In the last couple of days I came across two interesting articles concerning public transportation benefits for seniors, one from Shanghai and one from Suzhou.

First, Suzhou. This article is about complaints from white-collar workers that senior citizens are abusing their free rides anytime on Suzhou buses, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. Specifically, Suzhou residents complain that senior citizens are using buses to travel to farther and better vegetable markets to buy meal supplies, that they use air conditioned buses as places to escape the heat, and that they take seats from tired office workers on their way home and cause mental stress when young people have to give up their seats to ungrateful seniors. The article ends by mentioning that Shanghai and Nanjing restrict free rides for seniors to non-rush hours and weekends.

Second, Shanghai. An article in the Xinmin Evening News pulls a double play, first praising the unintended consequences of the transportation benefits for seniors policy and then going on to remind policy makers to carefully consider the consequences of their policies and the wishes of the citizens they serve. While the policy of giving free rides to senior citizens was originally intended to lessen their financial burden, it has turned out to greatly benefit the mental health of Shanghai's seniors who now have a much greater incentive to leave their home and interact with other cityfolk. The author of the piece observed senior citizens boarding the bus and greeting other riders by name, and came to this conclusion.

Via the Shanghai Daily, construction has started on the mammoth Hongqiao transportation hub, which will join air, rail and municipal public transportation lines in a facility that will "reach an annual turnover of 52.72 million people by 2020". The hub will be the terminal station for a new high-speed rail line joining Shanghai and Beijing which will cut travel time between the two cities from 12 to 5 hours. The Hongqiao transportation hub has been in planning for over ten years.

According to articles in the Shanghai Daily and the Youth Daily, on the eve of the 600 day countdown to the Shanghai World Expo the Metro company has announced that three different kinds of existing subway stations will be upgraded in time for the World Expo in 2010.

Some stations on Line 1 are merely outdated and will be completely redone to meet new standards of safety and cleanliness; Caobao Road falls into this category.

Several stations on Line 1 will be upgraded to match the style and features of new lines that meet Line 1 at existing and future interchanges. At Shanghai Indoor Stadium Station, the Line 1 section of the station will be given an upgrade to match the newer Line 4. At Xujiahui the Line 1 section will be redesigned and upgraded to match Line 9, scheduled to open in 2009, and Line 11, scheduled for 2012. Changshu Road will be upgraded to match its new interchange with Line 7.

Finally, Xinzhuang Station and Zhangjiang High-Tech Park Station are being retrofitted in the near term to deal with the unanticipated high passenger loads they service. The Xinzhuang Station platform will be widened on both sides by 5 meters, and the Zhangjiang Station will see two new stairways added to facilitate the boarding and disembarking of passengers. In the future when the Line 2 Eastern Extension opens, the Zhangjiang High-Tech Park Station will move underground and have the facilities to handle the high passenger flow it currently experiences.

In addition, the Metro company is putting in place more measures to address anti-terrorism concerns passed down by the central government. Besides bag checks, bomb-sniffing dogs, and the removal of all trash cans (look for the homeless blue trash bags!), the Metro company will provide anti-terrorism training for staff, install emergency equipment in subway stations, and install surveillance cameras on subway trains.

Sighted today in the Shanghai subway by a Tianya BBS poster:

One a metro excursion today, I transferred between Line 2 and Line 4 at Century Park, and I estimate (exaggerating, obviously, but still) that half of the people in the station were on their way home or on their way to the Chinajoy gaming convention at the Shanghai New International Expo Center in Pudong. I identified these people by their wearing cat ears, carrying blow-up pandas, or sporting bags branded with video game company logos.

(Via Metrofans, via Ditiezu. The story is that Century Park was originally named after New York's Central Park, but was obliged to change its name when the central government in Beijing expressed its disapproval.)

Friday already! With my midweek update just out of the way what feels like only a couple days ago, it feels like I just finished writing that update and I am already doing this Friday’s update. Well, good thing because I think I need to add a few events upcoming to announce.

In the meantime, I need to remove the announcement about ShanghaiFox as I got notice this week that ShanghaiFox will cease to broadcast immediately so my Fridays at work will be a lot less interesting. Sigh. I am hoping that changes but I don’t see it happening anytime soon so…

Looks like typhoon weather may be upon us! The winds are kicking in, the temperature is cooling a bit. Made for a nice ride into work and a nice respite from the heat but be advised, some weather forecasts are indicating some sort of storms affected by the typhoon showing up as thunderstorms and hopefully cooler temps in Shanghai this weekend.
Membership for the group has grown to 610 members as of this morning. Seems some members are finally inviting others to join, making up for those leaving Shanghai. My heartfelt thanks everyone, newbie’s and veterans, for your continued support. I will keep the newsletters going as much as I can and as always appreciate your ideas and suggestions! Sorry of sometimes the suggestions slip by the wayside but I do try and get things that fit into the newsletters.

18 July, Friday 8-11pm @ ZhiJiang Dream Factory Coming up this weekend, the DMC China DJ finals are being held in Shanghai on the 18th at the ZhiJiang Dream Factory in the New Factory complex. 20 of China’s up and coming hopefuls will spin cut and scratch their way to the top. Guest performances by DJ judges DJ Shortkut from the Beat Junkies and DJ Swift Rock certainly make the 50rmb entry fee small change. Yes, not for the hardcore musicals who do not recognize DJ’ing as an art form, but for Turntable enthusiasts who understand how hard this can be, come on out and check it out. Must be targeting a local crowd as its held from 8-11pm. B4/F, 28 Yuyao Lu, near Xikang Lu in New Factory Complex. 6255-4062

18 July, Friday 9pm-12 midnight @ Attica- STRUT launches their new fashion line with a Fashion Showcase hosted by Attica and supported by ShanghaiExpat. It is invitation only so contact them to get an invite! Info: http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/images/newsletter/08_07/07_18strut.jpg
19 July, Saturday, 3-4:40pm @ Shanghai Grand Theater - For families and kids, this Saturday, July 19th , as part of the Shanghai International Children's Theatre Festival, there will be a stageshow called Martha, the first children’s show by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, teaching about friendship. The show wil be held in English with Chinese Subtitles. (I believe there is a second show at 7pm) More info: http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/events/26585/

22 July, Tuesday 8:30pm- @ Mural – Harvard’s famous Din & Tonics a capella singers and swing band come into town a second time performing and pleasing their audiences not only with their musical talent but also their entertaining choreography and humor. Tickets are 150¥ at the door (100 presale) with 50% of that being donated to the Children of the Sichuan Earthquake fund. Ticket good for entry, a free Subway Sandwich, and a free cocktail. For more info: http://www.muralbar.com/mural_events.php

23 July, Wednesday @ location TBD - Next week, Wednesday, July 23, the mom and soon-to-be-mom’s group will be hosting its Bumps and Babes meeting at a new location since the closure of Moon river Diner. More information will be posted on Friday hopefully, but I will be there as the speaker on the 23rd, speaking about water quality and healthy living here in Shanghai and introducing a few filters to make the water we use and consume safer and healthier.

24 July, Thursday 7-10pm @ Kakadu (Bridge8 complex) Next week on the 24th, OCN, the Overseas Chinese Network, is hosting their regular Social Networking meeting. This time its at Kakadu, the Austrailian themed dining establishment down in the Bridge 8 complex. 50 rmb for a drink and finger foods and an opportunity to mingle. It’s a great place to dine though too if anyone is interested. Good management, good service and great up and coming chef. (good selection of beers, wines and cocktails too ;) ) More info: http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/MDForum-viewtopic-t-78658.phtml

ShanghaiExpat Traveling Summer BBQ Benefit Series -- Episode 2: A Feast on the edge of Huangpu River is coming! ShanghaiExpat BBQ Episode 2 will be held at Rouge Morille with an amazing Huangpu river scene. 180 RMB for all you can drink and eat! Kid Town will set up an exclusive kids garden, so family is welcome! It is definitely going to be another great BBQ experience that you don't want to miss!
Sunday, July 27, 2008, 3:00pm - 8:00pm at Rouge Morille 3888 Riverside Avenue, Pudong,180 RMB/Adult, 90 RMB/children from 5-10

One recommendation I had to mention… I had the pleasure of trying out a new Italian place a couple weeks ago that I meant to intro last. Da Papa Mario Ristorante & Pizza on Dagu Rd. Its new, its quaint, and Papa Mario, who speaks little Chinese or English, personally mans the oven fro pizzas and Calzone’s. Beware that these are delicious 12” thin-crusted Italian styled pizzas that can fill you up. Anyhow, pop by and try it if you are looking for an authentic tasting Pizza. (the Calzone is very good too!) 370/1 Dagu Lu (Next to Cal Kitchen) 6340 1386 hours are: 11am-10pm. Be advised that they are currently Cash Only.

((ad)) The Directway Eco Friendly Washer Ball- lifetime use /CHEMICAL FREE! helps soften the water, reduce detergent use AND disinfects the water in your laundry machine EVERY time NATURALLY ! For SHXP Community Members get 50rmb off the usual price of 398rmb. Email me at Washerbaby@chinahaven.com , to arrange discount and I will help you set it up. ((ad))

Regular events include the Saturday Coffee meeting at Cloud Nine Mall at Zhong Shan park, every Saturday from 1030-1230 at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; and lunch that follows the coffee meet. Contact me if you have any questions as I do host this even every week.

Sunday Coffee Brunch is held at XinTianDi’s Coffee bean outlet from noon-3 every Sunday afternoon. More info on that: http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/MDForum-viewtopic-t-28351.phtml

And of course, the Weekly Wednesday Night Mixer at Malones happens on the 3rd floor Loft from 9pm to midnight. Come by to meet new friends and old ones, enjoy discounted drinks, and the occasional lucky draw with cool prizes from ShanghaiExpat’s community sponsors.

Another hot and probbably wet weekend ahead! Have fun and stay cool!

Cheers!
Ed

Welcome to a mid-week edition of the SHXP
Community Newsletter!

Sorry everyone, for the lack of a newsletter last weekend. The family headed off to avoid the heat (and me), going back “home” to cool off so I spent the day last Friday, seeing them off at the new Terminal 2 of Pudong Airport. I must say it was quite a nice terminal and they did correct some of the problems that Terminal 1 had. This one is quite spacious and fairly user friendly. It had a few extra places to eat and it is so well lit. But awaiting a delayed Air Canada flight for several hours at the airport is not my idea of a fun afternoon. It was an adventure though, for my son, who was absolutely fascinated with the ticketing counters which were identified by “ABC’s” (something he has learned to recite and is starting to identify!), and with all the the airplanes he saw on the ground and taking off… guess that made an otherwise miserable delay, and having to watch them leave while I stayed, more worthwhile.

A few things in town I meant to mention, a couple passed by already like the Green Business Forum hosted by NextStep, and a wine tasting Saturday, but that’s ok…there will be more. But there is a Broadway show that is in town that my better half introduced to me. HairSpray, a successful Broadway musical, is currently playing until the 20th at the Shanghai Grand Theater. ¥150-1000 for tickets. Friends who have already gone really enjoyed it so go check it out. Yes, it is in English as it’s the US cast touring.

A bit of bad news last week that I thought I should mention for those not reading the forums is that Moon River Diner closed its doors on all three outlets last week. After a long protracted negotiation with investors that promised more funding, Greg, the managing partner decided enough was enough. Sad to see it go. More info can be found here: http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/index.php?name=MDForum&file=viewtopic&p=896584
Good luck to Greg and the staff as I hear they are already on their way to starting something up new…much like a phoenix…

Good news is the membership boomed this past two weeks as we crossed over the 600 members line. Woohoo! ☺ Thanks everyone, newbie’s and veterans for your support. I will keep the newsletters going as much as I can and as always appreciate your support and suggestions! Sorry of sometimes the suggestions slip by the wayside but I do try and get things that fit into the newsletters.

(UPDATE- ShanghaiFox just announced they wil be off the air indefintiely :( )Early reminder that every Friday ShanghaiFox radio comes to you online. Just go to http://61.170.194.98:8000/listen.pls and listen using WinAmp player or I-tunes. WMP use http://124.77.221.60:8000 the station plays classic throughout the work day so bring head sets for the office as the broadcasts are not censored and occasional raunchiness is expected.

18 July, Friday 8-11pm @ ZhiJiang Dream Factory Coming up this weekend, the DMC China DJ finals are being held in Shanghai on the 18th at the ZhiJiang Dream Factory in the New Factory complex. 20 of China’s up and coming hopefuls will spin cut and scratch their way to the top. Guest performances by DJ judges DJ Shortkut from the Beat Junkies and DJ Swift Rock certainly make the 50rmb entry fee small change. Yes, not for the hardcore musicials who do not recognize DJing as an art form, but for Turntable enthusiasts who understand how hard this can be, come on out and check it out. Must be targeting a local crowd as its held from 8-11pm. B4/F, 28 Yuyao Lu, near Xikang Lu in New Factory Complex. 6255-4062

19 July, Saturday, 3-4:40pm @ Shanghai Grand Theater - For families and kids, this Saturday, July 19th , as part of the Shanghai International Children's Theatre Festival, there will be a stageshow called Martha, the first children’s show by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, teaching about friendship. The show wil be held in English with Chinese Subtitles. (I believe there is a second show at 7pm) More info: http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/events/26585/

23 July, Wednesday @ location TBD - Next week, Wednesday, July 23, the mom and soon-to-be-mom’s group will be hosting its Bumps and Babes meeting at a new location since the closure of Moon river Diner. More information will be posted on Friday hopefully, but I will be there as the speaker on the 23rd, speaking about water quality and healthy living here in Shanghai and introducing a few filters to make the water we use and consume safer and healthier.

24 July, Thursday 7-10pm @ Kakadu (Bridge8 complex) Next week on the 24th, OCN, the Overseas Chinese Network, is hosting their regular Social Networking meeting. This time its at Kakadu, the Austrailian themed dining establishment down in the Bridge 8 complex. 50 rmb for a drink and finger foods and an opportunity to mingle. It’s a great place to dine though too if anyone is interested. Good management, good service and great up and coming chef. (good selection of beers, wines and cocktails too ;) ) More info: http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/MDForum-viewtopic-t-78658.phtml

One recommendation I had to mention… I had the pleasure of trying out a new Italian place a couple weeks ago that I meant to intro last week but obviously that news letter did not get out so here is the make up. Da Papa Mario Ristorante & Pizza on Dagu Rd. Its new, its quaint, and Papa Mario, who speaks little Chinese or English, personally mans the oven fro pizzas and Calzone’s. Beware that these are delicious 12” thin-crusted Italian styled pizzas that can fill you up. Anyhow, pop by and try it if you are looking for an authentic tasting Pizza. (the Calzone is very good too!) 370/1 Dagu Lu (Next to Cal Kitchen) 6340 1386 hours are: 11am-10pm. Be advised that they are currently Cash Only.

(AD)--- Eco Friendly Washer Ball- lifetime use /CHEMICAL FREE! helps soften the water, reduce detergent use AND disinfects the water in your laundry machine EVERY time NATURALLY ! For SHXP Community Members get 50rmb off the usual price of 398rmb. Email me at Washerbaby@chinahaven.com , to arrange discount and I will help you set it up. ---(AD)

Regular events include the Saturday Coffee meeting at Cloud nine Mall at Zhong Shan park, every Saturday from 1030-1230 at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; and lunch that follows the coffee meet. Contact me if you have any questions as I do host this even every week.

Sunday Coffee Brunch is held at XinTianDi’s Coffee bean outlet from noon-3 every Sunday afternoon. More info on that: http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/MDForum-viewtopic-t-28351.phtml

And of course, the Weekly Wednesday Night Mixer at Malones happens on the 3rd floor Loft from 9pm to midnight. Come by to meet new friends and old ones, enjoy discounted drinks, and the occasional lucky draw with cool prizes from ShanghaiExpat’s community sponsors.

07/15/08