My niece just had a baby, and this got me thinking about music. As I’ve told many an expectant father, every pregnancy is different and every delivery is a unique and wonderful experience. This is particularly true for the fathers because we do not have to suffer the bodily changes and challenges of giving birth. At any rate, having “assisted” with the delivery of three kids (I took photos), I felt uniquely qualified to compile and share a list of suitable music for the delivery room. A bit of warning here, if you need silence for your delivery, this list is not for you. If you require soft soothing sounds ala Yani or Kenny G, definitely steer clear. But if you have a sense of humor and enjoy a good tune, read on.

 Survivor – Destiny’s Child

Help – the Beatles

Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough – Michael Jackson

Push It – Salt N Pepper

The Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash

Who Needs Sleep? – Barenaked Ladies (No, you’re never gonna get it)

Enjoy the Silence – Depeche Mode (before your child is born)

Get Up, Stand Up – Bob Marley

 Just the Two of Us – Will Smith

Closing Time – Semisonic

Shout – Isley Brothers

I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross

What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia commons, paparutzi, kronic.it, Brett Jordan, PBoGS,

As kids start filing back to class and families decompress from the holidays, there’s nothing better than having a lazy Saturday. If you’re looking for ideas on what to do during the rest of the weekend, the beijingkids Top Picks newsletter (February 2-5) can help. Published every Wednesday, the newsletter rounds up the best events from every week.

Today, bundle up the family and drop by the Bird’s Nest Ice and Snow Festival for some winter wonderland fun. Or, immerse yourself in traditional lore at the Beijing Temple Theatre, where a few special guests will be get to don Beijing opera masks and makeup to perform with professionals on stage.

For more ideas, see the rest of the newsletter, our Events or Directory. Happy Saturday!

Photo by eviltomthai via Flickr

Hello 2011!

It’s January and that means time for frozen fun, be it in town in the skating and mini ski hills or heading out the the suburban ski resorts. Check out our weekly newsletter for some suggestions of what’s going on around town in Beijing this weekend.

We’ve got some suggestions for organized events not to miss as well as some ideas for how to generate some family fun on your own.

And don’t forget to visit our new and improved events directory if you want more options.

Keep warm!