User Comments - RJ

Posted on: Sobriety Check

They seem to have screwed up the units used for Japan. They do use a different system, I believe the limit listed for Japan should have read 0.15 mg alcohol / 1 liter expelled breath. Converting the Japanese 0.15 mg/l value gives a standard BAC level of approximately 0.03. This was the limit in 2002, but all the more recent charts I can find seem to indicate Japan has now gone to zero tolerance. They can also fine any licensed passengers for letting you drive. "Friends don't let friends drive drunk" (a common TV pitch in the US).

Posted on: Sobriety Check

Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Posted on: Sobriety Check

The legal limit in China is only 0.02% Blood/Alcohol Count (BAC) and a potential one-three month license suspension for exceeding it. Our freind in this lesson could have been telling the truth about only having one beer.

This rises to a three-six month license suspension and a 15 day prison sentence if you go over 0.08%. The US limit is 0.08%. Not long ago it was 0.1% in many states.

As of July, France is requiring all motorists to carry single use breathalyzer kits in the car.

Global limits are listed here: (some are actualy zero)

http://www.rhinocarhire.com/Drive-Smart-Blog/List-of-Alcohol-Limits-by-Country.aspx

Posted on: Fan Death

今天晚上我会试试关着门窗吹风扇。 明天见？

Posted on: Money Laundering Operation

Well I think everyone is being a tad too sensitive here and hence a non event drags on leaving bad memories in its wake. At first I thought the Tal - Grambers exchange just to be a bit of Brit on Brit swordplay and I opened a beer to sit back and watch and learn. I have known Tal long enough to know he has much more often than not, good intentions and is a serious student of Chinese and quite partial to Chinese Pod. Young Grambers although a relative newcomer is also, as far as I can tell, a serious student and able to turn a phrase it seems in either English or Chinese. Two chaps I would much rather see working together to add content to the boards that Tal has pointed out are "not what they used to be". There are many reasons for this and it means different things to different people. Lets work to make them better again, not worse. At this level folks should be encouraged to post in Chinese to whatever extent they feel comfortable doing so, but also should not feel in any way obligated to do so. A healthy mixture should result. We must remember that posting in this particular medium does come with some risk due to the inherent lack of the ability to express tone of voice and cultural differences that can lead to misunderstandings or exaggerated interpretations of intent. Keeping that in mind we should all be prepared to show a broader band of tolerance to avoid unintended hard feelings and strive to learn both culture and language from each other. I would suggest a truce and a fresh start going forward, although I may regret leading with my chin. Having said that, I am always suspicious of posters who create new identities (sock puppets if you will) just to interject one anonymous comment as a thinly veiled attempt to fan flames, likely for some ulterior motive. Tal and Grambers may have no history but I suspect you are not the neutral observer you claim to be. I too miss the old days even if they are not ever as great as we remember them. There was a time when the boards were active, alive with unselfish contributions of language and culture, full of camaraderie, and a place where opinions were respected even if disagreed with. These things are up to us now.

Posted on: Using Excel

http://chinesepod.com/lessons/formatting-a-word-document

http://chinesepod.com/lessons/powerpoint-presentation-problems

Posted on: Handling Rambunctious Children

Tal, so you realized:

"life without Chinese Pod is simply not worth living." Hehe, I do know what you mean. It is a bit addictive. And at the risk of being accused of 拍马屁， I have to agree with you regarding the value. If you consider the cost of a formal Chinese class or a tutor, and the quality, depth, and subject matter of the lessons at Cpod, it is a great deal. You also have to consider the free in depth guidance from the likes of users such as Tingyun, one of Harvard's best, and other experienced ex-pats such as Bodawei. And don't forget the great contributions from employees such as David, Connie, and JiaoJie. John, Dilu, and Jenny have become masters at what they do. The lesson material is just top notch and second to none in my opinion. You will not find this kind of material in a book. You will not find a better deal. Im in for the duration.

Posted on: Handling Rambunctious Children

I too always thought of it as kind of a made up word belonging to my parents generation. Great to see you giving us all the finger again. Welcome back.

Posted on: The Tea Scam

Bodawei you are quite the diplomat. I have learned much about diplomacy just watching you. Good job.

One "scam" I did see in China was parents who send their kids out to beg. I was told, whatever you do, don't give them any money. Seemed pretty cold to me but I soon found out why. A friend of mine made the mistake one day of giving them some coins and he literally walked the next 2 blocks with 3 kids attached to his clothing. Each hanging from a different spot. Very entertaining for me but he just could not shake them as they continued to ask for more money. What can you do? They are just kids. Finally the mother popped out and called them back.

Posted on: Carpooling

HéXè

There is a company in BJ following the zipcar model:

http://www.yongche.com/

SH is next. The problem with renting a car in China is that they require a Chinese driver's license. A Chinese driver's license usually requires residency. Actually I don't think I would want to see a bunch of foreigners driving rental cars in China. Driving in China requires a cultural understanding of the "rules". I can only imagine the craziness that would ensue. Besides, drivers are cheap and I have never had one that didn't earn my respect. Now zipcar with driver included might be a winning idea. :-)