The World Expos are "pretty useless" ?

It is obvious that the World Expos do not generate enough incentives for governments like the US to participate.

Your thoughts ?

Sources:

"U.S. Running Out of Time to Join Shanghai Expo" By Glenn Kessler, Washington Post.

Official World Expo 2010 Shanghai website

A Q&A on LinkedIn... The World Expos are "pretty useless" ?

A report from a Chinese source said that the US pavilion may become KFC later.
"上海世博 美国馆恐变肯德基"

World & Shanghai [世界与上海] - dedicated to World Expo 2010 Shanghai

A poll is created... "Your opinion on World Expo in general"


twitter: BridgeSinoUSA

Leadership Genes - Dominant or Recessive ?

I am inspired by a discussion on the group "Leadership Think Tank" - "Are people born with natural leadership skills or are they taught how to be leaders?" by Nina Love.

Posted a Q&A on the LinkedIn... "Leadership Genes - Dominant or Recessive ?"

Your thoughts ?

Thank you for your participation.

A job in Houston, Texas...

Requirements:

Extensive server-side Java development solving complex issues and having experience with new cutting-edge technology like High Performance Computing, Cloud or Grid, multi-threading, realtime apps, SOA--just examples of the types of experience they're looking for.

The other two important elements are a degree in CS, Science, Engineering or Mathematics from a tier-one University/College and good tenure in past work history.

The company is pretty particular but they are offering excellent salary, the best technology and plenty of room for growth. It's a permanent position in Houston.

Contact:
Fran Woodruff:
email: fran@inqueststaffing.com
www.linkedin.com/in/franwoodruff

A Comedy Movie to be produced - Stinky Tofu

I was inspired by an article "A First Encounter with Stinky Tofu!" from John Melendez on the LinkedIn.

Stinky Tofu [ST - 臭豆腐] is as someone put "a biological weapon developed in China," which is one of the featured dishes in Shanghai, Taiwan and many places. It is considered "a weapon of mass destruction" and some people suggested "it be banned by the Geneva Convention".

By the way, I love it, but my kids detest it. One time when we ate ST in the restaurant in Shanghai, my kids had to run to restroom for fresh air.

A story was told from a friend of mine...

One person heated leftover from the previous night dinner at workplace using a microwave. The leftover included Stinky Tofu causing the entire floor people being evacuated for a precautious measure... in the US.

One responder wrote: "Even after 6 years in Taiwan I still cannot stand the smell of it, but I miss it here back in Switzerland. ;-) "

I replied:

Thank you for your inspiring comments... a new brand of perfume will be born - "STINKY TOFU".

I'll talk with my IP attorney soon.

In fact, I was thinking seriously when John posted this Q&A... for people who live in Shanghai know that Yu Garden is one of Shanghai's tourist spots, which is also considered by many people in Shanghai the birthplace of the Stinky Tofu. Many famous world VIPs visited the Yu Garden including Queen Elizabeth II. I am pretty sure the head of the Commonwealth smelled the Stinky Tofu when visited there... there is a comedy movie that can be made of it... I've been looking for investors and screenplay writers...

Sources:
"Yu Garden: A World Famous Garden with Southern China Style"

"What are the challenges to become a professional screenwriter ?"

Article: "A First Encounter with Stinky Tofu!"

"Stinky Tofu"

Handshakes in China - Cultural Differences

Differences often cause misunderstandings. It is often for us to judge another culture through our own cultural lenses. The "walls" could be easily built by misunderstandings and poor judgment. I truly hope this discussion is a way of introducing Chinese people and the culture to all. I have a lot to learn from you.

__________________________________________________________

For majority Chinese people who have few direct physical contact with foreigners in China, a handshake is NOT a way to demonstrate one's confidence or sincerity as Western professionals have emphasized. Sometimes we may encounter the "dead fish" handshakes from men as many business etiquette trainers in the West describe.

Cultural background:
Old generation Chinese are not comfortable intentionally having physical contact with strangers in particular with foreigners. However, most Chinese are not bothered by bumping into each other in public on crowded streets, in busy buses, subways & train stations etc.

It is not Chinese tradition to shake a hand as a way of greeting in the past.

Shaking a woman's hand by another man firmly might be mistaken for being too eager or perceived as harassment - it is very tricky.

Most Chinese are a bit shy when they have to shake a foreigner's hand.

Two hand handshakes mean:
1. respect to officials, or elderly people etc. [below references with good examples from the President Obama and the First Lady of the USA and Queen Elizabeth]
2. good friends
3. eager to make good relationships in the near future.
...

Please share your thoughts with the group.

Thank you in advance !


References:
"Obama Meets Chinese President Hu" from CNN on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu6-UEx3pus&feature=related

"Queen Elizabeth Meets President Obama At Buckingham Palace" from CNN on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPkxw3WtaZs&feature=related

Source:
Handshakes in China - Cultural Differences on the LinkedIn Group "World & Shanghai"

"What is entrepreneurial spirit in your opinion?"

I was asked by a friend of mine Thomas Fu on the LinkedIn on April 6th, 2009.

My answer:

Hello Thomas,

Thank you for asking, I answered a Q&A 6 months ago for a question "What are the traits of an ENTREPRENEUR?" from John DiPietro.

There are many good answers from other people.

Here is my 2 cents...

My list of the traits of an ENTREPRENEUR... it is a journey of a pioneer...
a burning desire
passion for innovation
super high energy
street smart intelligence
strategies and tactics
a workable business plan
patience
confidence
communication skills
negotiation skills
leadership skills
ability to build a team with lots of soft skills
keeping focused
being able to survive one day without a penny
overcoming numerous obstacles including failures, tragedy, mounting pressure from inner and outer sources... never give up...
being able to quickly learn from mistakes of self and others

Of course, make money and create job opportunities for millions...

Source:
What are the traits of an ENTREPRENEUR?

There is a short answer from one of my friends Cosimo Caraglia on the LinkedIn... so simple, but to the point...
"An entrepreneur is a driver and a bad passenger.
An employee is a good passenger and a safe driver. "

By the way, John DiPietro is the author of the book "YOU DONT HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO BE GREAT."

Ling Edward asked: "Hi Wei, I agree with your all the points here! But I think to be a successful ENTREPRENEUR or to be recognized as "success", he/she should have social responsibility, create/contribute more value to community/society! "

Wei answered: "Hello Ling,

I am so glad you brought up "value to community/society" as an entrepreneur. One month ago I posted a Q&A
"I always want to ask this question: Are there two types of careers for everyone ?"

“There are two types of careers for me:

Type 1. making money for a living - basic needs
Type 2. career as a volunteer to fulfill my dreams to help more people and community we live - self satisfaction
Hybrid of type 1 and type 2 is when one can achieve financial independence.
...”

I am a huge fan of doing volunteering activities for our community/society either to donate money or to donate time & efforts. Your comments make my week. Thank you so much !

Sincerely,
Wei

Source:
"I always want to ask this question: Are there two types of careers for everyone ?"

Chinese Entrepreneurs... from the group "Chinese-Speaking & China-Experienced Business Executives" created by Saul Gitlin 冀碩臨 on the LinkedIn.

"如螃蟹般一红就死　内地富豪形象集体崩溃"


"一项调查显示在美国，每16个人中可能有一人具有企业家精神；在欧洲，每26人中可能有一人具有企业家精神；在日本，每36人中可能有一人具有企业家精神；而在中国，每200人中还找不到一个具有企业家精神的人。"

I don't know if the survey is valid.

Your thoughts ?

Thank you !

Direct flights between China and the US

1. Los Angeles/Shanghai--China Eastern Airlines
2. Los Angeles/Beijing--Air China
3. San Francisco/Shanghai--United Airlines
4. San Francisco/Beijing--United Airlines
5. Chicago/Beijing--United Airlines
6. Chicago/Shanghai--United Airlines
7. Chicago/Shanghai--American Airlines
8. Atlanta/Shanghai--Delta Airlines
9. New York/Beijing--Air China
10. New York/Shanghai--China Eastern Airlines
11. Newark/Beijing--Continental Airlines
12. Washington DC/Beijing-United Airlines

Source: A direct flight between Shanghai and Texas ?