Extra! Extra! Brangelina, singles parties and the end of eBay?

• Rumors have it that Yiqu (China's eBay) is no longer a contender and may soon quit the China market. At least Jack Ma, who helped create Taobao, one of China's own C2C e-commerce sites, seems to think so -- and it seems this might be more than just trash talking, since Shanghai based iResearch's new report shows that Taobao has a 60 percent market share. Strangely, it seems that last year the numbers were reversed, with iResearch showing Ebay on top. Ebay has said in reply that they are still learning the ropes in China. (And by "learning the ropes" they mean selling porn.)
• We guess this means that it's all about localization and knowing the way things work in China -- and even BMW has been rumored to have more China market versions of its 7-series in the works to be manufactured by local partner Brilliance.
• Even China Eastern is getting into the act -- they just announced that they are hiring Indian flight attendants for the flights between Shanghai and New Dehli.
• No lighters allowed -- Shanghai's new wax museum is set to open on May 1. The report says that visitors can do the things that the celebrities featured do:

  "We know from the surveys that people do not just want to see their favourite celebrities and be with them, they also want to do the things the celebrities do," Fuller said.

  "Visitors in Shanghai are allowed to shoot hoops with Yao Ming, play football with David Beckham and Ronaldo, and sing with Hong Kong pop music band Twins."

  We're not sure what this means when it comes to Brad and Angelina -- are we having no doubt hot and illicit sex, ruining marriages or adopting African children by the private jetful? Entry to the museum is 100 kuai.

• From noon to 6 Ppm on May 20, a massive Singles Party will be held in Century Park. Speed dating, wine tasting, costume parties. There is but one condition -- you have to possess at least a university level education. A photocopy of your diploma or some other proof is required.
• Also, Shanghai's unmarried are slutty (relatively speaking, of course).
• Is Technorati blocked in China? All signs point to yes. (Thanks Brad!)

Photo by placestosee taken from the Shanghaiist photos page. To see your photos on our photos page, use Flickr and tag your photos "shanghaiist". Or you can email your photos to photos@shanghaiist.com and they will automatically appear on our site.