How this now available space can be made glorious
Act as surprised as you want at the closure of 4Live, but things were just going far too well for our little music scene so, of course, something had to give–but Shanghai's all about bouncing back. Much like the architect that proposed that the newest World Trade Center be shaped like a huge middle finger towards the Middle East, so shall we find a new and better use for the 4Live space.

The first thing that comes to mind is some form of music-art collective–a place where bands could practice, filmmakers could shoot, artists could paint and those people in town who are an extra in one commercial and tell friends back home they're actors, can act. Granted, the rent might seem a bit out of reach (60k rent + 20k to Fabrique + numerous pay-offs), but 5,000k a group could get 20 or so in, and with an average of about five people to a cluster, it's 1,000k a person. Granted, there are plenty of spaces around that could be used for the same purpose, but this one stands out for its perfect locale–in the middle of town and right next to the highway that takes you to the airport should the Ministry of Culture make a surprise visit.

No–wait. Even better, how about a restaurant whose space changes weekly? I mean, it's happening anyway all over the city. But this way, we'd know that each week, a different setting would be showcased. What better place to experiment with tacky themes that have already been tried before? Power gets shut off? You get another Black Café. Heat's off? Call it Ice Bar II. And when two weeks overlap, we could coin it "Fusion"–everyone else seems to be these days.

Or, perhaps it'd be better used as a giant ultimate-fighting ring? Each week could showcase different match-ups of angry contenders. The Malone's Guys vs. the Expat Wives! ESL Teachers against The Lesbian Dodgeballers. Oh! Migrant Worker Mayhem!!! At this gladiatorial battle to the death, each challenger can use the construction tool of his/ her specialty. Bookies alone would make enough to cover the rent.

See? Three good ideas already. The glass is half full. Takes more muscle to frown than smile! Life gives you AIDS, you make lemon-AIDS! Oh yeah, be sure and look for Zooma's (the previous owner of the new Tanghui and the now closed Tanghui and 4Live) newest project, his own line of Juicy-esque track pants ("Zo" on one ass cheek and "ma" on the other).