Michael's Comments

There are 45 different readers (identified by email address) with the same nickname Michael. They are represented by different colors.

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87 From Shanghai to Hangzhou

Hi. If going to Hangzhou from Shanghai for vacation, is it a good idea to get a package tour? Or is Hangzhou easy to go around that we should just go ourselves? How much would a tour to Hangzhou (from Shanghai) usually cost?

Hope someone can help.

Thank you.
Posted by Michael at 2008-05-17 13:13:56. More

86 Friends Started to Boycott French Products

yeah, no more long lines at Carefour!!
Posted by Michael at 2008-04-17 18:16:48. More

85 Are American Economically Family-Independent

Sounds right to me. One thing though, America is made up of so many, many different cultures, it is hard to say that American act in one way or the other. Many Asian and Latino families still have an economic partnership in the USA.
Posted by Michael at 2008-02-28 13:55:04. More

84 Snowing Huangshan

Nice Snow, wish it was snowing in Holland! Rain, rain and rain that`s all we`ve got this Year.
Posted by Michael at 2008-02-14 02:17:05. More

83 Conversation with IPowerWeb Support

well.... am smiling ... Why?
Only ME (and many others) can feel what wangjianshuo.com was feeling during that hmm illuminated tech support chat!!
Horrible...horrible horrible service! I cannot believe how bad ipowerweb came to be!
My website is constantly practicing heavy issues. Support is rather incompetent
what a pity
Posted by Michael at 2008-02-12 02:51:32. More

82 Salary in Shanghai - Part II

Website with advertisement on apartments in Shanghai. Should give you a picture of what the costs of apartments is like:
http://shanghai.craigslist.com.cn/apa/
Posted by Michael at 2008-01-31 11:51:07. More

81 Salary in Shanghai - Part II

I'm not sure about the cost of leasing a car.

As for apartment CNY6-12K should get you a good apartment apartment in a good area. If you're willing to live in more outskirt areas in Pudong, CNY5K should get you a good apartment. These are normal apartments. Serviced apartments will be much more expensive. It will be good if the company provides you with temp living while you search for apartments - then, you can take your time and shop around.

Overall, you should be able to live comfortably with the salary you are getting.

But, do think about what you plan to do after this assignment. How long will the company be willing to employ you at this high price? I think most contract is for 3 years. Is it going to increase your market value when you go back home? Many things to think about.

Posted by Michael at 2008-01-31 11:40:23. More

80 Salary in Shanghai - Part II

Hi Ajip,
Yup, in fact just arrived for 2 weeks, just in time to see the snow :)

You have 22 years of experience - I dare not imagine what sort of salary you'll get, must be sky-high. Which company are you working for?
Posted by Michael at 2008-01-28 17:31:42. More

79 Salary in Shanghai - Part II

Ammar, Surender -
I think it depends on what your lifestyle is at home. It is all relative. Generally, for a middle class, the amount you get will make them feel like a king. Your company is probably paying as though you are working in the United States (probably still lower compared to US employees), IMHO.

In the computing industry, this is a very good deal already. But then again, you are in a different industry. Man, can I join your industry? ;)

-Michael
Posted by Michael at 2008-01-27 01:28:52. More

78 Fight Between Foreigners and Local


Yeah, people behave in diffent ways at time. If your freind parked his scooter in a proper lot and not obstructing the way,
this particular problem shld not hv happened at all. It is not about education or propaganda but common sense.

My two cents worth !

Cheers
Posted by Michael at 2008-01-23 11:18:02. More

77 How to Go to Hong Kong via Shen Zhen

for cheap tickets inside china there are 2 websites, 95% of the times prices will be the same on both...
www.ctrip.com
www.elong.com

both have a link to the english section on the upper right corner. one can only book national chinese flights through there.
Posted by Michael at 2008-01-02 20:40:06. More

76 Toughest Time for Me and Wendy

Jianshuo
Inspite of the overwhelming activity and responsibility, you keep positive and shoulder it well. My hat off to you. I often say parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world if you do it well. Yes, the best is yet to come... a most positive viewpoint.. because it means life continually gets better. Your efforts now will come back to you in ways umimaginable.
Posted by Michael at 2007-11-14 14:57:53. More

75 PVG: From Pudong Airport to Nanjing

Hi..
I am wondering if you were able to give me information on how to reach from nanjing to hongkong?How much does it cost by train or bus?How long will be the trip?What must i suppose to do..?

Please help me..
Thank you in advance...
MICHAEL
Posted by michael at 2007-10-21 23:12:34. More

74 China Internet Market Analysis

if you want more infos on the internet in china check the regular report by the official

china internet network information center
http://www.cnnic.net.cn/en/index/0O/index.htm
Posted by michael at 2007-10-10 18:53:11. More

73 What's Wrong with China?


Hi Yanging,

A country is as good as what the Government is. China will be diff today if you hv a strong Government throughout the years. China is the fastest growing country in the world today, for this I am happy and hope China keep improving and developing to the 1st World.

My 2 cents worth.

Cheers.
Posted by Michael at 2007-09-21 15:45:06. More

72 What's Wrong with China?


China has bn around for almost 5000 years and still play catching up with the developed countries in the world.
Really a waste with such a long history. Look at some small countries for example Singapore. A small island with mostly immigrant from China able to develop from 3rd World to 1st World within a short span of less than 40 years.

A country can flourish only with good Government - who is hungry for success for the country and have passion to develop the country. Only with good Government can a country delevope faster and close the gap with the 1st World.

My 2 cents worth !

Cheers
Posted by Michael at 2007-09-21 12:56:19. More

71 Online Map in Shanghai (and China)

Here is an English language map of Shanghai just rolled out
http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/map.phtml
Posted by Michael at 2007-09-19 14:23:44. More

70 Five Years of Blogging


Hi Jian Shou,

Personally your blog is very informative and stimulating. You are now an Icon in Sha.

Keep up the good work and keep improving.

Cheers.
Posted by Michael at 2007-09-13 13:22:08. More

69 That is Easy - Easy Solution to Complicated Problems


The Government should be able to make unpopular decisions for the benefit of majority people. Therefore what ever policies they implement, it should benefit the majority of the people. There is no way you can pleased anybody. Good Government should always plan years ahead and not let any situation get out of control for example the traffic on the road.
They should not allowed too many cars on the road in the first place by reducing car ownership. Can the road handle more cars and if not - what the Government should do and start to curb car ownership before the situation get out of control like what is happening now in Beijing. If curbing car ownership is not viable, then how about building more roads and highwway to ease the jams ? These are policies the Government should tackle early and not wait until last minutes and come up with very unpopular policies to suppress the people just to fix an hopeless short term situation.

My two cents worth.

Cheers
Posted by Michael at 2007-09-10 11:41:03. More

68 New Regulations to Kill Group Renting in Shanghai


Really, why they want to have regulation when they are unable to enforce it ? You are right - it is just a piece of paper.

The authority should look at the situation clearly and find solution to the need of the people. Sometime people live and share rental is to cut cost because there is not enough cheap housing available. The Government should look into this area instead of coming out with regulation.

There are more pressing problems in Shanghai for example the traffic situation and pollution on the whole. Some customers in the restaurant breathe in unhealthy smoke as there is no regulation regarding smoking in the confined aircondition areas. They should come up with separate smoking and non-smoking area for diners.

Regualtions should serve the people well and not the other way round.

Cheers.

Posted by Michael at 2007-09-04 10:58:12. More

67 Can you Understand Dish Names in China?


Very funny. If only the person preparing the menu know the meaning of Fuck in english. No offence but I think they meant "Deep Fry Spring chicken" and not Fuck a spring chicken !
Cheers.
Posted by Michael at 2007-08-29 11:30:11. More

66 Shanghai is Hot, Hot and Hot!

Hi Shuo Wang,

You are right. It is the Pollution Standards Index. Very certain the reading is at unhealthy level.

I just got back to my country. I was in Shanghai in early July and plan to stay for more than 60 days. Due to the pollution I cut back my stay and decided to leave Shangai for cleaner air. I was staying at New Harbour Service apartment - 28th storey looking at central Shangai. Trust me - the skyline was foggy and it is not clear everyday. If you wish I have pictures taken from my service apartment - the skyline of central Shangahi.

Cheers and all the best to you.

Posted by Michael at 2007-08-06 17:34:56. More

65 Shanghai is Hot, Hot and Hot!


In summer, you can see clearly the pollution level in Shanghai . Wonder anybody can tell the PSI reading.

It must be unhealthly level. I visited Shanghai since 2007 almost 6 times and didnt notice the pollution level during the cold weather. Shanghai is polluted and something must be done about the pollution.

Posted by Michael at 2007-08-06 16:33:22. More

64 Difficulties as a Foreign Visitor


Definitely the Maglev is cool to the tune of billion dollars for 30 km journey. There is not enough ridership even to cover the cost of daily operations.
Personally I think is a wrong decision to build Maglev
for such a short distance with that kind of money.

Sure is cool for tourist to cover that distance for less than US$7.00

Posted by Michael at 2007-06-20 13:20:44. More

63 Difficulties as a Foreign Visitor


Most tourists will face the flwg problems:

1) Tout - Try walking down Nanjing Road and tourists will be harrassed by touts every few steps.
The touts are very persistent and out to cheat the tourists. This will only give Shanghai a bad name.

2) Beggars - Most streets have beggars. Some beggars even chased the tourist for money.

3) Spitting - They even spat in restaurants not just on the streets.

4) Traffic - Pedestrain have no right of way even though the green traffic lights are in their favour. Some cars dont stop at
red traffic lights.

5) People can be more polite in Shanghai.

6) Lastly - Why have a Maglev train for only 30 km journey costing billion of dollars ???
Posted by Michael at 2007-06-20 03:42:30. More

62 My Baby Arrives


Congratulations to you and your wife. Welcome to the club.

Posted by Michael at 2007-06-06 23:45:12. More

61 My Baby Arrives

Congratulations JianShuo! You have a lot to be proud of! We are right behind with a new one arriving at the end of the year.
Posted by Michael at 2007-06-05 11:23:13. More

60 Take Taxi or Buy a Car?

Obviously taxi is much cheaper. There is no ways about it.

With car you will have better quality of life, status, freedom and convenience to move around.
Car is expensive to maintain with petrol, insurance, road taxes, wear and tear.
Car also depreciate in value every year.

So taking taxi is much much cheaper !
Posted by Michael at 2007-05-23 10:48:05. More

59 Take Taxi or Buy a Car?

Obviously taxi is much cheaper. There is no ways about it.

With car you will have better quality of life, status, freedom and convenience to move around.
Car is expensive to maintain with petrol, insurance, road taxes, wear and tear.
Car also depreciate in value every year.

So taking taxi is much much cheaper !
Posted by Michael at 2007-05-23 10:47:50. More

58 Does Shanghai have Beach

The one in Century Park cannot be surfed. It's not that big to begin with (probably 1 min to cross in 30kph wind) and its teeming with silly electric sampans.
Posted by Michael at 2007-05-21 10:37:14. More

57 Reasons of Bad Traffic in Shanghai


I visit Shanghai every month. The only way to improve traffic condition in Shanghai is for all to respect the
traffic light at all traffic junctions. If nobody respect the traffic lights - why have traffic lights in the first place.

Pedestrains dont have right of way even the green light is in their favor. Drivers simply just drive on and not care about
the pedestrain. This is absurd and irresponsible of the drivers. You can also notice that some drivers stopped at traffic lights and some simply drive on. So really is a big mess. If nothing is done to educate the people, Shanghai will be a joke modern city. Frankly speaking , Shanghai is very modern but the software is still long way to match the modern cities in other parts of the world.

Go and visit Singapore and you know how far Shangahi is compared to a modern city.

Good luck and cheers.

Michael
Posted by Michael at 2007-04-25 11:52:30. More

56 Angkor WAT, Cambodia

Wow, the stairs are steep in the last photo.
Posted by Michael at 2007-03-08 23:36:48. More

55 962288 Hotline for Foreigners


Will be based in Shanghai coming March this year. Looking for apartment in HongQiao area.

Need the flwg:

1) 2 or 3 rooms apartment
2) Fully well furnished
3) With security

Budget : RMB 3000 to 5000

Thank you.

B. Regards
Michael
Posted by Michael at 2007-02-01 09:50:37. More

54 Life in a Crowded World


How about the foreign banks ? Very certain they offer better service.
Posted by Michael at 2007-01-15 07:10:31. More

53 My Google PageRank Increases to PR5

PageRank algorithm PR(A) = (1-d) + d (PR(T1)/C(T1) + ... + PR(Tn)/C(Tn)) is realy TRUE.
Posted by michael at 2006-10-04 10:40:32. More

52 Find a Job in Shanghai

If you want to post your resume in place that potential employers will read it OR
If you are an employer who has a job listing they want to post for free to many jobseekers - go to http://jobs.shanghaiexpat.com.

Posted by Michael at 2006-09-30 16:38:19. More

51 Shanghai Buses

Hi Jian Shuo

I will be visiting Shanghai and Suzhou (ZhouZhuang) soon. If I wish to go Suzhou (ZhouZhuang) - should I take the Sight Seeing Bus from the SightSeeing Bus Center @Shanghai Stadium

If not, what would be your recommendations?

If there any other recommended attractions for just a day trip to Suzhou?

Thanks

Cheers
Michael
Posted by Michael at 2006-09-17 11:41:38. More

50 Mission Impossible III

Good review, i am interested to see the move Mission Impossible III now.
Posted by michael at 2006-08-08 03:40:16. More

49 962288 Hotline for Foreigners

Hello,

I am Michael and living since almost three years in China. Now I am based in Shanghai and I am looking for a swimming pool.

If anybode can help me, I would appreciate it very much!!

best regards,
Michael
Posted by michael at 2006-08-07 18:43:12. More

48 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Message to Pip,

Microsoft is "working" on their new Beta Mail and the old Classic. Try opting for the classic and listen to Shanna - change your country to China and a large City like Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.

The other links seem to have gone South for the winter, but Hotmail is actually okay.
Posted by Michael at 2006-06-12 17:20:45. More

47 Thanks for your Comments

Hi Jian Shuo
Thanks for such a great informative website. I am looking forward to my first visit to Shanghai next week. I am hoping to have time to visit Chongming Island and see some nature. Do you recommend a place to stay there since I think it is difficult to do as a day trip from Shanghai?
Thanks again for your wise advice and best regards,
Michael
New York City
Posted by Michael at 2006-06-02 10:27:29. More

46 Getting U.S. Visa in China

Well, i am suffering from it these days, too.
Honestly what after all these you won't like to any place except staying home.
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-31 15:33:00. More

45 Does Hotmail Work in China?

FYI - those of you who doubt Amelia,s help need to just watch your screen and read the Torpark help notes. Her info is dead on the money and thanks Amelia for that. You need to enable Firefox in your Firewall. If the Torpark cannot dial up the host site for the IP block there is no point of download. Also, I have downloaded it into my laptop and into a fresh flash drive - use a 64 mb for best results. This is a real good tool and obviously from someone who cares about the few.
As for Jian Shuo Wang: I don't really give a hoot if you worked at Microsoft - this is an IP hit from Microsoft. My sources in Seattle are leaps above any position that you held there and quoted Mr. Gates word for word on his instructions for involvement with Chinese "pain". So there.....
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-20 08:28:59. More

44 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Nicely put Phil. You have reflected the thoughts of many. The original intention and thought behind the internet was effective and precise communication. China is a beautiful and peaceful place to live - why ruin it with talk and actions that reflect sickness. Be careful what you say about western decadence - - - - first live in the West and enjoy the goodness there - the perversion is a minor faction, as it is all over the World.. I am an American through and through, but my heart is in China where I have been for 11 years enjoying the open happy attitude and beauty here.
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-17 10:01:10. More

43 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Hello Howard and many others,
I believe that the more noise we make, the stronger the baddies become. Let's just thank God for some intervention that has brought some use of communication back to the few. We are the lucky and chosen ones, as we do communicate, and that is a skill as well as a gift. The Beta Hotmail is up and running, aol has slowed down considerably, etc. Someone out there is really SICK and we should keep quiet for him or them to just go away from frustration.
This is probably a result of the Chinese government control and Microsoft control hitting us at the same time - who cares, as long as we can go forward. So long as the few can communicate with the few, there is hope......
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-13 17:46:42. More

42 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Thank you once more for the best ever "help" site on the internet. I was able to retrieve web addresses and inform all email friends and business contacts that I have switched to aol. Your links worked perfectly for the retrieval. As for hotmail - Microsoft can suck eggs - never again.
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-12 07:44:46. More

41 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Boy, I agree on the Microsoft. New age, I guess.....Apple, here I come and back to my old faithful aol that I have paid for for 10+ years. The Chinese Government doen't seem to mess with aol anymore - it sure did in 2002-2003. My stateside communication is worth $20 USD per month.....
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-10 17:43:31. More

40 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Well, it looks like they are just trying to hurt everyone now. It seems that Bill Gates gave his staff some "strongarm directives" in protest to the Chinese computer makers not paying license fees. The insiders at Microsoft say that this is a Microsoft thing and a show of force that they can cripple anyone at their will. This is not a rumor, as friends in Seattle have passed this info to me. How many out there have genuine registered copies of Windows ? Also, how many of those are for sure complying with the end user (1 person or multiple purchased) stipulations..... That one comes home to roost in a big way. He is within his rights to make a move like that, as most IP addresses are linked to op system key in numbers. This may not end.......
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-10 14:31:59. More

39 My Dinner Impacted by SARS

Hi you !
I´m very impressed by your ecellent photos, as I have been to china the year before and I´ve seen a little about your country.
Maybe I´ll b a back this year to Shanghai.
Have fun
Michael
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-04 20:11:57. More

38 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Thank you Mike and Jim.....your input has given me back my Hotmail. The log in from Mike keyed perfectly. It appears that Bill Gates is exerting influence and flexing internet muscle for a show of force towards the 5 rmb copies of his op systems...... Makes a point, but what about the countless Americans living here who pay the price ?
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-04 11:14:40. More

37 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Hi Howard, just remember where we are....This beautiful country is steeped in history and beauty, with mahnificent traditions of the past. That has proven a weakness for China and the new generations are trying to take whatever they can as fast as they can at any expense. No world power here, as they are too busy trying to put the screws to everyone and get rich quick. The women are smarter than the men in this society and the men refuse to give way. Sooooooo, what do they do ? Childish pranks and nonsense that hurt a lot of people. All we can do, as we have in the past, is wait until someone "discovers" the cause and remedies the problem. I keep web addresses in three sites for problems, as I do like to communicate outside to relatives and friends. Treasure what is here for what it is and retain the patience to endure that which cannot be changed.....
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-03 12:07:05. More

36 Does Hotmail Work in China?

Me again, but one thing for everyone to reflect on.....in a Country that protects the few and levies no penalty for the actions of those few...consider what Baidu would do to leverage market share. They would block Google or Hotmail as their puny attempt to make people swing into their web of weak site use and go away for the Holiday. Until Beijing wakes up and really cracks down on those sickies we shall have to endure their weaknesses......nuff said.
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-03 09:41:04. More

35 Does Hotmail Work in China?

I have had Hotmail usually go down at New Year and Golden Week, for example when there is onviously high activity and only the fastest servers and computers can sneak in. My AOL account from the USA works perfect - I live in Tianhe, Guangzhou and I believe it is just another "everybody's on" Hotmail glitch.
Posted by Michael at 2006-05-03 09:28:18. More

34 65 SMS in One Day on Jan 2

Hi Jian Shuo,

thanks for getting back to me. I'm wondering if you have any classmates that are currently working/studying in Purdue.
Which University in China did you go to? I know people here who graduated from almost every university in China:)

Michael
Posted by Michael at 2006-01-06 07:48:05. More

33 65 SMS in One Day on Jan 2

Hi Jian Shuo,

just came across your blog and wanted to offer a quick complement about its quality...It is indeed well done.
I work at Purdue University in the US (I'm an assistan professor of statistics), have a lot of chinese colleagues and interested in China (history, literature etc. )

I can understand why it isn't nice to find so many empty congratulations...I agree that you want only those from the peopl you really care about. Even worse is to find some corporate messages trying to sell something to you under the guise of New Year messages...Happened to me, unfortunately:)

Michael
Posted by Michael at 2006-01-03 22:36:18. More

32 Craigslist's Success

What Craigs list has going for it is that it was started at a time when there was a need and picked up a lot of community support. It was a combination of filling a need, providing the right tools, and luck. Especially, with things like classifieds, the more participation there is, the more it attracts. Eventually, Craigslist became the 800 lb Gorilla of classifieds because they had developed a large, active community.

Not requiring registration is a big plus also, in terms of attracting posts, but as mentioned, there ends up being a lot of crap to wade through to find the info, as well as, having some consistent moderation.

Personally I think Cl has outgrown its seedy interface. WHile I am fine with UI being simple, there is alot I think it could do to make it easier to organize and find info. Then again, who am I to pick apart such an astounding success.
Posted by Michael at 2005-12-04 20:05:11. More

31 Blog on WAP

Hi Jiang Shou,

I visited your blog. It is fantastic!

I am a photographer and I will be in China for 5 weeks, arriving in Shanghai on 18/11. I live in Brussels, Belgium.
Is there anyway I can contact you? via email, etc? The reason is I would like some information in organising an exhibition in Shanghai like what you did with yoru group of freinds.

Please do send me an email as I would really love to meet you. My travelling email address is zoulu_cat@yahoo.com

Thanks

Michael

Posted by Michael at 2005-11-14 04:22:00. More

30 Fudan v.s. Tongji University

Hi Jiang Shou,

I visited your blog. It is fantastic!

I am a photographer and I will be in China for 5 weeks, arriving in Shanghai on 18/11. I live in Brussels, Belgium.
Is there anyway I can contact you? via email, etc? The reason is I would like some information in organising an exhibition in Shanghai like what you did with yoru group of freinds.

Please do send me an email as I would really love to meet you.

Thanks

Michael
Posted by Michael at 2005-11-14 02:30:58. More

29 Conflicting Ideas from SJTU EMBA Program

Step back and its not about blogging. Its about the impact of technology on the established norm. Early Microsoft, in addition to being led by smart people, was just lucky.. in the right place at the right time. Blogging is having an impact on how information is getting distributed and what kind of information is distributed. Its both a blessing and curse. When change happens like this, there is always chaos for a time. There are always people who emerge as heros and the status quo is always challenged. It will find equilibrium. The challenge will be to harness technology in a way promotes a positive influence.
Posted by Michael at 2005-11-12 15:49:38. More

28 Traveled to Beijing with China Eastern Airlines

Hi,

I need to know if there are flights (and their schedule) from Shanghai to Beijing on November 2, 2005 and flights from Beijing to Shanghai on November 8, 2005. Please include the fare. Thank you
Posted by Michael at 2005-10-27 01:05:25. More

27 eBay China Job Opening - Part II

I'm not bad at programming actually - much of my research was theoretical with a lot of high-fly programming involved.
Posted by Michael at 2005-09-14 02:29:49. More

26 eBay China Job Opening - Part II

I am 26, a Cambridge University graduate with 4 degrees (BA, MA, MSc, PhD) in Neuroscience. I have work experience in web programming (self-employed) and stockbroking (top tier firm in London). I am a British citizen, currently in Shanghai seeking work. Can anyone help? I would consider positions in venture capital, fund management, investment banking, management consultancy or high-tech industry (bioscience, software, ecommerce etc.). I don't think I would be the strongest match for the jobs listed here - but would definitely be interested in working at ebay China! I can be contacted at rhodopsin AT hotmail.com - or my local chinese cell number - 13681914901
Posted by Michael at 2005-09-13 14:44:20. More

25 China Internet Market Analysis

I want buy in china what is the diffrence then buying in canada?
Posted by Michael at 2005-07-13 01:52:38. More

24 Tea House vs Coffee Shop

I'm really confused. First, Starbucks is known for having rather bad coffee. Maybe they don't realize this in China, because coffee is relatively new to most consumers here, but in urban America and Europe, Starbucks is considered junk coffee.

Secondly -- tea houses are becoming popular in Shanghai ??! I've been here for a few years and I am still befuddled as to why it's so hard to find tea houses here! Were they wiped out with the cultural revolution? I find there's very few tea houses here. Maybe the definition of "tea house" is different -- what you describe is more like a restaurant to me. I don't consider places like Before Time to be a real tea house.
Posted by michael at 2005-06-16 11:31:25. More

23 My Site Remains Illegal in China

Really good comments on the issue, jian shuo.. hope it can be worked out.
Posted by Michael at 2005-06-11 20:01:09. More

22 Rent an Apartment in Shanghai

If you are relocating and need and apartment, ultimately you will need to create some kind of relationship for a broker. We have found the best deals on places from knowledgeable brokers. I know a lot people want to save a buck and do it all themselves, but a good agent can be very valuable ( and no I am not an agent or have any specical interest in any particular agency). This is especially true if you do not speak Chinese. Best to ask around and get some referrals to brokers who treat their customers well and are willing to show apartments in the price range you are looking for.

Another source for apartment hunters are the classifieds on shanghaiexpat.com. 20-30 New classifieds get put on every day and mostly in real estate.

Posted by Michael at 2005-05-23 16:49:39. More

21 Meetup in San Francisco, CA

I didn't know you were going to SF, I could have given you some tips (and a shopping list!). I used to go to Cafe Flore a lot because it's near my old apartment, and a I have a fondness for fern bars. Anyway, hope to see you at the next Shanghai blogger meetup.
Posted by Michael at 2005-04-24 16:58:34. More

20 T.I.C Moments

When my bottle of orange juice is labeled "100% orange juice" but the ingredient list says "1% sugar, 101% juice" (This is impossible in *Western* mathematics!)
Posted by michael at 2005-04-17 19:34:39. More

19 Getting a Link is Like Receiving a Gift

Yep..receiving a link is gift on so many levels. Thanks so much for the great things you have said about Shanghaiexpat in your blog over year. FYI.. you have been in our link partners banner rotation for a long time. Happy to be linking to such high quality info on Shanghai as your site
Posted by Michael at 2005-04-15 15:34:20. More

18 Second Run Way for Pudong Airport

Nice blog you have here. A bit confusing, but nice. I came across your blog when reading your comment on tagging at hyperorg. Welcome on my blogroll, though.
Posted by Michael at 2005-04-13 04:59:32. More

17 Dec 6 - The Longest Day in 2004

What a great trip you are doing..looks like you are seeing and doing alot. Thanks for the chronicles of it all on your site!
Posted by Michael at 2004-12-23 10:49:35. More

16 Autumn in Seattle


I stumbled across your blog by typing "best wallpaper" at Google. The results produced one of your photos. I have since viewed almost all of your photgraphs. I had no idea China is so beautiful. Quick question: is "Daocheng" the same as "XiZhang"?

Keep up the good work!
Posted by Michael at 2004-11-18 06:04:39. More

15 MovableType 3.0 Released

Hey,

Have you got MT 3.0D running on XP yet? I have been trying to get it going on my W2K machine and have been having lots of issues. In looking the the MT site there seem to be a number of people experiencing the same things.
Posted by Michael at 2004-06-23 18:21:50. More

14 Volunteers Wanted

Put me also in your list.
Posted by Michael at 2004-06-21 22:41:33. More

13 MSN Messenger Emotion Pictures

Hey

Ich suche neue Bekanntschaften von 13-20j also wer von euch Mädels msn messenger hat Bitte melden. michi10016@hotmail.com
I search for new penpal contact for msn messenger.
Girls from 11-20 years, please talk to me.
michi10016@hotmail.com
Posted by Michael at 2004-06-18 21:32:03. More

12 Hardship of Living without Twix

City SuperMarket is great place for the imported things. It is more expensive than a regular super market, but they do have the selection of imported items not many other places do. There is one in the Portman and one somewhere on HuaiHai. They also deliver COD. Call and ask them for a COD catalog at 021-62674248 or 62150418.
Posted by Michael at 2004-06-17 11:17:54. More

11 Thanks for your Comments

I'm flying over to Shanghai in alittle over a week and am currently planning to take the train up to Beijing and travel around to xian then back down into shanghai before teaching English for a month.

the question I have is are there any lockers at the airport where I can lock up text books, notes etc for two weeks before I travel north? if not can you recomend anywhere where I could safely leave these?

Also are there any towns/cities or sites that you would recomend I vist while traveling around china. I am planning to travel up to beijing the same day I fly into shanghai, what whould be my chances of being able to get a ticket on the day to travel that night? basicly would I need to arrange this before I arive in China or could I do it on the day?

Many thanks
Michael
Posted by Michael at 2004-06-17 06:34:33. More

10 Is English Skill That Important

Interesting point Lu.. I was just curious which languages the article tells English speakers they should learn and why.
Posted by Michael at 2004-04-23 07:11:19. More

9 Alcatel OT715 Software

It seems that http://alcor.fw.hu it's not workin' now.Do you have any ideea?
Posted by Michael at 2004-04-11 01:34:05. More

8 The Devil's in the Details

Sorry for nitpicking, I think it should be "the devil's in the details"

I travel frequently for business to China and I tend to agree with you. What is feel is that for many Chinese companies they lack proper and well thought out organisation wide system and, process and control. Not just IT systems but a corporate culture of doing business effectively.

On the bright side, there are also companies in China understanding and trying to implement this. This is also another area where experience is now being gained. In time, 5-10 years I am confident that there will be Chinese "Ikea"s, "Sony"s and "KFC"s :)
Posted by michael at 2004-02-25 09:33:27. More

7 Out of Blogging for Wedding

Congratulations ! Good to see you building such a good life. You deserve all happiness.
Posted by Michael at 2003-09-29 20:19:28. More

6 EndAds and BlockMessenger

Stinking ass holes endads, byebyeads.com and others I HATE... Thanks for the information on how to get rid of the ads...they drove me mad...
I have adesk top publisher ..prospect mailer and have emailed the abuse@level3.net many times and will continue to do so......................Mikey, I hope all the spammers of this company die.
Posted by michael at 2003-08-30 14:00:19. More

5 Traffic Rules in Shanghai

Yes, that article by Andrew Fletcher is really funny... partially funny because so much is true. Here is the link.. http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/displayarticle22.html

Its hard to wait for a light that never changes. There has to be balance. People need to get from here to there, but the struggle or loose mentally keeps life a frantic pace and it is at the loss of courtesy and compassion. What good is being busy if you have no friends?
Posted by Michael at 2003-06-26 14:29:00. More

4 MSN Messenger Spam

Thanks for helping me stop those spamming scumbags using MSN Messenger.
Posted by Michael at 2003-05-06 16:59:31. More

3 Marriage Announcement

Good things happen to good people. I am very happy for you and Wendy! This is an occasion to celebrate!Congratulations!
Posted by Michael at 2003-04-02 09:53:06. More

2 Is English Skill That Important

Hi,

I found this thread on the blog to be very interesting. I have a question - is there any real advantage to a Caucasian American learning Mandarin Chinese? Since there is a push in China to learn English should I even bother trying to learn Mandarin? Thanks for your comments..
Posted by Michael at 2004-03-12 08:34:16. More

1 More IKEA Furnitures in my Home

I also have that cool Bialitt-Ikea-Bed. 140x200cm. But now I sell it at ebay. Too small for 2... Ikea is great !!!!
Posted by Michael at 2003-03-24 23:06:26. More