User Comments - pearltowerpete
pearltowerpete
Posted on: 小太监进宫
May 21, 2009 at 10:07 AMHi hotpot2000 and shenyajin,
其实，其他国家有过，但不是因为政治原因而是因为历史原因。
尚未发身的男生声音特别独特，不男不女，很清楚。 这些小男生唱起歌来悦耳动听。为了保持这个不熟的身体状态，中世纪意大利有过阉割这个习惯。家庭贫穷的小孩，阉割了以后就永远不会变声音。这样一来，成年人唱歌能唱的跟小孩儿一样好听。这种歌手很受欢迎，有的蛮赚钱。他们叫做 castrati.
到了十九世纪这个习惯渐渐消失了。但有一位八十几岁的castrato, 十九世纪中旬就阉割了，一直到二十世纪做演唱会，据了解还可以在网上找到他的录音，不知道poddies 有没有听过？
听说著名歌手光良是现代castrato.
Posted on: Springtime on the River -- 次北固山下
May 21, 2009 at 2:48 AMHi thinkbuddha,
Anatomy of Melancholy is one book I have been dying to read for a long time but have never lugged back to China. I've made space in my bag for all three volumes of Robert Caro's LBJ biography, but Anatomy is just too big! Some day...
Hi darylk
Excellent point. The social relationships among geese are fascinating. Their aerodynamic flight patterns when they migrate are just one way in which the whole is stronger than the sum of its parts.
Posted on: City: Mumbai
May 21, 2009 at 1:19 AMHi theniceplace,
Shenyajin was just saying that she shares your desire for an improved search function. As she is now moderating the forums on CPod, she certainly isn't reproaching you.
Posted on: Hungry Traveler: Taiwan
May 20, 2009 at 7:18 AMHi alexyzye
That's a great suggestion. Despite its poor reputation compared with many other places in China, Shanghai does have some excellent delicacies. In my carnivorous days I used to enjoy 蛤蜊蒸鸡蛋, a steamed clam and egg dish.
And although it can't take the place of a Hungry Traveler, let me say a good word for 枣子树 the vegetarian restaurant and 永兴餐厅 which is down a little alley between 瑞金 and 茂名路. The atmosphere is excellent and the lady who runs it has a lot of personality.
Posted on: Springtime on the River -- 次北固山下
May 20, 2009 at 7:13 AMHi bababardwan,
The poet doesn't have time for a wild goose chase! (Is that just a phrase for us crazy American rustics? Have poddies in other countries ever heard of it?)
Hi brums and steeveepee33,
Thanks for interesting suggestions. The next few lessons are already planned-- stay tuned i-tuned! ;-)
Posted on: Springtime on the River -- 次北固山下
May 20, 2009 at 1:21 AMHi Joachim
Dum Spiro, Spero.
While I breathe, I hope. The whole Praxis team looks forward to being able to satisfy your reasonable request.
Posted on: Springtime on the River -- 次北固山下
May 19, 2009 at 9:52 AMHi bodawei,
Glad to hear you enjoyed the piece.
I like the description of the fortress that "commands beautiful views." That's the civilian way of saying "has a nice line of fire on..." ;-)
Zhenjiang and Luoyang are both reminders of how quickly glory fades. In their time, both were economic and cultural centers (in Asia, much less in China). Luoyang was even the capital of the country for a while. They've aged pretty well, but they're nothing like they used to be.
Posted on: 了 (le): Something's About to Happen
May 19, 2009 at 8:14 AMHi mikeinewshot,
I had to chuckle at your comment.
I am as eager for PDFs as any of the poddies.
All I can do is assure you that our tech squad is busily putting the final touches on them. The new upgrade will be worth the wait.
Posted on: Springtime on the River -- 次北固山下
May 19, 2009 at 6:13 AMHi benchannevy,
Thanks for sharing your translation. It is literal but I think conveys a lot of the poet's intent.
The second line doesn't really mention the water "pushing" at the banks, but I like the image. Poetic license!
And I'm not really sure about "ringing out the old year," as that is more a Western custom. It doesn't exactly fit here.
Still, a great effort. Thanks again for sharing!
Posted on: Blow out Your Candles
May 22, 2009 at 3:27 AMHi luobinzhenmei
It might help to think of 吹牛 as "talking big or bragging," instead of "bluffing." Boasting is generally done just to make yourself feel like a big shot. By contrast, as you say, bluffing is more strategic and often serves a purpose (in sports or war, for example.)
The origin of the word 吹牛 is apparently travelers who would cross rivers on inflated animal-skin rafts. The skin appears small until you blow into it.
Sometimes a friend will invite you to come over, have some tea, and 吹吹牛. The closest English equivalent would probably be "to shoot the bull." Quite a linguistic coincidence.