I am pleased to announce the next RAS Stories of Things that will take place on November 25th, 2025 at 7-9pm.

Popular disk jockey, Brian Offenther (AKA DJ BO, or "Shanghai's #2 DJ") will take us on a deep dive into the world of Elvis Presley in China with a record issued by the Elvis Fan Club of Hong Kong. Elvis also had direct and surprising linkages into our own Shanghai. Learn about those and much more as DJ BO draws upon his vast musical knowledge and experience garnered from his extensive travels, lecturing and DJing all over Asia. Brian will make the King rekindle the royal in RAS.

Christian Kober, Senior Vice-President Asia of the Hoffman Group, has lived and worked in Shanghai since 1998 holding leadership positions in a number of industries over the years. During this time, Christian has become an avid collector of maps, especially of China. He will bring the very first Western map depicting China correctly. Christian will discuss how our perceptions shape maps and equally how maps shape our perception of the world. Christian, a former Fulbright scholar, holds a doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of Munich.

The event will be held at the Sketch Yard Art Restaurant near the RAS Reading Room. Beverages and light snacks will be served. Entry for members is rmb100. Non members is rmb200.