User Comments - jennyzhu
jennyzhu
Posted on: About Face! A Multi-faceted Look at 面子
March 19, 2009 at 12:43 AMMike,
That's I was thinking too! But just to expand on what I said about 礼. In essence, it was a code of conduct in feudalistic times and went through different stages of development. Its origin was largely a code of conduct regarding worshipping a higher being. It was very ostentatious, sacrificing animal, food and elaborate rituals. That started as early as in 夏朝/xia4 chao2/Xia Dynasty，which is 2070 BC to 1060 BC. But this tradition resulted in a rather corrupt set of beliefs and conduct in the society. So some key intellectuals and officials added a moral angle to 礼， emphasising on humility, respect and honor. End result is a dichotomy that is at the heart of Chinese culture.
Posted on: Sympathy for the Farmers -- 悯农
March 18, 2009 at 5:01 PMThis is one of the first poems kids learn in China. I could recite it when I was 3. My parents made me recite famous Tang poems and recorded it. I still have the tapes.
Posted on: 醋的妙用
March 18, 2009 at 4:59 PMouhanning,
也许是因为醋虽然算，但毕竟是调味品，只需一点儿。酸奶要喝就是一大杯，太酸的话，大众接受不了这个口味。不过我小时候的酸奶那真是酸，而且很厚，就像原味的Greek yogurt。而且当时中国还是计划经济，只有这一种酸奶。它装在一个玻璃瓶子里，瓶子要循环使用，不能拿走。我现在还记得我妈妈每周会逼我喝一瓶，我就站在小店门口，很痛苦地把它喝完。
jimmygaoqiao,
我们的课能达到这个效国，真好！吃海鲜、吃饺子的时候蘸点儿醋，味道非常好！
Posted on: About Face! A Multi-faceted Look at 面子
March 18, 2009 at 4:47 PMThanks for your feedback and support for Qing Wen! That's how we make the lessons and tools better for you.
Mikeinewshot,
Your point of the paradox of Chinese culture, ostentatious and humble. I think one word will provide some explanation, 礼/li3, which means ceremony, ritual, courtesy, norms, discipline. I watched a program about this very concept. The scholar said this word 礼 with its multiple (and sometimes conflicting) implications defines Chinese cultrue. Come to think of the paradox, it does make sense.
Posted on: Dog Meat and Animal Rights
March 18, 2009 at 4:25 PMDo dogs go in and out of fashion? It seems to be the case in Shanghai. A few years ago, people loved to have 博美/bo2 mei3/Pomeranians. Later, it was 吉娃娃/ji2 wa2 wa/Chihuahua. Now, it is the Teddy bearish breed. What is the correct name? Teddy Bear Poodle?
Posted on: Dog Meat and Animal Rights
March 18, 2009 at 6:27 AMI am adamently against eating dog meat. The more I think, I feel I should feel uneasy about eating other kinds of meat too. But I still eat them on a daily basis. So I really applaud those who give up on meat completely for ethical reasons.
Posted on: In a Moment
March 17, 2009 at 5:25 AMheartfruit,
Palgantong is the best loose powder ever!
Posted on: In a Moment
March 17, 2009 at 4:20 AMI swear '马上就好' is the most used phrase by people in the service industry. It reminds me of an old Chinese cartoon about a monkey saying '等明天/deng3 ming2 tian1/wait till tomorrow' to everything.
Posted on: In a Moment
March 17, 2009 at 4:17 AMPoddies, try out the new activity stream on the site! It is a twitter like system that allows you to ask, answer and share something in 140 Chinese characters. Click the tab 'activity (beta)', next to the 'my lesson' tab. We designed a set of questions for each level. I am so addicted!
Posted on: Sympathy for the Farmers -- 悯农
March 19, 2009 at 1:03 AMancalagon,
If I could get them digitally remastered.