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CNMI Federalization News

July 20, 2008 Meeting with Irene Tantiado Irene Tantiado, president of the Coalition of United Workers (NMI), met with the visiting federal officials last week to discuss concerns of the guest workers. The Saipan Tribune reported that Ms. Tantiado raised the following concerns:A more permanent immigration status, expedited processing of temporary worker visas for qualified guest workers, and a limited amnesty for overstaying alien workers are some of the provisions that the Coalition of United
Publication date: 2008-07-22
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You Don't Say?

Last day in Handan and I'm part of a crowd watching five uniformed guys dressed in light green uniforms use grappling hooks and a limp lasso to gently hook a head-down floater out of the canal. I can't help wondering how long it takes for a body to decompose and somewhat irrationally whether we're going to witness a body part tear away from the torso. It'll be no surprise to you that the crowd drew me here, and tapping on the motorbike driver's shoulder we slowed to a halt, dismounted and
Publication date: 2008-07-22
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Salmonella Saintpual Update: Tomato Growers Throw Massive Tantrum, FDA Wilts Like Spinach

pairings in NYC. Featured at legendary toy store FAO Schwartz: The Madame Alexander Green Eggs and Ham Doll. Madame Al dolls are perhaps the most collectible American doll there is; the 8-inch-tall, dour-faced little girls in fetching, incredibly detailed Couture outfits have been made, since early in the Twentieth Century, in every imaginable trope possible: Equestrian, Sailing, Tennis, Ballet, Spring Flowers, Christmas, Easter, Scarlett O'Hara, Mary Queen of Scots, Channukah, Ethnic, etc. e
Publication date: 2008-07-21
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Student Drops Out to Create Tourist Guide

Japan Times: Jane Fong quit Sophia University in March last year, changed her student visa to a working visa and established GI Jane Inc., a comprehensive Akihabara information company, that July. She and seven others invested
Publication date: 2008-07-21
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pictures of krabi thailand

pictures of krabi thailand pictures of krabi thailand   If you are searching for a good tourist destination to travel to this summer then one place you are likely to have overlooked is Asia. Taking up a quarter of the Earth, Asia is a beautiful and exotic location which has something to suit everyone, no matter what their tastes. The Best Asian Places to Visit There are a number of places in Asia which seem to be more popular than others. So when you are planning your Asian journey so
Publication date: 2008-07-21
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BREAKING: CIVIL RIGHTS, HONESTY LACKING IN OLYMPIC HOST

Tibetan envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen speaks to reporters at the European Parliament in Brussels, July 15, 2008. Photo: John Thys / AFPI s the Chinese government sincere about addressing the Tibet issue? A better question might be, "Is the Chinese government ever sincere about anything?" After half a century of misrule in Tibet, the total failure of Chinese policy is evident to all but the holders of that policy. After major uprisings in 1959, 1987-89 and 2008 (with innumerable less known events affir
Publication date: 2008-07-21
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San Francisco Table Tennis Athlete Going to Beijing

San Francisco 22-year-old local Jackie Lee just barely missed making it on the U.S. Women
Publication date: 2008-07-21
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Mix-Mix :|

Yesterday was a stupid-dumb Thursday. Datin said I dont look like a pure-Chinese. Onn told her Im an CINDIA (Cina + Indian) and she was like so suprised. " Betul keh ? Kamu Cindia keh ? " She believed what Onn said ? LOL And of course I denied ! DISTRESS Venue : Tapak perhimpunan Everytime I see her swollen reddish eyes I felt like crying. Dont ask Why. I knew she was trying to show everyone that she's okay - but actually Not. MunYee & I were talking about that case, I didnt know my tears s
Publication date: 2008-07-20
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Nepal Police detain 100 Tibetan separatists in Kathmandu after anti-China rally

Nepal Police detain 100 Tibetan separatists in Kathmandu after anti-China rally Posted July 19th, 2008 by Mohit Joshi Kathmandu Nepal Kathmandu, July 19 : Nepali Police have detained about 100 Tibetan separatists who were involved in anti-China activities in Kathmandu. The separatists were apprehended after they tried to throng the Chinese Embassy''s visa office. In the process of doing so, they blocked a street that was already choked with heavy traffic. Login or register to post com
Publication date: 2008-07-20
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Beijing Begins Massive Olympic Shutdown

Beijing, Beijing
Publication date: 2008-07-20
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Blacks banned fron Bars in China

Africans in Beijing harassed as Olympics approach GEOFFREY YORK From Saturday's Globe and Mail July 18, 2008 at 7:10 PM EDT BEIJING
Publication date: 2008-07-20
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'No cap on alien workers during transition period'

Local Sunday, July 20, 2008 By Ferdie de la Torre, Reporter FORUM FOR ALIEN WORKERS Under the federalization law, the CNMI can bring in as many alien workers as employers need under H1-B and H2-B visa categories during the transition period, according to federal Labor Ombudsman Jim Benedetto.
Publication date: 2008-07-20
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So How Are These Olympics Different From Berlin in

Well, at least the Germans didn
Publication date: 2008-07-20
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China more unfriendly towards foreigners - Beijing, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Beijing, China The Washington Post ran this story today, charting the mood of China - or its government - in the lead up to the Games. Meanwhile, various governments around the world are issuing warnings to their fellow countrymen and women heading to the Games. Below this story is an email I received from on Foreign Affairs section. 1. China Is Growing Unfriendly to Foreigners, Visitors Say By Ariana Eunjung Cha Washington Post Foreign Service Sa
Publication date: 2008-07-19
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Foz, my kingdon for a foz - Foz de Iguacu, State of Parana, Brazil

Jump to the full entry & travel map Foz de Iguacu, State of Parana, Brazil Entering Brazil: June 21 2008 We woke up this morning, finally ready to enter Brazil after fiddling about in Iguazu and Viejo Americano camping place. It was an interesting experience, thinking about heading into this huge, foreboding country for the first time. Firstly we need a visa, and finding that it is only a 30 day visa that is issued in Iguazu was the first shock, the second shock was how much it cost. Th
Publication date: 2008-07-19
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Africans in Beijing harassed as Olympics approach

Africans in Beijing harassed as Olympics approach GEOFFREY YORK globeandmail.com: Africans in Beijing harassed as Olympics approach From Saturday's Globe and Mail July 18, 2008 at 7:10 PM EDT BEIJING
Publication date: 2008-07-19
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China Food Industry Ready For The Olympics

Chef Shake n' Bake heads off to Beijing in a few weeks, where she will be a featured performer in the Opening Ceremonies at the Summer Olympics. We've watched with interest over the past few years as the Chinese government has tried to drag the country into at least the Twentieth Century with a mass purge of bad national practices (such as, y'know, human rights abuses). Most recently, China has taken the revolutionary steps of prohibiting public defecation (squatting in the street to relieve on
Publication date: 2008-07-18
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Anti bolivia is code for white.

This may mean appointing de facto departmental governments and even seeking to retain the fiscal resources that the wealthier eastern departments contribute to the national coffers. S salt flats, which cover more than, square kilometres of the southwest corner of the country. Production history and has a tonne per day flotation. Travel Blog Travel Journals, Diaries and Photos http www. Petrobras to take first LNG cargo from BG in July. Disclaimer The information on this page is provided AS IS
Publication date: 2008-07-18
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China Asks Japan for Information on Falun Gong Members Ahead of Olympics

By: iStockAnalyst (web page) Thursday, July 17, 2008 9:54 AM Email Comments (0) Post Comment Bookmark It Text of report in English by Japan's largest news agency Kyodo Beijing, July 17 Kyodo - Chinese public security authorities have asked Japan to provide information on Japan-based members of the Falun Gong, a spiritual group banned in China, ahead of the Beijing Olympics, sources close to Japan-China ties said Thursday. The Japanese government has rejected the request,
Publication date: 2008-07-18
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6600-7300RMB Monthly salary, Teach in Beautiful Grassland

Excellent opportunity for native englsiht teachers .Start ASAP 1.one year contract starts from 2008 to 2009. 2.6600rmb monthly salary for 18hours per week; 7300rmb monthly salary for 20hours per week. 3.18hours total teaching workload per week,work 5 days per week; 4.90rmb for each extra hour(overtime not compulsary); 5.one way air ticket reimbursed;(4200RMB) 6.22 days paid leave including school and national holidays per year.5 days for May holiday:5 days for natioal holiday; 1day for Christma
Publication date: 2008-07-18
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Tight security, visa restrictions and high fares deter Olympic tourists

Chinese government is not very enthused with the response from tourist for Olympic games.Main deterrents are strict China visa regime and tight security restrictions. Expensive cost is hampering even domestic tourist in China. Fewer people are going to Beijing... read more
Publication date: 2008-07-18
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Children

Great pay, nice housing, huge contract completion bonus, easy-to-follow curriculum, and accommodating staff what more can you ask for! A reputable kindergarten/ cram school is urgently seeking full-time children
Publication date: 2008-07-18
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Looking to Save $$$? This is IT!! Great School in Taiwan Offering housing, Great Pay, and Bonuses Too! WOW!!! PERFECT FOR A COUPLE!!!

Looking to have a simple life in a simple town, yet still close to a big city for a weekend getaway? This place would be perfect for you! First-time teacher welcome! A very nice cram school in Taoyuan County is looking for a fun and energetic couple RIGHT NOW! **************************************************************************************** Benefits - FULLY-FURNISHED ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED! With Three Bedrooms, Kitchen, Living Room, DVD, and Gym too! -Make OVER 2000 USD a month, teaching
Publication date: 2008-07-18
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Tomorrow

Yes we shall, and it shall be done! Dot Com Pho is no longer a prisoner to Ricmond! We heard the cries of the people and we
Publication date: 2008-07-18
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Olympic Readings

For those keeping up on coverage of the Olympics and China, the new issue of Foreign Policy has a piece by John Hoberman, professor of German Studies at UT-Austin. In FP
Publication date: 2008-07-17
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jenna plumley

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Publication date: 2008-07-17
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Publication date: 2008-07-17
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Selected Articles :: Thursday, July 17, 2008

Articles from the Saipan Tribune Talks end with no promisesNMI, Guam bat for visa waivers for Russian, Chinese touristsMan dies after being hit by carCO's last Saipan-Manila flight departs3 engines at Power Plant1 operational, all six at PP2 down New JGPO officials meet with NMI officialsKalabera Cave will be closed for about a yearTwo brothers sentenced for January riotArgument leads to domestic fight'CNMI could benefit from energy crisis' Power outage in Sadog Tasi on FridayFlashback July
Publication date: 2008-07-17
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Finding Flow

With a week's worth of home and contextual visits under our belts and an ongoing exploration of the local ecosystem we've reached that point of turning design insights into something a little more tangible. Or maybe visual - our hardware wizards are still in LA thanks to a normally swiftly issued visa applied for in trying times (state Olympic paranoia) and the general tardiness of DHL. Team members are sorely missed. It takes time to become sufficiently comfortable with data to be able to
Publication date: 2008-07-17
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Beijing: Ain

Beijing: Ain
Publication date: 2008-07-17
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Inside the Beijing Olympics center

I haven
Publication date: 2008-07-17
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Shandong English School

Excellent opportunity for native englsiht teachers .Start ASAP 1.one year contract starts from 2008 to 2009. 2.6600rmb monthly salary for 18hours per week; 7300rmb monthly salary for 20hours per week. 3.18hours total teaching workload per week,work 5 days per week; 4.90rmb for each extra hour(overtime not compulsary); 5.one way air ticket reimbursed;(4200RMB) 6.22 days paid leave including school and national holidays per year.5 days for May holiday:5 days for natioal holiday; 1day for Christma
Publication date: 2008-07-17
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Guaranteed university teaching job offered in Anhui

The end of the school year draws near and schools are preparing to recruit new teachers for the coming semester. We have more than 300 full-time positions across China ALL YEAR- ROUND; China Global Education Service continues to offer foreign teachers its services as one of the best ESL agencies in China. - Do you want your stay in China to be relaxed and hassle-free? - Do you want to feel supported from the moment you arrive till the moment you leave? Come to China Global Education Service, Ch
Publication date: 2008-07-17
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China in the headlines

China in the headlines
Publication date: 2008-07-17
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Published in Wan Bao

Photo by Yan Yan This is one of the photo which I took in the studio the other day. It was published in yesterday's paper, under the article I wrote for technology page. Oh yes.. Heard from my coursemate that the trip to China has been pushed back a week due to Visa problem. Whatever it is, I hope to come back before Chinese New Year starts.
Publication date: 2008-07-16
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For Some Beijingers, the Olympics are Costly

Reuters Jul 15, 2008 Chinese police inspect a vehicle at a checkpoint in Beijing, causing great bankups of traffic. (Guang Niu/Getty Images) st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } BEIJING
Publication date: 2008-07-16
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How "China Dolls" Make Money In Malaysia

We can learn a lot about doing business in Malaysia from China Dolls. This is like learning Business 101 from China Dolls. These Chinese nationals or "China Dolls" or "China Girls", as they are normally referred to locally, enter the country as tourists to work illegally as GROs in nightspots or masseuse in a massage parlors. These girls usually provide sexual services, commonly called "special" for additional fees. Usually they will work for a karaoke or massage parlor and earn a salary and c
Publication date: 2008-07-16
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Is the British Museum afraid?

Kwame Opoku in his latest piece notices the same coincidence as I did with the current burst of over-zealous publicity for the British Museum. From: Afrikanet Written by Dr. Kwame Opoku Tuesday, 15 July 2008 Panic and Panegyrics:Comments on
Publication date: 2008-07-16
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Foreign tourists are staying home

In August 2007, Beijing received 420,000 overseas visitors. For this August, one would reasonably think the figure would go way up because of the Olympic Games Aug 8-24. In fact, it may not bump up at all. At a press conference this morning, Xiong Yumei, a deputy director of the Beijing Tourism Administration, said,
Publication date: 2008-07-16
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quick travel update and chinese nationalism

quick travel update and chinese nationalism Published by T Chow under China, Personal, Society I just wanted to write a quick post as I
Publication date: 2008-07-16
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phoneerotica free videos

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Publication date: 2008-07-16
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Advertising Agency Whores to Chi-Coms . . . & Chi-Coms' Enemies

By Debbie Schlussel I've long said on this site that it's not just Hollywood that whores America out for the almighty dollar, but also Madison Avenue--the advertising industry. Now, there's quite a stark example, as advertising agency Omnicom Group Inc.'s TBWA Worldwide does ads both promoting and attacking the Chi-Coms on the occasion of the upcoming Beijing Summer Olympic Games. The story exposes not just the whoredom of the morally bereft ad industry, but also the cowardice of Amnesty Int
Publication date: 2008-07-16
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The Great Mascot Conspiracy

The Great Mascot Conspiracy Sunday, 13 July 2008 The Great Mascot Conspiracy The Great Mascot Conspiracy? In 2005, and to a great fanfare, China unveiled the Five Friendlies (Now the Five Fuwa). 5 garishly colored characters which were to be the official mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. At the time it appeared obvious to all that Beijing had picked five mascots: rather than the usual one, as part of a scheme to make 5 times the royalties of a single mascot, and to e
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Thoughts on China- a professional writer repost - China, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map China, China Found this on Amazon.com and thought I would repost it: Maarten Troost's Travel Tips for China 1. Food can be classified as meat, poultry, grain, fish, fruit, vegetable and Chinese. Embrace the Chinese. If you love it, it will love you back. True, you may find yourself perplexed by what resides on your plate. You may even be appalled. The Chinese have an expression: We eat everything with four legs except the table, and anything with
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Critique: Ken Silverstein on China

If anyone has a chance to pick up the August issue of Harper's, be sure to check out Ken Silverstein's piece entitled The Mandarins: American foreign policy, brought to you by China*. Though I pretty seriously disagree with the major thrust of the article, it's always worth considering a point of view that doesn't relentlessly hug the center of mainstream foreign policy discourse. Silverstein, who is the Washington editor for Harper's, has written a slew of interesting pieces lately that tend t
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Confessions of a P&S Shooter

{photo:} KNIFE CARRIERS TO BE SHOWN ROUND SPOON FACTORIES YOUNG people who carry knives are to be sent on a series of educational outings, taking in hospitals, Madame Tussauds and a spoon factory. Ministers have pledged to get tough on knife crime with a series of 'shock tactics' designed to hammer home the message that carrying a knife will not result in an automatic prison sentence. Home secretary Jacqui Smith, said: "The hospital visit will let them see how traumatised the victims are,
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Job in China

School need: Our school needs 3 dynamic English teachers for August or September of 2008 (preferably end of August 22, 2008 ). Must be able to successfully teach all ages from kindergarten all the way throw to university. If you have more experience in one particular age group, you should state what when applying for the job. School offers: 1.Kevin foreign language school: Kevin foreign language school is a semi-public company, which cooperates with the government, public schools and universi
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Teach in Anhui province

A couple of teacher wanted in Tourist Anhui college. South of China Our University is situated in the political and cultural center of the city of Anhui province a large city in China. With the Huaihe River to the north and Shungeng Hill to the south, the college has nice and beautiful surroundings. It enjoys convenient transportation and a quiet environment. http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_map/2003-09/24/content_21669.htm * direct rail links to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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A couple of teacher wanted in Tourist Anhui college

A couple of teacher wanted in Tourist Anhui college. South of China Our University is situated in the political and cultural center of the city of Anhui province a large city in China. With the Huaihe River to the north and Shungeng Hill to the south, the college has nice and beautiful surroundings. It enjoys convenient transportation and a quiet environment.  http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_map/2003-09/24/content_21669.htm * direct rail links to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian,* bus links to the pr
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Rejected Schengen Visa Applicants Get No Refund

Jenny just got her Schengen visa to go to Spain next week. Hurray! The Schengen agreement allows visitors to travel around continental Europe without requiring a separate visa for each country, although the UK has a separate protocol. This means Chinese visitors need to get a visa for the UK and a Schengen visa for the rest of Europe. Our fears and worries were explored in my post from two weeks ago when the Spanish Visa Office refused to accept the legality of our notarised marriage certific
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Global Communications Conflicts

Over on his blog, James Fallows has been providing good perspective about the Olympics in China, and in particular some of the  communications challenges, both communications in the country and the impact the communications flow from the rest of the world in and China out is having. It's super interesting. Blogs and online communications qre playing a big part in the communications flow both ways, with some unpredictable results. Today in the Journal, a look at some advertising controversy. I
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Ten Simple Steps to Eliminate Debt

I
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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A Lesson in Finance, Kids Style

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Ilka-Erika Szasz-Fabian Dayana Yochim has a fun article this week at Motley Fool about teaching a friend's 6-year-old daughter about credit after the girl received a credit card solicitation in the mail. My favorite parts: "When you go to the store to buy Barbie a friend, if you pay for her with your new Visa, her friend will cost $1,087 and won't be paid for in full until you're 43." And a little existential angst that every child is sure to understand: "So now y
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Advertising Conflict: TBWA Worldwide

Omnicom Group Inc.'s TBWA Worldwide is discovering just how difficult it can to be a global company without a consistent message. Two of its offices produced two different advertising campaigns for the Olympic games. As covered by The Wall Street Journal, its Beijing office is running a campaign on Chinese pride for Adidas while its Paris office worked on another for Amnesty International that showed Chinese athletes being tortured by Chinese authorities. According to the story, Chinese blog
Publication date: 2008-07-15
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Coke reunites the Olympics and the world

The Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is less than one month away as Coca-Cola unveils its new advertising that celebrates how the Olympic Games and Coca-Cola bring people together like nothing else. The three new ads are part of the global
Publication date: 2008-07-14
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Elephants in the Middle of the Room: Immigration and Education Policy

Elephants in the Middle of the Room: Immigration and Education Policy In a recent email discussion with Winfield Myers, Director of Democracy Project, I mentioned that rather than searching for topics, issues seem to find me. Recently the issue of immigration reform has been pursuing me, and it dovetails with the critical issue of the failure of American schools to prepare our students to compete in an international marketplace. The issue came up as a result of my firsthand empathy with the d
Publication date: 2008-07-14
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Nepal detains about 300 Tibetan separatists

Nepal detains about 300 Tibetan separatists Posted by barunroy on July 13, 2008 FROM PEOPLE
Publication date: 2008-07-13
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A jittery China awaits the Olympics

IHT: AP / BEIJING: With a month to go before the Olympics
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Next Great Travel Writer: The Real Mongolia

This week, Traveler editor in chief Keith Bellows and the "Next Great Travel Writer" contest winner Suzanne Roberts are visiting China and Mongolia, and they're writing about their experiences for Intelligent Travel. Today's post is the first from Suzanne, and she writes of her search for the "Real Mongolia." I began thinking about what it means to find the 'real' Mongolia when I realized a couple of days ago in Beijing that the 'real' Beijing is both the glass windowed high-rises and stylish
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Making Jack cafferty to a bully only makes things worse as we have

In fact, if you look at the Chinese around you, they mostly have only one or two kids in the States, rarely having or. One of the main reasons was my husband loved to get visas for me from those foreign embassies which he doesn
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Skeldon factory set to roll Aug 2 -Guysuco management contract for international tender

By Miranda La Rose The Booker Tate management team is to stay on board at the Guyana Sugar Corporation for six months following the commissioning of the new Skeldon sugar factory, after which an international tender for management is to be put out. Meanwhile, the new date for the completion of the Skeldon project is August 2, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud told the meeting of the Economic Services Committee at Parliament Buildings yesterday. Responding to questions about provisions
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project for August 8 handover

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, along with the senior functionaries of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), yesterday met with the Economic Services Committee to clarify several outstanding issues pertaining to the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Plant (SSMP). The GuySuCo team included Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ronald Alli, and Chief Executive Officer Nick Jackson. One issue raised was the delay in the projected start-up date, given that that date was supposed to have been i
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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UK-born Tibetan Dechen Pemba deported out of China

Trouble with visa renewal is one thing, but forced deportation is quite another. Foreigners whining about the former should take a look at the recent case of Dechen Pemba, a Brit of Tibetan descent who was detained, driven to the airport, and expelled from the PRC for five years when she walked out of her Beijing apartment last Tuesday. The seven plain clothes policemen who escorted Pemba allowed her only time to pack a bag, refusing to let her call her family or the British embassy until she w
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Quarterly Forecast: Third Quarter 2008 - Outside the Box Special Edition

Contact John Mauldin Print Version Volume 4 - Special Edition July 10, 2008 Quarterly Forecast: Third Quarter 2008 By George Friedman As we begin the new quarter, now is an excellent time to take stock of your basic investment thesis. Ask yourself if your allocations still reflect what you think the world is going to look like over the next several months. And as part of that process, I'm here to tell you that making "financial" decisions based s
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Excellent middle school teaching job offered in Sichuan province. Far away from earthquake zone

Our school is located in the southwest of China. The big city nearby is 50km,and Chongqing ,200km,2.5 hours far from seismic belt, just closed to Guizhou province .It is not only famous for food, fruits and vegetables but also for the relaxed life and courteous people. It is rich of tradtional culture. Here it is not too cold in winter and not too hot in summer. It is easier and cheaper to travel around this area, especially travelling in Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi and Tibet. People said this is
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips

Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips 10.07.08 Filed Under: Health with 0 Comments by Kyle Richey Isn't it interesting how young people can't wait to get older and older people want nothing more than to be younger - or least to look younger! Anti-aging skincare products are a billion dollar a year industry as people, both men and women, strive for that youthful appearance. There is of course no miracle cream or pill that can make a senior citizen look like a teenager again, but there are definitely a
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Get A Prepaid Credit Cards For Your Kids Kids are getting more independent. Parents then have to be more aware of what their kids are doing. Such includes who they hang around with and how they spend their money. Money usually sparks heated conversation between the kids and their parents. The kids will want complete freedom on how they spend their money and their parents want to be sure that they do not anyhow spend their money. A great way to educate their kid is through prepaid credit cards. Many of us adults think of credit cards are carried by working and well paid adults. This card is actually different and it caters to teen very well. The cards are prepaid and there is a limit for the spending. The card can be use as monthly allowance tool. Most of these cards are Visa or Mastercards and are therefore widely accepted. The main benefit of such card is that it helps the kid to plan their budget. Since the card has a maximum limit, the kid will very quickly learn to control their spending. Kid with such card tend to be more frugal with their money. These cards are not going to build the kid

Get A Prepaid Credit Cards For Your Kids Kids are getting more independent. Parents then have to be more aware of what their kids are doing. Such includes who they hang around with and how they spend their money. Money usually sparks heated conversation between the kids and their parents. The kids will want complete freedom on how they spend their money and their parents want to be sure that they do not anyhow spend their money. A great way to educate their kid is through prepaid credit cards. M
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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How to Quit Alcohol

How to Quit Alcohol 10.07.08 Filed Under: Health with 0 Comments by Ed Philips You can take steps today to stop drinking. Your first step might be to see your doctor, contact a support group, or set a date in the near future to stop. While some people can stop drinking on their own, others need medical help to manage the physical process of withdrawal. If you believe you have an addiction to alcohol, consult your doctor on if you need to detoxify from alcohol while under medical supervisi
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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A Home Business That Actually Works: How To Choose One

A Home Business That Actually Works: How To Choose One 10.07.08 Filed Under: Business with 0 Comments by David Gates Through the advent of the Internet, one person can now reach out to millions of people instantly. This advancement in technology has opened the doors to a myriad of home businesses. While get rich quick schemes abound, you can generate legitimate income from the Internet and your home. If you were walking in to an office to apply for a job, you would take special care to po
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Steps to Start A Small Internet Business

Steps to Start A Small Internet Business 10.07.08 Filed Under: Business with 0 Comments by Ade Carone When it comes to taking the appropriate steps to start a small internet business, one must have a plan in front of them. You are going to have to decide what kind of business you want to run. If you want to sell products that other people own, you will be getting into what is called affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is actually one of the most popular ways of getting started with a
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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What is Kale and How to Use it in Cooking

What is Kale and How to Use it in Cooking 11.07.08 Filed Under: Food with 0 Comments by KC Kudra This is something that many cooks of all levels of experience ask themselves, but if you do a little bit of investigation, you'll find that there are plenty of things that you can do with this highly versatile leafy green. When you eat kale, you are in good company. Kale was the most commonly eaten green vegetable in Europe until the seventeenth century. There is actually evidence that kale wa
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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China deports British woman for having links with Tibetan youth congress

New Delhi, July 11 (ANI): The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the recent deportation of a British citizen, and said that the case was not necessarily linked to Olympic-related changes to visa policies and security measures. The expelled British citizen, Dechen Pemba, is a key member of the ethnic separatist organization the Tibetan Youth Congress, Foreign [...]
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Protecting the nest

China has been pulling out all the stops to make next month's Olympics in Beijing
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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Pictures Of The Day, July 11

Former Macedonian Interior Minister Ljube Boskovski is welcomed by his friends and relatives upon his arrival at Skopje airport July 11, 2008. The U.N. war crimes tribunal on Thursday cleared Boskovski of responsibility for the murder of seven ethnic Albanians during a rebel insurgency in the country in 2001.Reuters Pictures A woman sells milk at an open air market in Moyale town in northeastern Kenya, some 800km (500 miles) from Nairobi, July 11, 2008. Moyale is a border town split betwe
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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12 July SWJ Blog Roundup

IRAQ Maliki
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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BC/EFA Auction: The Ultimate LES MISERABLES VIP Experience at the Hollywood Bowl!

DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE BID? ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME VIP PACKAGE FOR THE LES MISERABLES HOLLYWOOD BOWL CONCERT AUCTIONED TO BENEFIT BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS (July 11, 2008, New York , NY ) A special once-in-a-lifetime four day VIP package to the upcoming
Publication date: 2008-07-12
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VISA RUNAROUND: Confused over change in rules

I WENT to the Chinese embassy recently to obtain a visa for a visit to Shanghai at the end of this month, only to be told that I must go back to my own country to obtain a visa now as it was no longer possible to obtain a visa in Malaysia. I pointed out that I have a temporary work permit, just renewed for another year, but this was rejected. I was told that I must hold a proper work permit, not temporary, or a residence permit, and though I have been through this process many times, it made
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Qingdao 2008

Beijing was not the only city in the People
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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6600-7300RMB Monthly salary offered in Shandong

Excellent opportunity for native englsiht teachers .Start ASAP 1.one year contract starts from 2008 to 2009. 2.6600rmb monthly salary for 18hours per week; 7300rmb monthly salary for 20hours per week. 3.18hours total teaching workload per week,work 5 days per week; 4.90rmb for each extra hour(overtime not compulsary); 5.one way air ticket reimbursed;(4200RMB) 6.22 days paid leave including school and national holidays per year.5 days for May holiday:5 days for natioal holiday; 1day for Christma
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Almost 200 Teaching job across China, teachers wanted

The end of the school year draws near and schools are preparing to recruit new teachers for the coming semester. We have more than 300 full-time positions across China ALL YEAR- ROUND; China Global Education Service continues to offer foreign teachers its services as one of the best ESL agencies in China. - Do you want your stay in China to be relaxed and hassle-free? - Do you want to feel supported from the moment you arrive till the moment you leave? Come to China Global Education Service, Ch
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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The Wall

Immigrant, tourist, visitor, citizen, foreign worker
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Pre-Olympics security sweep nets foreigners, Chinese alike

By TIM JOHNSONMcClatchy Newspapers When Dechen Pemba, a British citizen, walked out of her Beijing apartment at 8:55 one morning this week, she found seven to eight security agents milling about waiting for her. They allowed her to throw some clothes in a rucksack, then took her in a whizzing convoy to the airport, ordering her deportation on a flight to London. The expulsion of Pemba, who's of Tibetan descent, is part of a broader campaign to sweep away anyone deemed a potential troublemaker b
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Our school is located in the southwest of China. The big city nearby is 50km,and Chongqing ,200km,2.5 hours far from seismic belt, just closed to Guizhou province

Our school is located in the southwest of China. The big city nearby is 50km,and Chongqing ,200km,2.5 hours far from seismic belt, just closed to Guizhou province .It is not only famous for food, fruits and vegetables but also for the relaxed life and courteous people. It is rich of tradtional culture. Here it is not too cold in winter and not too hot in summer. It is easier and cheaper to travel around this area, especially travelling in Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi and Tibet. People said this is
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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China's puppet show

July 3rd was the first day after three month that the capital of Tibet opened for foreigners. In theory it is possible to visit this spiritual city, but being in Kathmandu and asking around here learns that the Chinese government doesn't give out any visa. The first estimated date might be the first of August. It would be a tour in a four-wheel-drive with three other people interested in the forbidden city on the roof of the world. Five days through the giants of Nepal and Tibet, two days in Lh
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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One Month to Go - Beijing Prepares to Deliver

By Nick Mulvenney BEIJING (Reuters) - With a month remaining until the opening ceremony of one of the most scrutinized Olympic Games in history, the time has come for Beijing to deliver on seven years of promises and billions of dollars spent. On July 13, 2001, the state news agency Xinhua hailed the decision to award the Olympic Games to Beijing as being a
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Update on China visa situation in Hong Kong - new - Beijing, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Beijing, China As you may know, the new rules for China visas has created a lot of confusion. From 1 July some new measures were supposed to come into place (but some proved to be just rumours), and now, less than a month out, most of the new rules and regulations and requirements have kicked in (but some haven't). The bottom line is, you need more documentation to come into China. And for those who have been on F visas - working, hanging out, trave
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Update on China visa situation in Hong Kong - new - Hong Kong, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Hong Kong, China As you may know, the new rules for China visas has created a lot of confusion. From 1 July some new measures were supposed to come into place (but some proved to be just rumours), and now, less than a month out, most of the new rules and regulations and requirements have kicked in (but some haven't). The bottom line is, you need more documentation to come into China. And for those who have been on F visas - working, hanging out, tra
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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I made a big mistake - Taipei, Taiwan

Jump to the full entry & travel map Taipei, Taiwan Two years in Taiwan and I finally made my way to Taipei. I was expecting an enlarged version of Kaohsiung. I found another world. It was completely different than where I live in Taiwan. Much more cosmopolitan. No roaving packs of wild dogs or creepy betel-nut chewing guys.  Wide boulevards and the sidewalks, oh the sidewalks, I could rave for days about the sidewalks (we don't have them here).  If I lived in Taipei I could've r
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Olympic Information Center: links on 9 July

via WikipediaAll Olympic conversation, apart from the sport lonnie b hodge posted a message on Twitter
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Slave Labor at the UN?

For all the high minded nonsense that spews forth from the so called UN Human Rights Commission about conditions in the US, perhaps they need to turn inward and investigate the UN. Seems the UN has been looking the other way when they or member states use what amounts to slave labor. This past Tuesday the New York Sun, published an article, about the Ambassador from the Philippines enslaving some one. In the report, The Sun claims that Marichu Baoanan, a Filipino immigrant, had filed a lawsu
Publication date: 2008-07-10
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Are you looking for something a little different? Join the best team of teachers in Changchun China!

Are you looking for something a little different? Are you looking for support and help in development of lesson plans? Are you tired of being lied to and treated poorly? Are you tired of the same old advertisements promising the world but delivering nothing? So are we! We are currently looking for Teachers for all age groups and language levels. SAT teachers are also needed! Eagle Language Center, Changchun China. We have an American Headmaster so you are able to discuss openly and honestly all
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Extremely Important!One is Simple of at Opportunity to Make Money in the Home

:)yesverygood Video Store Please visit: yesverygood We can supply large range of popular DVD,movie,and television show which are good quality and cheap price. All of our DVD are region free and support bothNTSC&PAL format which compatible with any DVD player in the world. If you are a beginner, We would like to share experience with you and good suggestions. If you are reseller, dropship service and good customer service will make your business expand quicker.(we also have US
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Day 717 - HONG KONG: Dwarfed by the city

// Gaze up. // Swallowed. // Jagged teeth of the city skyline surrounds. // Dizzy. // Humans, like ants. // Propel progress. // Push forward. // Power. // Consume. // Produce. // Live. // Be. // Subways smooth and chic. // Dazzle. // Cutting edge design. // Create. // Pushed away. // Out of sight. // Obsolete. // Waiting.
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Good News Suzhou

This is what Bill Begg shared in the thread SUZHOU WIC NO SHOW?; The big name South American skaters who could not attain Visa
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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07.08.08: One month to go to until the Beijing Olympics

One month to go to until the big day. At eight minutes past eight on the eighth day of the eighth month of, yes, 2008, the Beijing Olympic Games will finally begin. Almost all of the facilities are ready and things appear to be on track
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Matthew 17:21

You can't see Phil's face here but he's got his faithful companion King David. If you push the button on the back King David says the 23rd Psalm and he and Phil and best friends. King David goes everywhere with Phil. This is my good friend Sis Emily. I love this girl! She is Bestman's sister. Sadly her husband died about one month ago leaving her and her three children. She comes and helps out at my house a few times a week. She thinks the same things are funny that I do. She's just a good lad
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Public School Teachers - China

High School teaching positions - August 2008 start Start Date: August-25-2008 Contract Duration: 1 Year Salary in local currency: Around 6,000 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (Salary approx. US$ 868) Bonus information: 10,000RMB contract completion bonus Housing: Single Furnished Housing Provided Airfare: Round-Trip Airfare Provided Health insurance: Ex-Pat Medical Insurance Provided Vacation days: 3 Weeks (up to 8 weeks paid vacation time if you re-sign for second year) Working hours/week: 24 - 28 hours
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Beijing to Drop Broadcast Delay

photo by Thomas Tribe SEOUL - BEIJING
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Mawrtyrs Organize to Protest China, Darfur

By Katherine Bakke You know that
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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6600-7300 RMB Monthly salary offered in Shandong

Excellent opportunity for native englsiht teachers .Start ASAP 1.one year contract starts from 2008 to 2009. 2.6600rmb monthly salary for 18hours per week; 7300rmb monthly salary for 20hours per week. 3.18hours total teaching workload per week,work 5 days per week; 4.90rmb for each extra hour(overtime not compulsary); 5.one way air ticket reimbursed;(4200RMB) 6.22 days paid leave including school and national holidays per year.5 days for May holiday:5 days for natioal holiday; 1day for Christma
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Almost 200 Teaching job across China, teacher wanted

The end of the school year draws near and schools are preparing to recruit new teachers for the coming semester. We have more than 300 full-time positions across China ALL YEAR- ROUND; China Global Education Service continues to offer foreign teachers its services as one of the best ESL agencies in China. - Do you want your stay in China to be relaxed and hassle-free? - Do you want to feel supported from the moment you arrive till the moment you leave? Come to China Global Education Service, Ch
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Teach and Join the Olympics in China

Teach and Join the Olympics in China Teaching English in China All year long Though the Olympics will be held in Beijing, other than that city, you can also see the country from other parts. There are many outstanding cities for you to choose to work and live .At this time, we are offering you Wonderful teaching positions throughout China. It is worth mentioning that we have been in this field for more than 6 years and placed thousands of native English speakers to excellent authorized ESL posi
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Lotrel News and Articles http.

We have taken the Polaris pool vacuum given the short term down cycle in our pharmaceuticals business to initiate this project, Chairman and Chief Executive Daniel Vasella said. Message Board Are you concerned about the lack of safety data on drugs used by pregnant women. Com i msnbc Components Art SITEWIDE newLogo half. Billion, lc, with additional contributions from. US, a patent covering the active ingredient of Femara expires in June. Intolerant to prior treatment has completed enrollment
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Such Affect bupropion medical novo side could also be accessed

UN leader aims to get more aid in Myanmar. Attention initially focused on making the vehicle as light as. Federal funding of drug research robitussin. I want to start an bupropion. Give Me Five Days - And I?ll Give You the Secret of Antispyware software. The number of Chinese families that can afford a c. We also wonder how much carbon fiber and aluminum the production RC Z will see, as those materials can be quite expensive. Was said to have come close to death when she was rushed to hospita
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Pacquiao now official RP flag-bearer for Olympics

By ROY MEDINA It
Publication date: 2008-07-09
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Visa Launches ATMs for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Visa today unveiled a new look for the ATM kiosks to be installed specially for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. According to Visa, "the artwork on the ATM kiosks has been inspired by Chinese culture and calligraphy. It uses blue and white brush strokes and traditional signature seal designs which are most recognizable on traditional Chinese porcelain vases."
Publication date: 2008-07-08
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When it comes to being Chinese, what counts?

Blogging for China is holding a lively debate on the subject, spawned by a translated MITBBS post in which the writer lists three definitions of the classification: the official (you
Publication date: 2008-07-08
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Small data points on the "are we ready?" Olympic front (Updated)

don't win China any good will. (Denying visas to visitors, limiting broadcast rights, tightening the vise on foreign and domestic journalists, etc.) Today's installment: public transport. I mentioned recently that two subway lines that are crucial to Olympic transport plans -- the airport express, to bring visitors in from PEK airport, and the special line to the Olympic venues themselves -- have had their opening delayed, along with another, Line 10, that is crucial to my own transport happin
Publication date: 2008-07-07
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One month to go, Beijing prepares to deliver Olympics

With a month remaining until the opening ceremony of one of the most scrutinised Olympic Games in history, the time has come for Beijing to deliver on seven years of promises and billions of dollars spent. More Olympics Aussie athletes primed for Beijing Australia
Publication date: 2008-07-07
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China Exit and transportation - Dalian, Biejing, Nanjing, Qingdao, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Dalian, Biejing, Nanjing, Qingdao, China The China holiday is over.  Some overachiever in the party decided that the place would be safer during the Olympics if they got rid of all extraneous foreigners, especially the lowlifes with my type of business visa.  So they gave me the boot.  Seems like a good time to share China's transportation methods. This week, ceremonies were held for the opening of the Beijing-Tianjin suburban high speed
Publication date: 2008-07-07
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How I Celebrated 4th of July Weekend - Beijing, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Beijing, China We're still lacking Internet in our apartment, so it's been a few days since I had a chance to blog. Many blog-worthy things have happened, so I'll do my best to recount them. On Friday for lunch, Adam's students invited us to join them for a party to celebrate their graduation from their English language program. All the students were shy to meet me and giggly. I wondered if they thought it was funny I was their teacher's girlfriend or
Publication date: 2008-07-07
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Visa Application Update

It has been widely reported that visa issuance policies in China have been tightened ahead of the Olympics. Visitors are recommended to make visa application arrangements in good time, and to have all supporting documentation (which may include travel and hotel documents) in place. UK readers may wish to note the recent introduction of online appointment bookings and the use of an agency to manage visa applications on behalf of the Chinese Embassy. Readers elsewhere should check local policie
Publication date: 2008-07-07
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AUGUST MOON OVER BEIJING

BY PHILIP J CUNNINGHAM With all the political and natural upheavals that have taken place during the countdown to the Beijing Olympics, the August 8 opening date has an air of inevitability about it, being both a deadline and zero hour for a new era. The prominence of the start date is not just a matter of feverish anticipation of a long (all too long?) hoped for event, but it has practical ramifications as well. Hotel prices will jump up astronomically during this period, automotive traffic
Publication date: 2008-07-06
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Welcome to the China Maul

Roy and I were walking in the Nippombashi area of Osaka when we stumbled across a suspicious-looking cigarette machine. The first thing we noticed was that it wasn
Publication date: 2008-07-06
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We Proudly Accept Discover

A few years back, probably only Visa and Mastercard were in China. Today, the little "We Proudly Accept Discover" label can be seen from shopping malls to those street shops. Beijing, like most Chinese cities, have tons of mom-and-pop clothing shops. They are not big - about one or two rooms with usually one fitting space big enough for a skinny girl. You can bargain at those little shops, but you can hardly get any satisfying discounts that you would get at markets. I saw a cute canvas bag y
Publication date: 2008-07-06
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China visa for Olympics - Beijing hits back - Beijing, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Beijing, China Amid mounting pressure and criticism about the stricter visa policies, effecting many foreign long-term residents, the Chinese government has hit back, saying they are in line with Olympics held previously, and getting a China visa for legitimate reasons is still easier than many other countries (admittedly, countries you might not want to visit). Here's the official hit-back: China rebuffs criticism over stricter visa policies * Re
Publication date: 2008-07-06
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The opening and introduction to the cast - John O'Groats, Scotland, United Kingdom

Jump to the full entry & travel map John O'Groats, Scotland, United Kingdom How did we get into this? It all started back in Vang Vieng in Laos where I was sharing a bottle of vodka on a bamboo hut balcony with a group of South Africans, an Irish girl and a guy from London.  A couple of lads appeared next door and they had loaded up mountain bikes on their balcony.  In the bizarre way that British people speak to each other when abroad but ignore each other in the streets
Publication date: 2008-07-05
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Is now a good time to visit China? Probably not. - Beijing, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Beijing, China If there was going to be year when folk from all over the world might visit China, to see how things are going behind the Bamboo Curtain, it was going to be 2008. The year of the Olympics. But, as this year's Games is pretty much a 'made for TV' production to booster Chinese nationalism and show off some flashy hardware to foreigners, the conditions for visitors means it probably best if you stayed at home - and watched the Games on a ch
Publication date: 2008-07-05
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More Than Just Basketball Shoes

When you think of great rivalries, you generally think of sports first: Ohio State - Michigan, Army - Navy, Auburn - Alabama, USC - Notre Dame, Yankees - Red Sox and many others.  However, the corporate world has more than its share: Coke - Pepsi, UPS - Fed-Ex, Apple - Microsoft, Visa - Mastercard, well, you get the picture.  One of the most intense corporate rivalries of the last two decades has played out on the sporting fields and courts of the world:  Adidas - Nike.  Now the sporting goods
Publication date: 2008-07-05
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Clean toilets for the Games? - Beijing, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Beijing, China There was a rumour going round recently that they had to rip out all the toilets installed in the Bird's Nest stadium, because, they were Chinese squatter toilets - and many foreign guests might not be used to using them. One wonders if they had any dividers between toilets, or if it was the traditional (and modern) squat with your fellow humans? For some reason, not many things can go down a Chinese toilet. For starters, you can't flush
Publication date: 2008-07-05
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Hongkong baby! - Hongkong, Hong Kong

Jump to the full entry & travel map Hongkong, Hong Kong April 29th - and off I went on another trip - to Hongkong.. this time I went alone however one of our old trainers 'Mac' lives out there so I arranged it so that I would stay with him and also meet up with some of our students who live out there... Plus a friend from the UK who is also a Fairtex sponsored fighter was out there fighting in Hongkong (so it was another good excuse for my trip - to coincide with being able to go watch hi
Publication date: 2008-07-04
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Day 711 - CHINA (GANSU): Organising and resting in Zhangye

I love cross cultural communication. What I thought I ordered was pork and cabbage. What I got, was pork, and cabbage. But when the mis-communication only costs you an extra 0.50 Euro, I
Publication date: 2008-07-04
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Visa problems (part 2)

I
Publication date: 2008-07-04
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Internet nanny tries to find a balance

via WikipediaThe latest: according to Danwei the Chinese edition of Wikipedia is no longer blocked in Beijing. This comes after a whole stream of stories suggesting that Facebook has been blocked, or is at least in parts of China very difficult to access. If the strategy of the internet censor was to confuse us, simple users, they would have been rather successful. There seems very little system in the way nanny if blocking or giving access to the internet. The official story is that during the
Publication date: 2008-07-03
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Olympic Information Center: links on 3 July

Image by Getty Images via Daylife All Olympic conversation, apart from the sport Internet nanny tries to find a balance (China Herald) Rick Martin posted a message on Twitter
Publication date: 2008-07-03
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Singapore Sling - Singapore, Singapore

Jump to the full entry & travel map Singapore, Singapore I went to Singapore mostly because I figured, why not, I'm in the neighbourhood and I was able to grab a flight from Phuket for $50 which turns into a hundred and twenty after taxes and fuel surcharge.    Singapore.  Culture shock.  Clean and orderly.  You can set your watch by the metro.  How strange it was to get off at the station to find nobody there trying to sell me a tax
Publication date: 2008-07-03
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Beijing photojournal

The usual smattering of amateur snaps, to accompany my piece on music in China. I'd first like to acknowledge Mr. Nick, who served as my guide in Beijing. If anyone in the journalism business needs expert help in Beijing, I'm more than happy to recommend him. I won't give out his last name, to avoid causing him visa complications. Joanna Lee, Ken Smith, and Eli Marshall were also extremely helpful. Watch out for forthcoming recordings by Marshall's Beijing New Music Ensemble on the Naxos labe
Publication date: 2008-07-03
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Kwan, Farnworth pay Yang Baoying's visa fees

CIV - Two NDP MLAs are paying for the visa application for Yang Baoying, mother of Chinese student Amanda Zhao murdered in BC 6 years ago, in a very low key way, Ming Pao reports. Yang has written a few times to the Canadian minister of justice, asking for action on bringing the suspected killer of Amanda to justice. She has been hoping to come to Canada in person and meet with the justice minister (Amanda Zhao's series on CIV). Yang has not received any official response from the feds. Howeve
Publication date: 2008-07-03
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Berlin ... We're still here! - Berlin, Germany

Jump to the full entry & travel map Berlin, Germany Today was our day for getting our Chinese visa sorted out.  First we went to the courier to see if sending the info out early would get it there faster, but there was only one international shipment at 5:45pm.  So next we went and found the Chinese Embassy to see one more time if we could get a Chinese visa in Germany.  This time at least the lady spoke good English AND was very nice when she told us this was not possible.
Publication date: 2008-07-03
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The fallout of the visa problems

Getty Images via Daylife Access Asia's latest weekly newsletter details some of the economic problems the current visa regime is causing. After making jokes about the staff of the Chamber of Commerce, who cannot get visas since outside Beijing they are technically illegal organizations: The real adverse effects of the visa crackdown will be felt and suffered by Chinese people and businesses. Consider the following problems we've encountered in the last couple of weeks: A number of bra
Publication date: 2008-07-03
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South-East Asia travel

Going places This map shows where I have been in Asia so far. It is the travel pattern of a cautious man, sticking to the safe and the well-known. Maybe I should be more adventurous? The two red stars are for my next visa run. I bought the ticket to Jakarta. High oil prices? What high oil prices? The ticket was 3300 baht one way, including the plus plus. I ponder going by Kuching in East Malaysia on the way back to Bangkok. I haven
Publication date: 2008-07-03
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American freedom? Thank China (this Friday)

American freedom? Thank China (this Friday) July 01st, 2008 | Category: Uncategorized While China is credited by some with edging out Ponce De Leon in discovering the land that would become the United States and is yet to get its dues for beating the Yanks in putting a man on the moon (I sense Gavin Menzies shall soon find remains of a gargantuan 5,000-year-old catapult in Gansu), it also deserves recognition for the founding of America itself - we
Publication date: 2008-07-02
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Free Facebook!!

For the majority of Netizens in mainland China without proxy services Facebook has been blocked. Facebook lists some 180,000 registered mainland users. They a  can iinterface with a handful of Facebook applications , but are unable to navigate to mail, profile pages or groups. One social media pundit jokingly surmised that a recent addition by SLIDE, creator of many applications (such as   known to most Facebook users was one of the straw-breakers for cyber-censors in Beijing. The company ha
Publication date: 2008-07-02
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My Own Personal Visa Hell

Ah, the pleasures of obtaining a new China visa just a month before the Olympics! I went into New York yesterday to drop off my application and paperwork for a Z (working) visa and was completely and utterly rejected. Seems that my working permit indicates that I'll be living in China for purposes of employment, while my invitation letter says I'll be participating in a vague-sounding "exchange program". My employer ensures me that this is the same phrasing they've used to obtain Z visas for
Publication date: 2008-07-02
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Adventures along the Silk Road - Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Jump to the full entry & travel map Samarkand, Uzbekistan Deja vu - another Racing the Planet race; Gobi March 2008. I flew to Karachi on June 3rd to volunteer for yet another RTP race. This time I was the volunteer manager responsibl for training the volunteers and assigning them to checkpoints and campsites. We were a good group of people working together, though not as good as the group in Vietnam. I shouldn't say good or bad; the dynamics were just different. There were about 170 comp
Publication date: 2008-07-01
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TheCramerReport.com's Mad Money Recap - June 30, 2008

TheCramerReport.com's Mad Money Recap - June 30, 2008 Submitted by just another Cramerholic on Mon, 06/30/2008 - 17:56. Segment 1: Second half of 2008 Forecast Cramer said that he is glad that he can put the first half of the year behind him, and that it is time to look ahead to see how to make some money. There is a Medicare bill making its way through Congress that you can profit from, despite the fact that it can be a waste of taxpayer money. He will spend one segment each day this w
Publication date: 2008-07-01
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Visa Trouble Deepens

It is becoming clear that the tightening on entry visas by the Chinese authorities has been much wider than previously suspected. Austin is writing a story on the issue that will be out soon on the time.com website, but the point was forcefully brought home to me a couple of days ago when I was chatting with a senior person in the hospitality industry, who obviously didn't want their name mentioned. The situation is much worse than most people suspect, I was told, with hotel occupancy rates plum
Publication date: 2008-07-01
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The Great Concrete Wall of China

Annual production of cement by country in billions of metric tons. Click to expand. Source: USGS 2006 report (PDF) and the USGS 2008 report (PDF). Former Mayor Bernie Vergara should apply for Chinese visa. They love concrete there the same way as he does.
Publication date: 2008-07-01
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Olympic Information Center: links on 1 July

Getty Images via Daylife All Olympic conversation, apart from the sport Chinese police reopen investigation into girl's death after huge protests | World news | guardian.co.uk China bans polluting cars ahead of Olympics - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) PLA joins battle against traffic | - SCMP Christine Lu posted a message on Twitter
Publication date: 2008-07-01
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Shanghai's Disney at last a done deal

Hong Kong Disney via WikipediaThe Shanghai Daily reports that after years of negotiations the Shanghai Disneyland is a done deal at last. (h/t Shanghiist). You might forgive us for having thought a few times earlier the deal had been already in place. Main stumbling block has been the pending permission by the central government, and the Shanghai Daily suggests that lose end has not yet been closed: The official announcement is expected to be made after the Beijing Olympics in August. An exclus
Publication date: 2008-06-30
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Day 708 - CHINA (GANSU): From Qingshui to Gaotai

Today
Publication date: 2008-06-30
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Open Minds: Open Education and Open Culture by David Thornburg

These are my notes from David Thornburg
Publication date: 2008-06-30
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Taking the Mickey

More on the Mickey Tax, courtesy of a set of talking points forwarded by my person in the Travel Industry Association, which are (to put it mildly) quite unconvincing on the major points of contention. I
Publication date: 2008-06-30
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Laos - Vientiane, Lao Peoples Dem Rep

Jump to the full entry & travel map Vientiane, Lao Peoples Dem Rep If someone asked me to describe Laos in one word I think that word would have to be slow. I don't mean that in any negative sort of way, though.  Three days in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and I'm in love with this place. From the moment I stepped off the plane there was just a different feeling in the air -- a slowing down. Riding in a taxi out of the small airport I found myself marveling at how slowly everyone d
Publication date: 2008-06-29
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This is normal in China?

From Yahoo! News: Fifty-two passengers on a Chinese airliner whose flight was cancelled due to bad weather refused to disembark and instead spent the night onboard before finally leaving to their destination, local media said on Friday. The passengers boarded for their 8 p.m. (1:00 a.m. EDT) flight from Beijing to the eastern coastal city of Yantai, but after more than three hours of sitting on the tarmac, the airline cancelled the flight, the Beijing Morning Post said. ... Chinese media fre
Publication date: 2008-06-29
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Laos to Chiang Mai - Bangkok, Thailand

Jump to the full entry & travel map Bangkok, Thailand Hey folks, We've made it safely back to the polluted & frenzied Thailand. Back to Tesco-Lotus, Boots & Starbucks dominating street corners, back to the land were red traffic lights & pedestrians are ignored, where unrelenting tuk-tuk drivers take over from the mozzies, where snacks are roasted-salted green peas & mangoes whilst sitting next to the sex tourist on the long over-night sleeper train towards Bangk
Publication date: 2008-06-27
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Stuck at the border - Yining, Xinjiang Uygur, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Yining, Xinjiang Uygur, China June 21, 2008 Driving to Urumqi was the longest week of my life, but the week I spent there went by incredibly fast.  The weather was perfect on Saturday morning, but there could never be a good time to leave Urumqi.  If I ever make a trip like this again, I will do it without a destination in mind. I thanked Shamsiya for making Urumqi feel like home and drove west.  The road to Kazakhstan was&nbs
Publication date: 2008-06-27
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Getting this off my chest about the Olympics

This is very long, but for-the-record: First, a reminder: I think that it will be best for China, the world, the athletes, the spectators, and the Olympic Movement itself if the Beijing games come off as a big success. No one will benefit if China feels disappointed or under-appreciated about how these years of work ultimately pay off. Also: as I can
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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Salalah - City Of The Prophets

[IMG Tomb of the Prophet Imran [PBUH]] The first time I heard of Salalah was through a friend of mine in Dubai who, like me, is very found of exploring new places. When I saw the pictures of the place I was quite impressed with the greenery. Think of Middle East and images of desert and the date palm trees comes instantly to the mind. Salalah looked different with its virgin beaches, coconut and banana trees, and some stunning views of waterfalls. That was how I made up my mind to go to Salala
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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Another UK attempt (with an Obama angle) to censor US investigators - here

H/T Larwyn and of course A Jacksonian blog, one of the best political, historical and counterintelligence blogs on the planet.  This post - now under attack from lawyers in the UK, one of the highest forms of flattery - was originally posted March 14, 2008. Please repost this to show support for this excellent investigative piece, and for the courage, integrity and acumen of this investigative journalist.  Attacks=viral distribution. If you doubted we need a national Rachel
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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Preparing for trip to France

I have never been to France even though one of my sisters is married to a French guy. This is due to the fact that they are both Australians now. Anyway, sometime back we received a great offer from one of our friends to stay in her apartment in the beautiful city of La Rochelle in Western France. Of course we jumped at the chance. We met her today at the Coventry railway station before she left for her house in Paris and she handed over the keys to the apartment. Malaysian are lucky because t
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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It

Apparently China isn
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Part Two [Jalopnik Reviews]

Exterior Design: ** If someone ran over your mother with a 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V right in front of you, you'd be unable to explain to the police what it was. It's a battle to the death between blandness (from the front it looks like a smaller and blander Altima) and gimmickry (the Sebring called, even they don't want their hood strakes back), with blandness taking the day. Interior Design: ** Gimmick gets its revenge in the interior, which looks as though it was designed by a 16-y
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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Preparing - Copenhagen, Zealand, Denmark

Jump to the full entry & travel map Copenhagen, Zealand, Denmark Two days to go:-D When I got my exam schedule I did get a little nervous, as my last exam was on the 24th of June, and my departure was on the 27th - and my faculty is not know for its precision or consistency of plans, but fortunately the date was not changed. Yesterday I passed by Realia C exam on Global China, it was a presentation of Liang Qichao, a "famous" Chinese interlletual in the end of the 19th century, and his wo
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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The Other Ethnic Tension

Not much time to write, as I'm off to the U.S. tomorrow for a visa run. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll finally be getting a working (Z) visa after three years of scrounging around for business (F) visas. I might have been able to get the new visa in Hong Kong rather than heading halfway across the world, but nobody can say for sure in these pre-Olympic times... and it'll be good to be home for the 4th of July. I'm looking forward to my first (and second and third, etc.) non-Uyghur su
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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Random Things

Random Things Yeah, I
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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It's growing on me.... - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Jump to the full entry & travel map Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Haha, so I just finished gorging myself on some wonderful Indian cuisine, the first food I've had since I've been here, other than some raisins and pistachios.  It was an interesting experience, and will be the first of many to come as I head to the Indian subcontinent.  I have no idea what I ordered, but they set a large banana leaf out in front of me and placed all kinds of goodies on it:  the only things I could
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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map pin update - Bangkok, Thailand

Jump to the full entry & travel map Bangkok, Thailand Hey folks, We've made it safely back to the polluted & frenzied Thailand. Back to Tesco-Lotus, Boots & Starbucks dominating street corners, back to the land were red traffic lights & pedestrians are ignored, where unrelenting tuk-tuk drivers take over from the mozzies, where snacks are roasted-salted green peas & mangoes whilst sitting next to the sex tourist on the long over-night sleeper train towards Bangk
Publication date: 2008-06-26
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I Was Gone For Three Days, So Of Course This Is Going to Be a Really Big Stack of Headlines

He
Publication date: 2008-06-24
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Chinese Adoptee Hopes for Olympics in Beijing

Gymnast Corrie Dong Quan Lothrop is hoping to qualify for the Beijing Olympics this year.  She group up in Danvers Massachusetts and is a Chinese Adoptee.  Thanks to K@W for this article. -GS Corrie Dong Quan Lothrop
Publication date: 2008-06-24
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Mailbag: Suzhou, home for cheats and liars?

Being that this blog has been around for a while now, and that it consistently lists at the top of the search results for many things
Publication date: 2008-06-24
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Salalah - City of the Prophets

The first time I heard of Salalah was through a friend of mine in Dubai who, like me, is very found of exploring new places. When I saw the pictures of the place I was quite impressed with the greenery. Think of Middle East and images of desert and the date palm trees comes instantly to the mind. Salalah looked different with its virgin beaches, coconut and banana trees, and some stunning views of waterfalls. That was how I made up my mind to go to Salalah. The wait was finally over when I v
Publication date: 2008-06-24
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Chinese chafe under tightened rules about (it seems) everything

Readers of this blog will probably already be familiar with the litany of complaints about the Olympics-related tightening of rules on visa issuance, among other things. I am not a security expert, but I can't disagree with the general notion...
Publication date: 2008-06-24
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New Chinese visa policies explained, sort of

Chinese visa policies are something of a moving target these days - and the target itself is in part well lit, in part camouflaged, and in part completely invisible. Here's a web site with some updated information, gathered from here...
Publication date: 2008-06-24
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The 2nd Lowest Place on Earth - Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur, China

Jump to the full entry & travel map Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur, China When I arrived at Urumqui I found out that, even though it was quite a small town, there was a Kazak embassy.... this got mw thinking and even though it was even further west it would be a shame to come this close without exploring some of Central Asia. I headed down there and found out that I could get a visa without an invitation in about 2days and also a Kyrgyzstan visa in Kazakhstan so....I applied! Not wanting to hang
Publication date: 2008-06-23
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Oympic Torch In Tibet Warms Chinese Hearts

Russia and Israel will be able to switch to a visa-free regime at the end of September, the Russian embassy in Israel said on Sunday. Get the full story... Oil Companies Negotiate Iraq Return International oil companies are negotiating their return to Iraq 36 years after their expulsion from the country by former dictator Saddam Hussein. On 30 June, Royal Dutch Shell, Total, BP and ExxonMobil will sign agreements with Baghdad about providing maintenance work and technical suppo
Publication date: 2008-06-22
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Emoo on China

When I first started writing on the problems of getting a visa in China, it was in essence because an American friend of mine had called Emoo to extend their visa. When asked
Publication date: 2008-06-21
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legal

legal June 20th, 2008 So I
Publication date: 2008-06-21
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Parent teacher meeting

oh shit. i noe i didnt do as well as b4 but getting bottom 10. i dun think so dis is unacceptable. i hve 3 As.which are my humanities subjects like alwys. i gt 2 Cs n the rest r Bs. my grades r quite gd.its just because of my chinese. i gt an E8. i gt 60/100 for SA1 bt i gt a 0.0 for CA1. i guess dis is all my fault.i deserve it. i shldnt hve escape 1 mth of chinese classes and actuali miss the CA1 test. my mum was like complaining 2 ms uma. she was nt happy of the fact dat we had training tche
Publication date: 2008-06-21
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Jake Adelstein defies Yakuza death threats

In a brave article in the Washington Post last month, a Japanese-based American journalist blew the lid on Yakuza activities in Japan and abroad. The article is remarkable for Jake Adelstein
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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Your first job in Hong Kong

How did you get your first job in HongKong? Some of the most popular pages on our site are about finding work in Hong Kong. So if you didn't already have a permanent Hong Kong ID before you started working in Hong Kong, how did you find your first job and visa? We're hoping your stories will help others who are looking for ways to move to Hong Kong. MrB's story I arrived in 1989, and at that time UK passport holders didn't need a visa to work, so that was half the battle won. I was certain
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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Time out for Time Out

It seems it's Time Out's moment for standing in the corner, hands on head, until it feels really, really sorry and can grovel suitably to the GAPP in China. According to the London Times, the June issue of the Beijing edition of the magazine has been pulped. We have to assume they won't be considered half sorry enough until at least after the Olympics, more sign of paranoia in Beijing about what constitutes a "successful" Games. Nothing to do with the June issue focusing on the environment, we'
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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The Chinese Education and Training Market Presents Great Opportunities

Education and Training Overview As China continues to integrate with the global economy, Chinese enterprises need to recruit graduates with internationally recognized standards of education and maintain professional training for their employees to stay competitive. Since the United States' educational system has a solid reputation in China, U.S. colleges, universities, and other deliverers of training services are in a strong position to fulfill China's training needs. Short-term tra
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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China lists Olympic Rules

BEIJING, China (AP) -- Foreigners attending the Beijing Olympics better behave -- or else. People are shown in late April walking past a sign in Beijing warning foreigners. The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, nine-page document Monday that covers 57 topics. Written in Chinese only and posted on the official Web site, the guide covers everything from a ban on sleeping outdoors to the need for government permission to stage a protest. Visitors also should know this: T
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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Another Era

Iris Robinson is in the news a lot these days for well publicised reasons, but Suzanne Breen had a revealing intimate portrait in the Sunday Tribune a while back to which I meant to draw attention at the time. Iris is very much a woman
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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Olympic Fever in Xinjiang

Two vaguely related news items today, both of which tie into the whole pre-Olympic security craziness we've been living through in China lately... First, the Olympic torch is heading to Xinjiang on Wednesday... probably. Surprised? So is everybody else, because the festivities have suddenly been moved forward a week. The torch relay was kinda maybe sorta supposed to go through Tibet this week, but those plans are up in the air and very hush hush. (Translation: nobody know what the f#%! is goi
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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Looking At Yesterday Today

She: "It is against your visa contract, not to report immediately for work after your arrival in the U.S." Her: "I arrived at midnight and I had jet lag." She: "You have been here for two weeks. You have to report to duty or we will report you to immigration." Her: "I still have jet lag and I have not made up my mind. I am not sure if I want to stay here and work. I may go back home. I did not realize this was a ghetto. I thought this was New England with such a beautiful name for a city. I e
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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Random Ramblings

No time or engery for a full post, but instead a brain dump (to prove I'm not dead as much as anything else). 1) I hate the Visa Olympic commercial. I do not and will not say "Go World." I say Go USA. If Visa wants to be an American company, they should too. And yes, I still think we should boycott the Olympics due to the brutality of the murderous Chinese Communist government. 2) It rains a lot more in Tulsa than Tucson. 3) Cheering for the Braves is such a frustrating experience. I grew up
Publication date: 2008-06-19
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Japan Exchange Q

Many people have been asking me about my 2006 exchange program to Japan as well as my up and coming 2008 exchange to Japan, so I've decided to compile some of the questions and just answer them here in one go. If you have anymore questions, you can comment or email me at beijingbaby11@gmail.com. Just a little background, I did my 2006 exchange to Numazu, Japan as a high school exchange student and I'm going to Keio University in Tokyo as a University exchange student in September this year.
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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Time Out tangled in twisted web of Chinese regulations

I just got finished reading that Time Out Beijing, one of the city
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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Poll: Who

Poll: Who
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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Take A Time Out On Foreign Publishing In China

Nearly every month some non-Chinese company comes to my law firm seeking our help in navigating the legal issues involved in publishing some sort of magazine or website in China. Their initial questions nearly always focus on WFOEs versus Rep. Offices or about bringing on Chinese staff as part owners of their planned company. Not once have we ever been asked whether it is legal for foreign owned Chinese entities (be it a WFOE or a Representative Office) to own such a business in China. So when w
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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Credit Card Market Welcomes Its Age In China

Credit Card Market Welcomes Its Age In China In China, it used to be a fact that only people with stable jobs and income gets credit cards. At that time, there weren
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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My China visa woes

I have been in China for a few months now and since I last posted about getting a visa to stay here for the Olympics, I still haven
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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First Chinese Tour Group To America Leaves On June 17

China will send the first tour group with an Approved Destination Status tour visa to the United States on June 17, 2008. The first batch of tourists will be from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. According to the memorandum of understanding on tourism signed between China and the U.S., China-organized tour groups to America will follow the grading [...]
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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David

It has been a dream-like two years since I first encountered David DeGeest. I met him shortly after he volunteered to come to an exchange program
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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A New Dream for Dawei

It has been a short two years since I first encountered David DeGeest. I met him shortly after he came to an exchange program
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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If We Rally

I am long a lot of stocks right now about 40 percent invested. No short positions. I have a lot of money to put to work, but if we rally, there are going to be some new leaders quickly. I am eyeing a bunch of new stocks for sure. Right now, gun to my head, if I were to pick my five favorite stocks assuming a 1,000 point rally: 1. Interactive Brokers 2. Nintendo 3. Amazon 4. American Expree/Visa/Mastercard 5. Inflation plays like oil and metals. OIH, PAAS etc
Publication date: 2008-06-16
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JULY VISA BULLETIN RELEASED

Little movement in the family numbers (except that the Family 2B date actually moved backwards by six weeks). On the employment side, no changes in the EB-1 and EB-2 numbers. Indian and Chinese nationals are still stuck at April 1, 2004 in the EB-2 category. The big news is in the EB-3 category for skilled workers which is now unavailable. In June, folks with priority dates earlier than March 2006 (except for China, India and Mexico) were being processed. For at least July and probably unti
Publication date: 2008-06-10
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FB Closet Last Call + Link Love

FB Closet Okay everyone.. I may be switching cities pretty soon, so if you want ANYTHING AT ALL off FB Closet, I suggest you buy the items now. I'm starting to go through, itemizing everything and placing them carefully into big bags so that I can drop them off at the thrift store and ask for a tax receipt. SECOND LAST CALL! CONTESTS / GIVEAWAYS I have 2 contests going on right now - AminoGenesis Anti Aging Serum and 2 Old Oak Necklaces from SparkleThots. I am