User Comments - RJ

Posted on: Karaoke

I only hate it because I sing so horribly. That and the fact that I was traumatized by my over weight elementary school music teacher. The sins that passed for teaching back then. There should be reparations.  Anyway I still puzzle over why the Chinese psyche is so attracted to this activity.

Posted on: Karaoke

Mike - I had no problem with it here.

Posted on: Late December News

Ok, open minded guy that I am, I checked it out. Jeez now I know where all the poddies are. No wonder the boards are slow, everyone is busy twittering. I still think it would be a time drain and I would feel like a stalker following people around. Im still thinking about this one.

Posted on: Late December News

hmmmm, maybe Im missing the boat but microblogs? Perhaps Jenny should teach us all how to use this twitter.

Posted on: Late December News

Sorry, when it comes to Twitter, Im a Qwitter. No interest in yet another thing to check. This is a technology looking for an application if you ask me. It even has a dumb name. Sorry Jen. You are welcome to prove me wrong, but not where I would put my resources. Thats my "tweet".....oh yuk. Not a club I want to join.

Posted on: Late December News

yea my thoughts exactly :-). hey Boran. Come more often.

Posted on: Taxi Culture in China

hualaubao

she says:

 "I think there was like one incident, one time, like ten years ago where like, a taxi driver got accosted somehow and then every, all of them, have the cage..... and I think one of the things with like, with the the taxi drivers is if one has it they're like, oh I need it too. So they all have the cage."

the red is where Amber fills in the words for her. Keep in mind she is just surmising that this is how it might have happened. 

Posted on: Taxi Culture in China

darylk,

I dont know if there are special deals with the cab companies but I doubt it. Hosts will often recommend certain color cabs to protect you from being ripped off. I have gotten the same advice at times. We couldnt get a cab one night and I noticed a string of Red or burgundy cabs just sitting there so I figured hey so what if they charge more. As soon as I got in the driver informed me that it would be 100 RMB to my destination - no meter. I got out and eventually found a different cab. The meter charge ended up being 20 RMB. I dont know how they make money though. Like I said they were just sitting there because nobody wants to use them. I also took one of the unofficial cabs from the airport once. I could see the meter spinning. They saw me watching it so they slowed it down. It ended up costing me 400 RMB and it is usually 160 to my hotel. I wonder how much it would have been had I taken my eye off the meter again. The other thing that made me uncomfortable was that there were two drivers. I was alone and was hoping I wouldnt  have to try out what little I have learned on kung fu pod.  At least I know the way and could tell they didnt veer off course. Since then I choose to wait in line. Over all though the cab drivers are great. Its always an experience. Cabs seem to have the right of way everywhere, even on the sidewalks. Its such a feeling of empowerment.

Posted on: Chinese Hospitality and Finding Vegetarian Food

Ken,

I also am happy to see that you have given Amber the credit she deserves. During a trip to SH this fall, Amber and JP were nice enough to join me for dinner. My thought at the time was that this girl could do anything she wanted. I knew she would outgrow her job, but I still hate to see her go. It wont be easy to find similar talent. I wish her the best of luck and I know she will do amazing things.  I also wish you luck in finding a way to replace her presence. She has set the bar rather high.

RJ

Posted on: The Person Component

yea,  I have a pornographic memory. That should work out just fine.