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F70N_Screen_shot_2012_04_27_at_12.31.16_PM.png Jackson vs Suzhou by Shakiri
Apr 27, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend
 Usually I’m completely against comparing two cities cause it’s all about your experience on that day, at that time, with the people you are with.  You can go the next day and change the equation and it could all possibly be different, right?  But I recently had a chance to go to the weddin...
BXUK_Screen_shot_2012_04_27_at_12.25.19_PM.png Competition Is Good by Shakiri
Apr 27, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
 Competition is good.  Interesting because for the last few days I have been home in the USA and the general sentiment has been a bit shocking.  I’m sure it’s a combination of things but probably most importantly due to the fact that next year is an election year, the unemployment rate is hovering...
4LOK_Screen_shot_2012_04_27_at_12.07.00_PM.png Evolution Of The China Expat by Shakiri
Apr 27, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
 There is a new expat on the loose and I think he/she will be recognized soon.  It’s interesting to see the diversity of China.  While some places are still very agricultural, some have developed and have a well-represented middle class.  Soccer moms and everything….   Although few in numbe...
CSS5_Screen_shot_2012_04_27_at_12.00.42_PM.png Ego by Shakiri
Apr 27, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
 Seems many start with the desire to be successful.  This desire then leads to ambition as our environment gives perspective to opportunities around us.  This ambition then leads us to try new things and from our failures we learn and from our successes we gain motivation.   I recently had ...
705S_Screen_shot_2012_04_27_at_11.57.33_AM.png Art & Culture by Shakiri
Apr 26, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
 What’s the difference between art and culture?  Interesting to me because Suzhou has a LOT of these cultural monuments/statues all around the city.  Some of them are obviously a depiction of ancient Chinese life but others like Don Quixote & Sancho have absolutely nothing to do with Chinese cult...
1MGJ_Screen_shot_2012_04_27_at_11.52.55_AM.png 8 Things You Need To Know When Buying In China by Shakiri
Apr 26, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
 The supplier doesn’t have the same perception of an item as you.   I think it’s interesting to listen to westerners explain something to a Chinese person (and vice-versa).  Even if they do speak the language, there is a cultural divide that has to be bridged.  A pool float, ice cubes, scuba div...
YGT_Screen_shot_2012_04_26_at_10.45.48_AM.png South Korea, Germany, China - Room for Growth? by Shakiri
Apr 25, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
 I’ve become increasingly curious about the development of nations in recent weeks.  I mean, how does a nation go from nothing to a powerhouse.  Then after becoming a powerhouse, how does it sustain that hunger?   During my research, I’ve found an interesting comparison between South Korea,...
7NSH_Screen_shot_2012_04_26_at_11.00.42_AM.png A Friend In Need, Is A Friend Indeed by Shakiri
Apr 25, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
 My parents have often said, show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are. That saying has stuck with me over the years and shaped the type of people I accept & choose to sustain long-term relationships with.    The only real criterion for me is that they be honest and passionate.  Not...
HANU_Screen_shot_2012_04_26_at_11.10.27_AM.png The World Truly Is Flat by Shakiri
Apr 25, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend
 Thomas L. Friedman wrote a book entitled “The World Is Flat” that I not only agree with but also see everyday via work and travel.   It seems that in today’s highly competitive global economy, one must have a core competency to stay in business.  There must be some core focus of your busin...
IQL5_Screen_shot_2012_04_26_at_11.04.57_AM.png China's Getting Harder by Shakiri
Apr 25, 2012 | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend
 It’s increasingly more difficult to live & work in China as a foreigner.   Interesting because we provide a necessary service here.  Not to say that service/skill is more important than any other but we have seen from our respective societies different perspectives that can be applied.   ...