cannot configure SSL for update file portion of the synchronization. However, Microsoft takes care of securing this process for you, mitigating the risk of sending update files over an unencrypted channel by signing each update. When an update is downloaded, the digital signature is checked. If the update has been tampered with, it is not installed.

Limitations of WSUS SSL Deployments

There are two limiting issues that administrators considering WSUS SSL deployments need to know about:

Securing your WSUS deployment with SSL increases the workload of the server. You should plan for about a 10 percent loss of performance because of the additional cost of encrypting all metadata sent over the wire. If you are using remote SQL, the connection between the WSUS server and the server running the database is not secured with SSL. If the database connection must be secured, consider the following recommendations:

Put the database on the WSUS server (the default WSUS configuration). Put the remote SQL server and the WSUS server on a private network. Deploy IPsec on your network to secure network traffic.

Configuring SSL for WSUS

To set up SSL, you must install a certificate on the WSUS server, and then configure client computers (and downstream WSUS servers, if any) to trust the server certificate. The step-by-step procedures for setting up SSL are beyond the scope of WSUS Help. However, several articles on the subject are available. For more information and instructions for installing certificates and setting up your environment, see the following pages on the Microsoft Web site:

---END---

Anybody already familiar with the story and the characters from the eponymous Japanese comics and video game might wonder if there's any point watching this uninspired HK blockbuster shot in Japan. Who cares? The film's investors, of course. The marketing tsunami preceding the release managed to brainwash moviegoers to go to cinemas in droves.
Uninspired though it is, the film does spark an interest in car racing. Directors Lau and Mak (Infernal Affairs) have framed, edited and photographed some gripping car stunts. The "D" in the title stands for drifting – a racing term where turns are negotiated at full speed while skidding on the rear wheels, a technique that is fortunately fully exploited here.
While the car stunts work, the directors downshift when it comes to characterization and storytelling. The insipid childish-love story, is like an overlong MTV spot, and the over-abundant visual effects (freeze frames and split screens) slow the pace down. The acting sucks too. Main drifter Jay Chou is monolithic in his own vehicle. Next to him, young bourgeois Edison Chen looks like Tom Hanks. And that's no compliment. Sure, kids and schoolgirls left the theater with big satisfied smiles, but this reviewer was itching for the exit.
A sequel has already been announced, Initial D 2: Duel in the Alps!

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
August 2005 issue

The horror genre surpasses all others when it comes to sequels. This entry is the third in the cult Dawn of the Dead series, while House of Wax is merely a remake, though it could spark a series of its own.
Romero made Night of the Living Dead back in 1968, the first installment of his Dead trilogy. Ten years later, with Dawn of the Dead, a ground-breaking satire on American consumerism, he strengthened his status of horror master and leader of the living-dead sub-genre.
Surrounded by zombies, four escapees seek safety in a mall. In this empty materialists'haven, they create a microcosm of society confronting issues of survival, race, gender, law and government. The new order doesn't last long. After breaking their own rules, they must battle a gang of plunderers and face the ever-hungry living dead outside.
There aren't any zombies in the House of Wax. Though this slasher/horror film does drip with the influence of three thriller classics: Hitchcock's Psycho in the 60s, Halloween in the late 70s and Friday the 13th in the early 80s. All three, of course, featured a psychopath who graphically kills whomever's in his way. All three also helped push the genre into the mainstream.

We should also mention a fourth and obvious influence, the original House of Wax, starting the king of them all, Vincent Price. Sadly, the current House lacks the master's touch.
Like Price's work, the Dead trilogy, stands the test of time, especially the gory special effects (Tom Savini rules!). And without question, Dawn of the Dead is the entertaining, accessible and prophetic chapter of the lot. Question is, will the upcoming release, Land of the Dead, live up to the past?

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue

Exploring Chinese legends is a delightful and time-consuming process considering the huge number of myths. Lotus Lantern, a family blockbuster produced by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, features plenty of satisfying mythological material (folk heroes, gods, a fire lake, a lotus lantern and a dog eating the moon…)
The most-expensive animation feature ever made in China at USD 10 million, the film was four years in the making. It's likely that a good part of the budget went to the many Chinese stars involved in the post-production dubbing (Ning Jing and Jiang Wen) and those who contributed to the soundtrack (Coco Lee, Zhang Xinzhe and Liu Huan).
The movie's universal theme of filial love will appeal to viewers of all generations and origins. Shanshen Mu, a goddess whose only sin was to marry a human, is abducted by her brother, Erlang, the conservative god of heaven. Even with the help of the Earth god, the Monkey King, 7-year-old Xianchen still faces many challenges to rescue his mother.
The DVD version has optional language and subtitles in Chinese, English and Japanese and offers some good bonus material.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
August 2005 issue