There was a bout of torrential rain in Beijing last night that started about an hour before work ended. I’m talking super big rain. Rain that caused flash flooding like this: I did not have to wade in water that deep, and actually I wasn’t even going home. I was going all the way across […]
Just had this conversation with my friend on MSN: Friend: just now I thought my pc was being manipulated by some rotten eggs Me: [confused] it stinks? Friend: the mouse didn’t work Me: how does that relate to rotten eggs Friend: but the pc operated on its own Friend: bad guys Me: [enlightenment] ohhhh Me: […]
I’m a big fan of Rebecca Black’s “Friday.” The lyrics are stupid, sure, but now they can become a learning experience! This guy Dawen has translated the song into Chinese. How’s this for the ultimate blend of East and West? I especially like how he translated Rebecca Black’s name into Li Bei Ka, the transliteration […]
I love Vietnamese cuisine, especially in the summer when its refreshing dishes are often served cold. And its use of uncooked dipping sauces for flavoring is a great alternative to the greasiness and saltiness of Beijing fare. (I really love fish sauce!) As of late, anything Vietnamese has been my favorite food. You’d think that, […]
Some people (like me) would argue that we are already in the dog days of summer. I dread going outside before 8 at night, so I don’t know what I will do come July and August. You’d think other Chinese might be like me, too lazy from the heat to do anything. But, no, they […]
I made this last night: It looks like bread loaves because I only have mini-loaf pans. But it’s still pretty tasty. Why haven’t made this before? All it takes is apples, flour, sugar, eggs and butter.
I’m on a roll! I’ve just had two consecutive mafan-free (no hassle) experiences with the Chinese bureaucracy. The first, yesterday, was at the post office, mailing your postcards. Over the past year, I’ve gone to the post office to mail something, only to be told that I couldn’t mail it or that it was written […]
In a country of 1 billion people, productivity needs to be kept low and responsibilities divided up into the smallest tasks possible so that more people can be employed, which goes a long way in producing the ever-elusive harmonious society. This is why, despite having so many people, China’s per capita GDP is still below […]
Accidental Chinese Hipsters. Old Asians are the ultimate cool: so cool, they don’t even care they’re cool. Or not.
Back from merry old Engrand now and catching up on my China news. A few quickies: Phew, it’s HOT. I hate talking about the weather, but England was so nice and balmy. Beijing was alright when I left it, but it seems about 10 degrees warmer now. No more cool mornings and nights. I live […]