China mandates manners classes for children

China sets classes in good manners for schoolchildren

Younger children will be taught about traffic rules, table manners and using courteous language

The Chinese government is making schoolchildren take classes in what it calls "civilised manners".

The education ministry says the aim is to enhance the ethical quality of the nation and China's influence abroad. Before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, authorities launched campaigns against things like spitting and littering to avoid offending foreign visitors. The new classes range from basic table manners to the art of holding conversations and delivering speeches.
According to the education ministry's website, teaching courtesy should combine "the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation" and "the salutary achievements of civilizations in other parts of the world".
Detailed guidelines have been published, with classes tailored to the age of the child.

Concern over values
Among key lessons for primary school students are using courteous language, observing traffic rules and respecting the elderly. Children a little older will be learning about phone and correspondence etiquette, how to dress properly and how to hold polite conversations with both Chinese and foreigners.
High school students are expected to master the etiquette of debate and delivering speeches, but they should also know how to keep a proper distance from other people when they are queuing or using a lift.
"The campaign is very necessary for our society now," Xin Tao, vice director of the National Assessment of Education Quality, told the Global Times.

Chinese children will also be taught to respect their elders and the customs of ethnic minorities

Abigail Mawdsley, from the BBC's Asia Pacific desk, says the campaign reflect two things.
Firstly, they signify a concern - with the waning of communist ideology - about the values underpinning society.
But they also show an awareness that the behaviour of citizens affects a country's image, she says, and that commanding global respect involves more than simple economic and military might.
Authorities have shown concern in the past about the habits and behaviour of some of their citizens.
But the goal now appears to be to drill manners into people from an early age.

Global Hunger

Only China has met its Millenium goals of halving hunger.

How to adjust to a new time zone

How to adjust to a new time zone

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Pillows
• Alarm Clocks
• Eye Masks
• Melatonin
• Women's Watches
• Soothing Music

1.                   1

Switch to your new time zone as soon as you leave home. Reset your watch and act as if you were already in the new time zone.

2.                   2

Sleep on the plane if it is nighttime in your new time zone. Stay awake if it's daytime.

3.                   3

Avoid the urge to nap if you arrive at your destination during the day. Go outdoors as much as possible if you need to stay awake, since natural light will help reset your body clock.

4.                   4

Retire to bed at the local bedtime.

5.                   5

Take melatonin to help you sleep; some studies indicate it can help reset your body clock. Follow the directions on the bottle.

6.                   6

Eat meals according to local time.

Read more: How to Adjust to New Time Zones | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_3016_adjust-new-time.html#ixzz1BupdwK9W

How to Adjust Your Body Clock

By agilityman, eHow Member

User-Submitted Article

The recent switch to daylight savings time (spring forward!) has probably reminded people of the challenge of adjusting to a new time zone. This is only one hour. Imagine if you had to adjust to a five or eight or ten hour difference!

Whether you call it your "Body Clock" or "Jet Lag" or "Time Zone Adjustment" or even "Desynchronosis," the problem of getting your body insync with the time zone you're now inhabiting is a challenge for most people.

There are no automatic solutions for dealing with your Body Clock because the symptoms of jet lag vary with each person (and thus, what works with Jack may not work with Jill). With that caveat acknowledged, let's look at the best options for managing and minimizing jet lag.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1.                  1

Pre-Travel. Pre-travel preparation has a big impact on how severe your case of jet lag is. It helps to get business and personal details managed (so you aren't stressing over them during the flight). Get some good exercise in the days before the trip--it will pay off immensely. If possible, try to get a good night's sleep the day before you travel.

2.                  2

Travel Time. Drink lots of fluids--most travel is dehydrating (especially in airplanes). Water is better than juice which is better than coffee which is better than alcohol. Alcohol's effect is intensified at higher altitudes, does not help deal with jet lag and actually makes it worse for most travelers (by providing a hangover the next day). Looking for opportunities to sleep (and things like white noise earphones, ear plugs, your own pillow or blanket--airlines are starting to charge for those now, blindfolds--all of these things can aid in sleep). Getting exercise during the flight (walking up and down the aisle, doing isometric exercises in your seat) is very good. Finally, if at all possible, wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are loose fitting, cozy and good to sleep in.

3.                  3

Arrival. The sooner you start operating by the local schedule, the quicker to adjust and get rid of your jet lag. A critical factor biologically is sunlight. The ideal form of adjustment would be to get off your plane, check into your hotel, take a shower and change clothes, and then go out for a long walk in the sun. If you can't manage that (it's a cloudy day or it's too hot or cold to be outside) than go to bright lights--anything to help you begin the adjustments. Physical exercise is critical. Even though you might arrive feeling lousy, getting on a treadmill or taking a walk is important for the adjustment. It's very important to eat according to the time zone schedule. If you're famished (no food on the plane) and upon arrival the next local meal isn't scheduled for 4 hours, have a snack (ideally fruit or a complex carbohydrate, definitely not candy or sugar-based) to prevent you from crashing.

Read more: How to Adjust Your Body Clock | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4835416_adjust-body-clock.html#ixzz1BuqUwMGN

Interesting Youtube Video on China U.S relationship

<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QaJNvZQl7qc" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

China's Central Provinces

China’s Regions: Central

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 0:23

Historically abundant in natural resources, the central provinces were once as prosperous as many of the provinces on the east coast (Wuhan’s GDP was ahead of all the other second tier cities on the east coast until only a few years ago).However, as the economies of the east coast began to attract heavy investment, and their economies rose as a result, the central provinces were left behind with those in the southwest, northeast, and out lying areas. To make up ground, many of the cities within these provinces have had to reinvent themselves.

For central provinces, there have been two key national level changes in the last 3-5 years that have had a large impact in the importance and accessibility of the region. The first was the building of China-wide highway, water, and rail infrastructure, and the recognition of the importance Wuhan and Xian will play as in the hubs for logistics in China. The other, was the “Go West” initiative that promoted investment and growth in the southwest provinces of Sichuan, Chongqing, Guanxi, and Guizhou.
On a regional/ local level, macroeconomic conditions (low labor, land, and other costs) and historically talented labor have also lead to an increase in manufacturers (local and international). In Xian, the labor pool (supported by numerous universities) has become one of China’s most reputable cities for software development and aerospace. this comes largely from the work on China’s space and military applications. In Wuhan, the Pittsburgh of China, steel working and access to the Yellow River have created a labor pool talented in heavy manufacturing of Trucks, motorcycles, constriction equipment, auto, and other parts that will support those industries.
Primary Growth Cities:
Wuhan – While Wuhan has been growing, it has not grown as fast as many thought it would, and has actually lower growth rates than other second tier Chinese cities. Wuhan has established itself as a city where large amounts of money from foreign companies can be invested and has a lot of heavy industrial complexes for steel, auto, and coal that require large amounts of investment. Following Wuhan’s economic growth has been the rising disposable income level of its residents. With rising incomes, Wuhan’s residents are now attracting the attention of high end developers, auto manufacturers, and foreign branded consumer goods companies.
Quick Stats: Population: 8.58 million / GDP: 27.98 billion USD/ Contracted FDI: 199 million USD / Per capita Disposable Income: 10850 RMB
Xian – . Located in the north of China in-between Beijing and Chengdu, Xian has historically been considered to be the “Gateway to the West” for multinationals looking to open the western front. Due primarily to the lack of infrastructure to really serve as a manufacturing base for Chinese products, the difficulties of Western firms to get their East Coast operations profitable, and a lack of a strong local market, Xian did not receive the attention or investments as originally planned. To capture investment, Xian has leverage its 700 scientific research institutions and 40 universities to become a leader in aeronautics, aerospace, software, and other high value industries. By the end of 2004, fifty-eight countries and regions had established about 2,560 enterprises in Xian.
Quick Stats: Population: 7.42 million / GDP: 15.88 billion USD/ Contracted FDI: 140 million USD / Per capita Disposable Income: 15925 RMB
Other Cities: Nanchang
Wrap Up:
The central provinces are going to play an important role in the future of China, but it is going to take longer for this area to develop than it did on the east coast.
In order to bring in much needed investment, the area will need to leverage its regional advantages to attract companies looking to manufacture for the domestic market. In the area of logistics, Xian and Wuhan will play critical roles as long haul trucking and rail routes will connect east and west/ north and south through these cities.
From a manufacturing perspective, the investments by IBM, Motorola, and Boeing are all testaments to the future of Xian while the investments by LEAR, Peugeot, and Cummins in Wuhan show how it is leveraging its historical strengths and regional access to raw materials to draw in an increasing level of technology and investment.
The one thing really holding this area back though is that the cities themselves are not ones that foreign expatriates or senior local managers want to live in (unlike Dalian, Xiamen, or Chengdu) and that could continue to restrict investment.

China's Regions: The East Coast

China’s Regions: The East Coast

Tuesday, November 7, 2006 5:59

With access to China’s largest sea ports, the east coast of China was the first region to develop in China, and is the market that has been the focus of most international manufacturing activity to date.
This is the area that most foreign companies consider as their primary entry location for manufacturing and markets for greatest sales potential. In fact, when executives say they are entering china, the “market” that they are describing are found within the cities found on the east coast.

Since Deng Xiao Ping’s famous striped cat speech, this area has seen a dramatic change in infrastructure, capabilities, and culture. Historically been attractive due to its proximity to suppliers, access to ports, higher quality of labor, ease of investment, and higher quality of infrastructure, this area has also become attractive for its consumer markets.
Historically, the gateways to China were the markets of :

Beijing – The political capital of China, Beijing has seen phenomenal growth and change over the last 5-8 years. Partly in preparation for the 2008 Olympics, and partly due to a general belief that Beijing needed to undergo 50 years of modernization over the last 5, Beijing’s skyline has been one littered by the blinking lights of cranes as retail, residential, and commercial properties are undergoing 24/7 development. Due to the need to develop political ties in Beijing to conduct business, Beijing has been a traditional base of operations for the world’s largest companies (Motorola, SIEMENS, Bayer, Shell, and others).
Quick Stats: Population: 14.23 million / GDP: 53 billion USD/ Contracted FDI: 6.52 billion USD / Per capita Disposable Income: 15638 RMB
Shanghai – Considered the economic/ financial capital of China, Shanghai has been the poster child for business in China: young, entrepreneurial, and dynamic. historically influenced more than any other mainland Chinese city, Shanghai offers a better quality of life in the eyes of expats, and is quickly becoming the city of choice for companies entering China for the first time. Shanghai has been very successful in attracting OEM manufacturers, financial service providers, banks, law firms, and several dozen regional headquarters. There is little doubt that shanghai will continue its role as China’s most important economic base, and will serve as China HQ and Asia HQ for many companies.
Quick Stats: Population: 16.7 million / GDP: 56.89 billion USD/ Contracted FDI: 2.46 billion USD / Per capita Disposable Income: 16682 RMB
Guangzhou – The southern gateway of Guangzhou has played a very important historical role in China’s export driven economy. Capital of the Guangdong province, it was Guangzhou that got a jump start on China’s success as the Guangdong province saw the high levels of investment in the basic industries that drove China’s future growth through the 90s. textiles, wood products, bicycles, plastics, and other high volume items have historically called this area home, and it is through the movement of these high volume/ low margin items that the ports of Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong grew.
As the east coast has benefited the last 5 years from the growth and success of the gateway cities, there have been a number of second tier cities that have also benefited greatly:
Tianjin – Located just a little over an hour from Beijing (with good traffic), Tianjin is a port city that has more than an other second tier city benefited from its proximity to a gateway city. Through the Tianjin Economic Development Zone (TEDA), Tianjin been very successful in attracting multinational manufacturers like Motorola, Nissan, Canon, and others who are manufacturing high technology goods for both the export and domestic markets. As Beijing continues to grow, and as the Olympics draws nearer, expect the growth in Tianjin to continue as well.
Quick Stats: Population: 10.4 million / GDP: 45.78 billion USD/ Contracted FDI: 430 million USD / Per capita Disposable Income: 11467 RMB
Nanjing – Located between Shanghai and other regional manufacturing cities in the Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces, Nanjing is not only a key strategic logistics hub, but also an attractive OEM manufacturing base that is able to source products regionally. Due in large part to its proximity to Shanghai, Nanjing enjoys the attention of many foreign companies looking to setup manufacturing. Many foreign companies are moving from Shanghai to Nanjing to open new factories with lower land prices, labor costs, and highly educated employees found in Nanjing. Foreign investment zones have been improved and expanded, a new logistics park has been built, and many of the services found in Shanghai (hyper-markets, international schools and hospitals) can now be found in Nanjing. Nanjing grew at a pace of over 15% for the last four years through an industrial manufacturing base of petrochemicals, electronics, automobile, steel, and power.
Quick Stats: Population: 5.95 million /GDP: 30.16 billion USD/ Contracted FDI: 540 million USD /Per capita Disposable Income: 14997 RMB
Xiamen – Xiamen’s investment has historically been higher than other cities due to its port, location, and ties within the Taiwanese business community. As one of the first four special economic zones (SEZ) in China, Xiamen has enjoyed a high amount of concentrated FDI from Taiwan and Korean companies setting up light and medium manufacturing sites. . Investments have continued to grow steadily, with 453 contracts signed in 2004 for 1.80 billion USD. As Dell and other high tech OEMs continue to invest in Xiamen, it can be expected that many of the small and medium suppliers will soon follow with their own investments.
Quick Stats: Population: 1.53 million / GDP: 12.87 billion USD/ Contracted FDI: 1.3 billion USD / Per capita Disposable Income: 16403 RMB
Other cities: Hefei, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Shantou, Dongguan, Zhuhai, Shijiazhuang, and Hefei
Wrap up: The east coast has been the engine for growth in china, and will continue to be for the foreseeable. It has been the platform for an export driven economy, and it will be the platform for China’s ongoing success as a developed economy over the long term.
Much like the East coast of the United States in its growth, the proximity to ports was a major factor in attracting the early investment into the area, and it was the ability of those governments, technology zones, cities, and employees to not only fulfill the promises made, but create an environment that attracted more investment.
In the long term, companies will have to move away from an east coast only model. However the cities of the east coast will continue to serve as a platform for the overall domestic economy, and to those that wish to seize the opportunities that presents.

Worst drought in 60 years

JINAN - The worst drought in six decades is escalating in eastern China's Shandong province, a spokesperson with the local Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said Saturday.

A total of 240,000 people and 107,000 head of livestock are suffering from short supply of drinking water in the province.

Approximately 2.01 million hectares of wheat land has been affected by the drought, or 55.9 percent of the province's total farmland sown to the crop, some 73,333 hectares more than the week-earlier level.

Accumulative precipitation since September averaged 11 mm in Shandong, 86 percent less than the year-earlier level.

The province has earmarked 680 million yuan ($103 million) and motivated 2.11 million people for fighting drought.