Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
Years ago when I visited China, I was told to say I’m Chinese American who can’t speak a word of Chinese. I became Eric Chang, King of Lacrosse and Dodgeball. The guy who scored 800 in English on the SAT but scored a paltry 550 in math. The opposite of Asian was important to keep my disguise strong. I purposely spoke English loudly. Yes, I was having fun with it. Now, it’s a matter of survival. In this example, a Japanese sushi shop owner in China is transforming his shop to become a Korean owned sushi shop. It might stop the onslaught of rocks being thrown at his business. (Koreatimes – Korean in China)
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Ai Weiwei is probably loving his latest controversy which puts him back at the top of the news. The government is revoking his business license for Fake Cultural Development Ltd. Move already! He seems to enjoy the battles just as much as he loves the publicity. Perhaps the battles are becoming his art. (WSJ – Ai Weiwei “Fake” Closure)
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The problem of coffee shops everywhere. Lingering customers who aren’t spending. It’s happening in China. Imagine, holding a coffee cup with the Starbucks logo is a status symbol. It’s America’s huge coffee chain. In China, it’s expensive and what’s the next best thing if you can’t afford a cup? Hanging out in Starbucks. Meetings happen and people bring their own food, yet it’s a roaring start for a company that’s seeking to build a brand. (Reuters – Starbucks)
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Want to make it big in China and have a great idea that’ll crack you into the Forbes 500? Be careful of the State. Yes, the place that seems to foster business might also be your competition and replicator. The first page of this article is fascinating before it turns into what seems like more rehash and hash browns. But the first page tells a tale of how some things unfolded for a biotech company with a great idea and a helpful medicine. Right idea, wrong place to do it. (NY Times – Rivals)
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Seeing the photos of what the article mentions is endearing as it is enduring. The floods in Thailand are an everyday news story, but the small business people keep it going. Small business has different meanings everywhere, but the small and quick adaptation to a very screwed up environment amazes. Moving a car? Sure they created a floatation device and plastic bags to move it out. Have a cab or a tuk-tuk taxi? Modify it to ride in the water! In times like these, where the economy continues to be difficult, Thailand is a great example of being creative and moving forward. (Seattle PI – Thailand Business)
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