These past two weeks saw two big shutdowns: The Chinese blogosphere lost one of its mainstays, the venerable but short-lived Talk Talk China, when its creators decided they'd just said all they care to say about daily life in this crazy country and gave up the cause. Here in Dalian, even shorter-lived BBox disappeared into that good night, going a bit quieter than its usual dance mix would have suggested. It seems the owner picked a location scheduled for demolition, but rumors abound of a new opening somewhere else in the city.
===
Sunday Expat Coffee: 10:30 a.m., Starbucks near Olympic Square
It's getting bigger every time. Meet fellow foreigners. Gripe about your job. Drink expensive coffee or just enjoy the free ice water. This weekly event starts every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and runs until people leave. Come whenever you like; stay as long as you like.
===
Calling all Volunteers!
Santa's coming!
We want to plan a community Christmas PARTY!
We need to form an organizing committee:
1.Pick venue/date/menu
2.Organize activities
3.Publicize the event
4.Make it fun
If you are interested in helping , please drop Michelle an email and include your phone number.
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
===
Terrific Turnout for the Volunteers' Meeting Monday night!
Lots of discussion and enthusiasm, 15+ people. We know we need to improve the "look'n feel" as well as site organization/structure. Next step is form teams and get to work.
Thanks to Hu's Cafe for the sandwiches and Santiago for offering us the meeting space. Special thanks to Didi's Pizza for supplying all the free pizza's (personally delivered by Didi!).
We're still (always) looking for volunteers to help with the website. As we grow, so do our needs, so there's always a way to lend a hand. Here's what we need:
-help gathering events calendar,
-bar/nightlife/music reviewers
-expertise of Dalian businesses/services,
-a mapping project with Google.
===
And if you need to save some green (or red, blue, pink and any other color your RMB is), check out the discounts and special offers from some of our sponsors and save some kuai.
(`Special Offers') (http://www.dalianxpat.com/content/view/88/154/).
===
Missing in action:
The latest poll generated some good responses. What do you miss from home? Add your own thoughts here:
http://www.dalianxpat.com/component/option,com_joomlaboard/Itemid,28/func,view/id,3645/catid,56/
===
Events Calendar:
Thanksgiving! (the American version, anyway)
Thursday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Swiss Hotel, 7th floor
Hosted by the Dalian International Christian Fellowship
(Note: I don't know what this event costs. If someone knows, please post it in the forum.)
Seminar: Good Business Practices in China
Friday, November 24 at 3 p.m.
Regus Business Center in Dalian
→ Expatriate Individual Income Tax in China: What You Need To Know About Rates and
Benefits In Kind
→ System of Mandatory Welfare Payments for Chinese Staff
→ Financial Management in China
After the seminar accounting, auditing and management staff from Dezan Shira and Associates will be available to answer certain specific questions you may have about doing business here in China. This is a free event, but space is limited so register in advance. If you have any questions, please contact Adam Livermore at 0411 8255 9061.
Send me more events. I had to scrape for these two. I know there is more going on. PM me through to forum so I don't have to go hunting.
===
The Last Word:
Be thankful (even if you're not celebrating an American holiday this week). I'm grateful to those who give their time to make Dalian a community where everyone has a place, and where being a foreigner doesn't mean I'm on my own. What are you thankful for?
OK, enough being sentimental.
- Chris
aka Viaggiatore
Ad:
Hu's Cafe, Santiago Bar, Didi's Pizza - Thanks for supporting DalianXpat!