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| 183 |
MP4 is Cheap loretta: you can also look for other good and reliable brands like Meizu, Ramos and Teclast. These few players has very good sound quality. It would say it is at par with the branded players and you just pay half of the price. You might to take a look at Meizu M8, so called China iPhone that operates on WinCE :-) and Ramos T11RK. Both player is a touch screen player. AliceFeng: Yes, MuMu is another good brand. |
| 182 |
Shanghai for Disabled I can foresee inefficient traffic management and pedestrian crossings will be eye opener to the world during the expo. Hopefully, we don't see more accidents involving the expo visitors. That will be the laughter of the year in 2010. |
| 181 |
IBM vs Dell Laptop check out the new Dell Latitude series. The outlook is much nicer and techie. It is a major improvement in terms of the outlook. |
| 180 |
Yifan and Cars cool... in love with cars... maybe he is going to be first Chinese F1 driver? and driving for the "red" team :-) |
| 179 |
B for Parking Garage Yeeshian, hopefully your accommodation is provided. You might survive if you buy your veg from wet market and cook of your meal. What kind of company is that paying so low? Even local intern will get higher allowance than what you mentioned. All the best |
| 178 |
Gypsum is a Life Changer JS... errr... how about getting a Segway. hehehe... then you can move around easily. |
| 177 |
The City of Tongchuan you better be back to Shanghai early before typhoon hit Shanghai. Else you might be stranded on the airplane or detour to some where else :-) |
| 176 |
Second Child For Some Family but the other day I read in a local newspaper saying that the low birth rate in Shanghai claimed is not accurate because it only consider the local Shanghainese. It should also take into account at the people who has a Shanghai "hukou" because they are 1/3 of the current population in Shanghai. And it has overlooked the other migrant population from other province. Encouraging a higher birth rate meaning it will bring to a higher population and density to Shanghai. I guess that will lead to other social factors like housing, public facilities, and others. |
| 175 |
My Conflict with Safe Guards sad to say... it also happen in some organization or some leader. They shape the same thinking... only I do the talking you don't talk... just follow order... sigh... |
| 174 |
Back fro OOB in Shengsi still have company outing? not bad huh... |
| 173 |
Eclipse Just Ended an interesting event... even though not able to see how the eclipse happened |
| 172 |
Xinjiang! Xinjiang! yeah... because of that Facebook is blocked now... sigh... |
| 171 |
Tax Rate in China is Low? bingo JS, it is high when you consider the service... when this topic arise I always think about the medical facilities here... |
| 170 |
Cheap Budget Hotel in Shanghai I may be visiting Shanghai sometime in Oct to Dec 2009 and i need to stay in a cheap motel or inn as this is my 2nd time going to Shanghai. |
| 169 |
I am Moving Back to Puxi uuu.... no more weekend camping site for Yifan. Anyway, you can always drive to Century Park over the weekend and setup your camp again :) |
| 168 |
Real Estate Price Rises in Shanghai the funny thing after the building collapse, all the 13 floors are still intact... in one piece! It didn't break into pieces. |
| 167 |
Real Estate Price Rises in Shanghai looks like the rental price going to again... and the rich going to richer in Shanghai... and the middle class will not able to have their own house... sigh... |
| 166 |
Shanghai to Jinshanwei kbguy, Xiamen is Guangzhou is one end to the other. It is still quite a distance. Probably at least another hour by flight. |
| 165 |
Visiting US in July take the same flight to collect more airline points :-) |
| 164 |
Controlling Software is Everywhere The Green Dam suppose to filter pornography material right... even for cartoons or manga... haha... This is an interesting topic. http://www.physorg.com/news164423969.html |
| 163 |
Tianzifang at Taikang Road yeah. I heard it is better than Xintiandi. Over here you can find more authentic Shanghai lifestyle. |
| 162 |
End of a Holiday without Wendy JS, I guess I have to agree with the chinese medicine ideas because it is happening to me. I unwind myself over the weekend, sleep long hours and no PC. Now ended feeling dizzy and maybe lazy.. hehe... |
| 161 |
Communication is Key to Any Success what happened you have those communicate a lot, trying to make office politics. For example, trying hard to please the boss happy, trying to build "guan-xi". things can be very different in the office with this kind of communication. And sometime, this people get away from getting their work done and responsible for their work. With their good communication, the blame always goes to someone that have to do "their" job. And they get escape because they are boss people. |
| 160 |
Second Impression of Shanghai Expo Site Jianshou, When is the ticket go on sale for the public? I'm planning to buy my ticket in advance for my parent who will be visiting me next year. They are so excited to take part in this Expo. They've been visiting Shanghai for the past few years. They find Shanghai very exciting because it keep on growing everyday. Every time they come something changed :-) |
| 159 |
Why People Don't Use Voice Mail in China this is a matter of culture evolution... but not a culture as mentioned by ddjiii. Voice mail was introduction in late 70s and early 80s. And it evolve to other messaging system like pager. This technology were introduced and widely use in developed country. And you can say that, it also turn to be a pop culture of having a pager. In that era, how many people in China has phone? Was voice mail introduce to the public? Not to say how many people can afford a pager in the era. I guess the answer is few... and maybe the service was not available. So, basically China has missed the boat and did not "participate" in this culture evolution. Take another example as in music. If you grow up in the 70s you might know the names like "Village People", "Chicago", "Donny Osmond", "Mungo Jerry" etc and know how to sing all their songs. How many people in the grow up in 90s know these singer? maybe a few or maybe none. |
| 158 |
Two Things Other Tourist Don't Do in Shanghai JS, to me it is a great experience to see the "People Mountain People Sea" when transit Line 1 and Line 2 during peak hours because you hardly can see this kind of crowds in many part of the world. Honestly, I had this culture shock during my first visit to People Square Station during a weekend. I backed off and turn around and go home :P Now, when I look back to the incident, I will say that is a great experience... and I always recommend my visitors :P |
| 157 |
Shanghai Auto Show 2009 It was havoc on Saturday the whole day. It was reported there were 160,000 visitors for that Saturday itself. Nuts... The nearby roads were so congested. Police officers were flying the tickets for illegally park their car. Chichi, tomorrow (Tuesday) will be the last day. If you're thinking of going, my advice is go in the morning. Because by afternoon some of the exhibitor will start preparing to end the show. |
| 156 |
Three Interesting Photos KBGuy, if you the chance to to Tienanmen Square to see the soldiers raised the national flags. That will be interesting. |
| 155 |
Back from Xiamen (and Why OOB) why Jinmen is under governence of Taiwan? It is so close to China land... JS, mind to explain. Thanks. |
| 154 |
Why People Travel to me it is curiosity. We have so many why and what questions in our mind ever since we are brought to this world. An individual will start have to this curiosity at the age of 3 and will start looking for answer. also because curiosity, mankind will explore, improve, invent. I guess Yifan also looking for a lot of answers from you. He probably start asking you a lot of this why and what questions. hehe... |
| 153 |
Mountains of Guilin JS, How many horses you're able to find on the mountain? All? |
| 152 |
Photos of Yangshuo, Guilin Venus, Just check out your with your tour agent whether will you be taking the river cruise to Yangshou from Guilin. This is a normal route for tour package covering Guilin and Yangshou. 4 days 3 nights are more than enough. |
| 151 |
Impression of Impression Sanjie Liu Another thing, I guess some credit should be given to coordinating the whole performance on a river. This is much more difficult and complicated as compare to coordinating in an indoor theater which might has a lot of advance technology and automation. And to coordinate 500 actor/actresses to put up the each show is not going to be easy as well. |
| 150 |
I am in Guilin ah... you missed the interesting night market at the main street. |
| 149 |
7 Office Design Ideas with the clock, everyone in the room has to ensure the meeting is productive and has benefit. Not just "meet" and "think" later... :-) |
| 148 |
7 Office Design Ideas to share with all, this is another cool open office in Malaysia http://www.minishorts.net/2007/03/21/digis-cool-office/ they have nice coffee place. The catchy names for the meeting rooms make it easy to remember and fun :-) |
| 147 |
Thoughts After Seeing Dubai Tower Agree with TY. nothing special. does not remember it at all. Unlike other interesting iconic architectural in other parts of the world. |
| 146 |
Beer Can by the Highway vs Spitting Pushing should be added to the list. People like to push when getting to public transport such as subway and bus. This is dangerous. |
| 145 |
Thoughts After Seeing Dubai Tower after having that tall building, people started to worry... oh no, some terrorist is going to crash a plane on the tall building. so, what is the point to have such a tall building. it might be ended a not fully utilize and waste energy to lit up the building. |
| 144 |
Microsoft Shanghai Zizhu Campus looks like it is a requirement to drive, if you plan to work in this new Microsoft campus :P |
| 143 |
Financial Crisis and Shanghai RWM, yup... Not just Carrefour. I notice the traffic in eating places and mall also has less people. Soon, might see more people taking the public transport to reduce cost of driving on the road. Good for the environment :P |
| 142 |
Car Towing Services in Shanghai JS, I guess it is time for you to consider changing a new and bigger car. Since Yifan will need a bigger space to play in the car too. hehehe... |
| 141 |
Daily Cost of a Tourist in Shanghai Ling, Guess your friend giving you a wrong idea. You're just paying RMB20++ for that bowl of noodle, please don't expect to get a personal attention like in a 5 stars restaurant. Your friend meaning "not cleaning properly" is just merely they didn't serve you a dry plates. However, you won't see any left over by the previous patrons. |
| 140 |
Daily Cost of a Tourist in Shanghai Luke, Order your beer at the local restaurant that you're having your lunch/dinner. It will cost you around RMB12-15 for a Budweiser or Heineken. If you buy the beer in grocery stores, you just need to pay RMB6-8. If you have a Shanghai map indicating places of interest, you can start planning taking the bus using this bus route link http://msittig.wubi.org/bus/ Enjoy your trip. |
| 139 |
Airline Fuel Surcharge Lowered JS, you actually take Spring Airline? A lot of my colleagues told me not to take this airline saying that it is not safe. Why is that so? When I asked further, they said cheap tickets meaning they will have poorly maintain aircraft. Is that so that they compromise on safety? I have taken a lot of budget airlines like Spring in other countries too. This is the first time I heard this kind of reason for budget airlines. Please help to clarify. Thanks. |
| 138 |
Airline Fuel Surcharge Lowered I bought my ticket 6 months ago to enjoy a super saver low international fare too. A lot of airline is trying to encourage people to take their airline. If not their aircraft still need to fly with no passengers. |
| 137 |
Hangzhou Photos at the End of 2008 I enjoyed the most is cycling around the West Lake. Without fail... every time I visited HZ, I will rent a bicycle and cycle around the city and lake. hmm... I tot the famous restaurant in HZ is Louwailou Restaurant? |
| 136 |
Merry Christmas 2008 Merry Christmas everyone... don't drink and drive :-) |
| 135 |
"I have a Name Card" haha... this is one of my favorites delicacies in Shanghai. yum... yum... you only find these vendors starting from late autum to early spring. I am wondering what they sell after that? or what they do? any idea? |
| 134 |
Bomb Threats in Shanghai No wonder, Super Brand Mall was so quiet yesterday evening. It doesn't like Christmas where everyone should be busy shopping since it was the last weekend before Christmas. |
| 133 |
Drive on Nanpu Bridge for 3000 Times I'm looking forward for the expo. JS, can you post more about the expo? |
| 132 |
Going to Attend Shanghaiist Party Jim, let me guess... you're NOT staying in Shanghai... JS, arggh... I miss this happening again. |
| 131 |
Temporarily Removed Facebook Connect yeah... lately I gave up with Facebook in China. Not just slow... it is NOT LOADING AT ALL. just becoming another hopeless site. |
| 130 |
Still Many People Go Abroad both of you are so funny... posting an ad without understanding more about this blog. he can be your tour guide even. |
| 129 |
Indian English a suggestion. Record the phone conversation between you and the Indian speaker and listen back to the conversation. The benefits: - You will quickly get familiar with the Indian's speaker accent (since you will be having regular telephone calls with he/she) - You can mitigate the misunderstanding or not able to understand part during the conversation. Some of the podcast can be spoken very well. It is still different from the actual daily conversation. Hope that helps. |
| 128 |
Transition of Metro Line #1 and Line 2 probably you can take a shot of how you were squeeze in the subway? hehe... |
| 127 |
Bus Seems Better than Taxi yes, i agree with your first 2 points. I started to explore the bus services in Shanghai too. and with the bus, you don't have to worry that the taxi driver take you a ride go "merry-go-round" to make extra mileage. I will say for short distance, bus is very very convenient. |
| 125 |
Xishan, an Island in Taihu visiting the orange farm sounds fun!! any pictures? |
| 123 |
I Use Public Transportation Now Paul, I don't you can do the reading while taking Shanghai Metro at that peak hours... especially Line 1. Once you reach People Square Station, you will be squeeze like a sandwich. The best thing to do is listening to your mp3. Maybe play some interesting podcast tracks. |
| 122 |
Prepaid Gas and Electricity in Beijing isn't that troublesome? have to go to the bank and queue to reload the prepaid cards? I guess I will be miserable having to queue and reload the prepaid. Worst if you have language communication problem. |
| 121 |
Jian Shuo Wang Becomes Wang Jian Shuo Good suggestion Micah. Some Chinese first names has 2 words (e.g. Jian Shou). It will be better that you join this word together without spacing to become JianShou. Add another point, when you display 3 words Wang Jian Shou, others might not able to identify which is your FirstName and LastName. Usually Western names will only display 2 words e.g. Bill Gate or Micah Sittig. There is possibility other might think that your FirstName is "Wang Jian" and LastName is "Shou". |
| 120 |
The Wonderful 2008 Meetup I missed the meet up. I was away from town. sigh... Will try to make it next time. |
| 119 |
Salary for Foreign Engineers 1.5K for transportation? Taxi to every ride? I guess that is not necessary. He can try out the subway which is very convenient. It is another new experience and learning more about China. Nothing spectacular sitting in a taxi and caught in the jam. Even myself, I start learning to take local bus to certain destination but of course not the peak hours :P |
| 118 |
Photos of Wujiang Road Loretta, Not sure the shops that you mentioned still there. Wujiang Road recently had a face lift. It is not the old sloppy eatery street with lots of pulling cart stalls anymore. Xin Tian Di is at Line 1 - Huang Pi Nan Lu station. Check out the website http://www.xintiandi.com/english/index_e.asp |
| 117 |
Buy Train Ticket After On Board Does that person still get a seat number? What happen to the passenger that bought the ticket in advance with a dedicated seat number, then later found out someone taken his/her seat and refuse to move. Isn't that unfair? Imagine you purposely make a trip to counter days before to get your ticket and yet later found out there is such dirty tricks that can be by-pass. |
| 116 |
Dos and Don'ts For Foriengers in China Do try the local restaurant food. Don't just keep looking for McD. Do try out your bargaining skill in some local shops or market. I know it is not a common practice in a lot of western countries. |
| 115 |
Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony For those that missed the opening. You can find some of the clips on You Tube |
| 114 |
Interesting Comments on the Ceremony same thing happened to Shanghai. A lot of shops and mall close after 6pm yesterday. Even mall like Yaohan (八百盘) in Pudong. |
| 113 |
Lost Passport and Found it you're lucky that your country is able to issue another passport again. As for mine, it will be one for the life time. If I lost it most likely I am not able to get another new one. btw, i suggest you get a safe box for you home. then, you can store all your important documents and precious items inside. And can forget about the seeking high and low again. It is not expensive to get one in Carrefour :) |
| 112 |
The Most Beautiful Sky in Shanghai That blue sky really makes me feel like not working for the day. Just thought of sitting at my balcony having a cup of coffee and doing some house chores. And that blue sky strikes my mind and tell me how much I miss home now. |
| 111 |
Shanghai Metro is Not 24 Hours yea, how i wish there are more 24 hours outlet especially places for food. |
| 110 |
CRH Train from Shanghai to Hangzhou 1st class ticket price at RMB68. 2nd class ticket is RMB58. For the 1st class, it is a comfotable big 2 seater for each side of the cabin. Power supply socket plug is provided too. You can easily google and the train schedule online. |
| 109 |
Register with PSB During Olympics? I guess it is just a ensure the safety of a foreigner, nothing more than that. Nothing to be panic about. I like the idea, at least I know I am on the save ground. That will be different thoughts for those who has a bad intention. Tighten security measures during international events happened everywhere. Take a look at the security measures taken against the football fan in Europe and England :) |
| 108 |
Back from Chongming Island i read sometime ago that the new Disneyland will be built in Chongming island too. Is that right? |
| 107 |
Shanghai Dazhong Taxi Another story. Yesterday I took a striking Red color taxi home. That taxi driver beat the red light and nearly knock a pedestrian who was crossing the road. The pedestrian scream at the driver. Then, the drive stepped on the brakes and pull over to the road side. He stepped out the car and shout at the pedestrian to stand still, don't move. And asked what you just said. What a horrible taxi driver. "Welcome to take my taxi again", that's the message you'll hear from the taxi meter system. HAHAHA.... |
| 106 |
Shanghai Dazhong Taxi Darn... try not to take the private taxi which is the dark blue or maroon color. The driver gave me a fake 20yuan. |
| 105 |
Happy Birthday to Yifan Happy B'day. So what did he choose for his birthday present? Any sight what is his future going to be? hehehe... |
| 104 |
I Felt Afraid of Public Opinions Now donation and willing to help is coming from the heart. Those who are judging a person by $$$ is such a hypocrite. For those hypocrite, ask yourself how much have you donate and how willing are you to help before condemning others. And of course, some donated a lot of money just for fame and publicity with an intention (e.g. boost company image, personal image, relationship, sales, etc). That is the reason now the public start questioning the accountability of the donated money. I just feel sad and disgusted with all these insincerity and abuse. JS, don't worry about not representing the public. You are different and that's why I am still reading your blog as a foreigner because you make more sense. I guess you've the right "rationale" and "mankind" thinking. |
| 103 |
Hard to Use Metro Instead of a Car Driving and park at Century Park Metro station: Actually you can park by the road side near the Metro station (along Mei Hua Rd). There is a parking attendant taking care of the cars parked there. I saw drivers paying about RMB5 or less for one day parking. Park your bicycle: There is also a guarded bicycle parking area at Century Park Metro station. You just need to pay RMB1 for parking there. Hope that will help whoever need this info. :) |
| 102 |
Leave Home Early to Avoid Traffic Jam shanghai is just over populated and crowded. the word "congestion & jam" is applicable to any kind of transportation (e.g. metro, bus, car, etc). you name it... bicycle lane is not spare. |
| 101 |
Mourning for Victims in Sichuan i've changed my Windows to black and white too. Including the title bars :) |
| 100 |
Mourning for Victims in Sichuan i've changed my Windows to black and white too. Including the title bars :) |
| 99 |
How Many Mobiles do You Have? dun understand why your friend need so many numbers. I am sure he is not into business. Because the dynamically change number, he will lost all this business contacts. None of your business contact is able to keep in touch with him and updated with the frequently change numbers. hehe... |
| 98 |
China Earthquake Donation Guide Other than monetary, you can also donate your clothes to the unfortunate. Check out the drop-off centers in Shanghai http://www.communitycenter.cn/bbs/ViewTopic?tid=627&pid=301 |
| 97 |
Earthquake is Much More Terrible than I Thought AussiePB, glad to hear your friend is safe and sound. You shall feel relief now. |
| 96 |
Photos of Carrefour after Boycott LianYang store and Thumb Plaza is bad as well. Did anyone notice that the company put up a notice to explain their stand of fully support the Olympic and denied the allegations about their involvement in politics? And Jin Jin (the paralympic athelete) also stood up and voice her opinion. I agree with her points. By boycotting Carrefour doesn't bring any benefits because majority of the goods are Made in China. Suppliers are local Chinese farmers and Carrefour employees are Chinese. I am sure the local Chinese suppliers having bad days because their vege cannot sell and let it rot in their farm. The eggs expired on the shelves and no takers. Poor the farmers. |
| 95 |
Flight from Shanghai to Nanyang, Henan It is even more fun if you board into a twin-otters, with propellers fan. That is really fun. |
| 94 |
My National ID Duplicated with Another One how's everything? hope that the other person has done any big crime using the same ID. hehe... all the best. |
| 93 |
Shanghai Zoo i guess the zoo shall finds some good volunteer samaritans to do some charity work for the zoo. A lot of places do that to reduce cost at the same time let the animal lovers have some fun. |
| 92 |
Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 2 to Open JS, thanks for the info. It is handy to know it before hand. |
| 91 |
Shanghai Snows Again ddjiii, you're right... PVG is not well equipped and ready for this kind of snow. Maybe not expected to happened in Shanghai. Last night I was stuck in an aircraft for 5 hours before we can take off. We were notified that the aircraft have to go through a defrost process.... and the worst thing we have to queue to be defrost and there are 18 aircraft in front of us. And they need 15 minutes for each aircraft.... in other word, the only have one team to do the defrosting...!!!! after all the passengers are not allow to get off the aircraft. All we can do were sit down and wait... wait... wait... I guess PVG has to get themselves more prepare for the unexpected incidents. |
| 90 |
Fight Between Foreigners and Local Rick, Do you know any citizen from rest of the world has to apply a visa to enter China? In case you don't know. From a diplomatic point of view, it is fair if other country require a visa for Chinese travallers. Tell you a good point of having a China passport. You will be looking upon as a terrorist because China has its own stand, never side any big blocks and link with terrorism activities. If you've holding certain country's passport you can be label as terrorist eventhough you're a CEO. |
| 89 |
Fight Between Foreigners and Local Mass media plays great role in the society balance, thinking, idealogies, etc. There is a saying "a pen can be mightier than a sword". In history there are great incident happened and turned to become a history forever: 1. Watergate scandal that brings down the President 2. Timor-timor racial crisis which eventually started with a gangster fight over a "territory" that is so happened from two different religion. 3. Princess Diana's death which is indirect cause by the persistent chase of the media. 4. lot more... |
| 88 |
Skyscrapers in Lujiazui And they are building the IFC tower which is diagonally left opposite of Shangri-La. HSBC will be the anchor tenant for that IFC tower. |
| 87 |
I am in Ninghai in Ningbo this looks like a nice place for retreat from the buzzling city life of Shanghai. |
| 86 |
Snowing Huangshan I wished Shanghai will turn that white in these coming week :) |
| 85 |
Shanghai Metro Line #4, #6, #8, #9 Opens i heard on the news that Metro has to do something about the traffic to avoid any stampede. The opening on the new line has caused high influx of passengers. |
| 84 |
Shanghai Metro South Xizang Rd. Station ha.... you're fast and updated... you've explore the new lines.. People Square Interchange looks "refreshing" with the new reno... and the walking distance from Line 1 interchange to Line 2 is shorter... |
| 83 |
Summary of My 2007 Great year ahead in 2008... Happy New Year |
| 82 |
Foreigners Individual Income Tax in China of course foreigner who work in China has to pay tax too. |
| 81 |
Merry Christmas 2007 MERRY CHRISTMAS to all readers in this blog.... |
| 80 |
Use GPRS in Shanghai Call Shanghai Mobile and request to subscribe to their 12593 IP phone services. Call to US to Singapore only RMB0.40 per minute. |
| 79 |
Trans-Bank System Finally Available fyi, Bank of China doesn't have English language option for their credit card telephone service... bad... there are lots of other banks do better than them... sigh... |
| 78 |
Toughest Time for Me and Wendy Jianshou, One thing for sure that has not change and never change which you have YOUR BLOGGING FAN reading your blog daily!! I guess you have change a lot our reading habit. Adding your blog into our reading list. Readers out there, what do you think? :) |
| 77 |
Who is Chinabounder Well... I guess that is a personal morality issue. A pounder can be from anywhere, any skin colour, any country, and any physical size. |
| 76 |
Seat-Belt? Oh. No. Thanks! Shanghai taxi's safety belt? sometime you just don't fee like wearing because it is so dirty. If you're wearing a white shirt, you probably have an artistic stripe over your body when you get down from the taxi... hehe... |
| 75 |
Photos of CNBloggerCon haha... you're going backwards... using a pager... You're a technologist geek... how can that happen :) Hehe.... The same thing happen to me in my house. I have to stand at the balcony to pick up my phone calls. A couple of time my office couldn't get me during emergency... sigh... |
| 74 |
Foreign Job Seekers Move to Shanghai JS, regarding the sub-topic "Going Out is Easier". I remember about 20 years when China started to open and people has the chance to go out of the country, my family invited my granduncle who was stranded in China before World War 2 to have a return visit to his born country. It was so much hassle that we had to go through. However, it is worth it... finally we managed to fulfill his wish had him return home at least once which is his last visit too. |
| 73 |
Foreign Job Seekers Move to Shanghai Darkdukey, do you think all the white man in the are the same? Try to tell a French man the is English (British). You will be lucky if you don't get smack. hmm... questions for all... if you think a person look Asian he/she is consider chinese. What about Japanese and Korean? They can look Chinese if they don't speak :) However, they have very high respect in Shanghai... especially Korean |
| 72 |
Seat-Belt? Oh. No. Thanks! Shrek7, why do you need seat belt when the plane is flying. It will not make an emergency brake :) If an airplane crashed, nothing will survive anyway. |
| 71 |
Beijing Metro Ticket is As Low As 2 RMB I like the idea... at least make the public transport an affordable for all. At the same time reduce the pollution and congestion. |
| 70 |
Happy Birthday to Me hey dude, Happy Birthday... guess this year really signify a new journey in your life where you have a family member (your son) to celebrate your birthday. Again... Happy Birthday. |
| 69 |
Wendy's Wallet was Stolen so sorry to hear that. My wife wallet was stolen by a patron who was sitting before her. We just couldn't believe it. The pick pocket dress as a patron and ordered food in from the restaurant too. I guess everybody has to be alert when you're walking around in Shanghai. Every where you go, never let your valueble stuff out of side. |
| 68 |
Don't Leave, AussiePB AussiePB, may i know what has triggered your emotional box and stop reading this blog? Lately I was not updated with the subscribe blogs because Yahoo Group not working fine. |
| 67 |
Living Cost in Shanghai (2007 Edition) that is the real world... a lot of people chasing to be rich and famous, greed, etc that drives the increase of cost of living. Well if you're in this elite group will you complaint? :) that also show the development effect... it happen in all major cities in the world. |
| 66 |
New Regulations to Kill Group Renting in Shanghai Shanghai real estate is over price if you compare with the income level earn by the general public. I guess policies shall be form on how to prevent apartment units are manipulated rather than not renting it out. Shall impose heavy levies, or taxes for owning more than one apartments, etc. That will at least make some room for those who really want on budget but would like to have a apartment of their own too. Apartment in Shanghai are manipulated by the above average group, and they are the one that make the market price soar higher by reselling it out by making a huge profit. |
| 65 |
You Know You Have Been in China for Too Long if you start to squat while waiting in a public area, you know you stayed too long in China. |
| 64 |
You Know You Have Been in China for Too Long if you start carrying a ladies handbag which is big in size, you know you stayed too long in Shanghai. |
| 63 |
Top Commenter of the Month (2007H1) Just wanted to test if I can use existing ID. :-) |
| 62 |
Exchange (Lot of) Coins to Paper Money Can you just bank in the coins into a local saving account? And then, withdraw it out from the ATM or counter. |
| 61 |
Contact Me Your posting "contact me" is back dated... we are in the month of Aug 2007 now. time flies... your last posting still dated July 2007 :) |
| 60 |
Controversy Car Plates nice thoughts Shrek. then, I might get a DC007 :) Cookie, if you're long enough as a reader of this blog here you will realised that we are merely discussion some daily life matters. Nothing contraversial here nor against the government. Every country has their own sovereignity and we respect that. |
| 59 |
Dislike Doing or Starting to Do JS, It has been a year you posted this article? How is your Shanghainese language coming up? any website that teaches Shanghainese? I would like to learn too.. |
| 58 |
Accident in Shanghai Metro ALERT, Shanghai's readers... Violence robbers are in town. Last weekend my colleague was stabbed and robbed in JinQiao. The robbers also slashed all over his hands and one of his nerve were cut apart. Now, the hospital is performing a surgery for him. BE CAREFUL OF YOUR SURROUNDING.... Always on high alert... |
| 57 |
Accident in Shanghai Metro FYI, some Shanghai commuters doesn't have good civic minded sense when taking this kind of public transport that might cause all these unnecessary of accidents. Below are some experience I had seen when taking Shanghai Metro: 1. Some of them will do a 100m sprint do the stair and dash into the train. With that high velocity a sensor definitely failed to sense his present. 2. Use both of their hands trying to stop the train for closing like the green monster, Incredible HULK. The reason is he is waiting for a friend. 3. Some still jump in to the train when the train is "beeping" (door is closing). I do really mean "jump" like you're doing a long jump. He/She will crush all the passengers inside the train. Can you imagine what going to happen if there is a pregnant or elderly is standing there and crush by this "jumper"? Something for you to ponder... civic minded or authority's fault or tombstone technology. |
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Going to Movie (Cinema) in Shanghai Does these cinemas provide advance booking service? Or online booking? Thanks. |
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China's Social Resources twang... yes there are some unethical clinics and doctors. I had a colleague who are foreigner was over charge like crazy. The hospitalized him with the reason that he has to under observation. It ended he was hospitalized for a week for nothing. Just stay there and take a couple of blood test... and that's it... guess how much is the bill... he was slapped with rmb25,000 for that and discharge him without any medication, nor reports of what he was hospitalized for that 7 days. poor him... |
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China's Social Resources my experience in Shanghai hospital. It is a "money oriented" public services. Pay before being treated. Here is a procedure when you're have a cough and flu. And you visited the doctor. 1. Pay to register as visiting patient --- queue 2. Pay before you go for your blood test--- queue 3. Take your blood test --- wait for results 4. Pay before you see the doctor face-to-face --- queue to see doctor 5. See doctor 6. Pay to get your medication prescribed by doctor 7. Collect medication. Why can't just simplify the process and make payment only ONCE? Can you imagine a person who are sick have to run up and down, left and right around the hospital to make payment and seek for treatment... gosh... it is so tiring... especially when you're sick. |
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Writing Some Codes Tomorrow well, i guess that kind of pressure is healthy for the employee and the company. The CEO has a message for the guys out there, "hey, don't try to pull my legs and telling me this or that is not possible to do". If a CEO who is handful can figure out the code, why can't you Mr/Ms. Programmer? Futhermore, that doesn't mean you don't trust your programmer. A fully committed and has high involvement CEO should be respected. He has well manage the company, proven by the expansion in business, and yet still have time for coding. :) |
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Chinese Characters Jian Shuo, why not you setup up a podcast and teach some Chinese language? teaching other how to pronounce in Chinese language |
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Happy (New) Father's Diary Hi JS, I kinda miss your blog too. So glad to receive you updates.... especially news about your new kid. I guess he is the star in your blog as well. Look so many of us out here are curious to know more about kid's update and progress everyday. Do keep us up to date :) |
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Pictures of my Newly-Born Baby Cute and handsome boy... baby girls out there anyone interested in this "bachelor"? :) Congrates JS & Wendy. |
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My Baby Arrives CONGRATULATIONS...! Have you decide the name for your new born baby? |
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Take Taxi or Buy a Car? Давид, Currently, I am living in Shanghai. I do cycle around Shanghai as an exercise or weekly outing. I thought of cycling to my office too which is 7km away. But considering the heavy morning traffic that pollutes the air quality, I decided not too. If not my face will have a "foundation" look alike the cosmetic used by the ladies. Instead of white in color, mine will be slightly darker in color. HAHAHAHA..... |
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Take Taxi or Buy a Car? "I rode my bike on Bike to Work Day, which was last Friday. It was 11.5 miles each way. It felt great. I am thinking of doing that every other Friday. Posted by: Давид on May 23, 2007 03:29 AM" You probably need to carry a oxygen tank on your back :) It is not about the distance... it is pollution here... very dusty. |
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Take Taxi or Buy a Car? Ben, you must be kidding working in the taxi here. You just said "Taxi drivers are better at squeezing past buses", how can you work... you better focus on how they drive... :) |
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Take Taxi or Buy a Car? without a car you can't or will not consider going to outskirt. it is a no.. no.. no.. you might get a taxi to there but no promise you will get another one back to the city. Car is another option for "freedom" :) |
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Shanghai Maglev Timetable I guess the website is not up to date. The other day I asked over the ticket counter, and they told me it is 30 minutes interval now. |
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Flowers in Spring, in my Garden probably you can create an e-card to be inlcuded in your blog and for your fans to email it out to their friends. how about that? |
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Buying Furniture in Shanghai I saw that kind of furnitre in Metro, Long Yang Rd and Decathlon in QingJiao too. Check it out |
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24 Hours of Flickr JS, I just can't wait to see your new invention of 'photo blog' on Flickr. Keep me up to date. Looking forward :) |
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Very Tired Recently JS, Have a nice holiday... FYI, there is a new Coffee Bean at FangDian Rd Thumb Plaza. They provide wi-fi access for free. Go enjoy your coffee :) |
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Reasons of Bad Traffic in Shanghai Deeze, I don't think the city is poorly planned. You have wide roads, well planned cross junctions, block design township layout etc. There more complicated roads in other countries with flyover racing towards the sky height, Y-shape junction, roundabout (probably you can't even find one here), . However, the traffic is still manageable. I am fine eventhough I got caught in a bumper to bumper jam for an hour. But here, I can't easy bear for 15 minutes. I will go crazy seeing drivers zig-zagging, cut into your lanes, trying their best to squeeze you out of the drive way, honking (which doesn't help when the traffic is RED!). If you're really an urban planner, you shall study the traffic light control system in other countries. It will be a good case study and you will definitely find a vast different. Don't have to go far... check out Hong Kong traffic light system. When the pedestrian is crossing, none of the car will move. If in Singapore, the car will brake for you to cross a zebra crossing. Not like here, nobody understand what is the usage/meaning of zebra crossing. It is so basic...!!! Let's make China a better city. |
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Reasons of Bad Traffic in Shanghai Dave and Jakob... related to your questions/opinions... this is my observation in Shanghai after staying here for a while. My reasons for this is: 1. Shanghai has BAD traffic system. Doesn't know how to coordinate traffic lights. For example, when you're crossing the road using the zebra line, cars from other direction can still move towards your direction! 2. Selfish and intolerance drivers. A friend told me these drivers want the walker to reckon their financial status, like "hey, look i have a car. Dare you come close... see you bone is harder or my metal (car) is harder." Maybe this is from the autocratic ideology to show their "power". 3. Impatient pedestrian - they have no sense of how dangerous of jaywalking. My guess of this dangerous behaviour is not thought either in formal or informal education. A kid might be saying, "Look my father can do that, why I can't do the same". It is always learning by example. In summary, there is not GOOD example to follow here. |
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How to Get to Xiamen May a train ride from Shanghai or Beijing will be interesting. Can consider that... |
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Cheap Way to Visit Hangzhou Bullet train to HangZhou? Any picture about that train? How long is the journey to HangZhou now using the bullet train? |
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Beijing Develops Faster than Shanghai Hi JS, I would like to visit Beijing. My friend asked me to wait until next year because a lot of interesting tourist attraction are partially close down for renovation. Is that true? What is your recommendation? |
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Avoid Hong Qiao Airport on Friday Night Shockr, Using RFID for luggage tagging? Cool... Can you describe more about or send me the link for that technology? Thanks. |
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Nice Hotel in Tongli Cozy small little town...! How to get there from Shanghai? |
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Serious Ill caused by Serious Mistake Hopeless doctor... i found the hospital is here is profit organization not LIFE SAVING... sucks... |
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I Found a Bug - in my Soup hehe... what a experience. I am not sure whether is the a Consumer Association in Shanghai. In my country, if a patron complaint about this incident and the assocation/goverment found out this is true, the shop owner's license to operate will be revoked and fined with a hefty sum. |
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Reset Nokia 6670 So, what will be your next phone, iPhone? :) |
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Grocery Cost in Shanghai, 2007 JS, yes the price went up. I used to buy this bread brand which cost RMB8 before the spring festival. After my return from my home country after the festival the loft of bread cost me RMB10 now! That is a 20% increase of price!!! Too much... Does Shanghai has consumer affair that monitor the market price and the same time protect the consumer's right? |
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How to Advertise on this Blog? Maintain your policy - ad free blog. 1) The apartment broker site is way to expensive. Your can hardly find any units below USD1000. In actual fact, one can find a nice apartment in Lian Yang, Pudong within the budget of USD600-700. And a company will do this arrangement if the company is renting a unit which is more than USD1000. This expat for sure has his/her own P.A to handle the local agent :) 2) I am wondering is there any reliable installer/provider for the stalalite TV? I heard some package need to pay to update the service every few months? Is that true? Anyone know the answer? |
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10 RMB for Genuine DVD You might be right. I read on the news that this is one of the measure to counter piracy. And they will released the DVD at the same time together with the 1st day showing in the cinema. |
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Should I Drive in Shanghai? Shanghai has weird road traffic system. Eventhough the pedestrian light is GREEN, when you cross the street that doesn't mean you're safe to walk! You will find cars coming from the front and back of the direction you're walking! C'mon, I am talking abou GREEN light for pedestrian here. My advice, when you cross the street in Shanghai, you have to 101% alert. Watch out for all directions, front, back, left and right. |
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So Many Red Lights! Redflag, you're a creative :) JS, is a photographer. He includes visual information in his dairy/blog too. Take a closer look at the picture. |
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Four Seasons Hotel yeah, will be great if Shanghai has a non-smoking area in public area like restaurant, hotel lobbies, etc. Can you imagine a pregnant lady sitting in restaurant thinking of having a good meal, and latter she found the next table in smoking like a chimney. It is so bad for the mother and the development of the unborn child. |
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A Stolen Bicycle Shrek7, yup there are a lot of them. They are a smooth criminals. They will come in a gang with tools to cut the thick bicycle locks. And they don't hesitate to operate in the broad day light and crowded places. My friend's was stolen even though he parked his bicycle at crowded area where Carrefour and banks are located. The worst thing, is the passer-by are ignorant enough didn't even warn/ scream at the kids where they saw them trying to steal the bicycle. |
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Living Cost in Shanghai - Medicine For foreigners who cannot speak Putong Hua are unlikely to received the consultation as mentioned by JS in a public hospital. Some local hospitals has a special department for foreigner. You will get the same treat except the doctors speaks English. For that you're registration fee is RMB500 before you start talking to them :) Private hospital is really expensive! And you have to have a bit of knowledge your your sickness and why you have to be warded. A colleague of mine was slapped with a bill almost USD20,000 for warded for 2 weeks. No operation or whatsoever, just lab test, daily checking and of course "hotel" stay for 2 weeks. Medical services are very commercialize in Shanghai. You can see hospital adverstisement everywhere like subway TV, billboard, magazine, and etc. Unlike some countries, medical is consider as a industry and profession that provides services to public. Therefore, it has to be neutral whereby all hospitals shall have the same goal which is treat patient and safe lives. I read before an articles claiming that Shanghai medical fees rank the 3rd highest in the world :) Not sure how true is that... |
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Life in a Crowded World this is the country I experience rudest customer service for a bank... seems like you have to beg them to deposit or withdraw your money. Since the bank is so wealthy, why can't they invest on the online banking. It will save everybody a lot of trouble. They are so many techno geeks around. JS, maybe Kijiji shall make a proposal to be the implementor. Anymore volunteers to make this work? |
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Standing in a Train? No... Good luck for those who are going to take a train being sandwich, uncomfortable odour, risk of being pick pocket, etc. From JS's description, one better get ready some plastic bag and wee-wee standing. HEHE... Corruption free? What a tough question? JS, has Shanghai Metro explained what they do with the million of dollars collected from the train deposit (RMB30/each)? |
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Personal Income Tax in China I am curious about the Self-claim tax for annual salary > 120K too. Please keep me update on this since I couldn't find much information about this in English. Thanks. |
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Shanghai Jiaotong University May be you can organize a trip for your reader. Post in your blog and see how many people are interested :) |
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OOB for Saturday HO.. HO.. HO.. Merry Christmas and have a nice holiday! Shanghai has a lot of sale going on. Maybe can bring Wendy shopping and release your stress :) |
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Lining Up for Metro? How many JS that we can have in Shanghai? HEHE... If the majority has 75% of his civilization and sensitivity, the city will be definately different :) We will wait and see. |
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Zhaoxiang Outlets You mean you can find this kind of outlet in Shanghai? Can you provide more detail on how to get there? Take Metro Line 2 or 3? Thanks. |
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PVG: Shanghai Pudong Airport Map Hi, Yesterday, I came across Shanghai Airport Authority website. The site provide the departing/ arrival flight information and others information too. Just type in the flight number you will be able to find out the status of the flight. Check it out. http://www.shanghaiairport.com/en/index.jsp |
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Swensen's in Xujiahui wonder when will Baskin Robbin will step into Shanghai market? hmm... they have lots of flavour... yummy... |
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Top 3 Issues of Shanghai Tourism Hi, As a foreigner living in Shanghai, I have some opinions on how to boost the tourism in Shanghai: 1. Increase the usage of English for the sign board for directions (especially the transportation area like train station, bus station, airport and etc.) 2. Encourage Restaurant to have their Menu in bilingual (Mandarin and English). At least provide pictures for the recommended dishes from the restaurant. I guess a lot of the us (foreigner) would love to try Shanghainese food but the ordering the food has become a problem. Then, just ended up in McDonalds... sigh... 3. Well, it is actually a horrible experience taking a subway in Shanghai. The passengers doesn't queue, pushing, doesn't give way for passengers to exit from train, squeezing into the train etc. JS, I have no idea how this can be improved. This is a culture of the mass public. |
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Unsubscribe if You Don't Like Newsletters keep it rolling... I guess I am addicted of reading your blog. If I don't find read it feels like something missing :) HEHE... |
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Back to Blog of My Own SALUTE..!!! Keep on with the good job. There are a lot of us behind your and your blog :) |
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South Railway Station Pictures looks like the station still does not provide English translation on the electronic LED panel that inform platform no, check-in time and boarding time... sigh... I am surprise HangZhou train station actually provide this information of the electronic panel but not in Shanghai station... I guess Shanghai Station should look into this and improve to be a international standard station... let's get prepare before all the international events get closer. |
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Sasa Enters Shangahi hmm.. lately my wife found this skin care brand SIMPLE in Watson. She kinda likes the product, however the price does not attract her to buy at all. Watson is selling double or more than double the price selling in South East Asia.... sigh... Why the cosmestic price in Shanghai is so costly? |
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From Shanghai to Hangzhou Hi, I plan to go to Hangzhou by train from Shanghai. I will be staying in a hotel near the West Lake. Can you give more travels tips about Hangzhou like 1) Where can I get the train ticket in Shanghai? 2) Which train station should I depart from Shanghai and get off in Hangzhou? I realised there are so many train stations in the city? 3) And any good recommendation places for food and shopping? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks a lot. |
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Living Cost in Shanghai - Part II Hi Pria, Honestly, you will definately survive with that salary. A lot of local people earning lower than that figure... so you definately will survive. Well, in Shanghai you can be spendthrift too. It all depends on the lifestyle that you would like to have. |
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962288 Hotline for Foreigners bravo.. bravo.. JS! this is a very helpful information... I have been looking for this information since from the day I touched down in Shanghai. Your blog is more informative media and broadcast the gist of what a forgeiner would like to know. |
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Hello, I am OK now health is richer than wealth. You can buy almost anything with money... but you can't buy a health with money:) |
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From Shanghai to US - A Handbook JS, maybe you would like to include th topic US Visa application from your previous articles. Especially the procedure like how to make payment and fill in the various type of forms. That will be helpful for those who are going to US for the first time. And, is it the same procedure for those who are not China citizen but staying in China? :) |
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Hello From Hangzhou Hi All, Always heard about the beautiful city of HangZhou but yet to step my foot there. Does anyone here has some pictures posted online to share about this beautiful city? hmm... how can I get to HangZhou from Shanghai with a train? And where is the MUST go places in HangZhou. Please advice. |
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This Site Listed on MSNBC.COM, as SARS Blog Here is some Chinese commentary on the Chinese SARS story by Cyberfree. The web link to Cyberfree's posting is http://www.cmilitary.com/forums/general/messages/218646.html I found it by doing a search on SARS in Chinese [非典型肺炎] on Topforum http://www.topforum.com , a website that collects the most popular articles daily from hundreds of Chinese language websites both within and outside the PRC. Some Chinese post comments on foreign websites outside of China in order to avoid censorship. Chinese speaking readers can do their own searches on that site. This is a summary translation. See the URL for the full Chinese text to get more detail. All Too Typical: A Review of China's Handling of Atypical Pnumonia (SARS) In response to the SARS epidemic, the World Health Organization for the first time in decades released a travel advisory to all the travellers of the world suggesting that they avoid travel to Guangdong Province China and to Hong Kong. Deaths occurred in Beijing, so SARS finally got the attention of China's leaders and surfaced as an issue. Now people can start to form an understanding of this matter, but the more that is made public the more fearful one becomes. Speaking about fear, when SARS erupted in Guangdong rumors flew everywhere but the government did not bother to investigate. The media reported it for one day and then shut up. People heard that vinegar could prevent the illness so everyone wanted to buy vinegar. As the news spread, the wild purchases of vinegar spread across the whole country, even reaching Xinjiang. A reporter from China Youth Daily in February even wrote about the panic to buy vinegar and other folk remedies as a character flaw of the Chinese people that they would just run wild on the basis of rumors. When reporters from Southern TV news went to a hospital in Guangzhou Municipality, they demanded that the doctors and nurses threw upon the doors of the quarantine area for the reporters and let them take photographs in order to show just how "safe" SARS is. Seems like some journalists have indeed evolved faster than the rest of us -- no brain, no conscience and nearly completely inhumane. Once SARS erupted in February, no paper barrier could contain the flames! At a live broadcast of a press conference held on February 11 to announce that the SARS epidemic was under control and there was no need to worry, a Yangcheng Evening News reporter asked Director Huang of the Guangzhou Municipality Health Department if this pnumonia could have been passed to people from domestic livestock. Huang replied "You will be held accountable for these words of yours!!" This is a classic response. Huang could have answered "yes" or "no" or "don't know". What does he mean saying "you will be held accountable!!" to a journalist who was merely asking a question on behalf of the people? This kind of response is very confusing to the Guangzhou resident who watched this meeting on television. At the press conference, Huang announced that the number of infected people was 290 of whom five had died. On February 13, Nanfang Daily reported that as of February 12, the number of people who had been cured of SARS and left the hospital had increased to 93. >From February 11 to the end of March, all the Chinese web sites and forums deleted any reference to SARS. Sometimes phone calls were to websites demanding that an article mentioning SARS be deleted. There were also no reports in the Chinese newspapers, magazines or televsion. >From February 11 onwards, we didn't seen any more figures although we heard of friends or friends or colleagues of friends going into the hospital for SARS. Finally professors of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said that since we don't know the cause of SARS, there is no effective medicine. Medicine can help somewhat, but people basically survive or die of SARS on their own. When SARS erupted in Hong Kong, Hong Kong people knew next to nothing about it. Within two weeks, several hundred people had been infected and several dozen people had died. The Hong Kong media reported on SARS every day including the number of people infected. The government made reports every few days and then began giving a daily press conference. Then the Hong Kong government immediately released new reports on SARS. The Hong Kong government closed the schools and disinfected public places. This kind of action made the terrified people of Guangdong Province very, very envious! We don't know anything at all! Finally Guangdong Province reported the SARS numbers for February. As of February 28, the number of SARS cases increased to 792, an increase of 250% while 31 people had died, an increase of six times. Is this what the meant when they said "the epidemic is basically under control?" On March 28 the former Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Econmic Cooperation Long Yougtu told an investment conference in Hong Kong criticized journalists for hurting Hong Kong for making too big a thing of SARS. When a Chinese leader when he heard that three people had died of SARS, said "Twelve people in Beijing got SARS and three died? Beijing has ten million people! If 500,000 people get infected, sure there would be panic, but we don't need to get so excited." Some people say that Beijing is very concerned about how China looks to foreigners. But are Guangdong people foreigners? Are not Guangdong and Hong Kong people Chinese? Although the chracters "Chinese" are not stamped on my forehead, my identity card and passport are marked "People's Republic of China". Sure, Guangdong is full of barbarians and gangsters, but still, but do we need to have 500,000 people infected before someone pays attention? This is telling the people something: SARS is dangerous, you could get infected. I can't help but think about the name of a movie: "I love my country but my country doesn't love me". [Note: a line from the 1980 Chinese play "Unrequited Love", later the movie "Sun and Man"] According to the WHO, in Guangdong Province there are 1153 SARS cases and 46 deaths. In Hong Kong 734 cases and 17 deaths. The visit of the the famous Gushule [??] orchestra to Beijing was cancelled, the women's world ice hockey championship won't be held in Beijing; the summit of the World Economic Forum at Beijing has been delayed was has the meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Labor Organization is considering not holding its conference in Beijing. Some American papers are even saying that all contact with China should be cut off and demand that China accurately report on the SARS situation. Human rights is an excuse to demonize China but what is so sad is that we have handed them an excuse to demonize China. Kong, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said that China didn't report SARS early on because the numbers had no reached a level that would require such a report. China is safe, China is not an epidemic area. Finally China became the only one of the 23 countries and areas in the world reporting SARS to be the subject of a WHO travel warning. In conclusion, let me quote the "United Morning News" of Singapore: "The Singapore people and government know that when faced with an epidemic blocking news reports is a very stupid measure. The price to be paid for stopping these reports is very high. It is very simple: you can stop the news for a little while, but you can't stop the disease agent or the spread of the epidemic...." Unless there is a state secret or some other compelling reason involved, the people have a right to know about matters relating to their interests and safety. If a country has too many "sensitive" matters, if the government classifies too many matters as state secrets, and keeps people from knowing bout too many things, this shows that the government does not trust the people and also lacks confidence in itself." |