Shanghaiist: At B&Q, 30 is the magic number

paul

Wed, 09 May 2007 19:21:31 +0800

That really was a fascinating piece Dan, well done - quite groundbreaking and clearly proof that blogging really is cutting edge. Who'd have thought it - B&Q, hot, shopping...it was all there! Now if only B&Q sold DIY sandwiches...

yu888

Tue, 08 May 2007 17:00:18 +0800

Heating and cooling take energy and China is energy deficient. Overall, the locals are just better at tolerance than we are...tolerating heat in Summer, cold in winter, long hours and bad bosses when necessary. the new generation of only children, especially here in Shanghai, though are probably as bad as we are in terms of wanting immediate gratification and will most certainly be using the AC and heat more often. But yes, there are many concepts about climate control that the locals are just learning. Give it time. Better yet, teach when you feel like complaining since that actually can help the cause...though complaining does make me feel better ;) just not cooler... speaking of which, my office is getting really hot...

YoYo

Tue, 08 May 2007 14:00:25 +0800

A/C and heating is one of those mysteries that Chinese seem to have a problem understanding. Others include: The clothes drier that needs a ventilation duct leading the hot and humid air outside; for the toilet fan to operate it needs replacement air coming in through a vent in the door, NOT through the sewer system; to keep your apartment clean you don't keep the windows open all day; and in summer time you actually need to keep the A/C on all the time (but around +29C when not at home and with windows and curtains closed) to save energy. The walls and furniture store heat and take more than half a day to cool or warm up.

hp source

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:29:33 +0800

Dan, may I recommend you invest in a fan? A simple, black fan, sans frou-frou can be quite masculine. And good for the environment too :P

Jesh

Mon, 07 May 2007 23:45:57 +0800

I've used local charcoal in Shanghai without a problem. I took a tip from the master Alton Brown (of Food Network fame) and use crumpled up paper with some drippings of cooking oil on them. The oil allows the paper to burn for quite a bit longer (as the oil has to burn first) which was just the trick. I also found that a bicycle tire pump was quite effective at blowing some air on the fire for good measure.

LiJeans

Mon, 07 May 2007 17:59:29 +0800

If the Chinese want to have Western style big box stores, they must learn to consume more energy keeping them cool in early May. Like Al Gore said, "The earth is getting warmer, somebody please switch on the A/C!".