Welcome back! Here are some things to do that just might clear up those post-holiday blues. There’s a lecture from China Crossroads, Latin Nations does a pop-up at Wheat, a vegetarian cooking class, and more, more, more. Get active in your community, Shanghai!

*** China Crossroads has a got a lecture in the works for this Thursday, at 7.15pm on 'The Cyber Security Law.’ Do you need to legally secure your cyber? Speakers include Zhou Yang, a partner at Zhong Lun Law Firm and Carly Ramsey the Associate Director of Control Risks. Mixing and mingling post-talk. Entry costs 100rmb with one drink. This one’s for the stay-at-home mammas and papas, the fun-employed, or anyone who’s free at 10am on a Friday. JoyEAT is offering a two hour vegetarian cooking class where you'll learn to make three dishes. Costs 200rmb a person, wechat: joyeat1 or email: event@joy-eat.com to book. Shanghai's most prolific sustainability-minded network Green Initiatives hosts their 82nd film screening: Machines -- "a visually compelling look behind the doors of a textile industry exploring the meaning of modern day labor, exploitation, and the human cost of mass production in our globalized world." Directed by Rahul Jain in 2016, the film follows several workers in their everyday jobs at this textile factory, working in shocking conditions next to heavy machinery for more than 12 hours a day. There will be a discussion after the film. Door entry: 100rmb. Starts 7pm. Latin Nations will have a pop up at the Wheat on Fumin Lu this Saturday. There'll be a cooking workshop, Zumba, and tunes from DJ Tuto. Apparently, Wheat’s not just for salads anymore. Free entry, but 100rmb gets you three drinks. Will run from 4pm to late. This one's technically a "stage" event but it's got a community feel to it and it concerns the stories of people making their way in the big city: "A 99-voice polyphonic comedy, the play 99 Live Shanghai stages 99 men and women who tell us the little things and the great moments of their lives. Inspired by the testimonials of more than 150 Shanghai city dwellers, it gives a striking picture of the diversity of cultures and the profound uniqueness of every person." 100rmb. Performances in English are on October 14 and October 15. "Autumn is here yet so many of our furry friends are still waiting for a home We are strays All we ever want Just a home A warm, peaceful, sweet, sweet home..." Damn, that's some... well just sad promotional material from pet rescue platform Best Friend China. Hit up their event on Saturday at the Kerry Parkside to pick up a new family member. Event runs 1pm to 5pm. No entry fee. "Free adoption, but please think carefully before bringing an animal home." Quite right.