User Comments - RJ

Posted on: Discussing Contract Renewal

Dont feel bad. Its difficult unless you have some leverage, or maybe an agent to negotiate for you.

Posted on: Discussing Contract Renewal

Im sure cpod is very familiar with this scenario. Are most jobs in China done by yearly contract?

Posted on: Shut up!

Hi Bob,

Its like "Im finished" or "its over"  "Im done" which all carry the same feeling as "oh no" I suppose but I would say its a loose translation.

Posted on: Las Vegas

I had to chuckle when Jenny called it "seen" city. Sorry Jen, your pronunciation is better than my Chinese will ever be but sin isnt sin when you say it this way. Also I am not surprised your mother liked Las Vegas. In the past 20 - 30 years control was taken from the Mob and the government and private investors rebuilt Vegas as a "disneyland with gambling". Their focus is on being family friendly. (its easier to steal your money this way) Personally, I liked it better the old way (I dont like disneyland) so when I go, I never leave the crap tables. The only game with fighting odds and its never boring. My wife loves the slot machines however.

Posted on: Beards Are for Old Men

yes, shaving is my least favorite morning ritual. A well kept beard is work as well. You might appreciate this quote:

“"Upon shaving off one's beard." The scissors cut the long-grown hair; the razor scrapes the remnant fuzz. Small-jawed, weak-chinned, bug-eyed, I stare at the forgotten boy I was.”

John Updike

Posted on: Beards Are for Old Men

trevorb,

ha-evidently your wife doesnt read the message boards. :-)

I do not think there is any difference in China. Some women like beards and some do not - wherever you go. I have worn a goatee for years. Lately the beard has started to betray me by turning grey so it is no longer my best friend. I have experimented with shaving, but, like you, I hear complaints. My wife likes the gangster look. Bad boys make better lovers, dont they?

Posted on: Love Tangle 6: The Pregnant Wife

could it be that 正在闹离婚 is divorcing noisily? A very public and ugly divorce.

Posted on: April Fool's Day Car

Hi xiao liang

yep, I have. I was hoping this wasn't a good representation, hehe.

Posted on: April Fool's Day Car

would this really qualify as a joke in China? hmmm.

It does remind me of something that happened to me years ago. I was between jobs and therefore working with the bank to lower my car payments and stretch out the loan. I received a call early one morning from a bank officer. I was half asleep and so sure (based on his voice) it was a friend of mine playing a joke on me that I told the guy to stick his ideas where the sun dont shine and I suggested that he make the payments and leave me alone. As it turned out, it really was the guy from the bank.  Thankfully he had a sense of humor.

Posted on: Blog Posts, API's, Announcements and Gloria!

Im not sure the vast majority disagree with you. I for one am sympathetic to these folks and it doesnt bother me (unless there are 50 of them). As you say, they are all here for the first time and oblivious to the fact that they are now the latest in a long line of solicitors. In the grand scheme of things (whatever that is) its not a big problem.