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Format: 2012-05-24
Format: 2012-05-24
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  • The Light at the End of the Kennel – Getting a Dog in Shanghai 2012-05-04 18:08




    One of the MANY ads on Taobao grabbed Tiffany's attention:

    Shenzhen or Shanghai 900RMB for original
    Labradors – breeder direct sale to you (no
    shops). 136-5555-2137.
  • Best Bartenders of Shanghai – Ryan Noreiks 2012-05-08 18:17




    The first time I walked into Ryan Noreiks’ bar, a friend and I had just finished a larger-than-necessary meal at Sinan Mansions. My friend was really stuffed and, at the time, Ryan was tending bar for The Alchemist, a fantastic place to get cocktails inside Sinan Mansions. Noreiks is a tall, slender, humble SHEXpat from Brisbane, Australia. He also has a shaven head that holds an incredible amount of knowledge about alcohol and cocktails.

    When he learned that my friend was totally stuffed from dinner, Ryan grabbed a few bottles from behind the bar and placed them in front of us. As he reached for some ice and a glass, he started explaining the history behind a special cocktail -- The Aviator -- he wanted to make for my friend that would help him digest his food. It was a busy night, there were lots of people waiting for drinks. He put a whole bunch of ingredients into a glass full of ice, shook it vigorously, and it ended up being an unbelievably good drink. More importantly though, it showed both of us why Ryan Noreiks has quickly developed a well-know reputation for being one of the best bartenders/mixologists in Shanghai.

  • The Best Bartenders of Shanghai – Nick Edwards 2012-04-20 15:02




    The departure of winter and arrival of spring sets a note of joviality and light-heartedness in the atmosphere as warmer weather enters the scene. Winter coats get pushed into the back of the closet and weekends are spent outside with cocktails and friends. The Tomb-Sweeping holiday has allowed businesses throughout Shanghai to experience a taste of what the fortuitous season will bring. Sasha’s mixture of turn-of-the-century architecture, modern vibe and inviting garden has encouraged the denizens of Shanghai to emerge from their hibernation to celebrate the weather and time off from work. Nick Edwards, the bar and beverage manager, predicts that the busy weekend is only a glimpse into how busy the upcoming months will be for the establishment.

  • Best Bartenders of Shanghai - Jacky Wong 2012-04-27 19:51




    It is always refreshing to meet someone who takes such obvious pride in their work; who talks of what they do with passion and excitement. This is rare in many cases, as the daily grind can often ware down the initial zeal that is felt by the prospect of an exciting or challenging vocation. Jacky Wong has been a bartender for over five years. It would appear that his drive towards providing the best product and service has intensified over the years, as he has continued to perfect his trade.

    Originally from Jang Xing, Jacky Wong came to Shanghai ten years ago and began working as a bartender and mixologist five years later. Six months ago he left his position at The Alchemist, where he worked alongside renowned mixologist, Ryan Noreiks, to create some of Shanghai's most well-known alcoholic potions. In his new position at Misael Bar, Jacky has the complete freedom to create his own cocktail menu, often constructing cocktails on the spot specifically designed for customers based on their individual taste and preference.

  • The Tranquility of Lujiazui 2012-05-07 15:13




    An evening of peace and solace is the last thing a foreigner would expect in the hustling and bustling city of Shanghai. So where do you go, and how does one spend an evening of tranquility in this city? Is there really such a place, or is this just a dreamer’s dream?

  • Stress Management - Learning to Take Back Control 2012-05-02 18:05




    In modern life, stress is everywhere, especially in major cities like Shanghai. For expatriates and their families, often they face further stress in dealing with cultural and lifestyle adjustments, which can become apparent as either acute or chronic stress; locals also face abundant sources of stress at work, school and home. Understanding stress and knowing how to effectively manage it is critically important to leading a balanced life in the city.

    Symptoms of stress vary from person to person, but the most universal sign of stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed. Other symptoms may include: physical complaints such as headaches, chest pain, nausea and diarrhea; problems getting along with family and friends; changes in behavior such as developing a short temper, unexplained anger, or crying for no reason; regression or behavior that is not age-appropriate; dysfunctional sleeping patterns; difficulty communicating or personality changes; impatience. If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, chances are that your level of stress is high.

  • Mandarin Garden’s Chinese Lesson of the Week – Slang Terms (Part 2) 2012-05-06 17:43




    Slang is a great way to have fun with learning Mandarin, and hence an easy way to internalize it. Over the last few months, I've gotten a few slang terms from my teacher at the end of each class and I want to share a few of them. If you say these to your friends you might get a few laughs, but you'll also get to know different ways to express yourself and connect with people using contemporary terms!

  • Real Shanghai in 24 Hours 2012-05-03 21:08




    Some expats never get out of the "expat" bubble, frequenting the same Western places in the French Concession, Xintiandi and Pudong over and over again. To them, those Chinese faces – they're just there, to serve you at overpriced bar venues, to gape at you on the subway, and to hassle you on the streets to buy their junk.

    Those expats never get to see the real side of Shanghai like some Chinese-Americans do – they don't get to chat with the highly opinionated taxi driver who can tell you in vivid detail about the hardships of Chinese working-class life and how the people really felt when politically sensitive events like T-square went down. They don't get to wave to the old ladies in the park who wake up at the crack of dawn to practice Tai-chi, and then go on to spend their working day in a dinky street corner selling 3 RMB snacks. They don't get to smile at the little 4-year-old who comes to work with her mother every day, happily helping her mommy pick up litter and mop the grimy floors of the subway station.

  • 5 Perks of Being an ESL Teacher 2012-05-02 00:24




    Teaching ESL in Shanghai can be a great introduction to the city or it can lead to a fruitful career in education. The vocation has increased in popularity amongst both recent post-graduates and seasoned professionals seeking a break from traditional life. It can provide a stable position to those who want to live and work abroad. The most rewarding aspects of teaching are often intangible; an ESL teacher has the ability to change a learner's life forever. Developing a rapport with students and witnessing their progress is undeniably the most fulfilling part about being a teacher. Teaching ESL abroad is like traditional teaching's hip, older sister. Teaching English in China offers a unique allure ranging from the ability to travel to saving money. Here are 5 perks about being an ESL teacher:

  • Meet Tom Schaar – Shanghai KIA X-Games Asia 2012 2012-05-01 12:02




    Kia X-Games Asia 2012 came to Shanghai for the 6th consecutive time this Labor Day break. In the 3 extreme sports of aggressive in-line, skateboarding and BMX freestyle, money prizes ranged from $500 for 10th place to $8000 for first place. The X-Games were broadcasted live on ESPN across the world, and the four-day event was littered with prize giveaways and performances by Chinese singers, like pop-rock singer Anson Ping and Astro Ding-Xiang.