Beijing is an international city, that's what makes it great. The more we can do to highlight that, the more we hope people will enjoy the diversity and variety of people and customs practiced here.
Michael Aldrich wrote an amazing book about the history of Islam in Beijing called Perfumed Palace. It's a wonderful read, and explains how much of Beijing culture -- including Peking duck -- has Muslim origins.
For sure drivers are going to act negatively to anything that will restrict them. However, the odd even day sounds like the best option. Imagine! Half the cars off the road every day. I`m sure the ones who complain would appreciate it after they can drive around on their driving day instead of crawling along every day. It would also help taxis and DiDi drivers with a higher income, less smog, and on and on it goes.
What the hell kind of article was this? So basically the author made the mistake of telling their child that they are going to a chocolate bar and then his wife was a bitch about it. Don't know why this is even worth writing about.
One thing about the new Yashow -- now's the time to get in there and get good deals on tailored clothing. The businesses need customers, they're willing to bargain, and they have plenty of time to talk about styles and do proper measurements.
I'm a (soon to be) 21 year old student studying Journalism in the North East in the UK, currently in my 2nd year of a 3 year course. Im looking to teach in China for part of the summer, with the time and money left over being spent on traveling (though thats a different subject)
However, id only be looking for a month or two around June/July/August Is this ridiculously naive or is this possible? I know pay isnt amazing, but I'd be looking for a mixture of payed flights, payed wage and/or accommodation.
It's been a while since I've been in the teaching scene here, but I believe paid flights are not really part of a summer teaching package. Wages and accommodation might be.
Though are you sure teaching English is really your thing? Just... it's not spelled "payed".
Thank you for the detailed write up. I am starting a position in Shenzhen for a year. If they dont provide a proper apartment, what can be done? What are the consequences if I just walk?
Since your visa is tied to your employer, just walking out on a contract can be really difficult; if you leave on bad terms with the employer, it's likely you won't get the document from the school stating that you've ended your employment with them; without that document, it's tricky to get a work visa from another employer in China.
Handling these things is very tricky; it requires a great deal of patience and absolute self-control. If you lose it and get angry, then face is involved--their face. They can't give in to displays of anger, not to you, the new foreign teacher. You are not yet part of the community there, and so there is not much motivation to treat you well, unless you happen to have somebody handling your affairs that is just a very upright, moral-type person. Not always the case in schools hiring foreigners, since unfortunately the motivation for hiring foreigners is to make money--and if that's the primary motivation, you'll find some pretty sleazy people involved in making hiring/firing decisions.
One thing to try, if they don't fulfill the terms of the contract, such as failing to pay your salary or provide something that was promised in the contract, is to show up for work, very friendly and nice -- but don't go to teach when it's time for class. Just sit in the office. When someone comes to ask you about why you're not in the class, you simply smile and say, "No salary/apartment -- no teaching" (and have your contract handy to show them). You'll at first be dealing with the lower-level employees, who will try to convince you that you should be understanding or "you see in China...", but if you continue to be patient -- and SMILE as you restate your position -- you'll eventually get to talk to someone higher up the totem pole, who may actually have the authority to do something about the matter. Don't waste any energy getting mad at the low-level people who will be the ones taking care of you; they have no authority to make any changes, and making them dislike you will not help your case. Be super friendly to them, simply explaining that your contract states "salary/apartment/etc in exchange for teaching -- and if you can't give me what was promised, then I can't give you the service I promised." I call it the "Chinese wall" method -- a wall isn't pushed around, a wall doesn't get mad... It just IS. Just be that wall -- unmoved, never angry, just there.
The key is remaining absolutely friendly at all times; do not ever let your temper take over. The moment you get mad and stomp out, they've won. If you've said your piece, then just sit quietly, smile, and see what a bit of awkward silence will do.
I would caution the first two commenters against impugning the reputation of one of Beijing's most established and respected event organizers and promoters.
What`s the best free translator app? and the best paid for translator app? I do not speak enough Chinese to carry on even a simple conversation. I would like to be able to speak English into my phone and have my words displayed as text, then make a click, and have what I have just said spoken in Chinese as well as displayed in Chinese text?
Also, I don`t know why someone hasn`t come up with a stand alone translator. Just a handheld device that a person speaks into in their own language and their voice/words are said/displayed and when the other person of a different language speaks/answers in their language the same thing happens. The device could just sit on a table between two people of two different languages and all they have to do is speak to each other and the device would handle the translation and communication would happen. Seems like a no-brainer considering all the high-tech tech out there.
We of the China Burningman community are disappointed to see an copycat event like this being even suggested. Ms. Wong is welcome to come talk to us but we wonder if she was even aware that an official BM satellite event, Dragon Burn, just took place May 27-29 near Suzhou. Our legal team will respond accordingly.
Ideas are free. So this person is doing something inspired by Burning Man -- so what?
I couldn't think of a statement that runs more counter to the original principles of Burning Man than "Our legal team will respond accordingly"
Thanks to the author for the info and good luck to my fellow Mandarin learners!
If you're interested in an evening of Chinese-only conversation, drinks, and socializing with expats and locals, swing by our Chinese Corner at Haollee Cafe in Sanlitun Soho (B1-512) on Sat. evenings at 7:30pm. Be ready to introduce yourself in Chinese and make new friends
For more info: http://www.meetup.com/Beijing-Chinese-language-Meetup-Chinese-corner/
Are the imported beers supposed to have the same barcode, assuming they're from the same case of 24, coz i'v realised this alot, that although have stamp related to tax/duty, a few bottles will have the same barcode???
Would the barcode from a bottle of beer, be the same as that barcode from the same kind of beer, but from a different case of 24??
What I find difficult is that when you look at listings online, then contact the agent, you are always told "Oh, that one isn't available anymore. All we have is one that is more expensive."
Listings seem to rarely be removed, especially from Anzhuke, so it's hard to tell how recent one is.
Yeah, but if you stick to your price they usually have other apartments in the same price category as the initial listing.
What a bizarre comment. Just because a flat isn't cleaned up for the photo shoot doesn't mean it isn't worth renting and moving in and cleaning up - surely you clean up when you move into a place all the time anyway.
What I find difficult is that when you look at listings online, then contact the agent, you are always told "Oh, that one isn't available anymore. All we have is one that is more expensive."
Listings seem to rarely be removed, especially from Anzhuke, so it's hard to tell how recent one is.
Re: Ramadan in Beijing: Timings and Great Iftar Deal at Caravan
Beijing is an international city, that's what makes it great. The more we can do to highlight that, the more we hope people will enjoy the diversity and variety of people and customs practiced here.
Michael Aldrich wrote an amazing book about the history of Islam in Beijing called Perfumed Palace. It's a wonderful read, and explains how much of Beijing culture -- including Peking duck -- has Muslim origins.
Re: Beijing Again Mulling Congestion Charge to Reduce Traffic
For sure drivers are going to act negatively to anything that will restrict them. However, the odd even day sounds like the best option. Imagine! Half the cars off the road every day. I`m sure the ones who complain would appreciate it after they can drive around on their driving day instead of crawling along every day. It would also help taxis and DiDi drivers with a higher income, less smog, and on and on it goes.
Re: Do Not Surprise Your Wife or Girlfriend with a Date to...
What the hell kind of article was this? So basically the author made the mistake of telling their child that they are going to a chocolate bar and then his wife was a bitch about it. Don't know why this is even worth writing about.
Re: Yashow Management Evicts Cheers
One thing about the new Yashow -- now's the time to get in there and get good deals on tailored clothing. The businesses need customers, they're willing to bargain, and they have plenty of time to talk about styles and do proper measurements.
Re: China Faces English Teacher Shortage
It's been a while since I've been in the teaching scene here, but I believe paid flights are not really part of a summer teaching package. Wages and accommodation might be.
Though are you sure teaching English is really your thing? Just... it's not spelled "payed".
Re: China Faces English Teacher Shortage
Since your visa is tied to your employer, just walking out on a contract can be really difficult; if you leave on bad terms with the employer, it's likely you won't get the document from the school stating that you've ended your employment with them; without that document, it's tricky to get a work visa from another employer in China.
Handling these things is very tricky; it requires a great deal of patience and absolute self-control. If you lose it and get angry, then face is involved--their face. They can't give in to displays of anger, not to you, the new foreign teacher. You are not yet part of the community there, and so there is not much motivation to treat you well, unless you happen to have somebody handling your affairs that is just a very upright, moral-type person. Not always the case in schools hiring foreigners, since unfortunately the motivation for hiring foreigners is to make money--and if that's the primary motivation, you'll find some pretty sleazy people involved in making hiring/firing decisions.
One thing to try, if they don't fulfill the terms of the contract, such as failing to pay your salary or provide something that was promised in the contract, is to show up for work, very friendly and nice -- but don't go to teach when it's time for class. Just sit in the office. When someone comes to ask you about why you're not in the class, you simply smile and say, "No salary/apartment -- no teaching" (and have your contract handy to show them). You'll at first be dealing with the lower-level employees, who will try to convince you that you should be understanding or "you see in China...", but if you continue to be patient -- and SMILE as you restate your position -- you'll eventually get to talk to someone higher up the totem pole, who may actually have the authority to do something about the matter. Don't waste any energy getting mad at the low-level people who will be the ones taking care of you; they have no authority to make any changes, and making them dislike you will not help your case. Be super friendly to them, simply explaining that your contract states "salary/apartment/etc in exchange for teaching -- and if you can't give me what was promised, then I can't give you the service I promised." I call it the "Chinese wall" method -- a wall isn't pushed around, a wall doesn't get mad... It just IS. Just be that wall -- unmoved, never angry, just there.
The key is remaining absolutely friendly at all times; do not ever let your temper take over. The moment you get mad and stomp out, they've won. If you've said your piece, then just sit quietly, smile, and see what a bit of awkward silence will do.
Re: How to Keep Your Best Friend Safe During Dog-Catching Season
This helpful fact sheet from International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) goes into a bit more detail about the registration process.
Re: Burning Man Concept Black Rock City Comes to Inner...
I would caution the first two commenters against impugning the reputation of one of Beijing's most established and respected event organizers and promoters.
Re: Tech Savvy Student: 11 Digital Tools That'll Help Boost...
What`s the best free translator app? and the best paid for translator app?
I do not speak enough Chinese to carry on even a simple conversation.
I would like to be able to speak English into my phone and have my words displayed as text, then make a click, and have what I have just said spoken in Chinese as well as displayed in Chinese text?
Also, I don`t know why someone hasn`t come up with a stand alone translator. Just a handheld device that a person speaks into in their own language and their voice/words are said/displayed and when the other person of a different language speaks/answers in their language the same thing happens.
The device could just sit on a table between two people of two different languages and all they have to do is speak to each other and the device would handle the translation and communication would happen. Seems like a no-brainer considering all the high-tech tech out there.
Re: Burning Man Concept Black Rock City Comes to Inner...
Ideas are free. So this person is doing something inspired by Burning Man -- so what?
I couldn't think of a statement that runs more counter to the original principles of Burning Man than "Our legal team will respond accordingly"
Re: If Zuckerberg Found Time to Learn Mandarin, What's Your...
Thanks to the author for the info and good luck to my fellow Mandarin learners!
If you're interested in an evening of Chinese-only conversation, drinks, and socializing with expats and locals, swing by our Chinese Corner at Haollee Cafe in Sanlitun Soho (B1-512) on Sat. evenings at 7:30pm. Be ready to introduce yourself in Chinese and make new friends
For more info: http://www.meetup.com/Beijing-Chinese-language-Meetup-Chinese-corner/
加油！
--Daniel
Re: Top Champions League Soccer Managers to Face off in...
We Americans prefer dick, not prick, dick
Re: Are Chinese-Made Pads and Tampons Safe?
I have been using it for more than 20 years ，it's good for health
Re: Are Chinese-Made Pads and Tampons Safe?
Danwei had an interesting article a while ago:
http://www.danwei.com/fake-sanitary-pads-massive-margins-driving-rampant-piracy/
Re: On Exhibit in Beijing: 83 Pablo Picasso Originals and 84...
The museum doesn't sell the tickets at the museum, so call them in advance is necessary.
Re: World Health Organization Calls for National Smoke-Free...
“Beijing has shown it can be done – we now have very solid ‘proof of concept."
I'm sorry...I must've missed this proof. A ton of people still smoke indoors at plenty of establishments all around town.
Re: Fake Booze Beijing: The Prevalence, Indicators, and...
Are the imported beers supposed to have the same barcode, assuming they're from the same case of 24, coz i'v realised this alot, that although have stamp related to tax/duty, a few bottles will have the same barcode???
Would the barcode from a bottle of beer, be the same as that barcode from the same kind of beer, but from a different case of 24??
Re: Moving? The Best Apartments Currently on the Beijinger...
Yeah, but if you stick to your price they usually have other apartments in the same price category as the initial listing.
Re: Moving? The Best Apartments Currently on the Beijinger...
What a bizarre comment. Just because a flat isn't cleaned up for the photo shoot doesn't mean it isn't worth renting and moving in and cleaning up - surely you clean up when you move into a place all the time anyway.
Re: Moving? The Best Apartments Currently on the Beijinger...
What I find difficult is that when you look at listings online, then contact the agent, you are always told "Oh, that one isn't available anymore. All we have is one that is more expensive."
Listings seem to rarely be removed, especially from Anzhuke, so it's hard to tell how recent one is.