User Comments - shiqiangdan

Posted on: 磁悬浮

Xiao Hu, I do disagree with you on a few points but this debate has gone on long enough in the wrong place. I will contact you privately to discuss this. Now, let's try to keep this forum tied more tightly to the lesson itself rather than the Dave fiasco.

Respectfully,

Jordan

Posted on: The Panda's Secret Wish

eunica,

You are right. I just listened to it now for the first time. As good a lesson as it was, it was sort of specific to the subject of crosstalk. I was thinking something more broad; maybe a discussion of things people find humorous in everyday life, not necessarily in a performance of any kind. If you (or anybody) have anything to say on the subject, please tell me. I would appreciate feedback or if you wanted, you could even send it to Amber directly because I haven't sent the suggestion to her yet (she's probably still sleeping, it's 4:47 AM in Shanghai).

Jordan

Posted on: The Panda's Secret Wish

Another great lesson! This lesson actually inspired me to make a Dear Amber request; Chinese humor! To my knowlege, there are no Dear Amber episodes regarding Chinese humor, but if there are, sorry for wasting your time :P I have some Chinese pen-pals that I frequently keep in touch with and, regarding Chinese humor, I have noticed many differences of taste in humor. Things that I find funny might not be funny to them, and vice-versa.  Lot's of times if I make a joke or start to laugh at something, they are totally confused as to what I might be laughing about. When I tell them that I am laughing at whatever it is I'm laughing at, they are puzzled by the fact that I find this funny.  Alright, again, great lesson! Thanks, Mr. Carroll and Ms. Zhu for a great, culturally rich lesson.

Jordan

Posted on: 磁悬浮

turkeysub,

I don't know why I have opted to perpetuate this now pointless discussion (it is over, let's move on, shall we?) but I have a quick response to your comments:

1)Whether or not Dave had posted "intelligent" criticisms is of little or no relevance. The fact of the matter is, he expressed his concerns in a hostile, distracting manner. Had he brought his concerns to the table in a calm, mature fashion, I have no doubt he would not have been banned. Personally, I didn't see any intelligent comments, nor do I care if he made any BENEATH his provocative nonsense. Surely you understand the difference between intelligence and childishness, no?

2)Where should you get entertainment amidst all our thank you comments? I find my entertainment in the process of learning the Chinese language here on ChinesePod. I never look for conflict as a form of entertainment; especially not here on C-Pod. What I do is not necessarily what you do for entertainment, but if you are looking for a way to entertain yourself by counterproductive, wreckless means, might I suggest watching a "reality" TV show or something of that nature? I can assure you, for the good of ChinesePod, there will be none of that nonsense you seek here.

3) You think that ChinesePod has "embraced the Draconian/Communist side of its locale?" Alright. That's your problem. I disagree, but, on this point, I see no reason to argue with you. We could start a whole line of posts for the sole purpose of trying to determine what is or is not Draconian/Communist about what ChinesePod did (banned Dave). Does anybody care? I can't speak for everybody, but on a personal level, no. I don't really care. ChinesePod does so much for me and I appreciate it. I don't disturb the learning of others, and so they let me utilize the tool they have setup. It's that simple.

Disgusted,

Jordan 

Posted on: 磁悬浮

Alright. I just want to say that although Dave has long since commented on this lesson, to the rest of us C-Poddies (and Dave if you are reading this),  might I suggest that in the future, if you have a problem, voice your opinion in a respectful, mature fashion? This whole fiasco is a prime example of what NOT to do if you have a problem and why; it get's nothing done. ChinesePod is here to help (and they do a damn good job at it). With that in mind, if anyone has a problem in the future, I have no doubt that if you make a calm, mature comment regarding your concern, ChinesePod will take said concern seriously and decide how to most effectively change (if they deem it necessary). I understand ChinesePod gets great feedback all the time, but I am going to give positive feedback of my own anyway.: My Chinese would be nowhere close to where it is now if it wasn't for every last person involved with ChinesePod.  For that, I would like to say thanks to ALL of you, host or not. Together, you all make this  incredible educational resource happen. Thanks again!

Jordan

Posted on: The 是...的 (Shì...de) Pattern

chris,

Good question. Correct me if I am wrong, please, but I am pretty sure that this pattern is a little bit more natural sounding than when you omit shi and de. At least it sounds that way to me. And also, some of the sentences are not gramatically correct when you take out the shi and de; they need to be switched around a little bit. Watch out for the word order! ;)

Posted on: The 是...的 (Shì...de) Pattern

This is a great lesson (as always)! Now that I think about it, this concept is probably complicated to teach as well as to learn. Myself, I was never taught this but rather, I just picked it up on my own. This is really the first time I have ever really thought about the this particular pattern in any depth. When I speak and I say something using the 'shi4...de5' pattern, I really don't think about it. It just sort of comes out instinctively. Nonetheless, whether you pick this up just from hearing it used in everyday Chinese or whether you actively study it (using this episode of QW!), this pattern is a super-convenient way to express A LOT of different ideas.  Think of it like this:There is an island which represents a concept that you want to express. You can build a bridge (learn the pattern) that allows you to cross (express an idea) easily and just about effortlessly, or you can swim through a muddy, filthy, disgusting mud pit (expressing the same idea WITHOUT the convenience of these useful patterns). Doesn't that make you want to learn this pattern!? ...There I go again...  hehe. Thanks Amber, Connie, and JP for the great lesson! Your lessons never leave me disappointed.

Jordan

Posted on: Olympic Excitement

downunder,

I was looking forward to hearing "beautiful Mandarin," however I was disappointed that the commentator was blabing throughout the whole ceremony and I didn't get to hear a lot of the spoken Chinese. It's okay, though; the show made up for it. I was completely blown away. I am still shaking from excitement (on the inside, anyway). LET'S GO, CHINA!

Jordan

Posted on: Olympic Excitement

bazza- I completely agree! Just watching the ceremony gave me such a rush! It's just such a great feeling to see the world coming together as one and competing in these monumental games!

Jordan

Posted on: Olympic Excitement

Haha! What a clever concept. I am sure the Ellies will get a kick out of this (and as always, learn much from it). I know I sure did! I am so so so so so so so... excited for the 奥林匹克! I will be sure to watch the games on TV! 奥林加油! 大家加油!

Jordan

*I am secretly rooting for the Chinese. shhh!*