The weather is much nicer today with nice sunshine and cool temperature. I almost refuse to believe this is Shanghai in August. But it all comes with a price.

Front Page Story

Yesterday, Shanghai had its worst rain fall in its recorded history. The mighty thunder and relentless rain not only shook people from their sleep but also over-ran the city’s drainage system, turning Shanghai temporarily into Venice. Sadly, it was a Venice without boats, and it was difficult getting to work. It took someone 7.5 hours to get to work just to apply for the day’s leave.

In addition to the Venice without boats, Shanghai also turned into a twilight zone. Thousand of people almost had to swim around in their homes to capture their floating properties. Instead of fighting fire, fire trucks were used to suck water. People were diving to look for their license plates. Bizarre stuff.

Other headlines today

President Hu was well-received in Korea during his visit. The top leaders expressed interest in working closely on all the usual areas. Either the Koreans really like the Chinese or they just like more Chinese money to flow into Korea.

New laws came out on financial crimes big and small, from unidentified monetary gains to money laundering in private companies. China has began to upgrade its software a little. This is a new and positive direction after the Olympic Games.

After the tragic accident in Spain last week, another airplane crashed in Kyrghyz Republic killing 65 people. 2008 is really a shaky year. Everything bad seems to happen all together.

Another headline today is on TV programs after the Olympics. Life goes on even after the games, and TV is a big part of many lives.

On the good side of the coin from the rain yesterday, the temperature will be friendlier these last few days of August. High today 31 degrees Celsius.

Zaobao! Zabao! is a daily article by Li Yizhong that translates and puts into brief perspective the headlines of the Shanghai Morning Post's daily newspaper. Read more of his work on the Zaobao! Zaobao! blog.